The second replication went far more smoothly than the first.
In the span of a single breath—
Yuuki had already completed the replication. The last two blank pages of his grimoire were now fully inscribed.
Magic:
① Water Creation Magic — Holy Fist of Love Assault
② Water Creation Magic — Aqua Therapy
③ Chain Magic — Dance of the Serpent Chains
④ Chain Magic — Binding Iron Chain Array
These two Chain Magic spells were the ones Yuuki had chosen from Revchi's grimoire.
Dance of the Serpent Chains primarily controlled chains of magic to attack, its power and flexibility far surpassing the comparatively straightforward water fists.
The second spell, Binding Iron Chain Array, was the one Yuuki valued most—it could seal away the magic power of any mage caught within its grasp.
That was the very spell that had once earned Revchi his pride—and his place among the ranks of the Magic Knights.
"Such a pity…"
Yuuki sighed inwardly as he looked down at Revchi's grimoire in his hand.
The battle earlier had made quite a commotion; the village guards were probably already on their way here. And since Revchi was a wanted criminal, both the timing and the place were far from ideal.
Otherwise…
Yuuki really wanted to try activating his Full Replication ability—to see what would happen if he completely absorbed a grimoire. After all, it wasn't every day he had the chance to encounter a mage of Revchi's caliber.
"Yuuki! Yuno! Look! Look! This is my grimoire!"
"Sure, it's a bit worn out, but I'm gonna treasure it for the rest of my life. There, there, good book, haha!"
Asta shouted excitedly, clutching his black grimoire tightly in both arms as though it were a precious pet, his face glowing with uncontainable joy.
Yuuki blinked, a faint smile curving his lips as he walked toward him.
Yuno was already standing in front of Asta, watching him hug his grimoire with a slightly softened gaze.
"Congratulations, Asta."
Yuuki stepped forward, glancing briefly at the grimy, black grimoire in Asta's hands—especially at the faintly visible five-leaf clover on its cover. His eyes narrowed subtly.
Three leaves stand for faith, hope, and love.
A fourth leaf stands for luck.
And the fifth—represents a demon.
The grimoire in Asta's hands housed such a being—a demon.
However, this particular demon was different from the ones dwelling in the underworld. Due to certain special circumstances, it held no real malice toward Asta, despite being human.
In both the early and later days to come, it would serve as Asta's most vital source of strength. Though Yuuki felt a hint of apprehension, there was no real need for concern.
As of now, that demon disdained even the thought of conversing with humans.
"Hahaha! I knew it! I just knew I'd get a grimoire too, Yuuki!"
Asta couldn't help but burst into another round of jubilant laughter.
"Thanks, Yuuki."
Yuno turned to him, speaking quietly before glancing back at Asta.
"You saved me again, Asta. I'll repay this debt one day."
Though Yuno still looked a little disheveled, his expression was serious and resolute.
Faced with Yuno's sudden sincerity, Asta's excitement froze for a moment. He scratched his head awkwardly.
"So you still remember that, huh? Don't sweat it. We're rivals, after all."
Asta rolled his shoulders, flashing a grin of perfect white teeth.
"Oh, right! That reminds me—Yuuki, how come you can use Sister Lily's magic?"
The thought suddenly struck him, and Asta turned to Yuuki with wide eyes full of disbelief.
Yuno, too, looked over curiously, his gaze flicking to the silver grimoire floating beside Yuuki as his expression turned thoughtful.
"Well… that's a bit of a long story."
Yuuki shrugged.
"Over here! This way!"
Just then, hurried footsteps and loud voices echoed from beyond the alley.
A small squad of guards from the Magic Grimoire Tower arrived, clearly drawn by the commotion of the battle that had just taken place.
When they reached the alley and saw the somewhat disheveled figures of Yuuki, Yuno, and Asta—along with the unconscious Revchi lying on the ground—they were momentarily stunned.
The guards quickly questioned them about what had happened, then carried the fainted Revchi away.
An elderly mage from the Grimoire Tower soon arrived as well. After confirming that none of the three were injured, he too departed. The entire matter ended quietly, without further trouble.
Although Revchi had once been a member of the Magic Knights, he'd long since been expelled—a fact few people even knew, especially in a small village like this one.
---
That night, inside the church.
The news that Asta had received a grimoire left Sister Lily and Father Orsi completely astonished. But once their surprise faded, joy took its place. The emotional priest, moved to tears, insisted on holding a grand feast in celebration.
Of course, for the impoverished church, "grand" was a relative term—simple to the point of being almost shabby. But for Yuuki and the others who lived there, it truly felt like a banquet.
After all, getting to eat one's fill of roasted sweet potatoes was a luxury in itself.
"Urp~ I can't eat another bite," Asta groaned, half-slumped in his chair, patting his round belly before letting out a satisfied burp.
"Honestly, I told you not to eat that much!"
Father Orsi downed a large cup of water, then slammed it down on the table and scolded him loudly.
"Burp~"
But almost immediately, the priest himself let out a hearty belch.
"Ugh… guess I overate a little too."
He leaned back in his chair, rubbing his stomach—just like Asta.
"You're one to talk!" Asta protested, raising his arm indignantly.
"Don't you use that tone with me!"
Father Orsi smacked Asta on the head without mercy.
"Ow!" Asta yelped, clutching his head with a pitiful expression.
"Both of you, enough already. If you're too full, just sit quietly for a while," Sister Lily said, looking at the noisy pair with exasperation.
Amid the chatter, Yuno sat calmly, turning his gaze toward Yuuki across the table.
"So, you're able to copy other people's magic—that's how you used Sister Lily's Water Magic?"
His tone was filled with curiosity and quiet focus.
"That's right," Yuuki nodded. He had no reason to hide the nature of his Replication Magic.
"Whoa, that's amazing!" Asta exclaimed. "So that means you can use tons of different magic spells, right? Doesn't that make you, like… unbeatable?"
In one swift motion, Asta pushed himself upright, leaning forward on the table with eyes shining like amber flames.
"How could there ever be such a thing as invincible magic?" Yuuki replied with a faint smile. "Take my Replication Magic, for example—it can't copy your grimoire."
He picked up the black grimoire resting atop his own silver one, then tossed it back toward Asta.
Asta quickly reached out and caught it in both hands.
(End of Chapter)
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