Magda, the elderly librarian responsible for the academy’s vast repository of books, had a head of white hair with silver strands, making it difficult for anyone to guess her exact age. She carried the Source Book, a high-tier artifact that enhanced her ability to locate any book within the repository.

The library allowed free access to all its books as long as they remained within the building's walls, or students could borrow one for a short period. Occasionally, students tried to sneak extra books out, but they always failed, thanks to the enchantments on the walls that prevented books from being taken out. Unbeknownst to the students, these inscriptions ensured the books remained within the library.

Despite the occasional irritations of her job, Magda cherished days when those cretins were absent, sparing her from dealing with their youthful exuberance.

Losing the bet with that old lizard was the worst gamble she had ever made.

Sighing, she watched the countless rows of shelves reaching up to the ceiling on the first floor, housing a vast collection of essential theory and introductory magical theories. Despite her love for reading about magic, she had long since learned that these shelves offered little for those beyond the beginner's level.

Though still considered young among her peers in spirit, Magda harbored greater ambitions and yearned for a path of magical mastery rather than spending her days among dusty tomes.

Suddenly, the rhythmic sound of boots striking the wooden floor broke the library's silence. Magda immediately recognized the source without even turning her gaze.

A young man came into view, muscular and full of life. With a well-defined jaw and piercing blue eyes, the man stood tall and confident, leaning slightly on a broom as if it were a spear.

Gareth, the second-year student asked by Magda to cover the library for yesterday, knowing that his strong presence might deter any mischief from the younger students.

A small favor quickly paid with knowledge about a nearby C Grade dungeon. Hopefully, the man would not get killed.

"Thanks for helping out yesterday, Gareth," Magda said, smiling warmly. "I know it's not the most exciting task."

Gareth shrugged with a grin. "It's fine, Magda. Beats teaching the sword to weaklings. Plus, I would soon be dungeon diving."

Magda chuckled softly. "You young ones and your thirst for adventure. Just make sure you come back in one piece."

Gareth nodded. "Don't worry, I plan to. But no promises. By the way, when does the semester start? I heard it would be a madhouse."

Magda sighed. "Oh, don't remind me. It's a nightmare every year. New students running around, causing chaos. It is one of the many reasons I don’t want to remain just a librarian. We are all just glorified caretakers with fancy titles. The senior mages would never suffer something like this," Magda ranted. "I barely have time for my own spellwork in the evenings."

Gareth raised his hand in a gesture of no surrender. "Hey, don't add me to the games you old fogies play to keep yourselves in touch with the mortal world. If Gramps knew, I would be grounded for a month."

Magda chuckled then glanced over at Gareth. "Was there anything strange yesterday?"

Gareth thought for a moment before replying, "Yeah, two new students asked about skill books. Other than that, there was nothing unusual."

"Oh? Do you know their pillar?" Magda inquired.

"Nah, both didn't have their armbands on," Gareth responded with a shrug.

"Ah, I see..." Magda mused.

"Don't tell me they are the chess pieces?" Gareth asked, his tone turning serious.

"Why? Running errands for your grandfather?" Magda teased.

"Damn, woman. Don't speak such inauspicious words. Creating troubles is the only way I'm free to enjoy my life. It would be better for me to maintain a distance from those disaster magnets," Gareth said, shaking his head.

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Magda smiled knowingly.

—

The only other person in the room was the librarian, a lady with a hefty tome in her hand, strands of white in her silver hair, and a kind, knowing smile. The young man from yesterday was conspicuously absent.

A part of me found comfort in his absence, but another part felt a twinge of unease. Young man near my age is easy to get along, kind old woman not so. It was better to be cautious and assume the woman was a powerful mage with unassuming looks. And the woman was examining me like she was waiting for a disaster to happen.

First, there was the old lady in the Lecture Hall; now there was also someone mysterious here in the Repository. My mind was already racing with different clichés that might unfold right before my eyes. Secret tests, hidden powers, unexpected alliances—my imagination ran wild as I tried to prepare for any possibility. Darma in the making, I just didn't like being caught in it. It was much interesting when you read about it.

