Chapter 449: Powering Up, Once More

"Ruru, come here. You're dirty again." ［Yuna］

"Mmn～!" ［Ruru］

"Geez, you silly girl... Why are you eating so messily..." ［Yuna］

The sun is out and about, already high up in the sky. It was a bright and wonderful day, the clouds drifting ever so dreamily as the soft rustles of the leaves and grass whispers into one's ears, strangely fragrant and calming.

The scent of greenery wafted all throughout the garden of verdant and radiant colors, colors of the rainbow blooming all over the place, under the shade of a majestic and sacred tree. It was a sight of behold, bees and butterflies dancing in the wind.

In such fine weather, a picnic blanket was laid down on the soft and verdant grass. It has a checkered pattern, the usual red and white shades running through the ever so gentle and comfortable fabric, baskets and plates sitting atop it.

A couple of figures sat under the shade of the tree and atop the picnic blanket, little children running around the place as smiles bloomed on their faces and their soft and sweet giggles accompanied the symphony of the garden in the stage of viridescence.

"My... I'm really sorry you have to deal with these naughty children, Yuna." ［Valka］

"A-Ah, no, it's fine, Missus Valka! It's really fun for me too!" ［Yuna］

"Fufufu! I'm relieved then... Just tell me when you want help, okay?" ［Valka］

"... Un! I'll keep that inー Ah! Kids! Don't swing those sticks so haphazardly! That's dangerous!" ［Yuna］

A new day has passed since Grey and Yuna arrived in Malus Village, and after such a lively display the day before, they chatted a lot about a few more things about Kris and Aria's plans and heard of some updates as well.

According to Kris and Aria, they've been staying too long, and now that Uldred has been delivered safely, there isn't any more reason to extend their stay when they still have responsibilities to fulfill. They decided to depart after the Founding Festival.

Though not like other grand and massive towns and cities, Malus Village still has a long history spanning hundreds of years. They also spend a special day to celebrate the founding of their home, festivities running all over the place.

The Founding Festival is set to happen in two day's time, and so, in light of the grand preparations, most adults are working and the children are left to the care of those who happened to have some time to spare... Which very much includes Yuna.

"Kids～! Don't run off too far! That's dangerous." ［Yuna］

"Umm... Are you really sure you don't need any help, Yuna?" ［Valka］

"U-Un! It's fine! Please just focus on Ul～!" ［Yuna］

"On dear..." ［Valka］

Well... Not that it was an easy task. Though most of the children had been handed over to their grandchildren, many still played around Yuna and Valka. They were all too energetic and excited, all of them running all over the place.

Thankfully, Yuna has magic in her side. With just a flick of her finger, she carried the naughty children back using wind magic, making sure they were all comfortable. Not a single one was spared, all smiling as Yuna caught them as if they were playing tag.

Yuna has great affinity with children, but when there are more than a couple dozen of them, even she would have a hard time. She has yet to marry yet it already feels like she was an exhausted mother.

"Bba... Bba... Bbba...!" ［Uldred］

Valka also wanted to help out, but with her taking care of her baby, she could barely move her body. Not to mention handling the naughty kids, she can barely move freely. All she could do was distract some and let them admire Uldred.

"Waah～! So cute～! I also want to have a baby brother!"

"Me too! I will ask Mom and Dad later!"

"Hey, hey, Missus Valka... Where do babies come from?"

Though... Some are a little too interested in Uldred that they want to have little brothers and little sisters of their own. They were all asking innocent questions with happy and excited smiles blooming over their shoulders, eyes sparkly as can be.

There were even some asking if they could have babies for themselves. They just barely graduated from being a toddler and they were already asking such questions. Kids really are a curious and interesting bunch.

"Fufufu! Then listen carefully, okay? Actually, babies are..." ［Valka］

Well, not that it was the first time she was asked such questions. She was at a loss when Aria asked her when she was also her age, but almost 2 decades had passed since then. She can confidently answer the curious children now.

