While the Void Library definitely had a name that many long-time friends of Damien would criticize due to the laziness that went into naming it, he truly defended its name more than he did everything else that he…somewhat lazily named.
After all, unlike those abilities, this library was named after the Void Corridor, the place where all of its contents were plundered from.
This library was specifically built when Damien amassed far more resources than he felt like keeping with him constantly. Since he had no need for said resources, he established this space to pass them to his subordinates.
Of course, there were several procedures that went into guaranteeing loyalty and comparability before techniques were handed out, but it was still true that the library gave equal opportunity to all Theavel residents, from the original elves to the newest refugees from Calypto.
It wasn't just learning resources that Damien gained, though, and the library represented a second purpose as well.
It was a big juicy carrot that everyone wanted to take a bite out of, especially since the stick seemed to be taking a vacation.
The resources and materials that could be used for practice were all stored within the library, and a reward system had been established to hand them to those who earned them.
Through the gains he'd made during his 2 years in the Void Corridor, Damien was able to create a system that could stably build the strength of his army while slowly guaranteeing their absolute loyalty to him.
Usually, he only visited this place to cure his boredom and watch over those within, but today, he'd brought a guest with him.
"The Void Library has several legacies at the Demigod level and even a few God-level inheritances within. Along with those, there is an assortment of techniques for practically every natural law in existence, so you shouldn't have trouble finding material that suits you." Damien explained as he took Xinyue through the entrance to the library.
"You can pick one inheritance and three techniques from any part of the library, however, I'll only give you ten minutes to make your decision. Don't delay, don't hesitate, and don't overestimate yourself. In the end, make a choice you will not regret in the future."
The two walked through the library entrance unhindered, the security guarding the place acting like they didn't see the duo at all.
Damien flashed a small smile at the front desk attendant as he escorted Xinyue into the main building, causing her to smile and lower her head.
A smile from the sovereign, just how much was that worth?
She almost wanted to scream like a fangirl at that moment, but she knew she had to contain herself in front of the sovereign.
He was a kind and humble man. He saved everyone who lives in Theavel today, and afterward, he allowed them to live on their own without trying to oppress or control them.
Honestly, if it wasn't for the 5 Emperors constantly praising the sovereign and reminding the denizens of his existence, they would've forgotten that this was his world.
However, he was always helping them from the shadows. Even this library was something he built so they could grow stronger and fight the oppression that forced them into Theavel in the first place.
It might've been strange from an outsider's perspective, but to the denizens of Theavel…
Doubting the sovereign or questioning his authority was a crime above all others.
Still, he never tried to use his power over them to harm them, so they also acted respectfully about his preferences.
As he walked into the library and causally took a seat on a bean bag chair, those around him subtly gave him space and didn't disturb him.
Xinyue observed this reaction with a strange look on her face. She couldn't understand why everyone in this place seemed to revere the annoying man she'd been interacting with so far.
Yet, their feelings were not the reason for her visit.
'Ten minutes…if you dare to implement such a deadline, there must be something worth hiding within the library.'
"Can I start now?" She asked.
She remained indifferent on the surface, but Damien could clearly feel her excitement.
"Of course! Your ten minutes start the moment you take a step further than this point." Damien responded.
Xinyue nodded, and without hesitation, took her first step.
She dashed into the library and spread her awareness, but as soon as she tried to spread it more than a few meters, she found her senses blocked entirely.
Her eyes glowed blue. The strength and intensity of her awareness greatly increased, and her vision expanded to 360 degrees.
She rapidly intook all the information she possibly could.
'This…this…this…!'
Her eyes widened into saucers, and continued to pop further and further out of her head as she read through the different manuals that were present on the shelves.
'Forbidden Ancient Script, Hegemon God Body, Reticent Buddha Psalm…these are all precious godly techniques of the forgotten era!'
Even the usually stoic Xinyue was forced to exclaim from the sheer quality of material.
It suddenly dawned on her how short 10 minutes truly was.
All of a sudden, her pace massively increased. She stopped reading through the technique descriptions and only focused on their names and creators. This way, she was still able to sort them without wasting as much time.
She practically kicked up a duststorm in the library with her speed.
Even the others that were currently studying within were forced to evacuate.
At the moment, they crowded behind Damien like children complaining to their parent.
He smiled when he saw their expressions. "Don't worry, she'll only be in there for ten minutes. Even if she stays past her welcome, I'll drag her out. Just wait here for a bit and enjoy the show until then."
The denizens nodded hesitantly, but didn't move from behind Damien.
After all, what were they supposed to do for these ten minutes? It was too short of a timeframe to leave and come back, but too long for them to simply wait around idly.
Damien shook his head wryly. 'Really, I can't stop myself from spoiling these assholes when I come here.'
He snapped his finger lightly, and the scene changed. Several tables appeared from nowhere and the space expanded to accommodate them. After the chairs and utensils were all set, Damien snapped again, summoning several dishes onto the table.
"Alright, everyone! I don't come here often, but I have heard that we've established a stable beast population apart from just livestock. Since we have the stock now, let's feast!"
The denizens stood quietly for a second before…
"YEEEAAAAAAH!"
"WOOOOO!"
"Love live the Sovereign!"
""Long live the Sovereign!""
Raucous cheers filled the area as a lively atmosphere descended. The denizens rushed to the tables and started filling their plates, happily indulging in the impromptu party that their sovereign was throwing.
Around 6 minutes in, an unexpected guest arrived.
"You still love doing whatever you want, aye?"
A beautiful woman with flowing green hair walked through the entrance of the library. The celestial appearance she held along with her heavenly voice that soothed the soul and calmed the heart made it impossible for these regular denizens to not be infatuated with her.
However, for them, she was untouchable.
""We greet the 1st Emperor!""
The crowd immediately got on their knees to show fealty, but were waved off by Elvira, who never took her eyes off Damien.
Damien smiled. "It's been a while since we've seen each other. Why so distant?"
"Aren't we in public? Even if you are a friendly and approachable sovereign, I still have an image to maintain."
"Bleh, useless things."
"Only you can say so with such conviction."
Elvira smiled and sat down behind Damien on his bean bag chair, her body very clearly touching his.
Damien closed his eyes and leaned back.
"How's everything progressing?"
Elvira smiled lightly as she brushed her hands through his hair. "Progress has been smooth thus far. The militarization plans are especially progressing speedily since there is no small number of volunteers. According to our current projection, Theavel's complete development should be finished within 3 years."
"And the army's development?"
Elvira furrowed her brows. "As you know, we have sufficient numbers. What we lack is power. With your recent achievements, it won't be difficult to produce several experts, but they need time and space to grow. Theavel can't provide them a sufficient environment quite yet."
Damien nodded. As expected, mass-producing 4th classes was far more difficult than doing the same with 3rd classes. Theavel was developing rapidly now that it had a World Core, but it still needed time for these changes to saturate.
"I am currently unavailable, but once I return to Eien, I'll figure something out to help them."
Elvira smiled and nodded.
With such a considerate sovereign ruling them, who could those beneath him not fall for his charms?
When they first met, this man was ambitious yet incompetent. Yet, over the years, he'd shown his grit time and time again, growing into someone she could truly be proud to follow.
She was content with her current life.
Or at least, for the most part.
