Chapter 149: Evolution ②
“Hey, look at that…!”
“It’s Margrave Baumgarten!”
“Whoa, first time seeing him… His skin really is dark.”
It seemed like some of the adventurers knew who I was. The inside of the Grand Cathedral started buzzing.
“What on earth is he here for?”
“Gift evolution, maybe?”
“No way, a third evolution!?”
Ignoring the murmuring adventurers, we lined up behind them.
“Onii-sama, you’re so popular,” Cornelia said.
“Amazing,” Lily added.
“It’s not all that great, you know? Being stared at like this… It makes me feel like I’m doing something wrong…”
In my past life, I was an ordinary citizen. Now, as a mob character, my timid heart pounds even when I haven’t done anything wrong.
“Next, please.”
While that was happening, it became our turn. It seemed no one had evolved their Gift yet today.
“Alright, Ria, you go first.”
“Okay!”
Cornelia stood before the large statue of the goddess.
“What do you think?”
“It’s probably too difficult, right?”
“But he’s the Margrave-sama who evolved his Gift twice. Maybe…”
Even though their business was likely done, the adventurers were watching us expectantly.
Just then, a strong, seven-colored light, as if piercing through the stained glass, shot through Cornelia’s chest. Yes! That’s the Gift evolution animation!
“What is this…!?”
I could hear Cornelia’s bewildered voice.
“Incredible…!?”
“That’s…!?”
“Seriously!? Is that what I think it is!?”
The surprised voices of the priest holding the crystal for Gift appraisal and the adventurers struck my ears.
They probably never imagined such a young girl could evolve her Gift. But Cornelia was the one who landed the last attack on the dragon that assaulted the Royal Capital. Having likely gained an enormous amount of experience points, there was a high chance Cornelia had met the evolution requirements.
“Onii-sama!”
When the light pouring down from the stained glass finally faded, Cornelia turned to me energetically. She looked just like an adorable, energetic puppy.
“Congratulations, Ria. Your Gift has evolved.”
“Yes!”
Reinhardt, who, like Cornelia, possessed a Gift with unknown details, would have its true nature revealed as ‘Hero’ upon evolution.
Perhaps Cornelia’s Gift evolution would also reveal its true nature.
“Th-this is Gift evolution…!?”
“Seriously, a second Gift evolution!?”
“As expected, does the Margrave know something necessary for Gift evolution…?”
“You there, priest-kun. Can you appraise this child’s Gift?”
“Y-yes!”
Ignoring the clamoring adventurers, I spoke to the priest, who had a somewhat dazed expression.
“Gift appraisal, you say… This is…!?”
The priest announced with a look of astonishment.
“That young lady’s Gift is Great Sword Saint!”
“Great Sword Saint, huh…”
I had considered the possibility of ‘Hero,’ but it seems that wasn’t it. Still, Great Sword Saint, huh. It’s the first time I’ve heard of this Gift, but the characters themselves already look powerful. Considering I evolved from Sage to Great Sage, was Cornelia’s Gift ‘Sword Saint’ until now?
Cornelia is strong with the sword, so I thought her Gift would be related to that, and it seems I was right. Still, Sword Saint? That’s another Gift I don’t know.
“Onii-sama!”
Cornelia stood before me, looking up as if seeking something. I slowly patted her head with one hand.
“Well done, Ria. You’ll become much, much stronger from now on.”
“Mhm!”
I’m all for Cornelia getting stronger. In a world where the Evil God’s revival is confirmed, being strong is crucial for survival.
When the Evil God revives, monsters will become even stronger. It’s good to have as many ways to protect oneself as possible.
“Alright, Lily, you’re next.”
“Mm.”
Lily, brimming with confidence, stepped before the goddess statue. Lily had also gone monster hunting with Bach near the Royal Capital, and she defeated the most monsters during the ‘Reginleif’ hunt in the Baumgarten Territory. There’s a chance.
However…
“Hm?”
No matter how much time passed, the light didn’t descend upon Lily. It seems her Gift’s growth isn’t sufficient yet. As expected, Cornelia’s Gift growth, from landing the finishing blow on the dragon, must have been exceptional.
“Mmph…”
I gently patted the head of Lily, who returned looking unusually dejected.
“Don’t worry about it. Lily, you’re doing great. I know that better than anyone.”
“Mhm.”
After that, Claudia and Eleonore, and Cassandra as well for good measure, also tried, but no one’s Gift evolved except for Cornelia’s.
Well, Gift evolution isn’t that simple. Even in the game, it took a fair amount of time even when hunting in efficient grinding spots.
Considering that, even if I use all my game knowledge, it will probably take a little more time for Lily and the others’ Gifts to evolve.
There’s not much time left. I really want to achieve everyone’s Gift evolution before the Evil God revives.