Book Eater

Chapter 183: Quickening of the Northern Continent (0)

Flash!

There was a flash of light, and two people appeared inside the room. They’d used the same magic circle that Veronica had once used to travel through space. However, unlike last time, Theo opened the door with his own hand this time. Then he looked around like a gourmet with a spread of delicacies before him.

It has been a while, but I don’t see anything different.

Unlike humans who lived for a hundred years or so, the Zero Library had almost five hundred years of history in it. It wasn’t going to change just because a year or two went by.

However, Paragranum’s thoughts were a little different. “Hoh, the number of books has increased since I was last here. Was it three, or four hundred years ago? It’s getting to be a good collection now.”

“Three hundred years... You haven’t been here even once in all that time?”

“Of course not. This knowledge has no value to me. It was much more interesting to create this place.”

Theo remembered that there were no alchemy-related books in the Zero Library. However, most magicians would be interested in rare magic, even if it wasn’t their field. After all, there was ancient external magic or theoretical primordial magic which no one could explain. As such, there were many such rare books in the Zero Library.

The Yellow Tower Master had unfettered access to this library, but she had never once stepped in here for over three hundred years. Indeed, this was the difference between a grimoire and a human's thoughts.

Theo followed Paragranum, who had moved ahead, and looked around. The rarity of the books only increased as he walked deeper into the Zero Library. After walking past the books near the entrance, they arrived at an area Theo had previously seen.

“... Ah.” Theo reached for a familiar red book.

[Hell Fire]

[This book contains the method to summon a flame which exists in the Demon World, a flame that burns all matter. Once called, the flames of hell can’t be extinguished by any normal methods. The summoning will only end when the user’s power is exhausted or his life force is cut off. Burns from this spell are difficult to heal. The author of this book has hidden their identity.

* This magic book is rated Treasure.

* Acquisition Conditions: Seven Circles, affinity for fire magic is required.

* When consumed, Hell Fire will be learned.

* When consumed, your ability in fire magic will increase greatly.

* This is the original that was directly written by the author. There is a very low probability of absorbing some of the author’s proficiency.]

It was a spell Theo hadn’t been able to learn in the past, but now Theo was qualified to learn Hell Fire. Seven Circles and an affinity with fire magic, perhaps only Veronica would surpass him when it came to the qualifications to learn this spell.

Umm, it is definitely a magic I can use now.

Theo also had the 7th Circle area of effect fire spell, Inferno. However, it was limited when dealing with several strong people. If he met a sword master, he needed raw offensive power. It was a different story if the magic was compressed in some form, like with Veronica, but that was the realm of Sorcery.

However, Hell Fire was powerful enough by itself. Even the 4th stage Superbia couldn’t endure Hell Fire. According to records from the last war, Hell Fire had been the blow that had killed a sword master.

Abraxas couldn’t always be used, so this was a good choice to fill out his repertoire.

It is one of the options that I will consider.

There were many magic books. Theo made a note of Hell Fire and looked at the rest of the books. Even if he had already chosen Hell Fire, there was nothing wrong with looking at the other books in advance. This might not be the last time he could take a book from the Zero LIbrary.

After perusing several books, Para nodded as Theo picked up two more books.

Theo’s list of options was as followed:

[Reverse Shadow]

[This book describes the negative dimension adjacent to the material world, as well as dimension magic which deals with shadows. A shadow isn’t simply the other side of light. It is a mirror of the world where the boundaries of matter don’t exist. Magicians who learn this magic can change the existence of reality and illusions, making it possible to use the wielder’s own shadow as an alter ego.

* This magic book is rated Precious.

* Acquisition Conditions: Seven Circles, needs access to the negative dimension.

* When consumed, the proficiency of permanence magic will increase.

* When consumed, understanding of the two dimensions is greatly increased.

* This is the original that was directly written by the author. There is a very low probability of absorbing some of the author’s proficiency.]

