Chapter 16: Opening the Library of Heaven
"System, are you there?"
"[Ding! The pretty and charming system has arrived, Host!]"
The system's narcissistic voice echoed in his mind, bringing a slight smile to Arthur's lips.
"System, do you have a name?" he asked casually.
Three question marks floated above the system's head as she hesitated before replying, "[Host, why are you asking something like that?]"
Arthur rested both hands behind his head and replied, "No particular reason. It's just that 'System of a Thousand Worlds' sounds a bit long and awkward to say. I was wondering if you had a name so I could call you something easier."
"[Ah… I see.]" the system replied lightly.
She suddenly let out a soft, melancholic sigh before continuing, "[Unfortunately, ever since I was created, I've never had a name. All I know is that my code name is 'System of a Thousand Worlds.']"
Arthur could sense the sadness and longing behind her words.
A faint smile crossed his lips as he suggested, "In that case, how about I give you one?"
The system was taken aback by his suggestion. She asked in disbelief, "Are you serious, Host?"
"Of course I am," Arthur replied confidently, patting his chest lightly. "What do you think? If you'd like, I'll give you a good name."
"[Of course I do!]" The system responded without hesitation, her voice brimming with excitement. "[I've always wanted a name, just like you and other beings, Host! Please give me one!]"
Amused by her enthusiasm, Arthur chuckled and rubbed his chin, thinking of a suitable name.
Judging by her voice, the system was undoubtedly female.
As for her age, he couldn't say for certain, but the clear, slightly childish tone suggested she was akin to a teenage girl around 14 to 17 years old.
After a brief moment of thought, a name surfaced in his mind. "Sylvia…"
Arthur's eyes lit up as he declared, "I'll name you Sylvia. How does that sound?"
"[Sylvia?]" the system repeated softly before her voice filled with joy. "[That's a beautiful name, Host! Thank you! From now on, my name is Sylvia!]"
"Pfft!" Arthur couldn't help but laugh at her excitement.
Slowly, he sat up and asked, "Then, Sylvia, can you open the Library of Heaven?"
Sylvia was stunned by his request. "[Host, do you want to start now?]"
Arthur gave a small nod, clenched his fists, and replied with determination, "Yes, I want to start now. Many crises await me in the future, and I must become stronger as quickly as possible!"
The sudden reversal of his engagement breakup with Nora made him feel an impending sense of crisis.
He suspected it was a consequence of his actions not aligning with the Arthur from the novel.
Although it wasn't an immediate threat, he couldn't afford to stay complacent. The deeper his involvement in this world, the greater the impact and changes he would bring.
When that happens, all the knowledge he possesses may become obsolete.
The only way to survive is to grow stronger. There are two ways to achieve that: seizing the protagonist's opportunities from the novel or relying on the system.
Given his current weakness, the first option was clearly impossible. That left him with only one choice—leveraging the system's power.
Hearing the resolve in his voice, the system refrained from any unnecessary chatter.
"[In that case, I'll open the Library of Heaven. Just close your eyes, Host,]" the system instructed.
"Okay..." Arthur nodded slightly before shutting his eyes.
Buzz!
The moment he did, something unexpected happened.
The space around him distorted, causing his entire room to warp, as if on the verge of shattering at any moment.
Arthur felt his head spin as a wave of nausea washed over him.
Fortunately, the discomfort didn't last long and gradually faded away.
"[You can open your eyes now, Host,]" the system said.
Arthur slowly opened his eyes—and in an instant, he froze.
"This..." His mouth fell open, disbelief etched across his handsome face.
Before him stretched a place that resembled a library.
However, it was anything but small—this library was vast and seemingly endless!
He had no idea how large it truly was, but by his estimation, it far surpassed the size of the Duke of Vanitas' mansion.
Towering pillars reached high into the ceiling, their surfaces engraved with ancient symbols he couldn't begin to decipher.
Yet, it wasn't just the library's sheer size that left him in awe—it was the endless rows of colossal bookshelves filling every corner.
To his right, left, above, and even below, countless gold-colored bookshelves stood in perfect alignment, housing an unimaginable number of books.
Even more astonishing, some bookshelves floated in midair, suspended in the vast space like a scene from a dream.
Just as Arthur was still reeling from the sight, a sweet voice, light and slightly childish, rang out from behind him.
"Welcome to the Library of Heaven, Host!"