Zyra's growth changed almost by the day. By the end of January, it had completely reached the size of an infant—fifty centimeters tall. The magic power within its body stabilized, and it became a qualified Thorn Great Elf.
"Uwah, Zyra strong!"
The first thing this little fellow, which had fought its way from a Thorn Bug all the way to becoming a Great Elf, did after evolving was corner the Coptis Sprite in its bug room and give it a thorough scolding. "You little Coptis reeking of bitterness—if I see you acting all high and mighty again, I'll beat you dumb myself!"
The Coptis Sprite stood by the window, looking at the enlarged Zyra with its lips pursed, clearly unconvinced.
But Zyra was now larger, stronger, and brimming with imposing vigor. It was someone the Coptis Sprite did not want to provoke—though the Coptis Sprite was jumpy, it had always bullied the weak and feared the strong in the castle's bug-room area. It had never once dared provoke Ashe, the pea Great Elf.
So Zyra was now also someone it did not dare provoke.
Waving its fist, Zyra was highly pleased by the Coptis Sprite's shriveled look. It spun around in midair and shouted, "Zyra mighty! Uwah!"
The next bug room it visited was Ashe's.
"Do you want to be tied up by me again?" Ashe's expression remained calm. It did not feel much about Zyra having grown up; elves were, after all, a naturally aloof species. "Do you understand the art of ropes? Do you know what ropes can create? If you do not, then you are not qualified to speak to me."
After saying that, it held its head high and looked coolly at the swaggering Zyra.
Just as when it had first arrived at the castle, it