There were still too many stalkers alive. So, I used the frost barrier around the city as the outer bounds for [Hsien]. And yes, the whole village would be in range of it. I spent 2 minutes evenly spreading the water and the whole area inside the barrier started to act like it was water, but it wasn't. I continued eating for the 2 minutes I needed to set [Hsien] up. I popped out all my other tails and created 4 frost dragons around me and multiple water dragons.

Messing with a tailed beast is akin to calling a natural disaster upon yourself, and I’m eager to demonstrate. Nothing in here was what it seemed. There were fish in various sizes, but they were part of the technique. They would eat any mana or spirit energy that got used and use it to grow. They would become bigger and bigger fish, then orcas and ultimately [Dragons]. And these fish dealt damage when anyone got close to them, and the bigger the fish, the greater the damage.

I had 4 frost dragons around me not for protection but to cool myself off. There was an extremely low chance someone would be able to make it to me. I was currently at the center of this skill and I could move freely. Escape was improbable but not impossible, so I formed dragons at the outer edge of my sphere of influence, and they slowly weaved a net with their bodies slowly making escape impossible. It looked like the dragons were dancing, though. The beauty was that I didn't need to actively attack because the fish and dragons did this on their own.

The ‘water’ around me started to boil, so I made the frost dragons around me stronger. Nilah popped out in her fox form and helped me stay cool. This [Hsien] was bigger than the one I had used in Witchaven or against the tomato goddess. The [Boss Music] had changed to reflect the change in scenery.

Hey Nilah, do you think you can make 2 huge [Dragons] with frost?

Nilah shrunk to her smallest size and created 1 [Dragon] made of frost. That was good enough.

She sat on my head. While we watched the frost [Dragon] terrorizing the stalkers for a good 2 minutes before it disappeared. The fish, orcas and dragons had killed off almost every citizen in Stalker city.

A fish approached and notified me that it found Cockroach. Perfect!

[Hsien] had a side effect of trapping a vast amount of energy because these people tried to fight what was attacking them. So, I could just use all this.

I gathered the energy around me and shot toward my target. I appeared behind Cockroach and some elders who were trying to flee and focused all the energy of [Hsien] technique in my palms, freeing the city from [Hsien].

I located all the spirit tethers that belonged to Giana and landed Dragonvein infused palm strikes on them to force them out of Cockroach’s body. She got locked into a long combo of freezes and palm strikes, which ended up with me piercing her heart after all the spirit tethers got detached. The energy gathered from [Hsien] released and blasted her off my arm, all that was left was me holding Giana’s spirit. I took out some Ichor Pneuma and doused Giana’s unconscious spirit in it and swapped Noelle to me.

Can you stabilize her spirit?

Noelle put on some crystal glasses, which I recognized. She stabilized Giana’s spirit before I placed her in my dimensional pocket.

Did you sell those glasses to electronium plant workers?

“I did when we needed some gold yeah. What were those techniques? They seem to have tired you a lot though.”

The first one was [Silver Torrent] and that one just now was [Hsien] the first one is taxing on my food supply.

I took out a grand buffet and started wolfing down whatever food was closest. Noelle showed surprise but started to eat too.

“There are still some stalkers left, what do we do with them, they seem quite strong. Can you pass me that?”

Well, it’s up to them if they want to run or fight, as long as they don't disturb my meal because they’re super dead if they do.

A youngster that somehow survived, stepped back, and reevaluated his decision to ambush us while we were eating.

You can have some food too if you want.

I offered him a drumstick but he ran away. I guess he doesn't like drumsticks.

Spirits gathered around us and thanked us. One warned us that a small but strong group was out on a mission and was returning now, it was just a group of 6 though. At the moment, there were about 450 stalkers left alive.

“So, what are you going to tell the AA about this… city?”

They fucked around and found out, this is completely their own undoing.

“And you won't get into trouble? Where did you get this cake?” Noelle asked as she was stuffing her face.

