On the fifth day of our study session, as we completed reading the history of the Lunaria Empire from the book Agnes had skillfully borrowed from the library, I couldn't help but marvel at the librarian's obliviousness.
Turning to Agnes, a mischievous grin tugged at the corners of my lips, and I said, "Agnes, did you notice something interesting? The librarian didn't even realize you borrowed this book."
Agnes pondered for a moment before responding, "Perhaps he was simply not paying attention or being careless."
Shaking my head, I replied, "No, dear Agnes, it's not just negligence. It's the remarkable adaptability of human nature. You see, if you had borrowed this book right from the beginning, the librarian would have undoubtedly taken notice and questioned your actions. However, after observing you for four consecutive days, your borrowing books became a part of his daily routine. Subconsciously, he made a superficial risk assessment in his mind and concluded that the books you were borrowing were not anything out of the ordinary. Humans have a remarkable ability to adapt, even to the most peculiar circumstances."
Lost in thought, I continued, drawing parallels to the quirks of human adaptability, in my mind"It's fascinating how humans can adapt to even the most bizarre things. Take, for example, performing a postmortem on a dead body. Initially, most people would find it difficult to even go near it, let alone engage in such an activity. Yet, with repetition and exposure, they adapt, and it becomes a routine part of their work.
Similarly, one can even look at the concentration camps in Nazi Germany. The German prison guards, initially they must of found even the concept absurd but eventually adapted to their horrific duties, and it became their twisted daily routine."
A hint of awe tinged my voice as I continued started talking once again, "Humans are considered the most adaptable creatures, second only to perhaps cockroaches. Those resilient bastards can even survive even nuclear disasters!"Agnes: Young master, I understand what a cockroach is, but I'm not familiar with the term "nuclear disaster." Can you explain it to me.
Arthur: (Embarrassed) Ah, well... a nuclear disaster is a catastrophic event caused by forbidden-level magic. It's a powerful and dangerous spell that was completed by the great wizard Edelweiss before he departed for the Ambrosia Continent. I recently read about it in the book you brought earlier.
Arthur: A nuclear disaster has the potential to cause immense destruction. It unleashes an uncontrollable surge of magical energy that can devastate vast areas, causing widespread chaos, destruction, and endangering the lives of all beings nearby.
Agnes: (Softly) Young master, you have made remarkable progress in such a short time. You have grasped the fundamentals of reading and writing with great speed. I believe you are now capable of continuing your studies independently.
Arthur: (Surprised) Agnes, are you saying I don't need your lessons anymore? But I still have so much to learn!
Agnes: (Reassuringly) Please don't worry, young master. I will continue to borrow books from the library for your studies. I'll make sure you have access to a wide range of subjects and information. Your education will not be hindered.
Arthur: (Grateful) Thank you, Agnes. Your dedication and efforts are truly remarkable. I'm deeply appreciative of all that you do for me.
Agnes: (Smiling) It is my duty and privilege to serve you, young master. I will always support your pursuit of knowledge and growth.
Arthur: (Curious) And what about the attribute detecting stone? You mentioned obtaining it and checking my attribute tomorrow morning.
Agnes: (Whispering) Yes, young master. We were able to acquire the attribute detecting stone, although it wasn't an easy task. We had to be cautious and deceive the guards, disguising it among harmless toys. Thankfully, our plan worked, and they didn't suspect anything. Tomorrow, we will use the stone to identify your attribute.
Agnes left the room after the study session and I went for my sleep.
It was a beautiful morning, just like any other. As I sat down for breakfast, I noticed that everyone was present in the dining room.
Matilda, with a mischievous smile, exclaimed, "Young master, look what we have brought!" She placed a crystal ball on the table, its radiant glow catching everyone's attention.I couldn't contain my curiosity and excitement as I leaned forward to get a closer look at the mysterious object.
It was the attribute detecting stone they had been searching for. The stone looked like a crystal ball instead of a stone as the name suggested.Matilda's eyes sparkled with anticipation as she continued, "This stone has the ability to sense and unveil your unique attributes, young master!"
The room was filled with an air of anticipation and wonder. With a gentle nod, Beatrice urged me to place my hand on the crystal and infuse it with my mana.
I reached out and carefully touched the smooth surface of the crystal ball, feeling a tingle of excitement coursing through my veins.As I focused my thoughts and channeled my mana into the crystal, an extraordinary transformation began to unfold.
The room suddenly came alive with a burst of vibrant energy, as if the very air crackled with anticipation.The crystal responded to my mana, radiating brilliant flashes of lightning that danced across its surface.
Flames erupted from within, creating an ethereal fire that mesmerized everyone in the room. The temperature rose, only to swiftly cool down, creating a refreshing chill that sent shivers down our spines.But the magic didn't stop there.
Before our eyes, plants started to grow with an enchanting speed, as if they were eager to witness the revelation of my attributes. The weariness that once burdened us vanished, replaced by a newfound vigor and vitality.
Whispers of the wind filled the room as a gentle breeze caressed our faces. It was as if the very elements acknowledged and celebrated the awakening of my attributes. And from within the crystal, water emerged.gazing at the crystal ball, my eyes wide with suprise and awe. Agnes, her voice filled with a mix of excitement and caution.
"Young master," she said softly, her voice, "you possess the most extraordinary affinities towards lightning, fire, ice, and life magic. It is a rare combination . Additionally, you exhibit some affinity towards water and wind attributes."
As her words settled in, I felt a mix of exhilaration and trepidation. The realization that I had such a unique aptitude for magic was thrilling, yet Agnes's following words of warning ignited a sense of caution within me.
Agnes sighed and clasped her hands together, her eyes reflecting a mixture of concern and determination. "Young master, the life attribute is an ancient and sacred power that is only wielded by the elven royal family and those in high positions within the Church of Life. It is the ability to heal, to rejuvenate, and even to bring back to life when someone is on the brink of death."
She paused, allowing her words to sink in, before continuing. "If the Duke were to discover your life attribute, he would undoubtedly react with fear and greed. With his conniving nature and his already strained relationship with you, there is a real risk that he would sell you off to the royal family, who would exploit your power for their own gain."
As Agnes spoke, a chill ran down my spine, and I could feel the weight of responsibility settling upon my shoulders. The power I possessed could be both a blessing and a curse, depending on how it was perceived and wielded by others.
"Agnes," I replied, determination coloring my voice, "I understand the risks. I will guard this secret with my life. The knowledge of my life attribute shall be known only to those I trust implicitly."Listening to me say that a smile appeared in everyone's face.