Chapter 85

After training as a spirit mage and having a hearty dinner, Sara and the others seemed to have gotten used to eating with the spirits, as they were eating their meals with smiles, even sharing their food with Fukuchan and Uri.

The heartwarming scene made me smile, but when I thought about it calmly, the others couldn't see the spirits, so it must have been quite an unusual sight—food floating and being eaten by invisible beings. Even though they knew the spirits were eating, Sara and the others adapted too quickly, didn't they?

After dinner, we took a post-meal break. It was getting dark, and we were about to head out for our first real combat... or so we thought.

"No wayyyyy! I'm definitely goinguuuuu!"

Kikka started crying hysterically. I thought it might be too much to show her zombies and skeletons if she wasn't going to fight, so I suggested she stay behind, and Sara and Marco agreed. But Kikka didn't like that idea.

Indeed, it must be scary to be left alone in such a place. I tried to reassure her that she would be safe with Dine, but it didn't seem to work.

Bell, Rain, Tsuru, Tamamo, Fukuchan, and Uri were also at a loss, flying around in confusion, unsure of what to do with a child's crying.

Incidentally, Sylph and Dine, and Dolly were watching from a distance with wry smiles. Nomos disappeared the moment the crying started.

Sara and Marco tried to persuade her, but their efforts were drowned out by her increasingly loud cries. However, I was a bit relieved that she could produce such a loud voice. I had been worried that she might be frail because she was so quiet, but it seemed she had some strength.

"Alright. If Kikka can keep her promise, I'll take you."

If this continued, she would cry endlessly. I was worried that her throat might tear. My voice seemed to reach her, as her cries gradually quieted, and she looked at me with red, bloodshot eyes. It hurt to see her like that.

"......promise?"

"Yes, a promise. Sara and Marco are going to fight zombies and skeletons now. You understand that we can't bring you along like we usually do, right?"

Kikka thought for a moment, then sniffled and nodded. Phew, one wrong step and she might have started crying again. It was nerve-wracking.

"It's dangerous if Sara and Marco can't move freely if something happens. So while we're outside, you need to stay away from them and stay with me. Can you do that?"

I felt a bit depressed saying it, but Kikka wasn't used to me yet, and it would be tough for her. I waited nervously for her answer. If she had been told to stay behind, my heart might have torn. It's okay to cry if you're that upset, right?

"......I can endure."

After a long silence, Kikka said she could endure. She chose to stay with me rather than stay behind... I was a bit concerned about the long silence, but it was okay. My heart didn't tear.

I was quite tired before we set out, but I gathered my strength. The large moon and the starry sky greeted us as we stepped outside. The sky was incredible because there were no other lights.

Sara and the others were gazing up at the sky in awe. After enjoying the stars for a while, I urged them to head out.

We walked down the dark path. I could have floated a light ball, but night vision was useful, so I decided to keep it this way. The moon was bright enough tonight.

Dine came along because she had just made a contract. The group was growing. Would Dolly and Nomos also follow if they made contracts? It would definitely be an excessive force. Maybe it's better to call the Great Spirits only when needed. We should discuss that later.

"Yuta, they're ahead. There are five zombies."

Finally. We had cleared out a lot of nests near the spring, so the numbers had decreased. Next time, I'll ask Sylph to lead us to areas with more undead.

"Sara, Marco, there are five zombies ahead. Stay calm and crush their heads as we practiced. Kikka, come here."

I held out my hand to Kikka, who approached hesitantly. She must have been scared, but she took my hand.

"Master, in what order should we attack?"

Sara asked, her voice slightly trembling, but her mind seemed clear.

"Hmm. To avoid targeting the same one, it's best to declare your target and attack. Zombies are slow, so you have plenty of time. Stay calm and follow the practice."

"Understood."

"I'll do it too! Sara, I'll attack from the right."

"Then I'll attack from the left. But before attacking, let's declare which zombie we're targeting. We'll attack simultaneously at first."

"Got it. Let's go."

Sara and Marco seemed to have made up their minds quickly, deciding on a strategy and approaching the zombies cautiously. They must have grown up in a tough environment; their courage and action were impressive.

I would have taken a few minutes to psych myself up. No, if I were a child, I would have been crying like Kikka.

As I watched, Kikka squeezed my hand tightly. She must have been anxious. Her animal ears were drooping, which was a bit cute, though not the time for that.

"Kikka, it's okay. You saw Sara and Marco use magic, right? They'll handle it easily, so don't worry."

