Chapter 31 Cafe

Nicholas: "That is a fair question. Hmmm. Let me think about it."

Nicholas taught about Clarice's question about the skill tomes. Well, skill books can be classified into two categories: skill tomes and skill scroll. Skill tomes are records and instructions about a skill that awakeners need to read in order to learn a skill. While a skill scroll like what Nicholas gets in the Gacha system can let the awakeners learn the skill almost instantaneously since the skill scroll will transfer the knowledge directly into your mind. but unlike the skill scroll, which retains its physical copies after learning the skill, the skill scroll just dissipates when the knowledge transfer from the skill scroll to the awakener is completed.

Nicholas: *Well, a skill tome can be found in dungeons, and noble families often make their own unique skills. So it's definitely possible to manufacture a skill tome. A skill scroll, however, I have heard about it. It's really rare to get this kind of skill book since it's one-time use. I haven't seen a real one except for my Gacha rewards. So...*

Nicholas thought about the possibilities for a little while.

Nicholas: "Well, before I answer your question, let's start with a question. Do you know the different types of skill books?" He asked Clarice about it.

Clarice: "???" She was drawing blanks on Nicholas's question. She didn't know that there are different types of skill tomes.

Nicholas: "*sigh* Okay... I guess you don't know, so I'll explain first. About skill books and their distinctions."

Nicholas began to explain the difference between skill tomes and skill scrolls to Clarice while Maria also listened on the side since she was also curious about the topic.

Nicholas: "Let me give you an example."

Nicholas brought out a skill tome in his storage pendant; it was a level 3 earth element skill tome, the earth puppet. and another one, which is a skill scroll with an unknown label.

Nicholas: "Here, this book is a normal skill tome that we see every day. While here is an unlabeled skill scroll."

Of course Nicholas knew the contents of the skill scroll since he has a scanning skill, which allowed him to know the details of the skill scroll.

(Skill Tome)

[Earth puppet [rare]]

[Requirements: Level 3 Earth element and Grimoire Emblem]

[Effect: Summon earth humanoids capable of following simple orders; its durability scales with 70% of the DEX of the summoner and has a limit of 5 summons at a time.]

(Skill scroll)

[Bullet Seed [rare]]

[Requirements: Level 1 Nature element and Grimoire Emblem]

[Effect: Create an exploding seed that will detonate after being propelled and at the enemy or any terrain.]

Maria: "What is that skill scroll used for Master?"

Nicholas: "Well, I got it recently from the black market, and according to the appraiser, it is a Nature element skill scroll with unknown level requirements and weapon style."

Maria: "Then, why haven't you used it yet, Master? Did you get swindled?"

Nicholas: "Of course not; it's a nature element skill, so I still can't learn it since I don't know how to use nature elements."

Maria: "Oh, you're right. Sorry for my rude comment."

Nicholas: "Back to the topic at hand. Yes, skill tomes can definitely be created since there are unique skill books created by noble families. On the other hand, these kinds of skill scrolls have no evidence of being created. Rumors are that this kind of thing can be only found in dungeons, but some were sure that legendary stage awakeners can definitely create this kind of skill scroll."

Clarice: "Oh, is that so? Thank you, my Liege, for enlightening my ignorance."

After the chat, they began reading their own skill tome which they got from the library.

Since their team currently had a deficiency in frontline quantity, he decided to prioritize learning this skill [Earth puppet] to compensate and shoulder some of the ever-increasing responsibility of Clarice in the front by being able to protect himself and Maria better by using the puppet as a buffer.

Nicholas began reading and comprehending the skill tome, unlike a skill scroll, which allows the user to learn the abilities almost instantly. A skill tome consists of a formula and a will, the formula of which is unreadable unless you possess the requirement of the skill tome to be able to start comprehending the skill tome. And a will to understand how to manipulate mana in order to cast such a spell.

In simple terms, the formula is a blueprint in which a skill, in theory, serves as its foundation. While a will is the step-by-step instruction in making or learning the skill. And lastly, the mana of the user serves as the material in building the blueprint to cast a successful spell.

