Rote’s Dream

I pressed myself against the cold surface of the ice tree, holding my breath and remaining as still as possible.

The crystal-clear bark sent a chilling sensation through my back, and the leaves rustled softly in the wind, creating a gentle, bell-like sound.

But there was no time to appreciate such beauty now.

Thump thump thump!

“Oh no! Over here!”

Ugh!

Why did I hide!

I should have just run out of the lair!

Cecile’s cute voice was getting closer and closer.

The sound of her small footsteps echoed through the garden as she searched for me.

The rustling of her feet on the stones, the swishing through the flowerbeds-it all felt so vivid.

Thump thump thump!

Her footsteps quickened.

I could picture Cecile running around with her short legs, searching for me.

It would be so cute to see her like that…

“Oh no! Over here!”

Oh no!

She found me!

Suddenly, a familiar yet nostalgic energy flowed into me.

It was warm and bright, like sunlight, a comforting and mysterious power.

But it was much stronger than before, and it felt oddly hot, almost like the roar of a battlefield.

Anyway!

It was divine power!

Finally!

Thanks to my prayers earlier!

“Oh my!”

Cecile emerged from behind the tree with a bright smile.

Her ruby-like eyes sparkled, and her innocent smile was dazzling.

Her fiery red hair swayed in the wind, looking incredibly charming.

“Cecile! I found you!”

I hugged Cecile tightly and stroked her soft hair.

Her small body felt warm in my arms.

The sweet scent of her hair tickled my nose.

Hide-and-seek with Cecile is so much fun!

…Wait!

Am I being seduced!

‘Dispel!’

A soft golden light enveloped me, clearing my head.

Is it over now…?

“Pitter-patter!”

Cecile reached out to touch the mysterious light around me, fascinated by it.

Her attempt to catch the light, like chasing a butterfly, was so cute.

Oh!

She’s so cute…!

Wait!

Did the seduction not wear off?

‘Dispel!’

The golden light appeared again, but nothing changed.

Maybe I was just imagining it because Cecile is naturally cute…

Whoosh!

Suddenly, something shot through the air at high speed.

The sharp sound of metal cutting through the air was followed by rapid flapping noises.

“Oh! Rote!”

She’s alive!

Though she wasn’t really dead to begin with!

Has she evolved?

『 ☆☆☆☆☆ 【Rote】 Proten Arachnid LV303 』

Her level and species name remain the same…

But looking at Rote, she doesn’t seem much different.

She’s slightly bigger, and her surface is more glossy and shimmering?

Her metallic patterns seem more intricate…

“Did she evolve…?”

Rote nodded solemnly.

Wait, I can read her expression so easily!

She definitely seems different!

“Show me your new abilities!”

I said excitedly.

Rote nodded again, looking very confident.

Her small body seemed full of pride.

What could it be!

Maybe undead summoning, like before?

Or metal manipulation, like Magneto?

That would be awesome!

Or perhaps an ability beyond my imagination!

Suddenly, Rote began spinning at an incredible speed.

Like a jet engine roaring to life!

The surrounding air swirled, creating a small whirlwind.

Yet, surprisingly, there was no sound.

Then, Rote’s body began to glow mysteriously.

Brilliant, multicolored lights burst forth, like a tiny sun scattering colorful rays everywhere.

The light reflected off the crystal trees, creating a dazzling display of colors across the garden.

And then…

♪♫♪♫

A grand, majestic melody began to play from Rote!

The elegant piano tune, the harmonious violin, the refreshing flute, and the mystical harp!

It was like a heavenly orchestra performing in perfect harmony!

“Amazing!”

This…!

It’s like a magical girl transformation effect!

Is Rote transforming too!?

But where’s the music coming from!?

“Wow!”

Cecile also stared in awe, her wide eyes filled with wonder.

The multicolored light reflected off her face, making her look even cuter.

Miel, who had been following Rote, fluttered excitedly in the air, clearly thrilled by the show.

The music reached its climax, blending strings and winds in a stirring finale.

Now, the transformation…!

But Rote didn’t transform.

She just kept spinning and emitting light, playing the music.

♪♫ ♫♪!

With a grand finale, the music ended, and Rote stopped spinning.

