Library

Chapter 14: The Library

"President, you're back!"

Combat Club hall.

As soon as Donald entered, he saw two instructors grimacing while applying ointment, and many students looking dejected. Only Angelia came up to greet him.

"What happened? I was only gone for a few days, how did the Combat Club end up like this?"

Donald asked with some confusion, "Did someone come to challenge us?"

"No!"

The bitter smile on Angelia's face deepened: "It's my fault! I recruited a student who was too much of a 'genius.' He only learned for two days before defeating Charlie and Baron..."

In her heart, she felt that "genius" wasn't even enough to describe Sulu.

"Oh?" Donald became interested: "Interesting! What is his name?"

"Sulu! Sulu Portley!" Angelia replied.

Donald: "..."

I wonder what kind of expression Donald will have when he hears about what I did after he gets back...

Having run off after causing trouble, Sulu returned to the dormitory, feeling a strange sense of excitement.

"Hey! Sulu!"

Sean was there too, winking at him: "Latest news, that Molly Apple is at the library right now. Seize the opportunity, brother!"

"Oh?!"

Sulu felt a stir in his heart and casually tossed five Toner over: "Thanks! Has she been acting unusual today?"

"Not at all. If I had to say, her life is just too routine. I could close my eyes and guess exactly what she's going to do next..."

Sean looked regretful: "I definitely wouldn't want a girl like that as a wife; it would be a nightmare... but she seems perfect for you!"

"I was originally going to give you a little tip, but it seems that won't be necessary now!"

Sulu said expressionlessly.

He knew exactly how to make this roommate feel absolutely devastated.

"What, what? A tip... ah, what a beautiful word... Sulu, brother! I was wrong!" Sean's expression changed in the next second, and he almost begged as he tugged at Sulu's arm: "As long as you add another five Toner, I guarantee I can even find out what color underwear Catherine is wearing!"

"What use would I have for her underwear color?" Sulu was speechless.

"Oh, my mistake, I meant Molly's!"

"I'm leaving!" Sulu decided to head to the library after all.

Whether it was to probe and observe Molly or to look up other information, he needed to make this trip.

"Are five Toner too much? We can negotiate! Four! Three! I can't go any lower than that..."

Behind him, Sean's voice continued to trail off.

The library.

Within St. George University, it was the tallest building, constructed primarily of white marble, looking much like a massive auditorium.

Walking in through the wide main entrance and stepping onto the smooth marble floor, Sulu felt as if he had entered the realm of giants.

He was a regular here, and he felt a sense of familiarity with the rows of bookshelves, the numerous tables and chairs, and the students quietly studying.

It's only been a few days, and I've gone from a library regular to a martial artist? And half a mystery enthusiast?

Sulu smiled bitterly to himself.

Ever since he received the letter from Rhode in his hometown, his worldview had been completely shattered, beyond repair. His life's trajectory had also undergone a earth-shattering change.

Although Green Tree Castle offered a job starting in September, and the university semester starts in August, it means I have to move out of the dorms before the end of July... It's only early July now, there's still some time...

He thought to himself, walking past bookshelves labeled with iron plaques for Physics, Chemistry, and the like, until he reached the second floor and stopped in the Religion and History section.

The previous Sulu had only a rough understanding of geography and mainstream history, and had no interest in this area, burying himself in science instead.

But now, to research knowledge related to the mysterious, he naturally had to start by learning history and religion.

Molly should be in the library too, but there's no rush...

Regarding that shadow, even now, he didn't have much confidence.

Sulu walked along the bookshelves and pulled out a copy of An Overview of Religion, opening the first page: "Praise the great Seven Gods! Their glory shines upon the entire world!"

This was a religious text that introduced the world's mainstream faiths. Collectively known as the 'Seven Gods' or 'Old Gods,' they were formidable entities that had stood tall even after surviving multiple Twilight of the Gods.

In particular, the Goddess of Light had the most influence within the White Eagle Federation, and her reputation was excellent, often holding relief activities and charity galas.

"The seven mainstream faiths of the world are the Goddess of Light, Mother Earth, the God of Ocean, the God of Fire, the God of War, the Goddess of Storm, and the God of Knowledge... Aside from these, all other faiths are considered heretical!"

The author of this book held very radical views and appeared to be a religious fanatic.

Sulu shook his head, skipping over the vast amount of meaningless praise and adulation to switch to another book, Folklore and Belief Studies.

"...In some uncivilized and barbaric lands, our expedition team discovered a multitude of bloody and evil beliefs... The local natives worship 'demons' and perform rituals reeking of blood... There is evidence suggesting they truly obtained some inconceivable abilities from this... However, Dr. Kodo believes those were merely hallucinations caused by the ingestion of large quantities of hallucinogens..."

This is actually somewhat interesting...

Sulu flipped through the pages and found that the subsequent content had shifted; clearly, the author knew a great deal, yet some things could not be published.

He read further: "...The Gunir tribe in the tropical rainforest is a group of savage cannibals who worship death and adore the moon, believing the moon to be the master of death... Religious texts prove that the Seven Gods currently do not possess the domain of night, whereas quite a few evil gods and false gods claim that they represent the 'moon'..."

"The moon..."

A chill ran through Sulu's heart as he recalled the Corpse Maiden Creation ritual he had presided over, and the inexplicable babbling that had joined in—In the name of the moon!

No matter how you look at it, it seems like there is trouble ahead...

A helpless smile tugged at the corners of his mouth: "Why does this feel just like an American TV show... a reckless, daring brat makes a bigger mistake to cover up a smaller one, eventually brewing a catastrophe..."

Sulu continued reading, only to find the trail had gone cold again, replaced by content regarding the feather worship of certain island inhabitants. He couldn't help but curse: "Damn publishing house, censoring so much—how is anyone supposed to read this?"

After closing the book, Sulu specifically checked the author.

"Sunflower Publishing House, author is Kira Gales!"

He silently committed the name to memory.

Clearly, Kira Gales was someone with deep research into the occult, and in this era of the rising Tide of Transcendence, he was more likely to notice the differences.

Perhaps he himself is even a transcendent!

Sulu put the book back, then suddenly shuddered.

Through the gap in the bookshelf, he saw the face of a girl with glasses and freckles: "Molly! Molly Apple!"