76 Academy Library (1/2)

While everyone was calming down, Hurdo, Ania, and the other teachers all laughed. Ania stepped forward and shouted, ”Since there are no more challenges, we'll dismiss the crowd and let the students report to either their classes or the library for their rewards.”

Taking initiative, Oli hurried away with Yeter and Netra.

They quickly escaped the view of the crowd and slowed down. Yeter was all smiles as he looked to Oli. ”Oli, that was amazing!”

”Nah, I'm just lucky that I made a breakthrough after the tournament. To be honest, I don't think Karos could beat him, at least I'm not a hundred percent sure,” replied Oli, trying to act cool in front of his simple-minded friend.

”Don't lie!” Netra yelled, startling the two boys. ”If you actually tried, it would've been over in seconds.”

Understanding what she was hinting at, Oli shook his head. ”That's enough, I don't want to talk about that jerk anymore.”

”Oh, I know! How about we find out who can make it to the library first?” Without waiting for a response, Yeter took off into the distance.

Oli laughed and glanced at Netra, giving her a disappointed look. ”I thought I told you not to talk about that?”

”Why not? It's a part of you but you hide it. Otherwise, my mother will never believe me…” She mumbled her last few words, barely letting Oli hear them.

”Is that what this is all about? Why is that such a big deal?”

Suddenly, Netra looked away, trying to hide her shyness. If her fur wasn't there, Oli would see her blushing.

”What? Is it really so serious?”

”You don't need to know. But if my mom doesn't learn about your dark essence then I'll be in trouble,” replied Netra, still not looking back at Oli.

”Well, this needs to stay a secret or my clan could be in danger. So please, no more mentioning it around other people, okay?”

Finally, she met his gentle gaze and sighed, ”... Fine…”

”Thank you. Now, lets hurry to the library before Yeter makes a mess that we have to clean up.”

With a laugh, they both took off at top speed. Before long, the two of them found Yeter with Karos and some of the other students from the rankings. Though not everyone was there yet, most had already arrived.

In front of all the students was Vloz. He sat there quietly with his eyes closed. The world around him didn't affect his meditation at all, despite being around so many people and the noisy Yeter.

Not shutting up about how excited he was, Yeter rambled on about how he'd find a technique to rival Oli's Earthen Hammer art.

Both Oli and Netra pretended to listen, hoping that the other rankers would quickly show up.

Once the hour was up, everyone had finally reached the academy library. With all the rankers present, both novice and adept, it was time to receive their rewards.

Vloz's eyes opened, scanning the small crowd. ”You all know what you've been offered. Step forward now to receive it. Ranker number eight from the novice class, step forward.”

One by one everyone stepped in front of Vloz and explained what sort of cultivation technique or battle art they were after. He would then advise then where to find them on the first floor and let them pass.

Like clockwork, it soon became Yeter's turn, who anxiously bolted into the library, barely listening to Vloz.

Karos was next, but he was far more respectful to Vloz. He eagerly listened to Vloz's suggestions. Also, since he was ranked third out of the novices, he was told to go find his cultivation technique on the third floor.

”Next, Oli.”

Coming before the Blood-spotted Leopard, the young gorilla smiled. Curious what Vloz would advise him to take, Oli asked, ”You already know me, so what do you think would be best for me?”

”Thanks to your late father, you don't need a cultivation technique. Check the third floor for battle arts,” explained Vloz. ”While you're up there, help Netra find what she needs.”

Catching the hint, Oli turned around to see Netra. ”You heard him, let's head up to the third floor.”

The young fox smiled and nodded. ”Okay, I'll follow you.”

Together, the pair entered the library and were in awe of the design. Though Oli helped make the designs, he had never seen the finished construction till now.

There were rows of bookshelves with small signs all over to indicate where to find certain things. More bookshelves filled with scrolls or books lined the walls, wrapping completely around the cylindrical room. The colors they had chosen were emerald green and bronze, letting the large room feel more extravagant than any other part of the town.

On the far side, Oli and Netra saw a staircase spiraling along the outside of the room. That was the entrance to the second floor.