Chapter 101: Investments (1/2)
Walking through the corridor that led into the restricted section of the library, Mike found himself passing by a large number of doors leading into small chambers that could only be individual study rooms. A few students were entering and leaving the rooms with piles of books in hand.
Eventually he reached an open passage marked 'Restricted Section Level One' and walking through, he felt a sudden wave of energy pass surround him. He quickly Appraised the area around the entrance and found another of the Portals of Inviolability he'd seen back in the Wyrport Adventurer's guild. He guessed that the portal must have checked his credentials somehow, and determined that he was allowed in.
Shrugging, Mike continued on into the section, and found himself in room filled with bookshelves. Cages containing other books lined the walls, where he guessed more valuable or dangerous works were kept. Not seeing any clear classification system like on the floor below, he simple started browsing.
The unsecured shelves seemed to contain more academic work than anything else. Little used and densely technical, these volumes were destined to collect dust until some student or researcher had a very specific need. Putting down a tome entitled ”Growth Cycles of Aqueous Ferns, Volume III,” Mike decided to try his luck with the locked up books.
Judging from the titles that were visible between the bars, these were more in line with what he was looking for. Low level Martial Arts manuals, semi-heretical treatises on religious topics, more complex crafting guides, and books concerning magic were all held there. Looking around for a few moments, he didn't see any clear indication of how to open the cages, nor any hint of one of the gray robed staff members.
Not seeing anyone who might be watching him either, he tried to pull one open on the off chance they weren't locked. A slight tingle of energy from his student ring seemed to pass into the metal of the cage, and it gently creaked open.
[I guess I have access to this section.]
He considered his options carefully, knowing that he will only have one more book to check out, unless he wanted to put one of the other two back, something he was tempted to do. However, he felt that his biggest weakness at the moment was a lack of general knowledge. As such, he didn't want to give up on his two previous choices, especially since he would be able to come back and get others at a later date.
Figuring that a better understanding of magic will prove critical in his later studies, he eventually selected a well-worn book titled, ”Foundational Magic Theory.” Judging from the three other copies left on the shelf, it was an influential work at this school.
His search done, Mike left the library, stopping only to check out at the desk in the basement level. He was given a stern warning not to damage any of the books, and to make sure to return them on time. With a casual wave to Rusilka, who returned it despite still being deep in her work, he climbed back up the stairs heading to the surface.
He made a quick pit stop at the Secondary Library to confirm his suspicions that they housed only leisure reading materials, before heading back to the dorm. The sun had already set, and judging from the clock tower, it was about dinner time.
Passing through the lobby, he saw the majority of the dormitory's residents sitting down to eat, so he went upstairs, dropped off his books, and returned. He sat next to Tal and Sera. Brenden was nowhere in sight.
[Must still be prowling around somewhere.]
The elf acknowledged him with a simple nod before returning to her meal. The Oracle seemed to have cheered up in the intervening time, and was chatting amicably with another female student.
As soon as he sat down, she waved over at him, ”Mike! Come meet Hannah. She's a student in the Finance Department. You should hear some of her theories about the development of magical goods in response to existing monopolies on magically gifted individuals.”
Relieved that she was no longer feeling upset, Mike took the time to get to know one of his neighbors. Hannah turned out to be the victorious gambler he's seen after the issue with the explosion from yesterday.
”Nice to meet you. I'm Mike, a new student in the Magic Department.” He said pleasantly while using Appraise on the new face.
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Hannah
Age: 17
Race: Human
Class: Financier
Title: Disciple of Avarice
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[Huh. I wonder what kind of skills a Financier gets. Also, what is with that title?]
She was dressed in a brown student uniform composed of an unflattering pants and jacket combination emblazoned with the emblem of a set of scales stacked with coins. Shoulder length purple hair framed an animated and energetic face.
Hannah gave him an appraising look, then flicked her gaze to Tal and Sera. ”Nice to meet ya and all, but I got to know, which of these girls is your lover?”
Sera who had been in the middle of drinking out of her cup, choked and ended up spitting water onto the table.
[Wow, a real spit-take. I thought that only happened in movies.]
”W-W-W-W-WE ARE NOT LOVERS!” Sera stuttered loudly enough to be heard throughout the room. Quickly realizing that she had become the center of attention again, she blushed furiously and shrank down in her seat, clearly embarrassed.
Tal merely gave the question a shrug before returning to her meal, as if she couldn't be bothered to answer.
Chuckling at Sera's antics, Mike replied. ”Neither. They are my trusted friends and companions.”
Hannah frowned. ”Come on, there's got to be more to it than that. Two girls living in the same room as a guy like you. There has got to be something going. Besides, you're a mage that got in here on recommendation, so you're probably going to be a big name in the future....”
Her mouth suddenly split into a mischievous grin. ”A girl needs to capitalize on the opportunities available. I don't suppose you're looking for someone to warm your bed at night, then?” She said as she leaned forward, one eyebrow cocked in a suggestive manner.
Sera threw herself between the two, knocking over her plate in the process. ”A-A-A-ABSOLUTELY NOT! I FORBID IT!”