Chapter 45

The fairy queen Titania -- a fairy with a form nearly indistinguishable from a human, setting her apart from the other fairies.

She has wings on her back like the other fairies, but in all other aspects, she is almost identical to a human.

Her ears are slightly pointed, similar to those of the forest people.

If one were to ignore her wings and ears, she would appear to be a girl in her mid-teens.

Considering that the other fairies are about the size of dolls, it's easy to imagine how unusual this is.

Her grand title did not seem to be a mere formality.

"Should I say, 'I am grateful for your invitation'?"

"Hehe. Indeed, it was I who invited you to this castle... but the one who brought you to this fairyland is none other than that child."

Titania pointed to Lumin, who was flying beside me.

This energetic little one, even in the presence of the queen, seemed to have lost her usual playfulness and was standing solemnly with a serious expression.

"Lumin brought me here? Well, it's true that she did guide me to that shrine."

"Yes, it seems she took quite a liking to you, human child. I am pleased that she will be cherished by you."

"... Were you watching us?"

As the queen of the fairies, she must have her subordinates.

It would be difficult for me to notice the surveillance of the fairies, who have a faint presence.

However, in response to my suspicion, Titania shook her head with a chuckle.

"No, I can tell just from the fact that she invited you here."

"Why? Isn't it necessary to step into this realm for a fairy to evolve?"

"That is both correct and incorrect. A fairy's evolution does not necessarily require coming here."

I furrowed my brow at her words.

The system message clearly stated that completing this quest was necessary for evolution.

If evolution was possible elsewhere, what was the point of that message?

Seemingly reading my thoughts, Titania continued with a thin smile.

"The typical evolution for a fairy is to become a High Fairy. For such an evolution, there is no need to come to this place. However, Lumin desired a different kind of evolution."

"A different kind of evolution?"

"Yes. It's not a matter of being superior or inferior to the usual evolution. However, it offers a different potential. Lumin wished for this potential because she wants to be of service to you."

Listening to Titania, I glanced at Lumin.

This small fairy was staring straight at the queen, her gaze unwavering.

A determined look, devoid of her usual childishness. Understanding this, I smiled slightly.

Indeed, the queen's words seemed to be true.

"... I understand. If Lumin wishes it, then so be it. But what kind of evolution is there?"

"One is a different path of growth as a fairy. Fairies are specialized in attack magic, but there are also fairies specialized in support and production activities."

I nodded in understanding.

A more support-oriented evolution, I see. Probably the kind of fairies that help with household chores.

I think they were called Silky or Brownie.

However, I couldn't imagine Lumin desiring this. She had shown a great enthusiasm for wielding a sword, and it didn't seem like she would choose a role that kept her in the background.

Lumin herself was shaking her head, indicating this was not the direction she wanted.

Understanding this, Titania offered another option with a wry smile.

"And the other is to evolve into an elemental."

"An elemental? Not a fairy?"

"Yes. In a broad sense, we fairies are a sub-race of elementals. Therefore, it is possible to evolve into an elemental."

"Possible, you say?"

"Becoming an elemental means giving up your identity and position as a fairy. Naturally, it also means stepping out of my protection. Very few choose to give up everything to become an elemental."

Indeed, Lumin had the title "Fairy Queen's Follower." She had been under the protection of the fairy queen.

However, becoming an elemental would mean losing that position. It was understandable that giving up everything would be a daunting prospect.

However—

"... Lumin."

"Indeed, you desire it, don't you?"

In response to Titania's words, Lumin nodded, looking up at her with a straight gaze.

Bathed in the light from the stained glass, the fairy, enveloped in the dancing phosphorescence, stared unflinchingly into the eyes of the queen who had protected her.

Her gaze was filled with unwavering gratitude and respect, as well as the resolve and determination to stand on her own.

Titania, receiving this gaze, smiled sadly and happily at the same time.

"I bless your resolve, Lumin. However, evolving into an elemental is not an easy task."

"Is there a condition?"

"To become an elemental, you must be recognized as a follower by the Elemental King. This requires passing the Elemental King's trial."

"A trial, huh."

I had anticipated such a pattern, so it wasn't surprising.

The question was what kind of trial it would be.

Lumin was at the level cap, so it shouldn't be an impossible difficulty. However, I was uneasy about Lumin facing the trial alone.

"Is it possible for me to go through the trial with her?"

"Yes. The answer to the trial is Lumin's own. Since she wishes to be with you, the answer will be found by your side."

"I understand. Lumin, is that okay...?"

Lumin nodded vigorously in response to my words.

It was good to see her still as energetic as ever. She didn't seem overly nervous and could act as usual.

Titania chuckled softly and raised her arm toward the front.

Instantly, the light emitted from her hand converged in front of us, and an ancient door appeared.

"Enter there, and the trial will begin. Good luck."

We bowed in acknowledgment of her words and turned our gaze back to the door.

Lumin, it seemed, had already made up her mind long ago.

I chuckled, wondering where she got such determination, and reached for the door handle.

Without hesitation, we pushed the door open and stepped inside.

Beyond the door was a mysterious space, dyed black as far as the eye could see.

"This is...!?"

The black space, though no light source was visible, somehow allowed us to perceive our surroundings.

