Ethan sat at a reading table in RR3 with the fundamental books the Head Librarian had given him. His lewd inclinations in a fantasy world were justified, but survival was a priority.
The boy opened the books expecting complicated information that would take weeks to understand. At least, Hayden expected that from him. Moreover, his lessons from Earth's games and novels taught him how confusing magic and combat systems could be.
Surprisingly, the learning literature was simple and kindergarten-level. The book comprised barely a hundred pages in total, and Ethan mastered it within half an hour.
The first aspect of survival was physical combat. Ethan was helpless against the dark nymph and needed to learn how to defend himself.
According to the books, a fighter chose a weapon based on his inclinations. He kept practicing basic swings, slashes, and parries until they became passive skills. The same principle applied to archery—nocking, aiming, and releasing drills with a bow, an arrow, and so on. It was more of a practical learning process.
Magic, on the other hand, requires theoretical knowledge. Elves had their own breed of magic through which they enhanced their senses, increased their physical capabilities, and exploited the elements of nature.
Ethan remembered how the Elf Captain, Joan, ignited her arrow with a spell. Moreover, her aim was accurate even in the darkness. Elves were very secretive about their practices and never took up pupils from other races.
Orcs had strengthening and fortifying magic, medics had healing, werepeople had transformation, and so on.
Among all species, witches were the most proficient in magic. They could easily practice the arts of other races. Moreover, witches had access to grimoire, holy, and cataclysm magic, rare branches inaccessible to others. This gave them an enormous advantage over others.
Humans were the weakest species, having no special abilities or magic. However, they could learn from all others and develop diminished versions of those superior skills.
Humans were also quite smart and turned their weak magic into daily-life technology. Good examples of this were fortified armor and blessed weapons. They also used the arts for improving industry, irrigation, and agriculture. While most other species accomplished glory in hunting, military, and public order, humans built towns and cities and aided the progress of civilization.
Spells were mentioned for basic things like manipulating elements, pushing or pulling without touching, etc.
Magic especially intrigued Ethan. He noted down a few basic spells and decided to practice them leisurely.
" I'm done with these books," the boy said, plopping down the volumes on the head librarian's desk. "Give me the advanced books."
Hayden looked up from her register in surprise. Reading all those books would take several days, at the least. How did the Young Count finish them in less than half an hour? Did he just look at the pictures?
"Are you really sure you read them, Young Count?"
"Of course I did. Why do you ask?"
Hayden rose from her seat and glared down at the boy. "What is the Elven spell for fire?"
"Ignis," Ethan answered immediately.
The Head Librarian raised her eyebrow in surprise. She had the impression that Ethan Cromwell was a dumb princeling with no interest in knowledge. "Lucky guess. Answer this—which weapon best suits an assassin?"
The boy rubbed his chin thoughtfully. "An assassin needs weapons only as a last resort. His best method to kill would be poison."
Again, Hayden was taken aback. Did the Cromwell Heir hit his head, which reformed his mind and personality?
"Alright, Young Count. I'll give you a tough one. What kind of magic does the Crown forbid which in all of Promiscua?"
The answer wasn't explicitly written in the fundamentals books. It was a footnote explanation that most readers would overlook.
"The crown has forbidden Grimoire magic generally, but many witches practice it in secrecy. To be specific, necromancy is categorically banned and punishable by death. The royal degree came to be after the Natos village massacre in the South."
The Head Librarian was stumped. How did Ethan Cromwell gain outstanding intelligence and knowledge within a single day? Even some adults would stammer when faced with such a question. However, she tried not to display her shock.
"I am impressed, Young Count. Your knowledge levels have definitely improved. I can give you the advanced books right away, but there is a requirement. You must be registered under a teacher. Please ask the Countess to hire one for you first."
Ethan was pleased after proving himself competent to Hayden. Back on Earth, during his teenage years, he had a crush on a hot librarian milf. The boy never got to confess his feelings because she always cringed at his advances. Comparatively, Hayden was attractive if one ignored the sagging boobs.
"Rules again!" Ethan protested. The Head Librarian shrugged at him, indicating she was helpless.
The Young Count sighed and borrowed books on the country's political and physical geography. It was a dull but necessary read.
It was sunset when Ethan stepped out of the library door. He had a quick snack before heading towards his room on the fourth floor. On the way, he ran into Velma.
"Sweetie… How was your day? Anything interesting?" She looked exhausted, and her royal robes were wrinkled.
"Nothing special, Mom. I read a few books in the library."
"Oh, really? I knew it! Adulthood would bring a spurt of intelligence in you. I'm so proud of you!"
"Did your council meeting bear any fruit?" Ethan interrupted her shallow celebration.
Velma looked troubled suddenly, and exhaustion returned to her face. "I think we will need a few more rounds of meetings before deciding anything. But don't you worry about that? I'm not letting you out of the castle again!"
Ethan lowered his eyes, feigning sadness. Even though he had no intention of facing another terrifying dark nymph, being locked up inside a rock building sounded quite depressing.
"Mom, can I get a teacher? The Head Librarian said I need one."
Velma crossed her arms and curled her lips. "Did Hayden lecture and manipulate you? I'll give her an earful. You don't need to learn academics, combat, or magic if you don't want to."
Ethan shook his head. "Actually, I am thrilled to learn new things, Mom! Please get me a teacher!"
The Countess found her son's enthusiasm surprising. But on the inside, she was quite pleased and proud. "Alright, sweetie, if that's what you want. I'll arrange a few tutors for your education by tomorrow afternoon."
***
Ethan followed Velma to her bedroom. "Mom, you look exhausted. Should I come in and give you a massage?"
The boy regretted the words as soon as he spoke them. This was the classical plot of many porn movies. Would his mother pick up on the implications? That would be trouble.
Velma laughed aloud. "You're too young and may lack the strength even to crack my knuckles, sweetie. I don't want you to hurt yourself while being a loving son. Thanks for the offer, but I will settle for a salt bath tonight."
Ethan wanted to ask if he could watch her bathe but kept the sentiment to himself.
Velma was right about Ethan's physical drawbacks. The body's previous owner had never even bothered to play active games and severely lacked muscle tissue and joint strength. Moreover, women were typically built quite tough in Promiscua.
That night, Ethan had a lucid dream featuring Velma and Joan. They were naked, shoving their huge breasts against his face. Head Librarian Hayden was whipping him with a velvet whip while Elaine bounced on his erect dick.
Suddenly, all of them turned into dark nymphs. They snarled horrifically, vomited acid on his genitals, and began biting off his lower body.
At this point, Ethan's dream snapped, and he sat up, gasping and drenched in cold sweat. "Oh, it was a nightmare," he reassured himself, trying to catch his breath.
The boy's relief was temporary because as he lowered his eyes, he discovered a tent in his boxers. Staring back at him was a fresh morning boner! "Oh, shit!"