Sunlight, filtered through a vibrantly colored pane of glass, cast a warm glow across Minjun's face. He blinked, consciousness slowly returning as the events of the previous day flooded back – the Elders' decision, the cleansing magic, the strange new room. This wasn't the sterile interrogation chamber. Here, the walls were smooth, polished stone etched with geometric patterns that seemed to shimmer faintly in the morning light. Furniture, unlike anything he'd ever seen, sat in the corners – low tables with rounded legs resting on swirling patterns etched onto the floor. It was a beautiful yet unsettling contrast to the utilitarian furniture of Earth.
A pang of longing, sharp and unexpected, pierced his heart. He missed the worn familiarity of his dorm room, the comforting scent of old textbooks, even the incessant chirping of his roommate's alarm clock. But then, a thrill shot through him, erasing the pang of homesickness. He was on a different world, a living, breathing testament to the science fiction stories that had devoured his imagination back home. This wasn't just the stuff of movies anymore, this was real.Suddenly, a soft rap on the door startled him back to reality. It was Aella, her features softened from the stoicism he'd witnessed during his capture. She wore a simple uniform, a muted blue contrasted by sleek silver accents, a stark contrast to the Warden armor she sported before."Good morning, Minjun," she greeted, her voice a low melodic hum that echoed in the stillness of the room. "Are you feeling well-rested?"Minjun sat up, surprised by the concern in her voice. "Yeah, I slept well," he replied, trying to hide the excitement bubbling within him. He gestured around the room. "This place is amazing. Everything's so different."Aella stepped inside, closing the door softly behind her. A hint of a smile played on her lips. "Indeed," she said. "The Wardens prefer practicality over ostentation, but even their functional designs have a certain elegance."Minjun nodded, his apprehension giving way to a surge of curiosity. "So, what happens today?" This wasn't the harsh interrogation he was expecting. "More… stuff?" he asked awkwardly.Aella chuckled softly. "Lessons are an ongoing process, Minjun," she said. "But today, we can focus on something less… intense. However, before we explore Akara, wouldn't it be helpful to learn a little more about it first?"Minjun's eyes widened. Learning about Akara before venturing out sounded not only sensible but necessary. He still felt like a fish out of water, and blending in, even slightly, would be ideal. On Earth, people didn't cleanse themselves with magic, and the strange foods he'd glimpsed looked unlike anything he'd ever seen. There were bound to be biological and cultural differences too. Knowledge was power, after all. "Learning more sounds like a great idea," he admitted. "Is there a library or something like that here?"Aella's smile widened. "The Oculus Library," she said. "A treasure trove of Akarian knowledge – history, technology, even some forbidden texts, if you gain the proper clearance."Minjun's breath hitched. A library? Filled with the knowledge of an entire alien civilization? This was straight out of his wildest dreams. He quickly masked his eagerness with a determined nod. "A library sounds perfect. I'm a fast learner, and I'll be careful," he said, hoping to sound more confident than he felt.Aella raised an eyebrow, a knowing glint in her eyes. Perhaps she sensed the torrent of emotions swirling within him. "Just be mindful," she cautioned. "Knowledge, like power, can be a heavy burden."Minjun met her gaze, a spark of determination flickering in his own eyes. "I understand," he said, his voice firm. He wouldn't let the weight of knowledge cripple him. He would learn what he could, navigate this new world with caution, and find a way back home. It wouldn't be easy, but he wouldn't give up. The thrill of discovery, the sheer audacity of being on a different world, fueled his resolve. He was an outsider, yes, but he was determined to become a student, a learner, a survivor in this strange and wondrous world."Then the Oculus Library it is," Aella said, a hint of amusement in her voice. "Let's get you started on your Akarian education."