The “Eternal Library”—a legendary archive said to contain every book ever written in the world.
It did not exist in any public record. But scattered among obscure academic texts and whispered stories, there were accounts of an underground labyrinth of endless bookshelves. It was said that not only did it hold every book from the past, but even volumes that had yet to be written.
Rei had been appointed as a novice librarian at the Eternal Library—a place that wasn’t supposed to exist. There was no formal application process. One day, an anonymous invitation arrived at his doorstep. The moment he touched it, he found himself standing before the library’s entrance. Like a dream, and yet entirely real. From that moment, he had a role to fulfill.
During his first week, Rei was overwhelmed by the sheer scale of the collection. Histories, philosophies, lost manuscripts, even unpublished novels—each resting in stillness, as if the books themselves were quietly breathing.
One day, while sorting the shelves, he came across a particular volume. A leather-bound cover, embossed with gold lettering.
“The Future of Rei Fildes”
His heart leapt.
A book bearing his name—he didn’t need to think about what it meant.
With trembling hands, he opened it. Inside was a detailed account of his life up to that very moment. Page after page turned, revealing not only his past but the future as well.
—In three days, Rei Fildes will become a “book” of the Eternal Library.
That was written at the very end.
“Become a book…?”
Rei gasped. What did it mean? Was it death? Or would he be transformed into something else?
Fear and confusion welled up inside him. He snapped the book shut.
At that moment, soft footsteps echoed.
“…So, you’ve found it.”
Rei turned. Standing behind him was the Chief Librarian—a man of enigmatic smile, whose name was unknown. He was known only as “The Chief.”
“This book—” Rei began, but the Chief spoke first, slowly.
“The future recorded in the Eternal Library cannot be changed.”
“That can’t be…”
“Even if you attempt to rewrite it, it’s futile. Because even that attempt—has already been written.”
A chill ran down Rei’s spine. So even finding the book, reading it, and wanting to change the future—had all been prewritten?
But he couldn’t give up. He now knew the future. Surely there was a way to defy it.
“Even so…” Rei gathered his resolve. “What if there was a way to rewrite it?”
The Chief sighed deeply.
“If you wish to change the future where you become a ‘book,’ there is only one path.”
“What is it?”
Calmly, yet clearly, the Chief said:
“You must become a story.”
“A story…?”
“Don’t simply end where the future is written. Keep writing your own tale. Only those who continue to tell their story—beyond what’s recorded—can escape the grip of this library.”
Rei was speechless.
A librarian, now told to become a creator of his own narrative? What did that even mean?
“Now, choose,” the Chief said softly.
Accept your fate and become a book.
Or live on—as the storyteller of your own life.
Rei slowly closed the book that told of his future.
He didn’t yet have the answer.
But he had made one thing certain—
He would begin his own story.
