Chapter 11 - Grimoire

4 years have passed, Caelum had significantly improved his magic to new heights but felt something lacking and unable to break through. Though his talent and potential has no definite limits it doesn't mean they won't be a Times where Caelum would feel lost. 

With this reason he opted to improve the quality of his combat skills and power by continuously going around to fight bandits and rogue mages to better help his understanding in the battlefield. He lacked quite a lot of easier experience when it comes to battle and was fortunate enough to continuously find bandits around the place.

His Indra persona quickly spread, having tales of a masked young man who fought to protect the people that don't discriminate. Caelum hardly saw himself a hero and only did what he thought needed to be done. He could always be selfish yet selfless at the same time.

However, if given the choice of saving his family and a stranger then the former would be his answer unless he is capable of saving both then he won't waste his time saving a stranger. 

"Do you like it?"

Said by a handsome young man with long dark hair tied in a ponytail and smooth creamy white skin that was enticing to anyone who laid their eyes on him. He had a charismatic air around him and a laid back smile that made him appear friendly yet to those who had lived in the battlefield would fear the way he stood. His like trap that one wrong move would be your end without realizing it. 

"Yes, I was planning on getting it."

"No worries I'll buy it for you, Noelle."

Caelum was looking at the young woman before him who had grown quite a fine woman with a slender build and pink eyes. She possesses long, silver-colored hair, which is usually tied in pigtails, with her center bangs over her forehead. Additionally, she wears a pair of purple stud earrings with a cross flory fitchy shape, and a silver bracelet on her left wrist. She was looking at a necklace display at the store.

He had been helping her in regards to controlling her magic which was a lot easier for him even without giving her the ability to have a Mana core and Magic circuit. Caelum only adjusted the way she used Mana until it became second nature to her with the addition of training her using a lance considering it was the primary weapon she'll use in the future. 

"Thank you so much, Caelum!"

Noelle wanted to refute since she doesn't want her lover to waste money for her but knew that he would be adamant in buying it for her and even if she lied to him that she wasn't interested in the accessory.  

"Hey no fair, I want one too."

Said by another young woman who has yellow eyes and long wavy vermilion hair with bangs on her forehead. Additionally, she also wears a pair of earrings on her ears. Her developing chest was enticing and no one would expect she was only 14 years old. 

"Alright, let's buy at least three with one for Sapphire."

[ What about me, Darling? Though I would prefer that bracelet over there. ]

'Alright I'll take it.'

Caelum had come from Fuguleon when he prepared dishes for them since they lack technique and flavoring when it comes to cooking. He had enough time that his skill in the culinary arts could be compared to top class chefs.

Furthermore, he had stolen quite a lot of treasure from the bandits that he had killed. Caelum sold most of their grimoire into his store that gave him a significant amount but hadn't decided on what to buy considering the prices are extremely high and wasting his point would be troublesome. 

In addition Caelum preferred to focus on his current power before gaining new ones to make it easier to establish a foundation. It would be better to do in the future where he had solid grasp in combat. 

Once they bought the jewelry and had a smile plastered on their faces when he received a kiss on his cheek. Caelum smiled from the affection and wrapped his arms around their ways. He felt incredibly blessed to have women around him who would support him in many ways.  

After a while, the three went to find a restaurant nearby to have their meal. They ordered simple meat and drink while people kept taking glances considering it was a common place where no Noble would dare set foot yet Noelle and Mimosa did not mind. 

"Caelum I'm wondering but what magic knight squad are you planning on joining."

Mimosa asked since it was clear that he intended to join the magic knight only for the sake of training and opportunity to fight. 

"He's obviously going to choose Crimson lions."

Noelle was confident that he'll choose Fuguleon squad as he already know what kind of man he was and has strong relationship with. Caelum gave it some thought since his split in joining the black bulls and copying their magic but he could do it later. 

"I'm still unsure and still have another year to think about it. Anyway, I heard you visited the heart kingdom, Mimosa?"

"Ah yes! It was truly incredible where everything was surrounded by vegetation and helped quite a bit with my magic."

Caelum nodded, interested to hear more since he only knew things of what the anime and manga had shown. He hadn't visited the place since it was only possible if he had permission and didn't want the risk of antagonizing them. The reason for this was not because he was afraid to lose, rather didn't want unnecessary conflict if possible. 

He already vaguely guesses how their Mana Methods works and gradually close into replicating it. Caelum smiled happily mimosa telling her time within the heart kingdom until the ground began to shake and caused the people to panic. 

They quickly acted with Noelle and Mimosa using her magic to protect the people while Caelum spread his senses and activated his [ Silver Armament ]. He was able to see that briar were quickly spread and enveloping an entire mansion close by. 

'Isn't this when Charlotte was consumed by her curse?'

