Kaito walked cautiously among the suspended shelves of Lumeris' Central Library, his Inner Tome quivering at his side like a small, magical lantern. The light from the magical filaments shimmered across floating pages, casting eerie shadows and golden reflections on the walls. The air smelled strongly of parchment and arcane dust, a heady mix that made him feel both alive and out of place.
"I've never really complained about dust and books…" Kaito muttered, tugging at the collar of his jacket. "But all of this is… way too floating. Isn't there a normal library with normal shelves somewhere?"
Thessa, floating lightly beside him with her ethereal presence and eyes like illuminated pages, chuckled softly. "Normally, no. Here, every filament, every page, and every corridor is alive. You just have to learn not to anger them."
Kaito grimaced. "Great… so every time I make a misstep, I risk being crushed by a flying tome or worse?"
"Exactly. But don't worry. Today, I'll guide you a bit. Consider it a 'tutorial' in flesh and blood… with a slightly deadly twist," Thessa said, her smile promising no comfort.
"Perfect. I love starting my day risking death," Kaito said dryly. "Just one question: does the tutorial include tea, or should I bring my own?"
Thessa laughed again, shaking her head. "Unfortunately, you'll have to survive first before a break. Now, focus… something is moving among the shelves."
Kaito's eyes narrowed as he caught sight of a shadow moving between the floating filaments. A ghoul emerged, black tentacles writhing, eyes glowing blood-red. Its breath was heavy, almost rattling, and the tentacles struck the air like snakes ready to snap. Kaito's stomach tightened. He knew instantly that the only way to survive was to fight—and he could only use the abilities he had already copied: Weak Bite and Weak Flame.
The ghoul lunged first, slamming a long, whip-like tentacle toward him. Kaito jumped to the side just in time, feeling the sharp wind whip past his face. He pivoted carefully among the shelves, each movement precise, watching the ghoul's every twitch. Each tentacle strike made the air vibrate; the floating pages swirled around, reacting to the energy of the battle.
Kaito waited for an opening. The ghoul attacked again, faster this time, and he barely dodged, feeling the hairs on the back of his neck rise. Then, noticing a brief pause in its rhythm, he lunged forward, striking decisively at the ghoul's head with Weak Bite.
The creature tried to counter with a tentacle, but Kaito had anticipated it. His elbow drove into a vulnerable joint, his knee into the side, his movements precise and ruthless. The ghoul staggered, but he continued to press, analyzing every motion, every reaction.
Finally, he saw it—the opening he had been waiting for. The ghoul bent slightly, exposing its neck. Kaito struck with Weak Bite, this time fully focused. The ghoul let out a chilling scream before collapsing lifelessly.
The Inner Tome flashed, recording the new ability and updating the previous copy:
Copied Ability: Damped Tentacle Lv.1
Type: Physical – Melee
Power: Minimal, strikes the enemy's body with slight rebound force
Duration: Instant
Cooldown: 4 sec
Limitations: Short reach, low damage
Side Effects: Slight recoil if missed
Stat Increase: +1% to all stats
STR: 10.4 | DEX: 10.4 | INT: 12.4 | MAN: 8.4 | RES: 10.4 | CHA: 9.4
Kaito exhaled and muttered to himself: "Ghoul dead… tentacle copied. Small hit, big style… and I thought copying minimal abilities would be useless. Guess I was wrong."
As he caught his breath, a small water elemental appeared between the shelves. Its form shimmered, trembling with sparkling eyes. Kaito groaned. "Enemy number two… liquid. Hopefully, it won't drench everything."
The elemental attacked with a sudden spray of water. Kaito dodged nimbly, observing its pattern. He struck with Weak Bite Lv.1, targeting its vulnerable spots. The elemental faltered but did not collapse.
Kaito thought fast. He combined Weak Bite Lv.1 with Weak Flame Lv.1, creating a burst of steam and heat that disoriented the creature. Seizing the moment, he delivered a final strike, and the elemental dissolved completely.
The Inner Tome immediately registered the new ability:
Copied Ability: Liquid Jet Lv.1
Type: Elemental Magic – Water
Power: Minimal, sprays concentrated water at the enemy
Duration: Instant
Cooldown: 5 sec
Limitations: Short range, low damage
Side Effects: Slight wetting of surroundings
Stat Increase: +1% to all stats
STR: 10.5 | DEX: 10.5 | INT: 12.5 | MAN: 8.5 | RES: 10.5 | CHA: 9.5
Kaito wiped sweat from his brow and muttered: "Not exactly a romantic fight, but now I can spray lethal water at will. Perfect for scaring giant cats or making library chaos."
Finally, he allowed himself a moment to take in the library. It was a labyrinth of opportunities and dangers. Each enemy, each filament, each Lost Talisman could make him stronger… but only by eliminating it.
Thessa floated closer, placing a delicate hand on his shoulder. "Never underestimate the power of the Tomes. Today you fought, killed, and copied abilities… and you've begun to understand the Lost Filaments. Tomorrow will be even more demanding."
Kaito nodded, gripping his Inner Tome tightly. "Perfect… new day, new kills, more powers… and, hopefully, some decent tea. We have to remain human somehow, right?"
With an ironic smile, he moved through the corridors, ready for whatever deadly threat Aetheryon might throw at him next.
The library seemed alive, watching, waiting. Kaito knew this was only the beginning, and every corridor could hide a monster stronger than the last. Each encounter was an opportunity: to learn, to copy, to grow. And the thought made him smile despite the sweat and fear.
He whispered to himself: "Let's see… maybe tomorrow I'll copy a fire elemental… or a dragon hatchling. That would finally make my mornings exciting."