Published at 27th of April 2021 9:42 am

Chapter 192

This chapter is updated by NovelFree.ml

Currently, Rio was in a meeting with everyone on the top floor of the Spirit Folk’s government building. They were discussing Aisia, Rio’s contract spirit, who woke up from her slumber. However, the memories surrounding the creation of their contract were vague. Therefore, Rio and the elders hoped that the other human type spirit they knew, Dryad, might be able to find out something about Aisia. At that moment…

「Heyaaa, everyone big sis, Dryad is here~」

Dryad’s voice cheerfully resounded in the room. It seemed that she was already in it from the very beginning, but had chosen to stay hidden in her spirit form for some reason. If one were to guess… it might be for some sort of prank as she just suddenly materialized before Rio and the others’ sight. After all, such a sight tended to shock people silly.

「Ooh, Dryad-sama! So, you’re here all along.」

The elders bowed reverently at Dryad’s sudden appearance. Rio and the others also followed closely behind them as he bowed respectfully at her. Meanwhile, Aisia only looked at Dryad blankly.

「It is only natural. After all, I sensed a surge of powerful spirit’s sign appeared out of nowhere just as I was about to take my afternoon nap. There is no way I can ignore such a sign after all. Though I only arrived in the middle of the story, I think I understand the general gist of it. In any case, allow me to introduce myself first. I’m Dryad, and I’m incredibly happy to be able to meet a spirit that’s the same type as me. Best regards, Aisia.」

Dryad first explained her sudden appearance to everyone before she turned to Aisia and greeted her.

「Best regards. I also felt a sign of a powerful spirit as soon as you appeared in this room. So, I’m rather curious about it. Can you tell me?」

Aisia asked, tilting her head in confusion. Fortunately, Dryad wasn’t offended by Aisia’s plain and forward behavior. She just smiled at her and answered her question.

「Naturally, I can. In any case, you should have already known about this. Spirits who materialize to the real world will always show some sign to those who are able to sense it, though when they are in their spirit form, this sign won’t show at all. How come you don’t know about it? It’s a common sense among the spirits after all…」

「I had no idea about it.」

Aisia denied this, shaking her head. This honest admission of hers stunned Dryad slightly as she had never seen a case like her.

「I see….. U~~~~hm.」

Therefore, despite responding, she still looked troubled by Aisia’s remark.

「Is there something on your mind, Dryad-sama?」

Rio asked promptly when he saw Dryad’s troubled expression.

「Hmm, to tell you the truth, I’ve been wondering about this matter for some time. You can say it is a type of curiosity. From what I know, human type spirits aren’t something that naturally occurred. We are more similar to a mana consciousness that rose in status and had accumulated after a long, long time. In normal cases, we usually will have the memories before our status change to that of a human type spirit. Yet, Aisia’s memories aside, she doesn’t even have a spirit’s common sense… Aisia, do you only remember your name? It’s something that uses Spirit Folk’s ancient language…」

After a thorough explanation, Dryad then asked Aisia, a pensive expression on her face.

「Uhn. The only thing I remember is Haruto. Thus, the name I received, Aisia, was given by Haruto.」

Aisia blandly said, not show any fluctuation in her mood or expression. She looked just like she always does.

「Haru… to? 」

Dryad tilted her head at that unfamiliar name. She had never heard that name before. And so did Ursula and the other elders; they too had never heard of this ‘Haruto’.

「Haruto is the name I used during my time in the Strahl region. However, let’s leave it at that since we’re going to stray from the current topic if we continue. Anyway, I’ll explain the reason for me to use that name in Strahl region later, so let’s focus right now on this matter.」

Rio said, promising to explain the origin of that name in detail later on. With that assurance, they then continued talking about Aisia’s matter.

「Uhm, I see. Then, back to Aisia. What does her name mean? Is it ‘warm spring’ or ‘beautiful spring’?」

Dryad asked.

「Yes, since her memories are vague, she didn’t remember anything. Therefore, considering Aisia was awakened during spring… it just occurred to me that using “Spring” in her name is a good idea. Besides, Aisia seems to like her name too.」

Rio reminisced and narrated the story behind Aisia’s current name.

