Only Them

"In a nutshell, 50,000 contribution points is a hefty sum," Bradley remarked, gesturing towards the book-filled shelves before handing a tablet-like device to Jack. "What these points can fetch you? Well, that depends on your book choices and the magic you aim to delve into."

"I've got it," Jack nodded, eager to dive into the magical realm. "Can I get started now?"

"At your service," Bradley replied.

Jack, brimming with curiosity, inquired, "How do I pick a book, then? Do I just speak the title, and the corresponding magic will magically select it for me?"

Bradley's expression darkened. "No way. That's a massive drain on magical power. If you want to pick a book, you only need to..."

Interrupting the ominous revelation, Bradley guided Jack to a computer. "Use this – the library management system."

"You're really keeping up with the times," Jack teased.

"No choice, life's a hustle," Bradley sighed.

"Fair enough," Jack said, firing up the computer and logging into the library system. "If I want to devour all the books on basic magic, what am I looking for?"

"Bit broad, don't you think? Also, a tad mundane. You sure you don't want to spice it up with some more practical stuff, like specific magic books?" Bradley raised an eyebrow.

"I've got a plan," Jack grinned, keeping his cards close.

....

In the ensuing days, Jack became a resident scholar at the Eye, immersing himself in intensive study.

The Eye's archives held a treasure trove of magical knowledge, spanning centuries. Granted, a substantial chunk was fluff, but Jack wasn't interested in that.

For him, as a magician, learning the art of magic was paramount.

Opting to grasp the basics rather than diving into specific spells, Jack had his reasons.

The foundation, he believed, was the bedrock of mastery.

Sure, Jack could wield magic using formulas, but he lacked understanding of the underlying principles. It was akin to applying a formula without truly comprehending it.

Learning the principles meant control – control that transcended rigid formulas. There lay a significant difference between the two approaches.

With 50,000 contribution points at his disposal, Jack faced a choice: enhance his current magical prowess or invest in foundational knowledge?

Learning new spells might provide an immediate strength boost, but its effectiveness would dwindle over time.

On the flip side, delving into the basics promised an unlimited future.

Jack, ever the long-term thinker, refused to succumb to shortsightedness. His system guided him to view the horizon with a farsighted perspective.

.....

A month had breezed by, and Jack found himself immersed in a whirlwind of learning. Even with his remarkable pace, it took a full thirty days to exhaust the 50,000 contribution points he had acquired.

The reason behind the hefty point allocation for this mission wasn't lost on Jack. It was evident—this mission came with a price tag of 500 million US dollars. Sacrifices were made, gains were earned.

As Jack contemplated his departure, Bradley, having arrived after receiving word from Jack, inquired, "Are you planning to leave?"

With a nod, Jack replied, "Yes, I've seen all I wanted to see."

Bradley, ever the insightful one, teased, "Do you know what my ability is?"

"Prediction?" Jack guessed.

"Absolutely. Though it's not foolproof, it comes in handy," Bradley smiled, adding, "I have a premonition that you're heading somewhere far, far away."

"Any hints?" Jack asked, intrigued.

"None."

"You're quite short-sighted," Jack teased.

"Enough with the ambiguity," Bradley's demeanor shifted, but he chuckled, "However, there are some things not predicted but guessed."

Intrigued, Jack pressed, "Tell me about it."

"Your purpose is peculiar. Most people have goals, but your actions seem random. Sometimes it's about money, yet you're not stingy with it. You don't have a precise goal; it's all unpredictable," Bradley mused. "But I believe your goal is vast and distant. So, how far and unattainable is it?"

As Bradley awaited Jack's response, he observed him keenly, as if trying to unveil the enigma in Jack's eyes.

"It's something that makes me stay here," Jack sighed, gaze fixed on the sky. "Have you seen those stars?"

"It's daytime now," Bradley remarked.

"I know, can't you play along?" Jack quirked an eyebrow. Suppressing the urge to send Bradley away for disrupting the atmosphere, he continued, "That's one of my goals..."

"Quite grand," Bradley acknowledged thoughtfully, then shifted gears, "I'm curious about something else. What kind of existence would make you willing to stay forever?"

Jack continued to gaze at the sky, as if the expanse above revealed a tapestry of memories. "During that distant and wonderful journey, I'll meet many extraordinary people or things. I'll linger for a while, experiencing their stories firsthand, letting them etch into my memory. As for what would make me stay forever..."

Jack narrowed his eyes, envisioning the familiar figures most dear to him— a picture of ten brothers smilling towards the camera.

"Only them, my brothers."

.....

Read ahead on my Pa*treon! 

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