Freyja lifted the lid, and instantly, the room was filled with the overwhelming scents of the ocean, slightly charred fruitwood, and fresh herbs, all so enticing it made one's mouth water.
One of the dishes was a pale blue lobster tail, sourced from a rare species in the Southern Sea of the Empire. Its taste was incredibly delicate, and not only was it expensive, but the shipping fees to the royal capital alone would cost no less than five gold coins.
Next to it was a plate of near-rare pork leg from the Barbarian-Class pig. The meat was firm, plump, rich without being greasy, lean without being tough, and it was also highly beneficial for cultivating battle aura.
Although RienStan lacked the talent for battle aura, his mother, Baso, insisted that he eat some every day, hoping that some miracle might occur.
Freyja pulled out a crystal goblet and a bottle of red wine from the cart beneath. She gently wiped the goblet clean with a cloth, then poured half a glass of wine and set it next to the food.
Next, she took a napkin and carefully tied it around RienStan's neck before retreating to the side, waiting to refill his wine.
RienStan didn't bother with the noble etiquette of eating; such delicious food simply called for a hearty feast.
Freyja watched his slightly impetuous eating style with an unchanging expression. This was Master RienStan. If one day he truly adopted the meticulous eating manners of a noble, only then would she find it odd.
Soon, RienStan had consumed the entire delicious meal, drinking and eating in hearty gulps. He swore he had never tasted such exquisite food.
Freyja approached him with a napkin and wiped the sauce from his lips. "Master, the master asked me to tell you that you are grounded for now and may not leave the estate without his permission."
RienStan nodded in understanding. Freyja then quietly pushed the cart away and left the room.
Watching the door close behind Freyja, RienStan eagerly removed the necklace from his neck and held it in his hands. He examined the small object, which resembled a book. He pondered what it could be. Since it had traveled with him across worlds, it must be something extraordinary, though he had yet to figure out how to use it.
Half an hour later, RienStan tried burning it, soaking it in water, and even dripping blood on it, but nothing happened. Then, he infused the little book with the limited magical energy he had. The book, upon absorbing the energy, fluttered open as if blown by the wind.
It then transformed into a beam of light and flew into his mind, causing him to instantly faint and collapse heavily onto the bed.
In his consciousness, a strange, ancient tome appeared in his mind, heavy and classical, radiating a sense of history. It stood at the center of his mind, and with it came the name of the treasure.
The Book of Arts.
It contained all the breathing techniques, combat skills, meditation methods, magic spells, and even secret techniques from the entire history of the Soltis Continent.
As long as it was given enough energy, it could provide corresponding breathing techniques, combat skills, and more. Furthermore, while learning a skill, it would instantly place the learner into an enlightened state.
It was newly activated, and RienStan had the opportunity to freely exchange for any technique or skill.
RienStan gazed at the massive tome before him, his breath heavy with excitement.
Defy fate!
He flipped through the pages, seeking meditation methods that matched his talent. He realized that what he lacked most was a meditation method that suited his abilities.
As soon as the thought crossed his mind, the Book of Arts (now referred to as the "Ancient Book") began flipping its pages wildly. After a short while, it stopped on a single page.
RienStan moved closer to examine the meditation technique personally selected for him by the book.
A world-class meditation technique!
The Five Hearts Facing Heaven.
Five Hearts Facing Heaven: This is not a human-made creation but one naturally formed in the Abyssal Magic Cave. It was created by heaven and earth. Only those with a full-elemental magic talent may learn it. Otherwise, one would lose all their magic power at best, or die instantly at worst…
Once learned, the magic power within the body would flow endlessly like a vast river, and one's magical capacity would expand indefinitely. Even when not meditating, the body would automatically absorb surrounding magic power to continue its meditation.
…
RienStan marveled at the boldness of the Ancient Book. This was a world-class meditation method, the highest tier, a technique said to lead to the divine level.
No longer hesitating, he reached out to touch the Ancient Book. At that moment, it emitted a blinding golden light that flooded into RienStan's body.
It felt just like when he absorbed memories in the evening.
A headache.
An intense headache.
But fortunately, RienStan endured it, feeling the dark golden magic power unique to the Abyss filling his body.
He had succeeded.
He had successfully learned the Five Hearts Facing Heaven.
"Hahahaha."
He laughed loudly in his spiritual world, expressing his exhilaration.
Learning Five Hearts Facing Heaven allowed the intermediate magic apprentice RienStan to skip the advanced magic apprentice stage and leap directly to the first rank of junior mage.
The enormous magical power expanded by Five Hearts Facing Heaven increased RienStan's combat strength by several times. After all, a mage's magic power was the primary source of combat power. The higher the magic power, the more spells one could cast, and naturally, the greater the combat power.
Unlike warriors or knights who had to train their skills and muscle memory, he was a noble mage.
Watching the Ancient Book's once-bright appearance dim, RienStan resolved to find more energy-rich items to replenish it.
After exiting his spiritual world, RienStan woke up in bed, feeling the dark golden magic power coursing through his body. He realized he wasn't dreaming.
"Loran."
RienStan called for his personal maid, Loran Levin.
Instantly, Loran opened the door and entered the room, looking down at the floor timidly.
"Master, did you call for me?"
Seeing the fear in the young girl's expression, RienStan recalled the original master's abuse of Loran. He couldn't help but feel sympathy for the white-haired girl. Ah, the original master was truly cruel, even to such a sweet girl.
RienStan tried to soften his voice. "Come here, Loran."
Loran immediately kneeled, her voice trembling as she said, "Master, I didn't do anything wrong today. Can you please not punish me?"
RienStan stood up and approached Loran, causing her fear to increase, as if she had resigned herself to her fate.
Suddenly, he picked her up and sat her on the edge of the bed.
Loran still looked at him with fear, and RienStan gently rolled up her maid uniform sleeve, revealing the bruises on her arm. His expression tightened.
"Loran, go find Pantheon, and ask him to get you some blood-stimulating ointment. Also, bring over the magic books I discarded earlier."
Loran was a little taken aback by this different behavior from RienStan and stood frozen for a moment.
Noticing her daze, RienStan's tone grew firmer.
"Loran?"
"Ah, yes, Master, I will go immediately."
Hearing his words, Loran quickly stood up and left the room.
Before long, Loran returned with a few other maids and brought many magic books.
The magic books came in various types, some containing magic skills, others meditation methods.
After placing the books down, the other maids quickly left the room, and Loran approached with the blood-stimulating ointment.
"Master, the magic books and ointment are here."
RienStan didn't reach for the ointment from the Empire but looked at the still fearful Loran.
"You're still so timid, Loran."
"Sorry… Sorry, Master." Loran's eyes welled with tears.
RienStan pointed at the ointment in her hand. "Go find Freyja and have her help you apply the ointment to your wounds and bruises. It doesn't look good with those marks on you."
Loran hesitated, holding the precious medicine in her hands. "Master, it's not necessary. These injuries will heal soon, there's no need for the ointment."
RienStan frowned and feigned sternness. "What? Are you not listening to your master?"
"No, no! I will go to Freyja right now."
Seeing that RienStan was a little upset, Loran quickly stood up and went to find Freyja.
As she left, RienStan called out, "Don't hold back. Use all of it. I will talk to Freyja about the situation later."
Loran stopped and turned back, nodding at RienStan.
"Understood, Master."