Book 3: Chapter 263: The Serene Library

After receiving the acknowledgment of the three Named Ones, Sylutia returned from the island atop the tall tower. Although she had only been there for half a day, it felt like a lifetime had passed. Positioned high above the cloudsea, the place naturally carried a sense of detachment and distance from the mortal continents below.

Upon returning, Sylutia organized her thoughts and adjusted her original schedule. For some time to come, she would likely need to frequently visit that tower top above the skies to attend lessons. Fortunately, with that "Key of the Moon," she could easily reach it from anywhere within the Mage Alliance, without being limited to Tetis College.

Afterwards, she went to visit Sage Aitos, the Dean, and informed him about meeting the three Honored Ones today.

"I already know." The other party nodded slightly, then paused in thought.

"Although the outcome was somewhat unexpected, 'Tetis College' and the 'Mithril Clock' school will always be your solid backing."

Sage Aitos looked at Sylutia with complicated feelings. He never imagined that the successor he had nurtured for so long would now be heading toward the "Origin Hourglass" side. Although nominally she would be studying under both schools, considering time and energy, it would be difficult to achieve a perfect balance between them. On the 'Mithril Clock' side, there was still Amelie present, so most of the affairs and decisions that would have been entrusted to Sylutia would likely be transferred to Amelie instead.

The nature of her official position would naturally cause Sylutia to gradually gravitate toward the 'Origin Hourglass' in the future. Aitos could clearly perceive the long-term impact this change would bring.

The two then exchanged a few more brief words, after which Sylutia brought up the matter concerning Amelie.

"Could we gradually allow Amelie to move out of the library and live a normal life? Remaining in that isolated place forever isn't good for her."

"This... let's take it step by step." Aitos thought for a moment and didn't oppose the idea, but remained very cautious.

Before Hedra appeared, the several Sages had treated Amelie's education with both great importance and extreme care. They supervised one another, only teaching this young girl pure knowledge and skills. When it came to matters involving worldviews and values, they were exceptionally cautious, like carving a perfect work of art, preferring to make fewer strokes rather than risk any mistake.

"Conveniently, for some time ahead, both of you will be studying under the Honored Ones. You can ask for the three Named Ones' opinions on this matter." He and the other Sages could never convince one another, so they had continuously postponed Amelie's education on worldly good and evil. Now he could simply hand this difficult problem to the Named Ones, who possessed greater experience and insight.

"I understand." Sylutia nodded.

After ending her visit, Sylutia left. Before long, Da Vinci arrived at the office, and the two began discussing the day's events.

"I never expected the Honored One to summon her so quickly." Da Vinci walked to a corner of the office, skillfully located the tea storage, and began brewing a cup.

One had to know that the Dean's stock was all of extremely high quality. If he had to buy such expensive, premium tea himself, Da Vinci couldn't afford it. So every time he came over, he'd mooch a cup. Fortunately, the Dean turned a blind eye to this and never said anything.

Hedra and Amelie were indeed outstanding, but precisely because they were too outstanding, they were somewhat overcautious and reserved, unlike disciples like Da Vinci who could be more casual.

"This was to be expected. Ever since she became famous as the stationed mage of Mishil District, the accumulation of her 'Secret Word' Aspect has accelerated dramatically. It won't take much time for her to reach the Fifth Tier."

"Speaking of which, when are you planning to advance?" Aitos rarely teased this disciple of his.

"As for me, I'm still far from it. You should know about the genius from last cycle, Master—Norez entered the Fifth Tier at 30, which already shocked quite a few people. My talent is slightly inferior to his, so I'd be satisfied to advance at 31." Da Vinci yawned and shook his head.

"Why must you always use Norez as your benchmark? He was too obsessed with perfection back then, preparing extra things for advancement and studying several secret arts, which delayed him by two years. Otherwise, with his strength, advancing at 28 might not have been impossible." Aitos shook his head.

"28, tsk tsk." Amelie sat down on the sofa holding a teacup, adding sugar and stirring while replying with half-closed, sleepy eyes.

"Too much effort. You can't do it. Also, I agree with his approach. If it were me, I'd probably wait until everything was fully prepared before advancing—no rush." After speaking, she put down her spoon and took a sip of the sweetened black tea.

Seeing her like this, Aitos sighed as well, knowing that further urging would be useless. In truth, before Hedra appeared, he had been quite satisfied and proud of Norez and Amelie. Having such geniuses grow in the academy was not only a point of pride for the apprentices themselves, but also a comfort for the professors and instructors.

But then Hedra appeared as such an overwhelming benchmark, and the students who were once pearls and gems in their eyes now felt like ordinary stones, losing that sense of delight.

Humans truly are so easily discontented. Aitos gazed into the distance beyond the window. If ten years ago, he had known that within the Tetis College under his leadership, an apprentice could enter the Fifth Tier at 30, it would probably have become a talking point he could boast about among the Sages for several years. But now...

Aitos was actually already quite accomplished. While he didn't have Norez's drive and strict self-discipline, he had broad interests. In the breadth of his expertise and mastery, he actually surpassed Norez, the previous chief apprentice. The two each had their own strengths.

Moreover, based on their current progress, they would likely enter the Eighth Tier within 30 years, becoming master-level figures who were the backbone of the school. In fact, aside from the few Sages, Eighth Tier master-level figures were already at the top of the Alliance. As for the higher Named Ones, their existence was akin to demigods, far removed from the mortal continents and rarely interfering in specific affairs.

After leaving the Dean's office, Sylutia arrived at the closed grand library of Tetis College. She opened the gate and, following the Dean's instructions, walked up the spiral staircase, her form flickering as she continuously ascended until she reached a level several hundred floors up.

Amelie...

The young girl's steps halted. Her keen vision caught a strand of blue hair peeking out from behind a bookshelf in the distance.

Walking over quietly, Sylutia found Amelie asleep on the floor. This blue-haired girl was pillowed on a book, her hair spread out like a natural small blanket covering her body, her legs curled up, her form like a faintly enclosed circle.

Crouching down, Sylutia gently touched Amelie's shoulder and softly shook her.

With a slight murmur, Amelie opened her eyes. Upon seeing that it was Sylutia, those light-golden eyes seemed to smile, sparkling with joyful light.

"Hedra." Still half-asleep, she wrapped her arms around the young girl, clinging to her embrace, calling the name with drowsy eyes.

"Mhm, I'm right here."

Sylutia gently lifted Amelie and carried her to an open space beyond the bookshelves. The two sat down slowly together on the sofa. Seeing that Amelie still looked drowsy, Sylutia gently stroked her blue hair tips, letting Amelie drift back into a peaceful sleep.

"It's better to sleep here for a while."

Sunlight streamed through the mottled window glass, illuminating the quiet library. In the afternoon hours, the figures of the two young girls formed a soft, gentle picture.