Library Lockdown Incident (2)
A massive gash carved from the ceiling down to the floor. The space where the sword had passed was simply erased. I stared at it with a somewhat dazed expression.
No matter how specially designed the forge was, that heat couldn't be ignored. The residual heat radiating around it could melt anything. That's why the underground structures were made from highly heat-resistant, sturdy materials. Their strength was something even a Swordmaster couldn't casually slice through.
But this sword—Black Sword Karssa—had done it all too easily. And I'd only swung it lightly.
It was possible because of Karssa's insane sharpness.
"You made something utterly ridiculous..."
I couldn't help but marvel. As I used it, I realized its durability was on another ridiculous level.
Torka took a swig of his liquor, grinning so wide his beard nearly lifted off his face.
"Of course. I focused every possibility latent in that metal on the sword's strength and edge, to match your demands. It'll hold up even against a Master's Aura Blade."
"Yeah, I bet."
Just infusing it with sword aura would let it withstand or slice through most things. That was the strength of this blade.
But it wasn't without flaws.
"Still, this thing can't fall into anyone else's hands. Way too dangerous. Perfect for getting devoured by the sword, too."
Karssa had no ego imbued in it, no special ability to corrupt its wielder. But its sheer power was addictive enough. Why wouldn't someone get hooked when they could effortlessly cleave through targets without much effort? They'd be swinging it around in no time.
Plus, it looked the part of a demonic sword. The pitch-black hue oozed ominous vibes, perfect for misunderstandings—even if it was just the appearance.
"No doubt you won't let that happen. If you did, it'd mean I misjudged you."
"...Anyway, I'll put it to good use."
"Make that child proud. You too, Evan."
Torka addressed Evan, who was stroking the sword lovingly. His eyes were smitten.
"Whoa! It's just so beautiful..."
Evan snapped back to reality.
"Torka, sir, thank you so much for making this weapon! Just like you said, I'll become a swordsman Raman can be proud of!"
"That's all I needed to hear."
Evan looked ready to hug him in joy. Then he turned to me.
"Hyungnim, sorry. Because of me, such precious materials..."
"Forget it. How much could it have even used?"
I glanced at Torka, demanding confirmation. He answered immediately.
"Only a tenth of the total."
"See?"
Given its weight, it was probably just a tiny addition blended into the metal's properties. More than enough for Evan. He was this world's protagonist, after all. And thanks to it, he got a far better sword than what he'd originally have obtained. In these uncertain times, I had to give him at least this much. Plus, I'd compensate separately, so no debt on his end.
"Hyungnim, you're just..."
He looked like he might start bawling and ruin my clothes, so I quickly turned away and asked,
"By the way, any of that metal left?"
"Yeah, about 10g."
"If it's not too much trouble, could you hand it over?"
"It's your metal, so of course."
Torka handed it over readily. I had a specific use for this. If there hadn't been any left, I'd have made do without, but since there was, I'd use it.
This stuff that had absorbed the other metals was prime material.
"Business done? Get going, then. Hammered away for two weeks without sleep—I'm beat."
"Knew it. Come on! Stick around longer, and the others'll swarm us!"
We grabbed the sheaths from the box and bolted out of the building. In the distance, a group of dwarves was approaching, drawn by the recent commotion.
"Heh, all finished?"
"Oh, those swords are Torka's work!"
"Ahem, if you don't mind, could we see them?"
"Just a sec, just a sec."
For dwarves, it was remarkably gentlemanly speech—but the burning eagerness underneath was blatant. Or rather, impossible to hide.
"Tch, they sniffed it out already. Rookies, run! Once they catch you, you're done for!"
Brand bellowed, and we sprinted. He took the lead, blocking the dwarves.
"See you if fate allows!"
"Yeah."
"See you later, Brand sir!"
We hopped into the elevator and jammed the hidden button. The platform shot up.
Behind us came desperate shouts.
"You brat! Don't leave us!"
"Brand! You disgrace to dwarves—how can you let them go!"
"Kids, hold up! Just a peek, that's all! At least let us inspect..."
"Where do you think you're going!"
He held off dozens of dwarves alone. As expected of the manager—strong stuff. Of course, sheer numbers overwhelmed him, and Brand ended up pinned to the floor.
The dwarves caught up late, but by then we were gone down the tunnel.
"Phew."
Evan let out a relieved sigh.
"Good thing Brand sir's as tough as they come... Almost got nabbed."
"Dwarves are just that obsessive. Stubbornest race out there, in some ways."
If we'd been caught, we'd definitely be stuck underground for a day. But no can do. Today, fresh off getting our weapons, an episode awaited.
"Ahhh, nothing beats sunlight."
