The Shopkeeper of Konoha

96. You are not safe



"Magic.. From the Marvel World..?" After seeing the name, Edward uttered his words slowly.

"Such a long name. Who's gonna say that out loud?" Winry said as everyone here was thinking they would getting more 'friends and coworkers'.

"It's not a name." Aoto shook his head and denied.

"Then? What is it?" John enquired.

Aoto didn't know exactly what to do and just clicked with his finger at the "Power system - Magic from the world of Marvel." Then something magical happened. Suddenly the air crackled with arcane energy as they emerged into an awe-inspiring library.

"What's this?"

"What just happened?"

Everyone was in astonishment as they looked around, unable to comprehend the abrupt change in environment. The library stood as a sanctuary of knowledge and arcane wisdom, its grandeur beyond mortal comprehension. Magnificent shelves that reached the heavens were crammed with a never-ending selection of books, scrolls, and antiquated manuscripts. With complex carvings and mesmerizing symbols decorating every surface, the architecture itself appeared to come to life. They appeared to be endowed with a life force of their own.

The vastness of the library seemed to defy conventional measurements. Numerous winding hallways led to secret alcoves and alcantaras where rare books and dusty grimoires slept patiently, awaiting the adventurous minds that ventured to seek their illumination. A warm, unearthly illumination emanated from shimmering crystals dangling from the ceiling, producing dancing shadows that appeared to be uttering ancient incantations.

Aoto took a while to look around before recognizing the library. It was the library that Doctor Strange went to in What if? before he became Doctor Strange Supreme. But the library was much bigger than he anticipated.

The sectioning of the library opened up new, larger chambers and tunnels. One section was named

"Celestial Magic." The others were included under their names as "Eldritch Magic," "Pantheonic Magic," "Chaos Magic," and other sub-sections. Aoto was amazed as he took in his surroundings. He nearly had lights in his eyes when he saw the names all around him. He moved ahead and attempted to penetrate the area of Celestial Magic, but he was halted by an imperceptible barrier. And Aoto received a notification right away.

"The person isn't knowledgeable enough to enter the Celestial Magic section."

"What? System? Why can't I enter it?" Aoto had to inquire due to his amazement.

[

A person could enter the section when he is worthy enough. The section you are reading is the most basic; only after you have gained sufficient knowledge will you be permitted to move on to further areas.

]

And sure it was, as the other people around him got curious and wanted to enter the other sections only to be stopped and given the same notification. They were both astonished and perplexed.

"System, can they also learn magic?" Aoto enquired after noticing that the library held all of his summonses.

[

Anyone can enter this location at the host's discretion, and anyone with the aptitude can learn magic, both those who have been summoned and those who have not. The host can also set rules apart from the rules of the library. For example, if the host sets the bar of Celestial Magic knowledge in a much higher level, the library will follow that rule as long as the basic rules of this library are maintained.

]

"So in a way, will it be obeyed if I state that once someone learns the magic knowledge, they won't be able to speak about it or spread the knowledge to others? Is that even feasible?"

[

Yes. It's up to the host to decide.

]

When Aoto heard that, he sighed in relief. At least he could establish a rule prohibiting any of his summons that were brought as assistants to the actual summons from discussing it with others. He wished for his people to acquire this information without a doubt, but to keep it a secret from others. The person who distributed ninshu to others wasn't Hagoromo.

"System set the rule that the knowledge of this library, its existence and the knowledge wouldn't be spoken out to others. They can practice it outside, protect themselves, and even engage in combat when necessary, but it is never to be spoken."

[

Acknowledged, host

]

Aoto was pleased that the library had such a restriction. Now he didn't need to worry about the library and the knowledge. Others were browsing the library's books, scripts, and tomes as Aoto dealt with the new library he had recently acquired. The first person to pick up a book and begin reading it was Edward. He was surprised more and more as he read.

"These theories on the transmutation of energy through celestial alignments sounds interesting..."

"Philosopher's stone? I have seen the real thing.. Wait.. This is all just theory.. I need to know more."

More and more of Edward's attention was drawn to them as he read. The library also had some histories and information on the risks associated with magic in addition to the fundamentals of magic. In order to prevent people who discover magic from becoming completely enamored with it, the danger element was also included on the first page. Along with others, Corazon was also reading them. They were so absorbed in the information that they almost lost track of time.

The large library's night lights gradually went out as sunlight from a new dawn streamed in through tiny windows perched high on the walls and ceilings.

Aoto needed to call everyone because he realized that a lot of time had passed. Soon everyone was assembled, and hunger, astonishment, and excitement could be seen on everyone's faces.

"I am aware that you wish to learn more and read more. In fact, I want to learn too.. However, the newcomers must enter Konoha. You all carry fresh documents that will make it easy for you to pass through the gate. Corazon-san please lead them to the gate of the Konoha village safely." Added Aoto. Corazon gave a head nod. Before they began to delve further into magic, they needed to get their lives in order.

"We can take care of ourselves." When Aoto asked someone else to take care of them, Ed felt a little uncomfortable and said.

"You don't. You will not last a second here if a normal ninja come out to attack you."

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