LIGHTNOVELWORLD Ch53 - Discussion
Chapter 53: Discussion
Lena, accustomed to the beauty of her familiars, and the familiars themselves, were captivated by the radiant beauty of the Sylphine, the spirit.
It wasn’t just her physical appearance; they instinctively sensed a divine aura emanating from her.
In the world of Lanash, spirits are extraordinary beings, possessing power comparable to lesser gods. They are the embodiment of the reverence sentient beings hold for nature. The more faith a spirit gathers, the stronger it becomes.
Sylphine, the maiden of wind and water, is the symbol of the Anees Kingdom. She was born from the veneration people felt for a rare tree with jewel-like leaves. Thus, she resides solely within Anees, bestowing blessings and enriching the land for ages.
Sylphine tilted her head, observing Lena and the others with their mouths agape. With a playful “Here!” she conjured a small water sphere in Lena’s mouth. She giggled as they blinked, startled, and swallowed the water. She seemed to have a mischievous personality. Then, with a twirl and a somersault, her vibrant, leaf-green hair spread wide, catching the light filtering through the ceiling and scattering it like dappled sunlight over them.
“Your life’s red water♪ It tasted strange, but sooo delicious! Thank you!”
To everyone’s surprise, the taste of Lena’s blood seemed to suit Sylphine’s palate. The spirit’s gaze, fixed on the black-haired girl, clearly conveyed a desire for more.
▽Lena is terrified!
Luca stepped in to save the day.
“If she consumes any more of your blood, Lena, there’s a risk of subservience. I doubt you intend for that to happen? She has an aptitude for dark magic and a talent for subjugating others, so her blood, unlike a normal person’s, would influence that process. Besides, any more and Lena will become anemic. So, that’s enough.”
“Aww…”
Relieved, Lena felt Lily clinging to her arm. “I…shared my blood, okay?” Lily muttered, looking up at the spirit with a mixture of apprehension and adoration. Until now, she had been the sole recipient of Lena’s blood. For those in a subservient relationship, their master’s blood becomes an exquisitely sweet treat. Lily seemed to be worried that if Sylphine developed a taste for blood and required large daily doses, she might be forbidden from partaking!
Sylphine pouted, but refrained from asking for more.
Finally able to see the spirit, the group showered Sylphine with compliments. Unaccustomed to such praise, having never been seen before, she blushed and smiled shyly. As if in response to her elation, the Shabon Fish swam in a circle, performing what seemed to be a celebratory dance.
“Sylphine, when did you sprout here?” Lena asked, looking up at the maiden.
“Um… At the exact same time that girl came, a while ago! I was sleeping as a seed in the ground, but then my sister was trapped in a barrier. I had to call for help, so… I followed you outside.”
“My name is Lena Todo. Please call me Lena.”
“Leeeena♪”
As Lena introduced herself, the small familiars also chimed in.
“We’re Kureha and Izumi! We’re very rare Mini Jewel Slimes! Nice to meet you!”
“I’m Lily. A Dark Fairy!”
“I’m Hamaru. I’m under an illusion right now, but I’m actually a fluffy golden Golden Sheep!”
“Are you all rare species? Amazing! I’ll call you all by your names then. Nice to meet you! Oh, I’m sorry about taking the wind pendant to the light child…was it important?”
Sylphine apologized, hovering down in front of Lena. Lena gave a wry smile.
“Well, that did cause a bit of trouble. But it seems you had your reasons… Your apology is more than enough. Just don’t play with that pendant anymore, okay? It’s a ‘whistle’ to summon a familiar in the neighboring town of Toilia. It’s precious because she made it by severing a part of her own body, so I can’t give it to anyone or lose it.”
“Oh? You’ve tamed a new familiar,” Luca interjected, intrigued.
“Hmm? I thought you already knew everything, Luca.”
“I was quite exhausted at the time. My magic eye’s effect was minimized. Mainly the mind’s eye that sees souls. So, I only roughly checked your growth. If you have any questions about your stats, I can advise you, so don’t hesitate to ask. I’ve become quite versatile during my long solo journey. I even obtained the title ‘Dexterously Wealthy’.”
“D-Dexterously Wealthy!? That’s…new. It’s true, you seem capable of anything, Luca.”
“Thank you. I think I can be of help in many ways, so rely on me.”
“Yes!”
With introductions complete, they began a serious discussion about how to rescue Sylphine’s sister. Apparently, while in seed form underground, Sylphine learned how to enrich the land from the nearest Dryad. Thus, the “sister” relationship was already established by the time she sprouted.
Entering the powerful barrier protecting Sylphine’s sister or purifying the tainted Dryad was impossible for Luca. They would have to rely on a “nationally affiliated high mage” as advertised by the Adventurer’s Guild. Their goal was to eliminate the cause. In other words, they had to find the green-haired sorcerer.
