C19. A Book of Monsters

BRINNNG BRINNNGG

The sound of the bell echoed though the academy, signalling the end of class.

"I'll see you tomorrow then," Professor Deil patted me on the back and walked out of the Arena, giving Palmer a pat as well as he made his way back into the academy building.

"You got absolutely trashed!" Palmer exclaimed, staring at the back of the professor in awe.

I turn to him with a dumbfounded expression, "Weren't you praising me just a couple minutes ago?"

"I'm just saying what I saw," he shrugged looking back.

I let out a sigh as I walked away,

"Where're we going?" Palmer trailed behind me.

"Library," I replied, opening a door and heading in.

"Why?"

I turned my head, "…Because… I like reading…?"

Palmer's face distorted as he poked his tongue out, "I've only known you for a day, but I know that's the worst lie that's ever come out of your mouth,"

I let out a laugh as I turned back around, "I've gotta do some research."

"On what?"

"This and that…"

Palmer narrowed his eyes realising I was purposefully avoiding his questions.

"Fine," He put his hands behind his head and followed quietly.

"Don't you have friends waiting for you or something? How are you so free so always be following me around?" I asked, seeing the library entrance and walking in.

"Oh, they found out I was asked by the Grand Duke's son for a tour, so they let me go for the day," Palmer replied honestly.

"Is that so?" I muttered, looking around, "You're free to leave if you want. I'll be staying here for the rest of the break,"

"Really? I'll see you later then!" Palmer's eyes widened as he ran out of the library without hesitation. Eyes glistening as he pounced at a group of boys lingering by the entrance, hesitantly watching him.

"Let's go!" I heard him half-shout and half-whisper, dragging them away by their necks.

I focused my attention back at the library and began walking over to a bookshelf, browsing.

None of the books was what I was looking for.

"Uh… can I help you?" A soft voice asked behind me, revealing a young girl around 150cm tall, her hair tied to her side.

"You are?" I frowned, not recognising her.

"I'm Liz. I'm the Student Librarian." She introduced, showing her badge.

"I'm looking for something like an encyclopaedia," I explained, "Something on the different type of monsters,"

"Ah, there's one down there," she points over to a bookcase on the other end of the library. "I'll show you,"

She led me to the bookcase, tapping her finger and skimming through all the different titles before stopping at a giant book around 5cm thick.

"The Official Encyclopaedia of all Monsters. By Seriq Lennensi, the Royal Scholar." She heaves it out and hands it to me, "Just let me know if you need to find anything else," She bowed, taking her leave.

I glanced at the heavy book in my hand and quickly skimmed through it and sure enough it was exactly what I was looking for. The names, appearance, descriptions and everything you need to know about any monster you would like to know about them.

I made my way to an empty seat and placed the book down on the table, flipping the book towards the end where the heading "Werewolves" opened up.

[Werewolves.

Former Apex Predator of the Cursed Forests.

Current Status: Extinct - The last Alpha werewolf hunted down in the year 107 of the Holy Calender.]

'Around 200 years ago,' I noted

I continued to read on, skipping though all the useless background information and finally spotted what I was looking for.

[Weaknesses:

Wood of the Ancient Dari Tree - A tree only grown in 3 places in the world; The Celestial Forest, The Royal Gardens and The Elves Sanctuary.

Werewolves will burn at a single touch of this sacred wood. It was used to pierce the heart of the last Alpha werewolf.]

I frowned slightly, but also let out a soft sigh of relief. Turns out my current weakness was something only found in 3 places in the world.

Curious about the other entrees of the book, I flipped all the way to the start where one heading stood out to me the most.

[Angels & Demons.]

If I could get my hands onto the power of these beings…

I looked through the page clicking my tongue in annoyance as I read the first sentence.

[Angels rarely descend upon the mortal plane.]

I continued reading,

[Only appearing during a world shattering or apocalyptic event do they come descend upon the skies and assist the mortals.

Low level demons tend to be found roaming the mortal plane whilst High Level Demons reside within the Underworld, only leaving once summoned, when the Gate of Hell are opened, or when disorder occurs after the death of their ruler.]

CRRRII

THUMP

The scrapping of a chair and the loud thumping of a book suddenly pulled my attention as I looked up to see a boy around my age glaring at me with caution before looking back down at the book he brought over.

I tilt my head slightly as I glanced back down at my encyclopaedia, slightly weirded out.

Flipping a page and trying to find another interesting monster, I could suddenly feel his gaze peering over at me, his eyes looking at the cover of the encyclopedia I was reading and back up at me.

Attempting to ignore it, I flipped another page, but there it was again, his fiery gaze.

I could feel a vein pop in my head as I stood up, unable to bear it anymore.

"Wait," the boy suddenly spoke, this time looking up from his book and making eye contact, killing intent in his voice, "I don't know who you are, but I've been keeping my eye on you. If you do anything to endanger the students here. I'll be sure to be the one to stop you. Sen."