[Basic Combat Strategies] (1)

As Phaistos saw all the information about this book, he decided to open the information on the other books. This was to avoid missing a good opportunity to improve himself.

He first focused on the manual titled [Rank 2: Water Lance]. A series of symbols and runes appeared in his mind, accompanied by a brief description of the book:

[Rank 2: Water Lance]

[Rank: 2]

[Element: Water]

[Description of the Grimoire: This grimoire teaches advanced techniques for creating and controlling powerful water lances. It includes detailed instructions on the formation and manipulation of water for precise and destructive attacks. This manual is designed for rank 2 apprentices with an affinity for the water element.]

Phaistos pondered for a moment. The information he had learned indicated that this spell would be much more powerful than [Water Bubble]. Nonetheless, it wasn't interesting enough to change his mind. He decided to move on to the next book: [Rank 2: Light Explosion].

A new series of symbols and runes appeared, revealing the details of the grimoire:

[Rank 2: Light Explosion]

[Rank: 2]

[Element: Light]

[Description of the Grimoire: This manual allows an apprentice mastering the light attribute to concentrate the power of the element into a luminous explosion. This spell is not intended to be an offensive spell, but rather a crowd control spell. The light explosion can blind the opponent for a few seconds. The duration of the blindness depends on the magical power and combat power of the opponent as well as your own strength.]

Phaistos felt a twinge of disappointment. Although this grimoire was interesting, his light element had not yet made a breakthrough, making this learning premature. Additionally, he wanted to feel stronger. He didn't yet have the maturity to understand that control abilities could be just as, if not more, destructive than offensive abilities. He then turned to the last manual, [Introduction to the Time Attribute].

Once again, symbols and runes appeared, unveiling the description of the grimoire:

[Introduction to the Time Attribute]

[Rank: None]

[Element: Time]

[Description of the Grimoire: This grimoire is an introduction to the fundamental principles of time magic. It covers the basics of time control, allowing the user with the corresponding talent to start grasping the initial ideas. This grimoire is not intended to teach particular spells, but rather to guide the learners towards a more advanced form of magic. To master a talent, much work and a certain enlightenment will be required.]

Phaistos focused on the information from the last manual. He was fascinated by the possibility of manipulating time, but he knew that this complex magic would require a solid foundation and deep understanding. Knowing that he had a talent for time control, he felt that this was what was slowing down his cultivation of the light element. This indirectly taught him that his ability to understand the time element would be linked to his ability to understand the light element. This reinforced his idea that a solid foundation was currently his number one priority.

After considering all the options, he returned to his initial choice: [Basic Combat Strategies].

He confirmed his selection, thinking that this grimoire would offer him a deep understanding of combat strategies and a solid foundation for all his future learnings. As he made the choice of his manual in his mind, he heard a voice.

[Choice made... [Basic Combat Strategies] is located in the combat arts section. In the west wing, aisle 2041.]

As Phaistos heard the information about the manual's location, he finally realized the vastness of the library. He could only hope that the combat arts section was close to his position. He told Kibi that he was going to fetch his manual and would join him later in the hall.

Phaistos quickly made his way to the west wing of the library, following the mental directions he had received. Each step echoed in the immense hall, surrounded by endless rows of ancient books and precious scrolls. The atmosphere was steeped in the wisdom of past generations.

After navigating several aisles, he finally reached aisle 2041. As he noted the time indicated on the aisle, he realized that he had been walking for over an hour. Fortunately, his physical condition had already greatly improved since he had begun his journey as a magician. He carefully scanned the shelves until his eyes fell on the grimoire he was seeking: [Basic Combat Strategies].

The book was imposing, with a thick black leather cover adorned with finely engraved combat symbols. The engravings seemed to tell ancient tales of epic battles and legendary strategies, each symbol meticulously crafted to capture the very essence of the art of combat. The corners of the book were reinforced with metal, adding a touch of robustness to the already impressive tome.

Phaistos gently picked it up, feeling the rich and sturdy texture of the leather under his fingers. As he opened it, an ancient, slightly woody scent wafted out, testifying to the age and wisdom contained within its pages. The moment he opened the grimoire, he immediately felt an aura of power and knowledge emanating from the pages. Every word, every illustration seemed to vibrate with mystical energy. It was as if the book transported its reader into a relentless war universe.

He sensed that this book was not as simple as it appeared. He had an irresistible urge to start reading it, but he remembered his promise to his friend and resolved to join him. Reading the book could wait an hour or two after all.

Fortunately, the return journey was quicker, as Phaistos no longer had to observe the names of the sections and the aisle numbers. In just 45 minutes, he managed to find the exit.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

As Phaistos arrived in the hall of the academy, he quickly noticed his four comrades sitting at the same table. They seemed to be in an animated conversation judging by their laughter.

From afar, Zara signaled for him to join them quickly.

As he arrived, he was immediately approached by Miki. "Dude, you really took your time coming back. We're starving. Let's go eat right away."

Based on Miki's words, he realized they had decided to wait for him before eating so they could do it together. He apologized immediately, completely unaware that this could have happened.

To Phaistos, this kind of behavior always seemed foolish because he was certain he wouldn't do such a thing. However, he didn't dare tell them that their goodwill seemed strange to him. What he didn't notice was that a smile was forming on his face. It seemed that this feeling of genuine camaraderie touched him more than he dared admit.

As they walked together towards the cafeteria, Freya decided to recount to Phaistos the anecdote she had just told the others, which had caused a burst of laughter within their group.

"So, today, in the hall of ice, something hilarious happened," Freya began with a mischievous smile. "There's an apprentice named Ethan, who still hasn't managed to become an official student like me. Well, he decided to plunge into a frozen lake to get closer to the ice element."

Freya paused to savor the dramatic effect of her story. "Everything was going well until he realized he couldn't move. The ice had literally trapped him, and he was starting to show signs of hypothermia. We all panicked and had to act quickly to get him out of there."

Phaistos intervened with a certain seriousness, not understanding the humor of the situation. "Wow... How is he now?"

Freya burst out laughing, which surprised Phaistos, before responding. "Oh, don't worry, he's fine now. It's just that the situation was so absurd! An apprentice mastering ice ends up frozen... It sounds like a joke."

As Phaistos realized the irony of the situation, he exploded with laughter. The obvious change in his attitude made several people turn in the corridor to see this laughing madman.

The group continued walking towards the cafeteria, still amused by Ethan's story. The atmosphere was light and joyful, which reinforced their sense of camaraderie.

They soon arrived at the cafeteria, grabbed their trays, and served themselves food before settling at a table near the window. The light of the setting sun bathed the room in a golden glow, adding to the convivial atmosphere. Phaistos gently placed his grimoire on the table, still curious to share it with his friends.

Curious, Miki took a look at the imposing book. "So, this is the famous grimoire you went to get?" he asked.

Phaistos nodded. "Yes, it's [Basic Combat Strategies]. I can't wait to start studying it in detail. This book is full of secrets and experiences on the art of combat in general according to its synopsis."

Zara, always enthusiastic, added: "It looks interesting. Maybe you could share some of these strategies during our training sessions."

Phaistos smiled. "With pleasure. I'm sure it will benefit us all."

They started eating while discussing the different aspects of their training and the challenges they faced. Their conversations were punctuated with laughter and anecdotes, strengthening their bond of friendship.

Once they finished their meal, they decided to head home. As Phaistos arrived in his room, he immediately began studying his new manual.