Chapter 4: Time To Eat

Twin tusks gleamed white, limbs were thick and powerful, and its skin was covered in scars from countless battles.

“A wild boar… not the friendliest creature.”

The students in the restaurant whispered among themselves.

Someone activated a small, square device and pointed it at the enforcer’s manifested spirit beast.

A voice came from the machine:

[Beep. Volcanoboar. Average weight over half a ton. Aggressive temperament. Possesses wild, explosive power.]

[Skilled in charging attacks. Can easily shatter an adult’s ribs. Extremely dangerous.]

[Often travels in packs in the wild. Capture difficulty: ★★★☆☆]

[While powerful, has poor maneuverability. Battle difficulty: ★★☆☆☆]

“Wow, a Volcanoboar! And it looks really well-trained.”

“Even at the academy, this level of training is rare.”

“That shopkeeper lady is in danger.”

“Hmph.”

The burly enforcer tilted his head back proudly, soaking in the praise from the crowd.

He glared viciously at the shopkeeper and sneered, “The Tigerhead Gang is very reasonable. If you don’t want to pay protection fees, fine… as long as you can beat me in a fight. Then we’ll admit you’ve got the strength to protect your little shop.”

“Come on then! Miss! Summon your spirit!”

“Hmph.”

Though she showed no fear, the shopkeeper looked slightly hesitant.

But with everyone watching, how could she, as the owner, not take a stand?

This was her dream, her life’s work. 

Of course she’d give it everything she had to protect it—

“Summon spirit—!”

A comet-like flash of earthy yellow light streaked through the air, gathering behind the shopkeeper.

The students quickly raised their little metal devices and aimed them at her summoned spirit.

[Beep. Toiletplunger. Artifact-type spirit. Can be used for unclogging toilets.]

[Special trait: Deals 500x special damage to soft-bodied spirits.]

[Available in convenience stores. Capture difficulty: ☆☆☆☆☆]

[Power depends on enchantment level. Not very damaging, but extremely humiliating. Battle difficulty: ★★★☆☆]

The students stared in shock at the shopkeeper’s spirit.

“That Toiletplunger is so well-maintained. Look at the grip, it’s been handled until it’s gleaming!”

“She must have a deep bond with her spirit.”

“There’s barely any enchantment, but it looks solid. No visible wear.”

“This shopkeeper… she’s a master of artifact-type spirit training!”

Me: “……”

Are you all serious?

Looks like Earth has changed even more than I thought…

At least there’s true equality among spirits here.

Everyone treated the shopkeeper’s spirit with genuine respect.

But the enemy wasn’t quite so enlightened.

“Bwahahaha— Toiletplunger? That’s rich!” the enforcer cackled. 

“You think a regular artifact-type spirit can challenge my mighty Volcanoboar?”

“My spirit can boost my strength. Yours does nothing for you. I could just stand here— do you even have the power to land a hit?”

“Why don’t you try and see?”

The shopkeeper’s long hair flew as she launched forward like a cannonball, closing the distance in an instant.

“What?! So fast…!”

Panicking, the enforcer barely managed to cross his arms in front of his face.

With a commanding cry, the shopkeeper gripped the handle of her spirit and swung:

“Toiletplunger—Advance Mode 2!”

“Bang—”

A tremendous force struck him like a shot put, launching him straight out of the shop.

He tried to get up, but the shopkeeper’s flat shoe stomped down on his stomach.

“Pop—”

She yanked her spirit out of his face, looking down coldly.

“Hmph? Still charging protection fees?”

Naturally, the enforcer refused to accept defeat.

His red fur burst into flames, a surge of strength blasting the shopkeeper’s foot away.

“If you won’t pay, then this shop is finished!”

The spiritual trauma from her spirit had enraged him. 

He’d gone completely berserk.

The Volcanoboar merged with his body. 

His stance hunched. Beastly features took over his face. 

Twin tusks protruded from his mouth.

His hind legs slammed down, carving trenches into the floor with their power.

He lowered his head—aiming at the restaurant.

“Hey! Don’t—!”

The shopkeeper shouted in alarm.

No one dared step in front of a raging wild boar. Its charge was as deadly as a speeding tank.

And now, that tank was locked onto her shop.

“Squeeeee—”

The enforcer let out a piercing pig-like scream, transforming into a living missile and hurling himself forward!

“Crackle—”

A flash of lightning tore through the air.

Calmly, I popped another peanut into my mouth.

I didn’t even look up.

Behind me, a soft glow took shape—graceful, deer-like, dignified.

The Volcanoboar’s eyes bulged in terror. 

As if it had glimpsed some unspeakable horror, it froze mid-charge.

It strained every muscle to brake, rear hooves plowing trenches in the ground and came to a halt just inches away from the qilin.

Trembling, it fell to its knees, bowing low.

An invisible pressure filled the air— one that seemed to weigh down on all beast-type spirits.

The students, holding their breath, still strained to lift their scanners.

They pointed them at my spirit.

[Qilin – A mythical ancient spirit beast.]

[Legendary-class spirit. Said to only appear beside sages. Follows wise and virtuous leaders. Can perceive true character and discern good from evil.]

[A divine beast and king of all animals. Details unknown.]

[Capture difficulty: Impossible. Chooses its own master. Cannot be found in the wild.]

[Battle difficulty: Unrecorded. Unknown. May control lightning and foresee the future. If encountered, run—if you’re still capable of moving.]

“……”

I gently stroked the soft fur on the qilin’s neck.

As if the Volcanoboar and its master kneeling before me didn’t exist.

Just quietly eating peanuts.

—Heh. My Immortal Emperor’s presence must have completely crushed their will.

So I thought.

But then—

“Eeeeeek~~~ So cute!”

“Kyaaaah I want one soooo bad~~~”

“Ahhh I wanna take it home~~”

The crowd had flushed cheeks and sparkling eyes—no fear at all. 

Just hungry, fangirl stares directed at me.

Damn it! This cursed little girl’s body!

How the hell am I supposed to look cool… or act like a legendary hero like this?!

In frustration, I puffed out my cheeks unconsciously and hugged the giant qilin beside me.

The sound of people gulping grew even louder.

Wait, why is someone gulping in front of me too…

Clu- ru- ru- !

……

I buried my head in my peanuts, ignoring the kneeling enforcer and gawking onlookers.

Filling my stomach was the real priority.

Pity someone always had to ruin dinner.