As a Reincarnated NPC, I Want to Live a Peaceful Life - Chapter 25

“All roads lead to Rome, but some people are born in Rome… Why would we bother going to Rome for no reason? Be realistic and focus on your own affairs, isn’t that better?” – Yuetsu Jūrin

“Giving up, not doing it anymore, what kind of failure am I? Went through all that trouble brainstorming for so long, what was the point? It’s over, it’s evening, don’t even have 1800… Sayonara!!” – Red71

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…..

Watching Pat confront the girl, Dale grew increasingly frantic.

Pat had instructed her not to approach, as the girl was dangerous… Having formed a contract with Pat, a hidden “channel” existed between them, allowing them to communicate telepathically, a kind of mind-to-mind connection—

Dale understood that even Pat was deeply agitated right now, his mind filled with thoughts of how to eliminate this girl. She felt both surprised and somewhat disappointed…

First, Pat was finally able to make his own resolve, whereas before he always sought Dale’s opinion; second, the resolve Pat had reached this time was genuine killing intent.

Dale Mi Lopat, eldest daughter of the Lopat family, a kind-hearted female player, and also an “important” diplomat for the Kingdom of [Darkdey]—though not officially recognized, in the minds of most (including players), she held more authority than the nominal “diplomats.” It was precisely because of this that Dale had successfully taken on and completed so many diplomatic meetings.

Two meetings were particularly instrumental in her illustrious career. The first occurred some time after she first met Pat; she stumbled into a tense wilderness meeting between dwarf and human representatives. Relying on her own abilities and “Pat’s” “assistance,” she facilitated the success of that meeting… Of course, she had also grown from the experience, which allowed her to take the lead in last year’s negotiations with the Dragon race.

Securing the Dragon race’s agreement and facilitating the birth of the Dragon Knight (PS: A profession combining humans and dragons; previously, players of the Dracanian race had partnered with dragons) was actually unexpected for her. Her original hope was merely to ease tensions between them and [Darkdey].

After reminiscing about her past, several azure blade-like projectiles homing in on Pat caught Dale’s attention. Realizing their extreme danger, Dale ignored the guards’ attempts to dissuade her and hurried to Pat’s side, only to sense that he intended to activate “that thing”—

“Pat! Don’t do it! Your Mana will be completely drained.” She spoke these words, her hand involuntarily reaching out towards Pat, hoping he would stop…

But Pat’s response was filled with anger and concern, forcing her back.

‘Dale, if we let this girl go easily here, it could cause significant trouble later… Troubles I might not be able to handle.’ Pat’s tone was also heated, no longer the lighthearted one from before. Dale knew very well he was serious.

Dale trusted Pat, and Pat trusted Dale—so Pat wanted Dale to trust his judgment… They couldn’t let this girl escape here.

But was it truly necessary? The girl before them seemed harmless enough (Pat: Please, look at the state she’s pushed me into!). Could she have some hidden hardship?

…..

Honestly, I’ve never been this tense before. I’m not afraid, exactly, but feeling nervous is unavoidable.

This elemental spirit named Pat, who I was petting just minutes ago, has suddenly become the potential peak combatant here, aside from myself.

It seems the level of a Spirit User is far inferior to their contracted spirit, as pure elemental spirits are quite rare, probably only about one-tenth of all living species—the world’s harsh laws force them to prioritize their own survival, quietly cultivating Mana spells while evading pursuit by other species.

Hundreds or even thousands of years of cultivation make them powerful, even immortal. But why do they seek out other species, especially humans, to become Spirit Users who bind their power?

Well, there must be benefits involved, or perhaps bonds of affection or debt. If I were a spirit, I’d generally prioritize the former; sentiments and loyalty wouldn’t really be in my consideration—

This spirit named Pat seems to have quite a temper. Violent streams of fire and ice swirl around him, defying natural laws and transforming into threatening weapons.

Titles like “Master of Ice and Fire” or “The Scorcher of the Permafrost” would suit him.

