# Chapter Seven
Kang Jin-woo stood facing the mysterious "Librarian," the air in the circular, book-filled room feeling heavy and charged with anticipation. This wasn't just a meeting; it was a test, a challenge. Jin-woo's cold smile didn't falter; it widened, revealing a hint of the brutality that lay beneath his feigned composure.
"The price?" Jin-woo repeated, his tone carrying a subtle challenge. "I am always willing to pay any price as long as the reward is worth it. The question is, is what you have here worth my time and effort?"
The Librarian laughed again, a laugh that seemed to echo among the ancient bookshelves. "Direct and insolent. I appreciate that sometimes. Most who come here are either too frightened or disgustingly sycophantic. You, at least, are honest in your twisted nature."
The Librarian raised a hand, covered in a dark leather glove, and gestured to an empty chair in front of the desk. "Sit, nascent psychopath. Let us talk about the knowledge you seek, and the prices you might have to pay."
Jin-woo sat on the chair, maintaining his composure. His eyes constantly scanned the Librarian, trying to pick up any details that might reveal his identity or intentions. But the man was shrouded in shadows, his hood concealing most of his face. The "Cold Observer's Eye" provided limited and unsettling information.
[The Librarian (???) – Ancient Entity (???)]
[Level: ??? (Far exceeds your current ability to assess)]
[Status: Amused (Curious, Wary)]
[Strength: ??? | Agility: ??? | Stamina: ??? | Intelligence: ??? | Perception: ??? | Magic: ???]
[Skills: Cosmic Knowledge (Partial), Guardian of Secrets, Reality Manipulation (Limited within his domain), ???]
[Titles: Gatekeeper, Collector of Forgotten Souls, ???]
[Description: A mysterious entity bound to this library since time immemorial. His motives and origins are unknown. He collects knowledge and offers it to those who are worthy (or those who can pay the price). Extremely dangerous.]
[System Note: Be extremely cautious. This entity could easily destroy you if provoked. However, he seems interested in you for some reason.]
Jin-woo swallowed hard but didn't let any trace of fear show on his face. "Ancient entity..." That explained a lot. This library wasn't just a place; it was this being's domain. And this being was playing some kind of game with him.
"So," the Librarian began, his calm voice cutting through the silence. "You seek a deeper understanding of the 'Shadow Path,' as your little system seems to call it. You offered an interesting sacrifice – the 'Tattered Book of Dusk Rituals.' A dangerous book, full of twisted knowledge. But it is merely a scratch on the surface of the true secrets of darkness."
"That's why I'm here," Jin-woo replied. "I want to see beyond the surface."
"Ambition is good," said the Librarian. "But deep knowledge, especially that related to shadows and chaos, has a price beyond mere books or artifacts. It demands a part of you. Are you willing to give up a piece of yourself, of your meager remaining humanity, for the power you seek?"
Jin-woo laughed out loud this time, a laugh devoid of any warmth. "My humanity? My dear Librarian, I think you overestimate what's left of it. If giving up the illusion of humanity is the price, I consider it a bargain."
The Librarian stared at Jin-woo for a moment, then nodded slowly. "Interesting, your convictions. Very well, if you insist, I can offer you some guidance. There are books in this library that can open your mind to truths you might find... unsettling. And there are ways to gain power that go beyond merely reading ancient texts."
"I'm listening," Jin-woo said, leaning forward slightly, his eyes gleaming with dark anticipation.
"First, the books," said the Librarian, gesturing with his hand towards the endless shelves. "This library is not organized in the traditional way. The books here find their readers, not the other way around. If you seek specific knowledge, you must let your dark curiosity guide you. Wander among the shelves, touch the books, let them speak to you. But be warned, some books carry curses, and some may devour your mind if you are not prepared for their contents."
Jin-woo's smile widened. "Sounds like a fun challenge."
