章 7: New Companion [Edited]
Fast forward of what happened after I finished eating.
I ran to where the wild bear is located. Because it was near, I arrived much faster. After receiving the full information about it, I took the two daggers from the dimension storage and quietly dashed forward at it from behind, using Sound manipulation magic and stealth spell. Dealing multiple slashes on its legs, bu- ahem, and its back.
I enhanced the daggers with Sharpness and Durability, while kept slashing and dodging. I also used wind magic to push myself back away from it, whenever I felt its attack is close to hit me.
It then became more aggressive after receiving multiple wounds all over its body, and began charging at me like crazy. But I was still able to dodge it in time.
After doing that for 3 minutes, I decided to switch my weapon to a spear. The spear was crafted by me, and there is a chance that it will break during this fight. But I didn't care.
I then began stabbing in every weak point in his body. And also, I added some Poison magic and enhance it on the spear.
The bear's movement then began to slow down, losing its strength and getting exhausted because of the poison and the lost of blood.
I already created some air protection barrier around us, so that the smell of the blood doesn't attract other beast here.
Seeing the bear in a very weak state, I enhanced the spear with Strength, Sharpness, Impact, and used Body boost on myself. I then threw the spear in a high speed at it. It penetrate its body, passing through it's back, and hitting the tree trunk that was behind.
And ending up broken.
'There goes my spear'.
The bear then fell down dead. I went to its body and cut them into different parts, then stored them in my ring.
[Man, that was tiring.]
I complained while stretching my arms. Unlike the other fights, this guy made me move a lot. Although I felt tired and sweating, it's not as tiring as my week training.
I then decided to end the day. Opening the map again, I searched for a safe place to stay for the night. Senoki gave me two spots location. One was far from here, but alot safer. The other one was near, but also there is a high chance a beast might pass by. But I end up choosing the latter.
...
Arriving at the safe point, which was a small cave, I began lightning up a campfire, and took out some cooking tools from my ring.
I then used Earth magic to create a platform, and placed all the ingredients that I brought with me from the Laboratory's storage on it, along with the wolves meat that I got.
I never cooked in my previous life and I never learn how to. Not until I came to this world. During my staying at the Laboratory, I had Senoki sensei to teach me about cooking. During my lunch break after training, she guided me on how to cook. Yet until now, I can't cook perfectly without her guidance.
[So, what can I make from this meat?]
<Ding>
'Mm. There is alot of option'.
After wondering on which dish I would cook, I decided to go for Bulgogi.
...
After finishing making the dish, with some warm soup, I began eating.
[Mmm~. Not bad.]
I complimented to Senoki. She is really good at how to cook perfectly. Well, my cooking skill is low so it's not perfect even with her guidance. But it still taste very good.
I check the information again in my head while eating. It became a hobby of mine, to read any information I want to know whenever I am eating or sleeping.
'I think I will go to the city border tomorrow in the afternoon'.
It looks like during that time, there will be no troubles on my way there. I'm planning to avoid any contact with the people of this world. That is until I reach the city gate.
Why?
You guys don't need to know the reason. Meeting someone on my way to my destination is annoying for me. That's one of the reasons.
[Yaaawn!]
'I think I'm going to sleep early'.
It's 17 o'clock midnight now. I will wake up after 8 hours. There is still many things that I need to get in this forest before going to the City.
I used Wind and Air magic to clear the smell of the foods from the cave. So that no beast comes near here while I'm sleeping. Then I used Earth magic to create a wall, blocking the entrance of the cave, and leaving some opening on the top for air.
I took a blanket and a pillow from the dimensional storage and went to sleep.
*****
The next day.
26:00 at night. I woke up and started my day. The reason I am starting now instead of waiting for the morning to come out is because there are some things that I can only get during night time.
Such as Night gale herbs, Neo flower, etc.
Those are rare things, and can only be found easily during night time.
Putting my gears on and the other things back in the ring, I then deactivated the earth wall and went out.
[This is giving me chills.]
There are sounds of owls and insects coming out from the forest. The air is cold and the atmosphere feels creepy.
But I ignored it.
*Dash!*
*****
3:42. Morning.
*Spurt!*
I slashed my sword at a wild wolf, slicing its head off clean.
[Huh...Finally!]
I was breathing heavily.
After finishing collecting some herbs, plants, others at night, I began hunting some beasts around the area. Most of them were wolves.
I Looked down to check on my sword. It was in a bad condition. There were multiple cracks on it. This was my second sword that I used. I only have two left.
While I was hunting wolves, I used some magic durability on the sword, so that I can practice cutting them down much longer.
After many slaughtering, I managed to cut two wolves into two with one swing, without the aids of using magic.
Placing the sword back inside the ring, I then went to the wolves corpse- I mean Bodies, and stored them inside too.
