Her success, however, was largely due to the entirely different grading system on Gaia compared to Earth.
If Gaia's high school curriculum was anything like Earth's, filled with subjects like literature, math, foreign languages, humanities, and sciences, Ash doubted she'd have the freedom to run around as she did now.
...
"Oh? You're back for another book so soon?"
In the Solvale Town Library, the old librarian looked slightly surprised as Ash approached to borrow another book.
The old man had a distinct impression of Ash.
After all, in this age of highly advanced internet technology, it was rare to see anyone visiting a traditional library to read or borrow books regularly.
People like her had become so scarce that weeks could pass without the librarian encountering someone similar.
"Are you planning to take the Beast Master Department Practical Exam?" he asked while pulling a pair of reading glasses out of the drawer and putting them on.
The librarian chatted casually with Ash while scanning the barcode on her newly borrowed book <
"Combat Department?"
"No…"
"Then it must be the Research Department? You've borrowed a lot of books related to that field."
"It's not…"
Ash quickly interrupted him, worried the old man would jump to another incorrect conclusion.
"I'm not taking the Beast Master Department Practical Exam."
"Hm?"
The librarian's scanning motion paused briefly, and his tone carried a hint of surprise.
"You're not taking the Beast Master Department Practical Exam? Then why read so many books about it?"
"Well…" Ash hesitated, unsure how to explain it to him.
After a moment of internal struggle, she said, "My family's financial situation isn't that great, so I can't afford to take the Beast Master Department Practical Exam. I'm just reading these for personal interest."
The truth was, her main reason was that she didn't have the money to spend hours at an internet café.
If she wanted to learn about Spirit Beasts, the free library was her only option.
"…I see. My apologies for prying." The librarian's expression softened, an apologetic look crossing his face as he realized the situation. "I didn't mean anything by it."
"I understand," Ash said with a smile, showing no discomfort or embarrassment about admitting her circumstances.
She wasn't really a teenager, after all; she didn't feel overly sensitive or fragile about such matters.
"You must really like Spirit Beasts, then?" The librarian's gaze toward Ash seemed to change slightly, his tone warmer. "At your age, you're probably close to being able to contract one, aren't you?"
Ash hadn't expected another question.
As she reached out to take the book the librarian had pushed toward her, her hand paused mid-air.
She wasn't sure why he was asking these things, but she decided to answer truthfully.
"I do like Spirit Beasts…"
The moment she said the words, her eyes lit up with unmistakable excitement.
Her entire demeanor seemed to brighten, as if she had a lot she wanted to say.
But the excitement faded just as quickly as it appeared, replaced by calm composure, as if she'd thought of something that dampened her enthusiasm.