Fire Mage

The next day.

Charles walked out of his house early in the morning and went to the library of Sages located four streets away from his home.

The library was an impressive sight, standing tall at four stories high. Its construction was primarily of stones, giving it a sturdy and classic appearance. It took on a fascinating dome-shaped structure at the center of the building, evoking a sense of grandeur and importance. Surrounding this central dome were four towering stone pillars resembling lookout points, adding a touch of architectural majesty to the overall design.

Upon entering the library, Charles found a diverse collection of books spread across its floors. The first floor was dedicated to subjects like history, literature, and mythologies, offering visitors a chance to delve into the rich tapestry of Karr stories and knowledge.

But what startled him was not a single person appeared before his sight. Not even a guard stood at the entrance or a receptionist.

\'I heard that public library opens for everyone, but I didn\'t think this place would be this vacant. Moreover, because of their racial trait of living honestly, there is no need to fear theft. I should use this chance and gather as much knowledge as possible.\'

Ascending to the second floor revealed an intriguing array of books that catered to specific interests and skills. Here, the collection included works related to basic mathematics, exploring the foundational principles of the subject. Additionally, the library delved into the enchanting realm of magic and its relation to language. Charles also found resources on sword arts, spear arts, warrior skills, and other practical disciplines. Moreover, the second floor also housed essential knowledge about basic divine arts.

The third floor took Charles on a journey through more profound and esoteric knowledge. Famous history books covering significant events and turning points in civilizations were available. The library also delved into the realm of Planar travels and other dimensions. Among the most intriguing offerings on this floor were books concerning unique inheritances, mysterious legacies passed down through generations and their profound implications. Moreover, there were resources on high-ranked divine arts for those aspiring to reach greater heights in their magical journey, offering insights into the divine and its connection to mortal life.

Charles spent more than five hours on the third floor for the next few hours and finally found some information about the Bracelet called \'Whisper of Gluttony.\'

\'Dream God Phoebe got this treasure 30 years ago when exploring the outer space and announced it as a national treasure. From the looks of it, he is always wearing it.\' He closed the book made of skin parchment and noticed that not even a single person entered the library all this time.

\'It is a good place to increase my knowledge.\' Charles quickly picked up literature books from all the shelves and stored them in his space ring one by one. From basic to profound, he took everything from the shelves and kept 10,000 books!

\'Although I still won\'t be able to reach the realm of Sage Heroes\' knowledge, I can at least make them impressed by my knowledge and get closer to everyone. After all, becoming a poet is the only Dream God Phoebe\'s weakness.\' Charles muttered slowly and took the Crystal Dimension stone from his space ring. After that, he put it on the nearby wooden shelf, changed himself into elemental form, and soon disappeared.

For the next two days, Charles stayed in the Crystal Dimension and increased his knowledge of literacy of the Karr people and their history to an unpredictable level.

Two days later, Charles returned to the third floor and checked the surroundings first. After finding no one was nearby, he stored the Crystal Dimensional stone in his space ring and returned all the books he picked up earlier to the exact places.

After that, he quietly left the library and walked towards the fourth district. But as he started walking, he strangely noticed that every person\'s casual talk appeared more like a poetic verse. The more he heard, the more he realized that even the street song seemed as beautiful as the dream song of a musician.

\'This isn\'t a city of Corpse Devourers. Every people, their actions, even their steps, contain a rhytm of emotions and poetic.\' It looked more like a Heaven for poets. More importantly, the emotional positive soul essence released by each and every essence appeared pure, which startled him greatly.

\'I should hurry up and start my plan.\'

His next destination was, of course, to meet the poet Tasar Pabella\'s mentor. He wasn\'t there to settle the score for this youth\'s past but to enslave him with the [Curse of the Overlord] spell.

\'From the information I have gathered so far, he is actually a student of one of the Nine Sage Heroes. So, my target is not Tasar but his master. His house is located in Golden Track Street, Fourth District.\' Before long, Charles arrived at a house surrounded by a two-meter-tall compound gate and walked towards the grand entrance.

As Charles approached the house\'s grand entrance in Golden Track Street, he took a deep breath and changed his facial expression into a humble one.

Pushing the gate open, he walked through the serene courtyard adorned with colorful flowers and lush greenery.

Reaching the entrance, Charles knocked on the massive wooden door. After a brief moment, the door creaked open, revealing an elderly Karr man with silver hair and a serene expression. He wore a simple yet elegant robe, and his eyes held a hint of wisdom that betrayed his years of experience.