'Just how many did I hunt?'
<43>
Forty three wolves. Adding the yesterday, equals 51 in total. I also check on how much money I can get on selling all the items and the things that I got from this forest. It turns out, about 15 Golden coins.
'So it's like fifteen thousand dollars, I think. Cool, I can get rich easily.'
All I need is to hunt and collect some good stuff, and then sell it to an expert.
Well, The Mystic Forest is full of many resources and rare herbs, plants, and others. Many adventures comes here to collect them and sell it for money. Even most of the beast that lives here are valuable, like their meat for example.
And not just that, there are also some magic beasts that lives much deeper in the forest. The area where I'm hunting now is between the Deep and the Outer layer of the forest. The Mystic Forest can be divided into four part. The outer layer, which is near to the exit of the forest. The middle layer, which where I'm now. The deepest part. it's where more beast stays and few magic beast. And the last one is the core area, the most dangerous area where a lot of magic beast and unknown creatures live. And there is also a high level of mana pressure in air, which can kill any normal person or a beast. It's a place where the strongest ones can move and stay there.
I can only go as far as the deeper layer. Beyond that, I can't.
[Now that I'm wondering, why didn't I see any adventure near here?]
<Ding>
Oh, they are on the other side. My location now is on the southeast of the forest. Most people who wants to enter the forest comes from the north area or northwest.
(Map)
[Sniff...?]
I raised my arm to smell my clothes.
'I stink.'
I forgot to take a bath today.
*Snap!*
I snapped my finger and activated wind, air, and water magic to clean my self. The smell was gone and I'm now fresh clean. But still, I really need a hot bath.
[Let's see if there is anything interesting...Hm?]
Scrolling the information in front of my view, I found something surprising.
Someone is in trouble.
'Activate wind magic, magic boost, lightning magic.'
Using three magic to boost my agility, I dash forward, heading straight to the location where the unknown person is under attack.
In the deeper area.
*****
It took for me only 43 seconds to arrive, and I am now looking at the situation in front of me on a tree.
[Ugh!...get away from me you ugly monster!]
[Kekek!]
It was five monster ganging up on one person.
[A spirit.]
I murmured. The person who was in trouble was actually a small spirit. And the creatures who are attacking him were five Goblins.
Yeah, goblins. Like in some fantasy stories. Small, humanoid, ugly Green like Elf. And one of the most annoying monsters for me.
Hm? Did I forget to mention that there are Monsters in this world?
<Yes>
...
...
...Sorry, my bad. Well, long info short, monster like goblins, orcs, lizardman, and others, do exist in this world because they are born from the dungeons. They can't be put on the Race species category because they don't have souls. All of them. That's why I didn't mention them along with the beast who have souls.
They are more like a virus or parasites that comes out from the dungeon and wants to kill, eat, and sleep. And also, some of them can multiplies. Don't ask me how.
They can not think and can only rely in their instincts.
*Bang-Bang!*
They are attacking him using an axe and a bat that are made of bones. Unfortunately, they can't hurt him because he's protecting himself with a shield barrier that's around him. As if he is inside a transparent sphere ball that is made of glass.
*Bang!*
*Ban!g*
His shield barrier is strong, and can last for a long time. But the problem is, he is Stuck in a hole under the tree. And he can't move unless he removes the barrier. And that would be bad since the goblins keep hitting him and won't leave this place.
I jump from the tree and made a thudding sound that is loud enough for them to hear. But still, they were distracted by the spirit and didn't hear my landing.
'Huh, lets just end this fast'.
'Dark Flame magic: Black flame bullets'.
Two small balls that are made of black fire were shot out towards the two goblins that were hitting the barrier.
*Toof*
*Keeeeeeee!*
The moment it hit their skin, it spread all over their bodies covering them. Burning their skin and body until they are turn to dust. The other three goblins who saw that, turn their heads to see where the fire came from. Finally they spot me. I wave my hand to say Hi to them.
[It's not nice to gang up on a weak person you know.]
I commented to them.
They all glare at me and ran towards me, forgetting about the spirit that was behind, and raising their weapons to attack me.
'Activate lightning magic: Thunder ray'.
Small Lightning shot out from my hand, heading towards the clouds. Seconds later, 3 lightning stroke down from the sky, Roasting them completely, making their skin turn dark.
*Thud*
They all fell to the ground, except for one.
'He's able to keep his ground even after receiving that attack'.
Steams were coming out from its body as he keeps walking towards me. And then it began running again, but alot slower than before.
It swung its Axe at me, but I stopped it with my bare hand. There wasn't much power on it, so I increased my grip until it broke.
*Crack!*
I then punched its face with every force I have. Instead of a Bang, his head exploded from the force.
*Thud*
The headless body fell to the ground, and I looked at my right hand that was covered with dark red blood.
