The class was over the classmates of Ezekill and he started cleaning the gym, returning the chairs back to the storage room. The class was fortunate they didn't need to clean up piles of rubbles, because Elena weaved a strong magic to withstand the blast they're creating. Other students who took the Practicals in different classes always ended up cleaning up their mess, restoring and removing the rubbles.

Ezekill stretched as he did his part. “I'm going to my Life class Mr.prince, where are you going next?” Ezekill said.

“Well, I have thirty minutes before my next one.” Roy said.

“And please my saviour don't call me prince.” Roy added.

“Ok fine, and don't call me that it's awkward.” Ezekill said.

“Now you feel what I felt,” Roy giggled.

Ezekill smiled, the gym door opened and a group of girls bursted inside. Shouting Roy's name, Roy waved at them.

“I guess I'll get going, bye Roy see you later.” Ezekill said.

“Enjoy,” He added.

“You too my friend,” Roy smiled and waved at him when he walked away.

Ezekill was greeted by the girls as he strolled away from Roy. Ezekill responded by smiling at them.

Ezekill calmly walked the halls, he saw a long-eared blonde girl with pigtails wearing the school uniform, she had a bronze pendant. She was outside the classroom door holding her notes, and Yvonne saw him. Her mouth raised with excitement, Yvonne came to Ezekill.

“Don't tell me, you're also in this class!” Yvonne said.

“Uh huh, I guess we're classmates again.” He smiled.

Ezekill showed courtesy he opened the door, he put his hands on his chest and lowered his head. Yvonne was flustered when he suddenly treated her that way.

“Ladies first,” Ezekill said while lowering his head.

“Eh!” She blushed.

“Human tradition of respect, Ms.Yvonne, please allow me to return it.” Ezekill said.

Her head was spinning, she was utterly confused, not even her fiance at her home treated her like that. Her own culture started to kick in. She automatically bowed her head.

“Ah! I'm sorry,” she said.

“Why?” Ezekill replied with a confused voice.

“Traditionally, women like me must lower herself in the presence of higher nobility. A daughter of a lowly lord doesn't expect that kind of respect, since you're the son of the champion Raylight. My father who's subjected to the Raylights and under their gracious protection. You know what I mean!” She stuttered as she went on.

“How did you know?” Ezekill asked, confused.

“From that duel, my father always talked about the champion, he's known for his terrifying speed. Plus the hair.”

“From just that, you instantly connected me to my father? Wow, what a great observant.”

From their long conversation there were a lot of students waiting behind them. Yvonne noticed and immediately apologized, then Ezekill apologized next. Few moments later they both got inside, Yvonne followed Ezekill and sat right next to him.

The professor arrived moments later. It was an uneventful class, the professor discussed how life was fascinating and discussed outdated and wrong information about the human body. Ezekill cringed.

“Oh god, this world wasn't immune to misconceptions about human anatomy.” Ezekill lowered his head and covered his face while he murmured.

I fucking want to correct this so bad, but it will just escalate, and I don't want more trouble. He thought as he cringed.

Ezekill decided to pass the lesson from the right ear, and to the left ear, and away it went. Yvonne was so enthusiastic, it almost made Ezekill cry.

“Yvonne do you like biology?” Ezekill asked.

She couldn't reply as she was confused.

“I mean this subject?” Ezekill sighed.

“Oh you mean Life! Yes of course! The way life works like we're made from the four main elements!”

“I see, haha.” Ezekill let out an awkward laugh.

Oh god, we're not made from that! Ezekill said.

“Do you like it too? Do you find it fascinating how we work?” Yvonne said.

Ezekill slowly nodded, controlling the urge to blow her misconception. Yvonne shifted her attention to the Professor. The Professor discussed earth, he said something like a mortal body made from dirt.

Ezekill, pretending to listen as he controlled his urge to start a debate.

Ezekill learn your lesson, hold your annoyance. He talked to himself.

“What a bullshit!” Ezekill said.

“What?” the professor said.

Fuck you Ezekill. He talked to himself again.

“I mean look at that bull's shit! haha so big.” Ezekill let out another awkward laugh.

“Oh please, don't get distracted, it will be in your first exam.” the professor said.

Wew, glad there was a bull-cow outside. Ezekill said.

The ground erupted as the earthen hand erected above ground, and caught the escaped livestock. A mage in brown robes outside showed relief and walked away with the cow. Ezekill showed relief at the same time with the brown mage who let his livestock escape.

