Report
Chapter 197: The Empty Treasure
"It’s a Hierarchy Sphere."
To anyone else, it might just look like a beautiful glass bead, but Abel seemed to know exactly what it was.
"What exactly is this?"
In response to my question, Mina-chan gave a gentle smile.
"To me, it’s something that has just always been here in the sanctuary, but I believe Abel-sama knows far more about it than I do."
The young spirit referred to Abel, who explained with her usual calm demeanor.
"This is the Hierarchy Sphere, one of the few remaining divine relics in this world."
"A divine relic!"
Isn’t that a higher-tier magical artifact, crafted by beings beyond human comprehension, said to hold incredible power? If this sphere is one of those, I wonder what kind of effect it has…
"That sphere is empty. It contains nothing."
"Empty? What do you mean?"
Maybe it’s defective? Like a flashlight that won’t turn on?
"A Hierarchy Sphere is like a divine mandate, a form of recognition from gods or spirits."
Here’s how I understood Abel’s explanation, in simpler terms:
The Hierarchy Sphere is like a stamp card that collects recognition from multiple holy spirits.
When a spirit recognizes you, they infuse the sphere with their power, as though putting a stamp on it. As you ‘ascend’, step by step, you receive blessings from each designated spirit until you complete a trial. Then, you’re granted the miracle or reward that’s been set.
Abel’s description of it as "empty" meant that it lacked all of that.
A true Hierarchy Sphere would be configured with the number and type of spirits required for recognition, as well as the miracle to be granted upon completion.
But this sphere had none of that. It held no blessings, and no reward was registered. Quite literally, it was an empty sphere.
"So, does that mean this sphere has no special powers?"
"Yes. Even if you managed to have every existing god and spirit infuse it with power, it wouldn’t count as completion, and there would be no reward. Nothing would happen."
I see.
So it’s really no different from a glass marble.
Maybe Mina-chan prepared this as a fitting gift, knowing I’d feel uneasy receiving something too valuable.
"Um… if you’ll excuse me.”
Mina-chan gently touched the Hierarchy Sphere in my hand.
"In the name of Mina, the Water Spirit of Kishkud, I hereby recognize Alto Cranput."
"Oh?!"
A clear, pure blue light radiated from Mina-chan’s hand and filled the Hierarchy Sphere with a serene glow.
"This is a token of friendship… I apologize that it holds no power."
Not at all. This is perfect as it is.
If I were given some overwhelming miracle, it would be a lot of pressure.
"What a beautiful blue light! I’m so happy. Thank you."
"Ehehe…! You think my mana is beautiful.”
Mina-chan blushed and smiled.
"I didn’t expect a Hierarchy Sphere to still exist, though."
"Mother said it might have survived because it’s empty. I may be immature as a divine spirit, but even to me, it looks like a simple glass bead"
Nipa-san nodded in agreement at her daughter’s words.
"Kishkud is a sacred, ancient place. It holds a long history. And so, artifacts created by the gods during the season of life are still preserved here… Human child, do understand the honor you’ve been granted, and express your gratitude to my daughter."
Suddenly, she’s talking like some dignitary.
Well, I do feel grateful, and I should show my appreciation.
"But receiving such a wonderful keepsake… I don’t have anything to give in return."
"This is a thank-you for making everyone smile. You don’t need to thank us in return!"
Didn’t I have a similar conversation with Mia, the clumsy maid, not too long ago?
Still, I feel like I should show my gratitude for this treasure.
"No, I’ll make sure to prepare a gift in return. I’ll bring it when I come back."
"…!"
I’ll come back to visit.
Mina-chan seemed to recognize that as a promise. She trembled with joy.
"Phe."
"What is it, Niita? Phe loves Niita!"
"Phe, you also need to give something in return for that clear clay gift, right? Whether it be tableware or pottery or whatever else, let’s make something for Mina-chan next time."
"Yes! Phe will do it! Phe’s good at crafting! Phe will make something for Mina-chan!"
That’s the spirit.
But make sure to say that to Mina-chan, okay? Saying it to me while hugging me and looking at me isn’t quite right.
Even so, the little divine spirit seemed delighted.
She smiled with teary eyes.
"It’s time to go back."
Meanwhile, Abel calmly announced our departure.
“Aw, already?” came a childlike protest—not from an actual child, but from my mother.
She was holding an armful of Korpokkur, and it seemed she’d taken a liking to them.
And the Korpokkur seemed to like my mother, too, perhaps finding her carefree nature endearing. They clung to her arms, back, and head in droves.
"Abel, would it be alright if I took just one of them home with me?"
"Absolutely not!"
The spirit of the Sacred Lake shouted, but it was like water off a duck’s back.
"Well then, Mina-chan, why don’t you come home with me? I’ll spoil you rotten!"
"Wanna die, lady?"
Nipa-san’s gaze was icy.
Mina-chan, the subject of the invitation, didn’t understand what my mother was saying, so she just tilted her head cutely.
No one was translating, after all.
Finally, the time for farewells came.
Mina-chan held back her sadness and smiled.
"Please, do visit again. I’ll do my utmost to welcome you."
What a humble girl…
Considering her standing as a spirit, she ranks higher than not only the director of the Ice and Snow Garden and the clan chiefs, but also the spirit king.
In a good way—or maybe in a bad way too—she lacks a sense of majesty.
Well, it makes her approachable, and that’s nice in its own way.
"Lady Abel, I’ll keep working hard to improve my skills until you recognize me! Please look forward to it!"
"Yes."
"Oh! I’m so moved! She looked at me with encouragement!"
Kupikupi was… well, happy, at least. I’ll leave her be.
"I’ll treasure the Hierarchy Sphere you gave me, okay?"
"Yes! I’ll savor the cookies you gave me, too!"
Alright.
But the Korpokkur are already nibbling on them behind you.
"I’ll work hard on learning to speak like you all…! I heard humans are scary, but you’re all really nice people."
“Well, humans can be scary, you know? Just don’t let your guard down.”
Like Abel said, I hope this place remains peaceful and carefree.
"Let’s go."
We boarded the boat from the pier.
Mina-chan waved at us.
The further we drifted, the smaller the ruler of the Sacred Lake became.
She continued waving both hands until she was so distant that even with vision-enhancing magic, she was barely visible.
"It was a lovely place."
Mom hugged me from behind.
I completely agree.
But rather than it being a “lovely place,” I felt it was more meeting a “lovely person.”
"Aah! I forgot to bring the Medjed statue I made for Niita!"
My little sister cried out.
Mom comforted Phe, hugging and patting her.
Abel kept steering the boat, expressionless as always.
In my hand was a single blue sphere.
Not a divine relic, but a treasure because it was proof of a beautiful meeting.
An empty treasure.
But it was a priceless keepsake, filled with cherished memories.
