Chapter 453

Chapter 453: The Library Tower

Though Midi had completed his mission, the following days offered no respite.

Using his authority, he requisitioned resources to brew Radiance of Darkness potions for cultivation. He experimented with potion-making techniques to advance his mind-related abilities. Most crucially, he needed to master the basics of alchemical arrays and mechanisms within days—the branch of alchemy called "Mechanics," distinct from potion making.

Midi had known Mechanics before—like Wells, the Flying Sail Family’s fourth son and professional Mechanic, or Emil "White Snake," the genius behind aerial warship designs. Yet despite their association, his current skills fell far short of theirs. Fortunately, the Shaded Realm’s mechanical arts lagged behind the Sea of Clouds, where skyships dominated aerial combat. Drawing on his past life’s adventurer experience, Rot’s guidance, and his mind-related abilities, Midi aimed to pass as a competent Mechanic—if not truly become one.

“Here we are,” Midi murmured, staring at the colossal stone pillar. Warning arrays encircled it, flanked by four towers housing vigilant mages. Below, squads of lizard knights patrolled without gaps. This was the Death Scorpion family’s stronghold—the Library Tower.

For resource-starved tribes like the Wolfspider, the Alchemy Workshop sufficed as a stronghold. But Mososbury City’s first family prized knowledge over materials. The Library Tower, their true place of inheritance, radiated unshakable security. Instead of unease, Midi felt anticipation.

“What mechanical texts await?” he wondered, recalling the dizzying aerial warship blueprints from the Sea of Clouds. He stepped forward.

“Halt!” A sharp voice rang out. Dozens of magic waves locked onto him—proof of Death Scorpion’s active defenses.

Unfazed, Midi produced a secret silver badge adorned with a gem. “I’m a high-ranking alchemist from the Alchemy Workshop here for research.”

Murmurs erupted. His pale skin and round ears sparked recognition.

“The human alchemist!” a lizard knight blurted.

“The one who won ten Volcano Potions from Kanis!”

“Hawke brought him from the bonfire gathering after he killed several experts—”

“And clashed with Simon of the Death Scorpion family!”

The crowd stared at Midi’s round ears and started talking all at once.

Having stayed cooped up in the alchemy laboratory these days, Midi suddenly heard various rumors about himself.

The wildest one claimed he’d become the lover of Black Dragon High Priest Veyna.

Trying to explain would only dig him deeper, that much was clear.

"Enough." The lizard knight captain finally snapped, scolding the group before urging his mount to jump toward Midi.

"Human, you may enter," the knight said, locking eyes with him. "But don’t blame me when you fail – the knowledge here isn’t for casual browsing."

"Appreciate the warning." Midi nodded and walked inside under the lizard knights’ watchful gazes.

The Library Tower’s interior felt nothing like the tense space outside – vast and quiet, nearly empty.

Being a high-ranking alchemist only gave entry rights. To read the family’s thousand-year collections required something else:

contribution points.

Enough points bought reading privileges, limited to a few hours within these walls. This ironclad rule prevented book copying.

Duplicating texts here wasn’t impossible, but the needed points would stagger most people.

These harsh conditions kept the tower nearly deserted – perfect for Midi’s needs.

"Human? You’re that rumored alchemy genius?" A raspy voice spoke.

The speaker was a level 66 dark elf elemental mage. Though aged, his magic-filled eyes held piercing sharpness.

Fools thinking the Library Tower’s defenses ended at the entrance learned harsh lessons. This elder’s high level and power let him evade even Midi’s environmental awareness.

"Genius is overstated. I’ve simply studied." Midi kept his tone respectful. "I came to review alchemy texts, with your permission."

"What you read depends on your contribution points," the elder said mildly, eyes showing amused pity.

He’d heard the rumors. But no matter how Midi slaved these days, his points couldn’t reach meaningful amounts. Basic texts would bore someone of his supposed skill.

Unless… Had the human secretly made something beyond seventh-tier core potions? Such work would grant enough points.

Or had he rushed in unprepared?

The elder slid a special crystal over Midi’s badge.

"421 points." Disappointment colored his voice.

Impressive for one week in Death Scorpion, yet far from second-floor access.

"I’ll spend 400 for first-floor alchemy access."

The elder raised an eyebrow. "Those books only cover third-tier potions at best."

"Surface alchemy differs from Shaded Realm methods." Midi’s answer came ready. "I need to verify fundamentals."

The elder’s gaze softened slightly. Serious one, this human.

He handed Midi a badge. "Ten hours in alchemy section. Lose this, pay 500 points penalty."

Normally 400 points bought eight hours. The elder added two for Midi’s earnestness.

What he couldn’t know was Midi beelining past potion books to grab "Introduction to Mechanics", devouring its pages.

"Watch the door," Midi told Eighth Apostle Rot.

If seen, his crafted image of cocky alchemy prodigy would shatter instantly.

Could ten hours unlock mechanical basics?

Even supreme expert Rot doubted. His potion-making expertise didn’t extend to systematic mechanical teaching. Hence this Library Tower trip.

Without proper instruction, Midi’s mechanical understanding depended entirely on his own talent. How far could he climb? Only time would tell.

Rot’s role narrowed to waiting and guarding.