Chapter 319 - Sixth Story: A Ghost's Apprenticeship
Before going to the Finis royal capital, there's something to do. First, I must see the Queen off. After finishing the procedures at the village on the Finis side, we go to the temple at the border. The former lord, who turned from wicked to the guardian ghost of the border, also came out to meet us. Now, he's apparently called by the vague name of 'Lord of the Border'.
"Oh, you're back, Honey."
"Mmm. I'm home, Darling."
Suddenly, it's this. Far from being shy of people's eyes, they started flirting while completely ignoring them.
It seems to be a usual thing, and the people around don't mind. Fiona is greeting the priests at the temple. I'll follow suit and decided to carry the souvenirs from the north.
At the temple, there's a priest from Finis who will be the head of the temple, and a bishop from Northern Gram who is the deputy head, and the rest are all young people. There were also priestesses. There are about twenty people in total. Apparently, they've come for training. Since they gathered, we all said our first greetings and introduced the mage who wanted to apprentice himself. The soldiers guarding the temple also came and helped carry the barrels of souvenirs. One priestess came out from a separate building. Two guarding soldiers are with her. I thought she was from some great noble family, but to my surprise, she was an oracle. Apparently, they are placed in rotation for one month each, and it's arranged so that the priests in training can receive oracles at any time. It's completely a place for training. For this many people to gather in the mountains, a certain amount of goods is necessary. Especially food. In addition to grains and alcohol, there are oils and candles used in the temple, and parchment. The villages to the north and south exclusively handle such goods and are apparently busier than before.
We start a bonfire and open two of the barrels we brought. I brought several barrels of seawater with the power-upgraded anti-decay magic, and the remaining barrels had seawater and several cod each. Dinner is a banquet with a hot pot. In the mountains, you probably don't see sea fish except for dried ones, so everyone will surely be happy. The cooking method was taught to Fiona by the Priestess. As an easy method that can be done anytime, you make a soup by putting herbs in seawater, and then you just put in vegetables and chunks of cod. Fiona seems to have a reputation as the one in charge of cooking for banquets in this land. In Nakanohara, she's being taught cooking by Angelica-san, so she should be able to make something delicious. People who were at the inn also gathered. They are people who came for trade from the villages to the north and south. Since there were several people I recognized, I was greeting them when Fiona called me. The preparation for the pot was ready. Somehow, the scent of the tide is wafting.
"Priest Jeanne. It's been a while. My wife was in your care. I hear it went well."
It's the Lord of the Border. How long are you going to keep us waiting?
Here, it's the old style, and it seems they've decided to eat dinner around a bonfire together on clear days, like a banquet. There are circles around several bonfires. The two ghosts of the lords always have a fixed place to sit, and they sit on large, flat stones embedded in the ground with cloth spread over them. The people who gather around differ by day, but this time we were called.
The two ghosts also know that we are going to the Wyvern island. The Lord of the Border, being a former warrior of Finis, has apparently seen Wyverns.
"Maybe because they fly in the sky, they were thinner and smaller compared to other dragons."
He had also seen Water Dragons and Fire Dragons. The Water Dragon is, of course, the same as the one we know and was already a local guardian deity.
"The Water Dragon has a long neck and flippers instead of legs, right? So, there are even those who say it's not a dragon. Wyverns are the same. Because they're small. The one closest to the dragon we humans draw in pictures was the Fire Dragon."
"Where did you see the Fire Dragon?"
"The northern volcano. Much further north than the lake where the Water Dragon is."
It must be the active volcano that Alex said still blows smoke today. He apparently only saw it after climbing to near the crater.
"Dragons, as you know, hate humans. However, if humans don't offend them, they actually don't do anything."
"What kind of things should we be careful about?"
"You just have to show that you have no ill intent. If you regularly carry carcasses of magic beasts to the same place along with barrels of alcohol, they'll eventually come to eat and drink. A place like that set up with an altar is called a Dragon's Altar, and if you're the one carrying bait to that Dragon's Altar, you won't be attacked even if you're right next to them while they're eating."
Apparently, you can even have a banquet if you're so inclined.
"However, as you know, dragons are long-lived. And they're persistent. If there's even one person who tries to kill a dragon, even if they escape from that place, the dragon will find and surely kill them."
For example, if they flee back to their village, the dragon will come to the village for revenge. Witnesses will naturally appear, and in some cases, there will be collateral damage. Humans raise a subjugation force. A battle ensues. It seems dragons from different places don't cooperate with each other, and it ends in a battle between an individual or a pack and a village... or in some cases, a country, but it's a fight to the death until one side is annihilated.
Dragons apparently don't make preemptive attacks. In other words, they don't attack unless humans strike first. However, humans struck first. And dragons came to hate humans.
"The descendants of those who have lived on this island since ancient times like us are called ancient people, right? Those ancient people revered dragons as gods and did them no harm. They avoided unnecessary conflict. However, those who came from the continent didn't know that. Even if they didn't know, it doesn't matter to the dragons. Whether they are ancient people or newcomers, they are the same humans. As a result, they became existences that harm humans."
