Upon entering the Trier National Library, Fullen was greeted by a sea of gold.The first floor housed books collected and written by believers of the Eternal Blazing Sun.The content itself wasn't the problem—what bothered him was that every author, regardless of topic, somehow inserted praise for the Eternal Blazing Sun or encouragement to "embrace the light."
In Fullen's mind, believers of the Eternal Blazing Sun resembled pyramid-scheme promoters—zealous, persistent, and eager to convert anyone they encountered.
The title "Sun Capital," which Trier proudly bore, had existed since the founding of Intis. Yet among mystics, especially at the end of the Fourth Epoch, this name had a darker implication.The beautifully sounding "Sun Capital" was, in fact, a veiled jab at the fanaticism of the Eternal Blazing Sun's followers—approaching the dwelling of the Sun led only to death or madness.
This interpretation was particularly believable given that the first to call Trier the "Sun Capital" were followers of the God of Knowledge and Wisdom. Back then, both churches formed a temporary alliance due to external threats, and such subtle satire was not uncommon between allied faiths.
This piece of mystic-world knowledge came from Fullen's father, Martin Abraham, recorded in a book titled The Last Madness—The Pale Disaster, found in a hidden cabinet in his study.Although its author had only been a Sequence 5 Traveler, he had experienced the final years of the Pale Disaster firsthand and researched vast historical archives.Thus, the book's credibility was high.
The collection structure of the Trier National Library differed from most libraries.Rather than general world knowledge, the first floor focused on basic books about survival, daily life, and practical skills—texts with limited depth but immediate value.
Here, Fullen saw scattered readers.They stood or sat, hunched over the books. Their clothes were simple, even shabby. Some absentmindedly touched their stomachs as they read; beneath their rough garments were thin, undernourished bodies.
"Quite moving, isn't it?"
A voice sounded behind Fullen as he observed the scene.He didn't turn immediately. Instead, he searched his memory for a matching voice, then turned at a normal pace.
Behind him stood two young men whose attire sharply contrasted with the first-floor readers.
The first was a short, golden-haired man wearing a white robe embroidered with gold.When Fullen looked over, he smiled brightly and raised a hand in greeting. A string of golden prayer beads hung from his wrist—among them, a delicate gold kumquat flower, which seemed out of place yet oddly eye-catching.
The second was a brown-haired man in a blue suit and brown vest.Compared to his companion, he appeared more reserved—not cold, just composed in a way that exuded calm intelligence.
Their appearances and demeanors were opposites, yet standing together, they somehow complemented each other.
As Fullen examined their features, the golden-haired man noticed his puzzled expression. A fleeting hint of embarrassment flashed beneath his smile, but it vanished instantly.He smoothly lowered his raised hand and brushed the golden hair at the back of his head, saying cheerfully:
"Indeed, Fullen, you're as hard to recognize as ever! I'm Kvedo Haimer, esteemed 'Luminosity of Wisdom,' a student of Master Roman Carman. We attended lessons together at Mann's Manor."
Hearing this, Fullen abandoned his thoughtful expression and replaced it with a polite, apologetic smile.He extended his hand and said:
"My apologies. Perhaps my memory fails both me and my friends at times, but I will always do my best to recognize those close to me. And—may I ask who this gentleman beside you is?"
Kvedo's eyes lit up.
"Extending your hand first—how courteous! Such warmth is the pride of Trier's people! Governor Rosell truly inspires cultural refinement!"
After indulging in his usual emotional flourish, Kvedo finally gestured toward the man beside him.
"This gentleman is Mr. Erich Sabach, from Lunburg. His knowledge surpasses that of almost every young scholar I've met. He might even be able to debate with the previous generation's academics! I met him while reading in this very library. A truly admirable gentleman!"
Kvedo bowed slightly with palms upward, as though presenting something precious and delicate.
The brown-haired man stepped forward and shook Fullen's hand.
"Hello, I am Erich Sabach from Lunburg, currently studying in Trier. Mr. Kvedo is the most enthusiastic and insightful person I have ever met. It is a pleasure to meet his friend."
Kvedo quickly chimed in:
"Don't be fooled by his calm demeanor, Fullen. He always lends a hand to anyone earnest in their pursuit of knowledge."
Realizing he might have sounded like he was teasing Erich, Kvedo folded his hands and smiled apologetically toward him.
Fullen didn't mind. After shaking Erich's hand, he said:
"A scholar from Lunburg—the city of knowledge—must indeed be someone of profound learning. Kvedo is also a person of considerable erudition, and a friend he admires so highly must be exceptional. I hope that in time, you may consider me a friend as well. To a scholar, nothing is more valuable than companions of great knowledge."
Kvedo was momentarily surprised by Fullen's refined demeanor but quickly recovered.Suddenly remembering something, he pulled out a pocket watch from his white robe, checked the time, and said:
"Ah! Fullen, apologies—we must attend a reading salon at Count Conley's Manor. Please continue your immersion in this sea of books. We look forward to enjoying a feast of knowledge together in the future!"
Fullen nodded understandingly.
"No rush. I believe we will have plenty of opportunities to exchange knowledge. For now, please go—I'd hate to delay your plans."
Kvedo and Erich nodded politely before hurrying off together.
During Fullen's upbringing, there were no specialized schools for the upper class.The wealthy and nobles did not allow their children to be educated alongside commoners, and church schools rarely taught anything practical.
Those who could afford it hired private tutors.However, distinguished scholars would not stoop to teaching nouveau riche families privately. Instead, they often taught small groups of students gathered at noble estates.
Nobles held power.The wealthy held money.And in both the mundane and extraordinary world, the union of power and wealth was practically inevitable.
Fullen was no exception; he studied under Master Roman Carman at Mann's Manor.Kvedo had likely met him there during those lessons.