Probably Fire-attribute and Ice-attribute spells. I’ve read similar encyclopedias before; you can’t equate “Flame” and “Fire.” Fire seems to be the element governing temperature, while “Flame” and “Ice” are creations under its domain… So, Pat must be a spirit controlling the Fire element Mana.

But that’s irrelevant to me. I don’t possess any elemental Mana. Even if he can manipulate temperature freely, even if I am someone susceptible to cold, I won’t fear him… In the face of pure power, weaknesses cease to be weaknesses, or cannot be considered as such.

The frost covering me shows no sign of receding; it seems he’s prepared to stalemate me… I’m not entirely sure why I said those words earlier either. They just emerged from the depths of my soul, spoken without much thought.

So, whether the “spell targeting magical aggregates” is real or not, I don’t actually know.

But judging by my tone and certainty earlier, it should be enough to confuse Pat Mischell and all the guards present. Then there’s another problem…

Right now, I’m immobilized by the “Frost Iron Garment,” and although Pat and the other guards are similarly affected, I have no spare capacity to stop the girl standing further back.

If she knows any Ice-attribute spells, my overly careless self might genuinely perish here.

First, the [Chilled] status would upgrade to [Severe Cold], and the best-case scenario would involve me continuously suffering Frostbite damage. And of course, Frostbite damage would be massively amplified under the effect of [Cold Sensitivity].

[Daily Mode – Active]

Ordinarily, I maintain this mode—it helps me conveniently suppress excess Mana and physical strength that might otherwise leak out. Of course, in emergencies, I release it and enter the [Normal State], which allows access to more controllable power.

It’s easy to explain; I figured it out quickly back then, which is how I’ve managed to maintain the disguise until now.

However, [Seven Spirit Divine Might] seems to be usable at my will regardless of the situation—because it’s a power emanating from the soul…

Forget it, I don’t really understand this thing either. Let it be.

If she tries anything, I’ll just switch to [Normal Mode] and knock everyone here unconscious. It might lack finesse, but at least it’s effective.

Just then, a raindrop fell before me, landing on the stone step floor with a “splat” before scattering. Soon, more rain followed.

The familiar sound of “pitter-patter” abruptly began—

It’s raining. Terrible timing.

…..

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(–Currently Available Information: Like many open-world games, 《Art World Online》 simulates numerous natural events and anomalous events.)

(–Natural events occur mostly randomly, with varying probabilities in different regions. Common natural events include: Snowfall, Rain, Thunderstorms.)

(–Anomalous events occur with low probability but can also be induced artificially. Their occurrence rate varies by region. Common anomalous events include: Village Sieges, Cult Emergence, Small-Scale Invasions, Racial Wars.)

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“Ah, Your Highness, you mean this girl…”

“Yes, she is the adopted daughter of a close friend of mine. She went missing not long ago. Based on her possible route, she might have passed by your shop, uncle.”

“Hmm… Oh, I remember now, I remember! About half an hour ago, this girl bought a pair of boots from me and then ran off. I was wondering at the time, why would a family let their daughter run around at this hour?”

“Is that true? Then, which way did the girl go?”

“Well, towards the North Gate, but my eyesight is poor… She might have turned into an alley.”

“I see. Please rest easy, uncle, I won’t disturb you further.”

“Take care, Your Highness… Ah, young people, so full of energy.”

…

“Your Highness, this is what the agents found… a pair of pure black women’s sandals. The size and style match the description.”

“So, she was in this alley not long ago, changing into boots?”

“If we rule out another household having the exact same circumstances, then yes.”

“Boots… It seems she intends to leave the city. Judging by her personality and Alek’s mention of her ‘deep spell talent,’ it’s impossible she wouldn’t, and she’s so clever.”

“Your Highness, there’s another strange matter… The number of guards in the main city has decreased by half compared to the original count.”

“What? When did this happen?”

