Character Quest:Shirou:VN:1

Title: There Lies The Door to the Unknown

--it was a certain uneventful day after school.

The edge of the chair in the library was died the colors of dusk. And there, he sat.

It was already time to be going home. No one else was inside the library, aside from him.

Silence filled the library room, and the faintly audible hustle and bustle from afar was pleasing to the ears.

And there, at that moment, he was in another world. In a world called a "book."

One page. And another page.

In all earnestness, occassional faint jumbles of emotions combine, and he reluctantly, carefully turns the page.

This is the time of sheer bliss he has. The treasured time he wants to always hold dear.

...

However, this time of bliss does not continue forever. Soon it would be time to leave.

Closing time was coming closer moment by moment. Were it to be broken, he would regret it the most.

2 options
Class Rep.	Shirou.
Shirou:(default face) Ah, [Player]?	...eh? Ah, [Player]? Sorry, I'm not...used to being called by name. Kengo is about the only one to call me by name.

2 options
It's almost time for the building to close.	You'll be late for the form curfew.

Eh, is it that time already? ...oh it is. It's getting dark out.

Shirou:(cheerful face) Did you come all this way to get me? Thanks, that helps.

I always lose track of the time. I can't let my bad habits occur in the library.

3 options
Homework?	Reading?	A bad habit? How shameless...!
Shirou:(cheerful face) I'm already done with my homework and review. I was reading my favorite book just now.	Shirou:(cheerful face) That's right. How about we read together?	S-s-s-s-shameless!? W-w-w-what are you saying all of a sudden!? Shirou:(angry face) My bad habits aren't like... I know how to pick a time and place. W-wait, no. A-ahem. Never mind.

Still, I never knew [Player]. You come to the library too?

Say, [Player]. When you see this library, do you feel anything?

Shinjuku Academy's library dates from the last century, and it boasts the biggest collection of books in the ward.

Shirou:(cheerful face) My parents' library is nothing special, but this is truly amazing. For a booklover, it's especially appealing.

And because we're connected to other worlds, it's no exaggeration that its wisdom has grown deeper.

Books that existed only in fiction. Even those kinds of books can be found here.

Shirou:(cheerful face) How about it, are you excited? I hope you understand that wonderfulness for yourself.

...oh. It's almost time for closing. Let's continue talking on the way back.

---

Eh? What kinds of books have I read? Well, today I borrowed...

A candy recipe book of things I thought I'd make on a day off, and two novels I thought of reading before bed...

And just earlier... I was reading this up until you called me.

As Shirou said that, he showed a book with a gray front cover to [Player].

Shirou:(cheerful face) I was just about to start re-reading this. Everytime I read it, I go into a daze.

{{VN:Dialogue:Choice |heading=2 options |header= !An occult book... !You sure like those things. |body=|

|

Shirou:(cheerful face) It's not just occult related. I like other books on supernatural phenomena.

Since the word "occult" has spread into popular use, this book was written by someone who picked up on that fad.

I say that though, but the author took a skeptical view to the supernatural.

The title itself is about the occult, but it's not a book that only glorifies occultism.

Shirou:(angry face) If anything it's the opposite. For someone who tends to think of things from an occult perspective it shines on an alternative viewpoint.

For example...no, if I say any more you'll lose the enjoyment. You should never spoil things for the unspoiled.

Let's just say there are many things I can't talk about. Yes, that's it. Let's go with that.

---

Eh, have I read any other kinds of books?

If it's a book I'll read anything. Essays, philosophy, trivia, things from classics to the newest hits.

Books are so magnificent.@ Old cultures live alongside the modern, and they're one way of passing down information.

Ideology, civilization, history, economics... They leave some form of past concerns to us now.

Shirou:(cheerful face) This school having so many old books in its collection is enough to make me glad I enrolled here.

You're on fire again Class Rep. You're gonna pull in [Player] with you.

Ryouta:(cheerful face) Well actually, maybe they've already been pulled in.

R-Ryouta. Why are you here?

Come on, don't why me. Since you weren't back yet with curfew so close, I came to get you.

It's okay to like books, but you'll talk forever if you don't stop, Class Rep.

3 options
I can see they're strong feelings.	It's fun listening.	We'll continue this in bed tonight.
Gh... I considered fixing that myself but...	Shirou:(cheerful face) I-is that true!? I'm so happy! Can I...talk about it some more!?	Shirou:(angry face) Mm, reading before bedtime has its charms. But you shouldn't do that. It's bad for your eyes and back. If I didn't do that as a child, I might not need to wear glasses now...

No, e-excuse me. I like that topic, so...

Ryouta:(angry face) Hey [Player]. The first time I was grouped up with him?

It was way past lights out, but he was still up because he had a book to read.

Jinn-sensei was on patrol and got mad at him.

Ryouta:(angry face) Then in the morning, Class Rep wasn't in his bed. There was a huge commotion saying he was kidnapped or missing.

Guess where he was? Under the light in the dorm's entryway.

He said he was reading there allll night where he wouldn't get in anyone's way.

Ryouta:(angry face) Triton-sensei was looking at the bottom of the pool. Jinn-sensei turned into smoke and looked inside the plumbing.

Ryouta:(angry face) Since then all the boarders knew of "the class rep's rebellion..." The end.

I-I was trying to not bother anyone... Well, I really do repent for causing so much worry.

But still, at that time I couldn't help it because I was curious about how that book continued.

Shirou:(angry face) This was an intellectual desire. You understand this feeling don't you?

3 options
Yes.	No.	Are you stupid?
Shirou:(cheerful face) Of course! This must be divine providence!	O-oh... Then...I guess I was mistaken... Class Rep. I know it's a shock, but how about you stop sitting while holding your knees?	Gah! C-Class Rep!? I-I'm sorry...! That reaction just cuts deep into my heart...!

You are such a hardcore book lover, Class Rep. Aren't you always holding a book in one hand?

Somehow I've at the point where if I don't have a book, I can't relax...

Makara:(smiling face) To be continued...