The next day, I finally arrived at the location marked as special.
There was something like a barrier at the entrance, preventing creatures from the outside from entering. But since this was related to magic, Suzu and I worked together to decipher it—and it didn't take us too long.
To be honest, Suzu did most of the work. I just followed her instructions. But hey, I still contributed, okay?
As we stepped inside, the first thing I noticed was that this place truly felt different. There were plants and flowers growing here—unlike the previous floors, which were mostly just dirt and rocks.
At first glance, it looked a bit like the fifth floor, though it still fell short in many ways. Since this was a special zone, I figured there would be some kind of unique creature living here.
I didn't act hastily. Instead, I started investigating carefully.
Suddenly, I spotted a small creature—tiny, like a miniature human. It had thin wings on its back and brightly colored hair. Its face was also incredibly beautiful.
What is that thing?
For some reason, the moment it saw me, the creature was startled and instantly fled.
Hey, calm down…
I wasn't planning anything bad, so why are you so scared?
Sigh...
I didn't even get the chance to greet it before being misunderstood.
"The bloodlust around you is too intense. That's why it ran away. Also, don't do anything reckless. I have a feeling that creature might be useful for our Virtual World energy supply plan," Seina reminded me.
Got it.
I went deeper into the area and suddenly came across a strange-looking tree.
What kind of fruit is this?
There was an entire grove of these trees, each bearing red fruits with peculiar patterns on their surface.
I wonder... are these edible?
For some reason, I really wanted to eat them.
They looked delicious.
After glancing around and seeing no one nearby, I picked one and popped it into my mouth.
"Seriously? Will you eat anything you find?" Seina muttered.
Contrary to Seina's concern, the fruit was incredibly tasty. Not only was it delicious, but I also felt something gently soothing my soul.
I waited for a while to see if anything would happen, but sadly, nothing out of the ordinary occurred. Still, it tasted so good that I picked a few more and started munching.
"Take your filthy hands off, intruder!"
Suddenly, a loud voice shouted from behind, startling me.
Nai wa!
Just as I turned around to see who it was, a bolt of lightning struck straight at me—but I didn't really feel anything.
"Careful, Shiraori-san. They're using magic," Suzu warned.
Oh, so that's magic?
Why does it feel like a mosquito bite...?
"Take this, intruder!"
More lightning bolts flew toward me. On top of that, vines in the garden suddenly sprang to life and coiled around me. Then a wall of earth rose up, trapping me from all directions.
But their magic wasn't very strong, so I just stood there and let them do whatever they wanted.
"We've caught the intruder!"
One of them shouted.
Ha…
Do they really think they caught me?
Just one spin and I could destroy this entire place. But, well… let's see what they're planning. Besides, I did eat their food, so I should be a little more considerate.
"Dispose of it immediately!"
Another voice rang out.
I noticed their voices didn't quite sound like normal humans, even though they were clearly speaking the human language.
I could tell the difference because I had taken a course with Seina about the languages of different species. I still don't know how she knows all this stuff, but it sure came in handy.
While I was spacing out, they continued throwing magic at me, but no matter what kind of spell it was, it couldn't break through my [Adamantine Body], even though I didn't have any magic resistance skills.
I guess I really have gotten too strong.
"Why isn't anything working!?" one of them shouted angrily.
Hehe. Sorry for being too powerful.
Seeing them flailing around getting nowhere, I decided to speak up.
"Hey, what race are you guys, anyway?"
"Silence! We don't answer to intruders!"
One of them barked back.
Whoa… so aggressive.
This was technically the first time I had ever opened my mouth to talk, and I got yelled at right away.
Oh right, when I talked with the Wills before, I just had to think, and they would understand. And with Exc, we communicated through thoughts without speaking aloud—so I really hadn't ever spoken before.
My first actual conversation in this world… and it's already a disaster.
Am I just not suited for communication…?
"Quit sulking already. Just deal with her and then figure out how to pull them into the Virtual World," Seina said.
Calm down.
Everything can be solved through conversation.
"Are you trying to make me laugh right now?" Seina muttered.
Oh, is that so? Well, as long as you're amused, that's all that matters.
"You little—!"
Hehe.
Lately, I've discovered a trick: whenever I argue with Seina, if I suddenly surrender, she gets speechless, and I win by default.