“It occurred… after Miss Dale Mi Lopat entered the city.”

“This… could it be her…? I’ve heard that Miss Dale is often accompanied by an elemental spirit, so is she also…?”

“As you suspect, indeed… Miss Dale is proficient in both politics and magic, and has even formed a contract with a spirit known as the ‘Frozen Beast.’ She is a truly rare talent.”

“So she is an Elemental Spirit User. Wait a moment, what does that have to do with her mobilizing troops? It couldn’t be… I understand. Benjamin, let’s go!”

“Your Highness, where are you going?”

“To find that Miss Dale Mi Lopat, her elemental spirit, and that young girl.”

“I understand… You all heard him, why are you still here? Go and find them! Check where the guards are gathering most densely.”

“Yes, we understand.”

…..

——-

Exposed to the air, my body naturally got soaked by the rain.

My clothes clung to my skin because of the moisture, feeling extremely uncomfortable. And as expected, my “Frost Iron Garment” would soon melt away—”Water” is the bane of “Fire,” a point they must also be aware of.

So they’re definitely going to make a move, especially that unconstrained girl.

The rain feels as real as in reality, both in touch and visual effect. It’s just that I’ve hardly ever seen real rain. Mostly read about it in books from my previous life, as natural rain barely existed back then.

It was either highly corrosive acid rain, or no rain at all—the extreme development of heavy industry had severely corrupted nature.

This is the payback.

Quickly, my body’s movements began to feel fluid again, no longer so stiff. Feeling the refreshing ease of someone just waking up, I stretched, suddenly realizing all eyes were on me.

‘Heh… Little girl, still have the leisure to stretch and bend, how relaxed.’ Pat sneered at me coldly. Even while his life was threatened, he showed no signs of fear.

Perhaps he wasn’t afraid of my threat at all, simply biding his time or waiting for an opportunity to counter-attack?

Looking around, I noticed the guards who had been preparing to surround me could no longer endure the rain’s intrusion… The water made even their light iron armor as heavy as steel; they probably couldn’t even swing their swords now.

The currents of cold and flame surrounding the street dissipated under the rain’s moderating influence. But it seemed something else was being suppressed; Mana coursed through Pat’s body, inside and out. A posture ready to strike, but lacking the right moment.

I extended my hands; the exposed backs of my hands were already frostbitten and peeling, revealing the fresh flesh layer beneath, like pieces of meat covered in frost ready for the pot.

“Sorry, but you must face judgment.” The girl uttered coldly, then began murmuring something under her breath—

A few seconds later, an ice block formed through the aggregation of Mana, shaping into an ice spike with a sharp point…

The power might be decent, but the long charge time and preparation are fatal. If the opponent were free, they could have taken the girl down during her build-up.

Once complete, the ice spike shot forth like a bullet. Perhaps because it was just a single projectile, the firing speed was faster than expected—

But in my eyes, it was still slowed down several times. Even in [Daily Mode], there was plenty of time to react.

The momentum was strong, the power considerable, the speed average. Pity she picked the wrong opponent.

I raised my palm, using [Force Manipulation] to seize control of the ice spike. Just as I was about to dash it to the ground, I sensed something wrong…

The controlled ice spike wouldn’t obey, as if dominated by another force. My power wasn’t strong enough—

I could only sense that the target was that girl… If I didn’t gain control!

Struggling against that foreign force, I was forced to lurch forward, consequently losing my grip on [Force Manipulation]. Recovering immediately from the disorientation of the fall, I heard a scream…

Then, countless ice spikes came rushing towards me—

…..

——-

Attack: ??
Speed: ??
Magic: ???
Strength: ??
Growth Potential: ∞
Precision: A
Mental Strength: A+ [Vigorous Spirit]
Natural Airhead: D+ / Wisdom: A+
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Status: [Wanted – Fully Exposed] [Frostbite Burn Syndrome]
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Skill Changes:
[Force Manipulation] LV.5 ▶▶ LV.7