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.
Description: Today are the try-outs for Ilhiana Vones’crew and Magic Knights from all squads are trying out! Go to the recruitment meeting in “Da Inn.” Stand out from the other wizards with your knowledge or your skill as a protector. Impress Vones once and for all!
Minimum Number of Players: 1
Minimum Word Count: 1500 per person
Location: The Royal Capital
NPC Information:
Ilhiana Vones, archeology aficionado, ex-model and previous member of the Coral Peacocks stands tall at 5’6 ft. and adorns a rustic white button up and a pair of leather shorts. She carries with herself a basic short sword and a magical whip that she’s always ready to use when danger comes. The brown-haired woman is currently in her early forties but looks about 30, perhaps because she’s a skilled illusionist and user of Solar Magic, or perhaps because she loves to exercise in her free time.
Vones has long brown hair and amber eyes. She enjoys educated conversation and strongly dislikes people who fake their interest in archeology. The Magic Knights will see her tossing “fakers” outside of “Da Inn”.
Enemies: N/A
Special Conditions: Converse with Vones and impress her.
Artemis stepped out of the library, and took a deep breath. Fresh air. The woman had not spent too long inside the Grand Magic Archives, yet she felt as though she had aged for more than a decade. The dust and mire inside the Grand Magic Archive was just a little bit too much. Artemis could say it was almost akin to the Great Library of the Royal Capital. It was available for access to the public, unlike the Grand Magic Archives which was more selective of its patrons. However, the Great Library was also very musty in its environment. For the most part, the walls were lined up with books that most would find it uncomfortable to stay within its walls for too long. Sunlight was also not very frequently seen within the Great Library, especially since it supposedly ruined the pages and its longevity. Artemis had visited the Great Library more often than the Grand Magic Archives, and from her experience, while the Grand Magic Archives had the most to say about topics, the Great Library was a better place to study, and even unwind. Though, as previously mentioned, both places were stuffy, and in the end, most people did not stay long within the governmental building. Understandably, Artemis made sure to keep her stays at hourly intervals, or else she gets just a little sneezy for the most part. She loved books, old tomes, and reading of knowledge that was obscure. She, however, held a high regard for her health as well. And misty libraries are not the healthiest place to stay in for a long time.[break][break]
She waited until the young mage from Azure Deers joined her. Artemis was in no rush, after all. There was still plenty of time for her to actually get all of everything in her mind sorted out before meeting this exploration leader, or whatever they called themselves. The books and old stacks of scrolls that talked about snakes and temples had been quite an interesting read. From temples that were particularly used to worship snakes, to the ones that actually used the snakes as traps and Defense mechanisms, and even those whose temples had effigies of snakes to ward away common thieves and robbers, she had absorbed it all. Of course, she still needed to catalogue them as much as possible, especially since she was told to research all of these. It must have something to do with the next part of this mission, which was to meet and to talk to the party leader of this so called expedition.[break][break]
When the Azure Deer mage finally exited the Grand Magic Archives, Artemis waves him over. “It seems we will need to meet at an establishment called Da Inn. It should be somewhere in the outskirts.” At least, that was what she remembered the last time she had passed by that area. “I hope you have absorbed as much information as I have. I fear that this interview is some sort of test.” Artemis hated tests. She despised them, even. The woman never did well in academics, though she excelled in everything to do with practicals. She supposed that her siblings were more attuned to the knowledge of the world than her, while she was the more capable mage, technically speaking. She saw great potential in her younger brother, Apollo. Her sister, well, she cared for her deeply as any sister should, though they had grown distant in the past few years, mostly because she had been a black sheep and joined the Green Mantises, while her sister chose instead to join the Black Bulls. The Somersets separated, broken apart, just like usual. “I will be needing a few moments to finish up some errands around the Royal Capital. I’ll meet you at Da Inn at the appropriate time, hm?” Artemis would nod, before heading away and towards the two places she had planned to visit.[break][break]
The first was the apothecary. While she had ordered some herbs for experimentation, her visit here was also scientific in nature. She had wanted to see if the woman who owned the place knew about snakes and snake venom. Artemis surmised that the information would be useful in the long run.[break][break]
The second place was the Great Library. She had been meaning to return specific tomes about Water Magic and the so called Water Grand Magic Zone. It seems that the place was once again open to the Clover Kingdom, and from the whispers she’s heard, there might have been something big going on there. Mana never coalesced in one spot without something big going on, and Artemis knew she might just be called upon if anything comes up. After all, she was one of the few Water specific mages at her tier and caliber within the Magic Knights.[break][break]
Quick and painless, the errands were ran without too much of a fuss. The apothecary could not tell her more about snakes and snake venom, only saying that temples shall had very venomous ones, and should be avoided at all costs. The Grand Library took less time, returning books without hassle at all. Before long, the sun would indicate the time for Artemis. It seems she needed to make her way now towards Da Inn. Best not to keep their patron and party leader waiting too long after all. Better yet, Artemis was excited to see what this mission had in store for her.
