Ellin's big, beautiful blue eyes sparkled. She was the sort of person who couldn't resist trying out an idea once it occurred to her.
"If it really can help me channel elemental energy faster, that would be wonderful!"
Unable to contain her intense curiosity, she immediately went to take out the Artifact, but just then, the system's notification sounded.
"Master, Artifacts are essentially experience and legacies, not physical objects. Once withdrawn, they will merge with your body and become your power, and cannot be restored. Are you sure you wish to withdraw it?"
"I'm sure!" Ellin nodded earnestly.
Hum...
The instant Ellin confirmed, a hum reverberated through the air.
The Artifact in her inventory vanished, turning into flowing golden light that merged with Ellin.
When the light faded, Ellin felt as though she had gained something, but she couldn't quite describe what it was.
It felt like a new habit, or perhaps an unconscious instinct.
Ellin found channeling and controlling elemental energy much easier now. She didn't need to make any deliberate effort, either; it all came instinctively. With a simple turn of her hand, she could summon a large amount of Cryo energy.
After several experiments, Ellin concluded that Artifacts could be understood as power or legacies left behind by those who had died.
There were many types of these relics, and Energy Recharge Artifacts probably contained their predecessors' insights and experience in controlling and channeling elemental energy.
"So that's how it works. I remember the game also described Artifacts as a kind of experience and legacy lingering in the ley lines."
"What an amazing feeling. Just one Artifact instantly made me nearly twice as fast at channeling elemental energy!"
Ellin was delighted. Having tasted the benefits, she turned her attention to the sole remaining Attack Sands.
Without a moment's hesitation, Ellin withdrew the last Artifact.
Golden light swirled once more. When it dissipated, Ellin opened her eyes, still filled with profound shock.
"The power contained in just one Artifact actually quadrupled my physical strength!"
"That's a level-20 attack Artifact for you. This is incredible!"
Along with her amazement, Ellin was thrilled. She lifted her loose nightdress to inspect the changes in her body and discovered that she no longer had a trace of excess flab. Even her stomach had developed defined abdominal lines.
Of course, she hadn't turned into some muscular powerhouse of a woman. Her figure was still slender and beautiful, and she still looked soft all over.
Those faint abdominal lines didn't detract from her appearance at all. Instead, they added a youthful vitality that made her even more attractive.
"Gosh... why do I feel like I'm getting cuter and cuter...?"
Ellin examined her body in the mirror, then squeezed her two slimes and sighed helplessly. "Ugh, they've grown again. Why can't these two lumps turn into a little muscle instead?"
"Slimes this big are really heavy... and having them bounce with every step is such a pain."
"Oh, forget it. I'll keep getting stronger and see if I can find a way to turn back into a guy someday."
Ellin helplessly gave her slimes a few more squeezes, then returned to bed and went to sleep.
Early the next morning, shortly after daybreak, Fischl knocked on Ellin's door.
Ever since becoming friends with Ellin, Fischl had been happy every day, with a little skip in her step wherever she went.
Now she stood outside Ellin's home, striking a theatrically grandiose pose.
"My friend, This Princess has received a request from her retainers to seek the fruits of rosy dreams in the land overlooking the fierce winds of the lofty heavens. Wilt thou accompany This Princess?"
"You mean you want me to come along on a commission to gather Valberries in the Windrise Foothills? Sure!" Ellin nodded with a smile.
"Ooh...!"
Seeing that Ellin understood her grandiose speech, Fischl was as surprised and delighted as a cat spotting a can of sardines.
"Hehe, thou truly art This Princess's destined companion!"
Fischl happily took Ellin's hand, intending to walk beside her, only to accidentally brush against Ellin's slimes.
"Ah!"
Fischl cried out in surprise. "Ellin... h-how did your slimes grow so much overnight again?!"
"D-don't talk about it!" Ellin's face flushed bright red with embarrassment.
This commission was only a simple gathering task. Aside from the long journey, it wasn't particularly difficult.
After they arrived in the Windrise Foothills, Feng'er and Oz volunteered to help. First, they flew high into the sky to locate the Valberries, then swooped down to pluck them with their beaks.
With their two familiars helping out, Ellin and Fischl were free to enjoy themselves like two little girls out picking flowers.
Sometimes they chased each other playfully across the grasslands. At other times, they sat beside the river and dipped their feet into the water, enjoying the gentle wash of the current.
When they were hungry, they picked raspberries and wild apples to fill their stomachs. When they grew sleepy, Fischl sat with her back against a large tree and gently patted her long legs in their black stockings, offering Ellin her lap as a pillow.
Once Ellin lay down, Fischl leaned over her, quietly gazing at her adorable face and playing with her beautiful, silky white hair.
Everything was so peaceful, and both girls' faces shone with carefree smiles.
Toward evening, after a full day of fun, the two girls sat side by side atop a high cliff in the Windrise Foothills, gazing out over the vast green wilderness.
Behind them were their two familiars and a bag filled to the brim with Valberries.
The last rays of the setting sun shone on their faces, draping them in a golden mantle.
The breeze sweeping across the heights brought a touch of coolness.
Smiling, the two girls unconsciously swung their little feet over the edge of the cliff.
Fischl turned her head and gazed intently at Ellin.
"Ellin... honestly, I'm so glad I met you."
"You might not know this, but these two days since I met you have been the happiest I've had in years."
"When I'm with you, every second feels so long, yet every second seems to fly by. Being with you always makes me so, so happy."
"Ellin, having you... is wonderful! Meeting you is the luckiest thing that's ever happened to me!"
"I like you too, Fischl!"
"Everyone always says you're strange, but isn't that exactly what makes you so adorable? Those things are what make you your own person!"
"Beneath that eccentric disguise is a gentle, thoughtful, kind heart. That's the Fischl I like so much!"
"Y-you... I... I'm not that wonderful." Blushing, Fischl shyly lowered her head.
"Oh, right, Ellin. Could you tell me what your title, 'Immortal Venerable Who Hears Cries and Subdues Evil,' means?"
"'Immortal Venerable Who Hears Cries and Subdues Evil' means just what it says. I have a magical ability. Whenever you're in danger, Fischl, all you have to do is recite my name, and I'll sense it. Then I'll follow your call, come to your side, and protect you!"
"Pfft!" Fischl couldn't help laughing, but she still said, "Mm-hmm, what an impressive ability!"
"What? You don't believe me?"
Ellin looked at Fischl with a sweet smile. "Whether you believe me or not, if you ever find yourself in danger, Fischl, I'll do everything in my power to protect you!"
"Yes! I believe you. Thank you, Ellin."
Fischl smiled too. In that moment, she let go of everything and forgot everything, including the need to keep up her grandiose persona.
Right then, she was just an ordinary girl, and Ellin's good friend.
Before you continue