บท 173: Three Lullabies in An Ancient Tongue.
[Annihilation Maker (Admin): As the stars and creepy threads on the internet have foretold, a healthy dose of muting is excellent for everyone since peace and quiet can soothe the minds and make the angry masses want me dead less, but who am I to say? Whoever disagrees may speak now]
[Remaining time of the mute: 3 minutes]
[Annihilation Maker (Admin): Lovely. Mutual understanding is unquestionably the cornerstone of civilization unless you have authority as I do. But, as my late grandfather once said, a man should not waste opportunities and should always strive forward, even when things take an unfortunate turn.]
The ocean breeze blew above the watery scenery as the waves rose and fell with every beat. Leo paced along the water's surface, each step causing a ripple. The waves diminished into a dead calm sector for him alone.
[Remaining time of the mute: 1 minute]
[Annihilation Maker (Admin): For those who misinterpreted this as anything profound, I'd like to clarify that he mistook my motivation for attending the dojo as practicing to impress a girl I had a crush on since I was busy adjusting to a new world where the power scaling is based on cup-size.]
The translucent blue holographic panel hung by his side, revealing each message as well as a list of gray names.
[Annihilation Maker (Admin): Now, please flip your books to freedom of speech volume and memorize the 'your opinion doesn't matter' chapter as a beginning. It'll be a great exercise for your minds and clear any confusion concerning humans' rights]
[Big Sister Lion: Freedom!!]
[Bri-Bri: You… Explain yourself before I will…]
[NEET Princess: You have actually spent an hour by yourself, typing nonsense over and over. Consider me impressed; your prize awaits in the nearest asylum]
[Annihilation Maker (Admin): I don't appreciate ignoring my profound teaching since the Lord has taught me to guide the hopeless sheep. But, miss Kaguya, there is no need to invite me to your residence as I already know what awaits]
[Big Sister Lion: Pfff---!]
[NEET Princess: .... If you hadn't run out of Pokémon dressed as Hitler to send, I would have paid attention. I'm saving them by the way]
When scrolling up in the chat, numerous species of Pokémon, particularly the renowned yellow rat dressed in Hitler garb, are plainly seen saluting. If they hadn't used at least 100 pages of space, the view would have been spectacular.
[Bri-Bri: You're ignoring me again… good… good…]
Fearing being identified as the cause of the dorm blackout, Misaka pretended to be clueless when confronted by the dorm teacher. As the image of Leo was ignited multiple times in her head, she clenched her hands while maintaining a neutral expression.
If things couldn't get much worse, Kuroko definitely witnessed what had transpired and, for some reason, remained staring at her from the corner. To put it mildly, her eyes were frightening.
[Annihilation Maker (Admin): Your accusation is merely defamatory. My statements only stated an undeniable fact, and I'm afraid your meaningless threats, which are unworthy of time, reaffirm my point.]
[Bri-Bri: I wanted to say something, but why are you talking so… formally?]
[Big Sister Lion: Maybe he finally lost it when he talked to himself for an hour here. It's a shame that most members already logged out. I wanted to see a battlefield…]
[Bri-Bri: You can call them]
[Big Sister Lion: I prefer to live a couple more years]
[NEET Princess: Enough! Do you think it's okay to mute us and abuse the authority without a reason?! I won't stand for this!]
[Bri-Bri: Yeah! We didn't do anything wrong! If the chat you want is a place where you mute everyone and talk to yourself, then do it!]
[NEET Princess: Exactly! Mute them and leave me out of it. They clearly enjoy it to ask for it again!]
[Bri-Bri: Ye---, huh?]
Misaka's face drooped. The sides shifted too quickly and they found themselves told to the enemies. She assumed they had reached an understanding!
[Annihilation Maker (Admin): Oh, where have my manners gone? They're probably at the cemetery, but I forgot to inquire. What was that about my dear Ban Hammer being taken by you?]
[NEET Princess: As a person in the position of a leader, you aren't qualified at all. You didn't even try to group us and do your job as admin properly, instead, the role seems to be a big muting button for you.]
[Annihilation Maker (Admin): Oh, poor me, I'm not sure what distinguishes you from me, given that the only acceptable part of this position is muting. In any case, there isn't much to do.]
[NEET Princess: Precisely! Leading these bunch of… 'unique' figures from across worlds is pointless anyway! Oh, World's Will, give me the hammer or something equivalent since getting muted by this guy is the worse. The balance is important, after all]
Kaguya wouldn't lift an eyebrow at getting muted, but not by this guy. She won't accept this kind of defeat!
