Chapter 8, Altuo
"Uncle Joel, what do you mean?" Lucien asked with understanding.
For every bard, every musician, and every artist, performing their music in the Alto Sanctus Hall is the greatest honor
Even if one does not choose to study magic in the future, breaking free from the life and status of the lower class by learning to read and acquiring knowledge remains a viable path. This is especially true given that Lucien himself lacks powerful abilities, a strong physique, and proficiency in swordsmanship, making the chances of escaping his current identity through military achievements, adventures, or working as a hired muscle exceedingly slim.
"The language I am likely to know is the one written in the first magic notebook." Lucien inferred its universality from the difficulty of the text.
Lucien had not yet responded, but Joel seemed to be stirred by his thoughts, pointing towards the Hall of Hymns and rambling on: "Since over 400 years ago, the Church guided the Holy Hertz Empire westward, occupying the last stronghold of the ancient Sylvanas Magic Empire, Alto, and driving the dark creatures and beasts to the vicinity and depths of the Dark Mountains, Alto has remained one of the most renowned cities on the entire continent."
More than three hundred years ago, when His Holiness Pope Charles I was still a cardinal, he organized the hymns and song collections of the Church in Alto, establishing the standards for sacred music and singing. Once he became pope, he officially promoted the Charles chant style and choirs to every church, and thus Alto earned the title of "City of Hymns"
Joel nodded and beckoned Lucien to walk alongside him: "With the divine magic of the priest, I feel reassured. When you go to the Copper Crown Tavern, look for the owner, Cohen; he still owes me a bottle of Lais wine and will help you find a good job."
Joel sighed: "Relying on physical strength to work, after reaching the age of 40, the body will age very quickly, making it difficult to find employment. If one has no savings and no good sons or daughters, poverty and illness will take them away within a few years. I have seen many such people, and very few live beyond the age of 45. You should take advantage of your youth to learn a trade. Although the apprenticeship contract lasts for ten years, if you learn well, you will definitely be able to lead a good life in a small place later on."
Thus, the current Lucien has tragically become a true illiterate, able only to stare blankly at the magical notes, unable to understand a single word
Locking the door, Lucien headed directly towards the house where Aunt Eliza's family lived. He had no impression of the terrain of this city of hymns, so he certainly needed to ask someone.
Before reaching the door, Lucien heard a familiar voice: "Little Evans, you certainly woke up early today"
Thank you, Uncle Joel Lucien could feel Joel's genuine care
Jolton paused for a moment, then revealed that playful smile: "Moreover, if your master during your apprenticeship has only one daughter, you might be able to go directly from apprentice to boss; our little Evans is quite good-looking."
Opening the magical notebook, rows upon rows of unfamiliar and peculiar letters filled the pages, which did not belong to either of the two scripts Lucien was familiar with before his crossing. Moreover, this body, belonging to a commoner, had never learned any script, which was quite normal. The ability to instinctively understand and speak the language of this world, without hindering communication, was already the most remarkable stroke of luck Lucien had encountered amidst the countless difficulties he faced.
As Lucien painfully chewed on the tasteless bread that resembled wood shavings, he simultaneously planned his schedule for the day
The similarities between the two led Lucien to some speculation, but unable to understand the text, he could only harbor doubts for the time being
Without much hesitation, after a brief moment of calm with the books, Lucien firmly resolved in his heart: "The most important thing at present is to learn the writing of this world"
... ...
Due to its proximity to the Dark Mountains, it is common for elves, dwarves, and goblins to change their faith and become part of the principality. The convergence of different musical styles has made Alto the music capital of the entire continent. The emergence of polyphonic music, the formal establishment of symphonies, and the invention of instruments such as the Gisu violin all took place here. Great musicians have left their names in history.
"Hi, Lucien," a dark-haired girl greeted Lucien, her curiosity evident.
As Lucien was about to leave, Joel thought for a moment, put away his usual playful expression, and said seriously: "Little Evans, you are already seventeen years old, not a child anymore; you should start thinking about your future life."
Although this day, which came from another time, has brought many experiences, Lucien has matured and become much calmer compared to before. He even hesitated to learn magic, worrying about the threats from the church before looking at his notes. However, now, immense disappointment continues to strike at Lucien's soul. As a new era university student with ideals, morals, culture, and discipline, the feeling of being illiterate is quite unpleasant, especially when the written word relates to extraordinary rather than mundane powers. Immense disappointment continues to strike at Lucien's soul. As a new era university student with ideals, morals, culture, and discipline, the feeling of being illiterate is quite unpleasant, especially when the written word relates to extraordinary rather than mundane powers.
As he spoke, Joel suddenly stopped, walked to the corner of the street, placed a prepared hat on the ground, and sat down beside it, ready to play the harp
First, I need to inquire about where I can learn to read and write, as well as the corresponding requirements. Additionally, I must find a new job; otherwise, I might starve at home before I learn to read and write. Lucien does not know much about this world and can only make a simple plan. "It is best not to let familiar people know, lest I give myself away."
