In this world, Magic is Everything. All people, all races, are granted with the power to perform mystical and magical feats via grimories, mystical tomes granted to each and every child on their 15th birthday. Those blessed by the mana can have their names written down in legend.
Shattered Grimoires is the work of the mind(s) of Ardere & Shattered Grimoire's staff. All characters and content are copyright their creators, and may not be replicated without their creators' permission. Black Clover is owned by Yuki Tabata and published by Viz Shonen Jump. All images belong to their original owners. The theme you are currently viewing was made by Eliza of ElizaCodes exclusively for Shattered Grimoires.
A Local group has waited too long for a man to pay up on his debt. They have sent out requests for rogues to handle their dirty work for them. With the intel they have received they have located the man outside of Hage. It is also said that he lives in a isolated house on a Nomotato Farm. The group is wanting him dead or alive. As long as they receive the money from this man.
[attr="class","shadowsSub"]Details
Maximum Number of Players: 2 [break]Minimum Word Count: 1,500 [break]Location: Hage [break]Special Requirements: Dead or Alive, as long as they get their money. Failing to get their money will cause an auto fail for this mission.
[attr="class","shadowsSub"]NPC Information
What NPCs are in this mission? Please fill out the template for any notable NPCs. While those you have to socially interact with during the mission are not required any enemy that is presented in the mission must be listed in here. [break][break] Name of NPC: Man in Debt
[break] [break]Health Limit: Intermediate [break]Physical Speed: 5 m/s [break]Physical Damage: 1/2 Junior [break]Magic Element and Types: Water | Supp Creation [break]Combat Style: N/A [break]Additional Information: This man doesn’t have any sort of Combat Skills. He is a local farmer who has borrowed too much money. When he finds out he is being targeted he will try his best to flee.
Margaux stood in front of the door to a well kept home. The moon had risen brightly, and dark clouds were gathering. From the look of the sky, rain was imminent.
Suddenly, the door cracked open and an aggressive, gruff voice sounded.
"So you made it. You're the one right? Here for the job? They said you were a strange one... but I wasn't expecting a kid. Can you even handle this, sweetheart? I don't know how I feel about letting a little girl handle something like this. You get parents? They going to come looking for you or something? This isn't a game, you know. This is a real job."
The man's face, from what Margaux could see, was tough and scarred. The type of face that had come from nothing and made itself into something. But these type of people were quite common in the underworld, people that had realized early on that playing by the rules was a great way to die poor in the same town you were born in.
Looking to her right, where no one was currently standing, Margaux chuckled.
"Ph’nglui, Ph’nglui... yes, you're right. This one's tongue does flap a little too often. Like the three-winged crane of obsidian that takes strides in the darkness only shutter at the majesty of the stars. "
Margaux turned back to the man.
"Ph’nglui... you have nothing to worry about. The equation points the way, thus success is guaranteed down the decimal. After all, there is a reason I am called, Villain..."
Margaux's words snaked out of her small mouth with an eerie sense of knowing. If nothing else, she was quite creepy. Very weird, and quite creepy.
"I get the feeling that dealing with you is going to end up bad for my health... call it a gut instinct. But at least it's not just you. You've got your... ugh... friend there, so I guess that makes me feel a bit better about this whole mess. And to be honest, you two are the only two that have shown up for this job. You know what? Tah hell with it. Just get out there, get my money, bring it back and we have a deal. If you run off with it, I'll find the two of ya and skin you alive. Deal? Okay, great deal. Now here's the dip shit's address. Go get my money. And BE QUICK ABOUT IT!"
The man shut the cracked door with a quick forceful pull leaving the pair along in front of the house. Thunder cracked and droplets began to fall from the sky. Turning to her companion, Margaux chuckled.
"I suppose we have our assignment then, Ph'nglui. As I said, the equation sets the path upon which the dark star shines. The road paved with yellow king's gold begins with this single step Ph'nglui. We must complete this task and yet leave the pawn with breath enough to herald the reckoning. They will have a part to play in this, the machinations of the gibbering engine have begun to spin, and the one we meet is one such a cog... Ph'nglui, Ph'nglui. We must complete this task and leave the debtor alive. This is the path, Dark Midas."
