I Gained a New Companion (2)
I Gained a New Companion (2)
"So this is where you live, Gaianim..."
Not long after, Cynthia and I arrived at the dwelling with the Burnt Tree.
Within a certain radius around the Burnt Tree, which was basking in the warm sunlight, the trees were neatly cleared.
-That's right. It's a bit messy, isn't it? I never expected anyone to come, so I never bothered to tidy up.
Traces of my earth manipulation practice remained scattered about, evidence of things left uncleared. It felt like inviting a friend over with your room a mess, causing an unwarranted nervousness.
But it seemed Cynthia rather liked the look.
"These models... did you make them, Gaianim? All of these?"
-Yeah. I practiced whenever I got bored. It seemed a waste to destroy what I made, so I left them, but seeing them now, it does look a bit cluttered.
"Wow..."
The dwelling was filled with all sorts of clay models I had made until now. Their sizes and shapes varied, some resting on the ground, others perched up in the trees.
"This is amazing... It feels like I've come to an amusement park! This is a flower, right? This one... I know, a rabbit!"
-Correct.
"Yay!"
-You seem awfully excited.
"Oh, did it show?"
Her demeanor seemed different from before, so I asked, and Cynthia giggled, "Ehehe."
"Actually, I've been hiding and living alone all this time, so my guard was really high. Hearing that you would protect me put me somewhat at ease..."
-Ah. So this is your true self?
"Yes! Now that we'll be sharing a space, and since I plan to become your subordinate, after all! Was it perhaps burdensome?"
-No, it's not burdensome. I'd actually prefer it if we can live comfortably. By the way... you mentioned subordinate. What exactly is that concept?
Cynthia had clearly asked to live here earlier and said she was fine with becoming a subordinate. She's saying it again now.
'Subordinate... It sounds like a subordinate-master relationship.'
"Ah, right, my explanation was lacking. Becoming a subordinate means forming a contract that establishes a master-subordinate relationship. Once the subordinate bond is formed, the master can freely command their subordinate. And they won't be attacked either."
-Just from what you're saying, it sounds like you're getting a very raw deal. Is that really okay?
What Cynthia described made being the subordinate seem extremely disadvantageous. Wondering if that was truly the case, she gave a bitter smile.
"It's fine. The methods for a weak Goei to survive are limited. Moreover, even if a Goei wants to form a subordinate contract, there are hardly any Goei who actually create subordinates. If there are, it's probably only something like vampires."
-I see. So just being accepted is benefit enough.
"That's about right. In fact, your land, Gaianim, has such excellent compatibility with me that a lifetime of repayment wouldn't be enough!"
Cynthia bowed her head.
"Thank you once again, Gaianim. I'm truly grateful that you accepted me."
-It's fine. I've been a bit bored lately, so I'm happy just to have someone to talk to.
"Ehehe, you're very kind, Gaianim."
Kind, is it. I'm not so sure.
The information Cynthia holds about the outside world is quite important to me. There are likely several complex reasons combined for why I accepted her as a subordinate.
'...Well, since she's so happy about it, that's fine.'
That thought was fleeting. Looking at Cynthia's smiling face, I dismissed my previous musings as trivial. If she's happy, that's enough.
-So how do we form this subordinate contract?
"The subordinate contract between Goei is very simple! You just need to bestow a portion of the power you possess upon me. Once I accept it, the subordinate contract is formed!"
-That really is simple. Can I give it to you right now then?
"Ah, yes! The amount of power can be extremely small. What's important is that I accept it."
-Got it.
'The power I wield... I guess giving her vitality should work, right?'
I drew out a portion of the vitality dwelling within the earth and offered it to Cynthia.
-Then, here you go.
"Yes, anytime now... Eek?!"
Suddenly, Cynthia let out a loud cry and stumbled backward. Looking closely at her body, a black mark-like stain had appeared where the vitality had touched her.
I was momentarily flustered by the unexpected situation, but then something clicked in my mind.
'When a Lingering Thought touches vitality, its negative aspects are neutralized. Could it be the same for a Goei?'
I don't know if Goei and Lingering Thoughts are identical beings. But considering Cynthia's reaction upon contact with vitality, it was clear she was taking damage.
I spoke to the flustered Cynthia.
"Gaianim, that just now was..."
-Cynthia. It seems becoming my subordinate might be impossible after all.
"Huh? What do you mean?"
-The power I possess can hurt you.
