After nearly an hour and a half of reading, Artorius finally closed the book in front of him.
He leaned back slightly and let out a satisfied breath.
"Learning new things really is refreshing," he murmured. "It reminds me of the first time I entered high school."
"Traveling and learning have high compatibility," Travy replied calmly.
Even though the system's voice remained emotionless and mechanical, Artorius had started to feel that Travy was a surprisingly good companion.
"Magic really is more developed here than in my world," Artorius said while glancing at the books stacked on the table.
"That is correct," Travy replied.
Then the system paused for a brief moment.
"However, magic is not the only difference between your world and Eiras."
Artorius raised an eyebrow.
"Oh?"
"This world contains several intelligent species other than humans."
Artorius nodded slowly.
"Right. I actually saw a few during my morning jog."
He clearly remembered seeing people with animal ears and tails near the market, and a short, stocky man with a thick beard that looked unmistakably like a dwarf.
"That definitely caught my attention."
With renewed curiosity, Artorius stood up and walked toward the section labeled History and Culture.
He scanned the shelves for a moment before pulling out two books.
"Differences Between Humanoid Species."
"A Quick Understanding of Eiras's History."
"These should be interesting," he said as he returned to his seat.
He opened the first book.
The book explained that there were five main classifications of intelligent humanoid species in Eiras.
Humans, elves, dwarves, beastfolk, and demons.
Artorius rested his chin on his hand as he read.
"Let's see…"
The first species described in the book was demons.
"That's surprising," Artorius said quietly. "I thought demons would appear last."
"In many fictional works from your world, demons are often portrayed as villains," Travy explained.
"However, the reality of Eiras is more complex."
Artorius continued reading.
Demons were a race with naturally strong magical abilities. Their physical growth was slower than that of humans, but their lifespan was significantly longer.
They lived on a large island continent called Ashurus.
Despite their strong affinity for dark magic, the book emphasized that dark magic did not mean evil.
In fact, the demon nations maintained friendly trade routes with many other countries.
"So demons aren't the enemies of the world," Artorius said thoughtfully.
"That is correct," Travy replied.
"Reality is rarely as simple as stories."
The next species described in the book were elves.
Artorius chuckled slightly.
"Long ears and beautiful appearance… just like the manga I used to read."
Elves possessed long lifespans and a natural affinity for spirit magic.
They were also famous for their archery skills.
Their homeland was a massive forest centered around the World Tree, an enormous ancient tree believed to circulate mana throughout the entire world.
The country built around it was called Harbath.
"The World Tree acts like the heart of the planet's mana flow," Artorius murmured.
"That is an accurate comparison," Travy confirmed.
The next species were the beastfolk.
Their appearance varied depending on their animal traits.
Some had human faces with animal ears and tails, while others had fur covering parts of their bodies.
For example, catreid beastfolk resembled humans with cat ears and tails, though some possessed more feline facial features.
"They must have great senses," Artorius said.
"That is correct," Travy replied.
"Beastfolk generally possess superior physical ability compared to humans."
However, their magical capacity was much lower.
According to the book, an adult beastfolk typically possessed mana equivalent to that of a ten-year-old human child.
Most beastfolk lived in the Kingdom of Zanithe, where many tribal communities still existed.
There was also a kingdom beneath the sea west of Zanithe known as the Riule Kingdom, inhabited by merfolk.
"Merfolk too?" Artorius said with interest.
"Eiras contains many fascinating cultures."
The next race described in the book were dwarves.
Just like the legends in his home world, dwarves were masters of mining and metallurgy.
They were much shorter than humans, usually reaching only around Artorius's chest in height.
However, their bodies were extremely sturdy.
"Small but powerful," Artorius said.
"That description is appropriate."
Dwarves lived in the Mountain Kingdom of Rabasra.
Many dwarves traveled the world to study different blacksmithing techniques before becoming master craftsmen.
"They treat forging as a lifelong discipline," Artorius said with admiration.
Finally, the book described humans.
Humans possessed balanced physical and magical abilities.
More importantly, they had the fastest growth rate among all species.
They were also the most adaptable.
Out of the seven major kingdoms in the world, three were governed primarily by humans.
The Ladenfreis Empire, which included the town of Roste.
The Rogia Lemence Kingdom.
And the Orthodox Leriah State.
Artorius closed the book with a thoughtful expression.
"I really learned a lot from that."
"Knowledge about cultures will help you travel safely in the future," Travy replied.
Artorius nodded.
Then he opened the second book.
The history book contained a simplified summary of the world's timeline.
The first era was known as the Era of Creation.
It was not the creation of the planet itself, but the birth of life.
According to religious teachings, the Holy Mother Goddess Leriah created monsters, plants, and intelligent races during this period.
