Strongest Necromancer System Chapter 720: The Spirit Animals

Gina could never hope to emulate the elven mastery, as they had been immersed in such arts from their earliest steps. Nevertheless, by sharing time with both the children and the elders, Gina could perceive her own technique advancing with unprecedented speed. A mere week had passed, yet the sheer depth of what Gina had assimilated was truly astonishing.

Hop! Hop! Hop!

Glancing toward her side, Gina offered a warm smile as a fluffy white rabbit approached. Adorned with a long horn upon its forehead like a unicorn’s, it was known to the locals as a Horned Rabbit, and in Arandelle, they were kept as companions. The creature stepped toward Gina, sniffing her feet before stroking her toe with its minute tongue. Charmed by the rabbit’s playful attention, Gina reached out to pet it gently, letting a soft breeze emanate from her palm to soothe the animal’s coat.

Hop! Hop! Hop!

Hop! Hop!

As the first rabbit settled down at her feet to rest, more began to congregate. Gina welcomed their presence, delighting in their company. Sensing a gaze directed at her from the periphery, she looked over to find a magnificent deer with imposing antlers, joined by several other creatures watching her with intensity. Gina beamed at the assembly, extending a hand in invitation, but the lead deer merely huffed, signaled to the others, and began to guide them away. Gina’s smile faded slightly; she tucked a stray lock of hair behind her ear and let out a soft, melancholic sigh. This had been the pattern for the last three days. For reasons unknown, only the Horned Rabbits would approach her, while the other fauna seemed to harbor some quiet aversion. Was it an issue of race? Since the creatures never minded approaching Farlow in the garden, perhaps they held some inherent prejudice.

What eluded Gina was the fact that these other creatures were spirit animals attuned to nature energy. They could sense the inner turbulence caused by the unresolved questions lingering in her mind. Gina had not yet reached the mental threshold where nature energy would manifest to her, so the spirit animals simply remained indifferent. In essence, the Horned Rabbits were akin to golden retrievers—friendly to anyone offering affection—while the other creatures behaved like cats, selective of those they chose to favor.

Closing her eyes once more, Gina retreated into her contemplations, deep in thought regarding Farlow’s teachings. What did it truly mean to become a Sage? To Farlow, Sagehood represented self-discovery; it required the relinquishing of all earthly attachments to embody the world's raw essence within oneself. Yet, Gina struggled with the notion. She was willing to let go of much in her life, but the prospect of shedding everything felt like losing her very identity. Was it truly necessary to abandon oneself to obtain such power?

"Your highness! I have come to collect you!"

A voice rang out from behind her, and Gina’s eyes flickered open. She turned to find Stella accompanied by an elven woman from the royal palace. Stella had arrived in Arandelle under the escort of Jason’s Vympir subordinates once she had recovered sufficiently from her wounds. Her ordeal had been harrowing, as any ordinary soul would have perished instantly from such a blow. Fortunately, a latent healing skill had activated automatically, keeping Stella alive until Gina could finalize her mending. Upon finding herself in Arandelle, Stella had been furious upon learning of Hesabeth’s actions and had been ready to charge into battle to rescue Jason. Only after Farlow elucidated the circumstances did she agree to wait alongside Gina until Jason concluded his period of isolation.

Gina remained privately amazed by Stella’s unwavering reverence and loyalty toward Jason. He had, after all, impaled her through the stomach. Even acknowledging that Jason had been ensnared by Gillian’s influence, such trauma would have scarred any normal individual. Yet, Stella never breathed a word of it, demonstrating her devotion by vowing to shield Gina until Jason’s return. Gina’s own affection for Jason endured, but witnessing such steadfast dedication from another stirred a profound sense of gratitude in her, leading her to finally accept Stella as family.

Currently, Stella donned a long maid’s gown procured from the castle staff. Gina recalled their conversation regarding the attire; Stella had specifically sought a uniform like this to signify her role as a maid for the Marc household. While the garment certainly suited Stella, lending her an air of professional grace, Gina knew she would need time to adjust to seeing her in such a guise.

As Stella approached, the Horned Rabbits scattered, fleeing in sudden alarm. Gina sent a gentle puff of wind toward their retreating forms in thanks before standing and casting a weary look at the darkening sky. She had been lost in meditation for hours.

"How has your training fared today, your highness? Have you observed any progress?"

Stella inquired with a polite smile, her hands clasped professionally before her. Gina shrugged, offering a sheepish grin.

"I’m not entirely sure how to quantify progress, but I feel I am nearing an answer. This form of magic is quite unfamiliar to me."

Stella hummed in acknowledgment; Gina observed that she was already applying the etiquette lessons she had been receiving from the royal staff. While Gina labored toward Sagehood, Stella had been diligently training to become the consummate maid. Her improved control over her tone and expressions was clear for all to see.

With a flicker of disappointment in her eyes, Stella added, "It is a pity that my kin cannot wield this type of magic. I understand so little of it that I cannot offer you any aid. Pray, forgive me, your highness. I will strive to be more capable of supporting you in the future."

Gina laughed at the passionate declaration and assured her it was unnecessary. After all, if she relied on others for her training, it would entirely undermine the purpose of her journey.