A sweet and warm smile on her face, Valka then started storytelling about how little babies are "made". It was a story similar to that of the stork story back on Earth, only that it involved magic. The children listened to her attentively and enthusiastically.

Meanwhile, just a few dozen meters away, a young man was standing beside the tree, watching over the children and their babysitters with a smile blooming on his face, chuckling all the while as he watched Yuna chase after the kids.

Such a figure was none other than Grey, and though he also helped out in looking after the children, he has something important to do right now, and so he couldn't for the time being. Well, just for a little while, that is.

『They really are a lively bunch, aren't they?』 ［Leif］

『Well, that's just how kids are... They are just too energetic.』 ［Grey］

『And Lady Yuna handles them so well. I'm sure she will be a great mother one day. Don't you think so too, Holy One?』 ［Leif］

『Yeah. I'm sure she will.』 ［Grey］

Replied Grey as a subtle smile broke on his face. He then turned around and docked a little bit, drawing the final runes on the ground before lifting his head again. It was none other than a summoning magic circle once again.

There wasn't just one, but a whole lot of them, scattered all around Leif's vicinity, all composed of different runes, intricately weaved together. It was a sight to behold, one only those of Grey's caliber can achieve without much difficulties.

Now that all the chaos is over, it was finally time to summon all the beasts Grey and Yuna had thus far accumulated over their travels in Vartes, especially Aldengard. At the current, they have gained a couple hundred beast crystals.

It wasn't even an exaggeration to say that they were loaded, the King and all officials wanting them to keep all the beast away as part of their reward. Some were even at S-rank, eligible for a high-rank summoning any country would wish for.

It was the best decision Aldengard could make. After all, the crystals were a product of horrible experimentation. Had they used them, they would have received backlash and suspicion from the people, and also wariness from surrounding countries.

『Hmm... Holy One, are there nor too many summoning circles around?』 ［Leif］

『Well, we did get a lot of them... Too many, in fact.』 ［Grey］

The only problem now is that there were far too many beast crystals to deal with than they know what to do with. They could simply give others most of them, but there lies the problem of taking responsibility. They can't just hand them over willy-nilly.

Moreover, quite a few of the beast crystals are High-rank crystals. They were all too precious and dangerous to just give away. Only they are the ones who could take responsibility as the ones who wiped them out in the first place.

『Then... How about this, Holy One? Why don't you sacrifice some of the beast crystals to empower the others?』 ［Leif］

『Hm? Is that even possible?』 ［Grey］

『I am not very certain, however, aren't the beast crystals just masses of aether with no ego as they are right now? It should not be impossible to transfer such pure energy from one crystal to another.』 ［Leif］

『So an amplifier, huh... Thanks, Leif. That helped a lot.』 ［Grey］

『It was my pleasure, Holy One.』 ［Leif］

There was no time to waste. As soon as Grey heard Leif's suggestion, he then went around and erased the previous summoning circles and created a new one, adding new runes and expanding it even more, magic engraved on the ground.

It was a concept never played around before, Grey making something new from all he knows, carving more runes and connecting circuits one after another as if he was playing a grand and exciting puzzle game he just found.

In the meantime, Leif also worked on the other matter they had at hand. It was the regular boosting of the familiars using all the corruption they have gathered. They all lined up before her, little pups looking innocently fluffy and adorable.

『Then, I shall begin...』 ［Leif］

Leif shone dimly and so did the surroundings. The familiars' hearts started to race and the corruption accumulated inside their bodies slowly started to run wild, slowly but surely getting purified and assimilating into their bodies.

Warmth and comfort ran throughout their veins and a flood of aether slowly coursed throughout their bodies, nourishing their souls. Such a scene progressed, their bright and brilliant scales shining a subtle yet radiant light. It was beautiful.

Before long, everyone finally got their strengths amplified. For once, Polaris was now at a Combat Power over 40 thousand, Sirius now standing on par with Yuna, and the other familiars sitting at the higher ends of Calamity-Class, ready to break through.