There it was. The top of a mountain covered in glaciers, where the snow never seemed to stop. Storms were as common there as air was, and the lightning was a unique color of Azure as Rosalia felt herself stepping onto the snow quietly. She was wearing her regular armor and only holding onto a small backpack, one she assumed to be filled with food. Movement was impossible to hear in the deadly blizzard that would render all but an ice mage freezing. Not even the sound of her boots crunching against the snow would be hearable. And then she paused. Stopped suddenly and gasped inaudibly as a giant blue eye opened right in front of her. [break][break]
Rosalia jolted awake as her eyes dashed around the familiar library floor of the Grand Magic Archives. The sun’s rays shone gently through a small window as little specks of dust fluttered around the red-head in a quiet dance. She was panting…and sweating. What the hell? She moved a hand to her chest as she closed her eyes to calm down. Her heart was beating loudly in her chest. A dream? Her eyes looked down at the book she had sprawled over her lap. Yes, it had to be one…but why did it feel so real?
[break][break]
“Ehem, miss Boreas, while I do so hope that your sleep on my floor was nice and comfortable, didn’t you have somewhere to be?” A grouchy male voice huffed behind the Black Bull mage, making her jump to her feet and instantly bow to the old librarian dwarf behind her. She had worked for him for two years, and still stopped by to visit him whenever she could. Being a closet magic nerd had its perks, like the fact that you spent most of your free time reading books in the Grand Magic Archive and got to know the people there well enough that they didn’t kick you out at night.
[break][break]
“I’m sorry, Magistrix Aldor, it won’t happen again!” Rosalia bowed deeply at the bearded geezer who she could just hear huff at her. As she properly processed his words, she looked up and gave him a little grin. He was right! She was supposed to go meet a famous archeologist and help her on her journey to uncover a lost temple! That’s what the book had been for. Her grin widened into a bashful smile. [break][break]
“Thank you for reminding me. I shall get going and stop disturbing your peace then!” The woman whispered, remembering her manners as she ran over to put the book on ancient snake god temples back on its shelf. She made a mad dash for the place where she was supposed to be meeting the famous Ilhiana Vones and found herself pausing half-way as she felt a particularly familiar magical signature. Who…? Where had she sensed that before? Shaking her head, the woman rushed past another random tavern before arriving in front of Da Inn. Who the fuck named an establishment something like that? Someone with no originality, that’s who. [break][break]
As the beauty headed for the door her eyes widened as a loud crash came from inside and she barely managed to move out of the way as the door of Da Inn swung open and a large buff-looking gentleman landed on the gravel besides her. [break][break] “At least care enough to know your fucking Nagas from your Nereids when you walk in here and try to get into my crew!” A stunning brown-haired woman shouted as she wiped her hands with a towel. The sun hit her in a way that made her skin look caramel, and her golden eyes shot directly at Rosalia as loud cheers came from inside of the tavern. Her aura was one of dominance and intimidation…like Lydia but less…noble? [break][break]
“And you? You here to tell me Nereids are giant snake monsters capable of magic?” There was an anger in her voice that made Rosalia raise an eyebrow. It was clear that the man behind her had pulled on her tail, but there was no need for the archeologist to take it out on her. [break][break] “You sure you aren’t talking about the underwater sea nymphs that help sailors on voyages?” The redhead responded, placing a hand on her hip. They were both ex-models, but she was still younger. A heavy silence hung in the air as a few people peaked their heads out of the windows to watch this go down. [break][break] Golden eyes held ruby ones with a challenging contempt. Neither of the two dared to move. [break][break] What was this, High Noon?
