"The ghost is still here."

"He's been here for weeks. I wonder what he's thinking about."

"Perhaps he's a new mage eager to prove himself. He started from the first floor and now he's on the third… do you think he actually read all the books?"

"If that's true, that's too freaky."

The library was filled with murmurs and fingers pointed at a figure so immersed in his own world that he didn't notice what was happening around him.

By now, it had been almost a month since Nova entered the library and started reading.

At first, Deborah didn't think much of it and hung around, but as an hour turned into two and two into three, Nova showed no sign of stopping, so she excused herself.

In her head, she thought she would show him more of the campus the next day.

What she didn't expect to happen was for Nova to wave his hand at her as if to shoo away a buzzing mosquito, without even turning his head.

With no other choice, she left to take care of her business for a few hours, and when she came back, he was still reading, uninterrupted for an entire day.

Days passed with her checking up on Nova to see if he needed anything, but the more time went by, the less he seemed to notice her.

Since then, the mages on campus had even started rumors about him being the ghost of the library, as he never left, not even to sleep.

And why would he?

Within the portals, trial takers had no physiological need to sleep or eat. The only reason one would do so was when they had overused their mental stamina, and closing their eyes greatly enhanced its recovery.

That's exactly what Nova did.

Every three days, he would close his eyes for an hour before resuming his studies.

Despite this insane routine, in the end, it paid off.

In the section open only to rank eight mages.

Thud.

Nova placed the book in his hands, "Diary of the 11th Tower Master", back on the shelf and murmured,

"This is the last one."

He stood there, motionless, his mind buzzing with activity as he savored the moment.

The library contained every piece of magical knowledge in the world, from enchanted weapons and rare herbs to magical beasts, spell tiers, and even the origins of magic itself.

His time here had been anything but wasted. Many of the questions that had plagued him until now were finally answered, though, in turn, many more had emerged.

'I never would've thought saying the name of the spell would increase its potency…'

Lost in thought, Nova walked toward the exit under everyone's stunned gaze.

When the librarian saw this, she snapped out of her daze.

"I need to inform Miss Deborah."

Meanwhile, Nova glanced over the campus, inhaling the fresh air around him as he calmly flipped his right hand over.

A fireball the size of a tennis ball appeared in his palm, heating the air around it.

'I can barely feel any mana being used now, and the strength isn't too shabby compared to before, but…'

He flipped his other hand and muttered.

"Fireball."

A fireball three times larger formed in his left hand, instantly raising the temperature around him. The floor beneath his feet began to glow red-hot as the flames burned harmlessly in his palm.

If he had done this near grass, it would have already caught fire.

If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation.

'Indeed, it works. I couldn't try this inside, but it's at least three times stronger than the other one with the same mana consumption, and all I need to do is say a single word.'

His eyes lingered on the two fireballs hovering above his hands, searching for more of the mysteries hidden within.

'The books briefly mention something akin to intent, our souls synchronizing with our actions. By speaking the spell's name, the human brain locks onto the intended magic, amplifying its power although, for it to work, one must know the spell inside and out. Whoever discovered this must've been a genius among geniuses. But… is there a way to strengthen magic even further?'

A flicker of solemnity crossed his face.

His thoughts drifted as he clenched his fists, extinguishing the fireballs just as Deborah hurried toward him.

"Sir, you're finally out of the library. Where do you want to go now?" she said, her breath hurried but without a trace of impatience.

Nova turned toward her and asked, "How many days have I been inside?"

Deborah caught her breath and promptly replied, "Twenty-nine days."

She didn't add how worried she had been that he wasn't getting any sleep or food.

'Twenty-nine days, huh… doesn't that mean the emperor abdicates tomorrow?'

"Has anything important happened during this time?" he asked quickly.

She thought for a moment before tentatively saying, "There's nothing new that happened in Vireah, but I seem to remember a new king being appointed in Lotra. I'm not too sure, I might have to ask around for the details."

The changes in Lotra, due to its status as a vassal kingdom, weren't strongly felt in the empire. Most of the time, even the princes who were more involved in politics didn't know every detail, much less Deborah, who had little interest in political matters.

