第１１５０堀：大好きなこと (Part2)
"It exists, you know. Magic isn't exactly common knowledge for everyone yet, so just being able to use it makes you surprisingly useful to others. I spent quite a while just buried in research back then."
I truly owed Hifi a debt of gratitude for those days. After the priest passed away, she took up the mantle and guarded that village for years.
"Ugh, I'm so jealous. But if you were so deep into your research, why are you here now?"
"That’s a simple story. My research didn't end there. That’s all there is to it. You understand that, don't you, Hivia? Especially since you’ve been studying the monsters of the Great Sea of Trees."
"Um, what do you mean by that…?"
"Ahaha. You haven't reached that point yet, have you? Well, I suppose that can't be helped."
After all, Hivia has already lived through her first life once. And she did so without ever achieving her purpose. Honestly, when I think about it, isn't she a lot like me? Aside from the part about being cut down by her own allies, that is.
But setting that aside, as a predecessor, I felt it was my duty to share some words with Hivia—to help her enjoy this world a little more. And so…
"Do you really think your journey ends with just studying the monsters of the Great Sea of Trees?"
"Eh?"
As I expected, Hivia wore a look of utter confusion. Her world is still so narrow, so small.
"The world is still vast, you know. It doesn't end at the Great Sea of Trees. Look."
I held up a photograph.
"Eh? What is this? A monster I've never seen before?"
It was a picture of the Hydra from the Great Mountain Range, the very creature Agil is currently studying. It’s a monster that dwells in that mysterious space separating the continent of Zuraburu and Kagura’s lands. Well, calling it a "monster" is an understatement; it’s a full-blown titan.
Time for a little lecture.
"This is a Hydra. A multi-headed dragon, I suppose you could call it."
"A dragon!? Not a wyvern!?"
"That’s right. A dragon. You’ve never seen one before, have you, Hivia?"
"How could I have? That’s a legendary beast! And wait, what is this image? It’s incredible. What is this, what is this! It’s amazing, it’s amazing!"
Hivia was buzzing with excitement, eyes glued to the photo. Yes, yes. That’s how it should be. Anyone would be thrilled to see a photograph for the first time. While she was lost in her fascination, Agil leaned in close.
"Comet. Aren't you showing her a bit more than we originally planned? I thought today was just about gauging how much knowledge she already possessed."
"I did plenty of that yesterday. Besides, you noticed it too, didn't you? Her presence is starting to solidify."
"I’m aware. I assume it has something to do with her 'research'."
"I share that opinion. That’s exactly why I’m doing this. I want to show her things that pique her interest and nudge her ego to wake up a little more. Besides, if there were any real problems, Sota and the others would have spoken up by now. When it comes to ghosts, they’re far more expert than we are. Though, to be fair, we’re just complete amateurs."
"Well, true enough. But for now, let’s try not to be reckless. Yuki would worry, after all."
"Understood. I don't want to end up having to drag Yuki into this and get scolded later. But I really want to tell Hivia that there are so many more fun things out there. That the world is vast. Just like I learned."
"I see. You’re projecting yourself onto her. I can’t say I relate, though. I’ve never had an experience like that."
"It’s not exactly a common occurrence, is it? Now then, shall we move on to the next photo? I’ll keep going until she says she wants to see what this 'world' is really all about."
I began preparing the next set of photos and documents. Let’s venture beyond the Great Sea of Trees. I don't know why Hivia came back, but it’s boring to just finish your objective and call it a day. I’m sure Popuri would be happy to see her grow, so as her mentor and a fellow researcher, I’m going to give this my all.
"Hivia, take a look at this."
"Eh? There’s more!?"
"Of course there is, plenty more. Right, Agil?"
"Indeed. We never run out of research materials like this."
Exactly. Because Yuki is always out there, gathering all sorts of information from every corner of the globe. From the lava-dwelling Hydras to the monsters of the deep sea. Oh, should I tell her about the Blue Hole, too?
When you’re doing what you love, you can usually find a reason to come back to life. You all feel the same, don't you? If a new game, a new model kit, or a new figure comes out, you can’t just stay dead, can you?