The book weighed heavy in Ino's hands. Not just physically—though it was massive enough to be used as a weapon—but conceptually.
A new notification materialized in his vision:
MAIN MISSION UNLOCKED『 Enter the First Novel and Extract the First Revelation 』
Time Limit: 7 Days
Penalty Upon Failure: DEATH
Target Novel: "Celestial Freedom"
Difficulty: EXTREME
Survival Rate: 12%
Seven days. Permanent death if he failed. A survival rate so low it felt like a cruel joke.
Ino's jaw clenched as the weight of the mission settled over him. He was supposed to enter a story. Become part of it. Extract something called a "Revelation" while trying not to die for real. Orlando noticed his expression and placed a grounding hand on his shoulder.
"Are you okay?" he asked gently. Ino wanted to laugh. Wanted to scream. Instead, he simply nodded. The silence between them stretched for a moment before Orlando spoke again.
"Let me show you around Vista Myr." He began moving forward through the infinite library, Ino following close behind, still clutching the thick book. "All these volumes," Orlando gestured to the countless glowing books orbiting them, "are stories you've read before."
The realization hit Ino hard. Every book here was a world he had once immersed himself in. Thousands of them, drifting like stars in his own personal universe. They reached the center of the space, where a simple wooden desk materialized. Orlando sat down casually.
"Vista Myr exists for you alone, Ino Siente," he said seriously. "This place was created to prepare you for what's coming." Ino felt another layer of pressure settle on his chest.
"Naturally, they include my works as well." Orlando glanced back, a slight smile on his lips. "The purpose of this place is to organize them. Or more accurately, to prepare you for your journey of gathering those revelations."
Revelations. Plural.
Ino's stomach dropped. This wasn't a one-time mission. This was the beginning of something much larger.
Orlando continued toward what seemed to be the "center" of Vista Myr—though in a space where up and down were suggestions rather than rules, the concept of center was relative at best.
"At the center, you'll find all the books you've completed. Including my last book, which is a fragment of my memory." He paused, looking at Ino seriously. "Think of it as a trial for your upcoming journey."
Ino nodded slowly. The memory of Mrs. Von Deus's death was still fresh—too fresh. The weight of experiencing someone else's trauma, wearing their grief like a second skin. If that was a trial, what would the actual missions be like?
"Every journey you undertake will bring you back here once you've finished," Orlando said, his tone lightening slightly. A smile touched his lips. "My sole purpose is to guide and protect Vista Myr."
They reached what must be the center—a desk materialized from nowhere, simple wood and scattered papers, somehow existing in this cosmic library. Orlando settled into the chair behind it with the ease of someone who'd done this countless times.
"Vista Myr was created for one reason: you, the chosen one." His eyes met Ino's. "This space exists solely for you, Ino Siente." The words should have felt empowering. Instead, they were just another weight added to the pile. Another reminder that Ino wasn't just a person anymore—he was a function. "What are you planning to do next?" Orlando asked.
"I..." The words stuck in Ino's throat. "I'm not sure." What was he supposed to do?
"Hmm..." Orlando leaned back in his chair, silence stretching between them. Then he winked—actually winked—and pointed at Ino, resting his chin on his hand. "Since you likely got the system's main mission, I'll give you a sub-mission."
Ino blinked. "You can do that?"
"Of course! I'm your keeper!" Orlando's grin widened. "It's me, Orlando De Von Deus! HA HA HA!"
「 DING! 」
NEW SUB-MISSION『 Learn at least five new skills from books in Vista Myr 』
Time Limit: None
Failure Penalty: None
Reward: Significantly increased survival rate
Ino stared at the notification. Then at the infinite library surrounding him. Five skills. From any book in this place. His mind shifted. If he was going into a novel, he needed to be prepared for anything. Combat skills, definitely. But what else?
"Thank you," Ino said to Orlando, who just waved dismissively.
"Don't thank me yet. Actually surviving is still on you."
Fair enough. Ino started moving through the library, books drifting past as he searched. The enhanced Intelligence made it easier—he could almost feel which books contained what he needed, like they were calling out to him.
