Chapter 81

After returning to the land of death, I finished my first breakfast. Fukuchan and Uri seemed to be eating for the first time, and they were flapping and squeaking with great excitement, which was incredibly cute.

Even if floating spirits evolve quickly, it would take longer compared to ordinary animals. Being able to enjoy their small and adorable appearance for a long time must be quite lucky, right?

"Alright. First, this base. We call it the House of the Spring, and I'll give you a tour."

"Yes, Master. Please do."

"Sarah, you don't have to be so formal. Just call me Master, and you don't need to use honorifics if it's too much trouble."

"Ah, but I feel more comfortable this way. Is that okay?"

Is it strange for a child to feel more comfortable using honorifics?

"Sure, if Sarah wants to, that's fine. I just meant don't force yourself."

Sarah nodded, looking relieved. Well, if Sarah is comfortable with it, that's fine. Marco and Kikka also seem fine with it, so let's get going.

When we went outside, Sylph and the others were already there. I realized we hadn't introduced them yet, so I decided to do that now.

"Sarah, Marco, Kikka. Can you sense the spirits here? Except for Sylph, they haven't contracted with us yet, but they are the Great Water Spirit Dine, the Great Earth Spirit Nomos, and the Great Forest Spirit Dori. They are all here and helping us. You might need their help too, so try to get a feel for their presence."

I can see them directly, so I don't really understand the presence thing, but Sarah and the others seem to be able to distinguish them by the strength of their presence, so it should be fine.

"Yes, my name is Sarah. Great Spirits, please take care of me." "I'm Marco. Please take care of me. This is my sister Kikka." "...Please take care of me."

They all managed to greet properly, which is impressive. It might be due to Sarah's influence. Sylph and the others are watching the children with smiles. They don't seem to like people, but children are apparently endearing to them.

Since they seem to have forgotten, I advised introducing the spirits they have contracted with. Marco and Kikka hurriedly introduced Fukuchan and Uri. They probably haven't fully grasped the feeling of having contracted with spirits yet.

After saying goodbye to the Great Spirits other than Sylph, we started the tour. ...Well, there's not much to tour. Just the pool, the spring, the field, and the planned forest area, so it will be over quickly.

Finally, as promised yesterday, I showed them the entire area from above. Although it's not yet a fully developed human settlement, the clearly different atmosphere from the surrounding land of death made Sarah and the others gasp in surprise. It feels good to have my efforts recognized a bit.

"Well, that's about it. There's still a lot to do, but while we're here, the main focus will be on development and training for Sarah and the others. We'll be going back and forth between here and the Labyrinth City for a while. Any questions?"

"Ah, Master. Did you develop this place all by yourself? The land of death doesn't have water, and nothing grows. It was supposed to be a truly dead land."

While giving the tour, Sarah was very surprised, probably because she had some knowledge about the land of death. She can use honorifics and seems to have received some education. Sarah might have been from a good family.

"Not alone. I developed it with the help of the spirits. Spirit Mages are amazing if they can do it properly, even though they are disliked by the Adventurer Guild. Are you interested?"

At my words, Bell and the others were puffing up with pride. Only I can see them, though.

"Master, spirits are amazing. Can I make a field too?"

Marco was really interested in the field. I thought he was only interested in fighting, but maybe not?

"Hmm, as a Spirit Mage, you're still inexperienced, so it might be difficult. Do you want to make a field, Marco?"

I had development tools, but Marco doesn't, and with only the Earth Spirit, making a field is tough.

"I want to get stronger, but I also want to be able to do more. If I can make a field, I think I can survive."

Marco is greedy for knowledge... no, for the knowledge needed to survive. He must have grown up in a harsh environment.

"If you want to make a field, I think it will be fine if you improve your Spirit Magic and contract with the Water Spirit and the Forest Spirit. Try to build your skills and think about it."

I feel like I said something a bit more like a master. Watching Marco think seriously, I realize that when I was Marco's age, I only thought about playing. I would avoid homework and get lost in the fun things in front of me, only to be scolded by my teacher later. Thinking about it, Japan is quite blessed.

"I'm going to check the insects now, so Sarah and the others should try to communicate with their spirits. Bell and Rain, keep Sarah and the others cool. And Kikka, you should also practice getting along with your spirit. Bell and Rain are here, so you can ask them questions."

Kikka flinched when I suddenly spoke to her but nodded. I want her to get used to not being surprised when I talk to her.

"Bell, Rain, please take care of it."

"Leave it to us." "Kyu"

Bell and Rain, who are small, tapped their chests with their right hands and fins. Their reactions are getting more varied. I wonder where they're learning them from?

"Turu and Tamamo, please help sort the insects. I don't know much, so I want you to remove any that are poisonous or might damage the crops."