The day has continued on as Naxel headed towards the Library exit from researching temples and snakes. During his short time within the library had given him just enough insight on what this exploration would consist of. There hasn’t been any times, since joining the Magic Knights, to where he had to do a job like this. Most of the tasks he has taken on usually consisted of investigations, recon, patrols, and assistance with towns within the Kingdom. None of which consisted of him taking on an exploration into places that requires research of temples and snakes. Naxel discovered that there were a lot more kinds of snakes that you would typically find around the kingdom. Some of them were not that much bigger than your average one. Others could get up to the size where they can swallow a man whole! Not to mention that their poison could be lethal enough to kill a whole pack of mana beasts with one small bite. When he saw that within one of them books it had caused shivers down his spine. There wasn’t a whole lot that Naxel wouldn’t go up against on an average day. But when it comes to slithering serpents was a whole another story. The Wizard King had asked for magic Knights to assist this person with this exploration. That is one of the only reasons why he hasn’t decided to back out of this task. Plus, Naxel planned on becoming the Captain of his own squad one day. That wasn’t something he always wanted to talk about, though. Being a leader requires you to make sacrifices that you don’t wanna do, but know it’s for the better of something better than themselves. Doing so would help show his new captain, whomever it might be, that he was capable of being their successor one day. Anyway, Naxel took the short time to the exit to quickly run through everything he learned. Once he made it to the door he walked out to notice that Artemis was still outside like she said she would be. When he approached the Green Mantis, she informed Naxel that their next destination was within the outskirts. At a place that was called ‘Da Inn’. It was an unusual name that the Azure Deer hasn’t heard of before. That didn’t mean anything tho. Artemis would then inform him that she had some errands to run before heading out to the location. Naxel nodded his head in agreement, and watched her walk away.
After Artemis left, Naxel threw out his right hand with his bracer beginning to glow. Within the palm of his hand would start forming a ball of shadowy mana. The Noble would then lightly toss the ball out in front of him to where it floats above the ground. Wind would start spinning around it before the ball would begin to expand. It then expanded outwards to where it took the shape of his amazing Shadow Chariot. The transport that many people have labeled as a sign of help within towns like Kikka. Once the chariot was formed Naxel would mount his transportation to begin his trip to the outskirts. From the location he was currently at, the Capital, the trip would take a little time to get to. So, Naxel made his way to the location with his transport at a pace of 15 m/s (33.5 mph). He decided to take the quickest route to the location by heading towards hage, and then make his way from there. Naxel hasn’t really been to the outskirts all that much at all within his life. Actually, he hasn’t ever been to the outskirts once. This thought dawned on his mind when he realized it. Then, he started to pace back and forth on his Chariot to think of a game plan to finding this place. When he thought about it he figured that, since it’s the outskirts, there shouldn’t be that many businesses where he was going. That thought eased his mind a little, and he flew on towards Da Inn.
