Chapter 38

"Ghost phenomena?"

Taken aback by the unfamiliar term, I couldn't help but ask for clarification.

Of course, I understand what a ghost is, but the term "phenomenon" is a bit hard to grasp.

It doesn't seem to be just about ghosts appearing.

"Yeah. First, to help you understand... I need to explain what 'skills' are."

"Skills? I have some idea, but..."

Skills can be broadly categorized into two types: 'Divine Gift' and 'Acquired.'

Divine Gift skills are bestowed by the gods during the coming-of-age ceremony at age fifteen.

'Acquired' skills, like a priest's 'Divine Revelation' skill, are obtained through one's actions and behavior.

There is also a higher level, 'Awakened,' for each type.

This is common knowledge that everyone knows.

"Actually... most of the skills you think are 'Divine Gift' are actually 'Acquired.'"

"Huh?"

Shiro's words were a sudden denial of common knowledge.

"For example, among you 'Dragon Fangs,' only Rena and Nick have skills that can be considered 'Divine Gift.'"

"Then, what about my 'Sword Saint'?"

"It's the result of your efforts up to age fifteen. The coming-of-age ceremony simply revealed it."

"What about Elaine's 'Accounting'?"

"It's due to her innate intelligence and talent. In that sense, it could be called 'Divine Gift,' but it wasn't given at the coming-of-age ceremony."

"Innate talent?"

"Right. The coming-of-age ceremony itself serves more as an indicator, based on one's actions and innate talents, suggesting, 'You're suited for this field, so it would be good to pursue this path.'"

If Shiro's explanation is correct, then Fran's 'Great Spear' would also fall into this category.

As I thought about this, I was suddenly hit by a strong sense of unease.

I hadn't been introduced to him.

Yet, without realizing it, I naturally referred to the person in front of me as "Shiro."

"That's it, Elaeus."

"What is it?"

"You should be recognizing me as 'Shiro.'"

Surprised by his words, which seemed to read my mind, I asked, "Who are you, really?"

"For now, I'm an expert in this field. Getting back to the topic... there's a big difference between Rena's 'Holy Maiden' and Nick's 'Dragon Eye' and your 'Acquired' skills."

"Difference?"

"Whether they can perceive, understand, and utilize 'laws.'"

...Laws? It's a confusing term.

"I don't get it at all."

"I know it's hard to understand... For example, Rena's healing magic. Normally, humans don't have the ability to produce light and heal wounds."

"Sure, not everyone can use it."

Indeed, magic is considered a skill that depends on innate talent. It's said that even if someone doesn't receive a magic-related skill at the coming-of-age ceremony, they might later develop it...

Despite my shock and disbelief, Shiro continued without any sign of concern.

"But Rena can do it. That's because she has the ability to utilize 'laws' as a Holy Maiden."

I still don't quite get it... but in other words, Rena's 'Holy Maiden' skill allows her to exceed human capabilities thanks to these 'laws.'

"Nick's 'Dragon Eye' is the same. His superior vision and dynamic visual acuity, which surpass human capabilities, are made possible with the support of 'laws'... I know this might not make much sense to you, but I'm explaining it anyway."

"Hey..."

"First, I want you to understand that in this world, there are 'laws' that surpass human intelligence. By utilizing them, one can transcend human limits."

"Sure, I guess... if an expert says so."

"And normally, only certain skills can utilize these 'laws'... but overly powerful skills can actually affect the 'laws.'"

"What do you mean?"

"Divine Gift skills effectively utilize 'laws.' It's like having your own boat and using the river's current to travel faster and more efficiently. But if the influence is too strong, it can change the flow of the river itself."

"So... powerful skills can distort these 'laws'?"

"Exactly."

Nodding at my words, Shiro continued his explanation.

"Actually, the world you're in now was created by powerful skills."

"Wait, what?"

The conversation suddenly became absurd.

But without waiting for me to process it, Shiro continued.

"The 'laws' of this world have been affected by powerful skills, like a wedge driven into a river, causing distortions."

"Wedge?"

"Yes. This 'wedge'... is showing you and Elaine, and to some extent Rena, remnants of a world that should have been lost. That's what I meant by 'ghost phenomena.' I'm here to remove it."

Hmm, I still don't quite get it...

But it seems there's something related to the strange things happening to me and Elaine.

Shiro is here to remove it... right?

"Exactly."

"How can you read minds...?"

"No, I can't read minds unless certain conditions are met. I just guided the conversation to what you were thinking."

It feels the same, but it must be different.

"Yes, it's different."

"Stop it, already..."

"Okay, I'll stop. This way, the conversation is faster, but I don't want to make you angry."

So, you have me in the palm of your hand.

...You're a tough opponent.

But there's no reason to refuse an offer to resolve the anomalies.

"Then, remove that 'wedge' quickly."

"No, you have to remove it."

"Us?"

"Yes. I want you to go to a specific place I'll designate."

---

Announcement

The first volume of the manga adaptation will be released tomorrow!

I believe it will satisfy those who have read the novel version, so please consider pre-ordering!

Also, I've uploaded a re-edited version to Kakuyomu.

The Kakuyomu version aligns names with the manga adaptation and adds some episodes (like Ignis' return). If you're interested, please check it out.

I'll update tomorrow as well, so please look forward to it.