After all, did it really matter if the person bowing to the empire changed?

The empire would still reap the same benefits without lifting a finger, so why bother.

"There's no need to ask about that," Nova said. "Rather, head back to the royal palace and tell Garran to ready himself."

"Father? Ready himself for what?" Deborah asked curiously.

Shaking his head, Nova said, "He'll know what to do. You don't have to worry."

She shot Nova a puzzled glance but ultimately nodded. After a few more pleasantries, she left.

Nova watched her go until she disappeared from his sight, then turned his attention toward Lotra.

"I should handle some matters too."

//////////

Knight Camp, Myra

The afternoon sun shone down on the camp, casting a warm, relaxed glow, that is, for anyone who wasn't training.

For the pages and squires hard at work, it was anything but relaxing.

Huff… huff…

Lopaz swung his sword again and again. His eyes seemed fixed on something specific as sweat soaked his army clothes, long since darkened with effort.

He swung ceaselessly, even as his arms trembled, until the strain made them feel heavier than two mountains. At last, he planted the sword in the ground and dropped to his knees, panting heavily.

"Alright, training is over for today. Go back and rest," the instructor's voice rang out.

But despite the official end, no one moved a step from their place. They continued swinging and thrusting.

"More."

As soon as the throbbing in his arms eased just enough for him to lift them, Lopaz immediately threw himself back into training.

It was only when the sun set and evening arrived that he finally lowered his sword.

His head tilted toward the starry sky as breath after breath reinvigorated his body.

"Lopaz!"

"Lopaz!"

At that moment, two shouts rang out.

Knowing who they belonged to, he smiled and turned his head toward Kale and Rey, who were tiredly waiting a few dozen meters away.

"Coming."

He slowly got up and walked toward them.

The three chatted along the way, joking and laughing to ease the strain of the heavy training they were undergoing to become knights.

"Did you hear? We might get another knight in our camp," Kale said.

Rey snickered. "Last time they said the same thing, but we only got a squire. Who even believes this anymore?"

Lopaz shrugged. "Better a squire than a p—"

He was about to finish when the three of them stepped inside the room, and his words caught in his throat.

The two waited for Lopaz to continue, but he didn't.

Turning their heads, they saw him staring blankly ahead.

"Lopaz? Why did you stop?" Rey asked.

With no reaction, Kale stepped forward and waved his hand in front of Lopaz.

Lopaz finally snapped out of his daze. He pointed a finger and stuttered, "Am I seeing things?"

"Hmm?"

Kale and Rey quickly turned their heads and gawked.

On each of their beds lay a set of Knight Empire armor along with a sword, the most expensive gear a person could acquire.

In fact, money alone couldn't even buy it, at least not through normal channels. Only third stage knights of the empire and above were officially eligible to possess it.

Next to each set, a large bag, seemingly filled to the brim, sat quietly.

"This?!"

Lopaz was the first to walk slowly toward his bed. As soon as he touched the bag, a clinking sound rang out.

Hearing it, his hands trembled as an idea formed in his mind.

He slowly opened the bag while Kale and Rey watched from behind.

Then, he saw it.

Gold coins filled the bag to the brim.

He couldn't even estimate how many there were.

For a moment, silence hung in the room, as none of the three knew what to say.

"There's a message!"

Kale was the first to notice it. His eyes scanned the room and landed on a note left on the bed of the person whose name had become taboo to speak.

Every time it was mentioned, a heavy silence fell, halting all conversation thus they slowly mentioned it less and less until it became a sort of taboo.

It had been months since they last saw that person, and they didn't even know if he was still alive.

Lopaz's head snapped toward the bed, and he scrambled to the message.

He unfolded it and read aloud:

"I left 40,000 gold coins and a set of Knight Armor for each of you.

That gold can allow you to live freely for the rest of your life, while the Knight Armor will make your dream of becoming knights safer.

You can choose what to do but, whatever you pick, don't regret it.

P.S. Even if you still choose to become knights, you won't be able to beat me.

P.P.S. When you become squires, go to Letto, he'll give you a good position."

Kale and Rey held their breath, unable to believe what was happening.

Lopaz's hands trembled as he clutched the letter.

"Nova…"

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