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 dyed 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.
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.

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...!
I'm already done with my homework and review. I was reading my favorite book just now.	That's right. How about we read together?	S-s-s-s-shameless!? W-w-w-what are you saying all of a sudden!? 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.

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.

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].

I was just about to start re-reading this. Everytime I read it, I go into a daze.

2 options
An occult book...	You sure like those things.

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.

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.

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.

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...	I-is that true!? I'm so happy! Can I...talk about it some more!?	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...

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.

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.

Triton-sensei was looking at the bottom of the pool. Jinn-sensei turned into smoke and looked inside the plumbing.

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.

This was an intellectual desire. You understand this feeling don't you?

3 options
Yes.	No.	Are you stupid?
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...

You read even in the dorm's bath area. Isn't that a bit much?

Moisture and dampness are the worst things for books. I look forward to a perfect waterproofing method.

That's not what I mean! Your ability to judge is so off when it comes to books!

Anyways, what's that newest one? Doesn't that book seem a little creepy?

Oh, this one is special. And--

...?

What's wrong? If we don't hurry, we'll be late for dinner.

R-right. I know. I'll be there soon.

---

Whoo, that was good! Chouji's cooking really is good isn't it?

...

Oh come on Class Rep. Maybe you aren't listening, but what's on your mind?

N-no, it's nothing. [Player], uh...

Oh, my homework. Could you help me? I-I didn't understand parts of it.

Come to my room later. I'll be waiting. Until then!

Well that was weird of him. He's usually already done with it by now.

Well I gotta work on mine too. On that note, I'm off to buy midnight snacks!

---

Sorry to take up your time, [Player]. I had something important to talk about.

Yellow Evil: Kiiii!

Purple Evil: Kikii!

It's been some time since you saw these little guys. I guess that's why they're a little excited.

Sometimes, they let themselves out of the book. I let them have some freedom in my room.

I normally make them stay in the book when I have visitors.

3 options
Do you take care of them?	Isn't it a problem?	Being watched by them isn't a problem.
Back home we had a large breed dog, a retriever. I'm used to having pets. They crawl into my bed when I'm sleeping sometimes, and they're a bit naughty...but they're cute.		Yes, that's right. If it's them, being together is no problem. Eh, we aren't talking about the same thing...? I'm sorry, what do you mean...?

...

Oh, uh, let's return to the topic at hand. What do you think of this book?

Yes. With the power of the "app," this "sacred artifact" materialized in this world, even if coincidentally...

However, I want you to look closer. Doesn't it bother you in some way?

...that's right. This book *has no title*.

I fear it's likely this book's true name is... No, let's say I'm positive I know it.

Anyone who loves the occult should know. It's the Madman's Scriptures, only five of which exist in the world.

These books were written in Aramaic, "do not exist in history," and should only be found in fiction.

It's different now that the worlds are interconnected, but that is what this book is.

Additionally the contents are the same. The writing is hazy and therefore unreadable.

One more thing. This book does not respond to its "true name."

The words appear and are therefore readable only during that time.

The time when our sacred treasure activates-- that is to say, when we declare our roles and rules.

Only then do the words in the book get spelled out in light.

Have you ever noticed what the "app" displays during that moment?

"Deploying Camouflage." Yes, it's saying it's using camouflage.

And then there is the nonexistent "Corpse Tome of Five Madnesses." In short this book...

Does not respond to its "true name," and only responds to its "false name."

I don't know what kind meaning there is in that, but...

I just realized another thing. There was a response to something besides my commands.

You noticed it too, haven't you? Back then, when it reacted in the library.

That was the first time it did so out of battle. It must have sensed something nearby that attracted it.

I want to check it out, no matter what. And I need your assistance.

3 options
I want to help.	Tomorrow then.	So we'll be alone together.
I thought you'd say that. Thank you. That's very reassuring. Huh, when are we going?		No, since this book had a reaction... I think we'll need hypotheses for every situation. Of course the Evils will be with us. We'll combine our powers. Huh, when are we going?

What are you saying? We might have the key to solving this book's mystery.

If we're going...it has to be now.

---

Don't worry. I got permission from Mononobe-sensei. I told him I had something to research.

Eh? I get bold when it comes to books? I see... that may be so.

This library has an underground archive. It's of historical and material value, so it's a special area.

If my intuition is correct, The key to the mystery might be inside the archive.

I was right after all...! The book is pointing to this location!

Let's go...!

Purple Evil: Giii!

Red Evil: Gii!

---

W-what is this...?