[Big Sister Lion: You were about to call us madmen, right?]
[Bri-Bri: Being exactly like him doesn't help the balance at all!!]
[NEET Princess: Please, don't mind these small details, Mikoto~~]
Kaguya wasn't entirely incorrect. Leadership in the chat is nearly impossible since, as the multiverse expands, many types of personalities emerge, particularly those prideful members who have achieved the pinnacle of their worlds and have the attitude to back it up.
Whitebeard is a clear example.
They may choose to cooperate for the purpose of monetary gain or personal reasons such as morals, but they are unlikely to submit, even if forced! If you impose it, it will develop into a competition, as the chat will transform into a warzone for resource gathering and infighting.
Because the existing authorities are too indolent to care, following a set of simple unwritten rules is more than adequate for the chat. Until now, this has been shown to be effective.
[Annihilation Maker (Admin): Your logic is a little perplexing to me. Isn't the Master of Chaldea an administrator as well? Furthermore, you appear to be... spending a lot of time here. Was the chat available to you at all times?]
[Bri-Bri: Apologies and I'll tell you.]
[Annihilation Maker (Admin): Please accept my apologies for your inability to grasp my undeniable truths.]
[Bri-Bri: … You can stop now]
[Annihilation Maker (Admin): … No, I'm bored]
[Bri-Bri: I'll get you back for this, just wait! This won't be the end! But of course, the chat is working normally, although we couldn't use any other function besides messages these days and now it is updated. Why do you ask?]
[Annihilation Maker (Admin): Well, I was the only one tormented by the 98%+ loading bar. Lovely]
[Bri-Bri: This makes me feel better… I think? No, come here and fight me! I'll zap your face back to the Power Curriculum Program!]
[Big Sister Lion: Justice is actually real, huh?]
[NEET Princess: Again, stop minding the small details, hey, @Advocate of Gender Equality, come here. I'm not paying you for nothing]
[Advocate of Gender Equality: What? Leave me out of your nonsense, I'm eating and… Hey! You haven't paid me anything yet!]
[NEET Princess: If you perform your job well, I'll do it.]
[Advocate of Gender Equality: Why you little…]
[NEET Princess: *Balance of 400k+ points.jpeg*]
[Advocate of Gender Equality: Very dear, respectful, and wonderful customer!]
Kazuma's messages did a 180-degree turn and became very respectful as if someone was talking to customer service.
[Big Sister Lion: This is strangely relatable. I don't like this feeling]
[Bri-Bri: -_-]
[Annihilation Maker (Admin): Oh, my impromptu priest. It's a joy to see you alive and well enough to operate as a proper human being.]
However, among the random messages, one stood out, causing Kazuma to blink many times as his cheek was full of frog meat.
[Advocate of Gender Equality: Pardon?]
[NEET Princess: He lost it after wasting all his Nazi Pokémon collection. How sad]
[Bri-Bri: That was precious, huh?]
[Advocate of Gender Equality: Oh, but what did you mean by a proper human being?]
[Annihilation Maker (Admin): Don't worry about the minor matters, my interim priest. More importantly, have you checked to see whether the chat has received any updates other than the new interface? It bothers me to see that some higher entities, such as World's Wills, are unable to create a better graphical user interface.]
[Advocate of Gender Equality: Don't dismiss my well-being as minor details!! What's more, why should I bother? Do you think I'm your personal assistant?!]
[NEET Princess: Yes, perhaps you should have done that instead of wasting an hour talking to yourself.]
[Annihilation Maker (Admin): Unfortunately, I'm having some technical issues at the moment. As a result, I've taken measurements to give you all a small breather to check out the new version and have a better understanding of it. You, on the other hand, continue to accuse me of misusing my position of power.]
[Advocate of Gender Equality: You and your position of power can go get digested in the frog's stomach with Aqua. Stop with this weird way of talking. *Gun.jpeg*]
[Big Sister Lion: Would a gun really work on him?]
[NEET Princess: Don't try to paint your dark heart white and please, what would these difficulties that you'll face in DXD? Getting stuck in a philosophical debate about breasts?]
[Advocate of Gender Equality: You had my curiosity, now you have my attention. Please, continue]
[Bri-Bri: Come of think of it, I never asked what kind of world Leo lives in.]
As the focus of the talk shifted away from essential subjects, the chat participants were inquisitive, recalling that they didn't know anything about Leo's world. Even Saitama sent a few pictures of the creatures he punched to oblivious when asked.