As Margaux spoke, Bijou removed a small black book she kept on her person and flipped through it. This little black book was something that Bijou at times referred to as her second grimoire. It may have been more accurate to call it a bible. A Margaux bible. One that had been painstakingly crafted by Bijou herself. Bijou continued to leaf through this bible as they walked on the outskirts of town. Though in today’s day and age Bijou felt she hardly needed it, even so, this verifiable proof of her mastery pleased her. It was like solving a particularly difficult crossword puzzle in the morning paper, everything just seemed to fall into place.
And so, by her own interpretation, Bijou heard something like this:
***i suppose we have ouw assignment then, sissypu. As i said, the equation sets the path upon which the dawk staw shines. The woad paved with yewwow king's gowd begins with thiws singwe step sissypu. We must compwete thiws task awnd yet weave the pawn with bweath enough tuwu hewawd the weckoning. They wiww have a pawt tuwu pway in thiws, the machinations of the gibbewing engine have begun tuwu spin, awnd the owne we meet iws owne such a cog... Ph'ngwui, ph'ngwui. We must compwete thiws task awnd weave the debtow awive. Thiws iws the path, and i wuv you vewwy much.***
Removing a handkerchief from her purse, Bijou dabbed one of the nostrils of her button nose where a streak of blood ran down it.
Ah...! My heart…!
“Erherm----Right----Well it is what it is I suppose. Though I have to say, Vi, I don’t think these debt collectors are very good at their jobs on two counts.”
Bijou held up two fingers, it made a V and it made two points.
“First, killing the man will definitely ensure they never get paid back, which you have rightly pointed out, better to press the louse down further and work him under closer supervision. Second and more importantly, however, is this: whatever we recover is probably going to be more than what they plan to pay us. So why wouldn’t we just take the money and run? If they think they are more powerful than us they are sorely mistaken…”
Bijou sighed.
“But the plan is the plan and so we’ll proceed according to your calculations. As you well know, that was never up to question. Well shall we? I’d rather get this over with quickly, the work of wasps is below me and interaction with a mudbug turned louse isn’t much better. It is trying to work FOR idiots and it is trying to WORK idiots as well, that is the lesson for today. They owe much to us and especially to you Vi, and your mathimagics. Fufu~”
Now on the outskirts of a town aptly named The Rogue’s Refuge. Bijou really didn’t need to be so cautious, but even so, she wouldn’t have any wasps, ants, mudbugs, or any other disgusting bugs spying on her.
“My Magic: Great Bijou’s Golden Parasol”
*snap*
Her grimoire of light flying open at record speed, a golden parasol golem poofed out of it like a popup book. It’s handle extended as it floated upward eventually becoming a swing seat. Nodding, satisfied, Bijou smoothed out the hem of her dress as she sat.
“...”
Wordlessly, Bijou lightly patted her lap as she stared at Margaux.
“...”
A tumbleweed rolled by.
“...Right, I must be tired... there is of course one for you as well Vi.”
*snap*
tch-
With a click of her tongue, a second golden parasol appeared and assumed the same shape as her own.
“Fufu, You’ll find the ride quite comfortable, just make sure you hang on, okay? We can’t have you falling off.”
Waiting for Margaux to board her own parasol, the two steadily rose far into the air.
“Direct me to this mudbug turned louse and I shall make quick work of him just in time for lunch, unless of course you have other plans, Vi.”
"Ph’nglui... to take the money and run would indeed be the way of hungry goose that eats the most bread. But we are not geese, we are people Ph’nglui, Ph’nglui. What I mean is that what we are currently seeking is not only riches, but notoriety. For the great calculation to plot the path, recognition is essential. We must be whispered about, and so we must play by the rules... for now, Ph’nglui. Soon we will be the ones controlling the strings of this kingdom like a beautiful symphony, only to watch it fall to ruin at the crescendo."
