Library

In the heart of the Scholar's District, nestled amidst towering universities and bustling printing presses, stood the Grand Library of Heartfilia – a majestic monument to knowledge and forgotten lore. Unlike the bustling guild or the vibrant markets, the library exuded an air of quiet reverence. Its imposing facade, crafted from white marble, gleamed in the morning sun, its surface etched with intricate symbols that whispered of ancient languages and forgotten magic.

Grand double doors, adorned with bronze bas-reliefs depicting mythical creatures and legendary scholars, guarded the entrance.

Pushing them open, Adonis stepped into a world bathed in a soft, golden light that filtered through stained-glass windows depicting scenes from historical epics and scientific discoveries. The air hung heavy with the scent of aged paper and leather-bound tomes, a fragrance that spoke of countless stories waiting to be unearthed.

Towering columns of carved oak lined the vast hall, their intricate capitals reaching towards a vaulted ceiling decorated with celestial constellations. Galleries, accessible by winding staircases, snaked around the perimeter, each level overflowing with bookshelves that groaned under the weight of countless volumes. The silence was punctuated only by the soft rustle of turning pages and the occasional hushed whisper of a people lost in research.

In the center of the hall, a magnificent crystal chandelier cast a shimmering light onto a central information desk manned by a group of wizened librarians, their eyes twinkling with an ageless wisdom. This was no ordinary library; it was a treasure trove of knowledge, a labyrinth of whispered secrets and forgotten magic, waiting to be explored by those with a curious mind and a thirst for adventure.

Adonis, momentarily captivated by the majestic library, was brought back to his purpose by a gentle snore.

Zzzzz! Zzzzz!

He approached the reception counter, a wry smile playing on his lips. There, nestled amongst a pile of paperwork, slumbered a vision that rivaled the library's splendor.

Long, platinum blonde hair cascaded across the counter, framing a face of breathtaking beauty. High cheekbones and a delicate nose hinted at elven ancestry, the pointed ears leaving no doubt about her lineage. Her porcelain skin seemed to glow even in the subdued lighting, and a tiny mole nestled beneath her left eye added a touch of intrigue.

But what truly stole Adonis's breath away were her eyes. As she stirred, lifting her head sluggishly, they fluttered open, revealing pools of molten gold that shimmered with an otherworldly light. For a moment, the air crackled with an unseen energy.

Ba-dump! Ba-dump!

His heart hammered against his ribs with a force that surprised him. He'd never experienced such an intense desire, a primal urge that coursed through his veins like a bolt of lightning. This was something new.

"Y-yes?" she mumbled, her voice raspy with sleep.

The sound of her voice snapped him out of his reverie.

''Huh~ Huh~''

He cleared his throat, forcing himself to speak.

"Uh, hello," he stammered, feeling a blush creep up his neck.

"I, uh, I'd like to register at the library. Read some books, maybe borrow a few?"

The beautiful elf blinked, her golden eyes focusing on him with surprising intensity. A flicker of amusement danced in their depths, quickly replaced by a professional smile. This wasn't the first time a patron had been momentarily flustered by her beauty.

"Of course," she said, her voice now clear and melodic.

"Just fill out this form, and I'll have you set up in no time." She slid a parchment towards him, her movements graceful and efficient.

Adonis scribbled his information onto the form, his mind still buzzing with the encounter with the elf. He couldn't deny the potent attraction, the way her beauty had stolen his breath for a moment. But beneath that alluring facade, he sensed something deeper, a hidden power that intrigued him as much as it did entice him.

"There you go," he muttered, handing the completed form back to the elf. A hint of a smile played on his lips, a silent vow forming in his mind. He might be smitten, but he wasn't naive. This encounter was more than just a pretty face. This elf, whoever she was, held secrets, and Adonis, the eternal adventurer, couldn't resist a good mystery.

The elf took the form, her golden eyes scanning it briefly before a small smile curved her lips.

"Welcome to the Grand Library of Heartfilia, Adonis," she said, her voice like a melody.

"The registration fee is 1,000 Coris. Don't lose your library card – replacing one costs 5,000 Coris, and trust me, our collection is worth protecting."

Adonis chuckled, a warmth spreading through him at her playful tone.

"Understood," he replied, handing over the required amount.

She explained the library's rules with practiced efficiency.

Borrowing limits, return deadlines, and the dreaded penalties – all the standard procedures. But one point caught his attention.

"The library has an international system?" he asked, surprised as it had never occurred to him that they would have a system for library, how novel, the world is indeed full of surprise. He was glad he left his well (home) to learn more about the world.

"Indeed," the elf replied, a hint of pride in her voice.

"Knowledge is a powerful weapon, and we take its preservation very seriously. A ban in one library extends to all others affiliated with the system. After all, a responsible scholar respects the sanctity of knowledge."

Adonis nodded thoughtfully. He understood. Information was power, and the library, with its vast collection and international network, held a significant amount of it. He wouldn't take these rules lightly.

With a final smile, the elf handed him his library card, a thin slip of enchanted metal etched with his name.

"Welcome, Adonis my name is Leena Oriphine," she repeated and at the same time introducing herself, her golden eyes twinkling.

"May your search for knowledge be fruitful." she added.

''Beautiful name.'' he said and she simply smiled handing him the newly registered card.

Adonis tucked the card away, a thrill coursing through him. He was here, in the Grand Library, ready to delve into the secrets of magic and, perhaps, a little mystery on the side. The beautiful elf was just the first intriguing encounter on what promised to be a fascinating day.

He took a deep breath, the scent of aged paper and forgotten lore filling his senses. With a determined glint in his purple eyes, Adonis stepped deeper into the library, ready to conquer not just the elusive D-rank mission, but the labyrinth of knowledge within these very walls.