The crisscrossing alleys were like a labyrinth, linking the edges of Tobesk's Lower District and University District. Walking forward through the alleys, Shade turned a corner and saw a steam pipe that had broken for some unknown reason, leaking water outside.
For the sake of his boots, he went around the puddle. Only then did he continue onward, soon spotting a rusted metal staircase clinging to the outside of a dark yellow wall.
He clomped up the metal stairs to the second floor, feeling the entire staircase sway beneath him.
After knocking, he spoke through the door:
"Cuckoo sent me. She said there was a quality issue with the book last time."
"She always says there's something wrong with our books. That woman is too picky."
A muffled voice came from inside. When the door opened, a bare-armed man with an anchor tattooed on his arm led Shade into the corridor. Shade followed behind him while holding his breath. The man reeked badly of body odor.
"Do you know the rules?"
"No. I just arrived in Tobesk from out of town."
Shade said in a stifled voice.
"Then what are you here for? Buying books from the library, or consigning books?"
"Buying books."
Since he was holding his breath, his voice came out muffled. Fortunately, his voice already sounded strange through the mask, so the other man probably did not notice.
"Fine, this way."
The corridor floor had warped upward in several places from dampness, creaking whenever stepped on. All the doors on either side were closed, and it was impossible to tell whether anyone was inside.
The man led Shade to a left turn at the end of the corridor and had him wait in a small, currently vacant room.
The room was exceptionally dim, with no windows, and