However, it all melted down with one message.
[Annihilation Maker (Admin): Politics and power struggles]
[NEET Princess: …]
Kaguya paused for a while to collect her thoughts. She reread the message several times, but nothing changed.
Weird. She hasn't touched Eirin's medication in a long time, so this can only mean one thing.
[NEET Princess: You… actually associated DXD with politics and power struggles. This is blasphemy! How dare you associated my soft-core hentai world with these! The only politics allowed is the fight between the three factions. Flat is Justice, Medium is Premium, and Oppai is the Truth]
[Big Sister Lion: *Whistle*~~~]
[Advocate of Gender Equality: Finally, a world that I can get behind. Quickly, Leo, does your world allow emigrants?]
[Annihilation Maker (Admin): Delightful. Although it appears that you are well-versed in the ways of boobs power, I would like to emphasize that Personality is Immortality.]
[Advocate of Gender Equality: Shhhhh, we don't talk about it, and don't believe I forgot. What exactly do you mean by 'proper human being'? Is it about the bomb you put in my brain?! Answer me, please!]
[Bri-Bri: W-W-What are you talking about?! What kind of world is this?!]
[Advocate of Gender Equality: Get out of here, child. Don't bother us, adults are talking]
[Bri-Bri: YOU!! All of you today are looking for a fight!]
[Big Sister Lion: Hey, don't group me with them]
The discussion gradually lost its sense of purpose and spiraled into anarchy, with everyone hurling messages at each other. Despite this, the discussion seems to have regained its previous vibrancy.
Everyone, notably Misaka, who wanted to high kick some individuals, eventually plunged into this bizarre rhyme of slapping each other with words. The Chat Room upgrade, on the other hand, appears to have been utterly neglected.
Unless, of course, someone wanted to barge in.
[The Strongest Man In The World: I'M BACK!]
However, when Whitebeard returned to the discussion with a fiery spirit, his message was brushed aside by the others, leaving him a bit speechless.
[Bri-Bri: Did you see something just now?]
[Advocate of Gender Equality: Must have been the wind]
[NEET Princess: Thank you, Mr. NPC]
[Big Sister Lion: It must be a hurricane then. The giant old man is here by the way.]
It was strange for Whitebeard because, as one of his world's most powerful individuals and as someone who possesses Conqueror Haki, it's usually difficult to overlook him. The thought, though, was swiftly and deliberately tossed behind his back because there's something more important.
[The Strongest Man In The World: Brat, did you just mute me?]
When Kazuma saw the most anticipated question on the chat, he sipped his drink silently while looking at the air, but his party companions didn't notice anything unusual since his gaze was fixed on a specific receptionist's chest.
[Annihilation Maker (Admin): Yes]
With the confirmation, the chat grew restless as the situation became serious enough for Kaguya to grab the popcorn.
[The Strongest Man In The World: Very good, do you have anything left to say?]
[Annihilation Maker (Admin): Yes]
[The Strongest Man In The World: Speak]
[Annihilation Maker (Admin): Git gud, you scrub]
[Big Sister Lion: Hahahahaha!!]
[Bri-Bri: …]
Misaka facepalmed and Leone slid off her chair as she imagined Whitebeard's present look, bursting the somewhat solemn mood like a balloon.
[The Strongest Man In The World: Hm? What does that mean?]
[Advocate of Gender Equality: Uhhhhh… Build some muscles, you weak chicken. Yeah, that's about right]
[The Strongest Man In The World: …]
While effectively fanning the flames, Kazuma chuckled and nodded to himself. Take a look at how helpful he is. His cynical chuckling startled his companions, who took a step back.
[The Strongest Man In The World: Hmmmmmmmm… Guahahahah! It seems you didn't learn after I cracked your skull. Good, pick the place]
[Bri-Bri: *Sigh* Why does it always devolve into fighting? Can't you talk peacefully?]
[NEET Princess: Oh my, weren't just saying you'll kick my jaw next time we meet?]
[Bri-Bri: …]
[Lion Big Sister: Maybe Hero For Fun does. Do you want to say something about getting muted?]
[Hero For Fun: Hm? It doesn't matter, I guess]
[Lion Big Sister: Tch!]
[Annihilation Maker (Admin): You are free to choose. Here, I'm still dealing with technical issues. This formation appears to be on the verge of exploding in my face. Of course, I'm not opposed to being blasted, but only after it has completed its mission.]
[NEET Princess: Your priorities don't sound cornering at all, but are you doing something big again? However, were you really locked outside of the chat for half a month?]
