Chapter 16: Brulhart Library

"Good afternoon," Liam replied, returning the receptionist's smile. "I'm here to choose a technique at the library. Could you indicate where I can find the skill books?"

The receptionist listened attentively to Liam's request and nodded in understanding.

"I understand your intention, young man," he said, maintaining his friendly smile. "However, to borrow skill books from the library, you need to present an appropriate certificate. Also, for security reasons, it will be necessary for a supervisor to accompany you during the selection and borrowing process."

Liam nodded, understanding the procedures. He then took out the certificate Selene had given him and handed it to the receptionist.

"I have this certificate of completion of the initial physical class test," explained Liam, showing the document sealed with the symbol of the Brulhart academy. "It gives me the right to choose a technique at the library. I have authorization to take any available technique."

The receptionist was surprised as he examined the certificate, his eyes scanning the words carefully. After a few moments of silence, he looked up at Liam with an expression of admiration.

"I understand," said the receptionist, impressed with Liam's exceptional grades and the special authorization he had. "I apologize for the confusion. I will call a supervisor immediately to accompany you in choosing the technique. Please wait a moment."

With that, the receptionist stepped away to find a supervisor, leaving Liam patiently waiting in the library lobby.

As he waited for the supervisor to arrive, Liam let his gaze wander around the vast and book-filled space of the library. A sense of nostalgia and fascination enveloped him as he recalled visits to the Mercer family library. Compared to that environment, the Brulhart library was vast and imposing, leaving him curious about the types of players who frequented it.

'It seems there's much more to explore here than I imagined,' Liam thought to himself. 'This place is much bigger than the Mercer family library. Maybe there's a super studious player who lives here?'

As his mind wandered in these speculations, the receptionist returned to the lobby accompanied by an elderly man, whose countenance radiated wisdom and experience. The receptionist made introductions with a warm smile.

"Viper, this is Mr. Eldron, our library supervisor," said the receptionist, indicating the elderly man beside him. "He will be more than happy to accompany you in choosing your skill. Mr. Eldron, this is Viper, one of the talented beginners of the physical class visiting our library today."

Mr. Eldron greeted Liam with a respectful nod and a gentle smile. "It's a pleasure to meet you, young Viper," he said, his voice calm and soothing. "I'm at your service to help you find a suitable skill for you. Please, follow me."

With that, Mr. Eldron led the way through the labyrinth of library shelves, while Liam followed with a mixture of excitement and curiosity. He could hardly wait to explore the skill books and choose one that would enhance his abilities in the Beyond Realms game.

As Liam followed Mr. Eldron through the maze of library shelves, he noticed that the path to the skills seemed more secluded and secure than the rest of the space. The air seemed denser, and the lighting was softer, creating an atmosphere of mystery and anticipation.

Mr. Eldron guided Liam with firm and confident steps, but Liam noticed that he occasionally looked around as if he were attentive to something invisible to Liam's eyes.

"The path to the skills is somewhat peculiar," explained Mr. Eldron, noticing Liam's curious expression. "We believe it's important to keep these resources protected and out of reach of any unwanted interference. Therefore, this location is a bit more isolated from the rest of the library."

As they continued onward, Liam felt a growing sense of excitement. He could hardly wait to explore the skill books and discover which one he would choose to enhance his abilities in the Beyond Realms game.

After a few minutes of walking, they arrived at a special area of the library where the skills were kept. Mr. Eldron stopped in front of an ornate wooden door and turned to Liam.

"We have arrived," he said, with a slight smile. "Here is where we keep the skill books. Now, before we enter, I would like to know which type of skill you are interested in acquiring. We have four main fields: Attack, Defense, Breathing, and Utility."

Mr. Eldron paused, allowing Liam to ponder his options. "Due to your excellent performance on the test, you have the freedom to choose any of these areas. However, it's important to remember that even if you choose a strong skill, it may take time and dedication to fully master it."

"Before deciding, Mr. Eldron, could I take a look at the skill books?" Liam asked, feeling the need to examine his options before making a decision.

Mr. Eldron seemed reluctant for a moment, but then he nodded with a resigned sigh. "Very well, young Viper. I will allow you to take a look, but please remember that the books are valuable and should be handled with care."

With permission granted, Liam entered the room accompanied by Mr. Eldron. As his eyes adjusted to the soft light of the room, he noticed the rows of thin books lined up on shelves. Each book was carefully labeled with the name of a skill.

In the first row, Liam found a variety of attack skills. He reached out and grabbed the first book that caught his attention. On the cover, the name "Shadow Blade" was engraved, and Liam quickly flipped through the pages to examine the content.

On the first page, he found a succinct summary of the skill:

'Shadow Blade' allows the user to materialize a blade of dark energy that can cut through almost anything. Skill difficulty: A+, skill rank: B

Liam looked up from the book, intrigued by the information provided. He looked at Mr. Eldron, questioning about the details presented.

"Mr. Eldron, what exactly does this 'difficulty' listed here mean?" Liam asked, indicating the skill summary. "And how are the skill ranks divided?"

Mr. Eldron nodded, appreciating Liam's curiosity.

