The Iron Kestrel rotorcraft landed beneath a pool of bright light, beside a gloomy, beast-like building in the western part of central Dunwich City.
"This is the library?"
Pei Geduo turned to Rayne beside him.
"That's right."
Rayne smiled, but his emotions were growing increasingly tense.
"I've put in a word for you. I hope they'll be willing to meet you."
"They?"
Rayne led Pei Geduo up the steps toward the broad entrance between the towering columns.
Ancient stone pillars rose from the ground and vanished into the deep darkness overhead, while black-and-white tiles lay beneath their feet.
Pei Geduo noticed the artificially regulated dry air.
He had visited libraries throughout the Imperium many times, always for study and research.
But he had never visited any library at midnight. These places that stored knowledge carried another, chilling atmosphere late at night.
Along the way, emergency lamps cast a layer of cold yellow light over everything.
"The Society has noticed you,"
Rayne said.
"To be honest, they've known about you for a long time. They've mentioned you, and they believe you could be of great help... as a valuable ally."
"Do they pay you, Rayne?"
"No."
The codicier answered at once.
"Not in money. My compensation doesn't come in the form of funds."
"But you do receive compensation. What is it?"
"It's... all kinds of secrets."
"Like how to kill someone with a single word?"
"A codicier shouldn't do that, but if circumstances require it... yes."
"Right. You shouldn't do that."
Rayne shook his head, as though Pei Geduo's words displeased him.
"No, I mean that's beyond my capabilities, far beyond them... it's a complete abuse of power. I currently lack the self-control required for it. Besides, the Dark Word Curse shouldn't be used to hurt people."
"Dark Word Curse... I