Having obtained the first Spirit Rune, Shard naturally wanted to try mastering the Arcane Technique corresponding to "Gluttony." The doctor and others agreed with this idea, believing that even if a Circle Sorcerer's energy was limited and it wasn't possible to deeply understand and explore every Spirit Rune, mastering at least one Arcane Technique for each Rune was the usual practice of the Academy.
"The ways we acquire Sorcery and Arcane Techniques aren't limited to the expensive Saint Byrons Library."
Miss Annette said, gesturing with her hand:
"Tobesk City is one of the most important cities in the Old Continent, where countless Circle Sorcerers mingle, leading to a sizable black market and trading channels. You probably know that you can buy Relics from Old John, but in fact, we also have channels to directly purchase Arcane Techniques, Sorcery, and even some books that might grant Spirit Runes after reading."
She looked toward the bed where the doctor nodded, then Miss Annette took out paper and pen to write down an address, making sure Shard memorized it before using the flame at her fingertip to burn it:
"You can go to this place, the membership fee is 1 Gold Pound, and I think this shouldn't be too difficult for you."
"Yes, I've had a large income recently."
Shard said, thinking of yesterday's wallet and then remembering Sparrow's secret. He planned on discussing the Divination matter with Miss Annette alone after the meeting ended.
The address written by Miss Annette was for the "Black Raven Library," located in the Tobesk University District, very close to the apartment rented by Miss Luisa.
On the surface, it was a private library and club for university professors, requiring permission from the owner and payment of a membership fee to share the books inside.
But in reality, the Black Raven Library was involved in preserving and collecting knowledge related to Circle Sorcerers.
They had some knowledge of Mysticism themselves and opened it to trustworthy Circle Sorcerers who were introduced to them, but most importantly, they provided a platform for local Circle Sorcerers to anonymously trade books and knowledge-related goods.
There are many such places inside Tobesk City, forming various secret trading venues for Circle Sorcerers great and small, but this library had the best reputation, which is why Miss Annette recommended Shard go there.
"Remember to wear a mask and inconspicuous clothing. You can absolutely trust Old Man John, and our relationship with him is deep, so no need for such precautions. But it's different with the Black Raven Library; we're only considered regulars, so it's best not to reveal your identity."
Priest Augustus cautioned, and Shard meticulously noted the information, calculating how many Gold Pounds he should spend on knowledge.
He still owed the family cat Mia 10 Gold Pounds, which came from Lady Gawder's remittance he used to buy the already shattered Relic "Orb of Silvermoon." And with the tuition he owed his group amounting to 40 Gold Pounds, his debts now totaled 50 Gold Pounds. Yesterday's inheritance from Mr. Sparrow was clearly not enough.
Fortunately, he could pay back 20 Gold Pounds a month at the end of the month, and he had also saved some money last month, so his financial situation was actually not too bad.
After these matters were discussed, today's meeting should have ended, allowing Doctor Schneider to rest. But Dr. Schneider announced another matter that made everyone stay:
"Regarding the forged Philosopher's Stone, I haven't given up. Once I recover, I will take action again. At the Lakeside Manor, the 'Heart Collector' and 'Lady Lassoya' from 'Blood of Mercury' were killed, and the organization's leader, the 'Silver-Eyed One,' was severely injured.
I heard that the True God Church is truly enraged this time and might even summon a new Thirteen-Ring Sorcerer from the Papacy. Now is a good opportunity."
"Bill, those five credits are not worth it, don't forget the possibly existing 'Blood Spirit School'."
Priest Augustus advised, but the doctor shook his head:
"Of course, it's not just for the five practical credits. You probably haven't seen the Academy Bounty Notice; this task was posted by Professor Rogers from the Mechanical Academy. I want to learn a very important Arcane Technique from him, and this is an opportunity."
As a doctor with a talent for mental and dream abilities, belonging to the Mechanical Academy, it seemed he had been preparing for this for a long time.
"Besides, the 'Forged Philosopher's Stone' itself is very important. The Academy Bounty Notice only requires us to procure 3 fluid ounces, and we can keep the rest. Do you know the traits of the Keeper of Secrets Level Relic?"
He looked at the four people, Shard and Priest Augustus shook their heads, Miss Luisa thought for a moment:
"I once chose the elective course 'Dangerous Alchemical Replicas.' I remember, Keeper of Secrets Level Relic 'Forged Philosopher's Stone' is a red liquid substance, the most dangerous imitation of the Sage-Level Relic 'Philosopher's Stone.' It is said to have been created by a great alchemist during the chaotic times of the Fourth Era.
The Forged Philosopher's Stone cannot be touched directly because it is highly toxic, and if the imitation comes into contact with a real Philosopher's Stone, the forgery turns into clear water. Although a failure, it inherited some properties of a real Philosopher's Stone. An equal amount of 'Forged Philosopher's Stone' can be transformed into an equal amount of gold, but that would be a waste.
The most important property is..."
"The Forged Philosopher's Stone can act as an almost universal ritual material, replacing some impossible-to-find important ritual items.
For example, for a ritual to summon an Evil God, the 'Blood of Mercury' and Cultists who worship the Lord of the Blood Feast couldn't possibly gather the materials easily, so they must have used the 'Forged Philosopher's Stone.' This was the conclusion of yesterday's investigation by the association."
"The advancement of Circle Sorcerers requires ritual assistance. Low-rank Circle Sorcerers' advancement rituals use common materials, but I'm about to prepare to advance from Five Rings to Six Rings. Some materials can be smuggled from the New World, some can be bought from the Academy, but some materials are quite difficult..."
Dr. Schneider looked at the other four, and naturally, they had no reason to object anymore.
However, there was no rush; Dr. Schneider wouldn't know until Saturday whether he could recover. Until then, he could only spend his time reading in bed for the week.
"The end of this month is the exam week. Reading a few more books now might help you attempt to pass those theoretical courses' exams. Speaking of which, Doctor, how's your study of 'Aether Mechanics' going?"
The blonde writer joked, everyone else showing a smile. Only the doctor leaned back on the bed headrest with a sigh, not at all pleased with lying in bed the whole time, nor particularly fond of "Aether Mechanics."