Kumodesu

Setting aside the matter with my will, I began observing the fifth floor. Everything really had returned to normal, but there was still something I wanted to confirm.

As I moved toward the center of the fifth floor, I encountered a group of very familiar creatures I had fought not too long ago.

I looked at them cautiously, but upon seeing me, the spirits expressed immense joy, rushed over to me, and began to bow.

What is going on?

"Because of your title."

Ah, right.

Because I currently hold the title [Spirit Queen], they show great respect and reverence for me. Even though it's only temporary, I still feel a bit delighted inside.

"Hey, try using [Appraisal] on them."

Why?

"I just thought of a few things. Who knows, maybe they can help."

I wasn't sure what he was scheming again, but since I trusted myself, I went ahead and used [Appraisal].

<>

HP: 10/10

MP: 100/100

SP: 10/10

Oh, since they're newly born, they're only level one and their stats are low, but I was surprised to see their MP is ten times higher than the other two.

If I remember correctly, MP is used for magic skills, but I can't use any right now since I'm still missing a few necessary things.

"I think you shouldn't be using magic for now."

Why not?

Even though I didn't plan on using it right away, I still listened to the reason he gave.

"I used [Insight] to investigate a bit and found that using magic is extremely difficult. When you use it, you have to go through many stages before you can successfully launch a magic attack."

Huh?

What exactly does that mean?

You're not explaining it clearly enough for me to imagine anything.

"To be specific, you first need to be able to sense the natural flow of mana, and that requires the skill [Mana Sensing]. Once you've grasped that flow, you need to alter it depending on the type of magic you want to use, while also utilizing the 'Mana Vein' inside your body to coordinate."

Uh... okay… what?

"Let me finish first!" Will snapped.

I could only fall silent and listen.

"The Mana Vein is an essential component if you want to use magic. People without a Mana Vein basically can't ever use magic. Everyone's initial Mana Vein varies depending on many factors, and the stronger your Mana Vein, the stronger the magic you can cast."

"You can expand your Mana Vein by using magic frequently or through a skill called [Mana Vein]. Once your Mana Vein stabilizes, you'll need another skill called [Mana Manipulation] to coordinate both your Mana Vein and the natural mana flow around you to create something called a <>."

"This <> is considered the foundation of magic. It gathers the surrounding mana, holds it in place, and allows you to imprint your personal signature into it. After that, you just need to use your magic skill to activate it."

"However, for attack magic to deal high damage or for protective magic to have high defense, you must meet two conditions: your magic stat must be high—this directly affects the power of your magic. Additionally, you'll need a skill called [Magic Talent], which increases your magic stat and can amplify the effects of magic by multiple times."

"That's the most basic overview of magic that you need to know if you want to use it."

Waooo...

I didn't know what else to say.

I didn't expect him to study it in such detail.

"That's just the basics. Some advanced spells require multiple <> to be coordinated at once. The higher the tier of magic, the more things you'll need to prepare."

"You already have a few magic skills, but the basic requirements haven't been met yet, which is why I said not to mess with magic for now."

"And the most annoying part about magic is that you need to memorize the <> for each spell. Every magic has a different circle, and the higher the tier, the more complex it becomes. A level-one spell alone has over a thousand characters to memorize."

Nai wa!!

Suddenly, magic doesn't seem that important anymore...

"Don't worry. If your [Memory] and [Insight] skills are high enough, this won't be a problem."

Phew...

Looks like there's still hope for me after all.

"Another reason is that most creatures on the lower floors barely use magic, or if they do, it's very basic. So regular physical combat is still effective."

Yeah, I get it now.

So, in that case, why did you say those spirits could be useful?

"Because I'm still trying to solve the energy supply problem for the Virtual World, and these guys already exist in a semi-spiritual state. I thought maybe we could use them for something."

So, have you figured it out?

"It's not that simple."

Hmph…

In that case, I should try thinking a bit too.

If I remember correctly, when a spirit died in the Virtual World before, it turned into energy to sustain the world. So, in theory, these beings could help. But if we just kill and absorb them, it won't be efficient and would waste time.

I should find a way for them to grow and supply energy at the same time.

"I've got it!"

What, what, what??

"First, you need to form a pact with them."

Eh?

Is that safe? There won't be any side effects?

"As long as the spirit isn't corrupted, it's fine. Besides, what spirit wouldn't want to form a pact with the Spirit Queen? At least, that's what I think."

Alright, let me give it a try.

I walked closer. Their eyes still filled with admiration.

"Um... can you all understand what I'm saying?"

The spirits paused briefly, then all nodded.

"Probably due to the effects of your title."

I took a deep breath and continued: "Would you like to form a pact with me?"

The spirits immediately bounced in excitement, looking at me with hopeful eyes.

Looks like that's a yes.

There were only about fourteen of them, so forming pacts didn't take too long.

<>

<>

<>

<<….>>

Just like that, one by one, until all fourteen were done.

I didn't expect them to already have names. Maybe the system recognized their souls individually.

After the pacts were complete, I suddenly felt something inside me had changed. Though my stats remained the same, I could feel I had grown stronger. It was like something hidden had activated, and I just hadn't adapted to it yet.

I checked my stats again but saw no changes. Still, I wasn't discouraged—the sensation was too clear. It was like I'd powered up significantly and hadn't gotten used to it yet. I believe something else within me has changed.

"Good. Next, have them enter this place. You too."

Will's voice was serious, so I didn't hesitate.

Alright, little spirits, line up and head in.

"Now buy a skill called [Soul Link]. It's pretty cheap."

Another expense, huh...

"Relax, this one's definitely worth it."

Hearing Will say that, I spent another 400 Skill Points to buy [Soul Link].

"Alright, here's the simple version. My plan is: use [Soul Link] to connect them to the Virtual World, then use [Soul Repair] on them. This skill is super effective on spirits—it can help them grow without delay. As they grow, you can draw energy from them and use [Soul Link] to feed it into the Virtual World."

"This is mutually beneficial. Besides, spirits are already mobile energy sources, so just having them inside will supply energy passively. But my method is proactive and quicker."

"You only need to use this method in battle to predict enemy moves. Normally, the Virtual World can sustain itself without you needing to constantly go hunting. Still, occasional hunting is fine too since these spirits are still young and can't provide much energy yet."

I see.

No wonder I'm so brilliant.

"Of course you are."

But still... doesn't this feel like I'm forcing them into labor?

"I said it's mutually beneficial!"

I know, but I can't help feeling a little sorry for them. Maybe the [Spirit Queen] title is making me more emotionally attached.

"Then just explain it to them. If they agree, it's fine."

That makes sense.

I relayed Will's explanation to the spirits, though simplified. After hearing it, they all nodded rapidly, even looking happy.

At that moment, I felt like I'd raised a bunch of children, and now they were repaying me. I almost wanted to cry...

So this is what it feels like to be a mom...

"Snap out of it, you dummy! Stop daydreaming nonsense!"

So what? This guy keeps ruining my moment.

Anyway, since the spirits agreed, I didn't hesitate to proceed.

When I used [Soul Repair] on them, they became excited and made strange sounds, but I knew it was their way of expressing joy. The "nourishment" was helping them grow.

Soon after, energy began flowing in to power the Virtual World.

The effect really was immediate.

I have to hand it to you, Will.

"For now, things are handled, but we'll still need a more comprehensive solution in the future."

I hope you succeed. I'm looking forward to it.

Now that everything inside was stable, I stepped out of the Virtual World, ready to head into the sixth floor and continue my journey.