A strange feeling came from within the mind, as if something was awakening.
Rod took a closer look.
Indeed, in the dream realm, the long-dormant Book of Knowledge suddenly opened its pages.
White pages fluttered noisily, and a peculiar white mist emanated from the flipping pages, surrounding it.
This guy finally woke up.
What a way to wake up.
Just as Rod was about to greet it, suddenly, a wild array of text appeared on the white pages.
"Hahahahaha, I have finally awakened, my soul has recovered much, and my spirituality has finally accumulated enough, foolish master, tremble, kneel before me, you shall see supreme wisdom, waha...uh!"
Out of nowhere in the dream realm, Rod jabbed a finger into the gap between the pages.
The wildly writing text flattened as if slapped down and subsequently disappeared.
Rod sneered, "Book, what are you talking about? I’m giving you a chance to rephrase that."
The Book of Knowledge trembled, and the text on its pages suddenly became much smaller.
"Uh, great master, the Book of Knowledge, just awakened from a long slumber, greets your arrival. My soul has significantly recovered, and my knowledge and abilities have greatly increased. Your humble servant can finally serve you better..."
Rod grunted and pulled out his finger.
"Isn’t this much better? Did you have to be poked? Didn’t your former dream masters teach you what manners are?"
The Book of Knowledge shuddered, its rumpled pages looking very unconvinced, and a line of small text appeared in the gap between the pages.
"Previous masters were noble, elegant, steady, strong, carrying the demeanor of human heroes, unlike you..."
The line of text flashed and vanished instantly.
Of course, with Rod’s current strength, it wasn’t difficult to see it.
But he didn’t fuss over it; his action was just to suppress the book’s arrogance to prevent it from misunderstanding its place and thinking itself the master.
"Alright, what has changed with you? Can you now reveal the secrets of the dream realm? When shall we go hunt the spirit realm monsters to help the god of rebirth, Heragotos, achieve complete liberation?"
The Book of Knowledge flipped a page, and its script finally became normal.
"My changes are indeed significant. Many forgotten pieces of knowledge have been recalled, and the costs and backlash associated with searching for new knowledge have been reduced. I am rejuvenated."
The script carried a faint pride, as this guy’s main feature was its quick forgetting of unpleasant memories of being confronted.
But as long as it wasn’t too much, Rod generally didn’t bother much.
"The hidden secrets of the dream realm aren’t related to my memory. If I rashly reveal a word, it might trigger a reaction from the Source, leading to a great terror."
Rod frowned and said, "So I’ll never know?"
"No, when the barrier of the dream realm is strong enough, we can discuss all secrets without fear of dire consequences."
Rod understood what the Book of Knowledge meant; it had also warned him before not to casually discuss ancient gods, especially their revered names, outside.
These unspeakable secrets seemed unable to be expressed in any form, lest adverse effects be triggered.
Only in certain environments could a part of the secrets be discussed limitedly.
For instance, the White Tower that exists both in the material and spirit realms.
Alternatively, special dream realms.
Rod could freely discuss ancient gods in these places, but it was very dangerous in the outside world.
Similarly, Rod could discuss some knowledge about the dream realm within the dream, but in the outside world, he couldn’t reveal anything about its existence.
This world was far stranger than he had ever imagined.
The Bishop from the Hero Church, who had once tested him with the "Will of Evil," might have been referring to more than just a theory.
Rod’s expression grew solemn, and he asked, "Can we start hunting now?"
The Book of Knowledge shook its pages.
"Wait, there are a few things I need to do first, and you also need ... uh, you seem to have become much stronger."
Rod flickered with spiritual energy, the strong waves spreading like ripples, far exceeding his previous power.
The script of the Book of Knowledge became lively.
"Already very close to Ninth Level Spiritual Power. My master wasn’t so useless after all. It seems you made quite an effort during my slumber."
Rod’s lips twitched, forgiving the book’s unfiltered words out of largeness of heart since it wasn’t intentional.
The Book of Knowledge stretched open its pages and stood up.
"Let me see what you’ve achieved during this time."
It ran out of the cabin.
"Hmm... Doesn’t seem much has changed, no new Fragments, the Soul Altar... Ah!"
The book seemed to be struck by lightning, standing frozen for a good while before new text appeared.
"The soul fragments of the Sun Ancient God? The Fate Ancient God’s soul fragments? How is this possible?"
"And so many powerful souls, how many monsters did you kill... My god, souls are nearly at 30 million."
The Book of Knowledge struggled to write for a moment, its wide-open pages looking like its astonished mouth.
Rod coughed and couldn’t help but laugh, "Not bad, huh? I just put in a little effort."
The book trembled as it wrote, "You... how did you do it?"