Crimson River Lord

"Damn it! Why?!"

It had been a few hours since he woke up and tried to practice some cultivation techniques from his old world, but he could not sense a shred of Qi.

No it was more accurate to say that he sensed the world energy which was why he tried to cultivate it in the first place, however, it seemed like the world energy of this place had a different method of being absorbed.

His methods did not conform to the rules of this world and as such, he could only give up.

"This just means I need more information. I obviously cannot be the only one in the entire world to be unable to absorb world energy."

"No wait! That's wrong."

Thinking back to all of his contacts with people in the past, he could clearly feel that every single one of those individuals was empty of this world's energy.

"Does that mean this world also requires some sort of spiritual root to be able to absorb the energy?"

"Does this mean that I don't have a spirit root in this life too?"

"Do I have to resort to more fiendish techniques?"

"No wait! I can clearly sense the world's energy which means I must have a spirit root, or at least its equivalent."

"That means the problem lies with my cultivation technique. This world's energy might not be something I can absorb with the other world's energy techniques."

"Hmm! That makes this harder. However, I'm only lacking in information."

"I need to know more about this world and its energy."

"However, I don't think any random library will have such knowledge, seeing as no one seems to be interested in this energy."

"Either way, information is the most important thing right now."

He left his house and made his way towards the city's public library.

"Selling Silver Crown fish. Fresh off the fishermen, five base coins per piece."

"Steamed buns here, get your steamed buns here. Two base coins a piece"

"Fresh vegetable's from the farmer's market. Great bargain over here."

"Did you hear about the tragedy?"

"Ah yes! I heard...such horror."

On the way to the library, he passed through the market. The smell of seasalt mixed with the iron smell of blood made his stomach grumble.

'I have to get rid of the urge to eat fresh food and drink blood. I'm no longer a fiend...I guess, steamed buns it is'

Left with one base coin and a handful of steamed buns, he finally arrived at the library. The large and finely decorated exterior, covered with white and cream paint and nut brown polished wood, formed a very huge contrast with its interior; cracked walls, dilapidated shelves and a weird crusty smell that seemed to linger in the air.

"Excuse me! I'd like to read some books."

The tall librarian leaned over the wooden desk that looked as though it could be destroyed with a fierce punch.

"Well, you got a library card, kid?"

"No!"

"You're only allowed in here if you have a library card."

"Really?"

"Yeah! Now scram!"

Although his face was completely expressionless on the outside, his heart was fuming with anger.

'Although I'm a child, you really shouldn't treat me like one. I might be unfamiliar with the rules of this new world, but that doesn't mean I don't know the rules in a library.'

"Aren't library cards supposed to be issued only when I want to take books out of the library?"

"Huh! You questioning the way I work, kid?"

"I'm saying it might not be good for you if someone decides to spread rumors about this place."

"Huh!What are you talking about kid?!"

"Well your salary is probably low enough as it is. Even though we get some revenue from the tourist attractions, these days, hardly anyone in Quelt can say they haven't seen the Crimson Mountain already."

"If word of the values in this place were to spread, people might stop coming here altogether and you'd be left without a means of income."

"Are you threatening me, kid?"

"Threat? What's that?"

"Huh?!! This bastard.."

"Can I please go read some books now, missy?"

"Missy?! Watch yer mouth, you foul..."

"What's going on here?"

A middle-aged man walked up to the desk from inside the library. Before the librarian could speak, he had already given her a quick glance and turned towards the boy.

"Why aren't you allowing him to go read?"

"I was just about to tell him to go in, sir."

"Hmm?"

'It seems like I've met someone important. Even if she would feel threatened, to bend over immediately at that. I wonder who he is.'

An ingratiating smile found its way onto her face in a matter of seconds.

"Sir Alanis! You shouldn't trouble yourself all the way here for this kid. I was just about to ask him what type of book he wants to read."

'Sir Alanis? I don't think I've heard of such a person before.''

"Very well then! I shall return at a later date. Pack up the books I was reading and have it delivered to my abode in East Mane."

'East Mane! There's no way! Is he..?'

"Yes sir! Have a nice day sir!"

'Oh! This works out even better for me. No reason not to play the cards in my favor.'

"Miss? Can I use the library now? I haven't paid for my library card yet. How much was it again? 13 base coins?"

Before she could even breathe a sigh of relief, the small voice rang out again from the side. 'Oh my gosh! This devil is trying to get me in trouble'.

"Ms. Vern! Did I hear that right?! Are you charging payment for something that has been made free for access?"

The big shot at the door had now turned back to face her.

'Old man, take a look at this place. No matter how "free" it is, who do you think would come here?'

'If not for my current situation, I'm pretty sure I wouldn't ever think of getting information from a place like this.'

"Of course not sir! That would be akin to going against the Lord and I do not have any such thoughts. Bless the Federation!"

'Sorry! I really don't let people who cross me off the hook like that.'

"Huh? Big sis, didn't you say I had to pay for a libr..."

Her hand clamped down over his mouth, as cold sweat ran down her back.

'This devil! I can't let this go on or I might lose my job.'

"Big sis was only joking. It was a joke. Go read any book you like, for as long as you like. Ask big sis if there's anything you don't understand, okay?"

Chasing him off into the library, she turned back to the man at the door.

"Tidy yourself up, Ms. Vern. If that had been someone of higher standing, we would have been in real trouble."

"You're quite lucky it was only a child. No matter how much he experiences, he's not smart enough to use that knowledge against us. Hmph! Next time, be smart about the way you do things. "

Storming out of the library, anger evident on his face, he glances across the street, where a carriage is waiting on him.

"My Lord, welcome back."

The guards all echo as they bow, the head guard holding open the door to the carriage as he does so.

"Rivetis! Make sure to properly educate Ms. Vern. She seems to have been slacking off a lot lately. She has made us lose a significant amount of income today."

"Yes, my Lord."

The thirty-over butler by the side bowed in response to his Lord's words, for this man was the ruling head of the Crimson River Town; Lord Alanis Veyron.