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.
Desperate Straits: 01 "The most offensive is not their lying - one can always forgive lying - lying is a delightful thing, for it leads to truth - what is offensive is that they lie and worship their own lying."
2 Hours Earlier --
A single strobe light powered by magical fire overhead cast a warm light in the shadow-shrouded room. Two men were up to no good, discussing the particular details of a mission. One of those rogues happened to be Mania - the other he didn't really know but was recommended to him by a close associate that often supplied him with high-demand leads. The heavy, strong scent of tobacco lingered in the closed room, wafting up to the ceiling where it accumulated in a thick vapor. Taking a deep puff, Mania inhaled and exhaled, adding further to the collection of gaseous clouds above. The rogue's hazel eyes were fixed upon the stout bearded man across from him. His scarred face was wrinkled like heavily worn leather. The man is simply known by the alias of Owl and he was incredibly secretive given he was the one trying to solicit Mania's services.
"Are you in or not boy?"
Owl scoffed, coughing as he pulled on the wood pipe he had in hand. Mania was leery of this particular job. Mostly because Owl's intel was sorely lacking and what he did divulge only served to add to the young rogue's concern.
"I need more to go off of ya old geezer. C'mon yer trying to send me into the lion's den naked and armed with a toothpick. I don't think the pay is worth my own neck~"
Mania scoffed right back, his smooth roguish voice echoing as he pulled again on his cigarette.
"That's the problem with you young folk. Always wanting more Yul. Back in my days, rogues were cutthroats not scared of anything. Nowadays you're all just businessmen looking to cut deals instead of savoring the mayhem! The chaos! "
Owl slammed his large hand onto the surface of the wooden table as he chugged down the alcohol in his mug. Mania would display a sheepish grin. Owl wasn't wrong, at least about insinuating Mania was after more Yul. The young rogue had seen an opportune moment to squeeze a little bigger payday out of him by complaining. He knew that out of all the people Owl tried to give the job to, none of them accepted because of the inherent danger it held. Mania was different though, he understood that without risk you couldn't make great strives so he was more than willing to bet on himself should everything align to his liking.
"Double and I'm your guy! Your asking me to gather intel on a heavily fortified military kingdom."
Mania would take a shot of whiskey and lean back into his chair. Smiling ear to ear at Owl who appeared flustered, but would produce a large sack of Yul that rang out beautifully as it hit the table. Owl would slide it to Mania who would take hold of it and shake it within his palm.
"Now do we have a deal? Your gonna find a way inside their compound and gather intel on Lydia and her generals. You are as good as dead if you try to go head to head with them. I want to know about their magic and relative power. Also if you can find schematics of the kingdom I'll pay you extra. Ya better be worth every bit of Yul. Jorah said you were good for the job so you better perform boy!"
Mania would stand to his feet and ash the bud of his cigarette.
"Don't worry. I'll get the job done yah?"
With that Mania would leave the secluded cabin in the woods and begin to get to work. Now --
Mania felt as if he was in way over his head, especially when he laid eyes upon the large walls that surrounded the Kingdom Carrion. They weren't considered a military power for no reason it seemed, the rogue would muse. He was able to gain access to the kingdom easily enough, but the place had a heavy presence of guards. It was an obscene amount Mania thought as he begin to walk around and gain a lay of the land. Escaping in a rush would prove difficult as one would either have to scale the towering walls that protected the kingdom or use force at the only point of entry or exit. Mania lacked the tools to do either to be honest so he would pocket the idea.
The rogue would circle by a few noteworthy places that may have yielded fruit, but again the heavy detail that guarded these places were by far and large egregiously difficult to infiltrate. Mania would frown as it seemed like his only option was to be let in the front though that meant he would have to be captured. The rogue wasn't a fan of this plan as it could lead to him being killed if he stirred up too much trouble but then again it would be a bigger problem if he failed. Mania could hear the old fart chastising him with "I told you so's." Sighing Mania would walk into the public square feeding mana into his grimoire. There was a show about to start.
