The Book Eating Magician (193+)

Chapter 199

Traces from the Age of Mythology #2

As Gluttony talked to Theodore, Paragranum’s hands were moving while she held the Emerald Tablet. This thing had been a treasure even in the Age of Mythology. The value of it couldn’t be determined in this age.

Even Theodore, who wasn’t interested in alchemy, was briefly attracted to the glitter, but it was literally just for a moment.

Para stared at the Emerald Tablet in her arms.

“…I have accomplished my first purpose,” she muttered with a loud voice which was rare for her.

However, Theodore had a question as he looked at her back.

According to Para’s actions, the key to this research facility and the dimension containing the Emerald Tablet was clearly the Azoth Sword. However, she had handed over such an essential item as a down payment? Not even a dumb human would make that mistake. A grimoire had an intellect surpassing humans, so she wouldn’t make such an obvious mistake.

Theodore faced Paragranum and spoke in a more rigid voice, “Paragranum, I have something I want to ask.”

He was already 70% certain, and the remaining 30% wasn’t really him being doubtful. However, he couldn’t leave here without checking. After all, it was easier to deal with someone who was classified as an enemy, than someone who wasn’t.

In any case, Para’s dominance in this set of ruins was absolute. Unsurprisingly, Para acted like she knew his question. “I can already guess your question. Well, just speak.”

“It wasn’t a mistake.” The remaining 30% disappeared as Theodore became convinced. “Why did you hand me the Azoth Sword? It isn’t just the key to obtaining the Emerald Tablet. If this dagger is Paracelsus’ favorite, it must be worth more than that. It can be used in several ways in this set of ruins.”

“For example?”

“It is the key to controlling Mercurius.”

This part was purely Theodore’s speculation. It might be possible, but it wouldn’t go toward a level beyond speculation. If Paragranum denied it, his speculation would end here. He had no evidence to back up his hypothesis.

Theodore’s heart was hoping that Paragranum would laugh at his words. He didn’t want to become hostile toward a monster who was equal to a grandmaster in this set of ruins. However, Para clapped and exclaimed, “Correct! As expected of Gluttony’s host, you have a good head.”

“You…!” Theodore was about to curse, but he barely stopped himself and lowered his voice, “Answer me. Why did you hand me the Azoth Sword?”

“Why do you mean? It was your choice.”

“That-”

That was true. Theodore was the one who had chosen the sword when presented with the option of the Azoth Sword or the Philosopher’s Stone. Even if Paragranum had induced it, there had been no compulsion which forced him to choose it.

Para looked at the temporarily speechless Theodore and opened her mouth again, “The Philosopher’s Stone or the Azoth Sword. At that time, I only respected your free will. As a result of your choice, you fought Mercurius. Life is continuously climbing the ladder, so I can’t have a companion who can’t endure it.”

Theodore immediately recognized the meaning of what had happened. “… Did you test me?”

“In a sense.”

“What if I had been killed by Mercurius?”

“Unfortunately, I would then have to do it alone. It isn’t a big deal for me to retrieve the Azoth Sword after securing this laboratory.”