"Sure." "Kuuu"

Turu, holding Tamamo, nodded confidently. He was petting Tamamo with his right hand. Maybe they have good compatibility because they are Earth and Forest Spirits? Tamamo seems to enjoy being petted by Turu. Watching them, I want to pet them too.

"Alright, let's do our best. Ah, Sylph, can you use the cooling magic you used at the volcano?"

"Sure, no problem."

She smiled and wrapped us in a cool breeze. If I didn't know about it, I could have endured this environment, but once you know about a cool world, it's hard to bear.

It's like not being able to bear the lack of air conditioning once you know about it. The terror of a broken air conditioner in the concrete jungle of midsummer.

The sadness of hearing that the installation couldn't be done immediately, even though I had bought a new air conditioner and had a lot of plans. People are fragile when they lose the tools of civilization.

Even after work, the steamy room at home is a shock. It's awkward to stay at a friend's house on a weekday, so I used to stay at a manga café.

"Master, what's wrong?"

While reminiscing about those nostalgic and painful experiences, Sarah called out to me. I must have been lost in thought.

"Nothing, let's do what I said."

I called out to Sarah and the others and prepared for the work. Alright! I need to motivate myself to tackle the tedious task and opened the bag full of insects. ...I might give up.

***

Following Turu and Tamamo's instructions, I finished the insect selection with determination. It was mentally draining to see the insects all mixed together in a group.

"Turu, Tamamo, should I release these in the field and the planned forest area?"

Turu and Tamamo shook their heads no, in sync, which was a bit cute.

"The soil here isn't good yet. Mix in some forest soil and then release them."

...I see. It makes sense that the insects would be more comfortable in the soil from the forest where they lived, rather than in some strange mixture of crushed fish and seaweed. Saying it myself is a bit sad.

"Then, should I put the soil in the area we've been expanding? Next to the planned forest area, right?"

Turu and Tamamo nodded, so I moved to the block next to the planned forest area and poured the soil directly from the magic bag. It's much easier not having to mix in fertilizer.

After spreading the forest soil evenly, I buried the insects so they wouldn't clump together. Turu dug trenches in the soil with magic, and I scattered the insects like seeds. Sorry for being rough.

After scattering the insects, Turu used magic to cover them up. It was a simple task, but it took a lot of time due to the quantity. The environment has changed a lot, so I wonder how many will survive? I can only hope for the resilience of the insects.

It took longer than planned. Sarah and the others must be hungry. Let's have lunch now.

"Turu, Tamamo, good job. Let's have lunch."

"Okay." "Kuu"

I picked up Tamamo, who jumped into my arms, and patted Turu's head while moving to Sarah and the others. ...They look like they're having fun.

Sarah and Marco are talking to Fukuchan and Uri... ...communicating, and Kikka is playing tag with Bell and Rain. Ah, Kikka noticed me and ran to Marco. It will take some time for them to get along.

"Everyone, let's go to the house for lunch."

I promised to feed Sarah and the others properly. Trust is built step by step. Let's start by keeping our promises.

***

After a noisy lunch with the children and the spirits, I thought about what to do next. We need to expand the house, or we'll end up sleeping in the kitchen. Also, since we'll be leveling up the children at night, we need to let them take a nap.

It's not good to let them sleep right after eating... Ah, I'll ask Bell and Turu to teach Fukuchan and Uri the magic I often use. Sarah and the others can watch and learn, and then take a nap.

Bell was very excited when I told her the plan. It seems teaching magic to juniors struck a chord with her.

"Fukuchan, Bell will teach you a lot."

"Hoo hoo"

Fukuchan flapped her small wings, apparently excited. Looking at Turu, he was already holding and petting Uri. It seems to be fine...?

"Sarah, Marco, Kikka, I'll show you some magic. Watch carefully and remember it. After a while, we'll take a nap to prepare for the night."

"Yes." "Got it." "Okay."

They answered honestly, but Marco's eyes were sparkling with excitement. I understand the feeling, but will he be able to sleep? I'll check on them later.

I need to build a house quickly and start making the fountain, or Dine will pout. Thinking about it, the conditions for contracting with Dori are already met. Once the fountain is complete, I can contract with both Great Spirits at once... The cheat will accelerate.

"Ah, Nomos, Dori. I released insects in the new soil area today, so please keep an eye on them. If anything happens, please give advice."

"Sure, I'll check."

"Hehe, I'm looking forward to it. I'll keep a close eye on it too."

Nomos agreed solemnly, and Dori agreed gracefully. It's quite strange that these two are both Great Spirits.

"Okay, thanks. Alright, Sylph, I want to go cut some large rocks for the house. Can you carry them?"

"Sure, no problem. Will Yuta operate it?"

...Yeah. Flying by myself is more fun, and it won't take much longer for a short distance. I nodded and had her create a wind cocoon. I'll enjoy the sky a little.

Thank you for reading.