Chapter 131
Teach me (2)
Henry looked at Yohan, who didn't seem the least bit interested in the conversation. Yohan's eyes were distant, almost as if he were listening but had no intention of contributing. With a shrug, Henry turned his full attention back to IAM.
"Seriously?" he asked, his tone balanced somewhere between disbelief and curiosity. He wasn't mocking IAM, he just confused.
IAM didn't mind. "Don't misunderstand me," he said calmly. "I'm not asking you to teach me whatever Reuel's begging you for."
Henry blinked. "Okay... So what exactly are you asking me to teach you?"
IAM met his gaze. "After watching your duel, I realised something. A very apparent weakness of mine... My weapon of choice is a gun. Which is perfect for ranged attacks. It's great when facing Deadline creatures—or anything that needs to be put down from afar. But against another ascender... in close range... I have nothing. I have no way to defend myself effectively."
He paused, his tone low. "What I need is a way to fight in close combat. Something like a sword. I was wondering if you could help teach me how to wield one."
Henry stared at IAM for a moment. The directness of the request caught him off guard. He studied the boy in front of him for a few seconds, then swallowed. "What do I get for helping you?"
IAM blinked. "I don't know. I'll owe you a favour, I guess. One I'll do my best to repay."
Henry raised an eyebrow at that. "You guess?"
IAM rubbed the front of his neck, feeling a little awkward. "I don't really have much to give you... but I mean it. I'll owe you. I'm not trying to take advantage of you. I just need help."
A bead of sweat ran slowly down Henry's forehead. He looked hesitant and slightly uncomfortable. "Uh... I'm not really sure I'm qualified to teach anyone. I mean—."
"It doesn't matter," IAM said firmly, shaking his head. "As long as you can teach me the basics, I'll be fine. I'm not trying to master it overnight. Just enough to not to be at a massive disadvantage when someone gets too close."
Henry paused again, staring at IAM. Then finally, with a tired sigh, he said, "Okay. Just the basics, though. Only the basics. That should be fine."
"Thank you," IAM said, his face lighting up with a small but genuine smile.
Henry scratched at his curly hair, clearly second-guessing the decision already.
IAM pulled out his phone, checking the time. "We've got around twenty minutes left," he said, sliding the device back into his pocket. "If possible, I'd like to visit the library. I want to see if it has the things I'm looking for."
The other boys glanced at him with curiosity.
"What things?" Reuel asked looking at him with a suspicious look.
IAM waved it off casually. "Don't worry about it."
And with that, he turned around and started walking. His pace quickened. It wasn't a run, but there was urgency in his steps. He wasn't planning to stay long—just a quick look. He'd make sure to be on time for his next class.
As they watched IAM walk away, Yohan tilted his head slightly. "I wonder what that was all about..."
Henry shrugged, folding his arms. "Everyone's got their own thing going on."
Reuel tugged on Henry's blazer again, his brown eyes sparkling. "No, seriously—teach me."
Henry groaned, rolling his eyes. "Get off me, dude."
...
IAM didn't take long to reach the library. It was only a few minutes away—tucked slightly toward the center of the Academy grounds. Despite being only two stories tall, the building looked massive.
The large tinted windows gave the outside a sleek, almost modern feel. Inside, it was brighter—filled with a mix of new and old. Rows upon rows of digital screens next to shelves of classic, physical books. It was a mix of eras, effortlessly combined.
Students drifted between shelves and screens, some reading physical copies and others reading digital versions. On the upper floor, quiet study booths lined the walls. Below, more open tables invited group study, quiet conversation, and study sessions. The air smelled faintly of old paper and something floral—possibly pumped in to keep things relaxing.
IAM made his way toward the front desk. The receptionist, a woman with round glasses and tied-back hair, greeted him with a polite nod.
"Hi," IAM said, clearing his throat. "Do you know where I can find books about... history? Stuff like that."
He sounded a little unsure. He wasn't here to read yet. He just wanted to scout. To find out where things were. What kind of knowledge was available and whether he could take it back to the dorms with him after class.
The receptionist was helpful. She explained how the library worked—how borrowing books required points or payment, depending on the the material. Most students simply read them here, at designated reading booths.
IAM was slightly disappointed. He'd hoped to take a few back to his room. To study at night. But he understood. At least access was still possible. Free, even—if he was willing to sit and read here.
More importantly, she told him that while there were books on history, most of the detailed content focused on Hope itself. For countries outside the Hope... well, content was limited. Apparently, most didn't interact much unless it involved war or trade. The walls that divided the world kept more than people apart—they kept knowledge apart too.
IAM nodded slowly. That made sense, in a frustrating sort of way.
He thanked the receptionist and walked back toward the entrance.
He checked his phone.
8 minutes left.
He'd spent just enough time to get what he needed.
IAM turned and began walking quickly toward his next class. He wasn't sure why, but he felt a bit excited after that visit. Maybe it was because, even if the answers weren't all there... he now knew where to start looking.