The Real World
"To put it simply, that's just what it means. When people start talking about an Urban Legend, they begin to realize that we are a real phenomenon, and thus, we become worth paying attention to.
"Before, The Library was just a rumor. No one paid attention, so only amateurs came. But soon, Associations might start getting involved.
"When I was young, my grandmother used to tell me all sorts of Urban Legends, and I'd be so scared I couldn't sleep all night. Sigh, I'm reminded of that unbearable past again.
"Missing your family?
"Yeah, though not a single one is left now.
"I don't have family either, or rather, I never have since I was born.
Ayou wrapped his arm around Roland's shoulder.
"Brother Roland, don't you still have us? We're here to keep you company.
"Director, look, aren't we living together like a family now?
"The three of us are unstoppable.
{ That's right, he is not him. }
After hearing that, Roland...
"Oh, give me a break. You?
"Why are you always tearing me down?
"Then, Roland, can you tell me your story in detail?
"Director, how come you've started getting interested in me?
"For a long time, I was buried deep underground, and I could only collect fragmented information about the outside world. I've watched the same stories over and over again. Now, I want to hear new stories, see new faces, and so on. That is why I want a book that contains everything in the world.
"At the same time, I want revenge. I want to take revenge on him, the one who turned me into this. I will completely destroy his dream.
Ayou listened to these words, feeling that the Angela before him was somewhat terrifying.
"As long as you want to listen, Director, I'm at your service.
"Oh right, Roland, I remembered something. You still haven't told me: what kind of little games were you and your wife playing in bed?
After Ayou finished that sentence, Roland's face instantly turned bright red.
"Get lost!
"I want to hear it too.
"Children shouldn't listen to this.
"Wait, no, then you shouldn't be telling people that!!!
//////
"How long are you going to keep kneeling?
A man in a suit was kneeling in the lobby of Zwei Section 6, facing a girl shorter than him.
"Please, I beg you. My children, they are all dead.
Isadora closed her eyes and said helplessly.
"How many times have you repeated that? My ears are starting to grow calluses.
"I know your colleagues all died in The Library.
"I beg for the help of Zwei. Please, even if it's just to retrieve those children's books.
"You also know that barging into the Zwei headquarters and begging shamelessly is highly inappropriate.
Although she said that, Isadora's tone was very calm.
A girl with white hair standing nearby began to plead for Shan.
"Isadora, I'm begging you too, at least help her. Can you at least ask the superiors to take a look at this case?
"Julia, I know you are friends with this idiot, but we cannot act on emotion. Everything must follow procedure. Once a precedent is set, the order we worked so hard to establish will collapse instantly.
"You have to realize that the lobby is packed with guys like him, crying and begging for help every single day. You'd better get this straight right now: even if you are just doing entry-level work, you are still a direct Fixer of Zwei.
"But I also have responsibility for this matter. And Zwei should also bear responsibility.
Isadora sighed helplessly.
"In the Association's records, there is no evidence to suggest this case is related to Zwei. I don't understand what you are talking about, Julia.
"Burning bridges... Once there's no utility value... just discard it casually, is that it?
"Hey, watch your language. Even if the Association really did have a private deal with you as you wish, you must have been promised a reward. Mutual exploitation is the essence of any transaction, isn't it?
"You used the Association just as much as the Association used you. Don't make it sound like you were being unilaterally extorted. Is this your first day as a Fixer? You've been in this line of work for eight years, and you still don't understand this simple principle?
"Isadora, don't say that. We all came from the same Office.
"I'm just disappointed. I don't want to see him fall to this point.
Shan finally stood up and said disappointedly.
"Heh, sorry, I... I think I understand what you mean. You're right. That's the reality. I'll find another way.
"Shan, I'm sorry. I didn't think it would turn out like this, I...
Just as Shan was wondering, since things couldn't pass through Zwei, whether she should go find that younger brother she hadn't contacted in years...
Suddenly, Isadora's communicator rang.
"Look at this. This is what I was talking about. Everything must follow procedure.
"Just now, the Hana Association upgraded The Library case to an Urban Legend.