The trip wound up taking a little longer than he had anticipated. When he arrived at Hage he took a wrong turn that altered his course just a little. It wasn’t that bad, due to him making it to the area he had a feeling this place was located. Few Buildings began to appear, and this brought up a feeling that Naxel has made it. He flew over the town until he noticed a building that could possibly hold more than your average household. So, Naxel decided to take it down to where he landed onto the path in front of the building. Once he looked at the front of it he noticed the words ‘Da Inn’ going across above the door. The Noble would then dismount his Chariot, and watch it disappear into the wind. Instead of going in he would wait outside for his partner, Artemis, to catch up with him. Pressing his body against the front of the building he started to wait.
Artemis would make her way towards the establishment known as Da Inn. A peculiar name, for the most part, though she supposed that it was concise enough. The inn, or Da Inn, was a place of ill establishment, at least in comparison to the other places around the Royal Capital. There was a reason why it was not the most crowded, and the nobility that tended to roam the streets of the Royal Capital would find themselves a bit wary of the place itself. It was understandable, and in all fairness, the establishment was not meant for nobility anyway. It was a commoner’s establishment, a commune for the common people.[break][break]
It was then that Artemis saw someone being thrown out. She was still a bit far off then, though the interaction could be seen from a mile off. The streets were not as busy as it should be, and Artemis’ sight was also quite sharp. The figure was burly, and seemed to either have been an unruly customer, or a troublesome one. Either way, it seems as though there was another figure that stood against the door, facing the inn itself. Artemis would slowly make her way now, wary for the most part, though she was sure she could handle everything that came her way. [break][break]
As she neared, she could hear a conversation happening. At the same time, she saw Naxel Blake, her partner in this mission, already waiting for her. Even more surprising was another woman who was wearing a Black Bulls Magic Knight Mantle. This Magic Knight, however, was the one facing off with another woman by the doorway. Young, at least in her looks, and athletic, the woman at the doorway reminded her of a model, especially with her beautiful but hardened gaze. She wore clothes reminiscent of an adventurer, however, which only meant one thing.[break][break]
“Artemis Somerset, of the Green Mantis.” She would announce to her probably client. Artemis waved at the Azure Deer mage to join her, “My partner and I are here to take on this request.” She would look towards the Black Bulls mage, and after a quick look-over, Artemis found herself wondering where all these model-looking women coming from. “And I suppose my Black Bulls colleague is here as well to join us."[break][break]
“You think you’re a hot shot just because you’re Magic Knights? Tell me, then, what should you do when you get bitten by a poisonous snake, and you have neither healing magic nor potions with you?”[break][break]
Artemis paused for a moment, thinking of the proper response. “Poisonous snakes, especially those found in Archaeological sites, are very dangerous. Some of the species are not yet catalogued at all, and therefore have no proper potions to counteract their venom.” These were all in the book called Ruins and Snakes: An Archaeological Mystery. “The safest way is for someone to draw the venom out from the bite, if nothing else, then sucking it out. This will minimize the damage of the venom to the bloodstream and the body. Failure to draw out the venom fast enough can lead to death by all accounts.” Artemis would now stare at the woman, the one she assumed was Ilhiana Vones, “I have no interest in Archaeology. However, the Magic Knights pride ourselves with being prepared, and that means researching prior to a mission such as this.”[break][break]
Ilhiana Vones stared at Artemis for a moment, before giving her a nod. [break][break]
“You’re in. However, your two other friends will need to answer a question.” [break][break]
The woman gave the Black Bulls mage, and Naxel Blake, a predatory grin. It seems her two companions will be challenge just a little before they can get this mission started in earnest.
