Chapter 73: Knowledge Hall
Nioh moved like a shadow through the winding pathways of Citadel, his cloak wrapped tightly around his frail form. Concealing one’s identity wasn’t unusual in this city; whether to protect oneself or conduct illicit dealings, anonymity was a common currency. He blended into the crowd effortlessly, his presence nothing more than another passing figure lost in the sea of masked intentions.
The Knowledge Hall loomed ahead, its grand bronze and gold archway standing in stark contrast to the more utilitarian buildings surrounding it. Among the many halls of Citadel, this was the least frequented by new Seeds. The cost of information was too steep, and most preferred to spend their early days scouring the Cradle Zones for Biocores rather than squandering their wealth on knowledge.
Yet knowledge was precisely what Nioh needed.
He stepped through the towering arch, entering a world that felt utterly removed from the chaos outside. The hall was vast—almost impossibly so—its ceiling stretching high above like the heavens themselves. Golden light bathed the interior, exuding a warmth that contrasted sharply with the freezing void gnawing at his insides. The walls were lined with endless shelves, books stacked so high they seemed to vanish into infinity, their ancient spines whispering secrets of forgotten eras.
For a brief moment, Nioh stood in silent awe.
Then a violent shudder wracked his body, and the moment was lost. Not here. He clenched his teeth, forcing himself toward the reception desk before another wave of cold robbed him of control.
The clerk, a petite girl with massive glasses nearly swallowing her face, peered up at him as he approached. Despite her fragile frame, her gaze was sharp—too sharp. Nioh instinctively lowered his head.
"Hello, how can I help you?" she asked, her voice polite but disinterested.
"I need information about the Nine Punishment Nails. Ancient techniques, things of the sort." He kept his voice steady, even as his breath trembled against his ribs.
The girl adjusted her glasses, her fingers flicking across a floating interface. "Would you like the Bronze, Silver, or Gold package?"
Nioh exhaled slowly. "I assume the Gold package is the most in-depth."