As Bijou conjured her parasols that would serve as their transportation to the target's home, waited for her accomplice to conjured one for her. When the girl patted her lap, Margaux looked visibly confused not understanding what the patting meant. Suddenly, Bijou conjured another broom.
"Ph’nglui... it is quite vexing to ride these things. I suppose I have not yet gotten used to it."
Hopping up on the parasol, Margaux held her self up for a moment, before slipping.
"Ah! Ph’nglui! The Dark Calculus..."
Picking herself up once more, Margaux tried again and mounted the parasol. She grasped it firmly and then nodded that she was prepared.
"There, now let us be off! Time is just another variable after all, Ph’nglui. When we arrive at our destination. Allow me to try and speak first. This will open the path, I of evil you of a slightly lesser evil. Two stars revolve around galaxy pushing and pulling Ph’nglui. The dichotomy of the black sun will push, while the avarice of the golden moon will pull. Between these two forces the target will slip, the treasure found, and our task complete. The first step will be taken, Ph’nglui. Yes, I will speak first and open the way for you, then you will approach and complete task. He will give you the funds, and we will leave him with breath yet. A survivor to tell tales... more whispers in the dark, Ph’nglui."
The ride out of the gloom of Rogue's Refuge was uneventful and soon the pair were riding far above the trees in what was a particularly nice day. As they soared above the the ground, Margaux made a great deal of effort to keep them on the correct path.
"Yes, Ph’nglui, once we reach that tree in the distance we should be getting close. We'll be a little early but that gives us more time to use our eyes on the area. We must make sure there's no extra hands when we approach the target else things will get more difficult. This shadow variable is only a what if though. A thread that may or may not fray. If all aligns with the geometry we will have nothing but calm waters into the deep. Still better to have eyes then be blinded by unknowing Ph’nglui. Once we land we should scout the area to make sure everything is ready. We can approach the house at night. I'll lead, then you take over."
In late afternoon the pair finally arrived at their destination.
"There, yes, we are near now. In the grove outside of the town proper. The mists of finding gather Ph’nglui. We should land a ways outside of the area to scout. Then at nightfall we begin. The trappings of night will unhinge the target's fear Ph’nglui, once the box is opened he will relent and we shall stand as victors Ph’nglui Ph’nglui!"
"Though I'd prefer to make bigger and more beautiful splashes, I can of course see the wisdom, of your words."
They eventually arrived at a brushy hill that Margaux had directed them to, and from there, all that really needed to be done was to wait. While Bijou did not particularly enjoy waiting in brushy dusty grassy areas, present company made up for it. And so, she continued to sit on a slightly hovering parasol swing, while shaded from the sun.
"While I do think you're being overly cautious on this assignment, I do admire your meticulousness. To best suit your needs I suggest we wait until nightfall, when the louse sleeps. Hmmm, yes, that will do nicely and I think I have quite the trap in mind for this louse, fufu, for a bug to be receiving of a trap for rats, my what a lucky buggy little fellow, fufu, yes I think I have it plotted out just so..."
Giggling, Bijou yawned.
"...But I am still bored, so you should keep talking to ensure I stay awake. There's no need to worry, from this position we're not going to be spotted or heard, not before I find them first anyhow, and my, how very unlucky for them would that be..."
No matter how the two passed the time, night eventually did fall, like it often does, after so many hours.
"...Ah, and just so, our louse playing as a rat has wandered home, drunk, and full of foolish dreams. Yes, indeed, I see it now, he's been intending to run but lacked the courage. It was good of us to arrive on the day we did, though those idiot wasps could have informed us. Maybe they intended to see us fail? Are you sure we cannot crush them Vi? Even just a little? Ahhhh~ I want to crush them for giving us such idiotic tasks~!"
Feigning lament, Bijou's eyes almost seemed to glow a with cold fury, they were like cat's eyes catching the moon.
