The Worthless Grimoire

The Ringless Mage Is Actually the Strongest Chapter 2: The Worthless Grimoire

"No Rings: Story Magic,"

The Head Mage declared, his voice slow and deliberate.

The room erupted in whispers.

Then—laughter. Mocking, cruel laughter.

"Story Magic? What kind of useless magic is that?"

"Is it even real magic?"

"He's useless."

Orin's childhood bullies, who had all received their own Grimoires, smirked with satisfaction. The leader, who had received three rings, sneered. "Guess you really are worthless after all."

Rod angrily shouted, "Shut it. You don't even know what Story Magic is."

"What does it matter? No rings means no power! He's the weakest mage in the history of Eldonia."

The Head Mage struck his staff against the ground, and the laughter ceased. "The ceremony is now over, you are hereby dismissed."

Orin felt numb, so lost in thoughts, he barely remembered how he got home. Tears streaming down his face, his mother—his only living relative—hugged him tightly, her clothes muffling the sound of his loud cries.

His mother tried to comfort him, but what could she say? No Rings. No Future.

Rod later came by to check on Orin, but he brought even more unpleasant news. "Orin… I leave for the capital tomorrow, I am to attend Velkia Magic Academy."

Orin forced a small, broken smile. "Oh i see... Good luck, Rod."

That night, Orin sat alone in his room, the blank Grimoire resting on his lap. The moonlight streamed through the window, casting a soft glow

"No rings Story Magic" Orin muttered

He opened his grimoire and it was blank, with a sigh he laid his head on his pillow and drifted to sleep

***

On the morning of Rod's departure, Orin arrived at the entrance of the Lianhart Manor, where a carriage, a few knights and two mages awaited.

These are probably Rod's personal guards, he thought.

Rod burst open the manor door as though he could sense Orin's Arrival, with his grin even wider than usual he said "Orin! My father would like to see you"

Orin, curious, asked, "Count Fred wishes to see me? Lead the way"

On getting to the Counts study, the valet exchanged greetings with Orin then knocks on the door saying "My Lord, the young master and Orin are here to see you."

A loud commanding voice responded, "Come in"

Thud

The door closed behind them as quickly as it had opened.

As Orin stepped into Count Fred's study, the familiar scent of aged parchment and ink slapped him in the face. The wall on one side was lined with bookshelves, filled with thick tomes and scrolls—their spines appeared worn from years of use. A large mahogany desk stood at the center of the room, its polished surface stacked with neatly arranged documents, an open ink bottle and a brass seal bearing the Lianhart crest.

Behind the desk sat a bulky, muscular, crimson-headed man with a rough mustache, going through some documents, the scratch of quill on paper being the only sound filling the dimly lit room.

Count Frederick Lianhart—Lord of the Border Town.

He was a proud four rings fire mage, with four children including Rod who was the Third child. His eldest son, was off serving in the military, his second—a nineteen year old daughter—was in her final year at the Velkia Magic Academy, and his youngest, a girl who barely started walking a few months ago.

After a brief pause, he put down his quill—taking a break from his work and stared intently at Orin.

"It's been a while, Orin," he said.

Orin forcing a nervous smile "Greetings, Count Fred"

Rod quickly interrupted, still holding his grin. " Tell him, Father!"

Count Fred sighed, leaning back in his chair, then reached for a letter. His hand outstretched, he handed it to Orin

Orin took the parchment, his eyes scanning the contents as his expression changed, He read it again to make sure.

The letter read:

To Count Frederick Lianhart, 

I extend my greetings and gratitude on behalf of the Velkia Magic Academy for your continued support. It is rare for us to consider applicants outside of our traditional admission requirements, but given your personal recommendation and history, we are prepared to make an exception

While his Grimoire lacks Rings, the young Orin Valcrest, effective immediately will be given a place on our admission list. On arrival to the capital he will undertake the entrance exam along the other students. 

