Chapter 29 - Library Visit
After finishing his meal, instead of returning to his dorm room, Leo began searching for the academy library.
His logic was simple—every academy had a library, and it was the safest way to gain insights into the world he found himself in.
While the fastest and easiest way to learn would have been to simply ask a fellow student, that approach carried far too many risks.
Revealing that he had memory loss, especially in a place like this, could get him flagged as a target.
And after witnessing how the poor guy in the canteen was humiliated and beaten for allegedly faking his background, Leo knew he couldn't afford to let anyone suspect his own ignorance.
Thus, the library was the safest solution.
It took him a while to find it, as the academy was vast, with sections sprawling in different directions.
But after a few wrong turns and a fair bit of aimless wandering, he finally spotted it—a grand, arched structure near the Mage-Craft division of the academy.
The Academy Library.
Stepping inside, Leo found himself in an expansive hall lined with towering bookshelves, stretching beyond what the eye could immediately perceive.
Dim, enchanted lanterns hovered between the shelves, casting a soft, steady glow, while the air carried the distinct scent of aged parchment and polished wood.
At the front, positioned behind a sturdy desk, sat an elderly librarian, his robes modest but neat, silver-rimmed glasses resting low on his nose as he skimmed through a massive tome.
His wispy white beard and sharp, observant eyes made him look like someone who had seen everything and forgotten nothing.
Leo hesitated, but before he could speak, the old man's voice cut through the silence.
"Boy."
The librarian gestured for him to approach.
Leo complied, keeping his expression neutral.
The old man studied him briefly, then adjusted his glasses with a tired sigh.
"While I'm pleased to see a first-year in here on the very first day, it's against library rules to allow students to enter without their academy uniform."
Leo blinked, glancing down at himself.
He was still in casual clothes, the same ones he'd been wearing since arriving at the academy.
"I'm assuming you're new and just unfamiliar with the rules," the librarian continued. "So I'll let it slide this once. But starting tomorrow—wear your uniform before stepping into my library. Understood?"
Leo gave a small nod. "Understood."
The librarian gave an approving grunt before folding his arms. "Now then, what kind of books are you looking for?"
Leo coughed slightly, feeling a bit exposed at the direct question as he did not want to make his memory loss obvious, and hence he tried to keep his request vague.
"I'm just looking around. I'll read anything that piques my interest—" he said, as the librarian wagged his finger in disapproval.
"There are over 47,000 books in this library, 12,000 skill scrolls, and an untold number of meditation manuals. If you think I'm going to let you aimlessly wander, you're mistaken.
You either come in here with a specific request, or I kick you out." The librarian said with finality, as Leo winced slightly at his words.
If possible, he did not wish to reveal that he was looking for general knowledge—especially knowledge that any normal person in this world should already know.
But it seemed he had no other choice.
"Sir, if possible, could you point me toward books on general world knowledge? Something that covers the social hierarchy? The Six Great Clans? How important they are? Basic things that everyone is expected to know?"
The librarian raised a brow at his request.
A moment later, he set his book down and rubbed his temples before muttering, "So you're one of the memory loss candidates, huh?"
Leo stiffened ever so slightly.
The librarian had figured him out immediately.
This was the third time someone had suspected a student of having memory loss within a single day.
It was beginning to make him wonder just how common people like him were in this world?
"Sir," Leo asked cautiously, "are students like me... common in this academy?"
The librarian nodded without hesitation.
"We get four or five like you every year. It's not unusual. Ever since the Mu Clan started sending out its scions with memory loss, smaller clans have begun copying the practice."
Leo frowned slightly. "Why do they do it?"
The old man sighed.
"The logic behind it is simple. When sending young heirs out into the world, it's best to erase their pre-existing biases so they can approach new knowledge with an open mind.
The Mu Clan pioneered this method because they didn't want their young to act unruly outside the clan, tarnishing their reputation."
The librarian shook his head with mild disapproval.
"But to be honest, the Mu brats were always well-behaved to begin with. The ones who cause the most trouble? The other Five Great Clans.
Yet, ironically, it's the most decent clan that's worried about its public image the most."
He scoffed lightly before waving his hand dismissively. "Doesn't matter. None of that is your concern."
Finally, he pointed toward a specific bookshelf.
"Shelf number 1221. Bottom row. There's a book titled Quick Guide to the Universal Power Scale.
That should answer at least half of your questions."
Leo glanced in the direction the librarian pointed before nodding.
"Thanks."
Without another word, he turned and walked toward the bookshelves.
Because if that book could answer half of his questions—
Then he would finally begin piecing together the truth behind the world he was trapped in.