So, I’ve been thinking about this grand plan of mine getting stronger, of course. But here's the problem: I have no idea how to actually get stronger. It’s not like I can just ask some seasoned mage, “Hey, any tips on how to stop being awful at this whole magic thing?”

Which brings me to my next logical step: the Forbidden Library.

Yeah, sounds impressive, right? Ancient books, hidden knowledge, maybe a secret spell that’ll turn me into a Saint-rank mage overnight. But when I get there? It’s basically a basement. Dust everywhere, spiders in the corners, and the air feels like it's been holding a grudge for centuries. If there was a sign that said, “You’ll regret this,” it would’ve been flashing.

I wander around, dodging cobwebs and kicking the occasional spider (it was asking for it), until I find this old book. It’s falling apart, the cover’s all beaten up, and the title? How to Fake Your Way to Cultivation.

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Now, this is exactly the kind of thing I’m looking for.

I start reading, all excited about my new path to greatness. Step one: "Identify your strengths."

Okay, cool. What am I good at? Well… I’m really good at… existing? Yeah, that counts. I exist. That’s a strength, right?

Step two: "Harness your hidden potential."

Great. I’ve got hidden potential. But how do I harness it? I sit down, close my eyes, and start meditating. Five seconds later, I’m wondering if lunch is ready yet.

Forget hidden potential my stomach has its own agenda.

I give up on the meditation thing. This book isn’t helping at all. But I’m not ready to throw in the towel. There has to be something useful here, right? Or maybe I’ll just keep pretending I know what I’m doing.

Either way, I’m still without a teacher, still clueless, and still stuck in this basement with an ancient book that’s as helpful as a brick