...I was stuck in the entrance. This was a sad truth that I was forced to accept after failling for the third time in a row to stand up on my feet. At first, I was planning to simply shrug off her tantrum and just return at the top of the Library but that idea was swiftly tossed aside once I applied pressure on my left ankle. What I saw afterwards was the floor below me, landing face first into it at full force.

That fall may have lasted a single second but it definitely did a number on me. Sure, I could drag my way back to the top but at the speed it would take me, I would probably lose 2 years of my life. So, with a sigh of dejection, I sat down and leaned against a wall.

Angela's gonna get bored and come back, why waste my energy when I can play the long game.

Y/N: ...

Yep, she's gonna come back and then I'll be able to say something like "Look who's back, wasn't expecting you to return so soon, did you blow a fuse in your corner?" with a slight grin of victory.

Y/N: Heh... ah...

Not my best insult, I should probably come up with a better one.

...

Y/N: ...

My eyes slowly looked around. The drawback of the decision I chose was that I had nothing to do to pass the time and with my ankle giving me a hard time, I was basically locked in place until "Miss Director" returned from pouting in her own corner.

It also meant that I was all on my own, alone with my own thoughts and personal demons.

With not much to do, I lightly tapped my fingernails against the floor under me. The result was a disorganized melody that would be closer to rain dropping into a gutter rather than an actual song. However, it was the only thing separating me from pure silence, a fate worse than death in my opinion so I continued doing so.

Fingernails... unharmed nails. As I looked down, recent and stressful memories of a certain nightmare began to emerge, whispering in my ear with a honeyed voice that I refused to comprehend. A simple blink was all I needed to be brought back in that dark room, only to vanish the moment I opened my eyes once more.

...

I hurriedly shook my head, now was not the time for the depressing shit, especially with my twisted ankle still giving me hell. Think of something else, anything, it doesn't matter.

Y/N: ...I'm already starting to regret my decision.

Sadly, even if I were to just kick the bucket and make my way to the stairs, it would still take me an eternity and a half to return to the top. No shortcut, no miracle, just a pathetic moron making his situation worse than it actually is.

I could go to sleep... something that I would like to avoid if possible. I just woke up from a nightmare that I am not ready to face for a second time in the same day. Thankfully, I wasn't experiencing any serious exhaustion, which gave me the excuse I needed to remain awake.

No, instead, my attention was shifted towards the first dream I had after waking up in this place, despite my own mind telling me to think of something else like a minute ago. It was one that I couldn't properly understand unlike the second one. What was that room I saw? Why was I locked inside? Was it just my mind trying to mess with me?

Y/N: "You'll get killed out there". It can't be that bad.

Maybe it was just my own mind stressing about the outside world, it would explain the metaphor of the black room locked from the rest of the world just like how Lobotomy Corporation was locked away from the world.

...Or maybe it doesn't have a symbolism, just a dream acting like a dream with no real meaning behind it. One thing remains though: I really want to see what's on the other side of that room, even if it's just a blank space. Sadly, that won't happen until I successfully defeat whoever is keeping me inside.

A calm sigh escaped my lips as I pondered on the matter, desperately trying to ignore the pain I was experiencing. Angela should arrive soon, at any moment now... maybe, depends on how obstinate she wants to be.

I can almost picture her sitting in a corner like a child being punished, facing the walls with crossed arms and a glare that could kill someone. It would definitely be accurate considering what she's done was basically a child's tantrum taken to 11.

???: Uh, sir?

Meanwhile, I'm stuck down there doing the same, rotting in my own wrath and pain. It certainly doesn't help that she often makes the situation worse with her words, scoffing at my feelings like they were unimportant.

Why did she even drag me back from the afterlife? She must have known that I would give her shit for what she did, yet she still went through with that plan. Is she that dumb?

???: Sir?

Y/N: ...?

I blinked once out of surprise. I was slightly taken aback after hearing a voice suddenly call out to me.

