I ran along the river for a while, and soon the view opened up.
Cold mist was faintly drifting in the air, cooling my body pleasantly after running and getting out of breath.
A wide basin and a waterfall cascading straight down from a cliff came into sight. Just watching it made me feel like my heart was being cleansed. It was truly a mystical scene. I understood why Filoé had been eager to show me this place.
“Isto-san. Over there. There’s something under the waterfall.”
Filoé pointed to the deepest part of the basin. Right where the waterfall was hitting, something large and black was lying there.
We circled around the basin and approached the black mass.
“What the heck is this…?”
It was about the size of a wagon. It was a splendid ‘square box,’ as if a craftsman had carved it into shape.
“Look at the bottom. The water around where this iron box is submerged is a bit murky.”
“You’re right. The dirt on the box… no, wait. This cloudy look… could it be?”
Knowledge I’d gained from documents surfaced in my mind.
“This could be a monster’s ‘miasma.’ It’s being purified by the holy water from the waterfall. If that’s the case…”
Filoé and I looked up at the iron box.
“Could this weird lump be a monster!?”
What a surprise. I had never seen a monster shaped like this.
But something felt off.
Even though it was supposed to be a monster, I didn’t sense any ominous aura from it.
Was it because the holy water had cleansed the miasma?
“Oh! What’s that?”
Fearless as ever, Filoé approached the back of the iron box monster.
There was a large crystal embedded there, about the size of a kiso fruit we’d seen in the forest.
I stopped Filoé as she reached out to touch it, and instead, I took a closer look.
―No use. I couldn’t figure out what it was at all.
Filoé tugged on my sleeve.
“Hey, Isto-san. Don’t you think this crystal looks a lot like the Tear of Fate?”
“Now that you mention it, it really does.”
“Isto-san, Isto-san. In that case, why don’t you try using Awakening Appraisal?”
“That skill isn’t really meant for something like this.”
“But! If it’s Isto-san, I’m sure you’ll figure something out! You’re Isto-san, after all!”
Ugh…
How do I deal with those expectant, confident eyes?
One day, I’ll have to properly teach Filoé. I’m neither a hero nor a sage.
But anyway.
If this crystal is anything like the Tear of Fate in humans, Awakening Appraisal might reveal something. Filoé’s suggestion wasn’t entirely unreasonable.
“Filoé, step back.”
I stood in front of the mysterious iron box monster and used Awakening Appraisal on the crystal.
And then―
“Monitoring Level 1 activated. Displaying the skills the target possesses:
Personality Liberation
Spatial Expansion
Kettle of the Droplet“
“Hmm…”
“H-How was it, Isto-san?”
“I found out what skills it has through Monitoring.”
“Wow, that’s amazing!”
“But that’s all I know. I still have no clue what this thing actually is―”
Just as I was about to finish my sentence…
The crystal suddenly began to glow. At the same time, the entire iron box started to tremble.
Uh-oh.
“Filoé!”
“Ah!?”
I grabbed the slender girl and quickly moved us away.
Holding her tightly to shield her, I glared warily at the iron box monster.
“Uhh―“
“… Is it coming!?”
“Uhh, uhh… waaaaaahhhh!“
“Huh?”
“Waaaahhh, waaaahhh, wuaaahhh!“
Crying. And in the voice of a cute little girl, no less.
Wait, hold on. What? What’s happening?
I used Awakening Appraisal on the iron box-shaped monster and learned it had some mysterious skills. Then it started crying out loud for no reason.
I have no idea what’s going on.
“Sniff… sob… it’s so painful… so lonely…“
I don’t get it, but―I could tell this strange monster was crying from the bottom of its heart. Unlike someone like Gabby who had hidden intentions, this was pure emotion.
“I’m… better off not existing… I’m just a useless thing… a piece of trash in the winds of life… nothing more than a trash can…“
Wow, that’s some serious self-deprecation. And trash can? Really?
“Sniff… excuse me, human…“
Suddenly being addressed, my eyes widened.
“I’m sorry. It must be scary with me here… I’m in your way, aren’t I…? Don’t worry. I’ll disappear soon.“
The trembling of the iron box monster stopped.
A crack formed on its surface.
“I’m no longer needed… I’m just a useless thing. I’m sorry for scaring you. Thank you for listening. Goodbye―“
“Wait a second!”
Before I knew it, I had spoken up.
I walked closer to the monster.
“I don’t know what happened, but don’t be so hasty.”
“But… I…“
“I don’t sense any ill will from you. I’m not scared. So, why don’t you tell me what’s wrong? It might make you feel a little better.”
“Human…“
I gently stroked the crystal.
“I don’t know what to do anymore. I can’t remember who I am or why I’m here. Being here feels like I’m changing, and it’s scary, and I’m so lonely and sad… Why am I here…? Who am I, really…?“
Nodding, I listened quietly to this peculiar monster’s words.
I felt like I understood.
It didn’t know its purpose. It didn’t understand why it existed here.
That’s why it wanted to disappear.
Even though it was a monster, it had a very human heart.
I couldn’t just leave it like this.
“Hey. If you’d like, how about I give you a name? If you don’t know who you are or where you come from, maybe it would help.”
“A name, for me?“
“Yeah. How about… Redelia?”
“Redelia…“
“It’s an old human word that means ‘to smile.'”
The crystal blinked softly, and to me, it looked like a smile.
“It’s a wonderful name. It’s far too good for something like a trash can… but I love it.“
“I’m glad you like it.”
If possible, I’d also like it to change its overly negative mindset, but I decided not to say that aloud. I figured it had probably been through a lot as well.
As I nodded in satisfaction, Filoé poked me in the side with a hand chop, making me jump.
“Whoa!? H-Hey, what was that for?”
“Puff.”
She puffed out her cheeks and looked up at me.
“…What?”
“Puff, puff!”
I had no idea what she was doing.
So, I patted her head. Her inflated cheeks instantly returned to normal.
“Um…“
Redelia timidly spoke up. It seemed calmer now, and the crack on its surface had somehow healed.
“I have a request for you humans.“
“Ah, I haven’t introduced myself yet. I’m Isto. And this is Filoé.”
“Isto and Filoé. Thank you for being so kind to someone like me. I know it’s a lot to ask, but… could I come with you two?“
“Are you asking to join us?”
“I know it’s absurd for something like me to even ask, but I feel a strong attraction to you both.“
Filoé tilted her head.
“Not just to Isto-san, but to me too?”
“I can sense a powerful talent in both of you. Just being near you fills me with energy.“
Filoé and I exchanged glances.
Could it be that Redelia had the ability to detect gifted skills?
“Please, even if you treat me like nothing more than a trash can, I would be honored to accompany you. I beg you.“