"The difficulty of a skill refers to the complexity and requirements needed to master it," he explained, his soft voice echoing in the room. "The higher the difficulty, the more challenging it will be to learn and master the skill. As for the skill ranks, they are categorized according to their effectiveness and potential. For example, a skill with an A+ rank is considered exceptionally powerful, while one with a B rank may be less impressive but still useful in combat."

Mr. Eldron then approached Liam, examining the book he had chosen.

"The 'Shadow Blade' is a skill rated with an A+ difficulty and a B rank," continued Mr. Eldron, pointing to the summary. "This means that it is a challenging skill to master, but still offers considerable power in battle."

Liam nodded, absorbing the information as he pondered his options. He then turned his attention to the other available skills, determined to find the one that best suited his needs and playstyle.

Liam looked at Mr. Eldron, curious to know more about the most impressive skills in the library.

"Mr. Eldron, what is the skill with the highest difficulty available in this library?" Liam asked, his voice filled with interest. "

And what would be the skill with the highest rank?"

Mr. Eldron considered the question for a moment, pondering the vast shelves of books that held the secrets of the skills.

"Well, young Viper," Mr. Eldron began, choosing his words carefully, "the skill with the highest difficulty in this library is known as 'Arcane Dimension.' It is a high-level magical skill that requires a deep knowledge of arcane secrets and an exceptional affinity for magic. Mastering this skill is a truly remarkable feat and requires years of study and dedicated practice."

As for the skill with the highest rank, Mr. Eldron continued:

"As for the highest rank, we have 'Divine Protection.' This skill offers extraordinary protection to the user, capable of repelling the most powerful attacks and ensuring their safety in dangerous situations. It is highly valued by adventurers and warriors seeking an unparalleled defensive advantage."

Liam pondered the information provided by Mr. Eldron as he reflected on his own abilities and needs. A powerful defensive skill would certainly be valuable to him, especially considering his family history and the lack of knowledge of anyone in his family who mastered an internal energy technique that emanates from the body.

"Defense," murmured Liam to himself, considering this possibility. 'A defensive skill could offer me a significant advantage, both in the game and in real life. It would be a way to expand my repertoire and explore a different aspect of the skills taught to me.'

Liam thought about the 'Divine Protection' mentioned by Mr. Eldron. The description of the skill resonated with him, offering a sense of security and protection that he had never experienced before. Imagining himself capable of repelling even the most powerful attacks sparked a sense of determination in Liam.

After deciding on the defense skill, Liam headed determinedly to the section of books on defense in the library. Passing through the corridors filled with bound tomes, he observed the titles of the works as he searched for the coveted 'Divine Protection.'

Among the books that caught his attention were "Mental Shield," which explored advanced techniques of mental defense; "Defensive Stance," which detailed defensive postures and movements to protect against physical attacks; and "Warder's Wisdom: Elemental Shield," which addressed the creation and manipulation of elemental shields to resist magical attacks.

After traversing the library corridors, Liam finally found the desired book. With eager hands, he opened the 'Divine Protection' book and quickly found the summary of the skill.

"Divine Protection," Liam read aloud, as his eyes scanned the words on the paper. "A skill that offers unparalleled protection to the user, capable of repelling the most powerful attacks and ensuring safety in dangerous situations."

The difficulty of the skill was marked as A-, indicating a considerable challenge to fully master it. However, the skill rank was classified as A+, revealing its exceptional potential and effectiveness in combat.

Liam absorbed the information, understanding the importance and complexity of 'Divine Protection.' He knew that mastering this skill would require dedication and perseverance, but he was determined to achieve such a feat.

With a renewed sense of determination, Liam closed the book and prepared to begin his journey of learning and mastering 'Divine Protection.' He knew that this skill would become a valuable addition to his repertoire and a source of protection in his future adventures.

Excited about his choice, Liam turned to Mr. Eldron with a sparkle in his eyes.

"Mr. Eldron, I've decided that I want to master 'Divine Protection,'" Liam announced with determination. "Please activate the rune of the book so that I can begin to understand the skill."

Mr. Eldron observed Liam with a gentle smile, but before he could respond, he placed a reassuring hand on Liam's shoulder.

"Viper, I understand your excitement," Mr. Eldron began, his voice serene and reassuring. "But mastering a skill like this requires more than just activating a rune. It is a process that demands time, patience, and practice."

Liam lowered his eyes for a moment, absorbing Mr. Eldron's words. He knew he was eager to start exploring his new skill, but he also recognized the wisdom behind the supervisor's words.

"I understand, Mr. Eldron," Liam replied, regaining his composure. "What do you suggest I do?"

Mr. Eldron smiled, pleased with Liam's response.

"Viper, come with me," said Mr. Eldron, beginning to walk towards the entrance to the library's meditation room. "In the meditation room, you will have time and tranquility to focus on 'Divine Protection' and begin your journey to master this skill."

Liam nodded, following Mr. Eldron with a renewed sense of determination. He knew that his journey to master 'Divine Protection' was just beginning, but he was ready to face the challenges that lay ahead.