User:NeloAngelo/Redstuff/1-14/1

Marsh - Side Red We decided to head towards the Library.

As we walked towards the alleyway, we bumped into several students in the Academy. Some of them referred Yotta as "Professor", while some ignored him -they don't even know who he is. However, a constant in those who addresses Yotta always carried a degree of fear in their tone.

As I looked at the last student who avoided eye contact with Yotta scurrying, an offhand remark slipped my mouth. Not a exactly Mr. Popularity, huh?" Yotta paused for a moment, then nonchalantly replied, "Hmm? The most important thing here is knowledge. My popularity is something I can do with or without." As he continued leading me, he continued, "but color me surprised, Solvei, I wouldn't expect someone like you to be interested in popularity." I see. The hesitation comes from the type of question I asked. "I'm not. It's just, for a self proclaimed "low-ranking" administrator, you seem to command alot of clout." If Yotta's leeway doesn't come from his popularity, then he must command true power within the Academy. For once, Yotta let slip a bitter smile that I've never seen. "My family is one of the founder of the Academy."

Straight and to the point. An unusually curt response from Yotta. A tone that screams "Do not ask any further." I shrugged off with a "fine".

Eventually we reached to Academy's Library- a standalone building containing 4 levels. From the color washed wall, to the porcelain floor, then to the polished furniture presents an atmosphere seemingly froze in time. The female clerk greeted Yotta the moment he made his presence known. "Welcome back, Sir Yotta." Yotta simply nodded his head, then quickly walked past her, just as fast as she quickly snapped back to her work. A cold, almost mechanical exchange.


 * Yotta: So, what are you looking for?
 * Nelo: Anything related to the world.
 * Yotta: You will have to be more specific, Solvei.
 * Nelo: I'd like to know about the history leading to the formation of Sage's Pact, and current records about it.
 * Yotta: Alright, follow me.

Following Yotta, I reached to the second floor of the Library. Before I know it, Yotta already arranged a stack of books in front of me. I guess he's not a library's administrator for nothing.

"I trust your memory issue haven't impair your understanding of library etiquette?" Yotta asked, as he picked out another book. "No, no-just be quiet. Anything else?" A part of me really wanted to barb, but Yotta's been really helpful so far. "You can't take any books out."

"As a bonus, here, take this." Yotta said, placing another book on top of the stack. The cover depicts a spiky-haired man with a wide friendly smile, posing with a thumbs up. Above it printed the letters "Emir's Extraordinary Tales of Travels -4th Edition-" boldly. "What happened to the first?" I asked. "The 1st Edition, penned by the titular man played a large role in reestablishing international relationships between nations. The playful writing coupled with the detailed description of the locations caused its popularity surge across of the world." Yotta explained, almost in a lecturer's tone. Then, he looked at me straight in the eye- "But that edition was made public for more than 80 years ago." 80 years ago...before the Sage's Pact?

"So if the guy is to survive and wrote a 4th rendition, wouldn't his age be in the hundreds?" I asked "Only the First Edition was written solely by him, actually. The success of the First Edition was so big, it inspired many other travelers to collaborate with Emir. After the 2nd Edition, Emir officially retired to compile and help publish traveler tales instead." Yotta Huh. A one-hit wonder into a self-perpetuating business. I looked at the corner of the cover where an author's name is typically printed. It wrote "Compiled by committee of the Traveler's Association". Yotta seemed to catch on my attention towards the book. Then, with a pose of a thumbs-up mimicking Emir, he spoke "Don't worry, it's a trusted brand." I looked at the Yotta, then towards the book. From Yotta smile to Emir's printed smile, both them felt increasingly goofy to me. I can't help but to let out a chuckle. "Well, I have business to attend to. If something comes up, refer to the clerk. She saw you walking alongside me." Yotta gave a light bow, then left.