LIGHTNOVELSTORY Ch41 - Mothra Leveling 2★ Continued
Chapter 41: Mothra Leveling 2★ Continued
Rena’s group cautiously proceeded through the forest of towering trees. They were particularly wary of attacks from above, where their vision was limited. Lily, their scout, was excellent, but she couldn’t monitor every direction simultaneously. Instead of relying entirely on her, Rena and the others also remained vigilant, listening intently as they walked.
The rustling of leaves echoed around them. Every time the dappled sunlight shifted with the wind, they nervously glanced around, fearing a monster might leap down.
Traversing the forest was indeed more demanding than the open plains. Their previous forest trek near Danzella had been relatively easy thanks to their guide’s special eyes.
Being less visible to enemies was an advantage, though. Trying to stay positive, they searched for suitable prey for Mothra.
“…Master! I see some Inchworms over there. They’re hanging from the trees, motionless… They’d be easy targets for Mothra.”
“Roger!”
Rena and her group discovered Inchworms x5!
Lily was the first to spot the low-level monsters. Looking closely at the indicated spot, they could faintly make out the inchworm-shaped monsters camouflaged amongst the leaves.
Inchworms were larval monsters that hung from trees, absorbing sunlight to grow into moth monsters. In their current form, they only had skills like [Harden] and [Camouflage], and their attack power was almost nonexistent. They were perfect prey for the low-level butterfly. While [Camouflage] made them undetectable to most predators, Lily, with her [Fairy Eye], could see the faint light of their souls.
Rena had consulted the guild’s monster encyclopedia for information on local monsters as soon as they arrived in Toilia. Since their party lacked anyone with the [Appraisal] skill, they had to gather knowledge beforehand.
“Let’s use Mothra’s [Gust] to blow away the leaves around them. Then, Mothra will use [Wind Cutter] to cut the threads they’re hanging from. Haru will bounce them when they fall! That’s the plan! Lily, please keep an eye on the surroundings.”
“Yes! Leave it to us!”
“Understood!”
“Since this will affect Mothra’s [Wind Cutter] accuracy, I’m going to hold off on using [Inspire]. No need to aim for one-hit KOs. Your seniors will back you up, so just aim calmly.”
“Yes…! Thank you for your consideration.”
“Fufu. Let’s do this, everyone!”
“Ooh!”
“Yes!”
They prioritized a reliable strategy this time. Since the Inchworms were much weaker than the familiars, Rena figured they could be defeated without her support skills. The level difference and Mothra’s rare species status also contributed to their advantage.
Taking a deep breath, they observed the Inchworms from the bushes. Mothra made its move!
“Skill [Gust]!”
“(!)”
A giant butterfly appeared! (Inchworm’s perspective)
Preemptive strike! The leaves around the Inchworms were blown away!
Mothra’s massive wings created a powerful gust of wind in that section of the forest. The wind was so strong that even Rena had to brace herself. Most of the leaves camouflaging the Inchworms were blown away, revealing their soft, segmented bodies.
Confused and disoriented, the insects wriggled, still suspended from the trees by their threads. This was their chance!
“Skill [Wind Cutter]!”
Mothra followed up with an attack. One after another, the Inchworms’ lifeline threads were severed, sending them plummeting to the ground.
“Follow up with another attack!”
“Skill [Wind Cutter]!”
No holding back. Despite the magic cost, Rena ordered consecutive attacks.
Mothra responded skillfully, severing the threads of two Inchworms with a single skill activation.
—Screech!! Squee!—
The 1.5-meter tall Golden Sheep, after a short run-up, lightly bounced the falling Inchworms as they shrieked. Without the Slime sisters, he wore a Shield Pill Bug shell on his forehead.
“Skill [Dash]!”
Pakon! Pakooon!
Satisfying sounds echoed as the Inchworms were launched into the air, and the sound of bells chimed in Rena’s head. Mothra’s second battle was a complete success!
Familiar: Mothra leveled up! +1
Check the guild card.
