The Grand Library of Lochma was old- far older than the city itself. Its towering shelves held records from eras long passed, knowledge buried beneath the weight of history. But hidden beyond its public halls and scholars' chambers was a place very few knew existed.
A place where forbidden truths lay untouched by time. Truths reserved for the upper echelons of society, where even their access is scarce. It was safe to say that Orlan placed an enormous amount of trust in Malik to allow him to witness such archives.
Orlan continued to lead Malik through the dim corridors in silence, past dust-covered tomes and candlelit alcoves, until the reached an unmarked section of the library- a vast wall of ancient stone that bore no door, no keyhole, nothing.
Malik looked at this wall with understanding. He wasn't certain, but he felt his insticts, a gut feeling tugging at him, drawing him towards the wall.
Or should he say, whatever hid behind it.
Breaking Maliks stupor, Orlan placed a trembling hand upon the middle of the wall, muttering incomprehensible words in a language that Malik failed to recognise. 'At Orlan's guidance I have learnt hundreds of languages, including all of those considered to be forgotten. And yet, it seems there are still mysteries left to be discovered.
Malik wanted to ask Orlan immediately, his craving for knowledge almost overpowering, but he pushed down his hunger, understanding Orlan would have his reasons and whatever he was about to see would most likely answer his questions.
Once Orlan finished his incantations and a short pause took place.
Then-
The stone rippled.
At first it looked as if a droplet had fallen into a lake, miniscule waves deforming the stone wall. But in mere seconds the ripple grew and encompassed the entire stone wall, a low groan rebounding in Malik's ears as the stone wall flickered from solid to ethereal, becoming a translucent copy of its previous state.
Through the now visible wall, Malik was greeted by a spiralling staircase encompassed in darkness that looked eager to swallow anything that advanced.
"Come," Orlan said, voice heavy with something between fear and reverence. "Everything you seek, everything that you long to understand, will be answered below."
Malik didn't hesitate. He took a step forward, Orlan allowed him to lead the way this time around.
He couldn't be sure of how deep this staircase stretched, but it was certain that Malik felt an eternity had passed throughout their descent. 'I would find it hard to believe that there is an end to this, if I weren't facing it right now.' Malik grumbled internally, staring at the large ancient door that stood before him.
From top to bottom the door had etchings of strange runic patterns, a golden metallic material weaving throughout its structure and giving it an intimidating sense of majesty that made Malik feel inclined to prostrate himself in submission. However this feeling was quickly enveloped by a sense of anticipation. A strong presence that could only be described as greed.
It was Maliks turn to open the door, which he did with shaky hands that trembled due to the excitement of the unknown. 'Whatever lies behind this door is invaluable. I could have finished the Second Quest already by reading a large collection of books containing new wisps of knowledge, I am sure I could have found something with time... But I can feel it. It resonates with my every heartbeat. This room holds something that will change my life even more than the system.'
Malik felt no resistance upon pushing open the doors as if they had been greased just this morning. He wanted to ask Orlan about this, but before the thought could form his eyes widened in disbelief and his mouth agape.
Orlan watched this from the side and couldn't help but smirk knowingly. 'I was the exact same when my master showed me this room. In fact I was a little worse.' He chuckled at the memory, pleased to see that the day he could witness someone else be as stunned as him had finally come.
'Although I still worry. I knew the consequences of brining him here, even if I judged it to be the right decision. I can't help but feel guilty, once he discovers the truth I pray that he doesn't lose himself.' Orlan looked at Malik who was still frozen in shock with worried eyes, the doubts lingering deep within his mind.
"This- This is beautiful!" Malik spoke gleefully without taking his eyes away from the chamber before him as he tried to take it all in, the happiness behind is words evident and far from surprising to Orlan.
The hidden chamber was colossal.
Massive stone shelves lined the walls, polished and carved by the best masonry Malik had ever seen, their length stretching into the unseen reaches of the underground vault. Books, scrolls, tablets were stacked upon an endless array of shelves, despite their expected age they all glistened with perfection, intricate golden embroidery and writing shone against the gigantic crystal chandelier that hung from the ceiling, illuminating the entirety of the chamber.
Orlan now stood in front of Malik just a couple paces away. He had simply walked there but Malik didn't spare a glance to notice, his dark brown eyes glued to the beauty before him. He gestured towards the chamber with a weary sigh.
"This is the sum of all the truths ever recorded. You will find information that touches on the darkest and most hidden secrets known by only those deemed worthy." Orlan paused and looked Malik straight in the eyes, saying his next words with a serious and heavy tone, one that superseded all the times he had lectured Malik in the past. "Some of these scriptures will touch upon subjects that you previously deemed unthinkable; supernatural creatures that hide in the crevices of society, ability users that could topple countries if they so chose, even the disgusting deeds that those in power have committed to stay at the top."
Malik's eyes narrowed. "I can understand the disgusting deeds being hidden. But why the supernatural? Why hide the ability users? These are things people should be aware of! People with abilities that can topple countries? Why can't they use these abilities for the good of humankind?"
"How naïve, Malik." Orlan replied with disappointment.
"To put it simply knowledge is a form of power, you of all people should understand this by now." Orlan sighed, looking deeply into Malik's shaky eyes. "Power is control. The government, royal family, the hidden forces that move the world- they keep the truth locked away, hoarding abilities and weapons that could make gods of men. If the commonfolk managed to get their hands on this information, let alone power, what do you think would happen?"
"They would revolt. War would be inevitable and those that hold these powers would do whatever it took to make sure there was no one left to desire such things..." Malik frowned, understanding the implications behind Orlan's question.
"Not just war Malik. It would be genocide. They would cull the planet until only those with similar goals were left standing, then start civilisation anew and none but those at the top would remember the atrocities committed." Orlan's face darkened and he walked slowly towards Malik until the small distance between them had been closed. Gripping him by the shoulder, his touch bordering between caring and forceful.
"You will do well to remember this Malik. Strength means everything, and in the face of absolute power- power that can destroy reason, tricks and intelligence- everyone will be forced to agree with you. History is written by the victor." He released his grip on Malik's shoulder, the darkness on his face switching back to a caring smile.
Malik felt a weight lift of his back.
He understood well that Orlan's words were a warning, but his intentions behind it were purely driven by the care he had for him. "I will never forget your teachings, Master Orlan."
Orlan just smiled gently in response.
Seeing that he had nothing left to say, Malik stepped forward, running his fingers along the spines of the forbidden tomes that sat comfortably wedged inside the shelves they inhabited.
He had known that power lurked beyond these walls, but never imagined it to be this vast.
He reached for a book and opened it.
And then he read.