Living My Third Life In Danmachi Chapter 25: Grimoire

Chapter 25: Grimoire

"Got it!!!!!!!!!!"

When I woke up in the morning, Riseria was running around like crazy, making a racket.

Jeez, that kid Rumi cried herself to sleep because her grandpa died yesterday. She’s going to wake up if you keep this up. Calm down.

“I finally finished it! It’s done! It’s really done!”

Riseria, clutching a massive book as thick as a college textbook, jumped around in a frenzy before hugging me and cheering.

……What an unfortunate chest you have there! I mean, it’s bigger than Loki’s, but still.

Did someone call me?

Wait, son? Don’t react! Is it because you haven’t been “self-sufficient” lately? Don’t react! I didn’t call you! Sure, I might have a soft spot for smaller chests, but I didn’t call for you!

“What did you finish?”

“The grimoire!”

What was that again, some kind of spell-compulsion book or whatever?

I think the price for that thing was… probably over a hundred million Valis, if I remember correctly.

“You made that?!”

“It’s thanks to my skill! I focused solely on grimoire research, and after adapting that knowledge, I finally managed to make one!”

Riseria’s only been an adventurer for three months now. Still, for her to create something like this… I’ve got to give her credit for the effort.

At least she looks happy, so that’s good.

“Now our household has two grimoires!”

“That’s awesome! Even if each is worth a hundred million, that’s two hundred million!”

“Nope. I’m not selling it. I’m going to use it.”

“What?!”

This household’s already struggling financially as it is!

Though, using it could be a good thing. I mean, I do have a spell, but the more magic, the better. It could come in handy for Lili, or even Rumi.

Riseria, though, can’t use it. Her skill’s effect wiped out her magic slots, so trying to use one would be a waste.

“One of them I got somewhere—I don’t even remember how—but I made the other one myself, so I’ll use it. I mean, it’s my first creation. I’d like to see it put to good use rather than selling it.”

“Well then, let’s gather everyone and hold a meeting.”

Here we go. The third Susanoo Familia meeting is now in session.

For the record, the first meeting’s topic was “What’s for dinner tonight?” and the second was “Where should we hold our group meal?” This is the first time we’re having a proper discussion.

A grimoire.

A ridiculously powerful item that forces magic activation. In some cases, it can even increase the number of magic slots. When I asked Riseria about hers, she said:

“Mine’s special. It can also increase slots.”

“That’s amazing.”

I just gave her a thumbs up.

Now for the candidates. Me, Lili, and Rumi. …That’s a pitifully small pool. And apart from me, everyone else is a girl.

“I’d like Lili to learn it.”

“I think Lili should let Rumi have it.”

“I think Dad should use it.”

What is this, some kind of ‘passing the responsibility’ game? Everyone’s just deflecting it to each other.

I mean, I thought it would be better for Lili to have it since she’s a combatant and could benefit from more survivability. But why does Lili think otherwise?

“Well, Lili already has at least one spell, but Rumi doesn’t have any. As long as we can keep supplying grimoires, it’s fine if Lili takes her time to get more.”

“Wow, you’re really looking out for your sister. Such a kind older sibling.”

“...Wait a second. When exactly did Rumi become my daughter?! Did you adopt her without telling me?!”

“I simply said, ‘Hey, you’re my daughter now,’ and she agreed on the spot.”

“So, same thing as with Lili, huh?”

Lili, you were a bit tsundere about it at first. Rumi cried a little but agreed right away.

I was about to let Rumi have it, but then I remembered she hadn’t even received Blessing yet.

“I’m fine, really. I’m going to be a blacksmith like Grandpa, so I don’t need magic that much. I think it’d be more helpful for Dad, since he fights so often.”

“Man, the second daughter’s looking out for me more than the first one… I feel this warmth rising in my heart! Could it be… love?”

“Sounds more like your inner pervert to me!”

A harsh comment, but accurate—zero damage taken.

“Can I say something too?”

“Oh, Susanoo, please share your thoughts.”

“I think it would be best if Luke used it.”

“What?”

Of all the things he could have said, I never expected that. I thought he’d back me up on giving it to Lili, or maybe even Rumi. But no—he blindsided me.

Why me? I already have a spell, and it’s incredibly useful in combat.

It’s really only good for opening opportunities or dealing with weaker enemies, but it’s useful enough that having another spell wouldn’t hurt—though I’m not really expecting much out of it.