"......okay."

It started. Sara and Marco attacked simultaneously, taking out the zombies on the left and right with one hit each.

They remained calm, declaring their targets and attacking even as the zombies turned to face them. They pointed at their targets clearly, making sure Fukuchan and Uri understood, and took them down one by one.

Perfect. They were learning too quickly. This method would prevent any accidental hits. In the future, I'll have them practice making their voices and gestures smaller. Otherwise, they might be dodged by smarter monsters.

"Master, I want to collect the magic stones."

Marco asked to collect the magic stones. I wanted to refuse, but I couldn't.

"Alright. Be careful not to hurt yourself."

I gave Marco a knife, and he approached the zombies without hesitation, stabbing their hearts and collecting the magic stones. His mental structure must be different from a Japanese person's; he stabbed the zombies so casually. It was a bit scary.

Sara and Marco continued to defeat the zombies and skeletons smoothly. At one point, they started saying it was a waste to destroy the skeletons' magic stones, so they began destroying everything but the stones. They adapted too quickly.

Incidentally, the magic stones Sara and Marco collected were entrusted to me. They said it was for tuition and food. They were quite principled. I'll cash in the stones they collected and give them to them when they're ready to stand on their own.

"Since we've fought a lot, let's call it a day. How was your first combat, both of you?"

"I was nervous, but Fukuchan was amazing, so it wasn't a problem."

"Yep. Uri took them down solidly, so I wasn't scared. Zombies and skeletons are okay, but zombies smell bad, which is tough."

Marco was a wolf beast person. His sense of smell might be better than a human's. He must have remembered the smell, as he made a face of disgust.

"The smell can be prevented if Fukuchan creates a breeze. Try to think about other things and experiment. Let's head back."

I asked Sylph to teleport us back to the base, and we had a brief debriefing before going to bed. Sara and Marco seemed to understand that they could become stronger, and they were full of determination. They were so excited they might not be able to sleep.

By the time we go to the Labyrinth City next, Sara and Marco might be at a decent level. When Marco returned, Kikka immediately left. It was a bit lonely.

As a celebration for the contract with Dine, I offered a barrel of ale to the Great Spirits. They demanded wine, but I promised to give them three barrels after the contract with Dolly, and they let it go.

I couldn't keep up if they drank six barrels in two days. And Nomos, I can hear you even in a whisper. Don't whisper about getting alcohol after contracting with a Great Spirit. Are you thinking of something dangerous? It's a bit scary, so I'll go to sleep quickly.

***

"Then, Yuta, please."

"Got it. I just need to put in the soil, right?"

She nodded, so I put soil into the block in the north to contract with Dolly. It was surprisingly easy to pour soil directly from the magic bag.

Tsuru and Uri helped smooth out the soil. It was heartwarming to see Tsuru gently guiding Uri. He might be feeling like an older brother.

However, Tsuru... the number of times he pets Uri is concerning. Uri seems to enjoy it, making a "Puh" sound, but some people who become heavy petters can develop a bit of a dangerous personality.

I don't want Tsuru to become the world's best petter or someone who would overcome any obstacle for the sake of petting. I would feel responsible if that happened. I secretly worried about Tsuru's future as I finished putting in the soil.

"Dolly, is this okay?"

I asked, and Dolly checked the soil.

"A little water would be nice. Can you provide it?"

"Got it. Rain, can you sprinkle some water?"

I called out to Rain, who was flying around with Bell. She flew in front of me and chirped, "Kyukyuu." I think she was saying, "Sure, I'll do it."

"Wait, Yuta. Don't forget about me. I'm a water spirit contracted with you, too."

Dine looked at me with a suspicious expression.

"......I didn't forget, but I thought Rain would be enough, and there's no need to bother the Great Water Spirit Dine."

"Really?"

The suspicious gaze didn't stop. Her cheeks were slightly puffed, and it seemed she was in a bad mood.

"Really. I know Dine can easily finish the watering, but it would be better for Rain to try and grow. Sylph said the more a spirit uses its power, the easier it is to grow."

I glanced at Sylph.

"Yes, that's true."

Sylph confirmed it.

"Hmm. If that's the case, I guess it can't be helped. Indeed, it would be beneficial for floating spirits and lower spirits to grow. Alright, Yuta. I'll help you if something happens, so rely on me."

"Ah, okay. I'll rely on you."

It seemed her mood had improved. I asked Rain to sprinkle the water again. Now the contract preparations were complete. Thank you for reading.