Today, just like yesterday and the one before that, a certain trio of librarians were resting in the same room together. One of them was counting the seconds away with a bored look glimmering in his eyes. Standing near him was a man with short black hair and an outfit of the same color, who calmly stretched his limbs. In the back, the woman in charge of the Library was content with observing the both of them, a book in hand.

Roland: Here we go, much better~

Y/N: Try not to strain your muscles.

Finally coming back to reality, the one dozing off aimed his gaze at Roland.

Roland: I'm still not fully used to fighting, not my best style of work. This new body seems much more used for receptions.

After cracking his knuckles, the Fixer turned his eyes towards Angela.

Roland: At least I'm doing job, right ma'am?

The creator of this wavering illusion closed the book she was carrying and stood up from her seat.

Angela: You seem be doing your job well, surprising considering how much you complained.

A drop of sweat fell down the man's face after hearing her words.

Roland: What did you expect after greeting me in such a violent way? Hell, even I was surprised. I find myself in the middle of nowhere and the first person I meet blows off my limbs.

Angela: But you still did the job I gave you.

A second bead of sweat formed on his face.

Roland: ...I still have a complaint.

Angela: Complaint?

Immediately after hearing that word, her voice became harsh to the one she tore into pieces a few days ago. The air around froze, as if caught in an endless blizzard.

Roland: Again with that stare. Man, I can't say anything.

Y/N: How about you let him talk first?

The librarian that was mostly silent until now, quick on the uptake, sided with the poor man getting glared at. His reason was a muddy mix between anger towards Angela and a kindness he often tried to express when he was trapped underground, now mostly worthless in this prison.

Angela: Fine.

As soon as he argued, she conceded, something that left both men silent for a moment. Both were expecting her to stand her grounds but the opposite occured.

Angela: Speak.

Roland: R-Right, sorry ma'am.

Out of instinct, he straightened his back and took a deep breath, like a rookie facing someone with a higher rank than them.

Roland: ...It's kinda tough to receive all the guests alone.

Angela: Elaborate.

Y/N: He means that he can't do all the dirty work by himself.

Roland: Right, I can deal with guests when they arrive one by one but when they arrive in groups, I think to myself "how the hell am I supposed to fight them all?" and get tensed up.

In an attempt to not provoke the one who effortlessly destroyed his limbs like they were made of paper, the Fixer began his statement slowly before reaching the root of the problem he wanted to address.

Roland: There has to be a point where one person is not enough, right? It's only working right now because all we've been facing were minor Syndicates and stuff. Plus, with all this stuff about heightening emotions... it certainly doesn't make it easier.

Angela: ...I suppose you're right.

Upon hearing her mumbles, a spark of light emerged from the deepest darkness. The assistant standing beside them revealed a single shard of optimism in his visage and raised his hand, catching both of their attention.

Angela: No.

Y/N: ...No this, no that, can't do anything in here.

As soon as his assistance was denied, annoyance shattered the feeble positive emotions he could gather, his hope, and began to grumble to himself. In his eyes, he felt like he was on the same level of importance as a doll: unable to do anything without the consent of the woman.

He was a dead body kept alive through life support and nothing more.

Angela: Returning to the subject, I might know a way. Although, I'm not certain if it's for the best.

Roland: Oh? Wait, don't tell me you're going to join the fights yourself?

Angela: No.

The man in charge of Keter's floor glanced at the second librarian ranting in his own corner and pointed at him. A silent "no" was all he got back along with a glare. At that point, he was out of ideas.

Angela: ...There are entities that could be of help.

With that, everything stopped. The background noises provided by Y/N could no longer be heard. His focus was moved back on Angela, a gaze of steel that seemed to be gauging whether she was joking or not, his nervousness slipping through the cracks.

Roland: ...And those "entities" are?

Angela: The beings that used to wield tremendous and power, but are now too transient to maintain a physical form, hardly holding onto existence...

Roland: I don't remember seeing any living beings in this Library other than us.

Sweats went down the assistant's face as he began to realize what was going on, unlike Roland.

Angela: They're asleep inside books where the perfect environment for them is simulated, along with librarians who will be of assistance to you.

Roland: Librarians? Entities inside books?

Angela: That's all you need to know about them for now. What matters more is that they can be useful for the Library's growth.

The few sweats going down a moment ago left behind a pale face, a gaze that could see death right into its eyes and an expression revealing a less than pleased look. Yet, despite the obvious fear visible in his movements, Y/N gathered his thoughts and his courage.

