# Chapter Eleven
Kang Jin-woo stepped out of the swirling shadow portal and back into the circular, book-filled room of the "Library of Hidden Secrets." The Librarian was still seated behind his dark wooden desk, the dim green lamp casting long, dancing shadows on his hooded face. He didn't look as if he had moved an inch since Jin-woo had left.
"You have returned," the Librarian said, his deep, resonant voice echoing in the library's silence. "Sooner than I expected. Did you find the Whispering Souls Market amusing, or are you simply alarmingly efficient?"
Jin-woo didn't answer immediately. He approached the desk and took the jar containing the "Pulsating Shadow Heart" from his System inventory. He placed it gently on the polished desktop. The faint, strong pulse of the heart was audible in the room's silence, like a dark rhythm from another world.
"The market was... an educational experience," Jin-woo said with a cold smile. "And here is your request. A Pulsating Shadow Heart, as promised."
The Librarian extended a gloved hand and took the jar. He didn't open it, merely examining it for a moment, as if he could see its contents through the opaque glass. Then he nodded slowly.
"Yes, this is indeed it. A rare and potent specimen. You have done well, fledgling psychopath. Very well."
[Successfully completed the quest "The Pulsating Shadow Heart" (assigned by the Librarian)!]
[Reward: A rare magical book (determined by the Librarian), significant increase in reputation with the Librarian, unlocking new dialogue options with him.]
"You don't seem surprised," Jin-woo observed. "Were you expecting me to succeed?"
The Librarian chuckled softly. "Expectation is a strong word. Let's say I was hoping you would be interesting enough to survive. The Souls Market is not a kind place for outsiders. The fact that you returned so quickly, and with the goods, tells me a great deal about your nature and capabilities."
The Librarian paused for a moment, then continued, "Tell me, how did you persuade the Heart Collector to part with this treasure? Did you use your charm, or did you resort to more... direct methods?"
"Let's just say I made him an offer he couldn't refuse," Jin-woo said, not revealing the details of his barter with The Grand Whisper. There was no reason to share all his secrets with this ancient entity, even if he seemed cooperative for now.
"Mysterious as ever," the Librarian said, not seeming bothered. "Well, you have fulfilled your part of the bargain, and now it is my turn to fulfill mine. I promised you a rare book of my choosing. A book that can aid you on your journey along the path of shadow."
The Librarian stood up and moved towards one of the many bookshelves lining the walls. He wasn't searching randomly; he seemed to know exactly where he was going. He stopped before a particular section of shelves, where the books looked older and more worn than the rest. He reached out and pulled a single volume from among the thousands.
The book was bound in cracked black leather, with no title or markings on the cover. It looked ancient and radiated a faint aura of dark power. The Librarian returned to the desk and placed the book before Jin-woo.
"This is it," the Librarian said. "It is known as the 'Tomes of Eternal Night.' It is not a book for the weak or the fearful. It contains deep secrets about the nature of darkness, and rituals that can grant you immense power... if you are willing to pay the price."
[Obtained: "Tomes of Eternal Night" (Legendary Magical Book – Soulbound)]
[Description: An ancient tome containing forbidden knowledge about dark magic, the summoning of nocturnal entities, and the manipulation of shadow essence itself. Its author is said to have been an ancient priest who made a pact with a primordial shadow god. Reading and understanding this book requires immense willpower and a deep affinity for darkness.]
[Requirements to open and study: Intelligence 20, Perception 18, Shadow Affinity (Intermediate) or higher.]
[Warning: Attempting to study this book without meeting the requirements may lead to madness, spiritual corruption, or death.]
[Note: This book is now soulbound to you. No one else can read or use it. If you die, the book will return to this library.]
Jin-woo felt a thrill of excitement as he read the book's description. "Legendary... Soulbound..." This was far beyond what he had expected. He looked at its requirements. His Intelligence and Perception were close, but his "Shadow Affinity" was still in its early stages. He needed to enhance that.
"It looks promising," Jin-woo said, reaching out and touching the book's cold cover. He felt a faint tingle of dark energy flow into his fingertips.
