After everyone had received their tea, I handed over the Letter of Introduction. By the way, the letter included a message from Anastasia saying, “Give them the same level of information as you would me.”

“Come to think of it, I haven’t properly explained things to Yusuka and Katora.”

“About what?”

“About the truth behind this war.”

“I kind of have an idea.”

Katora stated.

“After hearing from Yusuka… a person named Nefmeiza is involved with an organization called ‘Jet Black Sword.’ That person is apparently highly regarded as a good person by the public, but…”

“Well, that’s how it is.”

The two of them will also play important roles in the future. I should talk about everything, including myself.

However, I think it’s better to keep Katora being an Emperor Candidate a secret for now, as it might put pressure on her… Is that being overprotective?

For now, putting aside the Emperor Candidate matter, I talked about myself and Nefmeiza. That took about an hour… After that, Shasta fell silent to process the information… and eventually,

“I understand the situation. However, you’ve come up with quite an interesting idea.”

“Is that so?”

“As Anastasia also said, perhaps it’s an idea that only humans living on the Continent of Spirits could conceive… Well, fine. So, you want advice on that, and furthermore, you want my cooperation.”

That’s how it is.

Hmm, I am a Dragon Spirit Leader, but this method is new to me. However, it’s not entirely unrealistic, is it? It seems worth trying and is quite interesting. I will definitely cooperate.

Good, we reached an agreement smoothly.

What method are you considering?

When making a contract with Spirits, the Spirit Faction usually adjusts to the contractor’s Magic Power, right? We, as Dragon Spirits, cannot do that. However, we can work together to boost power.

By the way…

Richard asked a question here.

What do you think about this battle?

I personally had no intention of interfering fundamentally. But if they came to this mountain, that would be a different story.

Dragon Spirits have never been deeply involved in the Story. They were merely one component in creating the Story.

I said, following Shasta.

I think one reason is that the Dragon Spirits themselves didn’t actively try to get involved, but perhaps Nefmeiza also didn’t want to touch on it too much.

That’s highly probable. Famous Dragon Spirits possess considerable power. He probably prefers to leave them alone rather than fight them.

Shasta, who said that, placed a hand over his mouth.

Besides, Dragon Spirits have various weaknesses. I can infer that Nefmeiza knows this, and probably has some counter-strategies. It’s definitely better to cooperate.

Here, Shasta asked a clarifying question.

Assuming we cooperate… are those two the candidates?

He looked at Yusuka and Katora. I nodded honestly.

That’s how it is.

Understood.

After his reply, Shasta stood up.

Well then, let’s go outside immediately.

Outside, Shasta began to speak with his arms crossed.

Lord Ruon, even if we are borrowing Dragon Spirit Power, there are several ways to do it. If you’re imagining a Spirit Contract, you might be picturing me entering one of their bodies, but there are other methods as well.

For example?

Another way is for me to share my own Magic Power with them. However, once it’s used up, that’s it, so caution is needed.

I will keep that method in mind as well.

Indeed. And to be frank, I believe she has higher aptitude.

Katora, huh? Considering she’s an Emperor Candidate, that might be natural.

However, since this is also a new method for me, I need to verify it. It will also put a strain on her body. To master it perfectly will require time.

Here, Shasta turned to me.

I’ll try if it’s possible here. Ruon, can you help me?

Yes.

After replying, I faced Katora. While I watched intently to see what he would do, Shasta moved behind Katora.

First, the power to overlay.

Immediately after those words, Magic Power emanated from Shasta’s body. As Katora turned to see what was happening, Shasta’s figure vanished.

He disappeared along with his clothes, and the next moment, Katora’s body twitched.

Magic Fusion, is it?

Sofia said—but I shook my head.

It’s not a Spirit Contract. It’s probably more like entering Katora’s body and pseudo-combining powers.

That’s right.

I can hear Shasta’s voice. It seems we can converse.

“Hmm, if I can align my magic power well, I can move Katora’s body… It seems there’s some compatibility involved, but ours appears to be good.”

“Then, let’s start right away.”

I draw my sword. Katora also draws her sword and enters a battle stance.

When we fought before, Katora felt like an ordinary warrior. I wonder how much that will change with this Dragon Spirit Synchronization.

“Alright, Katora. Move.”

“Yes, yes.”

With a hesitant voice, Katora starts to move. She cautiously points her sword at me, and I meet it head-on.

The greatest benefit of this collaboration will undoubtedly be physical ability. Shasta adding magic power to boost Katora’s physical strength–that prediction was perfectly accurate.

The moment their blades clashed, Magic Power gathered in her arms. A considerable output. I also put in effort to resist it.

As a result, both sides struggled. Their blades intertwined, making a grating sound.

“Hmm, you can withstand this. As stated in the Letter of Introduction, your power is of a Book-level, isn’t it?”

Shasta’s voice– and at the same time, more power was added. I resisted it. It was a clash of blades, and no conclusion was reached.

What to do then…? In such cases, it’s good to intentionally retreat, but before I could think, Katora reached her limit first. After making a pained expression, she retreated backward once.

Pursuing her would have been one option, but I decided to wait. Then, Katora raised her sword again.

Magic Power at the tip of her sword. Could it be that she’s trying to create a Shockwave and attack?

“Oh.”

Richard’s voice was heard from behind… At the same time, I braced my sword to receive the attack head-on–

I had a bad feeling. A huge premonition I rarely felt even in battle.

I instinctively stepped forward. I also gathered Magic Power at the tip of my sword, preparing to neutralize the incoming Shockwave.

In an instant, it happened. Katora’s sword struck the ground with force. A “Zuuahh” sound of Magic Power occurred, and she couldn’t fully control the power of her sword.

As a result– the white Shockwave spread as it headed towards me, almost engulfing my companions nearby.

“Damn it!”

Against the approaching Shockwave, I swung my sword. A Shockwave was generated from the tip of my sword to counter it, colliding head-on.

If my power significantly surpassed the one Katora created, she would take damage. However, if it was too weak, my companions would… It was a difficult situation, but I succeeded.

The Shockwaves collided, and their Magic Power quickly dissipated… As a result, we got through it without anyone getting hurt.

“…I’m sorry.”

Suddenly, Shasta apologized. She probably exerted more power than she intended.

Furthermore, Katora thrust her sword into the ground, holding her right arm with her left. It was likely that she had sustained some damage to her body from forcibly drawing out power.

There are various problems… but I reached a conclusion.

“There’s no doubt that if we use it well, our combat power will greatly increase. Now, we need to proceed with verification and learn to master it–“