Old habits and new paths: the library and the librarian
Benjamin woke up with a jolt, his heart sinking as he realized the truth once again—he was still in this strange world. The soft light of dawn filtered through the window of the small inn room, and he stared at the ceiling for a moment, his face a mix of melancholy and determination. Part of him had hoped that, somehow, he would open his eyes to the familiar walls of his apartment back on Earth. But this was his reality now, and he needed to face it.
---
As he made his way downstairs, the smell of breakfast—freshly baked bread, roasted meats, and a hint of something sweet—drifted through the air. He sat at a table in the corner of the inn's common area, his presence drawing a few curious glances from the other patrons. A plate was set before him by the shy young maiden from the night before, who offered a quick smile before retreating back to her work.
Benjamin ate in silence, using the time to gather his thoughts. He needed answers, and the fragments of knowledge in his mind pointed to one clear place: the Academy of Sages. But entering the academy wasn't something he could rush into unprepared. For now, the city's library seemed like the best place to start. A place of learning, where he could immerse himself in something familiar amidst the alien world.
---
Before leaving his room, Benjamin decided to put his abilities to use. He pulled out one of the books he had stored in his ring—a dense volume with relatively simple bindings—and sat on the bed, focusing on its contents. As his hand touched the cover, the now-familiar sensation of knowledge flowing into his subconscious washed over him.
Fragments of history began to settle in his mind, like pieces of a puzzle waiting to be assembled. He learned of the city of Hukuma's origins, its creation during a time of unparalleled chaos:
430 years ago, during the Great War of the Sages, the four dominant empires of the continents discovered a massive deposit of Khudur, the rarest and most valuable metal in the world. Not only was Khudur used as currency—its purest form being the basis for Kads—but it was also essential for crafting artifacts of incredible power, objects forged by the Sages themselves.
The discovery ignited a war unlike any other. Armies clashed for decades, their weapons fueled by greed and ambition. The devastation was unimaginable, with millions of lives lost. The balance of power shifted when the Sages, individuals capable of wielding the natural laws of Khial, withdrew from the conflict. Refusing to use their immense abilities to contribute to the slaughter, they banded together and formed an independent fifth power.
The Sages' resistance led to the creation of a fortified settlement—Hukuma—that became their sanctuary during the war. The Great War of the Sages, as it came to be known, raged on for decades, but the Sages held their ground, using their power not for destruction but for balance. In the end, they mediated a truce, ensuring a fair division of the Khudur deposits and ending the bloodshed.
The war left an indelible mark on history. It was so monumental that a new calendar was established, beginning with the year of its start. Now, 430 years later, the Era of the Great War remained a reminder of the Sages' enduring influence and the fragile peace they maintained.
---
Benjamin closed the book, his breathing steady as he processed the new information. This world wasn't just strange—it was a place shaped by struggle, power, and balance. The Sages weren't just scholars or mages; they were guardians of stability, holding themselves apart from the political machinations of the continents.
"Khudur," he muttered, the name of the metal lingering in his mind. The coin in his pocket, the artifacts he had read about, even the ring on his finger—it all connected to this rare resource. The more he learned, the more he realized how little he knew about his place in this world.
He stood, slipping the book back into the ring and adjusting his poncho. The library awaited, and with it, the chance to piece together the puzzle of his situation.
--
Benjamin stepped into the library, its atmosphere calm and almost sacred. The space wasn't massive, but it exuded a homely warmth, with tall wooden shelves housing thousands of books, their spines worn from years of use. Sunlight filtered through stained-glass windows, casting soft colors across the polished stone floor. Dozens of people moved quietly between the shelves or sat at tables, absorbed in their reading. The faint scent of parchment and ink filled the air.
At the center of the room stood a large wooden desk, behind which sat the chief librarian. She was an elderly woman with a presence that commanded quiet respect. Her silver hair was tied into a neat bun, and her deep-set eyes seemed to hold centuries of knowledge. Despite her age, there was an aura of strength about her, the telltale sign of someone who had once wielded great power. She was a Sage, no doubt assigned to this post due to her research and expertise.
Benjamin approached her desk cautiously. "Excuse me," he said softly, not wanting to disturb the peaceful atmosphere. "I'm looking for books that might help me prepare to enter the Academy."
The woman looked up from the tome she was studying, her sharp gaze taking him in. The name tag on the desk read "Sage Keraya - chief librarian". For a moment, she said nothing, as if assessing his intent. Then she smiled faintly and stood, her movements deliberate but unhurried.
"You'll want the section on foundational principles of Sagecraft," she said, her voice calm and steady. "Follow me."
