My universe and it's several stories

Enigmatic Connections Part 2: To find what's lost

Disclaimer: If you haven't read the previous part(you should if you're here) please do. If you would like to have more sense of the world, please read the history as it clears up things like region names and more. Thank you and enjoy.

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In the Wissen library, during evening

I stood still anxious in fear as my boss had just approached me and the Elf , sounding very particularly disappointed and upset. "Lacina...what was stolen from us and how did it happen? I don't want a long explanation, make it short." He said in an upset manner. I awkwardly chuckled and scratched my head. "Y-You see boss...I...may have let a book get stolen from, t-the restricted magic section.." I spoke back in a worried voice. He looked at me with a raised eyebrow still expecting more. "It...was about 3 books regarding death magic taken by a thief and I know it sounds bad, but neither of us knew they were there! They got the advantage and fled the room, and...I couldn't react in time and I'm sorry boss..." He sighed, placed his hand on my shoulder and started to speak in a stern tone. "In normal situations I would usually fire you, since you failed to notify me and you didn't disclose to me you were entering a restricted area." My expression went from fear to one of shock and worry. <Am I...about to be fired? No way, I can't be fired that's...that's unthinkable! Oh no what can-> Before I could finish my thinking he continued his statement. "However, I'm willing to give you a second chance as this is the first time this has happened in many years. Lacina, you will be given three months to retrieve all the books and bring them back. Do you understand what I am saying?" I nodded my head slowly as he nodded back. He then lifted his hand and turned away from me and the Elf lady. "Good. I'm doing this because I care about you, and...I can't quite exactly kick you out of here yet. Don't forget, three books in three months." He then turned to the elf and looked at her. She stated back at him with a blank expression, neither of them saying a word. He looked back at me and asked, "Lacina, do you know this lady by chance?" I was a little confused but I shook my head no. He nodded and smiled before walking to his office. "You had better start packing your stuff, because you won't find those books here after all." He let out a chuckle and then closed his office door.

After all of that I sighed and leaned against the main desk counter exasperated. "I almost lost my job, but I was lucky to get a chance at redemption! No problem, I can do it. Oh wait, what if-" At that moment the elf lady tapped my shoulder and spoke for the first time in a long while. "Excuse me, isn't 3 months too short? To find 3 stolen books you would need more." I turned to her and contemplated...but she had a point there. How would I get three lost books back in 3 months? I did place a tracking spell on the books, but it won't be much if we still can't find the culprit! "If to not impose much on your problem, I would like to assist you in searching." The elf lady said out of nowhere. I looked puzzled and raised an eyebrow. "Y-You're gonna join me? How come? I mean...you did come here just to check a book out, but it's my job as a worker here to-" Then the elf interrupted me promptly with a raised hand. "I'm offering because the book I wanted was stolen as well. It's partially my fault for asking about it, but I also have my reasons too. Plus a 3 months search is way too little time for one person, and I can make up in my own way." Listening to her reasoning of why she wanted to join made me think to myself. <She has her reasons why and she's doing it to make up? Ok let's not overthink it, she's just trying to be nice right? Oh but she made a really valid point, I can't do this alone in 3 months! Well, she was a witness in this whole incident...so she wild be able to identify them by build sort of...> I sighed and gave a nod then said, "I...don't see why not them. You also make a very good point about the whole time limit thing. More hands help after all." The elf nodded at my statement and faced me. "That's good to hear. When do we meet up to start? Today wouldn't work as it's already evening, the day is ending." I replied back "How about tomorrow morning? That should give me enough time to pack my things!" "Tomorrow morning it is." She said. I smiled and clapped my hands together. "It's settled, we'll be seeing each other tomorrow....uh..I'm sorry, what's your name? I only now realized that this entire time I never asked or knew." Then what seemed like for the first time at a today, she chuckled and let out a smile. "Lorania. Lacina correct?" <I didn't think that she would ever smile, just have a neutral stare that could possibly kill if taken the wrong way. Oh shoot, respond!> The response I have wasn't my best, but not my worst. "I- uh- y-yeah, that's right! Lacina Leserin, sometimes Miss Leserin or- J-Just call me Lacina." <Lacina what was that terrible display or words just now! Could you have not made yourself sound any more dumb!?> I laughed it off but mentally beat myself over the head, but Lorania didn't care that much. She just laughed and found it a little funny. Admittedly that made me a little embarrassed, but nothing too bad. She then began to turn towards the exit. "Well, I'll be seeing you tomorrow morning Lacina. Aren't you going home?" She asked me. "Oh don't mind me, I just have some tasks to finish up here. You know, I'm still working." Lorania nodded and waved at me. "Alright then, see you tomorrow then." With that said she exited the library and I was left alone to my devices.

