NOVEL WEB Chapter 20: Library from the Basement
Episode 20
[Quest Alert: Forbidden Knowledge – Discover the truth hidden beneath Westwood Library] Reward: +40 SinPoints, +1 Mystery Key, +Skill: Dark Insight I Time Limit: 48 Hours
Ethan stood at the edge of the marble staircase, sweat still glistening on his skin, the taste of adrenaline and lust lingering from the arena. The roar of the crowd was a distant hum now, fading as he followed the pulsing crimson arrow on his HUD, leading him toward the ancient Westwood Library.
His new skill—"Shadow Sync"—whispered to him, pulling his senses toward the silent, forgotten wings of the campus.
It was 3:14 AM.
The main library gates groaned open as he approached, responding not to a key, but to presence—his presence. The moment he stepped inside, the lights dimmed, casting shadows across rows of tall wooden shelves.
[Hidden Sin Detected: ??? – Presence: Confirmed | Threat Level: Moderate-High]
The system buzzed in his mind, and a chill traced his spine. This wasn't about seduction anymore. This was deeper. Darker.
He moved past the history section, past the medical archives, until he reached the forbidden wing—an arched iron door sealed with runes.
[SinPoints Used: -10 | Seal Broken]
The door cracked open with a low hiss. Ethan descended a stone spiral staircase, each step colder than the last, the air thick with secrets.
---
Basement – Westwood Library
The basement wasn't empty. Candles lined the walls, flickering wildly as though sensing his presence. The moment he stepped off the final stair, the candles flared to life, illuminating a massive chamber with a stone altar in the center.
A girl stood by the altar.
Long black hair cascaded down her back, and her eyes—silver like moonlight—glowed unnaturally in the dark.
[Target Identified: Elara Morrigan] Occupation: Librarian (Night Division) Sin Compatibility: 92% Emotional State: Guarded. Curious. Yearning.
Ethan stepped forward. "Elara."
"You're not supposed to be here," she said, voice soft as silk, yet edged with steel.
"And yet, here I am."
Elara studied him. "The basement reveals itself only to those touched by sin."
He smirked. "I'm practically baptized in it."
Her lips curled, almost amused. She circled him slowly, letting her fingers graze the air just an inch from his skin.
"This place is sacred," she said. "Built on secrets, sealed with lust, guarded by desire."
[Sin Insight Activated] Elara: Desires forbidden knowledge. Drawn to dangerous intimacy. Arousal: 28% – rising.
Ethan stepped closer. "Show me."
She stopped.
"Only if you're willing to pay the price."
He nodded.
Elara pressed her hand to the altar. A book appeared, bound in leather that seemed alive, pulsing faintly.
"The Codex of Crimson Sins," she whispered.
[New Item: Crimson Codex – Restricted Access | SinPoints Required: 25]
Ethan confirmed.
The book opened.
---
Visions slammed into his mind. Flashes of past seductions, ancient rituals, gods of desire and agony. His breath caught. His body trembled.
[Skill Unlocked: Dark Insight I – See hidden desires and weaknesses] [XP Boost: +100]
He gasped, stumbling back.
Elara caught him. "You took it well."
"I've had worse first dates."
She laughed—soft, musical, hungry.
[Target Arousal: 41% → 59%]
She stepped forward, pressing him to the altar. "Let me reward your courage."
Ethan allowed it. Her lips found his, cold and hot at once, tongue tracing secrets into his mouth. Her hands were urgent, trembling with need.
His fingers tangled in her hair, pulling her closer. The candles flared.
[System: Lust Aura II Activated]
Elara moaned softly, grinding against him. Her robes slipped from her shoulders, revealing pale, perfect skin etched with arcane tattoos that shimmered with each touch.
"If we do this," she whispered, "the Codex will mark you forever."
"Then mark me."
---
They fell together on the altar, the stone warm beneath them. Ethan worshipped every inch of her, while her body arched in pleasure, her whispers mixing with ancient Latin verses.
[Mission Progress: 63%... 81%... 97%...]
"Say it," she gasped.
"Say what?"
"Say you want the darkness."
He looked into her eyes.
"I am the darkness."
She cried out, body convulsing against his. The room pulsed. The book glowed red.
[Mission Complete: Forbidden Knowledge] [SinPoints Gained: +40 | New Item: Mystery Key | Skill: Dark Insight I]
---
Later, Ethan sat beside the altar, Elara resting against his chest.
"The library has more secrets," she murmured. "But some should remain buried."
He looked down at the glowing key in his hand.
"I've never been good at leaving things alone."
The system buzzed.
[New Quest Unlocked: The Door Below – Use the Mystery Key to unlock the hidden vault under Westwood] Reward: Unknown
Elara touched his chest. "Then may the gods have mercy on you."
He kissed her forehead, then stood, adjusting his shirt, his mind racing.
Stats Updated: Ethan Cross – Level 5 Charm: 5 SinPoints: 80 New Skill: Dark Insight I Inventory: Mystery Key, Crimson Codex