Chapter 2
AFTER THE CARGO was fully unloaded, Mira followed the Isuzu elites and famous adventurers onto the spirit aircraft.
She surveyed their surroundings from the deck, then asked Aaron, “Incidentally, what ever happened to that Skyfolk man? Given all the festivities, I have to assume the score was settled with the executive that was in the control center.”
She was, of course, referring to the top executive manager, Zell Schedal. The Skyfolk man had claimed he was after that guy. If the two had fought, it must have been in or near the control center. Aaron must have heard something about it.
“I dunno… Well, we know the executive is dead, but we’re not clear on the other guy.” As the spirit airship gradually rose into the sky, Aaron pointed back down toward the burned-out village with a perplexed look on his face. “You see the black, burned spot in the crag over there? We found the executive there, burned to death. But for some reason, the Skyfolk guy’s clothes, glasses, and weapons were also lying nearby. They were all tattered and broken… Scorched, too. A few of us theorized he might’ve abandoned the clothes so he wouldn’t get burned. Either way, he’s vanished.”
Upon closer inspection, Mira spotted a black smudge on the rocky crag in the distance. It was rather far from the village, so it wasn’t clear why they’d fought there. But the marks clearly indicated an intense battle, even from this far.
“Oh… I was hoping to get the opportunity to chat with him…” Mira murmured, gazing back at the scorched earth as the airship left it behind. She wanted to know about the Animist village, their relationship with spirits, and how they lived.
Spirits and summoning were closely related, so she might’ve learned something genuinely useful from that man. She had been excited by the prospect, but there had also been something Mira found herself even more interested in.
“I’m sure you’ll find him again, somewhere,” Aaron assured her. “He left those broken weapons behind because he didn’t need ’em anymore; he must’ve gotten his revenge.”
“Hrmm… You’re right. Then I’ll leave my questions until we meet again.”
“Heh. When that day comes, I bet he’ll say, ‘Who the hell are you?’”
“…That does seem likely.”
The battleground was no longer visible, but the two kept their eyes fixed in that direction as they laughed together, recalling the first time they’d met the Skyfolk man—that man whose eyes were chilly despite the simmering hatred within.
Now that he’s gotten his revenge, how does he plan to live his life?
That was what she really wanted to ask him. It would be a harsh question for the Skyfolk man, bound so long by vengeance, but it was an important one. If he was but a shell with no direction, Mira thought she couldn’t bear to leave him to such a life—but at the same time, she didn’t know if there was something she could do to help him. Surely anything would be better than being alone, though.
The Skyfolk man Glad Schedal: the impetus for their rushed plan and a priest of one of the Five Anima. Mira would never learn his name, but his existence would remain stamped in her memory forever.
The spirit airship arrived in the skies above Sentopoli less than an hour later. Per Kagura’s request, Mira had summoned Garuda and Rainbow Spirit Twinkle Pom to ensure the group stood out as much as possible. Garuda obeyed her orders faithfully, circling the airship. It flapped its wings proudly in the sunlight, reflecting brilliantly above the city. Twinkle Pom formed a great rainbow gate in the sky, drawing even more attention.
It was just past lunchtime, and the noon rush was dying down. Adventurers had begun heading out once more to resume the day’s work. All of them looked up in confusion at the great airship, which looked like a descending god with an attendant divine bird. Citizens who’d been in their homes poked their heads out and looked up at the sky when they heard the commotion.
Once he’d seen that they had the city’s attention, Alioth stepped up to the bow of the ship. “Shall we begin?” he asked, then said to the spirits, “Now, if you’d please.”
Apparently having received his orders ahead of time, the spirits assented and began casting their magic. A thick cloud spread above the airship—but it did not end there.
“My word… Is this a screen?” Mira gazed at it from one corner of the ship, half amazed and half astounded.
Within the cloudy veil raised by the water spirits, light spirits began to weave their spell. Soon Alioth himself appeared larger than life on the “screen,” like a movie projector.
The uproar on the ground below grew louder, and Mira felt the activation of spirit magic once more. The effect quickly became clear.
“Citizens, an announcement. Early this morning, a secret operation brought an end to the years-long war with the great evil, Chimera Clausen.” Alioth’s confident declaration of victory spread throughout the city. It sounded as if his voice was coming from right next to the listener, despite him being high above on the ship.
So…he’s using wind spirits as a loudspeaker. I’d wondered how he would communicate from up here, but I suppose this is an easy feat with the power of spirits.
