-----
"Buuhh… Brun… Brun!"
"Hm?"
I slowly opened my eyes to find little Krarlak jumping on my bed, calling my name again and again. The moment he saw me awake, his face lit up and he licked my cheek with eager affection.
"Bwun!"
"Don't you see I'm still sleepy? Let me rest a little longer…"
"Bwun!"
He kept shaking me, so I scooped him up, tucked him under the blankets, and hugged him tight so he couldn't wriggle free.
"Heheh. Now you've sealed your fate."
"Gyah!"
He thrashed his tail, smacking my legs, but I simply closed my eyes and ignored him.
Until I couldn't.
"Ouch, ouch…!"
He began gnawing on my arm with his tiny, sharp fangs. They didn't truly hurt, but the sting was enough to make me flinch.
"Okay, okay… I'm getting up…"
I sighed and sat up as he finally broke free. He immediately rolled onto his back, belly exposed. I seized the chance and scratched the soft, vulnerable spot—the only area without hard scales. It felt lean, warm, and velvety beneath my fingers. He let out adorable little chuckles.
"Hehehe! Kreuk! Kiauh!"
Those small lizardman noises were endlessly amusing.
Before I could continue playing with him, footsteps approached and the door creaked open.
"Brun, time to wake up, dear," my mother called. "Hm? So there he was! Magnus has been looking for him everywhere."
"Gauh!" little Krarlak replied, sounding strangely insightful.
"Alright," I nodded. "Where do I leave this little one, though? Look at him—there's not a single thought in that tiny head."
"Auh!" He nodded as if he understood, then gently bit my hand and licked it.
"Hey, I'm not food!" I laughed, patting his head. "He must be hungry. He's been biting me nonstop."
"Yeah, he just woke up, I bet," my mother said. "Let's go have breakfast together. We'll give him some meat. Unfortunately, we've run out of bread. We never passed through the wheat-gathering areas, and we missed the caravans that sell flour."
"That's a pity," I sighed. "No bread is going to be rough, especially with this cold. We won't be able to start a farm until winter ends. We'll have to get by on meat, cheese, and milk for now."
"Well, it ain't so bad!" my mother said cheerfully. "At least we've got plenty of food—don't complain! Hahah! But do you have any idea how to make a farm? Because I have none."
"Hmm, kind of," I said, rubbing my chin. "Making a farm could be possible… What do you think, Freyja?"
"Farms are C-Rank buildings," Freyja explained. "They require vast areas, so you can't build one inside the village alone. You'll need to expand your territory outside by placing Domain Expansion Towers. But yes, it's possible. Each Farm costs 500 Soul Points, though they will be worth it. With their abilities, they should even survive and function through winter."
"Ooohh!" I nodded. "Damn it, five hundred though?! Wait… the Domain Expansion Towers—how do I make those?"
"You need a Spirit Core," she said. "Don't you have one from the White Stag? You'll need at least a Tier 3."
"No, it was already used," my mother sighed. "Hello, Freyja."
"Ah, good morning, ma'am," Freyja greeted politely.
By now, my entire family knew about Freyja and welcomed her as one of us. I introduced her as my Guiding Spirit who helped me use my Special Magic.
The talking spirit was incredibly rare, so everyone was amazed. The whole village remained curious about her and rushed over whenever she appeared.
"Good morning, Freyja," my mother said, gently patting her tiny head with a finger. "Come eat with us too. You can eat, right, dear?"
"I-I can… Can I?" Freyja asked hesitantly. "Am I not a bother?"
"Haha! Why would you be a bother? You're helping us all with your guidance," my mother replied warmly. "Let's go eat. You like milk?"
"I do…!" Freyja nodded eagerly, licking her lips.
She could eat like anyone else, but she could also choose not to and simply draw from Mana and Soul Essence instead. Eating helped conserve those energies, so it was better if she did.
We joined the rest of the family for breakfast and discussed the next big project with Freyja.
"A farm, huh?" my father wondered, rubbing his short beard. "In winter? The soil is already freezing. It'll be impossible to plow properly."
"But if we use our strength, it shouldn't be too hard," my sister said. "Freyja already proved yesterday that she can build incredible magical structures when we help her. A farm could benefit the entire village."
