Chapter 1069 Spending time inside the library
From MC's Perspective:
As I stood in the dimly lit hall, the weight of Gilbert's question hung in the air. "So, when are you leaving?" he asked, his voice betraying a hint of concern. His usual composed demeanor seemed a little strained today.
I shifted slightly, glancing at him and then to Carolina, who stood nearby, her arms crossed, her brows furrowed as she listened. "Dean told me I can leave at any time," I replied, my voice quiet but firm. "But the situation at the border is worrying me."
Carolina's eyes narrowed as if she was piecing something together. "No wonder... that's why you've been asking about the border situation." Her tone wasn't accusatory, but there was an unspoken worry laced in her words.
I nodded in response, my thoughts clouded with uncertainty. Gilbert and Carolina exchanged a glance, clearly understanding the gravity of the situation. The news of my possible departure had come so suddenly—it was only natural they'd need time to process it.
Gilbert, ever the strategist, spoke after a pause. "I think it's better for you to wait and watch for a few days. If the situation at the border improves, then you can make a more informed decision about leaving."
"Okay," I agreed, though the weight of indecision still lingered. The conversation moved on for a few more minutes, touching on lighter matters, but the atmosphere remained tense. We soon left the Sub-Taboo Hall, each of us with our own thoughts. Gilbert and Carolina had their missions to attend to—tasks that required their full focus. But me? I was the only one without a mission right now.
As I made my way to the library, the thought gnawed at me: What exactly awaited me beyond the academy walls? The True Elements Society. Just thinking about the name sent a shiver down my spine. If I was to join their ranks, I needed to understand them, to know what kind of environment I was stepping into.
Once inside the library, I headed straight for the information screen. My fingers hovered briefly before typing in the name of the academy associated with the True Elements Society. To my surprise, a list of travel notes appeared—a collection of writings from various elders and seniors who had journeyed through the lands where the academy was based.
Curiosity piqued, I made my way to the section where the notes were kept. The room was quiet, a faint musty smell filling the air as I stepped in. Rows of neatly organized books and scrolls stretched out before me. I scanned the shelves until I found what I was looking for: a modest collection of worn, leather-bound volumes, each one containing the experiences of those who had been to the academy.
I picked up one of the travel notes, its faded cover barely legible from years of wear. As I settled into a nearby chair, I placed the stack of notes on the desk before me, selecting the one that seemed the most promising. The pages were yellowed with age, but the writing was clear and precise.
The notes had been written a few decades ago—a blink of an eye in the life of a wizard. Time held little meaning for those immersed in research or experimentation.
A few decades were nothing, and so I assumed that most of the information within the pages would still be relevant. These elders had seen things I could only imagine, their words a bridge to a world I would soon be part of.
With a deep breath, I began to read. Each word carried me further into their world—the academy's halls, its strange customs, and the intricate workings of the True Elements Society.
I continued to delve deeper into the ancient tome, my eyes tracing the intricate script. Time seemed to slip away as I became engrossed in the tale. Initially, my expression remained neutral, but as I grasped the true extent of the True Elements Society, a gasp escaped my lips.
The society's territory was vast, equivalent to a small nation! For a moment, I questioned the veracity of the information, suspecting an exaggeration. However, I realized that only by reading the entire book could I form a definitive judgment. With renewed determination, I continued my journey through the text.
Meanwhile, Gilbert, having recently graduated from the academy, had arrived in the capital on a mission to patrol the resource points of their institution. His first stop was the storage area of a trusted allied partner. As he entered, he decided to conduct a thorough inspection.
Presenting his identification, Gilbert began his examination of the premises. The air was thick with the scent of dust and old parchment, and the dim light cast long, eerie shadows. As he moved deeper into the storage area, he heard a faint rustle. His senses heightened, he crept closer to the source of the sound.
To his astonishment, he discovered two shadowy figures lurking in the shadows. Their cloaks were draped over their faces, obscuring their identities. With a swift movement, he vanished from his original position, reappearing before the intruders. The figures turned out to be level-6 wizards from a rival organization.Nôv(el)B\\jnn
Although they weren't criminals, their act of spying was unforgivable. Gilbert understood that not only foreign powers but also internal forces were eyeing their Yellow River Academy's base.
"Shock Fist!"
He channeled his magic, his fist glowing with electric energy. In a flash, he appeared beside the level-6 wizards, delivering powerful blows to their chests. The impact sent them flying, their mouths bleeding profusely.
The air was filled with the sound of their screams and the crackle of electricity. Though he refrained from killing them, he ensured their injuries were severe enough to prevent future espionage attempts. The two injured wizards fled the scene, their mission foiled.
With the intruders dealt with, Gilbert continued his inspection of the storage area, his vigilance now even higher.
As time passed, Gilbert continued to encounter wizards from various organizations spying on their resource points. This blatant provocation ignited a fire within him. Although he was forbidden to kill them, he was determined to teach them a severe lesson. Intense battles ensued, but none of the wizards could withstand the devastating force of his shock force magic.
Rumors of Gilbert Reese's prowess spread like wildfire throughout the capital. Those who had been eyeing the Yellow River Academy's other resources places were shocked and fled, their plans foiled. However, some opportunists sought to exploit the chaos, but they were not prepared to face the wrath of the academy's high-level wizards.
Even the most petty criminals were hesitant to challenge Gilbert Reese.
While the resource points were temporarily secured, these were merely short-term solutions. The three academies were heavily focused on controlling the border situation. Only by eliminating the external threat could they turn their attention inward. Until then, these small skirmishes would continue to plague them.
While these events unfolded, the other two academies were also closely monitoring news of Vincent Carey. They had dispatched multiple agents to the capital to gather intelligence on his whereabouts. The academies were prepared to strike with full force as soon as Vincent Carey reappeared. However, there was no sign of him yet, and their spies remained vigilant.
Meanwhile, within the library, I finished reading the travel notes. My heart was racing with a mixture of excitement and trepidation. The True Elements Society was far more powerful than I had imagined. A single organization could rival the might of the Sand Rock Country.
"Damn, there must be hundreds and thousands of wizards studying there," I muttered to myself, my eyes gleaming with a newfound respect.
I realized that I had grossly underestimated the wizard organizations in the Ancient Redwood Country. It was time to reassess my perspective and acknowledge their formidable power.
"A single True Elements Society is this powerful," I mused, my mind racing. "I wonder how strong the other organizations must be." My thoughts drifted back to Cory Anderson, an heir of the Top family. Her family business, the Purple Chamber of Commerce, was a prominent force in the realm of trade and commerce.
I concluded that the power of her family must be comparable to that of the True Elements Society. As I pondered Cory Anderson, a flicker of excitement passed through my eyes. I recalled her mysterious and powerful bloodline.
"I wonder if I'll ever see her again," I thought, a hopeful smile spreading across my face.
Shaking my head to dispel the stray thoughts, I carefully placed the travel notes back on the shelf. I now had a basic understanding of the True Elements Society, and their immense power left me both intrigued and awed.
With a newfound sense of purpose, I stepped out of the section and prepared to leave the library. As I walked through the familiar corridors, I couldn't help but feel a surge of anticipation for the adventures that lay ahead.
Then I started walking towards the dorm building.