Re:Grimoire

Shaking my head mentally, I refocused on the kid. His eyes were wide, practically sparkling with awe.

Hmm… I don't feel like informing him of my origins. Let's just go with that.

Yes. Something like that. And with time, you too will be able to perceive the world in such a manner.

His jaw practically hit the ground.

"Seriously?! I can learn cool magic like that?! No way… this is so awesome!"

I gave a soft mental sigh. Such simple things to impress him. But, I suppose, that made it easier for me.

Then, his excitement faltered. His expression shifted, like some urgent memory snapped back into place.

"Oh… but, uh, Grim, I don't think I have time. I'm kinda in a rush be-"

I cut him off.

So you're in an emergency, then? Your life at risk? No… someone else. Someone important to you, yes?

His face brightened, eyes wide as he quickly nodded. "Yeah, yeah! There's this… um, she's in danger, and I'm the only one who knows because-"

Because you possess a unique ability, granting you knowledge of future events?

He froze.

His breath hitched, shock washing over his face like cold water.

"Wha-? How do you know that? I thought no one else could remember…"

I paused.

Ah. I see now. It isn't merely glimpses of the future, but a return to a previous point in time. A true temporal rewind. And now that we're in contact, I can sense it clearly enough. The authority of Envy, woven into him like a thread through a tapestry. Faint, but unmistakable.

Curious. She should still be alive… which means something is out of alignment. Or perhaps I overlooked something; it's possible she met her end during my stay in that wretched library. Unlikely, but not impossible. Regardless, for him to maintain his sanity while carrying that factor, his compatibility with Envy must be extraordinarily high.

Fascinating. Though naive, perhaps he truly could be the one to reach my goal.

I cleared my mental throat.

Ahem. From what I can gather, you rewind time, correct? I don't retain my memories of it either, I'm still affected, the world rewrites me as it does everything else. But I can sense the presence of an Authority within you, and the ripple of time that comes with its use. Rest assured, though. Even with my long existence dealing with such forces, I could only barely detect it. So no one else will ever notice a thing.

His mouth hung open, stunned. Then, a wide grin stretched across his face and he let out a breathless laugh. "Wow…" he muttered, eyes gleaming with awe. "She must be my sensei on this journey."

He thinks himself the chosen hero, summoned to this world for some grand, destiny-defining quest. As for me, clearly, in his eyes, the wise mentor archetype... I hope he doesn't call me a granny loli now that about it... But still, amusing nevertheless. Though… perhaps he isn't entirely wrong. Considering that absurd affinity, and the almost nonexistent corruption from Envy's factor… he may very well be the most compatible vessel I've ever seen. 

I let out a soft, private chuckle.

But then his voice pulled me from my thoughts.

"Um… Grim?" He blinked at me, face scrunched in curiosity. "You mentioned something earlier… about, uh… an Authority? Yeah, what's that?"

An Authority is a power born from the Witch Factors… remnants left behind by the antithesis of the Od Lagna...

My expression darkened, though only visible to myself, as I continued.

Od Lagna is what you would call the heart of the world. It governs magic, maintains balance, and keeps the laws of nature stable. The abilities granted by an Authority are most accurately described as the complete opposite of Divine protection, yet far more potent. When a being inherits a Witch Factor, any Divine Protections they might possess are stripped away, leaving them with only the Authority, overriding the protections.

These Authorities grant their wielder the right to interfere with the world however they see fit. It is the strongest form of power one can hold in this realm. And yet, despite being an... antithesis to the world itself, those rare individuals compatible with a Witch Factor who can wield an Authority without suffering the usual compensations or drawbacks are paradoxically the very ones recognised by Od Lagna. In other words, they alone are granted the right to defy and alter the laws of the world.

However… incompatibility with a Witch Factor comes with dire consequences. The worst of which is total mental corruption, warping the soul beyond recognition.

I let my words settle for a moment before adding, calmly and plainly:

Why I mention all this… is because you, Natsuki Subaru, carry the Witch Factor of Envy. now.

Is this explanation sufficient to answer your question?

Subaru's face went slightly pale.

His mouth opened slightly, words failing him as the weight of it all visibly settled in his chest. He swallowed hard, his gaze flickering down to the book in his hands as though hoping I'd suddenly sprout a reassuring smile or call it a joke.

I didn't.

Good. Better he know now than fall victim to it later… or worse, fail to control it and become the monster this world would brand him as.

After a long, uneasy pause, he managed to croak out, "So… that's… in me?" His voice was quieter now, the fear creeping in. No doubt he was connecting it to the way I'd described it — an antithesis to the world itself. Perhaps in his mind, he was already imagining it as something inherently evil.

"And it's what makes me… come back?"

Correct.

