Chapter 27: Setting Out(1)
Rex Gardner:
"Damn you, Light!!!" I mentally bellowed to my companion, frustration bubbling as I found myself back home, sprawled across my bed.
"You should have negotiated for more time," Light remarked casually.
"Are you seriously pointing fingers at me, wise guy?!" I incredulously fumed at my partner. Taking a deep breath, I composed myself and commanded, "Just hand over my rewards, you bastard."
DING. "Rewards for completing the mission: 100% progression on Vetto's template and Edward Avalanché's template."
"....really?" I cautiously questioned.
"Absolutely!" he confirmed.
Sniff, sniff, sniff—tears welled up and rolled down my cheeks as I cried tears of joy. Finally, after five years of relentless struggle and repeated failures, I had achieved a Heroic Template.
"You do realize, though, this template is incomplete," Light interjected.
And just like that, I was brought back to reality. "Show me," I simply stated, bracing myself for the revelations that lay ahead.
- Name: Edward Avalanché
- Alias: None
- Magic: Ice Wedge Magic
- Age: 66
- Height: Tall
- Blood Type: N/A
- Eyes: Turquoise
- Hair: White
- Country: Clover Kingdom
- Occupation: Wizard King (Formerly)
- Squad: Unknown
- Progress: 0%
"Of course, life couldn't be that simple," I sighed, the weight of reality settling in. In hindsight, I should have been more perceptive, and attuned to my dwindling mana reserves and my lack of expertise in Ice Edge magic. Yet, perhaps blinded by the euphoria of acquiring the template and the substantial increase in mana from completing Vetto's template, my understanding had temporarily deserted me.
Well, it wasn't a monumental issue. Having already faced the full force of Edward's capabilities, making progress on his template shouldn't prove too challenging. And speaking of mana, considering the sheer abundance I now possessed, it wouldn't be an exaggeration to liken it to Fuegoleon's after he bonded with the fire spirit Salamander.
"Alright, Light, it's time!" I exclaimed to my mental companion.
"Time for what?" he asked, causing a vein on my forehead to pop. Despite his mind-reading capabilities, he irritatingly insisted on making me articulate my every thought.
Calm down, Rex, breathe, I reminded myself. "Activate the Coverless Grimoire."
DING! "Bonding host with Coverless Grimoire (Legendary) x1 and awakening his innate magic. Keep in mind, host, that this magic attribute will be specific to you and not necessarily something seen in Black Clover."
"Yeah, yeah, I get it," I muttered before falling silent. A peculiar sensation coursed through my soul, stirring something that had long lain dormant. A facet of myself I had never taken seriously. My eyes widened as the new grimoire digitized, revealing the nature of my innate magic. Trust me, it was far from what I had anticipated. Perhaps only the most ardent Black Clover fans would vividly recall it.
Game Magic, the magic attribute wielded by Gifso, the high priest of the Seabed Temple, is a formidable force in the world of magic. This unique magic attribute grants its user the remarkable ability to oversee and manipulate events within a designated area. Its versatility knows no bounds, allowing practitioners to craft illusory limbs, teleport targets at will, and conjure magical obstacles with ease.
Despite Gifso's unassuming exterior, he proved to be a formidable mage, boasting strength akin to that of a senior magic knight. Operating Game Magic demands not only substantial mana reserves but also keen perceptual abilities. Gifso's mana sense soared to impressive heights, endowing him with the extraordinary gift of peering into the thoughts of others—a skill typically reserved for the likes of Lucius and the witch queen.
In the grand scheme of battle, Gifso might be considered mere cannon fodder when measured against formidable adversaries like reanimated Elves, Devils, and Paladins. However, this is a testament to Gifso's prowess rather than the inherent weakness of Game Magic. In truth, the magic itself is potent, aligning with other influential spatial manipulations such as those wielded by Dorothy and Megicula.
When it comes to offensive spells, my arsenal already boasts the might of Magna, Vetto, and Edward. What I sought now was magic of a more esoteric and diverse nature. While Game Magic may not possess the arcane allure of Gray's Transmutation, its practicality and versatility are undeniably valuable on the battlefield.
"I find myself pondering the possibility of Marx obliterating an entire territory," I mused aloud. It occurred to me that, apart from his speed, his potential Achilles' heel might be his scale. I harbor doubts that he could nullify an infinite expanse akin to Dorothy's 'Glamour World,' not that he wouldn't possess alternative means of confronting it, courtesy of his truth-seeing prowess. However, there's a chance he could be susceptible to a territory, given its inclusion of physical and non-magical constructs and objects within its spellwork.
