I was pretty sure cold sweat was forming all over my body. Of course, since I was submerged in liquid, no one would notice.
"What's wrong? You look worried."
"Ah, I'm just… a little concerned. I really hate the idea of political marriage. If I ever grow up and get out of here, I want to date and marry whoever I want, on my own terms."
Kahel suddenly clasped his hands together, looking utterly moved.
"Even if a homunculus is a lifeform of infinite potential, one who's just entered Phase 2 should only be at the mental level of a seven- or eight-year-old human… And yet you already think so maturely! Oh, how did Master and I manage to create such a genius homunculus?"
Of course I do. I'm not a homunculus—I'm Jessica Williams, a 25-year-old American woman. I kept silently sweating into the solution when Becky butted in without hesitation.
"Excuse me, Kahel, but enough with the self-praise. This is all thanks to me."
"Thanks to you?"
"I've been reading fairy tales and showing picture books to Pie all the time. In all those stories, the girls fall for a handsome prince at first sight and fall in love. That's where she got these ideas."
"It's Pani, not Pie. But... does that actually work?"
"Of course it does! And besides, every time you and Master show her something with that crystal orb, it's always happy couples. Obviously, she's going to start thinking that way!"
"Is that so?"
Kahel turned to look at me as if to confirm, and I quickly nodded up and down.
"Aah, Pani, you've been worrying about things like that. So you want to grow up and experience a romantic love story, huh?"
First of all, yes, I was reborn as a magical girl beauty and I'm not about to be married off that easily. Second, I don't even know what that boy's like, so no thanks to that arranged marriage idea—but I didn't say that out loud.
"Ha ha… yeah. But, um, what's the difference between a male homunculus and me?"
I mean, even now, I can't really tell if this body is male or female.
"Male ones have red hair. Hmm… Kar, was he in Phase 2 or 3 now? If I remember right, he was in Phase 3."
"Phase 3!? What happens then?!"
"From Phase 3, homunculi can create their own clothes and accessories. However they like. Though they still have to learn how."
"Wooaaahhh!!!"
Considering how much I used to spend on clothes and accessories when I was human, this was a huge perk. This life is definitely a win. Jackpot!
"haha, you like that? Homunculi are lifeforms created with ultimate magical and alchemical potential. You're still young, so we haven't started teaching you, but from tomorrow, we'll begin your official training in magic and alchemy."
"What if… I don't have enough talent and can't make clothes even then…?"
The very idea of failing my first 'mission' in this new life made me want to smash this flask and blast off from Earth. My trauma from being labeled 'incompetent' during job hunting was flaring up.
"Oh dear, are you worried about that? Don't be. That won't happen, but even if it did, we'd just make clothes for you."
"Then, um… when exactly will I transform into Phase 3?"
"In one week."
Not long now. I nodded with mixed anticipation and anxiety, and then a sudden thought struck me.
"Hey, about that Kar guy… what if we moved the meeting date up a bit?"
Why waste time? Might as well go check out the potential groom. It'd be a good excuse to get outside, too.
The weather outside the carriage was a bit gloomy. The clouds were thick, and it felt like it might rain any minute.
"I still don't like this."
"Yes, I know. You've made that clear."
Kayton looked thoroughly displeased, but I was humming with joy. Finally—finally—I was outside the house! Okay, technically still inside the carriage, but hey, close enough.
Kayton had wanted the 'flask matchmaking' to take place with the other party visiting us, but I'd insisted on going myself. He grumbled, but was eventually swayed by Monocle Man's argument: "Field experiences are vital for a homunculus's education."
The carriage shook slightly. Kayton sat beside me, holding the flask's attached machinery as if it were a newborn baby. Across from us sat a servant sent by Monocle Man.
"By the way, Sir Kayton, have you heard? There are rumors that beastlings have been coming down to the villages again."
"What? Beastlings?"
Kayton frowned. The servant glanced out the window and continued, almost whispering. The carriage jolted again.
"Yes, that's what they say. Night beastlings are prowling, hunting prey. Apparently, beastlings not only like humans, but they crave special beings like homunculi even more."
"This is the first I've heard of it. Why didn't I know?"
"Well, sir… You've been rather shut off from the world lately, haven't you? Either way, better tell your household to be cautious. Especially after dark."
Kayton gave a little shiver.
Suddenly, from the open carriage window, the sky turned black and thunder rumbled loudly. In seconds, the sound filled the heavens. A heavy downpour followed.
The servant flinched and quickly pulled the curtains shut.
"Didn't expect rain today. It was just a little cloudy this morning—ah!"
Suddenly, the carriage jolted hard, and I heard the horses neighing wildly. The whole flask shook like a roller coaster. I thought I might throw up.
The servant panicked.
"Ah, excuse me! I'll check outside!"
As soon as he left, Kayton groaned with annoyance.
"I knew this would happen! I told you we shouldn't have come! Pani, are you all right? Are you hurt?"
"I-I'm okay."