Time passed by and the noon bell rang, the class was dismissed, Ezekill's expectation about the subject was thrown off. He was expecting that biology was a lot better here than his old world’s history, but it was almost the same or way worse. Ezekill won't be surprised when the mortality rate of surgery was high. But then again, these people relied on magic; perhaps there was no need to do surgery.

Ezekill took notes despite, the education was wrong, and outdated. He doesn't want to fail the subject but he'll forget every misconception he learned after things pass. Ezekill could correct this, after all he's a modern man who had lived in the Cenozoic era on earth, he could accelerate the technology of this planet without relying on magic. It's possible with the Guide, the Guide was capable of digging his memories; therefore with his vast knowledge, he can. He used the Guide to erect the speed of light formula beneath his brain, with that he made his 'real' lightspeed magic. But he decided not to since the chaos would be unpredictable, and it would be better for them to discover on their own. Unless something forced his hand to unleash it.

Anyways the goal was to get stronger, and let's keep it that way, for now. Ezekill cleaned up his desk, moving the notes back inside the bag. Yvonne was offered lunch by Ezekill but she was a dedicated student, she politely declined his offer she had another class after this. Ezekill and Yvonne went their separate ways. Ezekill was starving, he walked the halls to the canteen.

[NOTICE: New update, the shop is now accessible. Emergency command code: Open shop, buy item/skill plus name. Will automatically be purchased and generated.]

[Would you like to open the shop? Y/N]

What the? New update? Ezekill thought.

“Yes,” Ezekill whispered.

[ Exclusive Shop ]

[Current LP: 110LP]

[ Armor ]

Chainmail - 10 LP

Iron Armor - 10 LP per piece

Steel Armor - 25 LP per piece

Mithril Armor - 100 LP per piece

Adamantium Armor 300 LP per piece

Plates of Rebuke - 2000LP

There were different kinds of items that were shown in the interface, it had weapons of different quality, such as Iron of Hell, Blizzard Inferno and so on. There were also gems in the shop, accessories, magical earrings and such. But there were other items that caught his attention. Different kinds of ingredients, various elements, chemicals, and some of them were magical or the name suggested. Ezekill was curious but first he must eat.

Ezekill made it through the canteen, he got inside. The canteen looked elegant, everything was built in marble, four chandeliers hanging above with white glow stones attached to match the light atmosphere, as expected of an expensive school everything must look expensive. The place wasn’t busy, it only had a few students eating their lunch. He walked in front the counter, he checked the dishes inside a protective glass. He stared at the curious fish dish, it had many spices at the top of the fish dipped in orange colored sauce.

“I'd like this one please.” Ezekill said.

The staff took the fish dish, “That would be thirty silver.” The huge lady said.

“That's expensive, even the food.” Ezekill frowned.

“Yes, the spice is scarce, supplies are going down. The Ascion Kingdom put tariffs on Empire's goods coming in, you look like an intelligent boy I don't think I need to explain further. ” The lady said.

“Eh, I see things are really escalating, but Magnus should be exempted with those tariffs if you buy directly from the empire, right?”

“Yes, the other branch could order the goods from the empire but when it got inside the Ascion branch, the kingdom demands tariffs since mostly the spice comes from the empire.” The lady replied.

“So in short, Ascion is harassing the Empire's local products? I see.” Ezekill satisfied with the answer, he gave his money for the fish while worrying about the tensions between the kingdom and the empire.

I hope dad is doing okay, I hope mom isn't alone right now. My sister too, I hope everyone is well. Ezekill thought.

Ezekill sighed as he picked a table, and sat on the chair. The hot sweet aroma got inside the nostrils of Ezekill and made him dig in the dish. Ezekill's eyes shone the perfect combination of sweet and sour melted in his taste buds. Its tangy and bright flavor was brought out even further by the distinct tastes of vinegar and bell pepper. The lunch was satisfying, the food was tasty, it's definitely worth its price tag.

[Congratulations! You earned 5LP!]

Ezekill took the plate, and tableware he brought. The lady smiled, Ezekill bowed his head and told the lady that the food was amazing. He could eat some more, he still got a lot of money that Rudolf gave but he decided not to be a glutton and give his stomach some room for movements if needed.

Being complacent would be his biggest mistake, but Ezekill was on guard for years since that day. It tends to crack if you relax for a bit so Ezekill always peeled up his eyes.

It was curious for Ezekill why the nightmare didn't make any moves, maybe perhaps it was slain, but the mark was still on his neck. He discarded the thought as he walked.

Ezekill still had the spare time before his next class started, so he was going to visit the library as planned.

