Chapter 37: Discovered
Several weeks passed, filled with peaceful daily life and intense training.
"You're definitely improving faster lately, and fast, lately," Estelle's voice came.
"No, in close combat, it's more like you're copying my techniques just by watching. Your learning speed from observation alone is ridiculously fast. Have I been underestimating you all this time?"
"Well, I have an excellent teacher."
"Hehe, I am pretty good. You're at the point where you can start using mana now, so it's really fast. Ah, is it also because you're taking private lessons from the professor? Your growth rate seemed to increase once you started getting sponsorship."
"I learn from you, and I learn from him too~"
After all, we had discovered the truth about Luna that day. She was growing using her Authority. Through the Authority of Assimilation, she was learning others' techniques.
"At this rate, it might not be long before you can even use Star Brilliance, right?"
"Hold on there. I can barely move against you when you're only using mana for physical reinforcement. Isn't that too fast, my dear Estelle?"
"I mean, if I used my Authority at full power you might not be able to tell, but I can't do that anyway."
"Get stronger faster; I'm bored lately. The others' growth is too slow. There aren't as many incidents blowing up."
It was definitely more peaceful compared to the original story. Since the Star of the Ark was not weakening as expected, most incidents were resolved by the professors stepping away for a few days. She said she went hunting down invading demon beasts a few times when she caught wind of them, but it seemed that still wasn't enough to satisfy her. The Star Engraving Group, who had been running rampant elsewhere to brighten the stars, had also gone quiet. I had no idea what they were plotting.
It was truly calm. Unlike what I had worried about when I first came to this world. As if the peaceful weather before a raging storm.
"I think it's about time. How about we stop the morning sparring and head to class?" Estelle stood up first and said. I also got to my feet and walked toward the classroom.
That Authority was indeed a useful power. I could feel the gap between her and me, which had only been widening, starting to close.
"There is no limit to growth in my power."
'Sorry, my suppressing got a little weaker.' A voice had started speaking to me a few days ago. Aside from that, it was perfect. 'It's okay, you must be tired too. Take it easy.'
But I was quite confident in my mental fortitude. After all, I had endured the brainwashing of the Sage of the Starry Sea myself.
I left the chattering voice behind and arrived at the classroom.
"You came just in time."
"Right on time. Safe," Kihote greeted me. I waved back.
Since I arrived just on time, the professor also arrived almost right after me.
As time passed, more students had contracted spirits through sponsorship or by luck, so the class wasn't left with just two students like before.
"Ah, there is one person who joined as my assistant starting today." As Professor Kim Hyera spoke, a man entered through the front door.
"Nice to meet you all~ Should I introduce myself as Mikhail, or would you know me better as the Spirit King?"
With his self-introduction, Luna spoke to me, sounding startled. 'I figured he'd come, but I didn't expect him to come like this.''Me neither.' I agreed
"Showing up late on your first day of work... I suppose it won't be long before you're fired." Professor Kim Hyera shot him a glare.
"That can't happen. I ran in circles under that bastard chancellor for days because of this." Despite his frivolous tone and demeanor, his body exuded a sense of pressure. I hadn't felt it when I first saw him briefly, so perhaps my own level had risen significantly.
"Anyway, nice working with you!" He said, waving his hand grandly.
"Yes, you're all meeting for the first time. I'll give you some time to greet each other."
"Hey, a big shot like me deserves to take up a whole class for the whole period, right~" As he said that, a woman with green hair, bursting with vitality, appeared beside him out of nowhere.
The World Tree. I felt an instinctive pull, perhaps because of my connection to Luna.
"Go ahead and materialize the spirits you've contracted. This chance to meet the World Tree is rare even spirits."
Other students stood up from their seats and moved forward. I also blended in to avoid standing out.
"Whoa, a metal-type spirit in the form of a horse. That's awesome! What's its name?"
"He is my beloved steed, Rocinante."
"A steel warhorse at the knight rank. Whew... That is some pure romance."
Mikhail stroked the mane of Kihote's spirit, Rocinante. Rocinante let out a soft whicker, pleased.
The jingling voice again.
'I don't think he's a bad person.''You're right; he's a good person. Heroic.' I couldn't> deny that Mikhail was fundamentally good. A man who could sacrifice himself for justice and do what he believed was right. Someone more sensitive to others' pain than other heroes.
Is that Levantine? Look at the size of her."
"Ha, who said you could touch?"
Levantine!! What do you do when you set a person on fire!"
"Something like this won't be a problem for that monster."
"Oh! Your hand was on fire! That's damn hot!"
"Aish, let me put it out for you."
"See? No problem."
"Still, don't do that again!"
Levantine argued, and Minerva sighed. The World Tree put out the flames on Mikhail's hand
"Wow, you're close with your spirit, huh?"
"Oh, you can do this?"
"Using shared vision to compensate for blind spots. Nice!"
With his characteristic affability, Mikhail greeted each student one by one, and eventually stood before me.
"Hi, nice to meet you."
"Yes, nice to meet you, sir."
"Whoa, you're stiff. You've already got a ton of tension in your shoulders? Loosen up a little~ This harsh world. If you live with that much tension, you'll burn out~" He patted my shoulder.
If you weren't here, I might be able to live with less tension.
"Hey, but you haven't materialized your spirit yet."
"Ah, the kid isn't feeling well today, so she doesn't want to come out."
"Ah, I know the feeling. I know it. I get scared when I throws a fit, you know? I wondered if even a tree had her time of mois— Agh! Sorry, sorry!"
