The morning sun cast its golden rays across the city of Aeloria, bathing the red-tiled rooftops and white stone walls in a warm glow. The morning air felt fresh, woven with the scent of toasted bread, warm spices, and the gentle stirrings of life echoing softly through the city's winding alleys.
Inside the cozy yet modest dining area of a local inn, Clara, Leona, and Liorin sat around an oval wooden table. Lux lay curled in Clara's lap, yawning repeatedly and rubbing his sleepy eyes now and then.
"This bread… it's so soft," Leona murmured, eyes closed as she nibbled on a small piece. "Tastes like… if clouds were edible!"
Clara chuckled. "You and your imagination…"
Liorin simply nodded, sipping herbal tea from his cup. His gaze drifted to the window, where the silhouette of the Altessia Tower stood tall in the distance—rising in the heart of the city like a spire reaching for the heavens. The tower was the city's lifeblood, an iconic monument that demanded reverence and admiration.
After breakfast, the three of them approached the front counter, where Mak Inya—the inn's kindly owner—was busy organizing receipts and wiping down cloths.
"Mak Inya," Clara greeted politely, "we're looking to visit the library here in the city. Which way should we go?"
Mak Inya looked up with a warm, unending smile. "The Aeloria Library? Ah, wonderful choice. Just follow the main alley straight ahead. You'll see a dragon-shaped fountain. From there, turn right and continue walking—you'll see a silver-domed building. Don't worry, the tower's visible from that spot too."
Clara lit up with excitement. "Wow! Thank you, Mak Inya!"
They expressed their thanks and stepped out of the inn. As their feet touched the main street, the city—still fresh in the morning—began to unfold its story.
The cobbled streets were neatly arranged, occasionally accented by wooden stalls selling leather goods, spices, and ornaments. The townsfolk moved with unhurried grace—some carried baskets of flowers, others with stacks of books, and children dashed past in gleeful laughter, chasing low-flying pigeons.
"This place is beautiful…" Leona said, spinning slowly, eyes taking in every detail. "If I stayed here for a week, I'd definitely gain two kilos."
Clara stifled a laugh. "Because of the cloud-bread?"
"Yes! And that caramel smell from the stall earlier… it's like being kidnapped into food heaven."
Liorin slipped his hands into his cloak, his eyes still scanning the surroundings. But just then, Clara paused. Across the street, under the shade of a thick elm tree, stood a man cloaked in dark robes. His face was obscured, but Clara was certain—it was the same man she had seen the night before at the inn. He stood with his back to the sunlight, casting his features into shadow.
He made no move, no approach. Just stood there—silent, like a living statue watching.
Clara quickly turned her face away and picked up her pace, her heart skipping, though she didn't want to alarm the others.
"You okay?" Leona asked, noticing the change in Clara's expression.
"Yeah… I'm fine."
"Hmm?" Leona narrowed her eyes at Clara, trying to read her face.
Clara simply shook her head with a faint smile, brushing aside the unease.
Their walk brought them closer to the city's center. The roads widened, revealing open spaces and scenic surroundings. The dragon-shaped fountain Mak Inya had described came into view, its crystal-clear waters gently cascading. A few small birds perched at its edge, dipping their beaks before fluttering away.
From there, they turned right. At the end of a road lined with engraved stone pillars and maple trees turning golden, a grand building began to emerge.
The Aeloria Library stood with elegant symmetry, its white marble steps leading up to an ancient wooden door adorned with timeworn carvings. Its silver dome shimmered beneath the sunlight, and from the terrace on the left side, cascades of violet flowers hung gracefully, adding a touch of magic to the scene.
The walls were made of polished alabaster, gleaming softly, while stained-glass windows reflected colorful rays onto the street. Above the entrance, inscribed in an old language, were the words:
"Here lies the wisdom of forgotten ages, for those who seek the truth."
"Whoa…" Riveria whispered. "This is insane!"
Clara smiled quietly, while Liorin stood frozen, eyes wide at the sight of the library's exterior. His heart stirred with awe. This place wasn't just a house of books—it was a gateway to something far greater—brimming with secrets, history, and perhaps… answers to their destiny.
They paused before the grand doors of the Aeloria Library. Two white-robed guards flanked the entrance, their expressions calm yet watchful of all who approached. Beside the door, a small sign read in neat, firm letters:
"No pets allowed inside."
Leona read it and glanced down at Lux, who sat by her feet, tail flicking. Her expression immediately turned crestfallen.
"Eh… Lux can't come in?" she murmured.
One of the guards stepped forward and said politely, "Apologies, but library regulations prohibit pets from entering. It's to maintain the silence and safety of the ancient manuscripts."
