Chapter 71

With the battle over, we began the post-battle recovery and cleanup procedures. I decided to start Lumin's evolution once everything was settled. First, I checked the condition of the weapons. The katana, which was already showing signs of wear, had taken quite a beating in this battle. It seems that the creature's bodily fluid had a corrosive effect on the weapons. This suggests that the formic acid ore has a corrosive effect on the opponent's weapons and armor. However, there's no immediate way to confirm this, so it's not something to worry about right now.

Just as I turned my gaze back from the weapons, Hima let out a surprised cry.

"What!?"

"Hmm, what's wrong?"

I turned my gaze towards Hima. What I saw was a scattering of blue phosphorescence. It was emanating from the dead body of the giant queen ant. I recognized the way the light scattered.

"This... is it the effect when a boss is defeated?"

"Yes, it seems so. Items have been distributed now."

"So, the queen ant was treated as a boss... I can understand why, given its strength."

Even though I was mainly supporting, the pressure on the rear guard, Shepherd, must have been intense. With a wry smile, I checked my inventory and found materials that seemed to come from the queen ant. However, my inventory was quite full with other items, so it took some time to find them.

■ Material: Queen Ant's Carapace

Weight: 8

Rarity: 5

Effect: Corrosion Resistance

■ Material: Queen Ant's Leg Blade

Weight: 5

Rarity: 5

Effect: Corrosion Resistance

■ Material: Queen Ant's Body Fluid

Weight: 1

Rarity: 4

Effect: Corrosion

■ Material: Queen Ant's Wings

Weight: 4

Rarity: 6

Effect: Corrosion Resistance

It seems that each material is quite large. This was an unexpected harvest, but it would be difficult to obtain them again. The conditions for the queen ant's appearance are still unclear, but it's clear that our weapons won't last much longer. However, since the materials were distributed to all players as a boss drop, we should have a decent amount.

"Hmm... what should we do with this?"

"We have a decent amount, so why not have Fino make armor? After all, it's just gauntlets and greaves."

"Given the weight, I think it could be used for armor."

The queen ant's carapace seems to be a relatively light material for its size. Armor made from this material would not hinder movement, depending on its size. However, given how tough the material is, it's hard to imagine how it could be processed.

"...The dropped items seem to be mostly the same."

"I didn't get the wings... but I got everything else, so there's not much difference."

However, I'm not sure what to do with the wings. In any case, the item check is complete. Next—

"Alright... let's go for the long-awaited evolution."

"Wow! Mr. Quon, she reached level 16, didn't she?"

"The queen ant provided a lot of experience. Now, for the normal evolution... Ah, it's done through the party member screen."

I opened the menu with the blinking icon and checked the information. There, a window showing two possible evolutions for Lumin was displayed. It seems that Lumin's evolution path branches here.

■ Elemental

Type: Spirit

Attribute: Light

Battle Position: Ground, Air

A mid-level spirit with specialized attributes. It has high magical attack power and excels in spells of its specialized attribute. It can also use spells of other attributes if they are compatible.

■ Valkyrie

Type: Spirit, Demigod

Attribute: Light

Battle Position: Ground, Air

A knight who guards the world of the gods, a spirit and a demigod. It has high magical abilities and the ability to wield weapons, boasting excellent combat skills. It excels in handling specific weapons and is adept at combining magic and weapons in battle.

"The Valkyrie... it seems this is the special evolution."

"Maybe it's because we taught her swordsmanship?"

"More likely, obtaining weapon skills is the condition."

"Hmm... in any case, there's no reason to hesitate."

There's no point in comparing or thinking about conditions. If these are the two options, the choice is clear. Why did she choose a path different from that of a fairy? And why did she choose the path of the sword and face it sincerely? It was none other than myself who affirmed her aspirations.

"I choose Valkyrie. Right, Lumin?"

"Yes, Father. I have worked hard for this."

"Good answer. Let's begin, then."

I selected the evolution path from the party menu. The moment I tapped the Valkyrie option, Lumin curled up and was enveloped in a pale glow. The same evolution light as before, but even larger, slowly rose and flickered. In the light, Lumin's silhouette gradually grew larger. As the growth subsided, the light also converged. From it emerged a girl, around the same age as Hima, kneeling towards me.

"Thank you, Father."

Her platinum blonde hair, reflecting the light, reached down to the middle of her back. Her eyes, now raised, shone a bright emerald, more intellectual than before. Her limbs were no longer translucent, and she looked like a normal human. However, there was one element clearly different from a human: the light that spread from her back, forming geometric patterns in a golden glow, the wings of light. Seeing the wings of light for the first time, I opened my eyes wide. Lumin, with a clearer voice than before, spoke again.

"Thanks to you, Father, I have come this far... with heartfelt gratitude."

"Don't be so dramatic. Hima taught you swordsmanship, so you don't need to worry about me."

"Of course, I am also grateful to Hima. But it was you, Father, who recognized this path."

With that, Lumin slowly stood up. She was slightly shorter than Hima. With this much growth, she should be able to use the techniques of the Kyuugen Shintou-ryu without any issues. The evolution had removed her equipment, and Lumin was now in a default white dress. It's unsettling not to have any armor, but the armor she wore before would no longer fit.

"...Hima, do you have any spare equipment?"

"Ah... I have the previous set as a backup for when it's damaged, so I'll give it to her."

Hima took out the backup equipment and traded it with me. When I handed it to Lumin, her appearance quickly changed into a kimono. However, since it was originally made for Hima, it didn't quite match her blonde hair. Still, her posture was dignified, and it seemed she had gotten used to wearing a kimono.

"Alright, that's good enough. We'll get weapons later..."

"Teacher, what about Lumin's stats?"