"I've got a six-month window to master both Ice Wedge and Game Magic, and if, after all that time, I'm still not prepared to face Marx, I doubt I ever will be." As I snapped out of my contemplation, a slow yet powerful knock resonated on my bedroom door, demanding attention.
"Who is it?" I called out assertively.
"It's me!" replied a meek but resilient, ladylike voice.
Kagura, I thought. "You can come in," I declared.
"Are you sure?" the voice nervously questioned.
I chuckled softly, "Of course, don't worry; I'm already dressed."
The door creaked open slowly, revealing Kagura, who, like me, was already dressed and gazing at me with determination in her eyes.
"You seem eager," I calmly assessed her.
"Yeah! You said you'll teach me magic. I need to get strong to rescue my brother, and-"
"Yes, yes, the redhead. I know. You've mentioned it many times, you know?"
She blushed slightly, "Heh heh, sorry for that. But anyway, we're starting today, right?"
Well, I'm not one to deceive or prolong matters, especially with determined individuals, so I nodded. Just as she was about to leap in excitement, I raised a hand to stop her.
"Kagura, there's something you need to promise me, okay?"
"What is it?" She tilted her head, expressing confusion.
"Don't let anyone know about your plans to storm the tower."
"I wasn't planning on announcing it. I don't think anyone knows besides you, but may I ask why the secrecy?"
I nodded, beginning to explain, "Firstly, because I'm joining you." I paused, watching her eyes widen. With a feigned cough, I continued, "Don't act so surprised. I made a promise to those Bluebell ladies, and I can't let my disciple embark on a suicide mission alone." Just as she seemed touched, I swiftly shattered those sentiments, adding, "You can't die until after you help me make my guild number one."
Resuming my explanation, I addressed the main concern. "The real issue is Gamgee. If he catches wind of our plans, he'll stop at nothing to thwart us."
She nodded in understanding before posing another question, "But aren't you stronger than Mr. Hardwick?"
Heh heh heh, she's perceptive, as expected of a named character. Refraining from letting my ego take control, I responded, "I don't harbor a desire to beat up my grandfather."
She nodded, saying, "That makes sense."
"We've covered this ground, but just to be crystal clear, Kagura, in exchange for becoming my disciple and teaching you magic, you'll join my guild, right?"
"Absolutely," she replied joyfully, stretching out her hands expectantly with a 'gimme' expression on her face.
Confusion flickered across my face as she continued the act, only to realize in shock what she was requesting. Here in the countryside of Fiore, there existed an unofficial tradition where a child about to learn magic received a gift from their master. I had learned of this custom afterward and had unknowingly participated when the only man slyly killed two birds with one stone by giving me my wand.
Now, what should I give her, my mind raced with options as if I take too long, she'll catch on that I hadn't prepared anything. My wand is out of the question. How about the glasses, no they're kind of lame for a gift, but useful for me. Come on brain think of something. Just then, as if a hero had come to the rescue my mind resounded with a notification.
DING. The resounding chime announced, "Congratulations on accepting a disciple. Rewards (Exclusively for Kagura's use) include Archenemy (Heroic) x1 and Yami Ichika Template (Heroic) x1."
My brain abruptly switched off at this revelation: "...Light, what the hell is this about?" I mentally interrogated my companion.
"Be specific, host," came his coy reply.
"Arghh... okay, let's put this Archenemy thing aside. What the hell are you talking about, a template for others?"
"It is apparent that the host is even more clueless than I previously estimated. Host, what exactly is the purpose of your golden finger?"
"Umm, to let me live a fulfilling life," I cautiously responded.
"Exactly, and is the host planning on living alone?"
"No, of course not. Can you just get to the point?!"
"Sigh.... the point, my DEAR host, is that an essential aspect of your life will be your bonds—your companions, friends, and family. How can your life be carefree if they're weak and always in need of your saving? The system will also assist them in becoming strong."
"Damn, you're more useful than I thought. But what's with this bias? I took so long to obtain a heroic template, and she just got one as a present!"
"Jealousy doesn't look good on you, Rex."
"Damn it, I'm not jealous. But what about mana? I thought I was the only one with the physique to use it. Are you going to reform her body as well? And what will happen to her innate magical attribute if her path is forced to practice Dark Magic?"
