Threads of Knowledge

Saad's determination didn't waver, even in the face of his missing Vitality stat. He listened to Instructor Gram's advice and continued practicing with the shield, hoping that somehow his efforts would eventually bear fruit. The instructor's puzzled expression lingered in his mind, but he kept his focus on mastering the techniques, even without the attribute that was supposed to support his endurance.

For the next three hours, Saad poured his energy into the training. He took each swing of the metal weight as a challenge, adjusting his stance, grip, and angle of the shield in a bid to endure longer. The messages indicating incremental increases in his defense skill were reassuring, but the absence of the skill itself left a void of disappointment. He felt his stamina gradually improve, and he became more agile, compensating for his lack of Vitality by being cautious and strategic.

As the sun began its descent, casting long shadows across the training area, Saad decided to wrap up his training session. He wiped the sweat from his brow, feeling the ache in his muscles as a testament to his efforts. However, he couldn't shake off the sense of frustration that gnawed at him. Despite the progress he had made, the elusive defense skill remained out of reach.

With a sigh, he headed towards the library. Saad shook the thoughts from his training session away and focused on finding clues.

After spending hours poring over the records and dusty tomes, Saad decided to approach the librarian for guidance. Because instead of getting any clues, he kept on getting the notification about his [reading ability increasing] every time he was done with a tome. He approached the kindly-looking female NPC behind the library's front desk. He had a feeling that she might have the answers to his questions.

"Excuse me," Saad began, his voice slightly hesitant but earnest. "I've been researching the arachnid infestations that have been plaguing the area. Is there any information you might have that could help?"

The librarian peered at him over her glasses, her eyes kind but sharp. "Arachnid infestations, you say? Ah, those are indeed troubling times. The history of our land holds many secrets, and some of them might shed light on the current predicament. Have you checked the old history books?"

Saad shook his head, grateful for the librarian's suggestion. "No, I haven't. I've been focusing on scrolls and records related to the recent events."

She smiled gently. "Well, my dear, sometimes the past holds the answers we seek. I suggest you look into the old history section. You might stumble upon tales, legends, or even occurrences that share similarities with the current situation."

With a renewed sense of purpose, Saad followed the librarian's directions to the old history section. The shelves were lined with aging tomes, their spines worn and their pages yellowed. He selected a few books that seemed relevant and started reading through them, immersing himself in tales of battles, legends, and ancient creatures.

As he delved deeper into the texts, Saad's fascination grew. The stories painted vivid pictures of the land's history, from times of great heroes to moments of calamity. He couldn't help but notice recurring themes of courage, unity, and sacrifice in the face of adversity. And among these stories, he stumbled upon a tale that made his heart race.

The pages described a time when Seraphia was just a town, vulnerable and facing an unprecedented threat. A spider queen had emerged, leading an army of arachnids in a rampage. The town had fought valiantly, and after a fierce battle, the spider queen had been defeated, her eggs destroyed. The remnants of her vengeful spirit were said to be trapped within the town's boundaries, unable to pass the barrier that had been erected to protect its people.

Saad's eyes widened as he realized the implications. The barrier that surrounded the town was suppose to safeguard against the arachnids. So what happened to the barrier? The realization was concerning. Someone had messed up with the barrier and wouldn't that mean that soon, other monsters would start acting up?

[You have discovered your next clue!]

[The history is talking about the Arachnid Queen attack. The barrier has been weakened.]

The system seemed to agree. He had spent three hours reading about it and so the system obviously recognized it.

[Your reading proficiency has increased. You have gained the skill Lore Lexicon.]

Saad stared at the skill with a deep grudge in his eyes. So he reads for three hours and gains a basic reading skill but he continuously gets beaten by the weight and doesn't gain the shield skill. How unfair was this? He took a deep breath and returned to the librarian. "Thank you," he said earnestly. "I found a tale that speaks of a spider queen's attack on the town and how her spirit is bound within the barrier. It explains why the library and the town seem safe."

The librarian nodded approvingly. "History has a way of revealing hidden truths. It seems you're piecing together the puzzle, young adventurer."