"Greetings, esteemed master," Charles said, bowing respectfully.

The elderly Karr man sized him up and down and asked.

"Pray, might I inquire, who dost thou be?"

"I, Vesryn Miramaris, a humble poet, once graced the halls of renowned Tasar Pabella\'s tutelage. Today, I arrive at this sacred house to beseech thy counsel and divine inspiration, O great poet, and thy revered mentor, whose wisdom I yearn to embrace. Pray, may I have the honor of meeting this esteemed master, and partake in discourse that shall kindle the embers of my aspirations?"

The elderly Karr regarded Charles keenly, his eyes seemingly peering into his soul. Silence passed before he spoke, his voice hinting of kindness and depth.

"Hail, youthful Vesryn Miramaris, I am Master Griven, and to Tasar Pabella, a guide I stand. A joyous occasion, indeed, to embrace a kindred poet in pursuit of inspiration\'s grace. Enter, I beseech thee, and within these walls, let us converse, and thy aspirations divine we shall trace."

Charles followed Master Griven inside the elegant house, where they settled in a cozy room adorned with various poetic scriptures and literary treasures. Master Griven offered Charles a seat, and they engaged in a heartfelt conversation about poetry, philosophy, and the art of expression.

The more they talked, Griven got more and more convinced that this young man had wisdom far surpassing his own. Even simple words he spoke contained hidden meanings and deep insights.

"Thy verbiage doth surpass my humble voice, youth. Mine astonishment lingers, forsooth, at thy exclusion from my student\'s abode, for trivial cause. How wondrous, that thou art more versed in the art of grace than mine own venerable mentor? Pray, impart thy wisdom upon me, that I may glean insight from thy eloquent ways."

A radiant smile appeared on Charles\'s face.

"Speak with the eloquence of a sweet-sounding flute, and listen to the desires of noble hearts. Acquire the strength of true knowledge, like the radiant sun, and lead with unwavering conviction. The beginning of wisdom lies in the art of expression; success in this world is rooted in its pursuit, Master Griven."

Charles skillfully weaved his way through the conversation, subtly casting the [Curse of the Overlord] spell on Master Griven, hiding his true intentions beneath the facade of an aspiring poet.

As the conversation flowed, Charles noticed that Master Griven\'s eyes sparkled with newfound enthusiasm and inspiration.

"Thy word, young Vesryn, doth stir a symphony of passion and profoundness," Master Griven acclaimed, his voice a symphony of reverence and praise. "I divine that thy poetic odyssey hath but begun, and I find myself humbled and privileged to share in this sacred part."

\'Although I want to fasten my plan and meet one of the Nine Sage Heroes sooner, I need to act more carefully.\'

Charles thanked the master for his kind words, concealing his elation at the success of his plan.

As he was about to stand up and leave, Master Griven suddenly looked up into his eyes and spoke.

"Enveloped in your profound wisdom, thou art worthy, even as a scholar, to grace my revered Teacher Almar Quidi\'s hallowed halls. Should your time permit, might thou deign to accompany me to the esteemed House of Melodic Words? It\'s a dwelling where symphonies of verse intertwine with ethereal musings."

A surprised expression appeared on Charles\'s face.

\'My thoughts reached his mind? Maybe because of the [Curse of the Overlord] spell?\'

"Such a gracious invitation befits my deepest gratitude, Esteemed Master," Charles spoke, a respectful bow accompanying his words. He then rose with poise and respect, ready to embark on this esteemed journey of poetic enlightenment.

With a friendly spirit, Master Griven gently held Charles\'s hand, and together, they went on a beautiful journey through the city\'s charming streets. The stone paths seemed to hold poetic secrets, as if every brick and stone whispered old songs and beautiful lines.

As they walked, the air itself felt filled with poetic inspiration, carrying soft verses that seemed to float and move around them. The gentle breeze touched their cheeks like a creative muse, sparking their imaginations.

The streets were lined with charming houses and colorful gardens, creating a peaceful scene that matched the poetic atmosphere. Vibrant bouquets seemed to bloom harmoniously with the verses that filled the air, creating a beautiful tapestry of beauty and art.

As they continued their poetic walk, the setting sun cast a golden glow over the surroundings, giving the city an otherworldly radiance. The warm sunlight embraced the city, painting the streets in shades of amber and saffron.