The sheer awe I feel from the Radiant Library’s size still rocks me to my core.

With that said, the knowledge that there are other uses for its massive size slightly tempered my emotions. Defense, weaponized knowledge (which even my scan cautions my inquiry into at this time), housing, logistics, and maintenance.

Even and especially in libraries holding precious information; making it secure, safe, and in good condition is crucial to its survival.

However, I have no further time to mull over the how of this library, as I am quickly faced with the where.

I am in front of the steps of the entrance.

With a graceful step, Sister Nuan hops off her sword, and I follow suit immediately after. She’s placed us at the bottom of the steps, despite being able to fly up to the doors.

As I was going to investigate why, she fills me in.

“It is tradition and safer to walk up the steps, to not alarm the guards watching over the Library. While you and I could easily get away with such things, I’m sure you’d rather be in the good graces of such people and beings, right?”

Her eyes point to the side and ahead before resting on me again.

The whole time, I made sure to keep my eyes plastered on hers. As despite the area looking clear, except for a number of statues and a few guards at the top of the steps, the truth was much different.

An enormous, giant creature had appeared once we approached the steps. Originally crouched next to it and watching. Now, following and hovering over us with its massive head.

The face of a demon hungry for a delicious meal.

Invisible to almost all, except the most perceptive. Only because of the scan was I able to sense this.

Strangely, though, my awareness ability was giving me sixth sense, cautious vibes from the direction that it is in. Something that I hope will continue to progress, just in case.

Despite that, I can still tell it is ultimately protecting us. It’s just also ready to devour us if we become a threat to the sect.

It’s not the only defender, though. As could be guessed, many of the statues are guardian beings in disguise. Lying in wait, in case the sect’s secrets need defending.

…

The stairs go from a lower area, up to the base floor… which would equal 20 floors' worth of stairs higher. They are taking less time than I would imagine going up.

There’s no way we should move this quickly up the stairs. The information I’m receiving and what’s happening is just not matching up.

… ah.

It’s the void…

Which is when I realize that I’ve discovered another major sect open secret. Something that is obscured for even higher realm beings, through whatever formations are laid within the sect… but is also a property of the mountain itself. The warping of space, based on your affiliation.

While we seem to move much faster than should be possible based on the actions performed, it would be the opposite for anyone antagonistic to the sect. To a much greater degree.

Strangely enough, the moment this realization occurs, I can sense a small change from some creatures here. Specifically, the ones that are unseen and appear to be more natural to the mountain.

Of course, the change is nothing like what I experienced with my tamed creatures, but more of a ‘mutual alignment’ rather than anything else.

Interesting, they navigate the space much differently than we do. And it seems I’ve tapped into something, with my nuanced understanding of the situation.

In its own way, knowledge is an actionable ‘technique’ in itself. Apparently, just as there are terrible downsides to ‘knowing’ something, there are positives, as well.

The two most important changes quickly come to fruition.

The creature hovering over us moves back the slightest bit. Still doing its job, but less overtly ready to devour me on the spot.

And then the guards standing at the doors, once we arrive, looking quite impressed.

As expected, they give a slight bow to both Sister Nuan and me, with their eyes still open and watching the area. But just as I step onto the top step, before the walkway to the front door, the guard to the left speaks.

“It is good to see such promising youths in our sect. Especially ones that can better understand the spirit of the mountain. I hope you find even greater knowledge within these walls to rise to further heights.”

The guard gives a second bow before fully returning to position.

The spirit of the mountain.

Just offhand, I know he wasn’t talking about the creature that followed us. It means the way the mountain operates. But the further I go into this… the more alarms I may set off for potential compatibility with void cultivation.

And I came from a different world. I truly hope nothing gets triggered because of my coming from a different world. Since the money from my world counted as void cultivation material.

Clearly, being in this sect is both an immense blessing and a potential curse.

These thoughts melt away at the sight of the enrapturing doors.

You wouldn’t think doors could be so entrancing, but it’s as if they are stained glass windows, pouring in just right… and then magnify that feeling of beauty and art by thousands. Designs that move in and out of each other, forming new shapes and figures. The designs shift in and out of each other, forming new shapes and figures to tell stories located deep within and hinting at what could be learned.

Bringing insight and even some measure of skill to those who watch its lessons.

It is truly representative of being able to learn from watching. And that’s without using the power and ability to read deeper into these things.

The sound of voices ahead and the movement of the woman beside me keep me moving.

When we walk in, I can see rows upon rolls of books and scrolls lined upon walls, with tables and individual seating areas scattered around them. This must be part of the ‘public’ areas.

Straight ahead is what could be universally called the receptionist’s desk, but with multiple people seated there.

Sister Nuan confidently heads to it and before she gets there, several of the people run to greet her. She addresses the first person who arrives before her as they bow.

“My disciple’s group should have recently come in. I believe he had promised to assist with a few things?”

She motions over to me, as almost immediately their eyes lock onto me with a terrifying focus.

The one that she was addressing speaks up after tearing his eyes away from me.

“Yes, Senior Song. We are currently assisting his group, as he requested. Since you mentioned it, there are a few things we would like to discuss… unless you needed anything in particular from us?”

The way he says it is slightly ominous, but she blows past it and turns to leave.

“Nope. My dear disciple, I’ve placed an artifact on your bracelet that will let you contact me when you wish. Let me know when you are done so we can proceed to the next thing soon after. Good luck ~.”

All of them bow to her and remain so until her back disappears behind the large doors of the library.

As soon as they do, I feel a shiver when all of their eyes lock onto mine.

A many-voiced sound calls out, all saying words at the same time. Echoing in this entrance space.

“””We hear you know much about the Pearls of Antiquity.”””

…

…

… why do I have to deal with this scary shit?