「Hohoho, I see. We’re extremely honored that you use our language to name your human type spirit, Rio-dono.」

The Werefox elder, Ursula, said while laughing heartily. It was not only her who thought that, but also the other elders, Dominic and Syldra. They also wholeheartedly agreed with Ursula’s words.

「In any case, now I know the truth… I wonder how long will it take for a spirit to have their own memories? In normal situations that is. After all, Dryad-sama has said before that normally, they will have memories before their ascension to human type spirit. So, exactly in which phase, do they start to have their own ego?」

Rio asked something that had been puzzling him ever since he heard about it.

「Hmm… that’s rather difficult for me to answer. I mean, no one aside from me can see spirits in their spirit form. Furthermore, I’ve never paid close attention to that matter, so I have no correct answer to your question. However…」

Dryad said, letting Rio know of her limited knowledge around this area. However, after she had pondered for a while, she turned speculative.

「You should have somewhat understood that spirits are basically a mass of mana that have their own individual ego, right Rio?」

She then confirmed Rio’s knowledge about the spirits first, before she was willing to speak further. It was only after she had received the confirmation that she began explaining her train of thought from the beginning.

「Yes.」

「Right, so if we are to compare it with humans… then low-rank spirits are just like an infant or baby. That’s why their egos are limited to 『I want that』 or 『I want this』. And, usually, those memories of their infant phase are forgotten as their rank rises. At this stage, the spirits are just like any other humans who are unable to remember their time as babies. However, when they rise up to mid-rank spirits, they will be able to retain their own memories.」

After she said that, she smiled. She then added some clarification.

「Make no mistake, the gap between mid-rank to high-rank is more like the gap between sky and earth. It’s absolutely unlike the gap between low-rank spirits and mid-rank spirits.」

「Therefore, spirits usually begin to retain their memories from the mid-rank phase. And I’m also the same. Although my memory of that time is only of me basking under the warm sun for who knows how many years. After all, at that time, I was unable to leave my host, this giant tree. Furthermore, I also instantly forgot any trivial and unimportant event as well.」

Dryad continued explaining her theory, but in the middle of her explanation, she strayed from the topic and recalled her past out loud.

「Thank you very much for answering. So, in short, Aisia’s case of having no memories of her past is unique, right?」

「Yes. At first, I did have my suspicion that she might simply lose her memories, but… One thing that I noticed when I looked further is the fact that Aisia is basically a white canvas.」

「White… canvas?」

Rio muttered, looking at Aisia curiously at the same time she did.

「Hmm, or should I say she’s too pure? As you know, we spirits are a being that gets stronger with the passage of time. This isn’t limited to our strength, but also our ego. It matures just like humans do when they age. However, in Aisia’s case… she’s just like a baby.

Of course we can’t discount the fact that she might have reverted to a childish mindset because her rank has just risen, but… Uhm, I don’t know how to say this properly in your term. Ah, right. Her memoryless state combined with her lack of emotion makes her unlike any other human type spirit… and yet, I can say for sure she’s clearly a spirit like me…」

Dryad explained as best as she could. However, it was clear that even she wasn’t able to properly give a clear explanation in regard to Aisia. Furthermore, she was the only other human type spirit they knew, and it was clear to them that Dryad had abundant emotions to share; which made her more human-like, especially when compared with Aisia’s lack of expression.

「I see. ……」

Rio partly agreed with Dryad. He could see that in contrast to Dryad’s emotive expression, Aisia rarely showed her own emotion, keeping it blank for the most part. However, it wasn’t like she was being queer. Rather, Rio felt that it was Aisia’s natural state.

Anyhow, Aisia had stayed by his side for so many years. So, Rio didn’t feel there was anything strange about her. And since she was with him for so long, Rio even felt he could rely on her to fix his mistake or support him from the shadows. As Rio depended on her, he could reveal the expression that he wouldn’t ever show to anyone else. All these felt very natural for both of them.

