Swordflower University, Forest Library.
Though not as grand as the Four Gates of Truth Library at the University of Truth, Swordflower University's Forest and Flower Libraries are some of the most scenic spots in Galasite. In terms of collection size, they don't rank in the top ten, but when it comes to ambiance and comfort, they're unrivaled, earning the title of "Top Dating Spots for Couples."
Unlike the vibrant and colorful Flower Library, the Forest Library's theme is "Tranquility in the Woods." From the outside, it looks like a lush forest. Inside, there are trickling streams, rabbits frolicking, squirrels munching on pine cones, gentle breezes rustling the trees, and plenty of cozy spots—swings, benches, treehouses, and even friendly bears. Yes, actual bears that are so tame you can rest against their bellies while reading.
But what amazed Sonia most about the Forest Library was that there were no mosquitoes.
For someone like Sonia, who grew up in a farming town and spent many childhood days picking mushrooms in the woods, this was nothing short of miraculous.
Of course, creating such a serene reading environment comes with compromises. Books are stored within hollowed-out tree trunks, and the library spans four winding levels connected by twisted branches. Even with a navigation system linked to her miracle bracelet, Sonia still had to work hard to find the books she needed.
After finally tracking them down, Sonia was about to settle onto a bench when she ran into an unexpected "enemy."
"Hello, senior."
Sonia looked at Celia, the third-year senior who had been part of her messy entanglements with Felix. Celia seemed a little more haggard than before, but her delicate features now carried a vulnerable charm that drew even more attention from the surrounding male students.
"Hi," Celia nodded, her surprise evident. As they passed each other, she paused and said, "About last time… I'm sorry for causing you trouble."
"Oh, you definitely did. How do you plan to make it up to me?"
The words escaped before Sonia realized it. Though her Sincerity Summoning Ritual had long ended, she still found herself blurting out her true thoughts more often than not.
Celia froze for a moment, then covered her mouth and giggled. "How about I buy you a drink? Tree sap?"
Inside the Forest Library was a café that served beverages with a woodland theme—"Tree Sap," "Flower Nectar," and "Dew Drops," to name a few. Despite the strange names, these drinks, crafted by water mages, were sweet, rich, and affordable, making them popular among students.
Celia's gesture of reconciliation seemed sincere, and since Sonia had no direct conflict of interest with her, she agreed to the offer. They sat down with their drinks—Sonia chose "Dew Drops on Grass Blades"—and Celia spoke first.
"Apologies again," Celia said. "I was too impulsive last time and didn't think things through. If there's anything I can do to make it up to you, let me know."
Celia's genuine tone softened Sonia's stance. "While you were 99% at fault, I suppose I wasn't entirely blameless. Maybe my actions gave you the wrong impression… Oh, by the way, senior, I saw you in My Child's Surname. You were incredible as the third female lead!"
Celia smiled at the subtle flattery. "My uncle directed that film and had me cameo. Are you interested in acting, Sonia?"
"Absolutely!" Sonia's eyes sparkled. "I've even been reading books about it in my spare time."
Celia, though surprised that Sonia's ambitions extended beyond swordsmanship, didn't comment. Instead, she promised to use her connections to help Sonia land a role in the future.
"If it were anyone else, my uncle might hesitate," Celia explained, "but you're the apprentice of the Hidden Hand Sword Saint and the fastest Silver Wing opener at Swordflower University. That alone guarantees attention, which is excellent for marketing. But if your performance fails to impress, you could quickly fade into obscurity."
"I understand," Sonia nodded eagerly. "I still have three years until graduation—there's plenty of time to prepare!"
Their conversation soon turned casual and amicable, but as they chatted, Celia hesitated before timidly asking, "He's… still single, right?"
"Who else would he be?" Sonia replied in her head, but aloud she answered, "As far as I know, no other women are around him."
"And you?"
"Absolutely not."
Celia breathed a sigh of relief. Their drinks arrived just then, and Sonia took a sip of her Dew Drops, surprised by its creamy, milky flavor. It reminded her of milk tea but lighter and more refreshing.
After a moment, Celia muttered, "He's different now. Before, he always started a new relationship right after ending the last one…"
"Mm-hmm," Sonia hummed noncommittally.
"Do you think… maybe he still has feelings for me?"
Sonia nearly choked on her drink but managed to keep her composure. Seeing the mixture of hope and anxiety on Celia's face, she couldn't help but feel a twinge of pity.
From what Sonia had observed, Felix's past flings were likely part of some ritual or necessary condition for resonating with his spirit. After becoming a mage, Felix had cut ties with all his relationships and devoted himself entirely to study and training. Sonia doubted it was the Void Realm correcting his worldview—it seemed more like Felix no longer needed to maintain a façade.
But there was no point telling Celia this. For one, it was just a theory. For another, Celia still had a chance.
She was beautiful, with long black hair, striking features, a tall, curvy figure, and an air of genuine affection. Who could resist a sincere, vulnerable, and stunning senior like her?
"It's possible," Sonia said with a smile.
"You think so too?" Celia's spirits lifted. "Then what should I do to get back together with Felix?"
"Well…" Sonia remembered the Fate Quiz question about reconciliation. "Maybe… aim for a greater shared goal or resist a mutual crisis?"
Seeing Celia's confused look, Sonia quickly adjusted. "Actually, it's much simpler. Just find a way back into his life. Don't approach him with the goal of reconciling right away—start by clearing the air and rebuilding a friendship. If you'd like, I can even help set up a chance meeting."
"Yes, please!" Celia nodded eagerly.
"Once you've reconnected, you can use tactics like the Woodpecker Strategy."
"The Woodpecker Strategy?"
"Yes. Occasionally sigh or act downcast, but don't explain why. Create moments of emotional fluctuation to keep him guessing. Then, shift gears—sometimes show dependence or affection, letting him feel like you need him. Over time, you'll subtly guide his emotions until your sighs and gestures can sway him completely."
Sonia grew animated as she continued. "And if you reconcile, move on to the next steps: negative emotion transfer and positive emotion control. If you're unhappy, share it with him so he's unhappy too. But when he's happy about something you don't like, criticize or dismiss it. Basically, your moods should dominate the relationship."
Celia listened with wide eyes, then softly laughed. "Sonia, have you ever dated anyone?"
Sonia blushed. "No… Sorry, I got carried away…"
"No need to apologize," Celia said gently. "Your 'techniques' are clever. In the past, I might've eagerly tried them myself." She smiled wistfully. "But love is a miracle. I don't want to hurt him or see him unhappy. I just hope… I can stand by his side."
It was only then that Sonia noticed the books Celia carried: Sword·Wind·Abyss, Wind Mage Support Tutorials, and Recommended Spirits for Combat Wind Mages. They were all guides on supporting swordsmen in battle.
Celia caught Sonia's glance and chuckled. "Thank you for the advice, Sonia. I might need more help from you in the future. Shall we exchange Curtain IDs?"
"Of course!"
As they swapped contacts, Celia glanced at Sonia's books and asked curiously, "Are you studying the Psychic Pathway? But these seem… unusual."
Sonia's selection included the essentials, The Interpretation of Dreams and Psychological Linguistics, but also Days with a Crime Mage and How to Alleviate Mental Stress. The latter two were more like a novel and a practical guide, offering little academic value for learning the Psychic Pathway.