Chapter 211
"Over here, over here!""Should we make it a little bigger?""Is the horse okay?"
To use the Spirit Corridor, you normally need to have built up considerable favor to get this level of cooperation.
But the spirits contracted with Amina proactively helped us escape. Even now, they're guiding us so we don't get lost in the Spirit Corridor.
Following their lead, I steer the carriage.
The path isn't overly wide, but there's more than enough space for a single carriage to pass through.
From the driver's seat, holding the reins, I watch Fuu-chan fret over the horse as we advance along the spirit stone-lit path.
About this incident, Nell and the others said we should reflect on it for next time.
Well then, shouldn't we take that reflection seriously?
This time, we managed to secure a safe escape route at the last moment using the Spirit Corridor, but there's no guarantee we can do the same next time.
If that's the case, to ensure safety and to counter massive enemies like the Rainy Devil, we'll need to prepare sufficient combat strength.
Level and equipment are important, but simply put, numbers are essential for building combat power.
"The problems just keep piling up..."
Ideally, I'd like to establish a clan.
Clans are organizations that players can create, different from adventurer or merchant guilds.
Simply put, it's like starting a company.
There are several conditions for establishing one, but the key is having a base.
The size of the base determines how many clan members can join, so we'd need a fairly large facility.
Also, there's the matter of applying to the nation.
To create an organization, we'd need to submit an application to the country where the base is located and obtain permission.
To get this permission, we'd need to complete several contribution quests for the country, but with the Duke's connections, that part should go smoothly.
"But the biggest problem is personnel..."
The paperwork side of clan creation isn't much of an issue.
The real headache is whether we can secure trustworthy people.
If we recruit indiscriminately, given how much attention we're attracting, some noble might try to plant a mole.
On the other hand, filling it entirely with people from the Edelgard ducal family seems questionable too.
Maybe we should just gather all the top-tier named characters for combat power?
Though with that lineup, we'd probably end up with world conquest rather than just overthrowing a nation—full-scale war would be inevitable.
Mulling over it alone won't help.
Since they told me to consult them in times like this, and with the path straight for a while, I peek inside from the driver's seat.
"Esmeralda, Claudia, Ingrid—can I have a moment?"
Inside, though we've escaped from Madalda, the group sits quietly, still not fully at ease.
My sudden interruption breaks the silence, and those called turn to look at me.
Nell and Amina, who weren't called, ask, "What about us?" but given the nature of the request, I can't rely on them for connections, so I smile wryly and apologize, saying, "Not this time."
"I have something I'm struggling with.""Liberta's troubles?""I don't know if I can help, but I'll listen!""I'll assist however I can, however modestly."
First, I want to gauge how big they think my problem is, but since I was just fantasizing about gathering a world-conquering lineup, I hold back.
"After something like this, I was thinking it might be better to form a clan."
Explaining it's still in the conceptual stage, I briefly mention wanting to gather trustworthy people.
In response—
"If it's people from the Grülle family, I can confidently recommend them."
Ingrid is the first to propose.
A noble house built on trust and reliability.
Their family motto is "Sincerity is our creed."
"Indeed, the Grülle family would be perfect. If other nobles complain, simply saying 'We trust the Grülle family' would silence them."
This proposal is a solid option for me.
Talent means little if betrayed, but with Ingrid's family, that worry is moot.
Considering their upbringing, they're arguably the strongest candidates, despite some lingering concerns.
"By the way, how many people could we recruit?""If we're talking about young, active members like myself... perhaps three? If I check with my father about relatives, we could get a precise count. What do you think?""I'd need to meet them first, so could we arrange interviews?""Understood. I'll make arrangements once we return to the estate.""Thanks."
Securing even three people would be huge. Next, I glance at Esmeralda, who shakes her head with a wry smile.
"In my case, I doubt I can offer suitable candidates. Nobles are bound to their houses, for better or worse. We can't actively forge contracts and earn trust like the Grülle family.""Church personnel are similar. As servants of the gods, few can truly swear to keep your secrets.""Yeah..."
