The journey to Lumeris had been long and strangely fascinating. Every step among the translucent trees and floating lights made Kaito feel like he was walking through a dream more vivid than any page of a book he had ever read. His Inner Tome, hanging at his side, glowed softly, constantly reminding him that everything was real—or at least real enough not to ignore.
"New world, new rules, old librarian jokes… let's see what this city has in store," he muttered, watching a small golden-feathered bird sing impossible melodies. He couldn't help but chuckle to himself: no magic book he'd ever read had ever mentioned a bird with that much… personality.
After hours of walking, the city finally appeared on the horizon. Gentle hills and silver rivers flowed between luminous meadows and white-stone roads, all leading to towering spires that reached toward the sky. The spiral rooftops shimmered in the golden sunlight like living mirrors, while magical symbols etched on the walls seemed to breathe.
"Okay… Kyoto was complicated… but this… this is another level," muttered Kaito, squinting. "Even the buildings here seem to be casting spells."
Passing through the main gates, Kaito was immediately swallowed by the bustle of the markets. Spices and unknown floral scents mingled in the air as merchants, mages, and creatures of all kinds crowded the streets. He had never seen so many races coexist in one place: humans, elves, dwarves, and gnomes moved among stalls filled with books, magical artifacts, and rare alchemical ingredients. Kaito felt small, but at the same time incredibly alive.
As he walked, a sharp voice made him jump. "Hey! Stop right there, stranger! Who are you, and what are you doing at the Central Library?"
A young man with midnight-blue hair and piercing green eyes appeared before him. His cerulean robe shimmered lightly, covered in delicate runes, and a rune-etched staff hung on his back.
"I… uh… my name is Kaito Aoyama," he replied, trying to sound calm. "I'm a new scholar… I want to learn about the Tomes."
The boy scrutinized him, tilting his head slightly. "Hmm… a 'scholar,' you say? You don't exactly look like one of ours…"
Kaito scratched the back of his neck, chuckling nervously. "Well… let's just say I'm new here. But I promise I'll learn fast."
Eldric—that was the boy's name—nodded and gestured toward the main path. "Follow this way. The Central Library does not tolerate unauthorized visitors."
Kaito sighed, clutching his Inner Tome as if it were a comfort pillow. "At least someone here knows who I am… I think."
At the entrance of the library, an elf with long silver hair and violet eyes greeted him with a calm but piercing gaze. "Welcome, Kaito Aoyama," she said melodiously. "I hope you understand that Tomes are not mere books. Every page contains living magic, knowledge… and responsibility. Even the smallest mistake can have unpredictable consequences."
Kaito nodded, trying to appear composed. "I think I've got the idea. I've already begun to understand what it means to have a Tome that records enemies and abilities… but these… these are on another level."
Thessa, as the elf introduced herself, pointed to several books floating above pedestals. "These are the Lost Tomes. They are not books to be read casually. Every filament, every word, may contain powers that defy reality itself. Only those who can read the magical filaments can use them safely."
Kaito's Inner Tome flickered, as if approving her words. The dancing letters across the pages seemed to flow directly into his mind, ready to be comprehended and used.
As he explored the corridors, a sudden roar made him spin around. A small red dragon blocked the exit of a training hall. Its yellow eyes fixed on him with fierce curiosity, and Kaito felt a thrill of excitement run down his spine. Finally, a worthy opponent.
Without hesitation, Kaito activated his first copied ability: a swift, precise bite. The dragon roared and leapt back, but the strike allowed him to register a new ability. He felt a subtle change in perception: a strange energy coursed through his body, making him feel stronger, faster, more agile.
The Inner Tome glowed and displayed the new power clearly:
Copied Ability: Weak Flame
Type: Elemental Magic – Fire
Power: Minimal
Duration: Instant
Cooldown: 3 sec
Limitations: Low damage, short range
Side Effects: None
Stat Increase: +1% to all stats
STR: 10.3 | DEX: 10.3 | INT: 12.3 | MANA: 8.3 | RES: 10.3 | CHA: 9.3
Kaito exhaled, reading the information. "Okay… so now I can shoot fire… but not much. Well, better than nothing… and really, who's complaining about a dragonlet that barely breathes fire, right?"
Closing his eyes to test the new power, he combined the bite with a small flame. A tiny explosion lit up the hall, enough to make him laugh. "Okay… this is actually fun. I can combine abilities in ridiculous ways… my old librarian self would never have believed this."
Kaito continued to explore the city. The markets were a riot of colors, sounds, and moving magic. Every step made him feel small, yet alive. Every merchant, creature, and student practicing their Tomes reminded him that Lumeris was a place where the ordinary and the magical intertwined seamlessly.
Sitting briefly on a bench, Kaito looked at the sky above the city: shades of pink and turquoise swirled like living watercolor. The wind carried impossible scents and a faint magical tinkle that reminded him of the strangest books in Kyoto's library. For a moment, he allowed himself a thought: finally, he was living a real adventure, not just reading about one.
"Alright… new world, new rules, old librarian jokes… let's see what this city has in store. And hopefully they have decent tea," he muttered, rising from the bench.
With his Inner Tome glowing softly and an ironic smile on his face, Kaito walked toward new streets and challenges, ready to uncover the mysteries of the Central Library, the Lost Tomes, and the creatures of Lumeris.
His adventure was just beginning, and Aetheryon had no idea how lucky it was to have a determined librarian roaming its streets.