“We’re just a small familia. If we ever get enemies, this guy’s our ace, so we might as well put everything we’ve got into him.”

“I want to use Fire Fist!”

“You idiot, not that ace!”

I know, I just felt like making a dumb joke.

Honestly, though, I’m the most capable in combat among us. Sure, Riseria’s magic is crazy strong, but if I just go bam! and punch someone, it’s game over.

Now that I’ve hit Level 3, I’m ridiculously strong. Unless Riseria hits Level 2, she’s no match for me.

But if she leveled up and used magic, I’d be terrified. If I got hit by that, even I might be done for.

“Well, it’s true. If that’s our god’s reasoning, then I’ll go along with it,” Lili said.

“I’m okay with it too,” Rumi added.

“So it’s unanimous. Luke will read this one. But when the next grimoire comes along, we’ll pick someone other than Luke. It’s just a matter of time.”

“Yeah, great deal, that.”

Riseria handed me the ridiculously thick grimoire—about the size of a college textbook.

I guess I’ll read it quietly in my room.

...

As soon as I started reading, I fell asleep. No, it was more like I lost consciousness. When I realized something was off, I smacked myself in the head a couple of times and tried to resist with my “Resistance” stat and my mental fortitude. But there was no malice behind it, so I let it happen.

[A voice echoed in my mind.]

[“To the one who seeks magic: I have placed a mirror here for you. If you desire it, you shall have it. If you desire it, you shall grasp it. If you desire it, you shall possess it.”]

Wait—was that… my own voice?

Sounds pretty rough. If I heard that out loud, I’d think the person had a terrible personality.

[“Then let us begin.”]

I faced myself—multiple versions of myself in a range of colors and appearances. Even though it was a dream, everything felt unsettlingly real.

A strange world. Strange sensations.

[“What is magic to me?”]

Magic is a form of self-defense for women and children—no, that’s just a dumb joke.

To me, magic isn’t a visible power. It’s something that supports that power.

[“What is magic to me?”]

Strength.

It’s a way to overturn the odds. A symbol of unwavering, solid strength.

[“What is magic to me?”]

Power.

Steel.

A blade.

It may not be the greatest hero I’ve never seen in my life. But there was one. My teacher, the senpai, and my wife who inspired me, who made me fall in love for the first time. Her strength.

Graceful swordsmanship. Unyielding steel. And power.

I already have strength, but I’ve always admired steel and the blade.

[What do you seek in magic?]

Simply, strength.

Strength to survive.

Strength to kill my enemies.

If I kill all my enemies, at the very least, the blood won’t splash onto those behind me. I’ll bear it all myself.

[Is that all?]

Yeah.

Just the admiration I had for my mentor. If even a piece of garbage like me can have that admiration, then magic for that purpose.

[Still caught up in juvenile fantasies, huh?]

Ouch, that hit hard.

[But that’s just who I am—you are.]

The version of myself on the other side smiled.

...

Luke Blade

LV.3

Strength: SS 1278

Endurance: SSS 1345

Dexterity: S930

Agility: SS 1107

Magic: C637


<Development Abilities>

Resilience: H

Resistance: 1


<Magic>

【Fear of Reaper】

Chant: 『Show the enemies before me the terror of the reaper』

•Support magic

•Applies to enemies within a certain radius of the user

•Inflicts status ailments such as instant death, paralysis, fear, or stiffness

•Effects may vary depending on the level difference with the target


【Ryujin】

Chant: 『To kill the heavens, one must have murderous intent. Tear apart the moon, pierce through the sun. I am the most sinister villain, the one who blocks the hero’s path. My intent stretches even to the heavens and extends across the world.』

•Enhancement magic

•Strengthens endurance

•Grants sharpness to body parts

•Reflects the user’s personality


<Skill>

【Lord of Killer】

•Allows the user to kill anyone.

•Reduced guilt about killing.

•Temporary stat increase in battles fought with murderous intent.

•Permanently increases stats upon defeating strong foes.


【Killer Doll】

•Breaks through limits.

•Moves through murderous intent even when stamina is fully depleted.

•Continues fighting despite critical injuries.


【Character Imagin】

•Imitates.

•Utilizes.

•Usage depends on the strength of the heart.

It seems I’m having a hard time shaking off my chuunibyou tendencies.