The library was huge.
You could basically find any book you could think of in the library.
However, compared to knowledge-based books, if he had a choice, Natsuki Subaru preferred to read books that could pass the time, like light novels, traditional literature, and the like.
'Oh?
This book is here too?
I didn't finish it before the last reset...
Natsuki Subaru stopped in front of a rather remote bookshelf, casually pulled a dusty book from it, and patted it clean.
A four-character title entered Natsuki Subaru's line of sight: No Longer Human.
This was the novel Natsuki Subaru had been reading before his last reset. The content was, as the title suggested, about 'losing the qualification to be human', which greatly interested him.
Although Natsuki Subaru hadn't finished No Longer Human, having only read the beginning, it didn't prevent him from having a certain understanding of the book.
It was a mirror that reflected the abyss of human nature.
It effortlessly tore apart seemingly perfect facades, forcing people to face the unbearable yet incredibly real fragments of life. Natsuki Subaru could even say he saw his own shadow within it.
"If you're not in a good mood, you should be a little careful when reading this book."
"It's best not to get too invested, if possible."
A very light and gentle voice came from behind Natsuki Subaru.
He saw a girl with long silver hair and purple eyes, dressed in a pristine school uniform, smiling at him.
"Is that so?
Do I look like I'm in a bad mood?"
Natsuki Subaru glanced at the girl, who was as delicate as porcelain, as if she would shatter with the slightest force. Of course, she could be described in another way too.
The moment this girl appeared, she carried a trace of Emilia's shadow.
'She's a good person, just like Emilia.'
'And surprisingly perceptive, too...'
Natsuki Subaru silently commented in his mind.
The girl speaking did not surprise Natsuki Subaru.
He had noticed the girl's movements the moment she followed him. Perhaps she had sensed the unending weariness in his eyes, or maybe she had seen him pick up No Longer Human and followed out of concern.
"It's just a small reminder from a senior who has read this book to a junior."
"I happened to be in a bad mood back then when I saw this book here, and I ended up being depressed for a long time."
The girl's speaking rhythm was slow and steady. She smiled and said, "It might be a bit of an exaggeration, but it can certainly make you unhappy."
"Of course, it's still a wonderful book."
As she spoke, the girl crouched down and began searching the nearby bookshelves on her own.
Natsuki Subaru, somewhat bemused, casually walked to a nearby seat and sat down, resting his chin on his hand as he watched the girl busy herself.
"You can try this book."
"If you're truly curious about No Longer Human, this book can serve as a temporary 'shelter' while you read it."
The girl didn't keep Natsuki Subaru waiting long, soon placing another book gently in front of him.
Natsuki Subaru's gaze fell on the book's cover: Night on the Galactic Railroad.
"It's a fairy tale about the pursuit of happiness and the meaning of life."
Seeing the irrepressible weariness on Natsuki Subaru's face, the girl explained softly, a tranquil light flowing in her purple eyes.
"Although it's a fairy tale, I don't think the story is shallow..."
"What's your name?"
Natsuki Subaru spoke, his tone revealing a hint of seriousness for the first time.
'When was the last time?'
Natsuki Subaru had already forgotten the last time he had been this serious.
It was as if he had lost focus on everything long ago, no longer caring. But this time, Natsuki Subaru had to admit that the appearance of the person before him immediately made him think of Emilia.
Or rather, this girl, who was like the Emilia of the past, had truly captured a bit of his attention.
"Eh?"
"I've been talking to myself this whole time. That was rather rude of me."
After hearing Natsuki Subaru's question, the girl's calm face flushed slightly. She said softly, "I'm a new first-year student this year, Hiyori Shiina from Year 1, Class C."
As she spoke, Hiyori Shiina became a bit flustered, wanting to apologize to Natsuki Subaru.
After all, from a normal person's perspective, Hiyori Shiina's series of actions just now were quite intrusive and could have bothered others. In truth, Hiyori Shiina herself didn't know what had suddenly possessed her.
It was just that she was initially drawn by the infinite weariness in Natsuki Subaru's eyes, and then, after seeing him pick up the notorious No Longer Human, she had subconsciously walked over.
"Hiyori Shiina from Year 1, Class C?"
"It's a pleasure to meet you. I'm Natsuki Subaru from Year 1, Class D."
Although Natsuki Subaru disliked tedious formalities, he still stood up and gave Hiyori Shiina a slight bow, signifying that they were now formally acquainted.
"Eh?"
Hiyori Shiina was bewildered by the turn of events.
If this were all depicted in a manga, one could probably see a very clear and amusing scene where Hiyori Shiina's beautiful eyes turned into dot-eyes.
"I don't mean anything else by it."
"I'm just very happy to have met you today, Hiyori Shiina-san."
A faint smile appeared on Natsuki Subaru's face. He picked up the novel Hiyori Shiina had recommended and said, "I'm very interested in the novel you recommended, Shiina-san. I'll make time to finish it."
As his conversation with Hiyori Shiina continued...
Natsuki Subaru's heart, which had been like a pool of stagnant water, began to ripple as if a tiny pebble had been cast into it.
There was no discernible motive in Hiyori Shiina's voice.
It was neither ingratiating nor probing. This 'uselessness', in Natsuki Subaru's eyes, already possessed some of the characteristics of 'genuineness'. Perhaps it wasn't enough for Hiyori Shiina to gain color in his eyes and become a 'genuine article'.
But it was enough to capture Natsuki Subaru's initial attention.
And to bring a barely perceptible spark of life to his stagnant heart.
___
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