The Black Mist Jungle in the early morning was still shrouded in a light mist, but Ron had already spiritedly arrived at the School Library.
He came to the library once again, utterly different from the last time he was here; back then, he had just become an Elementary Apprentice and even needed repeated approval from the guard to enter the most basic reading area.
As a newly-minted Professional Alchemist, he couldn't wait to use his new status and permissions to delve into more extraordinary knowledge.
The library was housed in an ancient stone tower, plain and unadorned from the outside, but every apprentice knew that here was the place, aside from paid courses, that most enhanced their development.
The person guarding the entrance was not the same as last time, now replaced by an elderly gray-robed guard.
"Alchemist Badge?" the elder said softly, a hint of surprise flashing in his eyes, "Young man, you look at most sixteen or seventeen years old."
