Cherreads

Chapter 25 - the path of Dragons.

Adam picked up one of the books on the shelf .

the book title was psychic and it appeared new without wear or tear.

''this must be one of the newer copies''. Adam mumbled.

This was the same book he had taken from Aurore's room albeit newer and likely had updates.

It contains some basic knowledge on mysticism and the occult. Most of which were incomplete or slightly altered information so as not to cause harm on ordinary individuals.

Such books were not sold openly in ordinary bookstores. If every citizen could freely obtain knowledge about mysticism and supernatural phenomena, it would inevitably attract the attention of the Orthodox Churches and their Beyonder enforcement teams, especially the Purifiers

upon further thought, Adam considered why Adrian would know the old man that runs this place they seemed to be very close.

Adam judged solely based on their interaction.

''it's most likely the old man is a beyonder of the reader pathway probably of a mid to high sequence and has connections to the church and is allowed to sell specific book for such individuals. if i decide to buy a book on mysticism, he might likely infer that i am somehow important to the church and they assigned Adrian as a guide . Adrian bringing me here might likely have already inferred as much.

as he thought this Adam looked around to look at the people that were busy selecting books they would occasionally sit around in a circle speaking in silent whispers . he was looking for Adrian. 

without any success Adam looked backed at the counter, the old man was busy tending to the books that was on the shelves.

Adam looked at the book which likely contained some updates to the one he had currently.

After a moment of hesitation, he decided to add it to to his list.

After reading most of Aurora novel and books I should find a way to return it or most likely get rid of it in some way. Gazing at the book for a moment Adam paused and the sighed.

Why do I get the feeling it would be better if I had my own stuff and not borrow from someone else.

He wasn't sure why he felt that way, but he trusted his instincts.

With that, Adam looked around in search for anything that could catch his eye but there was nothing else so he ended his search for books.

While waiting for Adrian, he casually flipped through some of the books he had selected.

he had arrived here hoping to get books that contained information that could draw out some certain memories like Geography, Linguistics, Religious records, Noble genealogies amongst a few others.

he opened one of the history books that contained a mini biography of the historical figures, Adam quietly looked around and found a chair to sit down to read.

ne of them contained information about Roselle Gustav and the changes he had brought to the world.

Roselle Gustav...

Adam's gaze paused at one of the pages. The section was titled historical figures of the past.

Adam quickly passed through the ones of important figures until he stopped at a page concerning Roselle Gustav

The man had risen from obscurity to become one of the most influential figures in history. He had transformed Intis into a powerful empire and sparked the Industrial Revolution, changing the world forever.

The more Adam read, the more extraordinary the figure seemed to be, with his revolutionary technologicA advancement and his assistance of the church of steam.

After reading for a while, he looked around for Adrian. He had wandered where he had run off too , he silently looked around the library.

Soon, he found him sitting on one of the chairs in the bookstore. He was holding a book and seemed to be reading it.

Adrian appeared completely focused on the book in his hands.

It was quite a distance away from Adam but he could clearly see that it was Adrian sitting there .

Adam narrowed his eyes and looked at the cover of the book Adrian was intently reading.

The Complete Collection of Intisian Cuisine.

He's reading a book about food?

Adam stared for a moment before shaking his head.

As expected, Adrian was a rather strange person.

Not thinking about it any further, Adam gathered the books he had chosen and walked toward the counter.

Behind it stood an old man wearing a slightly worn robe. His white beard was neatly trimmed, and wrinkles covered his face. At the moment, he was arranging several books on a nearby shelf.

Noticing Adam's approach, the old man put the books aside and walked over.

His gaze swept across the books Adam had selected.

A smile slowly appeared on his face.

"You seem to have quite an interest in history and ancient languages. That's rather uncommon for someone your age."

Adam returned the smile politely.

"I'd like to buy these books, sir."

The old man nodded and began checking the prices.

His movements were slow but practiced, as though he had repeated them countless times before.

He picked up the first book and glanced at its title.

Then the second.

When he reached the third book, he suddenly asked in a casual tone,

"How long have you been a Beyonder?"

Adam's hand froze.

A Beyonder?

His thoughts immediately began racing.

How did he know?

Was he testing me?

Or was he simply making a guess?

Adam quickly suppressed the surprise on his face and looked at the old man.

"I don't know what that is."

The old man smiled faintly.

"The Dragonese language is mostly sought after by Beyonders of the Spectator and Reader pathways."

Adam was slightly surprised.

The old man had somehow connected his interest in ancient languages to Beyonders.

Wanting to gather more information, Adam asked,

"Why do they search for it?"

"The Spectator pathway was once known as the Path of the Dragons," the old man explained calmly. "As for Reader pathway Beyonders, they simply wish to learn every language that has ever existed."

"I see. Thank you for telling me."

Adam paused briefly before continuing.

"And regarding your question... I'm not sure whether Adrian told you, but I've lost my memories. I don't know which pathway I belong to. They've suggested that I'm either a Spectator or a Bard. Apparently, that's possible because Beyonder characteristics can be inherited from one's parents."

The old man's expression softened slightly.

"So that's how it is."

His voice became noticeably gentler.

"Well, I hope things work out for you."

"I hope so too."

Adam smiled.

The old man carefully wrapped the books together. After recording the purchase in a ledger, he placed the bundle on the counter.

Adam was just about to pick it up when he heard footsteps approaching.

"Don't tell me you were planning on going alone."

The familiar voice made Adam pause.

He turned and saw Adrian walking toward him.

"Did you forget that I brought you here?"

Adrian shook his head before casually dropping three books he had selected onto the counter.

The old man glanced at the books before looking at Adrian.

"Buying more books already?"

"Knowledge is an investment," Adrian replied casually. "Besides, someone has to make sure this amnesiac doesn't wander off and get himself lost."

Adam looked at him speechlessly.

"I can find my way back."

"That's exactly what someone who can't find his way back would say."

The old man chuckled quietly and began calculating the price of Adrian's books.

Meanwhile, Adam's gaze drifted toward the books Adrian had chosen.

Unlike his own selection of historical records and ancient languages, Adrian's books were about cooking, regional customs, and travel.

For a moment, Adam wondered whether Adrian was genuinely interested in such things or if there was another reason behind it.

Knowing Adrian, he seemed to have some unusual habits.

Adam picked up his wrapped bundle of books and waited for Adrian to finish his purchase.

Soon, the two of them would be leaving the bookstore.

Author's note: after a while I'll be reviewing each chapter to add more stuff I've been very busy to include some necessary details. Or do u prefer the story like this.

Adam in this fanfic will play a very important role in the events that happened in canon . Don't you want to know how many twist and turns could occur that will make u have a review of canon events.

More Chapters