Standing next to me was a small boy with short hair, wearing a gray jacket and carrying a sheathed shortsword on his right. His gray eyes looked down at me, revealing a slight worry aimed towards me. A moment of silence followed until my mind gathered some pieces together to formulate a realization.

This boy was the same one that we saw before greeting the duo before. He was there, standing next to me, meaning only one thing.

Y/N: ...Fuck my life.

Finn: Huh?

Y/N: Nothing, just my ankle giving me a hard time.

I hurriedly changed the subject out of instinct. He took the bait thrown at him almost immediately and stepped closer to examine my legs.

Finn: Is everything alright?

Y/N: Just twisted, not the end of the world.

Finn: ...I don't have anything on me to fix something like this right now.

The newcomer quickly wandered in his thoughts, trying to find a solution to the problem he was confronted with. I tried to speak in return but my words couldn't properly get out, he looked genuinely concerned.

Finn: If only we were sponsored by K Corp...

Y/N: K Corp?

Finn: Mhm.

He nodded back with a slight frown, clearly displeased by the fact that he could not help with the current problem. My only response once faced with that expression was to try pulling myself off of the floor, prompting a groan to follow afterwards.

The young one's eyes widened the moment his sharp ears caught my feeble noise of pain, which was quickly followed by his own assistance by holding one of my arms. He didn't even ask, he simply did it out of his own volition. Assisted by such kindness, I could only let out a small 'thanks' before averting my gaze towards the entrance, where Angela should soon arrive.

Y/N: Hey kid.

Finn: ?

Y/N: You might not want to be here, this place is dangerous.

Finally, after some effort, I managed to stand on my good foot and leaned against the wall pressed against my back. My helper silently processed my words of warning and revealed a slight confusion in return.

Finn: Did you get hurt trying to get the books too?

Y/N: ...

I averted my eyes from the question.

Y/N: No... It was because of something else.

Finn: Really?

He seemed rather curious about my circumstances, like an innocent child believing in fairytales.

Y/N: I...

I didn't know what to say, do I just come out and just say into his face that I was basically trying to commit a murder but resorted to mental warfare once I realized I couldn't pull it off successfully? Saying that to someone that definitely was on the younger side didn't sit right with me.

Y/N: I... may or may not had an argument with the one in charge of this place.

Finn: Why?

Y/N: There's plenty of reasons, believe me. Thankfully, it doesn't concern you, you should focus on your own problems.

Like leaving this place as possible before it's too late. I made a quick sign with my eyes, pointing at the exit with hope that he would take the hint and get out. Naive as he is, my sign went through one ear and out the other.

Finn: That's right. If I manage to do this request, our Office might get sponsored, I have to do my very best!

Y/N: Wait-

Angela: That's enough, don't you think so?

Y/N: ...

My eyes swiftly moved and locked onto the woman standing in the distance, observing the both of us with a cold gaze and a fake smile, looks like she's still not over the insult I tossed at her. The young Fixer was also taken aback by the sudden appearance of the AI but quickly gathered his wits.

Finn: Hello, I'm Finn, working at Yun's Office.

Angela: I am Angela, the librarian of my role's namesake.

Not understanding in what situation he got himself into, he stepped closer and greeted the newcomer with a bright smile. I silently followed behind him and tossed a quiet glare at her, something that was thrown back at me effortlessly.

Finn: Is it true that I can find "books" containing a lot of information in this place?

Angela: Yes, of course. You were given the invitation for that exact reason.

Finn: This is definitely what we would need...

With a slow gesture, she moved his attention towards the path leading further inside the Library, inviting him to meet his possible death with a smile plastered on her face. She expected him to blindly rush inside, beginning the ordeal prepared for him. However, it didn't happen, he remained still, facing his interlocutor with a visible hesitation in his action.

Angela: Is something wrong?

Finn: Well...

He slowly turned his head in my direction as the silence progressed. I guess he must feel conflicted about leaving me in that state. Soon enough, his footsteps turned and made their way to me.

Finn: Are you going to be alright sir?