In the end, it means humans are to blame, doesn't it?
"In many cases on the continent, dragons seem to have been treated as existences that only harm humans, so to speak, like the Demon Lord. The origin is unknown. There are also legends that dragons possess treasure, and in fact, those who subjugated dragons are said to have brought back treasure."
It's Eleanor-sama. Even we, who are saying this, defeated a Lindwurm and brought back many magic stones. Strictly speaking, a Lindwurm is a monster and not a dragon. That's why [Holy] worked. However, hearing this story now, it becomes a lingering doubt in the depths of my heart.
"Since they are completely different creatures, it is extremely difficult to understand each other. Therefore, if living spheres overlap, interests will also clash. As a result, they fight to protect their own lives and livelihoods. If you think about it, it's the same as a battle between people."
The Lord of the Border said, and the Queen of the border nodded.
"Humans kill various creatures to live. They must do so to survive. What's important is to always respect life, be grateful, and not cause unnecessary conflict. The reason we two were joined is because both of us possessed such a way of thinking."
For the long period of four thousand years, the villages to the north and south of the border achieved coexistence and co-prosperity. Those living now should probably follow their example.
Now, after eating, sleeping, and waking up, it's the middle of the night. It's ghost time. After recovering sufficiently, the examination of whether the apprentice-aspirant can become an apprentice and those currently training began. It seems they do it every weekend. This time is special because it's a walk-in. Due to the consideration of the two, the priests and bishops currently training were also able to participate later. What do they do? In short, it's something like the duel I did. However, if the opponent is a ghost, it changes a bit. They apparently have to increase something called spiritual power. The apprentice-aspirant is receiving an explanation from the lord.
"What are you going to do?"
I ask the Queen.
"Hehe. You'll know if you watch."
In the square in front of the temple, while a circle is formed by everyone surrounding them, the Lord of the Border and the apprentice-aspirant are standing facing each other at a distance. The distance between them is about five steps.
"Now, come!"
The lord spreads both hands wide like a bear and raises pale blue flames. It's not as big as when he fought me, but it's still sufficiently large. In contrast, the body of the thin apprentice-aspirant is occasionally glowing because he's fired up, but no flames are coming out. The difference in physique is obvious.
For some reason, the lord's flames became smaller once. It looks like his body is just glowing in places.
"Begin!"
With the Queen's signal, the challenger ran and went straight at him.
"Uoooo!"
He brandished his right fist and struck from the front! Now, what will happen?
Whoosh, far from missing, he passed through. He continued forward, "Whoa, whoa," and stumbled. "What's this? You immature brat! How can you even say you want to apprentice under me with that!" The lord, who turned around, thrust out his right hand, and pale blue flames burst from his fingertips, pushing the back of the challenger who was desperately trying to balance himself so he wouldn't fall. He fell flat on his stomach.
"Do your best! If it's you who stayed in this world thinking of your country, you can surely do it!"
The Queen calls out.
"Tch! Not yet!"
"Alright! Come!"
They face each other again.
Um, the people involved are getting excited, but I don't know what they're doing. It's as if a human is striking a ghost. Not just me, but everyone who is alive is tilting their heads. I called Fiona and asked.
"What's important is to become able to touch a ghost as a ghost. Just as humans can't touch ghosts, ghosts themselves actually can't touch each other if one side is conscious of not being touched. But that pale blue flame the Excellency usually wears, he's suppressing the output now so it only looks like he's glowing in places, but if you can wear that, you'll be able to touch the opponent even if they are conscious of it."
As she said this, she took a deep breath and released pale blue flames from her body. It's apparently called spiritual pressure. "The larger this flame is, the stronger the spiritual power, so it's that much easier to learn techniques."
Come to think of it, that's right. I've never shaken hands with the lords of the north. None of them wore pale blue flames. Being able to glow is also a similar thing, and beginners who can't do such things can't even touch other ghosts unless the opponent is willing. The former lords were doing wrestling without breaking the furnishings at all. Actually, they might have quite a bit of spiritual pressure. "Evil spirits are those whose rational constraints have come off and they can no longer control themselves. But that's not really the case."
Certainly, the pseudo-evil spirit I fought in the rehearsal was able to control it. I thought pale blue flames were evidence of an evil spirit, but it seems I was jumping to conclusions. I have to have Mary teach me properly next time.
Since he misses no matter how many times he tries, the crowd gradually started sending cheers to the challenger. Having come this far, the challenger can't easily back down either.
"It's a break. Fiona, teach him the knack."
Whether she was judging the timing, the Queen proposed a break. Even if he fell many times, he's a ghost. It's not like he's injured. The lord patted the shoulder of the challenger, who was breathing heavily, and walked leisurely toward the alcohol barrels.
