Chapter 260

Chapter 260: Battle of Dependence

Crafting offensive Magic Crystals proves more challenging than creating Contract Scrolls.

Beyond engraving magical arrays upon the surface of Magic Stones, a mage must channel magic through these arrays to imbue the stones with power. While mastering the initial engraving process presents considerable difficulty, the subsequent infusion of magic poses an even greater challenge—a single misstep could nullify all prior efforts.

Magic Crystals essentially serve as magical reservoirs. Unlike traditional spellcasting by mages, activating these crystals merely requires a spark of magic essence as a catalyst. This method drastically reduces both casting time and Magic Value consumption compared to conventional sorcery.

The shop primarily stocks water and fire elemental attack-type Magic Crystals, most containing commonplace spells like "Fireball" or "Waterball" and rated as Class C. The sole exception is a Class B Magic Crystal housing the "Chaotic Fire Rain" spell, capable of harming Class B enemies.

"This Class B Magic Crystal was successfully crafted after multiple attempts with Philid’s assistance," Sandra explained, noticing Magic Rainbow’s interest in the specimen.

"This spell proves extraordinary—it unleashes indiscriminate devastation across vast areas. During previous monster sieges, Philid employed it to repel entire hordes."

"Most monsters instinctively fear flames," she added with a chuckle.

"I see…"

Philid… Had Sister Army Lady not intervened during the goblin siege, would he have become our last defense?

"I’ll take this magic shower and the ‘Chaotic Fire Rain’ Magic Crystal."

Magic Rainbow traded her Class B Monster materials for the shower device and several crystals, including the prized Chaotic Fire Rain.

She then outlined scroll production plans to Sandra.

Though lower-class scrolls offered higher success rates, the time investment remained substantial. With Sandra’s maximum capability being Class B Contract Scrolls, these became the priority—essential tools for securing complete control over the town.

…

Time flowed onward, days accumulating like fallen leaves.

Deep within Granville Monster Forest, a black-haired, crimson-eyed child rode a majestic yellow wolf through shadowed groves. Their pursuit echoed with thunderous pawbeats.

"Sister Red Pupil!! That way!"

A purple-haired sylph with dual pairs of iridescent wings darted overhead, gesturing urgently.

"Woof!"

The lupine mount barked, activating a speed-enhancing skill that blurred its massive form into wind itself, tearing through the undergrowth toward Purple Cloud’s indicated direction.

After navigating twisting paths and thickets—

Their quarry emerged.

A rabbit-like monster rivaling leopards in size glared through herbivore eyes, yet sported carnivorous fangs. The Class A LV.6 Sharp Fang Rapid Rabbit used its dental armament for intimidation and protection, compensating modest stature with terrain mastery and blinding speed.

Despite the wolf’s enhanced velocity, its bulk and passenger hindered pursuit. The nimble prey maintained its lead, vanishing through familiar labyrinthine trails while yellow claws shredded earth where lagomorph feet had danced moments before.

"Rely on me, Blondie."

A milky-soft voice murmured against her back.

The giant wolf halted mid-stride.

"Woof!"

With this bark, she activated the possession effect of her "Unique Skill—Inukami." Her massive form dissolved into swirling motes of light that danced around Red Pupil’s flat chest before coalescing onto the young girl’s ivory neck. A golden pattern bloomed there—a canine pawprint half the size of a fist.

The moment the possession completed, the girl’s feet touched down gracefully. She immediately sprang forward, tiny legs propelling her with unprecedented velocity. Even Red Pupil blinked in astonishment.

While pursuing the fleeing rabbit, she stole a glance at her status panel.

*Eighty percent attribution?*

The "Unique Skill—Inukami" allowed its bearer to merge with a recognized master, sharing partial attributes and abilities. When bonded to Lin Yu, the yellow-haired companion transferred full capabilities. Recognizing its hunting advantages, Red Pupil had since permitted the connection.

Initial trials had yielded less than ten percent synchronization—presumably due to insufficient trust. But as their companionship deepened like Red Pupil’s other "daughters," the metrics steadily climbed.

«So fast! Did my attribution rate increase again?»

«Currently eighty percent.»

«Excellent! We’ll catch that Sharp Fang Rapid Rabbit before it lures us into dangerous territory!»

«You omitted the suffix.»

«Must we really…?»

«Mother’s rule.»

«…Meow~»

As they bantered, the girl’s right arm morphed into a chitinous blade. Enhanced speed and strength carried her within striking range of the rabbit-monster. *Thwick!* The ant-like limb pierced its belly before severing a hind tendon.

Defenseless without its signature speed, the crippled creature thrashed beneath Red Pupil’s foot. The girl’s arm reverted to human form as she continued, «If we’re bonded, address me properly.»

«I serve only one master!»

«As Mother’s former servant, you should know her heir shares that status.» Steel flashed from the Magic Backpack, cleanly dismembering the rabbit.

«At most… little mistress. Meow.»

«Prefer ‘little mistress’?»

«Sounds odd… Meow…»

Red Pupil’s aura intensified despite her childlike voice. «Then ‘Master.’»

«Master… Meow.»

Her status panel flickered—*90% synchronization*.