BLACK CLOVER: Through the Looking Glass

"Okay, so first things first. Go to the library and study about enchantments first." Wilhelm muttered to himself as he entered the library, while Rubert noticed his presence with a side-eye.

'You know what, let's ask him.' Wilhelm sighed in exasperation.

With this thought, Wilhelm who had come to the library the same day after making himself presentable for real, walked over to Rubert.

"Mr. Cystine. Well met."

"Likewise Mr. Rothchilde. Do you need anything?" Rubert asked instantly after returning his greeting.

'Heh, to the point, huh?'

"Yes, Mr. Cystine. Would you be so kind as to suggest to me which book should I begin with for learning enchantment?" Wilhelm asked with perfect manners.

"Do you have any previous experience regarding enchanting?" Rubert asked with a still look.

"No, I don't." Wilhelm replied honestly.

"Very well then." He replied as he opened a drawer and from it took out a piece of paper, and handed it to Wilhelm.

"There you go. Here it is written which book you should read and in which order for an easy experience." Rubert continued.

Giving it a once over, Wilhelm thought.

'Did he just write this for me, or is this pre-written? Anyway, good for me.'

"Thank you, Mr. Cystine." He thanked him as he walked away, looked at the list, and read its contents.

'History of Magic

 Primary Arithmetic's

 Practical Geometry

 Etching: An Art

 Art of Writing: Calligraphy

 Materials Around Us

 History on Enchantments

 Practical Uses of Enchantments

 Introduction to Enchantment

 Enchantment for Beginners

 Advanced Enchantment

 Intermediate Enchantment

 Enchantment: More Practical Applications

Hmm…this is quite the list.'

He then moved to the normal section of the library from where he took the books that were not directly related to enchanting. Namely, History of Magic, Primary Arithmetic, Practical Geometry, Etching: An Art, Art of Writing: Calligraphy, and Materials Around Us.

Taking the thick tower of books, Wilhelm placed it on a table in the corner and gave them a once-over.

'All of these books will not take a lot of time to go through. I took a calligraphy club in middle school, and am quite good at maths. Purely theoretical books will not take too long to go through. Especially, the History of Magic which I already know most of, but it won't hurt and will maybe give me the inspiration to use different magic that I may get in the future. The material around us will take more time because it contains facts about material that is not native to my land.

But as far as etching goes, I am alien to it. From what I remember it is an art where you use chemicals to engrave or draw upon metals.'

With this thought, he opened his first book, History of Magic.

…

Lemiel Silvamillion Clover, the first Wizard King, the user of light magic. The greatest contribution of his was his magic tools. I knew that.

Though his corpse was never recovered. It is said to be incinerated when fighting the demon.

…

Princia Funnybunny, 11th Wizard King. She is from a fallen noble family who was stripped of her family resources by other nobles.

The user of Legion Magic, she joined Blue Rose and eventually reached the level of Wizard King. During that time, Clover Kingdom was embroiled in war.

She was sent on frontlines, but did not know that her family and loved ones along with her town were being held captive by the enemy because the nobles and royals did not allow for so.

When she found out, she became enraged and retaliated by being subdued, stripped of her title as wizard king, and her magic was sealed.

Sometime later, her hometown was raided by bandits, and she fought them, without magic, and died doing so.

She was told to be a person who was of cold demeanor but has been cited to be the person who would enjoy a good battle.

…

Jester Garandros, 16th Wizard King. He is a well-fed noble from a very good family. His childhood was not tragic or anything.

Despite his political standing, he befriended 2 boys. One of whom was from a small village near the Diamond Kingdom and a knight from a common realm.

One day, one of his friends, whose home was near Diamond Kingdom, died protecting it, but the Clover Kingdom could not mobilize its force because it would be seen as an act of aggression by Diamond Kingdom.

Frustrated with it, the Jester climbed the ranks to become Wizard King. Once more, when his late friend's home was under attack, he marched with his magic knights there but later found it to be a trap orchestrated by his knight friend who was a spy working for the enemy.

He survived the attack but something inside of him twisted that day. He decided that the only way to attain true peace was if every kingdom came under one banner, his rule.

