Back to Garden #2
Orcs are a unique race. Though humans may look down on them as barbaric, they possess a distinct culture passed down through the ages. The protection of ancestral spirits. The honor of a warrior. A noble pride that would rather break than bend. Among those who enjoy Nine Stars, there are even enthusiasts who play nothing but the Orc race. I, too, was once obsessed with them. That is why I know: this situation, where three Orc shamans are pouring their entire souls into a strengthening ritual for a human, is far from common. It might even be one of the rarest cases in history.
“Om Var Saha-”
“Oh, Wolf Spirit, I beseech thee, grant lightness to this maiden’s legs and bestow firm strength upon her slender arms-”
The magic stones earned from hunting totaled 940. Every single one of them was transformed into new power and settled within me.
You have used magic stones to increase your abilities.
The effect of the Orc Shaman's secret technique is applied! Abilities increase by an additional 30%.
The rituals of three excellent Orc shamans harmonize. Abilities increase by an additional 25%.
—Abilities stored in the Phylactery—
Stamina: 23(+11)
Mana: 52(+22)
Physical Total: 18(+11)
Magic Total: 47(+27)
Faith Total: 4(+4)
'Insane.'
My jaw dropped. The growth was simply astronomical. I never imagined I would grow this much in the Garden frontier. The combined power of three Orc shamans was truly terrifying.
'At this rate, I could even take down Dawson.'
Confidence surged within me. It wasn't just empty bravado. I could calculate exactly how much combat power I could output now.
“Whew… that’s the end of it.”
“It’s been a long time since I poured this much strength into a ritual.”
The shamans, having finished the ritual, were sweating profusely.
Experience has accumulated, and you have gained a new skill: Necromancy (Beginner)
Skill levels have increased:
- Destruction Magic has risen to Beginner Level 5
- Cold Magic has risen to Beginner Level 6
...
Not only my stats but all my skills had jumped by two or three levels at once. At this pace, at least in the early stages, I wouldn't fall behind the growth speed of the great Michael. No, in some ways, I was better. Thanks to a bizarre stroke of luck, I had even secured spirit items and artifacts.
“Well, how is it, maiden?”
Yurka looked at me with eyes shining with anticipation. If I just stood there, he would be deeply disappointed this time. So, as I had planned, I decided to open the power of the phylactery to show a glimpse of my abilities.
Ability Release
...Stamina increases by 23.
...Mana increases by 52.
...Physical ability increases by 18.
...Magic ability increases by 47.
The next moment, a storm of mana swirled around my body. Caught in the violent currents, Yurka’s tent fluttered precariously, as if it might be blown away at any second. The Orc shamans stumbled, planting their staves into the ground to steady themselves.
“Ohhh— this power…!”
“Yurka, it’s a success! Look!”
“Yes, this is it. This is it… Finally…”
Even though he couldn't open his eyes properly against the blowing wind, Yurka let out a choked, emotional sound.
'Right, that's enough.'
I channeled the power through my body for a moment, then pulled it back into the phylactery.
“...Huh? The power, did it disappear-”
“What is this? Just a moment ago, it was clearly-”
The shamans’ eyes widened. The Orcs exchanged bewildered glances, scurrying about in confusion.
“Maiden, what on earth is this-”
“Well. I’m not sure either. I definitely felt the power surge, but then it suddenly vanished.”
“Hrrgh-”
Yurka let out a groan of regret. However, unlike last time, he didn't look overly discouraged.
“It is fine. Maiden, I have seen the possibility. What do you all think?”
“I agree.”
“I, too, have witnessed a glimpse of great talent. I look forward to this human girl’s future.”
The Orc shamans were already bustling about, preparing for the next ritual. Perhaps my existence felt like a challenge suddenly thrown into their daily lives, which had been the same every day. Somehow, they all looked happy.
“Now, let us gather our wisdom as much as possible until the maiden brings the next magic stones. A good idea just occurred to me-”
The old shaman Yurka’s eyes twinkled like a young boy’s.
At the same time, the Great Cathedral in the Imperial Capital of Versa. At the very top of a spire that reached high like a hand desperately stretched toward God, lay the office of the Holy Knight Michael.
As befitting the office of a hero whose fame spanned not just the Empire but the entire continent, the interior was both antique and opulent. Gleaming marble, elegant furniture, and even a magnificent chandelier. Yet, while the room was filled with pieces that were works of art in their own right, the most radiant presence was undoubtedly the Knight Commander, Michael.
“…”
Michael turned a page in silence. The most faithful servant of Justia. At the same time, he possessed an appearance that reminded one of a god himself. Brilliant golden curly hair. A sharp jawline and melancholic eyes. It was clear that the praise heaped upon him by the world was not solely due to his achievements as a hero.
Click, click.
Footsteps approached. The office door swung open. There was only one person who would dare to open the office of the Empire’s greatest ace, the Knight Commander, without asking for permission.
“I’m here-”
With a relaxed and carefree voice, Anna walked in, her heels clicking against the floor. Anna, the hero’s companion, the Master of the Fire Magic Tower, and a grand mage.
Michael only lifted his eyes slightly to confirm the visitor before fixing his gaze back on his book.
“When someone arrives, shouldn't you at least pretend to welcome them, Hero?”
“…”
“Hey, are you listening to me-”
“Do not cause a scene. Your voice is always excessively loud.”
Anna puffed out her cheeks. She tried to pretend she was sulking, but Michael showed no interest.
