12 12 301 AniZhuanchangEnd The library contains books and articles from the Golden Age, many of which are said to be the WGAA's donations. Many materials inaccessible at the Center of Basic Public Education have their original copies stored here.
13 13 301 —A privilege for the students who are about to confront the real world.
14 14 301 But they are rarely read. Students here are always busy—they can recite the three fundamental contradictions of a military system, but they do not have time to ponder the long-term effect of technological revolutions.
15 15 301 The library thus becomes a place to self-assess instead of a place for more knowledge.
16 16 301 AniZhuanchangBegin Only a few students are here now because of the ceremony. You do not cause any commotion when you enter with Chrome, unlike before.
19 19 301 AniZhuanchangEnd Returning to a familiar place has awoken your muscle memory. It guides you as you lead Chrome to the second floor.
20 20 301 The library would always be filled to the brim back then, right before tests and exams.
21 21 301 But there is a place on the second floor that is always free from disruption. Hidden behind a few shelves is a haven only a few know about.
22 22 301 Every student has their preferred spot in the library, and this one is yours.
23 23 301 Chrome has not said anything on the way here. He just follows behind you quietly.
24 24 301 He does not seem to be curious why you have led him straight here after you entered the library.
25 25 301 Instead, he acts as if he knows this route like the back of his hand. At one of the corners, he turns the correct way before you even take a step,
26 26 301 When you reach your destination, he does not sit down. Instead, he walks to the shelf to the side, his finger gliding across the spines of the books.
27 27 301 His long and slender finger stops precisely at one of the hardcover books. Gently with the tip of his finger, he pulls and removes the book from the shelf before heading to the seat opposite you, opening it as he sits down.
28 28 301 The title of the book has been scrubbed unrecognizable. Chrome holds the book with familiarity as if he has just retrieved a book he was halfway through and returned to the shelf yesterday.
29 29 302 You know this place well? 30
30 30 301 You cannot help but ask.
31 31 301 He purses his lips.
32 32 201 1 500309
33 33 301 1 Chrome As much as you do, I imagine. 1
34 34 301 There is no need for more words. You have both picked up that you were "regulars" here from the sense of familiarity in each other's movement and action.
35 35 202 1 1
36 36 301 Chrome holds a finger before his lips and makes the hush gesture.
37 37 201 1 500309
38 38 301 1 Chrome We should lower our voices. Don't disturb the juniors. 1
39 39 202 1 1
40 40 301 You try to lower the sound of your chuckles.
41 41 301 How incredible life is.
42 42 301 To run into someone who has grown up as similar as you have, but ends up somewhere so drastically different from where you are.
43 43 201 1 500309
44 44 301 1 Chrome When I was a student here, I loved to study in this spot before the tests. 1
45 45 301 He says quietly as he flips through the book in his hand.
46 46 302 I like it here too. It's quiet. 47
47 47 301 Chrome Exactly. Not many knew of this place either, so I didn't have to worry about having my spot taken. 1
48 48 301 He quiets down for a moment before speaking again.
49 49 301 Chrome I must admit I was a little surprised at first. I didn't think you would know this spot. 1
50 50 302 Of course I do. I've seen sunsets and sunrises on this very chair. 51
51 51 301 Chrome ...Can't imagine a Chief-graduate like you would study overnight in the library for a test. 1
52 52 302 You're a Chief as well. 53
53 53 301 Chrome My apologies. I shouldn't have neglected your efforts just because of your title. 1
54 54 302 That's alright. 55
55 55 301 Chrome It's not. Even if you don't mind me overstepping, I cannot forgive myself that easily. 1
56 56 202 1 1
57 57 301 Chrome suddenly puts down his book and stands up.
58 58 201 1 500309
59 59 301 1 Chrome Please wait here. 1
60 60 401 2 1516
61 61 202 1
62 62 301 He bows his head toward you before hastily walking away.
63 63 301 ...
64 64 301 Chrome has not technically been away for long, but from where you are sitting, eternity seems to have passed.
65 65 301 Bored, you glance at the book Chrome left on the desk.
66 66 301 It is still open where Chrome left it.
67 67 301 —Every complicated question has an answer that is simple, concise, and wrong.
68 68 301 —The duality and uncertainty of the future could be an argument for us to consider how the technological revolution will impact politics and wars.
69 69 301 —Not only have revolutionary technologies been implemented into wars, but they are also done on an unprecedented scale. There will be consequences unanticipated.
70 70 301 —Which is to say, the distant future will follow the ebbs and flows of history as it unfolds here and now.
71 71 301 More similar lines and paragraphs cover the pages.
72 72 301 Right then, Chrome is back.
73 73 301 He returns with two paper cups in his hands. Noticing that you are reading the book he was going through, he thinks nothing of it and places one of the cups before you.
74 74 301 You pick it up with both hands, staring at the dark brown liquid inside.
75 75 302 Double Espresso? 76
76 76 201 1 500309
77 77 301 1 Chrome That's right. Think of it as my "apology." 1
78 78 302 That is quite a... 79
79 79 301 Chrome You might not like it, but I bet you must "miss" it. 1
80 80 302 Fair. 81
81 81 202 1 1
82 82 301 No students who study overnight do not require a shot of caffeine to keep their eyes open.
83 83 301 It seems to be a default now for schools to have a cafe next to the library.
84 84 301 An appropriate apology indeed, all things considered.
85 85 301 The warmth in your hand represents years of hardship no one realizes.
86 86 301 —No. Someone does.
87 87 301 Chrome has already emptied his cup. His brows do not even furrow, seemingly long accustomed to its bitterness.
88 88 301 In an instant, you recognize all the hardship behind his halo of glory.
89 89 301 And so, you empty yours as well.
90 90 301 You stack your cups and push them to the side.
91 91 201 1 500309
92 92 301 1 Chrome Are you interested in this book? 1
93 93 301 Chrome picks up the book and motions it your way.
94 94 302 Yeah. 95
95 95 301 Chrome It's an old book from the Golden Age, I think. 1
96 96 301 Chrome It's about the impacts of the technological revolution. 1
97 97 301 Chrome Despite being published such a long time ago, the ideas and arguments in it can still be applied today. 1
98 98 301 Chrome Before I left the college, I was reading this book leisurely outside of classes. 1
99 99 301 Chrome But the truth is I couldn't fully grasp what it was trying to say back then. 1
100 100 301 Chrome Looking back, I think I finally understand it now. 1
101 101 302 Tell me. 102
102 102 301 He seems to have expected your question, and he nods before you complete your question.
