30 Power!

It had taken a long time, though as a hard-working boy… ahem, I always make everything perfect.

Looking at the cleanly arranged shelves, the books placed perfectly on them. I'm quite sure if my arrangement method should be compared with that of Earth, or even that 'Red Light District Library' I'll come out the victor.

Pacing slowly through the 'shelf passageway', I couldn't help but touch the books, checking for dust, and as the professional I am, there was none.

After reading that book about currency, and that frail-old man's infringement, I decided to rush the work, still checking for any possible unlocked books, and I couldn't find any, which was sad, but still acceptable.

*Creak*

Hearing a sound, I moved towards the entrance of the library, touching every shelf I passed, still performing my analysis.

Finally reaching my destination, I caught sight of a frail old man. It wasn't surprising who would come here other than him.

"Welcome," I said, giving a slight bow.

Not replying to my greetings, he weighed me for some seconds, his eyes seeming to see right through me… I was flustered, this was not what I signed for, he just seemed to be some perv.

"Why the long face?" He said, reading my expression.

"N-nothing, just… not feeling good," I stammered, giving a random excuse. Though I felt like complaining, I didn't see how it would help me.

"Ohh! Tired I guess?" He said, moving toward the shelves.

"Yes, it's not easy to clean so many books," I said, truly feeling fatigued.

"You did a pretty good job," he said, checking the shelves. "Their arrangements, cleanness, and every other aspect has been taken care of… though would have loved if you kept the shelf 'this way'."

*Twitch*

As if being possessed by the spirit of disorderliness, he started interchanging the shelves to meet his weird taste.

Should I say I felt like crying… more like I had the urge to end the old man's life, but I don't have the required resources.

*Twitch*

"What are you doing?" I asked in exasperation, though trying to mask my hostile tone.

"Rearranging, your shelving was off. Just look at the way you placed the shelves, it would be difficult for me to pass."

'I made the passage big enough.'

"Getting books would be another issue."

'The books are well arranged, to make locating easier.'

"The fashion of the library seems so… old."

'What the hell! Then are your current arrangements 'new fashioned'?!'

"There's a lot of problems with your work, even the dust is still much," he said, touching some books.

*Twitch*

'I can't see any dust on your hands… where is it? And you just said it was good a moment ago.'

"You would have reworked, if not for our tight schedule," he said, picking up a brown cover book.

"Tell me? What do you understand by knowledge?"

*Twitch*

"I thought you were taking me on 'power'?" I asked curiously. I am very interested in his training regime, so I believe this is the right time to inquire about it.

"Ohh! Have you heard the saying 'knowledge is power'?" he inquired curiously, scrutinizing me. Still emphasizing the knowledge.

'I've heard of it on Earth; when I was asked to attend school, and take lessons, that was the phrase they always used in an attempt to convince me… here I am again.'

"Yes," I replied, not taking my eyes off him.

"What I plan on teaching you is power, energy forms, and other things I believe you need to know... now," he said, taking his scrutinizing gaze off me.

"Power is an essential component to survive in this world, which means the more forms of power you have, the higher your chance to stand."

"If you fall into a trap, can strength alone get you out?" He asked, turning his strict gaze back to me.

"..."

"The answer is yesn't," he said, answering his questions.

"Now is the time to ask why boy."

"W-why?" I stammered, feeling aghast by his weird behavior.

"Using your strength to climb up the pit you have fallen into is good. But what if the pit is so deep that climbing with your strength alone is impossible?" He asked, giving me a Stern look.

"I …"

"You use your brains. What can help you utilize your strength in a way that you get out successfully?" He said, hunching.

"It's simple, but I won't bother to dive into that topic," he continued, straightening his posture. 

"In life, there are essential things needed to survive, which sum together to form power. You can still describe them as forms of power on their own, but it'll make more sense if you combine them to form that word," he said, placing the book at hand on the shelf.

"Any questions?"

"So power is the combination of all components required to live your life?" I asked curiously.

"That's my view of power, you can also have yours… now or the future, it's up to you," he said in a carefree tone, moving deeper into the huge room.

"Power?..."

"Yes, 'power', to become stronger, better, and most importantly survive, you must understand your version of power… what does power mean to you?... " He advised, stopping abruptly by a shelf.

"Don't stress over it, you still have a lot of time, so… I'll be taking you on the basics of cultivation. With this, you can have an overview of what it means to be a cultivator; no matter what you are cultivating."

*wink*

'Finally! If I get to experience one of my most loved parts in novels, I would be able to feel it… everything!'

"Stop daydreaming, and prepare yourself… it won't be easy."

"N-no, I'm not daydreaming, just… preparing my mind!" I exclaimed.

I'm finally close to accomplishing my dreams… being able to wield a supernatural force, won't risk it for anything… I finally found something fun.

"I don't care… but remember, I don't take bullshit, keep your head straight," he said, his eyes gleaming slightly.

"I understand!"

It was a new adventure, one I would like… love… wait! What am I supposed to say? I'll just leave it to the interpretation of the Gods, which are the individuals watching me. 

 Grin.