Earlier, the grimoire had been calm and collected. But now, its voice boomed, brimming with even more arrogance than before.
"I've been around since the Age of Heroes, when Gods still walked among mortals. I witnessed the rise of Atlantis and I witnessed its collapse. I was there when crystal towers pierced the heavens and arrogance drowned an entire civilization beneath the sea.
"I was present when the Tower of Babylon was raised, brick by brick, engraved with laws meant to bind both men and kings.
"I recorded the chants of the priests of Uruk, the first city ever carved from wilderness. I listened to the laments of Troy when they were outsmarted by their enemies.
"I slept within the libraries of Thebes, where knowledge was guarded more fiercely than gold. I was carried through the streets of Mohenjo-Daro, where men mastered building things long before they mastered war."
Images of ancient cities and civilizations appeared in the sky. Leone and the barbarians could only stare, utterly transfixed.
"I have passed through Shambhala, hidden from the eyes of the impure," the Grimoire continued. "And I was sought by those who chased the mirage of El Dorado, blinded by greed they mistook for destiny. Empires have burned, cities have turned to dust. Still, I endure.
"Have you heard of Agartha? The ancient city hidden beneath the earth? I played a role in building its foundations, making sure it would stand the test of time."
Leone gulped. He had never heard of the civilizations, ancient kingdoms, and empires in the grimoire's story.
The weight of countless ages seemed to press harder and harder against the young man's chest.
Tales as old as time, conjured afresh with haughty words.
"I have served kings, tyrants, saints, and monsters," the Grimoire boasted. "Some used my knowledge to build wonders. Others used it to oppress others. They were once ordinary men and women, and became extraordinary after my help."
The dancing golden lights in the heaven gathered together until the grimoire materialized once more.
It then descended until it was only an arm's length away from Leone. Its light dimmed a little.
"So, tell me, Leone Frontera." The grimoire moved closer, its voice suddenly sharp and keen. "When your name is carved into the pages of history… how do you want this world to remember you?"
Leone pondered a bit. He had often asked himself what he would be if he had the chance to become "something" in his lifetime.
As a child, he had dreamed of being an adventurer. Nothing had seemed half as exciting as delving inside dungeons and seeking the treasures hidden deep within.
A couple of years later, he had wished to be an explorer who would map the continent and meet new friends along the way.
However, due to his position as the son of a noble, some things weren't meant to be.
His existence had been controlled by duties, responsibilities, and people depending on him to live happy and peaceful lives!
But now that he had been exiled… all of those things no longer mattered!
"You ask how I want this world to remember me, right?" Leone asked.
"Yes," the grimoire replied. "I want to know what my new owner desires."
Leone then glanced at the barbarians, who were simply listening to his conversation with the grimoire.
"Earlier, all of you called me a hero," Leone said calmly. "But I am no hero. I'm just a nobleman exiled by the King of Britannia."
Upon hearing that, the barbarians started murmuring amongst themselves.
Clearly, the Alborin Tribe and the Kingdom of Britannia didn't get along.
"But right now, my loyalty doesn't belong to the kingdom," Leone declared. "More than anything else, I wish I could drag the King off his throne and kick his bum until I'm satisfied."
The young man paused for a while before continuing his speech.
"But you know what? My mother told me something when I was young," Leone said with a faint smile on his face.
"A hero can mean many different things. Some are born to become heroes, blessed by the Gods with wit, talent, and beauty. While they may not be as handsome as me, they have talents that truly surpass yours truly."
The book clapped its pages together, applauding the young man for his shamelessness.
"At least, you're honest," the Grimoire said.
"Thank you," Leone replied before continuing his speech. "But my mother told me something else too, which I remember to this day. She said that heroes are ordinary people who make themselves extraordinary."
The young man then placed his clenched fist over his chest.
"So, I hereby declare that today, I, Leone Frontera, will become someone extraordinary," Leone declared. "My name will spread far and wide, reaching every corner of the continent and across the sea!"
The barbarians gasped. Some of them were impressed. Others were still trying to figure out if Leon was serious. Belatedly, some started to wonder if he had just hit his head too hard during that fall.
The grimoire hovered beside him, looking both proud and slightly amused.
"Bold words, Young Master," the Grimoire said. "But let me ask you something… do you even know how to become extraordinary?"
"I don't," Leone replied. "But I'm sure you'll tell me how, won't you?"
The young man grinned before raising his fist toward the grimoire.
"Make me extraordinary, partner," Leone said. "Make me a hero whose name will be remembered until the end of time."
"Very well," the Grimoire replied, using its book cover to bump fist with its new master. "But I have one condition. The moment we start, there will be no turning back."
"Perfect." Leone smirked. "Giving up is not part of my vocabulary."
"I will make you a Hero King," the Grimoire declared. "The greatest of all time!"
"I like the sound of that." Leone nodded. "Well, then. When do we start, partner?"
"Right now." The Grimoire landed on the young man's hand, as if returning to its rightful place.
The two then chuckled evilly like they were planning world domination.
The barbarians, on the other hand, looked doubtfully at their so-called hero. Had they gotten a villain instead?
Regardless of what they thought of Leone, one thing was for certain.
The Alborin Tribe was now Leone's new home. Its territory would one day become the center of a kingdom that would be remembered for eternity.