Trip to the Library Part 1

End of class day during the week.

"Discuss how, when, where, and why the strategy or skills are used. For example, contrast the main idea with details, fact with opinion, good summaries with poor summaries." Max said to his students. They looked on attentively. Paying attention more than normal. "Have your classmates volunteer additional examples to contrast and discuss. Debating is a good way to understand more."

*Bing! Bing!* The bell wrung giving the end of the last class.

"Well, enjoy the weekend." Max went over some notes on his desk. The students talked amongst themselves. "Remember to read the book. You have seven days to finish it."

"But what does a Greek tragedy have to do with English?" Fei Ku asked a little depressed. She was not excited about reading the book. "The Odyssey seems so boring."

"To some it is. To others, it speaks in various ways." Max looked up at her somewhat understanding. "I tell you what little Fei, if you do not find enjoyment in the book, I will never assign a book like it again. How's that sound?"

"Eh!?" The students were quite suprised as they called out.

"Sounds like a deal!" Fei Ku said happily. "I will hold you to it!"

"Good, but you must do an amazing report on it. If you do.." Max showed her a book. ".. I will allow you to have this Martial Book. I assure you, it is nothing like any you have ever come across in your life."

"What is it called?" Fei looked at the binding and could not read it at all. But something about the book called to her. 'I can feel Ki washing off the book. Why would he give something so precious to me? Or risk it for that matter?'

"You will know about it later. Do not disappoint me." Max tucked the book away.

As the students cleared out finally, only eight remained behind. Nodoka, Kaede, Mana, Evangeline, Asuna, Konoka, Setsuna, and Kasuga Misora.

Kasuga Misora is a student who is glossed over in the beginning the same as Setsuna. She was actually a mage in training and a hard-working tomboy. Mana was the one who convinced her to start seeking advice from Max. To increase her magic and help get over her lack of self-confidence and self-denial. With short brown hair and bright brown eyes, she was a very good person for a shy student like Nodoka to know.

"Um, Mr.Max..." Kasuga called out. She was not sure how to go about asking. Her Mistress "Sister Shakti wants to speak with you."

"Haa." Max sighed. "..look up, back straight when requesting things from someone. I am your teacher and not a stranger to you. I will not attack you, child." His smile helped the nervousness leave her. "I will meet her. Well, tell her to meet us on the way to the library. That way she can ask all she wishes. No sense in wasting time."

"Thank you." Kasuga bowed and shot off like a rabbit. Showing why she was part of the track team with ease.

"Such an odd little child." Max blinked and walked off. The others leading in front. Kaede to his left chatting with him intently.

.

Library Island-

.

As they walked towards the location, Max made sure he didn't forget to do anything. A quick check on his phone showed everything was fine. Kaede's eyes shined as she looked at the different magic layers on the thing. It had more protection than most of the school's security. Which was odd to her.

"Max.. how old is that thing? I have never seen anything like it."

"It is.. old." Max had know idea himself. He bought it the first time in an advanced World. Inscribed with so much technology and spells, he would never need another one. When he goes to another place, it was pulled immediately to the deepest reaches of his soul. It helps he did not have to relinquish anything for it like most items. "Older than Evangeline that is for sure."

"A relic but looks fancier than the ones on tv." Kaede blinked at it.

"Taking such notice of my things." Max said cheekily. He finished up and put the phone back away. "Study hard, and I will give you a better one than the standard." Kaede smiled in understanding. "They are catching up now."

Sister Shakti was not alone. She runs the Mahora nun/mage collaborated group. A teacher at the Saint Ursula High School section. A tall woman with tan skin, and legs for days Max remembers from her. Her golden eyes were almost hypnotic in a way. The bad news she was a nun. Bad memories surface about the last big run-in he had with them.

A snippy snip that results in the loss of a covenant or three. Totally not his fault at all.

The other students with her were Takane D. Goodman a foreign exchange student from the Magical World. Mei Sakura another young mage in training, and Cocone Fatima Rosa her actual student. Another tan student with almost reddish eyes. From what Max remembered, she was some type of experiment gifted in Telepathy.

"Many blessings on you Mr.Max." Sister Shakti said softly. She held out her cross towards him and did a small blessing. Mumbling a small incantation. She reached out with her other hand for a shake. Surprised when Max took it and shook back. A blush on her cheek from the warm energy he sent her. "Oh, my!"

"Umm, sister Shakti!" Takane called out confused. The amorous gaze the woman gave Max was not becoming of a sister. "Contain yourself."

"Hehe, she cannot." Max shook his head. "A curse that activates anytime a Nun of any kind tries to do me harm unjustly." He let the woman's hand go. A quick snap and the arousal was contained. "Subdue!"

*Snap!* A golden hue left Max. Holy magic then engulfs the sister.

"I do not care who put you up to this. But for the sake of my student Misora, I will not pursue." Max grinned. "I rather she has no issue while studying if it can be helped."

"Yes, I understand." Sister Shakti said poised. Her cheeks were still slightly flushed but her demeanor changed to normal more. "I thank you for this. Now that business is concluded, I would like to ask personal questions while we walk. I will give as much guidance as I can in the Libary as payment."

"Sounds good. Try to answer any of the students' questions as well." Max said it as a statement. Not asking. Sister Shakti nodded agreeing. "Let's go." Max held his hand out to Cocone. "Grab hold, I will help you understand Telepathy more little not pure-human."