Mothra was now level 3. Rena wanted to level it up further. While Lily and the others had class-changed after just a few level-ups, the new species monster seemed to require more experience. Rena and her familiars savored their victory for a moment before venturing deeper into the forest.
“Are those… Popo-tans?”
“…Master, you’re spot on! Those are Popo-tans. I’ve seen them before.”
“There’s a whole cluster of them.”
Rena discovered Popo-tans x20!
Popo-tans were round, white mushroom monsters. They resembled button mushrooms, but their caps were covered in soft fuzz, ranging in size from 5 to 15 cm in diameter. They lived by parasitizing fallen trees. They were poisonous and inedible for humans, but… they might make a good souvenir for the Slimes. They decided to hunt them.
“Let’s see, they attack with poisonous spores… Hmm, this could work. Lily, use [Crimson Mist] to envelop the mushrooms. Haru, wait for a moment. Mothra, first use [Intimidate] to scare them, and if they release spores, use [Gust]! Blow the wind away from us, slightly upwards. Can you do that?”
“…Leave it to me!”
“Understood.”
“Yes, Rena-sama. …Do I get to do something later?”
“Of course. I’m counting on you!”
“Fufu. Leave it to me~. I’ll do my best, so praise me later, okay?”
…Rena resisted the urge to pet the smug sheep and focused on the enemy. Since the mushrooms were monsters, they should possess some intelligence. She hoped they would release their spores early, before being attacked.
“Lily, go!”
At their master’s command, the familiars sprang into action.
“…Skill [Crimson Mist]!”
The dark fairy activated her skill, completely enveloping the Popo-tans in a thick crimson mist.
[Crimson Mist] induced panic. The Popo-tans trembled as their vision turned red and fear washed over them. Some were already pulling out their root-like mycelia, trying to escape the fallen log. The hunters wouldn’t miss this opportunity.
“Skill [Intimidate]!”
Pierced by the numerous gazes from Mothra’s compound eyes, the Popo-tans froze in terror. Attempting to retaliate, they scattered [Poison Spores]!
“(Yes…!) Haru, double your size with [Shape Change]!”
“As you wish!”
“Mothra!”
“Yes! …Skill [Gust]!”
A powerful gust of wind ripped through the forest. The terrifying wind, now a mix of crimson mist and poisonous spores, swept past the trees opposite Rena and the others. A section of the forest turned an eerie pale red. The glittering spores floating in the air were strangely beautiful, creating a bizarre scene.
While keeping an eye on the trembling mushrooms, Rena narrowed her eyes, observing the path of the wind. She whispered something to Hamal.
As Mothra continued to glare at the mushrooms… monsters paralyzed by the stray poison spores began dropping from the large tree above! Just as planned. …This was Rena’s intention all along! Rena and the sheep exchanged a wicked grin.
“Mmm. Let’s wait a little longer. There are still some spores floating around; you might get paralyzed too.”
“Rena-sama, you’re so kind~!”
Rena was truly kind to her familiars. Even with the paralyzed monsters struggling helplessly on the ground, she patiently waited.
Hamal gazed at his master with adoration—no, respect. The prey, already terrified by the [Crimson Mist], must be even more frightened now… A moment of silence for them.
“Let’s harvest the mushrooms while we wait. Lily, can you help?”
“As you wish! Ehehe, Master, that was so cool!”
“Thanks!”
Overhearing their master’s nonchalant conversation, Mothra, despite maintaining a poker face, silently vowed never to disobey Rena.
Rena and the demonic Lily, clad in a bathrobe purchased from ♡Inn♡, carefully harvested only the caps of the Popo-tans, now exhausted from expelling their spores. If the stems remained, the Popo-tans could regenerate. They meticulously separated the caps from the stems. Harvesting the immobile, defenseless mushrooms was a breeze.
Rena obtained Popo-tan Caps x20!
Though poisonous, these mushrooms fetched a decent price as alchemical ingredients in large city apothecaries equipped for detoxification. To conserve magic, they hadn’t used Mothra’s [Wind Cutter] to finish the Popo-tans. Were they done leveling through hunting? There was plenty of experience right in front of them.
