"Because I'm the only human, and my lifespan is short, right? It's not fair that you guys get to live so long."
After finishing the second round of Lizardman hunting, Ren asked her for details, and that was essentially the girl's reasoning.
"You were worried about that, Fūri?" Ren asked.
"Of course I was worried. It makes me really sad to think that in the future, I'll be the only one who gets old and dies first…"
Putting herself in Fūri's position, Ren could understand the feeling. Besides, Ren herself didn't want to die. She didn't want to think about aging, either. She wanted those things to be as far off as possible.
However,
"But Shion and I won't stay this way forever."
"We don't know that. Besides, even if we could go back to Japan in about five years, the age gap between us and you would be huge."
If conquering the dungeon meant they could return to Japan, the question was what would happen to those whose appearances had changed. Assuming "returning to human form" was guaranteed, the next question was whether their appearance upon returning would align with their actual age or their external age. It was a question of whether the 22-year-old Ren (who looked 15 or 16) would return to a 22-year-old man, or to a form barely changed from when she became a Succubus. The former seemed incredibly complicated, so the latter seemed more plausible.
If that was the case, the age gap between Ren and Fūri would grow by the amount of time they spent here.
"They say things start to worry you once you pass twenty, and I'm already scared now. So, the sooner I change races, the better."
"Ah. Because changing to a long-lived race will suppress aging."
"Exactly."
To maintain a young and cute appearance for as long as possible, she wanted to stop being human. While Ren felt this might be a little too hasty, as a girl now, she completely understood Fūri's feelings. Precisely because she was constantly being called cute, the thought of no longer being cute was terrifying. She really wished that her own value wouldn't decrease as she aged.
From Ren's position, she could whisper, "I'll love you just the same, even if you get older." But that was merely a dodge. Ren couldn't guarantee the future, and frankly, she preferred a young, cute girl as a partner, too.
"...If that's the case, I can't tell you that you 'shouldn't do it'," Ren conceded.
So, Ren quickly gave up on persuading Fūri.
"But if you change races, you might stay that way even after returning to Japan. Are you okay with that?"
"Yes. I'm prepared for that."
Fūri nodded and added, "It seems like it'll be useful for the conquest, too."
Lately, her main roles had been trap countermeasures and organizing drop items. While they relied on her to fight when they were shorthanded, like on the 35th Floor, the fact that most of her skills were non-combat-oriented created a lot of anxiety. It seemed she herself wanted to be more useful.
Mariabelle also nodded with a complicated expression.
"I don't think I have anything to say either. This is an issue you all must decide."
Mariabelle's lover, Aisha, was human. Therefore, the age difference wouldn't be a problem for the two of them to spend their lives together. If anything, the conversation for them would likely lean toward the importance of having children sooner rather than later.
...Thinking about it that way, perhaps it would be better for those two to settle down quickly. If Ren and the others weren't dragging them around, they could get married immediately. More time would be better for raising children.
Keeping that thought in the back of her mind, Ren addressed the others.
"What do Iris and the others think?"
When asked, the Golem girl answered first.
"If you are considering becoming a Golem, I would welcome you."
"No, not being organic requires a different kind of courage," Fūri said.
This seemed to make it easier for Iris to answer, and she smiled. "I think it's a good idea, too."
"Please don't worry, even if you become a Dark Elf, Fūri-san. I won't dislike you."
"Thank you, Iris-chan."
A heartwarming exchange. It would be nice if she could get along with Meteora this well... But that was probably difficult.
"I also have no objection if Fūri-sama is satisfied. But there are very few ways to change races, aren't there?" Mariabelle asked.
"Ah, about that. We'll just have to ask the Sage."
"Yeah. Race-changing stones can't be bought even with the Divine Artifacts."
Inside the temple were special items or devices called "Divine Artifacts." Most of them allowed people to obtain specific items in exchange for money, including the Job Change Stone and the Reset Stone. However, the stone for race change was not on the sales list. It was a truly rare item with very limited means of acquisition.
"For now, let's go see the old man."
"Sounds good."
After returning to the temple, Ren and the others decided to split into two groups. Ren and Fūri would go to the Sage, and the other members would go retrieve Meteora and return home.
Separating from Mei and Shion, Ren and Fūri visited the Sage's house. He greeted them in the casual attire typical of a single, middle-aged man living alone.
