What the Hell Is This?
“W-what the hell is this?”
Yoahim couldn’t figure out what the fuck was going on.
He’d dozed off for a bit and dreamed of Kakali. Then he’d snapped awake, and when he came to, the book had flipped itself open, radiating a bizarre glow.
One phrase echoed in his mind: Ha Meks Han.
He’d uttered it in the dream, and this was the result.
◈ An ancient grimoire used by a mighty black mage of immense power. Due to prolonged sealing, it has lost most of its strength. Regain its original power through combat. MAX level 10.
◈ Equip Effect: Intellect +40. Max mana +300.
◈ Active Skill: Soul Theft (Permanently steal one magic skill from a designated target. Stolen skill level matches Ha Meks Han's level. Cannot steal owned skills. Current steal slots: 1)
“The grimoire’s seal has been broken?”
The guide window said the book’s name was Ha Meks Han, that it was a grimoire, and that its seal had just been released.
Yoahim cautiously picked up the book and checked its item info.
“This is insane……”
Yoahim blankly reread the item details.
Ha Meks Han had no item grade. Instead, it had levels. Meaning this was a growing item that leveled up through combat.
Nothing like it existed in the original game.
And even more shocking was the grimoire’s skill.
Stealing an opponent’s skill? Permanently?
“Looking at the effects, it’s practically hero-grade already.”
Even at Lv.1, with most of its power lost, Ha Meks Han rivaled hero-grade items. At max level, it might even compete with legendaries.
“Hah, Veros, you dumb fuck. You had this and couldn’t even use it before dying?”
If Veros had wielded it from the start, Yoahim would’ve been toast for sure.
But even Gregorius, chairman of the Kalsara Council, hadn’t recognized it, so Veros probably lacked the ability to use it anyway.
“Ugh…… Thanks, Kakali……”
He regretted not offering sacrifices sooner. After hunting countless monsters, he’d never once made an offering.
“Right now, the key is picking the right skill to steal.”
He could only steal one skill at the moment. It’d probably increase with levels, but for now, just one.
No take-backs either. If he could, he’d yoink skills situationally without needing to level it up.
“Gotta think this through carefully.”
Opportunity was limited. No rushing—deliberate choice required.
This wasn’t borrowing; it was permanent theft. Target had to be someone he’d only get one shot at.
“Gregorius?”
The chairman likely had powerful skills. Even non-combat ones like alchemy would work—steal that, mass-produce his potions, skyrocket stats.
“But too risky.”
Losing one skill wouldn’t cripple a mage like him. He’d hunt Yoahim down relentlessly.
No point taking that heat.
“Overpowered skills can backfire. Hard to use effectively.”
Yoahim was a Dark Knight, not a mage. Black magic was supplementary. His main stats were strength and vitality—high-mana skills would be wasted, underpowered without enough mana anyway.
“Already got Magic Missile, so no.”
Needed low-mana, solid-damage skills.
“Fuck, this is tricky.”
Conditions: beatable target, low mana cost, high damage. All stemmed from Yoahim’s incomplete growth.
Maybe save it, steal later when stronger. Not urgent.
Yoahim went to store the grimoire in his inventory, then paused.
“Oh shit, gotta show Lilith tomorrow.”
This wasn’t just any grimoire—it was a black mage’s. If she deemed it dangerous and confiscated it, a Lv.27 Dark Knight couldn’t stop a max-level mage.
And this was a mage tower. Other mages would intervene even if she didn’t.
Yoahim hummed thoughtfully and closed the book. The radiant glow faded, leaving an ordinary worn tome.
“How to handle this.”
No way he’d surrender such a treasure.
He’d figured out the book’s nature—maybe bail now? Meeting Lilith mattered, but she wasn’t his only character. Holy Knight Radius, Saintess Liana, others too.
No need to force it.
Decision made, Yoahim packed his bag to slip out of the tower. If Merilda questioned, he’d say he needed to buy stuff.
Glancing out the window, it was evening. Nightfall soon—perfect cover in the dark.
Slinging his bag over his shoulder, he took a step toward the door.
“Yoahim, you in there? Sorry to disturb your rest.”
Gregorius’s voice.
Yoahim froze, swallowing hard.
“Yoahim? You asleep?”
He hadn’t left the room once—Gregorius knew he was here. Pretending to sleep wouldn’t work if he ignored the knock.
No overreacting, Yoahim thought. Gregorius didn’t know about the book. Probably just chatting.
Steeling himself, he replied slowly.
“Sorry. I dozed off. Opening up now.”
He set the bag down and approached the door. Turning the knob, it creaked open.
“Sorry for waking you. Urgent business. About that book we discussed—supposed to appraise it with the Tower Master tomorrow, but……”
Gregorius stood crisp in his uniform. Yoahim stared at his face, but the words barely registered.
The chairman wasn’t alone.
A woman stood behind him.
Yoahim gaped the instant he saw her.
Too beautiful? Not wrong. Slender, long-legged, nearly as tall as him. Indigo hair, golden eyes gleaming. Black robe with slits flashing thighs on movement. Diamond cutout at the chest drew the eye. Sleeveless, exposing shoulders; long white gloves.
More dress than robe.
But her looks or bold outfit weren’t the shock.
Thighs, shoulders, chest, neck, under eyes—tattoos of strange script and symbols everywhere.
Instinct screamed: spells. Each tattoo a incantation.
Implication clear.
Yoahim looked up, above her head. Gregorius’s voice droned like BGM.
“……schedule wrapped early, so she just returned. No need to wait—said she’d look now.”
The confirmation hit; Yoahim staggered back a step. Heart racing.
“Hm? You alright?”
“Ah… yeah. Just dizzy for a sec.”
“The potion? Tell me if so—need to log side effects.”
Shut the fuck up already.
Yoahim swallowed his words, forcing a smile.
“No, I’m fine.”
“Good. As I said, Tower Master arrived a day early. We get the appraisal today.”
Yoahim eyed Lilith’s subtle smile, then back to Gregorius. Silent.
“Here? Right now?”
“Why go elsewhere? Just identifying the book.”
“You observing too, Chairman?”
“Indeed. Curious myself.”
One less would be better.
As Yoahim rolled his eyes for an excuse, Lilith spoke.
“No, Chairman—you’re busy. Handle your duties.”
“Eh? You want me gone?”
“I’ll inform him of the book’s nature.”
Gregorius hesitated, then nodded. Unhappy, but no defying his master.
“Then…… tell me later.”
“Of course.”
Lilith giggled elegantly. Gregorius glanced at Yoahim lingeringly, then left.
Now, just Yoahim and Lilith.
Tension gripped him—not from the grimoire, just her presence. His creation, yet untouchable.
“Just us now.”
Rose scent pierced his nose. Yoahim instinctively stepped back.
She closed the gap.
Casual speech okay? My character, but polite? Shit.
Amid swirling thoughts, Lilith smiled again.
“Don’t worry. I won’t bite.”
Why you gotta do me like this.
Yoahim reflexively swallowed.