Chapter 92
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Translator: Wjin
Chapter: 092
Chapter Title: The Swindler and the Staff (6)
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‘Gilbert, return.’
Hearing my words, Gilbert immediately began making his way back.
And I addressed the Inky Cloud Grimoire.
“Say something.”
Naturally, there was no response.
But I didn’t stop there—I kept prodding the Inky Cloud Grimoire.
Did my persistence pay off?
Finally, the grimoire’s voice began to echo.
《Why do you keep calling me?》
A voice laced with irritation.
Still, I was thrilled.
I could finally get some answers to my questions.
“Nice to meet you. I have a few questions—mind if I ask?”
I spoke to the distant Inky Cloud Grimoire.
To my surprise, it readily engaged.
《A few? That’s too many. Just one question.》
The Inky Cloud Grimoire allowed just one question.
So I paused to think.
What should I ask it?
‘Should I ask what it wants?’
My first instinct was to inquire about its request.
But I quickly dismissed it.
Just like with the Cumulonimbus Grimoire, I might be able to read it without fulfilling any demand.
In that case...
‘I’ll ask about the silence.’
I’d encountered two lightning grimoires so far.
The Cumulonimbus Grimoire and this Inky Cloud Grimoire.
Both had been mute.
Why did they behave differently from other grimoires?
That’s what intrigued me.
“Both the Cumulonimbus Grimoire and you—why won’t you speak to me?”
I wondered what it would say.
I focused intently on the Inky Cloud Grimoire’s response.
And soon, its answer came.
《The Lord of Thunder and Lightning chose you. Out of respect for him, we made no demands of you. There—that answers it, right?》
The Lord of Thunder and Lightning chose me.
That line reminded me of what the Underground Guide Grimoire had once said.
‘It called me a human chosen by the Usurper. Does that mean the Usurper is the Lord of Thunder and Lightning?’
The thought had barely formed when I voiced it aloud.
“Is the ‘Lord of Thunder and Lightning’ you mentioned the Usurper?”
Right after my question...
I heard the Inky Cloud Grimoire sigh.
And then its reply followed.
《Don’t use the word ‘Usurper.’ His Greatness doesn’t care for it.》
A warning from the Inky Cloud Grimoire.
My guess had been spot on, it seemed.
The Usurper and the Lord of Thunder and Lightning were one and the same.
As that realization sank in, the grimoire’s voice returned.
《I said one question, but you ignored me. Don’t do it again. We’re not as patient as you think.》
With that, the Inky Cloud fell silent.
And Gilbert arrived before me.
“Good work.”
I praised Gilbert and took the Inky Cloud Grimoire from him.
Its cover immediately sprang open.
The pages began flipping rapidly.
Just like with the Cumulonimbus Grimoire.
‘The Lord of Thunder and Lightning. Is he the one who brought me to this world? Wait—is he even human?’
As the pages turned, I pondered the Lord of Thunder and Lightning the Inky Cloud Grimoire had mentioned.
The circumstances suggested he’d dragged me here.
But I lacked enough information to form a solid judgment.
So I reached no conclusion.
Tak!
At that moment, the Inky Cloud Grimoire snapped shut.
It soon crumbled to dust and vanished.
Simultaneously, information flooded my mind.
I cleared my stray thoughts and focused on it.
‘Spreading Lightning?’
Spreading Lightning
Mana Cost: 48
A thick bolt of lightning fires at the enemy, then spreads to nearby foes on hit. Similar to leaping flames.
The spell contained within the Inky Cloud Grimoire.
Spreading Lightning—a technique that shot a thick bolt of lightning at the enemy.
If it hit? True to its name, the lightning would chain to other enemies nearby.
Like spreading flames.
The mana cost matched at 48.
‘Not bad.’
I was pleased with the Inky Cloud Grimoire.
The spell’s power seemed impressive, and reading it boosted my magic power by a whopping 50.
Plus, unlike Jake’s grimoire fusion magic, it didn’t demand the mage’s lifespan as payment.
“Let’s heal up before heading back.”
After learning the new spell...
My first task was treating Gilbert.
The method was simple.
Channel my magic power, and the body-shaping spell would rapidly restore his form.
“All done.”
Gilbert’s charred skin returned to normal.
I had him don his armor again.
After reading the Inky Cloud Grimoire...
I returned to the village with Gilbert.
The villagers were still bustling about.
Repairing the collapsed fences, gathering the barghest corpses in one place—they were hard at work on cleanup.
Seeing them, I was glad I’d brought gifts.
