Chapter 104: The path of the card
Daubutim stared calmly at the building ahead of him. Dozens of young people were milling about, most not reaching his shoulder. He gazed across and ignored the apprehensive glares as he slowly moved toward the entrance pushing them out of the way like his father's hounds.
A tall, clean-shaven man with silver eyes stood on the large staircase leading up to the ornate door. He was looking around, then seemed to decide it was time.
"Alright, settle down," he shouted in a dry voice.
In mere moments the milling mass complied, eager and gleaming eyes focusing on him, and he nodded.
"You are all here to take the entrance exam to become librarian assistants. That means that from now on, I expect you all to be quiet, listen well, and follow my orders to the letter. My name is Purntou Lesseron, and I'm a third-rank librarian. You may address me as Purntou, though for now, I ask you to remain quiet."
Even the minuscule rustling vanished, the only sound that of the bustling city outside of the quiet Library district. A tiny smile came to Purntou's face as he nodded.
Daubutim was impressed by the powerful presence of the man. Purntou reminded him of some of the Lords he had met, though he also knew, in this case, it wasn't based on any martial prowess. Still, even he felt the desire to comply nonetheless.
"Your first exam is the memorization one, and it will weed out over ninety percent of you," Purntou said, ignoring the shocked looks his statement garnered. "Those who fail will not be allowed to attempt again until next year. "
There was a brief frown that crossed his face, then he sighed.
"Now, normally, we don't specify the following, however, after last year's problems, we have decided to."
His gaze sharpened as it passed over the crowd of young men and women before him.
"If you fail three times, you will be disallowed from participating in the apprentice exam ever again! To those amongst you who have already failed three times, I would advise you to leave now. Otherwise, if you enter, you will be detected and forcefully expelled by the Library's crystalized soul remnant. Don't think you have some trick to evade it! Last year we had two casualties…."