Rosalia’s eyebrows rose as she spotted a familiar face arrive at the scene. There was no way she could mistake that Azure Deer cutie anywhere. Naxel Blake and her had done an infiltration mission back when she was a Blue Rose and it had been a lot of fun. It ended with her kissing the younger male and leaving him blushing on the front staircase in the mansion. So, as the male leaned against the wooden building, why did he not notice her? She thought they were friends, acquaintances at least…allies of some kind perhaps. The beauty was certain she had done nothing to offend the nobleman, so why was he just acting as if she didn’t exist? It made her purse her lips. Was he one of…those? The boys that kissed a woman once and then played hard to get? Or assumed that they had her in their back pocket already? Rosalia visibly rolled her eyes, her annoyance growing as the temperature around the front of Da Inn grew cold. Well if that was how he was going to play it, the red-haired witch knew for a fact that she could destroy him at that game. How many prideful male models had she slept with in the past? This was nothing new for her. [break][break] A new, powerful mana signature would distract the Black Bull member for her anger, as she turned to eye a stunning pale-haired woman with eyes the color of the sea at daybreak. Speaking of models…she could probably find this lady a job in mere seconds. Rosalia’s ruby eyes swept over the frame of the approaching Magic Knight, a female Green Mantis. Partially she expected her to start trying to murder anything on site, considering her previous encounter with the squad, but that wasn’t the case at all. The beauty was a noblewoman, a lady, and as she bowed and introduced herself it was obvious that she held herself with pride and grace. The red-haired witch would nod when she was addressed about taking on the Archeology mission. That was the exact reason that she was here for.
[break][break] Ilhiana Vones quickly shot out a question at the mage known as Artemis, but she was well prepared. It actually impressed Rosalia how well she had answered the question. Snakes were animals that she found gorgeous and deadly. They moved silently and killed in different ways depending on their species. Venomous snakes were, of course, horrifying to encounter because not all venoms have antidotes, as the Green Mantis member pointed out. She also took the liberties of explaining how to deal with the worst case scenario of a bite: sucking the venom out. Something inside of the ice mage’s head swirled around the dirty connotation behind the initial words but she brushed it off quickly. It wasn’t the time or the place for sexual jokes.
[break][break] Unsurprisingly, Artemis had been accepted into the travelling crew, and Ilhiana Vones’ scorned amber eyes turned to the other two wizards. She was about to pose a challenging question, and Rosalia was ready to answer, as she crossed her arms over her chest.
[break][break] “For you, Miss Sass, how would you deal with the dangerous enchanted jungles that I have to cross on my journey?” The famous adventurer asked, seemingly still pissed by her earlier encountered by the burly liar that was on the ground near her.
[break][break] Rosalia tilted her head to the side as she maintained her intimidating ice-cold aura. That was a good question. She was a woman, passionate about mythology, history and magic. She was a closet nerd on the subjects, so to her the answer came naturally.
[break][break] “With respect and care. As dangerous and magical as the jungles may be, they are still a sensitive biome. From what I’ve read, they’re also ancient and contain really old knowledge which must not be lost forever.” Rosalia gave Ilhiana Vones a very gentle smile. She wasn’t about to fight the woman. They weren’t enemies. “I’m a Black Bull, Professor Vones, but I’m also a lover of mythos and magic. I will do my best to protect you and the party if you take me along, but I do want you to know that there is a small selfish part of me that does this for the knowledge. I want to conserve, not destroy. ” The Magic Knight admitted honestly and bowed politely to the archeologist. As she lifted her head up, she noticed those amber eyes soften.
[break][break] “I see…well, I guess it’s a win-win then, isn’t it?” Ilhiana paused and leaned against the side of the building, next to Naxel. “Alright, having someone who knows what I’m talking about wouldn’t be bad company…and you can probably fight well considering your squad…you’re in.”
[break][break] Rosalia gave the ex-model a little grateful smile before turning to Artemis and winked at her. That only left Naxel. What question would she pose him? Not that she cared. The beauty was sincerely pissed at him.