Y/N: Under her gaze? Not a chance but that's not something that's going to change anytime soon.

I lowered myself to his level and gave him a kind smile. I could already feel her stare drilling into my back, ready and willing to shove the kid inside if she needed to do so. In my current state, it was something that I couldn't prevent.

Y/N: However, I give you my blessing, you still have a bright future ahead.

Those were the words he needed to hear, a confirmation to proceed. His hands tightened into fists and he nodded back at me before making his way towards his imminent demise.

Finn: I'll try to find some help!

Y/N: Don't fret over me, worry about yourself first!

We exchanged a final wave, the last thing I saw before his figure vanished inside the prison around us. As soon as he did, a sigh escaped my lips and my shoulders dropped, a sight that even Angela herself did not disturb.

Y/N: Feeling good about yourself? You sent a kid to his death... Nah, of course not, a machine can't understand empathy.

I mumbled the last part to myself, not that it helped much considering that she could easily hear my voice. Still, she refrained from commenting on my remark and stepped closer.

Angela: Are you done complaining now?

Y/N: I still want to strangle you, does that count as a yes?

It was her turn to sigh. We were both stuck in this back and forth that never seemed to end, arguing nonstop with no visible signs of a possible compromise. Still, despite that reality, she took hold of my arm and raised her other hand.

Angela: Let's get you fixed up.

Y/N: A change of heart so soon? I was expecting you to leave me to rot down here.

Angela: And possibly bother the guests?

Y/N: ...Guests, riiiight.

I tilted my head to the side and watched her snap her fingers, teleporting the both of us away from the entrance to deal with my current problem. Though, I doubt fixing a twisted ankle is going to be complicated for her considering what she did to Roland.

Angela: Y/N, it's broken, not twisted.

Y/N: ...It is?

To prove my point, she swung a good hit on the injured part with the book she carries around, sending a surge of pain on my entire body. I quickly rolled around in agony until I was able to endure it.

Y/N: Ok, it might be.

...

...

Roland: I'm back~

Soon enough, the missing member of the current trio entered the room, greeted by the librarian and her assistant, who looked down at the floor with annoyance while clutching one of his ankles.

Y/N: Why did you have to smack it 3 other times?

Angela: Consider it payback.

Y/N: ...

Roland: Am I interrupting something?

Angela: No, bring the books.

He did as he was told and placed what was left behind after Finn's death on a nearby table. Once that was done, he took a second look at the grumpy ex-employee and gave him a slight pat on the back. His response towards the gesture was a simple groan and a question.

Y/N: How are you doing Roland?

Roland: Mostly fine... but boy, it's not all that delightful to see a young rookie die like that.

The uninvited guest let his thoughts slip as he glanced at the books that he brought back from his battle. These books were the remains of the optimistic Fixer who stepped inside the Library in order to please his boss.

Angela: He has agreed to the terms of the invitation. He knew that he could face death, yet still signed the paper. It was his own choice.

Roland: I suppose that's true. Still, it feels kinda dirty in a way, like pulling the rug under them.

Y/N: You're telling that to someone who did it once already Roland.

As per usual, a snarky remark echoed but it did not bear the same vitality the previous ones had. It also marked the end of the conversation they had, ending it on a bitter tone. With nothing else happening, the AI calmly took the books Roland brought back and walked out of the room.

The Fixer in a black suit wanted to do the same, take his leave and rest to deal with what he just did but a lack of movement from the other person in the room caused him to turn back. Sitting down, the reanimated agent looked at his left hand, his fingernails more precisely.

Y/N: ...

He did not budge from his current position, like a statue that was just recently placed down. His gaze was fixated on his previously mentioned hand with a breathing so quiet and slow that one might think they were staring directly at a frozen corpse. The only thing that disproved that theory was a mere blink that occured once in a while.

Roland: ...

Y/N: ...

Roland: Y/N?

Y/N: They're bleeding.

Roland: Bleeding?

Y/N: My fingernails are bleeding.

