Library

Chapter 21 — Library

The days at Red Mountain Academy were normal without much excitement. Troubles come here and there, but they had nothing to do with me.

There was not much to complain about since academy life was a nice change of pace from constantly hunting the Lobster Familia whenever night arrived.

The elementary lessons were mostly about the spirit master's general knowledge, but they also taught culture, history, and other stuff about the world.

I've cultivated the earnest desire to learn new knowledge, but I was soon unsatisfied by the steady teaching process of the teachers catered to children. But if there's anything I like about school, it was the spirit combat class.

There were sparring exchanges between students, but they were so pitifully weak to the point it was barely a warm up.

That's why after learning every important lesson from the unfamiliar spirit combat class, I've stopped attending classes and longed began to read books from the library

The academy's library was a huge treasure trove of wisdom and knowledge.

It contained various kinds of books that were suited for spirit masters. From old books to the latest books.

The dean was surely a hard fan of collecting books.

There were many books, but I preferred to read books related to spirit masters which range from biographies, legends and myths, history of spirit masters, secondary professions, soul rings, and encyclopedias about spirit beasts and spiritual herbs.

The reason for my very specific preference was because I've already read many mundane books in Sunset Town. Such books were about business, science, mathematics, literacy, soul technology, martial arts, etc.

I admit my knowledge about them was still lacking compared to masters, but my masteries were sufficient enough.

For now, I need to focus on deepening my knowledge about the world of spirit masters.

After all, the world of ordinary people and spirit masters were world apart.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

I've proven the fact that I could learn faster by reading than merely listening to classes.

From the many new books I've read, the legends about humans who ascended to godhood really fascinated me.

The Seven Shrek Devils.

All of the famous gods were from the same Shrek Academy.

"God…"

Just by speaking that word, a chaotic mixture of emotions have already welled up inside my heart.

If I could become a god…

"...Is it possible to revive those who have already died?"

Godhood.

A word that caused a sliver of hope to arise, sowing a seed of determination in my existence.

Nevertheless, it was still story for the far future.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

There was no reason to communicate with other students and teachers. That's why I spent most of my school hours inside the academy's library.

After school was over, it was time for my blacksmithing job and then my night activities.

I have a busy life.

Still, I try my best to leave some time for cultivation and training.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

Another usual day.

Red Mountain Academy's library.

I went to the library as usual on time. As always, it houses only a few students.

"Oh…"

But this time, I spotted a girl with silver hair silently reading a book on my usual table spot.

A coincidence.

I know that girl.

Na'er.

Her appearance at the library was unusual since she wouldn't normally come here.

"She was always with Tang Wulin."

I grew curious.

This girl was someone I found interesting due to her presence that was always favored by elements.

If I solved this mysterious phenomenon, I would surely have no problem with people similar to her.

Someone loved by nature.

Although I particularly find socializing troublesome, this case was an exception that couldn't be easily dismissed.

"You're reading a book about spirit masters…?"

I quietly approached her and noticed the book she was reading right now.

A book about spiritual power that inhibits the mind and senses.

I knew spiritual power was the power of the mind since I've already read that book. In fact, I was already able to unconsciously use spiritual power in the past.

"Is it a problem…?" Na'er visibly looked shaken as she nervously asked.

"No."

Na'er was just a regular student who attended the ordinary class. The reason being she couldn't awaken either of her martial soul and soul power.

I was puzzled by her current behavior.

However, I realize such a question would be too rude to even ask.

Just mind my own business.

My own words haunted me back.

I slowly shook my head and walked to the bookshelves to pick the books that interested me.

The new table spot I took was near the window that allowed a comfortable breeze to hit me.

And Na'er was just in front of me, a close location that allowed us to face each other.

Then our gaze met.

I just nodded subtly at her before focusing on the books that were awaiting to be devoured.

"I need to continue reading about the history of spirit masters…"

I started to flip through the pages of a thick book at a fast rate.

Humans and Spirit Masters have already existed for over thousands of years.

Only the Spirit Beasts were said to have existed much longer than them. Ironically, they were now close to extinction due to Spirit Masters.

What was the reason?

Greed.

Hatred.

Entertainment.

Revenge.

There could possibly be many reasons.

But the most known reason was because of Spirit Masters irresponsibly hunting Spirit Beasts until they were close to extinction.

As a consequence of these actions, there were only a few dangerous areas that sheltered the remaining Spirit Beasts.

"Our natures haven't really changed that much…"

However, I couldn't just blindly judge the Spirit Masters back then. Our present situation can't be compared to their situation back then.

Spirit Beasts might have been as cruel or much more dangerous than them.

There were even myths which tell that millions of years ago, it was said that ancient humans were oppressed and treated like livestocks by ancient spirit beasts.

After completely reading the book, I gently closed the book.

I've learned a lot from reading the history of spirit masters.

Moreover, I was intrigued by another myth that suggests humans and spirits beasts were created from the remains of an ancient powerful god.

I was preparing to read the next book, but I noticed Na'er gazing at me.

"Hmm?"

Na'er seemed to realize that she was rudely staring.

"How are you able to read so fast…?"

She was hesitant to ask, but her curiosity got the best of her.

"I can't explain clearly. You just need to understand that my brain just works differently…"

With an expressionless face, I tapped my head a few times.

It was true that my brain was built differently since it was built more efficiently and optimally than normal. Its excellent adaptive learning capabilities allows me to efficiently absorb information.

Na'er just nodded before burrowing her head behind a book to hide her face.

"It's still hard to face him…"

Moreover, she felt dumb for asking such a question.

Na'er didn't know how to understand people like me that much.

But if there's anything she understands, it was about me not being that scary.

Na'er was reading books to learn more about the world, especially the world of spirit masters where her brother belonged.

Anyway, she was introduced to the library after following me here.

I quietly glanced at her, who was busy behind the book.

Mysteriously, I sensed her presence growing thinner as nature blocked my senses.

This was the mysterious phenomenon I wanted to understand and replicate for my own uses.

In face of such a rare opportunity, I began to silently spread my spiritual power throughout my entire surrounding.

"As expected, the elements are extremely friendly with her…"

It was almost unnatural.

That's why she was weird more than mysterious.

I've developed nice affinities with nature in the past, but it wasn't as great as an ordinary girl like Na'er.

The elements were even listening to her subconscious thoughts.

"This is not something I can replicate with hard work…"

She has natural talent.

"In that case, all I need to do is forcefully raise my affinities again through some kind of methods."

I contemplated what kind of methods would meet the requirements. The black book I burned before also didn't contain such methods.

The hurdle of the new rare challenge was making my blood boil with excitement, as I was filled with the desire to accomplish something impossible.

It was then—

As if reacting to my desire, I could feel the cold force squirming uncomfortably…

…as if it was undergoing some changes.

….

What kind of change? :0

Maybe because it's school break, I'm brimming with motivation, so I'll pump the 50+ unedited chapters and make some revisions along the way.

Please donate on my kofi.com/ishyawrites! I really need money for my coffee boost to write!

I also need some money for gym...