Isekai Grimoire System

Chapter II: The Fellow Outlander (IV)

The village of Alian is located in the southern part of the Literra Empire. Most residents have livelihoods as farmers, fishermen, or hunters in areas with a prosperous greeny.

Their region was relatively small compared to the other nobility's territory, so it was common for their village to be quite backward regarding infrastructure and development. Even so, the citizens never complained about it. They were pretty happy with their lives and current situation.

Three days ago, the chief's son woke up from a coma. He has an unknown disease. As soon as he came to his senses, it wasn't long before he made a trip to the Town of Krakal to deepen the ties between the two regions.

A strange natural disaster occurred in Krakal Town one year ago, where dungeon monsters suddenly spawned. There are also unique monsters, mini-bosses, and mysterious figures. They called that disaster the Inverse Dungeon, where they became the prey.

A similar disaster almost happened in the Village of Alian. When it was morning, black clouds rose high, and a strange black spiral appeared in the village, spewing out dozens of monsters from within. Luckily, thanks to the alertness of the three adventurers, they managed to hold off the monsters, and the residents managed to run to a safer place.

“Forgive me, princess. I should be the one escorting the young master and his family, I have failed.”

"Enough, Erick!" Layla snapped, her voice rising at the news of what had happened in the village.

Erick kept his face down. He felt responsible for why he couldn’t protect his master. In the end, other than him and the three adventures, Archie and his mother were still in critical condition.

Layla sat pensively in front of a house, her feelings mixed with everything. Her worries won't subside until she hears news about his fiancé and Mrs. Emeline. Layla stood up when she heard the door squeak and asked, "How are they?"

"Both of them are in bad condition. Mrs. Emeline though her body was cold her heart puls fast. As for Young Master, he seems to have dry out of mana,” replied the person who had just left the room.

They understand the two of them may not come to their senses soon. Layla ordered Erick and the male residents to take turns on guard at night. If they were to be attacked once again, this time, the effect would be dire.

Since she was little, Layla has frequently interacted with residents in her area. Her figure is known as a cheerful and smart girl, even though she is shy, but she often does her duties as a noble in place of her family.

Layla entered the inpatient room. She found two beds, each filled by Archie and Mrs. Emeline. Even though their faces were equally pale, at a glance, she felt a deep sadness towards her mother-in-law.

She had several times diagnosed Mrs. Emeline and confirmed what the previous healer had said was accurate, and the reality made her reflect even more.

“Could it be…Mrs. Emeline has the same symptoms as Mama?” she muttered.

Layla sat on a bench between them, contemplating her fate. When she heard disaster news from the guard, she immediately responded. Her fear had happened.

Her hallucination became more intense, so she hadn't noticed since the beginning. Archie, who had woken up, watched her silently. Archie's slight movement still made the bed squeak, and it woke Layla.

Her mouth wanted to say something, but Archie cut her off immediately.

"Your mother...what happened to her?"

Layla slanted her eyes when she got the question. It seemed Archie had heard her mumbling.

Archie, still sitting on his bed, listened to Layla's story carefully, his eyes shifting to see the figures of Layla and his mother.

The disaster a year ago in the Town of Krakal has claimed dozens of lives. The victims initially only passed out but never regained consciousness until they died one by one.

“Their symptoms…same as Mrs. Emeline,” Layla muttered.

"Do you know why they got like that?"

“I don't know…but it seems my brother knows something. He said that the villagers' power had been forcibly extracted, and…and….”

Archie got up from his bed and drew closer to Layla, who couldn't hold back her tears. He stroked her head several times and whacked the flowing tears. "It's okay," he said.

He left the women in the room and walked out.

The nighttime atmosphere in his village became soundless than usual. Most of the residents had already gone inside their respective homes.

In his reverie, Archie thought about the events of the past three days, since he woke up in this world, and until now. As a foreign soul not from this world, the recesses of his heart remained filled with negative feelings. Just then, he realized this body still belonged to Archie Shellford. With all his ties to this world, he felt the same pain, annoyance, and resentment—which to him, was humane.

In his previous world, he struggles to live decently. He has the knowledge to earn the “standard” title of society, and, just now, because of his stupidity, he put his mother in danger. 

He must discard his thoughts of "I am not the original of this world," and live up to his true identity. He must protect those closest to him, his village, his mother, and discover the secrets spread throughout the world. Something that clearly engraved within him—he should conquer dungeons and uncover mysteries.

He must become stronger. If another outlander came after him again—he had to have the power to fight back—and win; it was the only way to get closer to the mystery.

"Layla…," said Archie, he knows Layla following him from behind, "I have succeeded drawing up the outline. First, for the sake of finding medicine for my mother, I have a few questions.”

He knew this was a world of magic and dungeons, which meant that the restrictions that used to be a hindrance in his old world didn't all apply. One could heal abrasions with spells, which meant one could also find an antidote—with magic or magic items.

To answer that, he has to research; he has to study; he has to learn everything. Strength is not just those with a sturdy physique, but intelligence—if used properly, has greater opportunities.

"Do you know where I can get Nymph blood?"