Aki stood in the hallway, his face pulled into a deep frown. The earlier triumph of completing the assessment without giving up had quickly turned to a heavy weight on his shoulders after the scolding from his parents. Beniko and Osuke, ever perceptive, had seen through the arrogance in his attempt to rush through it. They weren't harsh, but the message was clear.
"You need to keep your feet on the ground, Aki," Osuke had said, his voice firm but not unkind. "You did well to finish the assessment, but that doesn't mean you should think you're invincible. If we can see through your strategies, so can others."
Beniko had added with a gentle, but serious, tone, "Aki, this world isn't like the one you knew. Your father and I don't want you to lose yourself in it. You've always been intelligent, but that's not enough here. This is a world where strength of mind and body are just as important." She paused, her gaze softening. "We love you, Aki. Don't forget that."
The scolding had stung, but it was also a wake-up call. Aki had let his ego get the better of him. He had been too focused on his recent success and not enough on the fact that this world was far more brutal than anything he had experienced before.
"I'm sorry, Mom. Dad... I'll be careful, I'll follow your teachings."
Osuke gave a satisfied nod, while Beniko pulled him into a hug. "Good boy," she whispered. It was a simple gesture, but it made Aki feel like he was on the right path again.
"Now," Beniko continued, "Let's go over your schedule again. Training, study, and discipline are the pillars we'll work on from here forward."
Training Plan
Morning: Physical training with Osuke - Enhancing combat skills, close-quarters, and stealth techniques.
Midday: Library - First Division study sessions.
Evening: Weapon mastery with Beniko.
Night: Meditative training with Nozomi.
"Good," Beniko said as she finished outlining his schedule. "Rest now. After that, I'll take you to the library."
Aki followed Beniko out of their estate, and his eyes widened as they stepped into the heart of the metropolis. From a distance, it had seemed massive, but now, up close, it was even more overwhelming. The city stretched beyond the horizon, with towering structures that seemed to pulse with an energy of their own. It wasn't just a city—it was alive.
His gaze drifted upward, drawn to the imposing figure of Qutb—a colossal, ancient structure that loomed over the city. Aki had seen it before, during the attack, but now it stood in stark contrast. It felt like it was breathing, its rhythmic energy undulating in the air around it. There was something about it—something Aki couldn't quite explain—that made him feel both insignificant and connected to something larger than himself. For a moment, he forgot everything else, lost in the sensation of the city and its beating heart.
Beniko's voice cut through his reverie. "It's always an amazing sight to see," she said, glancing at him with a knowing smile.
Aki's voice was soft. "It's... amazing."
"Let's go, Aki," she said, gently pulling him forward.
Aki murmured as they continued their walk, his mind still racing.
"It would have been amazing, if not for the horrors of it. It gives us progress, but at what cost..." Beniko sighed internally, reflecting on the burdens the city carried.
The library was located at the center of Sakura, encircling Qutb. It was vast, stretching across multiple levels with rows upon rows of knowledge, accessible to all those who lived within the metropolis. The library was divided into five sections, each corresponding to a different floor, each more specialized than the last.
Aki was in awe as they arrived. The library's design was magnificent, with clear glass ceilings allowing natural light to flood the room. It was a mixture of old-world elegance and cutting-edge technology. The first division, where Aki would be spending most of his time, was lined with tables and lamps, the air thick with the scent of aged paper and wood.
Beniko led him inside, but as they approached, an elderly man sitting at a desk opposite the entrance raised his head, his eyes sharp despite his frail appearance.
"Oh, what do we have here? The Crimson Berserker herself. Here for the little one?" the old man asked with a grin.
Beniko's expression hardened, a playful warning in her eyes. "Lazy old coot, stop calling me that. How much longer are you going to cling to those bones?"
"Good morning, Elder," Aki greeted, trying to diffuse the tension.
The old man chuckled and stroked his grey beard. "Ho… well-mannered one. Hmmm… Must not be her child, then. Who are you with, kid?" He ignored Beniko's remark as if it were a mere afterthought.
Aki could feel the atmosphere shift. The air thickened, and the surroundings began to glow crimson, as if Beniko's presence alone had bent the world around her. It was like the world was holding its breath.
"Looking for a beating, old man?" Beniko's voice was dangerously calm. "As if a leech like you deserves any respect."
The old man laughed heartily, and with a wave of his hand, the pressure and crimson light dissipated. "Fiesty as always. So, he's your kid? What's your name, little one?"
"Akizakura, sir," Aki answered with a small bow.
The old man looked at Beniko thoughtfully. "Unique name… I wonder…" He then turned back to Aki. "Well then, let's mark his entry. He needs access to the first division. Right?"
Beniko nodded. "Earlier than usual, but the last attack..." She trailed off, leaving her words hanging in the air.
The elderly man called Aki over and tapped his shoulder. A five-petal flower tattoo materialized on Aki's skin. "It's temporary, but it should suffice until your system activates fully."
"Thank you, Elder," Aki said sincerely.
The old man waved dismissively. "Go on, little one."
As they moved deeper into the library, Aki was struck by the sheer scale of it. Rows upon rows of books lined the shelves. Most people would be overwhelmed by the sheer amount of knowledge contained within, but for Aki, the challenge was one of focus.
Beniko's voice echoed in his mind: You see all these books? You have to read and assimilate all the knowledge on this floor. All your answers are here.
Aki's eyes went wide. "Are you serious? This whole floor is just for the first division? No way I'll be able to finish it all."
Beniko didn't pause, continuing her walk. "You wanted the privilege. This is what it takes. This is what it is. Get on with it. The sooner you finish, the sooner we can progress your training."
Aki sighed deeply, already dreading the hours ahead. It wasn't going to be easy, but if he wanted answers, he would have to put in the work.
Aki spent the next several hours absorbed in his reading. The first book he picked up, "Accounts of Battles with Invasions and Invaders," was dense and filled with historical battles, names, and places he had never heard of. The earliest recorded battle took place in the third year of the Mular calendar, marking the establishment of the House of Sakura. His mind raced as he absorbed the details, learning about the strength of the House's military forces and the near-destruction of the house in its early years.
The more he read, the more he understood the depth of history and struggle that had shaped this world. He read about why Beniko was known as the "Crimson Berserker," and the battles she fought to protect the House, including a dangerous mission against the Niröhès and their guardian realm.
Hours passed, and when he finally closed the book, he felt mentally exhausted but satisfied. He stood up to return it to the rack, realizing it was already well past lunchtime.
As he walked toward the main desk, he saw Beniko waving at him.
"Time to go?" Aki asked, his voice heavy with the weight of the task ahead.
"Mhm," she nodded, her tone more relaxed now.
Aki sighed and followed her out, his mind still processing the vast array of knowledge he had just uncovered. He couldn't help but wonder how long it would take to fully understand all of it. But for now, he had learned an important lesson: knowledge wasn't just handed to you. It had to be earned. And that journey was only just beginning.