Only I Am A Reader

"Huuu…"

Using the towel to dry his shining hair, Leo finished dressing up as he left the washing room to go back to his new 'home'.

'Quick showers are the best.'

Ever since coming to this 'hotel', Leo had more than one positive experience. It was like leaving the countryside to move to the city!

Without having to queue each morning to use the shower, Leo was able to 'edit' his day to be fresher. Now that he was all cleaned up, it was time to sweat once again!

Swish!

Whether it came to 'Breathing' or technique training, a free space like the forest by Arthur's hometown was the best. However, Leo's current room was large enough for him to engage in all types of training. The only restriction of having to limit his movements wasn't even an inconvenience, rather, it was more of a passive 'control' training.

Swish! Swoosh!

It was just that during his stay here, Leo was always close to losing focus during his 'Breathing'. He wasn't absentminded, but he simply couldn't resist the temptation of keeping his 'Personal Book' in front of his eyes!

Swoosh! Swishsh!

By keeping the undissolvable Sword Pearl in his stomach, Leo was able to reach a state beyond normal 'Breathing'! Even before a full set of Sword Calligraphy was complete, Sword Breath would passively gather up to his body at an accelerated rate compared to the passive 'nurturing'!

As every minute went by, a number would change… 799.21… 799.22… 799.23… Under Leo's stimulated eyes, the number was growing closer to the next big change!

Swish! Swoosh!

799.98… 799.99…

Swoosh!

Leo's eighth set for the day didn't reach its completion even as Leo felt the change inside his body, the now familiar 'Solidification' process was nothing new. What he was more concerned about was what followed…

Aside from an abnormal amount of food, Leo also bit on a rolled piece of fabric as a precaution. Although he would have loved to use anesthesia, controlled application was an unsolvable problem, especially since he only had himself to rely on.

"Gahhh."

Being this close to his target, Leo's excitement almost overshadowed the mental effect of the pain. He was sure it lasted longer considering his earlier experiences, but it felt like it faded away quickly this time.

"Munch…"

Without any further delay, Leo removed the 'gag' and bit into the forest piece of food he could get his teeth on. However, Leo's gluttonous devouring still didn't distract him from checking the floating 'Personal Book'.

________________

Personal Statistics:

True Sword Breath: 800/800

Physique: 2.72

Mind: 1.47 (+2)

Sword Breath: 800.01

________________

'It's somewhat metaphysical at this point.'

Both the value of Leo's physique and the strength he felt were simply incompatible with the size of his body. Even if the muscles were extremely compressed, that was even more unscientific.

"Not like I'm complaining though…"

Running back into the washing room after filling his stomach, Leo couldn't deny liking his current physical status. Regardless of how abnormal it was, he was satisfied with a fine-toned lean body like this!

'Everything is also going well so far.'

Although today's 'ascension' had taken over 4 months to build up to, it was almost Leo's best record. Aside from the Sword Garden Trial's Elixir buffet which lost effect quickly, Leo's latest pace of accumulating about 1 point of Sword Breath per day was unprecedented within the high grades!

Even when considering the inevitable reduction now that he rose to another grade, Leo didn't feel threatened by the deadline at all. No matter what its original use was, the Sword Pearl was undeniably the best cheat item around.

"But it can only get me so far for the time being."

Despite monopolizing all kinds of hidden pieces and events like this, Leo was barely able to catch up to a certain someone. Compared to him who just stepped foot into grade-8, Ray had already done so 4 months ago. In the end, comparisons only hurt especially when a world's protagonist was involved. However…

'I can surely catch up!'

Leo was no longer bothered by it! His possession of the Sword Pearl was a game-changer, but that wasn't even his last cheat key! He only lacked one thing, time.

The Sword Pearl's strength was long-term use and the year was still young!

Shiing.

Going back to his room, Leo fixed his clothes in front of the mirror and attached Sword Breaker to his back before leaving the room. It was time for the usual outing!

"Let's hope I find something good today."

It was a bit earlier than usual since today was another milestone in Leo's path, but he was already used to leaving his room around this time of the day.

No matter how dedicated he was or how little time the day had, even Leo's slightly inhuman body couldn't endure training all day. He had to take a break, and with how little time Leo believed to have left in this world, it could only be used for a necessary investment… Reading!

In the same way, this last year was undoubtedly a perfect rehabilitation opportunity for Leo's reading addiction. However, weighing it against the knowledge hidden within the confines of the Empire's capital city left him no choice. There was a chance that this wouldn't be his last novel to 'read', but there was almost no way he would return here if he left!

"Leo, hey!"

The one standing outside the great library and calling out was naturally Leo's latest friend, Jared. He was also the one to get him a pass for the library without much trouble.

"Hey. Early day?"

"Yeah."

After so many days, the two had already come out to a routine of their own. They would usually hang out after Leo picked one or two books to take with him, socializing while lightly browsing his new find.

"Where should we go today?"

This way, Leo's life as Arthur entered a new chapter of peace and routine, mixing relaxation and tension in a strange harmony. Until…

[ Plot change confirmed.. Special event occurrence has been detected. ]