After hearing this information, Julia said, somewhat shocked.
"That means our Association can officially take action, right?
"Yes, that is true. But I am not clear on Zwei's stance on this case. Don't get your hopes up too high just yet.
Shan, who was about to turn and walk out of the lobby, heard this news and immediately beamed with joy.
"Thank you, Isadora. It's all thanks to you. Sorry for causing you so much trouble just now.
After hearing this, Isadora seemed a bit embarrassed.
"Uh, I, I... I was just doing my job, compiling relevant information and submitting it to my superiors according to protocol. That includes information about other Offices and gangs encountering The Library, even though most of them are trivial.
"But this is all thanks to the precise analysis and rapid processing of information by our Section 6 Information Processing Team Leader, the lovely Isadora! Hehe, you really are Isadora!
"Stop flattering me. It's making me... feel awkward. Think what you want. So, do you have that invitation letter in your hands?
////
"As I said before, it seems the Association is preparing to take action. The situation from here on out will be vastly different.
"As I mentioned before, The Library has been promoted to an Urban Legend. If previous guests were driven by curiosity to come here, future guests will view The Library as a clear target.
"Why do you say that?
"Cases officially recognized by the Association usually yield generous rewards, and a place that reeks of money will definitely attract persistent pests.
"Whether you like pests or not, things are going to gradually escalate.
Ayou listened to Roland speaking, picking up the riot baton he had earlier.
"I don't care if they're pests or rats. As long as they dare to come, I'll make sure they don't make it back.
After hearing this, Angela said helplessly.
"That's called 'never to return'.
"Although our current danger level and importance might only be at the entry level, as long as the Associations keep their eyes on us, all sorts of people will be attracted here.
"I like that idea. I can obtain more valuable books from it. There is still so much more I want to see and understand.
"Director, you really are a curious little baby.
"By the way, I've always been curious. I have a question: why can't you leave this place?
"Because I am cursed. Buried within my heart is an ancient and profound curse. A non-human existence cannot leave this place.
"However, before I completely achieve my revenge, I don't intend to leave here either. So far, it feels pretty good. Actually, I've been especially happy lately.
"This Library is like a birdcage, and I am a bird that cannot fly freely. But compared to the prison I lived in for so long, this place is full of brand-new things.
"The faces I meet for the first time, the knowledge that keeps accumulating, the world full of fun—all these novel things bring me joy. I still want to learn more, I still want to keep learning.
"If I keep understanding things like this, one day I will understand why I had to suffer such torture.
"Then I'll have to keep at it too. After all, if you can't get out, then I won't be able to get out either, right?
Angela wondered whether she should tell him about that matter.
"When we leave here one day, I'll introduce you to the restaurant I used to frequent.
"You mean a restaurant?
"Yes, that place's big iron pot stew is particularly delicious.
"The giant iron pot customized by T Corp is one of their secrets. Just put sardines in, stew them for ten seconds, and it's like they've been cooked for three days and three nights. The meat instantly becomes silky and tender, and the broth is delicious and thick. You can enjoy the meal immediately without waiting. This dining experience is fantastic, though it's a bit expensive—a single meal cost me nearly half of my commission fee. But even so, it's still very much worth visiting.
Hearing this, Ayou, who was standing nearby, started drooling. When he realized it, he wiped his mouth.
"Where is that place? Maybe I can go out and see it. Oh right, Director, when can that invitation letter be used again?
Angela listened to these two putting on a show, and then she didn't want to speak anymore.
Seeing this situation, Ayou said to Roland.
"Hey Roland, did we say something wrong?
"Bullshit, it was clearly you who said something wrong.
"But the Director can't eat food.
"Eh, I think I said something stupid. Sigh, even if we can't go to the restaurant, there are many places you would be interested in. I'll introduce them to you slowly when there's a chance.
"I... it's not that I can't eat, I just can't perceive taste. However, if it were possible, I do wish to taste food like a human. Regardless, only after finishing what's in front of us can we consider the future. And that big iron pot stew, I will remember it.
"Don't worry, Director. I believe there will come a day when we will all be free.