Roland: Alright, let's say that's the case... How are those sleeping entities supposed to help us exactly?

Angela: You have to enter their books and free the librarians trapped within. I believe they're under the influence of the Abnormalities' powers for various reasons. Since they're highly unstable, they won't easily trust us.

Roland: So they'll basically treat us like invaders?

Angela: Correct. If you can overcome all ordeals presented by them, they will come to accept you.

Roland: Instructions still unclear ma'am... You said they're mighty as wet paper now. You sure they can give any help?

The director shook her head and continued.

Angela: We are not making the Abnormalities receive guests for us. If they can be understood and accepted, they will empower the librarians, directly or indirectly.

Slowly, her eyes made contact with the assistant standing beside them, who did the same. She silently told him "you of all people should know that it's true" before focusing back on the uninvited member of the Library.

Roland: Still ambiguous, I've gotta say.

He took a deep breath and gathered his thoughts, trying to process the information he just obtained.

Roland: Anyhow, what you're saying is that they'll present us with ordeals. And we have to overcome them to earn their recognition and borrow their powers. Entering books... sounds like something out of a fairy tale.

Angela: We'll need their power to heighten the emotions of our guests to the peak after all... I wish you success in there.

Roland: Sure sure, anything you say ma'am.

His last words were said in defeat, knowing that he would have to do everything on his own. His mind was so focused on that fact that he didn't see the assistant near them sprint into action.

Y/N: Wait!

Roland: ?

Angela: What is it?

She sighed and turned to face him, only to witness a crack in the shell of anger. There was no hatred pointed towards her, it was akin to newfound resolve. The man who allowed himself to linger in his wrath stepped out of his cage.

Y/N: I'm going too.

Roland: Huh?

Y/N: Those things... Abnormalities, they're a danger I can't overlook.

Angela: He's quite capable of dealing with this issue on his own.

Y/N: Even if what you said is true, these Abnormalities still remain something we can't act carelessly around, especially in our current condition.

Angela: ...

Y/N: You understand what I'm talking about, right? Unlike back then, we don't have the proper equipement to handle them.

He pursued by pointing at himself with a determined glance.

Y/N: Plus, I know a minimum of information when it comes to dealing with them.

Angela: But you also don't possess what you once had.

Y/N: ...That I understand but considering how you were willing to send Roland in there alone, our chances can only improve.

Roland: Woah, were you trying to send me to my death?

Angela: I answered your complaint.

Roland: I guess that's true...

A bead of sweat fell down the Fixer's face once the gloomy ex-employee's words fully hit him. Still unmoving in his statement, his stare pierced through the AI. He had a point after all, he had more experience than Roland when it came to dealing with Abnormalities, which made it even harder for Angela to deny.

He was pushing on the offensive, forcing her to crack under the pressure. She could simply refuse his offer but he knew better. She allowed him to confront and prepare Roland by pushing his demand, he knew he had a fair chance if he did the same a second time by using the same trick.

Completely oblivious as to what is happening, Roland moved his gaze back and forth between the duo. Outside of the realm the trio were living in, a grand clash was occuring between forces, a clash that would determine the outcome of this debate, a struggle between a reanimated corpse and a cold machine.

Y/N: ...

Angela: ...

Finally, after an excruciating long wait, a side faltered. A defeat that was revealed with a single sigh coming from the director of the Library.

Angela: Fine.

Y/N: ...Wait really?

Angela: ...If you're so surprised, then how about-

Y/N: Nonono, nope, I'll take it.

He swiftly interrupted her and turned to face the man standing on the sideline during this entire conversation. Y/N stepped closer and placed a gentle hand on his back before making his way towards the exit.

Y/N: I'll wait for you.

Roland: Oh...

Angela and he silently observed the ex-agent march out of the room with a joyful expression, a pearl so rare that even the City itself would not be able to comprehend. The surprise lasted for a full 5 seconds until his face popped back into the room.

Y/N: Where are the Abnormalities actually?

Angela: I will need time to prepare them.

Y/N: Oh... oops, my bad, got too excited.

...

...

Angela: Are you both ready?

Roland: Not sure but there's only one way to find out.

Y/N: Don't worry Roland, I'll find us a solution.

