Chapter 24 - 23
After his sparring session with Instructor Sorin, Lumberling made his way down a quiet corridor to the dojo’s modest library, where the skill manuals were stored. The scent of aged paper and polished wood lingered in the air.
"Excuse me," he said to the man shelving books. "I’m here to read the skill manual I rented."
The librarian turned, adjusting his spectacles. "Name and the manual you’re here for?"
"Lumberling. I enrolled this morning. I’m looking for The Pikeman’s Art."
The man scanned a ledger, then gave a nod. "Found it. Please wait here a moment."
He disappeared into a back room and returned shortly with a worn, leather-bound tome.
"Remember the rules," the librarian said as he handed it over. "Do not share it. It may be a copy, but damage will be charged."
Lumberling gave a respectful nod and found a quiet table. His fingers trembled slightly as he opened the book, heart quickening with hope. The early Chapters described the origin of the style, its philosophy, and ideal practitioners. There was a short section on specialization—thrust-focused combat, battlefield spacing, and group coordination.
But then... that was it.
He flipped the pages again. Nothing on how to break through limits. Nothing on improving one’s potential. Just detailed explanations of the form and its discipline.
"That’s it? No way. Did I miss something?"