Chapter 78

We arrived at the forest after leaving the labyrinth city. Before returning to the Land of Death, we need to get Sara and Marco to make their spirit contracts and bring back a lot of living soil.

"Hey, Sylph. Is it okay to take the soil and trees from the forest?"

"Well, as long as you don't take too much from one place, it should be fine. If you listen to Tulu and Tamamo's opinions before collecting, there won't be any problems."

"Got it. Tulu, Tamamo, please give us your instructions."

"Sure thing," "Coo."

Tulu, clenching his fists, showed his enthusiasm. Tamamo, the forest spirit, was also pumped up, being in her home territory. Her fluffy tail was wagging energetically, showing her readiness.

I thought foxes didn't wag their tails... but since they're spirits, it probably doesn't matter. Rain is a dolphin but can fly on land. Thinking too deeply about it is pointless.

"Bel and Rain, please guard us. Sylph, can you bring floating spirits for Sara and Marco to contract with?"

"Sure thing. Bel will protect us!" "Quack."

Bel and Rain raised their right hand and fin high, declaring their commitment. They're reliable. Are their gestures synchronized because they practice?

"Wind and earth floating spirits, right? Can you ask Sara and Marco which one they want to contract with?"

"Got it. So, Sara and Marco, have you decided whether you want to contract with a wind or earth spirit?"

"We talked about it yesterday. I want to contract with an earth spirit."

Oh? That's a bit unexpected. I thought Marco would want a wind spirit because he was interested in flying.

"In that case, Sara will contract with a wind spirit. Is that okay, Sara?"

"Yes, that's fine."

"Alright, Sylph, please bring them."

"Sure, I'll be right back."

I watched Sylph fly away.

"Still, I thought Marco would contract with a wind spirit. He always wanted to fly, right?"

"Yeah, but I heard that earth spirits are better for protection. I need to protect Sara and Kikka."

Oh, that's mature. That's what makes Marco seem like the protagonist. If you contract with a wind floating spirit, you can use wind barriers, but Sylph said they have weak defense. Wind isn't enough to counter physical attacks with a floating spirit. Marco must have been listening.

"In that case, an earth spirit is better."

I couldn't help but ruffle Marco's hair. His animal ears are amazing, but it's a bit disappointing that the first time I touched animal ears was on a boy. Ah, he swatted my hand away.

"Master, don't treat me like a kid!"

You're still a kid, though. Are you at that age where you want to act grown-up?

"Yeah, sorry, sorry. By the way, what kind of beast are Marco and Kikka? Dogs?"

"Not dogs. Wolves!"

I see. Wolves... Hmm. It's hard to tell the difference between wolves and dogs, but it must be a big difference for Marco. He strongly denied it.

"Got it, wolves. I won't make that mistake again. Anyway, let's start collecting soil. Everyone, please help."

Following Tulu and Tamamo's instructions, I used a magic shovel to scoop up the soil and store it. Bugs that didn't fit in the magic bag remained on the shovel.

Just one scoop, and there are quite a few bugs. I only recognize earthworms, but this must be a sign of a rich forest. We need to bring these bugs back too. I took out a cloth bag I bought from a general store and turned to ask Marco for help, but Sara and the others were standing there in shock.

"What's wrong?"

When I asked, Marco came back to his senses.

"Master, you're a spirit mage, right? How can you lift so much soil with such a big shovel? Do spirit mages get stronger physically? And why does the shovel change size? Is it a magic tool?"

I see. I never explained the tools. I think I'm stronger because my level has increased, but that's not the main reason.

"Strength increases with level, but that's not the main reason here. I'll explain later. For now, please help me."

I handed the cloth bag to Marco and had him fill it with about a third of the soil. Then I poured the bugs left on the shovel into the bag.

"Master, are you going to eat these bugs? I don't think they taste good."

Please don't say such disturbing things. I know some cultures eat bugs, but I don't want to try. Sara and Kikka also look disgusted. I'm relieved. If someone in the slums said bugs were a delicacy, I might cry.

"I'm not going to eat them. Bugs are important helpers in making good soil, so I need to bring them back."

Sara and the others nodded vaguely, not sure if they understood. Once they see the Land of Death, they'll understand what I'm trying to do. For now, we focus on collecting soil