In a world where fantasy is the only reality, a war rages between the Apostles and the terrifying Hollows. To combat this darkness, supernatural warriors known as Sorcerers stand as the world's strongest shield.
In this era of chaos, a boy was born outside the laws of nature. His name was Grimmoire Katsuyami. Unlike every other living being, he was born Soulless. In a world governed by the "System," he was a glitch—an outcast rejected by the very essence of magic.
Bereft of parents and abandoned by fate, Grimmoire stood alone in the bustling streets of a city that didn't want him. Amidst the roar of engines and the chatter of the masses, a sudden crash echoed. An Apostle was tearing through vehicles, a monster of pure destruction.
A Sorcerer arrived, his movements a blur of grace and power. With a dismissive smile, he delivered a single, devastating kick that sent the Apostle crashing into a distant lightpost.
"Easier than swatting a fly," the Sorcerer remarked as the crowd erupted in cheers.
Hidden in the shadows of the alley, young Grimmoire watched with burning eyes. While the world saw a hero, he saw a path. "One day... I will be that strong. No... I will be stronger."
Knowing he lacked a soul, Grimmoire didn't pray for miracles. Instead, he forged his body into a weapon of pure steel, pushing his physical limits to achieve through sweat what others achieved through spirit.
Chapter 1: The Sorcery Exam
The day of reckoning had finally arrived. Grimmoire checked his watch, his heart thumping against his ribs. "Dammit! I'm going to be late for the test!" He sprinted toward the Grand Stadium, a massive arena where the annual Sorcery Exam was held. Five high-ranking Judges sat in wait. The prize was the 'Grinto'—the legendary Magic Book. To earn a Grinto was to become a Sorcerer; to fail was to remain a nobody.
Round 1: Telekinesis
The task was simple: use Chi energy to move objects. Around Grimmoire, students began to glow with ethereal light as objects floated into the air. When it was his turn, Grimmoire strained, his muscles bulging.
Suddenly, a faint flicker of Chi appeared in his hands. How? he wondered. I am Soulless. I cannot possess Chi. But the realization was bitter—the Chi wasn't his power; it was the world's energy keeping his hollow body alive. The flicker died instantly. The object didn't budge.
Round 2: Shield Defense
Projectiles screamed through the air. The examinees were expected to conjure the 'Esoloth Shield.' One by one, they deflected the assault. But when the heavy objects targeted Grimmoire, he had no barrier. They slammed into his body, bruising and battering him until he was breathless.
Round 3: The Final Combat
The tides shifted. In pure physical combat, Grimmoire was a demon. He took down five, six opponents simultaneously with brutal efficiency. But then, the stadium went quiet.
His childhood friend, Todoki Kaguya, stepped into the ring.
"Long time no see," Todoki smirked.
"You vanished into thin air," Grimmoire replied, his voice low.
"I was training," Todoki's eyes sharpened. "To defeat people like you."
The fight was a blur of violence. They clashed like titans. Todoki was a master of Chi, his strikes vibrating with energy. Grimmoire was a force of nature, his punches cracking the very ground. They traded blows until Grimmoire landed a devastating strike to Todoki's stomach, sending him crashing through the stadium walls.
But Todoki stood up, a chilling smile on his face. He grabbed Grimmoire by the head and slammed him into the concrete with such force that the world seemed to stop spinning.
"You cannot win," Todoki whispered, walking away as blood pooled around Grimmoire's head.
Grimmoire lay there, his breath fading. His heart stopped. The world grew cold. But then... the stadium began to tremble. A terrifying, unnatural wind howled through the arena.
From the depths of Grimmoire's hollow chest, a violent surge of Red and Black energy erupted. It wasn't Chi. It was something primal. Something forbidden.
"Is that... Hollowfied Energy?" one of the Judges gasped, rising in terror.
Grimmoire stood up. He was no longer the boy from the alley. He let out a roar that shook the heavens. Todoki charged, his fist glowing with Chi, but Grimmoire caught it with a single hand. He dragged Todoki across the shattered walls and threw him like a ragdoll.
Todoki tried to manifest his strongest 'Esoloth Shield,' but Grimmoire's fist shattered it like glass. One final punch sent Todoki flying into the far corner of the stadium, unconscious.
As the dark energy receded, the silence was broken by a single, deafening chant from the crowd:
"GRIMMOIRE! GRIMMOIRE! GRIMMOIRE!"
The Aftermath: Orbun's Library
Despite his victory, the system remained cruel. The students gathered at Orbun's Library, an ancient sanctuary where the Grinto books chose their masters based on their soul's potential.
One by one, books flew into the hands of the worthy. Even Todoki, who had lost the fight, received a powerful Grinto. But for Grimmoire, there was nothing.
"Why?" Grimmoire confronted the Librarian. "Why hasn't a Grinto chosen me?"
The Librarian looked at him with cold pity. "You are not worthy of any Grinto's power. You have no soul to bind them to."
Crushed and defeated, Grimmoire walked out into the rain. But as he reached the gates, a mysterious figure appeared. He had snow-white hair, eyes that pierced the soul, and a mask covering his face from nose to chin.
The man looked at the boy who had been rejected by the world and spoke:
"Do you still want to become a Sorcerer?"