At that time, people survived by hunting monsters.
Magic had not yet been discovered.
The era lasted from twenty thousand to ten thousand years ago.
"Twenty thousand years… that's a long history," Artorius murmured.
"The world of Eiras has developed over many millennia."
The next era was the Tribal Era.
During this time, people began forming tribes and communities.
Agriculture slowly developed, and magic was gradually discovered.
However, conflicts between tribes were common.
This era lasted from ten thousand years ago until about one thousand years ago.
"The discovery of magic must have changed everything," Artorius said.
"That is correct."
The next era was called the Unification Warring States Era.
During this time, tribes merged into larger political powers.
Many of the kingdoms that existed today were formed during this period.
The religion known as the Leriah Orthodoxy also spread across the continent.
This era lasted until about two hundred fifty years ago.
The next era described in the book was the Great Unification War.
An empire known as the Grand Mielyseus Empire attempted to conquer the entire continent.
The war lasted one hundred years before the empire was finally defeated around one hundred thirty years ago.
"That must have been devastating," Artorius said quietly.
"Large-scale wars often reshape the course of history," Travy replied.
The final era was the current age.
The Era of Adventure.
During this time, adventurer guilds were established to manage monsters and maintain balance between nations.
By the time Artorius finished the book, he realized his four-hour library time was almost over.
"Well… that was worth it."
He returned the books to their shelves and left the library.
He sat on a bench in the plaza and pulled out one of his sandwiches for lunch.
As he ate, he quietly reviewed everything he had learned.
Then he suddenly paused.
"Wait a minute."
"Is something wrong?" Travy asked.
"I just realized something."
Artorius swallowed his food and opened his system window.
"I only need six more requests to reach twenty G-rank quests."
"That is correct."
"Which means I'm almost eligible for promotion to F-rank."
At that moment, another system notification appeared.
Mission Updated.
Promotion Mission Available.
Artorius blinked.
"Huh?"
"Please review the mission details," Travy said.
After reading the information, Artorius understood the situation.
F-rank quests were counted as three G-rank quests in the guild's point system.
"So that means I already passed the requirement," Artorius said.
"That is correct."
The Adventurer's Guild used a point-based promotion system.
Higher ranked quests were worth more points, and once an adventurer accumulated enough points, they became eligible for a promotion test.
"Interesting," Artorius said.
"That system encourages adventurers to challenge stronger quests."
"Correct," Travy replied.
Artorius finished his lunch and stood up.
"Well, if I'm already eligible for promotion…"
"Then it would be wise to study F-rank monsters first."
"A cautious strategy."
Artorius soon arrived at the Adventurer's Guild again.
Sistina noticed him immediately and greeted him with a warm smile.
"Welcome back, Sir Artorius."
"Are you here to accept requests today?"
"Actually, not today," Artorius replied.
"I was hoping to use the guild library again."
"Oh?" Sistina tilted her head slightly.
"What topic are you researching this time?"
"Monsters and plants near Roste."
Sistina's eyes brightened slightly.
"That's a very responsible approach."
She paused before adding something else.
"By the way, you are already eligible for an F-rank promotion test."
Artorius smiled slightly.
"Yes, I just realized that."
"There's no time limit for taking the test," Sistina said.
"So feel free to prepare first."
"That's exactly what I plan to do."
"I might take the test tomorrow."
Sistina nodded approvingly.
"I look forward to seeing your progress."
Artorius spent the rest of the afternoon studying the ecology of the nearby forest.
He learned about several useful plants such as Ironthorn Weed, Gel Moss, and Forest Bloom Flowers.
He also discovered a rare mushroom known as Glowshroom, which glowed faintly at night and was used for mid-grade potions.
Then he studied the monsters that lived in the southern forest.
Forest Slimes that blended perfectly with green vegetation.
Dire Rabbits that moved quickly through the undergrowth.
Vinewhip Thorns that attacked like living vines.
And Horned Deer that resembled elegant unicorn-like animals.
Artorius quietly discussed strategies with Travy while reading.
"Lightning Stun should work well against fast enemies," he said.
"That is a reasonable tactic," Travy replied.
Before he realized it, the sky outside had begun to darken.
When Artorius finally left the guild library, the sun was already setting.
Sistina noticed him as he walked past the desk.
"Did you enjoy your reading, Sir Artorius?"
"I did," Artorius said with a relaxed smile.
"That should be enough preparation for now."
He paused for a moment.
"I'll take the promotion test tomorrow."
Sistina smiled warmly.
"I wish you the best of luck."
After buying dinner from a nearby stall, Artorius returned to the inn.
As he lay down on the bed, he reflected on the day.
His path forward was becoming clearer.
But before he could truly continue his journey…
There was one step he needed to take first.
The F-rank promotion test.