"Ohh～! This is nice! It feels so much better!" ［Canopus］

"With this, we should be able to break through Disaster-Class sooner rather than later. What an amazing method." ［Rigel］

"Thank you again, Leif. We owe you one." ［Polaris］

『Fufufu! There is no need to mind it. I myself am also in debt to the Holy One. Favors like these are nothing much. Rather, it is one of my few pleasures.』 ［Leif］

Unfortunately, Leif could only help out the familiars convert the corruption they had accumulated into aether. She has no power to strengthen them without any source of power and energy, so she couldn't help the spirits at all.

Thankfully, the spirits really didn't mind not receiving any power-ups at all. Rather, they were simply curious about Leif. Alpheratz was particularly inquisitive, looking at Leif with excited eyes, sparkling brightly like the radiant sun over their heads.

Leif and everybody chatted ever so happily, and Grey continued to work on the magic circles. Before long, he finally finished them, two absurdly large circles drawn on the ground. All of which consisted of high level and mystical runes.

There were four of them in total, one served for each of the S-rank beasts Grey and Yuna fought against. There was the water-attribute Kraken, the lightning-attribute Rostrata, the wind-attribute Charybdis, and the fire-attribute Ignarctos.

"Hmm... How about this then..." ［Grey］

Of course, since they already have Rigel for water-attribute, Grey made a modification in the summoning circle for the Kraken's beast crystal and added a couple more runes until he was satisfied. It became one behemoth of a magic circle.

It didn't take too long before Grey was done with the modifications, and the next step was to place the beast crystals. He placed the main ones at the center of the magic circles and the sacrifices on the outer rim of the circles, numerous as can be.

Some beast crystals weren't able to fit in the sacrifice slots so Grey decided to keep them for later use. After hearing Leif's idea, he had something he's been wanting to try as soon as he thought of it. It was yet another breakthrough in summoning magic.

『Yuna, I'm done with the preparations. Can you come over, please?』 ［Grey］

『Un～!ー Ah, also! The children said they wanted to watch us summoning new familiars. Can we let them? Just for a tiny bit.』 ［Yuna］

『Sure, why not. It should be safe with the familiars around.』 ［Grey］

『Okay～! Be there in a moment, then!』 ［Yuna］

A sweet and cheerful voice rang in GreyMs ears and what followed was a set of little footprints. The children ran and marched towards Grey and Leif, excitement traced on their faces, some clinging unto Grey as soon as they saw him.

Valka couldn't help but giggle at the sight, holding Uldred dear in her hands. As for Yuna, she now held the little ones by her side, the toddlers clinging on her as if afraid to lose her. It seems like they've gotten close to her.

Fortunately enough, the familiars were present to take care of the children. They can't have them interrupt the summoning, after all. They quickly shifted into their Salferine forms and started to take care of them in Yuna's stead.

"Oh my... Can all familiars change forms like this?" ［Valka］

"Not really, Missus Valka. We were also surprised the first time they did." ［Grey］

"I could imagine that... They look really pretty, too. Much like a more grown up version of the two of you... How bizarre..." ［Valka］

"Then, everyone, I'll leave the kids to you! Take care of them, okay?" ［Yuna］

"You can rest assured, Mistress." ［Sirius］

The children were surprised by the sudden change in appearances of the familiars, but even more so, they were all excited. Since the families looked very much like Grey and Yuna, they easily trusted them and got comfortable.

They were especially fond of Sirius, sensing the motherly and gentle air about the beautiful dragon lady. They were all drawn to her, looking at the latter with innocent and curious gazes. The little ones were especially attached to her.

As for Grey and Yuna, they are now standing in front of the magic circle, eyes staring at the runes once more before pricking their fingers and letting a few drops of blood be fed towards the magic circle, magic strung with it.

