第１３３２堀：精霊とは何か (Part2)
"Indeed. Fundamentally, we are a race composed solely of females. While we can reproduce through sexual intercourse, we more often accumulate magical power and divide. Well, in terms of principle, the act of intercourse involves receiving and storing magical power from a partner, so it is not much different from fission through magic. However, the efficiency increases if the partner’s magical power is vast. I truly hope Kiyu-san does his best to expand our clan. If he gets serious, they should pop out one after another."
Well, since Kiyu is a doppelganger created with me as his base, his foundational magical capacity is exceptional.
Considering that, he could likely sire many children, but for now, they are enjoying their newlywed life, taking things slow and easy.
"Hmm. Then, how do spirits reproduce?"
Zargis posed the question further.
I understood the reproduction of the Fairy race, but what of the spirits?
"No, that is something I do not know. However, considering that few spirits possess individual will and that their numbers are extremely limited, I suspect they simply do not feel the necessity for it."
"Indeed. If they were engaging in reproductive acts, that would imply a certain level of population. The idea that they do not find significance in the preservation of their species carries a certain credibility."
As living organisms, they are quite distorted, but when one considers them as mere gatherings of non-biological matter, it becomes easier to accept.
Then, I noticed a commonality with something else.
"It feels somewhat similar to *tsukumogami* and the like, doesn't it?"
"Indeed. There are aspects that resemble yokai, ghosts, and such."
"……One would want to call it unscientific, but since they actually exist, I must agree with the comparison. They are not beings capable of reproductive acts, so they are essentially one-generation entities."
The idea that they transform after a long passage of time also feels similar.
That said, it is not an absolute rule.
It is merely that their mode of existence feels similar in a sensory sense.
"……"
The three of us fell into silence.
What we had gathered so far was merely that spirits are material existences—and even that was based solely on Narjia-san’s account.
It wasn't that I didn't believe her, but without the ability to verify it, there was little point in speculating further here.
"For now, why don't we ask the Forest Spirit residing in Weed? He is living quite leisurely here in Weed, after all."
"That is true. Isn't it best to hear it from the individual himself? Why haven't you done so already, Yuki?"
"It’s simply a matter of gathering preliminary information. Besides, the Forest Spirit in Weed is an exception of sorts, and since I can gather information from him at any time, I wanted to hear about other spirits first."
"I see. Spirits are as varied as the stars. Though, the same could be said for humans, demons, and fairies alike."
Indeed, no two existences are identical.
While there are similarities based on race, spirits seem to ignore such conventions, which is precisely why I asked, though it seems there is no commonality in their appearances.
"However, after hearing Narjia-san’s account, I have realized something. If there is a hypothesis that they are akin to physical matter, then there are ways to investigate."
"Ah, I see. You mean to obtain a piece of his body and analyze it."
"Just as Zargis says. We might be able to understand a great deal from that."
"I understand the logic, but will he so easily give up a piece of his body? For a spirit, even a single strand of hair is a fragment of their own power. Besides, even among humans, wouldn't you find it unpleasant if someone you weren't close to asked for your hair?"
"That is true, but in this instance, our reasons for investigating have increased, and since Narjia-san will be present, I believe we can persuade him."
"Mmph. Understood. It is also for the sake of the future of the spirits, after all. It is not as if we have no rapport with them. It is far better than attempting to negotiate with a Water Spirit at the Saintess's Spring whom we have never met."
And so, we set off to meet the Forest Spirit.
Spirits are often spoken of as if they are common knowledge, but in this Winning Dungeon, this is how we define them.
To put it in Japanese terms, perhaps they should be called *tsukumogami*-types, or manifestations of nature?