Tala stored the 'Guiding Silver Feathers' to her holy ring. It was a magnificent golden ring. It was similar to a storage ring used by humans, but the holy ring was more special for it was part of the guardian's body.
Tala can materialize the holy ring as long as she wanted and she can hide it inside her finger's flesh where no one will be able to see it. This was one of the greatness of being a guardian.
Guardian's weapon was part of their body too. With their call, their weapon will materialize and store as they wanted.
Tala proceeded to her next plan.
'Holy Guardian Academy' was written on top of the wide and tall academy's gate. Even though it was already night, Tala can clearly read the words as clear as day. (Effect of the lingering energy by an Art Master)
Students strolling can be counted by hands.
A lot of luminescent stones light up the whole ground.
The academy was always open especially for the students.
There were 5 classes in total and Tala was in the beginning class, the 5th class. 5th class consists of more than 200 students, 4th class consists of more than 100 students, 3rd class consists of more than 50 students, 2nd class consists of 25 students and only 5 students in the 1st class.
The higher the class a guardian achieve, the higher position he will be granted when he mature. Of course, the 1st class will definitely get the title as Great Guardians - the highest authority.
Tala steadily walked into the hallway while recalling her previous memory of her mischievous walking deed before. She laughed bitterly in her heart.
She stopped in front of a golden door. A signboard can be seen on top with 'Heavenly Library' words written on it.
Tala pushed the door with heavenly energy covering her hands, and it opened smoothly without even exerting energy to push it. Anyone can access the library as long as you are a guardian.
…
Before the Great War broke 10 000 years ago, every living creature lived harmoniously. This includes humans and guardians. There is some human who was lucky enough to receive a privilege to venture the land of guardians.
The Guardian always reminded them what to do and not to do. In the beginning, they live without worry. Not until one human greedily searched for a purification method in the Heavenly Library and employed it for himself.
The result?
His body exploded.
From then, the Head Guardian together with the elders, decided to put a restriction and that is no human should set foot again.
…
She walked in an astonishingly vast collection of books and scrolls towards the neatly set books on their respective shelves. Rows of tables and seats were located across.
Tala did not waste time. She immediately dashed into the atlas section and straightway looked for the a map.
'This is it!' Tala's eyes lit up. She put the map near the table and opened it. It emitted white light. Upon opening it, she spotted an empty space she's looking for. 'Got yah!'
Tala looked for the librarian. Rolling her eyes from side to side, she could not spot anyone on the front desk.
"Tala, what are you looking for?" A young lady asked from behind.
Recognizing the owner of the voice, Tala jolted in surprise.
"Tala pays respect to Senior Ema," Tala clasped her fist and bowed. "I was looking for the librarian," she said respectfully. This lady was in 1st class, one of the top 5 students in the academy. The next Great Guardian for sure.
"Oh, I'm the librarian," the lady chuckled.
Tala can't find a word. She knew that the librarian was a job for only 5th to 3rd class, because the higher class needs to devote their time in purifying their heavenly energy and practicing their fighting skills. To achieve greater power, they need more time than the lower class, that's why the elder decided this setup. 'Maybe she did things in extreme this time?'
She was not fond of books before, so Tala has no idea who's taking care of what.
They were talking as they reached the front desk.
"Are you planning to borrow that scroll?" Ema said while pointing the scroll in Tala's hand.
"Ah, yes!" Tala replied.
Ema put a green book on the table and said, "Put your Identification token in the cover and infuse energy while you utter the name of the object you're going to borrow."
Tala did what was instructed, "Holy Map."
"Your name is now recorded in this book. You can keep the map now, but make sure not to lose it. If proven that you lose it unintentionally or intentionally, you are required for compensation," Ema warned her.
"I understand. Thank you!" Tala clasped her fist and bid farewell.
As she makes her way out, Tala notices a familiar boy sitting alone whilst reading a book with knitted eyebrows. She walked near him and sat on the opposite chair.
The young man raised his head and upon seeing Tala in front of him, he turned his face emotionless.
"Is there any problem? May I know? Maybe I can help you!" Tala put a smile.
The boy just gave her a glance and put his attention back to the book.
"I might not look like a scholar, but I know a thing or two. I will be able to aid you." Tala insisted.
"Really?" the boy asked sarcastically.
"Try me!" Tala wanted to help this boy. He unselfishly fought with them when the war broke in. She will never forget it. His presence in the battle was a great turn to their side.
"According to the book, in order to purify the heavenly energy in the 2nd level, you'll need to feel the surroundings and begin to absorb the energy of nature. Coat thyself using inner energy and the work will be done. I already tried this method, but nothing happened. What can you say?" Adasa frowned. That's right, the boy was Adasa.
"As expected to you; you are really an assiduous guardian. Let me take a look."
Tala noticed the apparent enmity of the boy as she closes her distance, but she didn't bother with it. "To feel the surroundings, given your strength you need a place rich in nature's energy. You can't do it here. You need to find a suitable place. As for the absorption of nature's energy, using your inner energy is not enough. You will just exhaust yourself. Instead, coat your whole body with your heavenly energy. That will do. The rest is up to the heavenly energy to do the work. That is the easiest method I know."
"Heavenly energy? Are you taking me for a fool?" Adasa's voice shows a tinge of annoyance. "Heavenly energy can't attract nature's energy alone. I am trying to absorb nature's energy to make it my heavenly energy. Our inner energy serves as a funnel in purifying heavenly energy. The only solution is to use the inner energy to divert nature's energy to be my heavenly energy.
"You're right, but it's only a plausible method to the guardian with a normal level of inner energy. What I said was another method suitable for those who have insufficient inner energy just..." Tala explained calmly. "Just like you."
"You are right, but it's not your problem if I lack inner energy. I will never use your stupid method." Although Adasa knows that maybe Tala's words were right, his enmity towards her triumphed.
Adasa buried his head to the book on his hand not paying attention to Tala anymore.
"If you use that method, not only your heavenly energy that will increase by leaps and bounds, your inner energy will do the same." Tala stood and continued, "I have not given you the permission to use and share it, so don't. And it's your choice if you believe me or not."
Tala approached Adasa extending her arms with a note.
"Here, take this!" Tala said with a cute smile.
"Why would I?" Adasa was a bit perplexed by her action.
"Just take this!" Tala frowned.
"Just put it on the table," Adasa said.
"Why are you afraid of? This is just paper and you can't even touch it." Tala was a bit mad.
Adasa was doubtful of Tala's action, but he took the paper from Tala's hand eventually.
Tala purposely pushed the note in his hand that resulted in physical contact of their hands.
"The method I imparted to you will truly increase your inner energy by leaps and bounds too. I am definitely sure!" Tala rest assured. "I just want you to make the origin of it a secret."
Upon hearing Tala's words, his eyes lit up but he tried to hide it. 'To increase one's inner energy, by leaps and bounds was a dream of every guardian. If I can achieve it, I will no longer have a hard time strengthening my heavenly energy.'
Tala bid farewell to the perplex Adasa.
'Tala and I were not on good terms, but helping me this lot... Is she looking for trouble again?
"Forget it. I should try it first if it is truly effective," he murmured.