This was the book Madam Elysia had said was most precious in her collection. According to the introduction, Elara Silvane was a legendary Half-Elf from 100 years ago. Her theory about Mana's nature was too progressive; and because Aethelgard—the Alliance of Human Kingdoms which had culture venerating humanity and high racial discrimination—had critical eyes, not valuing knowledge not of humanity (quoted from Races and Continental Cultural Identity — Vol. I & II), her work had been sealed and lost.

  Perhaps therefore, such a precious manuscript could drift outside and reach a Nomadic Mage like Madam Elysia's hands.

  Theo carefully picked up Elara Silvane's manuscript. The book wasn't bound with expensive leather or precious wooden cover, but wrapped in a rough, dark animal hide layer, probably hunted beast hide. The cover was worn, had small cracks and stained with time's color. No decorative title outside, only author name Elara Silvane handwritten in dark blue ink strokes, almost sinking into the hide layer.

  Its size was significantly larger and thicker than other books, heavy in Theo's hands. Inside, pages weren't ordinary paper but yellowed parchment (sheepskin paper), thick and durable. Ink inside was made from refined graphite, dark and sharp. Especially, on some key formulas, Theo recognized shimmering silver-gold symbols—traces of the author having to use ground mana crystal powder to fix and preserve the most complex formulas.

  Emanating from the book was a dry, cold fragrance of ancient mana and isolation. It was completely different from familiar herb scents or ordinary old paper smell.

  This wasn't just a book, but a relic containing knowledge rejected by the Human world.

  Without further delay, Theo continued with G to copy it. He tried to skim-read formulas and shimmering silver-gold symbols, but its knowledge was too complex, completely exceeding his understanding capability at this stage.

  "G, scan this volume," Theo commanded, voice full of tension.

  Theo opened the manuscript. Symbols, complex formulas of Half-Elf Elara Silvane immediately flooded his vision. He turned pages carefully and slower than usual, because many emotions arose in him—he worried he wasn't capable enough to understand Elara's book, feared G's scanning would be incomplete.

  Over thirty minutes passed in mental torment. Repeatedly doing one thing wasn't easy at all. Finally, G rang in Theo's head:

  "Scanning and copying manuscript The Theory of Mana Dissolution completed 100%. Basic data has been encoded."

  Theo closed the book. He was exhausted, slumped onto the wooden floor for a moment, trying to regulate breathing and heartbeat. He was completely mentally depleted.

  After a few minutes rest, Theo stood up, placed the precious manuscript back on the bookshelf one last time. He glanced over the book area once more, memorizing the place storing this knowledge treasure.

  He stepped outside, returning books to Madam Elysia.

  "Thank you very much, Madam," Theo said, his voice had grown hoarse from fatigue.

  Madam Elysia looked at Theo probingly through bronze glasses.

  "You've found what you needed, haven't you?"

  She smiled—a smile concealing understanding full of wisdom.

  "The journey ahead will be very long, young man."

  Theo nodded, knowing Madam Elysia had understood everything. After bidding her farewell, Theo left the quiet quarter, walking slowly toward the forge where Liam was waiting. He needed a bit of fresh air to soothe his exhausted mind.

  Theo found Liam standing outside the forge, body already wearing a completely new armor set, shoes as well. He was caressing two armor sets, pairs of shoes, and two new travel bags made from Cyclops hide. Liam's face was radiant, eyes unable to hide their pride.

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  "Theo! Look at this!" Liam excitedly cried out. "Finally done! I designed them specifically for both of us!"

  Liam's armor, with his role as melee fighter and vanguard, was crafted from the thickest Cyclops hide layers. The chest and shoulder armor was reinforced with multiple hide layers, pressed tight and hand-sewn with beast sinews, creating a solid protective layer while maintaining the flexibility necessary for the Remnant Wind Method's quick movements.

  Dark brown color, almost black, with Cyclops's natural scars, creating a strong and rugged appearance. In the chest center was a small sunken carved symbol: Guardian Wolf Fang—a solitary, sharp wolf fang, placed within a crescent moon embracing it—Liam's personal mark.

