LIGHTNOVELWORLD Chapter 247.2
Chapter 247.2. New Year
I had noticed that certain spells contain words like “king” or “emperor” in their names. Those spells often had drastically higher power too. I figured it had to do with their rank, but it turns out that god-tier spells are exclusive to dungeons… Dungeons really are ruthless, huh?
“No matter what, we couldn’t use god-tier spells. Some companions tried using techniques with the names of gods, but… they were just wannabe god-tier. The ones enemies use? Their power is on a whole other level.”
“Exactly. True god-tier spells take a long time to activate, so we have to defeat the caster before they finish. If we can’t stop it… and they get it off… that’s game over. That’s how powerful it was.”
Celica joins in after Shizuku’s words. That kind of power… terrifying.
“The highest skill name we know is something like ‘Knowledge of Whatever.’ But there’s no ‘Wisdom’ skill. This one might be original—meant to counter dungeon enemies.”
“Shizuku gets swordsmanship, and I get magic, huh? I’d also like our other companions to learn some crafting, martial arts, and the like. Alright, let’s acquire the skill.”
I grasp the situation and tap the button to acquire the skill. The usual black particles from the Equivalent Exchange Store wrap around me.
Wisdom of dark magic pours into my brain. It includes magic I can use in Dark Mode and other hidden spells. As for the wisdom of swordsmanship, I’ll leave that to Shizuku.
“Well, how is it, my lord? Learned some insane magic, have you?”
Seika asks with sparkling curiosity, and I can’t help but respond with a mischievous smile.
“God-tier is level 8. If Emperor-tier is level 6, what would level 10 be?”
“…Our highest level is 8. And we’ve never fought a monster of level 10-class.”
“Back then, we got a whole bunch of skills from the dungeon core, too. That was our limit, though. We hit a ceiling.”
“The later-built Machine Heaven Squad and the Divine Gears had fixed abilities, but even so, their max was still level 8. Anything beyond 9 is unknown territory.”
Shizuku answers with frustration, and Celica raises both hands with a helpless laugh. Seika sulks and looks away.
I wondered what kind of ranks exist, but I guess even they don’t know. It seems that for them, level 8 was the highest. Getting skills from the dungeon core is random and comes with downsides. Reaching level 8 under those conditions must have been tough.
“Well then, we’ll leave level 10 for later. Alright, moving on. [Phantom Tribe Creation] stays the same. It lets me create familiars with lower levels. They’ll be able to fight and cast spells freely, like Mike and Kou.”
Until now, they could only use a few preset skills, like shadow movement and absorption. But now they can use other skills too, giving me way more flexibility. And they also have a will of their own.
I’ve got plenty of rare demon cores. I need disposable familiars, so let’s make a group of them. Fifty shadow crows, two hundred shadow tigers, and fifty shadow serpents. All at level 6. Since I’m level 7, they should match up as A-class creatures.
After tapping a few buttons, a three-dimensional black magic circle forms in the air. From it, phantom creatures—similar to Mike, with translucent fur that glimmers like crystal—fly out one after another. They fill the living room with meows and caws.
“Kitties!”
The phantom tribe, sensing the mood, take on the forms of kittens and baby crows. The fluffy creatures fill the living room, and a little girl gleefully dives into the pile. She looks so happy, buried under playful kittens.
“My lord…”
Perhaps making so many at once was a mistake. Still, I move on, staying cool.
“Let’s create the next familiar with the special core.”
[Phantom Wedge]
It’s about time I had a ruler of the skies. At level 7, it should be able to fight aircraft. The materials, of course, will come from the Demon King Satan. I toss in his scales and horns.
The same three-dimensional magic circle appears again, and from it emerges a transparent, crystal-like crow. As it shifts slightly, its body darkens to jet black. It radiates a divine presence.
“This will be the third familiar. Its name shall be Roc—”
Shizuku tries to suggest a name with a bright smile, but I’ve already decided.
“We’ll call it Kuu.”
Simple names are best. Sorry, Shizuku.
And so, it’s settled.
Kuu
Phantom Shadow Crow
Mana: 3000
Health: 3000
Strength: 3000
Dexterity: 3000
Magic: 3000
Unique Skills: High-Speed Crow Maneuver, Efficient Qi Conversion, Efficient Magic Conversion
Skills: Martial Arts 7, Combat Arts 7, Dark Magic 7
“With this, we’re set for air, land, and water. I’m counting on you, Kuu.”
I extend a hand to the little crow perched on the table, grinning.
“Kaw.”
Kuu gives a light peck to my palm. Yeah, things are looking good. A new year, a new dependable companion.
I cross my arms, looking over the room filled with cats. The meows and caws create a lively atmosphere.
“Planning to open a cat café or something?”
“I’ll stash them in the shadows and deploy them later.”
Celica cradles a kitten, chuckling, while I pet the cats climbing onto my head and shoulders, turning my gaze away.
Even hard-boiled types take a break for the New Year.
“The Phantom Tribe… truly amazing, Sakimori. This just might work.”
Shizuku murmurs quietly, looking at the cats with a faint smile. Sadly, I don’t notice that smile.