I thought for a quick second on how I should reply to him; even if he's really weak now, he'll undoubtedly become a powerful figure in the future.
Which means he could be a good tool or even a fellow ally for Evelina, but in the novel, he sided with Julius to stop her schemes.
Which meant I was already at a disadvantage if I were to recruit him.
But if I learned anything from my past... it is that there is no such thing as absolutes.
And who knows? Maybe if I teach him magic here, he'll grow indebted to me.
"This? I actually find it particularly useful."
"Useful...?" Kevin placed the book he found on the shelf back to its place, looking at me with a confused expression.
"I tried my hand on it once... but I couldn't seem to get it."
I raised a brow, so he tried deciphering this book once already? That wasn't really explained in the novel as far as I'm concerned, but that only meant that Marcellus really was a beast if he managed to decode the book, if even the apex of dark magic had a hard time.
"It seems fairly simple, though."
I opened the book myself, scanning its contents, barely even reading it as I used my photographic knowledge to do all the hard stuff.
"R-Really?"
"Want me to show you?"
Kevin immediately nodded; he was completely eager to hear what I had been able to learn in just a mere glance.
"Follow me, there's actually a magical testing chamber here."
He grabbed my hand suddenly, dragging me off while I was still holding the book.
***
"Did you have to do that...?"
I replied, smoothing my sleeves of their wrinkles as I exhaled a deep breath.
"I-I'm sorry... It's just... I couldn't help myself! If what you're saying is true, then this will change the very concept of our element!"
Kevin's smile was wide, wider than I thought possible; he really was a dark magic-obsessed fanatic, but in a good way, at least.
"You shouldn't keep your hopes up... I might be bluffing."
I replied, This kid was really naive... and here I thought I was crazy for being so obsessed with a fictional character... but at least I had a reason now, because she had become real.
But this? I was spouting confidence without proof.
"Okay then... let's execute the first thing that had been laid out."
The magical testing chamber was simple; it looked more like a firing range than anything, but due to the library already being closed to most, the place was empty.
It was the perfect opportunity to showcase oneself and secure a powerful ally for the future.
"You mean the dark serpent!?"
Kevin tugged on my sleeves; he had memorised the contents of the book despite already deeming it as useless.
"Y-Yeah..."
Kevin acted exactly like he was in the novel.
I softly removed his hands from my sleeves as I closed the book, handing it to him as I closed my eyes and began focusing on the formula.
Even I would find this nearly impossible to decipher if it weren't for Marcellus' notes in the novel.
Without it, it would be like solving the longest mathematical equation in the world without a calculator or something to write on.
And it still felt like it despite my knowledge, but my talent made up for it.
[Dark Serpent]
The Dark Serpent, a spell that summons a coiled snake across your body, automatically attacking those you deem as a threat... or those you just want gone.
'Aghh...'
I felt my head ache slightly; my body still wasn't accustomed to such advanced spells.
I still had to gain three breakthroughs to use the contents of the book without repercussion... but still, it didn't mean I wasn't able to use them.
"...That's... by the gods! You did it!"
Kevin's eyes dilated; he just saw the literal embodiment of the impossible coming true.
I smiled at his reaction, and without waiting for another second, pointed a finger gun at the target in front of me.
"Bang."
I mouthed, and in an instant, the serpent that had coiled around me responded, opening its mouth that led to nothing.
Energy is now starting to accumulate inside it.
BOOM!
A dark beam of energy blasted, thin like a small metal rod... but its speed was undeniable, it was as fast as a sports car at its top speed.
And surprisingly, the target barely managed to contain it all, a mini magic crystal meant only for target practice.
But now...? Had a small crack in its sides due to my attack.
"It... it cracked!?"
Kevin smiled, even wider than before. He wasn't just fascinated. He was hungry.
His excitement faded, just for a moment, and in his gaze, I saw something sharp. Calculating.
And to my surprise...
Kneeled before me.
"P-Please take me in as your student!"
...
"What?"