Simon spends his night once again delving into the infinite library in his dream.
There is two particular topics he has been recently introduced to by The Librarian. The first topic is ritual, more specifically, the general understanding of ritual. The Librarian commented earlier that knowing what is being used and how you can utilize that information can help him improve his understanding of magic. The second topic is the history of this fictional place called "Aether". Simon has been encapsulated in the creationism tales of this world (He thinks the second topic is things he can do for fun, just like enjoying a collection of stories with rich worldbuilding).
In the back of his mind lies the System. Simon has only been using it as a free-upgrade interface. There is this daily mission he has to do consisting of learning and training so he has no issues fulfilling the requirements. After doing the mission, he can feel mana flows into his body reinforcing it. It is small upgrades but stacking on top of one another, they are giving him a lot of stamina for more time in this place.
Just as Simon is finishing up the description about the political structure in the main court of Aether, a lightning pierces through his attention as it points toward something.
'What is this... Categorization of missions and weekly mission?'
There in front of him is something that he quickly grasps to be important for the future. In this mental space, he cannot call upon his spirits to discuss properly but he can somehow feel a sense of foreboding absolution if he rejects the missions.
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In the early morning, Simon goes to the outer section of the academy before getting a weekend pass from the security booth.
"Kid, you must have read about the pass but I am giving you a rehearsal. You are only allow to stay on the island and your curfew starts at 11PM. Afterward, the gate will be locked and you have to stay outside. But do not need to fret over that. The gate will reopen at 4AM and your attendance will be checked in no time."
"Thank you."
"Most students come out in the weekends to have a fun time so just head North since there are a lot of stores over there."
"Thanks Mister."
'North it is then.'
Simon is looking forward to any simple job for quick money. He does not think much about the East Bay area and the Western mountain ranges. Only the commercial North has a job opportunity. From the central academy, Simon boards a public carriage powered by mana and makes his way to an alchemy store along the main avenue.
Passing through a lady in green blouse inspecting the glass condensation tube, Simon finds himself face to face with a little girl in a red cloak at the counter. He is about to inquire about the disposal of his metal when the girl scrunches her nose and gives him a side-eye.
"You are thinking of something rude just moments before!"
"N-No! I am just thinking about selling my scrap metals. Mana-enhanced scrap metals."
"Eh? We are not buying that here... But-"
Hearing someone looking so young selling scrap metals, the girl identifies him as a poor student and is trying to convince herself to recommend that person to him.
"But I know someone. He is an avid collector so maybe he is willing to buy from you. I am also going to sell him some of the trash from my place but you can help me instead since I'm so busy. Just go to his place and sell both your share and my share. Just a few pennies so you can have a hand in it."
Simon is about to comment on how empty the store is or how the girl's phrasing is giving him permission to salvage what is there but keeps his mouth tight just before he can utter anything rude. He nods his head and asks for the direction, receiving a general guide to that collector's personal adobe.
After a few minutes of walking to the back of buildings and through some broken places, Simon finds himself behind an old Sol church where an open garden with various containers situated.
"Oh dear, who sent you here, my boy?"
An old nun comes out and greets him. The lingering scent of herbs and flowers tells him she must have been brewing something inside.
"The girl from the alchemy shop asked me to come here and to sell you these things."
Simon lowers a sack of small gadgets from the alchemy shop and the sheets of practiced metal of his own.
"Ah, that prickly kid is still the same as usual. Come sit with me and have a cup of tea. She must have sent you here to let me pick something out for you, a student."
"Have I mentioned anything about me yet?"
"No, no. Your atmosphere convinces me you are a student. Just come in and sit."
The nun invites him inside once again and he obliges. The inside is old with a sense of sacred radiating from every piece of engraved wood decorating the walls and ceilings. He even sees a piece of mosaic work, something rare in the pass but now a dime a dozen. Choosing one long bench in the back, he waits as the nun throws everything onto the aged wood table before sorting the objects.
After a few minutes of looking at the objects for the charity events, the nun takes a glance at his sheets and bends them using her hands. With the touch of her strength, the piece deforms and twists into different toy animals in the surprise of Simon. He has personally tried punching them real hard and has gotten his knuckles cracked. That rewarded him a trip to the infirmary and a quick recovery spell.
"Your work is average. But average means good enough for me. Here. I believe these are things young Linda set for you. And also the money."
"A book and a metal case?"
"Her old things from the time in the academy. The content maybe outdated but it does not mean it is worthless. Tell her this old nun is happy with her donations. I am also in need of something to water my place once in a while, let's say weekly. I have been so eager to have someone to talk to. And I notice your attention seeing how I bent the metals. How about studying the technique at my place?"
Simon eagerly nods his head at the offer. He quickly finishes up the cup of tea the nun offered, says goodbye to her and get going doing her favors.