He muttered looking at the scene before him and quickly used [Shundō] to arrive where her squad were trying to help. Caelum saw it as an opportunity to gain the affection of Charlotte in order to help her escape that dense toilet god captain. 

"Helheim!"

Caelum used a technique that instantly freezes and shatters the briar allowing him to arrive where Charlotte was looking at him confused and shocked. He had to admit that she appeared beautiful when her hair was down. 

"I won't ask what happened here, it's clear to me that you have been trying to look tough for far too long. Word of advice, a person cannot always rely on her or himself and at times needs someone to lean on."

His words and charisma made her eyes widen and seemingly affected by his words. Caelum wasn't trying to flirt with her and only told the truth. She was a strong and independent woman from what he heard from people and seen in the anime but often hid her true self. 

"Well whatever is going on then I recommend being more true to yourself." 

Caelum gave his last words and the briar had slowly disappeared. It shows that the curse had been lifted and he had acquired the heart of the blue rose captain. Few minutes later, everything finally calmed down and Charlotte was able to have conversations with Caelum.

"May I ask for your name, young man?"

"It's Caelum."

"Caelum!? The one people called genius and trained by Lady Mereoleona?"

"The one and only!"

Charlotte only heard rumors about him and never tried to go further but to know that it was the truth that he was an extremely capable mage. He seems not one who likes to boast his power without reason and evaluate what kind of character he was. 

"Well it's nice talking to you but my lovers are waiting for me. I'll see you around, lady Charlotte."

He vanished from thin air shocking her and her squad baffled that someone was capable of moving at such speed. However, Charlotte was more troubled at the fact he said "Lovers".

'Lovers? D-Does it mean I have competition?? Wait what am I saying!? What am I feeling right now!?'

Charlotte became a blushing mess after Caelum left her and reunited with his lovers who had been a great help protecting the people. They decided to call it a day and head back home.

=========

The day finally came and everyone gathered to gain the symbol of adulthood and power. This was the moment where everyone at the age of 15 are allowed to acquire their grimoire which is a tool that allows young mages to fully utilize their Mana. Though, it was possible to use magic even without a grimoire but the potency and control would be far weaker than those who have one. 

A group of people could be seen getting a lot of attention from a young woman with unbelievably beautiful creamy whites skin and glossy white lips that easily entices any man. She had pure white hair that seemed to reflect the light of the sun.  

"Are you excited to finally get our grimoire!?"

Noelles enthusiastically said to the young woman, Sapphire who only smiled and nodded since she doesn't see any point on it when her true power is beyond a simple tool though she tried to show excitement since this is the day when her lover will finally have new power. 

She glances at Caelum who is observing the scene below them. This place was reserved for the noble and was fortunate that Fuguleon allowed it despite other people's refusal. 

The event started off with Julius' boring speech about the future of the clover kingdom that raised their morale for the future. This was also a place where the magic knight captain would see the potential of people. They would be able to set their eyes on potential subordinates when the time comes. 

After a while, the grimoire flew straight to the young man and woman shimmering in mesmerizing glow. Noelle and Mimosa grimoire flew straight towards them and were excited to finally grasp their grimoire. They had the basic 3 leaf grimoire yet still had an enormous Mana pool. 

It was then grimoire flew towards Sapphire having the status of four leaf grimoire instantly made her target for all magic knight squads. The crowd quietly converse among themselves upon witnessing the birth of 4 leaf grimoire while those who knew her congratulate Sapphire.

They thought the event couldn't get more crazier when Caelum reached out and all witnessed in awe upon witnessing another 4 leaf grimoire. Caelum could feel his connection within the book that rapidly became one with his being. 

[ Congratulations on acquiring a Grimoire darling! ]

'Can you tell me what kind of element my Grimoire has?'

[ It is still the same as your "Creator" skill but able to create skill a lot more easily. ]

'Hmm, can I create a unique skill from Tensura?'

[ Yes but it all depends on the energy. ]

'Then can you tell me what kind of skill I can make using my Mana?' 

[ You can shapeshift to predators. ]

'I guess I'll try to see what kind useful skill I can make.' 

It was fortunate because he was not limited by Tensura and could take inspiration from other series in making skills. He could probably even make [ Eternal Arms Mastery ] but is still unsure if creating that skill is possible. 

Caelum noticed everyone was looking at him and only gave a bright smile since they clearly baffled to see another 4 leaf grimoire. Mereoleona felt proud that the infant she rescued was truly spectacular. 

"This brat is really full of surprises!"

She exclaimed before everyone calmed down and congratulated him as well while Nozel siblings were gritting their teeth upon seeing him acquiring powerful grimoire. They curse him while Caelum ignores them since it was a waste of his time worrying about them and focuses more on ways to get stronger.