These Demons Do it for Free-Chapter 106

"They’re both true!"

Sure they are.

Conscience? Where art thou?

‘Though, now that I think about it, maybe the "shy literary girl" part isn’t entirely false. Perhaps that’s why she communicates through books instead of face-to-face interactions.’

You know, like those people who are quiet in person but turn into keyboard warriors online. That kind of vibe.

"Anyway! As thanks for listening to me ramble, let me give you some advice."

"Advice?"

"Yeah. You don’t use that magic tome of yours at all, do you?"

Alice’s question carried a note of certainty.

"Not really."

"Is it because it’s a blank tome?"

"…Pretty much."

She even figured that out.

Well, I suppose it’s not surprising. That S-class artifact of hers is also a type of magic tome. Someone who handles something like that so naturally wouldn’t fail to recognize another magic tome’s nature.

"If you keep waiting for it to complete itself, you might never get to use it. Don’t wait for it to be finished—complete it yourself. Even if you can’t make it perfect, it’s better to get it functional."

"And I can just do that on a whim?"

Mysteries imbued in objects usually take time to manifest. Isn’t that a basic rule of thumb?

"That’s true for ordinary tomes. But this one is already a complete tome—its contents are just erased. All it needs is for you to fill them in."

With that, Alice gave a sharp shake, and chains began to unravel by themselves. The blank tome floated into the air.

"Let’s take a look, shall we?"

Flip!

She didn’t need to go far. As soon as she turned the first page, she stopped.

"Huh? It’s already been written in?"

"Pardon?"

This was news to me.

I’d treated the blank tome as nothing more than a decoration for so long that I’d never even thought to open it.

"Hmm? How curious. Why would this be written here?"

Her reaction piqued my curiosity, so I moved closer to peer at the page. The words inscribed in the tome read:

"I shall take upon myself your burdens."

"And so, I shall set you free."

"Ah…"

"Judging by your reaction, you have a clue, don’t you?"

The moment I saw it, I instinctively knew when it had been written.

This chapter is updat𝙚d by freeweɓnovel.cøm.

‘This… It’s from when Mea took her toll.’

There was no doubt about it. I could feel it.

"Good. It’s fortunate you understand. Sometimes, even the one who caused the inscription doesn’t realize its significance. 'Know thyself'—that’s the first step for any scholar of magic. You’d make a fine magus. Want to change professions?"

"Apologies, but demon warlock is my calling."

"Shame."

Her tone didn’t sound particularly regretful.

"I mean it! If you ever decide to switch, I’d take you on as my assistant. Skip the lower guild contracts and come apprentice under me. I’ll take good care of you."

"I’m fine, thanks. But I would appreciate more insight into the tome."

I’d learned that something had begun, but I wasn’t sure what steps I could take next.

After all, the inscription had appeared without me even noticing.

"The first thing you need to do when handling a blank tome—do you know what that is?"

"Quiz time!" she exclaimed, floating around me in circles and chanting, "What is it? What is it?" She was like a Cheshire Cat with a library theme.

Well, if it’s a question, I ought to answer.

"Hmm, giving it a title?"

"You…!"

Was that wrong?

"You’re brilliant! No, seriously, you’ve got the makings of a magus. It’s not too late—magic scholars can start late!"

"I told you, demon warlock for life. Anyway, about the title…"

"A tome should always be judged by its cover."

"…Isn’t the saying the opposite? 'Don’t judge a book by its cover?'"

"That’s for ordinary books. Tomes are different. It’s part of their magic."

Now that she said it, it did sound plausible.

Magic itself isn’t so different. Giving a spell a name assigns it a definite image, making it easier to replicate the effect. At the same time, naming something imbues it with additional mystery, amplifying its power.

Incantations work on a similar principle.

If tomes are steeped in magic and mystery, it makes sense that the same logic would apply.

"Naming the tome would indeed give it direction, shaping its development and hastening its completion, wouldn’t it?"

"Exactly!"

Blank tomes typically get their titles halfway or even at the end of their creation. But by forcing a title early on, you could expedite their practical use. Of course, this sacrifices their maximum potential, but it raises their minimum capabilities for immediate application.

It’s a trade-off: wait and hope for something extraordinary, or settle for reliable utility now.

'The latter seems more practical.'

"At this point, you can use the initial line to guide the title. You’re a bit late to exert full control, but it’s still workable."

"And if I leave it as it is?"

"That’s an option too. But you could align the title with the inscription for better results."

Alice studied the line carefully before speaking again.

"Hmm… The bit about taking burdens could lean towards analyzing, stealing, or sealing abilities. Alternatively, the freeing part could lend itself to nullification or purification magic."

She was quick to pinpoint viable directions—no surprise, given her expertise.

"Once I decide on a direction, how do I reflect it?"

"You engrave it with magic letters. The cover should be blank, right? Write it there with your mana. It might erase at first, but keep doing it, and it’ll stick. You could outsource it to a mage or enchanter, but I don’t recommend it. The tome’s yours; better to train it yourself for long-term benefits."

"Got it. Thanks for the advice."

"So, any ideas for a title yet?"

"I’m not sure. I’ll need to think it over. It depends on what abilities I need most."

I should consult our resident demon advisers, shouldn’t I?

Seir might have questionable naming sense, but their strategic insight is top-notch. My current magic repertoire is proof of their expertise.

"Taking your time, huh? That’s not bad. Just don’t overthink it. Wasting time is a sin, you know?"

"I’ll keep that in mind."

Just as I was about to wrap things up—

Bang, bang, bang!

Someone pounded on the door, loud and impatient.

Who could be so rude?

"I’ll handle it, seeing as I’m part of the lower guild now."

"Ooh, proactive!" Alice clapped—or rather, opened and closed her book cover in applause.

As I approached the door, I heard a familiar voice.

"Roman! I know you’re in there! Get out already! How long are you going to stay holed up?"

"Ah…"

It was none other than Ray.

***

"I can’t live because of you, you know."

"Then why didn’t you just drag me out earlier?"

Practically fleeing with a burning face, I quickly exited Enigma, only to be greeted with a scolding from Ray.

Yeah… it’s a bit late, isn’t it?

"Do you think signing a contract is easy? A little appreciation for my hard work would be nice."

"Uh-huh. Like I didn’t know you finished that contract ages ago and just stayed to chat. It’s been, what, nearly six months now?"

Ray shot back confidently, unbothered by my attempt to excuse myself.

Fighting with facts—how unfair.

"So, who did you manage to gather?"

I tried to change the subject. Ray gave me a half-lidded stare, as if to say she knew what I was doing but would let it slide.

"For starters, I got Red and her goons. Elowen’s probably coming through Leif. I was thinking of calling that trash too, but he’s off in the Abyss, so I skipped him."

"Red and her goons" referred to the Alexandria school trio, while "trash" was our classmate Dustin Chaloner. The former was Ray’s nickname for them, while the latter? Well, everyone called him that.

Not that I feel sorry for him—because I don’t.

"Also got the dhampir. I reached out to Filon too, but he’s apparently busy. Sent a message anyway, but no reply yet."

"You’ve been busy, haven’t you? Nice work."

"Huh? I just borrowed the communication hub at the guild. Who goes running around the city in this day and age? The place is huge."

…Smart move.