Chapter 28: Library
She led him up a spiral staircase crafted from what appeared to be a single piece of marble.
The second floor was markedly different from the first, fewer shelves, but the books here seemed older, their leather bindings worn smooth by countless careful hands. The atmosphere was more intimate, almost reverential.
"This is our collection of magical theory and system knowledge," she explained, gesturing to the surrounding shelves. "Most visitors remain on the first floor with the general histories, crafting manuals, and literature. What you seek requires... deeper study."
Mitch looked around with surprise. The magical section was surprisingly small compared to the vast libraries below.
Even more disappointing, many of the volumes appeared to be collections of legends and myths rather than practical instruction manuals.
However, one particular tome caught his attention immediately.
[System Progression Book – THE definitive text on the awakening system, authored by the legendary Rorid Storm]
Mitch carefully opened the ancient volume, its pages crackling softly. The text was written in precise, scholarly script:
"A common misconception among newly awakened individuals is that the first two tiers offer limited class diversity. Indeed, during these early stages, most awakeners find themselves classified into familiar archetypes: warrior, mage, citizen, archer, summoner, and similar broad categories. These appear mundane, predictable even.
This perspective is fundamentally flawed.
The truth becomes evident only as one progresses beyond Tier 3. Here, the system begins to reveal its true complexity and infinite potential.
Classes don’t simply diverge, they explode into countless specialized variations, each as unique as the individual who manifests them.