"This really is an exceptionally strong defensive set."
To withstand Urga's edge and Tiona's strength without leaving so much as a mark—that level of defense was terrifying. Finn couldn't help but marvel inwardly. Though the coverage of Tiona and Tione's gear wasn't large, it protected all vital spots, and he'd also noticed both sisters had forearm wraps that could double as impromptu weapons and protection in a pinch.
"So, what exactly does Tsunayoshi want you two to test?"
With both physical and magical defense, the gear already sounded perfect on paper. Finn struggled to imagine what else needed testing; his curiosity was piqued.
"Mm. Tsunayoshi said these aren't 'fixed' creations, so we don't know how long they'll last. We need to test their duration."
"Testing fixation, huh?"
That was important. Finn understood Tsunayoshi's ability: creating "beasts" through imagination. The key problem was how to "fix" a creation—to make it persist permanently.
"Right. If Tsunayoshi gains a fixation method, he won't just be able to reproduce his commonly made beasts more easily; he can also make them last far longer. That would be a huge boost to his ability."
Finn suddenly thought of the gravity bracelets.
"Tiona, you still have those gravity bracelets, right?"
"Mm. Tione and I both still have ours. We were using them the day before the expedition. Training-wise, they help us a lot."
"In that case, Tsunayoshi's creations can already last quite a while. But what you're wearing isn't the same as the bracelets. Combat means wear and tear—problems might crop up sooner."
"It's fine. Tsunayoshi already accounted for that. On the way down, he'll make extra sets as replacements. We'll also store the worn-down set to check how long it persists after taking damage."
A more comprehensive test, then. Finn nodded, satisfied. They'd gather data on whether combat wear affected a creation's lifespan.
"Speaking of the gravity bracelets—Riveria, you're sure Ais won't be using hers during this period?"
"Relax. I anticipated that and confiscated Ais-chan's bracelets two days before departure. I'm not letting that child pull any stunts during something important."
Gareth's concern had been on Riveria's mind already. That surprise Ais had sprung on them that morning had kept Riveria on guard for more of the girl's "clever" ideas. No one knew Ais's thought patterns better than she did.
To head off any dangerous or troublesome notions from that small head, Riveria prepared in advance: remove the bracelets, remove the extra ideas.
What now—outfits and bracelets? Bete, who'd been listening in, was full of question marks. Same familia, yet somehow he felt out of the loop; it grated on him.
"Finn, what were you talking about just now?"
"Just matters concerning Tsunayoshi and the things he's created. Because of the expedition, he's put in a lot of work—some of it may even impact our pace."
"That rookie's ability can help with the expedition too?"
He'd known from the start the ability was overtuned, but he hadn't expected it to be useful for the expedition itself. Bete had actually rated the newcomer highly: if you can fabricate beasts tailored to an enemy's weak point with pure imagination, no one survives a perfect counterpick.
He'd assumed the man could only make targeted beasts. He hadn't expected him to conjure all sorts of strange gear as well.
"Heh heh~ Tsunayoshi said it himself: the ability is the key, and what counts as a 'beast' is free to define. Take my outfit—it's a new material he created, called the 'Holy Shroud.' Who says cloth can't be a beast? And who says a beast has to look like a monster?"
So the essence of "beast" could be redefined. Then this ability really was too overtuned. Once Bete understood that, he realized just how unbounded the newcomer's power was—broad, versatile, and barely constrained by form.
"Does that rookie have any limits? Don't tell me he can even do resurrection."
"Mm… resurrection, I actually haven't thought about. But I do know of things that can revive the dead."
"!?"
The sudden voice made Bete jolt and hop back on reflex.
"Tsunayoshi!"
Tiona squealed and leapt at him, delighted rather than startled—unlike Bete's flinch.
"You were here the whole time?"
"Mm. Loki told me to act carefully. Considering my personal capability isn't there yet, I erased my presence and shadowed you. We've already confirmed this concealment fools monsters as well. Safety can be guaranteed."
"About what you said—resurrection—can it really be done?"
Curiosity sparkled in Tiona's eyes.
"Resurrection, huh. I do know of something that can revive the dead and grant immortality. But whether it's possible here, I don't know. This world has gods—so naturally it has a place souls return to. Once a soul has cycled into reincarnation, resurrection shouldn't be possible."
"Also, any resurrection-type power would draw divine attention. I don't believe it's something that can be achieved easily."
(End of Chapter)
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