https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-14-The-Guild-s-Reputation-Seems-to-Be-a-Bit-Troubled/12809313/
Chapter 13: The Lane Engine Squad
Chapter 13: The Lane Engine Squad
Receiving Magic: A magic that allows the user to absorb the bodies of animals, enhancing their own strength.
The risk of this magic lies in the possibility of losing control if the user attempts to absorb a creature that is too powerful, especially if their own strength or willpower is insufficient. This can lead to a loss of sanity and uncontrollable rampages until the user eventually collapses from exhaustion.
The basic training methods are as follows...
Snap!
Rod slammed the book shut and carefully examined the cover. It was indeed The Encyclopedia of Magic.
If I just randomly opened an encyclopedia, would it clearly list the methods for practicing magic? Is this something I can read for free?
Thump! Worm fell off Rod’s shoulder and landed on the book cover, groggily turning over, still a bit disoriented.
"You really don’t like studying, do you?"
Rod placed Worm back on his shoulder and then left the library with the hefty encyclopedia, just in case he needed to confirm whether he was allowed to read it.
...
“The Encyclopedia of Magic? Of course, there’s no problem with that,” Mira said. “The library doesn’t have any books that you’re not allowed to read.”
“But it even has the methods for learning various types of magic. Isn’t that a problem?”
“Actually, the purpose of having such books in the library is to encourage people to learn.”
Mira probably guessed what Rod was worried about. “Don’t worry, dangerous magic isn’t just left lying around for anyone to pick up.”
Rod nodded. “Oh... well, that’s a relief. I guess I can dive right in, then.”
“‘Dive right in’ isn’t quite the right phrase...”
Rod waved his hand and returned to the library, settling down to read quietly.
Celestial Spirit Magic is categorized based on its method of use as a possession-type magic, and by its effects as a spatial-type magic. It is an ancient magic that has been passed down for over 400 years.
Each Celestial Spirit corresponds to a constellation in the sky and has its own ‘medium,’ or key. Ordinary Celestial Spirits are associated with silver keys, while the twelve most powerful Celestial Spirits are associated with the twelve golden keys.
Since Rod was reading a general Encyclopedia of Magic rather than a specialized book on Celestial Spirit Magic, the information provided was relatively basic.
The book did, however, detail the methods for opening the gate with a key and the process of forming a contract with a Celestial Spirit. But Rod had already learned the crucial parts from the Guild Master.
For more detailed information, Rod would need to find specialized resources, such as books on ancient magic or spatial-type magic. He glanced around the vast sea of books... this was no small task.
Rod spent hours in the library.
Worm dozed on and off on the table, eventually waking up from hunger and letting out a soft ‘hurrr’ to remind Rod that it was almost time for dinner.
Rod stood up, stretched, and checked the time. “It’s almost five. I’m more diligent than I was in school... if I keep this up, I’ll become a powerful mage in no time!”
“Hurr~” Worm’s little horn drooped, as if urging Rod to finish his boasting and get moving.
There was no chance of hurrying, as Rod carefully returned the book to its place and then went to the bathroom to wash his hands before heading back to work at the guild.
As a server, meal times were either moved earlier or later to avoid the busiest times. Rod, like Mira, chose to start earlier, which meant that whenever a customer came in and ordered a meal, someone had to immediately put down their own food to serve them, which was quite inconvenient.
“Mira, we’re back!”
A blue-haired girl and two tall, slender boys walked in together.
“Levy! Welcome back! Jet and Droy too!” Some of the patrons in the guild hall immediately greeted them, indicating that they were quite popular.
Mira immediately set down her utensils and greeted them. "Welcome back! You're two days later than expected. How did the mission go?"
"Great!" Levia said excitedly. "The client was really nice and invited us to stay and play in Shirohige for a couple more days."
"Ah~~" Mira put on a mock-serious face. "Adding extra days without permission is against the rules, you know."
"That's not what happened," Levia said, hugging Mira's arm with a slightly playful tone. "The client said it was to prevent any future issues... like 'after-sales service' or something."
Levia was only a bit taller than Mira's shoulder, making her a petite and adorable girl. When she leaned against Mira, it made her look even cuter, and at least Jett and Troy were looking at Mira with envy.
"Well... I'll let it slide this time," Mira said, closing one eye, indicating they were close friends.
"Thanks, Mira!" Levia let go of Mira and handed her the mission report for filing. "Anything new with the guild?"
"Pretty much the same as always... but we recently had a new member join. They had some language issues and were asking for your help a few days ago."
Levia stood on her tiptoes, resting her hands on the counter, and asked curiously, "What do you mean? What happened?"
Levia's magic, known as Solid Script, allowed her to write words with magic and give them real meaning. For example, writing the word for fire would make the word itself turn into flames and shoot out. Perhaps because of this magic, Levia knew many ancient languages and was very interested in anything related to language and writing.
"Here's the deal..." Mira finished filing Levia's mission and briefly explained Rod's situation. "I'll introduce you to him later. Rod might need your help too."
Jett and Troy, standing behind Levia like bodyguards, immediately perked up at the mention of "him."
Rod had just finished his meal and was ready to take over.
Mira made the introductions: "This is Rod. And these are Levia, Jett, and Troy."
Rod had already been introduced to them by Laki, but before he could say hello, Jett had already jumped onto the nearest table.
Levia hopped onto a stool next to the table, and Troy put one foot on the stool and the other on the table.
The three of them struck cool poses and announced loudly:
"We are the Shadow Gear Team!"
Two patrons drinking nearby were startled by their sudden appearance.
Rod was equally taken aback, and their performance reminded him of Team Rocket.
Rod raised his hand, unsure whether to clap or scratch his arm.
He leaned in and whispered to Mira, "Um... are they the kind who always cause trouble?"
Mira thought for a moment. "Well... compared to Natsu, they cause a lot less trouble."
Rod already knew that Natsu was a trouble magnet, often using most of his mission rewards to pay for damages.
If they caused less trouble than Natsu... Rod sighed. That wasn't exactly a reassuring description.
Levia, such a petite and adorable girl, could also be a troublemaker?
The Shadow Gear Team, also known as the Lane Engine Team, had a bit of a translation issue.
Jett, also known as Jet, was actually a nickname; his real name was Salzuck.
(End of Chapter)
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