"Let's go. I will entrap the louse and in but moments deduce the whereabouts of the cache. This elementary problem well accounted for by your framework, now we pull the lever."
It did not take long for the pair of parasol golems to descend the hill, and in fewer moments still, Bijou had dismounted and stood at the front door of the small farmer's home.
"A rise and fall of the curtain in a single turn, My Magic: My Bliss and Brilliant Genius - Miniature Majestic Cube Garden."
Shoom~ with a golden flash that seemed to hold all the surprise of a ufo descending in the dead of the night, the debtor's cabin was engulfed in a glowing cube. The interior of this cube was filled with a sinister illusion, of a tea party table in a magnificent maze garden of roses. Without having trained one's sensory, there was sure to be no easy escape. For a debtor drunk on dreams, it'd be no exaggeration to say his hope was little.
"----Are you awake now, louse~?"
With a jolt, the debtor flinched as he found himself laying in a field of golden grass, at a table some feet away from him sat an image of Bijou regarding him. Eyes opening wide, his shoulders swung away from her on reflex, as if he were guarding something.
"Oh dear~ and just like that, the case is solved, and without any of the fun of grinding you beneath my pretty heels... Ah to be burdened with such insight, even so, this level of reasoning should be possible for the woman utilizing a pseudonym known as Dark Midas. What do you think?"
"What the hell are you talking about?! Who the hell are you?!"
"We're something like a delivery service, only in reverse, I wouldn't stoop to calling us thieves, as what we are supposed to deliver was never yours in the first place, yes?"
The illusionary Bijou raised her hand to show her palm as if she were halfway between a negotiation and a friendly chat, though in reality this was neither.
"You have already shown me where you have hidden it, so do me a favor and just stay quiet would you? The further you delay me, the more the magnificence of my garden will wear you away, bit by bit, until your louse's shell has peeled away to your true interior: **** and dust, or in other words, fertilizer, fufu. Ah I would like to see that very much, do me the favor would you?"
The image grinned clearly enjoying this as the debtor clung to the ground speechless. Perhaps he was trying to will it all away as a bad dream.
Outside of the illusion, Bijou still stood with her right palm raised maintaining the spell. Looking over her shoulder, she spoke to Margaux.
"Vi, as I am sure you already know, the prize is over there, likely under the floorboards. Would you fetch it for us please? I cannot move while I maintain this spell."
Bijou nodded.
Behind her, a group of dark cloaked figures approached...
"Ph’nglui, well done. This will make things much easier and the... louse... as you put it will be unable to run, Ph’nglui."
Suddenly, a snap, as if someone stepped on a twig rang out behind Margaux and Bijou. Quickly turning, Margaux grinned.
"Vexxxxing... another variable makes itself known to add imbalance. Such a chore to decipher the strings of infinity as they undulate and every little turn Ph’nglui."
Margaux sighed.
"Well then, as you can see this area is already well handled. Ph’nglui, whomever you may be you've approached the wrong area and I suggest you vacate quickly. The dark star washes this area in the colors of conformity, best to not question the will of those that see men as ants and kingdoms as they all will become... piles of dirt and the remnants of prideful ignorance. The path lies open to your return from demise. Take it and claw the eyes of your mind until you subvert this memory."
The two silhouettes approached stepping out of the darkness. Both were surly men, clothed in dark colors and cloaks.
"My, my. The two of you cut quite the image. Not exactly magic knights are we? More akin to wander the darkness as snakes cloaked in subterfuge. Ph’nglui... the eyes taste the smell leading to the prey, does it not."
"Look, ey 'ave no clue what ya sayin' but we got a job tah do."
"Yeah, sorry Missy but this guy took out some loans and didn't bother repaying. Now I'm not sure what kind of pranks you two are trying to pull on this guy, but we've got some real GROWN UP issues so if you two could get home to your mamas we'd appreciate it. Otherwise, things are going to get dangerous."
"Ph’nglui Ph’nglui Ph’nglui..."
Margaux shook her head in disappointment.