She looked at me with a satisfied expression, her small body radiating pride.

…Is that it…?

Really…?

This is just…!

Like a built-in BGM player!

“Rote, you’re so cool!”

Cecile clapped her hands and jumped up and down.

Her pure admiration was a great encouragement for Rote.

Rote’s small body puffed out even more, basking in Cecile’s praise.

Miel, however, slowly began to pull my hair.

《 Huh… 》

She seemed just as baffled as I was.

I never thought Miel would side with me…

But seeing how happy Rote was, I couldn’t say anything.

“Wow…! Rote, that was really impressive…!”

I forced a cheerful tone.

Ugh…

This isn’t right…

I expected something on a whole other level!

《 Is that all? 》

Miel asked the perfect question.

Why did I assume this was the end!

Of course there’s more!

Rote approached me slowly, as if to say, “Wait for me.”

Her small body floated gracefully in the air, stopping right in front of me.

She gave me a determined look.

“What is it…?”

My words suddenly amplified loudly, echoing across the garden.

“What is it…? What is it…?”

Even the echo joined in!

?

Is this a microphone function…?

“Cool!”

Cecile jumped up and down in front of Rote, excited.

Her voice was also amplified, sounding grand and cute.

“It’s cool, but…”

Is this the start of my journey to becoming a K-pop idol!

With Rote by my side, it might actually be possible…

《 Seriously useless lol 》

Miel couldn’t hold back her criticism.

It was harsh towards Rote’s joy, but it was exactly what I wanted to say, so it was kind of refreshing.

Rote’s round eyes widened in anger at Miel’s message and…

She began spitting black spider webs!

Swish swish!

A massive amount of metallic webs filled the air, shooting towards Miel like lightning!

Black, shimmering webs formed a complex net, trapping Miel.

“Huh!”

In an instant, Miel was caught and slammed to the ground.

Long-range! Area effect! Metallic webs!

It’s the Heaven’s Spider Web!

Of course, she’s not just about entertainment!

Though I thought webs were supposed to come from her butt!

Anyway, thanks to Miel’s sacrifice, we discovered her new ability.

So!

“Rote, is that all?”

Rote quickly shook her head.

“Huh!”

No!

Don’t lie!

Just then, a familiar voice came from behind.

“Oh, Rote was demonstrating her abilities.”

Nis appeared, fanning herself.

“Oh! Nis!”

“Hello, my dear.”

Nis smiled gently at us.

Now, the title “Auntie” seemed to have stuck.

But Rote suddenly began circling around Nis, glowing multicolored lights again.

Doesn’t she fear Nis…?

Is she just happy about becoming a karaoke set!

“Oh, Rote isn’t afraid of me?”

Nis also smiled, seemingly pleased as she watched Rote circle around her.

“Um, what about the master?”

He should be here too!

Why didn’t he come!

He was having such a nice time earlier!

“He’s with Ryandel and Levi, talking to them.”

She got their names wrong!

Does the master have an interest in them!

Wait, is he…!

Trying to make progress with them!

Zuin-nim…

You’re too aggressive!

“Do you like the new Rote?”

Nis broke my blatant daydream.

Well, let’s focus on Rote for now…

“Uh, um… Nis, why did you make Rote into a karaoke set…?”

Nis replied, confused.

“What’s a karaoke set…?”

Oh…

Karaoke doesn’t exist in this world…

“Oh, I mean… it glows and plays music, and amplifies sound…”

“Oh, I see. So she has that ability now? Interesting.”

…No, you gave it to her…

I glared at her, and Nis quickly explained.

“I only shared my power with Rote. Her new abilities are what she desired.”

What!

Does Rote want to be a karaoke machine!

No, that can’t be her dream…

Maybe she wants to be a singer or an idol!

But Rote can’t talk…

So, does she want me to debut as an idol!

That doesn’t make sense either.

Maybe it’s for when Cecile polymorphs later.

Well, if Rote’s dream is to be an idol, let’s go with that…

Then, what about the Heaven’s Spider Web!

Perhaps it’s for subduing sasaeng fans…!

Yes!

It definitely lacks lethal force!

“Hm…”

Looking at Miel, trapped in the web, it seemed Rote’s idol debut might actually happen.