The moment I was captivated by this strange sight, a loud bang echoed behind us.

It seemed the door had closed on its own.

When I turned around, the door had vanished, as if it had melted into the black space.

It seemed there was no going back—though I had no intention of doing so.

I refocused my gaze forward, unsheathing my sword and pondering what would happen next. At that moment—

"—Child, show me the form you desire."

The sudden voice made me shiver.

An untraceable, male voice. The deep, resonant tone carried a weight that made me want to bow my head.

It was the voice of a king. I instinctively knew it was the voice of the Elemental King.

Then, the black space began to change. A white, wavering figure appeared in front of us.

■ Sprite

Type: Elemental

Level: 20

Status: Normal

Attribute: None

Battle Position: Air

She appeared to be a woman in a white dress.

However, her hands and feet were translucent, and the hem of her skirt seemed to dissolve into the air.

Her ethereal form was indeed worthy of being called an elemental.

Facing her, Lumin and I smiled confidently.

"Come on, Lumin!"

"——!"

I drew my sword and kicked off the ground.

At the same time, Sprite raised her translucent arm and aimed at us.

A ball of light, brighter than Lumin's, appeared in her palm—

"《Sword of Demon Slaying》!"

I sliced through the light ball with the 《Sword of Demon Slaying》, causing it to dissipate.

It was quite fast. Her magic skills were superior to Lumin's.

Sprite slid backward on the ground, casting spells one after another.

With the 《Sword of Demon Slaying》, I could counter her spells, which were not at a level that I couldn't react to. I wasn't taking any fatal damage, but I couldn't close the distance.

Lumin, on the other hand, approached Sprite from the side, enveloped in light.

(This is different from her usual movements—no, this is the form she wants to show.)

If that's the case, I should let her do as she pleases.

Sprite raised her left hand and fired a light bullet at Lumin, just as she had done to me.

Lumin, being a smaller target, was able to dodge easily, but she couldn't close the distance either.

If this is Lumin's trial, I should let her do as she pleases.

I smiled and focused my mind. In the heightened state of awareness, I took a step forward.

"《Sword of Demon Slaying》... 《Sword of Demon Slaying》!"

Sprite turned her attention to me in surprise.

She didn't completely stop attacking Lumin, but her focus was somewhat scattered.

Now, Lumin could close the distance. As I expected, Lumin, who had turned her light into a shield, charged at Sprite.

Sprite cast spells sporadically, but Lumin deflected them with her light shield and closed in, releasing a powerful burst of light.

The light forced Sprite to lose her balance, and her attack spells toward me ceased.

Step—Shrink Earth.

In that instant, I closed the distance to Sprite.

The slash from my side cut through her translucent body, giving me a strange sensation as if I had cut through water.

It was a unique feeling, but it seemed I had dealt damage.

With her attention fully on me, Sprite raised her hand.

Though she didn't seem to be in much pain, particles of light were scattering from her wounded side, indicating she had taken damage.

Sprite spread her arms and generated a dazzling light between them. From there, a thick beam of light was fired.

"——《Sword of Demon Slaying》"

The beam of light, slicing through the black space, would surely blow me away if it hit.

However, dealing with an attack I knew was coming wasn't particularly difficult. I sliced the beam in half with the 《Sword of Demon Slaying》.

In my field of vision, a different, dazzling light appeared.

I smiled at the sight.

"Go for it, Lumin."

Above Sprite, Lumin was gathering light in her hand.

Unlike the usual spherical form, it was a long, straight, white light.

Its length, far exceeding Lumin's height, was unmistakably the same as the sword I usually used.

Lumin, holding the gathered light, charged at Sprite's head as if diving down.

I moved in front of Sprite, deflecting the magic I had just sliced, and took a stance, shaking the tip of my sword to draw attention—

"——!"

—The light sword Lumin had created pierced the head of Sprite, who was focused on me, without missing.

■ Avatar Name: Quon

■ Gender: Male

■ Race: Human

■ Level: 15

■ Status (Remaining Status Points: 0)

STR: 18

VIT: 14

INT: 18

MND: 14

AGI: 12

DEX: 12

■ Skills

Weapon Skill: 《Sword: Lv.15》

Magic Skill: 《Enhancement Magic: Lv.12》

Set Skill: 《Dead Point Strike: Lv.13》

《MP Auto Recovery: Lv.7》

《Plundering Sword: Lv.9》

《Identification: Lv.12》

《Sword of Life: Lv.10》

《Sword of Demon Slaying: Lv.4》

《Tame: Lv.4》

《HP Auto Recovery: Lv.6》

Sub Skill: 《Mining: Lv.1》

Title Skill: 《Fairy's Blessing》

■ Current SP: 12

■ Monster Name: Lumin

■ Gender: Female

■ Race: Fairy

■ Level: 10 (MAX)

■ Status (Remaining Status Points: 0)

STR: 5

VIT: 8

INT: 24

MND: 17

AGI: 14

DEX: 10

■ Skills

Weapon Skill: None

Magic Skill: 《Light Magic》

Skill: 《Light Attribute Enhancement》

《Flight》

《Magic Resistance: Medium》

《MP Auto Recovery》

Title Skill: 《Fairy Queen's Follower》