Fortunately, with Luca in their party, their search capabilities had reached Lanash’s highest level. Everyone agreed to have Luca locate the culprit from afar with his magic eye and summon a high-ranking adventurer using a “notification tag.” It was too dangerous for Lena and her group to attempt capture, as the culprit seemed powerful and might not be alone. Newbie adventurers should stick to searching. Overconfidence was a recipe for disaster.
They decided to hunt cursed animals and explore the forest while healing Luca’s still-red eyes, within reasonable limits. Another goal was to help Lena unlock her green magic talent and learn “Heal.” It would efficiently heal Luca’s eyes and Lena’s frequent minor injuries. According to Luca, her chances of acquiring the magic were quite high, so she might learn it with her next level up.
“Then, shall we take a commemorative photo before we leave?”
▽Lena took out her smartphone!
“Wait a moment.”
Massaging his temples, Luca stared intensely at the phone. After taking a photo with the camera function, they retreated deeper into the deserted forest to discuss the phone’s shocking reality.
“This device…has your homeland’s artificial intelligence built in. …Yes, that makes sense. It’s likely the effect of your [Rare Class Change Constitution]. The ‘smartphone’ seems to be evolving into a monster. Probably a new species. In your case, Lena, the growth-accelerating effect applies to all sentient beings (or objects) you possess.”
“…Is it okay to be so casual about this!? M-Monster Tamer…isn’t the definition of monster way too broad!?”
“Well, this world, Lanash, is known for its volatility and randomness. The rarer the job, the fewer users, so the definitions remain vague.”
“Ugh…”
In the quiet forest, Lena grimaced, clutching her smartphone. While she was grateful for its functionality since arriving in this world, being told it was a “sentient being on the verge of becoming a monster” made her unsure how to treat it. The cool, smooth device still felt like an inorganic object. Was it thinking, even now, as she held it? She gently stroked the screen with her index finger.
“…Well, slimes are cool and squishy too. It’s kind of similar?”
“You adapted quickly.”
“I’m used to it,” Lena said, her gaze distant. Both she and Luca, who casually asked, “Can I read your memories?” and received an equally casual, “Go ahead, it’ll save time,” were quite unusual. They were both remarkably naive.
After witnessing the tumultuous events in Toilia without a shred of caution, Luca collapsed. Shaking with suppressed laughter, he coughed loudly, his usual composure nowhere to be found. He’d expected some kind of chase scenario, but instead, he’d seen bound men, macho men, numerous traps, and to top it all off, an awakened queen. It was impossible not to laugh.
Lena, watching Luca being poked and prodded by Sylphine, realized anew the intensity of her recent experiences.
Finally regaining his composure, Luca spoke, his voice still slightly shaky, but gradually becoming serious.
“Phew…! …So, Mothra was a Neo-species monster. Another rare evolution. From what I can see with my magic eye, this smartphone, when it class changes, won’t become a Neo-species of an existing monster, but a completely new species. It seems to have an aptitude for both white and dark magic…which is unprecedented in Lanash. Honestly, its growth potential is tremendous. This single existence could change the world of Lanash.”
Lena’s eyes widened, and she froze.
“…!? I think I just heard something terrifying…!? What exactly do you mean?”
“It is terrifying. I’m a little…scared myself. First, this smartphone contains all the advanced knowledge of your homeland, right? That alone is extraordinarily special. And it has an incredible intellect capable of perfectly organizing and understanding that knowledge. And the ‘apps.’ Calls, recording, video playback, maps (evolving to Lanash specifications)…it can use them all. It even seems to have the ability to acquire new apps as needed. The most amazing thing is its ability to appear anywhere in the world: ‘Magnetic Migration.’ Something like this is the stuff of legends…! It’s not just connecting voices. It already possesses the talent for ‘Space-Time Magic,’ connecting space itself to travel. …That’s about all I saw just now. …But remember, class changing doesn’t end with once. There’s still room for further evolution.”
“W-Whaaat!?”
“You are this smartphone’s master. Oh, I’m so glad! I believe you won’t destroy the world. Fate is wonderful!”
“How dangerous is it!? And your tone is getting scary and religious, Luca!”
Lena reverently lifted her smartphone with both hands and bowed deeply. A cold sweat trickled down her back. She felt compelled to do it. Her familiars, not quite understanding, followed suit, bowing to the smartphone. Even Sylphine cheerfully imitated them.
The smartphone, now bowed to even by a spirit, seemed to possess truly terrifying potential. Lena had been aware of her extraordinary companions, but she hadn’t fully grasped the extent of it. Her stomach ached.
However, the smartphone’s evolution was still far off. Immobile and unable to fight, it had difficulty accumulating experience for class changing. Using it frequently would help, apparently.
