Lost in Knowledge

As Ashen delved deep into thought, he realized that he could make good use of his time by heading to the library. There, he could gather valuable information about this foreign planet, akin to a seasoned explorer charting uncharted waters. Armed with the knowledge he would gain, he could prepare himself for the challenges that lay ahead, like a sturdy ship braving the rough seas.

As Ashen made his way down the corridor between the Grand Hall and the library, he caught sight of the Aquaflys gracefully swimming outside the palace. The sight was truly mesmerizing - it was as if they were performing a beautiful water ballet. As they moved, the sand below them danced and swayed, like a group of ballerinas in a synchronized dance. Ashen couldn't help but stop and admire the beauty of the scene before him.

As Ashen gazed upon the magnificent library, he couldn't help but notice the grand doorway beckoning him in. Once he stepped through, he was greeted by towering shelves, reaching up high into the darkness like trees in a vast forest. Each shelf was packed full of books and scrolls, numbering in the thousands and covered in layers of dust, as if they had been submerged in the depths of the ocean for centuries.

Ashen pondered how someone could create books that remain readable and intact even when submerged underwater. It was as though these books had discovered the secrets of survival in the depths of the sea, much like a deep-sea diver who has learned to navigate the treacherous waters.

Intrigued by the prospect of discovering underwater culinary secrets, Ashen searched the library's shelves for any information on cooking and preparing food in a water-bound world.

Upon seeing these shelves so closely, he was intrigued as to which books to read, almost forgetting about his interest in cooking-related books. After searching for more than fifteen minutes, he finally surfaced with a treasure trove of knowledge: a total of three books focused on the art of cooking underwater.

These three books were:

"The Magic of Fire Underwater," which details the recipe and tools required for preparing delicious meals beneath the waves;

"The Magic of Seafood," which explores the vast array of recipes for everything from small pond fish to sea serpents; and

"The Enjoyment of Feast after Battle," which discusses the healthy ingredients and recipes necessary for creating medicinal potions that aid in survival.

Upon inspecting their contents, he found himself unfamiliar with the materials and ingredients featured in all three books. It was as if he was a stranger in a foreign land, where even the most basic of objects seemed strange and unfamiliar. He wondered if Ethan or someone from the village might have insight into these unknown elements, and so he carefully arranged the books on the counter-like surface in the library.

As he began to explore the library, he hoped to stumble upon anything that could prove useful for his own survival in this unfamiliar world. He had never been one to rely on others, so the idea of being a burden to Rahil or Dominic weighed heavily on his mind. It was like navigating through uncharted waters, unsure of what dangers might lurk beneath the surface.

As Ashen approached the bookshelf dedicated to survival and fighting techniques, he meticulously scanned through each book, searching for one that would pique his interest. Alas, none of them seemed to meet his specific requirements.

Engrossed in reading a book, Ashen lost track of time and his surroundings. Suddenly, he snapped out of his trance and turned around, startled as though he had just witnessed a ghostly apparition. It was only upon closer inspection that he realized it was just Rahil standing beside Dominic.

Flustered and disoriented, Ashen blurted out, "What are you two doing here?"

Rahil and Dominic couldn't help but stifle their laughter upon seeing Ashen's frightened expression, but managed to compose themselves.

Dominic spoke with an air of courtesy, "My lord, we had been searching for you, but we did not find you in the throne room. We surmised that you may have been taking a leisurely stroll through the palace. Eventually, we did discover you, but I suspect you were startled by our sudden appearance." He managed to conceal his amusement.

Ashen felt flustered, unsure of how to react to their veiled mockery.

Observing his lord's intense concentration, Rahil inquired, "Might you be seeking instruction in combat techniques, my lord? If so, please allow me to assist. I am well-versed in various forms of combat."

Ashen responded, "Indeed, I am interested in learning combat techniques. However, I wish to avoid being a burden to either of you. Moreover, such skills may be beneficial for my survival in the future."

Rahil and Dominic shook their heads in disagreement as Rahil expressed his disdain, "How can the lord be a burden to his subjects?" Meanwhile, Dominic chimed in with a fitting metaphor, "It's like labelling a ship captain as useless simply because he delegates tasks, without realizing the immense effort he puts into coordinating his crew."

Curiously, Rahil asked, "My lord, do you have a specific combat style in mind? If so, please do tell me. I can assist you in choosing the right weapons."

After a brief moment of consideration, Ashen responded to Rahil, stating, "I prefer long-range weaponry, and a sturdy weapon for defence."

Rahil suggested that to complete the full picture, "you should prefer the spear and shield combat style. This style is as versatile as a Swiss Army Knife, with the spear serving as a deadly weapon for both long and short-range combat, while the shield can protect you from any incoming attacks if anticipated early."

Upon hearing this, Dominic exclaimed with excitement, "My lord, you need not search for combat styles or survival guides in these books and scrolls. There is a hidden compartment reserved only for the lords of this palace in this very library!"

With a newfound enthusiasm, Dominic strode towards the library counter and pressed a secret button hidden beneath it. The counter began to rumble, revealing a hidden staircase that descended into the ground below the library. The hidden compartment was like a treasure trove, filled with a vast collection of ancient and forgotten knowledge, waiting to be unearthed by the worthy few who knew of its existence.

Dominic brought along some lamps and passed some to Rahil. As they walked, Ashen trailed behind them, making their way to the underground library.

Upon arrival, they were met with a vast room, but it was only occupied by two shelves. They were labelled "Lord's Kitchen 1" and "Lord's Kitchen 2," which puzzled Ashen. "What bizarre names," Ashen murmured aloud.

Dominic chimed in, "These names are arbitrary, but the books on these shelves may hold the key to discovering your ideal combat style. Feel free to peruse and choose the one that suits you best."

Ashen turned to Rahil and asked, "Rahil, can you help me recommend books that would suit my preferences?" Rahil nodded and began with Kitchen 1 while Ashen delved into Kitchen 2. Suddenly, Rahil's eyes lit up as he stumbled upon a book that he knew Lord GreyGhost would love. He eagerly presented the book to him.

As Ashen gazed at the book cover, he felt drawn to it like a magnet to metal. The words "Iron Phalanx" on the cover seemed to beckon him, inviting him to delve into its pages and unleash its secrets. It was as if the book was a dormant warrior waiting to be awakened and unleashed onto the world.