บท 2: Magic Index.

''It was a pleasure meeting you.'' Elene said while giving Edwin the 'you better say something too' stare.

''Goodbye!'' Reminded by his mother's stare, he quickly gave his parting words as well.

''What happened, did he give me something important?'' He asked, turning to his mother.

''It's okay that you didn't realize what he just gave to you.'' Elene answered before turning to the table gesturing at the books. Edwin quickly shook his head, ''It's a book, whats so special about it?'' he asked. ''Go ahead, take the book and give it a good look.'' His mother said with a slight glint in her eyes, before returning into the kitchen.

Curious, he looked at the book before picking up the guide. The guide had three pages and they were written in the basic runic alphabet, which was the standard language of this world's upper-class.

The Osswell empire had two official languages and alphabets. One was the standard alphabet of the old world, and the other one was the basic runic alphabet. The latter being considered to be the more modern one. The old alphabet was simpler, and less difficult to learn, it was also less tedious to write. It was simply the commoner's choice.

The runic alphabet was bestowed upon the humans by the surviving angels, that had descended after their gods' death. It was their final parting gift, together with the ability to wield soul-essence.

Not everyone was proficient in the runic alphabet, but Edwin was. Edwin had always been a smart boy, and growing up he learned both the old and runic alphabet. He could understand most of the words and letters that made up the guide, and quickly deciphered the different pages in pamphlet. His eyes turned wider with each rune he read.

'Guide to the magic academy's Index v1.5. Or shortened to Index v15. This index has been given to you by the Osswell empire in order to nurture and protect you.

The following guide will instruct you in the use of the magic index.

Step 1: Setup.

In order for the magic index to activate and bind to a person's soul, a small amount of blood is required. the blood has to be spread across the crystal located in the cover's center. Be careful not to spread the blood across any of the surrounding runes. Once that is done a faint light should appear in the books center and the bloods' donor should feel a connection to the book.

The book will no longer be vulnerable to outside attacks once step 1 is complete. Attacks below the rank of master class will not be able to harm the book.

Rip the small square rune at the bottom-right corner on the back of the book, should the connection with the owner not appear within 15 seconds of the contact with blood. Customer support will be provided.

Step 2: Functions.

The book has three main functions and two secondary functions.

Main function 1: Communication.

Can send messages to other registered index users, so long as they are within 500 meters of the books owner or within 750 meters of a communication tower or guard post. Messages must be written on page 5 or 6. This function requires very little essence.

Main function 2: Bestiary.

The second function of the index is the bestiary. The bestiary can accurately identify and rank beasts up to steel rank. Can provide information on the beasts' strengths and weaknesses under the condition that the user is within a hundred meters of the beast. The army must have previously studied and added the beast to the encyclopedia in order to be effective. To further upgrade this function one must either be tested by the army, or receive a merit by his majesty the Emperor.

The bestiary can be found on page 3 and 4, one must point the crystal at a beast to identify it. Requires a high amount of essence to use, it is not recommended to be used in combat by anyone below rank ll.

Main function 3: Spatial storage.

The spatial storage capacity of this index is 1x1 meters. Any object entering the storage must be dead or will die if put into storage. Objects that resist being put into the spatial storage, or are alive will require an exponentially higher amount of essence to store, extraction requires additional energy. Function is not recommended for people below the peak of rank l.

To use, touch object on one of the marked surfaces that are found on pages 7 to 17.

Secondary function 1: Cleaning spell.

This spell provides general cleaning and odor removal to any object touching the mark on the upper area of page 18. Intermediate essence cost, usable from rank l.

Caution: do not use on animals, army will not be held accountable for any damages on property.

Secondary function 2: Emergency shield.

Book will provide 3 seconds of protection to owner of the index if lethal strike is detected. This function uses the innate reserves of the index. Can be used every 72 hours.'

Edwin was beyond excited. 'I can't believe it, this is awesome, especially the cleaning function!' He thought, before following his mother into the kitchen. Seeing that she was about to do the dishes he decided to go and help as well.

He knew that there was no way he could bind the book before his father returned. Especially not if he didn't garner some favors from his mother. He didn't want to make his father miss out on this major event either, but he was simply too excited to wait any longer.

Elene gave him a suspicious look as Edwin approached the sink, before turning back to her work while saying. Terrified by his mothers intuition he decided get to the topic.

''The book has so many functions! It's almost like the artifacts that are in fathers bedtime stories.'' He excitedly said.

Elene smiled before putting down the dishes. She then turned to Edwin before hugging him. ''Told you so.'' she said before continuing.

''Little fool, there's more to this book than what meets the eye. When I met Steffen he had just finished his final exam in one of the six great academies.'' Tears starting to well up in her eyes. As she tightened her hug around Edwin, causing him to struggle for breath.

''Back then he had this exact kind of book.'' She continued.

''He was under oath, only be able to describe the most basic functions of this book. But from what I saw, I can tell you what this book means.''

''Edwin they saw you as being talented enough to enroll into one of the six great magic academies.'' She finished, tears starting to roll down her cheeks, before finally falling onto the wooden floor.