"Oh Great Beast who once walked the lands of Merusia, I hereby call you forth! Throughout the sky, the lands, and the seas, let your brilliance be known!" ［Grey］

Grey's words echoed in the air and Leif's leaves fluttered along the winds. The magic circle soon started to rotate like gears in a large piece of machinery. It glowed a bright and brilliant color, one circle lighting up one after another.

Loud and resonant tremors ran throughout the ground, the winds howling with joy and excitement. The children were especially fidgety, mouths wide open in astonishment. All eyes were on the magnificent show before them, all filled with curiosity.

CRACK CRACK CRACK CRACK SHATTER

Cracks ran throughout the beast crystals, and soon enough, it shattered. A strong surge of mana rang throughout the whole surroundings, the turbulent winds creating a ferocious storm which lashed out as if there was no tomorrow.

It was a storm which soon turned into a blizzard as soon as Grey and Yuna used ice-attribute mana to be infused with the magic circle and slowly changing the attribute of the beast to be summoned, a deep blue color soon turning glacial blue.

Behind the veil of mana and dust, a familiar figure appeared out of thin air. It spread its wings and the winds danced to its tune. A platinum figure has appeared, its grand and majestic presence looming all over the place.

However, rather than getting water-attribute, much like the Kraken's beast crystal had been summoned with, the new familiar was of the ice-attribute. He was also sitting at Calamity-Class, special marks running all throughout his body. It was a great success!

"Waah～! It's another dragon! So cool!"

"I wanna see! I wanna see closer!"

"I've seen it before, but... It really is something else, huh...." ［Valka］

It was adorned with the usual platinum scales and spikes running along its spine, brilliant pairs of wings sprouting ever so freely in the air. It had gorgeous eyes the color of turquoise, much like the icebergs floating in the ocean.

All were in awe at the sight of the magnificent dragon, some in awe to the point they were speechless. Vega and Canopus were especially joyous, clearly happy that they have yet another wonderful younger sibling they can play around with.

"Greetings, Master, Mistress. It is my greatest pleasure to server you," ［???］

His deep and resonant voice echoed in the air, whilst he lowered his head in front of Grey and Yuna. He was calm and polite, eyes shining brilliantly... Or so it seemed. Yet, it was almost half-closed... Looking like someone who hasn't slept in forever.

Before Grey and Yuna could even give it a name, the new dragon had already fallen asleep, leaving everyone speechless. Grey and Yuna have yet to know him, yet they could already tell just what kind of personality it possessed.

After summoning the first dragon, Grey and Yuna summoned three more. One was of the fire attribute, posing eyes the color of ruby. The other was lightning-attribute, the color of brilliant sunela shining in its eyes. Lastly, there was the wind-attribute, cool and graceful mint brewing in her orbs.

"It's a pleasure to meet you, Master! Mistress! Please give me a name!" ［???］

"A pleasure, Master, Mistress." ［???］

"It is my greatest honor to be summoned by the Master and the Mistress. I will be in your grace from this moment onwards." ［???］

One was bright and cheerful, much like Canopus and Vega, the other was a manー no, a dragon of few words, and the last one had a pretty and formal tone, clearly possessing a more refined atmosphere compared to the others.

Other than the wind-attribute dragon, all others were male. They were also all at the middle-ranks of Calamity-Class, adding even more power to Grey and Yuna's ranks. The party only gets stronger each passing day.

The one who possesses the power of ice was named "Betelgeuse". The ruler of flames was bestowed the name "Hadar". The silent wielder of lightning was conferred the name "Acrux". And finally, the rider of the wind was named "Altair".

It didn't take long before the new familiars got along with the older ones, Vega and Canopus once again in their usual shenanigans, asking the former to transform into Salferine forms before pouncing towards them.

