Chapter 99: For Love of Learning (2/2)
”I'm Rusilka, daughter of Grunyar and Inek. Don't worry about trying to remember it. Most of you tall folk just call me the library dwarf, when they think I'm not listening.”
”That seems kind of rude.” He replied with a frown.
”Meh, I'm used to it. You humans have short memories, so I can't expect too much out of you. Anyway, get ready. We're about to see the most impressive sight in the University.”
Shortly after she announced it, the stone walls gave way to the translucent crystal of the Spire. They apparently entered the structure at some point. He was surrounded by the breathtaking view of the campus laid out before him in every direction. It seemed like they were already tens of meters above the ground, and still ascending.
”In a typically human fashion, once the original discoverers of the Spire learned that there was an underground entrance to the structure, they promptly proceeded to build their own bits at the most inconvenient part of it. A tradition that the University continues to this day.” The dwarf added sarcastically while they were still ascending.
Looking up, Mike realized that the inside of the Spire was largely hollow, only a thin layer of transparent crystal separating them from the outside. The elevator they were riding was quickly approaching a section of wooden and steel scaffolding simply built into the sides of the Spire. The remnants of a spiral staircase could be seen along the edges, although it was clearly in disrepair.
”I can imagine that climbing this would get quite tiresome after awhile.” He muttered, trying to imagine how unpleasant it must be for someone without supernatural stamina.
Rusilka laughed at that. ”Can't understand it myself. Some jumped up bastard thought it would be a great idea to build himself a home at the very top of this thing, no matter the expense, and I'll be damned if he didn't see it through. That kind of stubbornness is admirable in a way.”
Mike felt a little strange about a dwarf calling anyone else stubborn, but had to remind himself that the stereotypes from fantasy fiction back in his old world weren't necessarily accurate for the people of this one.
The elevator soon passed through the reinforced floor of the library structure built into the hollow center of the Spire. They passed a floor that seemed to be devoted to maintenance and storage, but stopped at the next. Rusilka led him out into a hallway filled with offices, and up to a door marked 'Account Management.'
Pushing it open, she motioned for him to come in. ”Alright, Mike. I need your student ring.”
As soon as he handed it over, she plugged it into a boxy device with a slot seemingly designed for the process. It started to hum for a moment, emitted a few strange chirps, and fell silent. She plucked the ring back out of the device and handed it back to him.
”Alright, now you can check books out at the desk downstairs. There are a few rules that I have to go over, so pay attention. First, you are limited to three books at a time, and you can only check them out for a week. Each of them has been enchanted with a basic anti-theft spell which will alert University security to your location should you try to leave with any books that haven't been checked out.”
”What happens if you are late turning them in?” He asked, having a lot of personal experience regarding that in his old world.
”Depending on the number of times you do it, they'll either issue a warning, suspend your library privileges, or cancel them entirely. I recommend that you return them promptly and on time. Alright, now for the second rule. As a first year student with basic access, you can only visit the first level of the restricted section. Your department can grant you permission for more at a later date.”
”How many sections are there?”
”Stop interrupting.” She paused, then continued. ”There are five total sections, because everything in your culture has to be divided into fives. Now, the last and most important rule is simple. Don't intentionally damage any of the books or the library itself. Any violations will be met with immediate cancellation of all privileges and possible expulsion. Am I clear?”
”Crystal.”
”Good.” They exchanged stares for a few moments, before she broke the silence. ”Well off you go then, do your exploring.” She made a shooing motion.
”Thank you for the help Rusilka, I appreciate it.”
”None of that now. I was just doing my job.” She said while pushing him out of the office. ”Just head down that way, and you'll see the stairs to take you to the next floor, which will be General Collections. After that will be the restricted section.”
”Gotcha. Thanks again.” He said while walking down the indicated passage.
Following the dwarf's directions brought him into a wide open area filled with bookshelves and tables. With the exception of several support pillars the sides of the chamber were left open, displaying a view of both the campus and the capital itself. Students in varying uniforms could be seen milling about or studying at one of the tables. A handful of people dressed in gray robes performed the clerical duties that kept the place running properly.
Looking around, Mike only had one thought.
[Alright, now where the hell do I start?]