For this, he was titled 'Mad King', the one who was supported by many and hated by many as well. So, seeing his radical actions and growing power, Royals tried to take him down by ambushing him, until he died, without ever completing his dream.

Hmm…among all of the previous Wizard Kings, I would have the hardest time against him including against Julius and Limiel. He can use barrier magic and if he goes on perfect defense, I cannot attack him and then it will lead to a battle of attrition.

…

Edward Avalaché, the 20th Wizard King. User of Ice Wedge Magic.

He used to be a priest and run an orphanage who wanted nothing to do with being a magic knight.

One day, due to the war between Diamond Kingdom and Clover Kingdom, his orphanage was raised to the ground and everyone was killed.

Brimming with rage, he demolished every single Diamond Kingdom soldier in the vicinity.

Soon, he joined magic knights for the purpose of saving everyone, and with his conviction and demeanor, he climbed the ranks amassing massive support.

When he became the Wizard King, he tried to destroy the wall between nobles and commoners, but as expected, they did not like it, and they stripped him of his title.

But Edward did not give up and using the allies he made, fought against the oppression, though this did not last long and he was brought down to his knees, captured, and executed.

…

Like this, Wilhelm read through the book of History quickly. He thought he had read through the history before, but he realized something wrong.

'This book is actually critical of the royals and nobles. The books that are available normally show these Wizard Kings in a bad light. They tell that Jester was a madman, Edward was a terrorist, and Princia was a traitor.

Could it be…this book is the true historical record and the books that are commonly available are propaganda by Nobles and Royals to brainwash the common populace in their favor? It must be.'

Wilhelm thought as he closed the book stacked the notes he made and placed them aside.

'Hmm…this was a good and informative read. Let's move on to another one. Primary Arithmetic's.'

…

'Well, this was nothing new. If anything, it is way easier for me.' Wilhelm thought as he closed the book shut after reading it for an hour and a half, scanning through its contents.

After closing the book, his eyes drifted off to a clock and he saw the time.

"7: 41 pm…I have some time left. Let's cover Practical Geome…*yawn*…try." Wilhelm muttered to himself as he stretched his back and yawned.

Rubbing his eyes, he took out the fountain pen and began scribbling on the paper from time to time as he read through the book. It took him till 10:21 pm till he was done reading the book. It took him a while because he was jogging his memory in regard to geometry. Stacking the notes, Wilhelm placed them over the books and carried the books around, placing each book back on its respective shelf. Finally, he was left with only his notes, with which he approached Rubert and asked, "Mr. Cystine, can you please give me the key to Room #2? I need to store these notes there."

"Please return it before leaving Mr. Rothchilde." He said with a straight face.

"Will do. Thank you for your help today." Wilhelm said with a curt reply.

"You are welcome."

With a brief exchange of words, Wilhelm left for his Study. He opened the door, and on the giant empty shelf, placed his notes inside, and giving the keys back to Rubert, Wilhelm left the library.

Getting out of the barrier, Wilhelm raised his communication device and sent a signal to Finral.

After a few moments, on the surface of the communication device, a projection of Finral appeared.

"Oh, hi! How are you doing Wilhelm?" Finral asked with a slight look of surprise.

"I am good."

"Did you get what you wanted to ask Wizard King for?"

"Yup." Wilhelm replied popping 'p'.

"Oh, that is good to hear. So what did you call me for?" Finral replied with a good-natured look.

"Well, I need a ride to the base." Hearing this, Finral's face fell.

"Haah…you are like everyone else. Always treating me like a vehicle."

"…"

"Fine." Finral grumbled at Wilhelm's deadpan face and silence. Immediately in front of Wilhelm, a shimmering portal appeared from where Finral walked out with a tired look.

"You know, I was on a date and I ditched it for you. You better be grateful."

"Did that date happen to be a girl who said she was going to come back but never did?"

"(-_-)"

"Thank you."

"…Why can't everyone be like Asta?" Finral muttered in response to Wilhelm's reply as he made a portal, to which Wilhelm commented.

"If everyone was Asta, would you like to date anyone?"

"…"

"Thought so."

The surroundings around them changed from the chill of the night in Capital to the warm of the base.

