To learn a King Grade or above technique normally required years of comprehension for an average cultivator. Even for a genius, months upon months. But for Kael, comprehension of techniques seemed to flow naturally, especially shadow and darkness-based ones. He suspected it was because of the Astraeon bloodline, that dormant 10% that resonated with fundamental forces in ways his conscious mind didn't fully understand.
He tucked the book under his arm and made his way back to the lower floor to rejoin the others.
Time was up.
The transport ride back was quiet. Most students slept. The exhaustion of the tournament, the party, and the library visit had finally caught up with the remaining students from four academies. Kael was the exception. He sat with the ancient book open on his lap, rereading the third form for the fourteenth time, his mind dissecting every sentence, every implication, every possible application.
