Chapter 434 434-A Visit to the Great Library
After logging off the game, John's first action was to seek out Emma.
He felt it was essential to clarify everything with her, aware that he had neglected her feelings during the battle.
Emma was in the kitchen, seemingly preparing dinner.
She sensed John's arrival but didn't turn around, still harboring some anger.
"I need to explain some things to you. The battle was intense, and I couldn't afford to waste time then. If I had stopped to explain everything, we might have lost," John explained from the kitchen doorway.
Emma listened to his explanation but continued to work on the vegetables on the cutting board, showing no other response.
It was evident that she was still upset, feeling that no matter how intense the battle was, John should have made an effort to explain things to her.
John was somewhat dissatisfied with her reaction.
He felt his handling of the situation was justified and was a bit aggrieved that Emma was still upset with him, considering it somewhat inconsiderate.
"I really don't understand why you are still angry. Haven't I explained everything to you? The battle was crucial. As a top player, don't you realize how important the main city of the Order Faction is?"
John hoped Emma would understand the significance of the Order Faction's unity for all players in the game and for people in the real world.
His perspective was that of a dedicated player deeply invested in the game's world and its impact, balancing the responsibilities of his in-game role with his real-life relationships.
Hearing John's words, Emma set down the vegetables she was chopping, turned around with tears in her eyes, and looked firmly in John's direction.
"I'm not blaming you. I just want you to understand that I wasn't ignoring you. It's just that the situation was too critical at the time, and I didn't have a chance to explain everything to you."
John realized that Emma's mood was very low, so he decided not to say anything harsh.
He hoped to cheer her up.
Emma walked up to John and said emphatically, "Of course, I know how important the main city of the Order Faction is. I also understand the critical nature of the battle at the walls of Storm City. I've never thought your actions were wrong. I was upset because I felt you were being too careless about your own safety. Although I didn't watch the entire battle in Storm City, I saw the battle replay on the game forums. The Mystery Vanguard is such a powerful monster, and it's not something one person can handle alone! If something had happened to you, I would have been devastated."
Emma explained why she was so upset.
Her concern for John had overwhelmed her; she didn't want him to face any danger.
Her feelings highlighted the tension between the virtual risks in the game and their emotional impact in the real world, especially among those who care for each other deeply.
John was reassured by Emma's explanation and no longer dwelled on the previous matter.
Her genuine concern for him was enough to make him happy.
"You don't need to worry so much. Don't you trust my strength? Although the Mystery Vanguard was very powerful, I was able to handle it successfully. See, I'm standing right in front of you, safe and sound," John said, lightening the mood by making a funny face.
This gesture brought a smile to Emma's face, who really didn't want to be upset with John.
She felt indebted to him for all the help he had provided and thought it would be ungrateful to remain angry.
"Can you promise me something?" Emma asked, her mood brightening.
John nodded, understanding that under the circumstances, he couldn't outright refuse her request.
"I hope that in the future, when you face dangerous battles, you'll let me know in advance. I may not be able to help you directly, but I can pray for you. I can offer my Psychic Power to support you. I know it might not guarantee your success in battle, but perhaps my blessings can help you perform even better."
Emma's words touched John, and he felt a twinge of emotion.
He nodded, "No problem at all. I'll definitely inform you before my next battle. Your prayers will undoubtedly be a great help to me!"
John and Emma successfully resolved their differences, and Emma prepared a large meal for them.
After dinner, they decided to take a walk, as the recent events had been quite stressful for both of them.
After a day of rest, John was ready to log back into the game with a precise plan for his next actions.
To complete the hidden quest "The Secret of Storm City," he needed to gain a deeper understanding of the city.
John decided to spend three days exploring Storm City in its entirety.
His first destination for investigation was the Great Library of Storm City, located not far south of Duke Arsena's residence.
Separated from the Duke's home by a city square, the Great Library was adjacent to Storm City's teleportation point.
Upon logging in, John headed straight for the city square.
Despite having seen the Great Library several times before, its grandeur still impressed him.
As the tallest building in the city, spanning twelve floors, the Great Library was an architectural marvel.
The first four floors housed a vast collection of books, while the fifth to twelfth floors were dedicated to various factions' magical scrolls, serving as a place for research and learning.
Players seeking to acquire spells through Order Faction NPCs were required to visit the Great Library.
John had visited the Great Library before, but his previous visit wasn't for learning new spells.
Instead, he was researching records of powerful Divine spells.
Standing outside the library and gazing at its imposing structure, he decided to enter and explore its interior thoroughly, suspecting that it might hold hidden secrets.
At the entrance of the Great Library, the guards recognized John and promptly greeted him.
They had participated in the recent defense of Storm City's walls and had witnessed John's formidable strength in battle.
More importantly, they recognized his role in protecting the city. Consequently, the guards held John in high regard.
One of the guards approached John and inquired, "Are you planning to study spells in the Great Library? If you wish to learn new spells, you may go directly to the third floor. Unlike other adventurers who have to wait in line, you can have the mages there teach you the spells you want to learn directly."
John was pleasantly surprised by the convenience his increased favorability with Storm City afforded him.
He considered the potential benefits of helping Emma also improve her standing with the city.
However, his current visit to the Great Library wasn't for spell learning; he simply wanted to explore.
John quickly clarified to the guard, "I'm not here to learn new spells this time. I just want to browse through the Great Library and see if there are any books that catch my interest. Maybe I'll find something particularly intriguing that could be of great help. I don't have a specific purpose in mind; I'm just here to relax and enjoy the library."
The guards at the Great Library trusted John's explanation and allowed him to enter.
They even provided him with a blue Inscription, a likely indication of special access or privileges within the library.
John gratefully acknowledged the guard's explanation.
Holding the Inscription, he realized its significance extended beyond mere access to the library's sections.
It was a symbol of privilege and protection within the Great Library, distinguishing him from ordinary adventurers and granting him the right to peruse books that were otherwise restricted.
"This Inscription allows you to access any section of the Great Library. Books that are not available to other adventurers are open for your perusal. Moreover, this Inscription can help you avoid unnecessary trouble. The Great Library is frequented not just by people from Storm City but also by individuals from other imperial cities. They might not view you as favorably. However, seeing this Inscription, they'll recognize you as a guest of Storm City and won't dare to trouble you."
John thanked the guard again and looked at the Inscription in his hand, sensing the unfamiliar power it contained.
This Inscription not only provided access to hidden knowledge within the Great Library but also offered a layer of security and respect from others, reflecting his growing influence and importance in Storm City.
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