Chapter 73: Water Basin
I pour water into a large, black vessel.
“Now, let’s see what you can show me,” I say, and even without a breeze, ripples spread across the surface of the water. When they settle, a scene unfolds that isn’t from this room.
The images are clear, without any gaps, just as I had requested. Unexpectedly, the spirits also appear in the reflection, making it a bit difficult to see when they cross in front. There are more spirits in the forest than in the city.
If the spirits become invisible, the scene in the water basin will also vanish. Perhaps with enough practice, I could learn to fine-tune this.
The black spirits show up as well, but like ordinary spirits, if they’re small, they don’t pose much of a threat. Even small spirits like Az or the jaw spirit can show visible effects if subjected to the same treatment for too long.
I see an unfamiliar adventurer grimacing in front of a fire pit. He’s probably frustrated because he can’t get the fire going, maybe clicking his tongue in annoyance.
When black spirits appear, it might be more concerning that ordinary spirits hide away. Even if they’re not right next to me, it would be nice if there were some connection, but to obscure their whereabouts, they seem to erase all traces of themselves.
Without fire spirits, it’s hard to ignite a flame; without wind spirits, the air stagnates. Back when I was around, they didn’t come close, probably out of fear—this must be quite uncomfortable.
I thought we would have moved beyond the lizard breeding grounds by now, but it seems progress is slow, and we’re still at a lizard campsite I recognize.
At the campsite we set up last time, unfamiliar faces are feasting on meat. A large man sits cross-legged, while a robe woman leans sideways with one hand resting on his knee. A woman on the opposite side is happily munching on something she holds in both hands.
It seems all three are spirit bearers. This must be what Gold Rank looks like, and they seem to be living the good life, huh? Among the spirits I’ve seen before, these are the largest. Thanks to their presence, it looks like being near Gold Rank adventurers keeps the influence of black spirits at bay.
Ash and the others are gathered around the same campfire. Az, the jaw-loving spirit, and the scent-loving spirit are all present. I assume the butler spirit is somewhere nearby. One of the spirits I asked to keep an eye on seems to be playfully tugging at Retze’s beard…
I really hope my spirit doesn’t develop any weird fetishes. It’s tough not being able to protest to Retze.
Next, I peek into the daytime. Ash and the five of them are moving in a group. Even though they could split into two teams, they’re all together—something must be up.
The three Gold Rank adventurers are slicing a lizard in half with a great sword. Is it a spirit sword, or is that ability granted by the spirit? I wonder which it is.
This world is strangely harsh, yet if you let your guard down, it throws fantasy elements at you. I wouldn’t be surprised to see orichalcum or hi-hihirokane, but since the spirits are lending their strength to the sword, it must be one or the other.
The robe woman is casting magic. The spirit supporting her staff has a serious expression, which looks a bit comical.
As she chants her spell, the robe woman’s spirit glows. The spirit appears to be a girl with golden hair—probably of the Light Spirit lineage. Mid-spell, the light spirit receives assistance from other spirits; there are many light spirits, but also fire spirits. Fire spirits tend to have aggressive personalities.
The other woman, who I thought was invisible, turns out to be an archer. From a distance, she accurately shoots a lizard right in the eye. I wonder if she’s safe from being attacked by another lizard while she’s so far away?
She’s probably accompanied by wind and earth spirits. Branches grow around her bow, suggesting she’s more of a spirit weapon user than a spirit bearer. Branches extend toward her as well, indicating a good synergy.
And the large man’s spirit looks unmistakably like a prairie dog. Where did he come from? Is he from this continent? Prairie dog tails are so cute.
The large man’s swordsmanship is no longer something I can learn from. Not long ago, I was eager to imitate him… But remembering how people move could still be useful. If I ever have to fight a great sword user, it might come in handy.
Since they’re living peacefully, I doubt I’ll have a serious chance to fight anyone, even if I do have to eliminate some troublemakers.
I prepare some smoked walnuts coated in maple, cookies, and coffee, while I gaze into the water basin. Occasionally, I catch glimpses of bubble-like water spirits floating and sinking.
As I watch them take down a lizard, I notice one of them acting strangely. A man is lunging at the archer woman. —It seems he underestimated her, as she swiftly counters with a dagger, stabbing him in the side.
I see, so even in a situation where the number of targets is unknown, she can hold her own in close combat and is quite strong. There was no need to worry after all.
With a quick motion, she draws her dagger from her waist with her left hand and strikes decisively—she’s impressively skilled. Gold Rank is terrifying!
Setting that aside, it looks like the man is possessed by a black spirit. He hasn’t been completely taken over yet, but it’s clinging to him. The black spirit seems to be trying to switch targets to the archer but gets rebuffed.
There must be some conditions for possession. Did the woman do something?
Ash, the butler, and probably the archer should be able to see the black spirit. Is that why Ash and the others have been sticking together?