Chapter 371: Grimoire II
Dave smiled faintly at Asta’s question, shaking his head.
"Whether I get a grimoire or not doesn’t matter. My path’s already different. But you two..." his eyes sharpened, reflecting the firelight, "...you’ll need yours. And when you do, don’t waste them."
Asta stared for a moment, then broke into a grin. "Heh! Then I’ll show you tomorrow, Dave! Just wait and see—I’ll get the coolest grimoire in Clover Kingdom!"
Yuno closed his book with a snap, glancing at them both. "Don’t misunderstand. I’ll get the strongest grimoire, and I’ll surpass both of you."
The crackle of the fire sealed their silent promises. Soon after, one by one, they drifted into sleep—preparing for the dawn that would change everything.
The Next Morning – Hage Village
The sun rose clear and golden, bathing the village in warm light. Excitement buzzed in the air. Children were running through the dirt paths, some already dressed in their best clothes, shouting about the ceremony.
Inside the church, Sister Lily fussed over Asta’s messy hair while he squirmed.
"Hold still, Asta! At least try to look presentable for once."
"I am presentable!" Asta argued, puffing his chest, though his wild hair begged to differ.
Father Orsi chuckled, adjusting Yuno’s cloak while the boy stood tall and regal, already carrying himself like a noble. "Well, Yuno’s ready at least. Dave—"
"I’m fine." Dave said simply, leaning by the doorframe, arms crossed. His clothes were simple but neat, his wooden practice sword strapped casually to his back. His calm presence contrasted perfectly with Asta’s jittery energy.
The group gathered, and with farewells from the younger children echoing behind them, they set off down the worn dirt path toward the nearby town.
Grimoire Tower – Outskirts of Hage Village
The tower stood tall and ancient, its stone walls crawling with vines, windows glowing faintly with the promise of magic. Already, dozens of youths were gathered at its base, dressed in their finest. Some whispered nervously, others boasted loudly about the kind of grimoires they’d receive.
Asta’s eyes were practically sparkling. "Woooah! Look at all of them! I can’t wait!"
Yuno kept his expression unreadable, but his gaze was sharp, scanning the crowd. "Too many are already underestimating us."
Dave stood quietly between them, his eyes drifting to the tower itself. His Null Magic pulsed faintly in his soul—restless, as though it knew something was about to happen.
The great wooden doors creaked open. A robed attendant’s voice carried over the crowd.
"Welcome, children of Clover. Today, the Grimoires shall choose their wielders."
The murmur of voices hushed. The air grew heavy with anticipation.
Inside, glowing shelves upon shelves of ancient tomes stretched high, each book radiating mana. Light began to fall from the shelves—grimoires flying into the hands of their chosen wielders. Cries of joy and awe filled the tower.
Yuno stood tall, his sharp gaze focused.
Asta was bouncing on his heels, hands outstretched.
Dave only folded his arms, his eyes narrowing as he waited.
And then—it began.
The tower pulsed with light as one by one, grimoires flew from the shelves into the hands of the chosen. Gasps of delight echoed through the chamber.
"Mine has three leaves!"
"Ha! A sign of great luck!"
"I’ll definitely make it into a Magic Knight squad now!"
The air was thick with mana, the glow dazzling.
Asta stood at the very front, arms wide open, grinning from ear to ear.
"Alright! C’mon, grimoire—get over here already!"
The light swirled higher and higher, searching, choosing... until finally, a single tome descended gracefully.
It stopped in front of Yuno.
Gasps rippled through the hall. The book wasn’t just glowing—it was blazing with golden brilliance. Four distinct clovers marked its cover, their leaves radiating hope, luck, and destiny itself.
"A four-leaf clover grimoire!" the attendant announced in awe. "The same as the First Wizard King himself!"
The hall erupted into whispers and cheers.
"A four-leaf! Incredible!"
"He must be a prodigy!"
"He’s destined for greatness!"
Yuno accepted the grimoire silently, his expression calm. But for the briefest moment, his eyes softened—just a flicker of pride. He turned, holding it close to his chest.
Asta’s jaw nearly hit the floor.
"Wha—?! FOUR LEAVES?! That’s awesome, Yuno!!" He practically jumped with excitement. "Okay, okay! Mine’s gonna be even crazier! Just you wait!"
The crowd grew quiet again as more grimoires flew out. One by one, every youth received their tome... until the light in the tower began to fade.
Asta stood there, arms still stretched out.
"Uh... hello? Mine? Any second now..."
The last light flickered out. The shelves grew still.
Silence.
Confusion spread across the hall. Snickers began to rise.
"Wait... he didn’t get one?"
"Impossible. Doesn’t that mean... he has no magic?"
"Hah! What a joke. He came all this way for nothing."
Asta’s eyes widened. His hands trembled.
"W-wait... no way... There’s gotta be some mistake, right?!"
The whispers turned cruel.
"No magic, no grimoire."
"What a failure."
"How embarrassing."
Asta’s face twisted with frustration and shame, his voice cracking.
"DAMN IT! WHY?!"
He slammed his fists to his side, veins bulging as laughter echoed around him.
Yuno turned, brows furrowed, his sharp gaze silencing some of the laughter. "Don’t mock him." His voice was calm, but there was weight behind it. "Asta’s stronger than any of you."
Still, the crowd muttered. Asta lowered his head, biting his lip, fists trembling.
And then—
A ripple.
The air grew heavy.
Everyone turned as the shelves, thought empty, suddenly trembled. A faint hum echoed through the chamber. From the very back, buried in dust and shadow, a single tome dislodged itself.
It floated slowly forward, its cover gleaming with a muted silver-black sheen, almost like moonlight reflecting off steel. Etched into the front was a pristine white four-leaf clover, glowing faintly—not ominous, but dignified, serene, as though it carried quiet authority.
Gasps spread through the hall.
"A... another four-leaf?!"
"That makes two in the same generation?!"
"Unbelievable..."
The book hovered in front of Dave.
He stared at it, his expression unreadable, before slowly raising his hand. The tome snapped into his palm, heavier than it looked, its pages humming with calm energy—neither blazing like Yuno’s, nor empty like Asta’s, but steady, balanced.
Whispers filled the tower.
"Another prodigy..."
"A four-leaf again... this is unheard of."
"What kind of magic is his...?"
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