The rest of the evening was not as nearly eventful as it was midday. All I really did was finish up some paperwork at the desk and restock some books. Restocking is the only time magic use is allowed if you can. Depending on the amount it can be a short trip and done, or a long back and forth with several books. It wasn't too many books, so I just levitated them to their sections and ended my shift there. Now this is where I would normally go home and start packing, but surprise surprise...the Wissen Library is my job and my home! It's weird on paper but I don't mind it, since it's so big and I love books. My room is located on the 4th floor, disguised as an office so people don't enter wrongly. Inside is a small bed for me, a work desk, lamp and a small stack of books alongside writing supplies. I really have the boss to thank cause he's the one who found me when I was young, reading up a storm in his words. I couldn't remember how I got there, or my biological parents and such...but he was there. He's my "dad" but not really, you know the deal. I don't wanna waste much time so, I read a few books, packed my stuff in a bag, changed into my bed clothes then fell asleep.

The Wissen Library, next morning

Morning hit and the sound of my alarm rang through my room. I got up very groggy, turned it off and started getting ready for the day. Since it's early morning we aren't open yet, so I get to roam around in my bed clothes! Jokes aside, I do my morning routine of face, breakfast, teeth, getting dressed, hair and lastly...glasses. Now I'm ready for the day, and I forgot that the day is me leaving...so I grabbed my bag and book and made my way downstairs. Waiting for me at the front door was my boss and father figure Veiel, yeah that's his actual name. He waved at me as I approached the doors. "Good morning Lacina, did you sleep well?" I nodded yes as he pat my head. "I think I'm ready...but I'm not sure. I haven't stepped out of here for any longer than a few hours. I'm just, nervous is all." Veiel pat my back and looked at me. "Lacina, don't be so worried. You're a smart girl, you'll do fine out there. There's a first time for everything, and your first time is an adventure. When I was your age, hoo boy. Those we're times." He chuckled as I chuckled back. "Come on dad, you're not that old to be saying that yet! But...you did make me feel a lot better." Veiel looked happy and pulled out a small to medium sized pouch and handed it to me. "Well you can't really do much with that allowance of yours, so here's a parting gift. Don't forget that some of those books you read has good advice. I'll see you in a while Lacina, stay safe." After receiving the pouch I smiled and hugged him. "Thank you once again, I promise I'll be safe. Take care of like library for me okay? Don't work yourself too hard!" With those final words said, I opened the doors of the library and stood outside at the front to a great morning. To my other surprise, Lorania was waiting for me with her own bags ready. After we have a mutual head nod, we descended the stairs and made our way through the town to start our adventure!

Preview

Next time, Lacina embarks on her own quest to retrieve the lost books with a new companion! What awaits on this adventurous beginning? Will Lacina adapt to life outside the library, who is Lorania the mysterious Elf lady? Find out next time on part 3 of Enigmatic Connections!

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Hey everyone Mochi here, thank you for waiting for this part to come out! Lots of stuff has happened in between and here and there, but writing has come back to me as a normal flow! I'll try updating all my stories more often, also you may get a double chapter upload too! So if it takes longer than you know. This should have an update every 3-4 weeks at latest. Until then, bye!!

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