Chapter 38

"Maarnas, I need to confirm something. Do you still have the enhanced magic stone you gave to Leon back then?"

"Yes, I do."

"Can you make one without any drawbacks? Not to the point of risking death, but to push the limits of enhancement."

To quickly become stronger, that would be necessary.

The enhanced magic stone Maarnas was making was also said to be dangerous by Vanya, and I believe he can create something more powerful than what Vanya could.

"Yes, I can make it. I'll prepare an optimized enhanced magic stone for you, Crest-sama. I'm quite skilled at making enhanced magic stones."

Elise glared at Maarnas, who smiled gently.

"Can you even use your enhanced magic stones? Are you not trying to manipulate Crest?"

It's understandable that Elise would say that.

After all, there's a possibility that Maarnas might be trying to deceive me.

In response to Elise's concern, Maarnas glared back sharply.

"Would I ever do such a thing? Do you have worms in your head?"

Maarnas's confrontational tone made Elise's glare intensify.

I understand Elise's worry, but if the worst comes to the worst, I can always have Vanya check it.

"Crest-sama, if you're worried, I can put a slave collar on you?"

Maarnas turned his gaze towards me and smiled.

A slave collar, huh.

While it can't be said to be completely safe due to what happened with Leon, it would be safer than having him make it without any precautions.

However, I don't like the idea of putting a slave collar on someone and giving orders from a position of absolute power. It makes me feel like a dictator.

"...I don't really want to do that."

As I muttered my honest feelings, Maarnas looked touched.

"You're so kind, Crest-sama. But really, don't worry about it. It's fine to put it on."

"No, it's fine. I won't go that far. I trust you, Maarnas."

"That's very kind of you, but don't be so hesitant! Rather, please put it on!"

"Why?"

"It gets me excited."

I definitely don't want to do it now.

I can't help but hold my head as Maarnas happily wags her tail.

"I understand that you look up to me, Maarnas, even without the slave collar. From now on, please take care of me, Maarnas."

"Crest-sama...! I will walk with you until the day you die!"

The issue with the fox spirit, whom I was wary of, is now settled.

Moreover, if her words are true, it could be a means to close the power gap with Reinhart.

I was satisfied that the situation had improved somewhat.

However, I also had some concerns.

...Mina.

Is she alright?

If Reinhart were to attack the Upper World, Mina would be in danger.

She is, after all, my only precious friend in the Upper World.

I definitely want to help her, at the very least.

The next day.

While I was preparing to gather information about the north, there was a knock on the door.

When I went to the entrance with Livia, Maarnas was there.

"Crest-sama, I'm sorry to bother you so early in the morning."

"No, it's fine, but is something wrong?"

I wondered what she was doing here so early, and Maarnas bowed slightly.

"I have a matter to discuss regarding the enhanced magic stone."

"...What is it?"

I was a bit on guard.

I knew about the performance of Maarnas's enhanced magic stones.

Then, Maarnas held up her index and middle fingers.

"There are two types of enhanced magic stones. The first is a general-purpose enhanced magic stone."

"General-purpose?"

"Yes. It provides decent performance no matter who uses it. I think it's best to give this one to everyone."

"...I see."

The magic stones I've seen many times before probably fall into this category.

As I was thinking about this, Maarnas continued.

"The second is a specialized enhanced magic stone."

"What kind of effect does that have?"

"It's tailored to the individual, so its performance is incomparably better than the general-purpose one. I want to make this enhanced magic stone for you, Crest-sama, but there is a condition."

Maarnas said this with a delighted tone.

What could she be asking for?

Her past actions have made me uneasy.

"What is it?"

"I need to investigate the person's magical wavelength and other things... I need physical contact with you, Crest-sama! Kyaa!"

Maarnas seemed to be getting excited on her own.

Her energy was overwhelming.

...Why is this girl so energetic?

While thinking about this, I asked.

"Physical contact? What do you mean by that?"

"To put it simply, I need to hug you, Crest-sama!"

"...Is that really necessary?"

The voice wasn't mine but Livia's.

She glared at Maarnas.

Her tone was a bit sharp.

However, Maarnas showed no sign of hesitation and nodded.

"Of course! I have no ulterior motives! I just need to be close to you, Crest-sama!"

Maarnas wagged her tail happily.

I'm not sure if it's really necessary, but if she says it is, I can't do much about it.

"...Alright, if it's necessary, I understand."

"Then, I'll go ahead and do it!"

As soon as I replied, Maarnas hugged me.

The soft sensation pressed against my chest.

With Livia's glare still on me, I tried not to pay too much attention and waited for a while.

"Is it done yet?"

"Not yet. Hmm, I still need to do more checks... Hehehe."

Maarnas had a suspicious smile on her face.

This is a new series. ↓ Please read from the link below!

I accidentally went on a rampage against an S-rank monster while helping with my sister's dungeon streaming, and now it's a huge buzz.

https://ncode.syosetu.com/n9783ig/

The dark knight who time-leaped uses future knowledge to go on a rampage ~ From the bottom, I rise to the top after being exiled as an unlucky class.

https://ncode.syosetu.com/n9795ig/