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Chapter 16: New Learning
Chapter 16: New Learning
The next morning, Lin Sai woke up right on time.
As his room faced south, the morning sunlight streamed through the window, gently warming his face.
"Today is the first day."
Lin Sai opened his eyes and cheerfully climbed out of bed.
This was the first time he had awakened as the master of this room after confirming his future life, and he couldn't help but feel excited, albeit a little overwhelmed, by this new experience.
And compared to yesterday...
A wooden basin rested on the cabinet in the room, with a grayish-white towel draped over its edge. Looking down, he noticed a new rug on the floor, made from tanned animal hide, comfortable enough to walk on barefoot.
Everything was perfect!
Lin Sai changed into his clothes and got up to wash up.
Stepping out into the backyard of the cathedral, he found that Red Moon had risen earlier than him.
The chapel doors were open, welcoming the town's residents, while Red Moon, as she had done day after day, year after year, prayed in the graveyard, regardless of the weather.
"The food is in the kitchen. We'll start class in five minutes."
Red Moon continued her prayers in the graveyard, allowing Lin Sai to eat first.
In the kitchen, a piece of toasted bread, a boiled egg, and a cup of bean-based drink were already set on the table.
After Lin Sai finished eating, his mentor returned right on time.
As usual, she took out the scrolls from Red Moon's room to use as teaching materials. Today's lesson on language began.
Yesterday, Red Moon had learned about Lin Sai's skills.
Today, she decided to increase the difficulty of his learning.
In addition to the necessary study of Universal Script, she included her own knowledge of Forestland Language and the Death Sect Cipher in the curriculum.
The former was the language of Red Moon's home world, the Tree Sea World, where each letter resembled a tree branch.
The latter was the secret language used by the Death Sect, with many of their internal scriptures and scrolls written in it. It was a mix of intricate shapes with a circular outline, interspersed with some Universal Script characters.
And so, Lin Sai's struggle began.
Yesterday's Universal Script lesson had been relatively easier as he already knew how to speak it, and he only needed to learn how to write.
Today, he had to tackle two languages he had no knowledge of, in terms of listening, speaking, reading, and writing.
In the initial stages of learning, Lin Sai couldn't even 'install' experience bars for them.
Fortunately, with Red Moon's tireless and patient teaching, and Lin Sai's determination not to waste her efforts, it took him a full two hours to successfully add these two languages to his skill list.
After that, things became much simpler.
Even though the learning speed couldn't compare to that of Universal Script, the experience bar's cheat-like effect allowed Lin Sai to tackle listening, speaking, reading, and writing all at once. With just one hour of mechanical practice, he filled the experience bars for both Forestland Language and Death Sect Cipher, reaching the Beginner level.
Then, the Game Player's skill took effect.
He instantly gained the ability to read simple texts in both languages and acquired basic proficiency in listening, speaking, and writing.
"..."
In front of Red Moon, Lin Sai achieved a basic understanding of two languages from scratch.
And if you add up the entire process, it only took three hours.
Even someone as calm and composed as Red Moon, a Death Sect monk, couldn't help but marvel once again at this unbelievable learning speed.
"What an incredible ability!"
"Among the skills I know, only the Omnisage Wizard with their vast knowledge or the Messengers who travel across countless worlds could possibly achieve something similar."
Lin Sai scratched his head, feeling a bit embarrassed.
If he were a native of this universe, he might have been able to humbly downplay his skill.
But his Game Player ability...
He couldn't very well say that he gained this skill from playing games, could he?
Red Moon wasn't in the habit of prying into others' secrets, especially not those of her disciple.
So, she ended the day's lesson, putting away the scrolls on the table and began arranging Lin Sai's schedule for the rest of the day.
"Lin Sai, An Rui's manor is just north of town. You'll recognize it when you see it."
"If you really can't find it, ask the other townsfolk, and they'll point you in the right direction."
"You can trust Uncle An Rui. He won't harm you. Following a master of the War Sect, you'll surely reap the benefits of diligent learning."
Red Moon spoke earnestly, and Lin Sai listened attentively, remembering every word.
Just before Lin Sai left, Red Moon added, "After your learning with Uncle An Rui is complete, there's no need to rush back. You can allocate your time as you please."
"But if you want dinner, remember to return before nightfall."
"I'll prepare suitable reading material for you this evening."
Lin Sai nodded farewell and headed to the Frontier Town for the third time.
Although he had only recently arrived, he felt a subtle sense of parting at that moment.
---
With his previous experience of shopping and wandering, Lin Sai made his way to the town square. From there, he headed north, passing through a bustling market with numerous stalls, and soon found the Lord's Manor.
Lin Sai also noticed something interesting.
After being secluded for ten years, the residents of the Frontier Town preferred bartering, using old coins only for small transactions or to make up the difference during exchanges.
Upon reaching the manor, the midday sun bathed the limestone walls in a soft golden glow.
The manor's entrance was made of sturdy oak.
In the center of the gate, intricate wrought iron depicted a warrior bearing a lion's head, his stern gaze serving as a warning to any potential threats.
Standing outside, Lin Sai could only see an apple tree rising above the manor's walls, in addition to the main building.
"Is anyone there?" Lin Sai called out. The manor gate swung open, and a young man shouted as he ran towards the main building, "My Lord, the guest you mentioned has arrived!"
Within a minute, Lin Sai met the lord of the Hidden Frontier.
He was a robust middle-aged man, wearing only a white shirt despite the winter. His powerful muscles were evident even through his clothing, accentuating his imposing physique.
Standing at nearly two meters tall, he towered over those of smaller stature, making them feel like they were gazing up at a giant.
"..."
Was this the master of the War Sect?
Lin Sai recalled the beast that had chased him a few days ago.
If that creature were to face this lord, it would likely be turned into a meat paste with a single punch!
Meanwhile, Lord An Rui approached Lin Sai, patting him on the shoulder with a smile.
"Haha, you're finally here! You must be Lin Sai, right?"
Lin Sai almost stumbled from the pat but responded politely, "Yes, I'm Lin Sai. Greetings, my lord. My mentor sends her regards!"
Lord An Rui waved his hand generously.
"You're too kind. Just call me Uncle An Rui. There's no need to be so formal."
Lin Sai readily agreed, "Uncle An Rui."
"Good, very good. Your straightforwardness pleases me," said Lord An Rui, grasping Lin Sai's hand and leading him into the manor. "Young man, you should be this open-minded. Don't be timid."
"Before you arrived, Red Moon must have informed you of everything you need to know. I'll diligently teach you combat techniques, but regardless of your progress, your future lies in your own hands."
Stepping into the manor's main hall, Lin Sai was greeted by a spacious room. The walls were made of rough stones, and the floor was paved with gray slate tiles.
A massive stone fireplace occupied one side of the hall.
The crackling fire brought warmth to the cold stone interior. On either side of the hall were several private chambers for daily life and work.
The simple yet spacious interior piqued Lin Sai's curiosity, and he proactively initiated a conversation:
"Can combat training be conducted indoors?"
"Hahaha!"
Lord An Rui burst into laughter, finding it amusing.
"Of course, it won't be indoors."
"But child, combat isn't something you can learn casually. Before we begin, we'll need to change your attire."
(End of Chapter)
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