Alex's eyes continued to scan through the different B tier techniques, his eyes flickering over every scroll.
Each one promised the same basic improvements: increased energy capacity and physical enhancements.
He continued to read through the titles and descriptions, feeling a growing sense of impatience. Just as he was about to give up and pick one of the generic techniques at random, one title caught his eye: "Heart of the Phoenix."
His breath hitched as he read the description.
This technique concentrates energy in the heart, enhancing the user's endurance and vitality. It promised a drastically improved supply of energy, like all the others, but also significantly improved recovery rates.
The name alone struck a chord with Alex. He remembered his Phoenix Fury technique, which resonated with his fire element and Flame talent. It seemed like a perfect match.
"This is the one," Alex said, pointing to the scroll. "Heart of the Phoenix."
The librarian nodded and removed the scroll carefully from the glass case containing it.
He handed it over to Alex, but not before reminding him. "Remember, this technique must be kept top secret. Only you are allowed to read and practise it. If you share it with anyone, the punishment is severe. As this is a B tier technique, the only end would be death if you spread it.
The university wouldn't care that you are the first ranked freshman, and they would strictly enforce this rule regardless of rank."
Alex felt a small chill at hearing the punishments.
'I better watch my words carefully... I don't want to accidentally spread some information about this!'
He nodded solemnly.
"Understood. I won't share it with anyone."
"And don't forget," the librarian added, "you need to return the scroll in a month. You can either return it or extend your loan for another month, the choice is up to you. But this will mean you'll miss out on borrowing a different B tier technique, or five C tier techniques."
"That's fine," Alex replied. "Heart of the Phoenix is all I need for now."
Mira walked closer, her interest piqued. "Energy condensing technique? What's that?"
Alex explained the concept to her, detailing how they can increase your energy capacity and make your use of your energy more efficient etc. But he didn't mention anything about his own technique, as he also explained the punishments for spreading such techniques.
"That sounds amazing," Mira said, her eyes wide with excitement. "Do you think I should get one too?"
"Definitely," Alex replied adamantly. "It's a huge advantage. You should go to the library and borrow a B tier energy condensing technique for yourself. It'll make a big difference."
Mira didn't hesitate. "I'll go right now!"
As she turned to leave, Alex called out, "Good luck, Mira!"
'Maybe I was too out of my league earlier.'
After an hour had passed, Alex felt like he could try again.
He sat down and started to try something different.
He closed his eyes in concentration again, only this time, he focused on just one of his hands to draw the energy from, rather than all four of his limbs.
'I can feel the difference already!'
The process was much smoother than his previous attempts to push the energy through the specified pathways to his heart.
But just like before, he soon faced trouble once again.
'Ugh, this is just too taxing on my body and mind...'
Sweat had already started to accumulate all over himself again, and his consciousness was becoming weak.
'I guess this was still too much...'
He passed out soon after.