Adrian stared at the [Tech Core] notification in shock. ’Catalog?’
[Catalog: A skill that allows the user to record spell books and similar knowledge, storing it within the mind for later access or transfer to another individual.
[Note: Transferring cataloged knowledge does not grant the recipient the ability to use it without proper training. Exercise caution, as transferring to an inadequate mind may cause cognitive overload.]
Adrian’s initial awe soured into disappointment and some anger threatened to reveal on his face.
He had hoped for a skill to bridge his lack of a mana core, something to let him wield spells, regardless of how unrealistic it felt.
Instead, this was a tool for others.
’Great,’ he thought bitterly. ’I can hand out spell manuals I can’t even use.’
Still, the skill had potential. It wasn’t what he wanted, but it was better than nothing.
He selected [Yes], and the Ignis Decar spell book’s contents streamed into his mind. Unlike his usual assimilations, this knowledge didn’t fuse with his understanding.
It sat in a mental archive, clear but unprocessed, like a book he could read and slowly understand.
There was no strain on his brain after he had it in his head, which was a relief to him.
He could access the spell’s structure; incantations, mana flows, and gestures, but without a mana core, it was useless to him.
Undeterred, Adrian moved to the next spell book, Ventus Dominus, and cataloged it, then continued through the restricted section, slotting each spell book into his mental archive without adding strain.
By the time he’d cataloged them all, his mind felt oddly organized. He paused, scanning the sparse shelves for anything else, and his eyes landed on a familiar title: Compendium of Alchemical Ingredients, Volume 3.
He had read Volume 1 from the Year 1 library, and this was another step up. ’Volume 2 must be downstairs,’ he noted, deciding to grab it later.
He touched the book, and his [Tech Core] pinged.
[Assimilate ’Compendium of Alchemical Ingredients, Volume 3’?]
Adrian selected [Yes], bracing for the influx. A torrent of knowledge flooded his mind; hundreds of ingredients, along with their properties and preparation methods.
The sheer volume was staggering, causing a Adrian to marvel at how much ingredients were out there.
After he was done processing everything, he turned around and noticed that he was done with every single book there. He wished there were more, but Adrian was more than satisfied with what he had gained.
With no more books to assimilate, he headed downstairs.
The clerk at the staircase table raised an eyebrow as Adrian descended so soon, clearly expecting someone with all-access privileges to linger.
"Leaving already?" she asked in a skeptical tone.
Adrian nodded, and she conducted a quick search, her hands glowing with a detection spell to ensure he hadn’t pocketed any tomes. Satisfied, she waved him through. "You’re clear."
Adrian made a quick detour to the main floor, scanning the alchemy section for Compendium of Alchemical Arts, Volume 2.
He found it and assimilated it in moments before leaving the library with a promise to return later.
Adrian pushed open his dorm room door and was met with Karl sitting cross-legged on his bed, cultivating with a serene expression that looked out of place on his usually jovial face.
The moment Adrian stepped inside, Karl’s eyes snapped open, his calm shattering into excitement.
"Bro, I’ve been waiting for you forever!" he exclaimed, leaping to his feet. "I’m so glad you’re back. Now—"
"No, not happening," Adrian cut him off, already guessing Karl’s intent. He dropped onto his bed to rest a bit.
"But you said we could talk about a deal today," Karl pleaded sadly.
For days, he had been disturbing Adrian about using his cultivation array but Adrian never agreed for once.
Finally, Adrian had accepted, agreeing to discuss a deal today, but Master Von’s warning about dantian cracks had changed his mind.
"Master Von warned me about its disadvantages," Adrian said firmly. "I don’t want to risk wrecking your dantian. Just cultivate the normal way."
Karl’s eyes searched Adrian’s face, looking for a lie, but found none. He nodded reluctantly. "Okay, fine."
"Ask Master Von for more details tomorrow. He’ll explain."
Karl sighed, returning to his bed. "Alright." He paused, then grinned. "Still can’t believe you’re 2-Star already. I feel like I’m miles behind."
Adrian shrugged. "Apparently."
Karl’s eyes lit up with an idea. "You’re stronger and faster now, right? You dominated the drills today. How about a fight? We can hit the club center. No special gun, just you and me with classic weapons."
Adrian froze for a split second, considering the challenge. He was curious about his 2-Star strength, especially without his mana gun or Power Suit.
But Karl’s spear mastery was a problem. His experience would outmatch Adrian’s current skills.
’He’d probably win,’ Adrian thought. ’If I had the Phantom Flow Technique down, maybe I’d stand a chance.’
He shook his head. "I can’t fight you now."
Karl’s grin widened and he said teasingly. "Oh, wow. Scared, huh?"
"So what’s your excuse?" Karl pressed, folding his arms.
"I don’t need one," Adrian said flatly. "I’ve got plans tonight, so there’s no fight. That’s final."
Karl shook his head in disappointment. "That’s sad, man. When, then?"
Adrian didn’t think long. "Next time I’m free."
"Sunday! Let’s do it Sunday!"
Adrian opened his mouth to refuse, but Karl’s eager pleading wore him down. He reconsidered; by Sunday, he’d have practiced more Body Combat, even though he wouldn’t have gotten down the Phantom Flow Technique.
A spar could test his progress, even without the technique fully mastered. ’It won’t hurt to try,’ he thought. "Okay. Deal."
"Thank you!" Karl said, settling back into his cultivation pose.
Adrian sat on his bed, pretending to rummage through his bag as he pulled magic crystals and formation components from his [Inventory].
As he began setting them up, Karl’s eyes flicked open, catching the act and gasping.
"You liar! You’re still using it!"