Chapter 33

The Great Forest Spirit and the Lesser Forest Spirit have become companions. With this, it won't be long before vegetables are added to the menu.

"I know I said it, but I plan to enjoy this different world, so I think I'll only develop it bit by bit. Is that okay?"

"Hehe. As long as development progresses, even if it's bit by bit, there's no problem. And you can listen to some of my requests, right?"

"Since I'll be relying on you, there's no problem with listening to your requests, but please don't ask for anything unreasonable."

"I won't ask for anything unreasonable. Since you have an amazing magic bag, it would be enough if you could bring back leaf mold and beneficial insects when you go to the lively forest with Sylph. If you have time, I'd also like you to bring back some animals."

"That should be fine. I'm not sure if beneficial insects can be stored in the magic bag, but I can put them in a bag and bring them back. As for animals... I wonder if that's possible? Anyway, let's think about it after the forest environment is ready."

"I think that should be fine, depending on Sylph's cooperation."

"I don't mind that either."

"Then there's no problem. Please take care of me."

"Likewise. Oh, right. This is a serious issue, so I hope you won't get angry, but when can we start eating the plants that have sprouted? Also, I heard that forest spirits can accelerate plant growth. If we can make a contract with that kitsune, can you use that power?"

"I understand that you need food, so I won't get angry. First, those vegetables can be harvested in about thirty days. The growth-accelerating magic can be used by that kitsune, but since it's still weak, I think it can only halve the harvest time at best."

"Wow. Thirty days, or maybe fifteen days for vegetables on the table. I'm getting excited."

"However, I don't recommend using magic in the current field. The soil is unbalanced due to harsh conditions, so rapid growth will deplete the soil's nutrients. It's better to wait until the soil is more settled."

"It seems that immediate harvest with growth magic is not possible. From what I heard, Dolly could achieve immediate harvest if the soil balance is right."

"I think it will be fine to use a little magic after letting the soil rest for about five more days. If the kitsune uses a little magic every day, it might be possible to harvest five to ten days earlier."

"Even that would be a great help. I haven't eaten vegetables at all, so I'm a bit worried."

"I've been eating seaweed, but I'm not sure if that's enough. Seaweed has low calories, right? What about nutrients? I've heard it contains iodine... What is iodine, anyway? I'm really worried."

"Please work hard with that kitsune. If you do, you'll be able to enjoy delicious vegetables. Shall we make a contract with that kitsune now?"

"I'd be happy to."

Looking at the kitsune, I noticed that Bell, Rain, and Tulle, along with Dolly and Sylph, were already petting it. I'm a bit worried if this is okay.

"Bell, can you bring that kitsune over? I want to make a contract with it."

"Sure."

Bell, carrying the kitsune, flew over. ...A little girl and a kitsune. It seems like a little girl and a dolphin would also attract a lot of followers. I regret not having a smartphone signal here.

"Um, it looks a bit tired, but is it okay?"

I want to pet it, but the fur seems to have lost its luster, and I feel hesitant.

"Ku."

The kitsune nodded weakly. Is it really okay?

"Bell, let it go."

"Sure."

Bell is such a well-behaved child. The kitsune floated in front of me. Its big eyes looked at me. The triangular ears standing up are irresistible. Pet... I need to think of a name.

Hmm. Since it's a kitsune and a forest spirit, Fox... What do you call a young fox? Little Fox? It seems hard to use as a name. Forest is Forest... It's also hard to use as a name.

A name related to foxes would be good. Celestial Fox, Sky Fox, Nine-Tails... I can only think of Tamamo. Tamamo... It sounds cute, but it's a demon fox. But it's a beautiful woman...

"I've decided. Your name is Tamamo. It's a name from the most famous fox in my country. How does it sound?"

"Ku."

It seems to have accepted it. The contract is now established. I might have been swayed by desire, but I'll wish for it to be a good child. In this world, I'll make Tamamo a good fox.

"The contract is established. Please be kind to it."

"Sure. We'll live together from now on. We'll be like family. Right, Tamamo?"

When I asked, it made a "ku" sound and licked my cheek. This is bad. Rain and Tamamo are too powerful.

"Hehe. Family, huh? I hope you form a good bond. Tamamo, come here."