Onscreen in the sky, Alioth’s voice rang out over the city. His message succeeded in capturing the attention of all of Sentopoli. However, it seemed like the people below were more surprised by the show than the contents of the message itself. Most either couldn’t believe what they were seeing or were excited by the mysterious phenomenon, offering such pithy remarks as, “What the heck?!” and “That’s wild!”
These reactions were expected. Alioth waited for the voices of the crowd to die down and continued. “I will now announce the names of some of the brave heroes who aided in our victory. First: the famous adventurer known as the Dragon-Severing Slash, Jack Grave!”
One of the warriors on the ship’s deck appeared onscreen. “Greetings, everyone. I’m Jack Grave, and I led one of the squads in this mission. I’m genuinely relieved to have put an end to the battle with Chimera Clausen.” He looked to be an attractive young man in his twenties, with crimson armor and an enormous sword on his back. Despite his intimidating appearance, he had a gentle demeanor. After a quick bow, he flashed a big smile. Cheers in a distinctly feminine register floated up to the airship from below.
Strong enough to defeat dragons and conventionally attractive. This Jack fellow also had a sweet smile that pricked one’s motherly instincts. He was like a male idol or a hero straight out of a storybook.
I see… A reasonable choice to start this off. Mira grinned, watching the immediate effect on the city below. At times like this, it was vital to win people over. Having the hearts of the people on their side would be critical in countering the upheaval that would result from Chimera’s disappearance from this city. After it was all over, the public would come to understand that what Jack Grave and the others had done was for the best—defeating Chimera Clausen was not a setback for the city, but a boon. Jack and the others understood this, as well.
While Mira analyzed the strategy, the next representative stepped forward.
“Next, I’d like to introduce the White Moon Knights. On top of their exploits in this battle, they’re known for saving a capital from the Orc General’s army. Their leader, Moonlit Cross Eleonora!” Alioth called a second name just as he had Jack Grave’s, and a female knight appeared on the screen.
“It’s a pleasure to meet you all. As you’ve heard, I’m Eleonora, and I lead the White Moon Knights. Our guild joined this battle as part of the secondary force. The great evil, Chimera Clausen, fought hard. But with the help of our friends and allies, we’ve all managed to see the job through. I’m awfully grateful for that.” She smiled gently and waved down at the crowd. Immediately after, the fierce cheers of men surged up from the ground.
Makes sense. Might as well choose both a man and a woman. It would be difficult for Jack Grave alone to grab the hearts of the city. His popularity with women would naturally earn the envy of men, so they chose the knight Eleonora to balance things out. Mira turned around and gazed not at the screen but at Eleonora herself. The summoner sighed at her divine beauty.
I can see why the men are excited.
Eleonora flipped back her long, blonde hair with one hand. She had strong-willed green eyes, yet a gentle smile. She was as tall and slim as a model, and her bosom was quite…pronounced. Her silver armor flowed like a skirt from hip to knee, below which she wore black leggings and silver greaves.
It wasn’t especially revealing, but the way her armor thinned out here and there—probably for ease of motion—had a way of stimulating certain thoughts. And the enamel-like substance used to join the pieces had a fantastic way of showing off what little uncovered skin there was.
“…Simply exquisite,” Mira chuckled to herself as she zeroed in on two particular places: Eleanora’s cleverly hidden chest and thighs.
It was then that a few choice phrases reached her ears: “Princess!” “Please step on me!” “Glare at me like I’m trash!” There were even a few women in the crowd screaming, “Be my big sister!”
It seems this world doesn’t lack for freaks either. Mira chuckled again as she gazed at Eleonora, who calmly smiled and waved.
It was time for the next person. Just as the image on the screen moved on, Mira noticed Eleonora’s gentle smile shift to a shudder-inducing sadistic grin. A select few of the cheers had managed to identify her true nature. Now Eleonora’s grin seemed to hold a different meaning entirely. Mira felt an odd shiver creep down her own spine.
That’s one heck of a princess for you…
After that, other famous adventurers such as Aaron were introduced. While they weren’t as flashy as the first two, everyone had their own charms. At each introduction, the people of the city cheered enthusiastically, though perhaps not quite as enthusiastically as for the first pair. This continued until Cyril, leader of Écarlate Carillon, was called. The moment he appeared onscreen, thunderous cheers and applause echoed through the air. Mira was impressed again by his guild’s apparent fame.
With Cyril, they had worked their way through all the adventurers on board. The event was wrapping up—or so Mira thought.