W-why are there Evils in the archive...and so many...!?

Demon: ...!

Demon: ...gi-gigii? YOu gUYs...cAN sEE Us!?

T-they're attacking...!? Are they like gate keepers!?

I don't know why they're here! But we can still call this place part of humanity's assets!

I don't like roughness but... for now, I'll make you all behave yourselves!

...

Since you look like my Evils, I'll hold back a bit and make you behave yourselves!

1 option
Why did you correct yourself!?

[Battle]

---

Demon: Gigyah! GyuIIiii...

I-I'm sorry. I think I misjudged on holding back...!

Demon: Gyau! GyaUUuuu!!

...

They're scattering away. Strange. It's a little shocking...

Purple Evil: Giii...

Are you comforting me? Thank you.

That aside, the book's reaction is strong. Let's keep going.

---

Since it's underground, the archive is surprisingly spacious. Isn't it possibly even bigger than the library?

There are even Evils here and there. But they don't seem hostile at the moment...

I have asked the teachers to accompany me to this archive plenty of times, but...

It's surprising this many Evils exist here.

Nietzsche one said, "when you look into an abyss, the abyss also looks into you."

In other words, it's about the dynamics of how an observer's existence may affect what he observes and--

O-oh. Sorry. I just started talking again... don't worry about it.

I keep my bad habits in mind, but my self control slips in front of you...

---

Wha...!?

T-the hall is being blocked... by a massive crowd of Evils...?

N-no, rather than blocking... it's more like them being crammed in!

The "book" is reacting to whatever is past the Evils... Of course there would be all of this...

Just what is in there...?

...

Yellow Evil: Gigii!

After seeing his own retainers beg at his feet, Shirou sighed.

With our power we could push through... But even if they aren't mine, it'd weigh on my conscience.

That's it then. Let's stop here for the day.

---

Hey, good morning. Well, it's already past noon though.

Thank you for last night. It was very reassuring that you were there with me.

Eh? We didn't complete our goal? Are you... bothered by that?

It's true I'm putting off this "book's" true identity. But when I think about it...

I visited a massive archive with you. Inside, I'm thrilled.

Not only that, but I found an unexpected prize. I saw this on the yesterday, and I just checked it out.

As he says that, Shirou holds up an old looking English book with a happy expression.

3 options (Same Response)
Rites and...?	--Sprituali...?	I can't read the title...!

This was written in 19th Century Scotland by a spiritualist! It's famous!

That's right, the author was a powerful psychic, able to physically show spiritual phenomena and spirit mediums.

He was doubted by the world as a con man, but in everyday life he used his ability and--

What's wrong? Why are you holding your head...?

Eh? Why am I always reading these kinds of books?

Well...

---

We have a small library at home. My parents staked their lives to fill it. It's the Motoori's treasure vault.

Ever since I was a child I'd play in it. I'd read and read, but it was filled with books I could never finish.

The worlds written in the books had a huge impact. It opened me up to so many unknown worlds.

History, literature, ideology, fantasy... All these woven legends never wore out.

Maybe... that's why. I became really, really interested in what we call otherworldly.

It's not like I'm dissatisfied with where I am right now...

The world expands even outside this blockaded Tokyo...

When I think about meeting with someone I've never met before who lives there...

However, we are the generation born into this sealed off Tokyo.

We might not be able to cross the borders of this city and see what lies outside.

Because of that...I found another dream.

Just like the "transients" that came here through the Gate...

If I can one day go through the Gate to somewhere else...

...doesn't the idea excite you?

Even before we were born, haven't there been similar things happening?

That's when I thought, isn't that what myths, legends, and even the "occult" is showing us?

---

I got into another of my rants again... Thinking back on it, it's embarrassing.

D-don't tell anyone! Of course that means Kengo and Ryouta too.

Especially Kengo. If he gets wind of this, I'll never hear the end of it.

...

N-now then, let me say something else. Don't worry. It's nothing strange.

[Player], umm... you came from a world that looks like this one, right?

3 options (Same Response)
Uh, maybe.	Not that I remember...	I... guess.

You're... the person who made my dream come true.

You came through the gate from some other world while keeping your body...

You realized the dream I've always secretly kept, and you're right in front of my eyes.

Everyone always laughed at it, but you made my dream a reality.

...so if the possibility exists, if you ever return to your home world...

If possible, I want to go with you.

3 options (Same Response)
Nod.	Yeah, no prob.	Okay.

Thanks. My otherworld borne, dear...

Dear... friend.

Shirou Motoori Character Quest Chapter 1
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