1 Chapter 1 - When you Read, despite told DON’T! (Edited)
Gon Moretti was an average high school student at Shounen High School. At first glance, his ordinary appearance was only punctuated by the glasses perched on his nose.
While most students in the school gathered in groups to chat and joke around, Gon could usually be found tucked away in a corner of the library, engrossed in a book.
His peers often labeled him a 'nerd,' a title he had come to own.
Over the years, he had managed to read practically every book the school library had to offer.
Today, however, was different; today was special.
Every few months, the library added new titles to its collection, and Gon was always among the first to check them out.
He was eagerly looking forward to spending his time reading these new books and immersing himself in the pages of unfamiliar stories.
"Gon, why are you so lost in thought?" a voice jolted him from his daydream.
Turning to his side, Gon saw Rocky, one of his few friends at Shounen High. Their friendship had begun simply because they were seated at the same table.
Rocky was the complete opposite of Gon: athletic, sociable, and popular.
He had little interest in books and was always trying to get Gon to join his activities.
"You know the library got new books today," Gon said, his excitement evident, "I'm really looking forward to reading them."
Rocky rolled his eyes. "Always about books, huh?"
"Gon, you should get out more. We're in school; you should enjoy it. There's more to life than just books."
Gon, while loving his books, also wants to socialize with his other classmates.
But, there were many reasons he found this difficult. 'For one, I'm clueless about what topics to discuss with them, and they seem to avoid me whenever I try.'
He had often looked forward to hanging out with others, maybe even finding a girlfriend. But despite his many attempts to start a conversation, they always seemed to lead nowhere.
Many students at Shounen High avoided Gon, not because they disliked him, but because of fear.
Rumors about an incident from his middle school years had circulated among them.
The details were hazy, but whispers mentioned bullying, and some rumors even suggested that one of the bullies had died under mysterious circumstances.
Due to these rumors, most students, including the bullies, always keep a safe distance from Gon.
The school bell then rang, its chimes sounding like a classic grandfather clock announcing the end of the lesson.
Mr. Roy, the class teacher, adjusted his round glasses, which magnified his hazel eyes, and looked around the room, pausing momentarily to make sure he had everyone's attention.
"Alright, everyone, don't forget your assignments for tomorrow." With a final nod, he dismissed the class.
Gon's face lit up with anticipation. "Finally! See you later, Rocky!"
Before Rocky could even think of a response, Gon was already out of the classroom, running towards the library.
Upon reaching the library, Gon pushed the door open with an eagerness only a true book enthusiast would understand.
Miss Feli, the school librarian, stood by the counter.
She looked younger than her actual age, her delicate features enhanced by her radiant white skin, and her dark hair flowed down her back.
To many, she was the epitome of beauty.
"Miss Feli! Have the new books arrived?" Gon inquired, his voice filled with hope.
With a smile playing on her lips, she responded, "Yes, they have," pointing to a cart filled with books, some still in their original packaging.
"We have not only the new arrivals but also some generous donations. Feel free to check them out."
Gon's eyes twinkled, but before he could move, Miss Feli handed him a sheet of paper. "Remember our deal, Gon," she reminded him gently.
He glanced at the paper detailing the books' categorization and recording process.
Grinning broadly, he assured her, "Of course, Miss Feli. I won't forget."
Holding the paper close, he approached the treasure trove of books, ready to embark on new adventures.
Upon reaching the cart, Gon eagerly began cataloging the books.
Oddly enough, while others might find this task boring, for Gon, it brought a sense of calm.
Each book represented a new promise, a new adventure waiting to be embarked upon.
As he tore the plastic off a new volume, the distinct aroma of fresh pages wafted up, eliciting a sigh of satisfaction from him.
"Ah, this is the best. There's nothing quite like this," he mumbled to himself, savoring the moment.
He continued sorting through the books, occasionally setting aside those written by his favorite authors for later reading.
Time flowed seamlessly, and before he knew it, several hours had passed.
Having finished with the new arrivals, he was about to check the stack of donated books when Miss Feli's voice reached his ears.
"Gon, it's already noon," she observed, glancing at the ornate wall clock.
"You should head home. There's always tomorrow to continue."
"Just a few more, Miss Feli," Gon replied his tone a mix of pleading and determination.
