Steampunk: Sixth Era Epic

The answer in Shard's mind and the one articulated by Miss Danester almost occurred simultaneously. She continued:

"Thus, the library left by the Ancient God of the moon is known as 'Silvermoon Library' or 'Sage's Library.' He holds dominion over the moon, the night, mysteries, and knowledge."

"I see,"

Shard murmured softly, feeling that he had learned something significant. He did not understand how this information and knowledge would help him, but he was certain it was important; this was the answer his Sixth Sense provided after he became a Transcendent.

"The Ancient God of the Silvermoon... what is your opinion?"

"[No opinion.]

While Shard conversed with the woman in his mind, Miss Danester continued speaking:

"I won't let you help without reward, Mr. Hamilton. Now that we have a lead, I think I should offer you a reward. What do you need? A Relic? Knowledge?

I can't offer you anything too precious, just something appropriate to your status and level."

If possible, Shard would have liked to use the "Witch's Reproduction Paper" to obtain some Arcane Techniques associated with the moon from the Red Moon Witch, and having her simply demonstrate the Arcane Technique shouldn't be a problem. However, spatial movement through the map did not allow the carrying of Relics, and that piece of reproduction paper was still in the doctor's clinic.

Besides that, what he currently lacked was the Arcane Technique corresponding to "Echo" and any Arcane Technique or Relic related to blades.

If he had to choose just one, the latter would definitely be more appropriate, because whether or not he had the Arcane Technique for "Echo" did not significantly impact him, but the "Blade of Chaotic Time" definitely required corresponding powers to be effective.

But for the blade's Arcane Technique, Shard already had an idea. After all, a Thirteen-Ring Sorcerer had just arrived in Tobesk, and his title was "Sunlight Greatsword," and he even belonged to Miss Beyas's Sun Church. The "Witch's Reproduction Paper" would be exactly right to use on that gentleman.

So, the decision was actually straightforward:

"I am currently looking for an Arcane Technique related to the miracle 'Echo.'"

"Do you have any specific requirements?"

Miss Danester asked.

"No,"

Shard responded.

The librarian thought for a moment, then waved her hand behind her again. After several seconds, a thin booklet flew over and landed in her hands:

"Arcane Technique 'Soul Echo,' three effects.

When used on a corpse with an integrity of no less than eighty percent, it can summon an echo of the soul, which is a more ethereal entity than a Spiritual Body, and can truthfully answer your inquiries to a limited extent. This use of the Arcane Technique requires human Bone Powder as Spellcasting Materials.

Additionally, once this Arcane Technique is mastered, your body will be able to deal effective damage directly to Spiritual Bodies, and it will also work against Nightmares.

Lastly, with each level advancement, the repeated use of this Arcane Technique that causes the echo of the Spirit will passively enhance your spiritual strength. Of course, the effect is not very conspicuous."

She handed the booklet to Shard, which contained the learning method for the Arcane Technique, the required materials, its specific effects, and annotations and thoughts from Circle Sorcerers who had mastered it before. The knowledge from Saint Byrons was expensive, but it was definitely not arbitrarily priced; those annotations and thoughts would save him a lot of time.

"Take it for a week, and remember to return it next week. No copying, no showing it to others, and no sharing the knowledge in any way."

This was probably the most powerful Arcane Technique Shard had encountered so far, not in terms of power but because of its comprehensive effects. One Arcane Technique with three effects, including alternative Necromancy, Spiritual Body striking, and passive enhancement of the soul.

If it wasn't a free gift, such an Arcane Technique would never be priced below a five-figure sum in Gold Pounds, whether in the Black Raven Library or the Sage's Library.

"Miss Danester, how would you like me to express my gratitude?"

He asked, holding the booklet and appearing somewhat languid as the lady shook her head:

"Just remember to help after I find the 'Yellow Moon.' But that map can't be used often, so I'll have to figure out some other way to bring you here next time...we'll talk next time."

This suggested it was time to see him off, so Shard stood up to say goodbye, but Miss Danester had him sit down again.

"Why the hurry to go back? Let's talk about your safety issues."

"Hmm? Am I in danger?"

Shard pointed to himself, not understanding what she meant.

"Mr. Hamilton, you can't just die easily. If you were to die, finding another Core Rune from Silvermoon would be incredibly troublesome. I want to give you some advice. In the coming months, please stay away from the female sorcerers of the True God Church and any organization that suddenly appears in the Tobesk Region.

Something significant is happening in your region, something even more important than a Godfall."

This must be referring to the first section of the 'Whispering Verses'." Find your next adventure on empire

"I don't know if the Student Affairs Office has warned you, but here is my personal advice: an event worthy of the Sixth Era's history is unfolding in the Tobesk Region. It is best for those who are not The Chosen One to not interfere lightly."

"The Chosen One?"

Shard pretended to be puzzled.

"Did I mention that word before?"

Miss Danester asked with a smile.

"It seems you did not."

Shard immediately shook his head in response.

"I like clever people, Mr. Hamilton. You don't need to get involved in things that don't concern you. Just focus on your studies and wait to go to the Academy. Your future is boundless."

If it weren't for the Path of the Twelve Divinities, the safest choice would undoubtedly be as she said. Unfortunately, as long as Shard didn't give up on Deification, he would never be able to live a peaceful life.

It was only then that he formally stood up to say goodbye, but Miss Danester stopped him again:

"There's one more thing."

As she spoke, she produced a deck of cards. Judging by the back design, they were undoubtedly Roder Cards:

"Professor Garcia mentioned that you like Roder Cards?"

"I mentioned it once to the professor."

He answered cautiously.

"Well, then draw three cards, and combining the Spirit Number with the cards, let's try a Divination. My divination skills are not high, you can completely distrust the result; this is just an attempt."

Shard was intrigued as well. The last divination done by the Academy had been so precise it almost wrote down the answers.

"No problem."

He walked around the coffee table and drew three cards from the middle of the deck in Miss Danester's hand. After handing them to the librarian, she pondered the cards for a long time:

"Your fate is truly elusive; it's as if a fog constantly obscures you, making it impossible to confirm your exact location... The general idea is that an accidental journey could bring you great gains."

"A journey? Are you referring to this one?"

From Tobesk to Saint Byrons in the Far North, it was already quite a distance.

"Divination is not about seeing the future; it could even just be my misinterpretation of the results. Detective, I'm not skilled in this area; you must interpret the specifics yourself. I have only provided you with a direction, and... don't put too much faith in divination, mortals cannot see true fate."

She cautioned.

"Yes, I understand."

Shard thought of the White Stone Crystal at home and the statue in the basement. After quietly expressing his gratitude once again, he finally left.

Leaving only Miss Danester, the librarian, sitting alone on the sofa. She reached for the document that Shard had just signed, but then paused for a moment as she looked at his terrible handwriting:

"Shard Suren Hamilton..."

As she looked up at the retreating figure of the young man:

"Have I seen this name somewhere before?"