"Oh, right. Let's check."

At Hima's urging, I displayed Lumin's stats. They were a complete overhaul from when she was a sprite.

■ Monster Name: Lumin

■ Gender: Female

■ Race: Valkyrie

■ Level: 1

■ Stats (Remaining Stat Points: 0)

STR: 25

VIT: 18

INT: 32

MND: 19

AGI: 21

DEX: 19

■ Skills

Weapon Skill: Katana

Magic Skill: Light Magic

Skill: Light Attribute Enhancement

Light Wings

High Magic Resistance

Medium Physical Resistance

MP Auto Recovery (Large)

Wind Magic

Magic Array

Boost

Title Skill: Servant of the Spirit King

Her overall abilities have improved. The "Light Wings" skill seems to be an evolution of the "Flight" skill she had before. It appears to be the light wings currently fluttering gently on her back.

"Lumin, can you fly with those wings? Is it different from your previous flight ability?"

"Yes, I can fly faster and change direction more agilely than before."

"Seems like a simple upgrade. Other than that... you have new skills like 'Magic Array' and 'Boost'."

The "Physical Resistance" effect has also increased, which is straightforward. More importantly, what are the two new skills? As I was thinking this, Hima spoke up from the side.

"These are skills that players can also obtain. 'Magic Array'... I believe it expands the effects of magic, increasing the number or range. 'Boost' is a skill that temporarily increases STR and AGI by consuming MP."

"Hmm... simple but versatile."

Balanced improvements in both physical and magical aspects. Valkyries seem to be capable of both, and I hope she can use both effectively. If we have the cards, there's no reason not to use them.

"From what you say, it sounds like a magic swordsman type. It's rare among tamed monsters, isn't it?"

"Most are biased towards one or the other. Moreover, human-shaped tamed monsters are extremely rare."

Indeed, the tamed monsters Shepherd brings are all in animal form. Most of the monsters I've fought, except for demons, are not in human form. They might exist somewhere, but for now, they are rare.

"...In any case, it's a fact that she has grown well. Let's check her condition on the way back."

"Of course, we'll go along the road. Our equipment is also wearing out."

Hima's katana, which burned and cut the queen ant, didn't lose much durability this time. However, it has been worn down in previous battles. Even with Hima's skill, it won't last much longer. My katana, too, has taken a lot of damage from the queen ant's body fluid. If we keep fighting, it will break before we reach the capital. Also, time is running short. If we take too long, it will affect the event preparations.

"...Understood. Let's head back quickly. Shepherd, is that okay with you?"

"Yes, of course. We've achieved all our goals, including seeing Lumin's evolution."

"Is it really useful for fairy evolution?"

"Hehe... well, I can't deny that. But we've learned a lot about the spirit path, which is a big gain."

Indeed, the fairy queen hinted at the conditions for evolving into a spirit, and I've already told Shepherd about it. The tamer will have to figure out the rest. For now, I'm satisfied with Lumin's evolution into a Valkyrie. I have no intention of studying other paths. Shrugging slightly, I started walking down the road.

"We've been out for a while... I wonder what the capital is like now."

"Large clans are moving in one after another, so it's probably changed a lot. The population has increased, so let's make a reservation with Eleanora now."

"Good idea. Thanks, Hima."

"Sure thing, Teacher."

I turned my attention to Lumin, who had been a young girl when we left the capital and is now a formidable warrior maiden. Her current appearance, following me like a knight, was a stark contrast to her previous impression, and I chuckled.

■ Avatar Name: Quon

■ Gender: Male

■ Race: Human

■ Level: 27

■ Stats (Remaining Stat Points: 0)

STR: 24

VIT: 18

INT: 24

MND: 18

AGI: 14

DEX: 14

■ Skills

Weapon Skill: Katana (Lv.27)

Magic Skill: Enhancement Magic (Lv.19)

Set Skill: Dead Point Strike (Lv.17)

MP Auto Recovery (Lv.14)

Plundering Sword (Lv.14)

Identification (Lv.15)

Sword of Life (Lv.16)

Sword of Demon Slaying (Lv.6)

Tame (Lv.12)

HP Auto Recovery (Lv.12)

Life Force Manipulation (Lv.9)

Sub-Skill: Mining (Lv.8)

Title Skill: Fairy's Blessing

■ Current SP: 30

■ Avatar Name: Hima

■ Gender: Female

■ Race: Human

■ Level: 27

■ Stats (Remaining Stat Points: 0)

STR: 24

VIT: 17

INT: 21

MND: 18

AGI: 16

DEX: 16

■ Skills

Weapon Skill: Katana (Lv.27)

Magic Skill: Fire Magic (Lv.23)

Set Skill: Aura (Lv.17)

Spell Charge (Lv.16)

Fire Attribute Enhancement (Lv.15)

Healing Proficiency (Lv.10)

Identification (Lv.15)

Dead Point Strike (Lv.16)

Martial Arts (Lv.16)

Combat Skills (Lv.16)

Endurance (Lv.15)

Sub-Skill: Gathering (Lv.7)

Mining (Lv.10)

Title Skill: Crimson Sword Maiden

■ Current SP: 30

■ Monster Name: Lumin

■ Gender: Female

■ Race: Valkyrie

■ Level: 1

■ Stats (Remaining Stat Points: 0)

STR: 25

VIT: 18

INT: 32

MND: 19

AGI: 21

DEX: 19

■ Skills

Weapon Skill: Katana

Magic Skill: Light Magic

Skill: Light Attribute Enhancement

Light Wings

High Magic Resistance

Medium Physical Resistance

MP Auto Recovery (Large)

Wind Magic

Magic Array

Boost

Title Skill: Servant of the Spirit King