After resting at home until the portal was active once more, Alex decided to embark on another journey to the otherworld. This time, he had a plan. He dressed in formals, adding a black coat to somewhat match the clothing style of the people he had encountered there. He also took the opportunity to put some small items like a pen and a napkin into his pockets from his backpack, testing if he could bring things back with him.
A mischievous idea crossed his mind, and he pulled out an eraser from his backpack. With a hint of curiosity, he placed it in his mouth, ready for another test. Stepping through the cupboard, the familiar sensation of falling enveloped him again. Upon arriving on the other side, he quickly removed the rubber from his mouth, spitting to wash away its taste. His attention shifted to the eraser in his hand, confirming his hypothesis.
Disappointed that his pockets yielded no results, Alex concluded that he could only transport items in his mouth, excluding the key. He tucked the eraser into his pocket and proceeded toward the library. As he walked through the streets, he observed a mix of magical and old-fashioned items, some reminiscent of the 60s or 70s.
The thought of becoming a businessman here crossed his mind, but he tempered his excitement. He realized that he needed to explore and understand this world thoroughly before making any hasty decisions.
Once inside the library, he resumed his reading. Despite considering himself above average in studies, this new language posed a challenge. However, Alex was determined to persevere. He reviewed what he had learned so far before delving back into his studies.
His dedication was unyielding, his schedule rigorous. He repeated the cycle of reading, returning to the GOLD lounge, transcribing his knowledge into his notebook, and then taking short breaks for food and rest. He repeated this routine tirelessly for five to six days, devouring books and advancing his understanding of Elsin language.
Now on his third book, "Frog of Lake: Elsin Advanced," he encountered more complex sentences like "who are you," "how are you," and "My name is…". He had already tackled numbers and basic objects in the second book. Struggling with pronunciation, he sought assistance from the grey-robed assistants in the library, who kindly helped him with his queries.
After a challenging seven days, he had achieved a basic grasp of the language. While he had acquired a foundation for reading, he knew the key would aid him in speaking. His focus was primarily on comprehending written text, as he believed it would grant him access to more knowledge from this world.
During these days of intense learning, Alex hadn't experimented with transporting items back and forth. The fatigue from his trips made him prioritize rest and studies over further trials. Now, with his college break coming to an end, he needed to reapply for more time off, giving him the chance to continue his exploration of the otherworld.
With a growing understanding of this new realm, Alex's desire to uncover its history and inner workings grew stronger. His journey was just beginning, and he was determined to uncover the secrets that lay ahead.