Random short stories

The Infinite Library (Part 1)

A small library with a worn façade stood in the centre of a busy metropolis, testament to the passing of time. Rows of bookcases stood like motionless sentinels within its walls, containing whispering secrets only the bravest could hear. Lisa, a youthful librarian with platinum-blonde hair and violet eyes as dark as the dusk sky, worked among these sacred corridors.

Lisa, a quiet and kind girl, is someone who loves books more than anyone in the world. Lisa saw the library as a haven, a haven from the chaos outside her window, not merely a place to work. With every turn of the page, she could escape reality and bury herself in a book here. She has read countless books and loves the peaceful tranquillity she gets when she immerses herself in the world of fiction. Which was why she loves her job as a librarian, the library was not huge but not small either. Although her life was humble, it gave her much happiness.

But today would be a day like no other, things would take a turn in Lisa's life from her on. She was at her work desk, reading as per usual, not many people go to libraries now since the age of technology has taken over the modern times so she has plenty of quality time to enjoy her quiet time reading without having to work much. Placing the closed book in her hands on the desk, she closes her eyes and stretches her arms to ease out the numbness of being in the same position for hours. Another book has been read.

Opening her eyes again, her violet eyes staring at the ceiling as she lays on her chair, relaxing for a short while. Lisa was leaning back in her chair when her mind wandered to the unidentified area of the library that was said to contain old books and classified information. She had spent years working in the library, yet she had never come across it. She was attracted by the thought of this location, which sparked an adventurous spirit in her usually restrained personality. Surely, there must be plenty of books she has yet to read in that section of the library. As a bookworm, her desire to read any and all books was a flaw. Curiousness eventually took hold of Lisa's mind. She could not stand it. She has to know.

Lisa let out a decisive sigh, got out of the chair, and fixed her librarian's uniform. She made up her mind that today was going to be the moment she discovered the library's mysteries.

Lisa got up from behind her desk and strolled along the aisles, her footfall resonating softly in the silent room. Her gaze swept over the book rows, looking for any indication of a strangeness. She stumbled upon a hidden switch concealed behind a bookshelf at the far end of the library. Intrigued, she hesitated for only a moment before pressing it, unaware of the profound consequences her actions would unleash. Lisa's curiosity aroused, and she carefully approached, her heart racing with anticipation. A concealed gateway clicked softly and opened, revealing a dark, narrow passageway. With her heart racing with anticipation, Lisa hesitantly moved forward for a brief instant, her curiosity surpassing any feelings of fear.

As she down a lengthy flight of spiral steps made of old stone, Lisa began to feel anticipation rising. With every step, the temperature dropped and darkness danced along the walls like ghosts of a past life. Air hitched in her throat as she emerged into a large hallway illuminated by gentle, golden light.

It was a magnificent library, with shelves that stretched upward as far as she could see. The walls were covered in books of all sizes and shapes, with mysterious inscriptions and odd symbols adorning their spines. But the floating bookshelves, which defied gravity with an unearthly grace, were what really caught Lisa's eye. Ethereal lamps illuminate the vast area with a gentle, flickering light, creating a warm glow over the scene.

Lisa stretched out and touched one of the volumes, its leather cover cold under her fingertips, and her heartbeat sped. She was startled to see as she turned the pages that the writing appeared to move and alter in front of her eyes—almost like it was alive. As she read, the writing of the book appeared more and more. Like a record.

Lisa was deep in concentration when she heard footsteps reverberating through the library's secret area. She looked around to see whoever had arrived and hurriedly slipped the novel under her arm.

A figure shrouded in a veil, their features hidden by the shadows, stood before her. Lisa watched, unsure of what to anticipate, her heart thumping in her chest. It was difficult to determine if the mysterious person was a man or a woman by their silhouette due to the shadows covering them.

Her voice was hardly audible above a whisper as she inquired, "Who are you?"

The figure then slowly stepped forward, the clicking of heels were loud in the deafening silent library. As the silhouette emerged from hiding, Lisa sees the figure to be a woman with a kitsune fox mask covering most of her face. The woman drew closer, she was slightly taller than Lisa. Lisa could not see the woman's features were hidden behind the mask, but she could still catch the glimpse of golden-yellow eyes eyeing her with a mix of wonder and laughter.

The woman said, "Welcome, successor," her voice resonating across the enormous library. "I am the Archivist, owner of this place."

The Archivist's massive form, with her red hair flowing down her back like a cascade of flame, made Lisa's pulse skip a beat. She felt a strange bond with the woman despite the fact she could not see her entire face—as if they were fated to be relatives.

"What exactly is this place?" Lisa inquired, hardly raising her voice beyond a whisper.

The Archivist bowed her head, her features haunted by the shadow of the fox mask. She said, "This is the Infinite Library, an archive of wisdom and insight beyond imagination, a place where the books that written within are not just stories. But of alternate realities with endless of possibilities being written and recorded in its very pages," her voice booming with such intensity that Lisa felt goosebumps run down her back. "And you, dear child, have been selected to be my successor."