Looking at his reflection in the deep blue water, Leo hurled a twisted wooden cross within before a pink shine flared and disintegrated into particles.
The cross materialized out of nowhere in the unknown depths and sank into the seabed without resistance, spreading tremors throughout the ocean.
Leo adjusted his glasses as his eyes seemed to be tracking something till he murmured, feeling the mild tremor of the waves "Although artificial node construction is stable, the new channel can only handle about 20 nodes before exploding in my face."
{The errors should be attributed to the Dragon Veins in the Ocean's inherent instability. This might cause the channel to become highly unstable. The relocation of fake nodes in response to the change in the Dragon Veins should be one of the countermeasures.}
Venom swiftly assessed the situation and offered his opinions. Despite the fact that they expected something similar to happen, Leo underestimates the Dragon Veins' resilience.
Despite their attempts, the Dragon Veins appear to have had a significant reaction to the new nodes' appearance. The ideal approach is to reinforce the channel or modify the nodes' locations on a regular basis.
The first is simple brute force, but the second is a pain in the neck and there is no easy way to accomplish it.
Leo frowned, shook his head, and sighed a little before staring into the void. His vision crossed the space and landed on a white dragon-like creature before saying "Palkia, you do your best to strengthen the channel. It doesn't matter what you do; all that matters is that it remains steady. This level of vitality may be a little excessive. I'll be on the lookout for nodes."
The intangible spatial waves sunk into the artificial nodes as the space vibrated in response to Leo's remarks. Palkia wanted to take care of the nodes, but Leo shook his head.
"I would love to let you take care of the nodes, but let's be frank, you'll break them. Like… annihilated to dust"
Leo noticed the spatial fluctuation pause for a brief second before dissipating as he was idly replaying it. He felt he had caused Palkia emotional damage for some reason, but there was nothing he could do about it.
Palkia is just bad at these precise movements, especially if it demands multitasking, due to his intrinsic ability to enhance space.
Leo raised an eyebrow as he shook his head and looked at the screen drifting by. He purposefully disregarded Kaguya's mockery of him for being forced out of the Chat and concentrated on a surprising find.
[Advocate of Gender Equality: Question: What do you know?]
[Response: What is in my knowledge]
[Advocate of Gender Equality: Question: Can the admin be changed?]
[Response: There's no definitive answer in my knowledge]
[Advocate of Gender Equality: Question: Can I be an admin?]
[Response: The member identified by the username Advocate of Gender Equality doesn't meet the requirement to be an admin]
[Advocate of Gender Equality: Question: Can you be any more useless?]
[Response: Advocate of Gender Equality used all their 3 daily chances for Q&A]
[Big Sister Lion: Hahahaha!]
[Advocate of Gender Equality: … Shut up]
Kazuma learned something about a new button with a question mark icon in the conversation. Clicking on it appears to lead you to a panel where you may ask the Chat Room three questions, but it doesn't appear to be particularly useful.
Probably because Kazuma is asking useless questions that made Leo's eyebrow twitch. These idiots are still after his Ban Hammer! This is unacceptable! But this still sounds interesting to him.
It's quite rare for Leo to feel genuine curiosity about something. As long as you ask the correct question you might receive interesting information.
[NEET Princess: Thank you for being a lab rat, Kazuma. Now, let the Moon Princess teach you how to ask questions]
[NEET Princess: Question: What are the requirements to be an admin?]
[Response: There's no related information in my knowledge]
[NEET Princess: … Well, this is useless. Let's ignore it completely and never mention it again]
[Advocate of Gender Equality: Pffff---!]
[Annihilation Maker (Admin): I'd like to make a suggestion for a beneficial question. Instead of looking for new features one by one, consider asking what new features are available.]
[Advocate of Gender Equality: Why don't you do it?]
[Annihilation Maker (Admin): I refuse]
[The Strongest Man In The World: Hurry up, brat! I'm still waiting]
[Annihilation Maker (Admin): Hm? I believe you have made a bad mistake. Because I'm broke, I told you to select. You may either come here or buy me a ticket to your world if you want to fight.]
[The Strongest Man In The World: …]
When Whitebeard checked his point balance, he noticed 453 points pitifully laying there. He continued to use his points to repair his body and push himself in training, resulting in a constant lack of points.
His pride also won't allow him to ask for points. He's a pirate! He borrows things permanently, not ask for a loan!