[Ultima]

[This book describes cryogenic magic which can stop all phenomena of the physical world. It is no coincidence that Ultima, from the ancient world Ultimate, has become the name of this spell. In the past, it was said that a magician used Ultima to freeze a dragon, only to die himself. This means that in order to perfectly use this, the 8th Circle is needed.

* This magic book is rated Precious.

* Acquisition Conditions: Seven Circles, high affinity for water magic is required.

* When consumed, Ultima will be learned.

* When consumed, your ability in ice magic will increase greatly.

* This is the original that was directly written by the author. There is a very low probability of absorbing some of the author’s proficiency. The degree may vary depending on the level of the user.]

In addition to Hell Fire, he had shortlisted two more books. Theo was troubled for a moment as he debated what to choose.

Fire, ice, or shadow... Their personalities are so distinct that it is difficult to compare them against each other,

All of them were tempting. Hell Fire, which boasted the strongest attacking power among 7th Circle magic, magic which controlled shadows, and ice magic which had killed a dragon... Despite Theo’s desire to take all three books, he took a few deep breaths and decided to think about it calmly.

First, Reverse Shadow.

It is ingenious to be able to control the shadows... but I don’t know how to blend it with other magic attributes. Furthermore, it is ambiguous since the level of difficulty is too high... It might take longer than a year to raise my understanding to a high level.

It might rival or be even worse than space magic, which was known for its difficulty. Theo looked at Reverse Shadow and put it down with a sad expression.

Then it was Ultima’s turn.

Ice magic that stops all phenomena... It’s quite attractive, but the 7th?Circle is only the introductory stage. In order to use it, I need at least eight Circles. Right now, I can barely learn it.

It was a spell which required his water affinity to be near the peak. However, Theo could learn it if he accepted Aquilo’s blood. The problem was the practical use, not the qualifications.

Ultima could freeze a dragon, but it wasn’t something that a 7th Circle magician could cast. It needed at least an 8th Circle magician with water affinity. As far as Theo understood, Blundell was the only one who could use Ultima in the entirety of Meltor.

Finally... Hell Fire.

Theo had only one option remaining. He put the other two two books down and looked at the Yellow Tower Master, who understood that Theo had made his choice.

Hell Fire.

It was an obvious choice for a magician of the Red Tower.

However, Para looked at Theo with a strange gaze and asked, “Do you have a reason for choosing that book? Hell Fire is a powerful attack spell, but it is difficult to control, and it is inefficient when it comes to the amount of magic power consumed.”

“I know, but it is a risk I can afford.”

The amount of magic power consumed would be reduced by more than half due to Artificial Yin and Yang. Moreover, Theo knew all about the disadvantages of Hell Fire. He had great expectations for its power because it was commonly used by a master to wreak havoc.

However, Para didn’t stop staring at him, so Theo gave one more reason.

“... I am interested in the fact that the author concealed their identity.”

“I knew it.” Paragranum smiled, sending a chill down Theo’s back. It was horrifying that a non-human existence could perfectly mimic a human.Para seemed to sense Theo’s disapproval and said in a small voice, “Do you want me to tell you before you eat that book??”

“What...?”

The grimoire whispered, “The magician who created Hell Fire is...”

Para’s voice was so soft that it couldn’t be heard from nearby. However, Theo’s eyes widened at her words.

***

At the same time, a subordinate was reporting to someone in the annex of the Imperial Palace.

“-The Meuse Desert?”

“Yes, Your Highness.” The knight, wrapped in black from head to toe, prostrated himself on the floor and elaborated, “This is the report from No. 36 and No. 37. According to the archaeologist who discovered the archaeological site on the outskirts of the Meuse Desert, it is believed to have been built in the latter half of the Age of Mythology.”

“Did you start digging?”

“I tried, but it didn’t work. The exterior walls and door of the ruin are too strong. It seems to be made of a metal I have never seen before.”

.

“... Hrmm.”

Prince Fermut of the Andras Empire, now first in the line of succession, stroked his chin in interest. If Meltor was at the forefront of magical research, the Andras Empire had devoted themselves to pushing the limits of swordsmanship and the military. Yet this was a metal which the knights of Andras had never seen before? Perhaps it was the discovery of a new metal which hadn’t existed previously in this world.

