A spirit’s blessing.
Spirits, as part of nature itself, were deeply intertwined with living beings. While their blessings didn’t extend to races with traits that opposed their power, for humans and Hornes spirits were nothing short of blessing benefactors.
Ordinarily, it was impossible for a race other than spirits to enter the Spirit World. In fact, when Davey first stepped into their world, the Spirit Kings had been utterly astonished. He still remembered the ‘why are you here’ faces Gnoass and Ellaim made when he did.
Technically speaking, the place Davey had brought the students to wasn’t the Spirit World. It was a land brimming with abundant life energy, formed in the rift between the Spirit World and middle earth.
As spirits gathered there, the area would gradually transform into a part of the Spirit World. It’d likely take anywhere from a few hundred to three thousand years, but in the meantime, the place would serve as a bridge between the Spirit World and middle earth.
"I’ve never… heard of a human entering the Spirit World before..."
"I still can’t believe we’re here, even though I’m seeing it myself..."
The students hesitated awkwardly as they gathered around and watched the tiny, adorable spirits chattering excitedly among themselves.
"Take your time exploring for now. You’ll need the rest it brings anyway," Davey said casually.
At his words, Dukai, the Student Council President, grabbed a fruit that one of the spirits had brought over. He bit into it hesitantly, only to exclaim loudly.
"Wow! This is good as hell!”
"President, perhaps you should choose your words more carefully," said Vice President Limiel, clicking her tongue disapprovingly.
"I don’t mean to draw a double standard between commoners and nobles, but as royalty and nobility, we represent our nations. Etiquette is a duty we must uphold." She flicked her crimson hair gracefully as she spoke.
Just then, a group of spirits giggled and brought more fruit.
[Kyaaa! Human Davey’s friend! We brought you a gift!]
Limiel spoke softly as she accepted the fruit with a refined smile, "Oh, thank you. I’ll enjoy it."
She delicately took a small bite of the fruit, behavior befitting her status as a noblewoman.
"Wow!! Holy crap, this is good!!” she blurted, her eyes widening in shock. The sudden outburst made Dukai grimace.
"Well look at that. Who’s telling who to save face as a noble? And where did you even learn those strange words?"
"Ahem! I may have learned it from foreigners before coming to the academy. My apologies for my inappropriate choice of words.”
"It’s freakin good, isn’t it?"
“...”
Limiel let out a resigned sigh, but eventually took another bite. Meanwhile, the students had scattered around to explore the Spirit World, seeming invigorated by the atmosphere.
In fact, Davey had created the vitality-packed moon in this place. The vitality there was stronger than that of any other world.
"Shall we start bestowing blessings upon them?" Davey asked, glancing at the gathered spirits.
[Yes! Yes! If it’s for the human Davey, we’ll do anything!]
[Our savior! Our friend!]
[We’ll gladly bless them!]
The spirits gleefully transformed into light, pouring their energy down upon the students.
Spirits were one of the core parts of nature—receiving a blessing from a spirit was akin to receiving a blessing from nature itself. Normally, spirit blessings were regarded as a means for elementalists to enhance their affinity with spirits, but others could still benefit immensely.
"Sixty percent of the human body is water. That means those blessed by nature won’t have to worry—”
The female students looked at Davey with gleaming eyes.
“About things like blemishes or aging for the rest of their lives. To be more precise, this blessing significantly slows aging for both men and women. Your bodies will take in the natural energy to fill those deficiencies.”
"No way!"
"Oh my goodness!"
‘Concerns about skin and aging seem universal, regardless of age or world.’
Meanwhile, a few male students appeared unimpressed by the benefit of delayed aging.
"For men," Davey added, "it strengthens the... er... let’s just say it’s good for your overall health. Unlike ordinary spirit blessings, the concentration of natural energy here is much higher, so it fully integrates into your body."
At the revelation, the male students also made brighter expressions.
"Still, spirits are timid creatures, so don’t get too jumpy. If you act out here, I’ll deal with you personally."
"We’ll follow you forever!"
"Forever, my foot. Study hard when you go back. And don’t think I’m playing favorites here. We’ll be holding large-scale annual training sessions where everyone will receive spirit blessings.”
Davey knew that no other academy could possibly offer these kinds of benefits. Unless one was a Master-level being, there was virtually no way to slow aging. But there in the Spirit World, receiving a spirit blessing could accomplish exactly that. He had no doubt that many would show interest in it. Though, admittedly, for commoners struggling to survive day-to-day, being able to delay aging might not seem all that meaningful.
As Davey watched the students resonate with the spirits and receive their blessings, Ellaim approached.
[Contractor, I need to speak with you.]
"What is it?"
[The Spirit Kings have been unusually restless lately. Are you aware of this?]
He wasn’t particularly interested in this news, but she had a serious demeanor so there must be more.
[You’re the only one who can fully enter the Spirit World. The Grand Spirit at the heart of the Spirit World is calling for you.]