  Theo's armor, for the archer and support role, carried a completely different design. It was much lighter, focusing on maximum flexibility and concealment capability. The Cyclops hide layers were thinner, specially treated to reduce weight while maintaining durability. Color more grayish, easily blending into forest environments.

  The shoulder and arm armor had smart cuts, allowing Theo to freely move when drawing bow or performing throwing motions. Like Liam's, it also had a small symbol, but a more subtle variant.

  Both armor sets came with new Cyclops hide shoes, designed with special soles to increase grip and reduce movement noise. Two travel bags made from the same hide, with many cleverly sewn small compartments, enough space for rations, items, and collected materials. Especially, they were also designed to easily mount on Striders without affecting their movement.

  Liam lightly patted the armor on his body, the rustling leather sound truly solid. "With this, we won't have to worry about those small fry Stone Bugs anymore!" He winked, then noticed Theo's exhausted expression.

  "What's wrong with you? Something happen?" Liam asked, initial excitement slightly dimming.

  Theo shook his head slightly, trying to form a smile. "I'm fine. Just... finished reading a somewhat difficult book." He looked back at Liam's new armor. "I'll return to base, what about you?"

  "I need you to help me carry all this stuff back," Liam replied, pointing at the equipment pile. "After that I have to train and get used to the new armor. It'll be quite an important item in the future."

  The two together carried new equipment back to base. Just as they arrived, Liam was about to put on the armor and start training when Theo stopped him.

  "Wait, Liam. Armor later. You have a more important exercise that needs to start right now," Theo said, eyes focused.

  "What exercise?" Liam wondered.

  "Hidden Shadow exercise," Theo replied. "You remember, right? The exercise I said would overcome your scouting weakness. According to Master Koga, this method is the next step of the Remnant Wind school after muscles and meridians have mutated to a certain level before being able to practice."

  Liam looked down at his feet in surprise. Since practicing Remnant Wind, his footsteps had changed. He could now ride Spike Stepping, and footsteps were no longer heavy like ordinary people but somewhat cat-like, always slightly lifted, minimizing pressure on ground to the maximum. This was precisely the sign showing Liam's body was qualified to begin Hidden Shadow training.

  Theo took out Madam Lyra's Journal, set it aside, then concentrated on recalling "Basic theory of concealment and movement."

  "Listen," Theo began. "The secret of Hidden Shadow isn't speed, but lightness and silence."

  Theo began reading the secrets and theory about Hidden Shadow for Liam to hear. Content focused on how to adjust body center of gravity, how to use centrifugal force of bone joints to create invisibility in movement. Hidden Shadow was the perfect technique coordinating speed, technique, and body softness.

  While Theo read, G continuously supplemented and analyzed in his head, refining information to suit Liam's unique body adaptation and deformation capability:

  "Analysis: Hidden Shadow secret requires focusing on heel and ankle micro-muscles, muscle softness. Liam's leg muscle mutation capability has reached 78% compared to theoretical requirements. Need to adjust intensity to avoid Achilles tendon injury due to sudden pressure changes."

  Theo had to spend nearly half the afternoon both reading (for Liam to hear) and writing out all the secrets and foundational theory for Liam. He ensured his friend clearly understood this new training path.

  Finally, when twilight began casting long shadows over the forest:

  "Understand, Liam?" Theo asked, voice somewhat hoarse.

  Liam nodded then shook his head, face serious but eyes somewhat spinning from the massive knowledge amount. "I understand the movement technique usage part. But exploiting light, wind, air and vision as well as opponent's focus, I don't."

  "No rush," Theo replied, patient. "I know you can't remember and apply immediately. I'm just reading through once so you can envision what kind of technique Hidden Shadow is. I'll design an exercise specifically for you."

  Theo gave Liam the handwritten manuscript he'd just completed. "You need to familiarize yourself first with the body softening exercises I noted here, especially leg stretching exercises. When you've mastered that part, I'll start teaching you Environmental Concealment Theory."

  Liam accepted the handwritten manuscript, gripping it tightly. "Alright."