“Finally, I would like to introduce one more person. She may not be a famous name, but her contributions to the effort cannot be overlooked. Allow me to introduce she who carries on Wise Man Danblf’s art, the one and only Wise Man’s pupil acknowledged by King Solomon of Alcait: the summoner Mira!” With this powerful declaration, Mira’s petite face appeared onscreen.
The people below stirred in confusion. They didn’t seem to know how to react to this unprecedented revelation. A Wise Man’s pupil acknowledged by King Solomon?
The only person more confused was Mira.
What? …What?! Nobody told me about this! What am I supposed to do?!
Blindsided, she panicked over how to introduce herself. When she saw herself onscreen, she managed to put on a show of confidence. She had no idea what to say, but she knew she couldn’t stay quiet with so many eyes on her.
“I’m Mira. Er… Well… You know… This was but an easy feat for the power of my summoning!” Mira puffed out her chest proudly.
The city fell utterly silent.
Did I say something wrong? Just as the thought crossed her mind…
“Yeah, you tell ’em!”
“Miiiiraaaa!”
Cheers just as loud as the previous ones pierced the sky. But unlike the ones before—expressions of gratitude and congratulations for the heroes’ good work—most of the people screamed about how cute she was. Mira failed to notice.
It seemed Isuzu had planned to introduce her from the start. The adventurers on the ship watched her with smiles, and Alioth looked satisfied with himself.
Urgh. This is bad for my heart. They should have told me sooner, she grumbled internally. Her lip poked out in a pout.
Just then, the marks of the Spirit King’s blessing appeared and began to glow all over Mira.
“Nh? What’s going on?!” It was as if she could feel the rushing of her blood as it flowed through her. Yet there was no pain; in fact, it was a comforting feeling. The mysterious sensation left Mira unable to do anything but observe as it spread throughout her body.
The blessing began to shine brighter; particles of light spilled out and rose into the sky, where they combined into an image over the ship.
“Goodness…” Mira muttered.
The figure, clad in snow-white garments, was quite familiar. How could one forget his overwhelming presence?
“Know me as the Spirit King, Symbio Sanctius. I have used Miss Mira’s power to make my appearance today,” the figure said in a voice that was weighty yet full of kindness. The voice and figure there were truly those of the Spirit King. Everyone on board kneeled at once, murmuring, “Your Majesty…”
Mira was amazed; she hadn’t known such a thing was possible. But the Spirit King paid her no mind as he continued to speak. “Children of humanity, allow me to thank you for rescuing so many of my kin. As a representative of all spirits, I wish to express my gratitude.”
As the Spirit King spoke, the airship was enveloped in bright light. Though the adventurers had been taken aback by his sudden appearance, they quickly regained their senses and watched as the light gathered and condensed, then disappeared into one spirit on board as if absorbed.
“I have lent my power to one of my kin. You may find that your deeds today have wrought many unintended effects; this power will be necessary in dealing with them,” the Spirit King said in prophetic tones. He gazed at the spirit he’d given his power to, then added, “Endeavor to aid them.” With that, he vanished into thin air.
The sky fell silent until one voice finally declared, “I will devote myself and see it done.”
In the blink of an eye, the sky darkened, and their surroundings sank into shadow. The Spirit King’s low, cold voice rumbled through the city once more: “I also offer a warning. Those who have wronged my kin, prepare yourselves for what is to come. Confess to your crimes now, and I will at least allow your souls tranquil rest.”
The sky returned to its usual state, and the people on the ground went wild over the Spirit King’s appearance. Their excitement was blended equally with doubt—was that the real Spirit King, or a show put on by the people on the airship? It seemed they weren’t entirely convinced…
But for the people on the ship, it was clear that he was the genuine article. The spirits on board confirmed that it was undoubtedly the truth. Everyone aboard rushed to ask Mira what she’d done to make the Spirit King appear. She didn’t know. He’d come and gone of his own volition. She had no answer for them.
The best reply she could muster was, “I suppose it’s because I received his blessing.”
“The Spirit King’s blessing… I had no idea such a thing existed!” Jack Grave exclaimed, both astounded and amazed.
“A blessing from the king himself… It’s just like a fairy tale!” Eleonora murmured. She sidled giddily over to Mira and whispered in the summoner’s ear, “Hey…wanna be my little sister?”
Mira felt a hot shiver jolt her spine. Despite the dangerous temptation of Eleonora’s sweet scent and seductive whispering, she managed to shake her head. “No thanks.”
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