Aeon stared at the open page, but his mind was no longer processing the words written there. Instead, a cold clarity had settled over his thoughts—the kind of crystalline focus that came when impossible problems suddenly revealed their only possible solution.
I know what needs to be done.
The realization brought with it a strange sense of calm. Not peace—there could never be peace with this knowledge—but the grim satisfaction of understanding exactly what path lay ahead. The details would require careful planning, years of preparation, and sacrifices that he was only beginning to comprehend. But the fundamental approach was clear now.
Twenty-three years.
More than enough time, if he was smart about it. If he was patient. If he was willing to become something he had never imagined becoming.
Movement in his peripheral vision interrupted his contemplation. Someone was approaching his table, footsteps measured and deliberate in the library's quiet atmosphere. Aeon looked up to see Thomas walking toward him, the older boy's expression suggesting concern rather than casual social interaction.
Thomas, Aeon thought with detached observation. Future village chief. Someone who notices things.
As Thomas drew closer, Aeon could see the sharp intelligence in the older boy's eyes—the kind of perceptive awareness that suggested he had noticed Aeon's obvious distress and was approaching with specific intentions.
"Aeon?" Thomas said quietly as he reached the table. "Are you alright?"
The question was simple enough, but Aeon could hear layers of meaning beneath it. Thomas wasn't just making polite conversation—he was genuinely concerned, and possibly curious about what had caused such an obvious reaction.
Careful, Aeon warned himself. Nothing can be revealed. Not even hints.
"Yeah," Aeon replied curtly, closing the book in front of him with more force than necessary. "Just finished reading."
He could see Thomas's expression shift slightly at the dismissive response, a flicker of surprise that suggested the older boy had expected a more substantial conversation. But Aeon wasn't ready to deal with Thomas's concerns or curiosity—not when his own mind was still processing the implications of what he now understood he would have to do.
I need distance. Space to think without having to manage someone else's reactions.
Standing abruptly, Aeon gathered the three volumes he had been reading and stepped around Thomas without making eye contact. "Excuse me. I need to return these."
As he walked toward Librarian Oswald's desk, Aeon could feel Thomas's surprised gaze following him. The older boy had clearly expected a different kind of interaction, possibly an opportunity to provide support or guidance to someone who was obviously struggling with difficult information.
Let him wonder, Aeon thought as he approached the return desk. Better confusion than suspicion.
"Finished already?" Oswald asked as Aeon placed the books on the desk. "You seemed quite absorbed in the material."
"Very informative," Aeon replied neutrally. "Thank you for the recommendations."
The librarian nodded, though his sharp eyes suggested he had also noticed Aeon's earlier distress. "Feel free to return tomorrow if you'd like to explore related topics. We have extensive collections that might interest someone with your... curiosity about these subjects."
He's fishing, Aeon realized. Trying to understand what specifically caught my attention.
"I'll keep that in mind," Aeon said, turning away from the desk before Oswald could ask any more probing questions.
As he walked back toward the library's exit, passing Thomas who was still standing near the reading table looking puzzled and somewhat concerned, a new realization hit Aeon with stunning clarity.
What I'm planning to do will make me the enemy of this village.
The thought stopped him cold for a moment, his hand freezing on the door handle as the full implications crashed over him.
I know what they have.
The book had revealed more than just the broader political situation—buried in the historical records, mentioned in passing within seemingly unrelated passages, was a reference that changed everything. Something that explained why this village existed in exactly this location, why the elders were so protective of their isolation, why they guarded certain secrets so carefully.
Their lifeline.
The thing that made their existence possible, that sustained them, that they would protect above all else. And according to what he had just read, it was exactly what he would need to accomplish what lay ahead.
They'll never give it willingly. Not to someone like me. Not for the purposes I need it for.
But he would need it. The capabilities it could provide were essential to becoming someone who could accomplish the impossible. Without it, his plans would remain nothing more than desperate fantasies.
Master Kellor, who had been patiently helping him develop his attribute. Librarian Oswald, who had provided access to information. The village elders who had granted him temporary sanctuary. Even Thomas, who seemed genuinely interested in offering friendship and support.
The moral weight of it was staggering. These people had saved his life, and he was planning to repay their kindness by taking what was their most precious treasure.
The first step, Aeon thought as he pushed through the library's heavy doors into the afternoon sunlight, is to gain their trust.
The countdown had begun.