After reading the three magical notebooks repeatedly without gaining any further insights, Lucien lay in bed, forcing himself to fall asleep
Hi, Lucien, what are ghosts like
Joel pointed to a distant, vaguely visible building that was luxurious and magnificent, resembling the Baroque style of Lucien's past life, and said with a smile: "From here, one can directly see the Hall of Canticles. For me, performing here feels akin to performing in the Hall of Canticles."
Meanwhile, the witch's secret chamber in the sewer has been completely destroyed
Although Benjamin's miraculous healing completely healed Lucien's wounds, the exhaustion from an intense battle, both mental and physical, soon led Lucien to fall asleep
As he looked on, Lucien slightly furrowed his brow, for he saw many familiar things in the magical notes, such as various standard geometric shapes and some strange patterns composed of lines.
Upon returning to the Adren District through another inner city gate, Lucien immediately spotted the tavern adorned with a copper crown.
Lucien, who usually liked to toss and turn in bed for a long time before getting up, forced himself to rise as soon as he woke up, lit the stove, boiled water, and toasted the last piece of black bread
"Magic circle, or perhaps a magical sigil?" Lucien speculated based on the "Holy Emblem of Truth," and then quickly flipped through the back of the magic notes. He saw rows of formulas resembling chemical equations, but instead of symbols, there were words: "Magical equations? Potion recipes?"
Lucien did not know anyone, so he could only perfunctorily make his way to Aunt Eliza's house
Outside the tavern, young girls and women occasionally approached, peering inside furtively, only to leave in disappointment.
The distance to Aunt Eliza's house is only a few dozen steps, yet Lucien encountered several neighbors inquiring along the way. Between the library and the night, Lucien seems to have already become a well-known figure in the Adérange district
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For Lucien, the desire to change his circumstances is so strong that starting tomorrow, he must strive for a better life every day. If he feels lethargic due to poor sleep, he will find it difficult to embrace tomorrow and seize opportunities.
Lucien simply washed his face with the clean water from the jug, took out the seven coins from the crate, and placed them on his person. Although it was not much, it still provided a sense of security.
Lucien approached Joel to inquire about the terrain, having prepared this very excuse. Seeing him bring it up voluntarily made him feel even more at ease: "Thank you, Uncle Joel. I have already eaten, and besides, I received Lord Benjamin's divine treatment yesterday. I am completely cured and do not need to rest any longer"
If not for the distraction of thinking about things, Lucien would absolutely be unable to swallow this piece of black bread when hunger is not unbearable
Joel is dressed quite neatly today, holding a classical-style harp in his hands: "Has little Evans had breakfast? You are in good health, so there is no need to rush to find something to do. Your Aunt Eliza has been calling you over for a meal."
In the early morning, the sounds of bustling voices and water being drawn gradually filled the Aderang District, breaking through the chill of the night and instantly making Lucien feel a sense of vitality and liveliness
Lucien chuckled self-deprecatingly: "The feeling of being illiterate is truly unpleasant"
Lucien secretly breathed a sigh of relief: "Good morning, Uncle Joel."
Uncle Joel is a street performer Lucien is no stranger to this way of life
After bidding farewell to Joel, Lucien inquired for directions while experiencing the charm of Alto. Along the streets and at the corners, there were many bards performing and singing. From the shops and the homes of the residents, melodies and songs occasionally drifted out, as if the entire city were enveloped in music
It circled around the ruins and chirped twice, then dashed towards a sewer in another direction. After a long while, it found a concealed small hole, burrowed in, and disappeared.
"Lucien, what does it feel like to cast divine magic?"
After finishing this book of magical notes, Lucien opened another one. The text in this book was even more distorted, with letters resembling patterns.
At that moment, a black mouse appeared from nowhere, its eyes blood-red, indifferent, and eerie
With ideas and decisions in mind, Lucien quickly dispelled his feelings of disappointment, and a spark of fighting spirit began to swell within him. He continued to peruse the magical notes, searching for any hidden secrets, such as treasure maps or similar items.
I saw that a guard lost his right hand, was it very dangerous last night
Is it not a different kind of writing? Therefore, Lucien curiously opened the third book, which was adorned with illustrations of plants, minerals, and monsters, seemingly a type of "illustrated guide". However, the text on it was consistent with that in the second book of magical notes.
Lucien could only smile awkwardly in response to Joel's teasing
Uncle Joel, although I cannot enter the Hall of Hymns, I am still very happy to be able to perform nearby
As they spoke, the two walked along a road and passed through a guarded city gate. Suddenly, Lucien's eyes brightened at the sight of the wide road, the tidy streets, the bustling shops on either side, and the people coming and going in colorful and varied clothing, including long dresses. Occasionally, nobles adorned in luxurious garments and jewelry would appear, and even the air seemed to ripple with waves of enchanting music, making it feel as if they had entered two different worlds compared to the Aderang District.
Lucien currently does not know her, so he can only force a standard smile and nod perfunctorily: "Hi, I have something to do at Aunt Eliza's house." Then he hurriedly brushes past her.