Chapter 40: The First Human Grimoire
In this world, the specialized class of 'spellsword' did not exist. A warrior was a warrior, and a mage could only be a mage. So for Norne and Eirik, they would eventually have to choose one path. But neither of them had made a choice just yet. Rhodes could understand. To be honest, he was a little envious that they both had talent in both magic and combat. While their magical talent wasn't on par with his, if they really did manage to become something like a spellsword, he would be truly impressed.
"Rhodes, there's something I'd like to discuss with you," Norne said, approaching him during a break.
"Of course. Should we go somewhere else?" Serie was sitting right next to him, which was why he had suggested it.
"No need. This actually concerns Miss Serie as well."
Hearing that she was involved, Serie looked up.
"I'd like to compile the magic you've taught us into a book, so that it can be passed down to future generations. I was just wondering if the two of you would be okay with that?" Norne asked, choosing his words carefully.
He had been planning this ever since he had started learning magic, but he wouldn't act without their permission. If they both said no, he would drop the idea completely.
"A grimoire?" Rhodes murmured. In this era, most magic was passed down from master to apprentice. The concept of a grimoire... did it even exist yet? He wasn't sure. But Serie's next words answered his question.
"A grimoire? That's not a bad idea."
For Serie to say that, she must have seen or heard of such a thing before.
"Do you elves have them?"
"No," Serie shook her head. "Elven magic is all taught by the elders. We don't bother with things like grimoires. But some races write down their magic for the purpose of trade."
This was likely the origin of the first grimoires. But in this era, it seemed the various races had no systematic way of recording things. They would simply write down their most valuable spells to trade for other goods. It was just another form of barter.
"What do you think?" Rhodes asked Serie. He was a little concerned about things like copyright. It was a bit early for such a concept, but if the grimoire Norne created contained elven magic, it could cause problems down the line. After all, a book could be circulated far and wide.
"Recording your spells should be fine," Serie said, clearly having the same concern. "But only if you're willing to share them." The idea of Rhodes sharing all of his created spells was what concerned her the most. Magic was the most precious thing in this era. The dwarves had even accepted grimoires as payment for their smithing services. To give a grimoire to the magic-deficient dwarves was a strange transaction, and might even be seen as an insult by the straightforward race. But the fact that they had accepted it spoke volumes about the value of such a book.
"I have no problem with it," Rhodes said. "After all, magic is meaningless unless it's passed down. If I only created it for my own satisfaction, then what's the point?" He had originally created magic to survive in this world, and after meeting Serie, to become stronger. But now, he had a new dream: for his magic to be passed down through the generations. He had planned to spend his entire life teaching his spells to others, whether human or elf, as long as they weren't evil. But now, Norne's proposal had given him another option.
"What a noble sentiment."
Serie chuckled, her tone unreadable. Was it praise, or sarcasm? Rhodes decided to take it as a compliment.
But that wasn't quite what she meant. It was a mixture of sarcasm and admiration. On one hand, magic was a special thing to her. She didn't want everyone in the world to be able to learn it. If not for Norne and Eirik's special talent, she would have never even agreed to let Rhodes teach them elven magic. But for Rhodes's sake, she kept her true thoughts to herself.
"Then it's settled," Rhodes said, clapping Norne on the shoulder. "If you have any questions, just come to me. We can start by writing down the basic spells." Norne and Eirik had already mastered his basic spells, like 'Light' and 'Ignite'. That had made his life much easier.
Norne nodded solemnly. "I understand. Thank you, Mr. Rhodes. On behalf of all humanity, thank you for your selfless contribution!"
"Save your thanks for when you've become a renowned human hero," Rhodes replied casually. Norne's grand declaration on behalf of all humanity had caught him off guard. "Thinking about the future of the human race is a bit too much for me right now."
"Yes, I know," Norne said with another nod. Since leaving his village, this had become his one and only goal.
Just then, Serie interjected. "Don't forget to credit the source of the magic." She looked at Rhodes. "At the very least, everyone who learns from this book should know who created the spells."
She didn't want the creator of these spells, Rhodes, to be forgotten.
Rhodes chuckled. He had indeed forgotten about that. To have your name remembered by future generations was the dream of every historical figure. And he was no exception. The statues of heroes would crumble with time, but magic would endure. His only concern was that his spells might become obsolete, but that would be a thousand years from now at least. Unless he lived forever, he would never see it happen.
Unless I could live forever... The thought consumed him, and he was lost in a reverie, until Eirik's sudden appearance brought him back to reality.
He had, at some point, joined them, and was now exclaiming excitedly, "Norne, you're not trying to learn in secret without me, are you? I want to learn too!"
"You?" Serie raised an eyebrow. "You should master the light arrow first. Every time you cast it, you miss by a mile."
Everyone laughed.
"That was an accident..." Eirik said, his face flushing with embarrassment.
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yo guys trying something new for Every 150 Power Stones = 1 extra chapter