"Haah... Finally, I could get the Second Sister off my tail..." ［Procyon］

"Huh? What are you talking about, Procyon? You'll still be my favorite!" ［Vega］

"Gah! Get off me! I don't want to be your favorite!" ［Procyon］

"Aww～! Is my cute little sister jealous? I'll still dote on you, you know?" ［Vega］

"Stop it! I don't want your affection! And I'm not cute!" ［Procyon］

Though, be that as it may, Vega was still very fond of Procyon, teasing her as if there was no tomorrow... Well, she wasn't lying though. And it wasn't just Procyon, she is very fond of all her siblings, clingy and affectionate as can be.

As for the new dragons, they quickly assimilated into the party, everyone introducing themselves one after another in a friendly manner. It didn't take long before the kids ran towards them and asked them to play as well. What joy it was.

'Hmm... Now, what should I do with these...' ［Grey］

Grey asked himself as he held a certain crystal at hand. It was a drop item which had materialized upon the defeat of High-Rank demons they fought against a while back in Aldengard, numbering quite a few.

Grey decided to call them "Soul Crystals", seeming like the beast crystals, but not quite. There were 8 B-rank ones, 2 A-rank crystals, 1 S-rank, and one at Calamity-Class. It was quite the wealthy haul, only that Grey doesn't know how to use them.

He tried to experiment with one using the same summoning circles as beast crystals, but all to no avail. Even Leif doesn't know what they are. After all, such crystals only started to exist when Grey started activating the devices in the Labyrinth.

'Looks like I'll have to ask him again...' ［Grey］

The only way to know was to ask God himself, and this time, Grey won't let him ditch them like he previously did. Even if he'll have to commit blasphemy against a God, he'll gladly do so. He needs answers, and answers he shall take.

『Sorry, Leif. We always rely on you like this.』 ［Grey］

『There is no need, Holy One. Rather, I am quite elated to be of help. Just come here whenever you need some assistance. I will be glad to help.』 ［Leif］

『But it feels unfair... Is there anything you want, Leif? Anything at all.』 ［Grey］

『Hmm... Well, this may sound impudent, but...』 ［Leif］

Leif's voice lowered and he whispered into Grey's ears what she wanted. It was quite simple, yet bizarre at the same time. It was Grey's bloodー no, more accurately, it is the Essence of Creation which dwells in his blood.

After all, it was the final ingredient which had healed and awoken Leif. It would only make sense that she desires for more, curious to see what would happen. After all, to her, it was something like a superfood. A rare and precious super food.

『As I thought... It is a bit much, isn't it?』 ［Leif］

『No, not at all. It's just blood. Nothing too much.』 ［Grey］

There was no need to hesitate. With how much Leif has provided for them, a couple drops of blood is nothing. Grey quickly used magic and slit his finger a little, letting his crimson and precious blood trickle down Leif's massive roots.

Knowing the contents or his blood, Grey doesn't just recklessly give them to anyone and everyone. Leif was a special exception because she was someone he trusts and a personー no, a tree with a good heart (?). She was trustworthy.

As soon as Grey's blood seeped into Leif's roots, yet another grand transformation took placeー or so Grey thought. However, rather, Leif remained exactly the same, not even a single leaf amongst millions changing at all.

『Umm... Was it useless, after all?』 ［Grey］

『Ah, no... Not at all, Holy One.... It just seems I need a lot of time to absorb the essence of creation. It seems to be much more concentrated than before.』 ［Leif］

『I see... And how long do you think it will take?』 ［Grey］

『That... I also don't know...』 ［Leif］

From anticipation to awkwardness, the atmosphere over the two quickly changed. It seems that Grey's blood has become more potent since the last time, and Leif needs to process it even more carefully. For how long? Only God knows.

And whilst such awkwardness loomed, a certain young lady walked up to Grey, a pair of sandwiches in her hands. There was a sweet smile on her face. It was none other than Yuna, wanting to feed Grey with some jam-packed sandwiches.

"Here, Grey, eat some. I made them with Missus Rozelia's strawberries! They're really good!" ［Yuna］

"Ah, thanks. I'll make sure to do so later." ［Grey］

"Un!" ［Yuna］

Oh, what a beautiful yet awkward moment it was.

CHAPTER 449 END