The Library and Barbecue

The library of Ernst Institute is a magnificent circular building with a vast interior space, lined with rows of bookshelves categorized by magic element, warrior combat techniques, continental history, magic beast compendiums, and more. It is an ocean of knowledge and, aside from classrooms and training grounds, the place most students visit most often.

Lin Qin's figure also occasionally appears here. He is not here to delve into profound magical theories, but rather to look for basic books. For example, Basic Mineral Identification, Analysis of Common Magic Beast Skeletal Structure and Strength, and Overview of Low-Level Magic Array Energy Flow. His reading direction is very clear, all revolving around how to train more effectively, how to understand the essence of power, and how to utilize existing resources.

This afternoon, he did not go to the training ground, but instead came to the "Warrior Basic Theory" section of the library, wanting to see if there were any more detailed descriptions regarding "momentum" or the mastery of power. Although his path lies in practice, appropriate theoretical references can help him avoid taking unnecessary detours.

He walked between the bookshelves, his gaze sweeping over the titles of the books. At a corner, he met Aileen again. She was standing on tiptoe, trying to reach a copy of Intermediate Morphological Changes of Water Magic on the top shelf.

Lin Qin walked over, easily took the book down, and handed it to her.

"Thanks." Aileen took the book, her cheeks slightly flushed, "Are you here to look for books too?"

"Yeah, looking for something on power control," Lin Qin replied, his gaze continuing to search the shelves.

"Over there," Aileen pointed to a shelf further in, "Most of the books on Weight as Lightness and basic force application techniques are over there."

Lin Qin looked at her with some surprise.

Aileen explained, "I have a cousin who is a warrior; I've heard him mention some of these before." She paused, her voice soft, "I think... you would be interested in these."

"Thank you." Lin Qin expressed his gratitude and walked toward the shelf she pointed out. Sure enough, there were several related notes and basic treatises there. He pulled out a seemingly plain book titled Essentials of Basic Force Application and began to flip through it.

Aileen did not leave either; she sat down at a nearby table and quietly read her water magic book. Sunlight spilled in through the library's tall windows, casting quiet patches of light between the two. There was only the rustling sound of turning pages and the faint sound of footsteps in the distance.

Lin Qin was deeply engrossed. Some of the descriptions in the book corroborated the sensations he had felt during his thousands of sword swings, giving him a clearer understanding of some vague concepts. For instance, the book mentioned that "power originates from the heels, is governed by the waist, and travels to the fingers," which coincided perfectly with the force-application chain he had explored in his own practice.

Time passed quietly. When Lin Qin closed the book and prepared to leave, he found that Aileen was still there, seemingly having just finished organizing a complex set of magic notes.

The two walked out of the library together. The evening breeze carried a chill, blowing through the tips of Aileen's light blue hair.

"Did you find the books you needed?" Aileen asked softly.

"Yes, they were quite helpful." Lin Qin nodded.

"That's good." Aileen smiled, "I'm heading back to the dormitory. Goodbye."

"Goodbye."

Watching Aileen walk toward the female dormitory area, Lin Qin turned and headed toward the cafeteria. This chance encounter in the library had helped him find a useful book, and it also made him feel that Aileen was a thoughtful and kind classmate.

At dinner time, Luo De announced loudly in the dormitory: "Brothers! To celebrate Lin Qin breaking through to the fourth rank, and to reward our hard work in studying these past few days—I have decided that we are having a small feast in the dorm tonight! Barbecue! My treat!"

Keane and Karl cheered immediately. Lin Qin looked at the high-spirited Luo De and, not wanting to spoil the mood, nodded.

Soon, Luo De produced from somewhere a small, portable grill powered by a Fire Element Magic Crystal Core, along with several large platters of sliced meat and vegetables. The four of them sat around the middle of the dormitory, having moved the table aside, and began their barbecue feast.

Grease dripped onto the scorching grill, making a "sizzling" sound, and the rich aroma of meat permeated the entire dormitory.

"Come on, Lin Qin, this biggest piece is for you! Breaking through to the fourth rank requires some nourishment!" Luo De enthusiastically placed meat for Lin Qin.

"Thanks."

"Karl, don't just focus on eating, flip the meat! It's going to burn!"

"Keane, give me some more of that Secret Sauce of yours!"

The dormitory was filled with laughter and the fragrance of food. Lin Qin ate the perfectly grilled meat, listening to Luo De brag about how he cleverly "borrowed" the grill from a senior student, hearing Karl complain about the perverted assignments given by the Magic Array Teacher, and watching Keane carefully ensure that no sauce dripped onto his magic notes.

This lively atmosphere, full of the scent of daily life, was something he could not feel when practicing alone on the back mountain. It was not profound or grand, but it was real and warm, allowing his tense nerves to relax slightly.

"Lin Qin," Luo De asked while chewing his meat, "I heard you were reading with Aileen in the library today?"

Keane and Karl immediately cast curious glances his way.

Lin Qin's expression remained normal: "Ran into her by chance; she helped me point out a bookshelf."

"Oh—" Luo De drew out the sound, winking, "Just pointed out a bookshelf, huh?"

"Yeah." Lin Qin nodded affirmatively and continued eating his meat.

Seeing his indifferent reaction, Luo De lost interest in teasing him and turned to discuss the possible content of the final exams.

Lin Qin ate and listened quietly. He did not dislike this simple happiness and the banter between companions. He knew these were embellishments in his long cultivation career, a diversion that kept him from becoming a machine that only knew how to cultivate.

The feast ended, and the lingering aroma of barbecue remained in the dormitory. Lin Qin helped clean up, then, as usual, picked up his broadsword.

"You're going to train again?" Luo De asked in surprise.

"Yeah, I haven't finished today's quota yet."