Trial

Chapter 25: Trial

I followed Elara through the corridors of my mind, marveling at the sheer vastness of the library. Rows upon rows of books stretched infinitely in every direction, each one a repository of memories, experiences, and knowledge. The place was both familiar and utterly alien, like a childhood home transformed into a labyrinth of wonders.

"So, Elara," I said, trying to make sense of it all, "where exactly are you taking me?"

Elara stopped and turned to face me, her expression full of seriousness. "To the bed, of course."

"God. I hate myself." I sighed, glaring at Elara. "You really don't know how to read the mood, do you?"

She led me to a large, ornate door at the far end of the library. It was intricately carved with symbols and runes that seemed to pulse with a soft, otherworldly light. Elara placed her hand on the door, and it swung open with a creak that sounded oddly like a yawn.

"Welcome to the Grand Hall of Shame," she announced grandly. "This is where we keep the really juicy stuff—forgotten memories, suppressed emotions, traumatic events, sealed memories, and knowledge you're not quite ready to confront."

SLAM!

I immediately closed the door as soon as Elara opened her mouth, then glared at her. I really wanted to hit her with something right now. Suddenly, something magical happened right before my eyes. A chair materialized in my arms, and I found myself holding it tightly.

A plastered grin appeared on my face. It seemed there is a god after all. "Dear God, forgive me, for I am about to sin."

Some people just need a high-five, in the face with a chair.

"Wait, where did you get that chair from? Put the chair down, let's talk this through."

Whoosh!

Ignoring what she said, I swung the chair in Elara's direction, but she managed to dodge it by leaning to the side.

"Hear me out, it's not what you think—" Elara raised her hand in an attempt to calm me, but I didn't care.

"I will, after I land at least one good hit on you."

I swung again, but she easily dodged it.

"At least let me finish my sentence!"

"Oh, I'll be the one finishing you!" With that, I continued attacking, but Elara kept easily dodging my attacks as if she could read my mind. Ah, so that was it.

"Calm down, Noel, that was just a joke. I'll tell you everything, just stop for now!" Elara suddenly became desperate, knowing that her trick had been discovered.

I made the floor Elara was standing on slippery. Even if she could read my mind, there was no way she could dodge something as unavoidable as this.

And as expected, without even having to do anything, Elara slipped and fell on her own. She immediately tried to pick herself up; however, a chain suddenly appeared, locking her foot to the floor and making her unable to move from the spot.

It seemed that since this was my own mind, I could create anything with just a thought.

Seeing that she couldn't dodge anymore and was rooted to the spot, I grinned. "Not so tough now, are we?"

"Hahaha!" Suddenly, Elara burst out laughing.

Has she gone crazy?

I raised an eyebrow, still holding the chair. "Care to explain why you're laughing like a maniac?"

"Seriously, Noel," she said between laughs, "you've got a creative streak in you. But chaining me up, the only person who can help you right now."

"Help? What are you talking about? You consider making me relive my trauma as help. You're out of your goddamn mind if that's the case."

Elara wiped a tear from her eye, still giggling. "You're taking all this way too seriously. Think carefully, try to remember what happened just before you came here."

Ah.

As if a nail being struck, realization hit me. I got so engrossed in the library that I nearly forgot about my situation and how dire it is. All I remember was being consumed by darkness, nearly getting obliterated, and meeting Nora again—totally nothing wrong with that.

"Lady Elara, what are you doing on the ground? Here, allow me to assist you." Forgetting about the previous exchange, I offered my hand, immediately trying to butter up Elara, treating her like a princess.

The chain holding Elara's foot popped like bubbles and disappeared.

"Don't think I've forgotten what you were doing earlier." Elara slapped away the hand I offered, then dusted off her clothes and stood up while giving me a withering look.

"You're lucky you didn't actually hit me with that chair, or I might have had to get creative with my revenge."

I chuckled, a bit sheepishly. "Okay, okay, no more chair swinging. But what's the connection between this and having to do with my current situation?"

"Well, you haven't completely link with the library yet."

"You mean that soul-crushing ordeal wasn't enough for the library? Now it wants to fuck me up mentally too?" I asked, exasperated.

Elara's laughter finally subsided, and she looked at me with a mix of pity and amusement. "The library isn't just a place, Noel. It's alive, and it tests those who enter it. It wants to see if you can handle what's coming."

I frowned, the weight of her words settling in. "What's coming? What more could it possibly throw at me?"

"Your lost memory," she replied, a hint of mystery in her voice. "But for now, you need to get through this initial trial. The library is probing your mind, your memories. You need to confront them, not run from them."

"Confront them? How am I supposed to do that?"

Elara stepped closer, her gaze softening. "By facing your fears. By accepting what happened and using it to your advantage. The library thrives on knowledge and resilience. Prove to it that you have both."

I took a deep breath, my chest tightening. "And if I can't?"

"Then the library will consume you," she said bluntly. "But I believe you can do it. I know you better than you know yourself. Now, show it to the library."

Her words echoed in my mind as the shadows of the library closed in. I had no choice but to face whatever demons it dredged up. I closed my eyes, letting the memories flood in.

Darkness swallowed me, and I was back in the tower. The walls closed in, and I felt like I couldn't breathe. Every inch of me was in pain as shadows clawed at my flesh.

Flashes of near obliteration—blinding light, crushing despair. My heart pounded, terror gripping my soul. I wanted to scream, to escape, but I stood my ground. My legs trembled, but I planted my feet firmly. I clenched my fists, nails digging into my palms.

The memories intensified. Faces of those I love, their voices filled with curses and disappointment, guilt and helplessness washing over me. But amid the chaos, a flicker of resolve sparked within me, telling myself this isn't real. However their words still hurt me, like a thousand daggers stabbing at my back.

I straightened, drawing strength from that spark. I wouldn't let these memories break me. I faced each one head-on, letting the pain and fear wash over me without letting it control me.

Slowly, the oppressive atmosphere lightened. The shadows began to recede, acknowledging my resolve. The air felt less suffocating, the weight on my chest lifting.

I opened my eyes to find Elara watching me, a faint smile on her lips. "You're on the right path," she said softly. "Keep going."

With a weary nod, I asked, "What's next?"She pointed to a doorway that had appeared in the wall. "Through there. The library will guide you. Best of luck."

I stepped forward, my heart pounding, and crossed the threshold. The room beyond was bathed in a soft, golden light, rows of ancient books lining the walls. At the center stood a pedestal with a single, ornate book resting on it.

I approached the book, feeling its pull. As I reached out to touch it, a voice echoed in my mind.

"Are you ready to learn the truth?"

I hesitated for a moment, then nodded. "Yes. Show me."

The book opened on its own, pages flipping rapidly before settling on a single page. The words began to glow, lifting off the page and swirling around me. The library's final test had begun, and there was no turning back.