'And I just cleaned my self a moment ago, Huh'.
After using the same magic to clean my hand, I walked to the little spirit that was still stuck in the hole.
He had a suprise look in his eyes.
[Are you okay?]
[...Y-yes. I'm fine.]
[Can you get out?]
I asked him again. His barrier was still active. Realizing that, he then deactivate the barrier and was able to come out from the hole.
'Now that I'm able to see him clearly, He looks more like a baby... Dinosaur? No, more like a pokemon monster that I know'.
What was its name again?
<Ding>
Yes, Mew.
He looks like Mew from the pokemon series. With a yellow skin instead of pink. And a long ears...
[Thank you for saving me, stranger.]
[Hm? Oh, yeah. No problem.]
<Information complete!>
[So, what does a little spirit like you doing here in the middle of a forest.]
I already know the answer and the situation. But I think it's better to be a little ignorant about this kind of matter.
The little guy stares at me for a moment before answering.
[... I have my personal reason. So there is no need for you to be concerned.]
[Why? Is it because you got kicked out from your home? Or maybe you ran away from there?]
He got frustrated when I asked him these questions.
[Wa- Ofcourse Not! It's just...?]
The moment I mentioned about his hometown, he finally realized it.
[How did you know about my hometown?]
His eyes was full of doubt and hesitation. I gave him a smile and answered his question.
[I know alot about the spirit, more than any other outsiders. Like, I know that they live deep in the Mystic Forest. In the Core Area, next to the heart of the forest.]
The little spirit became shocked when he heard my answer. I then kept continuing my explanation about the spirit race and their behavior and other things.
Spirit are born from the nature and the environment of this world, or the feelings. For example, spirit of fire are born from the fires that exist in this world. And spirit of love are born from the people's feeling for love. There are many kinds of them. And each one are named from the source of their birth and their power. Spirit of water, flame, sky, ocean, forest, light, happiness, anger, hatred, and many others.
They live near the heart of the Mystic Forest because it's the place were alot of mana are gathered and generates. Spirit needs mana so that they can used their spirit form which allows them to be invisible like a ghost and float in the air. That's why most of the spirits like to stay there, better than going outside. The only spirits that can go outside without having a problem in mana consumption are the older one, who lives more than a thousand years.
And this little guy is only about a hundred years old, so his mana is not enough for him to use his spirit form outside.
The only way for a young spirit like him to be able to use more mana is by forming a Contract Partner with someone.
[H-how do you know all of this?]
[...From my teacher. She knows alot about spirit more than anyone in this world.]
His eyes were still in shocks with his mouth open. He looks kinda funny and cute at the same time. But I do understand his reaction. Not many people knows more about the spirit better than they do. For me, who is an outsider, to knows some information that only they knew is something suspicious for them. I didn't lie when I said that my teacher "Senoki" is the one who told me. After all, spirits are able to see through other people's heart. They can only see if the person has a good or a bad intentions. And because I saved him from the goblins and didn't have any ill intention towards him, he is able to confirm that I was telling that truth.
[So are you going to tell me or sh-]
Before I could finish my sentence, we both heard a weird noise coming out from him.
*Groooooooowwwwwwllll~*
[...]
[...]
We both stared at each other for a moment. Not looking at where the sound came from.
His face then turn a little red from blushing. As for me, I only smiled at him while laughing inside my head.
'He is cute.'
I then took out a lunch box from my dimensional storage and opened it.
[Hungry?]
[...Gulp.]
I asked. He nodded while staring at the food in the box. There were five sandwiches that I made. I gave him one, and we began eating together while sitting on the ground.
.....
[Aaah. That was the best thing I ever tasted.]
This little guy. He finished eating one piece after the other. Ending up finishing all four sandwiches. I Then gave him a bottle of water to drink, and then I start asking him again.
[Now that you're Full, you can talk now, right?]
He pondered for a second before answering. Since I saved his life and gave him some of my foods, he knows that it is fair to tell me what I want to know. After all, spirits are a pride race. They always return the favour.
He looked down at the water bottle on his hand and began to speak.
[...My name is Rutelae, and I'm the spirit of protection. I left my home because I wanted to see the outside world and explore it. Back at home, we are not allowed to go outside because it's dangerous for the young one like me. Everyone prefer to stay there better than going outside. The only spirits that can go out are the ones with an important role.]
Like the wood and the forest spirits. Their role is to maintain the health of every forest. There are also the rain spirit and the snow spirit, both of them helps the world in changing the seasons.
[I stayed there for 107 years, and I got bored with my job. The only thing I do there is protecting some beasts that lives there.]
[One day, I heard from my grandfather about his stories, going to the outside and traveling around the world. Seeing different places, meeting different kinds of races, and also tasting different kinds of delicious foods.]
His tone changed when he mentioned the last words.
