Extraordinary Voyage
Chapter 91: The Belated Letter

Chapter 91: Chapter 91: The Belated Letter

The lights in the room were very bright, completely void of the darkness and gloom one might imagine.

Soft wool carpets covered the floor, thin curtains and decorative swords hung on the walls, predominantly in purple and silver tones, giving the room a very luxurious appearance.

There wasn’t much furniture in the room, just a large cherry wood desk against the wall, exuding a simple yet grand charm with a lustrous patina.

At first glance, it looked like stepping into a noble’s study, with not a trace of the mysterious world atmosphere. Simultaneously... Aiven’s Spiritual Sense did not detect any human presence.

Thus.

When he spotted a bulky figure in a dark robe sitting behind the desk, he was slightly surprised. Because, apart from that initial slightly piercing sound, his sharp senses didn’t detect that there was actually a living person in this room?

Nevertheless, the librarian of this library, even inside the room, wore a hood, wrapping even their hands tightly, making it impossible to see their true appearance.

As he needed a favor, Aiven didn’t dare examine the figure too obtrusively. He stepped forward and placed his carefully prepared application in front of the robed figure.

"Mr. Librarian, I would like to apply for library access." Aiven had already heard from Krell about the librarian’s quirks here, and he stated his intention without showing any sign of anomaly.

Clank... clank... clank...

A pair of slender hands, wearing black gloves, and dramatically smaller than their body, reached from the robe, picked up Aiven’s application, and unfolded it before their eyes. Whether it was an illusion or not, Aiven seemed to faintly hear the sound of gears turning from beneath the robe.

"Hmm, Mr. Aiven Galliot, right? Do you think there’s anything remarkable about yourself?" It was still that grating sound, like metal scraping against metal. After a casual glance at Aiven’s application, the robed figure carelessly tossed it into the desk drawer.

Aiven could bet that this guy hadn’t read anything beyond his name, but despite the casual attitude, he couldn’t avoid answering, even though Krell’s intel said nothing about this part.

"Uh... remarkable?"

What does remarkable mean? That I’m... actually a Wizard Apprentice? Even though Aiven wanted to gain library access, he wasn’t sure if revealing one of his biggest secrets here was appropriate...?

"Alright, I got it. So, you’re just a rookie after all..." Before Aiven could organize words to describe his strengths, he was quickly interrupted by the robed figure.

Without caring for Aiven’s reaction, the figure directly threw a piece of yellowed parchment onto the desk, bearing a line of somewhat mottled green ink, appearing very much like an aged antique.

"Go ahead, read the words on it."

Aiven focused on the words written on the paper but didn’t immediately comply with the request. Despite having not undergone systematic study, Aiven knew that words contained in mysticism books often carried unique magic power.

If he rashly read aloud the odd texts on an unknown antique, he might activate the power within, thereby inviting misfortune!

The text on the paper was a variant of a "Spiritual Text". Although more ancient than the common language spread in the Extraordinary World today, the changes were not significant, akin to the difference between traditional and simplified Chinese, not hindering Aiven’s ability to read it.

"Don’t aspire to know everything, or you will know nothing."

Eh, it was just a simple aphorism widely circulated, often seen in various ancient documents or even modern literary works.

Such an aphorism was unlikely to hide some bizarre meme because the greater the range or the longer the duration of a meme curse or similar magic effect, the higher the requirements for the caster’s abilities.

Unless possessing power close to that of a deity, one wouldn’t have the ability to perform such large-scale curses. Aiven didn’t believe such a powerful being would have time to play word games with him.

Looking up again at the robed figure, the shadow beneath the black hood showed nothing visible. Weighing his options, Aiven decided to read out the aphorism word by word.

Swish——

Fixating on the parchment, Aiven saw as he finished reciting the aphorism, it seemed as if green light was spilling from it. Yet, a shadow flashed and darted from beneath the black robe, snatching away the parchment without allowing Aiven to see any further transformation.

"Alright, the interview is over. You’ll be notified of the evaluation result within two weeks." With that, the robed figure waved dismissively, paying no more attention to Aiven.

Ever since Aiven learned that the "Shadow Library" housed a lot of mystical knowledge, he knew those who managed it, or the organization behind it, couldn’t be ordinary people. Otherwise, they couldn’t have maintained independence in such a place as the Royal Navy Academy, backed by the Kingdom.

Though displeased with the robed figure’s attitude, Aiven didn’t argue, merely nodded and turned to leave the room.

Thud——

The door closed, and the once bright lights gradually dimmed until they vanished completely. The robed figure’s posture stiffened, resuming its initial upright demeanor, leaving only an emotionless, cold mechanical voice echoing.

"Aiven Galliot, possessing explicit wizard aptitude, suspected to already have activated Spiritual Power, level being Intermediate Apprentice;

No evident school imprint discovered;

No academic achievements found under the corresponding name;

Suspected self-awakened Wild Mage;

Added to the Association’s preliminary membership assessment list, further background verification pending."

...

After submitting the application, he temporarily set aside a pressing concern.

The short training course soon officially commenced.

With fully militarized management, Aiven found himself back in the regimen of recruitment training; busy and fulfilling, he had no time to worry about anything else.

However, this lifestyle lasted only ten days before an unexpected episode disrupted it.

"What? A letter from the Royal Medical Society to me?"

Holding the envelope delivered to his communal apartment, Aiven finally recalled a matter he had nearly forgotten.

After all, it was an affair from more than four months ago.

Aiven, aboard the ship, had successfully produced sprouts and, in collaboration with Dr. Martin, the ship’s doctor on the Silver Wings, organized a series of methods to prevent and treat scurvy, submitting them to the society. It wasn’t until today, when Aiven had almost forgotten himself, that he surprisingly received this letter.

Opening the envelope sealed with a green vine-shaped seal, Aiven unfolded the letter.

"Executive Committee of the Kingdom Medical Society of the Phaletis Kingdom

Chairman: Duncan Douglas (Dean of Beckler Medical College, Hippocrates special-class medal recipient, Executive Committee Chairman of the Royal Medical Society, Chairman of the Pharmacist Association, Royal Family Life Consultant)

Esteemed Mr. Aiven:

I hereby represent all colleagues in the society to congratulate you on receiving one of the highest honors in the medical field, the ’Hippocrates Level 2 Medal’, recognizing your outstanding contributions to human medical and naval careers.

We have learned from Mr. Martin that you are now studying at the Royal Navy Academy. Subsequently, our staff stationed at New Inn Port will personally hand over your medal.

As the Chairman of the Pharmacist Association as well, I feel proud that the association has such a talented individual as yourself.

I have directed my assistant, Miss Lisa, to upgrade your pharmacist level. The public libraries of Pharmacist Association branches will be open to you, and you can purchase various raw materials from the association’s channels at discounted prices.

Sincerely, Duncan Douglas!"