The morning light bathed Kharanax in a gentle glow, carrying with it the warm scent of fresh bread drifting through the streets.

Inside Sleep Place Guest, Noen sat by the window, lazily stirring his tea while Raven nibbled at a lump of butter from the plate.
Kaeren descended the stairs, his hair slightly tousled but his eyes clear and rested.
“Morning,” Noen greeted softly.
Kaeren nodded and slipped into the seat across from him.

Moments later, Xiara appeared, wrapped in a long coat and carrying a small bag.
“Morning,” she said. “Ready to head out?”
“Ready,” Noen replied. “So, straight to the book warehouse?”
“Not yet,” Xiara corrected. “We need to stop at the palace first. Kaeren hasn’t received his Hero’s Mark.”

Kaeren lowered his gaze, then gave a quiet nod.
“Without it, we won’t be allowed into the Royal Book Warehouse,” Xiara explained.
“Let’s go before the line gets too long.”

The palace of Kharanax rose proudly on the hill, surrounded by manicured gardens and dancing fountains.
At the gate, the guards recognized Kaeren instantly and saluted, allowing them through without question.
Kaeren looked uneasy, but Xiara reassured him with a gentle pat on the shoulder.
“Don’t worry. It’s just a formality. You’ve already been acknowledged. Now you’ll receive the proof.”

They were led into a small ceremonial hall.
A royal official emerged from a side room—something that reminded Noen of an administrative office back in his own world—carrying a silver box.
“Welcome, Kaeren,” the official said. “On behalf of the Kingdom of Kharanax, we recognize your achievement and hereby present the Hero’s Mark.”

The box was opened.
Inside lay a thin card of polished metal, engraved with intricate patterns and the royal crest.
At its center was the name: Kaeren.
And beneath it, a single word: Hero.

Kaeren stared at it for a long moment before taking it with both hands.
He bowed deeply.
The official smiled. “With this, you are granted access to the kingdom’s facilities, including the Royal Book Warehouse.”

Noen leaned toward Xiara and whispered, “It looks like an ID card.”
“More than that,” Xiara replied. “It’s proof that he is recognized as a protector of the realm.”
Raven tilted his head toward Noen with a grin. “Think it comes with food discounts?”
Noen ignored him.

“This ceremony feels so informal,” Noen whispered to Raven. “I thought there’d be some kind of celebration.”
“Not every world is obsessed with celebrations like yours,” Raven whispered back.

Leaving the palace, they descended the hill toward the district of knowledge.
The Royal Book Warehouse loomed ahead like a fortress of silence—tall, solid, its rows of frosted windows catching the light.
Two guards stood at the entrance.

Kaeren presented the Hero’s Mark.
The guards stepped aside immediately.
“Welcome, Hero. Please enter.”

Noen and Xiara followed him inside.
The air smelled of old paper and polished wood.
Towering shelves stretched upward, filled with books from countless eras and languages.
Scholars in robes moved quietly among the aisles, scribbling notes or reading in silence.

“This... is paradise,” whispered Noen, who had loved stories since childhood.
Kaeren’s eyes shone as he walked slowly, brushing his fingers across the spines of the books as if greeting old friends.

Xiara approached. “We have the whole day. Take whatever you need, then I’ll reserve us a room. I’ll help you read if necessary.”
Noen turned to her, still a little confused.

After Noen and Kaeren gathered several books, they entered the room Xiara had chosen.
Noen carried volumes on mathematics, world maps, and history, while Kaeren held a book on physics.

Inside, conversation finally began.

“Earlier, before we chose the books, you spoke as if we couldn’t read,” Noen asked Xiara.
“You’re not from this world, are you?” Xiara replied casually.
“How did you—”
“At first I was startled when I looked into Kaeren’s heart. His feelings weren’t just discomfort about a new place—they were far broader. Then, when he mentioned things that don’t exist here, like paying for lodging, and you quickly interrupted as if to cover something up... I knew you were from another world.”
“So that’s why you ran off at the end of our last conversation.”

“But doesn’t this make things easier?” Raven cut in suddenly.
“True. There’s so much we need to learn about this world. Sorry for keeping it secret from you,” Noen admitted.
“It’s fine. So you’re from the same world, pretending not to know each other?” Xiara asked.
“I still don’t know Kaeren’s world. I came here with Raven. I only realized Kaeren wasn’t from here when he got confused about the cost of lodging,” Noen explained.
“What kind of cruel world is that, leaving someone unsure how to sleep?”
“That’s how it is. Some worlds are hypocritical about human rights,” Noen replied, echoing Raven’s tone.

“Well then, before we dive into this world, I’m curious about yours. In your world, does Raven really talk like this?” Xiara asked.
“No. I only met Raven when I woke up here. He was the one who brought me,” Noen answered.
“More or less,” Raven added. “But with Kaeren, I don’t know how he arrived. That’s why I want you, Xiara, to help us find out who brought him here.”
“How can a talking animal have the power to cross worlds? I know they have unique abilities, but world-traveling is mythological-level power,” Xiara pressed.
“Yes. I am a messenger of the god Thoth, a mythological being well known in several worlds—including Noen’s world and this one,” Raven replied.
“No wonder. The god of wisdom,” Xiara murmured.

“All right,” Noen interjected, glancing at Kaeren who looked increasingly uneasy. “So what should we focus on first? Do we uncover Kaeren’s world, or start with this one?”