[ENG] Last Reader Standing

[Arc 1] Chapter 1: Literary Awakening

In the semi-darkness of dusk, the shelves of the Kirin library stood like silent sentinels, guardians of ageless knowledge. Each book was a universe, a promise of escape that Jun Park, the librarian, cherished. His fingers, in an almost affectionate gesture, brushed the worn bindings, reminiscent of the adventures they had once contained. Surrounded by these relics of the past and promises of future stories, he felt fully alive, an explorer in his own sanctuary of knowledge.

Jun had always had a passion for books, a flame ignited in his childhood when he sought refuge in stories to escape the sometimes harsh reality of his life. He still remembered the long evenings spent under the covers, a flashlight in hand, devouring each page with insatiable enthusiasm. This passion had naturally led him to the Kirin library, where he had found not only a job but a true calling.

That evening, as the last rays of the sun disappeared behind the horizon, Jun was making his usual rounds. He ensured that each book was in its place, that the shelves were in order. He took a moment to stop near the classics section, where works like Les Misérables and Moby Dick resided proudly. He found himself leafing through The Odyssey, his mind escaping into the adventures of Odysseus.

Suddenly, a light noise caught his attention. He turned to see a young girl, probably a high school student, holding a book she seemed hesitant to borrow. Jun approached with a kind smile.

« May I help you? » he asked.

The girl looked up, surprised, then timidly nodded. « Yes, I was looking for something on Greek mythology. I... I am passionate about legends. »

Jun pointed to a nearby shelf. « You will find several interesting books here. If you need recommendations, don't hesitate. »

After helping the girl, Jun headed to his desk. He loved these moments when he could share his passion for reading with others. The library was more than just a workplace for him; it was a refuge, a sanctuary.

Jun sat behind his desk, taking out his personal journal to note his thoughts and observations of the day. It was a habit he had developed for years, recording every interesting detail or memorable encounter. As he wrote, he heard the chime of the library door signaling a new entry.

An elderly man, with a face marked by the years, slowly approached Jun. He wore a worn coat and an outdated hat, but his eyes shone with sharp intelligence.

« Good evening, young man. » The man smiled, revealing a row of yellowed teeth. « I am looking for a rare book. Perhaps you can help me? »

Jun nodded, always ready to help a fellow literature enthusiast. « Of course, which book are you looking for? »

The man took a piece of paper from his pocket, unfolding it carefully. « The Chronicles of the Immortal. »

Jun straightened, surprised. It was the same book he had found earlier that day. « In fact, I just discovered it today. It is in the section of ancient books. Follow me. »

They walked together to the secluded alcove where Jun had found the Chronicles of the Immortal. The man observed the book with visible fascination, his trembling fingers brushing the leather cover.

« This book... it has a fascinating history. Do you know what it contains? » asked the man.

Jun shook his head. « I haven't read it in detail yet. Why is it so special? »

The man smiled mysteriously. « This book is said to contain ancient secrets and tales of forgotten heroes. Those who have read it say it can change your life. »

Intrigued, Jun returned to his desk with the man, deciding to start reading the Chronicles of the Immortal in his presence. As he turned the pages, a strange sensation of connection and destiny intensified. The words seemed to vibrate before his eyes as if trying to communicate directly with his soul.

The library was silent, the air filled with mystery and anticipation. Jun read aloud, captivated by the epic tales and heroic adventures of the protagonists. Each page turned seemed to reveal a new world, a new quest. The man listened attentively, his eyes shining with unfathomable wisdom.

Then the transformation occurred. A low rumble emanated from the book, the library walls trembled, and a golden light burst from the pages, enveloping Jun in a radiant glow. The words he read began to rewrite themselves, forming a message that seemed to address him directly.

« Jun Park, your destiny is sealed, you are the chosen Immortal to bind the worlds. »

Jun felt a powerful energy surge through him, as if the words were imprinting themselves in his mind and soul. The old man stood up, his eyes shining with satisfaction.

« You have been chosen, Jun. Your life will never be the same. Embrace your destiny, and you will discover wonders beyond your imagination. »

Before Jun could ask questions, the man disappeared in a whirl of light, leaving Jun alone with the book. Stunned, he closed the Chronicles of the Immortal, knowing that his life had just taken an irreversible turn.

In the following days, Jun tried to understand what had happened to him. He discovered that the Chronicles of the Immortal bestowed upon him supernatural abilities and memories of the immortal hero he was destined to embody. But he was not the only one affected by the Literary Awakening. Other people in the city began to manifest powers related to their favorite books.

Jun also noticed subtle but disturbing changes in the city of Kirin. The streets he knew so well sometimes seemed to transform before his eyes, as if they were drawn from a dream or a nightmare. The inhabitants themselves appeared more tense, some speaking of strange visions or inexplicable phenomena.

One night, while researching the Chronicles, Jun discovered a handwritten note slipped between the pages. It was written in an ancient language he did not recognize, but touching it, he felt a wave of understanding. The words transformed before his eyes into a warning:

« Whoever reads this must be ready to face forces beyond imagination. The Chronicles are a portal to forgotten worlds and formidable powers. »

Jun felt a weight on his shoulders. He realized that his life would never be the same. He was now the guardian of immense and mysterious power, and he had to learn to use it to protect not only himself but also those he loved.

In the morning, Jun woke up with renewed determination. He prepared to leave the library and embark on his quest. But before leaving, he did one last thing: he wrote a letter to his colleagues, briefly explaining that he had to be absent for an important mission.

As he crossed the library door, Jun took one last look back. He knew that the path ahead would be long and perilous, but he was ready to face all the challenges to fulfill his destiny. The Chronicles of the Immortal in his hands, he ventured into the unknown, his heart beating to the rhythm of the words engraved in the ancient book.

The city of Kirin was calm at this early hour, the streets still deserted. Jun walked, each step resonating like an echo of his determination. He knew that his quest would not be easy, but he was ready to face the dangers to discover the truth about the Chronicles of the Immortal and protect his world.