The World Tree placed a hand on Mikhail's shoulder. I could have sworn I heard a cracking sound. But he'll probably be fine.
Kihote and Minerva, who had approached me at some point, spoke up.
"You know, Luna has been showing herself less often lately. Has she hit a rebellious phase already?"
"I wanted to give that cute Luna a good squeeze and snuggle today..."
"Luna would be horrified to hear that."
"You must be getting along with your spirit? Your expression was stiff, but when you talked about your spirit, the corners of your mouth perked." Mikhail naturally slipped into our small talk.
"That's right! Seoha and Luna are really like family."
"Tsk... family-like bond, good. If your spirit's condition ever gets too bad, tell me. She's a specialist at treating spirits. A specialist."
"It's fine. It's not really a problem."
"True, the contractor would know the state best. Still, if anything happens, just say the word~"
There's already trouble right in front of you, girl.
After saying that, e walked back to the professor's side.
"It seems you've all finished greeting each other. Let's start the class." Professor Kim Hyera spoke.
"Ooh, give students the freedom to take a day off! Students of the nation, unite! Overcome the professors and seize a holiday!" Mikhail started protesting
CRUNCH—
"Ignore him and proceed."
The World Tree slammed Mikhail's head into the floor.
The class proceeded like usual. Students cooperated with their spirits in their own ways, and the professor and Mikhail gave feedback on better directions and taught new techniques.
"Oh, now that's an interesting method." Mikhail was in front of me.
"Yes. I do the fighting, and Luna takes the support role."
"Calculating the lines of attack in real time? Whoa, you've got a sharp head. Most people rely on experience."
"My Luna is quite amazing."
"You've got a classic proud dad smile. Whew, I'd love to meet her sometime~"
It wasn't certain he'd figure it out even if I showed him, but that didn't mean I need to take the risk of showing him Luna.
"Well, it's not the only."
"I guess not~"
"Hmm, this artifact gathers light and fires it as arrows. But you can't gather the fired arrows back and shoot them again?" Mikhail asked me.
"I've tried. The artifact's effective range is smaller than you'd think, so it's hard to apply to ranged weapons. Even with melee weapons, the moment they broke, the light disperses at the speed of light, so you have to account for the shattering."
"That's a shame. I was going to tell you to gather sunlight, but with this range, you wouldn't gather much anyway."
Despite his lighthearted demeanor, and the fact that training the students wasn't his original purpose, he was doing his best.
"It's about time. Everyone, good work."
"Aww yeah! Clocking out!" Mikhail rushed out faster than anyone, and the World Tree watched him go, rubbing her forehead.
"Tell him to go to my lab since there's something to do after class."
"Alright, I just told him."
Like the other students, I also walked out of the building where the classroom was located with Kihote.
"Ah, got nothing to do. Want to spar?"
"That sounds good. But where is your bow?"
"Ah."
I had been so caught up in my thoughts that I'd forgotten and left it in the classroom.
"Go ahead. I'll grab it from the classroom."
"Got it."
I turned around and headed back into the building. I climbed the stairs and reached the classroom, upon reaching the classroom, found the World Tree inside alone.
"Hi there, little one."
"Ah, you're Mikhail's spirit, right?"
She was fiddling with my bow.
"That's mine."
"Ah, sorry. Here." She was sitting on the desk, so the outstretched bow didn't reach me. I walked forward slowly.
"Didn't Mikhail say he had something to do? Are you sure it's okay to not be with him?"
"Ah, it's the kind of thing it's fine if I'm not there."
"But... why are you here?"
"Just asking. Don't you hear a voice?"
"I do hear voices. Yours."
"Hehe, that's true." As she said that –
"No matter how you look at it, that's too dangerous. Misha is too kind, she doesn't like this sort of thing. So I have to do it."
"What is the meaning of this?"
In an instant, a barrier was erected around this place. Or perhaps, from the moment I first saw me, she had already sensed it and been preparing.
"What a sly little brat. Playing dumb, or do you really not know? The spirit you contracted is too dangerous."
"Well, she's so cute it's bad for my heart."
"The Authority of a King is not something a human can handle. You're already mixing inside. It's even hard to maintain your existence, isn't it? Can't you hear the voice?"
"I can ignore someone who chatters all day long."
greeted me calmly, convinced she had already caught her prey. It was only natural, given the overwhelming gap in our levels. In fact, from the moment she and I were alone, it was as good as done.
But I wasn't sucker who hadn't anticipated this for several weeks.
"Sorry about this."
"No need to apologize."
"No need to apolog— Huh?"
A voice came from behind me. Exactly from directly behind me. Someone was standing there, stepping on my shadow. The person continued speaking behind me.
"A pity. I thought you'd contact me first. But you made me come to you first."
Wait, what?
"You know too. That kid's spirit carries it. Or did you not know?"
"I knew."
"What? No, well, you probably thought she's not much different from you. Let me be clear. This is more serious than you think. That kid is not much different from a demon beast." The World Tree spoke with a frown.
"A demon beast? She's a spirit. That's harsh, don't you think?" Not fully grasping the situation yet, I frowned as I spoke, because I had to say something.
"Do you think coexistence is possible?"
And then came a familiar question, the third time now. Of course, most of them are hostile and attack on instinct. But some are not. Examples include some demon races, and my Luna.
"Yes, I believe it's possible for some."
"Then that's settled. I'll let you escape from here. Prove it, somehow."
I was swallowed into the shadows and disappeared.