Strongest Necromancer System Chapter 731: The Rebellious Spirit Companion

'For failing to embody the true essence of a Wind Sage, they could never reach the absolute peak~ But you, my dear~ You are the perfect manifestation of a spirit that blossoms through the acceptance of one's feelings~ Your initial breakthrough into Sagehood was sparked by a desperate urge to shield those you held dear~ Your emotions compelled you to reach out for the wind, and it answered your call. Now, you have dedicated your very essence to another in prayer, swearing to protect his life with your own~ Such profound love is what has guided your path to me. Truly, what greater power exists in this world than the force of love? Young one, you have entirely surpassed everything I expected.'

A strange swelling of pride warmed Gina's heart upon hearing the Spirit Queen's words. Until now, Gina had simply followed the path of her meditation, believing it to be correct, never intending to seek validation from others. Yet, receiving praise from one of the supreme figures of Sagehood would stir pride in anyone. Watching Gina’s childlike jubilation, the Spirit Queen let out a soft laugh before drifting back to recline gracefully upon her lotus bed.

'As a testament to your achievement, I bestow upon you the mantle of Sagehood~ Furthermore, I shall grant you a companion to share in your journey. Ulyn, approach me~'

With a calm shift of her head, the Queen gazed toward one of the many glowing orbs floating in the air. Gina watched in shock as the orb erupted into a cascade of brilliance, revealing a tiny fairy nestled within! The creature wore a diminutive green dress crafted from leaves, possessing a delicate, sweet face, pointed ears, and pale hair arranged into an intricate bun. With her translucent wings pulsing with a magical radiance, Gina couldn't help but marvel at the sight of the most adorable being she had ever encountered!

'Ugh!? Your Majesty, I refuse to accompany her! I don't care for this one at all! She is nothing but an utter novice with a mind full of foolishness! Why must I be tasked with watching over a newborn Sage!?'

As soon as the sprite began to speak, Gina’s previous adoration evaporated, replaced by a wave of sharp irritation! The fairy pouted at the Queen with obvious disdain, and Gina’s gaze hardened as the creature glared at her before turning back to address the Sovereign.

'Ulyn, I have cautioned you regarding this temper of yours~ You have already spurned the previous two candidates, and I indulged you out of my mercy~ Do not mistake my benevolence for weakness a third time~'

Ulyn let out a whimpering whine, pouting heavily.

'But moooommm~'

'Silence~!'

The sudden authority in the Spirit Queen’s command caused everyone in the chamber to stiffen in terror! An oppressive pressure surged, sending a shiver down Gina’s spine; she realized instantly that this was a being one should never dare to provoke. Chastened by the rebuke, Ulyn flew toward Gina and folded her arms, turning her head away in a fit of pique, while the Spirit Queen hummed and turned her attention back to Gina.

'Forgive my daughter's demeanor~ She possesses immense talent, yet lacks the inner discipline to balance her volatile emotions with her duties~ In a sense, I believe you two shall find harmony, for your passions are of similar intensity. I am confident that once you find common ground, you will become the closest of friends. Now, depart and—'

"Uhm, Your Majesty..."

Gina interrupted, speaking up before the Queen could finish her sentence. The Queen smiled, humming a soft inquiry. Gina hesitated for a moment, wringing her hands as she gathered her thoughts. She felt no desire to discuss the spirit companion; although it was an honor, she couldn't shake the suspicion that the Queen was merely offloading a troublesome child. Instead, Gina was fixated on the Queen's current form. She wondered why the Spirit Queen had chosen the likeness of the Elven Queen, and she suspected it was directly linked to the Elf Queen’s current comatose state. Taking a steadying breath, she steeled her nerves and spoke with calm deliberation.

"Your form... I noticed it is identical to the Elven Queen. Is there a particular reason for this?"

The Spirit Queen offered a thoughtful hum before a realization seemed to dawn on her.

'Ah, the Elven Queen~ I nearly forgot whose visage I borrowed~ You see, the meditation for Sagehood can sometimes inflict a terrible toll on the mind. A mage with your vast potential would never suffer such a fate, but the Elven Queen was less fortunate; her mind was overwhelmed, and she nearly perished in the process~ I kept her soul as a conduit because it serves as an elegant vessel for interacting with mortals~ She is undeniably beautiful, is she not? Do not mistake this for murder—I merely claimed what had already been lost~'

Gina’s eyes widened at the revelation! So attempting to reach Sagehood was truly that perilous? Her own route to Sagehood had been vastly different from the experiences of most others. Farlow had explained that for most, it takes years to even sense the connection to nature, and an even longer time of meditation to fully ascend! Yet, Gina had mastered it in a mere few months, marking herself as a genius; she had never considered that others might lose their souls during these trials.

'But if the Spirit Queen has been anchoring the Elven Queen’s soul, surely it means she could return it to the body?'

It was clear from the Queen's words that the Elven Queen should have been dead. If her soul had simply passed to the afterlife, there would have been no way to retrieve it, and the only reason her body was still alive was because the Queen used it as a mask. It was a heartless act, but Gina saw no point in debating morality with an immortal spirit who considered such actions entirely mundane. Her hands balled into fists as images flickered through her mind of Farlow grieving by his wife’s bedside. Her resolve hardened—she had to demand that soul back. Farlow had been a pillar of support for her, and she owed him this much. Gina took a step forward and spoke up.