[Annihilation Maker (Admin): I'll take your silence as a fellow poor man. Heh]
[Bri-Bri: If I leave it up to you, you'll waste the entire day and we won't be able to figure it out. Fine, I'll take care of it.]
Misaka had had enough of these guys bickering about insignificant details in every corner. As a Level 5 Esper and honor student, she'll not be swayed by these useless topics! She isn't like them! However, Misaka recalled someone as she blinked.
[Bri-Bri: I completely forgot about, Ritsuka!]
[Advocate of Gender Equality: Imagine forgetting about your friend]
[Annihilation Maker (Admin): Indeed]
[NEET Princess: Agree]
[Bri-Bri: … I'll just call her]
[Annihilation Maker (Admin): Please, let me do it. I'm rather an expert in dealing with Chaldea Masters. Ahem! @Gudako (Chaldea's Admin), if you don't want to see more bombs in Chaldea, you better appear in 3… 2… 1]
[Gudako (Chaldea Admin): I'M HERE!! Eh? What is happening?]
[Annihilation Maker (Admin): See? If it didn't work, just say you'll fire the Noble Phantasm in the kitchen.]
[Gudako (Chaldea Admin): …]
[Bri-Bri:… Question: What are the new features of the Chat Room?]
[Response: The new features of MoonLit Chat Room are the following: Q&A, Item identification not limited to items generated by the Chat Room, Simulation function is on, Side Missions function is enable, and Honorable Contribution Exchange is open]
[NEET Princess: Oh, there are a couple of new things. This is unexpected. Question: What is the Honorable Contribution Exchange?]
[Response: Between the honorable Worlds, this is a special deposit location. From month to month, 1 to 10 goods may arrive and be exchanged for Origin Tokens.]
[Advocate of Gender Equality: Jumping directly to waste money, as I expected from a rich bast- honorable costumer. But why I'm getting too many P2W (Pay to Win) vibes from this place?]
[NEET Princess: Token? I don't like the sound of it. Question: What are the Origin Tokens?]
[Response: When members complete a crucial mission, they are granted special currency according to the impact of their performance and judgment of the honorable World. This is the Original Token]
Kaguya grimaced at the response before entering the Chat Room's previous shop and discovering a new icon.
The sign glistened with a golden light and twinkled like a little star, but Kaguya remained silent since the symbol on it was... a salt shaker.
Kaguya steeled herself and clicked on it as a new panel appeared. As four alternatives revealed, the room was bathed in a magnificent golden glow.
[ Origin Token: 0
A Broken Twig: 3 Origin Tokens.
A small broken twig. Has a special aroma.
Emotional Electromagnetic Spectrum Mastery (Incomplete): 15 Origin Tokens.
The way to tap into the energy field fueled by the emotions of all sentient beings.
Mysterious Mud: 1 Origin Tokens.
Mud.
Sun Sovereignty (Hai): 5 Origin Tokens.
One of the 24 Sun Authorities.
Unnamed Book: 1 Origin Token.
Special delivery from a great, powerful, and wise World's Will.]
"...…"
Kaguya looked at it thoughtfully, scanning all of the things before settling on the large zero at the top. She can see how the icon came to be a salt shaker.
[Advocate of Gender Equality: What the hell is this? Is this the new form of torture?! Question: Why the name of some items doesn't mean anything?]
[Response: Advocate of Gender Equality used all their 3 daily chances for Q&A]
[Gudako (Chaldea's Admin): Could someone please clarify what's going on?]
[Bri-Bri: *Sigh* Give me a moment to write an explanation]
[Big Sister Lion: Are they supposed to be something important? Question: Why some items are ambiguous?]
[Response: The naming and description of items are entrusted to their respective honorable Worlds.]
To be simple, the Honorable Contribution Exchange is one of those premium stores that can be rarely used. Unlike the regular store which is used to sell and buy items between members, the World's Wills put things on random.
It can vary from overpowered goods to useless things. However, considering the personality of these World's Wills, it isn't unlikely they put it just to torture the Chat Room members.
The Origin Token seems to be a very rare currency and the useful things cost a lot unless you want to try your luck and buy something like the Mysterious Mud. Who knows, maybe it's just a regular mud, but it's mysterious because you don't know!
This is some physiological welfare too! Imagine wasting the expensive Origin Token for a piece of mud! This thought was shared by the chat member quickly as they decided the best response for this new 'feature'.
[NEET Princess: So, it's a store you can't use since you have no idea what you're buying. I recommend ignoring it and never bringing it up again.]
