Ulrich slowly opened his eyes, letting the feeling of drowsiness sink to the bottom, before rising from the floor.

  The first thing he did was look toward the door, noticing that the furniture was unmoved. The second thing was inspecting his own body. After realizing that nothing had changed, or at least, that he could see on the surface, he let out a deep breath.

  I feel normal… my awakening in the dream has no effect in reality… That means I lost my spells and talent, how unfortunate, but at least I can walk in daylight… He chuckled, however, to say that he gained nothing from the ritual experiment would be a false statement.

  In fact, recalling the 'inheritance' of knowledge upon awakening, he let out a satisfied smile.

  My knowledge gained regarding divination, as well as various other subject, namely, spirituality and the corresponding knowledge of ritualistic magic, are still clear in my mind. This is a considerable benefit.

  More importantly, I have obtained a clue, a direction to focus my attention on… Since my transmigration and dream are definitely connected, as long I go down this route, explore the dream and unravel its secrets, as well as understanding the nature of this world — I will certainly find a crucial clue of 'Home'.

  Immediately, a spark lit within his eyes as hope surged in his heart. The information gained from this one cycle of dreams left him with much to consider.

  On the basis that all things contain spirituality, and naturally, more so for humans…

  In that same sense, despite his current state of being a normal human, could he utilize his new knowledge to employ ritualistic magic, such as divination? Although he isn't an 'awakened' at the moment, and lost his spell and talents, his spirituality remained, though the amount being much less.

  If so, he could directly verify that regardless of two worlds, ritualistic magic, or rather, the matter of extraordinary, applies regardless of differences in space, time, and dimensions.

  Of course, at this moment, this is just a theory, an idea. For Ulrich, theory and the real result were two entirely different things. Until a theory is proven in reality with the corresponding result, nothing can be absolute.

  Instantly, Ulrich's eyes flickered, as though he had grasped a crucial law or principle. However, it was fleeting, like grasping a straw drifting in the wind.

  Gu Lan mentioned that there are hidden laws, principles at work beneath reality… Considering that knowledge is power, grasping these laws is essential. Unfortunately, the knowledge I was bestowed was rudimentary at best.

  At this point, regarding divination and ritualistic magic, he was an amateur. To put it simply, he knew how to make it work by following a set of 'steps', but he didn't know why it functions the way it does.

  Regarding this, further inquiry is required.

  I feel like a student preparing for their exam. What a wonderful feeling, I haven't felt this in a long time!

  After ten minutes, Ulrich cleared his mind and found the book given to him by Selena. He planned on stopping by the library to return the book, borrowed a few books on mysticism, before heading to the Shelby's family Slough House.

  On such occasions, he had to properly dress himself.

  …

  96 Euston Rd. Belham Library.

  The journey to the library this time was not as dangerous. If he has done it once, doing it the second time only becomes easier. Not to mention, ever since he came back from the dream, he had a feeling that his 'sense' had improved greatly.

  It was a strange feeling, like an invisible force pricking at his mind. The whole way to the library left him uncomfortable, as though his feet as on fire. However, by the time he reached the library, he managed to gain a steady footing on muffling out this sensation.

  Even then, he was still left with a headache as he massaged his temple.

  "Welcome in, Ulrich," Greeted an older lady at the reception desk, her voice warm and soothing.

  "Madam Francis," He bowed lightly while taking off his wool blend cap. In the corner of his eyes, he caught her rather refined, yet not quite pompous, appearance.

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  She wore a high-collared dress of deep charcoal gray, its fabric quality speaking to modest comfort rather than ostentation—the attire of a respectable woman who earned her keep through skill and dedication.

  "I heard from Selena. Are you here to return it?" She asked, her voice remained in that soft and soothing tone. Her hands, resting on the desk before her, showed the telltale ink stains of one who frequently handled books and correspondence.

  As expected of Madam Francis… She spoke as though the matter was not worth serious consideration.

  He nodded, patting the small satchel on his shoulder, then put on the hat again. At the same time, he came face-to-face with Madam Francis, standing just a couple of feet away from her.

  "If you don't mind, I wish to borrow a few books," He asked, looking around the library, before pulling out the book given to him by Selena and placing it on the counter.

  "This is a library, how could I possibly mind when a youth such as yourself throws themselves at knowledge? In fact, I should be glad, such enthusiasm is rarely found nowadays." Madam Francis sighed, followed by a charming chuckle.

