The Spirit-Transformed Weapon

When Nia arrived at the open space behind the inn, she saw Angela and Mina. Angela was still the same little girl, sitting on a rock, occasionally talking to Mina. Mina, following her instructions, vigorously swung the "long sword" in her hand, repeatedly making the same motion, but it was clear that her speed was far inferior to Angela's. Fina stood in the corner, holding the staff in her hand, seemingly testing its power.

"What's the point of all this, Miss Angela?"

Following Angela's instructions, after drawing her sword again and then sheathing it, Mina finally couldn't help but ask.

"This is a very advanced technique."

Angela half-covered her mouth with her fan, chuckling softly, a gesture that made her words seem utterly unbelievable.

"Listen carefully, Mina. If you master this attack skill called 'Battōjutsu,' you'll be able to stand on your own! No one will be your match, at least that's what I've seen in comics and movies."

Comics? Movies? What are those?

Mina was speechless with anger. She'd never even heard of comics or movies before. What was this? Some kind of martial arts manual?

However, Mina had no way to disobey Angela's orders, so she could only continue the tedious practice, completely baffled by its purpose. In Mina's memory, warriors fought only after drawing their weapons. Angela, however, demanded that the battle be decided the instant the weapons were drawn—this was utterly unreasonable! How could she possibly do that?

However, on the other hand, Mina's body was far less resistant to this idea than her reason. As Divine Chosen, Mina already possessed a strong physique. If it weren't for the need to summon the gods, she should have been a paladin rather than a priest. Therefore, while undergoing the training before her, her body seemed quite content with the exercise. So Mina had no choice but to continue. She drew her sword again, the dark, cold light drawing a perfect arc in the air before quickly returning to its sheath.

"Why?"

Not only was Angela slightly surprised by this sudden success, but even Mina herself was taken aback. The previous attempts hadn't been this smooth. Although drawing and sheathing the sword seemed simple, only those who had actually experienced it knew that to smoothly return this strange sword to its sheath required a level of familiarity as if it were an extension of oneself. For Mina, who had only just acquired the sword, becoming familiar with it would be a long process. Even with her innate talent, it would be impossible for her to do it so well.

The situation just now seemed more like the sword fully understanding her intentions and launching the attack on its own initiative.

"There's nothing strange about that."

With a smile, Nia walked over to Angela and looked at Mina.

"Li Lin gave you is not an ordinary magical weapon, but an elf-like weapon. It possesses a soul and is trying to communicate with you, Miss Mina."

"Elf-transformed weapon?"

Hearing this, Angela frowned. Her words also successfully caught the attention of Mina and Fina, at least allowing them to relax a little.

What is that?

"That was a magical technique created by Luoxia —also known as Li Lin— during the Magic Empire era."

Nia explained to the three of them with a gentle smile.

Even back in the era of the Magic Empire, Arcane Mage possessed immense power; they controlled "almost" everything and could manipulate it at will. This included life itself.

However, this raises a problem: the birth of life is a feat only gods can accomplish, not a limit that humans should reach. Arcane Mage naturally understand this, but the allure of possessing the skill to control life is almost unimaginable for them. Therefore, they are unwilling to give up this skill. Thus, Li Lin devised a compromise.

Instead of creating life, we activate it.

Everything in the world has life.

Just as ancient trees can transform into tree people, and even rocks can give rise to rock spirits, all objects contain unique life force. Often, the ways in which they express life are unknown to humans. For example, although fire also possesses life, when it leaps and burns joyfully, humans would never understand whether it is happy or angry—especially after it has burned down a house.

This is the origin of Weapon Spirit Transformation. The Arcane Mage were satisfied because they could enjoy the pleasure of creating life without violating the agreement. The gods were also satisfied because a weapon is, after all, a weapon; no matter what form it takes, its essence remains unchanged, so this doesn't count as creating life in the true sense. Thus, this became the result of a compromise between the Arcane Mage and the gods, who used this method to enjoy the pleasure and satisfaction of creating life.

"So, does that mean my weapon will also... take on a human form later, like Miss Nia's?"

Hearing this, Mina asked in surprise, but Nia shook her head.