Glancing at the students who were still receiving blessings, he muttered under his breath.
"Basha."
Ssss…
"Did you call for me, Savior?"
An elf dressed in refined robes approached. Basha was a male elf who was the leader of the Special Operations Unit under the militia in the Heins Territory. Unlike the Dark Elf Intelligence Unit led by Aina, his group was an official Special Operations force. In fact, he and his team were entirely unaware of her unit’s existence, as Aina had explicitly requested that her existence remain hidden from Yuria Helishana.
"Once the students are finished enjoying the blessings and sightseeing, send them off. I’ve already instructed the Killer Rabbits to clear out the monsters in an area for them," Davey ordered.
"Where are you headed?" Basha asked.
"I’m planning to visit the Spirit World for a bit."
"Understood, Savior."
Respect and admiration glimmered in his eyes as Davey mentioned entering the Spirit World.
"Oh, and..." Davey turned back whilst following Ellaim.
"Is there something else?"
"Nevermind. Everything should be fine."
Though puzzled, Basha bowed deeply without further question.
Zzzt!!
Ellaim opened the door of the Spirit World and guided Davey inside, since he no longer had restrictions from fully entering. While the authority Goddess Freyja had left him wasn’t all-encompassing, it did provide him with significant advantages.
[A… A human!]
As Davey stepped into the true Spirit World—not just the boundary zone—a cute little girl blocked his path. She looked lively with her vibrant blue hair streaked with white highlights.
She was Indra, the Thunder Spirit King, whom Davey had made a contract with when he first arrived in the Spirit World. Indra, who ruled over will-o’-the-wisps, looked up at Davey with pure eyes filled with nervousness and frustration.
["Why... Why didn’t you show up?!]
"Hmm?"
[I... I called for you so many times!]
Davey scratched his chin, pondering. "Did you?”
[It must’ve been hard trying to summon him, I assume because of the instability of your contract with him. You did well, Indra.]
Ellaim explained from the side. Indra, still pouting, huffed dramatically and turned her head away.
[Just... Just come visit more often! You’re my first contractor, after all. You’re the first to take my... my...!]
"You’d better watch your mouth, Indra. If Per had been here, that could’ve been the last thing you ever said.”
Indra flinched and looked up at him, startled.
"So, the Grand Spirit is waiting for me?"
[I’ll guide him, Ellaim!]
[Could you?]
[Leave it to me! I am his contractor, after all.]
Indra puffed out her chest with a childlike sense of pride, as if she were claiming that Davey was hers.
[I wouldn’t expect anything less from a small spirit like you.]
A voice interrupted them from behind.
[W-What did you say?!]
Indra snarled. She continued to growl behind Davey like a little animal wary of its predator.
[A Spirit King hiding behind a human? Really, Indra?]
[I don’t want a Spirit King who’s always causing trouble and acting like an overgrown child to say that to me! Bleh!]
Indra retorted, sticking her tongue out defiantly. The newcomer was none other than Sylphid the Wind Spirit King, also known as Swallow. His expression darkened at her words.
[You little pest, why I oughta—!]
"Swallow."
Being called by him made Sylphid flinch.
"If you’re here to start a lover’s quarrel, save it for later."
[W-Who would waste time on a pest like her?!]
[Ugh, what a fool...]
Ellaim muttered, shaking her head in exasperation. Her unimpressed gaze made Sylphid become even more irritated.
[Listen, Contractor. I don’t recommend going where you’re headed.]
Sylphid said in a low tone.
"Why not?"
[No real reason, it’s just that...]
Sylphid trailed off, clicking his tongue in frustration.
[Never mind. Those old geezers... Forget it.]
Looking at him make an angry exit, Davey turned his questioning gaze toward Ellaim, but she looked equally confused.
[Let’s get going.]
Indra eventually broke the silence, taking the lead. She grabbed his arm and began pulling him forward. Her blue and white hair fluttered, but there was an ominous feeling about what was about to happen.
* * *
Lightning Spirit King Indra.
Though Indra held the lofty title of Spirit King, she was a pure high-ranking spirit with an innocent and carefree demeanor. Walking ahead with her hands clasped behind her back, she turned to face Davey as they moved through the forest.
[Why haven’t you visited even once since we made our contract?!]
"I didn’t have a reason to visit the Spirit World.”
[What kind of answer is that?! You’re my contractor, the horne contracted to Indra, the Lightning Spirit King!]
"That’s true."
[Then shouldn’t a contractor come whenever their spirit calls them?!]
"Sure. I’ll consider it..."
Indra pouted at his vague response. She muttered to herself before coming to a sudden stop.
[We’re here.]
"Huh?"
[This is the Cradle of the Primordial Spirits, the sanctuary of the Grand Spirit.]
The expanse before them was a vast violet forest surrounded by towering cliffs. At its center stood a tree, smaller than the World Tree yet brimming with an extraordinary power—they had entered the Primordial Forest.
