Chapter 35. Meeting in the Library (Part 2)

Arthur was completely absorbed in reading, methodically flipping through the pages and occasionally jotting down notes in a small notebook.

The book, "A Guide to Harvesting and Preserving Materials from Magical Beasts," detailed the properties of various body parts of sea ravens. The first thing that caught his attention was the feathers.

Sea Raven Feathers. According to the description, they possessed unique water-repellent properties, allowing these creatures to glide effortlessly over the water's surface and stay dry even during storms. Additionally, their structure provided excellent magic conductivity, making them valuable for enchanting clothing and crafting artifacts related to water and air control.

However, as the book warned, the feathers quickly lost their properties once separated from the bird's body. The solution was simple: immediately after collection, coat the feather tips with a layer of ordinary wax. This prevented the loss of their magical qualities and allowed them to be stored for extended periods without degradation.

Arthur pondered this. Perhaps, by combining such feathers with fabric, he could create a cloak that repelled water or even a mantle capable of enhancing spells related to wind and rain.

He made a note and continued reading.

Respiratory Organs. Next on the list were the respiratory organs, located on the sea ravens' necks as two small chambers covered with a thin membrane.

These organs allowed the sea ravens to trap air and filter oxygen from water, enabling them to dive and hunt fish. The book explained that if these organs were ground with seeds of certain special plants (unfortunately, the plant names weren't mentioned), and the resulting mixture was placed in an airtight container, it could become a valuable alchemical component.

Such material was used in potion-making, allowing alchemists to craft various types of underwater breathing potions.

Arthur jotted down another note and thought: perhaps he could consult the academy's alchemists to find out which plants the book referred to, or would he need to search for the information himself?

As he pondered, his gaze drifted to the next section, which described two more valuable materials that could be harvested from these creatures…

Sea Raven Liver. Arthur skimmed the lines carefully, absorbing the information. It turned out that the liver of sea ravens also held alchemical value.

This small organ had the ability to filter toxins, allowing ravens to feed on sea creatures that other animals couldn't digest due to their poisonous nature. Thanks to this quality, sea raven livers were used to prepare potions that granted resistance to harmful fumes.

However, it couldn't simply be preserved as-is — proper processing was essential. First, the liver was submerged in a special solution made from the sea raven's own blood and several rare herbs. This solution preserved the liver's purifying properties, preventing decomposition. After a few days, alchemists could use it to create potions that protected against toxic air.

Arthur had heard of such potions before. They were typically issued to miners working in hazardous environments or relic hunters venturing into ancient ruins filled with lingering magical toxins.

He tapped his fingers thoughtfully on the page. The book didn't provide an exact recipe for the herbs used in the solution — likely an alchemical secret known only to experienced masters.

Flipping to the next page, Arthur found one of the most intriguing materials obtained from sea ravens — a drop of condensed blood found in the heart.

Condensed Blood. This blood wasn't ordinary. It contained the concentrated power of the raven's lineage, preserving its natural attributes.

The extraction process required care: after the raven's death, the heart had to be quickly opened, and the special drop of thick blood extracted. A magical tool was then used to verify its state. If the blood remained active, it could be preserved by placing it in a nutrient solution designed to maintain its properties.

Arthur read that skilled alchemists could use this blood to craft a Lineage Potion.

The process was complex: blood from dozens of sea ravens was collected and purified using secret techniques. Then, it was enriched with special ingredients (the book didn't specify which) to create the Sea Raven Lineage Potion.

Anyone who drank such a potion would gain the sea raven's lineage, permanently altering their body.

Though not particularly powerful, this lineage could elevate someone to the level of an official knight. Even so, knights with this lineage often surpassed regular ones, thanks to the additional talents bestowed by their new blood.

The talents of sea raven lineage knights weren't particularly strong but offered notable benefits: enhanced agility and coordination, improved resilience to humid environments and harsh weather, mild poison resistance, and slightly enhanced vision in dim light.

Arthur pondered. This material could be the foundation for numerous alchemical experiments. While the sea raven's lineage wasn't powerful, alchemists might use its blood in hybrid experiments, combining it with other lineages.

Sitting at the library table, Arthur delved deeper into the study of the sea ravens, carefully rereading the descriptions of their anatomy and properties. Beside him, Anya flipped through a book on cults, occasionally jotting notes in her notebook.

Time slipped by unnoticed. Outside the library, the shifting sunlight began streaming through the patterned windows, casting warm hues over the shelves. The academy seemed to hold its breath in the quiet. Only the soft rustle of turning pages broke the stillness.

Suddenly, Anya closed her book and stretched, working out her stiff shoulders.

"Let's take a break?" she suggested, breaking the long silence. "I can't focus anymore, and you look like you need a rest too."

Arthur blinked, pulling himself out of deep concentration, and smiled.

"Yeah, good idea. A snack wouldn't hurt."

They gathered their books, stacking them neatly at the edge of the table, and headed for the exit. As soon as they stepped out of the library, Anya grabbed his sleeve and tugged him in another direction.

"Come on, I know a good spot!"

Arthur raised an eyebrow. "Not the dining hall?"

"Nope, that's too far, and I made something myself."

Hearing that, Arthur was slightly surprised but said nothing. He simply followed her as they walked to a small park near the library.

This little corner was cozy and secluded: tall trees provided shade, and a fountain in the center filled the air with the gentle sound of running water. Wooden tables were scattered around, and Anya quickly settled at one, motioning for Arthur to sit across from her.

"Do you come here often?" he asked as he sat down.

"Sometimes," Anya admitted, unfastening her bag. "When I want some quiet time to think."

As Arthur considered her words, she began unpacking small boxes and a thermos.

"You… made all this yourself?" he asked, surprised.

Anya blushed slightly and nodded awkwardly. "Well… yeah. I don't cook often, but sometimes I feel like baking."

She opened one of the boxes, releasing the warm scent of fresh pastries. Inside were neatly arranged cinnamon and honey buns, alongside small cookies with chocolate chips.

"Try one," Anya said, handing him a bun.

Arthur took it and cautiously bit into it. The bun was incredibly soft, with a delicate honey flavor and subtle spicy notes of cinnamon.

"This is… really good," he admitted, looking at her.

Anya looked pleased but tried not to show it too much. "I'm glad you like it," she said, hiding a smile behind her teacup as she poured from the thermos.

They continued eating, and the conversation naturally shifted to their hometown.

"Funny how, living here now, I sometimes miss home," Arthur said thoughtfully, warming his hands on the cup of herbal tea.

Anya nodded, gazing off into the distance. "Yeah… It seemed so ordinary before. Now I wish I could go back for even a day."

"Remember the market in the main square?" Arthur chuckled. "In summer, it always smelled like peaches and vanilla."

Anya laughed. "And fresh bread from the bakery nearby. I'd walk past it every time you lugged baskets for Aunt Vika."

Arthur shook his head with a smile. "Don't remind me. I still don't know why I agreed to that."

"Because you can't say no," Anya pointed out.

"And you can?"

She pretended to think but then smiled. "Not always."

They continued chatting, reminiscing about childhood, strolls through narrow streets, the buzz of spring festivals, and long summer evenings. It all felt so distant, yet warm and familiar.

Arthur realized he hadn't felt this lighthearted in a long time.