Chapter 177: The Name on the Blade

“If you fail,” Samael said, opening a book without even glancing at it—just moving through a ritual long memorized, mechanical, dulled by centuries of repetition—“I’ll teach you the profession you picked. Even if it’s idiotic, useless, and leads your entire journey straight into a ditch.” He gave a soft laugh, the kind that told Luke he truly didn’t care either way.

Luke stared at the mountain of books, a weight blooming in his gut. Each volume looked like it carried not just pages, but burdens. Just looking at them triggered a wave of preemptive fatigue—mental exhaustion that hadn’t even started, but already felt inevitable.

“Oh, and Artemis,” Samael added casually, flipping a page. “No helping him.”

“Me? Offer help? I’d never,” Artemis replied with the most angelic tone she could muster.

But the moment Samael’s attention dipped fully into his book, she whispered: “Hey, Luke. Let me eat those sausages you’ve been hoarding… and I’ll give you a hint.”

“Hah. Cute,” Luke muttered, already grabbing a book from the top of the pile.

“Is there a time limit? Are you going to disappear at some point?” he asked.

“Nope. You can stay here until you die,” Samael replied flatly, eyes never leaving the page. “Told you—I’m very good with contracts. As long as you haven’t chosen a profession, I’m allowed to remain. That’s part of the fine print.”

Luke exhaled sharply.

He scanned the initial titles: Farmer, Carpenter, Blacksmith, Builder, Sculptor, Cook, Armorer… all simple, introductory trades. But as he looked around the room, he saw entire shelves dedicated to each one—filled with dozens of volumes.

He swallowed hard.

I can’t believe I’m really going to have to study.

He began walking among the shelves slowly, like someone entering a sacred site, afraid to disturb something forbidden. His eyes darted from title to title, parsing words, covers, textures—searching for any sign, however faint, that pointed the way. He’d pick one up, skim a few pages, set it down. Repeat. Again and again.

Time slowed. Each choice felt like a turn inside an invisible maze.

“Hey… that book there,” Artemis chimed, casually mischievous. “The one on Managing Brothel Chains as a Merchant Specialization… Maybe that’s your hidden talent.”

Luke ignored her, picked up the book anyway, and dropped it on a side table.

“Oh wow. Is Luke finally going to learn about sex?” she teased.

“It’s not that,” he muttered. “First, I’m building a discard pile. Books that clearly have nothing to do with ancient witchcraft. Then I’ll group the ones that might be related. Gotta manage my time.”

“And the brothel book goes in which pile?”

“The obviously not related pile.”

“Hmm. If I were you, I’d read it. I mean… you’ve got that whole bloodline thing now. Cosmic consequences and all,” she said, clearly enjoying herself.

“Haha,” he muttered dryly.

“For a virgin like you, Luke? Who would’ve thought your first time could end in a divine incident?”

He gritted his teeth, tightening his grip on the necklace. “Shut up…”

“Alright, alright. I’ll be quiet… for now,” Artemis replied, theatrically defeated.

Just then, a pleasant aroma wafted through the room.

Luke lifted his gaze and spotted Kalysto entering silently, balancing a silver tray with the same precision and grace as always.

“Lady Artemis, I’ve brought a special meal,” Kalysto said with a reverent bow, placing the tray gently on the table.

Sizzling steak strips, golden dumplings, vibrant sweets, and something like a warm, fragrant fruit custard—all arranged with the elegance of a high temple offering.

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“Unfortunately… I didn’t have time to prepare anything for you, guest,” she added, not bothering to mask the contempt in her tone.

She turned and left without looking back. Her steps echoed faintly across the floor—measured, deliberate, like someone used to vanishing before replies or gratitude could catch up.

“Pretty sure that ‘unfortunately’ meant ‘thank God,’” Luke muttered under his breath.

From inside the necklace, Artemis let out a series of very audible pleasure sounds.

“She’s always like that,” Artemis said dreamily. “Kalysto’s a bit… fanatical about me. It’s normal.”

“About you? Who could stand you for more than five minutes?” Luke said as he carefully transferred all the food into the necklace.

“Hey! I have a fan club, you know. People adore me.”