Enlightenment of the First Epoch

"Hmm?"

He raised his hand and saw golden traces of light radiating outward through terrifying cracks. Shade turned back toward the shrine in surprise, only to discover that the shrine atop the book pile had vanished. In its place sat an old gentleman in gray robes, with shoulder-length white hair nearly blending completely into the white beard beneath his chin.

He wore a gray, pointed wide-brimmed hat. Even seated atop the not-so-tall pile of books, the top of His head was still higher than Shade. His left hand rested on a long staff, while His right held a smoking pipe before His mouth.

Since Shade had leaned forward to look at the shrine just now, when he turned back, he was almost face-to-face with the old man. Before Shade could react, the old man suddenly widened His eyes and cried out:

"Ah!"

It had been so sudden that Shade staggered back two steps. If Miss Olanord had not hurried over to steady him, he would have nearly fallen into the bonfire.

"Hahaha~"

Holding the pipe, the old man in gray robes burst into laughter:

"How interesting. The person who summoned me this time is truly interesting."

He lowered the pipe and looked at the four of them while leaning on His staff. Though He merely sat atop an old book pile, He seemed to be seated upon a throne in the clouds. He smiled, then took another puff from His pipe:

"Since someone has finally touched this shrine, it means this library, which should never have existed in the first place, is finally about to be completely destroyed. So, mortals, before its destruction, would you be willing to help me collect a few books?"

He looked at the four of them in turn. His tone was like that of an