Chapter 64: Fantasy Field Exploration [2]

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“So that was what I needed all along, a Core-based Cultivation Method…”

Core-based methods often require an innate core to function. In Yggdrasil it was Mana Cores, in Spiritias Spirit Orbs, in Zipangu Martial Hearts. Other races developed their own: Vampires with Blood Cores, Spirit Races with Spiritual Hearts, Dragons with Dragon Hearts, Titans with Titan Soul Hearts.

What Louis achieved was extraordinary. He could now maintain his Fake Dragon Heart for at least eight hours without strain, steadily accumulating Dragon Energy to reinforce his body and awaken his dormant dragon bloodline, while simultaneously strengthening his bond with Belladine and empowering her in return.

“If you can evolve into a powerful spirit, you will become an indispensable ally. So grow strong quickly, Belladine,” Louis murmured, gently caressing her head. He fed her a spirit crystal harvested from the mines near the capital.

Belladine grasped the glowing green gem, small as an emerald, and devoured it happily. Patting her belly, she quickly grew drowsy and slipped into his chest, nestling within his Fantasy Heart.

There, Niflheim, who had been silently meditating, noticed the tiny fairy settling onto her hilt. It annoyed her slightly.

“I cannot believe you actually made that ridiculous technique work,” Niflheim remarked. “It seems I was wrong once again. All it needed was a Core-based Cultivation method…”

“Indeed,” Louis agreed. “Well, I cannot continue for now. My body feels like it will burst. I need rest. I will resume the refinement process tonight…”

Louis stretched, bathed, changed into fresh clothes Catrise had prepared, and descended to join Agustina, Lady Red Leaf, and the rest of his companions for breakfast. Robert had stood watch overnight with Celestina and reported no anomalies.

“There were no disturbances last night, Your Majesty,” Robert said. “However, I must note something unusual: the corrupted crops within the barrier move strangely at night. They have… eyes. They open wide without blinking, staring upward, specifically at the moon, as though entranced by it.”

“…?” Louis raised an eyebrow. “The moon?”

He tried to recall whether William’s “database” contained any Entity or Grievance tied to the moon. Several possibilities surfaced, but none matched a Miasmic Swamp or corrupted plants with eyes.

“I wonder, shouldn’t the VPI have sent more agents to handle this?” Juliette asked boldly, speaking up despite being a maid.

“Technically we represent the VPI,” Louis replied. “Though not officially recognized as agents, we act on behalf of both them and the kingdom itself.”

“I see. I apologize for my ignorant question,” Juliette said quickly.

“No, it is fine,” Louis assured her. “It was my decision not to bring too many people. I wanted the capital to remain well protected. Anyway, breakfast was excellent—thank you—but I wish to investigate the Contaminated Field immediately. If possible, I want to prevent a Fantasy Field from forming.”

“That is completely reasonable,” Lady Red Leaf said. “Shall we guide you there? The barrier containing the corrupted fields was created using a Formation powered by three Spirit Artifacts of my own design. Only my daughter or I can open it with a Spirit Key.”

“Spirit Key?” Louis asked.

“This,” Lady Red Leaf opened her palm, revealing a glowing chromatic crystal key. “It is not a physical artifact but an expression of a Spirit Blacksmith’s magic. It can take many forms.”

“I see. So it is a personal, family-exclusive spell. Interesting,” Louis nodded. “Very well.”

After breakfast, Louis wasted no time. He led the group beyond the manor gardens and down a wide road deeper into the farmlands. Along the way, he admired the many magical plants and crops: Radiant Apple Trees, Spiritual Herbs, Crescent Morning Flowers, Moonflowers, and even the rare Sapphire Chrysanthemum.

“Wow, it’s so beautiful…” Mirai breathed. “It feels like we are already traveling through a fantasy world… the density of Spirit Energy and Mana in the air is incredible. Normal people would not be able to withstand it…”

“Oooohh! Butterfly!” Selene exclaimed, chasing after one and jumping with delight.

“S-Selene! Don’t wander too far!” Melisa called anxiously.

“Yeah,” Zorba added, unusually gentle. “It is… truly a beautiful sight.” Despite his usual demeanor, he clearly appreciated nature’s splendor.

“I never imagined Lord Zorba of all people would comment on the beauty of nature,” Anastasia giggled. “I always thought you only had Master Louis in your mind.”

“What?” Zorba bristled slightly. “You do not know me.”

“I apologize, Lord Zorba. I was only trying to make small talk,” Anastasia said quickly.

“…And stop calling me ’Lord’ or ’Master.’ I own nothing,” Zorba muttered. “The only one here deserving such respect is Lord Louis himself.”

“I will keep that in mind,” Anastasia replied.

The road to the barrier was long, but eventually they arrived. Louis gazed at the magnificent magical barrier, a true masterpiece crafted by Lady Red Leaf.

“It is an impressive barrier. Three artifacts created this? I am genuinely in awe,” Louis said. “I would love to commission you later, Lady Red Leaf, so you could craft protective barrier artifacts for the capital and perhaps other cities.”

“Oh, I would gladly serve you, Master Louis,” she replied warmly. “But I am still recovering, so it will take time.”

“That is fine. I have patience,” Louis assured her. “So how do you—”

“Spirit Key, Open.”

Lady Red Leaf wasted no time. She touched the barrier, manifesting a key of chromatic crystallized spiritual energy. A large gate opened within the barrier.

A foul wave of miasma poured out, accompanied by a dark, oppressive aura. Louis and the others immediately released their Auras, shielding themselves from the corrupted Fantasium.

“Here it is, Prince Louis… Um, do you truly intend to enter?” Lady Red Leaf asked nervously.