I explained the phenomenon from moments ago. After listening quietly for a moment, Cynthia pondered deeply and then spoke.
"I see... The power you possess neutralizes negative aspects... That explains what just happened."
-Yeah. I can't be completely sure yet, but if Goei and Lingering Thoughts similarly possess negative aspects, you're in danger.
"Certainly... Goei are born from human fear. It's only natural they'd have strong negative aspects. Hearing you say that, it feels like the power within my body is slightly diminishing."
-Yeah, so...
Unfortunately, I was about to tell her to leave this place. If she stayed here, she'd lose her life, so she should flee before that happens.
But Cynthia did not retreat.
"Then all the more reason I must become your subordinate."
-What? What are you talking about?
"If all the negative aspects are removed, wouldn't only the positive aspects remain? If that happens, there would be no risk of dying from being attacked by vitality either."
-It's still uncertain. There's no guarantee only positive aspects would remain.
I tried to persuade Cynthia. I don't even know why I was being so desperate myself. Looking at me like that, a smile played on Cynthia's lips.
"You... are truly gentle, Gaianim. But I'm fine. Because I will become your subordinate."
-.....
"Even if I leave this place and flee outside, the fact that my life is as fragile as a fly's remains unchanged. More than anything... I want to be with you, Gaianim."
Cynthia clasped the hand of a clay figure.
"Then... is it not allowed?"
I fell silent for a moment. I realized the hand clasping the clay figure was trembling slightly.
For her, there was likely no other choice. Staying here meant a slow death, and going outside meant living day by day in fear.
Thus, the only lifeline she could grasp was the subordinate contract. Even if she didn't know whether that rope was rotten or sturdy, not grabbing it meant falling anyway.
I used the clay figure to clasp her hand in return. Cynthia looked surprised.
-Yeah. I... also want to be with you, Cynthia.
"You mean..."
-Power. I'll send it to you. Absolutely do not die. Understood?
At my definitive answer, Cynthia nodded firmly. Her eyes shone with determination.
"Yes! Of course! I will definitely survive!"
Hearing her answer, I immediately began channeling vitality into her.
What consequences this would bring, even I did not know. The world was full of unknowns, and I was merely making a choice.
And believing. Hoping my own choice would prove to be the right one.
"Kyaahk... uuugh...!!!"
Occasional moans echoed from Cynthia. The two hands clasping the clay figure slowly began to turn black. Yet, neither Cynthia nor I let go.
"Gghh... gk, augh...!!"
'Hold on, Cynthia. Please.'
We had known each other for barely a day, but the last few hours spent with Cynthia had been very enjoyable for me. I didn't want to lose that joy.
'Please, please...'
"Kyaaaaaaahk!! Ugh, gguu... aaaaah!!!"
The vitality steadily advanced through Cynthia's body. Half her body had turned black, and as if the pain was intensifying, her moans soon became screams, growing louder and echoing more fiercely.
Watching that sight, I could only fret helplessly. Should I stop even now? I agonized countless times, but in the end, the only option left was to trust her.
"Kyaaaaaaaaaaaaaahk!!!!!"
Finally, Cynthia's entire body turned black. She let out a long, trailing scream and then stopped moving. Seeing her like that, I couldn't help but be seized with worry.
'Why... isn't she moving? Please, just let me hear her breathing. Cynthia...'
Crackle. Crickle-crackle...
It was then. Cracks began to form all over her blackened body, and it started to crumble away bit by bit. And what was inside became visible.
Inside there was...
"Ah... Truly, I feel so refreshed..."
-Cynthia? Is that you?
"Yes, it's Cynthia. I'm sorry for worrying you, Gaianim."
-Cynthia...
I moved the clay figure and hugged her tightly. I couldn't feel any sensation of touch whatsoever, but there was no other way to convey this feeling.
"Oh my, hoo hoo... It seems you were really worried. I'm fine. Didn't I say I'd become your subordinate?"
-How's your body? Let me try sending you some vitality. Does it hurt?
"No, it doesn't hurt at all. Rather, it feels familiar... If you permit it, Gaianim, I think I might be able to handle it too."
-Really? Want to give it a try?
With my permission, Cynthia tried to move the vitality. A few grains of earth rose into the air before losing power and falling back down.
"Oops. It seems I'll need a bit of practice."
-Don't worry. I was like that at first too. I'll help you.
"Really? Thank you, Gaianim."
Cynthia smiled. I smiled too.
Today was truly a pleasant day.