Benjamin followed her as she led him through the rows of shelves, her footsteps echoing faintly in the quiet. She stopped at a section tucked into a corner of the library, the shelves here filled with books bearing intricate covers and glowing titles.
"These books will teach you about the power of the Sages," she said, gesturing to the shelves. "You'll find explanations of how to tap into the laws of nature, as well as exercises to begin sensing and channeling those forces. But remember," she added, her tone growing serious, "power without understanding is a dangerous thing. Take your time and learn carefully."
Benjamin nodded. "Thank you, Sage Kareya."
Her eyebrows lifted slightly at the mention of her name. "good luck," she said, her faint smile returning before she turned and left him to his studies.
---
Benjamin scanned the shelves, pulling down a stack of books that seemed to cover the basics: Introduction to the Natural Laws, The Art of Channeling, Principles of Resonance, and a few others with similarly dense titles. He carried them to a quiet corner and sat down, opening the first book.
To anyone watching, it looked like he was flipping through the pages as a novice, struggling to take in the wealth of information. In reality, he was absorbing the books' contents directly into his subconscious. Each page he touched sent a flood of knowledge into his mind, a sensation that was both exhilarating and overwhelming.
Between flips, Benjamin paused, pretending to read, while he mentally sifted through the information he had absorbed. He focused on making connections, piecing together the fragments of knowledge into a coherent understanding.
---
From the books, he learned that the power of the Sages wasn't magic in the traditional sense. It was the ability to tap into the natural laws of Khial—forces that governed the elements, energy, and life itself. Sages attuned themselves to these laws through meditation and rigorous practice, eventually gaining the ability to manipulate them.
There were several "paths" a Sage could follow, each tied to a specific aspect of the natural world:
The Law of Elements, focusing on fire, water, earth, and air.
The Law of Energy, dealing with raw force, light, and movement.
The Law of Life, tied to healing, growth, and the manipulation of living organisms.
The Law of Resonance, a rarer path that involved harmonizing with the vibrations of the world to influence matter and energy indirectly.
The texts emphasized the importance of discipline and balance. Without control, a Sage's power could spiral out of their grasp, causing harm to themselves and others.
---
As Benjamin absorbed more, he began to feel the weight of the knowledge settle in his mind. It was as if his subconscious was slowly adapting to the enormity of what he was learning. His thoughts raced, trying to connect the dots. If the Sages built their strength on these laws, then understanding even the basics might give me a chance in this world.
He paused for a moment, staring at the pages of the open book in front of him. This isn't just about getting into the Academy, he thought. This is about survival. If I can't figure out how to use this knowledge, I'll never make it in this world.
He closed the book, leaning back in his chair. His mind buzzed with the fragments of understanding he had gained. The path ahead felt daunting, but for the first time since arriving in Khial, he had a direction.
After a deep breath, Benjamin reached for the next book in the stack. There was no time to waste.
--
Benjamin's plan was straightforward and logical, driven by both necessity and ambition. The academy was the key to survival in this world. If he could gain entry, he would have access to the tools, training, and resources needed to defend himself—and, most importantly, a foundation to begin seeking a way back to Earth.
But the path wasn't simple. The academy's tests required a deep theoretical knowledge of Sagecraft, history, and natural science, as well as a demonstrated affinity with one of the natural laws. If a candidate failed in either aspect, they were outright rejected.
Benjamin was confident in the theoretical part. Thanks to the knowledge he had absorbed, he could recite timelines, principles of Sagecraft, and even obscure details about the Great War and the founding of Hukuma. But the practical part was a different matter entirely.
---
The books he had read explained that the power of the Sages wasn't just about study—it was about connection. A Sage's soul was tied to Khial itself, the world acting as both an antenna and amplifier, allowing them to harmonize with its fundamental forces. This connection allowed them to channel the natural laws, but it also meant that individuals whose souls didn't resonate with Khial were at risk of rejection.
Benjamin's theory gnawed at him. I'm not from this world, he thought. What if my soul can't connect to Khial? The possibility of rejection hung over him like a storm cloud, but he wouldn't let it stop him.
He needed guidance, someone who could help him attune to the paths. The books were clear that modern candidates were almost always guided by local Sages who vouched for them. These mentors helped candidates align their souls with Khial, improving their chances of success.
Benjamin's best option was Kareya. As the chief librarian and a full-fledged Sage, she had the knowledge and skill to help him. But convincing her to take him seriously wouldn't be easy. She seemed sharp, disciplined, and unlikely to tolerate anything less than excellence.
---
Benjamin knew how to approach her. His plan was to shock Kareya with the breadth of his knowledge, demonstrating not only his potential but also a rare understanding of Sagecraft. If he could impress her enough, she might agree to guide him through the practical aspects of attunement.