"Do not worry, host. Everything is thought out. When you give her the scroll, it will bond with her like a grimoire bonds with a person. However, her body won't undergo reformation; instead, all the spells will be adapted to work with Ethernano. Just like any other mage, she will grow stronger as she faces challenges and won't have a system to check or track her progress. Although it's called Ichika's template, she will only gain her magical abilities. Things like ki/zetten will have to be personally achieved, and she doesn't have to emulate Ichika to gain those abilities. As for her innate magic, that will also awaken once she's completed the bonding process."
"Alright, I suppose that's fair. Now, what is this Archenemy thingy?" I inquired, gesturing to the object now nestled in my inventory. It maintained the form of a nodachi, its hilt wrapped in a dark red colored binding, adorned with a gold pommel and studded details along the hilt. One distinctive feature included bandages at the tsuba section, tightly enveloping the sword to the scabbard, with a white talisman bearing the kanji for Seal (封 Fū) dangling beneath the tsuba by a metal chain composed of two links. Moreover, its scabbard boasted a pristine white hue with a gold protector at the end, embellished with a small gold design and a red-colored rope neatly tied in the lower section of the scabbard.
DING! "Known as 'The Blade of Resentment' (怨刀 Ontō), Archenemy is purportedly a formidable weapon, with its unsheathing capable of potentially causing a cataclysm. To avert such calamities, its user is advised to employ it in tandem with a specific sword style, allowing them to harness the weapon's cutting power without actually drawing it."
If I wasn't trying to maintain an air of inconspicuousness, I probably would have whistled. "Oi, Light, are you sure this stuff is suitable for Kagura? Dark magic and swords aren't anything to take lightly."
"Trust me, Rex, there's no one in this world those two things would suit more than her."
"Is it because her name sounds Japanese? You racist!"
"..."
"Um, Rex?" My mind was snapped back from my internal musings as my apprentice attempted to capture my attention. Her hands were no longer outstretched; instead, they nervously fiddled behind her back, and she sported a forced, awkward smile. "Can we go train now?" she meekly asked while turning around and attempting to walk out.
As she did, I hastily grabbed her right wrist, causing her to yelp. I then coughed in embarrassment and stated, "Sorry, Kagura, I was just lost in thought. Oh yeah, I have a gift for you, or rather, two gifts!"
("Shameless!") - Light
("It's called a white lie!") - I mentally shot back.
"Really?!" She asked with excitement bubbling in her voice.
"Of course! First off, let's awaken your magic!" I joyously proclaimed, causing her eyes to widen. I then retrieved Ichika's scroll from my inventory, black and adorned with bamboo patterns. As I presented it, the scroll immediately glowed, shrouded in a purple aura, and floated towards Kagura. Perhaps sensing a connection to it, she lifted her hand towards the scroll, becoming bathed in a gentle glow of light. At that moment, I felt a decent flow of magic power erupt from her.
Kagura's face quickly transformed into a joyful smile as she realized her awakening and held the scroll in her right arm. However, that joy turned to horror, and she dropped the scroll in fear, hastily backing off.
I frowned and asked, "Kagura, what's wrong?"
She quiveringly pointed to herself in disgust and uttered two words: "Dark Magic."
It took me a moment to realize the problem. The connotations of dark-attributed magic abilities and spells were vastly different than in Black Clover. Even Yami faced some prejudice for possessing such magic. In Earthland, it bordered on being associated with evil, akin to the black wizard Zeref. Just as I had done when I first met her, I bathed Kagura in my "Soothing Holy Light," calming her, and gently ordered, "Kagura, look at me."
She nervously locked eyes with me, sensing her fear of rejection, and my gaze softened in response. Gently placing my arms on her shoulders, I began, "Kagura, listen. There's no such thing as evil magic, only evil people. Earthland is a vast place, and I guarantee you'll meet many others with dark abilities who are also good people. Just as you'll inevitably encounter bad people who use light-based magic. Having Dark Magic doesn't make you like Zeref unless you choose to be, and you don't have to worry about me being afraid of you. I also know some dark arts."
"Really?" She asked, water beginning to build up in her eyes.
I smiled and, instead of speaking, chose to show her. Silently chanting "Demon Beast Magic," a dark, corrupted crimson aura enveloped me, making her tense with fear. Calmly grabbing her hand, I reassured her, "Relax, this won't hurt you unless you want it to."
Her gaze widened as the aura, though dark, felt strangely pleasant, not harmful. Instead of causing harm, it seemed to make her feel stronger. Continuing, I said, "If you're still skeptical, you don't have to use it right away. I won't force you."