The first one practically glowed: "Mastering One's Blade"
He pulled it to him and activated Bookworm. The skill had leveled up since London, and now information flowed even faster. Just seconds passed and he'd absorbed everything—from basic grip techniques to advanced forms, the fundamentals of swordsmanship branded into his muscle memory. Isn't this like a cheatcode? Of course it would be.
「 DING! 」
Skill Acquired: [Swordsmanship Lv.1] Progress: 1/5
Next: "Alchemy: From Novice to Master"
This one was thicker, denser with information. Recipes, theories, transmutation circles, potion brewing techniques. He chose it for efficiency—if he could make healing potions or enhancement elixirs, it might mean the difference between life and death. Maybe he forgot he still have that he has Apostle Blessings. But being cautious is still a survival instinct.
「 DING! 」
Skill Acquired: [Alchemy Lv.1] Progress: 2/5
"The Shadow's Path" came third. A slim volume that somehow contained mountains of knowledge about stealth—how to move silently, blend into environments, manipulate shadows and natural cover. Basic, maybe, but essential. High danger meant staying hidden might be more important than fighting.
「 DING! 」
Skill Acquired: [Stealth Lv.1] Progress: 3/5
Fourth: "Enchanter's Grimoire" Ancient spells for imbuing objects with magical properties. Ino might not have access to weapons in whatever world he was entering, but if he could enchant what he found, he'd have an edge.
「 DING! 」
Skill Acquired: [Enchanting Lv.1] Progress: 4/5
And finally: "Mastery of the Elements" This one made his head spin. It wasn't just the traditional four elements—water, fire, wind, earth. It went deeper. Ether. Thunder. Divinity. Light and Darkness. Forces that shouldn't be possible to control, explained in clinical detail.
「 DING! 」
Skill Acquired: [Elemental Magic Lv.1] Progress: 5/5
SUB-MISSION COMPLETE!
Reward: Increased Survival Rate (12% → 23%)
"Whoa... that was quick." Orlando's voice made Ino jump. He was suddenly behind him, expression caught between impressed and concerned. "You're truly a genius," Orlando said, then paused.
"I know this might sound odd, but I'm curious... Can I ask you about something?"
"Sure." Ino was still processing the information overload, barely paying attention.
"What's your INT stat?"
"100."
The number came out automatically. It took Ino a second to register Orlando's reaction—eyes widening, mouth opening slightly.
"Really? No way." He looked genuinely shocked. "The base INT stat usually starts around 14... and the highest geniuses I've encountered had 88."
Oh. 100 was exceptional, then. The +10 bonus from completing Orlando's mission must have pushed him over some threshold.
"Look at this kid..." Orlando chuckled, shaking his head. The concern faded into amusement. "You really are built different, huh?" Before Ino could respond, the system pinged again:
「 DING! 」
IMPORTANT UPDATE
Your World Demise timer will be PAUSED while inside novels. Time only progresses in base reality. Complete Main Missions to unlock revelations that will aid your journey! The system wishes you luck on your mission!~
Would you like a synopsis of the first novel?
[YES] / [NO]
Ino selected [YES] without hesitation. If he was walking into a story, he needed every advantage he could get. The hologram expanded, text flowing across his vision:
NOVEL: "Celestial Freedom"
Genre: Modern Supernatural / Action
Status: Complete (347 chapters)
SYNOPSIS: In a modern world touched by an unknown supernatural phenomenon, only a fortunate few are chosen to experience 'Celestial Freedom.' This rare selection bestows special abilities upon those who pass the mysterious test, making them either revered or despised. Out of seven billion people on Earth, only one hundred thousand possess these unique powers.
SETTING: Arc Freedom Academy - An institution dedicated to managing and enhancing supernatural abilities. The Crystal Device - A massive artifact capable of predicting the future, located at the heart of Arc Freedom Academy.
KEY FIGURES:
The Chosen Saint - Works alongside the crystal, has foreseen an impending apocalypse.
The Gazers - A rogue group plotting to steal and destroy the crystal, believing this will eliminate all abilities and reshape the balance of power.
