CH 83

Practice

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After training as a spirit mage, we had a plentiful dinner. The children and the spirits seemed to have gotten used to dining together, as they smiled while eating and even shared their meals with Fukuchan and Uri.

Seeing such a heartwarming scene made me smile, but when I think about it rationally, I realize that apart from me, no one else can see the spirits. So, it must be quite an extraordinary sight. The dishes floating in the air and being consumed with gusto… Even though Sara knows that the spirits are eating, I wonder if she and the others are adapting too quickly.

After dinner and a short break, the sun had set, and we were finally supposed to head out for our first real battle… or so I thought.

“No, nooo! I absolutely want to goooo!” Kika wailed loudly, surprising everyone. While I thought it wouldn’t be appropriate to show zombies or skeletons to someone who wouldn’t be participating in the fight, I suggested that Kika stay behind, and both Sara and Marco agreed. However, it seemed that Kika didn’t like that idea.

Certainly, it could be scary to stay alone in a place like this. I tried to convince her that she would be safe because there are spirits like Dyne to protect her, but my words didn’t seem to resonate with her.

Bell, Rain, Turu, Tamamo, Fukuchan, and Uri were also at a loss, flying around in confusion. When it comes to dealing with a child’s crying, it’s hard to know what to do.

By the way, Sylphy, Dyne, and Dolly were watching from a distance with wry smiles. Nomos disappeared the moment the crying started.

Sara and Marco also attempted to persuade Kika, but their words were drowned out by her growing cries, and their attempts failed. However, I felt somewhat relieved that she could produce such a loud voice. I had considered the possibility that she might be frail because she’s usually quiet, but it seems she has some strength after all.

“Okay. If Kika can keep her promise, I’ll take her with us.”

If this continues, she’ll probably cry endlessly. She’s crying so much that I’m starting to worry if her throat might burst. Maybe my voice reached her because her crying gradually became quieter, and with bloodshot eyes, she looked at me. It pained my heart to be looked at with such eyes.

“…Promise?”

“Yes, a promise. Sara and Marco are going to fight zombies and skeletons now. I understand that I can’t have Kika with me as usual, right?”

Upon hearing my words, Kika pondered for a moment and then nodded with sniffles. Phew, if I make a slight misstep, she might start wailing again. It’s nerve-wracking.

“If something happens, Sara and Marco won’t be able to move freely, and that’s dangerous. So, while we’re outside, you have to stay away from Sara and Marco and stay with me. Can you handle that?”

I can’t help but feel dejected as I say it, but in the current situation, Kika isn’t accustomed to me, and it must be tough for her. I nervously await her answer. If she were to refuse and insist on staying behind, my heart might shatter. If she really dislikes it that much, it would be alright for her to cry, right?

“…I can endure.”

After a long silence, Kika muttered that she could endure. She chose to be with me rather than stay behind… I’m a bit concerned about the long silence, but it’s okay. My heart isn’t breaking apart.

Despite being exhausted before departure, I gather my resolve and give it my all. As we step outside, we are greeted by a large moon and a starry sky. The sky is breathtakingly beautiful due to the absence of any other light sources.

Sara and the others are also staring blankly at the sky. After enjoying the stars for a while, I urge Sara and the others and we head outside.

We walk along a dark path. I could have conjured a light sphere, but night vision is useful, so let’s continue like this to acquire it. Since the moon is bright tonight, we should be fine.

Dyne is also accompanying us since she made a contract. The number of people is increasing steadily. If Dolly and Nomos make a contract, will they also follow us? It’s undoubtedly an excessive force. It might be better to have them come when necessary as Great Spirits. I’ll discuss it with them later.

“Yuta, they’re up ahead. Five zombies.”

Finally. We’ve cleared out quite a few nests near the spring house, so the numbers have decreased significantly. Next time, I’ll ask Sylphy to take us to a place with more undead.

“Sara, Marco, there are five zombies up ahead. Stay calm and aim for their heads as I taught you. Kika, come over here.”

When Kika timidly approaches, I extend my hand, and she, perhaps out of fear, takes it without hesitation.

“Oh, Master. In what order should we defeat them?”

Sara asks the question. Her voice trembles slightly, but her mind seems clear.

“That’s right. To avoid targeting the same one, it’s better to declare that you’re aiming for the leftmost one and attack accordingly. Zombies are slow, so you have plenty of time. Stay calm and follow the practice.”

“Yes, understood.”

“I’ll do it too! Sara onee-chan, I’ll attack from the right.”

“Then, I’ll attack from the left side. But before attacking, let’s announce which zombie we’re targeting, just to be sure. Let’s start with a simultaneous attack.”

“Got it. Let’s go.”

Sara and Marco seem to have resolved themselves quickly. They swiftly determine their plan and cautiously approach the zombies. Perhaps due to their harsh living environment, they possess great courage and decisiveness.

I think it would take me a few minutes to psych myself up. No, if it were when I was a kid, I’d be bawling my eyes out like Kika.

As I watched, Kika gripped my hand tightly. She must be feeling anxious. Her floppy ears were drooping, which was a bit insensitive but cute.

“Kika, don’t worry. You saw Sara and Marco using magic before, right? With the two of them, it’ll be a piece of cake, so you don’t have to worry.”