[Advocate of Gender Equality: Agreed, let us live our lives as if we had never seen it before. Suddenly, I'm feeling much better. Do you agree with me, sadist angel?]
[Annihilation Maker (Admin): Right]
[Notice: Congratulation to Annihilation Maker (Admin) for exchanging the Unnamed Book from the Honorable Contribution Exchange]
As the Chat Room fell silent, the colorful notice flashed with dreamlike color in front of all members. It was like a mini celebration that highlighted Leo's username. He even received a new colorful icon of VIP, screaming that he's not the same as these peasants.
[NEET Princess: …]
[Advocate of Gender Equality: …]
[Annihilation Maker (Admin): *Cough* I'd like to express my gratitude for the opportunity to meet you all after this time. It still perplexes me how you took a month to complete a mission in Konosuba. You should be embarrassed. Well, that's it… I have things to do, later!]
[Annihilation Maker (Admin) is Offline]
[The Strongest Man In The World: …]
[Bri-Bri: What did you say?!]
[NEET Princess: Come back here and spit out where did you get that Origin Token!!]
[Advocate of Gender Equality: COWARD!!]
Closing the Chat Room and leaving the wave of angry messages, Leo raised his hands as a white light flared and a thick old book appeared.
The book was jet-black in color, yet it appeared to be deteriorating towards the center. Its cover seemed to be ancient and rigid, since it was made of leather with wooden corner guards, which appeared to be frail and likely to break with a touch.
However, upon closer inspection, the blackness dissolving into the center appeared to be a twisted fog holding a slew of faces howling in anguish before vanishing into nothing.
Without a title, anybody, including those in the supernatural realm, will mistake it for an ancient book of unknown origin. Nonetheless, since the book appeared, a scruffy sensation has persisted in the air.
{My Lord, this is?}
Venom couldn't help but murmur when he saw the book. Although weak, the peculiar feeling seemed to be drawing it. Something akin to faint whispers echoed and vanished when he tried to focus. Despite this, it was unable to discern anything from the book.
Leo didn't respond right away. Instead, he immediately opened a portal and went through.
Leo arrived inside the small workshop of his mansion, under the ever-changing colors of the Dimensional Gap, and placed the book on the desk.
A pink and azure pulse of energy burst into the air, forming numerous barriers that encircled the area and totally sealed it off from the rest of the world. Unsatisfied, Leo continued to build further walls until Venom could no longer sense the outside world.
"… This is a grimoire." Leo adjusted his spectacles and spoke slowly, his gaze still concentrated on the book as he confirmed that the new subspace had been effectively created.
"This book, however, is an actual grimoire, unlike this, which is produced as a catalyst."
With the presence of the Book of the Law in Leo's hand, the mysterious grimoire finally had a reaction, although stubbled and hardly discernible.
A grimoire refers to a book containing knowledge about magic. As simple as it gets, they may contain spells to powerful alien knowledge inside of them. What is written inside them is an entirely different world in a sense, contradicting the common sense of the regular reality, making them very dangerous for any human.
The term 'Spiritual Poisoning' has a lot of ties to the grimoires as their pure knowledge is considered to be toxic for regular brains. In a sense, it's no different from Leo's eyes as the knowledge he receives daily is very pure for the human mind's consummation.
Grimoires are sentient entities, which makes them much more terrible. Their impulse is to distribute their information, regardless of whether or not it is detrimental.
If the current readers are thought unfit or attempt to prevent the grimoire from spreading its knowledge, the book will kill them and seek a new host. Some grimoires have even exploited the bodies of their previous hosts as puppets to act freely.
Of course, the grimoires definition change from one world to another, but considering this is at least 99% coming from Root, Leo went with the description he's most familiar with. Yes, this is the rest of the reward he asked for from Type-Moon World's Wills.
Unlike the rest of the members, he had one Origin Token to get something. He was unsure whether it was due to blowing a hole in the 'Hook' or anything else.
However, he must acknowledge that this is a terribly inefficient method of delivering goods, but Leo nodded because Root didn't truly want to do it. Even so, he couldn't figure out why a grimoire delivery took so long!
Of course, in order to have a noticeable influence on him, the quality must be at least acceptable, which isn't difficult given that this is merely the physical world. Unless it was something else...
"Hmmm… this is something troublesome. Maybe I should just have written a grimoire myself, but to make it effective is a hassle"
Leo knew 'it's' looking at him as he tapped the desk and stared at the quiet grimoire. If Venom detected a smudge, Leo could see the dark fog enveloping this book from every angle.
