BXBX NOVEL Chapter 175: Library
Alex was stunned by the sheer number of choices. Each name represented a wealth of knowledge and experience, a potential mentor who could guide him to new heights.
Though Alex dismissed all of these names when he spotted one name in particular that he was already familiar with.
'Professor Will.'
He chose Professor Will without hesitating, as he had already done a lot for him, and Alex could tell that the man had something special about him, but he just couldn't quite pick it out yet.
[In addition to personal tutoring, you have been granted upgraded library privileges. You may access 5 C tier combat techniques, or 1 B tier technique from our library each month.]
Alex's eyes widened into smiles. The library privileges were the one thing he was really happy to see. They were a game changer for him. He could already imagine the kinds of powerful techniques he would soon have at his disposal.
Without wasting any time, Alex skipped heading back to his dorm for the time being and headed straight for the library.
He wasn't planning on borrowing any techniques just yet, he just wanted to see what kinds of techniques were available, as well as to widen his horizons.
It's not like he was going to be doing anything meaningful back at his dorm anyway, just sitting there waiting for the message about classes to come through, so he thought he might as well explore for a while.
The university's library was a vast, imposing structure filled with countless books and scrolls.
One might ask why the need for physical books and scrolls when they lived in the prime age of information, where everything is digital?
Well it was for security reasons.
These techniques were strictly confidential, and owned solely by the university.
They were a large part of the reason why Capital Prime was the top 1 university in the federation, and they didn't want their competitor universities or outsider awakened gaining access to their most valuable resources.
The policies surrounding the borrowing of these techniques were incredibly strict, with the student having to return them after a certain allotted period of time, or else they would face expulsion or imprisonment if they refused to hand the technique back, depending on the tier and rarity of the technique in question.
If someone also tried to copy the technique down into their communicator, the system would automatically detect what they were scanning and alert the city authorities immediately.
As Alex entered the library, he felt a sense of awe. The knowledge contained within this one building was invaluable, perhaps being the very cornerstone of human civilisation.
He approached the heavily guarded front desk, where an old librarian was sitting, reading a book.
He noticed Alex approaching, and smiled as he watched this freshman walk in.
'Fresh meat right after the orientation ended? It seems like we have quite the interesting fellow here.'
Alex, seeing that the librarian had already noticed his presence, started speaking.
"I'm here to take a look at the C tier and B tier combat techniques."
He spoke in a neutral tone.
Hearing the mention of C and B tier techniques, the old librarian perked his eyes up immediately, as he realised that this boy must be one of the new elite class students.
They were the only freshmen currently qualified to borrow such techniques, as the other freshmen would have to work hard through missions or menial tasks to earn the opportunity to borrow one.
The system was completely unfair and catered towards the rich and strong, but that was just how society worked.
If you wanted something, asking for it wouldn't get you anywhere.
You had to take it through your own effort!
The old librarian scanned Alex's student ID on his communicator, and it immediately confirmed Alex's place among the elite class.
'Huh?'
But it also revealed to the old librarian that Alex was also the number 1 student on the first year rankings.
'This kid just got a lot more interesting…'
The old librarian's eyes twinkled with interest as he scanned Alex's student ID.
"Ah, I see you're one of the new elite class students," he said, his voice warm and welcoming. "And the top ranked freshman, no less. Impressive."
The librarian stood up and gestured for Alex to follow him.
"Come with me. The C tier techniques are stored in the main section of the library. B tier and above, however, are kept in a more secure area due to their value. You need special permission before you can enter that section, even if you are an Elite class student."
Alex nodded at this revelation. He wasn't planning on borrowing anything yet anyway.
As they walked through the library, Alex marvelled at the sheer number of books and scrolls lining the shelves.
The air was filled with the faint, comforting scent of aged paper and leather bindings. It was a place of knowledge, tradition, and power.
"Here you are," the librarian said as he arrived at a section near the back marked 'C tier techniques'.
"You're free to browse through these. If you find any that interest you, let me know, and I'll assist you in the borrowing process."
Alex nodded, thanking the librarian before turning his attention to the scrolls. He began to peruse the titles, noting the diversity of techniques available.
There were techniques for enhancing speed, strength, endurance, and even some for manipulating elements like fire and water.
'Energy condensing techniques? What are these?'
Though one particular section of techniques caught his eyes, as he had never seen nor heard of techniques like this before.
He read through some of their titles, but none of them really explained their usage to him.
Since the librarian was still nearby, he decided to ask him, and see what these techniques were all about.
He had a feeling that they would be pretty useful, considering their names.