“It is the only way to discover what is happening,” Louis answered. “Do not worry. I am quite accustomed to environments like this. I believe I have endured worse. Come, let us proceed. Juliette and Robert, stay behind and guard the gate. Catrise, accompany us as secondary support for healing. Selene and Melisa, it is safer for you to remain outside. The Corrupted Field is far too dangerous for your current levels.”

“What? But I thought we could help…!” Melisa protested. “I-I have been learning magic. I am not useless anymore…!”

“I can bite very hard!” Selene barked.

“I know,” Louis said gently. “But you are still children. I had considered bringing you into battle, but this Corrupted Field is much larger and more perilous than I anticipated. For your safety, stay behind and watch over the barrier. Will you do that for me?”

Surprisingly, Louis showed genuine concern. He had underestimated the scale of the threat. Bringing Selene might have been feasible, but she and Melisa were inseparable, and he could not risk separating them.

“Okay…” Selene sighed.

“I’m sorry for being so weak…” Melisa whispered.

“You are not weak, dear,” Catrise said softly. “You have been learning the church’s teachings very well, and your talent for magic is genuine. But you are still too young. It is our duty as adults to protect children. Consider this trip what it truly is, an opportunity to see the countryside and enjoy yourselves.”

“As she said,” Louis agreed. “Take care and do not wander off. If you do, I will find you—and you will both be grounded.”

“Okaaaaay…” Selene pouted slightly.

“Hm. Take care,” Melisa nodded, waving.

“Very well then,” Catrise stepped forward, summoning her Soul Weapon and her Golden Holy Dragon Armor, Soul Gear she could manifest at will. “I am ready. Please allow me to take the front line. I can also serve as a Defender.”

“…No. I will take the front,” Louis shook his head. “Just watch our backs.”

“…? Well, okay,” Catrise agreed, though she found it unusual that Louis refused a shield this time. He seemed far braver than before… or perhaps he simply did not wish to see her harmed. “Thank you for your consideration. Please be careful.”

“I will,” Louis promised. “After all, I am not alone. Come out!”

His shadows expanded, revealing three towering Skeleton Chimeras crafted from the bones of powerful Magic Beasts he had acquired long ago. Each contained three Enslaved Souls, creations commissioned from Zorba.

“Hahah, I had almost forgotten about your Necromancy abilities,” Catrise chuckled. “Shall we begin?”

“Yes. Mirai, are you ready?” Louis asked.

“I am,” Mirai replied, her Aura flaring around her like a protective mantle.

“Zorba?” Louis glanced at him.

“More ready than ever,” Zorba said with a grin. “If anything, this environment seems to nourish my magic… My Undead are prepared as well!” He summoned four more Zombiesteins, giant stitched zombies.

“Anastasia?” Louis asked.

“I am ready,” Anastasia answered firmly. “This will be an excellent opportunity to test my abilities in real combat.” She gripped her sword tightly, her Aura surging sharp and blade-like.

“Then let us advance,” Louis commanded.

His three Skeleton Chimeras entered first, scouting ahead. Mirai followed close behind him, then Zorba, then Anastasia, and finally Catrise. Zorba’s Zombiesteins flanked the group, two to the east, two to the west. One could never be too cautious when entering a Corrupted Field. Anything could happen once inside.

Louis surveyed their surroundings. The blue sky had warped into an eternal dusk, no clouds, only swirling purple, red, and faint pink. The ground was wet, transformed into a miasmic swamp. From the mire rose countless black plants, each bearing red eyes like grotesque fruits.

SPLASH!

The moment they stepped inside, Louis’ skeletons were attacked. His eyes widened as he watched them dragged beneath the swamp by enormous black-and-red vines covered in spikes. The skeletons struggled, igniting themselves with phantasmal flames and slashing at the vines.

“Careful—watch your footing!”

Louis clenched his teeth as something seized his legs and tried to pull him under. He instantly channeled Sword Energy into his limbs, severing the vines in dozens of pieces and leaping back, only for three plants to uproot themselves and rush toward him. Their red eyes glowed as they coiled branches and roots around his body.

With a single thought, Louis extended Sword Energy as an Aura, slicing through anything that touched him. The fragile plants were quickly reduced to fragments.

He glanced back at his companions. Mirai burned the plants assaulting her. Anastasia mirrored Louis’ technique. Zorba stood atop one of his Zombiesteins while the others incinerated and tore apart the vines. Catrise radiated a brilliant aura, forcing the plants to recoil and burn in agony.

“Looks like they are weak to fire and light. Use that—eliminate them quickly. If we lower our guard, we will be trapped and drowned in miasma!”

Louis commanded, and everyone nodded, intensifying their flames. Louis channeled light through the sleeping Belladine, transforming his Ash Magic into radiant bursts. He spread a Domain of explosive Ash Runes that detonated into pillars of searing light, clearing a wide area in a chain of brilliant explosions.

“Wait—where is the third?!”

Despite their success, Louis noticed one of his skeletons had vanished. He stepped back just as another disappeared beneath the swamp. A massive black tentacle, woven from vines, branches, and roots, erupted from the mire, shaking the surroundings.

RUMBLE!

A colossal creature revealed itself, roused by the flames and burning light. All the corrupted plants in the vicinity began merging into its enormous, amalgamated body. Dozens of glowing red eyes opened across its grotesque form.

“SHRIEEEEEK!”

The creature unleashed a deafening cry that rattled everyone’s eardrums and attempted to corrupt their Fantasy Hearts. Louis held firm, glaring at the monstrosity as he summoned his White Soul Gear Lance.

“I knew it! An Entity has been born here! Everyone, stay together. Do not separate from the group!”

As Louis issued the order, the creature surged forward through the miasmic swamp, sending a towering tsunami of black ichor rushing toward him and his companions.

“Damn it!”

SPLAAASH!

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