"Sage-sama, shouldn't you pay more attention to your appearance?" Fūri asked.
"How rude. I am usually a bit more presentable. Isn't the problem with you lot dropping by unannounced?"
Ren had to concede the point.
Trying not to look too closely as the Sage put on more clothes (or forcing him to clean up), they handed him the light snacks they had bought from a street vendor on the way.
"So, what is the consultation this time?" the Sage asked.
"Well. If I asked you to sell me a race-changing item, how much would it cost?" Ren asked.
"Hmm. Since the two of you came together, the hopeful candidate must be Fūri."
The Sage folded his arms, thought for a moment, and then quoted a price. It was not a sum Ren and the others couldn't pay, but it was high enough that they would have to earn it aggressively or face a significant strain on their finances.
"It is not an item that can be easily acquired. Since it is not absolutely necessary, I must ask for a commensurate amount," the Sage explained.
"Hmm, that's true. A girl like Shion might appear again," Ren agreed.
"Well, what Fūri is hoping for is not an 'item to become human,' though," the Sage corrected.
"Ah. So, race-changing items are handled separately for each race?" Fūri asked.
"That is correct. We call it a 'Reincarnation Stone,' but the type of race it allows you to become is fixed, such as a 'Reincarnation Stone to Human.'"
He explained that they were mostly acquired through the Gacha—a Divine Artifact that generates random magic items in exchange for money. The low drop rate of the Reincarnation Stone itself, combined with the fact that they are separated by race, made them extremely rare.
"And the vast majority are Reincarnation Stones to Human. This is a good thing, however."
"That's true. It would be a problem if someone wanted to go back after changing but couldn't get a stone," Ren said.
"Indeed. Some races have major restrictions, like this one."
The Sage placed a red gem on the table with a clunk. It was a translucent polyhedron with patterns resembling blood vessels running through it. Because of the red color, it was easy to imagine it as a heart.
"This is a Reincarnation Stone to Vampire. This race instantly gains the 'weak to sunlight' characteristic upon reincarnation."
"Wait, does that mean immediate death if it's used in a bright place?" Fūri asked, horrified.
"Rest assured. Even someone in a completely pristine state should be able to survive for about ten seconds."
"That's not reassuring at all!" Ren exclaimed.
Fūri, who had gained HP through her experience as a Thief, would likely be safe for a while, but if she were to use it, it would have to be at night or in a sunless location. The best strategy would be to reincarnate inside the dungeon and immediately begin power leveling.
"The detailed specifications won't be known until after reincarnation, but it is likely a race that mitigates its drawbacks by acquiring skills. In the initial stages, they would probably also be weak to silver weapons and repelled by running water and mirrors."
"Didn't they also have to be invited into a house to enter? Wouldn't it make simple errands impossible?" Fūri worried.
"That would be too inconvenient, I think. Though, I do admire Vampires," Ren said.
"? Why is that?" Meteora asked.
Ren looked straight back at the girl and answered clearly.
"I was thinking I could let her suck my blood to make up for the amount I drain from her."
"Ah, that might actually work out. ...I wonder if being drained by a Vampire feels good."
"I wonder? In movies, a lot of people say they 'want to be bitten,' but that might be because they want eternal life," Fūri speculated.
Ren could heal any loss of HP with Heal, and Vampires seem to have high durability, which would contribute to Fūri's safety. Ignoring the numerous weaknesses, this would almost be the decisive choice.
"Hmm. ...Sage-san, what other kinds do you have?" Ren asked.
"I don't think you need to change races forcefully, but... well, your case is unique. For now, this is all I have left in stock."
Several more Reincarnation Stones were placed on the table. They were the same size and shape but different colors. As expected, Reincarnation Stones were treated as separate items by type.
Ren and Fūri listened to the explanations for each, carefully examining the features and drawbacks of each one.
"Yep, this one looks right," Ren said.
"Yeah. I think that one is the best too," Fūri agreed.
They selected a single Reincarnation Stone. The Sage considered it for a moment, then nodded. "That might be a reasonable choice."
"Are you sure? I will accept returns if it is unused, but once it is used, there is no going back. Purchasing another Reincarnation Stone, especially one for human, would be difficult, even for you."
"I know. Don't worry, I won't regret it."
