Strange use of Magic (Black Clover AU) Chapter 76: Strange Creation

[Third Person's PoV] 


Secre glanced toward Stephen, her brow furrowed in concern. “Stephen, how did he know you were going to open that book? And how could he possibly know what's happening inside your grimoire?”


Stephen sighed heavily, running a hand through his hair in frustration. “Secre, you’re asking questions I wish I had answers to. Honestly, this is unsettling. Every bit of it.” His voice carried a weight of unease as he pulled out a chair at the table and sat down, placing the ancient book before him with deliberate care, as though it might spring to life at any moment.


Without a word, Stephen reached for Secre, gently lifting her onto his lap. She didn’t resist, sensing his need for comfort. He rested his chin lightly on her shoulder, his arms encircling her, seeking solace in her presence.


Secre allowed the quiet intimacy, her delicate fingers tracing soothing patterns over his hand. “Take your time,” she murmured softly, her voice a gentle anchor amidst the storm of his thoughts.


Stephen tightened his hold on her, drawing her closer until his face was buried against her neck. His breath warmed her skin, and his voice was a low rumble when he finally spoke. “This could mean one of two things…”


Secre tilted her head slightly, giving him more room as his words tickled her neck, sending an involuntary shiver through her. “Go on,” she encouraged, her tone steady despite the growing tension.


“One,” Stephen began, “I’m being manipulated. Someone, or something, is pulling the strings, forcing me to grow stronger for a reason I can’t fathom. Maybe to free him, or worse… to take over my body.” His voice darkened at the thought, and Secre could feel his grip tighten around her waist.


“Or,” she interjected thoughtfully as she came to the same conclusion as him, “there’s a potential danger Agamotto foresaw—a threat so great that it requires you to be strong enough to face it.” Her voice was calm but carried a weight of understanding as she pieced together the same troubling possibilities.


Stephen lifted his head slightly, meeting her gaze. “Secre, what do you think I should do?” His usual confidence faltered, leaving him vulnerable.


She paused, her crimson eyes narrowing in thought. “Normally, I’d say I don’t know—this isn’t a simple decision, there's a lot to take into account here. But there’s one thing I’m certain of.” She laced her fingers with his, her grip firm yet reassuring. “Grow stronger. If this is manipulation, you’ll need to surpass it—become so strong that you can break free. And if it’s the other possibility, then you’ll be ready for whatever danger lies ahead.”


Stephen studied her intently, absorbing her words. She gently removed his arms from around her and turned to face him fully, cupping his cheek in her hand. “But remember this,” she said, her voice filled with quiet determination. “You’re not alone. I’m here for you, always. And so are the Black Bulls. Whatever happens, we’ll face it together.”


A faint smile curved Stephen’s lips as he felt a surge of gratitude. “You’re right,” he said, his voice steadier. “I’m quite lucky to have you.”


Secre leaned forward, her smile soft and unwavering, and pressed a light kiss to his lips. “I know I’m right. Now, let’s see what this book has to offer. I’ll leave you to it, though—it seems you’ve made up your mind.”


As she moved to stand, Stephen caught her wrist, pulling her back with a playful grin. “Stay. We can read it together. Two minds are better than one, after all.”


She settled back down with a small chuckle, and Stephen turned his attention to the book once more, flipping it open to the ominous page bearing his name. His voice filled the room as he read aloud:


“There are an infinite number of Dimensions,” Stephen read aloud, his voice steady. “Some may even overlap with one another, existing in layers that are both separate and intertwined. Due to the danger these Dimensions possess, I first crafted the Orb—a crystal ball used to peer into these Dimensions and determine if they were safe to explore. However, I realized the inconvenience of carrying the Crystal Ball everywhere. Thus, I later created the Eye—a more compact and versatile artifact, imbued with additional powers” 


On the page Stephen read were diagrams and images of both the Orb of Agamotto and the Eye of Agamotto. 


He flipped over to the next page, “There are other Dimensions which can be accessed from within, which are called the inner dimensional planes… Take for example the dreamscape, the dreamscape is one of the entryways towards the Dream Dimension. The same way The Mindscape is the entryway towards the Astral Plane. We must always remain, we ourselves are the keys to accessing extraordinary Dimensions and otherworlds” 


“This is all actually very informative…” Secre muttered, “I wonder what other Dimensions our bodies could possess” She said as she looked down at her own hands.


They read on, absorbing the wealth of knowledge Agamotto had left behind. Page after page unraveled secrets of Dimensional Magic, each revelation more fascinating than the last.


After a while Secre turned towards Stephen and looked at him warily, “You know, reading all of this I'm now starting to understand just how amazing and powerful you truly are… To have access to all of this power…” 


“Do you perhaps find me more attractive?” Stephen asked with a sly smirk. 


Secre scoffed, “I won't say attractive, but I do find you more admirable” 


“Really?” Stephen asked in amusement. 


Secre nodded, “I can't imagine someone else having these powers and not practically getting drunk off of them. All of these power and you still remain you, that's something admirable” 


The grin on Stephen’s face grew smug as he had his head held high upon hearing Secre’s thought about him. 


Which caused her to smile slightly and shake her head with an eye roll before they continued with their reading.


 Then, Stephen’s voice faltered as they reached a chilling passage:


“Now that you know about what to do and what not to do when wielding Dimensional Magic you won't turn into me, as I said in the beginning Dimensional magic is all about Balance, take more than what you are giving and the consequences will be dire. 


As I realized my misuse of Dimensions Magic It was too late for me, it got to a point where the more of my Dimensional Magic I used the worse I became. So to stop it from taking a hold on me completely and lessening my usage of Dimensional Magic, I created what is known as the Elemental Stones—the essences of magic itself: Fire, Water, Wind, and Earth, Darkness, and Light, along with the abstract elements of Fate, Spirit, Time, and Space, Order… And Chaos. And as I foresaw my Fate I realized I couldn't leave what I have created unguarded thus I used all 12 stones and created a clan… A family to inherit my legacy. And due to their unnatural and rather Strange creation that's what they all came to be known… As The Strange Clan that appeared out of Nowhere” 


“God Damn it… What the hell is the matter with this dude!” Stephen exclaimed.