Time had went on, a little, as Naxel was waiting outside of the meeting place for this Archeologist. While he was waiting he noticed that there was a mana signature that felt very familiar to him. He looked around to notice that there was a Magic Knight with the Black Bulls Mantle and another woman next to her. Naxel stared over at the woman for a minute to see if he could put a finger on who she was. It wasn’t until the mana presence of Artemis had approached where he was standing. The Noble would watch as Artemis would walk straight over to the two other woman. He could hear that she introduced herself, and followed with waving for him to walk over there with her. So, Naxel pushed off the wall to walk only a few short feet of where he was originally place. The whole few steps he stared at the woman with the Black Bulls mantle to see if he could figure out who she was. Then, he watched as the woman would roll her eyes at him, and his mind just suddenly clicked to who she was. “Fuck... That is Rosa! Why is she wearing a Black Bulls mantle? She was in the Blue Rose squad not that long ago. Wait... oh god...” Sweat would quickly begin to roll down his face without a care in the world. “She is going to kill my ass now that I didn’t recognize her... She had kissed me before we parted that ways now, and she probably is thinking that I’m that jerk who uses woman! Oh my god... oh my god... oh my god!” His heart quickly started to beat uncontrollably. It was starting to feel like he was about to have a heart attack. Maybe if he had a heart attack she wouldn’t use this moment to kill him. Naxel wanted to speak to her, and try to explain himself to her. But Naxel could hear Artemis finishing up whatever it was that she was saying.
The Archeologist seemed to be pleased with the response that Artemis had given her. She would on on next to give Rose a question on enchanted jungles that the archeologist had experienced. When that question registered in Naxels’ mind he realized that he didn’t know anything about this woman. If she asked him a question bout herself then he would probably not be allowed to go on this mission. If that was the case then he wouldn’t have to really worry about running into any type of killing serpent. Plus, with what little Naxel did hear from Artemis, if you get bitten by one of these snakes someone will have to act quickly or you die. That really made the Azure Deer a lot more uneasy on the situation. Then, Rose had finished up her response to the question that the woman had asked. IIhiana would give a short response before propping herself against the wall next to where he was. She would look at the Noble with a scary look on her face with her intentions being unclear. “Now for you to give me an answer on something. Explain to me what kind of temple we might experience on this exploration.” Once those words left her mouth he would feel excited on the inside. Out of everything that he managed to read back at the library. The main thing he read up on was the architecture of templates that had already been discovered. Naxel would feel like a million yul until he looked back at rae. His insides began to start crying as he still can’t believe that he did not notice this amazingly beautiful woman. “We won’t really know what kind of temple it will be until we get there and inside. Many temples that have been discovered has ranged from being tall in appearance to being small. The ones that are small are more than likely templates to dive into the ground beneath it. Either way these places will be dangerous. Many kinds of Magical traps have been known to possibly occupy these temples. I remember reading one book that explained how one man died from being to careless on his exploration.” He said with a dull look that appeared on his face while giving his answer,
Afterwards he would add one more thing to his response before she could speak. “I am also not an Archeologist either. The position I hold is an investigator within the Azure Deer Knight squad. I may not be able to help you with any form of logical explanation, but I have a keen eye on finding stuff that most people would over look.” He finished off to let her finally give a response. “You are not really what I am looking for, but I could use someone to help me keep an eye out on everything. Plus your knowledge on temples seem to be above average. So you can come along with us.” She spoke to him with a nonchalant tone to her voice. After giving her response she would walk over to the Inn entrance. Turning around, she looked at all three of them before speaking again. “We will leave asap, so I hope you three are ready for this exploration!” Saying to the three magic Knights and walking inside. Then, Naxel would turn his attention over towards Rose. She clearly looked like she didn’t really care to speak to him at all. Naxel understood that, because he would feel the same way if the roles were reversed. “Rose, I am so sorry that I did not recognize you. The work that I have been given lately has had my mind fried. Plus I didn’t know that you had transferred over to the Black Bulls. Please do not hold this against me.” Wanting to cry when he said these things to her. He didn’t, but he really felt that he could cry a river at this moment.
[EXIT]
WC: 1843- 1 stat in power, and 1 stat in sensory with squad perk.