Wielding similar swords in their hands, the duo stood next to each other in anticipation, preparing themselves to face the unknown. Both were taking deep breaths to calm their beating hearts, although for different reasons. One was slightly scared to find out what would be on the other side while the other...

...was experiencing something much more different.

Y/N: ...

Angela: Try not to get yourselves killed.

Roland: Wasn't planning to~

Y/N: Same on my side.

Those were the final parting words exchanged before a single snap of the director's fingers echoed, extinguishing the lights around them. Everything felt off, the air stopped existing and the concept of oxygen no longer mattered to the librarians. Despite that, what they experienced was akin to choking, yet none of them moved, their bodies no longer existed.

The only thing left was the thing they would call consciousness, floating in the void until a warmth touched their being. Levitating in the air, golden pages began to make their appearance, gathering together to recreate their bodies and weapons.

After finally completing the transfer, Roland and the gloomy librarian landed to the best of their abilities and glanced at each other.

Roland: Angela was right, this place is really bizarre. There are creepy-looking blood clots all over the place too...

His eyes examined their surroundings. The both of them were standing on a completely flat space made of what looked to be human skin, with rare spots exposing a layer of blood and flesh underneath it. The grotesque reality they landed in was also locking them inside a confined area, blocked on all sides by bleeding walls arboring the same texture.

The Fixer wandered around with his gaze reflecting his shock while the ex-employee simply faced what was waiting for them. His posture stiffened and his breathing accelerated, a rather mundane reaction after witnessing a sight like this one.

His main of point of interest was instead the entity waiting for them. Standing around 3 to 4 meters away, a humanoid abomination composed of solidified blood and flesh observed the both of them with the massive hole in its head where a visage should have been.

...

The floor and walls made of skin, the closed eyes above their heads. Everything piled up together in his mind perfectly, allowing him to formulate a single word.

Y/N: Bloodbath.

Roland: Huh?

Y/N: That's the Abnormality's name.

His words were calm and straight to the point, leaving no doubts in the newcomer's mind. Soon after, both of them readied their swords and faced the monstrosity they had to fight. The warmth of the skin below their feet made it complicated for them to concentrate but it was something they had to overcome soon, otherwise they would have no hope to defeat it.

https://youtu.be/q_4jXySUgLM

Roland: What should we do?

Y/N: ...Stay on our guard obviously. We should try to find an opportunity to attack.

Angela's assistant nodded his head, deep in his thoughts. He had a valid reason to be considering that the monster they were facing was not one known to be able to escape and directly attack employees. His first meeting after a long moment of respite and he was already back into the unknown.

Still, he brandished his sword and charged ahead, followed by Roland who did his best to catch up. Sensing the hostilities aimed in its direction, Bloodbath responded by doing the same action, aiming directly at the Fixer.

The first clash soon occured between the Abnormality and its target. Expecting it to go on the offensive, the librarian representing Keter's floor swung his blade, only to be parried by his attacker, who switched to a defensive position. The cycle repeated a second time but was swiftly interrupted by the second librarian before a third one could occur.

A blunt attack was used against the Abnormality covered with cut marks, breaking through its guard. At the same time, a feeble scream of pain echoed, coming from the one wielding the blade. His muscles felt like they were tearing apart. His only option was to bite his lips and endure the pain he inflicted to himself in order to push his assault further.

Bloodbath understood what was about to follow and plunged its right arms in one of the many scars in the floor and swung said arm upward, releasing a burst of fresh blood directly in Y/N's eyes, blinding him on the spot.

This concluded the first scene. Both parties returned to their respective sides and observed the opposing team silently. The Grade 9 Fixer looked at his ally and watched him clean his face with the sleeve of his outfit.

Roland: You're alright?

Y/N: Yea, just got some in my eyes.

He mumbled in annoyance and shook his head to get rid of the rest in a hurry. Once done fixing his face, his grasp onto his weapon tightened. His own body was screaming in agony but the adrenaline being released in his system diminished its effect on his combat capabilities.

Y/N: Don't let it catch you by surprise.

Roland: Got it~

A deep breath was the only thing that followed before the duo charged at the Abnormality, who did the same in return. However this time, the entity opened the battle with a full swing, sending the already splashed librarian a few feet away. Enduring the sudden strike, the victim counter-attacked and went for a perfect stab into its body.

This was enough to push it back just at the right timing for Roland to assist with a direct punch in Bloodbath's head, ending this unusual combo with a swing of his blade down into its skull, if it even had one underneath that layer of solid blood.

