Insect Tamer's Ascension Chapter 487. History of the past- The hidden library

Theo instructed the butler to gather as many beetles as he could by the following morning, a request the man readily accepted.

Before departing, the butler first guided Theo toward the library.

Theo followed him along a corridor that had become familiar since his arrival in this world.

This time, however, the butler halted and turned towards a room Theo knew existed but had never entered. With no one else present, the door to the room swung open, compelling Theo to step forward instinctively and peer inside.

A dimly lit staircase descended into darkness, receiving scant illumination from the open doorway behind them.

The butler took the lead, lighting candles affixed to the walls of the staircase. One by one, he ignited them, then retrieved a candle holder from its wall mount and proceeded downwards, lighting the remaining candles as he descended.

Theo followed closely, his gaze fixed on the steps to prevent a misstep.

The stairs appeared well-maintained, not aged, seemingly cared for with regularity.

"Young Master Theo, the master did not specify precisely what you are to have access to from the outset," the butler stated, his back still turned to Theo.

"You must not divulge the location of this library to anyone—not even your siblings. This library houses knowledge that is exceedingly difficult for the outside world to comprehend," the butler cautioned.

He continued his descent without pause, and Theo followed until they reached the bottom of the stairs.

Glancing back, Theo realized the significant depth they had reached underground.

The butler moved aside and tapped the wall with an object resembling a slender stick, causing a small cascade of sparks to shower downwards.

Theo watched as these sparks landed on the floor and ignited something—oil.

In a flash, the flames spread rapidly along the room's perimeter, a speed that struck Theo with sudden realization.

Oil had been liberally poured throughout the room, primarily concentrated along the walls.

Within a mere minute, the entire chamber was illuminated as if by daylight.

Theo could now perceive rows upon rows of lengthy shelves stretching before them, with a central area unobstructed.

Despite the brightness, the room retained a somewhat dim ambiance, yet something compelled Theo to advance without waiting for the butler.

As he crossed the threshold into the library proper, Theo glanced back to find the butler motionless in the same spot, his eyes fixed intently upon him.

The sight of the man staring, with the flickering firelight casting dancing shadows across his features, sent a shiver down Theo's spine.

"This is as far as I am permitted to go. Please, enjoy yourself, young master," the butler said, his gaze unwavering.

Theo offered a nod and turned away, making his way towards the three solitary aisles of bookshelves.

He extended his hand and touched the spine of the first book. The paper possessed a luxurious feel, and the covers of nearly all the volumes were embellished with precious gems.

As he carefully withdrew a book, a plume of dust billowed into the air.

It was then that the realization struck him...

This place had remained undisturbed for an exceptionally long period.

[ Pre-Beast Era ]

Theo's eyes widened considerably as he took in the title of the book.

"I've never encountered any historical records of the world prior to the emergence of the beasts..."

A profound curiosity surged within him as he opened the tome, immediately sensing its immense age.

Theo navigated directly to the table of contents and commenced reading, standing utterly still as he absorbed information that likely remained unknown to the vast majority.

The more he immersed himself in the text, the more he felt ensnared, unable to detach himself. If all the books within this library possessed such compelling content, leaving would become an impossibility.

According to the written accounts, in the era preceding the beasts' current forms, the world had been far more rudimentary.

Humanity had advanced from the primitive stages of fire and caves to increasingly sophisticated modes of existence.

As Theo continued his reading, the narrative eerily mirrored the prehistoric history of his former world.

Until, at length, a pivotal moment arrived, fundamentally altering the established trajectory.

Turning the page, Theo discovered an intricately detailed illustration; it radiated such exquisite detail that it appeared as though the era's foremost artist had dedicated years of their life to crafting this solitary image.

Within the illustration, Theo observed individuals clad in attire that defied any notion of antiquity. Their garments featured elegant linings and buttons, leading him to believe they were far more technologically advanced than he had previously credited this world with being.

Below the image were a few inscribed words:

Theo turned the page once more.

This time, his attention was drawn to an image of a spacecraft.

The metallic construction did not appear designed for journeys within Eroth-Ra but rather for voyages beyond its confines.

The more Theo absorbed the information regarding it, the more his perception of the world fractured, and all his prior understanding of this realm seemed rendered insignificant.

By the time he reached the twenty-somethingth page, Theo turned the leaf again...

And encountered only blankness.

The paper was entirely unblemished.

For approximately a hundred and fifty pages, the book remained conspicuously blank.

Upon reaching the very conclusion of the volume, he discovered a brief message, penned in handwriting distinct from the rest of the text.

[

Knowledge that seeks to conceal itself permeates this world.

Events transpired in the past, now relegated to silence and forgotten by many, becoming mere fantasy.

Yet, I am an exception.

I shall unearth the secrets our world conceals, and the state of existence prior to this 'artifact'. All indications point to a fundamental truth.

This confined planet was never intended to be our final destination*. Exploration and the pursuit of genuine truth were our true purpose.

To any who read this, regardless of the epoch you inhabit, never cease to question the world around you and the events unfolding within it.

This world is a prison, and we are nothing more than its captive beasts.

Perhaps the external fiends were correct.

Perhaps assimilation represents the true path to life.

~ A traveler through time

]

Theo gently closed the book.

He then raised his gaze, only to be met with the sight of hundreds more volumes, awaiting his exploration.

It felt as if his very consciousness was undergoing a profound transformation, an experience far beyond what he had ever anticipated from this library.

The book bore no author's name, no date, offering no clue as to its origin.

Theo mused whether the author of the note had indeed grasped the world's ultimate meaning.

However, judging by its unfinished state—half-written and incomplete...

...it seemed unlikely they had.