「………………」

They looked at each other silently. And it wasn’t something intimate that would make Rio feel like he was put in an awkward situation. Rather, her gaze made him feel that there was no need to put up his guard against her. Not only that, for some reason, he was also able to understand what Aisia was thinking just by meeting her gaze. It was as if such action was the most natural for him.

He then unintentionally smiled at that realization, noticing that Aisia’s expression minutely softened when he did that.

「JIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII」

At that moment, Rio suddenly noticed that everyone else ―― especially the girls ―― were focused on both of them while they were lost in their own world with varied expressions. First was Latifa, who was pouting hard. Second was Komomo, who looked at him with a gaze that was asking Rio to look at her the same way as well. Third was Sayo, who looked like she wanted to exchange places with Aisia. It wasn’t only those three girls, but it was also the case with three other girls, Sara, Orphia, and Alma as well. Meanwhile, the others just smiled meaningfully at Rio and Aisia.

「Hohoho, the relationship between the spirit and her contractor is smooth sailing. Or rather than saying it’s smooth-sailing… you two went as far as flirting right in front all of us.」

Ursula joked as she laughed heartily at Rio’s splutter.

「Yes, I’m so jealous since I’ve no contractor of my own.」

Dryad was also smiling while looking at Rio and Aisia.

「… Uh, I was so sure I might be able to learn something about Aisia when I return to the village, but… I guess I have no choice but to give up if not even Dryad-sama has no idea about her condition.」

Rio spoke, hurriedly changing the topic to escape the piercing stares coming from the girls there, provoking everyone’s hearty laughter. However, soon they turned serious.

「Hmm, the high ranking spirits who had disappeared during the human-demon war aside… Pseudo-high ranking spirits who become human type aren’t something that is common either… If that was truly the case, the rumor about them would already spread wide and far, especially if there was a witness in regard to their appearance… Oh, right. Aisia, what kind of elements are you good at?」

Dryad asked, figuring that knowing about the elements Aisia was good at might be the key to unearth the mystery surrounding her and her lost memories.

「I am proficient in all elements.」

However, Aisia’s monotonous reply shocked her speechless.

「All… elements you say?」

It wasn’t only Dryad who voiced out their incredulity, but also the elders. They were shaken by Aisia’s nonchalant reply. Nevertheless, the people involved didn’t feel there was anything strange about Aisia’s reply. So, they were left puzzled when they saw the others’ reaction to the news.

「Uhm, just for confirmation… Do you really mean you can easily use every element in Spirit Arts with ease?」

Dryad, who recovered her wits first, tried to verify that she hadn’t heard wrongly before.

「Yeah.」

Aisia nodded.

「It’s…… a joke, right? 」

「She’s telling the truth. Is there something strange about it? 」

Bewildered by the others’ reaction, Rio focused at Dryad, asking what was wrong with Aisia’s answer. Rio didn’t get what the strange reaction was all about. After all, Rio himself was a spirit arts user who could use all elements. It was not only him; Orphia herself was also the same. Not to mention Celia, who though wasn’t in this place right now, could also do the same. Thus, he didn’t feel it was strange for a spirit to be able to have Omni elements traits like humans did. But from their reaction, it seemed there was something wrong with this way of thinking…

「You see… that’s the strangest part about her. Uhm, are you perhaps unaware about this? Well, nevermind, judging from your reaction… it seems you’re truly unaware. Since that’s the case, Orphia. Please come here and help me explain to him.」

From her words, Rio could conclude that Aisia’s case was something that was never seen before. However, it seemed she found it troublesome to explain such trivia to him, so she asked Orphia to explain it on her stead.

Meanwhile, Orphia herself was also extremely surprised by Aisia’s revelation. So, although she was asked to explain to Rio, it took some time before she could reorient herself and began explaining.

「EH? Y-Yes. Umm… Well. Just like how there is an elemental aptitude for humans, the same can be applied to Spirits. And while some exceptions always exist in the human race, such as people like Rio-san and I, for spirits, it was different. For them, there is no such exception. Or at least, none that we know of until Aisia’s case that is.」

Hearing that explanation, Rio began to ponder about the reason Aisia’s ability to use all elements with ease.

