CH 87

“Overprotective”

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Sara and the others, who had eaten to their heart’s content worth of dragon steak, had finally recovered.

“Master, we apologize.” “Master, we’re sorry.” “…We’re sorry.”

They bowed their heads together, apologizing for becoming immobile due to overeating.

“It was me who told you to eat until you’re full, so don’t worry about it.”

Well, I was the one who served them the thick steaks without thinking. Kika seemed to enjoy it too, as she had eaten about half of the thick steak, and Marco had even finished the remaining half that Kika left. It’s natural to become immobile.

Bell and the others had finished everything and were playing around normally, but spirits must be different. Even though they knew they were spirits, I was still surprised when both the little girl and the small Fukuchan ate the thick dragon steak completely. Fukuchan even finished a steak bigger than herself. It’s like something out of a fantasy.

“Well then, we should go soon, or else it will be late to sleep. Silphy, could you take us to a place with many undead?”

“Not their nest, right?”

“Yeah. We’ll save the nest for when their levels are a bit higher. For now, I want to go to a place outside where the undead are wandering.”

Throwing them into an undead nest for a Spartan education might be an option, but it might leave emotional scars, so I’ll refrain from it.

“Understood. Let’s go right away, shall we?”

As Silphy replied, she enveloped us in a cocoon of wind and flew into the sky. However, the presence of the spirit tree is overwhelming. It’s quite far from the spring house, but I can still clearly see the spirit tree. Even in the darkness, that presence would easily reveal itself if someone were to whimsically enter the depths of the Land of Death.

Well, unless something whimsical happens, there’s no reason for anyone to enter the Land of Death, so there’s no chance of being discovered.

“Somewhere around here should be good.”

“Silphy, can you land us?”

“Leave it to me.”

When we landed on the ground, there were four zombies in front of us. Looks like Silphy’s going for an immediate battle, huh?

“Sara, Marco, can you handle them?”

“Yes, we can.”

Sara and Marco answered energetically, giving instructions to Fukuchan and Uri. They seemed to have gotten used to it, as they easily defeated the zombies.

I feel like there’s no longer a need for me to be here. It’s heartbreaking to think that in just a few days, there won’t be anything left for me to teach. What should I do?

“Yuta, is something wrong?”

Silphy called out to me, sensing that I was troubled.

“Sara and Marco seem to be doing fine now. I was thinking that since I have some free time, maybe we should focus on leveling up Kika. What do you think, Silphy?”

As I asked, Kika, who was holding my hand, flinched. I guess I didn’t need to ask her. After all, it was just a thought that occurred to me.

“Well, since we’ll eventually be leveling her up anyway, if Kika is motivated, she should give it a try without pushing herself too hard.”

Indeed, Kika’s will is important. Forcing her to level up wouldn’t be right either.

“Kika, we’ll protect you, so why not give leveling up a try?”

When I asked, Kika lowered her head. Is it too much for her?

“Once Kika’s level goes up, can she make a contract?”

Suddenly, Kika lifted her head and asked with a serious expression.

“Yes. Depending on how your magical power increases, I believe you’ll be able to make a contract with a spirit.”

“Then, Kika will level up. So she can fight and help Oniichan and Oneechan.”

That touched my heart. She’s such a good child. A really good child. And I want her to be a part of the team that helps others, including me.

“I see. Yes, let’s do our best.”

I wonder if I was this pure when I was young? I recall the past… no, let’s not dwell on it. Memories should remain beautiful, and even if I don’t recall them, I must have been pure back then.

“Alright. Then, let’s have Kika defeat the skeletons.”

It would be quite difficult for Kika to defeat the zombies. I gather Sara and Marco to discuss the plan. Silphy will guide us to the undead, Sara and Marco will defeat the zombies and Kika will defeat the skeletons. Dolly will completely restrict the movements of the skeletons, and Bell and the others will remain vigilant of the surroundings.

By the way, Dyne is staying behind at the spring house. Honestly, she’s too overpowered, so there’s no need for her to do anything. Dolly is a special participant today since we formed a contract.

After the discussion, it was decided that from now on, Silphy and Bell’s group would accompany us as a basic team, and Dyne would be summoned when necessary. Dyne pouted a little, but the decision was made without any major issues.

Dyne was sulking because she said her role is diminished since Silphy can handle most things. It’s true to some extent, but when I explained that the opponents were skeletons and zombies, which were originally not her forte, she reluctantly agreed.

“Master, is Kika going to fight? Are you sure it’s safe?”

Sara seems extremely worried. It’s only natural for her to feel anxious about her little sister fighting the undead.

“Dolly says she can completely restrain the skeletons’ movements, so there’s no problem. Besides, if Kika levels up and forms a contract with a spirit, the safety level will significantly increase. It’s better to do it,” I reassured her.

