Farewell to the tribe.
I was surprised by the name she used and intended to correct her, as, well, I was far too young to be called "Dad." However, when I felt her energy and looked into those serpent-like eyes, my heart softened. Memories of my childhood in the orphanage, spent alone, began to surface, and in the end, I gave in.
"Hello, beautiful Marfim," I said softly, stroking her head. I also decided to take a closer look at her skills and their descriptions.
---
Marfim – Level:Same as her summoner.
Type: Special Summon.
Skills: [Being of Mist], [Gigantification], [Mist Fangs].
Description: A type of special summon. Unlike a contract-based summoner class summon, her level can only match that of her master. There are also stricter limitations on her active presence in the world, as she is neither a pet nor a conventional summon. However, due to the blessing of another being and a few unique traits, she is not considered a regular temporary summon either.
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Skill: Being of Mist
Type: Active and Passive.
Rank: Racial.
Effect:
- Generates mist from her body using the environment.
- Can manipulate the mist at will.
- Exists as a spiritual form with greater resistance to physical attacks.
MP: Depends on environmental humidity and other factors.
Cooldown:None.
---
Skill: Gigantification
Type: Active.
Rank: Racial.
Effect:
- Can enlarge any part of her body or her entire form to the desired size.
MP: Depends on the size and part of the body.
Cooldown: 10 seconds.
---
Skill: Mist Fangs
Type: Active.
Rank: Racial.
Effect: Creates massive fangs from mist, charged with concentrated magical and physical energy. The skill's user doesn't need to be close to the target to attack, but the presence of mist is required.
MP: Varies.
Cooldown: 10 minutes.
---
I was quite impressed with her skills and began thinking about the various strategies I could employ, especially for stealth tactics and traps.
Marfim was coiled around my neck, displaying affectionate and dependent behavior. I've learned how to appear personable and diplomatic, even though my demeanor might not seem particularly warm. To those who are perceptive or know me well, it's clear that most of the time my smiles are more political than genuine—just a facade I've developed to keep others at arm's length.
Yet, when faced with direct, raw affection like this, with no ulterior motives or calculations, my defenses crumble.
"Marfim, which island would you like to stay on?" I asked. Levi had already informed me that Marfim would need to reside somewhere within my soul, either on one of the mana islands or in my special class space.
She observed each option before finally choosing the water island. Flying toward it, she dove in.
The island featured a water well at its center and appeared to be composed primarily of water-like structures. As Marfim entered the well—especially its core—mist began to spread, enveloping the entire mana island. Combined with the water, misty structures started to form.
I also felt a subtle change within myself, as though my water-based magic was beginning to undergo certain mutations. However, no system notification appeared to explain this change.
Paying it no further attention, I returned my focus to the world outside this realm.
As I reappeared, I sensed a request coming through my soul connection.
I activated the skill. A magic circle with a serpent surrounded by mist materialized in the air above me. From it, a small snake descended onto my body, coiling around my neck before hiding under my cloak and hood.
Afterward, I slowly made my way out of the cave.
Once outside, I mounted the large frog I had previously summoned, deciding to return to the village to rest.
---
A few days passed.
I still remember the villagers' reactions when they saw Marfim for the first time. They were all surprised and excited. Their attitudes toward me became even more welcoming.
Curious about the reason, I asked the village chief, who explained that his naga tribe had been aided by great snake-like monsters in the past. Since then, the tribe had adopted a sacred rule to avoid hunting snakes unless absolutely necessary. This applied particularly to the snakes of Truman Forest.
At that moment, I was enjoying some chicken skewers with plenty of garlic. I ate two, while Marfim ate three. Although she depended on mana to survive, she clearly enjoyed tasting food.
While eating, I was thinking about my next steps. There wasn't much left to explore in the village, and I was eager to venture out, find new locations, and perhaps encounter other players and NPCs.
The chief seemed to notice my restlessness and made an adjustment to the token he had given me. It now allowed me to send small messages between two distinct locations. While its range was limited, it was still useful.
I watched as the nagas moved about the village. Though I enjoyed the peace and quiet of this place, I had joined this game to explore and discover new things. I was curious about the rest of this world and eager to explore new territories.
"I still need to find Lívia…" I murmured, recalling my best friend crying—or pretending to—while insisting we meet soon.
---
The next day, I stood at the edge of the village, ready to leave.
For my journey, I carried a large frog I had purchased, sealed within a magical summoning scroll. The whole concept reminded me of a certain anime featuring a blond-haired boy. Regardless, the frog would serve as my mount for traveling, as I didn't have a soul-bound mount or a skill to facilitate transportation. Using Marfim would drain too much mana.
At my farewell, several villagers, including my friend Joey and even the tribe's chief, came to see me off.
Marfim, my little "daughter," lifted her head, curiously observing the crowd.
Looking at everyone, I took a deep breath to say my goodbyes. I had formed an emotional bond with this place, so I felt a bit reluctant to leave.
Sensing this, Joey patted me on the back, speaking with far more energy than when we first met.
"Alan! It was a pleasure meeting you. Come visit us again!" His voice was loud and enthusiastic, but he didn't stop there. Leaning closer, he whispered something meant only for me to hear.
"I'll be heading to the Naga capital in the future. It's located in a special place on the southern continent. I hope we meet there one day."
I looked at him and nodded. I wasn't sure if it would be possible, but I was curious and hopeful that it might happen.
"Young one."
The Elder's voice redirected my attention.
"During your time here, you've not only helped many of the villagers, but your energy and kindness have been felt. Even though your heart seemed guarded, I and the others could sense your sincerity and inner goodness. I hope you continue to meet new people and explore the world. I have high hopes for you."
His smile was genuine, carrying the warmth of an elder seeing promise in the next generation. I felt a little embarrassed but nodded and thanked him.
I also recalled a conversation I'd had with him a few days prior:
"Young Alan, I don't know how to best caution you, but be careful when dealing with other Beast Kind races. Not all will be welcoming. However, as long as you show strength and sufficient potential, they won't care. Your racial group, along with a few others, values strength and jungle dominance above all else. Even so, tread carefully."
At the time, I was surprised but not entirely shocked. His words lingered in my mind. He also mentioned that the marine race of the Humpback Whales would likely be more receptive compared to the avian race, which seemed far more selective about bloodlines. He warned me to be cautious in certain human cities, as some could be prejudiced or even violent toward non-human groups.
I took his advice to heart and said my goodbyes to them all.
In the end, I climbed onto the large frog and began my journey toward other parts of the continent, searching for new cities and regions to explore.