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The Tarus City Library
Twenty minutes later, Max and Alex reached the heart of the city, where the Tarus City Library stood like a monument to knowledge itself.
The building was nothing short of breathtaking. Four tall spires rose at each corner, etched with runic carvings that shimmered faintly in the daylight. Its walls were made of polished white stone that reflected the sun, and intricate stained-glass windows depicted scenes of ancient battles, wise sages, and legendary beasts. At the top of the grand archway entrance, an inscription read:
"Knowledge is the root of civilization; wisdom, the blade that defends it."
The atmosphere around the library was serene—lush gardens with fountains lined the pathway, birds nesting on trimmed hedges. Despite the bustling city beyond its gates, the library's grounds felt peaceful, almost sacred.
"This place…" Max muttered, his eyes wide. "It doesn't even feel like a library. More like a temple."
Alex smirked. "For most people, it is. A temple for the mind."
When they stepped through the tall double doors, a soft fragrance of old parchment and polished wood filled Max's nose. The inside was even grander than the exterior—towering shelves stretched to the ceilings, each one filled to bursting with scrolls, and tomes of every size. Ladders on rails allowed librarians to climb and fetch books from impossible heights. Magical orbs floated in the air, casting gentle light that shifted color depending on the section.
Max turned in circles, drinking in the sight. There were four floors, each connected by spiral staircases and glowing crystal lifts. From where he stood, he could see sme scholars in robes moving silently about, their eyes buried in books. Although they are not that much, they are not small either. He could see a total of 30 people walking about with books in their hands.
Alex chuckled at Max's dazed expression. "Overwhelming, isn't it? That's normal for first-timers. You're standing in one of the largest knowledge repositories in the empire. People spend their entire lives here and still don't scratch the surface."
Max exhaled slowly, trying to steady himself. "…It feels like the books are staring back at me."
Alex grinned. "That's because they are. Some of the enchanted ones, at least."
They moved deeper into the hall, and Alex began his explanation, speaking in a tone that was half-serious, half-teasing:
"The library is divided into categories, so people don't drown in information. Without organization, anyone stepping in for the first time would faint. And trust me, it's happened before."
He pointed toward the signs carved into polished marble pillars.
"The main categories are: Alchemy, Blacksmithing, Beast Theories, History, Geography, Cultivation Studies, Politics, and Miscellaneous Archives. There are more, but these are the pillars."
Max raised a brow. "Alchemy?"
Alex nodded, his voice growing more instructive.
"The Alchemy Section contains works written by generations of masters. Theories, recipes, failed experiments, and groundbreaking discoveries. You'll find books about the properties of herbs, minerals, and rare beast parts. How they react with each other, their medicinal or destructive potential, and the formulas that can either heal a man… or vaporize a city block."
Max blinked. "…Cheerful."
Alex ignored him.
"Because of that, access is restricted. Alchemy is one of the most valuable trades, and knowledge is power. Recipes are guarded more fiercely than gold mines. The higher the floor you go, the rarer and more dangerous the information becomes."
He gestured upward, where Max could see the second floor, guarded by men in uniform. Above that, a third and fourth floor glowed faintly with protective barriers.
"The first floor is general access—basic theory, history, and common techniques. Although it is a general knowledge, you would have to pay for any book you read. The second floor holds rare texts and intermediate works—restricted to those with official recognition or noble backgrounds. The third floor contains advanced research, guarded secrets, and relic knowledge. Access is so rare that only titled scholars, high-ranking nobles, or specially approved individuals can step inside."
"And the fourth floor…" Alex's tone lowered, almost reverent. "That's the realm of national secrets. Forbidden arts, ancient techniques, records of catastrophes erased from public history. Even I've never been close to the stairs leading up there. It's said that only the guardians of the continents can enter. After them then the patriarchs of the federation can enter if they have the approval to step foot on the fourth floor."
Max stared upward, his heartbeat quickening. The idea that a library held knowledge so dangerous it rivaled weapons of war.
"So where can you go?" Max asked.
"As the duke's son, I can enter up to the second floor," Alex said casually, though Max didn't miss the faint pride in his tone. "That's considered a big deal for someone my age. But still… it's nothing compared to what the higher floors hold."
Max frowned. "…And me?"
Alex gave him a wry look. "You? You're a commoner with no official status. You only get the first floor. Harsh, I know, but that's how the world works here. Your background determines your starting point."
Max's lips twitched. "…So basically, I can look at kids' books while you're browsing the good stuff?"
Alex grinned. "Pretty much."
"Great. Love this world already," Max muttered.
From within his mind, the System chuckled darkly:
[Don't complain, blockhead. You wouldn't even understand half the second-floor material yet. You'd probably blow yourself up.]
"…Did you just call me dumb again?" Max whispered under his breath.
[Observation, not insult. Though both are true.]
Max pinched the bridge of his nose, trying not to explode in the middle of the library.
As they walked among the towering shelves, Max's hand brushed against the spines of countless books. Knowledge here wasn't just words on pages—it was power, carefully locked away and rationed to those with privilege.
For now, though, he forced himself to calm down. He had to start small—first the basics, then step by step.
"Alright," he said, looking at Alex. "Show me where to start."
Alex smirked, patting his shoulder. "Come on, rookie. Time to pick your poison."