Entering it, the pair saw that Gauche was not present in the room, same was the case with Grey. Yami was cleaning his sword, and Vanessa was drinking herself. Magna and Luck were not in the common room but the sound of crashing made it evident that they were fighting.

Noelle was reading something while Asta was with Charmy and both of them were sitting on the ground with their bellies bulging.

"What happened to them?" Wilhelm asked Vanessa who with an uncalled-for chuckle probably due to her being drunk said, "We did a competition on who could eat more."

"Who won?"

"Charmy." Finral replied instantly before Vanessa could.

"But weren't you waiting for your date?" Wilhelm asked with confusion.

"I don't need to be here to know who won in an eating competition." Finral replied with an expressionless face.

"Umm…fair enough."

"So, did you get what you wanted?" Noelle asked as she approached him, wrapping her hair over her fingertips.

"Yes. Yes, I did." Wilhelm said in a relaxed tone, hearing that Asta who was lying on the ground with his belly full of food suddenly came to life.

Hurriedly he ran up to Wilhelm and shaking him he said, "Wilhelm! What did you get from Wizard King? Can you show me? Can you show me? Please! Please! Plleassseee!!" Asta said as his eyes shone with excitement. Faced with it, Wilhelm could not but help make a weirded-out face and took his distance from him.

"Hehe~ It seems there is something that Wilhelm is indeed scared of." Vanessa commented off-handedly before taking a swig from her bottle.

In response to Asta's excitement, Wilhelm placed his hand on Asta's face which was too close for comfort, and pushed it aside.

"First, yes, I met him.

Second, I got what I wanted.

Third, the thing that I got from him was library access."

"Eh! You asked for access to the library from Wizard King? Isn't it a huge waste?" Magna said as he appeared battered and bruised with one of his arms around Luck who appeared to be in a similar state but was smiling from ear to ear with satisfaction.

"Yeah. I would have asked Wizard King to fight me." Luck suggested.

"Seeing how fast the fight would have ended, it would have been a bigger waste."

"What's the big deal about a library anyway? Father Orsi also has a library." Asta said at which Yami said from behind.

"Shrimpy, the library he is talking about is different from the one at your home. He is talking about The Library which can only Wizard King, Squad Captains, and Vice-Captains have access to. Even vice-captains are not allowed access to some sections of the library."

"How is it different from any normal library?" Noelle asked with curiousness at which both Yami and Wilhelm looked at her as if she was an alien.

Then they looked at each other and thought, 'Nozel is a dumbas*. Now we have to raise Noelle right.'

Indeed, Noelle is indeed the baby of the squad.

Looking at her with a face that radiated infinite kindness that took the rest of the squad by surprise and soon filled their hearts with suspicion, Wilhelm said, "That library has information on things like Rune Magic, information on how to make magic tools, enchantments, information about magic spirits, and on niche subjects like astrology, astronomy, ritual magic, magic arrays and history of magic."

"Can't you find many of these in the Black Market? Didn't I also help you to buy enchanted things?" Vanessa said slipping onto the sofa due to the dizziness she felt after having one too many drinks.

"According to normal history books, Edward Avalanche, the 20th Wizard King is a terrorist, but according to the books in the library, he is a man who was wronged and oppressed by Nobles and Royals and later on, executed."

Hearing this, Noelle looked ashamed for being a Royal, while Asta was surprised at hearing this. He who thought he would be admired by all if he became Wizard King was surprised by the notion, but Wilhelm did not care. Or perhaps Wilhelm maybe said it to make Asta realize this fact.

"Anyway, I have gotten permission to learn enchantment."

"Well…good for you I guess." Finral said as he did not know about enchantments enough to complement him properly.

…

In this manner, Wilhelm managed to go through the books related to the theory portion not directly related to enchantments in the days to come, when he finally opened the book regarding enchantments themselves.

*Yawn*

Wilhelm yawned as he placed the book titled 'Introduction to Enchantment' on the table and stretched his back.

'Well, it is a very good and interesting interpretation. Enchantment really is more than just scribbles on a piece of material.

They have specifically created patterns that are overlaid on each other.

For example, even if the final product of enchantment is a circle pattern, it actually consists of 5 arcs. 4 of them are equal and small that are joined from end to end while the 5th one is a bigger arc that is overlaid on the 3rd arc.