"I agree! I want to eat veggies!" my brother said. "Even if it's freezing cold, I'll help too."
"Hm," my mother nodded. "Alright, Ragnar, don't be stubborn—help your daughter!"
"F-Fine, I was going to help her anyway!" my father sighed as my mother nagged him. "So what are the steps?"
"First, we must expand the territory where my magic works," I explained. "I need a Tier 3 Spirit Core from a Spirit Beast. We'll have to hunt deeper into the forest."
"Ah, that won't be easy," my father clicked his tongue. "And what if we run into lizardmen again or those damn kobolds?"
"Yeah, that's why it's risky," I nodded. "But there's no other way. We need a strong team to explore farther, uncharted lands. Once we return with a Spirit Beast Core, we can build a Domain Expansion Tower and prepare for the Farm. It'll cost 500 Soul Points, though, so I need to kill a lot more monsters… Well, we can gather them as we travel. I still have two hundred."
"Ah, this number talk is getting me confused," my father shook his head. "But I kind of get it. Alright." He nodded. "When do you want to do this?"
"As soon as possible—hopefully before winter deepens!" I said. "There will be weeks when we can't hunt outside, and the animals we're raising will need the vegetables and grains too."
"Hmm, that's right," my father nodded, sighing. "Alright then. For the sake of our survival, there's no other way."
"I still haven't learned the two spells I'm missing, but the tower's effects work even when I'm not in the village," I explained. "As long as everyone protects it well enough."
"Alright, we'll do it," my mother nodded firmly.
"Gryar!" Little Krarlak was devouring a piece of grilled meat while everything unfolded. "Awe… Brun! Kriark… Magnu!"
"Hahaha!" We all burst out laughing at his attempt to join the conversation. He was clearly imitating us and trying to speak better.
"Yes, thank you for your idea, little one," my father laughed.
"Maybe he wants me to accompany you," my brother said. "I don't know if I should—I'd prefer to stay and protect him."
"I agree—you stay here," I nodded. "Instead, lend me one of your birds. I want to tame another beast."
"Ah! Right, we could do that. You want it to learn Bird's Eye, right?" he asked.
"Yeah, that way I can scout myself and find a Spirit Beast quickly," I said. "We'll be out for a day or two—at most three days."
"Hm, sounds good. Your soul should be big enough, I suppose," he said. "Okay, what bird do you want? A raven, an eagle, or a finch? Ravens are really smart and form strong bonds. Eagles are strong and can fight alongside you right away. Finches are small and fast—they can just eat small nuts."
"Hmm…" I thought for a moment. "I want a raven. I want that bond—I believe it's key for monsters to evolve into stronger forms."
"Alright." My brother stepped outside and called a young raven, which flew straight to him. "Come here."
I walked over. In a second, he transferred ownership. I felt my soul link to the beautiful black bird. Her curious eyes met mine as she tilted her head.
"What name are you giving her?" he asked.
"So it's a girl?" I wondered, patting her head. "I guess I'll go with… Huginn!"
Naming her after one of Odin's ravens, the young bird glowed faintly yellow. A thread now bound our souls.
A new rune appeared on the left side of my face, just beneath my eye. I couldn't see it, but my brother said it resembled a raven's wing.
"Cool."
The tattoo-like rune faded after appearing, marking our connection. To celebrate, I fed Huginn fruits and berries. She was already attached to me.
"Ravens are very smart, so don't do anything to upset her if you can help it," my brother warned. "Or she'll hold a grudge."
"Ah, that can happen?" I asked, a little worried. "Well, I guess I'll do my best."
Afterward, my brother taught me Bird's Eye. As I feared, it didn't count toward my class rank-up requirements, which was infuriating, but I let it go for now.
Once breakfast ended, I went to the chief's tent. The elders were present that morning and listened to my plan, nodding in agreement.
"If you say it's possible to build a farm that can even survive winter like this, then we definitely have to do it," one elder said.
"I agree," the other nodded.
"It's decided," the chief said. My grandfather patted my back. "Who do you want to bring along, Brunhild?"
"All of you should stay," I said. "My friends aren't strong enough yet… What warriors can you recommend?"
"Hm, go home for now. I'll call you once I gather them. How about leaving tomorrow?" he asked.
"Okay," I nodded. "Sounds good."
