Chapter 126: The Libraries of Two Guilds
Although the Blue Pegasus library wasn't as large as Fairy Tail's current one, its collection was still significant, with several huge bookshelves filled to the brim.
"This is our guild's library, oh yes. You can read and record all the books here, honey~" Master Bob said, gesturing to the collection.
Noah's eyes sparkled. "I can read all of them? And record them into my Archive?"
"Of course, darling. The books you can't read are all kept in another location. My, my, you really do love to read, don't you, Noah-chan?"
"Of course! Reading is what I love most. Reading lets me know more and learn more! Well then, I'll start now!"
"Mhm. Then you take your time, honey. There's no need to rush."
Noah nodded, and Master Bob slowly walked out. The other guild members, who had seen their Master lead a stranger into the library and had overheard their conversation, were all very curious. They came over to say hello, and Noah met many of the members of Blue Pegasus.
After their wave of enthusiasm had passed, Noah was finally left alone to begin reading the library.
And so, the members of Blue Pegasus began to see someone who practically lived at their guild. He would come in the moment the guild opened and would only leave when it closed at night. After greeting the Master in the morning, he would dive straight into the library and begin his day of reading. Other than for meals and going to the bathroom, he never left. He was more diligent than any member of their own guild.
When Noah read, several books would be lined up in front of him. As soon as he finished one, the next would move forward. The finished book would automatically fly back to the shelf, and a new book he hadn't read would fly down to take its place in the queue.
Master Bob, seeing how "insanely" Noah was reading, was a little worried that something might happen to him, so he would frequently go into the library to check on him. However, he saw that Noah, who was wearing his Gale-Reading Glasses, had bright and energetic eyes. His Archive magic was open beside him, constantly recording data, and he didn't seem to have any problems. Moreover, every day—whether in the morning, at meals, or when he left at night—Bob saw that Noah looked full of vigor.
He even contacted Makarov, who told him that it was the same when Noah was reading in the Fairy Tail library. Aside from his daily training, he would spend all his time reading, only stopping for meals. Makarov had also been alarmed by this state before and had observed him for some time, only to find that under this high-intensity reading, Noah's spirit didn't wane but actually seemed to improve, and his physical condition never deteriorated. After that, Makarov stopped worrying.
Hearing this, Bob relaxed, only making a point to carefully observe Noah's condition every day.
With the help of his self-modified, speed-enhancing Gale-Reading Glasses, it still took Noah more than three months to read and record all the accessible books in the Blue Pegasus library into his Archive. In the middle of this period, Noah returned to Fairy Tail once to celebrate the New Year with everyone—the arrival of X779. After the celebration, he went right back to Blue Pegasus to continue reading.
When Noah finally went to say goodbye to Master Bob, the surprise on his face was impossible to hide. He knew exactly how many books his guild possessed. In just three months, Noah had read and recorded every single book he had been given access to.
"Oh, my! Noah-chan, you really are a surprise, honey. Although I saw how frantically you were reading these past few months, I never thought you'd finish so quickly!"
"It's only because of my modified glasses that I can read so fast. And for most of the books, I just did a rough scan. I've only just recorded them into my Archive; I'll have to go back and slowly re-read them properly later."
"Mhm. So, are you planning to return to Fairy Tail now, honey?"
"No. I still need to go to Quatro Cerberus. I've already contacted Master Goldmine, and he said I can go over and read their books now."
Master Bob looked at Noah's sparkling eyes and knew how eager he was to get to the next library. He didn't try to stop him. "Then you go on ahead. But remember to come back and visit often, honey."
"I will. Thank you, Master Bob!"
Noah said his goodbyes to Bob, and then to Hibiki (who had returned), Ichiya, and the other Blue Pegasus members. Without wasting a moment, he headed to the headquarters of Quatro Cerberus. He first gave the gifts he had prepared to Master Goldmine, who then led him to their library. Their collection was a bit smaller than Blue Pegasus's, but the total volume was still significant.
With Goldmine's permission, Noah spent just over two months and successfully recorded all of their permitted books into his Archive.
After bidding farewell to Master Goldmine, Noah returned to Fairy Tail.
After greeting everyone, Noah went to find Makarov.
"So, how was the harvest this time?"
"It was huge. The libraries of both Blue Pegasus and Quatro Cerberus were incredibly enriching. And learning Archive magic will be a massive benefit to my research; at the very least, it can help me with all sorts of calculations and organizing experimental data. Plus, I can develop many more applications for it. I really have to thank Master Bob this time."
"As long as you had a good haul, that's what matters. So what are your plans now?"
"I plan to stay home and do research. With Archive and all these new books, I'll need a period of time to organize and study everything. Unless there's a special situation, I won't be going out."
"That's fine."
"By the way, Gramps, I saw Grandpa Yajima at the Council, and he helped me out a lot."
"Oh, you saw Yajima? How is he doing?"
"Grandpa Yajima is in good health. I could clearly see he's in great spirits. He was the one who helped me get my applications for data approved quickly. Otherwise, it would have taken a lot longer."
"Then you should thank him properly."
"Of course. The new batch of medicinal wine at my house is almost ready. I'm planning to send some to him, and to Master Bob and Master Goldmine as well."
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