The space before them was the place Primordial Spirits had considered to be their sanctuary during the days when the Spirit World was on the brink of collapse. It was also where the oldest Primordial Spirit, the Great Spirit, was.
"If the Grand Spirit is so great, they could’ve helped when everything was falling apart," Davey muttered under his breath.
Indra gasped in shock, looking up at him.
[D-Don’t you dare say such things in front of the Grand Spirit! I’m even scared you might say something like that in your dreams!”
"Are you scared of the Grand Spirit?"
[Scared? The Grand Spirit is revered by all spirits! Respect is different from fear!]
Davey closed his eyes for a moment.
“Fine. I’m already here; no need to cause trouble and make my trip worthless. Alright, then. There must be a reason you called me here."
Instead of answering, Indra froze and glanced around nervously.
[G-Grand Spirit!?]
"Stop lying.”
[Horne!!]
Indra shrieked in frustration, flailing her arms. Sparks of lightning crackled from her fingertips, but the power fizzled out before touching him.
[W-What?! Why isn’t my power working?!]
"Beats me," Davey replied nonchalantly, enjoying her frustration. Indra pouted and clenched her small hands, opening and closing them as she questioned life.
Zap! Zzzzt!
Soon, high-voltage lightning flickered in her hands again, and she breathed a sigh of relief.
[Thank goodness... It’s working again...]
"I doubt you’re thrilled about an outsider entering the Spirit World. Wouldn’t you say it’d be better to cut to the chase?”
Indra straightened up, puffing out her chest and placing her hands on her hips.
[Hmph! Nice try, but I’m not falling for it this time! Even if the Grand Spirit isn’t here, I—]
[Indra my dear, I’m sorry, but could you step aside for a moment?]
[Eek?!]
Hearing the old man’s gentle voice, Indra let out a startled squeal and collapsed on the spot.
"Why is she so faint-hearted for a Spirit King?" Davey muttered, shaking his head.
Spirit Kings were typically powerful and commanding, their mere presence enough to overwhelm others. Indra, however, felt like an anomaly.
[It can’t be helped. She’s still young, and the Spirit World suffered greatly not long after her birth.]
"I see. Alright then, let’s get to it. You wanted to see me?”
[I’ve been waiting for you. I’m just an ordinary elder, upheld by the spirits here. Nothing more.]
With those words, a new sprout emerged before Davey. It grew rapidly, transforming into a dry branch. In contrast to its ordinary appearance, it radiated an overwhelming purity and power.
"I can see why the Spirit Kings hold you in such high regard."
[Impressive though it may seem, it’s still far beneath the levels of the World Tree that carries this world.]
The elder chuckled as the branch glowed.
[Let’s get straight to the point.]
"Go ahead."
[Destroy Thanatos, the moon you created.]
Davey casually dug his pinky into his ear in response and said, "Sorry, could you repeat that?"
The Grand Spirit extended the branch that was now part of his body, letting it brush against Davey’s hand. A faint glow enveloped him as the will of the Grand Spirit flowed into him.
He was transferring the reasons for his request over thought. It didn’t take long for Davey to understand what he meant. The explanation had felt like it lasted a while, yet only mere seconds had passed. Now that he knew the reasons, he answered.
"Sorry, but I’m out. Find someone else to help you. I’m retired."
Without waiting for a response, Davey tore through space itself, stepping into the void.
[D-Don’t leave!]
At that moment, Indra panicked, lunging forward to cling to his waist. She unintentionally followed him through the portal.
But when the main bodies of spirits descended to middle earth—
Thud!!
Davey landed gracefully, while Indra, unable to maintain her balance, flailed awkwardly and ended up falling flat on her bottom.
[Ow, ow, ow! That really hurts...]
As Davey was about to help her up, an unfamiliar voice interrupted them.
"Surely, this isn’t a new wife... is it?"
The surprised voice belonged to a beautiful young woman with tanned skin.
"Who are you?" Davey asked, narrowing his eyes. He knew he was in his office, yet he had no idea who she was. There had been no word of a guest.
The girl stood gracefully, bowing slightly. "Please forgive my unannounced visit. The urgency of the situation left me no choice but to wait here despite your absence."
He knew Amy wouldn’t have let anyone in, but the fact that she was inside suggested her message carried significant weight.
"I am pleased to meet you, Prince Davey O’Rowane. I am Morziana, sister to the Emperor of the Contas Empire."
Morziana.
He recognized her name instantly. She was a renowned figure across the western continent. Though she was elegant in the way she spoke, her bold attire caught him off guard—it was as revealing as a dancer’s costume, akin to the belly-dancing outfits seen in certain countries in the Middle East on Earth.
Davey squinted slightly, scrutinizing her. Noticing the gaze, she smiled and slowly approached.
"Will you hear me out?"
Before Davey could respond, Indra, who had been rubbing her sore bottom, tilted her head in confusion.
[Human, why is she wearing rags?]
The atmosphere immediately turned frigid.
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