Chapter 10 Death Note II

After some time, Light decided to venture to a secluded spot while everyone at the church was still busy preparing for a feast, mainly in honor of Yuno and Light, but perhaps also a nod to Asta.

The focal point of the celebration was undoubtedly Yuno's acquisition of the four-leaf clover grimoire. Its legendary status had spread far and wide throughout the Clover Kingdom and beyond.

On the other hand, Light's grimoire bore no clover symbol, despite being located in the heart of the Clover Kingdom. While its uniqueness and somber nature might pique the curiosity of some, it couldn't compete with the allure of a four-leaf grimoire – a symbol of immense power, according to the legends.

What everyone overlooked, however, was the quill placed next to Light's Death Note grimoire. This quill possessed pure white feathers, a stark contrast to the darkness of the Death Note.

Light found a secluded spot in the forest and began examining his grimoire. Even though he no longer remembered the plot of the anime, he still recognized the Death Note as a well-known notebook that could bring about mysterious deaths when a person's name was written in it. This knowledge was widespread, even among those who hadn't watched Death Note.

Light took hold of the quill, and it trembled slightly in his grasp. While Light lacked ink, a luxury in this world, he knew he could use his blood as an alternative.

Meanwhile, Asta perched atop a thick tree branch, one leg hanging down for support while he leaned his upper body into the air.

"I knew I had no magic," Asta thought to himself, his gaze fixed on an empty space. "But I didn't know it was this bad that I wouldn't receive a grimoire."

Asta pondered the promise he and Yuno had made as children, thinking, "I bet he doesn't even remember it at all."

Recollections of their childhood agreement resurfaced in Asta's mind, fueling his determination. In response to Yuno's discouraging words and Light's earlier teasing and encouragement, Asta shouted defiantly, "Like hell I'm giving up!"

He burst into laughter, addressing fate itself. "Don't you dare look down on me, fate! I'll be right there! Even if it takes a year or two, I'll keep trying until I get a grimoire!"

With unwavering determination, Asta stood up on the branch and clenched his fist. "Wait for me, Yuno, Light!"

As he gazed at Yuno, who was heading towards the Grimoire Tower, Asta couldn't help but wonder, "Hmm? Isn't that...?"

...

As Yuno stood facing the entrance of the Grimoire Tower, a voice disrupted his thoughts.

"The star of the show shouldn't hang around all day like this."

Yuno swiftly turned towards the source of the voice and was met with the sight of a scarred-faced individual. This person already possessed a grimoire in hand.

Before Yuno could react, magical chains materialized, swiftly enveloping his body.

"[Magic Binding Iron Chain Formation]," the scarred man chanted.

Yuno was left immobilized, bewildered by the sudden turn of events. Wide-eyed, he stared at the scarred figure, who seemed to revel in his successful capture.

"Who the hell... Are you?" Asta exclaimed, his shock evident as he approached the scene.

The scarred figure chuckled maliciously, introducing himself, "Kukuku, not long ago, I was a Magic Knight. I am known as the Chain Magic Revchi."

He glanced at Yuno's four-leaf clover grimoire, then continued, "But now, I'm just a lowly bandit. A grimoire can only be used by its master."

Revchi grinned slyly, his eyes fixed on the coveted four-leaf clover. He remarked, "But there are plenty of collectors who would pay a king's ransom to get their hands on a four-leaf clover."

With a hint of cruelty, Revchi taunted Yuno, "Although you were chosen by this grimoire, you just received it, so you're no threat. Too bad you had to run into me. Your legend will end before it starts."

Just as Revchi finished speaking, Asta's voice cut through the tension, "Wait!"

Asta sprinted towards the scene with such haste that he collided with a wall. Undeterred, he quickly rose to his feet, pointing an accusatory finger at Revchi.

"What the hell do you think you're doing, thief!?" Asta demanded, his fiery determination evident.

"Asta..." Yuno called out, his eyes focused on his friend.

The moment had played out as it was destined to.

...

Meanwhile, Light was initially curious about the contents of his grimoire. Drawing from his previous life's knowledge, he expected the Death Note to contain no spells or contents like a regular book, except for the rules written within.

However, when he opened it, Light was taken aback. There were indeed contents, spells, and most surprisingly, rules inscribed within his Death Note.

The thickness of his Death Note also deviated from the original. As he delved deeper into the grimoire's secrets, Light found himself confronted with a set of rules that would govern his use of the Death Note.

[1: The individual whose name is inscribed within this note shall meet their demise.]

This first rule struck him with the brutal simplicity of its power. Writing a name could bring about death.

[2: This note shall only take effect if the writer holds the person's face in their thoughts while penning their name. Hence, individuals sharing the same name shall remain unaffected.]

The second rule introduced a disturbing sense of balance. Death had its price, and it seemed even magical potential could be sacrificed to maintain equilibrium.

[3: A recompense must be offered, equivalent to one life. For instance, one human life equals the lives of countless lesser creatures, or that of a human who possesses an enormous debt to the user. Anything of equal value can be exchanged, even a substantial amount of mana, depending on the individual's strength. If the person is weak, the sacrifice demands less. Is it too bothersome? No worries! Just inscribe the target's name, and if desired, provide details of their demise. You can then envision the deaths of 10,000 rats, although it necessitates concentration. Suddenly, 10,000 rats may perish within a 1 sq km radius around you. If there aren't enough rats in that vicinity, the user must locate the required sacrifice within one hour, or the substantial amount of the user's mana will be taken. As for the resulting epidemic, not my concern.]

This rule added an eerie personal touch to the process. Knowing one's victim intimately became essential.

[4: The power to claim lives by inscribing names in this notebook may only be used up to five times per week. Exceeding this limit may result in the user losing something or someone important.]

The fourth rule imposed a cap on the frequency of use, an intriguing limitation with ominous consequences. It hinted at an entity's involvement in enforcing these rules.

[5: This notebook can't be used by anyone because it's bound to the master, Light. As for all that "user" and "writer" stuff? I was just messing around, got a bit bored, you know? Expecting more rules? Well, don't hold your breath. This shinigami ain't one to get all fussy. Now, why's there a number five, you ask? Ah, heck, I couldn't come up with any more, so I just slapped it on there to round things out. Four just felt kinda empty, you know? You might call this shinigami daft or whatever, but the ol' noggin's tapped out on rule ideas!

Oh, and in case you didn't catch it, this ain't Sidoh's death note that I stol— burrowed – it's a grimoire now! And the master of this grimoire? Well, they're not your chocolate addicted shinigami from the shinigami realm, that's for sure. So, all the rules I jotted down? They're nothing but ink on paper. 'cause this death note grimoire is totally bound to the master's will. Means I got zilch influence over it! So, long story short, this death note's got no rules. Use it however you please. Maybe that's the only rule, if you can even call it that.

Anyway, go ahead and check out the list of spells in this notebook, or should I say, this so-called grimoire. Catch you later. Bye!]

Light, deeply immersed in reading and taking this all quite seriously, couldn't help but feel like he'd been had. His lips involuntarily curled into an irritated twitch.

Hold on a sec.

Shinigami!?

Well... I suppose it's par for the course with something like a Death Note, right!?

But is there really a need to mess with me like this!?