Nah, they know that if I would do something like this these guys must have really fucked up, I swiped it from the emperor of Zanyr.

“Also, I think those people want to say something to us.” Noelle pointed her fork at 3 guys who looked like elders. They were on guard but made the wise decision to avoid interrupting 2 mythical beasts feasting.

What do you want?!

“We want to negotiate; how do we get our village back?”

I don’t know, what do you think guys?

I addressed all the spirits that got freed from us killing the stalkers. There were way more spirits than inhabitants because every inhabitant, even teenagers, possessed at least 2 or 3 spirits. The spirits didn't seem to want these guys to get what they want. Most tried to be nice, but there were a lot that were also quite resentful.

“What are they saying? Oh, have you tried this soup?”

I don’t do soup, you can have all of it, and the spirits had enough of these guys’ selfishness. So, I’m sorry, the spirits say ‘No’ and I agree with them.

“How cruel! We were just living our life and you came here and destroyed it all!” The youngster returned and flapped his mouth .

Living your life, eh? So, you mean enslaving spirits against their will and using them as batteries for your selfish needs? Or organizing a group of over 200 skilled fighters to go after one woman? Do you seriously think that living your life however you want has no consequences? Do you even realize what the elders of your shitty village have done?

“Wha… What?” The youngster stepped back while shaking his head in disbelief.

“Do you know Giana Kahlua?” Noelle said as she pointed her fork at the youngster.

“Oh, she’s that pretty idol, right? Yea, I’m a big fan, she’s so pretty and her voice is so soothing! Wait! Aren’t you Noelle Yasmin?”

Did you know, Giana is a nine-tailed spirit fox and your elders are responsible for her death which happened more than an hour ago?

The youngster looked at the three elders. “He’s lying right?”

I showed him an illusion that replayed the time before and after her death. Some other random survivors also overheard that and started to cause a commotion .

Look, none of you guys are going to get out of this alive. Leaving survivors leaves resentment and I don’t feel like having this bite me in the ass later on, so you have the choice. Do you want to go out with a fight or do you want a gentle death?

“A gentle death? Are you going to poke them till they die? I say let's [Crystal punch] 'em!” Noelle stood up and stomped, sending a small quake and startling everyone.

A small portion accepted that there was nothing they could do and stepped forward for a gentle death. I went into [Elgard Overload] and put them all under a very strong illusion.

Last chance.

“How is getting turned into dust a gentle death? Not that I care.” Noelle picked up a dessert.

They lived their life to the fullest in an illusion and died of old age, the moment they die of old age in the illusion is when they turn into dust in real life.

The youngster stepped forward. “Can I have a life where I’m good friends with Giana?”

Smart kid, I’m sure your end will be more gentle than the others.

I put the youngster under the illusion and it took way longer for him to turn into dust.

“It seems he indeed had a good experience” Noelle said disinterested.

“You monster! How could you do this to us!” the stalkers disagreed with the current situation.

“Yeah, yeah, blah blah! You, humans, are so selfish! Let’s kick their asses!” Noelle said as her mana flared. I cleaned up the food and table.

I would like to but I have a better idea. How about we turn this place into a power spot and let the spirits fight for their freedom?

“Oh, that's a wonderful idea! Can you ask the spirits if they could leave some for me? How about that bald elder, can I have him?” Noelle shot a mean glare at a balding elder.

This content has been misappropriated from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.

I glanced at the spirits, who didnt mind. A lot of them wanted to give the humans a day to prepare because they were itching for a good fight.

Right, most of these spirits are battle junkies so they want a good fight, you guys have a day to prepare, so make the most of it, also, Noelle the bald elder is yours, I will start turning this place into a power spot soon. It will give the spirits an unfair advantage but who cares.

“So how do you make that power spot, can I help? I’m good at building and stabilizing things.”

Uhh, I have no clue how, but it shouldn't be so hard, and I don’t think this will work without your help, so I really need your help yeh.

“So, how is Giana? Anything I can do for her? Is she waking up?”

