Chapter Seventy-Five: The Forbidden Armament

The Abyssal Summoning Tome—just seeing the name conjured up countless associations in Chu Yun's mind, though his limited knowledge left him unsure of its true purpose. Despite being a magical creature, the book was also classified as equipment: by equipment standards, it was a rare third-tier item of perfect quality. If used wisely, it would no doubt produce remarkable results.

Hardy, unable to communicate with the magic tome, was somewhat dejected. Unwilling to give up, he tucked the book into his coat and took it with him. Living beings could not store this tome in spatial equipment, which was one reason Viscount Karl never left it there; for Hardy, the tome was far too important to be left unattended.

After Hardy departed, Chu Yun dispersed the fire element. "It seems I should return to the Mage Association first. Perhaps the library there holds some relevant information." He was deeply interested in the magic tome—or rather, in anything unknown.

Chu Yun left the viscount's residence and, in the mirror world, used his flight wings to return to the mage hostel, where he meditated to recover his mental energy. Once sufficiently refreshed, he set off again, this time for the Mage Guild's library.

He had the nagging feeling that he’d forgotten something, but couldn't quite recall what it was.

It was worth mentioning that the newly established Mage Academy would feature apartments for magical instructors, equipped with security measures equal to those of the mage hostel. As a second-tier mage who had signed a teaching contract, Chu Yun could reside in the apartments long-term at no cost. Though the hostel was comfortable, it was crowded like an inn and ill-suited for prolonged stays.

Upon arriving at the Mage Guild’s library, Chu Yun presented his mage badge and received a barrier orb, which allowed him free and safe access up to the second floor. Entry to the third floor required the status of a third-tier mage. Chu Yun was only seeking information, not spell models, and such materials were typically found on the first floor.

Following the signs, he made his way to the magical creature section. "First tier, second tier, third tier... it should be here." The world was rife with magical creatures of countless types; their reproductive barriers were hardly distinct, and every year saw the emergence of troublesome new species. Fortunately, Chu Yun was focused on his goal. He found a comprehensive tome on abyssal creatures and began to read.

"Tentacled horrors? Slime spheres? Succubi?" Chu Yun noted that the abyssal monsters all seemed rather dubious. After much searching, he still couldn't find what he sought, even after switching to several other books.

Just as he was growing frustrated, a familiar voice spoke behind him. "Chu Yun, looking for a book? Maybe I can help." It was Anna. Today she wore a more casual outfit and carried a beginner’s guide to spell theory.

"It’s nothing much. I heard there are living magical creatures in the abyss—like self-fighting demon swords or man-eating mimic chests. I just wanted to see what they’re like," Chu Yun replied.

"Special creatures that lie between equipment and monsters—those are on the second floor," Anna explained, pointing upwards. "I recall a compendium of oddities that might have what you’re looking for."

Chu Yun raised his brows in admiration. "You’re truly knowledgeable, Anna. Even these obscure details aren’t beyond you."

Delighted by his praise, Anna offered, "Let me help you find it. I was heading to the second floor anyway—it’s quieter there."

Noticing the book in Anna’s hand, Chu Yun was curious. Anna explained, "You signed a teaching contract, right? So did I. But I plan to become a full-time instructor at the academy. So I’m brushing up on the basics—just in case," she said with a laugh.

Unlike Chu Yun, who taught only a dozen or so classes a year as an honorary professor, the Mage Academy employed many like Anna as professional teachers for systematic instruction.

"It really does suit you," he remarked. Anna wasn’t one for adventuring, and teaching paid better than charging magical devices.

With Anna leading the way, Chu Yun soon reached the oddities section on the second floor. "The information you want should be here. By the way, I still have questions about the Divine Berry spell."

She hesitated, then asked, "Are you free tonight? I’d like to invite you to dinner at the Star Tree House. Afterwards, maybe we can discuss spells on the rooftop beneath the stars." Anna looked at Chu Yun, a blush coloring her fair cheeks.

Chu Yun, oblivious to her nervousness, searched through the books and replied absentmindedly, "I have something to take care of tonight. Perhaps another time."

"Oh, all right," Anna said, disappointment in her gaze as she watched him. "I’ll go read over there for a bit, then."

"Mm," Chu Yun replied.

He had to deal with Hardy tonight, leaving no time for academic discussion with Anna. After some searching, Chu Yun finally found information on the Abyssal Summoning Tome.

It was a most unusual magical creature-equipment, typically found only in the abyss. The Abyssal Summoning Tome could store the souls of the dead and, through the ritual sacrifice of these souls, perform special summons. In this world, many attempted to summon abyssal or even otherworldly beings through sacrificial rites, but the abyssal tome was far more reliable.

The tome granted its owner absolute control over summoned creatures and allowed them to remain for extended periods. Though seemingly powerful, as equipment it carried severe limitations: without a master, it could not absorb souls or perform summoning.

In truth, most magical equipment-creatures required an owner to function, though in some cases the equipment controlled the master, and in others, the master controlled the equipment. The Abyssal Summoning Tome belonged to the latter, making it relatively safe.

The Abyss was the domain of monsters—and humanity’s common enemy. Equipment and rituals that absorbed souls to summon abyssal creatures had always been strictly forbidden. There had been a case where someone inadvertently summoned a mighty abyssal creature that wiped out an entire city and nearly brought down the kingdom—fortunately, the planar suppression forced the monster's return.

The tome itself was likewise a forbidden artifact, and since it couldn’t be stored in spatial equipment, that was another reason Viscount Karl never carried it with him.

"It's troublesome to keep around, but… it’s perfect for leveling up. Third-tier enemies aren’t easy to find," Chu Yun mused. He had no intention of keeping the tome, but planned to exploit its abilities to the fullest.

He hadn’t been in this world long, and hadn’t yet tried repeatedly defeating and absorbing loot from the same target. This was a prime opportunity.

With a better understanding of the tome’s capabilities, Chu Yun felt more at ease. He was about to sit and chat with Anna when he suddenly recalled that he’d left his mount at Lysa’s workshop.

Anna, who had been somewhat hopeful, saw Chu Yun head to the reading area—only to dart away immediately after. She couldn’t help feeling aggrieved.

"Does he think I’m too slow? Maybe he doesn’t want to teach me anymore?"