“Let’s wrap this up quick and eat.”
As my words ended, Gilbert carefully set down the deer and wild boar slung over his shoulders.
On the way back, I’d thought food would be the best way to lift their spirits.
So I’d had the undead knights hunt them down.
“Did you catch these yourself, sir?”
Were they staring because of the deer and boar?
All eyes turned to me.
The Village Chief approached and asked.
His gaze mixed hope and fear—hope for meat, fear of poaching punishment.
I decided to ease his worries.
“Me? Poaching’s illegal—why would I? I just found these freshly dead deer and boar by chance and brought the carcasses back. Quite fresh, too.”
The Village Chief glanced at the bodies.
Clear knife wounds marred their throats.
Signs of human attack.
But he pretended not to notice.
“What joyous fortune!”
“Yeah, lucky indeed.”
The Village Chief and I exchanged smiles.
The villagers, overhearing, erupted in cheers.
They knew whose mouths that meat would fill.
“Let’s finish cleanup first.”
“Understood.”
The Village Chief bowed politely and returned to his post.
He began directing the villagers.
As he left, Bear, Connell, and the others approached.
Battle-worn and disheveled, but no serious injuries.
“Everyone, good work.”
I examined the group closely.
They’d faithfully carried out my orders—I was proud.
I checked meticulously for any issues I might’ve missed.
‘Looks like they’re all fine.’
Bear and Connell seemed unfazed.
Skirmishes like this were routine for them.
A reaction born of rich combat experience.
The able-bodied men and mercenaries? Relaxed confidence shone on their faces.
Experience at work again.
But the battle newbies looked grim.
The young men from Evergreen and the big trio’s squires were pale as ghosts.
The shock had hit them hard.
Not much I could do about that...
They’d have to overcome it themselves.
“Rest up, and let’s feast later.”
I encouraged them like that.
I could’ve ordered them to help with cleanup, but I let them rest.
Everyone but Bear and Gilbert must be exhausted.
No one would complain about giving a break to the heroes who’d staked their lives against the barghests.
And if they did, I’d handle it.
Cleanup finished as dusk fell.
A bonfire blazed in the village center.
Atop it, well-prepared deer and boar roasted.
The village women’s skill had them golden-brown, juices dripping.
‘About time to eat.’
Villagers sat around the fire, eyes glued to the meat.
Some kids, unable to resist the aroma, whined to parents and earned scoldings—some even cried.
The wait was torture.
Time to start the feast.
As I thought that, Cedric approached and whispered.
“Lord Heros, step forward and say a few words.”
“Why?”
“To make it clear to the villagers who saved their home. That way, they’ll remember your grace for years.”
I pondered briefly, then nodded.
Solid reasoning.
Emphasizing my good deed might pay off someday.
As I rose, Cedric quickly added,
“After your speech, hand out the meat right away. Cut and distribute it yourself.”
He handed me his dagger.
I eyed him curiously.
Why go that far? Pure curiosity.
“Why do I have to cut it myself?”
“In the North, the family head cuts the meat for his kin. Similarly, when dining in a group, the leader cuts and shares it. Cutting the meat proves you’re the head. So you should do it, Lord Heros.”
“Ah, that’s the custom?”
The head cuts and distributes.
Similar to noble etiquette—hosts personally carving meat for guests.
“Imprint it while distributing: who saved this village!”
Cedric’s passion swayed me.
I nodded and stood.
All eyes from the crowd turned to me.
‘Nerve-wracking.’
Being the center of attention.
I’d experienced it many times, but it still felt off.
Still, I hid my tension.
They expected strength from me.
I had to deliver.
“Everyone worked hard. Vile dark mages tried to destroy Stonehill, but we fought them and claimed victory.”
Standing before the fire, I addressed the villagers.
Impromptu words, rough phrasing.
But brimming with sincerity.
“So today, let’s celebrate! Rejoice together!”
I shouted the finale, thrusting my staff-high hand skyward.
Cedric and the mercenaries cheered first.
Cheerleaders, essentially.
Thankfully, it caught on—the cheers swelled.
“Stonehill’s Savior!”
Amid the roar, one voice rang clear: Cedric’s.
He dubbed me Stonehill’s Savior, riling the crowd.
And it worked—many took up the chant.
‘He’s coined a new title.’
I chuckled at Cedric’s quick thinking.
Might as well roll with it.
Chester’s Hero, Evergreen’s Lord, and now... Stonehill’s Savior.
My titles so far.
They’d only grow, not shrink.
What would they call me at this journey’s end?
The thought intrigued me.