"It is more than just promising," the Librarian said. "It is a key. A key to doors you never dreamed existed. But remember my warnings. Knowledge is power, and absolute power corrupts absolutely. And you, Kang Jin-woo, seem to have a natural inclination towards corruption already."
Jin-woo smiled. "I'll take that as a compliment."
"As you wish," the Librarian said. "And now, having fulfilled my promise, is there anything else I can assist you with today? Or will you be off to test the limits of your newfound knowledge... and your sanity?"
Jin-woo thought for a moment. He had the "Pulsating Shadow Heart" and the "Tomes of Eternal Night." He had enough to work on for now. But there was another matter lingering in his mind.
"What about the 'Book of Twilight Rituals' I offered you as a tribute?" Jin-woo asked. "Was it of any value to you?"
"All knowledge has its value," the Librarian said. "Even if fragmented or dangerous. Your little book was an interesting appetizer. I have added it to my collection. Perhaps one day, I will find its missing parts."
Jin-woo nodded. That was good. He didn't want to feel like he had given up something of value for nothing.
"One last question," Jin-woo said. "You mentioned this library is connected to the 'Shadow Dimensions.' Are there other dimensions I can visit? Places that might be more... challenging than the Souls Market?"
The Librarian smiled, and a hint of something ancient and dangerous glinted in his shadowed eyes. "Always seeking more, aren't you? Yes, there are other dimensions. Places that make the Souls Market look like a children's playground. Places where dead gods dance and living nightmares feed. But those places demand a much higher price of entry. A price you may not be ready to pay yet."
"Let me be the judge of that," Jin-woo said.
"Perhaps," the Librarian said. "When you grow stronger, and when you prove you can handle the knowledge I have just given you, come to me again. I may have some suggestions for you. But for now, I advise you to focus on what you have. The 'Tomes of Eternal Night' is not a book to be absorbed easily. It will demand all your concentration, and perhaps a piece of your mind."
Jin-woo knew the Librarian was right. He needed to study this new book and explore the potential of the "Pulsating Shadow Heart." He had much to do before he could think of new challenges.
"Thank you for your advice, and for the book," Jin-woo said. "I will return when I am ready for more."
"I look forward to it," the Librarian said. "For you, Kang Jin-woo, have become one of my most interesting patrons in a very long time."
Jin-woo took the "Tomes of Eternal Night" and carefully placed it in his System inventory. Then he nodded to the Librarian and turned to leave. As he reached the swirling portal that led back to the abandoned bookstore in the old book district, he felt a strange sense of anticipation and excitement. He had obtained a true treasure, a treasure that could drastically change the course of his life (or what was left of it).
When he returned to his modest apartment, the first thing he did was take out the "Tomes of Eternal Night." The book looked even more sinister in the dim light of his apartment. He tried to open it, but found it firmly sealed, as if the pages were glued together. Then he remembered the requirements: Intelligence 20, Perception 18, Shadow Affinity (Intermediate).
Jin-woo checked his current stats. His Intelligence was 17, and his Perception was 16. He was close, but not quite there yet. As for his Shadow Affinity, it was still at a "Beginner" level, although he felt it had increased slightly after his trip to the Souls Market and his use of the shadow dagger.
"Looks like I need to raise my stats," Jin-woo thought. "And maybe the 'Pulsating Shadow Heart' can help with the affinity issue."
He took out the jar containing the heart. It was still beating strongly, emitting a faint purple glow. He wasn't sure how to use it. Should he consume it? Or was there a specific ritual required?
He decided he would postpone dealing with the heart for now. He needed to think and plan. He now had two powerful tools at his disposal, but they required caution and wisdom (or at least a twisted version of wisdom that suited his psychopathic nature).
Jin-woo looked out of his apartment window at the dark city outside. There were other secrets waiting to be discovered, and other enemies waiting to be crushed. And with the "Tomes of Eternal Night" and the "Pulsating Shadow Heart," he felt he was one step closer to achieving his dark goals.
A cold, wide smile spread across his face. The game had just become much more interesting.