Its basic concept to follow if explained in this term; however, comprehending the formula and following the will of the skill takes a lot of time since the translation of the formula from each person to another is individualized and will depend on the depth of comprehension of the user on the element or the weapon based on what skill it is.

As it will also provide another complexity to learning the skill since you must acquire the directive skill tome have to cast the spell. So, to compensate for this problem early on in learning the skill, some may write the will in the air or some may speak it loudly like a chant to let them visualize it more.

The three of them are concentrated on reading the skill book they each picked.

Maria chose

[Wind Cutter [rare]]

[Requirements: Level 2 Wind element]

[Effect: Compress wind into a deadly, sharp crescent projectile capable of cutting through tough objects; size may depend on mana consumption, and the user can conjure up to 5 wind cutters at a time.]

It is an offensive skill capable of dealing tremendous damage if used correctly and still being as precise, if necessary, by manipulating the mana consumption. It's a perfect multipurpose offensive skill for her current level.

While Clarice chose

[Fire Assimilation [rare]]

[Requirements: Level 2 Fire element and Sword Emblem]

[Effect: Absorbs every fire element within a radius minimum of 10 meters maximum of 20 depending on the proficiency of the user. The absorbed fire element will be converted to stamina and mana; the efficiency of conversion decreases on multiple successive uses.

This skill is more of a utility type that is very useful in sustained fighting; however, its drawback comes from its inefficiency in converting elements into stamina and mana if used successively in a short span of time. Still, it was a great emergency measure and even a trump card in some cases.

…

Time passed quickly as they read in silence and tried to comprehend the skill tomes they were currently holding. Sometimes, one of the three picks up the glass of beverage near them to quench their thirst; later, Maria orders a snack for them to munch on while reading.

Nicholas took a short break and went to the restroom to relieve his bladder. And when he came back, he saw on the window that the sun was already setting. He checked the clock on the wall of the cafe and saw that 2 hours passed by after he started reading earnestly.

Clarice: "ahhh-haa"

Clarice yawned since she was slowly getting tired of reading since it wasn't her strong suit. And comprehending this skill tome on her own without proper guidance from others will definitely take some time.

Right after she finished yawning, Nicholas, who was just coming back from the restroom, slowly sat down the table and began packing his book and started finishing his snacks that were left when he was reading.

Nicholas: "Wanna go practice something else? I know you are not good at this kind of thing." He said to Clarice, trying to initiate a conversation.

Nicholas: "It's already afternoon and close to dusk; how about we proceed to our coordination practice schedule for later?"

Clarice: "Sure, I'm fine with that, my Liege. My leg is a bit sore sitting and reading for long periods of hours. And my noodle cannot fit anymore information after reading that skill tome." She replied.

Clarice: "How about you, Maria?" Clarice looked at her then inquired about Maria's opinion.

Maria: "Give me a few minutes." She replied to her as she still wasn't finished reading the skill tome.

Nicholas: "Sure, let's wrap this skill tome comprehension after a few minutes; just don't slack off in comprehending this in your free time," Nicholas replied as he was casually looking at Clarice.

Maria: "Muuooo. I'm not a slacker. I'm not a reading type; I'm a practical type of learner." She replied to Nicholas while pouting.

Nicholas didn't reply to her statement, since it's true. Clarice really didn't seem like a person who excels in these kinds of stuff based on the years they spent together, but she rarely slacks off; she still tries her hardest to read and comprehend skill books, even if it's hard for her. She is the type of person who doesn't give up until she succeeds at something, a typical characteristic of a muscle head. 

They waited for Maria to finish the skill tome she was reading. Nicholas and Clarice meanwhile chatted and finished the snacks remaining on the table. After a few minutes, Maria also closed her skill tome and joined in the conversation.

Maria: "Sorry to keep you waiting, young master; I'll continue this later. Please forgive me for making you wait; it's just difficult to keep my train of thought once I lose it," Maria said pleadingly as she looked at Nicholas.

Nicholas: "… Its fine. We didn't mind waiting a few minutes for you." Nicholas replied.

Clarice: "Come on guys, my hands are itching for some training."

So Clarice and Maria packed the skill tomes, left the establishment, and went to the mansion for their scheduled practice.