Leopold leaned back from the glowing interface, his eyes fixed on the Qiari civilization he had just set into motion. On the world below, the humanoid species he created were exploring their environment, their glowing qi patterns shifting as they began to interact with the elemental zones. Small groups had already formed, each displaying hints of curiosity and cooperation. It was mesmerizing—the culmination of his efforts thus far.
But as he let his gaze wander, a thought struck him.
The interface… the glowing world… the endless stream of data… and yet, beyond it all, there was only darkness. He blinked, his mind shifting gears as he turned his attention away from the interface. For the first time since awakening as a World System User, he looked around.
There was nothing. Just an infinite, all-encompassing void stretching in every direction. No ground, no sky, no boundaries—just blackness.
"Wait a second," Leopold said aloud, his voice breaking the eerie silence.
"Where are we?"
Faye, who had been observing his work with an approving smile, turned to him, her crimson eyes sparkling with amusement.
"You're just noticing this now, Master Leo?" she teased, floating closer. "I was wondering how long it would take."
Leopold gestured at the void around them.
"It's… nothing. Just darkness. We've been floating in this the whole time?"
Faye nodded, her lips curving into a playful smirk.
"Oh, yes. You've been so absorbed in your world-building that you didn't even realize you've been working in a giant, featureless void. I thought it was intentional—a minimalist aesthetic, perhaps?"
Leopold sighed, running a hand through his hair.
"Hardly. This… this is unsettling. How did I not notice?"
"You were excited," Faye said matter-of-factly, adjusting her glasses.
"Creating a world from scratch can be quite consuming, after all. But," she added with a dramatic flair,
"If the void bothers you, there is something we can do about it."
Leopold raised an eyebrow. "Go on."
Faye gestured grandly to the emptiness around them.
"This plane is yours, Master Leo. You can shape it however you like. Think of it as your personal sanctuary, your space to reflect, plan, and… relax. If you're into that sort of thing."
Leopold frowned thoughtfully.
"I can customize this place? Turn it into whatever I want?"
"Exactly," Faye said with a nod.
"A little imagination, a few tweaks, and this void can become anything you desire."
Leopold's mind raced with possibilities, but one idea quickly rose to the forefront. A place where he would feel most at home, a sanctuary that reflected his love for knowledge and his desire to create.
"A library," he said, the decision crystallizing in his mind.
"A massive, fantastical library. Towering shelves, glowing grimoires, enchanted lights… everything a lover of books could dream of."
Faye clapped her hands together, her smile widening.
"Predictable," she teased, "but charming. Let's do it, then. Close your eyes and focus. Imagine it in as much detail as you can, and the system will handle the rest."
Leopold closed his eyes, drawing a deep breath. In his mind, he pictured it clearly: endless rows of towering shelves, each filled with books that pulsed faintly with magical energy. The air would shimmer with the glow of flying grimoires, their pages fluttering as though alive. Soft, golden light would filter through intricate stained-glass windows depicting mythical creatures. And at the center, a grand desk surrounded by glowing orbs of information, perfect for planning and reflection.
The void around him began to hum, a low vibration that grew in intensity. When he opened his eyes, the darkness had transformed.
They stood in a library unlike any other. Shelves spiraled upward, disappearing into the heights of an impossibly vast ceiling. Grimoires floated lazily through the air, some trailing sparkles of light as they moved. The stained glass windows cast vibrant patterns across the polished wooden floor, and the air smelled faintly of parchment and ink.
Leopold turned in place, taking it all in. It was breathtaking.
"Well?" Faye asked, her hands on her hips as she admired the transformation.
"What do you think, Master Leo?"
Leopold's lips curved into a rare smile. "It's perfect."
Faye nodded approvingly.
"I'll admit, you have good taste. Though, if I'm being honest, I was expecting a little more chaos. Flying books are nice, but maybe next time we add a dragon or two?"
Leopold chuckled, shaking his head.
"Let's keep it functional for now. This place is meant for planning, not spectacle."
"As you wish," Faye said with a playful shrug.
"But you can always make changes later. This is your space, after all."
Leopold walked toward the central desk, running his hand along the smooth surface. The orbs of glowing information hovering above it shifted slightly as he approached, responding to his presence.
"This… this feels right," he said softly. "A place to think, to strategize, to create."
"And to read," Faye added, her teasing tone returning.
"Don't forget that part. You wouldn't want these books to feel neglected."
Leopold smirked. "I wouldn't dream of it."