  At the same time, she gracefully reached for the book, then placed it under the cabinet beneath the reception counter.

  "You thought of me too highly, I am merely a curious person…" He wryly shook his head, then tapped his finger on the counter, as though to consider his words before speaking again.

  "I wish to study mysticism, as well as its corresponding histories. Do you happen to have those?"

  "Of course," She nodded, her eyes flickering, as though noticing something peculiar," Selena was right, your interest has indeed changed… I won't ask, but—" She paused, her mouth opened, closed, and finally let out a deep breath.

  "Know when to stop."

  Ulrich was momentarily stunned, but he was able to squeeze in a smile and express his gratitude, "Thank you, I will keep that in mind."

  Seeing that he understood her words, she changed the topic of their conversation and gestured for him to follow her as she led him down the hall.

  "Did you know that mysticism, among the inner district, is becoming quite popular? With the increasing tension, rising number of sea beasts, as well as natural disasters, people are leaning toward mysticism, what a headache, truly."

  Ulrich suddenly had a question. He asked with a frown, “Isn't this problematic? The churches will surely exert pressure on the people to not stray from the orthodox practices… Even the Book of Wisdom from the God of Combat, as well as the Revelations of the Night Mother, forbid such heretical practices…"

  As a modern person, this was not the first time he had heard of such a phenomenon. In fact, throughout Earth's history, especially during the Industrial Revolution or time of great conflict, people tend to lean toward superstitious beliefs. If not Gods, then it would be some other entities beyond one's imagination.

  Hearing this, she shook her head, feeling that he had gotten it all wrong.

  "The churches are not our government, and certainly, not a tyrant over people. They might persuade the masses, but not forcefully exert their teaching on them."

  "And most of the mystical practices are often divination, luck enhancement ritual, or some form of prayer for blessings. This in itself is not harmful, although I have heard of cases of bizarre accidents; this is not the norm, simply an exception. In that same sense, isn't praying to the Gods also a form of mysticism practice?"

  "Can they possibly enforce a restriction on what or who you can and cannot pray to? Beyond the fog sea, there numerous cities, some even denounced the idea of Gods. Since the age of darkness, if there is a will, people will find a way!"

  That's right! I forgot to consider these points… It seems like I've been neglecting certain parts due to my skewed worldview!

  By the time she finished talking, they had arrived at the section on the other end of the library. With a casual glance, various topics and titles appeared in his eyes. In fact, he even recognizes some of them in passing.

  Introduction to the history of Spiritual Enlightenment… History of Dowsing Divinations… The Art of Divination… The Origin of Myriad Races….

  Madam Francis didn't seem to pay these titles any mind and specifically stopped in front of a certain section.

  At this moment, they both stood in front of a rather ordinary wooden shelf. There was a row of books neatly arranged with numerical value ranging from 1-9. These numbers represent the chronological order of the written text. Indeed, only such thoroughly recorded text can be somewhat considered 'trustworthy' and of any academic value.

  "This is the most recommended series. Most of the inner district nobles who take an interest in mysticism often borrow these."

  Ulrich gave it a thought, then shook his head," Those nobles, they are not scholars. If this is recommended, then it's not truly the best source for what I'm looking for."

  Hearing this, Madam Francis laughed," You're right, the nobles are frivolous and pompous. How can such people bear to conduct a proper study?" Immediately, she crouched down toward the bottom shelf. Ulrich followed her gesture and glanced at the books.

  Aren't those books too thick?! For a second, he can't help but take a step back. Facing the book size, he could imagine that it was almost as thick as his entire hand, from the wrist to the end of his middle finger.

  "My recommendations," She said, dropping the book into his hand, who wore a blank, almost speechless expression, "And I expect it back in no less than 3 days."

  As the book fell into his hand, a low thud echoed in the library. Helpless, he could only squeeze a smile and express his gratitude in return. "Thank you, Madame Francis. Your kindness always surprises me."

  She chuckled, shaking her head. "I am too old for you, but you sure have ways with words."

  "..."

  He smiled wryly, securing the book in his satchel. In that moment, the strange 'sense' he'd gained from the dream flared like a warning bell.

  His head snapped toward the library's upper floor. Someone—or something—was watching him from between the shelves above.