Although his 'understanding' has dramatically decreased due to his 'eyes' malfunctioning, the fact that he can't perceive the grimoire's depth demonstrates its distinctiveness.
But it still made him chuckle. Does this grimoire consider them as potential readers? How lovely, we have a bold grimoire here.
"If my memory serves me right, I requested a grimoire with Qliphothic connections from the mecha-lover (Root). It didn't matter what it was as long as it met the minimum requirements, but this... I suppose she didn't want to perform a careless job, huh? In any case, we can't leave things as they are."
Leo stood up as his sleeves expanded to his hands and morphed into jet black gloves, startling Venom who was looking at the book.
His glasses twisted into one golden monocular on his right eye as he adjusted the gloves and said "Well, shall we see what is this? Venom, have you ever cooked a grimoire?"
{Pardon, my lord?} Venom blinked his 'eyes'.
Cook a grimoire? Did he hear that correctly?
"What are your thoughts on the shape?"
Leo tapped and scraped the grimoire cover with his hand, leaving a small white mark in the process. His gaze was fixed on the book, but he mumbled since he didn't see any reaction "Its personality should be either mild or sly"
{Old and will certainly crumble to dust if you tap it too hard, my lord. However, I think this material… Human skin and flesh? A grimoire of demonic origins?}
"Not quite right… This is a new grimoire. In fact, it shouldn't be older than something from the 20th century"
Not receiving any reaction except the boring temptation didn't faze him. Coating his hands with some magical power, Leo performed the same action before saying "This old-style is solely the author's preference. It's similar to a con artist attempting to pass off a printed book as a historical document; after all, shouldn't grimoires appear ancient and mysterious? But I think he was just too edgy."
"It's evident in the manner it was presented. The information will be more cultish if it is really ancient. In a way, it conveys faith and guidance to the reader. Modern ones will lean more to the 'tool' aspect"
The grimoire, sensing the pulse of mana, eventually reacted by extending a mist darker than the night's blackness towards Leo's hand. Leo intended to reclaim the magical energy, but he raised an eyebrow when he saw the grimoire didn't absorb any mana.
Curiosity flashed over his face. Is there a grimoire that doesn't consume mana? Mana is still a kind of vitality, despite its slightly altered nature; even a grimoire that only accepts life sacrifices would not reject it.
"This isn't flesh or skin from a human... Please don't inquire as to how I know this. Anyone looking at the grimoire will unconsciously believe that, yet this material doesn't belong on this planet and doesn't resemble anything mystical I know." He kept inspecting the grimoire and triggering its reaction from time to time to figure its origin, but that fog was too mysterious for him.
The inability to accept magical power, this weird material, and stubble eerie feeling. At this stage, Leo prefers it to be made of human skin since it will at least be recognizable. Having a lot of mystery isn't a good thing, not for this grimoire.
"Well, how about…"
As the magical energy rose in the air, Leo pondered about it while tapping the grimoire cover with his finger. His index finger tapping on the book came to a halt for a brief moment as a tremendous quantity of mana gathered on its end before accelerating up.
The finger turned into a spear filled with energy stabbing straight into the grimoire.
*BAAAM!!*
From the point of collision, the wind-blasted ferociously, driving Leo's hair and clothes back and sending waves of energy all around him. As electricity sparks flew into the air, everything in the workshop was tossed away.
As Leo gazed at the grimoire, the breeze died away. There was a little dent that was smoking with heat, but Leo's hand was in horrible shape compared to the grimoire.
{My lord..}
Venom turned to face Leo, who was lifting his hand and examining what was left of it. Horrifying purplish-blackness slashed over his fingertips, devouring his flesh like rot and emitting a foul odor.
The index finger and a large piece of flesh detached and splattered on the ground as he waved his hand. Leo didn't appear bothered by it as he returned his focus to the grimoire.
Leo's decomposing hand and fragments on the ground emitted a dark fog. The latter dissipated into the air, causing the additional fog to develop on Leo's hand, which then healed as if nothing had occurred.
"It can even retaliate. This will be all for today"
Confirming this last piece of information, Leo nodded to himself before picking the grimoire.
{Won't you check the grimoire's content, my lord?}
"I would love to, but it isn't worth it. If I was the only one involved, I wouldn't mind, but there's no guarantee that the grimoire won't play a trick that affects those around me. Never underestimate an original grimoire, Venom, especially a mysterious one such as this. You can never be sure of what they have up their sleeves."
This grimoire seems to be alienating itself from all common sense. Well, grimoires never followed common sense, but they at least had similarities and patterns.