Ezekill had gone to his gentle stroll, a legion of students marched out of the opposite side. Most of the students had a curious look at his golden gauntlet then glanced at his majestic Crystalis towards his pendant. They gossiped, Crystalis and his golden gauntlet made him stand out. The students who blocked the path deliberately moved away, what was that he wondered. He felt an odd feeling that the students were avoiding him when he glanced back. For a few seconds he shoved the useless thought away, and he arrived at the library.

Ezekill touched the crimson ruby door, he remembered something from the books he read that was the type of wood that dispels magic. Blood Arkwood that's native to Ascion this wood comes from a species of tree occurring across the bloody grove tree. Also known as forest protector as it fights off invasive weeds, fungos and so on with its mana.

Also was expensive as hell since the forest it grows was infested with different monstrosities.

Ezekill moved back and thought of testing its dispel ability, but he changed his mind; it would surely attract trouble if he did. He got inside as he jerked the door open.

He had entered the library through its large crimson red doors. He took the first step in and looked around. He could see one of the staff who was sitting behind the counter, a diverse assemblage of students sitting with friends studying. There were two huge windows at the back of the library that gave a magnificent, outstanding look, while also bringing in a powerful light into the library. Blood Arkwood trees and plants also stood in almost every corner of the library, it was there to protect it from pests eating the tomes, and scrolls while also giving it a unique and beautiful look. The mountain of shelves had deep carving into it, Ezekill recognized the carving it was runes. From his guess it was probably an additional protection for the thousand of books, tomes and scrolls.

The carpet was made of thick comfy fur so the sound of people walking by won't disturb the focused students sitting in the library. The books were well organized in alphabetical order, it made it easier for the students to find a specific book, and not waste their time looking for it. The different wooden pieces in the library, each one was made for a different purpose, a high table with its high chairs for the comfort of the Orcs who were studying.The wide chairs near the huge windows for whom who like to read with a natural light coming from the windows, along with other diverse pieces of furniture were present there each one serves and important duty.

He looked up at the second floor seeing another set of shelves that books found itself home. The atmosphere of the magnus library was different. Ezekill could feel the residue of mana just by walking in, the powerful mana of magic coming from the laying codex on the shelves that want to be read. The antique smell of the pages of ancient tomes, the untouched books lying on the shelves, the smell of the dust coming from these books. The smell of cologne and perfume of the students walking next to Ezekill. The smells mixed together made the library full of life but quiet.

Ezekill roamed the library, trying to find the materials he was looking for. Before he could feed his curiosity, a ghastly appearance manifested inside his peripheral vision. It was floating, it's feet didn't touch the floor. He gasped, Ezekill drew his Crystalis preparing for an engagement.

It turned its mouth stretched, lifted teeth were visible. The pale flesh in ghostly blackrobes smiled, the bones on its left cheeks were visible, burned scar on its right cheeks. Ezekill didn't bother to appraise its stats as he knew it would only come up with question marks. He gripped his Crystalis tightly, the Crystalis shrinked into shortsword and the environment was a tight space. Ezekill demanded the Crystalis to modify itself; it complied, with this the Crystalis was easier to swing.

The pale horror held a book close on its chest, it opened its mouth trying to converse with Ezekill.

“How may I help you?” The pale horror asked.

When the ghastly bone opened its mouth Ezekill saw it as a threat, his forehead furrowed, thinking that it was about to cast its deathly magic. Ezekill duck to the side, eluding its aggression. Ezekill gone into plow stance, and striked above its boney jaws. The pale horror moved its head sideway to its right, puzzled.

“Wai-” before it could complete its word, it was struck by him.

Ezekill followed his next attack, striking downwards diagonally. He slashed its cheeks, it cried in pain, its cheeks burned smoke visible coming from its wound. The pale horror gazed at Crystalis, wondering how it managed to damage its skin. It concluded that the sword Ezekill wields wasn't ordinary. Crystalis' fuller manifested a rune, the rune shone in orange light.

“You’re not him, are you his companion!?” Ezekill howled.

“Doesn’t matter, I won’t be taken down easily, you won’t have my Arcane core!” Ezekill yelled.

Ezekill stampeded towards the bone undeath, Ezekill did a high guard and slashed downward. The pale horror dropped the book it held and defended itself by casting slow on his strike, a purple magic circle appeared on his hands and flashed a purple light. Ezekill was three times slower than normal, Ezekill noticed and countering it by buffing himself with velocity manipulation, his speed was back to normal with the ‘slow’ debuff on him. The horror gasped as the kid knew how to manipulate time, no it wasn’t magic, it didn’t see Ezekill casting the buff it was his inherent ability. Scary it thought. It sidestep, and Ezekill redirected his slash on the side he evaded to follow it, not allowing it to escape. His face was scary. He was determined to slay him, does he hate undead? But he mentioned something about his Arcane core: no undead were brave enough to violate such law, even undeads that didn’t serve the Eternal King. Even the pale horror. It was confused, puzzled if there were such undead to do such crime then it would hear it even in the crimeworld, not even the so called undeath king escaped the agents of Eternal King, he was brutally punished after he was caught harvesting Arcane Cores.

