Chapter - 17

"So....it seems you've calmed." (Sano)

Rex frowned.

"What? You think I didn't see those rage filled eyes? Oh well....what's done is done....let's get started, shall we?" (Sano)

".....Haa...well? What should I be doing?" (Rex)

"Certainly not what you are doing now....do you even realize that the technique you are using is something way beyond what an Advanced Rank Enchanter is capable of?" (Sano)

"So?" (Rex)

"..." (Sano)

"..." (Rex)

"*Sigh*....how about we begin with what typical enchanters do?" (Sano)

"Why would I want to know that? Isn't it better for me to do my own thing? I just wanted to see the runes. See how they'll help." (Rex)

"You do know that what typical enchanters do is a result of thousands of years of research?" (Sano)

"..." (Rex)

"Fine." (Rex)

"You're like a five-year-old." (Sano)

"And you're a two-millennia-old dragon." (Rex)

"Enough. I'm starting my lecture." (Sano)

"Do teach me, o great dragon." (Rex)

Rex could see a vein bulging on Sano's forehead.

"Haa....Enchanters.... A typical Enchanter is one that assigns magical properties to what can be considered 'normal' or 'non-magical' equipment or items. Enchanters also have different schools within them. So do other Professions, obviously. Either way, my school focuses on two parts of enchanting; Battle Enchanting and Rune Enchanting. Rune Enchanting is a complicated process. It uses Runes, or a secondary written language recognized by the user, to imbue effects into something. However, as simple as it may sound, the process itself is, well, difficult. At least, for typical people. We'll get more into that later. Now, Battle Enchanting, heh, this branch of Enchanting refers to quick enchantments. A simple Fire buff added to a sword, or an Earth Aura added to armour. Each and every part of Battle Enchanting is...well...it requires a lot of skill and control. The reason for that is, well, as 'Battle' implies, this sort of Enchanting is for temporary and battlefield use only. Do you understand?" (Sano)

"Yeah. Basically, Permanent versus Temporary, right?" (Rex)

"...Yes. What you were doing was, well, a hybrid of sorts. It didn't involve Runes nor would it be temporary. You planned on 'blessing' a greatsword with the very properties of Fire." (Sano)

"What is wrong with that?" (Rex)

"Ugh. The reason you failed is because, well, you need to have a mediator to fuse two types of Manas. In this case, we can consider the sword to have Earth Mana while the Fire Mana is separate. What you did was trying to mix and fuse those two very different elements together. That, in itself, is extremely difficult to accomplish. How could you possibly expect to succeed on the first try?" (Sano)

"I see.....then what should I actually be doing?" (Rex)

Sano put his right hand inside the brown bag he was carrying. He removed something from it and handed it to Rex.

"A card? What's this for?" (Rex)

"The library's more well-restricted section. Study up on Runes. Once you're done.....we'll begin. As for Battle Enchantment lessons....you're already there. Instead of Infusion think of.....hmm....wrapping? Or perhaps sticking is a better word?" (Sano)

"If that is the way you teach people, I'd be surprised if any of them become even Intermediate Rank Enchanters!" (Rex)

"Hmph! How I teach is none of your business!" (Sano)

"........So says the teacher to the student.......*sigh*...Fine, fine! I'm going now." (Rex)

Rex walked in the direction of the exit of the scrapyard. As Rex left, Sano took a look around.

"As determined and talented as ever. *Sigh* The appearance of a Void Beast requires us to move up all our plans......I'm sorry, little King, but I have other matters to tend to. May the skies grant you a safe journey." (Sano)

Saying so, Sano's form contorted and instead of an old human, there stood a tall and muscular draconian with a pair of leathery wings protruding from his back. He took the skies and headed towards the mountains in the north.

At the city library....

Rex didn't have a lot of difficulties finding the library again, mostly due to the massive structure that it was housed in. However, getting there had been a pain. There was some sort of commotion in the city, something about a dragon and a large black creature appearing within the city. The commotion had brought Rex back to the matter that had been on his mind.

"The Dark Emperor...." (Rex)

"I'm sorry did you say something?" (???)

"Ah! Forgive me, ma'am. Are you the librarian?" (Rex)

"I'm in charge of them, yes. You may refer to me as Head Librarian or Miss Nuuhn" (Nuuhn)

Lost in his thoughts about what the future holds, Rex forgot that he was already inside the library, standing in front of the reception desk.

"Ah....well, Miss Nuuhn, can you please direct me to where you keep books on runes?" (Rex)

The half-elf lady frowned at Rex.

"Those books are in the restricted section. We can't have anyone just poking around and learning about Runes. You will require special permission or a library card which grants you access." (Nuuhn)

"Ah! Um, I have a card here..." (Rex)

"Oh, well then! Please present that beforehand next time, please. I'll have one of the assistant librarians bring you around. Please wait a moment" (Nuuhn)

"Ah, yes." (Rex)

'Must be massive to require assistant librarians...' (Rex)

"Ah, he's here. Young man, I'll have Assistant Librarian Nox show you to your section." (Nuuhn)

"Thank you." (Rex)

'Nox?' (Rex)

From the bookshelves behind the Head Librarian, a person walked out. He had a head full of flowing black hair which was reaching up to his waist, had black eyes, was 5'5" and had extremely pointed ears.

"Please follow me." (Nox)

Rex followed Nox through the various bookshelves, seemingly heading to the restricted section of the library.

'I wonder....' (Rex)

"You have been busy since you arrived in the city." (Nox)

"I'm sorry?" (Rex)

"*Chuckle* Come now, Guild Master, surely you recognized me?" (Nox)

"I wasn't entirely sure but, it's good to see you again, Nox. What are doing being an Assistant Librarian?" (Rex)

"Information." (Nox)

"Ah....you're running our Information Department from the inside of a library?" (Rex)

"It has its merits. That aside, I believe you are looking for information on some player nicknamed the Dark Emperor?" (Nox)

"Hmm...yes." (Rex)

"My, no, our subordinates are working on it. However, I have only encountered one Dark Emperor and that is in history books. Is he your target?" (Nox)

"They're the same person. The beta test was the past, this is the present." (Rex)

"I see....anyway...here's the door. You use the card and go downwards...you'll find that the sections are organized by subject...if what you say is true then another individual is also a potential danger....he was referred to as the Wandering King...perhaps we should-" (Nox)

"No need. That was me. Good job, Nox. I'll be expecting more. Also, contact Sarah. Tell her we'll need resources and a strong foothold. I'll see you in a bit. Take care." (Rex)

"......As you command." (Nox)

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Hey guys...

Some news. So my semester is coming to an end, therefore, this project (which I plan to continue writing), is to be kinda printed and submitted. This news doesn't affect you guys much....I think. Well, my original plan was to write up to 20 chapters and two side stories....ah well....

In other news.....I have completed (well editing is still left)....Side Story II! Now, I am faced with a small problem...SSII is something that isn't consistent with the current....well....timeline...so...I'm in a pickle and I want you to decide whether you want it now as it contains...well some spoilers....so uh yeah.....Vote for Selene now or Vote for Selene later!

Ciao! Adios! Alvida!

Author Out!