Chapter 2
I was currently sitting on the forest floor.
More specifically, I was sitting with a unicorn lying comfortably across my lap.
Morning had come quietly, announced by the gentle chorus of birds chirping from every direction.
Sunlight filtered through the canopy, scattering warm light across the clearing.
As I gently caressed the unicorn’s silky golden mane, it slept soundly, completely at ease, as if the events of last night had never happened.
It seemed tired.
Probably from raging under the blood moon.
Or maybe from being purified.
Either way, it looked peaceful now.
“…Unbelievable.”
I never thought I’d be reincarnated into a fantasy world.
Let alone meet one of its legendary creatures on my very first night.
Just being able to touch it. No, sit with it the entire night felt surreal.
There was a strange warmth radiating from its body.
Calming.
Healing.
Addictive, even.
I felt like I could sit here forever.
Honestly, just looking at this majestic creature up close felt like getting free admission to a fantasy zoo.
…That said.
“My legs are going numb.”
Reality was cruel.
With great reluctance, I carefully lowered the unicorn’s head from my lap and rested it gently on the grass.
I leaned forward slightly and whispered:
“System…”
Ting!
As expected, the blue display appeared.
And just as expected
My body disappeared.
[You have successfully communed with your first creature.]
[You have received a portion of its abilities.]
“Oh?”
That sounded important.
[The higher your population, the more creatures you can commune with.]
“…Woah.”
Taming a giant unicorn alone already felt absurd.
But the idea that I could meet and possibly tame even more extraordinary creatures sent a chill down my spine.
A good kind of chill.
“But… something’s been bothering me.”
I stared at the floating text.
“What does increasing population even mean?”
[To increase the maximum number of creatures you may commune with, you must first increase this area’s population.]
[To do so, you must willingly invite residents to become your citizens.]
[As your number of citizens grows, the land under your control will expand accordingly.]
“…Huh?”
I blinked.
Slowly.
“…Where am I supposed to find people in the middle of the woods?”
“And even if I did, why would they stay here?”
I rubbed my temples.
“Are you insane?”
I let out a long sigh.
This system really liked throwing responsibilities at me without asking.
“Fine. Let’s say I try.”
“But what if hostile visitors show up? Bandits? Monsters?”
“I can go spectator mode, sure but what about my unicorn?”
“What about my other Poké— I mean, companions?”
The system didn’t answer immediately.
Which was suspicious.
“Also,” I added, narrowing my eyes, “you said I inherit a portion of my companions’ abilities.”
“Why can’t I feel anything?”
[Do you wish to inherit a portion of the Unicorn’s abilities? Y/N]
“…Is that even a question?”
I paused.
Then frowned.
“…Actually, wait.”
If I could inherit bad traits from other creatures later, then confirmation made sense.
“Alright. I accept.”
The moment I agreed, a bright, ethereal light engulfed my entire body.
I felt myself lift off the ground.
Not forcefully.
Gently.
As if I were ascending.
My body felt lighter, cleaner.
I landed moments later as softly as a falling feather.
“…Huh.”
I looked at my hands.
They were pale. Snow-white. Smooth.
I brushed my hair aside.
Golden strands reflected the sunlight.
My previous modern clothes, now turned into a pure white robe
The hell..?
“…Did I just become prettier?”
The system hovered faintly nearby.
Right.
My body was back.
Which meant..
“System!”
The blue display appeared clearly before my eyes.
[You have inherited a portion of the Unicorn’s abilities!]
[Healing – Lv. 2]
[Purification]
[Shield Barrier – Passive]
“…Woah.”
This really was like a video game.
“Did I reincarnate into an RPG?”
“I don’t even remember having time to play games in my past life…”
Purification, huh.
So the system’s purification was different.
Maybe mine only worked within my territory.
That made sense.
[The powers you inherit will grow proportionally as your population increases.]
“…So the more citizens I have, the stronger my abilities get?”
“How amazing.”
Clap. Clap. Clap.
I applauded myself lightly.
How often did transmigrators in novels get powers like this?
Let alone experience them firsthand?
“…Is this compensation for my past life?”
I nodded, satisfied.
“I just hope I don’t jinx it.”
The moment the words left my mouth
Something glowed faintly beyond the trees.
Two points of light.
“…Eyes?”
I hurried to wake the unicorn.
It stirred lazily, glanced in the direction of the glow
Then went back to sleep.
“…You useless—”
I stopped.
High-tier beasts didn’t sleep when danger was nearby.
So whatever that was..
Wasn’t a threat.
Ting!
A sound rang out.
The system wasn’t visible, but
“Alright… System.”
The display appeared.
[Do you wish to commune with it? Y/N]
“It?”
Why no name?
“…Is it special?”
A greater wolf?
A spirit beast?
Anticipation surged.
“Yes!”
[You have successfully communed with the Wisp.]
[Number of Communals: 2/3]
“…HUH?”
“System, what the hell is this!?”
The display vanished instantly.
Coward.
Two small, faintly glowing blue creatures floated out from the trees.
They hovered clumsily, like lost birds.
“…So those weren’t eyes.”
“…Damn it, System.”
I accidentally called it again.
My body vanished.
The wisps panicked, circling frantically. Looking for me
I reappeared moments later.
“They are adorable though.”
I sighed.
“I’ll let it slide this time.”
[Do you wish to inherit the Wisp’s abilities?]
“…Sure. Why not.”
I responded in a defeated tone
There must be a reason why it didn't mention it..
My body glowed faint blue.
The system vanished.
I reappeared before the wisps.
They immediately flew toward me, rubbing their tiny faces against my cheeks.
“Hehehe okay, okay.”
“I guess I won’t be lonely with you guys around.”
Then I noticed my voice.
It carried weight.
Clarity.
Almost divine.
I looked down.
My body was faintly transparent.
My feet hovered above the ground.
I reached out.
My hand passed through itself.
“…Spectral.. form..?”
As I pondered for a moment, whether this was one of their abilities, I decided to inquire to the system regarding this.
“I’m sorry, little ones. I’ll be away for a moment.”
They drooped sadly.
Like sulky puppies.
Too cute.
“I promise, it would be just a moment! Hey, System!”
Once again, the system appeared
[You have inherited a portion of the Wisp’s abilities!]
[Spectral Form – Enabled]
[Spiritual Affinity – Passive]
[Astral Glow – Disabled]
“…Not exactly combat-oriented.”
But useful.
Spectral form..
floating beat walking.
I mean spectator mode is helpful, but you couldn't really interact outside of it
Astral Glow, though…
I grinned.
“…This is embarrassing.”
There are countless ways to do use this
Childish thoughts suddenly appeared within my adult mind
But without a phone.
Hobbies you would naturally find in the modern world
While being alone in the middle of the forest
Would force you into choosing, such alternatives..
So for today, I'd indulge my inner child.
By rehearsing some cheesy lines, with my diety like concept
“Let’s go.”
“System!”
A blinding beacon erupted from the forest.
The wisps clasped their tiny hands in awe.
As I reappeared before them with ethereal glow
The unicorn jolted awake. Startled by whatever nonsense it's owner is pulling
—
At the forest’s edge, two female adventurers froze.
“Unnie! did you see that!?”
“I saw it! Stop shaking me!”
“What was that!?”
“How should I know!?”
"..."
"Um.."
“…Do you want to find out?”
They exchanged nervous glances.
Yet anticipation and excitement hung in the air as the thought of venturing through unknown places.
The two adventurers left deep in contemplation.
They're adventurers after all, It's part of their job.
Reporting something unknown, taking risks and fighting monsters is part of their profession.
The risk is high, but so is the price.
So they finally decided..
