Unwan fell into thought.
'When they say "Infinity," do they mean true infinity… or is it meant figuratively? As a way to describe power?'
And then — time.
In his opinion, there was probably no one who had never dreamed of obtaining such a grimoire. This magic was not only extraordinarily difficult, with challenges unique to itself, but also among the rarest of all types. To be precise, the rarest.
Unwan knew well what kind of incredible abilities it possessed, and even which mind-defying spells could be wielded through it.
— These two grimoires possess power of the highest tier. If you obtain a grimoire of this level, our kingdom will take you fully under its protection. You will stand above even certain state officials. The reason is simple. Its extreme rarity. That is why some kingdoms attempt to lure fifth-tier grimoire holders from other kingdoms by offering them special privileges.
'Please, don't drag this out.'
— If I explain in more detail, just as I said before, they are divided into the Grimoire of Infinity and the Grimoire of Time.
The Infinity Grimoire is extraordinarily complex. Its difficulty in mastery can exhaust you mentally. However, if you manage to reach even the Reader level, your life will change completely. Of course, for the better.
Derang paused briefly, then continued.
— Its abilities enhance strength, speed, endurance, defense, and perception. Unfortunately, it cannot increase intelligence, so an fool will remain a fool.
The joke seemed amusing to most. No one burst out laughing, but quiet chuckles and faint smiles spread through the crowd.
Only Unwan did not react.
'What's so funny about that? Especially when spiritually immature people like idiots can't even obtain such a grimoire.'
'And you? You think you can?'
'I didn't come here to obtain a grimoire.'
'Making excuses again?'
'…, I'll obtain something far better. Satisfied?'
— The Grimoire of Time, on the other hand, grants immense power, but also demands immense responsibility and knowledge. These grimoires can alter the past and present of a person or anything at all and change the rhythm of time for them, and even allow one to glimpse the future. You may think it is weak in physical combat, but remember this: a single fifth-tier grimoire spell surpasses five first-tier spells. If its wielder so desires, they can turn you into a newborn child, or a frail old man and kill you at any moment.
'And if they do it without reason, what then? Will they imprison them? Of course not. No one imprisons someone of that level. What idiot would lock away such a powerful trump card?
— Now that you have received a brief explanation of grimoires, we ask that you follow the rules for obtaining one. First, maintain order. Do not rush. If no one is disturbing you, do not disturb others.
Some of the students smiled.
Unwan, however, tried to grasp the true meaning behind those smiling, and failed.
'Perhaps they reminded them of something nobles often say.'
— As soon as I give the order, the doors will open. I hope all of you will enter in an orderly manner. Once you step inside, the grimoire suited to you will leave the shelf and move toward you. Therefore, try to stand alone after entering. And most importantly, whether you obtain a powerful grimoire, a weak one, or none at all, please do not make noise. This may not be a real library, but it could disturb those people in Caleostra.
'Caleostra? What is that supposed to be?'
— After approximately five minutes, those who failed to obtain a grimoire may quietly exit. Even then, please do not start conflicts.
Those who do obtain a grimoire should go to the young man at the center on the left, register the grimoire you received here, and complete the formalities. After that, you are free to leave.
He looked over the crowd again, as if expecting a question.
— "Whew. Since everyone is now familiar with the rules, we wish you the best of luck. We hope all of you receive fifth-tier grimoires." He said this with a smile.
'I hope you hire me as well.'
Derang walked to the door and said in a slightly louder voice, "Open the doors."
At once, the two doors swung open to either side, revealing the interior.
This part of the castle, grimoire hall, was circular in shape, dimly lit by torches. From outside, the walls appeared completely lined with bookshelves. Upon them... uh... thousands of vividly colored grimoires were stacked. If not millions.
Everyone's eyes lit up at the sight. Everyone, except three people.
The first was Derang. Naturally, as the person responsible for this place, he saw this scene every day. The second was Unwan. He deliberately restrained his emotions, after all, he had not come here for this. The third was that boy among the group of students.
Strangely enough, even Fred and his friends couldn't help but smile at the sight. Seeing everyone's amazement, Derang stepped aside.
"Please, go in," he said.
The students entered first, forming lines of two or three. Just as Derang instructed, they tried to stand alone once inside. This proved wise, because the moment many of them stepped forward, strange sounds echoed as books began moving toward their owners, glowing with lights of various colors.
After them, Fred and his friends entered. With one or two more people, the room would be nearly empty. That was what Unwan had been waiting for.
He slowly moved from where he stood and approached Derang, who was watching the students one by one.
— Excuse me. I need your help.
Derang's expression shifted slightly, then returned to normal.
— What is it, boy? Not here for a grimoire?
— No. Uh, yeah. I came regarding the job offer.
Derang thought for a moment, looked Unwan up and down, then said:
"Ah, the notice at the counter? Very well. On the right side of this hall, near the edge, inside a half-circle, there's a woman sitting there. Her name is Klara, she's my operations manager. Tell her I sent you and that you're looking for work. She'll register you and explain your duties.
'Is this for real?'
— Um… so I can go now?
— Of course.
'Is getting hired really that easy? Then why doesn't everyone work here?'
Derang spoke again.
— Oh, one more thing. Since you're going there anyway, tell her this: SUP -1. She'll understand. Just say I told you.
— Alright.
Unwan was overjoyed. No matter how much he tried to hide it, a faint smile appeared on his face.
For the first time, someone had spoken to him kindly. Even if it was fake.
And on top of that, his first step into the grimoire library, especially the Greater Spell Hall, lay ahead. Filled with countless emotions, Unwan stepped inside. A low, strange sound echoed through the air.
Clunk. Clunk.