The challenger, who was stunned, looked at his own shoulder that had been patted and muttered, "Damn it!"
While ignoring the two lords flirting, I was holding a bowl with alcohol, and he's gulping it down with both hands. Henry-sama and the others also approached.
"Fiona can do it, can't she?"
"Yes. I became able to do it after I learned magic."
"Then, there must be a common point. Learning magic was likely the trigger."
It's a strategy meeting centered on Eleanor, the strategist. At this rate, it won't be settled. When I glanced at the two flirting, they both winked at me.
"How does Fiona do it?"
Eleanor-sama says it's an image. We decided to have them watch Fiona actually do it.
"First, take a deep breath and steady your breathing. Once you've calmed down, take a deep breath and hold it for a moment, storing it around your lower abdomen. Try to release that stored breath as if you're emitting pale blue flames from your entire body."
She shows him by doing exactly as she said. Flames rose with a whoosh.
"Like this."
"Alright," the challenger nodded and tried it.
He repeats deep breaths, imitating Fiona. He inhales deeply and holds his breath.
A nasty sound echoed. Where are you putting your strength? What I understood is that ghosts also smell.
"S-Sorry."
We temporarily evacuated from the challenger, who was blushing and looking down.
"What? Is it over already?"
The lord calls out, but I told him to wait a bit.
Since Eleanor-sama blew away the source of the smell with wind magic, we gathered again.
"As you know, magic is concentration. First, let's try to gather it in your palm... no, your fingertip."
Eleanor-sama attached a flame like a candle to the tip of her extended index finger. He's told to try it, so I released a Firefly after narrowing the output to the limit... I released it!
This is bad! [Light] is harmful to ghosts. I hurriedly cancel it.
"Fiona, sorry. Were you okay?"
"Hehe. I was putting out flames just in case. So, I was okay."
"I see, that's good. I'll be more careful from now on."
Fiona was okay thanks to the flames. That means...
Fearfully, when I look at the challenger, he's covering his eyes with his left hand and pointing his right hand this way.
"Um. Are you okay? I've already canceled it."
He opened his eyes slowly. He's blinking while looking around.
"Phew, I thought I'd go blind."
"I'm truly sorry. I'll be careful from now on."
While I was apologizing profusely, Eleanor-sama said, "Did you see?"
"Hmm. For a moment, it looked like the right hand he held up was covered in flames."
Henry-sama says he might have done it.
"You were taking deep breaths while watching my magic, weren't you? Did the image and the momentary output coincide due to the sudden accident?"
It's complicated to be called an accident, but it can't be helped. After winking at Fiona, I pointed my index finger at the challenger!
"La, la-la-la-la-ah!"
I disguise it so magic doesn't activate. A pale blue flame certainly appeared for a moment from the palm the challenger held out!
"No mistake. You! You did it!"
"Yes, yes! I certainly saw it. Like pale blue flames covering your palm!"
"You did your best. It's wonderful."
"I saw it too."
The person himself is blinking and looking at us.
"At the moment you strike him, remember Jeanne's fingertip. You can surely do it!"
Once it's like this, the rest is fast. When he actually threw a punch at the right hand Henry-sama held up, he could do it for a moment. A snapping sound was heard. Everyone raised a shout.
"Since it hits, there must be some kind of pain or irritation. If you're going to do it, you should aim for the most effective spot."
Um? Eleanor-sama? The purpose is different.
He successfully activated the flames and was able to punch the jaw.
"Ho! You're good."
While lightly stroking his jaw, the lord laughs.
Eleanor-sama, you can't. Don't click your tongue.
The apprentice-aspirant exam ended safely, and he officially came to live at the border. He was introduced to everyone again and welcomed with applause. His position is apparently an apprentice butler. By the way, Fiona is apparently the head maid. It's strange to be the head with only one person, but they might be planning to gather more.
Next, it's the Holy Magic users versus the ghosts. Usually, it's illusions versus [Holy], but tonight is different. Unexpectedly, the second match was realized quickly... or so I thought, but it was declared over at the point where I held up the maximum [Light] and all the participants chanted [Holy] until they fell.
"Of course. If you've been strengthened with [Holy], it's decided that Jeanne will win."
"Hmm. Last time, we gave our all and were equal to Jeanne at mid-level. Since you used high-level from the start, we can't hold out."
That means...
"That's right. Please do it without strengthening."
It's Eleanor-sama. It seems she has defected to the side of the lord and the Queen.
"Then I'm sure to lose."
"Of course. What are you going to do by winning?"
"Eh?"
In short, the purpose seems to be to push me to the limit. In other words... as expected, I fainted.
The next morning, all the Holy Magic users who had fainted received oracles all at once. I also tried receiving one with them. Of course, since I'm not from Finis or Northern Gram, I was charged a fee. Moreover, I was charged three times the price for the remote area. About two people were happy to learn basic magic. Unfortunately, I was empty-handed. Well, it doesn't go that easily, does it?