Both her body and spirit are stable, and her spirit is still unconscious. After we wrap this up, I will attempt to put her spirit back in her body. There is one complication though.

“Is it anything serious?”

Hmm from my perspective it isn't really but from yours, it might be because you know her well. Because I had to be careful, I had to rip out a bit more than just Giana’s spirit, some traits of cockroach might be attached to her.

“Ewww, can you fix it?”

I will do my best but this is unfamiliar territory for me, if it seems that only good traits are attached to her would you accept that?

“Hmm, that’s a difficult question, I would like to say no, but I assume getting rid of them are risky so if they are truly good traits, it might be better to leave it be?”

Yeah, I’m sorry, I’m not an expert in this, I’d like to find someone who is but it seems the information regarding this is ancient, outdated, or just not researched and incomplete.

Noelle sat down. “So, Giana will be different than I know her?”

Not by much, 2 or 3 extra traits at most. She certainly isn't missing anything. It’s possible you won’t notice anything, but I don’t want to keep your hopes up.

“Don’t you get tired?”

What?

Noelle seemed tired and saddened. “First time you meet us, and we accuse you of maliciously dumping us here in the human world even though you offered to help us, then you had to run errands for us, then those guards made things difficult for you, you had to drag us through multiple dangerous situations putting your life on the line multiple times, then this rescue which I know took a lot out of you even though you seem fine, and now you have to revive and fix Giana’s soul.”

Hmm, well if you say it like that it sounds a lot, but this is fine, I’m sure you guys would've done the same for me.

Noelle looked at me and grabbed my shoulders. “Please hook up with Giana after this!”

This again, these things will be a regular occurrence if you hang around with us. And I don’t think this is good for you, also you guys have an important function as idols.

“Yes, yes I know that but I want to hear your answer, what do you think about Giana?”

I’m sorry, I can't answer that, I’m not very in tune with my emotions. As Greg would say, I’m socially retarded. I don’t know how to treat people and could exhibit some disturbing traits. I don’t think I’m a good match for Giana.

Noelle shook me. “Let Giana be the judge of whether you're a good match for her, what do you think of her?”

You really don't let up, do you?

I broke away from Noelle’s grab and looked at the setting sun.

I would be lying if I said I wasn’t interested. It took a lot out of me to control myself around her. One mistake and I would completely fall for her.

I faced Noelle .

And that’s why I can’t let you join us. I realized some things about myself during this mission. I get attached quite fast to people I see as my own, so Giana, you, and even these spirits here. My initial plan was to get away safely, it then shifted to kill the elders that block teleports. That all makes sense but that changed the more they started to mess with Giana and it ended into wiping out their whole city. And the thing is, I don't feel remorse, I believe this was the right thing even though I realize that this might not be, objectively speaking. If a country messed with her, I wouldn't bat an eye and would wipe the country off the face of the planet. And I have the power to. This is my problem. She would frown upon things I would probably pull if I got more attached to her so I think it’s best if I keep my distance.

“I don't care, call me if you need to wipe out a country! Nobody messes with Giana or Yv! But I think I understand. Doesn't mean I accept it! I’m going to make sure you 2 end up together!”

Anyway, let's rest a bit and then it’s time to get to work! Did you have enough to eat?

“Nope but I can always eat more afterward.”

We rested while having a chat. I successfully managed to shift the topic toward Raishin or their idol life. We talked a bit about my [Boss music] and Noelle showed me some strange crystals that made beautiful sounds while vibrating. She occasionally sent glares toward the peeping stalkers.

It was time to create a power spot, but I had no idea how to do this. My instinct told me that nature energy is the key. I went to the middle of the crater that was quarter filled with water. I started to circulate nature energy to the point it leaked out of me. I also started [Drowning pulse] to fill up this crater and make a lake. The surroundings slowly started to turn into an oasis. Any bit of civilization that was left got claimed by nature. The spirits helped out and things progressed faster than expected.