"Excuse me. Can I study here today? I don't see any other students around." Better to be polite and ask.

The librarian nodded and replied, "Yes, the library is always open to those willing to learn."

I wasn't sure, but I thought I heard a disappointed sigh as I turned around.

Shrugging it off, I began searching for books on important historical figures, hoping to find insights to help me plan my next steps. I had already asked Lucian for permission slips to borrow the skill books on the third floor, but he hadn't replied. Hopefully, there would be stories about space or time mages wielding awesome powers and achieving invincibility.

My footsteps echoed in the vastness, a rhythmic reminder of my solitary quest. Looking at the books, it should be able to hold his interest for a long time to come. Hopefully, there will not be many changes with available topics.

As I moved through the aisles, I noticed the silver-haired librarian observing me. She seemed to glide effortlessly between the shelves, her presence easily fading into the background yet always there.

Despite her silent observation, she made no attempt to engage with me further. I ignored her, and she showed no interest in talking to me.

After searching for what felt like hours, I found fewer autobiographical books than I had anticipated. It seemed that no one wanted the world to know of their greatness. Then it struck me—perhaps those individuals were still alive, living for thousands of years. They surely didn't want people to know their skills.

Did living for centuries changed the books selection available? Did I have to raid ancient tombs and ruins?

I selected a few similar texts and carried them to a nearby desk, where I settled down to read, starting from the very beginning.

The vault of Archmage Aelarion, a legendary collector of artifacts, enchanted jewels, and scrolls of lost magic, was hidden deep within the labyrinthine vaults of his sanctum. Tales spoke of its unparalleled power and the fortune it bestowed to fill even a kingdom's treasure. There was—

I read the passage, skepticism creeping in. This treasure, renowned and sought after for centuries, had surely been plundered long ago. The thought of it lying untouched seemed naive. Looters and adventurers would have combed every inch of Aelarion's vaults, taking anything of value.

Yet, a small part of me couldn't help but wonder— maybe there are other long dead archmages, leaving behind their wealth? I shook my head, trying to dispel the fanciful notion. As if getting their wealth would be easy.

Moving on to other books, I found only a scattering of personal thoughts and histories of notable figures. Most texts focused on subjects with a high chance of preservation until today. The more I read, the more I realized that getting any help about true power would be harder than I thought. As I closed another book, a voice made me jump—

"Are you looking for treasures?" The librarian stood nearby, her gaze penetrating

I took a deep breath, calming my racing heart. "No, I was wondering what problems they would face on these expeditions?"

She raised an eyebrow, her lips curling into a slight smile. "Problems like lack of strength. Do you have the fighting potential to handle such challenges?"

"I would rely on my magic," I said, trying to sound confident, though a sliver of doubt crept into my voice. Was my reliance on mana truly not enough? Had I been too dismissive of other forms of preparation? Maybe mana is not king here.

Her smile faded, replaced by a severe expression. "Mages can use magic, but they are still fundamentally people. Using your body should also be equally important."

Her words struck me like a bolt of lightning, illuminating my own naivety. Or that was how it should be, but I didn't understand what she was hinting at.

I nodded, though still skeptical. Mana was surely the way to go. There was no need for physical prowess when one could wield magic.

Her eyes softened with emotion as if sensing my doubt. "You should check out the Lecture Hall. It will give you some perspective."

My thoughts turned to the old woman who manned the reception there. I felt that the librarian was sending me to a friend.

"Isn't the young man from yesterday also a fighter? Maybe he could teach me." I was sure the young man was a Valorian with his red band. He could easily help me in exchange for some points.

The librarian's eyes twinkled with amusement. "Aren't all boys running around, fighting and killing? He already left, but you could still reach him if you hurry."

I ignored her indirect jab and decided to bite the bullet. "Do you have any recommendations, Senior?"

"If you are going to use the blade, Vanya would be a good start." She nodded, her expression firm and encouraging.