Starting with Proficiency Panel

Rosenberg gave him very good advice. Since the basic knowledge of magic theory has been learned, he should continuously practice magic. Only with extensive use can he be qualified to analyze its essence.

As for the books "Magic Rune Introduction" and "Mage Promotion Path", Li Qing only skimmed through them. Magic Runes focus more on arranging magic arrays and enchantments. He can learn runes, but for now, the priority is learning Level 0 Magic.

The Mage Promotion Path only discusses the standards for the mage class and the various paths derived from magic.

Demon Swordmaster, Warlock, Priest, Knight, and dozens of other career paths.

For the current Li Qing, it has no significance unless he reaches the level of an Advanced Magic Apprentice and has the time to study these for career advancement.

Lost in thought halfway through his walk, a voice abruptly came from the side.

"Student from the human world, are you heading to the library?"

Li Qing snapped out of his thoughts and turned to see the other in a black robe. He relaxed, though walking along the fog-obscured path that blurred the surroundings had been rather unnerving.

Although the Gray Magic Academy prohibits student fights, the other's bewitching tone suggested no good intentions.

This person was hunched, with a stooped back, appearing quite large, standing at least 1.9 meters even so.

Moreover, Li Qing accurately caught the phrase "student from the human world," further confirming his suspicions.

With a calm tone, Li Qing said, "What is it, fellow student?"

"Hey~ There's no need to be so wary of everything. That's how humans are, harboring significant hostility towards beings different from themselves."

He shrugged, with a relaxed tone: "I am called Hemertos, and you?"

"...Blind Monk."

"Blind Monk? Quite a strange name, sounds like you're actually blind." Hemertos pointed to himself proudly, "Listen to my name, Hemertos!"

Li Qing casually asked, "Does it carry any special meaning where you're from?"

"Of course, I, Hemertos, shall one day return from the Abyss, sweeping away all who oppose me, slaughtering all whom I detest!"

Hemertos's deep tone and words filled Li Qing with a strong sense of bloodthirst.

"That's quite... an impressive meaning."

"And you, why did you come to Gray?"

Until now, Li Qing still did not understand what the Gray Magic Academy truly represented; he only knew that Gray was undoubtedly synonymous with evil.

Looking up at the gray, overcast sky and the surrounding environment that seemed to be the Underworld, misty with obscure, distant buildings.

He was sure that without the academy badge, he'd get lost in this ghostly place.

"Of course, to learn magic."

"Ha?!"

Hemertos seemed as if he had heard the most unbelievable thing. After a while, he muttered, "A human coming to Gray to study magic? What a colossal joke. Don't you know Gray is where only devils dare to tread?"

Li Qing's heart trembled slightly, but he calmly said, "You can learn some different magic here."

"Well, what you're saying is true, since Gray excels at dealing with devils."

He laughed shrilly, "So far, I've even eaten several devils."

Li Qing was silent, shocked, horrified, and after expressing a range of emotions, he felt puzzled.

Devils could be eaten?

Once they reached the library, Hemertos waved his hand, "Nice meeting you, Blind Monk. I'm heading into the library now, so good luck."

Without waiting for Li Qing's reply, Hemertos pushed open the ancient, intricately carved door of the library and walked into the shadow without hesitation.

How strange, going into the library together, yet wishing me good luck?

Looking ahead at the castle-like library building made of thick gray stones, the entire structure appeared vast, with layers upon layers of dull gray tones making it dark and gloomy.

This is less of a library and more of an entrance to the Nazarick Underground Tomb!

Holding back a complaint in his heart, Li Qing stepped up the stairs, walked to the library's door full of strange carvings.

As his hand lightly touched it, the academy badge suddenly shone brightly, sending out intense magic waves connecting with the carvings on the door.

Buzz!

An almost inaudible sound came from the door, followed by the dissipation of all magical fluctuations, and the door silently opened.

The interior was indistinct, as if all was swallowed by shadows, the outlines blurred.

Mysterious, dark, and full of a repulsive aura.

Despite the internal resistance, Li Qing still stepped resolutely inside, step by step.

Bang!

The silent closing of the library door startled Li Qing, making him glance back. He stood there for a long time until his eyes adjusted to the environment and looked at the rows of bookshelves filled with countless books, extending as far as the eye could see without end, illuminated by some unknown dim light source.

Where did Hemertos go?

Li Qing silently scanned the area, not paying much heed. In Gray, everyone has their secrets, so long as you mind your own business. Just as he was about to head to the bookshelves, a familiar voice sounded beside him.

"This fellow human student, a friendly reminder: if your strength isn't at a certain level, flipping through higher-grade magic books might just get you eaten~"

This intonation, the teasing voice, it was definitely Zhuang Xu.

He turned his head, eyes wide, looking into a dim corner. Finally, he saw the outline of a desk with Zhuang Xu in a black robe almost blending into the darkness.

Li Qing cautiously said, "So it's Instructor Zhuang Xu, hello!"

Zhuang Xu, almost like a slender ghostly figure, laughed strangely, leaning forward, finally allowing Li Qing to clearly see him.

Zhuang Xu crossed hands on the desk, his crimson eyes gazing up and down at Li Qing with interest.

After a long while, he spoke with a surprised glance, "It seems you have condensed magic power?"

He suddenly stood up, and his tall, 2.5-meter figure exuded a pressure that made the air feel heavy.

Li Qing stood his ground, hands tightly clenched beneath his sleeves, unmoving, facing Zhuang Xu who seemed to be constantly sniffing.

After a while, Zhuang Xu sat back down.

"Interesting... you've sparked my interest, bringing a new twist to otherwise dull days."