After that, I spent the rest of the day conjuring spells without pause—even while eating, resting, and breathing. I became so fast it was one spell per second. The effects felt so routine that I barely noticed them anymore as I practiced my other skills.
While training, I checked my Status again.
♢♢♢♢
[System Owner]: [Brunhild Skadi]
[Titles]: [Red Fang's Young Seer] [Saintess of Reincarnation]
[Level]: [30/30] (Max Level)
[Class]: [Magician – Tier 1] [Warrior – Tier 1] [Archer – Tier 1] [Healer – Tier 1] [Rogue – Tier 1]
[Elemental Spirit Root]: [None]
[Spirit Beast Tattoo]: [None]
[Talents]: [Great War Spirit Physique – Tier 3: Rank 8 (B Rank)]
[Traits]: [Divine Soul Orb – Tier 10 (SSS+ Rank)]
[Vitality]: [5640]
[Mana]: [5770]
[Strength]: [4510]
[Endurance]: [4070]
[Spirit]: [2940]
[Resistance]: [2810]
[Agility]: [3040]
[Luck]: [2325]
[Charm]: [2850]
[Free Stat Points]: [29]
[Soul Points]: [250]
[Bonded Familiars]:
[Black Demon Wolf: Fenrir – Tier 3: Rank 1]
[Black Raven: Huginn – Tier 1: Rank 1]
[War Spirit of Strength: ??? – Tier 3: Rank 8]
[War Goddess System: Freyja – Tier ?: Rank ?]
[Weapon Techniques]:
[Red Fang Axe Style – Tier 2: 13%] (First Form: Searing Cleave – Burning Claw / Second Form: Tomahawk Boomerang / Third Form: Burning Crush)
[Burning Dragon Soul Style – Tier 3: 21%] (Inherited Ancestor Legacy)
[Skills]:
[Mana Manipulation – Tier 1: Level 10/10]
[Mana Aura – Tier 1: Level 7/10]
[Mana Reinforcement – Tier 1: Level 7/10]
[Weapon Talent: Axe – Tier 1: Level 5/10]
[War Spirit Aura Embodiment – Tier 1: Level 6/10]
[Divine Soul Orb Sanctuary – Tier 1: Level 2/10]
[Fireball – Tier 1: Level 2/10]
[Healing Light – Tier 1: Level 2/10]
[Holy Barrier – Tier 1: Level 1/10]
[Exorcizing Flash – Tier 1: Level 1/10]
[Class Skills]:
[Magic Rune: Wild Beast Path – Tier 1: Level 4/10]
[Charge Attack – Tier 1: Level 4/10]
[Archery – Tier 1: Level 5/10]
[Healing Flame – Tier 1: Level 5/10]
[Shadow Step – Tier 1: Level 4/10]
♢♢♢♢
Only a month had passed, yet my growth was staggering. My physique had reached Tier 3, though it hadn't evolved further. Each new Physique I absorbed strengthened the primary one, increasing its Tier Rank by one or two.
It had been stuck at Tier 3: Rank 8 for two days. When that happened, the quest rewards offered nothing beyond the usual +10 Strength.
"When's the next quest even going to—"
And then it appeared.
[You have received your first quest as a War Goddess]:
[Hunt a Tier 1 Magic Beast: 0/1]
Congratulations on finally awakening the War Goddess System. Your path toward Ascension has begun on the Green Plains. To forge the perfect War Goddess, you must start from the beginning—go hunt a ferocious critter!
[Reward]: +10 Strength and the Talent: [War Spirit Physique (C Rank)]
"There it is!"
Still conjuring spells without pause, I headed downstairs to the ranch, found one of the horned rabbits we were raising, and—silently apologizing—took it down with a swift strike.
"I guess you won't go to waste. Sorry about that."
I carried the rabbit back to cook for dinner as the quest rewards appeared once more.
[You have completed the Novice War Goddess Quest: [Hunt a Tier 1 Magic Beast: 1/1]]
[Reward]: +10 Strength and the Talent: [War Spirit Physique (C Rank)]
[Do you wish to accept the rewards?]
[Yes] [No]
[Complete! You have gained +10 Strength and the Talent: [War Spirit Physique (C Rank)]!]
[Your compatible Physiques have merged. You obtained the [Great War Demigoddess Physique: Tier 4: Rank 1 (A Rank)]!]