"I see you did not hear my words. The colors that bathe this area are beyond your understanding or capability to encapsulate. Vacate. Run. Scream. You stand before Villain, who controls the might of nothingness! I will not warn you again, Ph’nglui, nor will I mourn your vanishing. Mathematics is cold after all, logic has little time for anything more than reason."
"Arrrright I've had enough. Get her!"
As the two rogues readied their grimoires, Margaux was already prepared.
"Center times X zero Yellow Zero, Zeal Zero and Stream."
Holding out her finger a ripping, tearing sound rung out followed by a magnetic like groan, and then silence. With swipe of her finger one man's leg and the another's arm was separated cleanly from their body as if the area between that had connect the parts had vanished all together.
Both men crumpled shouting and screaming.
"And so you elected the path of misery. The variables have been silenced and organized. Factored into place and returned to the nominal Ph’nglui. "
The men continued to shout.
"If you continue to shout I WILL HAVE TO ERASE YOU COMPLETELY."
The two men bit their lips and began breathing hard to control the volume of their voices.
"Much better, Ph’nglui. Now then, I did say I warned you didn't it? Surely now you see the folly of facing the might of Villain and Dark Midas, they will bring Clover to ruin? Now then, listen well... it would have been very easy for me to remove you from this realm completely and toss you into the maw of nothingness. But a good sun has deemed it necessary to bless you with an unfathomable knowing. Take what you have seen today and spread word. Villain and Dark Midas have come ravage this kingdom, and with each step we take forward, the eternal formula guides us to the reality dreamt of by the waking, Ph’nglui. The answer to all questions lies within the route chosen. Now go, run. Carry the one legged and considered your injuries lessons in power. Feel blessed, for you have been touched by the nothing and live to speak it's horridness Ph’nglui Ph’nglui."
Understanding that Margaux was basically telling them to run and spread what they had seen today, the two men, one helping the other moved as quickly as they could away from the situation. Margaux turned back to Bijou.
"Well then, now that that's taken care of I suppose I can retrieve our prize and we can be off. But I must say this has proved to be quite the valuable experience. Now we have three shadow whisperers to spread our name, Ph’nglui. Quite the achievement. Now the, I suppose we must collect our prize so we can be off. Ah, Ph’nglui, but we must also leave a message. The dark sign implores it for the it will cause escalation in additional multiplications. Yes, I see."
Walking around the house towards the spot Bijou had mentioned, Margaux held out held out her finger.
"Center times X zero Yellow Zero, Zeal Zero and Stream."
Slicing the end of the house as if she were cutting the off the end slice of a loaf of bread, Margaux waited for the wall fall over, then casually entered.
"Ph’nglui, ah here we are."
Tapping with her foot, Margaux could hear that the spot Bijou had mentioned.
"Now then, just to pull... Ph’nglui."
As Margaux pulled the board didn't budge.
"Hmmm... a secret? No, this is not magic...Ph’nglui"
Trying again, Margaux pulled a little harder. Still nothing. Gripping with both her hands the girl began pulling upwards with a grunt struggling with all her might to pull the board up. With one large tug, the small girl fell backwards landing on her butt on the ground. The board was still in place. Puffing up her cheeks it became clear that the girl who called herself Villain was now rather frustrated.
"WHY?!"
Stomping to the board, hard with her heel the board gave in revealing a box underneath. Peeking in, Margaux saw that the mechanism that opened was meant to be pushed down and then slide to the side, not pulled.
"Ah, of course. Quite a vexing system, but it fails before the full might she who is Villain..."
Picking up the box, Margaux returned to Bijou.
"Well then, all that's left is to return this and receive our reward. As I foretold, using the mathematica demoniac, our victory is assured Ph’nglui and the first step to conquer is paved in the ill will of fate divined. We've done our jobs. Let us return to our contractor and leave him his riches. He will bow as all will soon enough... Ph’nglui Ph’nglui Ph’nglui"
With the job finished, the pair would return to their contracted to receive their reward.
