Is there really such a thing as a free lunch in this world?
To be honest, Rimuru was a little hesitant to believe it.
The Ancient One's rank was simply too high; if someone wanted to scheme against someone like her, it would be nearly impossible to guard against.
However, it had to be said: being allowed to read in the library was an irresistible temptation.
Strictly speaking, Rimuru was a natural-born magic user.
Especially with the Great Sage's [Chant Annulment], Rimuru didn't need to chant at all when casting magic.
In other words, once Rimuru learned any spell, her peers would have absolutely no chance.
Take Mordo for example—after exhausting himself, he could only conjure one magic whip. But in Rimuru's hands, with a single thought, she could instantly create a dozen, or even dozens, all as instant-casts. Terrifying, isn't it?
The current Rimuru was like a wealthy magnate—if she just learned a little bit of "financial management," her strength would skyrocket.
Such a good opportunity didn't come often. In fact, if she missed this chance, it might never appear again.
"Great Sage, can you deduce the books in the library?"
[Answer: Only the most basic public books can be deduced. The essential books are mostly sealed and cannot be deduced.]
[Drop the hammer, Rimuru!]
Rimuru went all in. So what if the Sorcerer Ancient One was setting a trap for her?
Her strength was growing every moment, and this world had already entered the fast lane. It was either advance or die, and Rimuru had no intention of becoming dust from a future snap.
Let's do it!
Rimuru bowed to the Sorcerer Ancient One. "Thank you, Sorcerer Supreme, for your generosity. If Earth faces a crisis in the future, I will give my full support!"
The Ancient One had protected Earth her entire life, shouldering countless responsibilities and sacrifices. Earth's safety was her greatest concern.
Rimuru's words were as blatant as a declaration.
Hearing them, Ancient One smiled with relief.
Talking with smart people was truly pleasant.
"In Kamar-Taj, all knowledge is shared, but some things must not be touched. Your talent is excellent, but your foundation is lacking. When reading, don't only covet powerful spells."
Was the Sorcerer Ancient One giving her guidance?
Rimuru immediately straightened her posture. Her big eyes blinked, clear and obedient, practically saying, 'I'm listening carefully! Please continue! Please continue!'
Ancient One let out a small sigh. After living for so long, her appearance still looked young, yet her mental age had long since aged.
Suddenly encountering Rimuru—this lively, playful, mischievous child—made her feel strangely refreshed.
It had to be said, this world judged by appearances. If an ugly person acted cute, Ancient One would probably slap him with a fan.
"When reading, I suggest you start with books like The Book of Sight, Cosmos: New Edition, and Multiverse Perspectives. These books will guide you to view the world from a brand-new angle and will greatly benefit your magical cultivation."
"Then you can read books like Introduction to Magic, Meditation Methods, and Mind and Magic to build a foundation. After that, you may delve deeper into works like The Key of Solomon, The Supreme Codex, Newton's Codex, and Galileo's Book."
Ancient One spoke seriously, and Rimuru listened just as seriously.
At that moment, hearing "Newton's Codex" and "Galileo's Book," Rimuru even felt a bit of helplessness.
No wonder Newton's coffin lid never stays shut!
With the Sorcerer Supreme's explanation, a clear reading plan gradually formed in Rimuru's mind.
A few minutes later, Ancient One stopped talking. The books she mentioned were already enough to occupy Rimuru for a long time; saying anything more would be pointless.
Rimuru thanked Ancient One again, then seized the opportunity. She slipped closer to Ancient One and said cutely:
"Master Ancient One, can you cast Mirror Magic once? Cast it slowly. When I was fighting Master Mordo just now, I didn't get a chance to eat it."
Ancient One's hand—still holding a teacup—trembled, nearly spilling the tea. "…"
When did she take in a disciple? Why didn't she know?
Also… what did she mean by Mordo casting it too fast and she didn't get a chance to eat it?
"Master, just cast it once more, just once more!"
Compared to instantly learning Mirror Magic, what was dignity?
Could dignity be eaten?
Ancient One felt a bit dazed. Was the world changing too fast?
Someone was actually shaking her arm, begging her to make "dessert"? Ridiculous!
"Master, Master, Master…"
Ancient One's face filled with black lines—especially when a female apprentice entered, froze in shock, then ran out trying not to laugh.
Ancient One's serious expression completely collapsed!
Swish!
Ancient One raised her hand. The air split instantly, like a mirror shattering, forming dense cracks.
[Kamar-Taj exclusive magic detected: Mirror Dimension. Activate [Predator]?]
"Yes!"
Rimuru immediately activated Predator, transforming into blue liquid and pouncing into the cracks.
In an instant, she devoured the entire Mirror Dimension.
[Confirmation complete. Host has successfully learned [Mirror Magic].]
This feeling of reaching the peak by eating was simply too divine!
Rimuru casually waved her hand, and the space in the entire room instantly flipped. The ground and walls seemed to come alive, twisting and shifting freely.
Even though she had seen it countless times, Ancient One was still stunned.
What kind of magic was this—magic that devoured other magic?
This was simply unbelievable.
The previous magic whip and magic shield were nothing more than energy manipulation—nothing fundamentally special.
But Mirror Magic was an advanced and dangerous spell.
It had extremely high requirements for magic power, soul strength, and spatial perception. In Kamar-Taj, fewer than a hundred people qualified to learn it, and those who mastered it numbered only a few.
But Rimuru had devoured it once and fully mastered it. Completely cheating!
Even Ancient One felt a bit envious—and jealous.
"Thank you for the generous gift, Master!"
Rimuru was truly grateful. With this spell, causing trouble in the future would be far more convenient.
It was practically a divine art for murder and robbery!
If she wanted to ambush someone, she could just drag them into the Mirror Dimension. Hehehe, even if they screamed their lungs out, it would be useless!
Seeing Rimuru's sweet smile, Ancient One nodded, her heart softening a little.
She even recalled her own youth—studying hard, training magic. Back then, every bit of progress made her happy for a long time.
Unfortunately, ever since she became Sorcerer Supreme, that joy never came back.
Perhaps that was the price of growing up.
Just then, Rimuru's voice pulled Ancient One out of her nostalgia.
Rimuru's eyes sparkled with curiosity, just like Chitanda Eru's famous "I'm curious" mode.
"Master, do you have any other secret magic hidden away? Your disciple can help spread it far and wide!"
Ancient One: "…"
Even with her centuries of composure, Ancient One nearly lost her temper.
Was it a mistake to let this greedy little gremlin enter the library?
Rimuru wasn't good at many things, but her ability to sense danger was extraordinary.
After bowing three times to Ancient One, she immediately fled.
Watching Rimuru's hasty retreat, Ancient One couldn't help but smile a little.
All her disciples were respectful and reserved. Rimuru, this anomaly, felt strangely refreshing and amusing.
Ancient One picked up her teacup and slowly sipped.
Enjoying tea under the sunset truly suited her.
But then, a little head peeked through the door again.
"Master Ancient One, would it be okay if I ate two books from the library?"
Pfft!
Ancient One spat out her tea and coughed for a long time, choking badly.
She was utterly furious. Which magic user didn't need to study diligently, burning the midnight oil?
And you want to learn all her magic just by eating them? Where in the world would such a cheap thing exist?!
Ancient One snapped, "If you dare eat my books, I will throw you into the Savage Dimension!"
Rimuru froze. Ancient one… a gentle person getting angry was truly terrifying!
Time to run!
...
Angry Ancient one asking for power stones