Do ratmen dream of the sacred tree of spirits?

Chapter 11 Spirituality

"Sister Fanning, I'm not quite sure how to light them." Fafnir returned to the reception desk.

"Ha ha ha ha."

Sister Fanning laughed, disregarding the quiet atmosphere of the library.

With a "snap," a flame ignited in Sister Fanning's palm.

Then, the gas lamps on the entire library ceiling emitted a bright light.

……

Sigh, we were easily outmaneuvered by the superhumans.

Fafnir found it somewhat amusing; Sister Fanning's little teasing didn't annoy him, but rather made him more relaxed.

He also asked about the closing time of Sister Fanning's Library and learned that it was open at all.

There were only a few people on the first floor of the library, while there were slightly more people on the third floor.

Fafnir glanced at the first row of bookshelves

Introduction to Spirituality

—This book immediately caught his attention.

Because this book was densely packed in a row, there were at least twenty copies, all with the same cover, it was clearly a very important book.

Fafnir randomly picked up a book. It wasn't thick, about a hundred pages, and it was bound in brown cardboard with a smooth feel.

Upon opening the title page, a line of small print appeared before Fafnir's eyes:

"Introduction to Spirituality (Third Edition) - A general introductory textbook for the spell courses at the Elven Holy Kingdom Grammar School."

It turns out to be a basic textbook for a magic course. I wonder if all students in the school take this course.

Turn the page again, and you'll see the table of contents.

Chapter 1: What is Spirituality?

Chapter Two: Spiritual Perception

Chapter Three: The Spirit Realm

Chapter Four: Spirituality and Bloodline

Chapter 5: Basic Meditation Techniques

Chapter Six: Observing Spirituality

Chapter Seven: Introduction to First-Order Spells

Appendix: Frequently Asked Questions and Safety Precautions

Fafnir thought for a moment, then quickly flipped through the book, trying to find the questions he most wanted to know.

"The total amount and rate of spirituality generated are closely related to the race, age, health status, and mental state of the living being. For non-supernatural beings, the total amount of spirituality in newborns is extremely small, gradually increasing with age, peaking during adolescence, and slowly declining until it disappears completely in old age."

Elves have the longest spiritual lifespan, exceeding one hundred and twenty years; humans and dwarves have a lifespan of approximately sixty years; the lifespan of ratmen is unknown.

There is an asterisk comment here.

Fafnard turned to the bottom of the page.

"*There is a lack of sufficient research data on the spiritual cycle of rat people. Based on existing data, it is speculated that their cycle may be shorter than that of humans, but this conclusion has not been officially verified."

"Those with extraordinary abilities can maintain their spirituality and utilize it to enhance themselves and use magic..."

"The spirit realm is the source of all spirituality, and high-level transcendent beings can skillfully utilize spirit realm magic..."

Fafnir carefully perused the book, but soon he felt hungry and tired, and the evening bells rang at nine o'clock.

Let's go back to the dorm and get some sleep. We probably don't have dinner yet, but the cafeteria might open tomorrow morning.

Fafnir put the books away and went downstairs, where Sister Fanning was still reading.

"What's wrong, you little mouse? You're back already? Not even a single book to lend?"

"Um, Sister Fanning, my work permit hasn't been processed yet, so I probably can't borrow books."

Sister Fanning hummed in agreement, opened the drawer, pulled out a blank piece of paper, and quickly filled in a few lines with a pen.

"It's alright, I manage the library. Here's your library card, please fill in your name."

"thank you."

Fafnir ran back to the third floor and borrowed "An Introduction to Spirituality".

"Remember not to lose the books; you'll have to pay half a silver coin for each one!"

……

When he returned to his dormitory, the 9 p.m. prayer bells had already rung, and Fafnir felt utterly exhausted.

"Thump, thump"

Fafnir opened the door and saw Victor standing there, holding a small cloth bag.

"Hello, Mr. Victor."

"Good evening, Fafnir. Have you had dinner yet?"

Oh? This is "An Introduction to Spirituality"? My little Fafner, can you understand it? I was planning to teach you that later, but I didn't expect you to be interested in this.

Well... it doesn't matter when, but this might be helpful before school starts.

Wait a moment, I'm going back to get something.

Are you wondering why people can recognize your lineage?

Let me teach you 'spiritual vision'.

……

Mr. Victor took out two brass candlesticks, and some kind of perfume slowly melted in the flames, filling the office with a crisp, cedar scent.

"Spiritual vision is your other pair of eyes."

It allows you to see the spiritual world.

A warm palm gently pressed against Fafner's forehead.

"Now close your eyes and wait quietly. I can guide you into a meditative state and restore your spirituality."

Fafnir closed his eyes and quickly felt absolute peace and relaxation, entering a meditative state. Tiny silver threads stretched aimlessly through his mind.

Suddenly, a cool sensation came over them, and the silver threads seemed to come alive, quickly coalescing together.

"This is my initiation technique, don't be nervous."

The silver threads in his mind quickly formed a raven feather pattern. The threads continued to solidify, and an eye-shaped rune took shape on its own, attaching itself to the raven feather pattern.

"Did you see the vision rune? It should look like an eye in your mind."

"Yes, Mr. Victor."

"Very good. Now, feel my breath and quickly memorize my breathing rhythm."

"OK."

"Next, silently recite the 'Commandments of the Church of the God of Death.' When you feel your spirit calming down and your brow slightly warm, stop all movement and open your eyes."

Then, keep repeating them.

Fafnir made mistakes the first two or three times, but he became more and more skilled. After completing the steps once again, Mr. Victor's voice came through.

"Little Fafnir, now, begin using your clairvoyance."

Victor took out a moonstone the size of a pigeon's egg from the velvet wrapping and gently placed it on the windowsill. In the moonlight, the surface of the mineral was only a hazy gray.

"The most basic application of clairvoyance is seeing the radiance of spiritual matter."

Now close your eyes, and while silently reciting the "Commandments of the Church of the God of Death," adjust your state using the breathing technique I taught you.

When Fafnir read the third verse of the "Commandments of the Church of the God of Death," he felt a slight burning sensation between his brows.

"Very good, you don't need to repeat these steps anymore."

Maintain your current position, slowly open your eyes, but don't open them fully; keep the space between your eyelashes open.

Victor's voice was soft, "Like watching the morning light when you're half asleep."

Fafnir opened his eyes, and in his hazy vision, the moonstone had now turned into a burning white flame, while the edge of Ze Ruo's raised palm was swirling with a honey-like, viscous golden halo.

……

"It seems you've succeeded. Congratulations, my little Fafnir, you've learned the spell 'Sight'."

Victor seemed very happy.

After saying that, Mr. Victor turned around and took out a porcelain cup containing steaming hot tea.

"At your current level, a single vision will consume a lot of your spiritual energy. This strong tea made from inferior moonflower grass can effectively replenish the spiritual energy of a beginner like you. Drink it."

"Thank you so much, thank you so much."