「Spirits are an existence that rule over every single phenomenon that exists in this world. Though a low-rank spirit, who has no weak or strong element, does exist… being specialized in one of the elements is the reason for those low-rank spirits to be able to raise their rank.」

While he was pondering, he still listened to Orphia’s further explanation and he frowned.

「So, what you mean is that there’s no omni elements type spirit? However, what is the basis for that conclusion? 」

Rio asked, quite confused about how the conclusion was formed.

「It is based on our long years of history and research. Our village, prior to this moment, had never seen or observed an omni elements spirit. For example, Dryad-sama here is the earth element. Aerial, my contract spirit, its element is wind. Or Hel, Sara-chan’s contract spirit, its element is ice. Ifrita, Alma-chan’s contract spirit, its element is fire.

While this doesn’t mean those spirits can’t use other elements, their efficiency is a far cry compared to when they use their own element. Of course, some spirits are proficient in using elements that have good affinity with their attributes, but that’s not relevant to the current topic. In short, we have never seen a spirit that is proficient in every element.」

Orphia ended her explanation, frankly telling Rio that even spirit had elements that they’re most proficient with and less proficient with.

「… I see.」

Rio nodded, finally understanding the reason for their shock.

「Even the six high ranking spirit-samas in the Demon-God war only ruled over their elemental attribute. However, in exchange for having more restrictions in their elemental attribute, spirits are able to use spirit arts that are far more complex than what humans could comprehend. So, the fact a spirit that specialized in all elements is standing before me is an extreme surprise in and of itself.」

Ursula added while summarizing Orphia’s explanation.

「I see… So, that’s why everyone is so surprised about Aisia. Well, previously the only knowledge that was taught to me only revolved around spirit arts and how humans use it. So, I have learned a lot of new things from your explanation just now. Thank you very much for that.」

Rio expressed his gratitude.

「Well we are also at fault here since we didn’t teach everything to Rio-dono at that time. Then again, there was too little time back then with too many things to be taught. So, it was no wonder something slipped through the crack. Anyway, we had planned to teach you more about spirits once Aisia-sama woke up from her slumber. So, I suppose this time is just right for us to continue your lesson, Rio-dono. Not only that, since you have Aisia-sama; you will also have a special lecture from Dryad-sama about human type spirit.」

Ursula said as she looked at Dryad, seeking her cooperation in this endeavor.

「Yup, it’s decided then! Oh, Rio, can I borrow Aisia for a while? I wish to have some private conversation with her. This girl is a really interesting one after all. I’ll also teach her about spirits in the meantime. So, don’t worry.」

Dryad said out of nowhere with sparkling eyes. She looked very happy right now. Perhaps it was because she was finally able to meet a spirit with a similar status as her.

「Yes. As long as Aisia agree.」

Rio replied, smiling wryly as he looked at Aisia for her response.

「I agree.」

Aisia nodded, with a cold voice as always.

「Okay, let’s get going.」

Despite the cold tone, Dryad still smiled ear to ear as she led Aisia out of the room by hand. The sight of two spirits, who possessed unworldly beauty, being together was truly something to behold. Just by walking together, they were able to attract people’s attention. And the effect was even more pronounced for the Spirit Folks villagers whose belief revolved around spirits.

As such, the scene of the two human type spirits walking together was treated akin to divine revelation by the villagers. Thus, they became the center of attention wherever they passed by.

「Hey, am I the only one who thinks that I just saw quite splendid scenery? 」

「The reason for my silence is because I feel the same way as you.」

Dominique remarked, but he was quickly silenced by Ursula. Then, the room went silent as they watched Dryad and Aisia on their way out of the room.

「Well, let’s continue our conversation. Shall we hear Rio-dono’s report first? Or shall we talk about Gouki-dono’s group reason for coming to this village first?」

The mediator of the elders, Syldra broke the ice with that question, all the while looking at Gouki and the others.

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