Chapter 58: Chapter 58: System
Apollo read the first section of the book which made him immediately hooked. The meaning of mechanism and machinery was introduced including the notable people who contributed to its study. While flipping the pages early stages of machinery were listed then certain philosophers were added.
As he read a word suddenly made him interested.
'A machine can be compared to a human body, each part has its own role and function to fulfil and for those parts to fully work a systematic order needs to be made.
For complex machinery, a system is set to make, so that the output can be properly produced.
A system is an interconnected and organized component or mechanism that is designed to fulfil a particular function. It might be to store, transport, analyze or control materials for a particular purpose'
Both Jeremiah and Apollo were a bit silent and earnestly read that part once again.
"I think we have our answer here"
[Really a system?]
"Yes, what else could it be? The vessel you are currently in is made out of different components set to achieve a specific function, and Jeremiah you are part of that system"
[Hmmm...]
"You are still skeptical no?"
[Can we walk through those books first then we can decide later on]
"Sure I don't mind"
He closed the book he was holding and switched to a different book, Types of Barrier Defensive Mechanism.
However, as he read the word system appeared once again.
'System magic or systematic magic is a study of which multiple layers of magic circles are being put together, in order for a specific function to be achieved'
"Oh it's about the system again"
[So since I and some parts were built in together we are what you call a system?]
"I think it is more like a set of procedures built in according to a specific task or an organized framework, and method forming a unified object as a whole, I think that is what you call a system"
[Creator you just use the definition you read in the book to construct the sentence you just said]
"At least I am still correct"
[No your words were disorganized]
"No, it's not"
He argued inside his head but before Jeremiah could respond a sudden tap from Apollo's shoulder surprised the two.
"I didn't even notice her presence"
[Neither my sensor, I have been scanning the vicinity but I failed to notice her]
Apollo looked at the person who tapped him and still wondered what she was.
"The holder of the name Nyx," he thought while his face bore a sublime smile.
"Alicia did the meeting go well?" he asked however he began to notice her strange expression.
Something was definitely bothering her though Apollo had no way to know it.
"If I analyze her will I understand what she is feeling right now?"
[Better not Creator we must respect her]
"Apollo, did I scare you?"
Unexpectedly her voice sounded weak making Apollo wonder what was going on.
"What's going on what happened to your voice?"
However instead of answering she just shook her head.
"Nothing let us go everyone is waiting for us"
Apollo nodded but as he did so a realization soon enveloped him.
"Jeremiah"
[Yes]
"Did we tell anyone we are going here?"
[No Creator]
"Then how did she find out we are here?"
[That is beyond my capacity Creator since many factors may be attributed to it, for example, she must have known you well enough to figure out where you went]
"Possibly" he could only think while following the girl right in front of him.
....
"Look Apollo is here"
Samael said while Keith was standing by his side holding a bunch of snacks.
"Where did you get all of that"
"Oh, this I went to the cafeteria and bought some snacks for us" Keith's calm and mellow voice sounded but knowing his voice was really like that Apollo could rest assured that he hadn't hidden anything from him.
[Keith's heartbeat is normal and I don't detect any negative emotions in him]
"I thought scanning people is disrespectful"
[Alicia is a girl Keith isn't]
"Aren't you being biased?"
[Your mother told you to be kinder and gentler when handling girls, I am just following it]
"Right"
While the two converse Alicia keeps her eyes on him, her thoughts are something Apollo is curious about but can't pry because he doesn't want her to feel uncomfortable.
"I'll ask her later"
While they walk Apollo begins to talk to Keith and Samael while Alicia remains quiet still being devoured by her thoughts.
"So how did the meeting go?" he could finally ask after talking some nonsensical things with the two.
However, instead of an answer the two just look at a certain someone.
"Alicia?"
Samael and Keith just nodded it seems they can't talk about the contents of the meeting without Alicia's consent.
"Alright I won't ask anymore"
Apollo changed the topic to alter their dampened mood and thankfully it worked.
"Hey everyone we brought snacks!" Samael said while Apollo and Keith brought it over.
"Say, are we allowed to eat here in the library?" Arabela asked as she was concerned about being scolded.
"It should be fine since it is our dorm's library" Agnes replied while flipping through the pages of her book.
"What is this?" she suddenly said when saw something peculiar on one of the pages of the book.
"What is it, Agnes?" Niko came forward leaning closer to her.
"Hmmm?...hey guys come over here"
With Niko's words, everyone approaches the book, Agnes was holding.
"Is this?"
"It's a map!"
"Is it a treasure map?"
"Let me see!"
Alya, Casper, Vesta and even Jillian suddenly became excited towards the map, inside the book Agnes was holding.
"Can you let me take a look"
Apollo said finding a map a bit suspicious.
"Jeremiah scan"
[Scanning...
Scan complete!
It is indeed a map but it was made by one of the previous tenants of this dorm.
"A previous student?"
Curious he looked at the front cover of the book and realized something.
"It's a grimoire"
"It is?"
"Yes look Alicia it was written by a student named Adalla"
"Adalla of Silvon"
"It seems this grimoire came from the time that commoners don't have a surname"
"Yes you are right"
"Let us follow the map!" Mckenzie suggested.
"We cannot do that Gelo it is too dangerous for us to leave" Alicia reminded them so Mckenzie looked at the next person who could allow them, Apollo.
"Please e on it will be fine, we are just going for treasure hunting!"
The rest of them looked at Apollo expectantly.
[What a pressure Creator]
With all expectations resting on his shoulder, the boy couldn't help but sigh "Alright let's go follow that map"
"Yes!" Everyone exclaimed immediately then scramming away to grab the stuff they wanted to bring.
"I'll prepare the supplies!" Aaron said while dragging Vesta with him.
"Bring some flashlights, Blair!" Mckenzie said while copying the map from the book.
"On it!"
"I'll store these leftover snacks in case we get hungry" Keith said while eagerly putting the snacks inside his space ring.
"Are you sure about this Apollo" Alicia spoke as if scolding Apollo.
"It'll be okay don't worry," he said coaxing her.
"I'll protect them"
But his words made Alicia's expression worsen.
"The monastery will launch an all-out attack right?"
"!?"
"Don't be too surprised, your face gave it all away"
"I never anticipated that my expression is too readable"
"Hahaha"
He merely laughs but the truth is he was the one who tipped them off.
"Having your own eyes and ears among the priest of the monastery was really worth it"
[It seems the attack will happen either this week or the next]
"It might even happen now, Jeremiah"
[Is that why you want them to get distracted]
"You could think of that"
.....
"Alright, we are all set let us go!" Mckenzie excitedly said while holding the map.
"By the way, children be careful on these treasure hunting of yours" Miss Martha said while giving them a basket full of treats.
"We will miss Martha!"
The rest of the staff wave goodbye to the sixteen students of the lower class.
"I wonder what the map is all about it" Jerome said who is also curious about the treasure the map holds.
"Hmmm, I wonder," Miss Martha hums while moving towards the kitchen.
"I think Miss Martha knew about the map" Gil concluded.
"Really?" Jenny asked.
"That might be true since Miss Martha worked here longer than we are" Nadia reasoned.
"What are you all standing there hurry and help me here"
Martha's voice sounded from the kitchen making the four crew run towards her.
The sun was about to set but the academy was still lively, the lights were still on while the students came walking towards their dorm's training facilities.
Apollo who lively talks to his friends was actually looking at his stats.
"Another hunting may begin," the boy thought while walking leisurely on the academy grounds.