Chereads / "Grimoire of Eternity" / Chapter 3 - Chapter 3: A New Resolve

Chapter 3 - Chapter 3: A New Resolve

The air was still, yet heavy with tension, as Kael watched the retreating forms of the royal guards fade into the darkness. The cheers of the villagers gradually subsided, and a strange silence took hold. Kael stood in the center of the square, gripping the Grimoire tightly, its faint glow pulsating as if alive.

For a moment, he felt the weight of what he had done. He had wielded a power he barely understood, driven away a group of armed soldiers, and saved his village. But there was no triumph in his heart—only questions. What was this book? Why had it chosen him? And, most importantly, what came next?

---

[Quest Log Updated]

- Current Objective: Grimoire Synchronization: Reach 100% compatibility.

- Progress: 15%.

- Details: Use the Grimoire's power to unlock its full potential.

---

The translucent panel hovered in front of him, the numbers and words shifting slightly as though adapting to his thoughts. Kael frowned. "Synchronization? Compatibility? What does that mean?" he murmured, staring at the glowing text.

The system's voice cut through the stillness of his mind:

"The Grimoire is not yet fully bound to you. Complete tasks, grow stronger, and achieve synchronization to access its true power."

Kael let out a long sigh. It seemed there was no end to the challenges this book would throw at him. He glanced at the villagers, who were slowly dispersing. Many gave him grateful smiles, but he also caught wary glances. They had seen him wield magic—something forbidden, something feared.

"Kael," a voice called out. He turned to see Elder Jorath, the village leader, approaching him with slow, deliberate steps. The old man's face was lined with age and worry, his cane tapping softly against the cobblestones.

"You did well tonight," Jorath said, his voice low but firm. "But you've brought something dangerous into our midst."

Kael's grip on the Grimoire tightened. "I didn't ask for this," he said defensively. "But if I hadn't done anything, they would've burned the village."

Jorath nodded, his expression softening slightly. "I know, boy. And for that, we are grateful. But this book…" He gestured toward the Grimoire. "It is not of this world. It will bring more trouble."

Kael lowered his gaze. He didn't have an answer, not even for himself. "I'll leave," he said quietly. "If it means keeping the village safe."

Jorath studied him for a long moment before nodding. "That may be wise. But where will you go?"

Kael hesitated. The answer came not from his mind but from the Grimoire itself.

---

[New Quest: Path of Discovery]

- Objective: Seek out the Ruins of Artheon to uncover the Grimoire's origins.

- Reward: Enhanced Synchronization (+10%) and a new skill.

- Details: Travel to the ancient ruins to the north, where the Grimoire's history lies hidden.

---

Kael blinked at the panel, his pulse quickening. "The Ruins of Artheon?" he murmured. The name was familiar—a place spoken of only in hushed tones, a relic of a long-forgotten civilization. He looked at Jorath. "I think I know where to go."

Jorath raised an eyebrow but didn't press him for details. Instead, he placed a hand on Kael's shoulder. "Whatever path you choose, walk it with caution."

Kael nodded. With that, the elder turned and walked away, leaving Kael alone with his thoughts.

---

The Journey Begins

Kael spent the night preparing for his journey. He gathered supplies—a small bag of provisions, a worn but sturdy cloak, and a simple dagger for protection. The villagers avoided him, their fear of the unknown outweighing their gratitude. He couldn't blame them.

Before dawn, Kael stood at the edge of the village. The Grimoire rested in his hands, its glow faint but steady. The panel reappeared, offering a final piece of advice:

---

[System Tip: The world is vast and perilous. Trust the Grimoire, but tread carefully.]

---

Kael took a deep breath and stepped onto the road. The path to the Ruins of Artheon was long and fraught with danger, but he had no choice. The answers he sought lay somewhere ahead.

The first leg of his journey was uneventful. The road wound through rolling hills and sparse woodlands, the rising sun casting a golden light over the landscape. But as the day wore on, Kael couldn't shake the feeling of being watched.

By mid-afternoon, the forest thickened, and shadows grew longer. Kael gripped the dagger at his side, his senses on high alert. The Grimoire's glow intensified slightly, as if warning him.

Suddenly, a rustling sound broke the silence. Kael spun around, his dagger drawn. From the underbrush emerged a figure cloaked in black, their face obscured by a hood.

"Hand over the Grimoire," the figure said, their voice cold and unyielding. "And you might live."

Kael's heart raced. His grip on the book tightened. "Who are you?" he demanded.

The figure stepped closer, drawing a curved blade that glinted menacingly. "The book does not belong to you. Surrender it, or die."

Kael's mind raced. He wasn't ready for this—he barely understood how to fight. But the system spoke once more, its tone calm and precise:

---

[New Combat Scenario Detected]

- Opponent: Assassin of the Shadowed Order

- Level: 4

- Recommended Action: Cast Mana Burst.

---

Kael's pulse quickened. He glanced at the Grimoire, its runes glowing brighter. He didn't have a choice. Clutching the book tightly, he opened its pages and shouted, "Mana Burst!"

The energy surged through him, familiar but still overwhelming. A brilliant blue sphere formed in his hands, and he hurled it at the assassin. The explosion of light and force sent the figure stumbling back, their blade clattering to the ground.

Kael didn't wait for them to recover. He rushed forward, striking them with the edge of the Grimoire. The assassin crumpled to the ground, unconscious.

Panting, Kael stepped back, his heart pounding. The system chimed once more:

---

[Combat Complete]

- Victory: Opponent neutralized.

- Reward: +2 Strength, +1 Intelligence.

---

Kael stared at the fallen figure, his hands trembling. The world was far more dangerous than he had imagined, and the Grimoire's power was the only thing keeping him alive.

As he resumed his journey, Kael couldn't shake the lingering thought: What have I gotten myself into?