CH 169

Chapter 169

When Peaceful Times Cease To Exist : To The Swamp, Part 7 — Spirit Guardian Candidate

Translated by KaiesV

Edited by KaiesV

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There was Aerial and Winthia talking. In the previous conversation, Aerial had visited Winthia herself because she was bothered by some of Winthia’s statements.

「Winthia. I would like to ask you about the『Spirit Guardian』mentioned in our earlier conversation.」

「Ahh, you mean that.」

Winthia smiled smugly. But Aerial’s expression was serious.

「A Spirit Guardian is a person who has made a direct contract with a higher spirit like me. In the human world, they sometimes call those Spirit Knights.」

「What happens when you make a contract with a higher Spirit?」

「First of all, you will belong to the attribute of that Spirit, so if I make a contract with you, for example, it will be even easier for me to handle wind magic. Depending on their training, they may also be able to use magic. At the cost of being incompatible with other attributes.」

「The point is, it makes you stronger, right?」

「It depends on your definition of strength, but given your magical skills, you will definitely improve.」

Aerial nodded, as if she was getting the point.

「I see. Then I have a favor to ask.」

「If you want to sign a contract with me, I will decline.」

「Why!?」

Aerial becomes colorful. Winthia looks at her with sad eyes.

「It may happen eventually. But now is not the time. Because you’re not prepared.」

「Prepared? What do you want me to do?」

「That’s it. You shouldn’t have that impetuous feeling.」

When pointed out, Aerial was flabbergasted.

「To be a Spirit Guardian, you must be similar to the Spirit in terms of nature or, you could say, the state of the soul. I am Wind. Therefore, sometimes fiercely, sometimes gently, my mind must always be free to change like the wind. Like the wind, you must always be a person who embraces your surroundings. You have the right qualities and abilities, but you are still immature mentally. You lack determination.」

「Determination!? If I’m determined…」

「No, there’s missing.」

Winthia said it once and for all. Aerial couldn’t argue with her, either, because of the way she said it so clearly.

「Let’s first talk about the cost of becoming a Spirit Guardian. When you become a Spirit Guardian, you first stop growing at the peak of your physical life. In other words, you become immortal.」

「That, does mean…」

「Yes. Either you will disappear for some reason, or you will ascend to a higher existence, or you will die. Until then, we can exist in this world forever without aging. But is that a happy thing for a person?」

「That…」

While living with Alfiris, Aerial learned of Miranda’s immortality and heard about some of her struggles. At that moment, Aerial was inwardly relieved that she was human. And she thought that immortality was never a good thing. Live as a person and die as a person. Aerial thinks that if this is the way humans should be, isn’t it the happiest way?

Winthia continues her story.

「In addition, I have only been born into this world for about 200 years. I have ascended to a higher spirit at an exceptional speed for a fairy. However, I will probably remain this way for another 1,000 years. If you make a contract with me, you must be prepared to live with me for a thousand years.」

「1,000 years…」

「What’s more, there have actually been quite a few of them who have entered into contracts with their higher spirits. But from what I’ve heard, they don’t always have a happy life. No, if anything, they often end up miserable.

Some were fêted, forced to fight unwanted battles, and died in battle. Some lost their parents and siblings, their hometowns were burned in the fires of war, and they committed suicide in despair of a life alone in the world. Others were so outmatched by the power they possessed that they were banished from their native lands. Some are said to have been exiled to their birthplace, and others to have fallen in the fires of war. Those who have been able to fulfill their desired life to the end have rarely been heard of. Is that the kind of life you want?」

「I…」

Aerial was at a loss for words. Winthia is right, she know she’s not ready for this.

