Unwan fell into thought. Despite the many useful aspects of negative gravity spell, it differed from ordinary changing spell by only five units of spiritual energy. Unwan wanted to call it pure profit. But even those five units of spiritual energy could, in the end, become the cause of everything.
As Unwan pondered the nature of spiritual energy, a ringing sound echoed through the library. He glanced around, but there was no one nearby. Assuming it was the bell by the entrance, he returned the book to its place and stepped outside. Unsure of what to do next, he headed to the dining hall earlier than usual and ate. There were very few students around; classes in most faculties hadn't ended yet.
After finishing his meal, Unwan went to the Survival in the Night Curse Realm faculty. As expected, the place was empty, except for Genius Nort. He stood completely still, as if he were so deeply immersed in thought that he had detached himself from the world. When Unwan entered and knocked a little harder on the door, Genius finally came back to his senses.
—Hah, what is it, Unwan?
—Even though today was supposed to be my first day in Spell Control and Concentration faculity. it turned out to be a practical session. I came to ask for permission.
Genius's expression turned strange.
—What, weren't today's hardships and information enough for you, kid?
—They were enough. But there was a question bothering me. Asking it on the first day would've felt strange, like I didn't really want to attend your lesson. But now… I think the time has come.
—Oh? Then ask. What is it?
Unwan stared at Genius Nort for a moment with an expressionless face, then asked.
—How can I enter the Ruins?
Confusion briefly appeared on Genius's face, then he burst out laughing.
—Haha, so that was your question. Fine, I'll answer. Owners aren't allowed to enter independently. Even though there isn't much difference between Readers and Owners 'for now', only those above the Reader rank are permitted to enter alone.
Unwan thought for a moment, then asked again.
—Then how can I enter?
—Don't rush, kid. That place isn't as nice as you think. It's filled with unknowns. And as I told you in your very first lesson unknowns are the most dangerous things of all.
Unwan accepted his words. But that still wasn't an answer.
—Alright. But seriously, how do I get in?
—Have you heard of Cohorts? Hahaha, of course you have. Even children know about them. Cohorts weren't formed for nothing. They recruit new Owners, turn them into experienced warrior, and prepare them to defend the Shining Kingdom in the real world. You can join any cohort you like and follow the tasks assigned each new month. In the simplest way, Join a cohort, enter the Ruin designated by the monthly mission, come back out, and that's it. You're a Reader, so you'll then be allowed to enter independently.
Unwan listened carefully, thinking, then smiled faintly.
—What luck. Just a few days after my studies at the academy end, a new month begins.
—Yeah. Exactly. So, what will you do until then? Any changes to your plans?
—Not really. But there's one more thing I'm curious about. I study at the martial arts faculty, but I don't have a personal weapon. What should I do in that case? Buy one?
—Good question, kid. A rare one, actually, probably because most already know the answer. No. Cohorts provide their members with Themir weapons. Along with that: a compass, several sheets of paper, a magical fire starter, and a small bag. No one can predict future dangers, so this is an order issued by the Shining Kingdom itself.
—Hah. Still, none of that guarantees survival.
Genius laughed.
—Exactly.
Both of them were looking at each other with smiles, and Unwan spoke.
—So… it seems a difficult month lies ahead.
***
Unwan opened his eyes. He had grown used to waking up at the same time every day, thanks to Genius Nort rousing him regularly. He got up, washed his face, and dressed. As he did, Nort entered the room.
—Ah, you're up already?
—Yes, Genius.
—Good. Eat, then come to me. Ah…
He paused, as if something had just occurred to him.
—Today's your last day at the academy, right?
—Yes.
Genius spoke in a tired voice.
—I see.
Over the lessons of that month, they had grown so close that they could no longer be described as just master and student. They respected one another and were eager to help each other. Of course, Genius Nort could be irritating with his crude jokes. But somehow, Unwan didn't mind. What else could he do? Nort was the only person who didn't harbor pure dislike toward him. And that alone had spared Unwan from the pain of loneliness. It was as if Unwan himself stood in opposition to the [Unliked] curse.
So much had changed in that single month. Unwan now possessed a hardened body, nearly ready for the physical hardships of the Night Curse. More importantly, he had memorized countless survival techniques: how to find food and water; how to remain alert even while sleeping; how to endure extreme heat and starvation, even if he could already do so to some extent; the general anatomy of Night creatures; which regions they typically inhabited, and much more. All of it was engraved into his mind like words carved into stone.
In addition, he had made significant progress in Martial arts and Spell control. He now had a decent grasp of tachi. At a beginner to slightly-above-beginner level, he could control it and deal damage. Though it couldn't be compared to masters or mid-level fighters, Unwan was partially prepared for the Night Curse.
On the other hand, he had also greatly improved in meditation and spell manipulation. He could now cast spells using only his mind, and he had developed a solid understanding of his three spells. His control over hand movements and gestures had improved as well. Even though he tried to keep his spells discreet, it proved extremely useful. On top of that, his meditation had become far more efficient, he could now recover spiritual energy faster than before.
In short, Unwan felt ready to enter the Night Curse. All that remained was to find a cohort, and join it.