Finally, after more than an hour, Hermione showed signs of movement. She stretched lazily, letting out a contented moan, looking as if she had just had the best sleep of her life.
Turning her head, she noticed Glenn and Lin Yingqing, who had been waiting for quite some time. Scratching her head awkwardly, she said, "I've memorized all the information in the sacred book. Have you been waiting long?"
Lin Yingqing shook her head. To her, this speed was just right. Even with memory infusion, it still required time. Glenn really was special.
Glenn, however, wasn't concerned about the time. He was more worried about whether Hermione had experienced the same pain as he did during the sorcery inheritance.
"Hermione, how did you feel during the inheritance process?" Glenn asked directly, voicing his concern.
Hermione rested her right hand on her chin and supported her right elbow with her left hand, carefully recalling the experience.
"Hmm, it felt very comfortable."
Glenn: ?
Hermione gestured as she spoke, "After I recited the incantation, I found myself in a completely white space. Then, many bright orbs of light appeared around me, surrounding me. I felt warm all over, very happy, and sleepy. Then I just... hehe, fell asleep. When I woke up, I saw you both waiting for me. Also, I found a lot of Chinese information in my mind, but I can't understand it."
Glenn: ?
She just slept through it?
Alright then, as long as the little girl didn't suffer.
Speaking of the strange phrases she had memorized, Glenn thought it necessary to consult his grandmother. He repeated a short passage he had remembered earlier.
"Grandma, do you know what this means?" Glenn asked. Matters concerning the Dragon Kingdom were best discussed with his grandmother, who had lived there all her life.
Lin Yingqing smiled, clearly knowing what it was. She explained, "That's classical Chinese, an ancient written language of our Dragon Kingdom. Most of our sorcery books are written in this system. Naturally, for you, Glenn, it's a bit obscure, and for Hermione, who isn't familiar with Chinese at all, it's even more challenging." She patted Glenn's head and continued, "Unfortunately, I can't help you decode these classical texts. The knowledge transmitted directly into your minds must be understood by yourselves. I think you both need to take a course in classical Chinese."
"No problem! As long as it's about studying, I can definitely learn it," Hermione declared confidently, her earlier frustration about not understanding Chinese completely replaced by her enthusiasm for learning.
When it came to studying, Hermione Granger feared no one. The little girl was brimming with confidence.
Classical Chinese? Watch me master it in no time.
It seemed the little girl had completely forgotten that she hadn't even mastered conversational Chinese yet.
Glenn, on the other hand, was indifferent. If mastering classical Chinese was necessary to understand Obscurial-related knowledge, then so be it.
"Glenn, since you already have a foundation in the Dragon Kingdom's language, once you learn classical Chinese and can translate and understand the text in your memory, you'll be responsible for teaching Hermione," Lin Yingqing instructed.
Classical Chinese wasn't easy to learn, but fortunately, these two were smart enough. And since Hermione could help Glenn mitigate the erosion and harm caused by the magic, time wasn't a pressing issue. They had plenty of time to learn.
Now that both had the techniques memorized, their journey's purpose was fulfilled. However, the time it took for Hermione to memorize the techniques had left her stomach growling.
Hermione's face turned red instantly. She glanced at Lin Yingqing, who smiled gently at her, then playfully punched Glenn.
"Don't laugh!"
Glenn, who had no intention of laughing at Hermione's growling stomach: ?
As Glenn was about to explain that he wasn't laughing, Hermione covered his mouth.
"I know what you're going to say, but you can't say it," the little girl said seriously.
?
What was I going to say?
Alright, if you say so.
Glenn gave up on explaining and let the little girl have her way.
"It's getting late. Let's go out for dinner. I'll take you to try some Dragon Kingdom delicacies. I'm sure you'll love them," Lin Yingqing said with a smile, stepping in to ease Hermione's embarrassment.
"Okay, Grandma," Hermione nodded with a smile, still keeping her hand over Glenn's mouth as she dragged him along.
Glenn: ...
As they walked through the dark passageway, just like before, they suddenly disappeared from the corridor and reappeared in the brightly lit Library of the North China School of Sorcery.
Hermione squinted her eyes slightly, and Glenn did the same. He felt reassured; what he had experienced during the sorcery inheritance was indeed not real.
Was it some kind of illusionary magic?
Glenn pondered silently. Walking ahead, Lin Yingqing placed her hands on their shoulders and said gently, "We won't go back to the courtyard; it would be a waste of time. I'll take you directly to a snack street for some good food. How does that sound?" She sought their opinions, and they nodded in agreement. Hermione, in particular, nodded vigorously, looking famished.
Glenn was puzzled. The little girl had only slept in the inheritance illusion. Had she really consumed that much energy?
He studied Hermione and suddenly remembered noticing during a bath that her body seemed different from before.
Thinking carefully, the little girl was at the age of physical growth, with all aspects of her body developing.
Her energy and material consumption were likely spent on growing.
Hmm, that explained it. He decided to let Hermione eat more tonight.
Hermione, sensing Glenn's gaze, felt as though he was thinking something inappropriate. Her small, mischievous hand quietly pinched the soft flesh at his waist.
Seeing that neither of them objected, Lin Yingqing led them directly to a bustling snack street in Jingdu. The street was lined with brightly lit stalls and the aroma of various foods filled the air. Hermione's eyes sparkled with excitement as she eagerly took in the sights and smells.
"Alright, let's start with something light," Lin Yingqing suggested, guiding them to a stall selling steamed buns. Glenn and Hermione followed, ready to enjoy a feast of Dragon Kingdom delicacies.
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