Chapter 24: Improvement Goal

With another goal to improve himself, Clark began looking through the shelves with more vigor. He managed to find three books about human biology and energy flow. The fourth that Devi called him toward was different.

"This book is about focusing energy in body parts. Isn't this the same as the focused fist?" Clark thought that the technique he knew and the book would be the same, however, he was far from correct.

Devi was looking over his shoulder at the diagrams. The book spoke of flowing energy differently for every person. The idea that mastering it could unlock hidden potentials such as taming spaces surprised Clark. Yet, there was more, the energy could be used within attacks to change how the attacks would be used.

For example, if Clark learned to bind with Devi better he could infuse the same kind of chilling energy that Devi used in his bites in to the focused fist. Creating a ghostly fist of ghostly attacks in general that siphoned off spiritual energy could go a long way.

"If I can manage to understand my own energy then I can make my own techniques. I can also feed you a lot better. That means you'll grow faster." Of course, Clark knew that he would need to train hard not to get stronger than he was ready for. Sometimes strength is a curse. One that allows someone to get arrogant and do foolish things.

"Wait, what if I learned to add Crim's dragon essence in to my attacks too…" The thought hit Clark hard. The ghostly dragon techniques could be born from his hard work. "But can I even add two energies in to one attack?" Clark riffled through the pages only to find that there was not an answer. He was at a loss. This was unexplored territory for all he knew. Or the books about it were in an even more hidden place.

"We will need to look for more. Let's just browse this last shelf then head home." Clark stored the fourth book away with many thoughts rushing through his mind. He wasn't sure what he would have to train first. But if he was meditating he would be wise to always focus on his energy. That way he could open the taming space and map his body's energy. Two birds with one stone.

"Hm, the life and death that is healing. Seems like a theory on using poisons as a healing method. I can pass this to Maria. Then Alexander won't have said that for nothing." Clark recalled that his mentor had said he could bring out books to Maria. It couldn't have been said for fun. There had to be a reason.

"Oh, and an advanced guide to wilderness survival. That too." Clark didn't forget that he had never left the city. He had these lofty goals for revenge and justice. Yet he had never been in a real battle. He had never left the city that was protected by the generals and powerful spirit tamers. He was still a child.

"Come on. Let's go and get Crim. Then we will go home and meditate before sleeping. Or maybe we will eat." Clark felt his stomach arguing against sleeping. He had not gone to the dining hall as of yet and he could feel his energy waning. But he was still not as hungry or tired as he would have been. These effects were from him having two beasts. They supplemented his energy as did he to theirs.

As Clark moved toward the door to the advanced section, he saw that Maria was sitting reading a stack of books. What was stunning about this was that she was reading at a voracious pace. Every page flicked by in a moment. It was as if she was dying of thirst and the books were her water. She read with the actions of someone afraid the knowledge would be torn away from her. It made Clark wonder if that was really the case.

"Here." Clark handed the book to her. She barely looked up before the foggy gaze cleared and Maria regained her wits.

"This is perfect. A theory on poisons and healing? I can't believe you found this in there. I can learn so much. I will read it now so that you can return it." Maria was already six pages in before Clark realized what she had said.

"Do you have some technique that lets you read faster?" Clark looked at Maria carefully. He could tell that her eyes were speedily capturing every word.

"Yes. I was born with a weak body but my mind is a little faster." Maria's cheeks flushed red. She was embarrassed for this to be known since having a weak body was a burden to her. "If I had a better body then…" Her words trailed off. It was clear that she didn't wish to speak about this. Luckily, she heard Clark's stomach growl.

"Have you been to the dining hall yet? I can show it to you." The shyness was melting away more and more. Maria had spoken much more now that Clark had seen her reading. It was as if she had become an open book compared to earlier.

"I guess Maria is an academic mind," Clark whispered to Crim who groggily stood up to greet him. Clark could think of a few reasons why Maria was hiding more about herself but for the moment took what he had learned. He was still not about to just trust her blindly.

The dining hall for all students was nearby the library. Clark had thought he might see his mentor on the way out but found this to be false. But that was not a problem, he had been given some guidance and could make improvements in his training.

"Tomorrow we should learn about taming spaces. I heard the professor explaining that it is becoming the new focus on first year curriculum." Maria spoke up and showed one book she had found about the subject.

"Why are they changing it?" Clark had not heard this but he had been too focused in his own thoughts to eavesdrop.

"It's hard to grasp and open one so the academy wants to improve the rate of those opening one…If you want to read this book too you can borrow it?" Maria had already read this basics book. She had held on to it so she could use it to reach out to Clark.

"I already have a plan in place." Since Clark had gotten a way from the system, he didn't need this basics book. Hearing that the school would focus on it during his first year was good. It would make Clark fit in when he started training to open his.

The two stopped. Maria had stopped because Clark and Crim had come to a sudden halt. What was stopping Clark was simple. Food. The myriad of food that he had not expected was all over the dining hall. Multiple dishes from multiple cities. The variety was enough to keep a small village in a solid job.

"Well, um, this is the dining hall. They make a bunch of good things. They even sell bigger tier beast meat!" Maria recovered from Clark's denial to use the book she had. Now she stood slightly triumphant in front of him.