Through your Envy, you were granted an authority corresponding to your deepest and envied desires. What those desires are, however… I have no way of knowing. Whether it's the desperate wish to fix your mistakes or to seize the things you never had, that power responds to the shape of your soul, and has fully formed.

Now, I understand you may harbour doubts about it. Fear it. You wouldn't be the first. But you have no reason to. Because with compatibility as high as yours, you will not fall into its temptations. Nor lose yourself through its use.

However… in this era, following a certain event four centuries past, Witch Factors and by extension, all Authorities are branded as pure evil by the world's doctrine. In truth, they are naturally neutral. A tool, nothing more. But that is not how this world sees them. So I strongly advise you, Subaru, speak of this to no one.

I paused, letting the weight of my words settle.

In short, the ability you hold is a powerful Authority, born from your deepest desire. While it holds the potential for evil in the hands of the unworthy, it remains a tool. A power that can bring ruin or salvation. Created through the user's desires.

Subaru stared down at me, silent, wide-eyed, as he processed it all. His grip on my cover tightened. The world around us is quiet, save for the faint wind brushing through the alley.

Then, finally, he let out a shaky breath.

"I-I see…"

A moment passed.

Then, just like that, his face lit up with a bright, playful grin, eyes sparkling like a kid handed his first legendary gacha pull.

"Okay then! Thank you, Grim!" he beamed, voice rising with that reckless excitement of his. "Seriously, if you hadn't told me all this, I probably would've been screwed! Or dead! Or screwed and dead! Man, I totally owe you one!"

Then, without missing a beat, he struck the most ridiculous, overdramatic pose I'd seen in centuries, thumb pointed proudly at his chest, like some hero out of a bad stage play.

"I, Natsuki Subaru, no longer as clueless as before, am in your full debt!"

Pfft… what in the world is that pose supposed to be?

His grin faltered, face falling a little as my amusement leaked through our link.

"H-Hey, it's not that weird! It's cool, okay?" he huffed defensively.

Fine, fine. Very well. I'll allow you to bask in your little delusions for now.

"HEY!" he barked, face flushing in embarrassment.

But enough of that. Back to the matter at hand.

Now then… you were in quite the hurry earlier, weren't you? If my deductions are correct, you recently experienced a loop after witnessing someone you hold dear head toward imminent peril. And now, you're scrambling to prevent it from happening this time around. Would I be wrong in assuming so?

His face paled slightly, the bravado instantly dropping from his posture.

"Y-Yeah… yeah, you're spot on," he admitted, rubbing the back of his neck. "She… she's important to me. And this time… I won't let her-!"

He stopped himself, clenching his fist tightly.

I see. Admirable. Naïve… but admirable.

I am willing to help and guide you if you desire; it is my purpose after all. But first, I must ask, who is that you wish to save?

He paused for a moment, the wild energy in his expression softening. A gentler, quieter smile tugged at his lips.

"Her name's… Emilia."

...Emilia?

I had recognised that name, from my most prized contractor many centuries ago, and from what I heard during the year, Emilia, the half-elf who froze over Illinor forest. 

If that is the case, then... I see, so it is him. 

I sighed mentally, a smile forming on my face, before falling as I realised the implications.

I see. Then, I can safely assume you are not yet near the strength you desire, nor capable of overcoming this adversity as you are now. Especially considering your Authority holds no immediate means of attack, only preservation.

Thus, I extend an offer. to help you with your goals

Contract with me.

Open my pages. Bind your fate to mine. In doing so, I shall become your mentor, your guide through this unforgiving world. I will shape you into a mage so formidable that none shall stand against you. Power, knowledge, technique, all within your reach, should you accept.

Now, Natsuki Subaru… what is your answer?

Subaru stared down at me, the weight of my words settling on his shoulders. His brows furrowed, gaze flickering between my cover and the dim alley around us, as if searching for some invisible sign or omen to guide him.

Then, slowly, a grin pulled at his lips. That stupidly bright grin of his.

"Heh… well, I'd be an idiot to say no, right?"

He reached out, fingers brushing my cover, then carefully opening my pages. A faint pulse of light shimmered between us, as our Od's tethered between us. 

"I accept, Grim-Sensei, please take care of me."

Wise decision, Natsuki Subaru. From this moment, until death parts us.

A soft flash of gold flickered to void black, so brief it was almost a trick of the eye. before fading into nothingness.

The pact was sealed. fates now entwined. never to be severed, unless one meets their end.

A/N hope you enjoyed reading, despite it being kinda boring. now, let's see where the story takes us?

if there is OOC or mistakes, please tell me.

if there are parts you don't like tell me, i might take into consideration

bye bye.

Arc 1 - The Dawn Among Shadows.

begins