After paying for the stone from their available funds, the remaining amount was quite meager.
"Let's work hard to earn the money back." Ren said.
"Yeah. I'll work harder than ever, too," Fūri promised.
The stone they received was a translucent, pale green color.
-----------------
"You go to the dungeon and come back, and now Fūri is quitting being human... You people truly seem to be outside the bounds of common sense," Meteora commented, her expression and tone filled with exasperation when they returned home and reported the news. She had apparently heard the initial story from Iris and the others.
From her perspective, race was something one was born with, not something that could be changed easily. Her surprise was understandable. In fact, Ren and the others had thought the same until they arrived here, and the Earth didn't even have non-humanoid races.
"I can understand the desire to change. ...Honestly, I think humans are an inferior race compared to us Dark Elves."
"Haha, you might be right. A long lifespan is definitely better," Ren laughed.
A short life-and-death cycle makes the transmission of knowledge difficult. The cost-performance of education is poor, and the period during which a genius can display their abilities is limited. That might be why humans developed technology and created things like writing, books, and computers. But when looking at individual power rather than collective strength, other races were definitely more powerful than humans.
"So, what kind of race are you planning to become?" Meteora asked.
"Well, the stone is this one," Ren said.
Iris gasped, looking at the stone placed on the living room table. "What a beautiful color."
"Does the color have a meaning?" Iris asked.
"I think it does. The Vampire stone was red, and this is for a wind-type race," Ren replied.
"Wind?"
"This is the Reincarnation Stone of the Wind Spirit—a Sylphid," Ren explained.
According to the Spirit User, natural objects in this world are inhabited by beings called spirits. These are like forces with self-awareness. They lend their power in response to calls from those who can communicate with them, but they generally don't cause trouble.
The race this stone allowed one to become was something distinct from these ordinary spirits, an upper-tier being with strong power and the ability to wield that power by free will.
"An Upper Spirit—something like the Princess of the Wind Spirits?" Mariabelle asked.
"Oh, I like that. It's not fair that only Mii-chan gets to be a princess. Iris-chan is basically an Elf princess, so I'll be the Wind Princess," Fūri declared.
"Regardless of whether you're a princess, a queen, or a boss, I think it suits Fūri perfectly," Ren said.
Although she rarely used it here, Fūri's real name—written in kanji—was "Wind Village" (風里 Fūri). It suited her temperament, which was playful and whimsical. Iris and her mother's surname was "Morino" (森野, meaning Forest Field), too. Ren felt that this kind of wordplay shouldn't be underestimated.
"Well then, Fūri-san. When will you use it? Will you use it now? Shall we use it? You are going to use it, aren't you?" Mei asked, eagerly.
"Mei-chan, why are you being so pushy?" Fūri asked.
"No, it's just that it's not a sight often seen, so I couldn't help myself," Mei replied in her typical fashion.
Fūri laughed at Mei's characteristic demeanor. "Okay, okay. Then, let's go ahead and use it."
She decided to use the stone with surprising ease. A Wind Spirit had no fatal weakness like a Vampire. With everyone watching, Fūri gripped the Reincarnation Stone as if hugging it and closed her eyes.
A glow.
Light the same color as the stone filled the room, enveloping the girl's entire body. The sight of her clothes and then her body seeming to decompose continued for a while. Then, the light gradually subsided—leaving behind a new Fūri with pale green hair and white skin.
"—"
While the others struggled to comprehend the parts that had changed and the parts that hadn't, the girl looked down at her own body and uttered, "Huh."
"So, this is what it looks like. ...Hey, Ren? Everyone? Say something, at least."
"No, well. You look beautiful, but you're still Fūri," Ren said.
Her hair and skin color had changed. Her features and physique had also changed slightly—she felt generally more beautiful, but not drastically different. For those who knew her, her appearance had been refined to a degree where they would naturally recognize her as "Ah, that's Fūri." Perhaps, since she was already a cute girl to begin with, there was no need for much alteration.
"You're beautiful, Fūri," Ren said, offering a heartfelt compliment.
The girl smiled brightly. "Do you think so? That's good then."
"Now. First, I need to check my skills, and then we have to make a level-up plan. I hope there are some skills that help with traps."
Naturally, her inner self seemed unchanged. Ren felt a small sense of relief at that fact.
============
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