I was underwater, so I wasn't hurt, but the sudden jolt made me dizzy. Wait a minute—if I throw up underwater, what happens? But I don't eat… so I can't throw up, right?
Just then—
The wind violently flapped the curtain open—
And I saw it.
The earth had split open.
Below, crimson lava rolled and bubbled like a hungry tongue. And standing before it...
A man clad in black on a black horse stood at the edge of the cracked earth.
Shocked, I turned to Kayton—but he had his head turned, coughing into a handkerchief.
At the same moment a red tongue of lava surged into the air, the black horse leapt over the crevice and came straight for us!!
"KYAAA!!"
I shrieked in terror. Like a lie, the earth sealed up again. The man, with long black hair flying behind him, glowed with eyes as red as lava. Slowly, he spoke.
"Homunculus…?"
"...???"
"Interesting... I look forward to meeting you again."
Even Kayton, who'd been doubled over coughing, finally looked up.
That deep, earth-rumbling voice left only those words behind—and then the man vanished in a whirlwind of storm winds.
While Kayton and I sat in stunned silence, the servant returned, wiping sweat from his brow.
"The horse sprained its leg."
"What happened?"
"The coachman said a dark horse and rider suddenly charged straight toward us and spooked the horses."
"A dark one! We saw it too! He was staring down at us right over there!"
"How strange."
A moment of silence passed. The servant sighed and spoke.
"In any case, with the horse injured, we won't be able to make it to our house like this. There's an inn nearby—we'll borrow a horse there."
On the way back home, I couldn't get the image out of my head.
"Oh, you're back already?"
Kahel looked surprised as he turned to see Kayton and me, our clothes stained with dirt, entering the drawing room.
"We ran into a monster."
"A monster?!"
Kahel's eyes darted to me, alarmed. I just shrugged. Was that really a monster I saw? It didn't feel human, but still...
"This is unpleasant. Starting tomorrow, we'll begin Pani's training properly. Prepare for it."
Kayton said no more, set me down, and vanished into the inner room. Kahel called over a boy and had him carry me back to my room.
"What happened exactly?"
"We almost collided with some weird dark knight, and the horse got hurt."
"A weird dark knight?"
"Yeah. And the ground split open and lava came up! He had a black hat and a black mask, but his eyes were blood-red and really scary."
"...Elias..."
Kahel muttered softly. My ears perked up.
"Do you know him?"
"No, no…"
I asked more, but Kahel just told me to get some rest since we'd start training tomorrow. I wasn't sure whether the flutter in my chest came from the thought of training—or from that strange, black-clad man.
The next day, Kayton entered the room with Kahel and Becky in tow, looking a bit worn out. Becky, of course, made a face at me and stuck her tongue out.
"I wanted to see this too," she said, smugly.
"Starting today, you'll learn several things. First, alchemy. Second, magic. Third, summoning. Fourth, physical training. In your spare time, you'll continue reading with Becky like before."
"If I master alchemy and magic, will I be able to make anything I want?"
Kayton smiled proudly.
"Of course, of course. Such a smart girl. With alchemy, you can create any mineral or gem. With magic, you can create any object or environment you desire."
"Wow! I'm so excited! Then… what about summoning? What can I summon?"
"All spirits, fairies, and phantom beasts."
"And physical training?"
"Anything involving movement. Gymnastics or dance, for example. Now—what do you want to start with?"
I thought hard. Alchemy, magic, and summoning all sounded fascinating, but summoning especially caught my attention.
"Then… I'd like to start with summoning."
"Very well. Homunculus Pani, listen carefully. I don't have this ability, but you, as a divine being, were born with the talent to make all of this possible. From now on, follow my instructions carefully and concentrate. Are you ready?"
I nodded nervously.
"Let's begin with something simple. Close your eyes and concentrate. Repeat the words Elle, Rohi, Ham ten times. Visualize calling the nearest spiritual presence into this space. Then, imagine seeing it with the invisible third eye on your forehead."
I followed the instructions. It sounded silly at first, but as I chanted, my body felt like it was floating, and sparks danced inside my head.
A euphoric dizziness swept through me.
Whoa… This is real. I really am some kind of divine being, huh??
Elle.
Rohi… Ham… Elle…
It felt like flames wrapped around my entire body. It was hot—yet somehow cold. My mind spun like a carousel. My throat burned, and my lips felt dry.
It wasn't water—it was like being submerged in lava. And yet strangely, it didn't hurt. It felt… warm.
An ecstatic moment passed, and then scenes like eternity unfolded in my mind.
Beasts, bizarre creatures, angels, fairies, mermaids, demons—they all flashed past, even though my eyes were closed.
"Kyaaaa!! What the heck is THAT?!"
Becky's scream snapped my eyes open. And I saw it.
A blood-red bat, the size of a ten-year-old child, was hanging from the chandelier and staring down at the three of them.
"Pie, what… what the hell did you DO?! Send it back!!"
Maybe it heard Becky. But the bat showed no sign of leaving. Instead, it opened its huge mouth—and from it slithered a bright red, forked tongue, even redder than its body, aiming straight for Becky's face.