Chapter 599: Towards Development
“Are there really that many people with Spirits attached to them?”
“It’s rare to have one by your side all the time. However, there are a bit more humans that Spirits find interesting enough to approach. While humans can’t really command them, Spirits influence their surroundings just by being there—well, it doesn’t have to be humans, though.”
I pondered this half-heartedly, thinking about how the Wind Spirit might be drawn to certain ‘things.’
The Wind Spirit is fond of tree branches, splashes of water, and clouds—especially cumulonimbus clouds. They love to frolic with the Spirits of the treetops, swaying them, or compete with the Water Spirits to see how small a droplet they can create or how far they can send it flying. They often play with the Spirits of cumulonimbus clouds, causing a ruckus and stirring up storms.
But the things the Wind Spirit enjoys aren’t really found in a mine shaft like this one. That’s why there’s no wind blowing here.
The Earth Spirit is present, but it’s stubborn when it comes to being in the mine. Once it gets excited, it can swing to the opposite extreme and crumble. It probably wants to understand human circumstances better or summon a more gentle Spirit.
If I were to do it, it probably wouldn’t work out. After all, the mine is expanding, and I won’t be here forever. If I asked a Spirit for something ‘permanent,’ it would end up being bound by that wish and change in the process.
By ‘change,’ I don’t mean turning stone into sand; it’s more about losing freedom by being tied to a wish. Normally, Spirits prefer to either stay in one place or wander freely wherever they like.
I should just ask without being conscious of ‘permanence,’ but now that I’ve thought about it, it’s too late! My power might be too strong, and if I make an open-ended wish with a small Spirit, it could end up being bound indefinitely.
On the other hand, setting detailed conditions would be tough for a free-spirited entity. Some Spirits prefer specifics, but that’s just their freedom to like what they like.
Temporary wishes or those I don’t consciously think about would work well with the Ex-Staff.
Lately, I’ve been thinking that maybe it would be just right if I could casually channel my magic power and have them move as needed.
But that would be my blunder! If I honestly confessed the current situation, everyone would probably dislike me.
And then—
“I’d like to place a few Magic Stones, if not ‘Spirit’s Droplets.'”
While I was lost in thought, Haulon seemed to have reached a conclusion.
“Do you have any?”
“I have some too.”
The Great Sage had some in her pocket.
“Magic Stones are useful beyond just the mine. Even after I’m gone, they’ll be needed as long as the country continues. We need to explore some routes and find someone to delegate this to.”
Besides, doing everything alone isn’t right.
“By the way, what’s with this mist that’s been around? Tris is using my magic power, isn’t she?”
“It’s hot here,” Haulon replied, half-lidded eyes glancing my way, but avoiding direct eye contact.
The mist shower is a relief.
I stepped outside and stretched. The blue-clad Spirit, Tris, was still quietly floating beside Haulon. Haulon was breaking Magic Stones to replenish her magic power, but that was just my imagination.
Perhaps because she had done the same with Fandor before, the Great Sage was quick to give up. Also, Haulon probably found it comfortable, so she couldn’t complain, right?
“Where do you get Magic Stones from?”
“Through Es or directly from Naruadeid. I’d like to combine it with hunting, but we don’t have the national strength to support many Adventurers or Knights yet.”
The people that Karn and Haulon scouted are mostly tough enough to defend themselves if it comes down to it. However, they aren’t professionals in battle or hunting.
Many are bureaucrats, experts in town development, craftsmen, or their families. A few have even retired from being Knights in some country, but those are tied to national defense and can’t be diverted for hunting Demon Beasts.
“We’re short on manpower, and there’s still a long way to go. King Tildonai doesn’t want to utilize this mine immediately; he wants us to prepare for that future.”
It was supposed to be Haulon’s break, but Karn is quite demanding.
We traveled again on the magic carpet. Since we were scouting how to move from the town to the mine, we didn’t use Teleportation.
And then, food.
Tacos loaded with vegetables.
Spicy fried rice made with chicken, garlic, and fried onions, wrapped in hard-shell tortillas.
The drink was beer with a squeeze of lime.
“Oh, delicious. The filling is to my taste, but this wrapping is nice,” Haulon said, revealing her fondness for spicy food.
I washed down the sweetness and spiciness of the salsa lingering in my mouth with the garlic and heat of the fried rice, enjoying the refreshing fizz of the beer with lime.
“The town was called back from the desert by King Tildonai, and Gene has been setting up the environment. The citizens are still feeling their way through, but we’ve managed to establish the country’s framework while we’re alive. I’ll make sure to develop it properly.”
Haulon said this with a joyful smile. She must find joy in development. It’s nice to see hard work take shape; I also enjoy seeing the island getting organized.