Chapter 30

Spirits.

Long ago… Or not that long ago, actually.

It hasn’t even been a few thousand years yet.

Anyway, back then, the spirits who were once dragons wandered around the world like innocent children, forgetting all about themselves.

If there was someone ruling over these spirits, it would be the seven ancient dragon progenitors—but let’s skip over that for now.

After the dragons transformed into spirits, their influence gave rise to even smaller and more numerous spirits being born anew.

In other words… the spirits who were once dragons became higher spirits, while the newly born ones became mid or lower-level spirits.

Anyway, borrowing the power of such spirits wasn’t difficult.

Contract with a spirit, supply them with magical power to manifest them in physical form. Simple if you think it is, but complicated if you don’t.

You have to consider compatibility with the spirit and your own affinity for magic, but elves should be capable of doing it.

Lizardmen, on the other hand, have very low magical aptitude, so they can only create spells to borrow the spirits’ powers—but hey, that’s got its own charm, right? No big deal.

Ahem. Got sidetracked there. Let’s get back on track.

Elves, who can converse with spirits, have high magical aptitude, so they could easily manifest the spirits.

“Form contracts with the spirits and offer them magical power to bring them forth. Then, they will heed your requests.”

With a flick of my hand, various spirits began dancing in the air.

Air spirits gracefully drawing circles as they danced. Fire spirits wildly twirling with neatly aligned flames. Water spirits dancing smoothly like flowing streams. And earth spirits expressing faint emotions through their still movements.

The ballroom created by the four elemental spirits exuded an ethereal atmosphere.

“It’s beautiful…”

“Show this beauty to Yggdrasil and soothe it.”

“Can’t you do it yourself?”

At the elf’s question, I shook my head. What, trying to get something for free?

“Mistakes made by you must be corrected by you. I’m just showing you the way.”

As I waved my hand again, the spirits formed a large circle by holding hands. The sight of spirits of all elements gathered together harmoniously might make one ponder.

If you don’t understand the significance of this display of unity, then maybe I’ll have to crack some heads open myself.

“I understand. Teach us the method.”

Thankfully, it seems I won’t need to intervene directly.

I taught the elves how to form contracts with the spirits.

“Spirits are innocent but also cunning and capricious. To handle them easily, you must form contracts.”

Of course, dragons like me don’t bother with that nonsense.

We’re superior in both strength and position.

“Talk thoroughly with the spirits who approach you and form a contract where you provide magical power in exchange for their strength. If done correctly, they’ll move at your command like your own limbs.”

There’s no need for written contracts. Spirit contracts are inscribed within the spirit itself.

Of course, if an elf mistreats a spirit harshly, the contract will become void immediately—but surely no one would mistreat a spirit they treat as their own limb, right? They aren’t idiots.

“Excuse me… How do we use magical power?”

Hmm? Oh yeah, that. Magical power. Forgot about that since dragons instinctively use it without teaching others.

And considering these guys haven’t handled magic before…

“Magical power is the force that flows through this world and resides within every existence.”

It exists in the babbling brooks, the solid rocks, the cool breezes—and within your own bodies too.

“Close your eyes and focus on the magical power flowing within you. Feel it entering with your inhale and leaving with your exhale. Notice how it accumulates slightly within your body during this process.”

Since there’s no advanced technique like internal martial arts yet, all you can do is gather the magic that comes in and out with your breath.

Still, given the elves’ long lifespans, I expect they can perceive the magical power after accumulating enough.

As I expected, the elves started to gradually sense the magical power residing within them.

Good thing it went smoothly. If they couldn’t feel it, I’d have had to increase the local magical density to help them notice it.

Though that process might’ve been uncomfortable—like a land-dweller drowning underwater. High magical concentration can be dangerous, but it’s manageable.

Anyway, the elves began to sense the magical power within them.

But sensing it and controlling it are two different things.

“Many spirits will approach you. Try speaking to the largest and strongest one you perceive.”

Spirits generally follow a strict hierarchy. Contracting with the strongest spirit means all lesser spirits will automatically follow.

Thus, the elves began forming contracts with the spirits approaching them.

Some contracted with one spirit, others with two. The most talented managed to contract with three.

Impressive? Not sure. I can command spirits with a mere gesture, after all.

Considering I treated the spirit king-like beings almost like my own children, why wouldn’t they listen to me?

Even the fiery flame spirits, wind and water sprinklers, and earth and tree sprouting spirits obey.

Come to think of it, I don’t see the light and darkness spirits. Hmm…

They’re a bit picky, huh? Especially Darkness, whose parent Erebus has gone into hiding.

That ungrateful brat… Just wait till I catch him. I’ll teach him a lesson!

“Everyone seems ready with their spirits. Let’s try soothing Yggdrasil.”

At my words, the elves began moving their spirits.

– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –

“This is known as the beginning of the Great Spirit Festival of the elves.”

“The Great Spirit Festival?”

“Yes. The Great Spirit Festival.”

At the elf’s explanation, the hero—a man—looked out the translucent window.

The streets filled with a spirit ballroom, creating a surreal landscape where only spirits seemed to exist.

Previously, the festival of white flowers in the lizardmen village was beautiful, but this scene before his eyes held a different kind of beauty.

“After showcasing such a magnificent dance of spirits, the World Tree softened its heart and resumed caring for the elves. As gratitude for the beautiful festival, the World Tree gifted them a branch. That branch became the treasure and symbol of the elven royal family—the Branch of Harmony.”

The Branch of Harmony. A branch of the World Tree adorned with gems containing the essence of spirits.

A symbol of the elves and a treasure for spirit mages that amplifies spirit power.

They had come beneath the World Tree to borrow the power of this staff.

“And according to legend… It was a Dragon Priestess, much like you, who taught the elves this spirit magic.”

“Much like me?”

“Yes. Much like you.”

At the elf’s words, the silver-haired girl with dragon horns tilted her head slightly.

– From the adventure records of a certain hero party.

– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –

Thus, the internal conflict among the elves was resolved.

The elves held a spirit ball to avoid upsetting Yggdrasil, creating a harmonious scene, and Yggdrasil, deeply moved, gifted them one of its branches.

I also presented them with a gemstone that enhances spirit power as a gift. Hmm. They shouldn’t fight like before anymore.

While I might miss the haughty high elves a bit, their conflicts would sadden Yggdrasil, so…

Let me restrain myself here.

Leaving Yggdrasil, I set off to find another group of humans.

– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –

Perhaps, I had underestimated humans.

The potential of humans might be far greater and more immense than what someone like me can imagine.

Otherwise…

How could there exist humans who build families with bipedal dogs or cats?!

And they even have kids!!! Humans with animal ears! These furries!!!

No, look at that cat’s daughter over there! She looks just like her mom! Such a suspicious furry! So fluffy!!!

How did it come to this… Perhaps the age of humanity is nearing its end…