Y/N: Good job Roland!

Not missing a single moment of that follow-up, the one who started the attacks on the side of the Library gave an excited compliment towards the man fighting by his side. It wasn't much in terms of importance but it was still able to bring a smile on Roland's face, glad to see his help was appreciated.

Sadly, now was not the time to enjoy such camaraderies, especially when the both of them stood at a dangerously close distance to the enemy. Oddly quick on its legs, the faceless being aimed directly at the man in a dark suit, seeking revenge but was abruptly pushed aside by the slightly staggered assistant.

Y/N: ...

With each new actions he performed, his breathing only got worse, the pain slowly beginning to catch up and suppress the adrenaline. It was a completely reversal of a few moments ago.

Yet, despite this ever-increasing torture his body was putting him through, his head did not lower and nor did his hands. This was what prompted Bloodbath to charge ahead and swing its arm downward, colliding with the top of his head. The impact was so strong that his ears began to ring for a moment.

He couldn't feel the floor below him, it was ondulating like waves crashing against the shore, a headache forming due to conflicting informations from his eardrums and eyes. His senses were playing against him.

Then, amidst that sensorial chaos, he could faintly hear a voice.

"Y/N."

Y/N: ...

Did it come from the Abnormality itself or something else? He couldn't tell, his sight was still having a hard time adjusting to the sudden hit his body received along with his hearing. In order to correct this anomaly, the ex-agent firmly stabbed the ground in front of him with his own blade as a way to stabilize his balance.

At any point, he was expecting to feel the final strike that would probably send him back into the afterlife. He was completely open, vulnerable to his attacker but to his surprise, nothing occured. 

As his vision slowly returned, he was able to see with his own eyes the remaining fighter on the Library's side stand in front of him, clashing with Bloodbath with all of his might.

Roland: Phew... this thing is relentless.

The Fixer mumbled to himself as he went for a clean stab into the Abnormality's chest. After a long moment of tension, the creature collapsed into golden pages. The response was rather delayed but still satisfying to the attacker who slowly exhaled the breath he was holding.

Roland: I should be thankful the it was weaker than it used to be...

Without another word, he turned around to face the librarian who snapped out of his stagger and gave him a helping hand, a sign of kindness that Y/N did not hesitate to take. However, their job wasn't over yet.

Y/N: We have to find the librarian trapped here.

Roland: Shouldn't be too hard to find in this flat space.

He casually responded as his foot stepped into one of the scars on the floor, making him trip and land face first into the small pool of dried blood. As a way to repay the kindness he was offered, the assistant returned him the favor and pulled him back on his feet.

Y/N: ..?

However, as he did so, something poking out of the small spot Roland fell onto caught his attention. His hand lowered towards the odd disturbance in this horrific world and dug further into the skin, feeling a warmth that made him sick.

Roland: Woah, is that...

Y/N: I think so...

He nonchalantly answered and placed his second hand inside before pulling out. Their doubts soon obtained the answer they wanted. At first, a mixture of white and crimson began to emerge, which was quickly followed by a face trapped in a deep slumber. Roland crouched down and helped the man until the sleeping librarian was fully out of its prison.

Y/N: Alright, we can leave now.

Roland: ...How do we do that?

Y/N: ...

...

A long silence followed afterwards.

Y/N: Angela? We got the librarian.

Roland: Still nothing...

Y/N: I swear, she can't do anything properly.

A disappointed sigh escaped the lips of the one holding the sleeping person, now back to his regular mood. After a while and mostly because his arms were starting to hurt, he passed the librarian to his ally and stood back on his feet.

Not long after doing so, a golden light began to form around Roland and the person he was holding, indicating that their time was up. Soon, the only person left was Y/N, his body already starting to glow a bright golden color.

He solemnly put his hands in his pockets and glanced upward at a certain wall. There, looking down at him, a pair of eyes stared back with a hint of sorrow and attachment. Unable to give back those feelings, the librarian sighed.

Y/N: It was short, just like the conversation we had.

Finally, his body dissipated, leaving behind an empty realm made from one's failure.

...

...

Angela: The both of you made it back without any serious injuries.

A few hours later, the director looked at Roland, who enjoyed his free time by laying down and counting the minutes passing by, a way to cope with what he just saw. Not fully lost in his thoughts, the uninvited guest opened his eyes and looked at his interlocutor.

Roland: I gotta ask ma'am, are those things all crazy like this?