"Thank you." Cocone looked to sister Shakti who agreed. Max transfers small little spell matrixes to her. As well as turning her pure human who would be accepted by Earth. 'Who is this woman in my mind?'

'That is Gaia. The one true ruler of every Earth.' Max thought to her. 'She has taken an interest in you. Accept her, and you will know peace like no other. As well as happiness.' Cocone agreed. A contract was formed between the two. Max did not care as it made Gaia happy. "Ask away. I can do both."

"The Shrine spirit.. no God, is it something you can do in other places as well?" Sister Shakti asked straight forward. Takane was surprised the woman had the gall to just switch over so easily. Max gave her a nod. "What would it take for you to revive a Deity?"

"Resources and the Deity have to be worth it." Max's tone was plain as he spoke. Not giving any emotional addition to his answers. Which caused Takane to be upset. For this reason, she was here. "I will not provide it obviously. And do it only if I have the time."

"I see. The Shinto Goddess Izanami.. she has a small connection with the academy. Specifically the World tree." Sister Shakti said. Hoping to peak Max's interest. He stayed calm while they walked however. " Will you help revive her?"

"Hmmm, that is dangerous. The pain she suffered in death and the afterlife is quite dangerous. I rather not deal with that." Max shook his head as they walked down the long bridge. "The few "calling" or "resurrection" spells costs a lot as well."

"Such as?" Takane asked. She was cutting in but wanted to know more than Sister Shakti about the cost.

"Do not interrupt." Sister Shakti chastised the girl. Takane was too strong-willed, however. She stared back defiantly. "It would require several sacrifices wouldn't it?"

"Correct. A young woman that died in a very deep longing pain at that." Max's words caused his students to look back scared. Specifically Asuna. "What, I am not gonna do that to my students."

"What if they find people to do it?" Asuna asked. She somewhat understands what the answer would be. She still wanted to know, however.

"If they find actual willing people then sure." Max said still talking plainly. "Do not doubt what the return of such a person can do. Especially if the sacrifices have a genuine heart in wanting to help. Pure of the soul has a lot of strength. Do not start barking and harping."

"Grr." Asuna was just about to do that.

"You understand little of the World as it is." Max shook his head as he spoke next. "The conviction of those trying to save the World is a lot different than that of a child that knows nothing. The magical world is in danger, in case you haven't started checking it out for yourself."

"How do you know this!" Takane asked upset. She received no answer. Running in front of Max, she was about to demand an answer. "Tell me.. umpf!"

"Seal!" Sister Shakti used a spell on her harshly. Takane's mouth closed shut. Despite the magic, she tried to undo it. "She can pay her own price if she wishes to ask questions. I warned you once already." Sister Shakti was quite angry. When they return, Takane would receive more than just a lecture like now.

Mei grabbed her, and pulled Takane to the rear. Trying to console her slowly. Much to no avail. Making it to the doors of the large library, Max let go of Cocone. She learned everything well enough. She just needed to practice now.

"Well, anything else sister Shakti?" Max asked. She nodded vigorously. "Well then, we may speak mentally if you like. But.. be careful you do not dive too deep inside. The doors I have, contain seals for a reason."

"I understand." Sister Shakti made a small incantation to link the two. It was said so low, not even Evangeline could hear it. 'Let us go.' As they entered, someone gazed at them from far away. They disappeared in the blink of an eye.

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-Kansai Office-

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In the office of Konoe, a spy was reporting what was heard. Only able to playback what Sister Shakti asked. Unable to record what Max spoke, due to a spell in place. The others made their own assumptions from Takane's own questions that went unanswered.

Eishun Konoe looked at the Elders that called the meeting. Despite his mediation, they were starting to drive harder on what to do about his daughter. His father-in-law, the Dean Konoemon Konoe was also there. But stood against what they planned out right.

"The Academy is under my control, if you continue to act this way and pressure my granddaughter, you will die." His voice came out harsh. Causing a few to shiver. The others thought he was just bluffing. "She is a student of both Evangeline Mcdowell as well as, a named Page of Maxmillion Springfield."

"Humph!" One of the opposing Elders harrumphed. "Do you honestly think that means much?"

"Right, Evangeline can not even leave the school."

"She can leave the school." Eishun said dryly. His arms were in front as he kept eye contact. A few of the Elders somewhat flinched after finding out. "She may not be up to full power, but she is still dangerous."

"Then, even more, to deal with this now." An Elder spoke.

"Since you all think my words are like air, know this." Eishun cut them off before they gained any more momentum. "If any of you act against the agreement we have, they do so without the backing of the Kansai Association. Your deaths will not be avenged in any way."

"You cannot.."

"I lead the association do I not?" Eishun raised his eyebrow releasing his magical pressure. The raw edge it held was sharp like a sword. No one said a word. "You are all dismissed. Heed my words or die for nothing. Now get out!"

*Swirl!* A wave of energy flutters the clothes of the elders. They bowed and left at once.

"Hohohoho, acting like a leader and a father all at once." Dean Konoe chuckled. "About time. If you have had this sort of drive before, maybe it would have helped her." He left in a flash afterward.

"Haaaaa, I am sorry Konoka. I tried." Eishun sighed heavily. He knew the Elders would still do something. But a few less would now. The loyal ones anyway. "Your teacher will have to do what I cannot."