[After hearing his story, I decided to leave my home and explore the outside world.]
[So you basically ran away huh?]
[No! That is not how it happened!]
I teased him a little. I already know what happened, so I just wanted to hear his story from him.
[I just ask for a permission from the elders. After completing my role of protecting the baby beast, I was given a chance to choose what I want to do next. So I chose to leave the village. Many of my friends disagreed with my idea, but the elders agreed to let me leave. They all understood and respected my decision. And so, I was able to leave and say my goodbyes.]
That happened two days ago.
[But I was naive. Thinking that it would be easy for me to travel alone in the forest. And in the end, I have been attacked by monster.]
[Yeah, you were So naive. Just because your able to use your power to protect yourself, despite forgetting that you have only a little amount of mana.]
[Ugh!]
My words hurt his feelings a little, but he knows I was right.
[You even didn't do any planning or preparation for your journey. No foods, no magic stone. You just left right away without bringing anything with you. knowing that your surrounded by a large forest with monster and beast lurking around.]
[Argh!]
His head slide down a little. As if a big rock fell down on his head, with the word "Stupid" written on it.
[I can imagine you flying around the forest, not knowing which way to go. And ending up walking because you were low on mana. Until you encounter some monsters on your way. Then, getting stuck inside a tree hole.]
*Thud*
He collapsed with his hand and knees on the ground, looking very depressed.
'I think I over did it a little'.
[Are you okay?]
[...I-am f-fine... just give me some moment.]
Poor guy. It Must be hard for him. I pondered for a second before an idea popped out from my head.
[How about making a Partner Contract with me?]
[Huh!?]
Instantly, he looked up at me.
[If we made a partner contract, then I can share some of my mana with you. That way, you will be able to use your Spirit form again.]
[...Really? Your willing to share your mana with me?]
I nodded my head.
[Ofcourse, I don't mind. After all, I am also just like you. I want to go outside and explore the world and beyond. And I just got out from home yesterday. So I think it will be nice to have someone as a companion for this journey. Don't you think?]
[...]
He didn't answer. Rather, his eyes were wide open, and some how... sparkling?
[So, what do you say? Want to make a contract with m-]
[Yes!]
He jump from the ground and quickly raised his hand for a hand shake. It made me chuckle a little. I then grabbed his hand.
[In that case... I will be in your care.]
[Hm! Leave it to me.]
Right then, our hands began to glow.
In order to make a partner contract between a spirit and someone, both parties must agree to share their mana in their hearts, and have the same reason. Since our goal are the same, which is Traveling and Exploring the world, there will be no problem in performing the ritual. I just only need to hold his hand. No need for saying an incantation or long words or any of that stuff. Just leave all the process of the ritual to him.
[Mm?]
I can feel something is trying to connect with my mana pole inside me.
Moments later. Our hands stopped glowing light, and I release his hand. There was a yellow mark symbol on top of my right hand that's looks like a small star inside a circle. This proofs as a sign of the contract.
[Can you use your Spirit form now?]
I asked.
He then start closing his eyes, trying to access his other form. Seconds later, his body began to levitate from the ground. And he is now floating in the air.
[I did it! I can finally fly again!]
He began flying around all over the place with joy. Like a child who got free from doing homework.
[Yaaaee~ I miss this feeling!]
It's been only one day for him for not able to fly around. I can understand how he feels. It's the same as not being able to walk around. To lose something that's enable your body to move around.
[By the way, I still haven't known your name yet.]
Disrupting me from my thoughts was Rutelae who is floating in front of my eyes.
[Oh, Ofcourse. How rude of me... since we will be traveling together for a long time, I think it's fare to share my story too.]
I looked at my new companion with a smile.
[My name is Xora Levian. And I am a Traveler.]
*******
(Information)
- Spirits needs to absorb mana from the surroundings that has thick mana, like in the Core area near the heart of the Mystic Forest. A young spirit can not regenerate mana faster inside their bodies like the other race.
- A partner contract is a small ritual that is formed by a spirit and a another being, where both parties can share their mana, as long they both have the same goal and reason that they agreed. This contract is more benefit to the young spirits, since their mana pole are small, like some small wild beast.
- Spirit are able to use two forms. The spirit form, which allows them to be invisible to the other people or disappear like the ghost. And the ability to float in the area. This form require using mana. The second form is the physical form, which allows them to touch anythings they want. And taste foods. Spirit are also able to use floating while in physical form.
- Rutelae's grandfather is actually his elder teacher who is also a spirit of protection. Some young spirit likes to call their seniors teacher or grandfather.
- Rutelae's former job was protecting the babies of the magic beast, which they call them "divine beast". Some strong magic beast like the Phoenix made a deal with the elder spirits to protect their home from any outsiders, in addition, the spirits must protect its children.
*******
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