Story Reader / Affection / Noan: Arca / Story
11:40 p.m.
The lights in Babylonia are already dimmed and replaced with a brilliant starry sky on the virtual ceiling.
Unlike the ground surface, there are never dark clouds to block the starry sky up here.
Every resplendent star in the virtual night sky is twinkling like gems embedded on a canvas. If one walks a little further forward, one can see real planets floating in the vast, deep space behind the windows.
They look incredibly close, like a hope within reach that shines on people late at night.
It has been many days since Noan became a temporary staff of the library. He has been gazing at the night sky.
When he has no training or does not need to attend check-ups and research, he would come here to help the very few visitors look for their books.
Occasionally, a few people who knew his situation would turn away, but most visitors don't know the secret behind this "temporary staff" yet.
Like Simon said, there aren't many customers in the cafe either.
When he is free, he would learn how to make drinks from the service robots, or take a book with the cover he likes to read in order to spend the abundant time he has.
...
Before he realizes it, the time has already passed midnight.
Noan puts down the book and rubs his shoulder that was damaged in an experiment during the day.
He is supposed to complete his schedule as the training room is free, but the familiar night sky above has caught his attention.
Back when he was a human on Earth, night always meant danger. But in Babylonia, night has become a symbol of peace.
In the daytime, Noan must work with the Science Council to perform check-ups and experiments.
...Which is never a relaxing experience.
When there is a need for a simulated environment or stress test, he may even suffer damage from a large number of battles.
...Better call it a day.
He puts away the book he just finished and takes out a few pieces of paper collected over the past few days, moves his fingers, and tries to sketch the night sky.
The last time he drew something, he was still near the Forsaken base. As a night watch, he must stay awake throughout the night.
Back then, there was no pen or paper. He could only scribble with a burnt branch.
All right then...
The lines on the paper form the rough outline of buildings and stars. When he is about to add more details, he suddenly hears some rushed steps.
Out of instinct, he quickly crushes the sketch into a ball and gets up.
What can I do for you?
The person just walks past with a head lowered and goes all the way to the furthest corner behind the bookshelves, completely not realizing there is still a staff in the late-night library.
(Gray Raven Commandant?)
When I met Chief today, I felt like that person was already on the edge...
It looked like Chief hadn't had a good rest for ages.
(Coming to the library at midnight...)
Gazing at the human in the corner, he realizes Simon was not "thinking too much."
(Definitely in need of more rest... Better leave that commandant alone.)
Just before he sits down, another new visitor enters the library.
What can I do for you?
The new visitor also ignores Noan. She just keeps looking around as if she is trying to find something.
Excuse me, have you seen the Gray Raven Commandant?
I thought I saw a familiar figure walking this way... I have always wanted to meet that senior.
When she mentions "senior", Noan has finally noticed her uniform. She seems to be a student of F.O.S. College.
The Gray Raven Commandant...?
He looks from the corner of his eye. That commandant is sitting in a corner at the very far end, buried inside books and terminal with a tired face.
...
Sorry, I didn't see that person.
Okay...
She shakes her head in disappointment.
I thought I could meet the legendary Chief Graduate.
See you next time.
Noan watches her leave. He sits down once again and takes out the paper he just hid.
Then he realizes he has crumpled the sketch again.
He seems to have that habit ever since he developed the hobby of drawing.
Is it because he always got scolded when others found out about this "unproductive" hobby?
...
Deep in his mind, he still subconsciously feels that he "should not draw" even when there is no customer.
Noan sighs, then spreads out the crumpled paper with his hand.
He ignores the commandant in the corner and continues to sketch the night sky on the wrinkled paper, cherishing the undisturbed tranquility.
More than four hours have passed when he finally finishes this casual sketch of the starry sky.
Noan folds up the paper and places it on the desk. He looks at that corner once again, only to see the human commandant still gazing at the desk, looking more exhausted than before.
...
He stands up and begins to make a drink that he recently learned from the recipe. Too focused on what he is doing, he has no idea when the Gray Raven Commandant has walked behind him.
Still holding a glass, Noan's hand visibly shakes when he hears the question.
No, it was just a piece of scrap paper. Sorry I forgot to clean up.
He quickly walks over and crushes the drawing into a paper ball, throwing it into the bin.
Are you going back?
I see. This one's on me.
You look like you want to spend some time alone. It's not like she is having anything important.
He puts a full cup in front of the human.
What about you? Why did you come to the library at midnight?
I assume Gray Raven's preparation room is more comfortable than here.
Them... You mean the other three members of Gray Raven?
Did you just run out because you didn't want other Gray Raven members to worry?
He lets out a sigh.
There is no work that must be completed at the cost of your life. If you know they are worried about you, why don't you rely on them a bit more?
Is that so?
Do you think... you look healthy right now?
The human just holds the cup up and sips at the drink without answering.
Noan stops asking. He just opens the book again and starts to read.
Both remain silent until Babylonia's virtual sky begins to light up.
If you are willing to tell me... If there is anything I can help...
As someone who once received your help and has nothing to do right now, I'd like to do my part.
I should thank you instead. After all, I really have nothing to do right now.
I need. I want to help you. After all, I really have nothing to do right now.
But it's already past five o'clock in the morning. Gray Raven is going to worry more if you keep staying here. We can talk about this after you have a good rest. You should go.
The human walks over with half a cup of drink.
Commandant hands over a notebook with Gray Raven's symbol on it, and a nicely wrapped cookie.
It's just scrap paper. Don't worry.
Zone L?
He recalls Simon once mentioned to Lillian during a regular meeting.
There is a shop in Zone L that sells cookies. I once bought some with Chief, they tasted great.
Commandant Simon told us about it. He seemed to really like the cookies there.
The human smiles and takes out another cookie, handing it to Noan.
Okay, thanks.
Aren't you supposed to go rest now?
Goodbye.
Good night. Have a good sleep.
But the commandant's body is suddenly caught up by dizziness and falls to the bar counter even before turning around.
With the unfinished cup of drink, the human collapses to the ground.
...Commandant?!
Noan immediately jumps over the bar counter and holds the commandant up, away from the shattered glass.
Hypoglycemia...?
Fortunately, before he takes further action, the human commandant has regained consciousness.
Are you alright?
Hearing his question, the human stares at the shattered glass for seconds and finally realizes what happened.
You were probably suffering from fatigue or low blood sugar.
Let's get up first. Be careful, there is glass next to your hand.
Wait!
He quickly grabs the human's wrist.
Sorry.
Realizing his mistake, he immediately lets go, bows and apologizes.
You don't have to do this. Just get on your feet. There are sugar cubes behind the counter, you should take some. Go back and take some rest.
I'll take care of the cleaning. The longer you stay, the more worried Gray Raven will be.
You don't want them to worry, do you?
No problem. Are you okay on your own? Should I walk you back?
Alright.
He helps the human up and turns back to clean up the glass shards.
When he no longer hears any footsteps, he finally looks up at the top-left corner of the library.
...
—At the corner of a bookshelf, the cold, red light on a surveillance camera is blinking.
