Verse Twenty-Five

Deep in the restricted section of the Nonaphrontistery library were books that were banned to the public but accessible to the visitors of the library. In one of those books were written records of how previous human civilizations conducted rituals to call upon gods and higher entities for their own selfish reasons.

Yes, at least students had access to this. Invoking gods was not a big deal, in the eyes of the school. Some even invoke dragons in duels. What more about 'gods'? No, that wasn't a big deal. However, it becomes a different case when it involves the Archetypes.

Archetypes were not on the same level as gods. They were incomprehensible, difficult to describe. Similar to a gut feeling or the strange cases of déjà vu. Ironically, the Archetypes who give power to languages became difficult to describe with those same languages. Words were never used to describe the Archetypes, and that was why they were always the center of madness and intrigue.

But that did not stop CK. In one of the banned books were traces of attempts to ask knowledge at a price. Some give sacrifices, while some earn favor by performing tasks. However, the [Maiden of Prayer] does not use any of these methods to impart knowledge to her adherents.

The process of learning works on the fundamental idea of exchange: to earn a substantial amount of knowledge meant to sacrifice one's ignorance of the same amount. The same goes for alchemy: a certain amount of gold can only be taken from the same amount of transmuted material.

The same works with the [Maiden of Prayer]. In this exchange of knowledge, one can only ask answers from the Archetype when they have answered hers as well. CK stared at the Archetype seated before her.

"I came to ask you a question," CK said. [This self is aware. This self knows everything about you, child. Your past, your imperfections, and your hopes for the future as well as the outcome of your life.] the Archetype spoke, [It all begins from this moment, where you come to ask that one question.]

[You will ask whether it is possible for sifts to lead you to certain points in time. You ask this question because of an otherworldly experience you had back at your home.] the Archetype stated, causing CK to blink in surprise.

"You…really do know everything, don't you?" she said rather than asked. [This self is a microscopic fragment of 'Knowledge' itself. It is only expected. However, you must give me an answer with a weight exactly corresponding to the answer you wish for.] the Archetype said, [Failure to do so, and this self must leave at once for your own safety.]

CK took a nervous gulp. She never expected she would be standing right in front of the [Maiden of Prayer], but she'll take what she can.

"I'm ready," she said. [Good…Good. In that case, answer me this question, you who call yourself 'CK'.] the Archetype spoke, [Why are you here?]

CK blinked in confusion. "Why? Um… Because I…came to ask you a question..." she said, clearly doubtful of her own answer.

[That is not what I meant. I meant 'here', in this reality. In this existence.] the Archetype said, [Do you know the reason why you exist here?]

Dumbfounded. For the first time in a long time, CK was left dumbfounded and found it difficult to say a thing. She had anticipated the Archetype to ask her some questions on knowledge and intelligence, but not this.

"I…was born so I exist. My parents procreated to have me, so I live my life as is. There…can't be any other reason," CK frowned, yet she can't find herself believing her own words. The woman looked over her shoulder, and CK could feel her gaze from beneath the veil.

[Do you know the reason why you exist here?] she asked again. CK opened her mouth, then closed it. Her gaze faltered and she found herself clenching her fist.

"..."

"I don't know."

Learning whether sifts can lead you to different times and knowing one's reason to exist 'there' in that reality… Were the answers to those questions of equivalent weight in the eyes of the [Maiden of Prayer]? How so?

[A pity for one so talented. Farewell.] the woman got up, causing CK to call out urgently. "Wait!" CK said, "I want to pay the Price of Secrecy!"

The [Maiden of Prayer] halted. [You do not have anything of equal value to the question you ask, child. Neither does this institute have the 'wealth' to pay for the answer.] she stated.

"I want to ask a different question. I can't let you leave just yet," CK replied. […This self knows what you wish to ask now. But what do you wish to give in exchange?] the Archetype asked.

CK stood her ground firmly. "My wordsmithing Chapter," she said, to the surprise of the Archetype, "My experience as a wordsmith is also considered knowledge, right? You can measure my proficiency because it is your Muse that I use."

[…You test the boundaries between irrational knowledge and comprehensible reason. Most astounding, indeed.] the woman was slightly amused, [The Great Alchemy is this self's gift upon those who tread the path to me, to 'Knowledge'. But just as this self has given it, this self may also take it.]

The woman now faced CK directly as she gently held the [Manuscript] in her hands. [This self must warn you, child. Once your Chapter in the Great Alchemy is taken, your proficiency will be set back to nothing. You must recreate your past efforts to return back to your level of proficiency.] the woman said, [Do you truly believe the answer to your question is of equal value to your experience using the Great Alchemy?]

"I do. I can just train to grow back to my current strength in time. But if I don't know what 'that person' intends to use my master's thesis for, something may go wrong in the future," CK said, "I don't want to contribute to any bad incidents that could happen."

[You deduced plenty about your master's unspoken pursuit. This is good for you.] the woman said and walked towards CK, [If you have no hesitations, then this self shall take back what she has given to you.]

She placed a hand atop CK's head, causing the girl to flinch. A few seconds passed, and CK could feel a strange, upsetting feeling in the pits of her stomach. Something intangible was plucked from her chest, her hair falling out of her head, or feeling itches she cannot relieve by scratching… All of this described CK's feelings as the [Maiden of Prayer] retracted her hand.

[It is done. As for your…question…] the Archetype paused as she gazed unto her palm. CK snapped out of her trance and shook her head. Strange. It felt like she forgot something…

"So that what it feels like…" CK muttered in realization. She looked at the [Maiden of Prayer] and was confused to find her standing still.

