Book Eater

Chapter 119: Book Eating Magician (2)

Original books were not books that were created with duplication magic, but the first copies the authors wrote directly. So far, Theo had swallowed three original books: Ballistics Magic; Introduction to Elemental Magic; and Battle Song. They acted as the foundation of Theo’s current abilities.

However, how would original books solve his problem?

“... I don’t understand. Hasn’t my vessel already reached the limit?”

- Yes.

“Then won’t eating original books be like pouring more water in? Why is that the solution?”

- Hrmm, the explanation is lacking.

Gluttony thought for a moment before speaking again.

- Your question isn’t entirely wrong. The abilities you learn from the original books will fill up the vessel. But in the process, you can acquire something else.

“What?”

- The fragment of the author’s soul inside the original book.

So far, Theo had met the authors of the original books he’d eaten. He had experienced Alfred on the battlefield and Lee Yoonsung through his martial arts. Myrdal’s case was a little bit different, but the old man was an exception.

Theo realized the meaning of Gluttony’s words. “So absorbing those soul fragments can expand my vessel?”

- Correct. In fact, your vessel was already half full when you absorbed Umbra. If you hadn’t used Transmission on Alfred, you would’ve died.

“... Transmission.” Theo noticed a secret hidden in Gluttony’s words.

General predation couldn’t absorb all the abilities of a book, no matter how talented Theo was. Just like how it was impossible for Theo to shoot Magic Bullet like Alfred, it was impossible for him to obtain 100% of the author’s ability.

However, Theo had overcome that limit with Transmission. Theo had originally imagined that Transmission was just a feature which effectively accepted the author’s ability, but he now realized it was different. Transmission was the ability to expand the vessel beyond its limits.

Otherwise, there was no reason to take the risk that the contractor’s ego would collapse. If Theo’s mentality hadn’t been strong and Alfred hadn’t been willing to help, he might’ve lost himself entirely after fighting Pride.

As it had read Theo’s thoughts, Gluttony interrupted.

- No, that’s a bit wrong.

“... What?”

- Transmission isn’t normally used in that way. At that time, it was instant because the situation was imminent. However, it was originally a process that allows for gradual assimilation.

“Process?”

- As you can see, sometimes the self can be subsumed. Of course, it isn’t a problem if the user is overwhelmingly strong. But if the other party is superior, the user could end up being eaten. You were lucky in many ways last time.

In other words, if Alfred was a bad person, then he could’ve taken over Theo’s body. However, Theo couldn’t call on Alfred anymore.

Theo organized the information in his head. There were three ways to avert the three-year deadline. He discarded the first idea without hesitation. Human sacrifice belonged firmly in the realm of black magic and was outlawed in Meltor. Even Theo wouldn’t be excluded from the harsh punishment.

The second method, however, was worth considering.

Doing something good or evil.

It was strange to think about. So far, Theo had taken down two grimoires and destroyed the Elder Lich. As a result, the number of lives he saved wouldn’t be light. Regrettably, Gluttony asserted that his heroic actions weren’t helpful at all.

- Grimoires don’t count. They are located outside the causal relationship and don’t affect karma. It would be more meaningful to catch a few bandits.

It was unfortunate, but it made sense. Theo looked at the darkness outside the window.

The capital of the Meltor Kingdom, Manavil… The scenic view of the capital was spectacular from the tall magic tower, but it was nothing compared to the superb view he’d seen with Ellenoa on the branch of the world tree.

There were still many sights in the world which he hadn’t seen. There might be an unknown mystery hiding on a bookshelf in a small room. But a magician should find their own wilderness.

Am I prepared to leave the comfort of the familiar road for a hard and unfamiliar road?

“Well, it seems like what I need to do is already determined.”

As Gluttony fell asleep, Theo made a fist.

He wished to experience hardships in order to improve himself. Just like when he broke through an army of undead, when he faced Pride, and when he fearlessly stepped toward Laevateinn… Just like always, he had to believe in himself and move forward.

Regardless of whether he would be a hero or not, Theo made a decision as he looked over Manavil’s glittering lights.

***

The next day, Theo went into action as soon as he opened his eyes. A person’s determination could dull over time, so the sooner he put it into action, the better.

Theo dressed in familiar robes and decided to tell his master first. It was only right.

He will certainly be worried, but… I can’t conceal it from him.

Despite reaching the 6th Circle, Vince Haidel was Theo’s master and a companion whom he shared the secrets of the grimoire with. The relationship between the two men was much stronger than an ordinary bond shared between master and disciple. He couldn’t keep the threat to his life a secret, and Vince might be able to give him useful advice.

