Chapter 18: Enter the Book World!
"Host, since your authority is still at level 1, I will select five book worlds that I believe are the easiest for you. This way, you won't struggle too much and can get used to the process first," Sylvia said gently.
With that, she opened both her palms. Instantly, five books shot toward her from all directions.
The books were red, blue, green, yellow, and white, each glowing in its respective color as they floated before him.
"These are five books suited for you. You can choose one to enter," Sylvia explained briefly.
Arthur didn't make a hasty decision; instead, he carefully examined each book one by one.
After five minutes of consideration, he finally picked the red book on the left.
Its title was Rise of the Unwanted Queen, and he felt it was the best choice to start with.
"I choose this one," Arthur said, pointing at the red book.
Sylvia was momentarily surprised before smiling. "That's a good choice, Host. This book's world is a magical fantasy setting, not too different from your current one."
"Oh?" Arthur raised an eyebrow, his eyes gleaming with interest. "Looks like I made the right choice. Can we get started?"
"Of course," Sylvia replied with a slight nod. "But before we begin, there's something you should know. Every book world you enter has its own background story. When you arrive, you'll have a general understanding of it, so there's no need to worry."
"Also, since your soul isn't native to these book worlds, you won't be bringing your real body. Instead, you'll take on the body of one of the characters in the story."
Arthur was slightly surprised by her explanation and couldn't help but be amazed.
'That's incredible,' he muttered under his breath.
He had assumed he would enter the book world with his real body, but that wasn't the case. This only deepened his curiosity about the creator of the Library of Heaven and the countless book worlds within it.
"In that case, are you ready to enter Rise of the Unwanted Queen, Host?" Sylvia's sudden question snapped Arthur out of his thoughts.
Arthur took a deep breath. "Go ahead, Sylvia!"
"Good!" Sylvia nodded in satisfaction and closed her eyes.
Raising both hands high, she declared, "Open the Sky Gate!"
*Buzz!*
A thunderous sound suddenly erupted from the right.
Startled, Arthur turned his head and saw a massive white gate glowing brilliantly in the air.
It was unusually large—about ten meters tall—with ancient, unfamiliar symbols engraved across its surface.
"Approach the Sky Gate, Host. It will open automatically. Once you step inside, you'll enter the world of the book you've chosen," Sylvia said excitedly.
"Okay." Without hesitation, Arthur walked toward the gate.
*Dzzzt!*
As he stepped within two meters, the gate rumbled and split open, unveiling a brilliant white portal that radiated an air of mystery.
The light was so intense that he couldn't see what lay beyond.
Clenching his fists, he gritted his teeth and muttered, "Let's go!"
Then, without a second thought, he stepped forward.
At that moment, an unseen force pulled him in, and in the blink of an eye, his figure vanished completely.
*Dzzzt!*
The gate trembled before dissolving into shimmering particles of light.
Watching Arthur disappear, Sylvia smiled faintly and whispered, "You can do it, Host."
...
"Damn... My head hurts like hell!"
In a luxurious room equipped with a private kitchen, plush sofas, and various high-class furnishings, a handsome man rubbed his temples in pain.
He was tall and well-built, with striking green eyes and short black hair as dark as the night sky.
Dressed in a neat, elegant black manservant's uniform, he exuded an air of mysterious allure.
That man was Arthur—but with an appearance completely different from his true self.
After a moment, the pain gradually faded, allowing him to regain his composure.
"Did I enter the world of the book?" he wondered, scanning his unfamiliar surroundings.
The room was extravagant, on par with the one in the Duke of Vanitas' mansion.
However, there was a subtle difference—the architectural style of the walls and the paintings had a more old-fashioned feel, as if he had truly stepped into the medieval era.
Turning to his left, his gaze landed on a large mirror.
The moment he saw his reflection, his eyes widened in shock.
"This... is me!?"
Arthur took a deep breath, running his hands over his face in disbelief.
His appearance was completely different from his real self—yet he was still undeniably handsome, just a notch below his true form as Arthur Vanitas.
'Judging by these clothes… did I enter the body of a male servant?' Arthur mused, curiosity flickering in his eyes.
*Ding Dong!*
Just then, a systematic voice—eerily similar to Sylvia's—resounded in his mind.
Before he could react, a holographic panel materialized before him.
[Information Panel]
[—Tasks to be Completed—]
1. Increase the affection of the main character (Sharon Valura) to 100 points.
Current affection status: 20/100.
2. Help the main character (Sharon Valura) experience the warmth and care she longs for.
Mission progress: 5/100.
3. Assist the main character (Sharon Valura) in rising to become Queen of the Magic Kingdom of Valdom.
Mission progress: Not yet completed.
[—Introduction—]
You are now in the world of Rise of the Unwanted Queen. This book follows the story of an outcast princess, unloved by her family.
Her status in the kingdom is extremely low, as she was born not from a queen or a concubine, but from a mere maid with no standing.
In the future, she is destined to ascend the throne and become a ruthless, unforgiving tyrant. Prevent that storyline from unfolding.
[—Memory—: Accept / Decline]
As Arthur read through the panel, his eyes widened, and his heartbeat quickened.
"This..."