He needed more than just history; he needed a method. His dual awakening of a Mana Heart and a Mana Core was a blessing, but without a refinement technique designed to handle both, he risked the energy stagnating—or worse, clashing within his body.
His hand first settled on a weathered tome titled "Mana Overflow." He flipped it open, reading the description: "Allows the user to gather concentrated mana at the Core and Heart simultaneously." He considered it for a moment but shook his head. It was too aggressive, focusing on volume rather than quality.
Next, he pulled out "The Nine Stages of Mana Tempering." The text promised a steady progression: "Every stage allows the user to absorb mana with a guaranteed increase in Core and Heart rank." It was a safe, solid choice that most nobles would kill for, but Aether's high Intelligence stat allowed him to see the plateau. It was a linear path in a world that was about to become chaotic. He put it back.
After an hour of searching, he discovered a book that made his pulse quicken: "Codex of Mana." The description was unlike anything in the public section: "Allows the user to passively absorb surrounding mana and create nine specific acupoints to refine and store energy within the Core and Heart." Passive absorption was a legendary trait. It meant that while he was eating, sleeping, or even walking, his body would be constantly strengthening itself.
"This is it," Aether whispered. But as he prepared to leave, a flash of dull grey caught his eye.
Tucked into the very corner, isolated from the other books as if it were being punished, sat a thin, title-less volume. He picked it up and brushed off a thick layer of dust. The cover simply read: "Void Refinement Method."
He opened the first page and felt a chill. "Allows the user to create a 'Void Space' within their Core and Heart." The concept was terrifying. Most techniques focused on filling the vessels, but this focused on expanding the capacity to an infinite degree by utilizing the concept of the void. It was a high-risk, high-reward technique that likely had a failure rate high enough to discourage anyone from trying. But Aether had two lives of memories and a System that others lacked. He decided to take both.
He walked back to the front desk, the two ancient books tucked under his arm. The old Librarian, whose eyes usually seemed half-closed in sleep, snapped them wide open when he saw the titles. Aether set them on the desk.
The Librarian didn't speak at first. He looked at the Codex of Mana and then at the Void Refinement Method. His gaze moved from the books to Aether's face, searching for a sign of hesitation. Seeing only the calm resolve of a man who had already seen the end of the world, the old man slowly nodded. He processed the withdrawal without a word.
Aether bowed respectfully and turned to leave. As the heavy doors of the library creaked shut behind him, the Librarian's voice drifted through the empty aisles, too quiet for anyone else to hear.
"He picked them," the old man muttered, a strange mixture of fear and pride in his voice. "The most powerful, and the most 'useless' books in this collection. One that demands perfection, and one that no one has been able to practice for a thousand years."
He looked toward the window, where the sun was setting over the kingdom. "Those books were brought from the Rift itself by the Founding Emperor. No one has been able to touch them since the bloodline thinned. Eldric... your grandson is either a genius or a fool."
The Librarian's lips curled into a thin, knowing smile. "I hope, just like your grandfather, you will become powerful enough to withstand what is coming."