Book of the Unknown

Next morning, sun filtered through the windows of Kael's home, casting a warm glow over the modest but cozy interior. The smell of freshly baked bread and sizzling meat wafted through the air as Evelina prepared breakfast. Aiden and Lyra were already up and running around the kitchen, their laughter echoing through the house.

Kael had barely stepped out of his room, still groggy from sleep, when his family burst into a cheerful chorus.

"Happy Birthday, Kael!" Aiden and Lyra shouted in unison, their faces beaming with excitement.

Evelina turned from the stove, her expression soft and loving. "Happy birthday, my dear. Come sit; breakfast is ready."

Even Darius, who was rarely home in the mornings due to his work at the local farm, was seated at the table, his rugged face lighting up with a rare smile. "Happy birthday, son. Fifteen, huh? Big day for you."

Kael blinked, rubbing the sleep from his eyes. "Thanks… everyone." He couldn't help but smile at the sight of his family's efforts to make the day special. It wasn't grand, but it was heartfelt, and that was more than enough.

As they all gathered around the table, Evelina placed a hearty meal before them—eggs, sausage, and slices of buttered bread. Aiden and Lyra chatted excitedly between bites, asking Kael about his plans for the day.

After breakfast, Kael pitched in with the morning chores, helping Evelina sweep the floors and fetch water while Darius kept an eye on the twins. Though the tasks were simple, Kael didn't mind. He knew that after today, his life would start to change.

The streets were lively as usual, with merchants calling out their wares and the scent of fresh bread and spices wafting through the air. But Kael's thoughts were focused. Today marked the end of a chapter for him.

Upon reaching the library, the familiar sight of its tall, wooden doors brought a twinge of nostalgia. Pushing them open, he was greeted by Victor, the ever-watchful vice head librarian. The old man gave him a knowing smile from behind his desk, his silver beard twitching slightly as he spoke.

"Right on time, Kael. Mesha's been waiting for you in her office."

Kael nodded and made his way to the back, where Mesha's workspace resided. The Mystery Archive section loomed nearby, its shelves filled with strange, ancient texts that always made Kael feel both curious and uneasy.

Mesha was seated at her cluttered desk, a soft smile spreading across her face as Kael entered. Her sharp, intelligent eyes sparkled behind her thin spectacles. "Ah, there you are. I was wondering when you'd show up."

"I had chores," Kael replied, rubbing the back of his neck.

Victor followed behind, carrying a small bundle under his arm. "Well, you're here now. That's what matters."

Kael looked between the two librarians, confusion creeping across his face. "What's going on?"

Mesha reached into her desk drawer and pulled out a book—a peculiar one that immediately drew Kael's attention. Its crimson and black cover gleamed faintly in the light, and etched into its surface was the image of a dragon's skull, its eyes glowing an eerie red. A silver lock secured the book tightly shut.

She held it out to him. "This is for you."

Kael blinked, staring at the book in disbelief. "What… what do you mean? Why are you giving me this?"

Victor smirked. "It's a birthday gift, kid. Don't look so shocked."

Kael hesitantly took the book, its weight feeling heavier than it should. The texture of the cover was smooth yet cold, like polished stone. The crimson glow of the dragon skull's eyes seemed to pulse faintly, as though alive. "What kind of book is this?"

Mesha leaned back in her chair, her expression turning thoughtful. "It's a special book—a drop from a dungeon boss. It's a secret which boss or which dungeon it came from, but it's no ordinary item."

Kael frowned, his fingers brushing over the silver lock. "There's a lock on it. How am I supposed to open it?"

"Ah," Mesha said, pointing at the lock. "This book is bound to magia. To unlock its secrets, you'll need to pour a drop of your blood onto it and surround it with your magia."

Kael's frown deepened. "Magia? You know I can't use that."

Mesha's eyes softened, and she gave him an encouraging smile. "Not yet. But the day will come, Kael. When it does, this book will prove invaluable. Until then, keep it safe."

Kael stared at the book, his mind swirling with questions and doubts. It felt surreal—like he was holding a piece of something far greater than himself. "I… I don't know what to say."

"Say you'll take care of it," Victor interjected with a grin. "And don't lose it."

Kael nodded, clutching the book tightly. "I will. Thank you. Both of you."

As he turned to leave, Victor called out, tossing a small pouch toward him. "Hold on, you almost forgot what you actually came here for."

Kael caught the pouch midair and felt the weight of coins inside.

Mesha chuckled softly. "Use that wisely. Buy what you need for the dungeon."

Kael smirked despite himself, tucking the pouch into his bag. "Thanks again. For everything."

Once outside, Kael slowed his pace, curiosity getting the better of him. Pulling the pouch from his bag, he opened it—and immediately froze.

Inside were ten gleaming gold coins.

His eyes widened as the realization hit him. "Ten gold coins… Isn't this worth more than all the years I worked at the library combined?"

He stared at the coins in disbelief, his heart racing. His mind quickly pieced it together. Those old folks really pamper me, huh?

A mix of emotions surged through him—gratitude, disbelief, and a twinge of guilt. "With this, I can buy everything I need," he murmured.

Kael walked through the bustling market district, the air filled with the shouts of merchants, the clinking of metal, and the enticing aromas of street food. The morning sun cast golden light on the myriad stalls, reflecting off polished armor and shimmering gemstones. But Kael wasn't interested in the flashy displays of swords and spears—he was here for an axe.

He knew exactly what he wanted. From years of chopping firewood as a child, he'd grown comfortable with the weight and balance of an axe. It was a weapon that suited him, familiar and reliable, unlike the ornate swords or complicated polearms others might favor.

As he wandered past brightly lit weapon stalls, his eyes caught on a small forge at the edge of the market, its exterior plain and unassuming. The sign above the entrance was faded, and soot marked the walls. Yet something about the place drew him in.

Kael stepped inside, the smoky heat of the forge wrapping around him. The walls were lined with weapons, but his attention was immediately drawn to a rack of axes near the back. As he approached, he heard the sound of heavy footsteps.

From the shadows emerged an old smith, his appearance as rugged as the forge itself. His broad shoulders strained against a soot-covered apron, and his thick arms bore countless burn scars, a testament to his years of experience. His gray hair was tied back, and his piercing blue eyes glinted with curiosity as he sized up Kael.

"Looking for something specific, boy?"