“This place…”
I stood up as all the colorful elves gathered, guided by the Bear Drummer. They stared at me with a mix of curiosity and disbelief, probably because it was their first time seeing a human. Elves hardly ever leave their city.
“A human?”
“What an odd smell…”
“What should we do?”
Did the Bear Drummer fail to explain anything properly? I glanced over the elves quietly and then spoke up.
“Due to the Queen’s consideration, I’ve called you here to conduct an experiment to eliminate those horrendous things that have polluted the World Tree.”
“An experiment?”
“Is every human that big?”
“Look at those muscles…”
“They look strong, don’t they?”
Are we dealing with a collective case of ADHD here? Their inability to focus made me raise my voice a bit louder.
“This is really important, so pay attention.”
[Contractor, why are they acting like this? Seems like they’re a bit overexcited?]
Perhaps this is their first outing. Anyway, I need to conduct the experiment quickly with these chaotic bunch. Where did the Bear Drummer go?
“Where did the Bear Drummer go?”
“Um~ He left because he had work.”
It would be more convenient if the Bear Drummer were here.
Well, nothing I can do about it now.
I stood in a corner of the makeshift shooting range I’d set up and pointed to a red finger displayed far away.
“Do you all see that?”
“Yes.”
“A red finger, how fascinating.”
“My stomach is churning.”
“Is it the World Tree?”
With four of them, things got chaotic. I clapped my hands to redirect their attention back to me.
“That’s a finger tainted by pollution that has invaded the World Tree. From now on, you’re going to use Spirit Magic on that finger. If you have any questions, raise your hand.”
Two of them raised their hands—the elf with blue hair and another with green hair.
“Alright, blue hair.”
“I have a name—Blue Turtle!”
[Why do they all have such weird names?]
“…I have no clue.”
What kind of naming is Blue Turtle? I really can’t understand their naming sense, even in games. Anyway, I asked Blue Turtle.
“What’s your question?”
“Can I run back to the city?”
“No.”
“Tch.”
“Then, green hair…what’s your name?”
“Fresh Reed! Just call me Reed!”
[Fresh Reed? That’s strange.]
“Right…what’s your question?”
“Can I play with the birds?”
“…No.”
“Why?”
As I conversed with the elves, who seemed a bit off their rocker, I suddenly recalled that having a strong influence from spirits could mean they’d be pure in various aspects. They say you return to sanity as you age.
Maybe there are some who live forever that way…
But these guys are spirit mages, so perhaps their heads are truly addled.
“Anyway, by the Queen’s command, you shall direct your powers of spirit towards that finger. You there, red hair. Step forward and unleash your strongest spirit magic onto that finger.”
“Oh! Me first? Then let’s do this!”
The lively red-haired elf skipped toward the shooting range and extended her hand. Alright, I’ll finally get to see some spirit magic in action. I leaned against the wall and watched her spellcasting.
“Bang Bang Aaaah!”
Bang…Bang? Is that a name? I jolted at the bizarre naming, and beside her, a spirit appeared, sighing in apparent embarrassment at being called such a name.
“Shoot some fire at that finger!”
At least she listens well.
I watched as the spirit shot flames out like a flamethrower towards the finger. Quite impressive firepower, definitely a top-tier spirit mage.
“That’s enough!”
As the flames died and I found the charred base and the finger still intact on top, I realized—
Even a high-level spirit couldn’t deal damage?
Well, the fire spirit’s turn was over.
I needed to finish the rest of the experiments quickly.
“Next.”
I casually glanced at the moody face of the Blue Turtle stepping forward and then looked back at the intact finger.
——————
“High-tier spirit magic can’t destroy the pollution…”
However, the flames of the phoenix show strong effects against pollution.
I sighed as I looked at the finger that had been consumed by the phoenix’s flames. Spirits aren’t very helpful, and I imagine aura would be similar…Will I need some kind of additional measures to make this work?
Ah, I need to test Sacred Power too.
Sigh. I might as well gather whatever I can and seek Karina’s help. If Sacred Power turns out to be ineffective, fighting against outsiders is going to be really tough.
“Any results?”
