Chapter 21

The next day, I began studying necromancy.

First, I delved into the grimoire that detailed necromancy.

However, necromancy was fundamentally written with the premise of summoning spirits of the dead, so the issue was how to adapt it for summoning demons.

"Demons and spirits are both spiritual entities, so why don't you try the same method for now?"

This was Closer's suggestion.

"But what about the relic?"

A relic related to the spirit, like the two-handed sword I used with Nene, should be necessary.

"In that case, I think the grimoire 'Goetia' can serve as a substitute."

"Huh, really...?"

"Goetia is not just a grimoire. It should also function as a pass that connects the summoner and the demon."

I see.

Grimoires are generally only instructional books necessary for learning magic. Once you memorize the contents perfectly, the grimoire is no longer needed.

However, Goetia itself was imbued with magical power.

It turns out that it had the role of connecting the summoner and the demon.

"Then, let's try performing necromancy with Goetia as the relic."

I drew a magic circle for necromancy and placed Goetia on top of it, with Closer's page open.

"---I command you, by the name of Norman, to swiftly inhabit my body. Fulfill me with your knowledge and power. Fulfill all my wishes within the limits of your authority. Come forth---the 49th, Closer!"

In an instant, Closer disappeared from my sight.

"Huh?"

Just as I thought that,

"Ugh!"

I felt a change in my body.

I remembered the intense discomfort when a part of Aim entered my body.

But this was nothing compared to that.

My entire body was being assaulted by pain hundreds of times more intense.

"M-Master! A-Are you alright!"

Orobas, seeing me on one knee, rushed over in a panic.

"Haah!"

I spat out blood.

A large clot of blood was expelled from my mouth.

My eyes overflowed with tears, sweat poured from my hands, and my legs convulsed.

If this continues, I'll die...

As I fell to the floor, unable to bear it, a thought flashed through my mind.

"Master! Remember what happened with Aim!"

I heard Orobas's scream.

Right, how did I overcome that pain with Aim?

I gathered the scattered magic in my body to one place.

Similarly, I closed my eyes and tried to sense the magic.

"Ugh!"

A vast amount of magic flowed through my body like a muddy torrent.

Feeling this magic, I felt a wave of nausea.

It's impossible to gather this much magic in one place!

But if I don't, I'll die.

I can't die yet!

Because I haven't mastered magic yet!

I clenched my teeth and tried to control the magic flowing through my body.

If I lose consciousness, that will be my death.

The battle was between losing consciousness and controlling the magic.

This struggle was happening inside my body.

"Master! Please try your hardest!"

Hearing Orobas's scream, I realized I was still conscious.

I strained to hear Orobas's voice.

By focusing on it, I tried to maintain my consciousness and endure.

I clenched my teeth and desperately tried to control the magic.

The battle lasted for hours---.