“Skill [Dash]!”
“Skill [Wind Cutter], [Wind Cutter], [Wind Cutter]!”
Sharp wind blades sliced through the throats of the now-easy targets. The giant sheep dashed, preventing the recovering prey from escaping, and effortlessly bounced them into the air.
—Truly overwhelming, my familiars!!—
…Apologies, their master wouldn’t phrase it like that. However, Rena was visibly pleased that her plan had worked flawlessly.
Woodpecker x2 defeated!
Atlas Moth x2 defeated!
Claw Monkey x1 defeated!
Prickly Spider x2 defeated!
Shocking Spider x1 defeated!
Familiar: Mothra leveled up! +3
*Acquired skill [Whirlwind]!
Familiar: Hamal leveled up! +1
Check the guild cards.
The familiars who landed the final blows leveled up. Lily, having only provided support, gained experience but didn’t level up. Time to check Mothra’s current status.
“Name: Mothra
Species: Giant Butterfly Neo ♂, Lv. 6
Aptitude: Green Magic
HP: 22 (+2)
Intelligence: 18 (+3)
Speed: 12
Magic Power: 18 (+3)
Luck: 11 (+3)
Skills: [Gust], [Intimidate], [Wind Cutter], [Whirlwind]
Gift: [Beloved Child of the Sky] ☆5”
*[Whirlwind]: Creates small whirlwinds within its line of sight. The size and duration depend on the magic power used.
Hamal’s HP and Speed had each increased by 1.
Despite defeating monsters so efficiently with help from its seniors, Mothra still hadn’t evolved. Rena had it try visualizing its demon form, but nothing happened. She smiled gently at the disheartened Mothra and patted its head.
“Hmm. Is it because you’re a new species…? It seems you need a few more levels to class-change. Let’s keep leveling up together for a few more days. Don’t be discouraged… You worked really hard, Mothra, and you’re much stronger! Good job today.”
“Rena-sama… Thank you for your concern.”
“Still so formal…?”
“Mothra! …You did great! You’re so much better at using [Wind Cutter]! Good boy, good boy!”
“We’ll help you again, so don’t rush it. Okay, Mothra?”
“Seniors…”
“…My familiars are too precious…! They’ve grown into such sweethearts… Sniff…”
Rena, the ultimate doting master, teared up watching Lily and Hamal pat Mothra just like she did. She was known for being easily moved, especially when it came to her precious familiars.
Rena’s group, having caused quite a bit of mayhem in one part of the forest, returned to Alice’s mansion, chatting happily.
nder the dark night sky, obscured by clouds, three men nervously eyed the mansion looming before them.
“Hey… Don’t you feel like we’re being watched? It’s not like there’s anyone around, but it’s… creepy. Gives me the chills.”
“…! S-Stop saying creepy stuff. Who’d be out this late in a fancy neighborhood like this!? …Guards? Nah, we have lookouts; they wouldn’t have spotted us.”
“It’s not just a few people, though! …And I’m not even sure they are people…”
“You too!? Knock it off!?”
“The way you’re reacting… We’ve all been feeling it, haven’t we…? It’s unsettling. The staring… isn’t it coming from the mansion?”
“The mansion… Tch! What a fancy place. Way too much for a little girl to live in alone!”
“She got her sugar daddy’s inheritance, didn’t she? Lucky enough to get adopted by a rich guy, and now she’s hogging the mansion after he kicked the bucket. Greedy little brat.”
“Now, now. Thanks to her, we’re getting paid good money! We should be thanking the little girl, shouldn’t we? Bwahahaha! 1,000 ril a day just for keeping an eye on the place. Easy money!”
“…You’re right! Never thought we’d get a gig from a company president. Let’s make sure the brat stays scared!”
“Gahahahaha!!”
