Chapter 57 (1/2)

Zero Library Delicacy #3

“The preparations are finished,” Theo said.

Vince, who was also immersed in reading, looked at Theo. Vince knew how much Theo had concentrated in the past six days, but he couldn’t help exclaiming with admiration. The book [Battle Song] was famous for its theory and vocabulary which was different from existing magic systems. There were a few phrases which were unclear, attesting to their foreign origin.

‘But taking less than a week to comprehend it… Theo’s comprehension is beyond my expectations!’

The cover of the book had become even more tattered during the last six days. In a situation where the understanding didn’t reach 100%, calling it ‘complete’ might be offensive. However, it was difficult to understand any more of the book’s contents without the author.

The differences in perception between the author and reader: the noise caused by the gaps between the eras and civilizations; the various interpretations of different expressions; and so forth… When such errors were reduced, Theo’s understanding was at 95%.

Vince already had nothing he could teach Theo about ‘Battle Song.’ In fact, Theo might have a deeper understanding in some parts. It wasn’t an exaggeration to say that skill in magic was different from comprehension.

For Theo to improve the magic as a 5th Circle magician, it was impossible. If it was that simple, then other magicians would’ve already announced the improved magic. The current situation was one in which he could only have Gluttony eat the book.

“Hooo… Then I shall start.” Theo took a deep breath and extended his hand.

This was the third time he would experience something like this.

The first time had been when Gluttony ate Alfred Bellontes’ [Ballistics Magic] and shared Alfred’s experience on the battlefield. The memory of shooting the Magic Bullet was still engraved vividly in his mind.

The second time had been when [Introduction to Elemental Magic] had been eaten and he’d met Myrdal. Myrdal had casually seen through Theo and called Mitra for Theo to make a contract with.

‘What will happen this time?’

The previous two times had been ‘Rare’ books, but the rank of this book was ‘Treasure.’ It was likely that an unpredictable phenomenon would occur.

“…Eat.”

–I have been waiting, User!

Theo’s left hand was held open, and the tongue emerged and found its prey. Gluttony paused for a moment like it was enjoying the taste of [Battle Song] before swallowing it. This was the moment when a book from the Zero Library would be permanently lost.

[‘Battle Song’ has been consumed. Your understanding is very high.]

[The unique magic ‘Battle Song’ has been acquired.]

[An original book has been consumed. Checking synchro rate with Lee Yoonsung… It is judged to be at a very suitable level. Lee Yoonsung will interact with the user. Lee Yoonsung has accepted the spiritual connection.]

[Synchro is starting.]

His ears started ringing when he heard the familiar voice of the guide. As he felt the sense of confusion which came with his consciousness being separated forcibly, Theo collapsed silently onto the bed.

Vince’s worried voice echoed as Theo’s consciousness was sucked away.

Theo fell into the infinite abyss of knowledge inside Gluttony.

***

Wuuuong…

As Theodore regained consciousness, a refreshing wind blew against his face. It wasn’t a wind which could be felt on the plains. He knew from his past experiences playing in an old mountain valley.

This was a light wind which could be felt near a mountain peak. Theo’s lips moved by themselves as he understood this fact.

“…How is it? Is this a good wind?” It was a voice Theo had never heard before.

Since he had already entered Alfred’s body, Theo quickly accepted the situation. He had been half confident when he lost consciousness while hearing the word ‘synchro.’ Then the owner of this body must be the magician, Lee Yoonsung, who wrote [Battle Song].

‘By the way, who was he talking to just now?’

“You, the person who is in my body right now.”

‘Heok!’ Theodore jolted with a surprised expression as he was spoken to.

Whether he believed it or not, the man was standing and pointing his finger in one direction. Theodore’s gaze followed that finger. Then in the distance, a wooden building which looked like a large mansion came into his view. Even though he was looking down from a mountain peak, the structure was clearly visible.

“I was born into the Fairy Dance Lee family which protects the Baekun Mountains. If this were in the western countries, it would be similar to being the successor of a family of knights.”

‘Western countries? Perhaps an Eastern person?’

“Yes, it seems like this wasn’t known after my death.”

‘An Eastern person!’ Theodore’s consciousness stirred for a moment.

There was a place to the southeast of the Meltor Kingdom and could only be reached by crossing the sea. It was a place where aura was more predominant than magic, so magicians were reborn as independent magicians.

‘How did an Eastern person come to Meltor and create his own magic like Battle Song?’ It was natural for Theo to wonder about that.