As for Suzu… I kinda see her like a puppy. She always listens to what I say, so we've never had any serious arguments. Even when it came to learning magic—even though I was totally clueless—she still listened patiently.
I didn't realize I had this side to me.
Back to the situation outside: they were still discussing how to handle me. They'd tried all kinds of things, but none of them worked. At most, I felt a slight itch.
"Damn it! If we weren't injured, our magic wouldn't be this weak! We can't even handle a spider!"
Whoa, rude much?
But that gave me a key clue—they're injured!
If I could heal them, maybe we could talk things through and even get them to join us.
"Hey, you're injured, right? Maybe I can heal you."
"Hmph! A mere spider like you thinks she can heal us?" one of them scoffed.
Okay, now I'm getting annoyed.
"Listen up. Yes, I admit I was wrong to eat your food without permission. But I'm trying to make up for it now. If you still won't accept that, don't blame me for what happens next."
"Make up for it? Do you even know how hard it is to grow those fruits!? We have to nourish them with our own life force! Eating one of them is basically the same as killing one of us!"
Nai wa!
It's that serious!?
"I told you not to eat random stuff…" Seina sighed.
Just as the tension was about to explode, a gentle but commanding aura swept through the area like a spring breeze, silencing everyone.
A calm yet authoritative voice rang out: "That's enough, Anton."
The crowd parted immediately, stepping aside to form a path. Light footsteps echoed through the silence, each step exuding a quiet pressure that made it impossible to look away.
And then—she appeared. Even I was momentarily stunned by her beauty.
Slender figure, skin like crystal, hair that shimmered like silver threads under the light. Her eyes glimmered like a galaxy, and her presence radiated an undeniable noble air. She didn't need to raise her voice or act grandiose—her presence alone commanded attention.
So beautiful…
She gently waved her sleeve.
"Anton, release her."
"But, Princess…"
"That's an order." Her tone was soft, but the look in her eyes left no room for protest.
Anton clenched his teeth, but eventually backed down. The magic binding me was lifted instantly.
"Greetings," she said as she turned to me with a serene smile. "I am Princess Meradis, one of the leaders here."
Whoa…
I think I just got charmed by her smile…
"Snap out of it already!"
Aah!
Seina's voice pulled me right out of it.
Tch, couldn't she let me enjoy the moment a little?
Even though I couldn't see her, I could feel Seina's sharp stare—and if I said anything more, she might actually do something to me.
Better focus on the important stuff.
"Um… hello…"
My voice was a bit shaky since I wasn't used to speaking.
Meradis smiled gently.
"I heard you wanted to resolve things peacefully, and since we're out of options ourselves, we're willing to talk. We have two conditions."
"Alright… please go ahead, Princess."
"First, we want you to help heal our wounded, as you offered. Second, recently, a species called Temosour has been attacking us to steal the fruits, so we'd like your help dealing with them."
Temosour...
Oh! Those lizard-bodied, lion-headed things?
Then… I guess they're all in my stomach already.
Well, that's one condition down. But I better not say that out loud, or they'll probably make up a new one.
"Not bad. You're learning," Seina commented.
Of course I am!
"Alright, I accept." I pretended to think it over and nodded.
"Very well. Our guest from outside, may I ask your name?"
"Um… my name is Shiraori…"
Feels kind of strange for a spider to have a name, but I hope they won't question it.
"Then, Shiraori, let's head to my home. We can continue our discussion there."
I nodded and followed Meradis, with the others trailing behind.
"Oh, by the way, Princess, what race are you all from?" I couldn't help but ask.
"We are of the Corporeal Spirit race."
Huh?
Corporeal Spirits…?
"Why does that sound so much like Spirits…"
"You've met Spirits before?" Meradis asked.
"I…"
Just as I was about to respond, Seina cut in.
"Don't say anything. Just give a vague answer."
Why? Aren't we supposed to be forming a partnership? Shouldn't we be honest?
"Partnership? I'm aiming to make them work for us, not with us. So keep quiet and do as I say. You'll thank me later."
…Wow. I didn't expect Seina to be this cunning.
But since she was so confident, I just said that I had once been lucky enough to glimpse an Spirit on the fifth floor—and nothing more.