She gulped and looked at me, her fearful gaze transforming into valiant determination. "No, I'm not going to run away. No matter what anyone says, I'm going to train my dark magic!"
I smiled approvingly, "Good girl. Now, what is the other magic you awakened?" I asked.
Excitedly, she looked at me and chose to demonstrate her actions instead of speaking. Outstretching her small right hand and pointing to her scroll, she enveloped it in a magical force, causing it to shakily float upwards to her. She then looked at me with enthusiasm and smiled, answering my question, "Gravity Magic!"
"...," I said nothing.
"Rex?" She asked, breaking the silence.
"N-nothing, Kagura. I was just lost in thought again. That's awesome!" I exclaimed aloud, making her gleeful, although internally, my emotions were more complex.
"What kind of bullshit is this?!" I internally exclaimed. "I work for 5 years and only have friggin' transmutation magic, while she gains two arcane magics in a matter of seconds. Damn it, it's so unfair! She's gonna be friggin' OP."
"You should be happy; you picked up a gem," Light exclaimed in my mind.
I squeezed Kagura's shoulders tighter, making her pause in confusion. I then spoke up very seriously, "Kagura, you're gonna be my trump card in the future."
"U-um, alright..." she nervously began, "Anyway, you said you have two things for me, right?"
Tsk, how greedy, was what I thought, but on the outside, I wore a gentle smile. "Of course, here you go!" I said, taking Archenemy out of my inventory and handing it to her.
"A sword?" She asked as she started to unsheathe the blade. I hastily grabbed it and stopped her, much to her confusion.
As she looked at me, I huffed a sigh and spoke up, "Sorry, it's just that this 'Katana' is very dangerous. Until you can control it, never unsheathe it, as it will cause a catastrophic blast. Understand?" I calmly handed it back to her. She took it with a nervous gulp and nodded at me.
"Um, Rex?"
"Yeah?" I replied.
"I don't know how to use a sword, will you teach me?"
"Huh? Sorry, I got no clue."
"T-then what am I supposed to do?" She incredulously questioned.
"Don't worry about it, it'll come to you. It's in your blood."
("Now who's racist!") - Light
("Call it a white lie.") - Rex
"My blood?" She questioned, not sounding convinced.
"Don't worry, we'll figure it out together."
"Alright," she responded before continuing, "So can we start training now?"
"Ah, no," I said, causing her eyes to widen in betrayal. Instead, I brought her face close to mine and started to whisper in her ear, "Quietly pack your things; we're leaving the village."
She quietly responded, "First off, I don't have anything; my village burned, remember? Secondly, why are we leaving?"
"If we want to get stronger quickly, we have to leave the village. It's hard to make substantial improvements here in the countryside, so we have to head to more dangerous or competitive places. You understand?"
She nodded, and I continued, "Alright, I have to prepare something, so meet me in Fangorn Forest in about 10 minutes." I ordered as she nodded again and left my room.
------
In about two minutes, I found myself at Gamgee's and my favorite training ground in the forest clearing. I scanned the area, relieved to see that the coast was clear. Without wasting any time, I reached into my inventory and retrieved something—or rather, someone. It was the unnamed NPC battalion captain from the cult's invasion force. I threw him onto the ground and patiently waited.
"Hag hag hag, air, air, finally air, dark, dark, so very dark," he hysterically regained consciousness while muttering some nonsensical phrases. Gamgee must have been already knocked out when I stashed him in my inventory, so I didn't have to worry about his mental health. However, this guard was wide awake when I placed him in there. I wondered if it felt like being in an empty abyssal void where the concept of time ceased to exist. Dismissing the thought, I observed his tears and pleas for mercy, realizing that the inventory had already done the most work in breaking his mental barriers.
Roughly grabbing him by the hair, I caused him to screech in pain as he kneeled in front of me. Just like with Kagura, I shrouded him with my 'Demon Beast Magic.' However, this time, I didn't restrain its malevolent curse. Unlike how it had empowered Kagura, it began to burn and chip away at his skin, making him cry out in pain.
"Mhfff," I blocked his mouth with my fist, preventing him from making too much noise and attracting attention.
Menacingly looking down on him, I spoke, "Now. You are going to tell me where you came from. Understand?"
His reply was a desperate and frantic attempt to nod as tears flowed down his face like a river.
Weekly Power Status
-- Power
Ranking 
-- Power
stone