"I suggest you all start running and screaming!"
Mania had shoved aside the vendor of a stall and stood atop his stand as he yelled out. Curious folk and guards eyed the young rogue warily as he laughed maniacally.
"Mercury Magic: Hydrargyrum Hunter! Seek and Destroy~
Mercury would pool from his grimoire and from it 2 predator golems would be given life. Per Mania's command, they would furiously sprint from their master and begin to destroy the nearby area.
"Hahahaha that's right run and scream. Cause a commotion for me~"
Mania would say as his 3 golems ravaged and thrashed about. They wouldn't harm any civilians but they would engage any of the guards that attempted to stop the rogue. Mania was hoping to draw out one or two of the generals, if he could see their power first hand he could probably have a rough estimate of just how powerful they were. In the same token though, he understood he was risking his life in the pursuit of wealth. Somehow Mania just knew he was gonna be in for a crazy day, but for now, he was just enjoying the random chaos. While his golems did his bidding they would be ordered to steal any valuables from the fleeing populace. This was mostly to conceal his true motives. A guard had approached from the rear and attempted to tackle Mania; however, the rogue was quick to notice him. Avoiding the tackle, Mania would leap off the stand and fetch the dagger from the small of his back.
"I can't promise you'll live so you better be ready to die~"
Goading the guard into action Mania would sidestep and roll onto his feet, dodging a magical fireball before unleashing a flurry of slashes. Cutting the guard multiple times. Mania wasn't really trying to kill the poor man, but he needed to sell the act. Crying out he would fall onto his back and be assisted by more guards who were gathering. They would unleash a torrent of spells, but Mania would stand unwavering.
"Mercury Magic: Marrow of the Moon!"
From his grimoire, mercury magic would be created and form a silver protective cocoon around Mania as their spells clashed with his own. They'd be ineffective versus Mania's defense as he easily blocked them.
"You guys better call for stronger back up, else this will be a massacre~"
Speaking from the gap in his spells defense Mania would laugh and smile though this wasn't really a laughing moment given how many guards were gathering. Mania would summon back his 2 golems from their destructive spree and order them to engage with the knights to thin their numbers but not to kill them. Now with a big enough scene, he was sure he would draw the attention of his query.
Name of Spell: Mercury Magic: Marrow of the Moon Elemental Type: Mercury Rank & Spell Type: Junior | Defense Creation Range & Speed: 10 m AOE | 10 m/s Mana Cost: 8 | 4 Stats Effected: -- Applicable Perks: Mana Conservationist, Aegis Description: Mania creates a large pool of mercury magic that he can manipulate into a smooth semi-spherical dome around himself. This mass of mercury maintains its semi-liquid state, only hardening upon impact from an enemy spell. Mania upon casting can also choose to expand this ability, protecting anything inside the 10 m AOE radius. The Magic doesn't completely envelop Mania or friendly allies, instead, the front has a gap for Mania or others to maintain the vision of targets, but can close up if needed to defend. Spell is activated by speaking the spell's name aloud.
Name of Spell: Hydrargyrum Hunter Element: Mercury Rank: Intermediate Size: 4 m Mana Cost: 16 | 8 Type of Golem: Predator Applicable Perks: Mana Conservationist, Puppet Master Description: Spell is activated by holding his left hand out with palms facing upwards. Liquid mercury pools from Mania's grimoire and shapes itself into a 4 m tall, faceless humanoid comprised purely of mercury. By speaking the spell's name and holding his left arm up Mania manipulates the liquid mercury, giving it form. This golem has long arms, is equipped with sharp claws, and has the ability to move at 18 m/s. Hydrargyrum Devourer is capable of dealing its spell rank in damage and able to sustain Intermediate damage before being destroyed. This golem cannot be used as a mode of transportation. 4 additional golems can be created. Reference
