Chapter 77

After introducing Bel and the others to Sara and the others, we decided to start with a simple practice. It seems that even simple things can be unexpected blind spots, and the limitations of information are troublesome.

Determined, Marco lightly extended his hands forward and asked a question.

"Um, can spirits fly?"

With a whoosh, Bel and the others gathered to Marco's right side. Yes, they do. They all moved together, creating a clump like a ball. It looks fun, but I think I should call each of them by name before asking questions.

"Marco, try calling their names before asking questions."

"Got it. Um, Bel, what can wind spirits do?"

He's using honorifics. Spirits don't really mind, but if you think about showing respect, it might be better to keep it this way. I'll observe a bit more.

"Marco, if the question can't be answered with a yes or no, Bel will be confused."

"Oh, right."

Is Marco nervous? Without phones or being able to see the spirits, it must be difficult to communicate. By the way, Bel is excitedly waiting for the next question.

"Um, can Bel create a big tornado?"

Bel moved to my right hand. Yes, she can. But why a tornado?

"Bel can create a tornado."

Bel seems happy that the conversation is going well and is spinning around joyfully.

"Bel, are wind spirits strong?"

Again, Bel moved to my right hand. She's confident. Rain, Tulu, and Tamamo seem eager too. They're swaying behind Bel, especially Tamamo's tail wagging cutely.

"Marco, you can ask the others too. Sara and Kika aren't scary, so if you have any questions, go ahead and ask."

At my words, Sara tentatively extended her hands and tried asking a question.

"Rain, can you make it rain?"

Rain moved to Sara's left hand. No, she can't. Rain is probably too difficult. She can create water balls that look like rain, but it's not exactly rain.

With yes or no questions, we can't convey detailed information, but it's much better than nothing. Kika still seems uneasy, sticking close to Marco's back. It might take some time.

Marco and Sara seem to have gotten the hang of it and are asking various questions, and Bel and the others are happily answering. It feels like watching a play, and it's quite heartwarming.

"Surprisingly, communication is possible."

Sylphie said, impressed.

"Yeah. Bel and the others are cooperating because I asked them to, but even spirits we haven't contracted with might help if we talk to them, right?"

"They'll help if they're interested. I was with Yuta even before we contracted, remember?"

That's true. If I can sense the presence of spirits, I can gradually talk to them and find potential contract partners.

I watched Bel and the others with Sylphie for a while. It's time to move on to the next step.

"Bel, Rain, Tulu, Tamamo, thank you. I'll explain things to Sara and the others now, so we'll end here for today."

Bel and the others flew around the room, looking like they had fun. This method might be a good stimulus for the spirits too.

"Sara, Marco, Kika, did you learn a bit about spirits? Tomorrow, I want to contract with floating spirits, so I'll explain more about them. Pay attention."

"Master, are we contracting tomorrow? With floating spirits?"

"Yes. I'll explain in detail now. Kika, you'll contract after leveling up, so it will be a bit later."

He looks puzzled, but I think he'll be okay. It's better to explain once and answer any questions to speed things up.

I explained in detail about the spirit ranks, characteristics by attribute, and behavior in the labyrinth, with Sylphie's supplements. Even though they can sense the presence, they looked at me strangely as I talked to something they couldn't see. I hope they get used to it soon.

"Master, we'll contract with a floating spirit tomorrow, right? Try to find one that's good for exploring the labyrinth."

"Right. I want Sara and Marco to contract with wind and earth floating spirits, so discuss which one you prefer."

When asked why wind and earth, I explained that they are easier to understand for detection, defense, and attack. According to Sylphie, water and forest floating spirits have too many restrictions in the labyrinth, so we'll skip them this time.

If they can freely create their attributes, it won't matter, but it's still challenging for floating spirits. Since this is the first time, I thought about letting Sara and the others find and contract with a spirit that feels right, but since we'll also go to the Land of Death, it's better to have Sylphie bring them.

"Well, that's it for today. Tomorrow will be busy, so do your best."

Going back to the Land of Death is just a flight, so it should be fine. After sending Sara and the others back to their room, I decided to rest too.

***

"Wow, this forest is much livelier than the labyrinth forest."

The forest is bustling with spirits flying around, and wild beasts and monsters, giving it a lively impression.

"Hehe, there are many spirits in nature, so it might feel noisy to Yuta."

There are various sounds, but most are made by spirits. Sounds come from everywhere, but wild beasts probably aren't that careless.

