After hanging up the phone, Shiro Sakamaki turned his head and found Eriri staring at him, her curiosity practically written across her face.
Before he could speak, Eriri was the first to ask, "Is this related to your supernatural business?"
As a member of the Spencer family, Eriri was well aware of the existence of extraordinary powers. Having known about it since childhood, she wasn't surprised by Shiro's extensive training over the years. If her father hadn't been a peripheral figure in the family, and her mother not from Neon, Eriri would likely have been practicing magic herself by now.
"It's hard to say yet; I'll need to assess the situation first," Shiro replied.
"Can you take me with you?" Eriri asked, a hopeful tone in her voice.
Shiro hesitated, then said, "Maybe next time."
It wasn't that he didn't want to take her along, but he wasn't sure about the situation yet. Eriri wasn't an extraordinary person, and it would be troublesome to protect her while dealing with an unknown danger.
"Hmph, if you're not bringing me, then you're just a stingy bastard!" Eriri pouted, crossing her arms.
Just then, Sayuri, who had been listening in from the other room, walked over. "Eriri, the world of the extraordinary can be dangerous. Shiro-kun has his reasons for not wanting to take you along, so don't make things difficult for him," she said gently.
Eriri sighed but didn't argue, reluctantly agreeing. "Fine, I won't push it."
Shiro smiled. "It's not that urgent. The employer isn't in danger for now, so there's no rush."
Sayuri, hearing them, suddenly suggested, "Shiro-kun, why don't you stay here for dinner tonight? I'll make sure there's plenty of food."
Shiro chuckled. "Thank you, Sister Sayuri. I don't mind eating a lot."
"Good, then! I'll prepare something special. You and Eriri-chan can take a walk in the neighborhood, but don't stay out too late."
---
After the walk suggestion, Shiro and Eriri headed out into the neighborhood. However, Shiro's mind was elsewhere, focused on the Dragon Slaying Crystal in his system space. After a while of contemplation, he finally made up his mind.
Walking behind Eriri, Shiro took out the azure crystal, its surface swirling with storm-like energy, radiating both mystery and power. From the system's instructions, he realized that the crystal, which normally required implantation, could now be used orally due to his sign-in system.
"Hey, Eriri, do you want supernatural power?" Shiro asked casually.
Eriri turned, a look of confusion crossing her face. It wasn't that she hadn't wished for such power before, but her father, being on the fringes of the Spencer family, had no access to the extraordinary world. And although her mother's side of the family was powerful, they had no connection to magic either. The world of extraordinary powers was largely monopolized by traditional families in Neon, and outsiders rarely got a chance to learn.
When her father had once tried to send her abroad for training, the xenophobia in foreign magical communities had made it impossible. She hadn't even attempted it after that, disheartened by the rejection.
Shiro's sudden offer, however, made her wonder if he was breaking the rules to teach her. Despite her usual willfulness, she understood the gravity of such a decision, so she quickly shook her head, refusing.
Shiro, however, knew her thoughts. "Don't worry," he reassured her, "This isn't a violation of any rules."
He held the Dragon Slaying Crystal in front of her, and she gasped at its beauty. "Is this what you're talking about?"
But Shiro didn't immediately answer. "Just answer my question first: Do you want it or not?"
He didn't talk about the dangers or the irreversible nature of stepping into the world of the extraordinary. He had confidence that he could protect her and that he was close to reaching a critical point in his own training. In a few days, he would likely reach Tier 6: Tectonic-level status, and the level-breaking pill would ensure he surpassed his current limits.
Eriri paused for a long moment, her inner thoughts swirling. Finally, she nodded. "Yes, I want it."
"Good." Shiro smiled and motioned for her to open her mouth.
She hesitated but did as he asked, and immediately felt something large and hard pressed into her mouth. A warm current spread through her body, settling in her.
At the same time, a flood of knowledge entered her mind—Sky Dragon Slayer Magic, the power contained in the Dragon Slaying Crystal.
Eriri's eyes widened. The power felt immense and terrifying. It was the kind of power that could easily decimate entire landscapes, something she had only heard about in myths and legends.
She was not a person from the extraordinary world, but she could already tell how precious this gift was. It would take time for her body to adjust, but once she did, she would be able to harness the Sky Dragon Slayer Magic to its full extent.
Shiro had given her the Sky Dragon Slaying Crystal he had extracted earlier. He hadn't used it himself because its attributes didn't align with his own powers. While others might chase flashy abilities, Shiro preferred to focus on perfecting a single skill. He had practiced his Thunder Method with exceptional dedication, mastering the eight divine mantras, and used them as his primary way of dealing with extraordinary threats.
The Dragon Slaying Crystal had remained unused because it wasn't compatible with his path. But now, he was confident that it would empower Eriri in ways she couldn't yet understand.
Eriri felt the warmth settle deep within her, and though she couldn't yet wield the magic, she could already feel a shift inside her. The knowledge was there, waiting for her to awaken it.
Shiro observed her for a moment, satisfied with his decision. Soon, when her body fully adapted, she would be able to use the magic—and when that time came, she would be a force to reckon with.
For now, he would wait and help her adjust.
---
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