When Lena showed Luca the Super-Fast Macho Man seeds, he clutched his head again. He wearily informed her that they had a high probability of evolving upon germination.
…They were both exhausted, simply from talking. After receiving hugs and a bit of healing from the familiars, who asked, “Is the talk over?” with upturned eyes, they decided to level up Lena as a change of pace.
Lena and Hamaru faced each other.
“Now then…Lady Lena. Come, come. Please, whip me to your heart’s content!”
How did this happen?
▽Hamaru has an ecstatic expression!
Lena looked tearfully at Luca, who, in teacher mode, curtly replied, “This is the most efficient method. Let’s do our best, Lena.” The plan was for Lena to learn the Heal spell by repeatedly using the [Familiar Recovery] skill before her next level up. For that, her familiars needed to be slightly injured. Lena had tried to refuse, but the masochistic Hamaru had volunteered with lightning speed. He was usually laid-back, but his enthusiasm for this was remarkable. The Queen’s Guard Captain remained true to his nature.
Lena stared at M-Hamaru. His eager eyes filled her with guilt. She, Lena, had opened the forbidden door and awakened his masochistic tendencies. …She had to take responsibility. Her expression became that of one who had made a difficult decision.
“I’ll make sure you’re satisfied…! Titles: [Onee-sama], [Crimson Queen] set!”
▽Here we go!
She seemed to have decided to take responsibility in this direction. Quite the generous offering. Apparently, adding the [Crimson Queen] title was part of the performance for Hamaru’s pleasure.
“Oh, such bliss!”
“Skill: [Light Whip]!”
“Ah!”
Swish! Swish!…
The whip’s power was minimal! Precisely why she could strike repeatedly! A cackling Onee-sama, or perhaps Queen! A sheep roaring in ecstasy! Luca, collapsed in laughter! The slimes and Lily joining in the fun! …Sylphine was mimicking Lena’s Onee-sama tone. This was not good for her upbringing; her sister would likely scold her later.
The whip, inflicting negligible damage, bounced off Hamaru’s fluffy golden fleece, leaving only faint bruises, barely noticeable.
The reward time ended, and Hamaru happily nuzzled Lena’s lap. Stroking him, Lena said in a haughty voice, “You took the beating quite well, didn’t you? Fufufu!” “Haaaah…!” A moan of pleasure, different from the one he made when Luca petted him, escaped the sheep’s mouth. And thus, the service time ended.
▽Lena has taken mental damage!
“Pfft…! Lena, g-good work…! Heh.”
“Good job, Lady Lena! As stylish as ever!”
“Master…Subjugate me!”
“Everyone seemed to be having fun♪”
“Yes…no…”
“Yes” was in response to the “good work.” “No” was for Sylphine. The one who truly enjoyed this bizarre situation was Hamaru. Lena wasn’t exactly enjoying her Onee-sama role herself. Really!
Lena’s magic acquisition potential was apparently sufficient. Now all she had to do was ride Hamaru, boosted by the [Inspire] skill, and run over monsters. Easy, piggyback leveling. “Is it okay for me to have it this easy?” Lena muttered, but concluded it was better than getting injured or dying.
Lena’s level increased effortlessly. She had already passed the milestone of level 10 while in Toilia, so her stats had increased significantly.
“Guild Card: Rank F
Name: Lena Todo
Occupation: Monster Tamer Lv. 13
Equipment: Hemp Shirt, Culottes, Boots, Bag, M Bag, Robe of the Dread Emperor
Aptitude: Dark Magic, Green Magic
HP: 27 (+4)
MP: 61 (+7)
Speed: 19 (+3)
Magic Power: 61 (+7)
Luck: Unmeasurable
Skills: [Familiar Contract], [Inspire] +1, [Messenger], [Obedience], [Familiar Recovery], [Light Whip]
Familiars: Kureha, Izumi, Lily, Hamaru, Mothra
Gift: [Rare Class Change Constitution] ☆7
Titles: Fugitive, Onee-sama, Crimson Queen”
Tapping the “Green Magic” section showed that she could use the [Heal] spell. She tried it on Luca’s eyes and the minor scrapes on her own hands and feet. Luca blinked his golden lashes and smiled, saying it felt good. It seemed to be effective.
While taking a (mental) break, Luca and Lily both narrowed their eyes, looking towards the depths of the forest. Apparently, three cursed deer were heading their way.
“We’ll handle this. We haven’t done any proper work today.”
“Alright! Kureha and Izumi will do it too!”
“Mm! …I’ll do my best! Master, you rest?”
“Okay, be careful, everyone. Thank you. Skill: [Inspire]! …Haru-kun, time to wake up.”
“Yes… yawn I’m awake. Leave the Queen’s protection to this ball of fluff.”
“Uh, okay.”
It seemed this battle would be handled by Luca, the slimes, and Lily.
▽3 Cursed Deer appeared!