So, even if someone randomly tries to trace an enchantment, they would not be able to do so.

Also, the power of enchantment depends not only on the enchantment itself but also on the material it is inscribed on.

And the material best suited for enchantment is… gemstones.

They are not amorphous but crystalline, which gives rise to a highly symmetric lattice for the atoms that constitute gemstones. This symmetry gives perfect layers for enchantment to exist and create perfect resonance with mana in the air.

This also helps to create a multi-layer enchantment where the pair are parallel to each other. Some you cannot do in a metal. This also erases the use for making an array and you can substitute it for an enchanted gem.

It is for this reason that the Elsdocia, the most important artifact in all of the kingdom is made of gemstones as well.

And it just so happens that by the use of Mineral Magic, I could create a near-infinite source of these gems, and manipulate it to inscribe the enchantment in them. Though this is a theory in my mind and its real application is still way too far for me to create it.'

…

"Okay…so how was it done again? Ah, there it is."

Wilhelm said to himself as he was in his workshop. After uttering the words, he grabbed a sheet of paper on which a circle was made with 7 spokes in ascending order protruding outside.

He placed this sheet of paper on the top left of the desk, where a slab of gem that he created from mineral magic was placed.

Taking a small metal stick that resembled a pen, Wilhelm rubbed a thin layer of liquid over the slab and started to draw on it, almost as if engraving on the metal. First, he drew a line, then another line in the opposite direction of half its size. This was followed by him making a circle by connecting two arcs of equal size.

Then he drew rest of the lines which were actually the spokes of the circle.

Examining it with creased brows, he muttered, "Hmm…this looks fine…I guess."

He then shoved his hand in a box from where he took out a very small container. Opening it revealed its contents which was a pale blue glittering power. He inverted this powder in an instrument that looked to be a bigger box about the size of 5 fist with a handle on, and closed both of the container shut.

With gentle arms, he hovered it above the gem slab glistening with the liquid, pulling a trigger that deployed a very thin layer of powder on it.

Immediately, the symbol glowed and sucked in all of liquid and powder in it.

"It seems fine. All that's left is to test it." Wilhelm muttered to himself as he took the piece of gem, and held it pointing at a bucket in the corner of the room.

"Here goes nothing." With those words, he passed his mana into the slab upon which the enchantment glowed briefly and it shot out…

*Drip Drip*

…few drops of water into the bucket.

Looking at it with an exhausted and curious expression, Wilhelm said out loud, "I did everything write. Why did it not work?

Hmm…

Maybe I applied too much pressure while etching into it, or maybe I did not properly spread the liquid. Makes sense too. I am new in this affair."

Saying this he tossed out this slab of gem aside into a pile in the corner, where multiple slabs of gems were present.

…

"EURECA!!! I did it! I fuc*ing did it!

Ah…let's not use such crass words. I am better than Magna."

He said trying to act all calm but the wide smile on his face betrayed his words.

He just looked with unbridled joy at the bucket that was full of water to the brim and then some, while holding the glass slab on his person.

…

"Hey! You wai-"

"Are you trying to doom us all?"

A person belonging to Silver Eagle said as he pulled the shoulder of another person belonging to his own squad.

Turning to his fellow squad mate, who just like him was evidently a noble said, "What? I am trying to throw this disgusting piece of stain on the honorable face of Magic Knights. How dare a mere Black Bull waltz into our squad like it is nothing."

But his teammate, replied with a face pale of color as if he had seen a ghost, and depending upon the person in question, he might as well have seen a ghost.

"Are you an idiot? Don't you know better than to pick fight with…*whispers*Red Feind?" He ended looking around to make sure that nobody was listening on them.

"Red Feind?" Other person replied with a confused look.

"Red Feind." The pale-faced person said enforcing the statement.

"Do you know Walter?"

"Oh, that fool who made a joke of himself by wearing women's undergarments in public? What of him?"

"Idiot, did you now just answer your own question?"

"What are you trying to say? Speak clearly."

"Argh!! I swear if it wasn't for your mother and sister who tell me to look after you, I would have ditched your sorry 'behind' behind."

