"Becky!!!"
Kahel raised his hand. A cloud of gray smoke billowed from his palm, flying toward the bat as if it were alive.
"KYAAAACK!!!!"
The bat's tongue, just inches from Becky's cheek, was hit squarely by the smoke. With a chilling, shrieking sound, the creature plummeted to the floor, convulsing grotesquely—
And with a pop, it disintegrated into a pile of pitch-black ash.
"Becky, are you hurt??"
Kahel rushed over in a panic. Becky, still trembling from the shock, clung to him and burst into tears.
Master Kayton hurried over and examined Kahel's hand. His palm was blackened and burned.
"At least the wound isn't too deep. Apply some Nerstrelem and bandage it. You should be fine in two weeks or so."
I was frozen in place, horrified by the disaster I had caused. What in the world had I summoned? As Becky continued to sob uncontrollably, Kayton barked sternly.
"Enough crying. You're not the one who got hurt—Kahel is."
"Hic, b-but Kahel got hurt because of me… hic, sob..."
"It's not a serious injury, so don't worry. That said, Pani… you summoned something extraordinary."
Only then did Kayton's gaze shift toward me.
"I-I'm sorry! I had no idea something like that would appear—"
"It's all right. It's not your fault. Normally, a homunculus's first summoning is something simple—like a plant spirit or a nature sprite. I underestimated the situation. That's on me."
Kayton trailed off, unable to finish his sentence. Kahel stepped in, a nervous sweat on his brow.
"So it was true, then. The rumors about beastlings creeping into town lately."
"And when exactly did you hear about that?"
"It's been all over the market. Shops are even closing before sundown now."
"In any case, today was my mistake. Becky, stop crying and help Kahel treat his wound properly."
Kayton stormed out of the room, leaving just Kahel, Becky, and me behind.
"Master's always been sensitive about beastlings. When he was little, he was kidnapped by one and dragged into the mountains."
"Oh… I see."
"Looks like I'll be in charge of your training for a while."
"Becky, I'm really sorry. You too, Kahel."
I spoke quietly, but Becky waved it off.
"It's okay. It's not like you meant to summon that weird red monster, right? And Kahel may be hurt, but I'll treat him carefully."
"Yeah... thank you."
"Don't look so down, Pani. We'll just switch to other studies from now on. What would you like to learn?"
Anything but summoning. That was my answer, and I gave a sheepish grin. Back when I was Jia, I couldn't afford to learn anything outside of school because of money.
And now? They're offering to teach me for free? Yes please. I'll learn everything I can, as fast as I can. Once I'm out of this tank, I'm going to explore this world as a beautiful magical girl and charm every handsome guy I meet. I've got a long way to go.
A week passed in the blink of an eye. I studied everything except summoning—magic, alchemy, reading, physical training. My days were packed.
Grrrrrrr. Grrrrr. Rumble... Bubble.
Bubble… bubble…
BOOOOOM!!! BOOM! BOOM! KABOOM!
"Gahh!!"
"Master!!! Are you all right?!"
"Ugh… I-I'm fine. Cough, cough."
After a quake-like tremor rattled the room, I opened my eyes. Through a haze of steam, I saw them—Kayton collapsed on the floor and Kahel helping him up.
"Cough, good grief, why does our Pani cause such a mess every time she transforms? My poor back's not going to survive this."
"I'll go check on her. See if the transformation went smoothly."
Just as Kahel was about to move, Kayton grabbed his wrist. His hand trembled slightly.
"If... if the result isn't what I expected... don't report it to me."
"Come on, Master. It's going to be fine. You know our Pani—she's bursting with energy. She almost broke her flask during gymnastics, brewed cobra venom and cyanide during alchemy class, and summoned a monster on her first try. She's a prodigy."
"Kahel… I'm honestly starting to feel afraid."
Kayton's voice dropped low. Even then, the triangular flask I was in continued to bubble and churn like molten lava, making ominous noises.
"What do you mean?"
"What if… Pani isn't really a homunculus?"
"...Huh?!"
"What if she's… something else entirely?"
I couldn't help but chuckle. Can't exactly explain I'm a reincarnated soul from another world, can I?
"What kind of something?"
"I don't know. But she doesn't feel like a typical homunculus."
"But she's the only one we've raised this far. We have no point of comparison."
"There are records! And I've heard things from fellow alchemists. Whatever she is, she's not normal. She's a mutant."
"Genetic diversity is a good thing, Master. I'll go check on her now."
Kahel parted the fog and approached my flask. I straightened my back with pride. I had successfully evolved, and I was proud of the result.
"Ooooh... Pani!!!!!!"
"Hello, Kahel."
I had become a full-fledged homunculus girl. Gone were the days of ambiguous gender and beast-fairy hybrid looks. My seaweed-like green hair had grown out to my shoulders.
Two pairs of delicate, transparent wings—like those of a dragonfly—had sprouted from my back. The fur that once blanketed my body had vanished. The tail, too, was gone. I had become—completely human. A girl, through and through.
