Hayden had no idea what kind of plans the Headmaster had for him. He simply knew that he just had to take advantage of his current situation and learn everything within the Academy.
After all, this place was just preparing him for the real world or life outside this academy.
Hayden then felt that he was actually not tired even after that battle within the Orb of Trial.
After some time, he decided to just visit the library so that his Lens could obtain more information that he might need.
'Let's see…' Hayden looked around the signs and soon confirmed where the Library was located.
It didn't take long before he reached the place.
The library wasn't that huge since this Academy was mainly for those who were aiming to become Knights. Aside from the basic knowledge that everyone needed to learn, there were only various books about knights, combat techniques, traditions of neighboring lands, the history of each noble family, aura, and some others like some compendiums of edible food or materials that could be found outside.
Furthermore, there were also books about the existence of magical beasts but Hayden wasn't sure if he could already access such information.
Anyway, Hayden had come to the library to continue his studies or recording of information.
However, he couldn't be too suspicious so he had to really read some books or people might notice how he was just scanning them and cause some unnecessary trouble.
As he wandered through the aisles, his Ocularis Lens scanned the titles, cataloging books on history, strategy, and aura theory.
If he found something interesting and not recorded yet, he would pick it up and browse through it while his Lens does its work.
After some time, he noticed a group of older students gathered around a large table…
Hayden studied them for a bit and his Lens confirmed that they were clearly from Dawnspire City. It seemed to be about their accents and mannerisms being distinct from those of the rural students.
Hayden recognized one of them—a tall boy with dark hair.
His name was Carl, and he was actually one of Henry and Brody's friends who had visited their manor for a vacation a year ago.
Obviously, he didn't have a good impression of this person.
As Hayden was about to leave, Carl actually noticed Hayden and immediately called out.
"Well, well, if it isn't the youngest Gray. What brings you to the library, little brother? Looking for a bedtime story?"
The other students chuckled, but their expressions were more curious than mocking. Hayden met Carl's gaze and spoke calmly.
He wasn't exactly sure if his older brothers were still his friends, so he decided to just be civil about this.
"I'm here to study. The library is open to all students, isn't it?"
Carl raised an eyebrow, clearly impressed by Hayden's composure. "Fair enough. But you might want to be careful, kid. The library can be a dangerous place for someone so... small."
One of the other students, a girl with red hair, elbowed Carl in the ribs. "Leave him alone, Carl. He's just a kid."
Carl shrugged and grinned. He was just teasing Hayden anyway.
"Just giving him some friendly advice. After all, his brothers didn't exactly make friends with everyone."
'Eh? I thought you guys were friends. You even visited our manor…' Hayden was confused. However, he wasn't really sure about their relationship, so it seemed that he was actually wrong.
Anyway, that memory was from the original Hayden so he couldn't really recall everything about what happened last year.
"What do you mean?" Hayden asked after a few moments.
Lila, the girl with the red hair, sighed after hearing this.
"Your brothers, Brody and Henry, they've got a bit of a reputation. They're strong, sure, but they've also made some enemies. One of them is Graham, a graduating student like them. He's from the Graham family—you know, the huge merchant organization that controls half the trade in Dawnspire City."
Carl leaned forward, his tone lowering. "Graham doesn't take kindly to anyone who crosses him. And let's just say your brothers didn't exactly... play nice. There was an incident during a sparring match last year. Brody beat Graham in front of the whole class, and Henry humiliated him in a debate. Graham's been nursing a grudge ever since."
It seems that this was also the reason why Carl decided not to involve himself with his older brothers again.
Nonetheless, Hayden still frowned. "What does that have to do with me?"
Lila exchanged a glance with Carl before answering. "Graham's not the type to let things go. If he can't get to your brothers, he might go after you instead. Just... be careful, alright?"
"Thanks for the warning," he said, his tone steady. "But I'm not my brothers. I'll handle things my own way."
Carl chuckled, clearly amused. "You've got guts, kid. I'll give you that. But guts alone won't protect you from Graham. He's got connections and money…"
Lila nodded in agreement. "Just keep your head down and stay out of his way. And if you need help, come find us. We might not be able to take on Graham directly, but we can at least give you some advice."
Hayden nodded. "I appreciate it. But I'm not planning on hiding. If Graham wants to come after me, he'll find out I'm not an easy target."
***
Hayden was now alone as he walked around the Library to find some other books.
However, while scanning through the compendiums of various plants and flowers, his mind was still on his previous conversation with Carl and the others.
He had heard stories about Brody and Henry's exploits during their dinners in the manor, but he hadn't realized they had made such powerful enemies.
Still, there was no way for him to fear Carl now that the Headmaster knew about his potential.