It caught Crystalis as it flew towards its face, he gripped the blade its hands were burning.

“Calm down boy, I’m not a Nightmare.” It spoked, but Ezekill was stubborn just like in his previous life.

Ezekill didn’t hear its plea, Ezekill yanked with all of his strength. The pale horror removed his hands and Ezekill fell down with his own force. It looked at his burned palm, it growled in agony. It floats away from the secluded zone of the library, its arms wide open as the natural light hits its face.

“Look, I’m fine in the light, I’m just a dead guy not an otherworldly Nightmare.” It said.

Ezekill stood up and turned to the pale horror, “Calm down, ok-” It was interrupted again, as it was hit by Light Bullets. The pale horror was pushed back towards the Blood Arkwood, it groaned. The explosion caused tremors inside the library. Ezekill fired another magic, the pale horror retreated behind the Blood Arkwood tree. The tree glowed blue, a barrier-like disk appeared in front and blocked his magic.

The commotion alerted everyone including the staff, Ezekill was too focused on it his vision narrowed only towards the pale horror. He cast another magic but it was stopped by the staff, his circle was interfered by them, it shattered like glass.

“Sir are you okay!?” The staff worriedly said.

“Bind him!” The other staff said.

Ezekill was tied and held to the ground, the lich removed himself from the tree. Burnt marks were all over his body, most of the staff don’t know how to heal undead. “I’m fine, it’s just a scratch.”

Ezekill sat on the ground, the spectators grew, every student that was studying in the library stopped and spectated. The staff told the student to back off and go back on studying.

A few minutes later, “So, are you calm now boy?” It asked.

“I am Darby, and Liches are often mistaken as Nightmares so no hard feelings about it. I’m curious, most of the people would run away if they see something that resembles a Nightmare. Yeah I know it’s my fault for wearing ominous clothes but I like black. So I want to ask, why are you so eager to fight?”

Ezekill was silent for a few seconds then he replied. “It’s me or the Nightmare, I was marked, so I thought any time it would come for me. So when I saw you, it was dumb to hesitate.”

“So why are you alive? If you’re marked then surely it would come at you persistently, then that means you kept fighting Nightmares as your life depends on it. Is that it?” Darby asked.

“No, I didn’t. But I expected for it to come but it didn't. I was marked years ago and prepared myself for the inevitable.” Ezekill replied.

“Curious,” Darby touched his head. Darby’s magic circle appeared and scanned Ezekill’s body.

“You’re really marked, I think I can remove it for you.”

Ezekill nodded, finally Ezekill was free from it, he showed a smile, the corners of his mouth turned up. Darby cast remove curse, magic circle manifested, Darby frowned. “The caster of this mark is so strong that I couldn't remove it. if I would guess the Nightmare who marked you, is a Shade Lord.”

“What?” Ezekill’s mouth widened, “Shade Lord?”

There’s no way Ezekill would forget even if he did Guide would bring it back up. That only means that it was also getting stronger.

“It got strong, it was only a Greater Nightmare when I fought it back then, but even then it was strong.” Ezekill gasped, his fear was clear as day.

Shit, I thought I was fast enough with my growth but it was faster. He panicked.

Darby told the staff to untie him, Ezekill put his hands on his face. Darby stared at him worryingly as his student was in grave danger.

I have to keep my pace up, he thought.

“I’m sorry Mr.Darby, I’ll accept any punishment.” Ezekill stood firm, and bowed his head and apologized.

Darby smiled, “I accept your apology, and that won’t be necessary. I also apologize for interrupting your research, if I have to guess again you’re here to research about nightmarology.”

“No, I actually was here for books about ingredients for Alchemy, like blackroots and books about Alchemy itself.”

“I see, I’m the head librarian and I can help you with that. Wait here.” Darby said, Darby floats to the second floor of the library.

I can’t believe I got away with assault that easy, that was wrong of me attacking him without investigating further. Ezekill thought, again his hastiness almost cost a ‘life’.

Ezekill sighed, Darby returned and gave the books he wanted. Ezekill bowed his head thanking him, Darby responded with a smile and resumed on his duty while Ezekill sat on the chair near the windows.