Primordial Expanse: I have the Strongest Talent!

Alex's curiosity was piqued as he stood in front of the section filled with scrolls labelled 'Energy Condensing Techniques.' He had never encountered anything like this before.

The titles seemed intriguing but mysterious, offering no clear indication of what the techniques actually did.

He turned back to the old librarian, who was still nearby.

"Excuse me, sir?"

Alex called out.

"Could you tell me more about these energy condensing techniques? I've never heard of them before."

The librarian's eyes rose in surprise, and a knowing smile spread across his face.

"Ah, I knew an inquiring mind like you would immediately pick out these. Not many first year students take note of these right away, at least not before their Energy theory lessons. Come, let's have a seat and I'll explain."

Alex followed the old librarian to a nearby reading table, feeling a mix of anticipation and curiosity. The librarian motioned for him to sit down and then took a seat opposite him.

"Energy condensing techniques," The librarian began, "are fundamental for any awakened individual who wants to truly become a powerhouse and maximise their potential. You see, in your current state, your energy just randomly runs rampant through your body, stored randomly and inefficiently."

Alex nodded, his mind racing with all sorts of thoughts as he visualised what the librarian was describing. He had always felt his energy as a chaotic force within him, powerful but hard to control at times.

"These techniques," the librarian continued, "allow you to concentrate your energy into a single area in your body of your choice, though the head or heart is recommended. This not only helps in storing your energy more effectively but also condenses it, increasing your overall energy capacity. The result is a significant boost in your abilities, as well as your endurance in a battle."

Alex's eyes widened as he grasped the implications.

'So by practising this simple technique, I'd be able to last way longer in battle compared to now? How come I haven't heard of anything like this before?'

Alex thought to himself, but didn't bother to ask as he had already guessed the answer.

'Is this another thing only available to university students, or high level awakened?'

"How haven't I thought of doing this before?..." Alex mumbled, unaware that the old librarian was still listening.

"This process is not something you should attempt without the proper technique. If you try to condense your energy without guidance, it could explode out of control, tearing apart your body and leaving you either severely injured, or just dead on the spot. It's a delicate and precise process."

Alex shuddered at the thought of such a catastrophe.

"I see. That's why these techniques are so important. But do I need to go through any testing to determine what technique is right for me?"

The librarian shook his head.

"No testing is necessary. These techniques are designed to be adaptable to any awakened individual. You simply need to choose one and follow its instructions carefully, preferably with an individual who has already experienced this process watching over you."

Relieved by this information, Alex made a decision.

"I'd like to borrow a B tier energy condensing technique," he said in all seriousness.

Hearing Alex's request, the old librarian couldn't help but smile widely, and nod approvingly.

"A wise choice. B tier techniques are significantly more effective than the D tier ones the university gives out to every student at the start of Energy theory classes, and much better than their C tier counterparts."

'Well duh, I already know how the ranking system works, old man…'

Alex thought to himself, but he wouldn't dare say it out loud.

"On average, they provide about eight times higher energy capacity and increase your physical attributes, such as strength and speed, by a maximum of 20%."

Alex's mind reeled at these numbers though.

'Eight times energy capacity? A 20% increase in physical attributes? Is that even possible from just one technique?'

He could hardly believe the potential gains.

"That's incredible…" He muttered, more to himself than the librarian.

"You'll only see improvements like that when you master the technique. Most B tier techniques have four stages. At stage one you'll have an increased energy capacity of 2x and a 5% increase in your physical attributes. Stage two is 4x, and 10% increase. Stage three is 6x, and 15% increase and finally stage four would be 8x and 20% increase."

The old man paused, then continued.

"This is the average for most B tier techniques, and the actual figures may vary slightly, but they are all around that range."

The librarian stood up, and motioned for Alex to follow.

"Come with me. I'll take you to the secure section where the B tier techniques are kept."

Alex followed the librarian through the library's labyrinthine corridors, feeling a mix of excitement and anticipation.

They reached the heavily guarded section, and the librarian presented his special access privileges.

The doors slid open with a soft hiss, and they stepped inside.

The atmosphere here was different, almost reverent. The B tier techniques were kept in glass cases, and Alex could see even more tightly guarded sections behind energy barriers near the rear of the room, presumably where the A tier and maybe even S tier techniques were kept.

"The A tier techniques are kept behind that barrier. As for S tier techniques? They are tightly guarded under the watch of the Principal himself. There is no safer place in the federation for them."

The old librarian explained when he saw Alex eye up the energy barriers with interest.

'I see, that makes sense for such valuable treasures…' Alex thought.

The librarian led him to a case labelled B tier energy condensing techniques. Inside were several scrolls, each one meticulously preserved and locked behind the glass.

Seeing how old these were, one might ask, How could they be so old if the Awakened and the Primordial Expanse had only been around for around a century or so?

The answer was simple, these techniques didn't originate from the federation.

They came from the Primordial Expanse, from various different ruins or trades with the native cities there.

Their top scientists and scholars had tried, but these techniques were just too mysterious for them to crack.

The highest ranked techniques they had made so far were only D tier techniques, which were what the federation gifted to every student once the orientation was over and the classes started.

The federation was still relatively new to the world of the Awakened in comparison to the natives, so it would still take them quite some time before they could catch up in knowledge and experience.

"These are the B tier energy condensing techniques," the librarian said.

"Take your time to choose one you like."

Alex approached the case, his eyes scanning the titles of the scrolls.

Each one seemed to promise incredible power and potential.

He read through the descriptions carefully, trying to absorb as much information as possible.

'They all promise the same thing…'

Though Alex quickly noticed they all practically had identical descriptions, with four stages like the librarian had already said.

But Alex didn't want the run of the mill techniques, he wanted something unique.