“Nereids… huh.”

Responding to Kuuza’s remark, Sylvie murmured. Sofia showed interest. As for me, I pulled information about Nereids from my memory.

Nereids—on this Continent, there exist Spirits other than the Four Great Elements, and there are also Spirit Gods who can be considered the highest rank… Spirits that govern attributes, like Undines and Sylphs, are said to possess high-class power and can contract with Humans to fight alongside them.

Spirits that do not possess such elemental powers are the lower spirits, including Nereids—”lower” is merely a term used by Humans for distinction, so spirits would probably feel like saying, “Don’t discriminate.”

Anyway, such lower spirits exist—according to some setting documents, there should be more of these spirits, but since I didn’t interact with them much in the game, I didn’t pay much attention to them either.

Is there a meaning in getting involved with such spirits here… While I was thinking, Sofia spoke.

“If they are threatening the spirits’ dwelling, we must deal with it.”

—Spirits fundamentally live in a way that doesn’t involve Humans much, but Humans live under their considerable influence. It varies from good things like bountiful harvests and good catches to bad things like natural disasters… but it is undoubtedly indispensable to human activities on this Continent.

“Let’s defeat the monsters in the Cave. When do we depart?”

“You can match it with your Capital City plans. When did you arrive in this Town?”

“Today.”

“Then shall we take about a day off?”

“No, we’re fine… Lord Ruon and Sylvie?”

“I’m fine.”

“I’m okay too.”

“Then it’s settled.”

Kuuza said, then turned his back to us.

“I’ll be waiting at the Town East Entrance tomorrow morning!”

He left after saying that… Immediately after, Sylvie shrugged her shoulders.

“You haven’t changed. Well, I’m glad you’re doing well.”

“I see… By the way, you two, of course, there won’t be enough time for the military Vessel, but…”

“Since the Spirits’ dwelling is in danger, we should head there immediately.”

This was Sofia’s comment. She seemed very enthusiastic, so I decided not to say anything more.

—That night.

Tomorrow, I’ll be going to the Cave on the Coastline with Kuuza… but I also need to find out the whereabouts of the Water King Azua. I had decided with Lefin and the others to discuss that when we arrived in Town that night.

The location was the Port in Town. Since it was late at night, there was no sign of people. Only the sound of waves echoed around.

“Sorry to keep you waiting.”

Lefin’s voice. I turned my head and saw her and Amaria.

“What did you tell Sofia and the others?”

“That we were going to check on the sea. To see if there were any Monsters there.”

“I see… So, what’s the actual situation?”

“As Lord Kuuza said during the day, since the quality of the Monsters has increased, there’s quite a presence from the sea. However, it doesn’t seem like something that would attack this Town.”

For the time being, I had gathered Information about the area around Town after parting ways with Kuuza. I also asked fishermen, but they said nothing particularly unusual had happened.

“It’s possible that the enemy is also gradually preparing something for the Southern Invasion.”

“I can’t deny that. However, at present, there doesn’t seem to be anything tangible.”

Does this mean the Southern Invasion is still far off? —No, two of the Five Great Demons have already been destroyed. It’s entirely possible that the Demon King has taken such a situation seriously and is preparing for further invasions.

“But for now, it’s safe… and Amaria. Please do it.”

“Okay.”

After Amaria replied to my words, she approached the sea. Then, she spread both hands to her sides—and from her fingertips, she created water.

It eventually took shape, and numerous Familiars, about the size of toy dolls and modeled after her, appeared.

“I will release my duplicates into the sea to search for Lord Azua’s dwelling.”

Amaria, who had spoken, turned her head towards me.

“As a Spirit, even my duplicates can find his location… Even underwater, I can sense the Magic Power emitted through the seawater.”

“How long do you think it will take?”

“If it’s nearby, I think we’ll have results by tomorrow. Can we agree to gather here every day like today until it’s found?”

“That’s fine.”

With this, the task was complete… Just as I was about to return, Lefin spoke.

“Lord Ruon, about Lord Kuuza.”

“Yes.”

“I understand that we’ll be fighting together this time, but what will you do afterward?”

…This is probably about whether or not to make him a companion. Since I’m playing a supporting role, if he joins, we’ll have two in the front and two in the back. It’s true that I want a magic-user type companion for balance, so making him a companion might be an option.

However, it was an unexpected encounter, so honestly, my thoughts aren’t organized. I might as well use this opportunity to fight together and judge if he possesses strength true to the ‘Three Powers’.

“I’m still thinking about that. I also need to consult with Sofia and Sylvie.”

“That’s true. We’ll leave that matter to Lord Ruon and the others.”

“Understood.”

The discussion ended. I decided to return to the inn.

The next day, we went to the east of Town as Kuuza had designated. He was already waiting there. He saw us and a small smile appeared on his lips.

“Alright, let’s go.”

He carried his staff on his shoulder and started walking. His majestic demeanor gave the impression of a seasoned Warrior. Sylvie went to his side and started a conversation. Sofia and I walked behind them.

However, to think that I’d get involved with the “Three Powers” in the town I visited to obtain a Battle Vessel and have to stick my neck out for the Spirits… As I thought about this, a sudden realization struck me.

Speaking of which, there are Spirits in the place we’re going to now, aren’t there—

“Sofia.”

“Yes?”

“Can you call Lefin?”

“Did you call me?”

Lefin appeared. Here’s a question.

“There are Spirits in various places on the Continent… Do these Spirits possess the ability to fight against the Demon Race?”

“They are inferior compared to us, who can form contracts with humans, but they should have the ability to cope. The Nereids this time probably do too.”

“Can we form some kind of cooperative relationship with such Spirits?”

“It should be possible. Rather, we should discuss it through Amaria.”

Borrowing various Spirit Powers… This battle seems like one of those opportunities. However, since they aren’t beings we can simply contract with, we’ll need to consider how they can cooperate.

“However, it’s puzzling.”

Here, Sofia spoke up.

“At the information gathering stage yesterday, it’s strange that the monsters showed no visible activity other than in the Coastal Cave. Normally, they should have attacked the town.”

“Perhaps they’re not targeting us because they’re focusing on the Spirits instead.”

As if he had been listening to our conversation, Kuuza began to speak.

“Perhaps their aim is to suppress the actions of the Spirits.”

“I think it looks more like an action to seize control of the Southern Region’s sea.”

Following Kuuza, Sylvie spoke.

“What’s certain is that the Southern Region has little influence from monsters and the Demon Race. However, they’ve been taking various actions without us realizing it.”

“That might be true. And in doing so, they’re targeting the Spirits.”

“Sea Spirits, of course, should be keenly aware of what’s happening underwater.”

Here, I spoke up.

“They might consider such abilities troublesome and be interfering with the Spirits.”

“If that’s the case, we need to stop them immediately.”

Sylvie and Kuuza nodded at Sofia’s words. I also showed my agreement—and eventually, we arrived at the Destination Cave.