I wore a simple white dress and silver moonstone earrings dangling from my ears.
"Pani!!!! You've evolved safely! Well done!"
I grinned broadly, brimming with pride. If a regular human wanted to create all this, it would take forever. But who am I? I'm a national idol-tier magical girl homunculus with top-tier stats!
With just a little focus and technique, I whipped all this up in under thirty minutes. Heck yes!
"Hehe. Kahel, since I've grown up safely, I want a reward."
"Huh? A reward?"
"Yep. A reward."
Kayton had hobbled over, still clutching his back.
"Oho, Pani… I'm so proud. I knew you'd turn out wonderfully! You've done well, my dear girl!"
"Right? So, my reward!"
"What kind of reward? Just say the word. An ancient spellbook? A new crystal orb? Or how about flowers? We hired a new gardener—his work is—"
I shook my head vigorously. As great as studying is, nothing beats going outside. The crystal orb only goes so far—live experiences are where it's at.
"Not those things."
"Then what?"
"I want to go outside again."
"W-What?!"
Kahel and Kayton gasped in unison.
"Kahel told me it'll take more than a month before I can leave the tank! I don't want to wait that long."
"Then what do you suggest?"
"Just a short walk. Once a day is fine. We can take the carriage like before."
"Out of the question."
"Why not?!"
Kayton's expression hardened.
"After what happened on the way to Raphael's place, how can you even think about going out again?"
"I'll go with Kahel."
"Pani, I'm busy all day. I don't have time to take you for strolls."
"..."
I glared at both of them in protest. Kayton's lips were firmly sealed. Kahel looked troubled.
"Then how about this? I won't ask to go every day. Just once. Just let me go out one more time. That's all."
"Hmmm..."
As Kayton folded his arms, I seized the moment and jumped in.
"I heard everything. You're all going to the Styx River tomorrow to see the spring flowers—without me."
The Master flinched and glared at his apprentice. The apprentice scratched the back of his head sheepishly.
"That was… just something Becky and I were chatting about yesterday in this room…"
"In front of Pani?"
"Haha! Well… how about we bring her along too?"
"Ridiculous! What if something happens?"
"Still, it feels cruel to leave her all alone for hours."
"She has plenty to study. I'll just give her a pile of homework before we go."
"So you three get to go on a trip, and I'm stuck here with schoolwork? On a beautiful day like this?"
That can't be allowed. To adapt quickly to this world, going out—even just once—is essential.
"Let's bring her. We'll carry the tank in a box and find a secluded spot."
"Do what you want. But you're handling everything."
"Got it. Then Pani, let's go flower viewing tomorrow together!"
"Woohoo! Kahel, you're the best! Kayton, I love you! You guys are awesome!"
I bounced with joy inside the flask, sending bubbly ripples through the liquid. Kayton clicked his tongue, glaring at both me and Kahel.
"This is a one-time thing."
The sky was a cloudless blue, and the soft spring breeze was perfect. Under the brilliant sun, the riverside was bustling with people.
I gazed out the open carriage window at the passing scenery. The rattling was a bit annoying like last time, but bearable.
Kahel sat beside me, cradling the attached machinery. Across from us sat Becky and Kayton.
"I can't believe this is really happening—going on an outing with Pie, I mean Pani!"
"Once Pani's fully grown, you two will probably walk arm-in-arm like old friends anyway."
"You think so? Wonder if Pani will still want to hang out with me then~ Hehe."
After a short ride, the carriage reached the Styx Riverbank. But just as we were about to get out, Kayton's eyes narrowed suspiciously.
"Pani, stay in the carriage. We can't bring you with us."
"What?! You promised you'd carry me in a box!"
"I was going to. But look at that crowd. You think that's possible now?"
True, it was as crowded as a summer festival at the River. Still, I didn't come all this way to stay stuck inside!
"This is ridiculous. This wasn't the deal."
"I thought we'd find a good spot easily, but I guess not. We'll have to look around a bit..."
Kahel sounded conflicted.
"Master, how about Becky stays here to watch Pani while we find a spot? Then we can come back for her."
"Wait! I need the washroom!"
Becky suddenly shouted, sneaking a glance at me. I was suspicious, but had no choice.
"Fine, go ahead. I'll wait here."
"Okay, Pani. We'll be back soon—just wait a little, okay?"
I waved at them as they disappeared into the crowd, then stretched with a sigh.
The river view was beautiful. Happy people in clothing that blended European elegance and modern flair strolled by, laughing under the sun.
'I wish I could leave this tank and walk among them soon… Just one more month and—wait. What's that?'
Something felt off.
Strange voices, foreign laughter, the sound of flapping wings. Unfamiliar movements surrounded the carriage. I turned my head—
And suddenly—
The carriage began to shake violently and took off.
"Kyaaaaaaa!!"
My scream was drowned out by the roar of the runaway carriage and the chaos of the crowd.