Evan stretched his arms skyward, basking in it. Fresh from the depths, I soaked in the sun too.
"Lunchtime already."
Evan checked his watch and said so.
"Hyungnim, lunch together? No one else around, and I got magic questions anyway."
"Grab it at the student cafeteria. Or hit a street vendor on the way if you're starving."
"Hmm... If that's what you want, hyungnim!"
"You got cash?"
"Made a good chunk from recent commissions."
We chatted idly as we walked. Spotted a dumpling cart midway—grabbed some. True to the continent's heartland, even street food was top-notch.
Thus, we returned to the academy. But Tianis was in chaos upon arrival.
"What's going on?"
"Check the library. Seems like the source."
I led Evan there. No real need—students and professors were already rushing that way.
The closer to the library, the thicker the crowds. They ringed the building. Some there to study, others drawn by rumors and curiosity.
At the entrance, professors handling the incident blocked access, conversing.
"Hyungnim, something's off with the library. The mana barrier's packed with way too much mana."
"Magic. Pretty potent. Something happened inside."
Then something tugged my pants from below. A cat—one of Rana's summons infesting Tianis.
"Rana's nearby. This way, Evan."
"Yes, hyungnim!"
We followed the summon. There, off alone, was Rana.
"Kyle! Oh, and Junior Evan, hi?"
"Hey."
"Hello, senior!"
Greetings exchanged.
"Where's Elraim?"
"Sis had family business—stepped out for an hour!"
Lately, Elraim left me alone sometimes. Unlike before, she trusted me now.
"So, what's the deal with the library?"
"Easier to show than tell. Here."
Two spirits floated up from Rana's hand. Ure conjured a water mirror; Silpi relayed the professors' talk.
"No way to resolve this at all?"
"No. Per the founding emperor's method, the only way to dispel this magic is from inside. It'll hold for 100 years, 1,000—whatever."
"We can't leave it like that. Over 10,000 people trapped inside. Plus the 4th Princess."
"Nothing we can do from out here."
"At least send food to last a while. Otherwise, it'll be hell in there."
"You know Master-levels can't enter due to restrictions. We'd have to send students—who'd volunteer? Might die."
"Damn it, we'd have solved it if we could just get in. Of all times, no professors in the library right now...!"
The professors kept debating countermeasures, but nothing emerged. They just guarded the entrance.
"Uh... this is bad, right?"
"Beyond bad—worst case. Could be a mass grave if mishandled."
"Professors have been at it three hours. No solutions."
"Not no solutions, maybe."
"Yeah, not totally. Low-mana holders can enter. But once in, no exit."
The founding emperor who set this sealing magic was a pinnacle mage. Child's play for him.
One question arises here: Why seal the library like this?
But considering its contents, it made sense. The library was dangerous in itself. Plenty of helpful books for students—but harmful ones too. Like tomes on dark powers that once threatened the world, or sealed grimoires binding monsters.
The emperor foresaw abuse and embedded this magic. No escape once inside. He left a one-way passage with a trap device for intruders. Such incidents were common back then.
Thus, the library was now an impregnable fortress—and a trap.
"Any students entered?"
"None."
Rana shook her head. I nodded, understanding.
Even confident students would hesitate. Unknown interior. Risk of death.
"Rana, you good?"
"Perfect!"
"Evan?"
"Same here. Eager to test the new sword, too."
Both in top form. I had Rana lead to the professors—her word carried more weight.
"Student Rana, what brings you?"
"Professors! Mind if we three go in to help?"
She eyed us, including Rana.
"Your skills should suffice. Rana and Evan top their years; that one's earned rave reviews from Professor Mailon."
She glanced at me. After conferring with the others, she returned.
"Professors should handle this... Sorry. Counting on you."
"Leave it to us!"
Smooth sailing after. For potential days trapped, they gave subspatial bags stuffed with food and water. Then library blueprints and a manual on precautions/countermeasures for library magic activation. Finally, protective items and magic tools.
"Sorry again for burdening students. Please."
"We've got this!"
Rana replied energetically. Prepped, we stood at the entrance. Crowds watched. Some worried for Rana; others doubted entrusting us.
But I stayed calm. Same for Rana and Evan.
"Let's go."
"Yeah, Kyle!"
"After you, hyungnim!"
I led. The dense-mana barrier rippled, swallowing us.
The library lobby was wrecked, as expected. Everything smashed and scattered; magic stones disconnected, lights out. Only stray light let us see. Unusually silent for 10,000 trapped. Eerie quiet.
"Find people first."
"Got it, Kyle."
"Understood."
We searched warily. Soon, someone snuck up from the dark.
We startled briefly. Then a familiar voice emerged from the shadows.
"Why are you three here...?"
It was 4th Princess Ariel Tianis.