Leaving a bewildered Jorge behind, Taesan entered the secret room. The Wraith, regaining his composure, asked in astonishment.
**[What’s this? How did you find it so quickly?]**
“You know why.”
**[Wait, are you saying... Oh.]**
The Wraith realized. He was well aware that Taesan had traveled back in time and that another adventurer had been involved in the process.
The Wraith fell silent as Taesan passed through the corridor into the room.
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Inside the small room was a single book.
Taesan picked it up.
**[Analysis of Reading Techniques for Deepening Knowledge Comprehension]**
Taesan exited the room, holding the book, and showed it to the still-stunned Jorge.
“Have you read this?”
“...No.”
Jorge shook his head.
“This is a book I’ve never seen before.”
“Good to know.”
“How did you find that place so easily?”
Jorge was perplexed.
This was Metis’s domain, unaffected by any scouting abilities. Finding a secret room required intuition, time, and luck. Yet Taesan had found one immediately.
“Let’s just say I have my ways.”
Taesan took a seat and opened the book. Its content matched its title, not particularly intriguing but worth a read.
Once he finished reading, he acquired a new skill.
**[You have obtained the passive skill [Speed Reading].]**
‘So it’s true.’
Simply by reading, he could gain skills related to the content. This was why the book was hidden in a secret room.
Taesan handed the book back to Jorge, who was still recovering from the shock.
“I acknowledge your achievement. I don’t know how you found it, but you’ve brought me a book I haven’t read. Congratulations. You’ve fulfilled the requirements to clear the 78th floor.”
Taesan now had the option to proceed to the 79th floor whenever he wished.
“You can descend if you like, or you can remain here to accumulate knowledge. The choice is yours.”
“I’ll stay a bit longer.”
Taesan moved among the shelves once more.
His movements indicated he was searching for something specific rather than casually reading, causing Jorge to look at him with growing suspicion.
“...Could it be that you...”
“Found it.”
*Rumble!*
Another bookshelf moved, revealing a passageway beyond.
**[You have discovered the second secret room.]**
**[First Discovery Bonus]**
- Strength +100
- Agility +100
- Intelligence +100
“...”
Jorge was at a loss for words.
---
Taesan continued exploring the Library of All Things, systematically uncovering more secret rooms.
**[You have discovered the sixth secret room.]**
**[First Discovery Bonus]**
- Attack Power +50
- Defense +50
**[Ha!]**
The Wraith couldn’t hide his admiration.
**[I suspected as much, but this is astounding.]**
The Wraith knew of Taeyeon.
Not only had Taesan spoken of her at times, but the Wraith had encountered an embodiment of her in the trial given by the God of Despair.
Even with only that one meeting, the Wraith had a clear sense of her character.
A person full of fear, who wanted to run but couldn’t abandon her duties, ultimately pressing forward.
The Wraith understood that while Taeyeon possessed enough talent to clear the labyrinth, she seemed far weaker than Taesan by comparison.
Yet, this exceeded his expectations.
The Wraith had never suspected the existence of secret rooms on this floor, and neither had most other adventurers. Finding secret rooms in an expansive library without scouting abilities seemed nearly impossible.
Yet Taeyeon had found multiple secret rooms here.
**[In some ways, she’s more impressive than you.]**
“She’s incredible.”
Though she was self-critical, she was undoubtedly remarkable.
Taeyeon had shared her experiences on the 78th floor ages ago, and Taesan still remembered the approximate locations.
She had frequently posted about her time in the library on the community forum, recounting her discoveries and struggles to anyone willing to listen. Her posts had been so numerous that they were ingrained in Taesan’s memory.
While his recollection wasn’t perfect, he remembered enough to retrace her steps.
“...Truly remarkable.”
Jorge muttered to himself as he watched. Since Taesan had discovered the second secret room, Jorge had put aside his book to follow him.
*Rumble!*
**[You have discovered the seventh secret room.]**
As usual, Taesan attempted to enter the room.
But this time, the corridor rejected him, pushing him back.
Taesan stared at the passage.
A faint energy shimmered, barring his entrance.
**[Secret Room of the Demon God]**
**[Entrance is forbidden unless permitted by the god.]**
“What is this?”
“I told you, didn’t I? There is knowledge here that requires qualifications. The room of the Demon God is one of those places.”
Jorge explained.
“This is the Library of All Things, and it includes information on the gods. But not everyone can access it. Only those granted permission by a god can enter. It’s practically impossible, so I suggest you give up.”
Taeyeon had mentioned something similar. She had found secret rooms she could not enter.
Taesan placed his hand on the corridor’s entrance.
The energy blocking the passage wavered, as if observing him.
Then, beyond the barrier, Taesan sensed a familiar presence—a gaze he had often felt.
The owner of the gaze chuckled softly.
The barrier dissipated.
“...This is unbelievable.”
Jorge’s eyes widened in astonishment.
Taesan entered. Inside, a sphere of black energy awaited him.
The sphere approached Taesan and merged with him.
**[You have acquired the passive skill [Mark of Darkness].]**
With the acquisition of this skill, a memory also surfaced in Taesan’s mind.
