Ander found himself in the library as the sun set over the lip of the pit. ‘Daytime’ would last for hours yet, stretching well into full darkness as it got dark early at the bottom of the pit. The library was one of the few places where they would make use of light producing relics. It allowed for a smooth reading quality light like you might find back on earth. It was expensive, but the short amount of daylight in the pit would either doom the library to short hours or to the use of lanterns or candles.

But while Ander noticed these various relics, he had little concern over them. He was there for Karsish. He found the man entirely as expected, in a remote corner of the library behind a castle of books. Ander approached and picked one up. There was no title, and the first page he turned to was so densely packed with mathematical texts and diagrams that it made his head spin. He was good with math too.

“What’s this book?” Ander asked.

“A basic primer on astrology.” Karsish mumbled. He barely gave Ander a glance. “Ander, I’m busy, let's talk later.”

Ander stared at the tome in his hands. There was nothing basic about it.

“Karsish, I need your help.” Ander said.

“Later.” Karsish’s voice was starting to get annoyed. “I only have so long with the reference texts before we return. I need to make full use of this time.”

Ander stared in consternation at Karsish, who had his nose buried in a dusty tome even bigger and more dense than the primer on astrology. Ander looked at the pile on Karsish’s table.

“Do you need all of these?”

“Yes.” Karsish’s answer was short and to the point, so Ander shrugged and started to store all the books in his inventory.

“What do you think you are doing?!” Karsish hissed.

“I am solving a conflict of interest. Now you will have no problem accessing your reference materials while you study. And you can help me in my time of need.” Ander smiled.

“That is theft! Books aren’t supposed to leave the library!”

“And how much can you learn with the reference books at your place of study rather than somewhere you can only access once a week or so?”

That made Karsish hesitate, and then hesitate again before giving Ander an exasperated look.

“What do you need?” Karsish sighed as Ander stored the book he was reading.

“Have you heard of the championship?”

“Of course.” Karsish snorted. “It has been the only thing on everyone’s mind. Both Cormal Crimson Stars, and Ander Nightshade, duking it out for all to see. Nice surname by the way. So dignified.” Ander scowled at Karsish’s mockery.

“Yes, that is exactly what I am talking about.” Ander said. “I don’t really want to participate. It will be a waste of time other than the fight with Cormal. But Sir Argvald is offering me something I can’t really refuse. I only get it if I win the tournament.”

“Do you expect to have a hard time?” Karsish asked. “I have a hard time believing you would be phased by anyone.”

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“It's Cormal.” Ander spoke with a grimace. “He is a higher level than me, and has had years to perfect his legendary skill. I have several legendaries, including one that should be a direct counter. But I get a bad feeling from him.” Karsish shrugged.

“What do you want from me?” Karsish asked. “Practise your skills. You should be fine.”

“I will, but I don’t think that will be enough.”

“Then learn magic.” Karsish’s statement was nonchalant and so seemingly out of place that Ander stared at him.

“I already know fireball, wind blade, and telekinesis. And several of my legendaries create spell-like effects. Problem is that my soul space is precious. I have a lot of skills, and I want to be careful with what I add.”

“Not what I am talking about.” Karsish sat forward. “What you are talking about is pseudo spellcasting. You have spell-like effects, enchantments really, engraved on your soul. Those are powerful, sure, but not real magic. Real magic involves incantations, spell diagrams, enchantments, and so much more.” Ander rocked back in his chair.

“This could solve my versatility problems completely.” Ander said. He then narrowed his eyes. “Why didn’t you suggest this before?”

“I didn’t know.” Karsish said. “I had my speculations, but I had no idea there was a difference between a wizard and a soul engraver. That is what we are called by the way, and the main thing that the system facilitates. Apparently, soul magic is very difficult to do under normal circumstances, but the system assists in the reforging of the soul through skills and classes. Spellcasting on the other hand is based on your skill in mana manipulation. That is lowercase s skill. Though you can obtain an official system skill for mana manipulation. You use mana to form and power spells. Soul engraving is a sub field of enchanting, and enchanting is limited to specific effects. On the other hand you can manipulate your mana to create any spell you want.”

Ander’s eyes were glazed over with thoughts of slinging spells, and countering every attack with the exact right counter before shoving it back in his enemies faces. A stupid grin was plastered over his face.

“What do I have to do?” Ander asked.

“Study.” Karsish said flatly. Ander deflated at his words. “There is only one skill that can be practised the way you are used to, and that is mana manipulation. I suggest you find a good version with your cheat skill. Other than that, you need to study to learn what spells do, what they are, and how they function. You can probably learn a couple simple spells to help turn the tide of your battle, but unless you do the proper study they will remain weak and inefficient.”

“How long will that take?”

“Depends on if you do it properly.” Karsish had an ominous, almost gleeful tone to his voice. It seemed he would finally get to teach Ander something after all.

“I have to go back to town. Spider meat is good and all, but I would like to stock up on some real food before we head back home.”

“Umm, Ander?” Karsish’s voice had lost all of its ominous tone, and now sounded a bit nervous.

“What?” Ander was concerned at this rapid change in his friend.

“Wait here please.” And Karsish ran off, pulling another dozen books off the nearby shelves. He then piled them up and pushed them toward Ander.

“I don’t think we could get away with taking any more than this.” Karsish said by way of explanation. “This should be a huge help to my research into the magic of ancient times.”

“Magic? I thought you were preparing to take The Path.” Karsish waved off Ander’s comment.

“I was ready for the path days after entering The Pit. The Memories and skills of the old man are really quite something, though I will still need years to parse everything he has to teach me.” Karsish smiled in self satisfaction. “I should be able to help you attain the same level of proficiency.”

“Great. I will look forward to it.” Ander said dryly as he stored the new books Karsish had chosen. “Oh, by the way, do you know any creatures that utilise mind attacks? I have a mind protection skill, but it has to protect from mind attacks to level up its protection.”

“No I don’t.” Karsish’s ominous grin returned. “How about I help you look for the right book.”

Ander sighed in resignation and agreed. However he didn’t expect how singularly frustrating the filing system that managed the books could be. He had seen the old card systems in old earth libraries, and this was much the same. Seems he was spoiled by computers however, and every card increased his frustration. When they finally found the shelf that contained all the books on various monsters, Ander placed his hand on the shelf itself and stored the entire thing in his inventory. He then walked away, leaving a gaping Karsish to catch up. They left the library unaccosted.