—Glare!!—
The men, staring up at the Stuart mansion from the gate, suddenly felt a chill as if they were being glared at by something terrifying. They frowned and scanned their surroundings, but no one was there.
They reluctantly looked back at the mansion, their eyes filled with a mix of humiliated pride, disgust, and fear. One of them spoke with a grimace.
“…Ugh, again. So creepy…”
“Maybe the place is cursed.”
“Don’t even joke about that!”
The men rubbed their goosebump-covered arms, shivering.
Unbeknownst to them, a monstrous being watched from the rooftop, its presence silent but undeniable…
For Mothra’s class change, Rena and the others diligently visited the forest every day. While occasionally ambushed, they usually managed preemptive strikes, leveling efficiently.
Mothra grew larger with every level, and Rena would stare up at it with a distant look. At level 8, having surpassed 5 meters in length, it could no longer fit through the mansion’s entrance.
Now it rested on the rooftop at night, using [Intimidate] on the adventurers who attacked the mansion walls—a bonus surveillance task. Thanks to this, the attacks had all but ceased. Mothra, smirking (in its mind) while looking down at the terrified adventurers, had become a true member of Rena’s family.
Mothra is brimming with killing intent…!
Several days into Mothra’s training, it finally reached level 10, ready to evolve! Hearing the World’s Gospel chime, Rena cheered.
“Ah! …Mothra, congratulations! It’s time for your class change!”
☆Evolution conditions met!
Evolves into: Gigant Butterfly
Tap the name to evolve.
“Woo-hoo!!”
The senior familiars celebrated their junior’s growth. Mothra bowed respectfully.
“…Seniors, thank you for your help during my training. I can evolve now thanks to your support. I will continue to strive…!”
“Y-Yes. Wow, I wonder how big you’ll get…? Well, stronger is better. Let’s evolve!”
“Yes!”
Rena smiled and tapped the evolution option on the guild card. The evolved form seemed to be an entirely new species.
[Gigant Butterfly]
…A new species of butterfly that is simply colossal. Possesses incredibly tough wings and a body covered in water-repellent hair, harder than rock. Detailed ecology unknown.
As expected! Mothra’s growth was unstoppable…! Their master, wearing a serene expression, seemed to have reached a state of zen. She watched her evolving familiar with warmth.
Mothra once again spun silk from its proboscis, encasing itself in a jet-black cocoon. After some rustling from within, the top was sliced open by a wind blade… and a large head emerged.
Large, glossy black compound eyes and a charmingly round face. Its wings were still damp and wrinkled in places. Slowly, Mothra unfurled its wings. The deep black wings, seemingly absorbing all light, bore crimson patterns—a vestige of its Scarlet Swallowtail origins. After its wings dried completely, it flapped them once with a mighty whoosh and bowed its head to its master.
Their master… just barely maintained her composure. …Mothra had now grown to a length of 10 meters!
“So cool!!”
“I’m honored by your praise, seniors.”
Mothra looks at Rena with expectant eyes!
No matter how large, her familiars were still adorable to Rena. Charmed by the giant butterfly’s upward gaze, she patted its head affectionately.
“Yes. You’re so cool and look so strong! As expected of Mothra. You’re wonderful.”
“! Thank you very much!”
“Shall we try humanoid form?”
“Yes!”
Unable to predict the size of its demon form, they covered Mothra’s head with a large sheet, also purchased from ♡Inn♡. The butterfly froze, focusing on the transformation.
…This time, the transformation into human form was smooth. The title “Demon” was added to Mothra’s guild card entry.
Mothra, in human form and draped in a white sheet, looked like a young man about Rena’s age. Glossy black hair, fair skin, and almond-shaped crimson eyes. A medium build with a hint of muscle. Quite the handsome fellow. Rena’s rare familiars were beautiful, both in monster and human forms.
Mothra, his eyes crinkling into charming crescents as he smiled, bowed deeply to his master.
“Rena-sama. I look forward to your continued guidance.”
Rena returned a bright smile.
…Now that their forces were ready, let the feast for Alice begin.
Lure out the villains!