As Shaheer's mind raced with possibilities, he did not find a hint of maliciousness from this girl, and the look in her eyes was as if a kid had just found the perfect toy at a cheap price. He gave an answer that he found most suitable under the circumstances.
"I'm not comfortable sharing my stuff with someone who is trying to manipulate me," Shaheer said with a carefree expression hanging on his face.
The girl flinched at his reply and stumbled a few steps backwards.
"Who are you?" she said with a shaky voice.
"Don't worry, I'm just going to ask one more time. Would you try that again?" Shaheer asked with a flare in his eyes. The girl moved back again, nodding 'No,' appearing more scared now and unable to speak.
With that reply, Shaheer's face regained its carefree expression as he said, "I don't mind the idea of using it to get your way. It's your power, and you can use it any way you want. But it would be nice if you gave others a chance before you started using your charm on them."
Shaheer caught her eyes again and noticed her eagerness to read the book, even though she was afraid of him. He wasn't sure why she was scared, as the level difference between them was huge. Perhaps she thought he was stronger, and Shaheer had no intention of erasing her misunderstanding.
She nodded again, still too scared to talk, which Shaheer found cute, but he suppressed his emotions and maintained a carefree look.
"Would you like to try again with your approach?" Shaheer asked, sensing that she had somewhat calmed down.
She nodded again and came forward with resolve.
"Would you care to share the book with me?" she asked in an extremely low voice.
"Why? Do I know you?" Shaheer asked casually, playing along with her second try.
"Umm... No, actually, I am extremely interested in the context of that book. My name is Maheen. I'm the librarian. Nice to meet you," she answered hesitantly.
"Your age doesn't seem appropriate for this kind of job. You hardly seem to be my age," Shaheer had his doubts about this. Being a librarian is a tough job and is not typically given to those without a Master's degree in library sciences. The girl hardly looks 17, so the only way she could become a librarian is through a source. Perhaps someone with influence over this position has recognized her talent or something.
"If you're talking about the degree in library sciences, then I haven't completed that yet. But being the only daughter of the owner of this library, I shamelessly asked a favor from him," she said with a hint of dignity in her voice.
"Why are you interested in being a librarian?" Shaheer asked. He was curious as to why someone would purposely choose a career with extremely low pay.
"Not really, but I'm quite interested in reading books. I don't have a specific area of interest as I like all types of knowledge. That's why I'm looking to become a librarian. There is no other job that will pay me to read books other than this, although the pay is low. Being a librarian will benefit me more than just financially," she said with a determined resolve.
"Very well, since you're here to obtain knowledge, I won't restrain you from obtaining it," Shaheer said, handing over the book to her.
Her eyes couldn't lie as they seemed to be jumping with joy upon receiving the book. Shaheer wasn't someone to do something without considering the benefits and drawbacks of it. He had never thought about giving the book out in charity, as he had read something and found out that this girl could be useful to him in the future, if not now.
What he had read was a panel that had shot up some time ago when he mumbled "observe" under his breath.
[Ding!]
[Maheen Zaiba (Lv.57)]
SEEKER OF TRUTH
A temporary librarian at the Defense Central Library. From birth, she was given the 'Eyes of Truth,' an ability to look at people's emotions in the form of colors. This girl possesses knowledge beyond what any normal human is capable of, and because of that, she was blessed with another ability, 'Manipulation,' making her the first person to receive two abilities.
Ding!
[Observe has gained +2 levels]
The ability had also blessed Shaheer with a sudden increase of two levels in his skill. While the girl was reading the book he had given her moments ago, Shaheer was also reading something, a new panel that had shot up as he again mumbled 'Observe' under his breath.
[Ding!]
[Maheen Zaiba (Lv.57)]
SEEKER OF TRUTH
A temporary librarian at the Defense Central Library.
First person to be blessed with two abilities.
Superior in knowledge.
SKILLS:
EYES OF TRUTH: See emotions in the form of colors.
MANIPULATION: Influence the thoughts or control the minds of other people.
PHOTOGRAPHIC MEMORY: Everything is stored in memory once read.
STATS:
Strength: 12
Intelligence: 72
Wisdom: 91]