Chapter 261: The Great Spirit
"The 'Falna' is a divine brand engraved upon the flesh and soul of mortals; without the flesh to bear this power, the 'Falna' cannot exist, and naturally, one's status cannot be updated."
Hearing Focalors's explanation, Aiden was suddenly enlightened.
He immediately thought of the Guild's mysterious wise man—Fels.
For some reason, that sage had lost his flesh, leaving behind nothing but a skeletal frame.
Because of this, it was completely impossible for Ouranos to update his status, meaning that despite living for hundreds of years, his level was permanently stuck at Level 4, unable to progress any further.
So, that was the underlying principle.
Having figured this out, Aiden took Focalors and pushed open the door to his room.
The scene inside was warm and harmonious.
Robin and Himeko were sitting side-by-side on the edge of the bed; the former was using her gentle, melodious voice to detail the various basics of being an adventurer to the latter, covering everything from the leveling system and the Dungeon's structure to their adventures since arriving in this world.
Meanwhile, Himeko sat sideways, resting her chin on one hand, listening with rapt attention.
Her blood-red eyes were full of curiosity and inquiry about this new world, occasionally raising one or two sharp, precise questions about things she didn't quite understand.
Robin, in turn, would patiently explain them to her in the most easily understood manner without a hint of annoyance.
Seeing this, Aiden couldn't help but feel a wave of emotion.
Although this Himeko's personality was slightly different from the somewhat lazy and free-spirited teacher in his memories—appearing far more dominant and dangerous—she was by no means difficult to get along with.
On the contrary, when she reined in that aggressiveness, the mature and reliable aura she exuded made it incredibly easy to trust her.
As for Robin, that went without saying.
Gifted with high emotional and intellectual intelligence, she was naturally adept at dealing with people.
Whether facing an audience of billions on stage or a newly arrived "love rival," she could always find the most appropriate way to interact at the fastest possible speed.
When two equally socially adept women came together, the speed at which they became acquainted far exceeded normal expectations.
When Aiden and Focalors walked in, the conversation between the two abruptly stopped.
Upon seeing "Furina's" clearly different demeanor, Robin immediately understood the situation.
Himeko, however, looked Focalors up and down with keen interest; she had already learned of their current circumstances from Robin, and she was very intrigued by the gods.
Focalors ignored Aiden and Robin; her gaze immediately fell upon Himeko.
It was a look that pierced straight to the core.
She slowly walked up to Himeko and gazed at her quietly.
After a long while, Focalors nodded, a hint of realization in her tone.
"A Spirit, as expected, and... one of an exceptionally high order."
"Unlike those low or mid-tier Spirits that act purely on instinct and possess feeble intellects," Focalors's voice echoed through the room, "you possess complete sapience and emotion, and can even transform your very existence into a weapon for his use."
Her gaze swept across the flaming rose stigmata on the back of Aiden's right hand before finally returning to Himeko's stunningly beautiful face.
"There is no doubt that your status in this world is worthy of being called—"
"A Great Spirit of Fire."
Assuming a divine posture, Focalors calmly delivered the ultimate definition of Himeko's new identity.
Aiden instantly realized what she meant.
Though extremely rare in this world, Spirits weren't completely unseen.
For example, in Orario's shopping district, one could easily spot the Spirits most integrated into human society—gnomes.
However, within the Spirit race, the gap in hierarchy was like an uncrossable chasm.
Lesser Spirits had weak self-awareness, often possessing only the most basic intellect, their actions closer to pure instinct.
Mid-tier Spirits were somewhat better; they had a concept of "self," richer emotions, and could even speak and hold simple conversations with mortals.
But only the legendary "Great Spirits" possessed wisdom and emotions that rivaled, or even surpassed, those of humans.
And Himeko's behavior—whether it was her mature, perceptive mindset or her uncompromising, dominant style—was completely unlike anything a low or mid-tier Spirit could possess.
Not to mention, she could transform her very existence into a powerful weapon rivaling Divine Weapons.
All of this undoubtedly proved her immense power.
"True, if we're using this world's classification for Spirits, I suppose I would count as a Great Spirit."
Himeko didn't show much surprise at her new identity.
To her, a Spirit was a completely unfamiliar concept, but that didn't stop her from quickly grasping her situation.
After all, to someone who had already died once, what could possibly be more important than simply "being alive"?
She knew that her current self could live for a very, very long time.
As long as her core as a Spirit wasn't destroyed, even if her arms and legs were severed or her entire physical form scattered, she wouldn't truly "die"—she would simply consume mana to reform.
Furthermore, her situation seemed fundamentally different from that of Robin, Jeanne d'Arc, and the others.
She was more akin to Furina; the moment she descended, she received a "residency" from this world, recognized by the world itself, which allowed her to retain a portion of her original power.
She extended her slender, jade-like hand adorned with a black lace glove, spreading her five fingers, and a vivid flame that looked as if it were congealed from fresh blood quietly bloomed in her palm.
The flame made no sound, yet it radiated a terrifying, heart-palpitating heat; even the surrounding air warped visibly from the extreme temperature.
This was a stark contrast to Robin, Jeanne d'Arc, Hyacine, and the others, whose powers had been wiped clean upon arriving in this world, forcing them to start from scratch.
Although she couldn't be engraved with a 'Falna' or level up by accumulating experience points, Himeko had gained another form of absolute strength as a result.
More importantly, the "contract" forged between her and Aiden through their souls was far tighter and more unbreakable than the bonds of Familia companions.
Rather than a Familia member, she was more like Aiden's "other half."
That evening, the Palais Mermonia was filled with a lively atmosphere welcoming a new family member.
During the lavish dinner, Aiden formally introduced Himeko to everyone.
Of course, to avoid unnecessary trouble, her true identity was cleverly concealed.
Outwardly, she was merely a newly recruited rookie adventurer for the Focalors Familia.
After all, the title of "Great Spirit" was simply too shocking to the world.
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