(Re:Zero) Warlock of Fascination Chapter 11: Spirit Whisperer

Chapter 11: Spirit Whisperer

AN: Chapter 12 of WoF will be the 6th Advance Chapter for this series, so just keep in mind that it'll be part of the King+ Tier.

(Castor Germain)

After receiving the privilege of listening to Sir Walter’s story, as brief as it was, we finally arrived at the so-called Garden of Lassitude—my effort to slow my footsteps so we’d arrive only after he was finished having successfully paid off.

“It’s certainly spacious,” I remarked idly. The Astrea training grounds were a lush, green expanse that seemed to rival the area of four football fields, with an endless number of sections to prevent others from being disturbed while they were training. 

And in the middle of all the grunting, discussion, and clashing of steel—stood a colossal tree with ash-colored bark, and crimson leaves elegantly protruding off its branches like a work of art.

“That’s called the Tree of Reid, named after House Astrea's Ancestor, Reid Astrea.” 

“Fitting,” I narrowed my eyes, pointing at the topmost layer of the tree. “What are those small red lights floating around the tree? Are they fireflies of some sort?” Only after I spoke did it occur to me that fireflies might not exist here.

“Those are spirits—I’m assuming your world doesn’t have them either?” 

I nodded with a faint smile. “If it has anything to do with Mana, you can safely assume it doesn’t exist where I’m from.”

It was pretty fascinating to see how evidently bothered he was by the notion of a land without Mana existing. I can only interpret that Mana has been in this world for as long as anyone can remember—perhaps not having Mana is similar to me saying my word doesn’t have oxygen to him? 

That does beg the question. How was my body—one that hailed from a place with no Mana—suddenly able to wield it here? Did this world alter my biology somehow? Or does humanity back on Earth already have the ability to harness it but lack the environmental conditions to do so? 

Or maybe, the answer lies in the reason I was transported here in the first place.

Whatever the case, I’ll definitely be investigating it all when the opportunity arises. That’s why this Authority exists in the first place doesn’t it? To fulfill my once-unattainable wish of obtaining all the knowledge there was to obtain back on Earth.

Or at least, that’s what I was inclined to believe initially. 

But now that this Sword exists, I’m not so sure anymore. Fighting was never an interest of mine, so if this power was really born out of my own desire—then why would it awaken something I don’t care for? 

It claimed it was to protect me back when we were fighting against the Bowel Hunter, however, standing back and letting Reinhard do all the fighting was without question the safest option.

It’s a restless feeling to cope with, knowing that something has gone awry inside my own head. My Sword isn’t what it seems on the surface level. I don’t care if I don’t have any evidence to back that claim. I’m trusting my gut here.

“Spirits are creatures given life by Od Lagna,” he continued, snapping me out of my paranoia-influenced train of thought. “Od Lagna is the greatest reserve of Mana in all existence, most considered to be the heart of the world.” 

“Most?” I raised an eyebrow. “Are you implying that you believe something else?”

The truth is rarely pure, and never simple. If you’re the type to question what is long established, then my respect for you has only risen—Sir Walter.

“I’m not sure what to believe. My career as a Court Mage was fairly successful, at least I choose to believe so.” We shared a chuckle. “However, comprehending Od Lagna is a task that requires so much more than talent and magical theory. Its exact location remains a mystery. Some speculate that it is a living consciousness that rules our world, while others believe it is responsible for bestowing people with Divine Blessings. And some—that it is responsible for birthing spirits.” 

We returned our attention to the floating red lights around the Tree of Reid. 

“Spirits are all attuned to a single element, for example, the Lesser Spirits gathered around the tree are all Fire Spirits.” 

“Lesser Spirits?”

“Spirits are sorted into different grades all corresponding with their strength. The more power they accumulate, the higher grade they become. Lesser Spirits are essentially just balls of Mana like you’re seeing now, they can’t communicate with words; however, if one is talented enough with Spirit Arts, conveying emotions back and forth with them through Mana is a possibility.” 

“Oh?” Immediately, an idea came to mind. “Do you mind if I give it a try?” 

“Pardon?” Walter looked at me, understandably perplexed.

“I’d like to try communicating with them. Of course, these spirits are a part of your house’s territory. I understand if you’d rather I not disturb them.” 

“That’s not the problem, actually, members of House Juukulius frequent this place in an attempt to try to contract them. It’s just that trying to talk to them without proper training won’t work—” 

“So you’re alright with it then? Thank you.” 

I closed my eyes momentarily, clearing my mind and focusing on Mark of the Scribe—the ability that was supposed to be capable of speaking anything and everything, hopefully including that of the language of spirits.

I proceeded to open my mouth, and felt something leave my esophagus.

Not words, not any audible sound, but I knew that something tangible had occurred.

“My goodness…” Walter murmured under his breath.

The sound of people shouting and clashing their weapons against one another came to an abrupt halt, all of them, just like, were completely fixated on the sight unfolding around the Tree of Reid. 

All the spirits had grown still, and even though their bodies were merely ethereal balls of Mana—I could somehow feel them all staring at me.

Ah, I understand now. 

I had indeed said— No. As Sir Walter stated, I had conveyed an emotion to them.

I had conveyed my—fascination. 

Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh! 

One after the other, the hundred or so spirits gathered around the tree rushed towards me, lighting up the gradually darkening sky like a scene straight out of a movie.

“Haha. I appear to have made quite the spectacle, haven't I?” I couldn’t help but flaunt a little.