「But, I…」

「Aerial, you need a little more time now. I hear that in the East, in Alexandria, there are still Spirit Guardians of the earth living among people today. She must’ve been alive for 200 years. She’s a woman, I believe, and a knight of great renown. It’s not too late to talk to her and use her as a reference. Witches and imams are also those who negotiate directly with higher Spirits, but many of them are born and raised as those who make contracts with spirits. In that sense, your situation may be a little different from them…」

「…It may be too late for that…」

Aerial clenched her fist. Lifeless—— the memory of how Aerial was beaten down by that monster at his mercy comes back to mind. If he attacks again. Or if that man who defeated Phalanx comes. Not very much, but Aerial didn’t have the confidence to defend Alfiris.

Winthia nodded her head, as if she hadn’t heard much about that situation from Euthy.

「What are you in such a hurry for?」

「Actually…」

Aerial told her about the situation. It was about the final moments of Phalanx, the Heroic King who became the enemy. Hearing this story, Winthia’s complexion changed.

「I knew that Phalanx was dead from the lamentations of the Spirits of the Wind… I see, that’s the way it is.」

「Yes. That’s why I want to protect Alfiris at all costs. This time, I don’t want to lose my precious one at any cost.」

「I see, I understand how you feel. But the prairie and Alfiris. If you had to choose between the two, what would you do?」

「Eh!?」

Aerial was speechless. That was the question Aerial had to think about. Of course, the possibility had crossed her mind. Alfiris wouldn’t be able to stay on the prairie forever if she continued her journey. That was what she had said, and even Aerial knew it. And she was Phalanx’s successor, and her mission is to protect this prairie. There are many barbarians on the prairie, and many humans still wander onto the prairie. Lead them and protect the prairie. Aerial thought it was only natural.

But it’s too cozy now. Working with Alfiris on the prairie. This is the most desirable option for Aerial. Will she remain alone on the prairie, or will she leave the prairie with Alfiris? She will no longer be able to postpone her conclusions any longer.

Still, Aerial couldn’t give her an immediate answer. Seeing Aerial’s confusion, Winthia sighed.

「It seems that you were still struggling with it. I had an idea of what to expect from the past… but if you can’t answer this question right away, you’re not going to sign a contract with me yet, are you?」

「Urk…」

「However, it would be shameful to sit idly by and let such a situation happen. I wish I could think of something to do about it…」

At that moment, a fairy flew in in a hurry. It seemed to be in a panic of some sort. And in a language that Aerial didn’t understand, she desperately appealed to Winthia. As she listened to its words, Winthia’s expression became stern.

「Aerial. I’m sorry, but I’m afraid we’re going to have to ask you to leave here right away.」

「What does that mean?」

「A swarm of unseen fiends is approaching here. The fairies have informed us. They will arrive here shortly.」

「What!?」

「There are too many of them to fight. And there are others who approach here. The man who looks like the skeleton you mentioned earlier is in that group.」

Hearing that one word, Aerial turned blue. Lifeless had followed them. There was no longer a moment to spare. Unusually for Aerial, she couldn’t hide her agitation.

「What should we do?」

「First, as I mentioned earlier, you need to leave here and head for the swamps as soon as possible. The swamps are uncharted land. Even that man would be lost if he entered the swamp without any guidance or knowledge. If you do well, you may get away with it. The rest you can only hope for Fairtuse’s wisdom.」

「Okay, Then we’ll get ready to leave right away.」

「Before that…」

Winthia removed the bracelet from her right hand and put it on Aerial. Winthia had worn it on her second arm, but on Aerial it was just a little above the wrist.

「This is?」

「It’s a gift from me. We too will abandon this village in person, but this bracelet will eventually draw us back. We must meet again. And I’m curious about Euthy’s deed.」

“Fufu,” Winthia laughs. Whatever her usual situation, Winthia is very concerned about Euthy.

「Alright. Let’s meet again, Winthia.」

「Yes. Ah, but first, please get Euthy here. I have something to say to her.」

「I’ll inform her.」

And as soon as Aerial left, Winthia meditated. It was as if she was preparing herself for the storm that was about to hit.