"Um…hello?" she called. The Archetype slowly dropped her hand, [Child…the value of your proficiency does not hold equal value to your question. This self cannot give you the answer.]

"…Are you kidding me?! Then give me back my wordsmithing Chapter!" CK said upsettingly. [This self cannot undo such a thing. The Price of Secrecy was always meant to be paid in equivalent value. But never has there been a moment where a substantial amount of change must be given back… A novelty on this self's part.] the Archetype mused.

CK paused in surprise. "You mean…" she trailed off, causing the Archetype to hum. [You underestimate the value of a wordsmith's abilities, child. Your question is not as valuable as your Chapter.] she stated, [But this self shall not turn back on the Law of Exchange.]

The woman took a few steps back. [Your master's paper was created with an ulterior motive. However, it is not your master's scheme to do so. This self must not tell you at such a premature time, else you will suffer drastic consequences.] the Archetype spoke, [The Nonaphrontistery has witnessed ages of civilizations and stands firm against the influence of outer factors, and this is expected. He who drives the vehicle upon smooth pavements will take the vehicle on smoother journeys.]

"Huh?" CK's face contorted in confusion. [Hm… What this self means to say is that the question you ask can only be answered with verity by the one who has known the Nonaphrontistery best. Speak to such person and go beyond the walls. Then, you shall have the answer.] the Archetype said.

"'The one who knows the Nonaphrontistery best'…" CK frowned. The major bigshots of the school include the administration panel… Or was she talking about the Headmaster himself? Only they know the Nonaphrontistery inside and out.

[The Price of Secrecy has been settled, and my reason to be here is fulfilled. I shall now depart.] the Archetype spoke and extended the [Maiden's Manuscript] to CK, who stared in surprise.

"What… What are you doing?" CK asked. [This book is not meant to be hidden from the worlds. It was not made to be locked away but serve as guidance to those who wish to pursue knowledge…those such as yourself.] the Archetype answered, [You have lost your proficiency in the Art of Syntaxis. To compensate its value, this self shall bestow to you ownership of the book.]

CK accepted the book, and she looked at the Archetype in awe. "Is it mine now? Seriously mine?" she asked. [Yes. The book has received plenty of names under plenty of owners. Call it however you wish and use it as you please. This self now forfeits ownership of the book.] the Archetype stated.

"I...I see. Thank you, then. I'll be sure to use it to its best capacity," CK said and hugged the book, "I'm just wondering… Do I ever find the answer in the future?"

The [Maiden of Prayer] was silent. "You know everything from the past until the future, right?" CK asked, "Do I find the answer?"

[…There is this phenomena you call the 'Butterfly Effect', child. Should you receive the answer prematurely, disasters may be produced beyond your comprehension.] the Archetype spoke. The entire existence operates on countless of unwitting contributions by those who exist, after all.

"I see," CK said. The Archetype looked at her one more time before sitting upon the pile of books before her, [This self's presence has been known, so this self shall now depart. Until we next meet, child.]

"Huh?" CK was surprised, but the translucent barrier has been lifted, and the rain of slow-falling pages immediately crashed unto the ground. The pile of books disappeared along with the maiden who sat upon it like a throne.

CK was in a daze when she returned to the courtroom, holding the book in her arms to hug it. She was immediately approached by the professors, all of them anxious and concerned.

"CK! Are you alright?!" Madam Yanyan asked worryingly as she checked CK head to toe, "We couldn't enter the barrier. I thought something happened to you!"

"That presence just now… That was the [Maiden of Prayer] herself," Professor K'Thal frowned, "I just know it."

An Archetype has appeared in the Nonaphrontistery just to speak to CK. Professor Kitmar did not know how to react. Was this a good thing, or a sign of CK's involvement with the upper powers?

"CK? CK?!" Madam Yanyan anxiously patted the dazed girl's cheeks. They all fell silent when CK giggled, hugging the book in her arms tighter.

"Hehe…Hahaha! What a strange feeling…" she giggled as she stared at the ceiling lights, "So that's what it feels to be in the presence of the divine…No. Even greater than the divine…"

"Has she finally lost it?" Madam Yanyan said worryingly as CK finished giggling to herself. "When will this bloody day end…" Kitmar muttered.

The doors to the courtroom suddenly burst open, causing everyone to turn their attention to the newcomer. The head of security was quick with his pace, carrying an air of urgency as he held a piece of paper in his hand.

"I apologize for suddenly barging in during the trial, but…orders from the Headmaster just came through," the head of security said as he presented the paper to Professor Kitmar, "The Headmaster order's Miss CK Vincenzo's pardon on any and all charges she has been guilty with and must let her go immediately."

'Pardon from the Headmaster?' CK thought irritatingly. Well, that could've made everything easier if it arrived sooner than later. What use does it have now? Tsk.

"Since when was he informed of the trial? He's been gone for ages," Madam Yanyan frowned. "Regardless of 'how', we have orders. It's a good thing CK has been proven innocent on most charges," Kitmar grunted and hid the piece of paper in his suit.

"It's by order of the Headmaster that Miss CK is pardoned of all charges. Now that the defendant has been cleared of charges, as judge, I hereby dismiss Miss CK's case. Everybody is dismissed at once."

CK sighed in relief, feeling the exhaustion creeping in. Her innocence and Professor Erzem's have finally been settled. It's finally over.