Ragnarok: Creed of the Forbidden Guild

The Ancient Keeper

BAM! BAM! BAM! "Faulkner, wake up!"

Elysa was in the boys' dormitory outside Faulkner's room. She has been there for quite awhile and her knuckles were turning red from all her knocking. "Darn it! Open up you creep!"

"Miss Aesir? What's wrong?" The voice came from behind her and Elysa turned to see who it was. And it was the least she expected.

Smiling in front of her was Alcesti Cerval, the guest acolyte. She was in the academy for a research needed at the Pronteran Sanctuary. The acolyte was eighteen years old, a year ahead of her, and was very beautiful. Alcesti's crystal blue hair was perfectly matched for her red, expressive eyes. Tilting her head to the side, she repeated her question. "Miss Aesir? Any matter?"

"This is nothing really. I was just waking my friend. Why do you call me 'Aesir', Miss Cerval?" Elysa tried her best to sound formal.

"Oh! Please, spare me the formalities, just call me Alcesti. Everyone, even the Great Wizard calls you Aesir because of that beautiful ice statue you did for the exams yesterday. I was there too and everyone was impressed!" The acolyte's voice was melodic, almost like a song. She was the kind of person who's always lively and never empty.

Not out of formalities, but out of pride, Elysa gave a teeth-bearing smile while her cheeks flushed. It was truly flattering to be nicknamed 'goddess' because of a job well done. Unable to speak, she simply nodded in reply.

After several more exchanges, Alcesti asked for her full name before leaving. Elysa was generous of nods and smiles and watched until her newfound friend turned at the corner, obstructing her view. Alcesti's humming can still be heard dancing in the air.

With a buoyant mood, Elysa resumed her knocking at the door of another friend. Before long, she entered Faulkner's room and was shocked to discover the place vacant. Elysa tidied up his bed before resuming her search. As she left the room, her eyebrows were gathering at the middle of her forehead and her lips were in a pout.

The Geffen Academy Library was adjacent to the main building. It was as big as the dormitory at the other side of the main. Library goers can measure its length in 300 hundred steps, its width in 250. Having 5 storeys, the books were arranged in heirchy. Those having the most important or most secret information housed the top level, while those with less importance to the most common of books, were arranged in the remaining four.

Only those with permission and authority can enter the fifth level, the library is so strict with its visitors; it has been decades since a living walked beyond the great steel door that was said to be the only entry to the room that guarded the deepest of Midgard's history and mystery.

In every level, chairs and tables were neatly arranged in the middle where researchers can comfortably read and ponder, while the books were shelved in every corner. Readers find the systematic arrangement of books an enjoyment because of the ease in finding one's desired writing. That may be the reason why the academy library was accredited and widely known.

While resting his arm at the information desk, Faulkner waited for the librarian, tapping his fingers in rhythm. His eyes wandered, observing the carved pillars lined in columns and the wooden desk grouped in rows. "So, this is the third level." He considered. It was the farthest level students could access. A few more breaths passed and the librarian returned with an armful of books.

"Yes? Anything I can do? Oh! It's you! Smokie! The book of ABC's is at the lowest level, you didn't have to go this far," The librarian began, obviously enjoying his sarcasm. "The women's favorite pocket novels should be around that area too." He finished, setting his books at a table.

Faulkner smirked at the insults. So, these simpletons call me Smokie now, huh? He thought. Before they called me Floury, now Smokie. You'll all swallow your words one day! Floury was the nickname he gained when he tried to summon Thunder Bolts, yet showered white flour instead.