"Anyone can access the library," Miss Syl explained, her tone professional but approachable. "However, there is a fee to use it. Additionally, you must not damage or steal the books, and try to keep noise to a minimum."
"Are you planning to use the library today?" she asked, tilting her head slightly.
"Yes," I replied with a polite nod. "I'd like to read as much as I can before we take on any quests. It's important to be well-prepared."
"That's a wise decision," Miss Syl said approvingly. "Most adventurers jump straight into quests without gathering sufficient information, often resulting in damaged goods, failed requests, or misunderstandings about the task." She sighed lightly, her voice carrying a tinge of exasperation. "You're quite diligent, Celeste."
I nodded in understanding. It wasn't surprising that many adventurers skipped the research phase—after all, most of them lacked literacy skills. Many relied on the guild staff to read out quest details for them.
Fortunately, with my [Language Comprehension] skill, I could not only understand the spoken language of this world but also read and write it fluently. Without that skill, I might have fallen into the same pitfalls as those adventurers.
"Thank you, Miss Syl," I said with a small smile. "How much does it cost to use the library?"
"One small silver coin for the usage fee, plus a medium silver coin as a deposit. You'll get the deposit back when you leave," she explained, pointing toward the ceiling. "You don't pay here; you'll handle that in the library itself."
"Understood. Thank you for the information, Miss Syl," I said, bowing slightly in gratitude. Mirelle and I turned toward the stairs, but Miss Syl called out after us.
"No problem! Happy to help," she said, waving cheerfully. Elaria, who had been lingering nearby, waved as well. Mirelle and I waved back before heading up.
The third floor of the Adventurers Guild was quiet, a stark contrast to the bustling energy on the first floor of the Adventurers Guild. When we reached the library, I paid the required fees and deposit. The librarian, an older man with sharp eyes but a kind demeanor, gave us a brief nod before we stepped inside.
The library was larger than I'd anticipated, with rows of shelves neatly arranged and illuminated by soft natural light filtering through high windows. Only a few people were present, scattered across tables with books in hand.
Mirelle and I wandered through the library, taking our time to admire the selection. Eventually, we found a cozy spot by a window overlooking the training grounds. From there, we could see adventurers practicing their swordsmanship and magic, the clang of metal faintly audible even through the glass.
"This is a nice spot, isn't it, Mirelle?" I said, settling into a chair.
"It is! And I get to be with Lady Witch!" Mirelle said, her cheerful tone drawing a chuckle from me. As always, her presence brought a sense of warmth and comfort, making even a quiet library visit feel special.
Taking a quiet moment to enjoy the view of the training grounds, Mirelle and I sat near the window, observing the activity below. Mirelle, ever cheerful, began to hum a soft tune under her breath, the melody light and soothing, yet quiet enough not to disturb anyone nearby.
"Mirelle, can you stay here for a moment? I'll go find some books," I said, rising from my seat.
"Yes, Lady Celeste! I'll wait right here for you!" Mirelle replied enthusiastically, her golden-earth hair catching the sunlight streaming through the window as she gave a bright smile.
I couldn't help but return a gentle smile of my own. "Thank you, Mirelle," I said with a small nod before heading toward the rows of bookshelves.
The [Scholar] skill granted me the ability to organize and analyze information more effectively, much like having a mental assistant that sorted knowledge into clear, digestible formats. However, it wasn't a substitute for experience or actual reading. My understanding of this world, bestowed upon me by Goddess Sylvara at the moment of my reincarnation, was limited—a fragment of the vast tapestry of this world's intricacies.
If I wanted to truly understand this land and its systems, I needed to learn like anyone else. Topics like World History, Magic Systems, Jobs, Skills, Levels, and countless others were essential to grasp. From forbidden and high-tier magic to common spells, and from everyday professions to legendary classes, every bit of knowledge could provide invaluable context.
Specifically, I wanted to confirm the rarity of the [Witch] class. Was it still persecuted today? Or had perceptions changed? Is it truly a legendary class? I needed to be prepared for what lay ahead, both for my own sake and Mirelle's.
I wanted to know as much as I could about these [Origin Classes] and if there are any records of the various [Origin Classes] and if any of those was the [Witch] class.
Another priority was learning about the monsters inhabiting these lands, the medicinal herbs that could save lives, and the edible fruits found in the wild. These survival essentials were just as critical. Unfortunately, as the books in the Guild library were not permitted to be taken outside, I'd need to transcribe anything I found useful into my own notes.
For my personal interest, I had my eye on subjects like magic runes, tomes, scrolls, magic circles, staffs, staves—anything related to magic, really. While it wasn't my top priority, just having those books nearby as I worked through the essential information would give me the motivation to finish everything faster.
After roaming the library and repeatedly walking back and forth between the bookshelves and our table, I realized that I might have gone overboard. A mountain of books now loomed in front of me, drawing curious glances from nearby patrons. Embarrassed by my over-enthusiasm, I quickly decided to sit down, organize my thoughts, and start reading. I would return the extra books to their shelves after skimming through the essentials.
Taking a seat, I glanced toward Mirelle, who was quietly gazing out the window at the training grounds below. The serene sight of her golden-earth hair gently swaying as sunlight illuminated her made me momentarily forget my earlier embarrassment.
"Thank you for waiting for me, Mirelle," I said softly, trying to maintain my composure.
Mirelle turned her head toward me, her cheerful smile brightening even further as she noticed the stack of books towering on the table. "Wow! There are so many books!" she exclaimed, her curiosity evident as her vibrant light green eyes darted from one title to the next.
"Is Lady Celeste really going to read all of these?" Mirelle asked, tilting her head slightly in a way that made her look even more innocent. She leaned closer, trying to decipher the intricate titles on the covers.
"They all look so complicated... Mirelle doesn't really understand them, but Lady Witch is amazing!" Mirelle said with an excited sparkle in her eyes, clapping her hands together as if she'd just witnessed a miracle.