---
Taesan continued searching for more secret rooms and found several connected to other gods, like the Demon God’s room.
He uncovered rooms associated with the Gods of Struggle and Death, Lakiratas, and the God of Victory, Balthazar.
Both gods allowed Taesan access to their secret rooms, and he claimed their rewards without difficulty.
Eventually, Taesan discovered over fifteen secret rooms.
Jorge observed in silence.
‘What is he?’
Jorge was astonished.
He knew Taesan was strong. The library was his domain, so it was natural for him to gauge the strength of visitors. He was aware that Taesan possessed powers that exceeded mortality.
Though impressive, it wasn’t shocking. Many powerful adventurers visited the library, some even stronger than Taesan.
But watching Taesan uncover secret room after secret room was a different matter.
No matter how great someone’s analytical skills, finding even one secret room should take months. Yet, Taesan had discovered over ten in a short time.
Jorge briefly considered the possibility that Taesan had learned of the rooms from someone else. However, these were secrets no one had previously uncovered, making that impossible.
And then, there was the divine recognition.
As the library’s custodian, Jorge understood its significance. The library contained knowledge of various gods, making it a place of importance for them as well.
For a god to permit someone access to their hidden knowledge meant they regarded Taesan as more than a mere follower, perhaps even as a trusted confidant.
Three gods had deemed him worthy.
‘Fascinating.’
Jorge’s eyes gleamed.
As one driven mad by his thirst for knowledge, Jorge had been acknowledged by the God of Knowledge and granted stewardship over this place.
And now, Taesan was awakening that same thirst for knowledge within him. Jorge quietly observed Taesan.
Having found numerous secret rooms, Taesan finally paused. He had gathered plenty and planned to organize his gains before resuming his search.
While each first discovery bonus was minor on its own, collecting over fifteen of them made the rewards substantial. This alone justified the effort spent in exploring the secret rooms.
Taesan’s rewards included five books, seven items, and three divine secrets along with skills.
The seven items were all gear related to magic and dark magic. He intended to offer them as tributes.
The five books mostly contained skills for knowledge acquisition, unlikely to significantly impact combat.
Finding them less valuable after learning their skills, Taesan handed the books to Jorge, who received them with satisfaction.
The divine secret rewards were particularly useful, each granting an appropriate skill.
The Demon God’s reward was a skill that amplified dark magic’s potency. Lakiratas granted a skill that temporarily boosted stats when near death.
From the God of Victory, Balthazar, Taesan received a skill that awarded additional stats when fighting a specific monster type after defeating a certain number of them.
All these were passive skills, requiring no active attention from him. They were all highly practical.
Moreover, each skill came with memories related to the gods.
Although the memories were initially jumbled and unclear, Taesan began to make sense of them as he organized his thoughts.
These were memories of the gods from their mortal lives.
This likely explained why divine recognition was necessary to access them.
As Taesan started to sift through these memories, footsteps approached.
The sound of someone drawing near filled the air.
Jorge frowned.
“That bothersome old man has arrived.”
“Now, now, Jorge. Don’t be so harsh.”
The familiar voice echoed, though its tone held a striking emptiness.
The voice carried no strength.
An old man with a golden aura appeared, his face hollow as he emerged from between the shelves.
“We’re going to be spending a lot of time together here, so let’s get to know each other better.”
“I have no desire to get acquainted with a madman.”
Jorge spoke curtly, clearly disliking
the man.
But the old man paid him no mind, instead sinking into a nearby chair, seemingly oblivious to Taesan’s presence.
The old man’s demeanor was strange. Finally, Taesan took the initiative to greet him.
“Hello.”
“Hm?”
Only then did the old man notice him.
His eyes widened when he recognized Taesan.
“...You’ve reached this place already?”
“It’s been a while, Ainzhar.”
**[You have encountered a Seeker of the Gods.]**
---
Ainzhar.
“Haha!”
Ainzhar laughed upon seeing Taesan.
“You’re fast! I knew you were talented. To have reached this place so quickly!”
“I’ve put in the effort. Did you find what you were looking for?”
The beloved goddess Levienoff—the reason the holy knight Ainzhar had entered the labyrinth.
Taesan had informed him that Levienoff resided on the 78th floor.
Though considerable time had passed, Ainzhar was still here. Taesan couldn’t tell if he’d accomplished his goal.
“...Did I find what I was looking for?”
Ainzhar’s expression shifted abruptly.
“Yes. Yes, I found her.”
He smiled faintly.
His expression seemed carefree, as if nothing could trouble him. Yet, the brightness of his smile made Taesan feel uneasy.
“It’s all thanks to you. I found Lady Levienoff.”
“...Congratulations.”
Something felt off.
Taesan remembered Ainzhar well. While his devotion to his goddess bordered on fanaticism, he was otherwise a stable man—energetic, consistent in thought and action.
But now, something was wrong. Though Taesan couldn’t pinpoint exactly what, it felt as if Ainzhar was acting composed for his benefit.
“...This is perfect timing.”
Ainzhar clapped his hands. His unsettling smile turned to Taesan.
“Would you like to join me in meeting Lady Levienoff?”