Book Eater

Chapter 2 - The Greedy Grimoire (2)

The library wasn't far from the dormitory. When he was a few steps away from the library's shabby door, the familiar, pleasant scent of old paper and bookshelves tickled his nose. As he pushed the door half-open, the empty library revealed itself.

Well, I thought it would be like this.

It looked the same as always. It was fair to say no student other than Theodore Miller would be found in the library after class. Most of the books in the library expanded on the difficult concepts the professors only briefly touched on in class. There was no reason for adolescents to seek boredom when they were busy playing. Thanks to that, Theo was able to secure a peaceful space.

"Today... I should look up lightning magic one more time."

Theo walked between the bookshelves in a familiar manner. After five years in this library, he could find any book with his eyes closed. Even professors who came occasionally to find books would come to Theo before searching the shelves, so there was no doubt about his accuracy.

Theo pulled out the books he wanted.

'[Lightning Magic Primer]... I've memorized everything, but I might have missed something. Additionally, [Why is Lightning Difficult to Control?] could be helpful. [Principles Behind Lightning Strikes]? It is closer to meteorology than magic, but let's take this as well.'

He was soon carrying three thick books. The books were so thick that it would normally take someone a day and a half to finish one. Even memorizing one book would be an achievement, let alone all three. The students would rise up in protest if they were asked to read these for homework. However, for Theo, these three books were only a day's worth of reading.

The professors were aware of this but ignored it because it was no use. If they knew the amount of knowledge Theo had acquired from this library, they would have understood the regret Professor Vince had felt.

Rustle... rustle...

The only sound that broke the silence was the occasional turning of a page.

Theo liked this silent time. This was how he escaped from his suffocating situation. Here, there were no professors who dismissed Theo or students making jokes. Theo channeled all his stress into studying every day for five years. His superior brain was used to this stress, and it absorbed the knowledge which had been accumulated in the library like fleece sucking up water.

Was he imagining it? As Theo looked at the books carefully, it was like the letters on the paper were sparkling.

***

Tak.

Theo closed the third and last book as the library clock struck ten o'clock. He had arrived at six o'clock, so he had read three books in only four hours. He was truly a speed reader.

Hmm, interesting books. Theo thought.

In particular, [Why is Lightning Difficult to Control?] systematically summarized why lightning magic was so difficult. The most difficult spell in the 2nd Circle was 'Lightning Bolt', as creating lightning and keeping it flowing in a straight line was rather arduous. It wasn't uncommon to find even 3rd or 4th Circle magicians who were inexperienced with lightning magic.

Theo put the book aside before aiming his palm at the open window and muttering, "Lightning Bolt."

Just maybe... He hoped it would work.

Crackle.

However, the result had not changed. There was only a faint electrostatic discharge before the spell broke. The formula of the magic spell was perfect, but his ability to control it was too weak. A person who lacked control couldn't be a magician. It was something he had heard time and time again, but it was still a sad sight.