Chapter 174

Chapter 174

The librarian spoke just one thing.

‘Dimensional Wanderers.’

I was surprised for several reasons.

Of course, the term “Dimensional Wanderers” that came from her mouth was part of it, but...

“So you do come out from behind the information desk?”

It was the first time I’d seen her outside. I had always thought she lived in the library.

At some point, I even considered her just another NPC.

“I often wondered, sitting there every day, does she ever go to the bathroom?”

“... P*rvert.”

The librarian muttered coldly.

At first glance, she seemed expressionless, but the tip of her eyebrow twitched slightly.

That expression probably meant disdain.

I mentally noted this as a new expression of hers. Today seems to be my lucky day.

Moreover...

“She even started talking to me first.”

“...”

“It’s an honor.”

“... That’s not the point.”

The librarian shook her head.

Her expressions had definitely become richer.

In the past, she would only slightly tilt her head about 1mm, but now she tilted it a whole centimeter from side to side.

This is a remarkable improvement.

Maybe someday, the librarian will give extravagant reactions like Elena. I look forward to that day...

No, that’s not the important thing right now.

Despite all this small talk, the thing I was most curious about with the librarian remained the same.

“Do you know about the Dimensional Wanderers?”

At my question, she looked up at me with her usual blank expression.

However, her gaze somehow felt more serious.

Even more than usual.

“...”

Her light pink lips didn’t part, but instead, she nodded her head.

Subtly, but considering who she is, definitively.

She knows about the Wanderers.

Various thoughts flooded my mind.

How does she know?

Did she read every book in the library?

And...

.. Can I trust her?

I know I’m being overly cautious.

But I have to be, especially about this topic.

It’s a story element that wasn’t expected.

More importantly, it directly involves me.

Even so, worrying about it won’t solve anything.

In that case, the only question I can ask her is set.

“Is there a book about it?”

Our conversation never strays from this point.

Always inside the library.

Within the confines of the information desk. Asking for books and getting recommendations.

In my heart, I had probably defined her as just that.

Maybe that’s why...

“...”

Scribble, Scribble.

Seeing her write something down with a pen on a piece of paper felt unusual, likely because this wasn’t happening at the information desk but in front of the bookshelves.

Her ordinary height, reaching about my shoulder. The impression she gave off was not cold but rather like an inanimate object. Efficient, but with an air of dignity in her movements.

Just as I began to feel a spark of curiosity about her, the librarian handed me the note.

“Thanks.”

She gave me the note, nodded slightly, and turned away, walking off coolly.

As always, she was composed.

“... Hmm?”

Looking down at the note, I felt a bit confused.

[36.3277 N, 127.4273 E]

Elena suddenly jumped up from her seat and rummaged through a drawer.

She soon brought over a note.

“This came in the morning. I forgot to give it to you.”

I looked at the note she handed me.

[Summons]

Student Ian is requested to visit Aether Research Lab, Room 301 by 1:00 PM today.

I glanced at my watch. It’s 12:50 PM. I immediately looked down at Elena.

“Hehe.”

... What’s with the ‘hehe’?

It was my mistake to think you were being serious today.

— Thock!

I gave her a light flick on her wide forehead and left the clubroom.

Surprisingly, it only took me 15 minutes on foot to reach the Aether Class building.

‘They really did a good job choosing the clubroom’s location.’

At this rate, it’s practically in the perfect spot for convenience.

With that idle thought, I walked into the building.

“It sure is fancy.”

Unlike the other general faculty buildings, the Aether Class building had a distinctly luxurious feel.

Marble floors and walls, sophisticated decorations here and there, and leather chairs everywhere for people to sit comfortably. So, this is where all my tuition money was going to waste.

[3rd Floor]

The magic-powered elevator glided smoothly upward.

“Room 301...”

Who could have called me?

I had no contact with any of the Aether professors.

I couldn’t think of anyone in particular.

While looking for the room, an unexpected face caught my attention.

Why is the Mezai Class homeroom teacher here?

“Professor Violet...?”

“Student Ian.”

— Crack, Crack.

“Why are you here... Mmph.”

Without warning, she suddenly embraced me.

A soft, plush pressure enveloped my face.

The scent of her mature skin filled my nose.

“W-wait... Mmph.”

I tried to say something, but her soft body made it impossible for me to speak.

Still holding me tightly, she murmured,

“It makes me so sad that my precious student is leaving.”

“W-wait a minute.”

I really felt like I was about to leave—leave this world, that is.

... I couldn’t breathe.

Just as I was wondering if this would count as a peaceful death, Violet finally let go of her hug.

“Feel free to visit the research lab anytime. If it’s for you, Ian, I’ll help with anything.”

With those words, Violet left gracefully without even waiting for my response.

... She might be a bit cool.

With that thought, I turned toward the door in front of me.

[301]

Beyond this large door would be the professor who had called for me.

Who could it be?

At this point, I wouldn’t be surprised if it was the department head.

— Knock, Knock.

“This is Ian Blackangers.”

The door slid open smoothly on its own.

Despite being a heavy, old-fashioned wooden door, as it opened, I was greeted once again by the sight of elegant and dignified wooden furniture welcoming guests.

The room was filled with the comforting scent of wood.

Sunbeams poured in through the windows beyond. And standing there was a woman.

Familiar as if I had just seen her yesterday, which made her face all the more welcome.

“... Master?”

Asilia’s lips curved into a serene smile.