Re:Grimoire

[Sorry, i really like having fun with the titles, so more references will come.]

After the… screaming? Shouting? Whatever it was finished, all I could do to figure out what the actual hell was going on was stretch my senses and feel out the mana nearby.

It wasn't hard.

From what I could tell, it looked like three people, guys, maybe girls, who knows, not like I can see faces from here, were about to beat the absolute life out of… well, the girl? Guy? Person? human? Victim.

I still had no clue what gender that idiot was, but judging by the way their mana was flaring, they were most likely about to get tossed in a bin.

A pity,

If only this mess were happening in this alleyway. It would've made for an entertaining little play.

"Hah… what a pity. Life really does hate me, huh?" I sighed to myself, settling in for yet another night of absolutely nothing.

Then, something strange happened.

A… void.

An absence of mana started moving fast. Rapidly closing in on the spot where the mugging was happening. It wasn't subtle either. Like someone was carving a hole in the world, snuffing out mana as it passed.

I could track it easily because that kind of thing stands out. A gaping absence where there should be life.

And then it stopped. Right at the mouth of the alley.

Huh.

Hmm… must be a guard. I thought lazily, recognising the phenomenon. That kind of mana distortion? definitely someone carrying a Divine Protection. I'd come across that kind of thing a few times in the past, always a fucking pain in my nonexistent ass. ended a couple of my runs as well.

Still. Good for the victim. Looks like they'll live for another day.

Once the void arrived, everything in that area went murky. I could barely track what was happening anymore, so my interest quickly fizzled out right after.

Nothing else is worth watching.

Hah… back to endlessly counting bricks, I guess

---

Huh?

I caught the sound of footsteps, quick, and getting closer. Took me a second to focus, but once I did, I realised it was the victim.

He… or she… or whatever gender they were, was heading straight toward me.

huh, seems like they did get out of it fine... maybe they could be my next?

I watched as they came into view, messy black hair, weird clothes that didn't belong in this world. Their mana was a mess, flickering all over the place like a candle in a storm, as he was a newly born guy, now that he was closer, he had that familiar aura. 

Huh? he has a factor? Wow, Jesus hasn't been up close and personal with one ever since ███████ she was a peculiar one, but she was the best to teach. though... ever since it took control and well fucked up half the map all that time ago... 

My mood dropped sadly at the memories, my attention snapping back to the rapidly approaching boy. he must've been the cause of the distortions earlier then. But... why does his clothes look so familiar... hmmm.

He gave a quick glance down at me mid-stride. "Huh... wonder why this book's stuck in the floor?" he gave a closer look before quickly shaking his head "no, no time for weird ass books, you've got stuff to do," and just like that he went to step away.

I sighed.

Oh, come on, how degradin-

"Huh?!"

He whipped around, eyes wide, scanning the empty alley.

I froze mid-annoyed grumble.

He took a step closer, looking around like he was trying to find the source of a voice.

"Who? Who said that? T-there's no one here…? Am I… am I going crazy?"

I stared - or well, sensed - utterly baffled.

what?

"There it is again!? Who are you, where are you!?" he was on guard a bit, taking a step back.

I sighed. Look down, and you'll find what you seek.

His brow furrowed, hesitation flickering in his expression before he slowly, cautiously, lowered his gaze.

"the book...?"

His eyes landed right on me, wedged awkwardly into the stone floor.

He blinked.

"Wha-? what does that have to d-"

That is me you are looking at. Pick me up.

He froze.

Slowly, his gaze flicked from me to the empty alley around him, then back again, as if hoping for some other explanation to magically appear.

"A… talking book?"

Correct.

"Wow..." his expression brightened and he was about to open his mouth to probably ramble about something, but I cut him up.

You may have questions, but first, pick me up, or atleast create direct contact. It will make communication more effective.

He blinked, a little startled by the firm instruction, then awkwardly reached down, brushing his fingers across my cover. After brief hesitation, he gripped me firmly by the hinge and gave a sharp tug, pulling me free from the stone floor. Carefully, he cradled me in his arms.

Thank you, now. for introductions. I am Grim, the legendary Grimoire, guide and teacher to those who seek power and knowledge. And you… What is your name? Or shall I refer to you as Nasty Eyes?

He blinked, then grinned, a smug grin like he was about to launch into some dramatic introduction.

He raised a hand halfway, opening his mouth.

And then paused.

His eyes flicked down at me, clearly remembering I was, in fact, a book. Being held. In his hands.

The moment stretched, awkward.

Finally, he gave up, awkwardly pointing a thumb at himself.

"I am Natsuki Subaru, not only am I terribly broke, but completely clueless. Nice to meet you!"

How... informative... Say, subaru. i have a question.

He perked up a little, as if hoping it was something to due with magic.

I just realised something, and I need to confirm it.

Before he could respond, I cut in quickly.

Do you like apples?

He blinked. Stared. stumped, as he nearly fell over.

"Hah? What kinda question is that?..." After a small pause and stabilising himself, he answered, "Uh… yeah, I guess? Apples are fine."

I see. So he is from Earth. Does that mean he arrived today? Or perhaps recently… difficult to say. But this makes him quite the perfect candidate, does it not? No magical knowledge, likely no understanding of this world's structure either, and a witch factor, as well, one that influences time.

If I had a body, I would've grinned ear to ear.

What a perfect surprise. And judging by that ridiculous tracksuit, I can only assume he's a shut-in. Which means, persuading him shouldn't be difficult.

I see... Thank you for fulfilling my query, Natsuki Subaru from beyond the waterfall. It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance.

Of course, I had no intention of revealing my origins just yet. In time, perhaps.

"You're welcome…? Wait—waterfall? When did I mention anything about waterfalls? You lost me there, Grim."

Well, you aren't from this country. Nor from any known lands of this world. You are from another world, different from our own. Or am I wrong in my assumption?

"Whaaaat?! H-how do you know that? Is it magic? Did you find that out using some cool magic spell?!" His shock morphed into wild excitement, his face lighting up like a child who'd just been handed his first toy sword.

Huh… how cute.

Wait.

Why… why was I thinking that?

How odd.

That's peculiar. But… nothing to be concerned over. Perhaps I simply found his… himness appealing? No, no, that couldn't be it. It is unlike me to feel these feelings for a boy... hmm, how interesting. Perhaps I like him more than even I predicted as much? Hmm ~ how amusing.

Perhaps the wait was worth it.

A/N hoped you enjoyed the chapter.

[The passive ability of lolimancery has taken effect. Due to 40% compatibility, the effect lands, albeit partially. grim has taken unknown 2d stupid damage]

anyway

bye bye