The Scream of A Thousand Libraries Chapter 47: Chapter 47: Beta Test (I).

Read chapter 47 of The Scream of A Thousand Libraries by Susangja on NovelPedia.

POV: MIGUEL CASTRO. The smell of mold and burnt leather still lingered in the air as Noah and I crossed the rusted gates of the factory complex. The sound of them creaking echoed through the place like a scream. The flames that had devoured this place years ago left deep scars, the walls were yellowed, there were cracks in the beams and holes running through the concrete like open wounds, still damp with soot. Dust rose around our feet, mingling with the cold breeze that seemed unwilling to die in there. Two magical signals pulsed on the second floor, their force weak but steady. I could feel them vibrating at the edge of my perception, like a low, insistent noise threatening to break my control. The energy reading felt strange, but we'd only know why if we went there. “Keep your eyes open, Noah,” I murmured, not removing my hand from my weapon’s grip “Two signatures, both seem unstable. Be ready to react if needed.” “Yes, sir.” Noah nodded, inhaling deeply as he channeled energy into his marks. I sensed the air around him shift slightly as invisible waves spread out through the space. Noah’s magic always had this kind of silent, yet tangible presence. We entered through the main hallway, and the air seemed to change density. The first thing I saw was the skeleton of a production line, broken conveyor belts stretching for over four hundred meters, winding between industrial ovens, laser cutters, and presses deformed by heat. Some still dripped dry oil; others were coated in a dark crust that smelled like rust and burning. Also, the smell of burnt cardboard and mold spread everywhere possible. The light coming through cracks in the broken ceiling formed crooked beams of dust, as if time had stopped in suspension. Piled-up boxes of fabric exuded an acidic odor of burnt leather and chemicals. Every step echoed through the warehouse and gave me the feeling the building itself was breathing with us. To the left, the collapsed ceiling showed where the fire overcame the structure. The twisted steel, with suspended, sagging beams, looked like the exposed ribs of a body. Nearby, the old back exit was now just a cracked wall, stained and swallowed by shadow. “Where’s the way up to the second floor?” Noah asked. “If the stairs are still standing, they won’t hold our weight. We need to find another way,” I replied, voice low. He agreed with a brief nod. “Check the back,” I ordered. “I’ll circle around and check the office. If you find anything, signal as usual.” “Alright, classic signal then,” he said, aiming his weapon toward where he intended to go. We split up. The cold wind came in through the destroyed ceiling as I crossed the side corridor. The echo of my steps kept me alert, something was wrong with that silence. No animals, no outside noise. As if the whole world had stopped outside the gates. The place I headed for was the original factory office. There, I hoped to find something that might hint at a way up to the second floor or even a map of the internal structure. I walked for a few minutes, cautiously, until I reached the door linking the production line to the office. I tried to force it, but it wouldn’t give. The office door was locked. ‘Of course it is…’ I pressed my palm to the lock. “Diamond of Mines!” The enchantment vibrated at my wrist, and a concentrated flow of blue energy burst forth, focusing on the doorknob, ripping it loose with a dry snap. The impact echoed through the metal, and a puff of silvery smoke escaped. The air turned electric. I went in. The office’s main structure was mostly intact, but chaos was evident. Burnt computers, open drawers, papers scattered on the floor like dead leaves. The windows were half open, letting in the strong smell of mold and rust mixed with something sweet, maybe melted plastic. Rainwater had started to erode part of the floor, making the tiles slippery in spots. I walked to the main desk. The melted monitor reflected a glimpse of my face. My uniform was slightly dirty with s