The Library of the New World

(Samuel's POV)

As I walked through the ancient ruins of what used to be Titan Castle, I couldn't help but sigh.

"Well…" I muttered to myself. "New world, new opportunities. Not bad, I guess."

The air smelled different here—sharper, heavier. The kind of air that carried secrets and history waiting to be uncovered.

My first priority? Knowledge.

Before I could start conquering or destroying, I needed to understand.

"A library," I decided aloud, nodding to myself. "I need to find out exactly what kind of world I'm dealing with."

—

The Grand Archive – Library of the New World

After an hour of walking, I finally reached what the locals called The Grand Archive—a massive underground library built within the remnants of an ancient empire.

The entrance alone was enough to impress me. Colossal stone doors, engraved with runes that pulsed faintly, as if they were alive. The energy they radiated made my skin tingle.

"Interesting," I muttered. "Whoever built this wasn't just some amateur historian."

Pushing open the doors, I stepped inside, greeted by the overwhelming scent of old parchment and magic.

The library was massive—endless rows of towering bookshelves, stretching beyond what my eyes could see. Glowing orbs of blue light floated in the air, illuminating the space with an eerie, yet calming glow.

And at the center of it all—an old man, sitting behind a stone desk, scribbling something on parchment.

His robes were deep purple, his face covered in wrinkles, but his eyes? Sharp as a dagger.

He looked up as I approached, studying me.

"A new traveler," he murmured. "You carry the scent of the Titan Queen."

I raised an eyebrow. "That's not creepy at all."

The old man chuckled. "Many things in this world are far stranger, young one. Now… what knowledge do you seek?"

I leaned against the desk, crossing my arms. "Everything. But let's start with the basics. What territories exist in this world?"

The librarian nodded, waving a hand. A holographic map of the world materialized in the air, glowing softly.

"The New World is divided into several powerful territories," he explained. "Each ruled by beings of immense power."

He gestured toward the North, where icy lands stretched endlessly.

"The Frost Dominion—ruled by the Eternal Warden, an entity older than time itself. Few who enter return alive."

Then, he pointed to the West, where golden cities shined like beacons.

"The Celestial Empire—home to the Celestial Queen. A land of divine beings, warriors, and holy magic."

I smirked. "Heh. Henry's playground."

The librarian continued, pointing toward the South, where blackened lands burned with endless fire.

"The Abyssal Wastes—once a kingdom, now a cursed land where only monsters thrive. No ruler claims it, for even gods fear what lurks there."

I frowned. "Sounds like a challenge."

Finally, the librarian gestured toward the East, where colossal ruins lay scattered across the land.

"The Titan Graveyard—your Queen's domain. A land where the ancient Titans once roamed. Few creatures can survive the raw power still lingering there."

I let out a low whistle. "Damn. No wonder she acknowledged me."

The librarian's gaze sharpened. "You are not like other travelers. Your aura… it is different."

I smirked. "I get that a lot."

The librarian leaned closer. "And what will you do with this knowledge, Samuel?"

I straightened up, cracking my knuckles.

"Simple."

I grinned, feeling the surge of power within me.

"I'm going to make this world remember my name."

___

The Truth About This Land

The holographic map still hovered in the air, glowing softly as I stared at the vast expanse of the New World. The librarian's aged fingers traced over its surface, showing the different regions.

But I had one question left.

I crossed my arms and smirked. "Alright, old man. You told me about the other territories. Now tell me... which one am I standing in right now?"

The librarian's expression shifted. His eyes, once calm and knowing, darkened with an unreadable depth. He slowly leaned back in his chair, folding his hands together.

"You truly do not know?" he murmured.

I raised an eyebrow. "Would I be asking if I did?"

He let out a low chuckle. "Fair point."

With a wave of his hand, the glowing map shifted, zooming in on my exact location.

The land beneath my feet, the ruined castle, the endless plains beyond…

The words etched in golden fire appeared before me.

"The Forsaken Lands – The Battlefield of Forgotten Kings."

I felt something in my chest tighten.

"Forsaken Lands?" I repeated, narrowing my eyes. "That doesn't sound welcoming."

The librarian exhaled slowly. "This place… was once the heart of the greatest war this world has ever seen. Titans, Celestials, Abyssals, and even entities from beyond reality clashed here, shaping the fate of existence itself."

I looked around at the crumbling ruins, the air heavy with old magic and bloodshed.

"And now?" I asked.

His eyes met mine. "Now, it belongs to the forgotten. Those who were once rulers, gods, kings… reduced to nothing but echoes in the dust."

I scoffed. "Sounds like a perfect place for someone like me."

The librarian studied me for a long moment before giving a knowing smile. "Perhaps. Or perhaps… this land will be your grave."

His words hung in the air.

I let out a low chuckle, shoving my hands into my pockets. "Well, good thing I don't plan on dying anytime soon."

Turning away, I walked toward the library's exit. The Forsaken Lands, huh?

If this place was truly abandoned… then that meant it was up for the taking.

And I had every intention of claiming it.