Chapter 4: Summoning
Every drop of blood spilled, every life claimed—each must be paid for in kind. And when many lives are taken by one man’s hand, it is only natural to believe that, just as he ended others, those left behind are destined to end him. In the end, he must answer for each life—not by a god’s decree, but by the judgment of his own conscience.
Maybe he could make hell into something beautiful after all—but only after returning to his previous life... and maybe dying all over again.
"As the bookkeeper, I’d like to make a few inquiries. I take my duty very seriously. Whatever the task may be, if it’s assigned to me, I make sure it’s done—and done well."
Jack stood before the elders and King Hannes in the courtroom, his head slightly raised, voice firm, and expression unreadable.
"My current position as the Keeper is rather dull and lacks any sense of seriousness." He paused briefly. "I’d like the library to be rebuilt—with my own apartment inside it. That way, I can live there, carry out my duties, and avoid having to return to my mother."
The elders exchanged glances among themselves, while King Hannes remained silent.
"I’d also like a few guards assigned to the library, a training room, and—despite having a kitchen in the apartment—I’ll need three meals delivered each day.
Most importantly, I want an apprentice. I get to choose who it is. And finally... my personal free time."
The elders’ reactions were as expected—it was as if Jack’s words were an abomination to the kingdom.
King Hannes cleared his throat and seized the moment.
"Ever since the book was entrusted to us by the gods and the Night family was appointed its keeper, every keeper has avoided too much exposure to it.