Library

"But I guess that should be expected, since you are a SSS-rank monster hunter." The king paused and continued, "To think the difference would be that big."

Just like I thought there was a rank better than S rank. And it looked like I had the highest rank.

"Since that was all, I am going to leave."

"Alright, if you ever need something, don't hesitate to ask." The king said.

As I walked back to the entrance, I thought of one thing.

If that S rank was meant to protect the king, that would mean that he was probably one of the strongest in that kingdom.

Since I had just defeated him, it meant that no one could stop me if I ever went on a rampage.

But the king didn't look at all worried; it was like he knew I wouldn't do that.

Well, obviously, a normal person would never do that. But there had to be a little fear of the possibility.

Well, it doesn't matter.

For now, learning how to use magic should be the number one priority.

Luckily, I already have an idea of where I can learn it.

As I was about to approach the exit, the general stopped me.

"Rylan, I told you to go easy on him." He said with a dissatisfied tone.

Yeah, well, what did you want me to do? Get hit by him without doing anything?

I shrugged. "I tried my best."

"It doesn't matter now. The important thing is, When do you want to leave for the empire?"

The empire felt like the final boss. Or at least it was something I had to prepare for. So I didn't want to go immediately.

"When are we supposed to leave?" I asked.

The general scratched his head and said, "The mission was expected to be done in two days; since it has already been completed, we can also leave now."

That was good; it meant that I could have two more days to prepare.

"Can we leave in two days?" I asked.

"We can do that; is there something you wanted to do?" He asked in response.

"Yeah, I want to go to the library."

As soon as I said that, he showed the most dumbfounded face, like he couldn't believe it.

"Wait, the library?" He asked again.

"Yeah, is that a problem?"

Is it really that shocking that I wanted to go to the library? Did Rylan Ashencroft never read a book in his life?

"No, it's not a problem; you can even enter the royal library if you want to. It was just a little shocking, that was all.

The royal library would be perfect for what I was looking for.

"Where is the royal library?" I asked.

"Don't worry, Shadow can take you there." He said this as he stomped on the ground.

Immediately, the black figure appeared, kneeling on the ground.

'So his name was Shadow'. That name fitted him very well.

"Take him to the library." The general ordered.

"Yes sir!".

He stood up and made the same hand gestures that made the dark portal appear.

Before I entered, I heard someone say,

"Sir Ashencroft, please wait."

I turned around, and I saw the woman in the robe panting a little.

Did she already get tired from that small distance?

"What do you want?"

"When do you want to deactivate your barrier?" She asked after some struggle.

That's right, there was also a barrier. The problem was that I didn't know how to deactivate it.

"In two days, meet me at the royal library."

By that time, I should have solved my problem.

"Wait-"

I heard her try to say something, but it was already too late since I had already entered the portal.

Immediately, the smell of paper and books came. It had an old smell, like the books had been here for a long time.

The library was spacious and grand, with towering bookcases filled with books and tomes. The shelves lined up, creating an aisle that led to an impressive arched window.

The bookshelves filled up to the ceiling, with stairs leading to different floors.

There were multiple tables and sofas, which created a cozy atmosphere.

"Isn't this too big?"

How was I ever supposed to find what I was looking for when there were so many books?

The portal disappeared behind me, and as I turned around, I saw a reception.

There was an old woman with glasses turning pages in a worn-out book.

'She probably knows where I can find the book'.

When I arrived at the reception, she was still reading her book.

I coughed to get her attention.

She slowly lifted her head and looked at me.

"Do you need something?" She asked quietly.

"Yes, I am looking for a specific book. Can you help me?"

"What is the name of the book?"

Well, the whole reason I went to the library was to find a book about magic. I thought if there was a place where I could learn magic without arousing suspicion, it would be the library.

But there was a problem; I had no idea what the name of the book was.

"I don't know the name, but I need a book about magic fundamentals, preferably for a person who doesn't know anything about it." I answered.

After I said that, she looked at me without saying anything for a few seconds.

Suddenly, I felt a book approach me quickly. As it came closer, it slowed down and landed right in front of me at the reception.

'That's pretty convenient'.

It had the title 'Mana Fundamentals by Oliver Olacan". It was pretty big and had to be around a few hundred pages.

But it was exactly what I needed.

"Is that all?" The old woman asked

"Yeah, that was it. Thank you".

She continued to read, and I took my book and went up the stairs to find a table to sit on.

I took the chair out and sat down, trying to make myself comfortable.

At the same time, I noticed that it was dark, so I turned on the lamp next to my book.

The lamp looked like those from Earth, but there were no cords, only a switch.

"It probably works because of the mana crystal that the woman in robes mentioned."

I opened my book and started to read.