---
The first day left Benjamin mentally drained. After hours of absorbing books and piecing together fragments of knowledge, he returned to the inn with a head full of information and a plan forming in his mind. He needed Kareya's help, and the only way to secure it was to prove himself beyond a shadow of a doubt.
That night, Benjamin lay awake in his small room, going over everything he had learned. He knew the Academy demanded both theoretical understanding and a connection to Khial's natural laws. The theory was his strength, but he lacked any practical experience. His only chance was to leverage his deep knowledge and leave Kareya no choice but to acknowledge his potential.
---
The next morning, Benjamin returned to the library, his determination palpable. He found Kareya at her usual spot behind the large desk, her nose buried in yet another tome. She didn't look up until he cleared his throat.
"You're persistent," Kareya said, her voice flat as she closed the tome in front of her with a deliberate motion. Her sharp eyes met his, unwavering. "Most people come here once, borrow a book or two, and leave quietly. But you—you keep coming back. Why?"
Benjamin took a steady breath, his hands resting firmly on the desk. "Because I don't have time to waste. I need to get into the Academy, and I can't do it without guidance. You're the only person in this city who can give me a real chance."
Kareya arched an eyebrow, leaning back slightly. "Bold words. And what makes you think I'd agree to spend my time on you? I have my duties, my research. Convince me you're worth the effort."
Benjamin straightened. "Test me. Push me as far as you can. Ask me anything—no, everything. History, theory, Sagecraft, the Great War, natural science. If I can't prove I have the knowledge and the discipline, then send me away."
Her lips tightened as she studied him, her gaze dissecting every detail of his expression and posture. "You're either incredibly confident or incredibly foolish," she said. "But let's see which it is."
She stood slowly, her movements deliberate. "Follow me," she said, gesturing for him to come with her. They walked in silence to a secluded corner of the library, where a small table and two chairs sat surrounded by towering bookshelves. Kareya sat down and gestured for him to do the same.
"You want me to test you?" she asked, folding her hands on the table. "Then prepare yourself. I don't go easy on dreamers."
"I wouldn't ask you to," Benjamin replied, his voice steady.
Kareya's smirk faded, replaced by a sharp, calculating expression. "Good. Let's begin."
She stood and gestured for him to follow her to a quieter corner of the library, where a small table sat surrounded by bookshelves. Benjamin sat across from her, his hands resting on the table as he waited.
"This will be a comprehensive test," she said, her tone suddenly cold and precise. "If you're as prepared as you claim, then let's begin."
---
For the next several hours, Kareya grilled Benjamin with a relentless barrage of questions. She started with what seemed like basic knowledge, but the complexity escalated rapidly.
"What year did the Sages broker the first peace agreement during the Great War?"
"Year 29," Benjamin replied without hesitation. "After the collapse of the Eastern Empire's southern army."
"What is the key difference between the Law of Energy and the Law of Life when applied to healing techniques?"
"Energy manipulates raw force to accelerate physical processes, while Life taps into the essence of growth and regeneration itself, which is slower but more sustainable."
"What are the three core principles of Sagecraft as outlined by the first Sage Council?"
"Discipline, balance, and attunement," Benjamin said, pausing only briefly to catch his breath. "Without them, any attempt at Sagecraft risks catastrophic failure."
---
The questions came faster, more complex, and increasingly obscure. Kareya dove into history, theory, practical applications, and abstract philosophy. She demanded detailed explanations of concepts that many candidates wouldn't encounter until well into their studies. Benjamin answered them all, his mind racing to connect the fragments of knowledge he had absorbed from the books.
As the hours passed, both of them grew visibly exhausted. Kareya's sharp demeanor softened slightly, though she masked it well. Benjamin, for his part, was visibly worn but refused to falter.
Finally, she leaned back in her chair, rubbing her temples. "You're not just ambitious," she muttered, almost to herself. "You're a damned encyclopedia."
Benjamin, breathing heavily, leaned forward. "Does that mean you'll help me?"
Kareya stared at him for a long moment, her sharp gaze softening slightly. "You've got the knowledge, I'll give you that. But theory alone doesn't make a Sage. You need to connect with Khial itself, and that's not something you can learn from books."
"I know," Benjamin replied. "That's why I need you. I can't figure it out on my own."
Kareya sighed, her shoulders slumping slightly. "You've impressed me, and that's no small feat. Fine. I'll guide you, but understand this: I don't tolerate half-measures. If you're serious about this, you'll have to give it everything."
Benjamin nodded, relief and determination mixing in his expression. "Thank you. I won't waste this chance."