Miss Feli laughed, not at all surprised by his response. "Honestly, what am I going to do with you?"
"Fine, but remember to lock up when you're done, alright? And leave the key in its usual spot," she instructed, gathering her belongings.
Students were not typically allowed to stay in the library after school hours.
However, a few months ago, Gon persistently asked Miss Feli for special permission.
After many attempts, she finally agreed to make an exception.
She recognized his passion for reading.
Thankfully, the arrangement had run smoothly without any issues.
As Miss Feli approached the library's exit, she called out, "Goodbye, Gon!"
Her voice was a blend of amusement and fondness as the door closed behind her.
Gon, deeply engrossed in his task, responded without turning around, "Goodbye, Miss Feli."
As he continued sorting the books, a peculiar one caught his eye. It was coated in a layer of dust, indicating it hadn't been touched for a long time.
What caught his attention was the title, written in golden red font: "Don't Read This Book" by Elvlin.
Having spent many years reading books, Gon was familiar with a plethora of authors' names.
Even if he couldn't list every name, he would instantly remember one if mentioned.
But this name, Elvlin, was one he had never heard of before.
Feeling curious, he decided to flip open the cover.
The first page has a warning: "I told you not to read this book. You shouldn't have opened it. Now, face the consequences of your choice. No regrets!"
Gon chuckled upon reading this, considering it a marketing ploy or some reverse psychological trick by the author.
If it was, it had certainly worked on him.
He then started turning the page to the next.
To his surprise, the paper began to decay, rapidly disintegrating into fine ash.
But instead of falling to the ground and being pulled by gravity, the ash began to swirl in the air, creating a whirlwind seemingly powered by some invisible force.
Surprised by what he was seeing, Gon took a step backward, but the ash seemed alive, moving through the air and getting closer to him.
Feeling danger, Gon's instincts kicked in.
He quickly made a sprint to the library door and tried to pull it open, but it wouldn't budge.
Using all his strength, he tried hitting the door with his fists and feet, but nothing worked.
It was as if an invisible barrier had sealed it shut.
With no other choice, Gon ran toward the aisle of towering bookshelves, trying to escape the flying ashes.
Looking over his shoulder, he noticed the ash starting to change its shape, forming letters, making Gon realize it was trying to communicate with him.
First, it spelled out the letter "T," then "O.L.D Y.O.U. D.O.N.T R.E.A.D I.T. N.O.W I.T.S T.O.O L.A.T.E," followed by an eerie semblance of a smirking smile.
The message then shifted to "S.U.R.R.E.N.D.E.R T.O Y.O.U.R F.A.T.E."
Reading the text, Gon felt a chill run down his spine.
The small hairs on the back of his neck stood up, and he could feel his heart pounding loudly in his chest.
The adrenaline rushing through his veins made him move faster than he thought possible.
Just when he thought he had gained some distance, he realized the ash had split into two, now flanking him from both the front and the back.
His breathing became ragged, and in panic, he screamed, "Stop! Please! I want to live! I promise I won't touch your book again!"
To his surprise, the ash responded to what he said.
It stopped its movement and began to form words again. The ash in front of him spelled out "D."
Curious about what the ash behind him was doing, he looked back, and it formed an "O."
He quickly looked back and forth, piecing together the message: "D.O.N.T W.O.R.R.Y."
Reading the message made Gon feel a little more calm, but he still couldn't shake off the feeling that the ash was toying with him.
"What do you mean by 'don't worry'?" he asked, trying to hide his fear.
The ash rearranged itself once again, spelling out "Y.O.U W.O.N.T D.I.E."
Gon felt a momentary sense of relief, but it was short-lived.
The ash in front of him began to merge, forming a full sentence that reignited his fear.
This made him suspect that the ash was doing this on purpose, enjoying his reactions.
His suspicions were confirmed when the ash transformed into a grotesque smirk, and an eerie, mocking laughter echoed in his mind. "HAHAHAHAHA!"
Suddenly, the message shifted to "IT WILL JUST HURT A LOT!"
Before he had time to react, the ash surged towards him.
Caught off guard, Gon's eyes widened in shock.
Before he could close his mouth, the ash entered, filling his lungs and silencing his screams.
