As the familiar chime of the system's notification echoed in Aric's mind, a wicked grin spread across his face.
The rush of joy hit him immediately. "The heavens really do have a twisted sense of humor," he thought, glancing at the dusty tome in his hands. "This technique was supposed to be Mevan's trump card, and now it's mine."
As he walked down the spiral staircase of the Daedoseogwan Library, he approached the elderly librarian, who watched over the place with a hawk's eye. She adjusted her glasses, eyeing the book in his hands.
"You're taking that one?" she asked with an inquisitive tilt to her head. Her voice was scratchy, but it held a note of respect, as if sensing the power in the volume he held.
"Yes, I'd like to check this out," Aric replied, keeping his tone respectful but composed.