[your familiarity with the mysterious librarian has increased]

The message flashed multiple times. It seemed that she now thought of him in positive light due to him having spent time reading. But rather than that, her title made Saad curious. She was definitely an important NPC.

Saad's determination burned brighter. "I won't let this threat go unchecked. I'll find a way to end the arachnid infestation once and for all. I will be visiting library again."

The librarian placed a hand on his shoulder, her eyes filled with encouragement. "Remember, knowledge is your most valuable weapon. Keep exploring the past, and you might just find the solution you seek."

[Your familiarity with the mysterious librarian has increased.]

Saad saw the message with delight and after thanking her, he got out of the library. Saad decided to take a look at his character window before searching for next clue. Besides, he still had to open up his reward boxes.

Character Window - ID: 1221

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Name: Kael Emberflame

Age: 15

Race: Human

Titles

Young Master of Emberflame (Passive), Witch's Apprentice- Novice (Growth type)

Level: 5 (5/250)

HP: 90/90

Attributes:

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Stamina: 10

Strength: 13

Agility: 11

Intelligence: 19

Charm: 18

Dexterity: 11

Fame: 12

Additional States: Locked

Status point: 40

Potential: locked

Skills:

Active Skills:

[Lash Strike]

[Lore Lexicon]

[New Skill Slot] (Empty)

[New Skill Slot] (Empty)

[New Skill Slot] (Empty)

Passive Skills:

1. [Luck's Favor]

2. [Indomitable Will]

3. [Household Chore Mastery: Novice]

4. [Herbal Mastery - Novice]

Skill points: 20

Wealth: 13 Spheres 85 Quills

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* A mysterious and ominous fate is at play.* (Additional details: Locked)

Familiarity:

Lavinia: Ally

Drusilla: Acquaintance

Ashen Witch: Acquaintance

Inventory:

Pouch of Quills

Recipe of moon flower soup x1

lunar dust seeds x5

Verdant sooth

Silver box x3

Poisoned cobweb x1

Healing draught x 2

Monster Ward x1

Saad decided to open the reward boxes for his 3 levels ups. To think that he would be so busy that he would miss the right time to open them up. He took a deep breath and opened them all up at once and soon a gentle silver light flickered as the chests floated in air in front of him and then the items were revealed with their descriptions.

The rewards pretty nice and surprisingly well tailored to his progress. It was a unique concept in a way. As if the rewards depended on his progress and his unique path rather than standard rewards. He decided to quickly take a look at their description.

[Level 3 Reward – Harlan's Pendant (Common Grade)]

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[Description]

Crafted with care from the stone of Mount Harlan, it radiates a subtle energy. This pendant enhances your Stamina, bolstering your health and endurance.

[Effect]

- Increases Stamina by 2

- Max Health increased by 20 points

- Endurance 10%

[Durability]

Durability: 50/50

[Level 4 Reward - Alchemical Sachet (Uncommon Grade)]

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[Description]

It's an Alchemical Sachet adorned with intricate symbols. Its contents offer a treasure trove for an aspiring herbalist like you. The sachet not only increases your carrying capacity for alchemical materials but also enhances your skill in Herbal Mastery.

[Effect]

- Increases carrying capacity for alchemical materials by 50%

- Enhances Herbal Mastery skill proficiency gains by 25%

[Durability]

Durability: 40/40

[Level 5 Reward - Enchanted Lore Pen (Common Grade)]

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[Description]

It emanates a faint magical aura, beckoning you to wield it. Upon writing, you notice words flowing effortlessly. The enchantments within enhance your reading and writing abilities, improving your skill in Lore Lexicon.

[Effect]

- Increases Lore Lexicon proficiency gains by 20%

- Enhances reading speed and comprehension by 15%

[Durability]

Durability: Infinite

None of them were ground breaking items and he would have preferred some equipment's or gear that would help with his lacking defense but this was good too. Saad quickly equipped the sachet, pendant and the pen and decided to go search for the next clue.