“…I understand.”

She understands it intellectually, but her expression still shows unease. No matter what I say, words alone won’t dispel her worries. I have to demonstrate that everything will be fine.

“Silphy, please guide us to the skeletons’ location.”

“Understood. This way.”

Silphy guided us, and after a short walk, we immediately found five skeletons.

“Dolly, restrain their movements.”

“Yes.”

As Dolly gestured with her hand, plants that shouldn’t grow in this land of death sprouted rapidly, swiftly enveloping the skeletons. Truly a great spirit. Even in a place like this, she can freely manipulate plants. It seems that the efficiency is lower when the soil is bad, but it shouldn’t be a problem here.

Dolly is too outstanding. To ensure Kika isn’t frightened, she completely covered everything except the part where the magic stones are visible with plants. It’s a completely prepared leveling ground. For children, it might be better to ensure this level of safety, although people might call it overprotective.

“Kika, come here.”

Timidly, Kika approached, and I told her that I would carry her. I effortlessly lifted her up. She’s so light. I should feed her more.

“Alright, I’ll give you this knife. Be careful not to get hurt and destroy that magic stone. Can you do it?”

Kika nervously gripped the knife in her hand and nodded firmly, showing her determination. She seems scared, but she understands what needs to be done, focusing her gaze on the magic stone.

I stood in front of the magic stone while carrying Kika, adjusting my posture to make it easier for her to attack, and encouraged her with a nod.

“Ha!”

With a shout, Kika thrust the knife into the magic stone. Since one strike wasn’t enough to pierce through the stone, she attacked again, and this time, the magic stone shattered.

As the magic stone shattered, a crumbling sound echoed from within the enveloping plants. The skeletons had fallen apart.

“Kika, are you okay? Can we proceed to the next one?”

“I’m fine.”

Kika nodded confidently, so we headed towards the next plant-covered skeleton. Without any issues, she swiftly destroyed the magic stone.

Since it was a method with almost no danger, Marco and Sara seemed relieved. From there, as planned, Sara and Marco took care of the zombies while Kika defeated the skeletons. At this rate, Kika will be able to form a contract with a spirit soon.

Once Kika forms a contract with a spirit, it might be a good idea to let her practice by tackling small nests. With three floating spirits and their ability to use magic normally, defeating them shouldn’t be a problem. After walking around the Land of Death for about two hours guided by Silphy, we returned to the Spring house.

“Sara, Marco, Kika, you did well today too. You must be tired, so make sure to wash up and rest early,” I praised them while ruffling their heads. Kemomimi feels nice. As I watched Sarah and the others head back to the bedroom to rest, I felt like we’ve become quite close in these few days. (T/N: Kemomimi is the official term for people with animal ears)

Ever since they realized they can grow stronger through real combat, Marco has become much more proactive. It’s safe to say that things are going well.

“Yuta, how about a celebration?”

Suddenly, Nomos appeared. I thought this might be the case, so I’ll ask what I’ve been wondering.

“…Nomos, I’ll provide the alcohol as promised, but are you not good with children? You never come close when Sara and the others are around.”

“Yes, I’m not good with them.”

He decisively stated it. There wasn’t even a hint of hesitation. He genuinely doesn’t like children. Perhaps the reason I haven’t seen much of Nomos around lately was to avoid the children.

“The children can only sense Nomos’ presence, you know. I think you don’t have to worry too much about it. Besides, Bell and Turu are fine, aren’t they?”

“Yes, Bell and Turu are not a problem. They’re spirits. But human children…I don’t know why, but they make me uncomfortable. Anyway, let’s drink already.”

So it’s not a logical reason. In that case, I’ll have to observe the situation.

“Understood. I’ll prepare it right away. Bell and the others, feel free to do as you please. Thank you for today.”

“Yuta, Bell wants to drink too.”

“You want to drink alcohol?”

“Yes, Silphy, Dyne, and Nomos all said it’s delicious.”

Behind Bell, Rain, Turu, and Tamamo were also expressing their desire to drink. What about in this case? They may look like young girls, but they’re older than me, right? It’s difficult to judge.

“Nomos, is it safe for Bell and the others to drink alcohol?”

“Hmm, they’re spirits after all. It won’t harm their bodies, but…there’s a possibility it could trigger a power surge. It’s safer to refrain.”

I remember him saying they were top-class mages. Having Bell and the others go on a rampage wouldn’t be a joke.

“Everyone, you’ll have to wait until you’re a little older to drink alcohol, okay?”

“Aww,” they pouted, but I managed to calm them down and send them away. I almost fell for their adorable begging. The image of Bell chugging down an ale and saying, “Pwah!” flashed in my mind. That would have been dangerous. Well, now it’s adult time. I’ll join in and thoroughly enjoy some alcohol.