The value of the ruin had just jumped up by two levels. It was a welcome change from the barrage of bad news in the past few days. However, this report was enough to soothe his mood. This was a metal which a shadow unit made of peak aura users couldn’t break through… How powerful would it be if it was forged into armor?

“... I will have a new weapon in my hand,” Fermut declared.

Then at that moment, a spiteful voice rang out, “It can fill in for the god-sword.”

“Seventh... it’s you.”

“I beg your pardon, Imperial Prince. You seem distressed that I spoke too lightly.” It was the imperial sword, Lloyd Pollan. He smiled frivolously as he mocked the prince for losing the god-sword.

As Fermut’s face twisted with slight anger, Lloyd stepped back and bowed his head. “I have returned, Your Highness. I handled the matter perfectly, so please let go of your anger.”

“... Impertinent fellow.”

“Isn’t that my charm?”

Fermut’s eyebrows twitched irritably a few times, but he didn’t push him. Lloyd was a valuable tool for Fermut, who had lost his sword master, Hyde. It would be a shame to lose him just because of an argument. However, setting aside Lloyd’s value, Fermut had to maintain his dignity.

He turned to Lloyd and said sharply, “This is a new mission.”

“Your Highness.” Lloyd had just returned from his mission. The unspoken implication was clear.

However, Fermut gave a different type of answer.

Kukukung...!

“Ack!”

A weighty pressure forced Lloyd to his knees, his head bowed. This was real power, not a mere presence. It was a physical force that squeezed and bent the bones of the sword master. The source of this pressure was Fermut, who had raised his hand.

Once Lloyd was driven to his knees, Fermut said, “Shut up, bat-like fellow.”

Right now, Andras was divided into two factions. The first was centered around Prince Fermut, who wanted change, and the emperor, who wanted to maintain the status quo.

To Fermut, who wanted to destroy Meltor and unify the northern continent, both his father and his father’s faction were nothing but cowards. Fermut had always thought about it since he was a child. Why didn’t the empire fight? If they were so powerful, why agree to a ceasefire?

Thus, Fermut tried to raise his own fire. He would cast the seeds of war over the entire Northern continent. However, his work in Elvenheim was foiled. The god-sword, Claiomh Solais, was also taken away.

So, Lloyd’s cheeky words were enough to break Fermut’s patience.

“Do you think I don’t know that you are seeing both my father and me? Trying to play both sides while seeing which one is more advantageous, how disdainful,” Fermut spoke spitefully.

“Y-Your Highness...!”

“I won’t tolerate any objections. This is a command.” Fermut’s eyes turned red as he ordered, “Go to the ruin in the Meuse Desert. I will be watching to see if you give up or fail.”

“T-That is the territory of the Austen Kingdom.”

“Are you afraid of idiots who can’t fill their stomachs because of a drought?”

“I’m just saying that we should move carefully.”

“Bah!” Fermut lifted the oppressive aura from Lloyd as he leaned back in his chair and snorted, “Cowards always try to cover their fear by calling it prudence. It’s sickening. Go to the ruin. If you don’t, I will consider you as static.”

“... I understand, Your Highness,” Lloyd spoke cautiously before disappearing. His ability was similar to Hyde’s concealment ability, but still different. Prince Fermut sensed Lloyd’s departure and picked up a bottle he’d placed nearby. A single drop of its liquid was as valuable as gold.

Kiing.

He used his index finger to flick open the bottle’s top and filled up the cup.

“It has already been seven hundred years since the founding of this kingdom... and the weather in Andras is decaying,” Fermut lamented with a grimace and looked into the cup. His loyal servant hadn’t met his expectations, and the god-sword he’d received had vanished. However, Fermut’s ambitions were blazing because of these adversities.

“I have to ascend to the top.” He drank the cup and murmured the oath he’d made to himself. “The north will be unified in my generation.”