Kenneth spent the next thirty minutes exploring each floor of the library, her awe growing with every shelf she examined.
This place was a treasure trove, filled with an extensive array of books across various topics, along with private study rooms, tablet zones, and tutoring spaces. She eventually reached the top floor, which had a distinctly different atmosphere from the others. With no specific goal in mind, she felt compelled to investigate what had transpired between her death and her current existence.
"Maybe I can finally confirm whether this is an alternate reality or the future," she murmured to herself.
As she wandered through the rows of mahogany shelves, a section of books caught her eye—these looked unlike the others. Intrigued, Kenneth picked up a paper-covered book, flipping through its pages. To her astonishment, it was dated from the early 2030s. Over a thousand years old! She couldn't believe the library housed such ancient texts.
Fueled by a newfound determination, she delved deeper, scanning the shelves for books that spanned the centuries. She finally found several volumes from the early to mid-3000s. Excitement bubbled within her as she gathered the history books and settled into an empty seat to immerse herself in her research.
According to the history of Kenneth's previous world, by the year 3000, Earth had faced numerous strange phenomena. Rising temperatures and melting ice caps left most of the planet underwater, rendering land nearly uninhabitable. Scientists struggled for years to reverse the catastrophic effects of the flooding. As living on land became impossible, the remaining population took to boats while world leaders sought solutions.
After a decade of research, a way was found to restore land habitation, but it took nearly twenty years to stabilize the world again.
In the chaos, with populations dwindling, the decision was made to unite the continents into a single country. North, South, and Central America merged to form "The Americas," Europe became "Oestesus," Africa was named "Terra Almas," Asia turned into "Tonavalis," and Australia was designated "Apyros."
This unification was met with resistance; many nations opposed the idea, leading to widespread conflict. Despite efforts to avoid war, The Americas emerged as the primary target, and allies rallied to their side. However, the war lasted far longer than anyone had anticipated. Even during Kenneth's childhood, her country remained embroiled in conflict, and when she became an orphan, she felt compelled to fight for her homeland.
These were the facts she already knew. What she truly sought to understand was what happened after her death. If she was indeed in the future, the global war must have ended at some point, but when? And how had Caüs risen as a nation? What became of the rest of the world?
As she pondered these questions, she didn't notice when Lucien entered the library. Expecting solitude at his usual spot on the top floor, he was taken aback to find Kenneth occupying his seat. Normally, he would have felt annoyed, but for some reason, he found it hard to summon any irritation.
Kenneth was completely absorbed in her book and didn't notice Lucien until he cleared his throat to catch her attention. When she looked up, her eyes widened in surprise at his presence.
It looked like she had seen a ghost by the way she was looking at him and Lucien found her reaction amusing though he didn't show it on his face.
"What has you so focused that you couldn't sense another person's presence?" Lucien asked her as he watched her put down her book.
"Ah, Captain. I apologize, I guess I got lost in the book." She replied back as she eyed him cautiously.
It was weird how she couldn't sense him at all. Even if she was distracted, Kenneth had sharp senses and was always on alert. She would've known he was there, it was strange that she couldn't feel anything until he spoke up.
Sensing her wariness, Lucien became even more amused as he slowly put down his guard, his presence now out in the open. With his guard now down, Kenneth could finally relax.
What was that feeling? It was like he was a ghost. Although I could see him here physically, I couldn't sense his presence, but now suddenly I can...
Kenneth's frowned, her eyes darted between the cover of her book and the young man sitting across from her. Kenneth's gaze lingered on Lucien as he settled into the chair opposite her.
The library's hushed atmosphere seemed to amplify the silence between them, an awkward pause stretching longer than she was comfortable with. Lucien's presence was disconcerting—he was a curious blend of charm and mystery, his gaze fixed on her with an intensity that made Kenneth's pulse quicken.
She couldn't quite place the emotion bubbling within her— a mix of frustration at the prospect of not being able to finish her research and perhaps a mix of intrigue when facing Lucien. The last encounter they'd shared had left her feeling both unsettled and oddly exhilarated, a confusing mixture that made her question her sanity.
Lucien, on the other hand, seemed undeterred by the strange atmosphere between them. Though the more rational part of him was screaming at him to get started with his work, to stop wasting time, another part of him, the wilder side of him was amused by the palpable tension. His eyes roamed over her with an amused curiosity, as if he were studying a particularly fascinating specimen. The casual way he rested his chin on his hand, his fingers drumming lightly against the table, suggested he was in no hurry to break the silence.
Kenneth's legs bummed fervently under the desk as he saw Lucien briefly glance at the book she was reading. Though she knew it was very unlikely that he would be suspicious of her reasons of picking up such an old looking history book, a part of her still felt paranoid at the thought of him finding out. She desperately wanted to speak up, but she struggling to find the right words. Her mind raced, trying to decode what Lucien was thinking as he looked at her.
She started to wonder why was he here, invading her space?
Kenneth's curiosity won over her hesitation. She cleared her throat, as she steadied her voice. "What brings you here Captain?" she finally asked, her tone concealing her cautious interest and irritation.
Lucien's lips which always seemed to be sporting a permanent straight line curled into a small, enigmatic smile. "I could ask you the same thing," he replied, leaning forward slightly. "I guess you've taken a liking to my seat."
Kenneth furrowed her brows in confusion at his words. But as their eyes met, a flicker of realization crossed her face, and she quickly masked her bewilderment to regain her composure. "Oh, I wasn't aware this spot was reserved," she said, her voice steady, though her heart raced. "I'll let you work then." She began to gather her belongings.
Lucien's smile faded as he watched her. Unconsciously, he reached out a hand, reluctant to let her leave.
"You're fine as you are. I don't mind sharing a table today. Just remember to check the color of the table before you sit down. When it darkens, that means it's reserved."
Kenneth frowned as she examined the table. When she had first sat down, its mahogany surface was its usual hue, showing no signs of being reserved. It must have changed while she was engrossed in her reading.
Although she wasn't at fault, heat crept into her cheeks as she offered him an apologetic smile. "I'll remember that for next time."
"You're still new here; no need to feel embarrassed," he replied, his eyes shimmering with a light shade of yellow.