BXBX NOVEL Chapter 33 Ark III
Chapter 33 Ark III
"Regarding the location," the being continued, its measured and thoughtful tone resonating with ancient wisdom. "It's a challenge to describe because this place defies fixed coordinates in space. It exists outside the constraints of specific cosmic points. Unfortunately, I cannot provide precise coordinates. Yet, I sense your true inquiry is, 'What is this place?'"
Elian's eyes widened with anticipation as he eagerly nodded in agreement. The initial response had already left him in a state of intellectual hunger, his mind racing with possibilities. The notion of a location not anchored to space was a concept he couldn't quite fathom, but the implications were nothing short of mind-boggling.
The being smiled, unfolding the description, "This place is the repository of all that has been, is, and will be. An eternal tapestry of knowledge woven into the fabric of existence. Every thought, every deed, every moment inscribed within its boundless expanse. It cradles the stories of the cosmos, the secrets of creation, and the echoes of forgotten realms. A timeless sanctuary where past, present, and future converge."
"As for me, I am Ark, a name bestowed upon me by companions," the being introduced itself with a gentle smile. "My responsibility involves safeguarding the threads of existence, preserving the echoes of all that has transpired, and guiding those who seek the tapestry of knowledge within the realms I oversee."
Elian took a moment to digest Ark's revelations. As he processed Ark's words, it became clear to him that this library was like the universe's memory bank, a repository for its thoughts, experiences, and knowledge. It functioned as a cosmic record of everything, transcending the confines of time and space, safeguarding the secrets and narratives of all existence. While the concept of such a place didn't boggle his mind, what puzzled him was the accessibility granted to people. It was akin to a software developer granting users access to the app's storage, raising questions about the potential for chaos. Elian swiftly surmised the answer.
'I suppose that's where Ark comes in,' Elian mused. From Ark's introduction, it was apparent that he held a position of authority within the library. It seemed his role encompassed not only overseeing the library but also preventing guests from causing disruptions.
"Yes, you're right," Ark confirmed with a smile. "Less than ten people have visited me here, and I must admit that you are the most cooperative one."
Elian found himself taken aback. Who, in their right mind, would dare to provoke someone as enigmatic and evidently powerful as Ark? Elian was acutely aware of his own vulnerability as a mere human, yet the palpable strength exuded by Ark was undeniable. Despite the benevolent and wise demeanor that Ark radiated, there was an underlying aura of immense power. It left Elian wondering about the audacity of anyone who might have crossed paths with this enigmatic figure and dared to challenge his authority.
"That statement only holds true for you, Elian," Ark continued, his tone carrying a hint of insight. "You see, when one reaches a certain level of strength and status, arrogance can cloud their judgment. There's no reasoning with some individuals. I must emphasize that among all who have visited, you are by far, and I mean significantly, the least powerful."
Elian awkwardly smiled, realizing that he had no reason to take offense, considering he was only eleven years old. However, there was something that piqued his interest: the few number of guests.
Elian didn't doubt for a second that Ark was older than human civilization, yet less than ten people who came here. This meant that the odds of being called here are less than abysmal. That or all the guests summoned here all had something in common, something that none of the other hundreds of billions of humans who ever lived didn't have. Curious about this, he couldn't help but ask
"Why am I here?"
Ark then show a smile and clap his hands before saying "Well, my dear, let's turn this into a bit of a game, shall we? If your guess hits the mark, a small token of appreciation might find its way to you."
Elian was surprised by the change of tone but definitely welcomed it. After all, a gift from Ark could very well being a life changer. Not to mention that as the library keeper, he could receive valuable knowledge and that's more motivation than what he needed
"How many tries?" Elian asked enthusiastically.
"Infinite and you have the right to ask as many as close questions as you want before any try. Just keep in mind that the more you ask the less valuable the present becomes."
"Understood. I start."
Elian started to brainstorm about the first question. Each of the tries is extremely important so even if it's wrong, he should be able to use it to know more. He had already established that he was here because he had something unique no one else had but what exactly?
It didn't take a second for Elian to have a first guess after all it was what brought him here
"Is it related to my runic eyes?" He asked
"Yes" Ark answered. Elian then thought of his eyes that were a 'gift' that was unique to him. And theories about gifts were true that meant,
"Is it related to my genes?"
"Yes"
Elian then thought if it was his genes and yet his parents weren't summoned that meant
"Is it a mutation?"
"Yes"
So he said
"I am here because my genes mutated?"
"Yes but it's deeper than that." Ark said
Deeper than a genetic mutation? Elian couldn't even start to guess what it could be. Except if he's talking about molecules and proteins but Elian is doubting about that.
Guess it's isn't easy to get a present from such a being. Elian thought before giving up and Ark seeing this said
"I guess you weren't knowledgeable as I thought you were" He said a seemingly disappointed expression shaking his head
"Sigh, ever heard about souls?"
Elian nodded heavily. While it was myth prior to cataclysm, now the existence of soul was an indisputable truth and many researchers dedicate their lives to the subject. Unfortunately, Elian wasn't interested in the subject so he didn't read those researchers books. But in many medical books that Elian read, it is mentioned that the soul heavily affect the body.
Wait, affect the body? Deeper than genes? It all then clicked in his mind.
"Am I here because of a soul mutation?" He said with the eyes still wide open
"Exactly. Seems you're still quite smart" Ark clapped his hands before adding
"Let's be generous. I will give you the present if you're able to guess the mutation." Ark said with a wide smile
Elian on the other hand had long realized what this was all about so he answered
"It's El, huh"
"Yes, spot on" he said before saying with a serious face
"Hear me, young one. El is an oddity, a deviation from the natural order, and your presence here is guided by my knowledge to assist you through it. Before you make a fuss, understand this: if the current state of affairs persists, both you and El are destined for a departure from this world in the not-so-distant future."