"Eh?!"
BA-DUM!
BA-DUM!
BA-DUM!
My heart slammed against my ribs. I dropped to my knees, gasping and screaming in agony as my entire body ignited.
Red spirit flames devoured me from within.
"W-What?! Wait— Aaggh! Ugh!"
The whole village heard my cries and rushed over, only to witness me awakening something far greater than before.
Mana and lifeforce swirled violently in my chest, fusing with Spiritual Energy to form a blinding white spark.
Is this Divine Power? Already?
RUMBLE!
The sky darkened instantly. White and red thunderbolts crashed down, searing divine runes across my skin.
"Aaaaaaaaggh! Uuuaaaaghh!"
As I screamed, my family came running, staring in stunned disbelief.
"Brunhild!"
"What's going on?!"
"T-That amount of power!"
"U-Unbelievable!"
"Eh?! Brun?!"
My family, friends, and even the elders gathered around me. I could only clench my teeth and endure as my body was forcibly remade.
"BRUN!"
My father lunged forward, but my grandfather grabbed him and pulled him back.
"Don't! She's awakening her powers! Don't interfere with this sacred ritual! Look—even the gods recognize her strength!"
"W-What?!"
My father stood frozen. The entire village stared in awe. The elders dropped to their knees and began to pray.
"It's happening!"
"A miracle!"
"A child of the clan has finally inherited divine power!"
"Our ancestors' blessing!"
Slowly, the pain ebbed. I looked down at myself. My body was mostly unchanged, yet my skin had darkened slightly and my hair had grown longer. My muscles felt denser and more defined. The runes across my body now glowed like living spiritual roots.
"Wow…" I whispered. "I can feel the difference now… Freyja, what just happened?"
"It would be better if you looked for yourself," she said.
"…?!"
Ding!
[You learned the Talent: [War Demigoddess' Rally (A Rank)]!]
[You learned the Skill: [Divine War Demigoddess' Weapon – Tier 4: Level 1/10]!]
[You have awakened your Elemental Spiritual Root: [War Demigoddess Runic Spirit Roots – Tier 4: Rank 1]!]
[Your Familiar, the [War Spirit of Strength: ??? – Tier 3: Rank 8] has evolved into the [Divine War Spirit of Strength: ??? – Tier 4: Rank 1]!]
[You have contracted a new Familiar, the [War Spirit of Speed: ??? – Tier 4: Rank 1]!]
"I really awakened Spiritual Roots!" I gasped. "I had no idea I could do this…"
A new Talent, a Skill, and… another Spirit? Now there were two War Spirits—one of Strength and one of Speed. What did that even mean?
"It seems that after absorbing enough Physiques, your body has evolved once more," Freyja sighed. "I never imagined my glitched quest could help this much… but I feel like something is definitely wrong here. Maybe my creator is paying for that."
"Huh?" I asked. "What do you mean?"
"Ah, well, nothing," Freyja said, shrugging it off. "Please don't worry—it's fine. I was just thinking about the god who sent you here…"
"Oh…" As I recalled Santa Claus, my family rushed toward me.
"Brunhild, what the hell was that?!" my mother demanded.
"Ah, well…" I muttered. "My Physique evolved again."
"Just like that?!" Magnus asked.
"That's insane," my sister muttered. "What sort of godly talent is this?!"
"It is truly a talent never seen before in the clan," my father said, smiling proudly. "You're so strong now! Look at the Aura you give off! You're definitely stronger than all of us combined…!"
"I-I don't think I'm that strong…" I muttered. "Maybe just more durable, but there's still a limit to what one person can do."
"You're underestimating yourself too much, my daughter," my mother sighed. "Well, I'm glad for you, but are you sure you're okay?"
"I'm fine, don't worry," I said.
It suddenly felt awkward, as if I had grown so powerful I might become alien to them. Was this the curse of strength? Now I could survive alone, do whatever I wanted, maybe even leave them behind.
But that wasn't how I wanted to live—not now. These people were my responsibility, my family. I didn't want to abandon them, no matter what.
That was why, deep down, I secretly hoped the growth would stop here. I loved becoming stronger, but the thought of outgrowing everyone I loved hurt.
"You're overthinking things, aren't you?" my brother said suddenly.