Dolly called Tamamo to her.

"The lesser spirit I brought has made a contract. It's worth celebrating. Tamamo, this is a celebration of the contract. It contains various seeds. Discuss with Yuta and work hard."

"Ku-"

Tamamo, holding a package about the size of two of my fists, wagged its tail happily. It's so cute. But this celebration was prepared in advance, anticipating a lack of plants.

The form of celebration is a loophole for penalties. I'm quite relieved that we don't have to have a fake conversation in front of Dolly. I hugged Tamamo, which had returned, and asked Dolly.

"Dolly, is it okay to plant these seeds here immediately?"

"I saw earlier, but the soil isn't well-settled yet. It's better to moisten it with water and wait for about five days."

"Got it. Tamamo, is it okay if I keep these seeds for now?"

"Ku."

It nodded, so it's fine. I'll store them. Let's go back. But the contract spirits are a little girl with a dolphin, a boy with a kitsune... It's quite chaotic.

***

"Yuta, I'm glad the contract went well. Are you going to level up now?"

Sylph asked excitedly. Hmm, it's still morning, so there's time. But Sylph seems to like combat-related events even though I'm not the one fighting.

"Ah, sure. But first, I need to check how much Tamamo can fight."

"Oh... I'm sorry, Yuta. Tamamo is still a lesser spirit, so it can't fight without greenery around."

"Is that so?"

"Ku."

No good. Tamamo seems to be depressed.

"Tamamo, don't be sad. It's enough to help grow plants. And when we go to town, there will be nature nearby, so you can help then."

Tamamo perked up at my words, wagging its tail as if saying it would try hard. It's quite simple?

"Alright. Let's go level up. Tamamo, please keep an eye on the field. I'll leave it to you."

"Ku!"

It feels like it's saying, "Leave it to me." It should be fine.

"Alright. I'll leave it to you, Tamamo. I have a meeting, so you can play with Bell and the others. They are your companions, contracted to me. Bell, Rain, Tulle, please take care of Tamamo."

"Sure."

"Kyu"

"...Pet"

The spirits, who had been watching Tamamo from a distance during the meeting, suddenly rushed over after getting permission. But is Tulle a petter?

"Tamamo is new, so don't push it too hard."

Bell and Rain's enthusiastic responses are a bit concerning. I hope they don't overdo it. Watching the spirits run off, I returned to the meeting.

"So, Sylph, we're going to the monster nest, right? Can you tell me what to watch out for and what kind of monsters are there?"

"Well, the first nest we'll go to is small, so there won't be any major monsters. The nest is dominated by a Skeleton Knight, so the main force will be Skeletons, except for the minions."

"Hmm? Skeleton Knight? Main force? I don't understand. Can you explain in more detail?"

According to Sylph's explanation, the hierarchy is similar among Undead.

Soldier, Thief, Archer, Mage, Knight, General, King. It seems to depend on their past experiences. In the case of Skeletons, a Lich can sometimes take the place of a King. Also, Thieves are not suitable for Zombies, so there's no need to be cautious.

The main force refers to the strongest monster gathering and dominating similar monsters, so the upper ranks are often unified. However, when it comes to Kings or Liches, they can also command other types of monsters and form large groups.

"I understand. But how do you know who dominates the nest?"

"I'm the Great Spirit of Wind. As long as there's air and I can send wind, I can usually know most things. It's difficult to send wind deep underground, but most nests are confirmed, so you can rest assured."

"When did you confirm all this?"

"During level-ups and free time. When guiding Yuta, I avoided nests, so I knew their locations. I also checked the interiors at the same time, so I know most of the details around here."

I didn't know you did all this. I had no idea. I can't look down on Sylph anymore. I didn't really look down on her before, either.

"Also, there's something to be careful about. Yuta's weapon is too powerful, so be careful not to hit walls or the ground. You don't want to be buried alive, do you?"

"You're right. Using a hammer in an underground space is scary. Should I switch to a survival knife? But it's easier to crush Undead."

"Being buried alive, can Tulle do something about it?"

"If it's in time, it can be done. If it's in time."

"I'll be careful."

"Hehe. Then let's go."

We're going to tackle the nest. I have to do it for level-ups, so I'll do my best.

Thank you for reading.