However, I must stress that no special provisions will be afforded to him—he will be evaluated under the same standards as all other applicants.

Additionally, I was pleased to learn that the young Roderick has awakened a four-ring Grimoire, our academy will ensure he receives the finest training to help him become a worthy Battle mage.

Yours sincerely, 

Headmaster Aldritch Valto 

Velkia Magic Academy

Orin, overwhelmed with emotion, bowed deeply, his voice trembling as he screamed out, "Thank You, Lord Frederick"

Before he could fully rise, Rod smacked him right on the back with a grin. "Go pack your things, we leave in an hour"

Orin stood upright, wiping his tears, he asked "But why? Why did you go so far for someone like me?"

Count Fred let out a slow sigh, his expression unreadable.

"How much do you know about your Father?" he said

Orin hesitated. "Not much! My mother doesn't speak much of him, only that he was the knight commander, and he died a few months before i was born." 

"I see"

Count Fred responded, he stood up, walked over to the tall window. Looking out in silence for a moment, he spoke softly

"Richard Valcrest and I were old friends, we fought side by side in wars against demons and invading nations. If not for the fact that he was a one-ring mage he would have probably been the lord of this border town."

He turned around facing Orin, standing with his fingers lightly tapping the desk

"Richard was strong, for a one ring mage to command a military made up of knights and mages you must understand just how capable he was."

His expression darkened with the weight of the memory.

"He died defending this kingdom... He died defending this town. And so i owe him a great debt."

Count Fred regains his composure, his voice resolute.

"Securing your future is my way of repaying him"

Orin clenched his fists, holding back his tears, I'll become stronger! No! I'll become a legendary battle mage he thought

Count Fred's voice pulled him back to the moment.

"I've informed your mother of the situation, she has, of course agreed to let you attend the academy. Theres a carriage waiting outside, it'll take you home. Say your goodbyes, and prepare what you must. You and Roderick will leave for the capital in an hour.

His tone was final. "That will be all."

Orin bowed deeply once again, "Thank You, Lord Fred"

***

Orin's departure was nearly delayed by his mother, who clung to him, torn between joy and sorrow. Tears streamed down her face as she held him tightly

"Be careful, Orin," she said, her voice breaking. "Promise me you'll take care of yourself."

Orin nodded, offering a reassuring smile, though his own emotions threatened to spill over. "I promise mother. I will write back as much as i can."

With one last embrace, he stepped into the carriage.

The rhythmic clatter of the horses hooves hitting the dirt road filled the air.

Orin, who had never set foot outside the border town, kept his eyes glued to the carriage windows. His eyes observing every detail of the scenery—the rolling hills, the scattered farms, and the distant silhouette of cities on the horizon. His mind raced with new ideas, his illusion magic was inspired by nature, and so he could create whatever he imagined. Even though they were just illusions, he had resolved himself to fight with it.

Meanwhile, across from him, Rod was struggling to read through his notes, he scratched his head, grumbling a few times as he struggled to focus on the book in his hands.

"Damn written exams," he muttered.

He could still hear echoes of his father's words in his mind:

"The entrance exam isn't just about combat. There's a written portion too so you'd best be prepared, Roderick."

 His fiery personality, made it difficult to sit still; he could hardly calm down enough to study.

Orin glanced over, suppressing a chuckle.

Rod shot him a glare before groaning.

Orin smirked, turning his gaze back to the window.

The journey to the capital had only just begun, the trip to the capital should take a little over a month.

The Kingdom of Eldonia was the largest empire on the continent of Drakovia. Situated in the southern region of the continent, its vast territory extended, also occupying the western region. To the North lay the kingdoms of Velmoria a longstanding ally, and to south was the newly growing Empire of Taldorn with its borders pressed against counts fredericks domain.

Orin clenched his fists. His journey to the capital had begun, but if he wanted to survive in a world that only valued power, he would have to prove that "Story Magic" was anything but worthless.