Cabinet of Curiosities

You and your demon approach the library doors, and your demon helps the little goblins steady the sign. They squeal a thanks, and then run off to do one of the other hundreds of tasks waiting for them. You didn't even get a chance to ask if the library was open. With a shrug, you push against the massive, heavy doors, using your full weight against them.

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Slow and smooth, the wood doors open and reveal the biggest library you've ever seen. It smells old and dusty, but warm and inviting the way a fire is on a cold night. There are well-worn chairs and couches, mismatched tables and lamps, cups full of pens and highlighters, tabs and notepads everywhere, and a little bug-eyed demon with large, gold-rimmed glasses flying from shelf to shelf.

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"He wants one book, then another, then another!" the little demon says to themselves. "And reads none of them!"
 

You and your demon look at each other, a little confused. You make your way to the demon, who has about seven books stack in their one hand and somehow not tilting over. You politely ask if the demon needs any help.

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The demon smiles at you, excited. "Oh, Welcome to the Disappearing Library! I'm okay. I just have a very... aggravating customer." Their smile turns a little sharp, as if they really wanted to tear into some flesh.

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"Who is it?" your demon asks.

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The demon pushes up their glasses and gives a pout. "Noct, the Demon of Darkest Night."

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"I thought Noct couldn't come to this realm except on the Winter Solstice?" your demon asks.

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"He can't," the Library Demon says, "but he can sure make portals and demands." They sigh, dramatically. "And he cannot make a decision!"

You wonder if perhaps you can help Noct go through his pile and narrow down what he'd like to read. You're not sure what you could say to the Demon of Darkest Night, but as long as he is stuck on his side of the portal, you're sure that you're safe... probably.

You follow the Library Demon a section that looks like the start of an endless set of staircases. Beneath the stairs is a lovely reading nook beside a fireplace, and above the sitting area is a fat oval portal that swirls white and black. You can see a demon sitting and reading the back of a book, seemingly frustrated with it. You swear he looks like a movie star from a silent film, especially with his shirt-and-vest combo.

Suddenly, he looks up and raises a brow. "Librarian," he says, "I asked for books, not for snacks."

The Library Demon throws all the books in their hands at him. "Here. Books! No, they are NOT for eating." They waggle a finger at him. "I should have denied you admittance after what happened in February! But Sage pleaded on your behalf, and so I let you in!" They stick their tongue out for a moment. "These people are here to help you PICK a book."

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Noct looks over at you, his eyes glowing faintly orange like embers. "I suppose another set of opinions can't hurt." He waves off the Library Demon. "Fine, off with you. I shall call you if I need you again."

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The Library Demon lets out an aggravated cry and flies off, muttering curses in a language you definitely have never heard before.

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"Well, human?" Noct says. "Do you know the prompts for the demons of the hotel? I plan to enjoy selections based on their challenges."