How do Sara and the others feel? They look exhausted. They were scared at first during their first flight but then got very excited. It's natural that they're tired.

This morning, after a hearty breakfast, we bought a lot of food from the stalls recommended by Bel and the others. Bel, Rain, Tulu, and Tamomo were excited to introduce their favorites, making it quite a challenge.

We checked out not just the stalls in the market but also those scattered around the labyrinth city, and I feel like I've become quite familiar with the city. Only the stalls, though.

We received the dragon meat from Marie. Dragon steak... I can't wait to try it. Should I start with Fire Dragon meat?

While imagining the taste of the meat, we returned to the inn and received ketchup, pizza sauce, meat sauce, and a lot of bread from Torque. When asked if we could eat it all, I explained that more people would join us, which is true because of the greater spirits.

It was nice that he invited us to stay at this inn whenever we come to the labyrinth city. From there, we left the city and headed to a village to get tomato seedlings.

"Master, why are we deviating from the path to the village?"

Walking would be tiring, so flying is better, but I can't say that honestly as it might not be good for their education.

"Flying is faster. We're deviating from the path so we won't be seen."

"Flying!"

Marco's face lit up with excitement. Of course, flying is a dream. But Sara and Kika look anxious. Maybe girls are more practical than romantic.

"Right. Look forward to it."

At my words, Marco started fidgeting. He must be really excited.

"Yuta, it's okay now."

At Sylphie's words, I gathered Sara and the others.

"Then, we're flying now. It's absolutely safe, so don't panic and stay calm."

Sylphie enveloped all of us in a wind cocoon, and our bodies floated up. Marco let out an excited cry, while Sara and Kika screamed in fear. As we gained altitude, Marco's face, which had been enjoying the ride, gradually turned pale.

"Master, are you sure it's safe?"

Marco was panicking. Fear had overtaken excitement. Bel and the others were comforting the screaming Sara and Kika. They probably didn't hear the encouraging words, but they seemed to calm down a bit, realizing the spirits were with them.

"Yes, it's safe. No matter what happens, we won't fall. Enjoy the view and look around. It's a beautiful sight."

The three of them cautiously looked around. Below, a carpet of clouds spread out, and the labyrinth city, now tiny, was visible through the gaps, creating a rather fantastical scene.

Protected by Sylphie's wind cocoon, we could enjoy the view comfortably. The unreal scenery seemed to stop their thoughts, and Sara and the others just gazed at the view.

Enjoying the short flight to the nearby village, we managed to get tomato seedlings and a lot of fresh vegetables. The village was surrounded by sturdy rock walls, with fields outside protected by strong wooden fences.

It must be a precaution against monsters and war, but perhaps idyllic rural villages don't exist in this world. When we asked for vegetables, the suspicion was overwhelming until we showed money.

Rural TV shows where you stay in the countryside would be difficult in this world. Even if there were TVs... After that, we flew again to the forest recommended by Sylphie. It was quite challenging, so it's no wonder they're tired.

"Let's take a break."

I gave Sara and the others apple juice, and Bel and the others came over, sniffing it. When I asked if they wanted to try, they nodded, so I gave them the juice. Hmm? Sara and the others look stunned.

"What's wrong?"

"Master, we can sense Bel and the others, but do spirits drink juice?"

...I forgot to explain that part.

"They drink juice and eat food too. When you contract with a spirit, you can feed them and learn what they like, which can help you bond more."

So far, Bel and the others happily eat everything except bitter things. Sylphie likes rare foods and alcohol. After thinking for a moment, Sara looked up at me.

"Master, I'll work hard on spirit magic, so can you teach me cooking too?"

I've thought she's refined since we met. She must have ended up in the slums for some reason, but I'm not sure if I should ask. It might bring up trauma, so I'll wait until she's ready to talk.

Cooking... I wonder. I live alone, and I'm just an amateur who cooks when I feel like it. Can I teach someone? But if they help, cooking will be easier. When I gave her the recipe for spaghetti, she looked very excited, so she must be interested in cooking.

"If it's okay with amateur cooking, we can cook together when I make a meal. But I think it will be a while before we have time for cooking."

"Understood. I'll ask when the time comes."

She's smiling broadly. It might help with communication between master and disciple, so I'll try my best. Well, let's end the break and achieve our goal. Bel and the others look bored too. Thank you for reading.