Sighing a little, Leo felt this is becoming troublesome as he stared at the grimoire and said "But I didn't say we'll leave it like this. Let's start cooking it"
{...}
Venom confirmed his last suspicion and his 'ears' are working properly.
"I'm not joking. Why would anyone cook raw food? To prepare it for ideal consummation and avoid risks. This is basically the same thing"
Leo snapped his fingers and a pink pulse of energy flickered before the space twisted into a 5-meter-tall clear pink cube. As he approached it, Leo placed his palm on the barrier and rapidly filled it with huge amounts of magical energy.
As Leo kept infusing more and more magical force till he twisted his palm, it seemed like the cube wasn't as little as it appeared. The cube started rotating slowly in the air due to an unseen bizarre force. The mana within, on the other hand, transformed into a raging vortex that spun with enormous power and emitted a horrifying screech.
"Off you go" Without a hint of hesitation, Leo tossed the poor grimoire into the vortex, watched it getting thrown away by the high energy.
"Despite the fact that the grimoire is sentient, it is still mostly reliant on instinct. We'll now force it to become acquainted with me and my energy. Placing it in a difficult situation will compel it to react until it adjusts to the new circumstances." Leo watched the grimoire slamming into the space barriers before a blue light flashed and Yamato appeared in his hand.
*Click*
Drawing Yamato slightly, Leo slashed his wrist deeply, but no blood came out. Instead, a crystal-clear white vitality rose from the wound. It made Venom feel refreshed as he understood that isn't just a simple refinement to vitality, but extraction of lifespan! This is the most important factor of the body of any living entity!
"Hmmm, how should I put? Let's put 100 years, just as a starter"
However, Leo acted as if it was nothing and poured the essence of vitality into the cube, mixing it with the ragging vortex. Using lifespan is a bit different from refining mana, although the process is highly similar and the effect is very strong. However, compare to mana, this essence of life carries a lot of Leo's aura.
"People constantly consider modifying themselves to the grimoires, but they never consider tailoring the grimoires to their needs. Well, I won't deny that the majority lacks the power to force any grimoire."
{...}
Venom continues to stare blankly. Why does this seem plausible and make sense?! Shouldn't grimoires be approached with caution and regard? As the grimoire smacked against the space barrier once again, Venom shouted inside.
The wound on Leo's wrist vanished before he rubbed his chin. Thinking about it for a while, Leo took a card from who knows where. He grabbed some of the essences of vitality and rubbed it on the card until it reduced into some sort of substance similar to sand or salt.
Sprinkling the substance on the cube like a certain Salt Bae, Leo wiped his hands before stretching his body.
"Now, with this is done. What should we do? Should we go to Europe or India? Russia is good too."
His job is finished here. The grimoire would be locked here and given the 'premium' treatment until Leo decided it was finished, leaving him with nothing to do but return to the Dragon Veins search.
"I remembered that there are Golden Dawn bastards in this world as well. Would it be okay for me to give them a 'visit'? I should be classified as a Secret Chief, although not entirely. I'm curious whether the other guys are also here."
Leo nodded to himself after deciding on his trip before recalling something and reopening the Chat Room. Those guys should be calm by now, or maybe not...
"What is this…?"
[Notice: Hero For Fun has opened a Simulation Space
Limit of Participants: Unlimited.
Strengthen Limitation: Non.
Number of Current Participants: 3]
On the screen, Saitama stood in a wasteland, silently staring into the horizon, while Kaguya and Kazuma looked about. However, before a new notice was heard, Saitama messed with a panel in front of him with a blank face.
[Notice: Hero For Fun has switched the Simulation Space mode into Training!
Level of Training: High.
Current Environmental Modification: 100 times the gravity of planet Earth]
"Wh-!"
"Kyaaaa-!!"
*BAAAMM!!*
On the screen, Saitama stood, as usual, shrugging off the extra gravity field, while Kaguya smashed face-first into the ground, creating a human-shaped sinkhole, while Kazuma barely shouted before his body shattered into countless white light particles.
[Advocate of Gender Equality: DID I JUST DIE?! AGAIN?!]
[Bri-Bri: Look at the bright side, it's not the tractor]
[Advocate of Gender Equality: Why you must hurt me like this?]
"..."
Staring at the screen in silence, Leo wondered if he should leave quietly. Under the continuous slamming of the grimoire, he stared at Kaguya sinking further and deeper into the dirt. Yeah, perhaps it's for the best.
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