Chapter 9: Chapter 8: Archivist Devil
After obtaining what he wanted, Lynn didn't rush to leave. Instead, he took the opportunity to ask Rias about the current situation in the Underworld.
For example—
The movements of the Old Maou Faction.
Even though Lynn wasn't a member of the Valefor family and had no intention of avenging them, simply carrying this surname would inevitably bring trouble.
Just like the arranged engagement with the Sitri family…
And the Old Maou Faction's revenge.
He had to prepare for the worst.
While recruiting Peerage members and increasing his strength, he also needed to keep track of their activities. Otherwise, he might end up like his so-called family, completely wiped out without even realizing it was coming.
At the core of it all, the real issue was a lack of strength.
He needed to speed up his recruitment efforts.
At the very least, he needed to reach the level of a Maou as soon as possible.
---
"Ever since the Valefor family was wiped out, the Underworld has intensified its suppression of the Old Maou Faction. They haven't shown themselves in quite some time."
Rias shared the latest intelligence, but her eyes were focused on Kasumigaoka Utaha, who was writing furiously.
That book…
It didn't seem to be a Sacred Gear.
It had to be some kind of unique ability.
But still…
"You can take that book home with you," Rias reminded her. "It's not exactly classified knowledge."
Lynn took a sip of the black tea that Akeno Himejima had brewed and replied casually, "That's fine. I was going to have it copied when I got back anyway."
After just a brief period of copying, he had already gained several insights into magic techniques.
More importantly, he noticed something interesting.
His Archivist Devil ability and Utaha's seemed to function differently.
For example, under normal circumstances, Utaha could only use recorded abilities through the Demonic Tome.
But in his case, he seemed to be able to use them directly.
It was as if his Archivist Devil state had become permanent.
So when my Peerage members' abilities are applied to me, they come with added perks?
Lynn, caught up in his own thoughts, completely missed Utaha's resentful glare.
Easy for you to say… when you're just sitting there.
This book was nearly two thousand pages long!
The realization of her impending suffering made the light in Utaha's eyes dim.
"Why did I have to become the Archivist Devil…?"
A deep and heavy resentment filled the air.
Rias, noticing her expression, couldn't help but feel a little worried.
…Is she really okay?
---
Lynn also picked up on Utaha's growing frustration and chuckled. Then, he turned to Rias and asked,
"Miss Rias, does this book contain any magic for automatic writing?"
Utaha's head snapped up.
Her eyes, which had been lifeless just moments ago, now burned with hope as she stared at Rias.
"Yes," Rias nodded, thinking for a moment before adding, "I believe it's around page 130."
Swish—
The rapid sound of pages turning filled the room.
Lynn took another sip of tea, hiding his satisfaction.
Truly, he was too kind-hearted.
He simply couldn't bear to see his Peerage members suffer.
Found it!
Utaha exclaimed internally.
Seeing this, Rias smiled as well and said,
"This is a fairly simple spell. If you try learning it now, I can offer some guidance."
Utaha glanced at her before shaking her head slightly.
"Thank you, but I don't think I'll need any help, Miss Rias."
After giving her thanks, she immediately lowered her head and began transcribing the spell into the Demonic Tome.
Rias blinked in slight confusion.
Wasn't the whole point of this spell to make copying easier?
Why is she still copying manually…?
She soon got her answer.
---
"Done!"
Utaha set her pen down, stretched, and then focused her magic into the Demonic Tome.
Buzz—
The Demonic Tome suddenly emitted a dazzling glow!
A small white magic circle appeared on the page containing the Automatic Writing spell.
A white quill pen materialized in midair.
Success!
Utaha cheered inwardly.
Real magic!
Even though this was just a minor spell, it was still enough to make her excited.
"This is…"
Rias narrowed her eyes slightly.
It was definitely the Automatic Writing spell.
But had she actually learned it while copying…?
Or was the real key her ability to copy?
Her gaze shifted to the Demonic Tome in Utaha's hands.
Rias fell into thought.
Moments later, she smiled slightly and said,
"I didn't expect you to master Automatic Writing so quickly, Kasumigaoka-san. Lynn's Peerage members are truly remarkable."
Then, she smoothly changed the topic.
"If I remember correctly, Lynn's residence is quite far from Kuoh Town."
"There's a Teleportation Magic on page 777 of that book. Why not learn it now and leave a mark here for easier travel in the future?"
Her interest had been piqued by Kasumigaoka Utaha's abilities.
She wanted to see whether Utaha possessed a high aptitude for magic or if she had some special power.
While Teleportation Magic was considered a basic ability in the Underworld, its complexity was comparable to the exclusive techniques of high-ranking devil families.
Even Rias herself had spent a considerable amount of time mastering it.
She highly doubted Utaha could grasp it so quickly.
Lynn immediately saw through Rias's thoughts.
But instead of stopping her, he pushed Utaha forward.
"Utaha."
Even though they had only been together for a little over a day, Utaha already understood what Lynn meant.
She flipped to page 777.
Teleportation Magic.
The white quill pen immediately began transcribing the spell into the Demonic Tome.
Rias didn't have to wait long.
Once the quill stopped, Utaha acting on Lynn's instruction channeled her magic.
Buzz—
A massive purple magic circle appeared above the Demonic Tome, dozens of times larger than the one before!
Its intricate runes pulsed with energy, making it almost dizzying to look at.
Utaha had no idea what the symbols meant.
But it didn't matter.
She didn't need to understand.
That's the power of the Archivist Devil.
---
Rias stared at the teleportation magic circle in a daze.
A flicker of disbelief crossed her face.
Did she… actually learn it?
In such a short time?!
Even Akeno and Koneko were drawn in.
As members of Rias's Peerage, they had also learned Teleportation Magic and they knew exactly how difficult it was.
For someone who had just become a devil, someone who had never been exposed to magic before, to master such a spell in mere moments…
If it was purely due to talent, it would be absurd.
But clearly, Utaha hadn't learned it.
Rias's gaze landed on the Demonic Tome, and the corners of her lips curled up slightly.
"What an interesting ability."
"Copying… or rather, recording?"
"As long as something is recorded in that book, she can use it?"
Lynn rested his chin in his hands, smiling.
"As expected of the heiress of the Gremory family, you figured out her ability so quickly."
"Allow me to formally introduce you—Archivist Devil, Kasumigaoka Utaha."
Rias murmured, "Archivist Devil… A fitting title."
She took a deep breath before asking tentatively,
"And what exactly are the limits of this ability?"
Lynn smirked.
"I have no idea."
"Why don't you find out for yourself?"