Clara looked at Leona, who now seemed conflicted. "Ehmm…"
"It's fine, I'll wait outside," Leona cut in before Clara could speak. She crouched and stroked Lux's head. "Let's go for a little walk, yeah? Besides… I'm not much of a reader anyway."
Liorin raised an eyebrow. "Hmph, what a lack of curiosity."
"Huh? What did you say?" Leona shot back, mildly annoyed.
Liorin simply ignored her remark, deeming it meaningless.
"Hmph!" Leona scoffed.
Clara chuckled. She reached into a pouch at her waist and handed Leona a few coins.
"Here. Wander the city while we dig for info. If you find something interesting, buy it and share later."
Leona looked at the coins in Clara's hand, then at her friend.
"Clara…"
"Think of this as the start of that 'outside life' you've always dreamed of," Clara replied softly with a wink.
Leona smiled, her eyes glimmering with joy.
"Alright… don't take too long. If I get lost, Lux is the only one who knows the way back."
Clara and Liorin nodded. Leona gave a small wave before heading off, Lux trotting by her side. Clara watched them until they vanished between the alleyways, then took a deep breath and turned to Liorin.
"Let's go," she said.
Together, they stepped into the Aeloria Library. The massive wooden doors closed slowly behind them, dimming the sunlight and ushering them into a realm of centuries-old knowledge.
Their footsteps echoed softly within the tranquil, solemn halls of the Aeloria Library. The air was thick with the scent of old paper and settled dust—the perfume of ancient wisdom. Towering wooden shelves stretched toward the domed ceiling, each packed with volumes, scrolls, and timeworn manuscripts. Oil lamps hung from the walls, casting a gentle golden glow. Shadows of books and statues swayed slowly across the marble floor.
In distant corners, a few visitors—mostly scholars and researchers—sat hunched over desks, bathed in light and silence. On the upper levels, connected by winding iron staircases, older shelves stood like silent sentinels guarding secrets long buried—secrets waiting for eyes brave enough to see.
Clara walked slowly, her fingers brushing along the edge of a shelf, reading each book title neatly arranged. Liorin, his eyes sharp and focused, searched for a section marked "Ancient History and Cosmic Entities."
The book was slightly dusty but still in good condition.
"Perhaps here," he whispered.
A few minutes passed before Liorin pulled out a dark brown leather-bound book, its edges frayed with age. In the center of the cover, written in golden script:
"World Fragments: The Uninvited Gate."
They brought the book to a nearby table and opened it carefully. Clara sat across from Liorin, watching page after page filled with strange illustrations, diagrams, and handwritten notes that weren't entirely clear.
"This... is about the Gate," Liorin said quietly, his eyes examining a drawing of a massive door in the middle of a desert.
Clara nodded. "But… why is it incomplete? Some parts are interspersed with odd symbols. Like it was edited or erased."
"Not edited," Liorin replied, studying the text more closely. "It's as if... the writer stopped writing. Or intentionally left it unfinished."
Clara bit her lip. "Maybe we should ask the librarian about this copy. Who knows, there might be a complete version."
They gently closed the book and walked over to the main counter in the center of the library. There, a figure in an emerald green robe was arranging several sheets of notes. They appeared to be in their early thirties, with a clean face, a neatly trimmed beard, and clear eyes that held the weight of vast knowledge. A small name badge on their chest read: "Avelon."
Avelon looked up as they noticed the two approaching. "Can I help you with something?"
Liorin placed the book on the counter. "We found this manuscript in the Ancient History section. It's related to the Gate. But its contents are incomplete. Does the library hold a full version or any related manuscripts?"
Avelon took the book gently and flipped through a few pages. They seemed familiar with the contents, though their expression remained serious.
"This book... was written forty years ago," they said. "Unfortunately, there is no complete version. This is merely a copy of the original notes, the location of which is currently unknown."
Clara asked softly, "So... no one knows the full story about the Gate?"
Avelon looked up, their gaze calm and steady. "If you truly wish to know about the Gate, there is only one person in this city who might have the answers."
"Who?" Clara asked.
"The Grand Wizard of Aeloria," Avelon replied, gently closing the book. "They're the one who curated almost the entire content of this library—including the manuscript you're holding. If anyone knows, it would be them."
Liorin glanced at Clara, then back at Avelon. "So, we need to go to the tower?" he asked, pointing toward the grand structure rising at the heart of the city.
Avelon took a breath. "Yes, but be warned... the Grand Wizard rarely receives guests without a strong reason. If you truly seek answers, make sure you're ready for anything."
Clara clenched the edge of her garment, her eyes calm but resolute. "We've come too far to turn back now."