The Transmigrated Author

Hours seemed to melt away as Anouz guided me through the artifact room. He pointed out the guard rotations, the intricate security measures, every minute detail that might be useful.

Each time a guard looked away, he'd subtly gesture towards the Orb of Phantasmal, as if trying to convey a hidden message.

I played along, pretending to absorb the information, but my mind was elsewhere. I already knew what was inside the Orb; the inner workings were of no concern to me.

Afterwards, by the time we left the library, it was already lunchtime and Anouz told me he had somewhere to be.

30 minutes later...

The dining room was a grand spectacle. When I had entered the room there showed a massive table that ran the length of the entire room.

I almost mistook it for the last supper.

The Montclair's really went all out; it was a luxurious experience. Each guest was presented with a menu boasting a dizzying array of cuisines. My eyes glazed over at the delicious-sounding options. But I ended up going with Japanese and Korean food; it felt comforting and reminded me of home.

"Man, that lunch hit the spot!" Bazz shouted, stretching his arms after eating 6 plates of Ribeye Steak

"Well, that's good to hear, Bazz,"

Lan replied, standing up from the long dinner table where we were all gathered.

I knew it was free time, so I'll leave whenever I'm ready.

"Now, for our report, everything will be based on what you find interesting in the artifact library. You'll have until the end of noon to submit it, and for your guide..."

He paused, making a big dramatic gesture.

"It will be someone you all know! Everyone, please welcome Anouz, the eldest son of the Montclair family!"

Applause erupted as Anouz stepped through the grand doors. I couldn't believe my eyes when I saw it.

FWANG!

[Story Setting Has Been Changed...]

[The following character -> Anouz will be the leading guide instead of Richard, The Head Servant]

[The following character -> Christian Allard Kaiser will be ⬛⬛⬛⬛]

"What?"

I muttered, staring at the system message in disbelief. I tried to access Christian's information, but it was completely blocked.

"System, what's going on?"

[The information you're trying to see cannot be viewed or accessed with points.]

"I don't understand. Is there a reason why you're doing this?"

[There's been a modification with the development of the setting. For the assurance of your safety, Author, it is best for you not to know the character's next part.]

"Haah..." I sighed. "Then so be it."

I knew Anouz would have something to do with the events surrounding the Orb of Phantasmal, but becoming the guide was a bit much, even for him. Stay updated through My Virtual Library Empire

But Christian...what was his role in all of this?

That's what worried me the most.

Anouz, wasting no time, ushered us towards the artifact library. He seemed to have caught the guards off guard, and I guessed he'd timed our arrival perfectly.

The next scheduled transport for the guards was likely 15-30 minutes away."Alright, everyone, take a look around and see what piques your interest!" Anouz announced."You heard him!" Lan smiled, walking off to the upstairs section.

As we dispersed to explore the vast collection, Anouz had servants bring in trays of food and deliver them to the guards.

Among those delivering the refreshments were CA25B (Christian) and VE4B (Vanessa) in their disguises handing down food to others, though I couldn't help but feel troubled when Valencia and Vanessa look at each other. It feels like Valencia doesn't like her for some reason.

While I was lost in my thoughts examining the artifacts, Richard entered looking like he was about to faint, with sweat beads appearing on his forehead.

"All servants, the next batch for distribution is ready."

The servants did what they were told, and Richard's expression changed as they walked by.

"Ehem... Young Master! I was supposed to be the one showing these kids around the library!"

Hiding his frustration, he moved closer to Anouz, who simply smiled, seemingly aware of his dilemma.

"But you've been working too hard lately. Don't you deserve a rest?"

He kept a calm face filled with composure and I knew at any moment Richard was going to snap.

...

...

...

"These students need to leave, Young Master!" Richard insisted, his voice rising in frustration. "We have a new artifact arriving, and the library needs to be cleared for its transfer."

Anouz, however, remained unfazed. "I see no reason for them to leave," he countered calmly. "They're simply admiring our collection."

Richard's face reddened. "But the security protocols—"

"I am well aware of the security protocols, Richard," Anouz interrupted, his voice laced with a hint of steel. "And I assure you, there is no need for concern."

Their argument escalated, their voices echoing through the room.

I kept watching, getting nervous, my eyes jumping back and forth between the two guys.

Then I noticed Christian, who, for some reason, hadn't left with the other servants.

He was approaching Anouz and Richard with a tray of refreshments in his hands.

No way... I suddenly understood what the system meant.

This was Christian's role. He was the catalyst.

I bolted from the second floor, taking the stairs two at a time.

As I reached the landing, I saw Christian offer the plate to Anouz and Richard.

There's actually no way...

The scene was playing out exactly as it was supposed to. Every character was dangerously close to the Orb, ready for the trigger to happen.

If I didn't act fast, my plan would be ruined.

"We DON'T WANT YOUR FOOD!" Richard roared, shoving Christian with all his might.

"WAIT!"

Just as I was about to reach them, I saw Christian's body emit a surge of mana.

That's when I realised it was all over.

CRACKLE...CRACKLE... CRACKLE...

1 seconds late... I was only a second late.

WOM!

The Orb's activation sound reverberated through the room, and powerful energy currents surged outwards.