Omniscient Necromancer POV Chapter 4: Lovikalen Public Library

Even in the middle of the morning on a Monday, the Lovikalen Public Library was bustling.

Many people had traveled from different parts of the Kingdom of Durtch to visit Lovikalen, and the Public Library was one of the most architecturally stunning buildings — thanks to its massive pilasters and the pair of lions flanking the grand marble staircase.

It wasn't my first ti seeing this library, as I had already been to the center of Lovikalen once before. Even so, I couldn't help but feel impressed.

After climbing the imposing staircase, I ca across a pair of huge double doors and sothing that couldn't be noticed from afar: a long queue to the reception desk.

"Really? A queue to get into a library?" I asked myself in disbelief.

In my past life, that would have been practically unheard of. However, in Aland, it was understandable, as there was no internet and no televisions.

As I stood in line, I realized that I had passed many libraries in Lovikalen, but none were as vast as this one.

Sure, even though I grew up too poor to afford books, I had gotten used to going from one library to another to rent books for my studies.

Ti passed slowly in line, but after a few minutes, it was my turn.

I walked up to the counter, where a middle-aged woman wore a bored look on her face from repeating the sa instructions to tourists: they couldn't co in.

"Good morning, sir. Have you co to return or pick up books?"

"Good morning. I just ca to use so of your study space."

I handed her a piece of paper—a letter confirming my acceptance to Lovikalen University.

Yes, I know... Amazing, right? Brandon, the boy who had nothing, got into a university!

However, as happy as I was to show it off, the clerk took the paper without much interest, read it quickly, and then raised an eyebrow.

"That's right. You'll soon be a student at Lovikalen University, but you're not one yet. Only active student cardholders can use the library for free. However, since you'll be a student, I'm sure I can let you in for five silver pieces."

I grimaced. "But the sester hasn't started yet. How could I have gotten the card?"

"Rules are rules," she said, passing the acceptance letter back to .

You may be wondering... Why fight over five pieces of silver? Well, that was a lot of money. I only had one more silver coin in my pocket, which I needed for the cable car ride ho. That was my current level of poverty.

"I think I can help with that," soone behind in the queue suddenly said.

I turned around and saw a blond man. He looked to be no older than forty, dressed in formal attire, and just as I turned, he pulled his right hand out of his jacket's inner pocket.

"Ah—! Mr. Connors!" The attendant imdiately changed her posture, straightening up and smiling. "I'm sorry, I didn't see you were here."

His na and appearance clicked in my mind, making recognize him imdiately. Dr. Connors was a renowned biology professor at Lovikalen University and an ally whom the protagonist, Hunter Ruse, often protected during his research in the dangerous parts of the Tower of Babel.

Any doubts I might have had about why he was interjecting were answered when I saw him pull a silver coin from his pocket.

Dr. Connors looked at with a friendly smile.

"Let pay for his ticket," he said to the attendant. "I bet the boy..." He paused, giving room to introduce myself.

"Brandon, sir," I replied.

"I bet Brandon can buy a coffee when his classes at the University start."

"I can do that."

"That's how you say it."

He smiled, handed the money to the clerk, and, without further ado, we officially entered the library.

Connors looked at and smiled. "It's always good to see students making an effort before classes even start."

"I like to be prepared."

"Keep that in mind." He tapped his head twice with his index finger. "Many students arrive at university thinking they know everything, and, well... reality always catches up with them."

With every word he spoke, I beca more acutely aware that I was talking to one of the most brilliant professors from The Journey Beyond. It felt surreal, but I kept my cool.

"I'll rember that, Mr. Connors."

Then he gave a little wave goodbye. "Good luck, Brandon. See you on campus."

With that, he walked away and left free to follow my plan.

Now... ti to focus.

On the way here, I did so research into the history of the Lovikalen Public Library.

Like any place old enough, it accumulated legends and secrets. So areas of the building were closed to the public, both for preservation and bureaucratic reasons. One of these areas was a supposed room on the upper floors behind the Main Reading Room Archive.

Legend had it that it was a forbidden place because it was said to house old books and restricted docunts.

In other words, it was a perfect place to hide an entrance to sothing even more secret, as the key description says.

I had never been to this library, but I spotted a map of the place on one of the walls. I traced my finger over it, looking for the section indicated.

The Archive Main Reading Room was on the third floor and, according to the information I had found, the only thing separating it from the restricted area was a door leading a parallel corridor.

The library was gigantic, and the constant movent of students and staff proved more helpful than hindering.

I climbed the marble stairs, passing groups of students engrossed in their subjects. Everyone in this place seed very wealthy, well-dressed, and well-spoken. I was the only one here wearing slightly worn and frayed clothes, but I didn't care enough to let it distract from my goal.

When I reached the third floor, I slowed my pace and headed down the main corridor.

The place was magnificent, with high ceilings and huge windows that let natural light illuminate the dark wooden bookshelves. I found the entrance to the Main Reading Room and looked around the large, quiet space.

Several students were sitting at long wooden tables, most of them concentrating on their studies.

I easily found the door that led to a parallel corridor, which in turn led to the forbidden area. Everyone's attention was on their books, so I had no problem reaching the door and entering the corridor.

The parallel corridor was narrow and dusty, but still lit. This ant that so people occasionally accessed this place, which also explained why the corridor door was unlocked.

I walked to the end of the corridor and found another door, this one without a sign and made of tal.

Here it is.

I opened my inventory, and the only item in it was the Public Library Portal Key.

I touched the item, and imdiately felt a faint weight appear in the palm of my hand. The key materialized. It was old, and its material resembled brass, but apart from that there was nothing unusual about the key's appearance.

I placed the key in the lock, and the mont the tal touched the keyhole, I turned it.

The instant the latch gave way, a greenish glow began to seep through the gaps in the door. This glow wasn't as strong as the one from the Lootbox, so much so that it didn't blind .

I caught my breath and pulled on the door. As I did, the glow expanded, engulfing everything around .

When I opened my eyes, I found myself in a completely different place. I had been teleported. Unlike what I had expected from sothing like this, there was no feeling of dizziness or nausea. In fact, it was simply like taking a step into another room. But the difference between this new place and the real library was glaring.

The first thing I noticed was that I was back at the main entrance to the Public Library, where I had to face that long queue.

The second thing I noticed was a large number of webs. They were everywhere. They covered the bookshelves, spread across the floor, and clung to the ceiling as if several giant spiders had taken over the place as a nest.

I frowned and scratched the back of my head as I looked at all this. Classic spider monsters. It's a good thing I don't have arachnophobia... At least not anymore.

I knew I couldn't walk around this place unard. There were probably monsters lurking to start my first fight.

So, I finally decided to make use of my only skill.

"Activate Skill ." I whispered, and my right hand began to emanate a purple glow as sothing like a magic circle appeared in front of .