Chapter 23: Pandemonium (1)

“You need to make a book?”
“Yeah, but not just any book—a grimoire.”

Books and grimoires are fundamentally different.
A book is just a common combination of paper and text, but a grimoire is different.

Conceptually, they aren’t vastly different.
The main difference lies in the production method.

However, because of that slight difference, ordinary people can’t even attempt to make a grimoire.

A grimoire’s cover must include runes, mana engravings, and the unique handwriting of the mage who created it.
It’s practically impossible to replicate because of its extensive security measures.

But Monica is different.
She’s the best on the continent when it comes to creating replicas.

“Creating a grimoire requires a minimum upfront payment of 10 million gold.”
“I know.”
“Then you must also know that I never work without a commission fee.”
“Of course. That’s why I’m blackmailing you right now.”

Monica gritted her teeth and glared at me.
But it couldn’t be helped.

I don’t have the confidence to persuade Monica with some grand reason like saving the continent.
Nor do I have the financial power to pour millions of gold into grimoire production.

So I have no other choice.
I’ll just have to coerce her into making it somehow.

“It’s not that hard for you anyway, right?”
“Of course not. Making a grimoire is… Wait, no! If the price is too steep, I’ll give you a discount, but at least show some sincerity!”
“I told you, my sincerity is to keep my mouth shut.”

Monica stomped her foot in frustration.
Well, that’s what you get for being a scammer.

“After making so much money from cons, why are you being so stingy?”
“……”
“So, are you going to do it or not?”

Honestly, paying Monica is the most efficient way to get her cooperation.
But at this point, I don’t have enough financial resources to win her over.
All this is for the sake of saving the continent, so I’d appreciate it if she’d stop being so difficult.

Monica thought for a long time.
Finally, the response I had been waiting for came out from her tightly closed lips.

“…Fine. But just this once. Never again.”
“Of course.”

Smirk—
I offered her a handshake with a satisfied smile.

Monica glared at me with a discontented expression for a moment, then let out a short sigh and shook my hand.

“Let’s work well together.”
“Haa…”

A mutually beneficial deal.

Three days passed since I commissioned Monica to make the grimoire.
After hearing that it was completed, I headed straight to the library without hesitation.

I was in a rush—way too rushed.
There were only a few days left before the auction.
Since it was the first time going through this route, I felt a tension I had never experienced before.

Of course, the plan was perfect.
I had reviewed it multiple times, but there were no flaws.

‘So… you’re saying to engrave runes on the outer cover with mana?’
‘Yeah, and make sure to draw the face of a four-horned demon in the center of the cover. It should have a protruding jaw, torn eyes, and two fangs on the upper teeth. Only the upper body—no arms showing.’
‘…Your requirements are ridiculously detailed.’

I explained every detail I remembered about the Necronomicon.
The draft Monica showed me seemed almost perfect.

Even so, I couldn’t shake off the anxiety.
From this point on, everything depended on luck.

All I could do was sit tight and pray.

‘There she is.’

I spotted Monica sitting in a corner of the library.
Did she really complete it properly?

Since it was my first time commissioning a grimoire from Monica, I wasn’t sure what to expect.
Still, knowing how serious she is about her work, I wasn’t too worried.

“You’re here.”

Monica noticed me approaching and frowned.
Her expression was that of a staff member dealing with an obviously troublesome customer.

“Is it done?”
“Of course. Take it and don’t come back.”

Thud—
Monica casually tossed the grimoire onto the table.

‘Holy sh*t. This is amazing.’

The result was nothing short of perfection.
Even as a player, I’d be fooled by it.

The cover’s details were over 90% accurate.
The runes and engravings, meticulously etched with mana, were flawless.

With this level of quality, the Pandemonium guys will definitely be deceived.
It matched every detail revealed through Future Sight.

“This is incredible.”
“Hmph, of course it is.”

Monica’s lips curled into a slight smile at the compliment.
The result was so perfect that even her smug expression looked almost cute.

“It’s flawless. No need for any adjustments.”
“Any additional work will cost extra, you cheapskate.”

Extra charges? Yeah, right.
I’ll just ask her for enhancements later.

“Why do you need a grimoire anyway?”

Monica looked at me with a suspicious gaze.

Creating a personal grimoire is illegal.
Grimoires are essentially the exclusive property of the upper class.

They don’t have any real function, but owning one itself holds symbolic value…
Like a form of art.

It’s no wonder she’s skeptical when a mere commoner like me suddenly commissions a grimoire.

‘What should I do…’

When the news of Pandemonium’s raid spreads, they’ll undoubtedly learn about the grimoire too.

No choice but to mix truth with a bit of a lie.

“Someone needs it.”
“What?”
“The academy grounds are hosting an auction soon. I plan to hand it over there. I mean, it’s obvious what a custom grimoire is used for, right?”
“An auction’s being held?”
“Yeah, it’ll happen soon.”

It’s not really a lie.
It’s true that I’m planning to hand the fake Necronomicon over to Pandemonium, and it’s also true that the auction will take place soon.

Of course, when Monica eventually hears the news, she’ll probably think that the grimoire she made was stolen by Pandemonium.
By then, I’ll just act like I’m a victim too.

“Anyway, good work.”
“Hmph.”

Leaving behind Monica’s dismissive snort, I turned away.
Now, all the preparations were truly complete.

All that’s left is to swap the Necronomicon and brace for Pandemonium’s raid.

The day before the auction.

To inspect the venue, I was checking the inside of the auction hall with Selena and Angela.

“Luke Richter. Stop wandering off.”
“Ah, sorry.”

At Selena’s scolding, I fixed my gaze ahead.
But how am I supposed to not get distracted?

Everywhere I look, there are artifacts and potions that make my mouth water.
It’s impossible not to get sidetracked.

Apparently, I wasn’t the only one feeling this way.

“Sis! Did you see that scroll?”
“Be quiet, Angela.”
“There’s even a legendary-grade wand over there!”
“We don’t have the money.”
“You miser!”

As usual, Selena and Angela were noisy.
Ignoring the two, I kept turning my head, examining the surroundings.

There’s only one day left until the auction starts.
I have to find the Necronomicon and swap it out before those two notice.

‘Where the hell is it?’

I scoured every corner with sharp eyes, but it was nowhere to be found.

In the game, I never actually entered the auction hall, so I had no idea where it would be.
I had no choice but to search every nook and cranny until I found the Necronomicon.

Step, step—

We wandered around the darkened auction hall for quite a while.

In the quiet stillness, the only sounds were our footsteps.

While walking, suddenly—

“…Did you hear that, sis?”
“Yeah, I heard it.”

Amid our rhythmic footsteps, another set of footsteps overlapped.
A heavy, eerie sound that sent chills down my spine echoed around us.

“……”

I held my breath and moved cautiously toward the source of the sound.
Eventually, I reached the final spot and saw a man sitting there.