The Academy: Detective Stories - Part I

Chapter 13. A Librarian

Just three days remained before New Year's Eve, yet the library remained open. Jackie stepped into the citadel of knowledge and glanced around, holding her breath. After four months of studying within these walls, the place still impressed her. The exquisite books, clad in leather covers, stood proudly on their shelves, patiently waiting for someone to unravel their silent secrets.

The atmosphere was unusually quiet, perhaps because most students had departed to spend the winter break with their families. Jackie, however, had chosen to stay behind for her own reasons and was determined not to waste a moment of her time.

Laura, a young woman with warm brown eyes and a long plait, was diligently dusting the shelves. With a wave of her hand, the dust broom gracefully glided above the top row of books. Laura had been a part of the library staff since mid-October, and she and Jackie had quickly bonded over their shared love for books. They often engaged in lively discussions on a variety of topics, as Jackie's reading interests spanned from applied magic to modern fiction.

"Hi, Laura," Jackie called out to her.

She turned and greeted her with a smile. "Hey."

Approaching her, Jackie pointed to the top shelves where the books for the upcoming spring classes were neatly arranged under the high ceiling. "I see you've got the books for my spring classes!"

"Yep, they just arrived today."

"That's great," Jackie said, rubbing her hands in anticipation.

The art of protective spells had never been one of Jackie's strengths. She struggled a lot during the autumn term until Laura introduced her to the textbooks, which significantly improved her concentration. With Laura's help, Jackie managed to excel in her exams. Now, she was eager to continue practicing and had a unique opportunity to prepare for the next term, aiming to surpass even Theo, who seemed to possess an encyclopedic knowledge.

Laura's expression turned apologetic. "Sorry, but I'm not allowed to give you those books just yet."

"Are you certain?" Jackie asked, a glimmer of hope in her voice.

"Yes, the rules are quite strict. But I do have something else for you. I think you'll like it!"

Jackie followed her to the reception desk, where Laura retrieved a massive book from the drawer. The book had a thick gray cover adorned with golden curly letters that read Gifts Exchanging: Techniques and Rituals.

Jackie raised her eyebrows in surprise. "Seriously, 'Gifts Exchange?' Is that possible?"

"It is, but each Gift operates differently. That's why the book is so extensive. It's actually a manual for the second year of studies."

"Oh, I see." she nodded in understanding. "So, you're not allowed to give us books for the upcoming term..."

"But they didn't specify anything about future ones," Laura added with a smile.

Jackie ran her fingers over the book's smooth cover, admiring its elegant design. "You're a smart ass, aren't you?"

Laura chuckled. "I like to think so. As I always say, rules are meant for those who lack the creativity to work around them."

"It would be wonderful to delve into this," Jackie remarked, hugging the book close. "Isn't it strange? With thousands of textbooks and manuals here, I couldn't find one that might assist Elisa in controlling her power."

"Actually, that's why I gave it to you," Laura said, lowering her voice to ensure their conversation remained private. "There's a spell in there that can allow you to tap into Elisa's Gift without physical contact."