“I’ll say…” 

I could feel the temperature around me increase as they started to swarm, some of them keeping a certain distance, some of them inching closer—and some of them getting right up in my face and bobbing up and down like excited children.

“They’re adorable.” Once more, I have been reminded of humanity’s ineptitude to ever compare to the elegance of nature. “I think they’re hungry.” 

“Spirits live by consuming Mana. They can use any element as fuel. However, they usually prefer Mana to belong to their own element. That’s why all those Fire Spirits are gathered around the Tree of Reid, its leaves are chalk full of Fire Mana.” 

“Sounds logical.” 

I’m still fairly drained from Reinhard’s Spatial Rend—I believe it was called? However, I still feel like I have at least a third of my reserves remaining. For the sake of experimentation, I might as well give them what they want.

A faint, slightly more controlled shine started to emanate from my being. An onslaught of happiness reached me from the spirits as they started to absorb my Yang. Individually, they don’t appear to need a lot of Mana. It’s just the quantity of Lesser Spirits around me that’s a little taxing. 

Not that I mind, I’m being gifted the stunning sight of seeing all these spirits congregated towards me right up and close after all—such a menial sacrifice is more than worth the trouble.

“Castor, I hate to ruin your moment but I have to ask, who taught you to communicate with spirits like that?” 

I shrugged. “I have no clue. I just arrived here today, and I’m still figuring out how all of this works as I go.” 

That answer seemed to frustrate him, not that I blame the guy. It’s just that after the whole Sword ordeal, I’m not too sure about the safety of my abilities anymore. I’d rather keep everything under wraps for now until I actually know where all of this originates from.

One by one, the spirits started to leave and return back to the crimson-stained tree, conveying their satisfaction to me before doing so. 

“What’s wrong?” All, except for one. A spirit was hovering in front of my nose, right between my eyes, trying to convey something complex to me that couldn’t be done with just plain emotions. 

Eagerness. Insistence. Friendliness. 

“I believe that spirit wishes to form a contract with you.” Walter cleared his throat, clarifying. “Normally, I’d be quite surprised, but after witnessing your ability to communicate with them, I think it’s only natural that at least one of them would want to bond with you.” 

My eyebrows lifted as I looked at the spirit more intently. “Is that what you want?” 

The spirit bobbed faster, the positive sentiment radiating off it intensifying. 

“Haha, I’ll take that as a yes.” I reached out with my index finger, watching as the spirit landed atop it. “How do I create a contract?” 

“You’ll need something called an Anchor. It’s what all contracted spirits require in order to manifest themselves. Spirits use them to store their Mana and return inside them to regenerate once they’ve reached the limit of how long they can sustain their physical forms. Here in Lugunica, we use an item called a glintstone to act as the Anchor.” 

“And how would I go about obtaining one?” The chance to create a bond with one of this world’s lifeforms is far too valuable an opportunity to pass up.

“Well,” Walter hesitated. “They’re quite expensive, but we do have them here.” 

I didn’t say a word. Instead, I just offered him a knowing, slightly obnoxious smirk.

“Sigh. You are the Young Lord’s honored guest, I suppose granting you a glintstone as a token of appreciation isn’t out of the question. Besides, I wouldn’t want to be the person getting in the way of the creation of a bond between a spirit and its potential master.” 

It looks like we’re going on a bit of a side-quest before we get to training. 

𑁋

We returned to the main section of Astrea residency, putting the session at the Garden of Lassitude on hold until we officialized my relationship with the spirit—who was currently following behind me as we strolled through the area.

“No! Absolutely not! Get that unsightly thing away from me!” 

Oh, it looks like Felt’s finally awake.

“Lady Felt! It’s important that we make sure the dress is the right fit before the inaugural ceremony!” 

And Reinhard seems to be chasing after her, holding a lavish, bright-yellow dress in his hands for some reason. 

“I don’t care! I’m not going to play dress-up doll for a pervert like you!” 

It looks like they're having fun. That’s good.

“Castor!” He took notice of me while running after her. “Would you mind lending me a hand here? It’ll be problematic if I don’t make sure Felt’s dress is suitable before the ceremony in a few days' time.” 

What does he expect me to do? Lay down a trap for her or something? 

Although, I do happen to have an idea.

“Felt!” I called out to her, cupping my hands around my mouth.

“What?” 

“You should zig-zag so it’s harder for him to catch you!” 

“Oh! Good idea!”

“Wha— Castor!” He looked at me with unparalleled betrayal. 

“Bleh!” I stuck my tongue out at him in return. Think of it as retribution for princess carrying me—pervert, as well as taking my Mana without permission.

“Haha. You seem to have a good relationship with the Young Lord.” Somehow, Walter came to a ridiculous conclusion after observing our brief interaction. 

“Hmph. As if, he’s only on my good-side because he gave me access to the library.” I crossed my arms and huffed.

“Whatever the case, I hope you’ll continue to be on good terms with him. People who actually want to associate with the Young Lord on a meaningful level instead of just wanting to ride his coat-tails, or barrage him with endless empty flattery are hard to come by.” 

“Because he’s strong?” 

“Strong, doesn’t even begin to describe him. I won’t say too much since it’s not my place to speak on his behalf, but what I believe the Young Lord needs more than anything—is a friend who sees him as Reinhard, not just the Sword Saint.” The look on his face right now is quite similar to the one he had when we were talking about his backstory.

This is what I get for saying all that stuff about him and Theresia isn’t it? Sigh, fair enough Sir Walter, fair enough.

“Time shall tell.” For now, I’m just focused on getting this adorable little guy, or girl—I don’t really know if spirits have genders or not, contracted to me.