Leopold stepped further into the library, his footsteps echoing softly on the polished wooden floor. The towering shelves that spiraled into infinity seemed alive, humming faintly with energy. As he passed, some books turned their covers toward him, their titles glowing faintly in shimmering, magical script. Others rustled their pages as though stretching after a long nap.
"It's alive," Leopold murmured, both impressed and slightly unnerved.
"Not literally," Faye chimed in from behind him, her voice tinged with amusement.
"The books are enchanted, imbued with a trace of sentience. They'll help you find what you need. Or they'll just show off. Depends on their mood."
Leopold turned to face her, arching a brow.
"Books with moods? What happens if they're… grumpy?"
Faye adjusted her glasses, the glint in her crimson eyes mischievous.
"You'll find out soon enough. Let's just say this library has a lot of personality."
Leopold shook his head, muttering under his breath as he continued exploring. He approached one of the floating grimoires, its pages fluttering gently as though caught in a soft breeze. The book hesitated, then floated closer, opening itself before him. The glowing text within shifted, forming words in a language he instinctively understood.
"Welcome, Creator. What knowledge do you seek?"
Leopold blinked, glancing at Faye.
"It's… interactive?"
Faye nodded, her smile widening.
"Every book here is connected to your system. Think of them as extensions of your interface, tailored for more... immersive access. Go ahead, ask it something."
Leopold considered for a moment, then asked,
"How is the Qiari civilization progressing?"
The book's pages shimmered, the glowing text shifting into detailed information about the Qiari. It showed small groups of Qiari gathering resources, experimenting with their environment, and beginning to develop rudimentary tools. The water-attuned Qiari were crafting intricate patterns in the riverbeds, while the fire-attuned Qiari tested their strength against the volcanic terrain.
"Not bad for their first day," Leopold remarked, closing the book with a satisfied nod. The grimoire hovered for a moment before floating back to its place among the shelves.
"Impressive, isn't it?" Faye said, stepping beside him.
"But don't forget, this library isn't just for observation. It's a place for inspiration, planning, and... well, the occasional break. You're going to need it."
Leopold smirked. "You're suggesting I take a break? That's new."
Faye's eyes twinkled with mischief.
"Even creators need to recharge, Master Leo. Besides, this place was your idea. Enjoy it."
As Leopold wandered deeper into the library, he came across a section where the shelves curved inward, forming a cozy alcove. A plush armchair sat in the center, its high back facing a roaring fireplace that flickered with golden flames. Above the mantel, a large stained-glass window depicted a celestial scene of stars and constellations. The light from the window bathed the alcove in a warm, ethereal glow.
"Now this is a nice touch," Leopold said, sinking into the armchair. The cushions seemed to adjust to his form, offering perfect comfort.
"Did the system add this, or did I imagine it?"
Faye perched on the armrest, her smile softening.
"A bit of both. This plane responds to your desires, even the ones you don't actively think about. Consider it a gift from the system—or from yourself."
Leopold leaned back, his gaze drifting to the stained glass. The constellations seemed to shift subtly, forming patterns that felt both familiar and alien.
"This place… it's better than I imagined."
"Of course it is," Faye said, her tone carrying a hint of pride.
"You're a creator now, Master Leo. And creators deserve a sanctuary worthy of their work."
For a moment, Leopold allowed himself to relax, the weight of his responsibilities momentarily lifted. The library was more than a workspace; it was a reflection of his aspirations, a place where he could think, dream, and plan without distraction.
But as he closed his eyes, letting the warmth of the fire wash over him, a faint ripple of energy coursed through the library. It was subtle, almost imperceptible, but enough to make him sit up.
"What was that?" he asked, his eyes narrowing.
Faye's playful demeanor dimmed slightly, though her smile remained.
"Just the system adjusting to your changes. Nothing to worry about, Master Leo. You're still under the protection period."
Leopold's gaze lingered on her for a moment before he nodded, leaning back again.
"If you say so."
Faye hopped off the armrest, her crimson eyes glinting as she turned toward the shelves.
"Enjoy your library, Master Leo. You've earned it. But don't get too comfortable—your Qiari are waiting for their next push. Civilization doesn't build itself, you know."
Leopold chuckled softly, his gaze returning to the glowing shelves.
"I'll get to it. Just let me enjoy this place a little longer."
The library hummed around them, its endless shelves a testament to the boundless possibilities of creation. For the first time since his reincarnation, Leopold felt a sense of peace—a moment of stillness in the whirlwind of his new existence.