"Second," the Librarian continued, "there is more than just books. This library is connected to the 'Shadow Dimensions,' places beyond the comprehension of ordinary mortals. I can open passages for you to some of these dimensions, where you can encounter true shadow entities, learn from them, or steal their power. But these places are extremely dangerous. Death is the least of what might happen to you there."
"Shadow Dimensions..." This sounded even more promising. "And what is the price for opening these passages?"
"Each passage has its own price," said the Librarian. "Sometimes it's a rare artifact, sometimes it's a service you perform for me, and sometimes... it's a piece of your memories, or a fragment of your soul." He paused for a moment, as if savoring Jin-woo's potential reaction. "But since you are a new guest, and you offered a good sacrifice, I will make you a special offer for your first journey."
"What is this offer?" Jin-woo asked, his caution increasing.
"There is a place known as the 'Whispering Souls Market,'" said the Librarian. "It is a small dimension where lost souls and minor shadow entities gather to exchange secrets and bargain for services. I can send you there. Your task is simple: bring me a 'Pulsating Shadow Heart' from one of the market's traders. If you succeed, I will reward you with a rare book of my choosing, and I will open more doors for you in the future."
"Pulsating Shadow Heart..." Jin-woo repeated. "And what is that exactly?"
"You'll know it when you see it," the Librarian said with a mysterious smile. "It is something precious in the shadow world. But be careful, the traders of the Souls Market are not necessarily friendly, and bargaining there can be dangerous."
Jin-woo thought about it for a moment. A mission in another dimension, involving dealing with shadow entities and soul traders. This sounded exactly like the kind of challenge he was looking for. And the reward seemed enticing.
"I agree," Jin-woo said without hesitation. "When do I start?"
The Librarian stood up and moved for the first time from behind his desk. He was tall and slender, his robe flowing behind him like a living shadow. He approached a particular wall of books and touched a strange symbol engraved on one of them. The wall began to glow with a faint purple light, then opened to reveal a swirling portal of dancing shadows.
[Portal to the "Whispering Souls Market" (Low-Level Shadow Dimension) detected.]
[Warning: This dimension is unstable and may contain unexpected dangers. Extreme caution is advised.]
"The portal will remain open for a limited time," said the Librarian. "If you do not return before it closes, you will become a part of the market forever. Do you have any other questions before you go?"
Jin-woo looked at the swirling portal, feeling a mixture of excitement and danger. "Just one question," he said, looking at the Librarian. "Why are you helping me? What do you really want from me?"
The Librarian smiled, and a hint of something ancient and wise appeared in his veiled eyes. "Let's just say I enjoy watching chaos unfold. And you, Kang Jin-woo, seem to carry a great deal of potential chaos within you. Go now. And do not disappoint me."
Without another word, Jin-woo turned and stepped into the swirling portal. He felt a strange sensation of dizziness and pressure, as if his body was being disassembled and reassembled. Then, suddenly, he found himself in a completely different place.
He was standing in what looked like an open-air market, but the sky above was a swirling vortex of dark purple and green, and the stalls were made of strange bones and faintly glowing fabrics. The air was filled with the sounds of whispers and strange languages, and the scent of exotic incense mixed with sulfur and decaying flowers. Creatures of all shapes and sizes roamed the market, some vaguely human-like, others mere shadows or conglomerations of strange light.
[You have entered the "Whispering Souls Market".]
[New Quest: "The Pulsating Shadow Heart".]
[Description: Find a trader selling a "Pulsating Shadow Heart" and acquire it by any means necessary (purchase, barter, theft, murder). Return with it to the Librarian.]
[Reward: Rare magic book (determined by the Librarian), Increased reputation with the Librarian.]
[Warning: Most inhabitants of this market are deceitful or dangerous. Trust no one.]
Jin-woo grinned broadly. This place was exactly what he had hoped for. A new world full of opportunities and dangers. He took out his shadow dagger, feeling its familiar coldness in his hand. It was time to go shopping.