The System Archivist

Snake Calendar, Year 2025

12th Day of August, Afternoon

Unity College of System Studies, Grand Library

Accel Winchester returned to his desk in the Archives and Knowledge Vault, armed with a growing stack of books. The morning had been a whirlwind of information, but his thirst for knowledge was far from quenched. After delving into flame control and neural command updates, he decided to explore the broader topic of energy manipulation—a subject that promised to enhance not only his current skills but also his understanding of the world's foundational mechanics.
He opened a book titled Energy Manipulation: A Beginner's Guide. The text was written in an approachable tone but layered with intricate concepts. The introduction explained that energy manipulation was the cornerstone of nearly every User System, bridging the gap between raw potential and practical application. It outlined three primary principles:
1. Channeling: The ability to direct energy from its source within the user's body or external reserves.

2. Conversion: Transforming energy into specific forms, such as fire, light, or kinetic force.

3. Sustainability: Maintaining energy output efficiently without exhausting the user.

Accel found himself captivated by the detailed diagrams illustrating energy flows. He could see how his skills, such as Scan and Store, fit into the broader framework of channeling and sustainability. However, as he attempted to access the knowledge through his system interface, a notification appeared:
Skill Locked: Energy ManipulationRequirement: Archivist System Level (10/100)
Accel frowned. His current level wasn't sufficient to unlock the skill, despite his growing theoretical understanding. "Looks like I've hit a wall," he muttered, closing the book with a sigh. The frustration was palpable, but it didn't deter him. If anything, it fueled his determination to level up and gain access to the locked abilities.
Still, there was no point in dwelling on what he couldn't do yet. Instead, he decided to focus on absorbing as much information as possible for future use. He turned to another book titled Maximizing Skill Growth: A Practical Approach. The text was a collection of case studies and techniques from seasoned Archivists and combatants who had overcome similar challenges.

The book highlighted several strategies:

1. Targeted Training: Focus on specific skills to enhance their efficiency and power.

2. Knowledge Synergy: Use acquired knowledge to create combinations of existing abilities, improving overall effectiveness.

3. Energy Optimization: Practice controlling energy output to minimize waste and extend usage time.

Accel nodded as he read, realizing that these techniques could be directly applied to his situation. His Auto-Adaptation skill already worked in the background to optimize his abilities, but deliberate practice would accelerate the process.

As the afternoon wore on, Accel shifted his focus back to elemental studies, specifically fire manipulation. He picked up another book, "Basic Theories of Elemental Energies", which delved into the interplay between energy types. The text emphasized the importance of understanding elemental properties and their interactions:

1. Fire: Aggressive, consuming, and adaptable; requires precise control to prevent overexertion.

2. Water: Fluid and defensive; excels in countering fire-based energies.

3. Earth: Steady and unyielding; provides strong support and defensive capabilities.

4. Air: Swift and unpredictable; ideal for mobility and disruption.

The section on fire manipulation provided deeper insights into its practical applications. Accel's Kindle Spark skill, for example, could be expanded upon with proper energy control. By regulating the intensity and direction of the flame, he could potentially increase its range and damage output. However, the book warned that fire-based skills were particularly taxing on energy reserves, making sustainability a critical focus for users.
Accel couldn't help but smile. Though the skill was still in its infancy, the growth potential was evident. With enough practice and understanding, he could transform Kindle Spark into a formidable ability. This process was known as Skill Evolution—a phenomenon where users who deeply understood and mastered their abilities could unlock enhanced versions of their skills, elevating them to entirely new heights. It was a testament to the synergy between knowledge, practice, and the boundless potential of the Archivist System.
Determined to push further, Accel moved on to a section titled The History and Evolution of Energy Use. This book traced the origins of energy manipulation, from its discovery by early system users to its integration into modern society. He learned that energy was initially seen as a chaotic and uncontrollable force. Only through centuries of research and experimentation had humanity developed methods to harness and refine it.

The book also detailed significant breakthroughs, such as the invention of Energy Circuits, which allowed users to channel energy more efficiently, and the development of Elemental Catalysts, tools that enhanced specific energy types. These advancements revolutionized combat, industry, and daily life, shaping the world Accel now lived in.

By the time he closed the book, the sun had begun to set, casting warm hues through the library's towering windows. Accel leaned back in his chair, his mind buzzing with newfound knowledge. Despite the setbacks and limitations, he felt a sense of accomplishment. Every piece of information he had gathered today would serve as a stepping stone toward his goals.

Archivist System Update:

Knowledge Attribute: 10 (+11)

Knowledge Analysis Proficiency: Beginner Fourth Level

Neural Command Proficiency:

Scan: Beginner Fourth Level

Store: Beginner Fourth Level

As Accel left the Archives and Knowledge Vault, he couldn't shake the feeling that this was only the beginning. The challenges ahead would be daunting, but with each step, he was becoming stronger, wiser, and more prepared for the journey that awaited him. However, he wanted to permanently learn Energy Manipulation from his Archivist System Auto-Adaptation, so he would like to ask his parents' permission to head over to the Adventure's Outpost where quests outside the city, equipped with basic medical facilities and mission boards for leveling up his Archivist System.