The best way for Amber to familiarize herself with a certain subject is to review its history.
Books provide extensive information, and the best place to find one is at the school's library.
Their library is a four-storey building, and since Woodridge Academy is a state institution, their school barely lacks anything—especially if it's for educational purposes.
Amber went to the library to find a book that tackles life in the south.
Though their region can be found on the southern point of the map as well, there's a lot of small provinces in the southernmost part of Akkad that are still attached to a humble lifestyle to date.
She heard that their squad might be assigned down south for the next mission, though the decision wasn't finalized yet.
Amber felt a rush of intense thrill flowing through her veins when she heard two officers from their pack talking, and that's what compelled to do her research as early as now.
Deep inside, she's hoping that the higher-ups won't change their minds, and take away this chance from them.
Given the results of their first mission as a group, Amber has already accepted their squad's fate in the next few months. Even though she received praises from Alpha Severus, being able to capture the cannibal wouldn't change the fact that everyone was put in danger all because she didn't know how to stay put.
She was certain that it was a bad memory for everyone who had been there—and a particularly unpleasant experience for the other squad that was troubled.
Though it's too early for her to be hyping herself up, Amber wants to treat their second mission more positively.
Salt and Pepper must have been devastated that time.
They wouldn't just admit it because they were choosing their friendship over their personal feelings.
The southernmost region in Akkad is called Talgar. Not much is known about its people because they act like tribes that would kill anyone who dares trespass into their territories.
And that's one of the reasons why most packs that inhabit Talgar aren't legitimized.
Amber's imagination is running wild.
It's very convenient that she happens to be interested in geography, that's why she often wonders what werewolves from other regions are like.
If Talgar is really that primitive at this era, does that mean their next mission could turn out to be blood-curdling?
The reason why she loves geography is connected to her father actually.
If she wants to find him, she should at least dedicate some time to study the country's geography, right?
It's the minimum requirement.
Big things from small efforts can only be met with luck.
And luck is unpredictable.
Knowledge, however, is not.
"Talgar…" Amber was mumbling to herself as she wandered through the aisles of the library. The register was empty when she came in, and she was thinking that maybe the librarian went to relieve herself or something.
She originally planned to ask for the librarian's recommendations, but it seems like she's going to have do it by herself now.
There should be at least two to three authors who were devoted enough to write about Talgar's history.
And if she fails to find even one at this point, then she'll consider fiction even if that looks desperate.
Amber was supposed to train today, but she chose to turn her back on her original schedule. Now, she's planning to spend this weekend at school to equip herself with the knowledge about the South.
At the very least, she aims to learn all the names of the towns and their cultural beliefs before this day ends.
She wasn't able to do a research back then. Perhaps, she underestimated the mission.
Reconnaissance sounds boring after all.
Amber doesn't want to commit the same mistake again. She doesn't want to get complacent this time. Low-level missions are still missions, and they're categorized after the mission's concept—not by the degree of harm that they might encounter in the middle.
Her eyes lit up with hope when she finally caught a title that sounded promising.
'The Wolves of the South'.
There was no hesitation in her action as she went to grab the book from the shelf hurriedly.
"The Wolves of the South," she read softly.
The book looks old.
Amber turned a page, and her eyes widened when she saw the year of its publication.
It was twenty years ago…!
The information written in there may no longer be reliable this time.
Well…
That's only if Talgar has embraced modernization.
Amber shrugged, and looked for a perfect spot for reading. She decided to take one step at a time. She just needs to speed up her reading, so she can go find another book that tackles Talgar as a region.
And she's going to make sure that the next book she's choosing is just published recently.
That way, she could compare and confirm the validity of what was written in both books.
The table next to the window was where she chose to settle herself. The view from up there, as well as the grandiosity of the morning sunlight gave the perfect mood to be immersed in her reading.
Amber went to the last page to briefly check the 'About the Author' section, and she was stunned.
'A Venefica,' it says.
What…?
"That's all?" Amber stared down at the page in disbelief.
The publishing house allowed such description?
"Wait, is this fiction?" After confirming that it's not a work of fiction, the creases on her forehead deepen. If it's indeed a history book, the 'About the Author' portion should briefly discuss the author's background and achievements at least.
But what's this?
'A Venefica…?'
"I don't even know what that means," Amber muttered, confused.
The book didn't even name the author.
It was really weird.
However, her school acquired a copy of it. That means it can be considered as an academic material.
There's only one way to find the answer.
Read the content.
"I can't believe Amber ditched us."
Pepper was shocked when she found out that Amber skipped her morning routine to head straight to the school. One of the pack warriors confirmed this. The Beta authorized her travel, provided that she'd let herself be accompanied by two watchmen.
The concept of having those was supposed to challenge her decision of leaving the pack outside her school schedule. After all, Amber likes to preserve her privacy. However, they didn't expect that she'd agree to be watched and monitored this time.
Alpha Severus gave the Beta the authority to decide since he wanted to keep his hands off Amber's case as long as there was a blur in their relationship. They don't talk anymore, and the Alpha wishes to keep his 'I don't care' façade because he refuses to lower his pride.
Still, there was no reason for the Beta to get in Amber's way. Her explanations seemed valid, though an attempt to make her stay was made, too. They tried to convince her to just collect the books, and read them here, but the girl wouldn't give in.
She insisted on staying at the school's library, using 'It's more peaceful, and I could focus there' as an excuse.
The attempt to make her stay wasn't the Beta's will.
If he were to decide alone without giving anyone any consideration, he would have given Amber his permission right away. His creed is simple. As long as her actions don't affect the pack directly and indirectly, she's free to enjoy herself.
However…
Beta Trent could easily read the Alpha. It was painfully obvious that he didn't want her out of his sight; therefore, the Beta did the bare minimum by talking to Amber, and convincing her to study here, so she wouldn't be inconvenienced by the travel or unforeseen dangers that might occur outside their territory.
But Amber has made up her mind though.
Talking it out with her was useless.
Salt and Pepper were having their breakfast. They didn't stay at the pack house, that's why they found out about Amber's pursuit too late.
"Ditched? You say it like we were supposed to go along with her," Salt muttered while enjoying his egg sandwich. It's true that it's a bit shocking to know that Amber has decided to leave her weekend routine behind—just because she wants to study.
Study what?
And on a weekend?
He shook his head.
That's just toxic. School on the weekdays. Review on the weekends.
Is she really abandoning the obviously healthier routine?
"You're being technical again, and it's ruining my mood." Pepper glared at him. "Should we go, too?"
Salt lifted a brow. "Why? Are you going to study? Don't say 'yes' because you know I'm not going to believe you. You'll just pester Amber with your presence. Give your friend some space," he finished before sipping from his chocolate drink.
His sister sneered at him. "Wow, you just set a whole new definition for the word 'rude'."
"Can't help it," he shrugged. "Don't go dragging me anywhere just because I'm tasked to look after you, Pep."
"That's why I already told you to not take Dad's words very seriously. You should lessen the burden by taking it easy now. I'm no longer a kid unlike before, you know?"
Salt rolled his eyes. "An order is an order. Don't think for one second that you'll be able to convince me. If anything happens to you, I'll be held responsible. Besides, we have training, too."
"But that's later—"
"Amber can skip trainings, and still do better than the rest of us. If you're that curious, then wait for her to come home because you can't make me go to school on a Saturday."
Pepper stomped her feet, throwing a tantrum. "Tsk! I really want to inform her regarding the location our squad will be visiting soon."