While the water is permanent, the plants that grow as a result of my nature energy aren't so Noelle stabilized them and made their existence lasting.

This is why they're such good builders. I didn't need to continue [Drowning pulse] so I directed the nature energy with Dragonvein movements. The spirits went craz with shaping the area and the hill got a wide diversity of plants and Noelle created a couple cave structures in it, of which one was a crystal cave. One cave would lead deeper to some magma so that fire spirits have a spot, but I would have to do that later on.

The environment was read, all I needed to do was to connect some underground Dragonvein to this place.

I had absolutely no clue how to do this, maybe direct a big stream to this place and have Noelle lock it in? That was the best I could come up with. I acted on my idea which was physically exhausting. I collapsed in exhaustion after Noelle stabilized it and observed how the spirits formed spirit tethers to it, suggesting that we succeeded.

Another break which was used to eat again.

A spirit approached me and notified me that it worked but that there was a better way and that was to make a connection from here to the spirit world. He didn't exactly know how, but he had the ability to communicate with spirits in the spirit world, which surprisingly isn't common. I got my tails out because I had the feeling it was a spatial issue. The spirit used a skill that allowed me to connect to a spirit in the spirit world.

To who do I connect? I don't know many spirits; I don't know if Starbolt and Cee Horze are in the Spirit world. Oh, the spirit sisters that almost kicked our asses in Boshi Town. It took a while, but somehow it went through.

Hello, hello test 123.

"This voice, you sound a bit different, is that you Agnis?"

Hello Georgia, I'm trying to make a power spot. Any tips? And if not keep the connection open so I can try and burrow a connection between the spirit world and here.

"The name is Guyani! And ehh that is kind of how you would make one, can we live there once you're done?"

Uhh, sure as long as you don't attack us.

"Come on, that was 312 years ago!"

Right, I forgot, time flows differently there. I'll make a spot that's cold.

I used my 9t mode to spatially burrow toward the connection. Noelle had no idea what I was doing, but she stabilized whatever I was doing so that the spatial tunnel didn't collapse.

Just one question, you are not at a random spot, are you?

"I'm what I call home, why?"

Well, lucky you! Your home will become the entrance to the spatial tunnel!

"..."

You do know that ellipses isn’t a dialogue option, right?

I closed the communication because the tunnel connected. I could instantly feel the surrounding spirits power up. I had no idea what I was doing, but it worked somehow.

Noelle looked around. "The place feels different now, did we succeed?"

You can feel it too? I think we succeeded.

I finished the caves; one would lead to a magma pool and another to a frozen cave. I asked Noelle to put a pink crystal in it in the form of a root. We worked all night to turn this power spot into a nice place. Somehow this was more exhausting than wiping out a village. Fortunately for us, the spirits will be doing the fighting.

I attuned with Noelle which took 10 minutes and linked my vision with her, so she could see them and not an outline or a polygon shape of them. They thanked us too many times and wanted to do something back.

If you want to do something back, defend this place with all you've got!

"Yeah, terraforming is rough… I didn't know it would be this exhausting." We left the cave and the spirits were having a blast in their new home. "It really feels worthwhile when seeing them like that."

Yeah.

A chilly breeze swept by and 2 familiar spirits arrived.

Guyani looked around. "Wow this is a very nice power spot, a bit warm though."

I ignored Narwhani’s nagging about teaching her ice tricks and showed them the frozen cave.

Guyani seemed quite mad after we showed her the cave, we made for them. "Hey, are you mocking us?"

Hmm? I wanted to make you feel at home.

"There was no need to put a pink root in here!" She said as she pointed at the pink crystal root.

"It's not a root, it’s a crystal, what do you think? Looks pretty convincing, right?" Noelle seemed proud of her creation.

"... I'll take it, you have our gratitude, Nayani stop nagging him! Let's set this up as our power spot and make it a bit more habitable."

We left the spirit sisters alone. The water spirits were having a great time and were playing in the water. What a peaceful sight.