Theo soon found himself in front of Vince’s door. He took a deep breath.

Knock knock.

He heard the familiar voice of his master.

“Theo, is that you? It’s open, so just come in.”

“Yes, Master.”

Theo was greeted by the familiar scent of coffee as he walked in. It was the same scent that had pervaded Vince’s office at Bergen Academy. Theo felt like smiling as he sat on the chair Vince brought him. His teacher had acquired a few more gray hairs in the last few years.

Theo felt his heart relax as he started to tell Vince everything. It didn’t take long, but by the time Theo’s story finished, the steam rising from Vince’s coffee mug was gone and the angle of the light coming through the window had changed by a few degrees.

However, Vince’s expression wasn’t as simple as the story. Vince swallowed a sigh and tried to act calm as his disciple explained his deadline. It wasn’t a story that a twenty year old youth should be telling.

Vince said quietly, “... Hoo. I have a lot of things to say, but I won’t. You already seem to know how serious this situation is.”

“Thank you for your consideration.”

“There is no need to thank me. Ah, wait a minute. I just completed the present that I was going to give you.”

A present? Theo looked confused as Vince pulled out a book from his drawer.

The ink was still drying, so Vince really had just completed it. He used a simple drying magic and handed it over. It was a summary of his years of research.

[Ancient Magic Overview — Balcard] was written on the cover.

Appraisal.

[Ancient Magic Overview — Balcard]

[This book deals with the magic of Balcia, an empire which existed in ancient times. The magicians of that era used spells that were several times more efficient and powerful than those produced by modern systems of magic. After years of research, the author, Vince Haidel, has awakened this system. The depth of wisdom is superior to ordinary magic books.

* The level of your understanding is minimal. (0%)

* This magic book is rated Rare.

* When consumed, you will learn the fundamentals of the Balcard Language.

* This is the original that was written by the author. You have a close relationship with the author. There is a high probability that you will absorb some of Vince’s proficiency.]

Theo felt awe rising within him as he looked over the information.

Restoring a magic system that was used in ancient times!

Once this achievement spread through the Magic Society, it was clear that Vince Haidel would be given a Prime position as well as praise and rewards.

Vince smiled at Theo’s impressed expression and said, “If you need original books, then mine will be helpful. Although I don’t know if it will help your problem.”

“... No, this is perfect.”

“Well, it was thanks to you that I was able to finish the research. I’m glad it can be of use to you in this way.”

Theo placed the original book in his inventory, while Vince’s expression became heavy.

Going on a trip to find original books... It won’t be easy.?

Vince’s thoughts were plain on his face.

But Theo had already decided. Leaving the country where he was lauded as a hero was never easy. In order to avoid the empire’s gaze, he had to conceal his identity and couldn’t do as he wished in a foreign country.

Perhaps he should tell Theo to forget Myrdal’s advice. It was shameful as Theo’s mentor, but he might not have given that advice if he were in Myrdal’s position. Still, Vince passed on what information he could.

Chwaack!

He pulled out a map and started tracing countries as he started to explain, “If your purpose is to look for original books, you must first go to the central continent.”

Meltor was known as the magic kingdom, and as the name suggested, it was full of magic books. However, original books were a different story. The Magic Society treated originals and copies the same. It was because they didn’t want to see the value of knowledge rising or falling due to scumbag collectors.

So, the people who collected original books weren’t from Meltor. Instead, they were nobles or merchants who resided in other countries and wanted to decorate their office.

“In particular, the trade kingdom Kargas is in the center of the central continent. You will find all types of people there. Original books are sold there for an expensive price, meaning only the rich would buy them.”

“Kargas on the central continent... I will keep that in mind.”

“If possible, don’t cause any friction. Your skills aren’t a problem, but there are many outlaws in the central continent.”

Advice from firsthand experience was always valuable. Theo was taught by his teacher about things necessary for the journey, such as how to get across the border, the laws of different countries, and how to act in them. Fortunately, Theo’s memorization ability was always strong, so he remembered all of it without much difficulty.

“Oh, I forgot.” After a lengthy explanation, Vince sipped the now cool coffee. “You are now the hero of Meltor. The Magic Society and royal family won’t like you leaving the kingdom. How are you planning to go abroad?”

It was a reasonable fact. Theo’s status had increased after confronting the monster called Pride and becoming the national guest of Elvenheim. There was no way to guarantee his safety outside the kingdom. If Andras’ Knights of Shade had an assassination list, his name was certainly among the top five.

For that reason, Theo had only one person he could depend on. He was the culmination of power in Meltor and the only one who could move all four tower masters.

“I have no choice but to ask His Majesty directly.”