Chapter 23: Training
I bake about three loaves of Batard and Baguette.
The Batard is a slightly shorter and thicker French bread, with a chewy interior, perfect for making sandwiches this time.
The Baguette is long and a bit thinner, resulting in a crisp crust. I plan to slice it into rounds and top them with various ingredients for appetizers.
While they bake, I take a walk with Rishu. I ponder whether I should make a frisbee as I watch Rishu roll around and enjoy the scenery.
Breakfast consists of freshly baked bread and coffee.
Here, I’ve managed to gather the tools for a simple Nel drip coffee. The beans’ flavors come through directly, with all their nuances intact.
I want to switch things up based on my mood, so maybe I’ll try making siphon coffee? But first, I need a water bottle. Here, they use leather bags…
As planned, I prepare the sandwiches and check in on Ash, then let Az pamper me a bit.
We set off for bear hunting—only to teleport deeper into the forest. I need to get a handle on my magic control; otherwise, I’ll be in trouble when it counts.
If there’s any glowing phenomenon like yesterday at the bear hunting site, the lookout soldiers monitoring the forest from the gate tower will notice. On the other hand, I don’t want to unleash destructive magic in my own home.
Seeking cover, I find myself in a place where jagged rocks jut out, surrounded by forest above and below.
“Well then,” I mutter to no one in particular, focusing my mind. I can sense an unusual presence that I’ve never felt before during my Exploration.
I’m quite far from the place I named, so I can only use my normal power. There shouldn’t be any spirits I’ve named in the vicinity.
First, I cast a standard Fireball. Hmm, it’s stronger than I expected.
Magic is a phenomenon that occurs through the Spirit’s Power. I call it magic power—but honestly, I’m not sure how it differs from mental energy. I can either request assistance through a spell, using magic power as bait, or forcibly draw out power.
If a spirit likes you, it will lend you more power for a small price than usual. By naming it or using my sister’s Domination, I can also forcibly extract power.
And sometimes, just by going with the flow. I experienced that firsthand the other day.
Only a handful of people can use magic that produces immediate effects. When it becomes known that someone can use attack or healing magic, the country tends to take notice. There are many sorcerers and mages, but their magic requires long preparation and a gradual appeal to the spirits.
“Light!”
This spell is also brighter than usual.
When you name a spirit, it becomes easier for other spirits of the same attribute nearby to lend their power. So, while it’s not as strong as when the named spirit is present, the power increases.
First, I need to adjust this to the power I envisioned. —But first…
“Sorry, but you’re in my way.”
I cut down a horned Giant Lizard with my Zanzenken. I’m faster, and my sword won’t break. If I swing with enough force, it’ll work out.
To the east lies the Demon Forest, to the west the Land of Ruin, to the north the Northern Kokuzan, and to the south the Dragon’s Hunting Grounds. Human settlements are surrounded by demon beasts in every direction.
I chose the border town of Kanum because it has a comfortable climate and is far from my sister’s country. Plus, the types of demon beasts here seem manageable with my Zanzenken. In some areas, there are wraiths and other demon beasts that are immune to physical attacks.
The demon beasts here are simply tough, resilient, and full of life.
The Giant Lizard I defeated looks more like a fantasy creature than the bears and wolves I usually see while hunting. I hear there are even stranger and more troublesome creatures deeper in the forest. I’m not inclined to venture there just yet, but I’ve heard the country occasionally sends out investigation teams.
For now, I just want to live comfortably until old age, but my desired standard of living is higher than what’s typical in this world, so it costs money, and I have to gather and make things myself.
My current goal is to make a feather duvet. I’ve heard that the White Goose demon beast has good feathers.
After all, in this world, the typical winter bedding is made from bear fur.
The bedding at home was for summer. Imagine a springy bed topped with bear fur—thankfully, there’s no face attached! I’d rather not deal with that.
Feather duvets are usually made from goose or duck feathers, and geese are relatives of the goose. I want to hunt White Geese at the lake in the forest. Since they’re flying birds, I’d like to rely on magic, but if I miss and scatter the feathers, it’ll be pointless.
So, it’s time for some serious training. I need to be able to use magic at the desired power level, regardless of how many spirits are around! I need to be able to hit my targets! …I tend to struggle with accuracy.
Thus, I diligently train. As long as I visualize the power correctly, I should be fine. The images that come to mind are mostly effects from games, but that’s just part of the charm.
Hitting a moving target is quite difficult; when I focus on hitting, my power tends to increase instead.
Feeling a bit tired, I decide to take a break for lunch! I take a moment to catch my breath and look for a place to sit.
…Before I know it, I’ve taken down several lizards and a three-horned fox with my Zanzenken. I feel a bit guilty about the unnecessary killing, but if I don’t take them down, I might end up as their meal, so I’ll have to let it go.
Nothing has come at me in the latter half, and even now, I’m not sensing anything with my Exploration. Could it be that I’ve been recognized as a dangerous individual by the demon beasts?