Angela: It definitely isn't the weirdest at least.

A sigh slipped out unconsciously as he moved his gaze to the ceiling above them, trying to imagine the horrors lurking in these books.

Roland: Man, I got a bad feeling about this.

Angela: ...I haven't seen Y/N walking around, where is he?

Roland: He said he was going to wait for the new librarian to wake up.

Angela: ...

Considering that said addition to the Library was the only person missing beside Angela's unwilling accomplice, it was not something that surprised her that much. He hated her so of course he would use any opportunity he could get to be as far as he possibly can from her.

As this thought crossed her mind, in a separate room from the one they were both in, a certain someone finally opened their eyes. It was a silent awakening that left the slumbering librarian completely emotionless.

Y/N: Oh hey, finally out of your coma.

A calm voice arboring a hint of surprise was the first thing that snapped them out of their trance.

???: Where am I?

A sleepy female voice responded to his words, still not fully awake yet. With as much elegance as a sloth, she slowly raised her body, letting her long white hair cover a part of her face. Said hair was so long that even while she was sitting, a good portion of it was still laying on the floor.

Y/N: This? Oh, I just found it while looking around a while back. I think they used to be containment rooms for Abnormalities. Sadly well... there's not much here.

He looked around and just like he told her, with the exception of a few piles of books here and there, the room they were both in was devoid of furnitures, or anything worth the interest if someone wanted to be more precise.

???: ...So this is the Library.

Y/N: Oh, you know about it?

???: To some extend... I remember vaguely hearing some parts, though I never saw it with my own eyes.

She took a deep breath and placed one of her pale hands on top of her head, using that time to also adjust her hairstyle. It took her a while to finally get rid of the sleepiness fogging her mind and when she did, her first action was to try to get up, something easier said than done.

Quick to notice was she was trying to do, the librarian standing next to the sleeping girl gave her a helping hand.

Y/N: I'm Y/N, what about you?

???: Morgan...

Her soft voice barely reached her helper's ears. She let out a small yawn once back on her feet and examined her surroundings with a better eye.

While she was busy doing so, Y/N took that chance to get a better look at her. After all, he didn't recognize her in the slightest so his curiosity pushed him to do so. His observations, however, soon left him speechless.

Her eyes were burdened with so many bags under them that someone who didn't know better would say that she was awake for the last decade and maybe even more. Her extremely long hair were not better, a complete mess that seemed to extend forever and finally, her movements looked sluggish, lifeless even. Yet, surprisingly, despite her lack of self-care when it came to her body, her skin looked pristine.

Morgan: Is something wrong?

Y/N: ...Not really. I'm sorry if I sound rude but your hair is beyond what one would call "long".

He calmly replied and pointed at what he was talking about. She was standing at the top of her height, one that definitely could not be classed as "short" compared to him and even then, her white hair still lingered around her feet like vines, covering them and the ground around her effortlessly.

She silently took note of that fact and glanced back at the one who stood by her side when she woke up.

Morgan: It's fine...

Y/N: If you say so, it still looks inconvenient though.

He responded with those words along with a shrug that caught the woman's attention for a few seconds. Soon after, her stare returned to the room. This awkward silence between them only grew stronger after this point.

Y/N: How about we go meet the others? Now that you're awake, you should go introduce yourself.

Morgan: I suppose.

She whispered to herself and faced the ex-employee beside her. The long haired librarian looked rather hesitant about leaving the room, or at least that's what the man could vaguely feel when peeking into her eyes.

As a poor attempt to calm her nerves, he took hold of her sleeve and began pulling her towards the exit.

Y/N: Come on. I know Angela's an asshole but I'm sure Roland with welcome you with a warm smile.

Morgan: Ah-!

However, his small gesture caused her to step on top of said hair laying on the floor like leaves in someone's backyard in autumn, causing her to trip and fall forward. Sensing a difference in the weight he was pulling, Y/N hurriedly turned around and caught the girl, getting a direct impact of her bosom in reward for his quick decision.

Y/N: Sorry.

Morgan: ...It's fine.

Her voice did not hold any feelings towards what just occured. Instead, she simply adjusted herself and grabbed her helper's sleeve in return, making sure to not fall a second time.

Y/N: Let's... take our time for now, especially with your hair.

Finally, after some difficulties, the both of them stepped outside of the room, going back in the room where they would soon meet the rest of the team working in the Library.