It was a simple statement, a single line thrown out like it was common sense. Yet, this single line was capable of leaving his interlocutor confused. After all, he could definitely tell with his own eyes that nothing was wrong, no visible injuries and especially not a single bloodstain on him.

Roland: I don't see anything.

Y/N: I don't either...

Roland: ...?

Y/N: I just feel it.

He mumbled back with a voice on the border between reality and the dreamworld. He looked ready to rest for at least a few days.

Roland: Maybe you're just tired, it'll pass.

His answer was practically saying "I have no idea what I'm supposed to say", something that the motionless person understood. Slowly but surely, his open hand closed into a fist and the pressure accumulating in the room dissipated as he took a deep breath, shattering the illusion of a still image.

Y/N: It'll probably vanish if I focus on something else. Sadly, there's not much to do here.

Angela was gone for now, leaving the duo on their own until she returned to ask them to do something for her or to prepare for a future guest. It was a moment of respite, a brief pause between each massacres.

Roland: Hm... Oh, I wanted to ask you something, if you don't mind.

Y/N: ...I doubt you'll gain much knowledge from someone with barely any memories but sure, what's bothering you?

As he spoke, the man sitting down crossed his legs, pointing an exhausted and curious gaze at Roland.

Roland: You said something about a second life. What do you mean by that?

Y/N: I thought it was pretty self-explanatory but I guess you wouldn't understand.

With that, he stood up from his seat, locking eyes with the man who inquired about the words he said.

Y/N: Have you ever experienced death?

Roland: I think our miss director cutting my limbs can be considered as one?

Y/N: You're not wrong, I'll give you that.

All that was said was a simple response before the one beginning his explanation made his way closer to the unfortunate soul who ended up getting trapped in the Library.

Y/N: As you might as guessed by now, Angela and I don't have the best type of relationship. The main cause is connected to said second life.

Roland: She brought you back?

Y/N: ...Yea, ironic considering she was the cause of what should have been my death.

The unwilling assistant walked past the one dressed in black with a solemn expression. Once that was done, he spun around and faced his listener with a sour look.

Y/N: At the end, I had everything I wanted. I thought that the hellish reality I had lived in until now would be pierced by a light at the end of the tunnel but it didn't happen, I was simply met with death.

Memories flooded back in his mind as his eyes became grim.

Y/N: Do you know what it feels like to lose everything at the finish line? To lose friends and even a lover just because fate said "no" to a possible happy ending?

Roland: ...

The man did not answer, content with just listening to his rant, his hands in his pockets.

Y/N: She caused this and then dragged me out of my coffin by offering me... this. I died with my loved one, only to wake up with nothing. I have nothing... I might as well be nothing too, my world doesn't have a meaning anymore.

Finally, after what felt like a good 10 minutes, the one forced to wear the same clothes as his superior heaved a sigh and raised a hand next to his face with a glare of animosity.

Y/N: She speaks as if she did nothing wrong, like she was justified to do anything she wanted to do, regardless of the consequences of her actions. That's why we'll never get along, why should I considering that my own world was shattered by her choice?

This was the end, the finale offered solely to the one who asked. In response, a short sentence was thrown back at him.

Roland: Sorry for digging up some bad memories, wasn't my intention.

Y/N: Oh don't worry, I don't hold it against you.

Immediately, the mood around Y/N performed a full 180, revealing a kind smile with a posture that seemed unable to express hatred. The change was so fast that it left Roland speechless and slightly creeped out.

Y/N: You're a victim too right? I'm not gonna take out my anger on everyone I see, especially since I know the reason of said emotions.

Although he didn't fully understand the situation between them, the Grade 9 Fixer was able to put more pieces together and form a vague idea. As he did so, the one who took the lead continued.

Y/N: But enough about dark stuff for now, I'm getting a headache.

Roland: Yea, I think I'm good for today too.

The both of them soon left together, side by side while engaging in a much lighthearted discussion, abandoning behind them the darkness and wrath that the ex-employee demonstrated with his words.