Even three is a good start.
"But that still leaves us unable to form the clan."
One of the clan formation requirements is a minimum number of members.
The condition is two parties or more—meaning at least twelve people.
"Liberta, gathering people is one thing, but what about money? Establishing a base requires considerable funds.""That part's fine. I have plenty of ways to earn money."
Clan formation is expensive.
Between golems, equipment, and other expenses, costs add up quickly.
And with Nell's Gold Smash habit, savings are steadily depleting.
We sell spirit stones and monster materials, but lower-class spirit stones are starting to saturate the market, driving prices down. We're still in the black, but setting up a base and facilities would clearly plunge us into the red.
"Getting stronger is expensive," I mentally excuse.
"I’ve got plenty of things I’d like the Duke to buy.""Are you trying to bankrupt my family?""I’ll pick items with good resale value."
Mentally sorting through potential cash-generating items—
"How about a Golden Golem core?""That’s a Class 6 monster! Who knows how much that would cost?"
I suggest the quickest way to make money, but Esmeralda clutches her head.
"Liberta, let’s table the money talk. About clan formation, I have a small suggestion regarding personnel.""A suggestion?"
Since my options are limited, I listen as Claudia proposes an idea, smiling wryly.
"The academy’s hierarchy is based on power. Many with talent but low status can’t fully showcase their abilities.""A painful truth. Even during my time, the Edelgard family scouted promising students, but we couldn’t get them all."
I roughly grasp Claudia’s point.
In the game, several named characters had this background—and they were often highly capable.
"But I’m not old enough to enroll yet, right?"
The academy accepts students from age twelve.
My real age is unclear, but...
"True. For now, it’s a matter of waiting. Rushing recruitment won’t build a solid organization. Slow and steady is best.""If you enroll, the Edelgard family will sponsor you. His Majesty encourages commoner admissions, and you’d easily pass the exams."
At minimum, we’d need two years—likely more.
Physically, I’m growing steadily, but...
"Honestly, Liberta might need to restrain himself.""Beating the exam proctor is one thing, but he might take out all the instructors too.""Graduating by defeating the entire staff? Bold.""With Liberta, it’s not impossible.""I can hear you two, you know."
I’m probably not yet enrollment age.
I’d prefer to form the clan sooner, but Claudia’s right—rushing would be pointless.
Amused by their teasing, I laugh and play along.
Clan formation seems more daunting than expected.
Between personnel, funds, and a base, the future looks busy. As I ponder Claudia’s suggestion—
Originally, I considered enrolling to gain access to the central continent.
The central continent is a restricted danger zone.
Even adventurers can’t enter freely.
Its travel permits differ from those for the other four continents.
Beyond that, the academy’s appeal lies in its concentration of people.
A place to meet not just named characters but many others.
While trustworthiness is uncertain, scouting there would be easier than in cities.
Holding the reins, I notice the spirits acting strangely.
"What’s wrong?"
I gently pull the reins, stopping the carriage as the spirits hesitate ahead.
They exchange troubled glances, seemingly reluctant to speak.
"Amina! The spirits seem bothered. Can you talk to them?"
Being abandoned in the Spirit Corridor is unlikely, but something’s clearly wrong.
"What’s the matter, everyone?"
At my call, Amina approaches the spirits, who rush to her.
"Um, um...""The King is calling!""The King wants to hear Amina’s songs! He’s calling!"
Well, that’s a name I didn’t expect.
There’s only one "King" the spirits would refer to—
The Spirit King, Divan.
The Spirit Corridor is a pathway connecting our world and the spirit world, Spiritrealm.
We’re currently using a backdoor method to traverse its edges, evading the Rainy Devil.
For the Spirit King to reach out now—
In the game, visiting Spiritrealm required the King’s permission, earned through endless quests, spirit endorsements, and petitions—culminating in the quest "The Spirit King’s Invitation."
To be summoned like this now is... unexpected.