“…Okay.”

Oh, it’s starting. At first, Sara and Marco synchronized their attacks, simultaneously striking down the zombies on the left and right edges.

Even when the zombies noticed the attacks and started coming towards them, Sara and Marco remained calm, vocalizing while clearly targeting each one and taking them down with precision. It’s perfect. Their coordination is impeccable. This way, there won’t be any accidental misfires. I should also train them to lower their voices and gestures so that they won’t be easily evaded by intelligent creatures.

“Master, I want to collect the magic stones.”

Marco appealed to me to let him collect the magic stones. …As much as I want to refuse, I can’t really do that.

“Alright. Be careful not to get hurt while handling them.”

I handed Marco a knife, and without hesitation, he approached the zombies and stabbed the knife into their heart area to retrieve the magic stones. Their mental structure must be different from that of Japanese people to stab the knife so readily. It surprised me a little.

Afterwards, Sara and Marco continued to successfully defeat zombies and skeletons. At some point, they even started suggesting that it would be a waste to destroy the magic stones of the skeletons, so they started destroying everything except the stones. Their adaptability is just too much.

By the way, the magic stones collected by Sara and Marco were entrusted to me. They said it was for tuition and living expenses. They’re quite principled. When the time comes for them to stand on their own, I’ll give them the magic stones they collected to sell for money.

“We’ve fought a lot, so shall we wrap it up for today? How was your first battle, both of you?”

“I was nervous, but since Fukuchan was amazing, there was no problem.”

“Yeah. I wasn’t scared because Uri took care of them properly. I’ll be fine against zombies and skeletons. But zombies are smelly, so it’s tough.”

Marco was a wolf beastman, after all. Maybe his sense of smell is better than that of humans. He made a disgusted face, probably reminded of the smell.

“If it was smelly, Fukuchan could have created wind to protect you from the smell. It’s not just about attacking, so think carefully and try various other things too. Let’s head back then.”

After requesting Sylphy’s assistance, we swiftly returned to our base and had a brief reflection session before going to bed. It seems that Sara and Marco have understood that they can become stronger with determination. If they’re that excited, they won’t be able to sleep, right?

By the time we go to the Labyrinth City next time, Sara and Marco might have reached a considerable level. Oh, as soon as Marco returned, Kika immediately distanced herself. It’s a bit lonely.

As a celebration for the contract with Dyne, I offered barrels of ale to the Great Spirits before going to sleep. They even begged for wine, but I pleaded with them to wait until after tomorrow’s contract with Dolly is complete and then I’ll give them three barrels altogether. If six barrels were consumed in just two days, it would be overwhelming. And Nomos, I can hear you even if you whisper. Don’t mutter about whether or not alcohol comes out every time when contracting with a Great Spirit. Are you thinking of something dangerous? It’s a little scary, so let’s go to sleep quickly.

————-

“Now, Yuta-san, please.”

“Got it. I just need to fill it with soil, right?”

She nodded, so I filled the northern block with soil to form a contract with Dolly. It was surprisingly easy since I poured the soil directly from the magic bag.

Turu and Uri helped me level the poured soil. It was heartwarming to see Turu gently instructing Uri. Maybe he feels like an older brother.

However, Turu… I’m a bit concerned about the number of times he pets Uri. Uri seems to enjoy it, wagging her tail happily, but when someone becomes excessively reliant on being petted, their personality can become a little mentally unstable.

I don’t want Turu to become someone who aims to be the world’s greatest petter or someone who overcomes any difficulties for the sake of petting. If that were to happen, I would feel responsible. While silently worrying about Turu’s future, I finished filling the soil.

“Dolly, is it alright like this?”

I asked, and Dolly checked the soil I had filled.

“It needs a little water. Can you please sprinkle some?”

“Understood. Rain, can you sprinkle water for us?”

Rain, who was flying around with Bell on her back, flew over when I called her and chirped, “Kyu kyu.” I guess she’s telling me to leave it to her.

“Okay, then, Rain. Thank you.”

“Yuu-chan, wait a moment. You forget about your onee chan, right? Your onee chan is a water spirit, contracted with you, you know?”

Dyne looked at me with suspicion, full of doubt.

“…I haven’t forgotten, but Rain is more than enough, so I thought it was unnecessary to specifically ask the water Great Spirit, Dyne, for help.”

“Really?”

She couldn’t stop her gaze of suspicion. Even her cheeks puffed up a little. It seems I’ve upset her.

“It’s true. I know that Dyne can easily sprinkle water, but if possible, I want Rain to do her best. It can be a valuable experience for her growth. Sylphy said that the more opportunities she uses her power, the easier it is for her to grow.”

I glanced at Sylphy.

“Yes, I did say that.”

She affirmed as well.

“Well, hmm. If you put it that way, I guess I can’t help it, can I? It’s true that floating spirits and lower-level spirits can benefit from such growth. Fine, Yuu-chan. In case of an emergency, your onee chan will help you, so rely on me.”

“Ah, yeah. I’m counting on you.”

It seems her mood has improved. I once again asked Rain for assistance, and she sprinkled the water. With that, the preparations for the contract were complete.