"Wait, what did you sa-"

"Anyway. This man is from Black Bull and is called Red Feind because this 'thing' is a rabid beast for nobles that catch his sight. Walter tried to rightfully educate him to stay out of his way and learn his place in the hierarchy, but instead of being thankful to him, he trapped him in some sort of dastardly mind control and forced him to do such a humiliating act in front of everyone."

"Are you serious?"

"More than your parents were before giving birth to you."

"Is that s-eh! Robert! Mind your tongue."

'But your mother doesn't ask me to mind my tongue.' Robert thought but wisely did not comment and was about to say something when…

*THUP*

…an arm was slung around his shoulder. Moving his head to the side, Robert had only one thing in mind.

'Please don't be him.

Please don't be him.

Please don't be him.'

"It is I, the Him." Wilhelm said as he gave Robert a smile that made him feel fear for all of his existence.

"Hello…" Robert said meekly while his other friend spoke with a signature look of superiority, "So you are the so called Red Feind, huh? Don't seem like anything special. Just like the rest of the peasant trash."

Wilhelm was about to say something, but halted midway and started to give Robert's friend a once over. As he ended, his face showed a smirk with which he spoke, "Green hair, lean body with a forgettable face. You must be Casper. Robert talked a lot about you."

"Heh, Robert, a noble is going to talk with you, a worthless existence from Black Bull? In your dreams." Casper scoffed.

"Ignoring the fact that you, a noble, spoke with my excellent self, Robert and I are friends who met due to my business."

"What type of business requires your presence?"

"A love business. Robert here was trying to teach a boy who resembled a dried pickle and had less than stellar magical prowess, who had only one thing going for him and that was his name, a lesson by taking that boy's maternal figure and female sibling in bed."

Hearing this, Robert sweated like a pig begging Wilhelm with his eyes not to tell anyone of his dark present. Matching his pleading look with a smirk, Wilhelm was snapped out of it by Casper's outlandish reply.

"Is that so? *Turns to Robert* Robert, you should have called me. I would have assisted you in your endeavor to teach this unsavory individual a lesson."

"Pfft." At this, both Robert and Wilhelm chuckled.

'You lied to me.'

'What did I lie about?'

'He is so stupid that he deserves to watch while you commit those acts.'

'Not now. Later.'

'Call me too. I want to give both of them a try.'

'Deal.'

A brief exchange of thoughts happened between Wilhelm and Robert, following which, he asked, "Anyway, where is Captain Noseles- I mean, Captain Nozel? I have an urgent matter to discuss with him."

"Third floor-"

"Okay bye!"

Saying this, Wilhelm sprinted away.

Soon he found Nozel standing addressing his squad mates, when their faces paled seeing Wilhelm approaching them. This caused them to sprint away unceremoniously when their captain was speaking.

Reason? Watler. Enough said.

Seeing their act, Nozel did not say anything but merely turned around as he had long sensed Wilhelm's mana who did not bother hiding it as well.

Turning to him, Nozel spoke in a strict tone, squinting his eyes at him "Why have you arrived here now?"

*THUD*

At this, Wilhelm let a giant metallic crate crash into the ground.

"Fill it with your magical liquid."

"What!?" Nozel shouted in an indignant and offended tone.

"You heard me. Fill it with your magic liquid. You know, the one that comes from your grimoire."

This caused veins to bulge on Nozel's head.

'This filth. He is doing this just to ruin my day. He just barges into my Base like it is nothing and harasses my knights. Even if I complain this matter to Yami, he just laughs at my face.' Such violent words resounded in Nozel's mind, but with a composed behavior one would expect from someone in his position, Nozel without flaring up his grimoire, filled the metallic container with his magic liquid.

"Now go."

Seeing him complying so easily without entering in a banter with him, Wilhelm pouted.

'This bastard! He wanted to argue with me.' Nozel thought as he gritted his teeth.

"Hmph." Huffing, Wilhelm left the room with the container, dragging it behind him while Nozel stood with his gaze fixed on Wilhelm's fleeting figure.

***

 I would like to thank Himanshu_Dwivedi_4919 who has been a constant source of Powerstones. I am happy to know that you like my work.

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