Zack and the rest of the team were on the last quest. Elira and Lyla had gone ahead to report about the first mission, leaving the rest of the group to tackle some little beast that remained.
The forest outside Eridale was calm. Too calm.
Birds chirped overhead, leaves rustled in a gentle breeze, and somewhere, a squirrel committed tax fraud. Nature was peaceful. Pure. Serene.
So naturally, Yuto was being chased by carnivorous vine-wolves.
"WHY DO THESE THINGS HAVE TEETH?!" Yuto yelled, sprinting as a wolf made of twisting vines snapped at him.
[ Because evolution is cruel and magical ecosystems hate you.]
"Not helpful!"
[ Emotionally? No. Comedically? Yes.]
Ahead, Seraphina raised her staff. "Move aside, Yuto!"
He dove sideways , dramatically, heroically, absolutely face-planting into dirt.
"Elegant," Mimi clapped. "Truly a regal lord."
Yuto spat grass. "…I didn't choose this life. And I can easily destroy them also..."
[ Chances of defeating them 20%, chances of being chased 80%]
" Well, maybe since they are not naturally currropted "
Zarek crashed down like a meteor, fist infused with earth mana, pulverizing the vine-wolves into mulch that immediately wriggled and regrew.
Yuto stared. "Right. They regenerate."
[A challenge. You've been asking for one. You're welcome.]
"Stop welcoming pain into my life!"
Seraphina fired a burst of radiant magic. "These things are being produced from the roots underground! We need to find the source!"
Yuto's eyes narrowed.
Dungeon.
A lurking magical pressure tickled his senses, ancient, hungry, curious.
[ Yes. Hidden dungeon detected. Very mysterious. Totally safe. Zero chance of trauma.]
"You literally lie for fun."
[ I don't lie. I editorialize reality.
---
They found the entrance beneath a gnarled, ancient tree. A hollow tunnel pulsed faintly with green light, veins glowing like a heartbeat.
Mimi shivered. "I-I hear whispers…"
Yuto did too , faint, echoing voices, like spirits murmuring underground. His core inside him vibrated, resonating with the energy.
Spirit. Like him. Again
A thrill ran through his chest.
New power?
[ Probably. Also possibly madness spores. But probably power.]
Zarek smirked. "Your call, Lord Yuto."
Yuto stepped in.
---
Inside the Dungeon
Vines covered every surface, glowing moss lighting a vast, cavernous interior. The air tasted rich with life energy. Ancient magic pulsed, and root-like tendrils swayed like they breathed.
Mimi stepped close to Yuto, tugging his sleeve nervously.
"Protect me, Lord Yuto? If I faint, I'll need you to… catch me."
[Translation: I want to cling to your arm.]
"Sure," he said.
She immediately looped both arms around him, pressing her juggles against him.
Warm.
Soft.
Too soft.
His brain lagged. "M-Mimi..."
Seraphina saw and pouted. "If you are scared, Mimi, you stand behind me instead. Yuto is our leader, not a pillow!"
"Why can't he be both?" Mimi tilted her head, still glued to him.
[Congratulations. You are now a tactical cuddle beacon.]
" You are only doing this cause Elira is not here right?"
Serphina yelled.
" No am not!"
Even Zarek raised an eyebrow. "…Pathetic. But enviable."
A vine lash shot toward them. Yuto reacted instantly, slicing with mana-shaped energy like a blade.
[Good instincts. Also, romantic distraction is an evolutionary weakness.]
"Shut up."
Mimi winked. "He likes me distracting him."
Yuto choked on oxygen.
--
They reached a giant pulsating core in the chamber , an enormous glowing Spirit Root Heart, half-crystal, half-plant. It radiated raw spiritual power.
Yuto's spirit core inside him throbbed in response, glowing faintly through his skin.
Zarek jaw-dropped. "Lord Yuto… your body.."
Seraphina blinked. "So radiant… like a true spirit king…"
Mimi sparkled. "So shiny."
Then the dungeon rumbled.
Roots tore free, twisting into a monstrous creature
[Rootbound Treant Guardian: Blooming Tier]
Massive. Bark skin. Glowing hollow eyes. Crushing aura.
Yuto grinned.
"Finally. A boss."
[It is roughly stronger than you. Good luck. Avoid dying. Very important.]
The treant roared , magic and spores filling the air.
HP bars appeared.
Yuto
HP: 420 / 420 → 390 / 420
Poison damage. Spreading.
" You guys get back, there's poison in the air!!"
[If HP reaches zero, emergency spirit-core reversion triggers. You will become cute and round again.]
"No!"
[Yes.]
---
Yuto dashed forward like a blur of wind, speed enhanced, mana coating fists like claws. Slashing energy carved through bark.
The treant swung , Yuto blocked, arm cracking.
Crack. Heal. Regenerate.
Then he smiled.
"Let's test my regeneration."
[Finally, you embrace stupidity with confidence. I am proud.]
Seraphina fired holy projectiles.
Zarek shattered roots with earth-reinforced punches.
Mimi summoned wind clones, giggling.
The boss roared, firing thorns. Yuto stepped forward, absorbing them, healing instantly.
[Skill synergy engaged: Absorption + Regeneration + Spirit Resonance. Efficiency increasing.]
Yuto concentrated, shaping gathered mana.
Mana Shaping: Blade Form , Dual Crescent Slash!
He sliced , glowing arcs carving deep into the treant. Magic burst. Roots recoiled then collapsed.
Silence.
The cavern trembled… then acknowledged him.
System chime.
---
[Dungeon Cleared]
Yuto has resonated with the Spirit Root Heart
New Spirit Skill Obtained:
✓ Rootbound Vitality — increases regeneration, physical recovery, and nature affinity
•Evolution Progress:
✓Spirit Form Evolution: 50%
(Hidden evolution progressed : (....)
•Shared Growth Triggered:
•Party stat growth increased!
Mimi flexed tiny muscles. "I feel stronger! …Still cute though."
Seraphina smiled softly. "You truly are blessed, Yuto."
Zarek nodded, respectful. "Your presence draws power itself."
Yuto stood tall , feeling energy thrum through him.
More strength. More evolution. More destiny.
[Try not to get arrogant. You still trip on flat ground.]
"…Shut up, Advisor."
---
[Status Update Yuto]
Race: Reincarnated Spirit (Human-Form Variant)
Level: 14
HP: 420/420
MP: 600/600
Strength: 58
Agility: 72
Endurance: 54
Intelligence: 80
Skills:
Absorption (Enhanced)
Analyze (Lv.3)
Mana Shaping (Lv.3)
Regeneration (Spirit Enhanced)
Shared Growth
[Rootbound Vitality (NEW)]
Evolution Progress: ...%
Emergency Core Reversion: Active
[ Boss of one tiny dungeon. Let us not declare ourselves emperor of existence yet.]
"I am absolutely declaring emperor. It feels right."
Mimi hugged his arm again. "Emperor Yuto~"
Seraphina bonked her. "No flirting during ascension rituals."
Zarek coughed, pretending not to laugh.
Yuto grinned.
This world was awakening to him.
And he was just getting started.
---