“Sort of. It seems spirit powers don’t fully apply. It might be different for spirit kings, though…”
“That’s dreadful news.”
The Bear Drummer sighed deeply, leaning against the wall. From the elves’ perspective, one of their useful offensive capabilities just got taken out, so it made sense.
Then I should deliver some good news too.
“At least, they can’t pollute spirits themselves. If they fight while cloaking themselves in the power of spirits, it might minimize the pollution.”
“So, the viable fighters would be the guards?”
“How many guards are there?”
“Without counting the ones assigned to protect the Queen, there are just over twenty.”
“The enemy.”
“They lost many trying to verify the abnormalities of the World Tree. They’re a mess.”
…Hmm?
Wait a minute, if things go well…
“Are there any survivors among those affected by pollution?”
“…I know of two who went mad from looking at them and ended up locked up in prison.”
“Can I talk to those elves?”
“…It won’t be a pleasant experience.”
“Still, it might lead to a breakthrough.”
“…You’ll need the Queen’s permission. Follow me.”
I followed him toward the palace. The guards were on high alert just like yesterday, but when the Bear Drummer showed up, they bowed and quietly opened the door.
Is he a superior, or was it pre-discussed?
Pushing aside unnecessary curiosity, I moved quietly toward the audience room.
“O great one, I have brought the human from before.”
“Come in.”
The door opened. I entered the audience room and greeted just as I had the day before. The Queen waved her hand as if annoyed and asked me point-blank.
“How did it go?”
“It appears that spirit magic is mostly ineffective, but it seems if they coat their bodies in spirit power, the damage from pollution can be minimized.”
“Then it’s worthless unless they’re guards.”
“That seems likely.”
“Well, not a bad outcome. At least we can clearly delineate combatants now. So, is that all you need?”
“No, I heard there are elves locked away in prison who have faced pollution and fallen into madness. May I visit them?”
“Visit them, huh… I will permit it.”
Perhaps some trust was built from the previous incident, as the Queen accepted my request readily. Her relaxed demeanor might just be a facade, and perhaps they’re also desperately clinging to a lifeline.
“Then I’ll head straight to the prison.”
“Wait a moment.”
The Queen stopped me and suddenly began to chant a spell. After about five phrases of incantation, a shield of knowledge enveloped my body. Was it that protective barrier from when I ascended the World Tree?
“Now go. The Bear Drummer will guide you.”
“Thank you.”
“Don’t mention it. Report back if you find anything.”
“Understood.”
I exited the audience room again and headed to the prison with the Bear Drummer. The prison was an unusual stone building located on the outskirts of the elf village.
“This is the only place without trees.”
“Criminals don’t deserve the protection of the World Tree.”
Is that how it is?
“Follow me.”
We opened the door and entered the prison. It seemed to be underground, as a long staircase leading down was visible as soon as I opened the door.
Clank. Clank. Clank…
The only sounds were our footfalls and breathing.
The rhythm of those sounds was interrupted when the Bear Drummer stopped walking in front of me.
“Those inmates aren’t sane, so stay alert. They might attack.”
I nodded quietly. The Bear Drummer then led me to a corner cell.
“…Friend… Hehe…”
“Here it is. I’ll wait outside, so come up when you’re done. I’m not feeling too well.”
He quietly turned and left the prison.
Shall I take a look now? I quietly examined the body of the elven woman.
…Completely deranged.
I expected that. Even someone like me, who has a certain resilience to mental corruption, feels off, so one can imagine how a normal elf would feel. Well, time to get to work.
I gently tapped Rue.
[Hmm? Why’s that person acting like that?]
“I need your help.”
[Huh? What’s it about?]
“Can you dive into that elf’s memories?”
[Sure! Leave it to me!]
Rue happily accepted my proposal.
Rue’s eyes sparkled.
Twinkle. Twinkle. Twinkle. Twinkle. Twinkle…
As the light in Rue’s eyes faded, the previously rampaging elf slowly raised her head from her bowed posture.
“Rue, are you ready to respond?”
“Umm… maybe?”
“Then I’ll begin.”
Let’s start the interrogation.
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