"Eh? Can you read minds or something?!" I asked, stunned.
"No, but I can tell you're overthinking," he laughed. "Your face gives everything away."
"I just… didn't expect this. It came out of nowhere. It feels weird, wrong… I never fought to earn this power," I sighed. "It was just handed to me. I was already fine with what I had, but why more? It makes me feel like I'll leave everyone behind… and then you might start to feel like burdens…"
"…Brun," my sister stared at me in surprise. "Why would we ever think that, dumbass?!" She smacked my head.
"Ouch!" I yelped. "Hey, that actually hurt…"
"Hahahah! You think you're a goddess or something?!" my mother laughed, hitting my head again. "If this hurts, then you're no goddess!"
"Gahahahaha! You're still a member of the Red Fang tribe!" my father roared with laughter, pulling me into a warm hug along with everyone else. "You think I'm letting you escape at your age?! You're with us till the end!"
"That's right!" my brother said. "And what's brute force anyway? You've got that and endurance, but everything else is thanks to everyone around you. Or do you think you could've tamed a beast at all without your brother here?"
"Or gotten nice clothes without your sister?" my sister asked.
"Or good food that actually tastes like love and not just some bland roasted fish you make?" my mother asked.
"Or the weapon techniques this old man's been teaching you all this time?" my father chuckled. "Don't get too cocky!"
"Ah…" I muttered, suddenly feeling emotional. "Thanks…" I smiled. "I was feeling weird for no reason. Sorry. You're right—I need you. I need everyone here. Haha! We've come this far this fast only because we help each other… I just have to do my part, like everyone else."
"We're a big family. That's what a clan is all about," my grandfather said. "The strength you've been given is a beautiful gift and a hope for the clan, but don't see it as a curse that'll leave you lonely. We aren't losing to some brat, right everyone?!"
"OOOOHHHHHH!" All the muscular warriors roared in unison, making me laugh even harder.
"Hahaha! I guess you're right! There's no way I can win against all of your passion!" I chuckled. "I yield."
Those anxious thoughts melted away. I realized that no matter how strong I became, nothing mattered more than the people beside me.
To me, strength meant nothing without people I wanted to protect. Maybe that was why the sudden power felt strange—a part of me had feared it would isolate me.
But after such a lonely previous life, why would I ever want that? Right now, I was truly happy… not because of the strength I'd been granted.
I was happy because I had a family that loved me, and a clan that cared about me.
Yeah. That was it.
Strength was only a means to an end. What truly drove my heart were the connections I had built with everyone.
The Red Fang Clan—the very people destined to fall in the First Green Plains War.
I would protect them. I would do everything in my power to help them grow stronger too.
As I chatted with everyone and my heart slowly settled, I noticed something.
No—I could see it.
Small dots of white light rising from the bodies around me.
From my mother, my sister, my father, my brother, my grandfather, my friends, the elders… even Fenrir, Huginn, and little Krarlak.
"What is this?"
"That, Brunhild, is Faith," Freyja said softly. She sat on my left shoulder, resting her head against mine. "Faith is an intangible energy born when mortals feel deep love and devotion toward a divine figure. Toward you."
"…Me?" I gasped.
"You, indeed. You need these people to grow, Brunhild," Freyja nodded. "All the bonds you've made aren't meaningless now that you're so strong. It was never about who was strongest. It's always about who takes better care of those around them. That's what it means to be a leader."
A small tear slipped down my cheek. "Thank you, Freyja. I feel reassured. Can you explain more about this divinity and faith thing? I'm really curious—this wasn't in the game at all…"
"It's still a little too soon. I'll explain later," she said. "For now, just bask in the glory of your ascension and the people around you who love you so much for who you are, Brunhild."
"…I will. Thanks," I smiled warmly.
I joined the celebration with everyone. We ended up having a huge feast with plenty of meat and fish I had hunted the day before.
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Author's Note:
Hello and thank you for reading so far! I am the author PancakesWitch and wanted to say that this is a novel I'm writing with a lot of love. I will publish 5 chapters a week, or sometimes 4.
There will always be an additional chapter on Patreon though, and you can also join it right now to get +20 Advanced Chapters for only $10! The number will keep increasing every week as well!
https://www.patreon.com/pancakeswitch