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Chapter 326: That’s How the Ability Goes

「Aren’t you getting ahead of yourself trying to learn the steps for slaying a two-horned monitor lizard solo? 」

And so, I began studying fire, wind and earth magic first, thanks to Retze’s sound advice. The gap between fighting against the commonly seen horned rabbit and a bicorn was around three levels.

We started with the magic circle.

「…So, this part here selects the spirits to be summoned, then this part is to ensure that they will not physically or mentally harm the caster, and here, this part binds them so that they once they approach, they won’t be able to escape until the work is done, and this part here… 」
First, the magic circle is activated with a spell, then the caster proceeds from there once the spirit is successfully immobilized. For magic circles that choose spirits, the next step would be incantation —

In order to activate the spell and the magic circle, the incantation can be like a passphrase where any word can be used, or it can be a string of specific command words for instructing the spirits. There’s also a minor rule that for passphrases, the chosen words should pique the spirit’s interest.

「Are they keeping the spirits on a tight leash so they won’t do anything unnecessary…? 」
It felt odd, given that the spirits listen to me like a normal person when I request them to do stuff for me.

「Their sense of values differ from us, and it also depends on the individual spirits. There are some who get angry that they were summoned, some are mischievous, and some love to manipulate the results according to their whims. They’re a capricious bunch. That’s why we have to make sure they promise these two: 『Do not harm the caster in anway』, 『Do not touch the last remaining mana』, at the very least. 」

「I see? 」

So Glasses brought a few pieces of talisman because he prepared magic circles suited for the magic he intended to use, huh.

Having magic circles can be a fail-proof guarantee, plus you only consume the least amount of mana needed, compared to directing them completely by incantations.

Well, I was also blinded terribly back when I first used 『Light』. Besides, back when I went to the forest to practice, I also noticed that the power of my attacks was considerably different from when I used magic in the mountain house. But now, the difference was no longer noticeable
no matter where or how I used magic.

When I went to the cold forest to get my hands on X-Stick, I remember asking Dan-chan from the fireplace to stay in my clothes. I had to half force him to warm me up. Compared to then, he was far more willing to listen whenever I asked favors.

「By the way, why do the spirits generally agree with my wishes without any restrictions? 」
I turned to Retze. Hauron implored that I not call it magic.

All eyes turned towards Retze.

「…You, why do you think I didn’t mention it earlier, huh? 」
Retze pinched my cheek with half-lidded eyes.

Ahh, maybe it’s related to one of my secrets that’s not yet been revealed…I’m really sorry for not realizing. Please, I beg you, have mercy on my poor cheek that’s been stretched more than usual.

「So you still have secrets, hm?… Fine, spit it all out. I’ll make an oath never to reveal it.
Hauron desperately said.

Noth immediately placed a contract in front of Hauron.

「You’re prepared, huh… 」
「I’ve been carrying a few sheets with me nowadays. 」
He then handed the bottle of ink and a quill for signing.

Hauron looked as if he was about to sigh tiredly as he signed. Ludere suddenly appeared.

「… And we also have such occurrences. 」
Butler was staring afar.

「No way this happens!! 」
「No way!! 」
Hauron and Dinosso.

「…Who is it? A new one? 」
Retze asked while clutching his head.

「Ludere. Is it because he governs Earth, Silence and Magic? He usually stalks — I mean watches over my Riche. Hauron, are you a Changeling? 」
Ludere only ever appeared when we’re contracting a Changeling, so why?

「Nope, I’m not. But I did borrow a lot of power from Earth Spirits, so maybe that’s why — but, no, no matter how we think about it, there’s no way he’d appear because of me!! 」

Hauron looked like a burly, tough old man, but I could totally see Soleil in him from time to time. As for why, well, they both would answer me properly despite being on the verge of tears from all the confusion.

「Noth!! 」
「I did foresee this happening somehow. With this, the written oath is further strengthened, so I believe that it is for the best. 」
Butler replied to shrieking Dinosso. Oh, so this must be within his purview.

「So? Why are my wishes not distorted? 」
「You… Aren’t you too immersed in your own pace? 」
When I asked Retze again, he replied with something else.

「I’m already used to the confusion and chaos. 」
「It’s good that you’re used to it, but do something about it, will you? 」
Retze sighed.

「It’s just my theory, so I’m not sure if this counts as true. Isn’t it thanks to X-Stick that the word spread among spirits that you’re naming them for their sake, and they favor you. The King’s Bough is supposed to mediate between humans and spirits, and on top of that, the favors you ask also contribute to that? 」

「Ahh! How nice! 」
Right, his fundamental ability is to draw spirits and make them work according to the moral values of humans, letting everyone live happily ever after — that’s the kind of stick he was.

「Did you just totally misunderstand what I said in that head of yours again…? 」
「No, I totally got what you explained, you know? 」
No problem at all.

「Hey, wait, wait a sec, why does it feel like I got two more mind-blowing info just now!? 」

Hauron was absolutely boggled!