Endless Heaven Library
The Caeli Academy was enormous, spanning across an area as big as a small nation on Earth, allowing the grounds of the institution to hold lakes, forests, mountains, libraries and hundreds of teaching facilities. Furthermore, there were even a whole city near it, erected by alumnus of the academy and other certified people, guaranteeing security and a constant influx of resources for the students.
This whole area was protected by a huge dome built during the Age of Darkness to protect the academy from demons' attacks. Thus, only those who were former students of the institution and those with permissions were allowed to enter and stay on these grounds. Caeli Academy could be considered one of the most secure places in the whole world and didn't belong to any external forces.
The Endless Heaven Library was one of the grandest buildings on the Academy, holding a collection of millions of books, collected by professors, students, and alumnus during thousands of years. It was supposedly the place with the most knowledge on the world. The library was enchanted by a powerful sorcerer, who imbued the space with the magic to preserve all knowledge for eternity and made the inside larger, able to hold even more books. The space could be considered endless.
The bookshelves, seemingly endless, spanned from the ground to the ceiling and beyond. They twisted and turned, creating pathways that led to hidden nooks and crannies, where a new world or a lost book could be revealed. The stairs in the library were just as extraordinary as the bookshelves. They swirled and danced, leading the curious readers to the exact book they were searching for. They seemed to have a mind of their own, taking the visitor on a whimsical journey through the many levels of the library.
Each book held within the library was a treasure trove of knowledge. They contained secrets and wisdom from every corner of the world, from the tiniest details of everyday life to the most arcane knowledge of magic and mysticism. It was said that within the pages of the books, one could learn the secrets of the universe.
Inside the Endless Heaven Library, Arthur Silver Moon, the Third Prince of the Silver Moon Empire, had his eyes glued to the thick book in front of him. He was flipping through the pages with great interest and excitement. The book title could be considered quite catching and appealing to those free souls, "Ten places to visit before you die."
Arthur's legs tapped incessantly on the ground as he silently read one of the chapters, "The Ark of Leonidas". Three thousand years ago, Sparta was attacked by a legendary Kraken, furious over the assassination of its offspring. The beast created waves so massive that they threatened to wash away the city and all its constructions, as its big tentacles hit the sea.
In the face of imminent danger, the Legendary King Leonidas and 300 brave warriors set sail on his great ship to confront the Kraken. They fought tirelessly against the turbulent waves and countless marine creatures until they finally beheaded the beast and returned with its head to Sparta.
Unfortunately, the ship that had carried them was severely damaged during the fight and could not be repaired. Upon docking, King Leonidas ordered its destruction, but the chief of the shipbuilders secretly took away the old vessel. He didn't want the King's honor and the memory of such important and historical moment to be washed away. That's why he hid it on a desert but paradisiac island, known as Mykonos.
Upon finishing the story, Arthur took a deep breath and closed his eyes, trying to calm down his thrilled mind and heart. He began to imagine the grandeur of Leonidas and his ship, sailing through the massive waves, ready to face against a mythical beast. Soon, he opened his eyes and pulled out a white notebook from his pockets, writing down on it "Destiny number #33 – The Ark of Leonidas".
Arthur was sixteen this year, meaning that the next year he would finally graduate and be free from the tethers of his family. He didn't wish to remain stuck on top of a throne or under expensive garments, laughing and currying favors. He desired freedom.
One year ago, he began perusing through hundreds of history books and writing down all interesting destinies he longed to visit. He was already on his 33rd destiny, still a long way to go to reach the goal of 100.
After finishing his notes, Arthur took out a silver pocket watch and looked at the time – "It's almost time for my class. I must get going."
He got up and looked at the twisting and turning bookshelves and stairs. He grabbed the book on the table and threw it upwards before chanting – "Go!".
As if guided by a strong force, the book rushed like a bolt upwards and disappeared on those endless bookshelves. The other students on the silent library couldn't help but show an envious gaze at Arthur's fresh figure, who didn't have to climb up and down those endless and tricky stairs. Only those with great understanding of magic could understand the surface principles of the library and utilize it in their favors.
Arthur didn't mind their looks and rapidly got out of the Endless Heaven Library.