PROTAGONIST: Ignacius Niall (Ignis) - A student at Arc Freedom Academy with unique abilities. CURRENT TIMELINE: The Gazers are preparing their attack on the academy. The apocalypse prediction looms over everything. Tensions between ability users and normal humans are at an all-time high. The system asks if you have any questions.
Ino read it twice.
"So, what's my objective?" Ino asked the system directly.
Your objective: Retrieve Ignacius, the 1st Revelation.
Location: Unknown (must be discovered during mission)
Method: Unknown (must be determined during mission)
Deadline: 7 Days
Penalty: DEATH
Once you confirm readiness, transmission will begin immediately. There is no option to delay.
Are you ready?
[YES] / [NO]
Ino stared at the prompt. The question hung in the air like a noose.
Was he ready?
No. Absolutely not. He'd just learned five new skills in the span of thirty minutes. He barely understood what he was walking into. His survival rate was still only 23%—less than one in four.
But did it matter? The world will end in six days if he didn't do this. Anta was dead. He had nothing left to lose except his own life. And honestly? After everything? That didn't seem like much anymore.
"Hmm, looks like my part is done." Orlando's voice pulled Ino back. He was watching him with an expression that was hard to read. "Are you going in?"
"Yeah," Ino said. "I guess I am."
Orlando's smile was small but genuine. He reached out, patted Ino's shoulder once more—the gesture carrying weight neither had words for.
"Well... good luck, Mr. Apostle. I hope you make it back." Despite everything, Ino felt his lips curve slightly. "Thank you, Orlando. I will." The words felt like a promise. To Orlando. To himself. To Anta's memory.
Ino selected [YES].
His body began to fade immediately—starting from his feet, dissolving into particles of light that drifted upward like reverse rain.
"See you again," Orlando said. The last thing Ino saw before Vista Myr disappeared was Orlando's hand raised in farewell.
「 Transporting... 」
Dimensional barriers: Breached
Story integration: Initiated
Character assignment: Loading...
You will arrive at your destination in 3 seconds. Please prepare for impact.
「 3... 」
「 2... 」
「 1... 」
The sensation was worse than the transfer to Vista Myr. Ino's consciousness was pulled apart and squeezed through a space too small for it to fit, compressed and restructured according to parameters he didn't understand.
He wanted to exist but was scattered across dimensions, across story and reality, across—
SLAM.
Ino gasped. Real air filled real lungs. His hands slapped against a solid surface—wood, a desk—as he steadied himself. The after-effects that teleportation always left were irritating. His head spun. His stomach churned. Everything felt slightly wrong, like wearing clothes that didn't quite fit.
Slowly, he opened his eyes. He was in an office. Small, professional, with a window overlooking... what? He blinked until his vision focused. A campus. Buildings spread across manicured grounds. Students walking between classes. Modern architecture mixed with older academic buildings.
Arc Freedom Academy. He was inside the novel. His hands were still pressed against the desk. He looked down and froze. There was a paper there. An ID badge. With a face on it. His face.
「 DING! 」
Arrival Confirmed!
Story Integration: Successful
Identity Assigned: Professor Ino Siente
CURRENT STATUS:
Location: Your Office, Arc Freedom Academy
Role: Undercover Professor
True Affiliation: HIGH-RANK MEMBER OF THE GAZERS
Cover Status: Secure
MISSION OBJECTIVE: Retrieve Ignacius, the 1st Revelation
Time Limit: 7 Days
Current Day: 1
Penalty Upon Failure: DEATH
Additional Information: [LOCKED] Discover your role through interaction and observation. Good luck, Apostle~ Your god is watching your performance with great interest.
[END OF CHAPTER 8]
STORY ACTIVE: "Celestial Freedom"
Current Chapter: 87 (The Calm Before)
Days Until Gazer Attack: 3 Days
Until Mission Deadline: 7 Immediate
Objectives:
- Learn your cover identity
- Locate Ignacius
- Maintain cover
- Survive Note:
Story awareness detected.
Some characters may notice inconsistencies.
Adaptation recommended.