Chapter 19. Surprise [FIXED]
Despite her naivety, Driya absorbed new knowledge incredibly fast. Because she had skipped the intermediate rank, her understanding was limited. Yet, she could sense—almost instinctively—when spirits were malicious or benevolent. She avoided dangerous places with an intuition that intermediate spirits, who were just beginning to question their surroundings, lacked. Driya was like a blank slate, pure and untainted.
Just being around her infectious positivity made it hard not to feel the same. It was exactly what I needed after battles. Knowing something might happen to her would be devastating, so I decided to share everything I knew about the Spirit Realm and its inhabitants. I warned her strictly to stay away from "very evil and powerful spirits." I had to simplify my words for her, but as we talked, she began using more complex phrases. Perhaps there's a foundational knowledge embedded within spirits themselves, and Driya was unlocking those packets. Or maybe it's the influence of the Spirit Tree's chi? Who knows, but it's a good thing either way.
I was curious to see what bending abilities she possessed. Without hesitation, she demonstrated them openly. As she closed her eyes briefly, the grass around us stirred, and the trees seemed to respond to her call. In the next moment, tree roots burst from the ground, twisting and nuzzling her as if overjoyed to be near her. The calm grass began growing wildly, stopping only when it reached our waists.
Running my hand through the grass, I was amazed by its strength. It could easily halt an enemy's advance and even inflict damage. But her earthbending abilities would only work in the right environment—or would they? I glanced nervously at the spot where a green slime had landed. It had been released from a bright, multicolored flower that grew from her hand right before my eyes. She's a walking weapon! Driya could be called a nature spirit, and her body is a full-fledged ecosystem capable of producing everything she needs. Just now, unable to reach her itching back, she effortlessly extended her arm, which now resembled a vine.
I'm probably worrying for nothing. If she survived as a low-rank spirit, she'll surely endure until she becomes a full-fledged high-rank spirit. Still, I should take her to a safer place with a stronger natural aura. Afterward, I can visit the dark water spirits for one round.
Finding such a place wasn't difficult. The hard part was parting with Driya, who refused to stay alone.
"But why can't you stay with me? Do you want me to talk less? Is that it?" she asked tearfully, clinging to me like a koala.
I felt like the worst person, leaving a child alone in the adult world, even though it wasn't my fault.
"No, you're amazing," I said with a sigh, patting her head. "I just can't stay here too long. Don't cry. It feels like you think you'll never see me again. Look at it this way: what were the chances we'd meet again? But we did, so don't be sad," I finished with a gentle tap on her cute nose.
"Then why can't I go with you?" asked a slightly calmer Driya.
"Uh, you're still too weak," I replied. It wouldn't hurt to tell her. "I live in the human world, and as you know, only very powerful spirits can enter it." Now she'll accept the situation, especially since I've already explained the barrier to her.