Insanity or death.
Elian grasped the elevated risk of sustaining brain damage due to the depletion of mental energy. The potential consequences, such as significant cognitive and emotional impairment referred to as 'insanity,' loomed large. The hallucinations arising from such impairment seemed plausible explanations for the surreal experiences. Yet, Elian swiftly rejected this notion, his gut instincts insisting this place wasn't a construct of his mind. From his vantage point, he observed books adorned with titles in unfamiliar languages, surpassing a hundred distinct ones. Currently, Earth harbors only one living language, with all others considered dead. Elian is familiar with just this language and Japanese, a skill acquired alongside Lys to appreciate untranslated Japanese books. While there remained a possibility that his brain conjured up these languages, such a notion appeared overly fantastical and unlikely.
Having ruled out insanity, Elian contemplated the likelihood that what he saw was real, signaling a probable state of death. The most plausible explanation surfaced: what if a vital part of his brain had been damaged? This could account for El's absence, as Elian had tried to communicate with El numerous times to no avail. It was an unprecedented silence, considering El had been a constant presence in Elian's mind for half his life. If death was the answer, it could elucidate El's disappearance—a creation of Elian's mind. Thus, as the brain shut off, El ceased to exist simultaneously.
'So this is how I end, huh' Elian thought, his smile tinged with self-mockery. He recognized that the responsibility for this outcome rested solely on his shoulders. Who, in their right mind, knowingly depletes their mental energy? Typically, Elian wouldn't engage in such actions, but the allure of understanding how a resting body could alter its runic structure proved too compelling. Ignoring it was not an option, especially given its significance to his Zero One project. Thus, against his usual judgment, he proceeded with the endeavor, and the revelations he uncovered justified every moment of mental exhaustion.
"Not anymore," he pondered, realizing that knowledge to the deceased was akin to eyes to the blind.
"Elian," he heard the same genderless voice from behind, prompting him to turn and identify the speaker. Before him stood an enigmatic being—a featureless humanoid entity with a form reminiscent of the vast expanse of space, adorned with an infinite array of stars. Its figure seamlessly blended darkness and celestial radiance, each star within its silhouette emitting a gentle, pulsating glow that created intricate patterns of light and shadow. The cosmic presence exuded an ancient, boundless wisdom, filling Elian with profound awe and deep respect.
"God?" Elian speculated, considering his current state of being dead and seemingly 'summoned' to this being. His gaze then shifted to the infinite library around him, and with a broad smile, he pondered, "So, is this paradise?"
Elian wasn't deeply committed to any particular faith. While not outright denying the existence of a higher power, he acknowledged the uncertainty surrounding it. Despite this, he was knowledgeable about various religions and their perspectives on the afterlife, often portraying paradise as a realm of peace, tranquility, and divine abundance.
For Elian, if paradise were to exist, it would undoubtedly be this expansive library. His passion for knowledge, especially in runesmithing and technocrafting, was akin to a voracious appetite directed toward knowledge. Describing this sentiment proved challenging—it resembled a form of greed, a thirst for understanding. Placing Elian amidst this vast repository was like releasing a wolf into a flock of sheep. While the knowledge might seem useless to him now, he remained indifferent, for the sheer pursuit of knowing more was satisfaction enough.
"Hahaha," a hearty laugh echoed through the air.
"You're quite the character, Elian," they remarked. "Fear not; your sanity remains intact, and you're still alive." Elian, taken aback, felt a mix of surprise and relief. While he might be content to find himself in this apparent 'paradise,' he couldn't shake the awareness of the people he had left behind—Julia, Lysandra, and even the Thorne Knights he may have disappointed. Fortunately, those fears didn't materialize.
Now, Elian harbored numerous questions about his location, the journey that led him here, and the nature of this place seemingly defying reality. "I imagine you're filled with inquiries. How about joining me for a conversation?" the enigmatic being proposed. Elian hesitated briefly, then took a deep breath, offering a nod of agreement. "I indeed have some questions," he confessed, his voice trembling with a mix of anxiety and curiosity. "Please, show me the way." With those words, Elian followed the enigmatic being.
A few minutes later,
Elian and the enigmatic being found themselves in a peculiar space, seated on opposite sides of a well-worn wooden table. As they settled into simple wooden chairs, the table played host to a steaming cup of a mysterious beverage, its rich aroma permeating the room and creating an atmosphere of warmth.
The room's walls, adorned with plain wooden panels, echoed the rustic charm of its weathered wooden floor. A soft stream of sunlight filtered through a modest-sized window, casting a gentle glow on the surroundings and adding a touch of tranquility to the space. This understated simplicity presented a stark contrast to the cosmic expanse of the library, leaving Elian momentarily taken aback. He couldn't help but ponder what secrets might be concealed within the unassuming walls of this room, a subtle yet intriguing departure from the grandiosity of the library.
As Elian's mind buzzed with a multitude of unanswered questions, he summoned the courage to voice his inquiries. His voice, a delicate blend of apprehension and intrigue, resonated through the space as he asked the enigmatic being, "Where am I? Who are you?" The weight of the unknown hung in the air, adding a layer of anticipation to his already trembling voice.
The being, seated across the table, responded with an enigmatic air, a subtle smile playing upon its featureless countenance. "In due time," the reply echoed, carrying a sense of assurance that left Elian both intrigued and slightly on edge. The being continued, "I'll answer your questions, don't worry," the words delivered with a calm certainty that hinted at a deeper understanding yet to be unveiled.