Ch.262262. Training (4)

Sophia, caught in the eyes of the Squeak-Squeak Tribe… a being hinted at by the words of the “Voice of Destiny.”

According to the higher-dimensional information that I could partially understand due to my advanced level, the appearance of this being who “sinned and fell” was… a cloud mass.

Lying on the ground was a creature that looked like a pure white cloud mass, profusely bleeding bright red blood.

“…What is that?”

It wasn’t just metaphorically a cloud mass—it truly appeared to be a being whose body was made of clouds or was wrapped in clouds, emanating a strange atmosphere.

At first glance, it looked like a spirit or angel from another dimension beyond this world, but judging by the red blood it was shedding, it was highly likely to be a corporeal living being.

Of course, assuming that the blood had little effect on its cloud-like body(?), it could be presumed that the bleeding body and the cloud layer were separate entities.

But that wasn’t what truly mattered.

The reason I wasn’t approaching to heal this wounded magical beast (presumably) despite having it right in front of me?

It was because… the life force this magical beast possessed was far from that of a dying creature.

Even roughly measuring its magical power and life force, it was bizarrely powerful for something supposedly dying.

To use an example anyone would understand… it possessed life force and magical power comparable to that of an adult dragon.

If you’re thinking of that Swamp Dragon from before, that would be foolish. Adult dragons in this world are beyond the power level meters depicted in media from my previous life—they’re closer to being this planet’s apex predators.

The infinite magical power flowing from their hearts, also called Dragon Hearts, and the overwhelming capacity to contain that magic (maximum magical power). Add to that their transcendent physical prowess based on such magic.

Of course, I’m not saying the being I’m looking at through shared vision is equal to such dragons, only that it’s comparable in terms of magical power and life force….

But even that was enough for me to be genuinely wary of the being before me.

A dragon’s class serves as the standard for the upper echelon, to the point where the expression “■■ comparable to a dragon of the same rank” is used as both metaphor and praise.

And the magical power and life force of such dragons are truly transcendent—which means this cloud mass creature before me possesses basic specs somewhat equal to those dragons?

Moreover, I know. As a druid, I know.

The greatest reason why many people in this world die by means other than old age is that they’re eaten or killed by magical beasts.

Magical beasts are essentially animals that inherently possess magical power or acquired it later. This “magical power” itself is not only a powerful weapon but also transforms the animal that possesses it into a true magical beast.

As they use their abilities, they naturally learn various magical power manipulation techniques, or at the very least, experience basic physical enhancement or improvements in intelligence and lifespan.

Of course, there are strong animals like bears that aren’t magical beasts, but wouldn’t such animals naturally become even stronger if they became magical beasts?

Thus, magical beasts are superior versions of ordinary beasts—while they might seem modest compared to other terrifying creatures, they’re still a classification that cannot be ignored….

For this reason, I couldn’t lower my guard against the furball before me.

To be frank, I couldn’t deny the possibility that it was all a deception and it might suddenly turn violent, and even if the injury was real, it’s common “sense” that wounded beasts become more aggressive and exclusive toward outsiders.

And in that situation.

“…Huh? Sophia?”

The moment I recognized Sophia walking forward—still staggering slightly from the earlier shock but with clear determination on her face.

‘Alright, I’ll believe there’s a reason!’

Convinced that Sophia had seen something and was moving with purpose, I ran ahead of her and directly encountered that magical beast.

[Who… are you?]

As I approached the magical beast (presumably) close enough to see it directly, it seemed to recognize me, perhaps visually, and spoke to me in my mind.

※ ※ ※

The way the magical beast (presumably) communicated was distinctly different from any form of communication I had experienced before.

It was clearly speaking in some species language I couldn’t understand, yet the moment those words entered my ears, they were clearly imprinted, allowing me to understand their meaning?

This was definitely different from translation magic, communication, or mental connection.

It felt as if the language itself had this power embedded within it.

In this world, there exists a special ability called “Word Command”—words that possess power.

Just as angelic or demonic languages are magical, their voices can carry magical power, enabling localized reality manipulation through language.

The most representative example is the dragon language used by only some highly experienced and knowledgeable dragons. Through this language, “Elders”—high-ranking dragons—cast various spells.

Without any incantation, magical power manipulation, or complex formula formation and calculation. Simply by uttering the language, the magic gains power and is released.

Of course, in reality, it’s an ability that’s somewhat ambiguous to call truly remarkable.

Like most reality manipulation abilities, the magical power consumed by Word Command is so vast that only aged dragons can handle it.

And just like such Word Commands, the language this being is using possesses such power….

I noticed. I could tell.

The foundational language underlying this being’s Word Command was the ancient “Unified Language” that is hardly used anymore.

Before the concept of language fully existed in this world, the words used in that era not only had magical power imbued in them but could be understood instantly by anyone.

Although as time passed and the concept of language was established, it gradually faded from the world and is now on the verge of extinction.

And users of this Unified Language are truly rare.

In today’s era, translation or interpretation magic is commonly used by everyone, and if we’re just comparing power as Word Command, others are superior, so there’s little reason to use it even if one has the ability.

Yet using this Unified Language suggests one of two possibilities, I would guess.

One is that this being has lived since that era… but that’s unlikely since there are few survivors from that time.

The other possibility is that this being is a resident of a region composed of Unified Language users….

“We are merely travelers passing by, O Exile of Heaven.”

[We meaning…. No, more importantly, how did you…!!]

Judging by its reaction, this latter possibility seems most likely.

“A prophecy. My companion borrowed the ‘Voice’ momentarily upon seeing you. Based on the aura you emanate.”

[….Hmm. I see.]

Perhaps because blood suddenly spurted out with a splashing sound mid-sentence? After showing a surprised reaction, she seemed to accept my explanation, so I calmly questioned her.

“You must have your own story, but in that condition, you cannot tell it. So I propose: perhaps I could treat those wounds, and in return, you could share your story with me?”

[….My story?]

“Yes, I don’t have such an evil disposition as to coldly abandon an injured traveler.”

The moment I confidently made that proposal, she clearly showed signs of being moved.

Rather than simply hearing and understanding my words, she might have used some ability to sense danger or glimpse the future, feeling that my proposal would do her no harm.

And… after some negotiation.

[Very well. However….]

“…However?”

[Treating my wounds comes later. First, listen to my story.]

Though she did set some conditions, she clearly expressed her acceptance of this proposal.