Connections

'Cold...'

I shivered, feeling the chill seep through every layer of my clothing, penetrating deep into my bones.

The air was crisp, biting at my exposed skin like a thousand icy needles. Each breath I took felt like inhaling frozen shards of air, sending a sharp chill down my throat.

Currently, I was within a facility nestled deep within the Academy, a chamber designed to push the limits of my control over the ice element. Here, the temperature could be lowered to absolute zero, creating an environment so frigid that it bordered on the edge of unbearable.

Closing my eyes, I began to meditate, focusing my mind on harnessing the power of ice within me. I could feel the cold enveloping me, wrapping me in its icy embrace as I delved deeper into my meditation.

Huff...

My breath formed frosty clouds in front of me, a testament to the intense cold surrounding me.

A few days have passed since the accident at the Root Graveyard and nothing really important happened.

After coming back to the academy, I spent most of my time swinging my sword or spending time in the ice chamber.

The battles against those plant-like monsters thought me how powerful my affinity could be in the right circumstances, hence I would be stupid not to continue honing my skills in controlling ice no matter how slow it might be because of my low affinity.

I also wanted to train my darkness affinity and learn how to use it but it turns out that this element is kind of rare and the Academy didn't have a proper facility or resources for training in darkness magic.

'Unfortunate...'

Time seemed to slow to a crawl as I meditated in the freezing chamber, the only sound echoing through the icy air being the steady rhythm of my own heartbeat. Gradually, I could feel the chill beginning to seep into my very being, merging with the essence of my soul.

Finally, after what felt like an eternity, I deemed that I had spent enough time within the icy depths of the chamber. Opening my eyes, I rose to my feet, the cold still clinging to me like a second skin.

My muscles protested as I moved, stiff and achy from the extreme temperatures.

As I made my way out of the chamber, I couldn't help but let out a slight cough, the frigid air still lingering in my lungs. I brushed the frost from my coat, feeling the warmth of the Academy's halls envelop me once more.

"That was good..."

Stretching my stiff limbs, I let out a satisfied grunt.

"I can feel my control over the ice element improving."

I mused to myself with a glimmer of excitement in my eyes.

It was only my third time in the icy chamber, yet I could already sense a difference in my abilities. It was a small change, but it was progress nonetheless.

With a small smile, I turned and headed towards the library.

Why the library?

Well, because it is time to build connections.

I didn't want to do it, but to participate in the Sky Palace auction happening next month, I needed to know someone who could get me an invitation.

Therefore, I must find 'someone' who also 'coincidentally' happens to be a book addict and is a regular visitor to the library.

I avoided this for as long as possible since I prefer not to rely on others, but I had to admit that this was a situation where networking would be beneficial.

I can't postpone meeting him any longer.

...

"Shhhh..."

As soon as I entered the massive hall that was supposed to be the library, an old librarian looked up from his desk and brought a finger to his lips, signaling for silence.

I wanted to retort that I hadn't released any sound, but I held my tongue and nodded instead.

Looking around the place I realized just how immense the library truly was.

In the novel it was described to be the biggest library in the entire continent, spanning several floors with shelves upon shelves filled with books of all kinds.

However, the reality surpassed even my imagination.

It was as big as a castle, with towering bookshelves that seemed to reach the heavens. I have no clue how to even begin searching for this 'book addict' amidst this vast expanse of knowledge and literature.

'Well, he's probably sitting in his favorite spot.'

I thought to myself, while picking up a library map from the front desk. The map depicted the layout of the library, with different sections categorized by subjects and genres.

After that, I grabbed a random book from the 'harem' fiction section and tightly pressed it with my fingers. I could've sworn I saw a flicker of amusement in the librarian's eyes as he noticed my choice, but all I felt was disgust.

I didn't choose this book because I liked it, but rather because I hated this genre.

I wasn't planning to read it anyway, it had another purpose...

A dangerous smile appeared on my face as I began walking in the direction of the romance section, strategically making my way towards the area known for its secluded reading nooks.