Chapter 12

I think it's a beautiful bird.

However, it's a bit disappointing somehow.

The bird, perched on my finger, is entirely crimson, with beautiful red eyes.

The most distinctive feature is its feathers.

The feathers have a gradient from red to white.

Upon closer inspection, there are spots that seem to shimmer like gold.

It's very beautiful.

However, it's sparrow-sized.

Because it's so small, this beauty is somewhat disappointing.

If it were larger, it would be quite impressive and captivating, but it's sparrow-sized.

Small.

The gradient is noticeable, but... it's disappointing.

Perhaps sensing the meaning of my gaze, it pecked at my fingertip in an attack.

I learned for the first time that beak attacks can be subtly painful.

When I gently stroked its head, it narrowed its eyes and rubbed against me.

How cute!

I got a bit excited.

I need to calm down.

I checked my surroundings.

Thanks to the barrier I set up, no shadows can intrude.

I think I'll take a short break.

I found a rock that rises like a chair.

I'm quite mentally tired.

Not only is the world different, but it's a world with magic, completely unlike everyday life. It's no wonder I'm tired.

I want to relax a bit, but the wolves in the corner of my vision are alternately watching me and the entrance.

Yeah, I get it.

I'm pretending not to notice, but I can see them.

For some time now, the barrier I set up in the space has been emitting an unusual light.

There's nothing I can do, but I have to check it out, even though it's scary.

I'll be careful not to leave the barrier and take a look at the passage.

It seems that a black shadow is trying to enter the space from the passage, causing the light to be emitted.

The barrier must be preventing the shadow from entering.

However, I think the light is a bit too dramatic.

Wait?

The shadow in the passage has disappeared.

Oh, another shadow has appeared from somewhere.

The shadow is trying to enter the space again, causing the light to be emitted... It's a cycle.

Upon closer inspection, the light is running through the passage.

Is that why the shadow in the passage is disappearing?

... The barrier prevents attacks... The shadow in the passage is... huh?

Come to think of it, when the rock hit, the barrier also retaliated.

Could it be that the barrier I set up in the room is also retaliating?

Hmm?

I don't remember adding any attack to the barrier.

That's strange.

...

I wish I had a teacher.

It's too difficult for a beginner in magic.