Chapter 94

Somehow, I managed to update it ('ω')

The lock on the book clicked open with a sound.

At that moment, I felt the presence of the book grow stronger.

"…A grimoire? This is…"

"Yeah, it seems so."

"Really?"

Rain nodded, and Marina tilted her head.

This sensation is something only those who wield magic can understand.

For us, who use magic, a grimoire is something special—a force that expands our potential, often accompanied by a unique pressure. I can feel that from this book too.

"I wonder what's inside."

He began to flip through the pages.

The text itself is unreadable, but there are magic arrays and formulas, along with various annotations pointing to them.

This is almost certainly a grimoire.

"The formulas seem to be layered on top of each other."

"But they're a bit different. This one and this one are different here… um, and here, they're flipped upside down, maybe…?"

"It's awfully complex."

As I scratched my head, Marina and Nene, standing beside me, also tilted their heads.

"I don't understand at all."

"Me neither."

"Don't worry, I don't understand either. If only I could read it…"

I glanced over, but Ryn was still decoding the red book on Mori's lap.

At first glance, it might look like a grandfather reading to his grandchild, but Mori is the one being read to.

Since they seem busy, it doesn't seem like a good time to ask for help.

"Mr. Yuke. I think I can help."

"Silk, are you done?"

"Yes, we've become friends."

Small book-sized books were floating around Silk.

"What are those, so cute…!"

Rain's eyes sparkled.

It's rare to see Rain look at something other than magical tools with such enthusiasm.

Or maybe he thinks they are magical tools?

"Probably, with the help of this spirit, I can understand it."

"Is that so?"

"Yes, hold your hand out."

I took the hand she offered, and Silk began to chant in the spirit language, as if singing.

The spirit in the form of a book danced gracefully, and then, as if falling, my consciousness sank.

"O…ops."

"You were surprised, weren't you?"

Silk giggled, still holding my hand.

From the looks of it, nothing went wrong.

"Where are we?"

'On the book, in the book, by the side of memory.'

A whispering voice came from all around.

Looking over, I saw a white, snake-like creature with only its head protruding from the floating book.

"This is the 'Book Spirit' Biblion. An old spirit user must have summoned it to guard the library."

'Silk. This one is good.'

"Yes, he is my teacher."

'This book, a bit dangerous. Be careful.'

Looking around, it seemed we were standing on the book.

The pattern on the floor suggested it was probably the book from earlier.

"I want to know the contents of this book, Biblion. How can I do that?"

'Reading is for humans. We interpret and convey. Understand?'

"What do you mean? Biblion. Is reading different?"

'We interpret and convey. Humans read but do not convey.'

Silk initially referred to Biblion as a 'spirit of song and tradition.'

These terms suggest that reading a book is slightly different.

Reading, whether it's a grimoire or not, involves interpreting and internalizing the content.

Biblion's essence might be more about 'recording and conveying,' which is somewhat different.

Rarely is everything that needs to be conveyed written down.

So, if I ask now, Biblion can convey the essence of this grimoire to me.

…As someone who uses magic, this is a rare experience.

"That's fine, Biblion. But only to me. Silk doesn't have the aptitude for magic."

"Mr. Yuke? Is it okay?"

"Having magic formulas imprinted on your mind without the aptitude for magic could be problematic. If it's something special, just remembering it might make your head boil."

I said it jokingly, but forcing magical knowledge into someone who can't understand magic as magic can be toxic.

If the mind is filled with incomprehensible magic formulas, it could lead to becoming a vegetable (there are precedents).

To put it simply, it's like a book. A magician can organize these into a single book called 'magic' and store it on a shelf, but for someone who isn't a magician, it's like scattering pages all over the room.

'Yuke? Is it okay?'

"Yes, please. Silk, I'm counting on you."

It might sound a bit odd, but if Silk can control Biblion, her presence is literally a lifeline.

"Understood. Biblion, please."

'Leave it to me.'

My body began to sink into the book.

I could still feel Silk's hand, though.

The surroundings darkened, then brightened, became vivid, and then faded.

Voices from all directions could be heard, and some whispered in my ear. Then, I found myself speaking.

These sensations gradually converged, and the scene became clear.

A brown-haired man with glasses was sitting at a desk.

Anxiety, restlessness, a sense of crisis. He was being driven to create something.

Ah, it's the same as when I left Jamie in the 'Colorless Darkness.'

Believing in something, yet tormented by doubt and regret, the man moved forward.

I understood what he was trying to do.

"I see, this magic is…"

The man turned around at my murmur.

He shouldn't be able to see me in this memory, but he opened his mouth.

"────"

The meaning of the words he spoke flowed into me.

"I see."

As I replied, I felt a strong sense of floating and my consciousness rose from the world of the book.

How was it? ('ω')

The words Yuke was told will be revealed eventually.

If you're "curious!" or "looking forward to the next part," please change the ☆☆☆☆☆ to ★★★★★ to support me.