CHAPTER 371: CHOOSING REWARD

Slowly, Orion’s breathing evened out, his eyelids gradually closing as exhaustion fully claimed him.

The quietness of his room surrounded him like a comforting embrace, providing a peaceful sanctuary after the intense mental and physical trials he’d endured for what felt like years to him.

***

As the first gentle rays of dawn broke over the horizon, the city of Thunderpeak began to awaken. The sky was painted in delicate shades of soft oranges, purples, and red—a beautiful combination of colors heralding the arrival of a new day.

Orion, refreshed and resolute, stepped calmly into his luxurious obsidian carriage waiting outside the grand entrance of his residence with Lucan and Edgar.

The polished black surface gleamed softly under the warm glow of the rising sun, accented by intricately engraved silver runes that shimmered faintly.

The carriage, exuding elegance and quiet authority, awaited Orion’s arrival, drawn by a pair of majestic horses.

Edgar opened the carriage window, gesturing for Orion to head inside. Orion entered smoothly and settled comfortably onto the plush cushions while Edgar took his seat opposite him.

A thoughtful expression filled his handsome face as he gazed out the window, observing the bustling streets and waking citizens.

Lucan swiftly got into his position and smoothly began the journey toward Thunderpeak Royal Academy.

The only people on the streets were the students going toward the academy or the nobles going to and from their estates.

Orion’s obsidian carriage moved gracefully through the calm streets, effortlessly drawing attention from bystanders, whispers and curious gazes following his elegant conveyance as it had been a while since he last came to this area of the city.

Inside, Orion sat quietly, his mind brimming with plans. His previous conversations with Continuum and the other Legacy Holders echoed within his thoughts.

He understood clearly that he needed to act swiftly and decisively. His world stood precariously close to an inevitable confrontation with the Demons, and Orion realized that the people he needed and wanted to protect were increasing.

His fingers drummed lightly against the armrest, his expression calm yet resolute. ’I should head there now. I’ve delayed it long enough,’ he murmured inwardly, solidifying his immediate goal.

Lumi’s voice gently resonated within his mind, cheerful and supportive as always:

[I’m sure you’ll find what you are looking for, Master! The academy has all sorts of knowledge. (๑•̀ㅂ•́)و✧]

Orion smiled inwardly, nodding slowly in agreement. ’Indeed. I heard from Arya that it’s there. Now about time I go and check it out.’

Soon, Orion’s luxurious obsidian carriage rolled smoothly to a stop before the grand gates of Thunderpeak Royal Academy.

The towering iron gates, engraved with intricate symbols depicting the academy’s glorious history, stood proudly in the morning sun, emanating a dignified air.

As Orion calmly stepped out of the carriage, Edgar offered a respectful nod, while Lucan gently steered the horses and carriage to the side.

Orion straightened his robes and approached the massive gates, showing his student badge to the guards standing watch. Recognizing his identity, they immediately opened the gates without question.

Upon stepping inside the academy grounds, Orion paused briefly, noting that the once bustling pathways were unusually calm.

Students still walked the paved walkways, but their numbers were noticeably reduced—many undoubtedly busy preparing for the upcoming second round of tests.

Orion shook his head slightly, feeling a faint pang of nostalgia. He moved forward, his footsteps quiet yet steady onto the familiar path toward the academy library.

He had no intention of heading toward the garden to meet with his friends today, knowing they were likely resting after their recent return from the Small World.

Arriving at the immense, imposing library building, Orion ascended the wide stone steps leading to the grand entrance.

Inside, a counter was placed at the center with stairs on the right leading upward and another door on the left leading to the books and reading area of the first floor.

Orion calmly approached the librarian’s counter, noting immediately the presence of an elderly man he hadn’t encountered before.

The librarian had a neatly trimmed gray beard and sharp, wise eyes that scrutinized him with mild interest.

With politeness, Orion nodded respectfully before speaking, "Excuse me, I’m here to collect my reward for the Entrance Test. I was promised three books from up to the third tier." He placed his student badge gently onto the counter, waiting patiently.

The elderly librarian lifted his brows slightly, carefully taking Orion’s badge and examining it closely with his own.

After a brief inspection, he nodded approvingly, "Ah, Student Orion, you could have come earlier to get these. Anyways, what exactly do you want?"

Orion paused thoughtfully, recalling the Vice Dean’s exact words before responding, "What can I get exactly? If I remember correctly, the Vice Dean said I can select three spells from up to the third tier."

Hearing this, the librarian chuckled softly, shaking his head, amusement twinkling in his wise eyes. "He meant three books, not exclusively spells. But to ensure all students, even the less bright ones, understood the reward, he simplified it to ’spells.’"

Relieved at the broader selection, Orion released a quiet sigh of relief and quickly adjusted his choices, responding clearly, "Then, could I get the highest-level book available about the Light Element, the strongest available Tier 9 Light Element spell, and finally, the best book on Runic and Mana Circuit Theory?"

The librarian’s interest visibly grew, his eyes twinkling appreciatively. "Oh? Quite the interesting choice of books you’ve requested, Student Orion. Very well." The elderly man rose slowly, moving into the library’s deeper recesses.

After several quiet moments, the librarian returned, carefully carrying three glistening memory crystals.

He gently placed them before Orion on the polished counter, his expression serious yet approving. "Here you are. These memory crystals were necessary due to the sheer amount of knowledge being too vast to record in ordinary books."

Gesturing toward one of the crystals, he elaborated, "This particular Tier 9 Light Affinity Spell is called Heavenly Radiance: Divine Purification. It summons a massive, radiant pillar of divine light capable of purifying evil beings or lands. However, it demands a significant amount of mana. Be cautious when learning and using it."

Orion reached out, carefully taking the crystals into his hands, feeling their subtle warmth and potent aura of knowledge. With a respectful nod, he expressed his gratitude, "Thank you very much for your help."

The elderly librarian chuckled softly, waving his hand dismissively, amusement and approval evident in his voice, "No need to thank me, young man. I’m merely curious to see how far you’ll go."

Orion smiled politely, turning away from the counter with determination burning steadily in his chest.

He placed the memory crystals back inside his inventory and turned around to head toward the exit.

His thoughts raced as he contemplated what he should read first after returning back home.

Lumi’s gentle, enthusiastic voice chimed within his Sea of Consciousness, carrying a tone of excitement and curiosity,

[Master, that Tier 9 Light spell sounds incredible! Even though it doesn’t seem like an offensive spell, it’s still a good start. (๑•̀ᴗ•́)و✧]

Orion lightly smiled and nodded. ’Yes, and I didn’t get this to learn but instead to learn about the formation of Light spells. I want to see how to make them so I can create my own offensive Light spells if they are so rare.’