The library was louder than usual.
Since the establishment of the Awakened Academies, this place had become a favored camp for strategists, researchers, and even guild leaders looking to recruit talent. The once-quiet halls of dust and silence were now filled with clinking boots and low voices, where knowledge and ambition clashed like blades.
Yu Chen, broom in hand, continued his work. To most, he was just the silent custodian who seemed to blend into the bookshelves. Few noticed him. Fewer cared. And that was exactly how he liked it.
But today, fate chose differently.
Four people walked in, their presence immediately drawing every pair of eyes. They were not soldiers nor professors, but guild leaders, each dressed with a unique flair---symbols of power stitched onto their coats, subtle armor beneath civilian attire.
Lui Ren, head of the Scarlet Fang Guild, famous for his ruthless recruitment.
Zhang Huo, a muscular figure from the Iron Vanguard, whose guild specialized in brute force awakened.
Wei Lan, lean and sharp-eyed, wearing black cloak, long haired emotionless goddess, representing the Silent blades, assassins and scouts.
Feng Tao, draped in silken robes, master of the Azure Pavilion, a guild built on wealth and connections.
Their voices carried through the library as they debated alliances, future raids, and recruitment strategies. Yet, in rare moment, their eyes drifted toward the corner where Yu Chen swept silently.
"That man," Liu Ren muttered. "He's here every day."
Wei Lan frowned "Strange isn't it? We've been searching for awakened prospects, and yet no one seems to know who he is."
Yu Chen kept his head down, ignoring them. He knew their type---ambitious, cunning and desperate for power. To attract their attention was dangerous. To reveal his strength was fatal.
Zhang Huo chuckled. "Hah! Just a custodian. Don't tell me the great Wei Lan is wasting suspicion on a broom-pusher?"
The men laughed, dismissing him. But Yu Chen caught the glimmer of doubt in their eyes as the moved on. For now, his mask held.
Later that evening, when the guild leaders left, Yu Chen found himself interrupted once more.
"Gege!"
A bright voice rang out from the library entrance.
Yu Chen looked up. A young woman stood there, clad in the uniform of the Eastern Awakened Academy. Her presence was vibrant, her movements confident, and faint traces of awakened energy clung to her aura.
It was his younger sister---Yu Xinyi.
She ran to him with a wide grin, her bag bouncing on her shoulder. "I finally awakened! Can you believe it? Me, of all people! They say my affinity is rare---Wind Manipulation. The academy even ranked me in the top hundred of my year."
Yu Chen smiled faintly, hiding the storm behind his calm gaze.
"That's good, Xinyi," he said softly, putting his broom aside. "Study well and train hard."
She puffed her cheeks, clearly expecting more enthusiasm. "Ge, you could at least act surprised! Do you know how hard I worked for this? Everyone's talking about the invasion and the awakened being humanity's future saviors. I want to fight too, to protect you and everyone else."
Yu Chen's chest tightened at her words. Protect him? if she only knew.
But he said nothing of his power. Instead, he reached out and gently patted her head.
"Just stay safe, Xinyi. That's enough."
She pouted, then laughed, brushing his hand away. "You sound like an old man. Don't worry---I'll make our family proud."
That night, when she left, Yu Chen stood alone under the dim lamplight of the library.
His sister's awakened path would inevitably place her in danger. The guild leaders who visited today were proof of how the world was shifting---schemes layered over schemes, hungry eyes searching for strength to consume.
And soon, they might begin looking harder into the shadows.
Yu Chen's fists tightened at his side.
"I wanted to stay hidden," he whispered to himself. "But if the world keeps pressing closer... my patience may not last forever."
---End of Chapter 5---