“Look, handsome mister— the weather outside is so nice. Why don't we go grab a meal together for once? I found a restaurant I’ve been eyeing-”
“I refuse. If you have something to say, keep it brief.”
“Ha.”
Anna narrowed her brows as much as she could. This treatment was unfair by any standard. How could he? To someone as pretty as her. To someone as capable as her. Men were lined up outside just waiting for the chance to lick her shoes if she only said the word!
'Isn't this too much?'
But she could only swallow her complaints; she couldn't actually say anything. No matter how much of a young genius tower master she was, her reputation couldn't compare to the hero Michael. Thus, it was always Anna who felt the regret and clung to him.
'This is why the one who falls in love first always loses.'
Anna suppressed her irritation and approached Michael. She had even worn a dress she’d pre-ordered from the capital’s best boutique just to look good for him. She’d even worn trendy perfume. It would be nice if he could offer even a single word of praise, even if it were a lie…
“Eden is handling the task you gave us right now.”
“...What happened to the Lich?”
Only then did Michael take his eyes off his book and stare straight at Anna. A man who only knew work. Anna whispered, stroking Michael’s thigh subtly.
“She was gone. Like you said, something must have happened. She’s quite talented, I wonder how she escaped.”
“…”
“Don't blame me. It’s not my fault. You checked the magic restraint device yourself and knew there were no problems with it.”
“I have no intention of blaming you, so be quiet.”
Michael frowned slightly. Then, he reached out a finger and pressed firmly against Anna’s lips. It meant she should close her mouth because he needed to think for a moment. He was truly arrogant beyond measure.
Anna sighed softly. She resented her own eyes for finding even that arrogance beautiful.
'I’m completely blinded. Ha— am I an idiot?'
Michael only opened his mouth after a long time.
“It’s too early to judge. I will decide how to deal with this after waiting for Eden’s report.”
It was as Anna had expected. Eden was one of the few people Michael trusted. Though Anna herself firmly believed that no one was as trusted as she was.
“We’re done, right? Then can’t you rest a little now?”
Anna breathed hot air onto Michael’s cheek. Her flirtatious voice was sticky like honey. Her hand, which had been stroking his thigh, was stealthily moving toward a deeper place.
“There is much to do.”
Michael said without the slightest change in expression. As Michael stood up without hesitation, Anna’s hand was left in the air, lost.
'What is this?'
Anna scowled. Did molten iron flow through this man’s veins instead of warm blood? How could he be so heartless?
'It wouldn't hurt to spare a short moment…'
She glared at Michael’s broad back with eyes full of complaints. No, in truth, it wouldn't end in a short moment. The hero had desires too. It was just that they were usually hidden deep inside his noble armor. Anna knew how intense and how long-lasting those desires were once ignited. That was why she was willing to endure even the shame of begging like this.
'Haa-.'
Recalling those ecstatic times, Anna’s cheeks flushed red. It might have been her imagination, but she felt a deep thumping in her lower abdomen.
“Anna.”
Michael, who had been about to leave the office, suddenly paused. Hearing her name called in that low, wonderful voice, her resentment vanished, and her heart began to race.
'Am I actually an easy woman?'
Anna felt pathetic.
“Come to my room again tonight.”
“...Yes? Ah, yes!”
A smile of joy filled Anna’s face.
'…This is no good. I might really be an easy woman.'
While she smiled, she also mocked herself bitterly.
Garden’s only cafe, Three-Some Place. Its original name was ‘Sometimes There is Leisure Even Under the Ash-Colored Sky,’ but no adventurer called it that. It was too long. Above all, anyone who saw the adventurer statue standing in front of the cafe couldn't help but agree with the nickname.
Originally, it was just a statue of a male adventurer standing proudly with his hands on his waist. But someone with a mischievous streak had sculpted a female statue crouching down with something in her mouth and placed it in front of him. And as if to respond to this, a female statue licking something was added behind the adventurer’s buttocks. The cafe owner had been furious at first, but eventually, he seemed to have resigned himself and just laughed it off.
“That’s a cool statue.”
Flora smiled brightly.
“Is that what it is?”
“...Huh? What is?”
Facing Flora, who spoke so nonchalantly, I had no choice but to pretend I didn't know, feeling stumped for an answer.
“It’s sucking out the poison, right? Isn't it, Estelle-ssi?”
Flora pointed at the statue with a face full of conviction.
“I heard it too. When you’re bitten by a snake, you have to suck out the poison that has penetrated the affected area quickly. This adventurer seems to have been bitten both in the front and the back.”
“Uh-huh… um. Yeah. You’re right, Senior.”
“Estelle-ssi, don't worry. If you ever get poisoned, I’ll help you.”
For a moment, a suggestive image flashed through my mind. Me, breathing heavily with a flushed face, and Flora beneath me, diligently sucking out the… poison. I shook my head hurriedly.
'What kind of imagination are you having?'
“I got it, so let’s go in.”
“Huh? But looking closely, the statue’s expression seems a bit strange…”
“Let’s go in.”
I pushed Flora’s shoulder. We took a seat at a table and ordered two cups of coffee. Having accumulated enough experience in the Polluted Waste Deposit, it was time to be taught the final magic from the Standard of Magic grimoire.
Flora, who opened the grimoire first, learned the magic of Weighting. It was a spell that momentarily made an object’s weight significantly heavier. It wasn't a direct attack spell, but depending on how it was used, it was a useful spell that could help allies or hinder enemies.
Next was my turn.
You have reached a higher level of mastery. You receive new magic from the grimoire.
As I placed my hand on the grimoire, a bright light began to pour out.