"Unfortunately, there are many methods for creating magical weapons, and Li Lin only used the simplest one. Compared to magical weapons, these spirit-like weapons possess a certain degree of sentience that allows them to communicate with their master. However, that's all they can do. They can sense your soul and your thoughts and act accordingly. But that's all they can do; they won't grow any further. Weapons like mine that can fully take on human form are not easy to create, and..."

At this point, Nia hesitated for a rare moment.

"That would cause significant losses for the manufacturer, and Li Lin wouldn't do that right now."

"I see..."

Mina felt a mix of relief and disappointment. But soon, she refocused her attention on the magical longsword in her hand, trying to communicate with it.

"So, what should I do?"

"Name."

Nia began, looking at Mina and Fina, and explained earnestly.

"Give your magical weapons names. This is the symbol that distinguishes them from other weapons, and it's the most important part of giving them 'self.' A sword without a name is just a sword, nothing more. Because it never possesses itself, it naturally cannot distinguish itself... Where is Miss Angela?"

Although Angela doesn't speak harshly to Nia like she does to others, it doesn't mean she can tolerate Nia's "nagging" lectures.

Li Lin turned another page of the book. What was described before him was the customs and culture of the eastern region, which should have been the capital of the dwarves. But now it seemed that other races had occupied that area. The dwarves had returned to the mountains and had even stopped trading with humans—this was not a good sign. Once those stubborn races made up their minds about something, they would never change their minds.

Come to think of it, elves seem quite stubborn... Are all long-lived races like this?

The warm, soft, and comfortable touch finally interrupted his thoughts. He sighed and looked at Angela, who was crawling between his legs under the table.

"I told you not to disturb my reading, what are you doing here?"

"Nia's lessons are so boring..."

Angela, with her beloved lollipop in her mouth, mumbled her answers to Li Lin's questions.

"I don't need to use magical weapons. Let those two idiots learn that kind of trouble. You continue reading; I just want some milk..."

"If you like drinking it so much, I should raise a dairy cow for you."

Li Lin gave a casual, helpless reply, then quickly refocused his attention on his book. But soon, the sensation below intensified, a wave of pleasure washing over Li Lin body. Angela's skills improved daily; in this aspect, Vampire Species possessed an allure no less potent than succubi or banshees. When Li Lin finally released his pent-up desire under Angela's guidance, he surprisingly still had the mind to think like that.

"If you go to the Nine Levels of Hell, you will definitely receive a warm welcome from that king."

Li Lin smiled as he looked at Angela's little head, who was busy cleaning up afterward.

"After all, Vampire Species are quite adept at seducing people."

"Human nature has degenerated."

Angela her head and gently licked her lips.

"Evil is their nature, so in my opinion, even without temptation, most people will still go to Hell after death—from this perspective, those saints are the real freaks. Aren't those beings who have abandoned human nature even more twisted?"

"The King of Hell will be very pleased to hear your words."

Li Lin straightened his clothes, then patted Angela's head.

"Alright, I need to continue reading. You can't do that again next time. You know, I'm not some milk bucket."

"Of course, Master, I will remember it."

Angela chuckled softly, emerged from under the desk, and then slipped away with the swift movement of water droplets gliding across a leaf, continuing to seek her own amusement. Li Lin sighed, then turned his gaze back to his book. However, his good mood was short-lived; before he could fully continue reading, a heavy knock on the door interrupted his thoughts once again.

Why can't I have a little peace and quiet?

Li Lin grumbled under his breath, then closed the book, walked to the door, and opened it.

"Oh, esteemed guest..."

Sensing Li Lin's displeasure, the boss broke out in a cold sweat. He couldn't afford to offend this man. After all, even without knowing Li Lin's true strength, seeing even the Golden Leaf Mage treat this man with such respect, anyone who wasn't blind or had ulterior motives wouldn't consider him an easy opponent.

"Is that so..."

Hello, sir.

A cold, stern voice replaced the boss's trembling words. Li Lin noticed a young half-elf standing behind him, dressed in the attire of a korchagin and a book, clearly of high rank. From his every move, it was easy to see his good upbringing and manners. The half-elf gave Li Lin a slight bow, his politeness tempered with a firm resolve.

"I am Ailas's brother, and I have some matters I wish to discuss with you."

"Here?"

Li Lin glanced back at the room.

"No."

The half-elf shook his head.

"In fact, I prepared a better place."

Upon hearing this, Li Lin raised an eyebrow slightly, and without much hesitation, he quickly nodded.