Since Xia De had obtained the first Ling Rune, he naturally wanted to try and master the Miracle corresponding to gluttony.
The doctor and others also agreed with this idea; even though Ring Arcanists have limited energy and cannot thoroughly understand and explore every Ling Rune, mastering at least one Miracle for each Ling Rune is a common practice among academy arcanists.
"The way we obtain spells and Miracles is not just through the expensive Saint Byron's Library."
Miss Annette said, gesturing with her hand:
"Tobesk City is one of the most important cities on the Old Continent, where countless Ring Arcanists mingle, leading to the spontaneous formation of a certain scale of black markets and trading channels. You probably already know that Old John's place can buy relics; in fact, we also have channels where we can directly purchase Miracles, spells, and even books that might grant Ling Runes after reading them."
She looked at the doctor on the bed, and after he nodded, Miss Annette took out paper and pen to write down an address. After confirming that Xia De had memorized it, she burned it with a flame from her fingertip:
"Just go here. The membership fee is 1 pounds. I don't think that should be too difficult for you."
"Yes, I've had a large income recently."
Xia De said, thinking of yesterday's wallet, and then of Sparrow's secret. He planned to talk to Miss Annette alone about divination after the meeting ended.
The address Miss Annette wrote down was the "Black Raven Library" in the Tobesk University District, very close to the apartment Miss Louisa rented.
Ostensibly, this was a private Library and club for university professors, requiring the owner's permission and a certain membership fee to share the books within.
However, in reality, the Black Raven Library was engaged in the preservation and collection of Knowledge related to Ring Arcanists.
They themselves possessed a certain amount of mysterious Knowledge, open to trusted Ring Arcanists who were introduced, but most importantly, they provided a platform for local Ring Arcanists to anonymously trade books and Knowledge-based goods.
There were many similar places within Tobesk City, forming large and small private trading venues for Ring Arcanists, but this Library had the best reputation, which is why Miss Annette recommended Xia De to go there.
"Remember to wear a mask and inconspicuous clothes. Old John's place is absolutely trustworthy, and he has a deep friendship with us, so there's no need to be so troublesome. But the Black Raven Library is different; we are only regular customers, so it's best not to expose your identity."
Priest Augustus admonished, and Xia De cautiously noted the information, calculating how many pounds he should spend on Knowledge.
He actually still owed his family's orange cat, Mia, 10 pounds. This remittance from Ms. Gaode was used to purchase the already broken relic, the "Orb of the Silver Moon."
Adding the 40 pounds owed for the group's tuition, Xia De's current debt already amounted to a staggering 50 pounds, and Mr. Sparrow's inheritance from yesterday was clearly not enough.
Fortunately, the 20 pounds monthly debt could be paid at the end of the month, and he had also saved a sum of money last month, so his financial situation was actually quite good.
Originally, after discussing these matters, today's meeting should have ended, allowing the doctor to rest slowly. But Doctor Schneider announced another matter to everyone, forcing them to stay:
"Regarding the forged philosopher's stone, I haven't given up yet. After my injuries heal, I will resume action. In Lakeview Manor, important members of Mercury Blood, Heart Collector and 'Mrs. Lasoya,' died, and the organization's leader, the 'Silver-Eyed One,' was also seriously injured. I heard that the Orthodox Church is truly enraged this time, even planning to transfer a new Thirteen Ring Sorcerer from the Holy See. Now is a good opportunity."
"Bill, for those five credits, it's not worth it. Don't forget there might also be the Blood Spirit School."
Priest Augustus advised, but the doctor shook his head:
"Of course, it's not just for five practical credits. You probably haven't seen the bounty order. This mission was issued by Professor Logus of the Mechanical College. I want to learn a very important Miracle from this professor, and this is an opportunity."
The doctor himself was skilled in mental and dream abilities and belonged to the Mechanical College, so it was likely he had been preparing for this matter for a long time.
"Moreover, the forged philosopher's stone itself is very important. The academy's bounty order only requires obtaining 3 fluid ounces; we can keep the rest for ourselves. Do you know the characteristics of this Secret keeper-level relic?"
He looked at the four people. Xia De and Professor Augustus both shook their heads. Miss Louisa thought for a moment:
"I once took the elective course 'Dangerous Alchemical Imitations.' I remember... the Secret keeper-level relic, the forged philosopher's stone, is a red liquid substance, a failed imitation of the most dangerous sage-level relic, the philosopher's stone, rumored to have been created by a great alchemist in the chaotic era of the fourth epoch."
The forged philosopher's stone cannot be directly touched; it is highly poisonous, and once the forgery touches the true philosopher's stone, the forgery will turn into clear water. Although it is a failed imitation, it also inherited some characteristics of the true philosopher's stone. An equal amount of the forged philosopher's stone can be converted into an equal amount of gold, but using it this way is truly wasteful. The most important characteristic is..."
"The forged philosopher's stone can be used as an almost universal ritual item, replacing certain important ritual items that cannot be found. For example, in rituals to summon evil gods, Mercury Blood and the Cultists who believe in the Blood Feast Lord could not easily gather the ritual items, so they must have used the forged philosopher's stone. This was the result of the Association's investigation yesterday."
Miss Annette added.
"The advancement of Ring Arcanists requires ritual assistance. The materials for low-level Ring Arcanist advancement rituals are common, but I am about to prepare for the PentaCircle to Hexacle promotion. Some materials can be smuggled from the New World, some can be purchased from the academy, but some materials are truly difficult..."
The doctor looked at the other four, and they, of course, had no reason to object anymore.
However, this matter was not urgent. Doctor Schneider would not know if he could recover until at least Saturday. Before then, the doctor could only lie in bed, holding a book to pass the week.
"The exam week is at the end of this month. If you read a few more books now, maybe you can try to pass those theoretical courses. Speaking of which, Doctor, how is your study of Aether Mechanics coming along?"
The blonde Writer joked, and the others all smiled. Only the doctor sighed mournfully, leaning against the headboard of the bed. He didn't like lying in bed all the time, and he liked Aether Mechanics even less.