I Became A System

Ellena looked at Gero with pity in her eyes.

"I will still look for them, but you are not going with me," Ellena said.

Then, I already knew Ellena's decision. It's risky to have these strangers as her companions for this trip. They are not that suspicious, but we know nothing about them.

"No. Since you insist on looking for them, we will help you. But at least, can we ask something? Can you come with us to our base?"

That question came from the leader.

I sense something with her question, actually. It was as if she was curious how Ellena learned by herself and even taught a beast or an animal about it..

They already gave us an answer earlier. The theory about witches or cursed children that can use magic by rough control of mana was now clear. They are pure magicians who don't need a rune.

Mana is everything. And since every rune uses mana unconsciously, these witches are stronger than normal humans.

"Why do you insist?" Ellena asked.

Right. They didn't even introduce themselves. But it is also on Ellena's part.

"We came from the Secret Magic Society. "I'm 078, I've already ignored my real name, so it's unnecessary to introduce myself, right?"

It is big. But it could be a lie. We don't have any ability to read through lies... 

Ellena raised her eyebrow then looked at their eyes intently. However, as Ellena seems to be doubtful about what they said, I cleared up such thoughts.

We don't have the ability to see through lies, but I can feel their auras. I could think of it as lie detecting.

"Ellena, they pose no threats," I said, making Ellena relieved.

"Then, first help me with the villagers and I will follow you to your base."

Simple. There's no need to worry about it. It is also great that I can feel their auras.

'I really want to know how she learned magic while being a cursed child.'

I widened my eyes after hearing the 078's thoughts. That was being shouted from her heart and mind?

Then I can really hear thoughts. That's a hell of a useful ability of mine!

But it doesn't thrill me anymore. I now know it's possible to get more abilities as pixies have.

"Ellena, I think it's safe to have their company," I said after making my assessment after 078's thoughts.

'Okay, if you say so, then I'll look into it.'

Ellena nodded at them then started walking. "Follow me."

However, the five didn't move, making both of us confused.

"It's the wrong way. They are here." Then 078 pointed in a direction.

"You know they were there? Why didn't you save them?" Ellena asked with disdain in her voice.

I guess that's only for Ellena. But for me, it's not actually their responsibility to save them. And it doesn't make them less human since those people already loathe people like them.

"We don't have any responsibilities to save them." 078 bluntly said, and before Ellena could react violently, she just sighed.

"I get it. Let's go." Ellena said then climbed onto Cules's back.

'Aaron, can you scout the area?'

I nodded then immediately went to the area where the Dark Dreadful Spider was. And after a few kilometers, I finally found the place. It was a thick forest covered in webs and other obstacles.

After inspecting the area, I finally found the villagers and also thoroughly observed the surroundings they were in.

At least, there were 13 villagers here. They are all alive, but it's useless to try to save them. They won't have any chance to start life again. And if they find out that Gero was the one who wanted to save them, they will surely despise him even more, accusing him of being entirely to blame for their misfortune.

I don't really know if there was misfortune roped with cursed children. I think it's just a coincidence. But somehow, I pity these people.

I don't pity them because they were in this state. They were stupid and weak. That's why I pity them. If only they could hope for more knowledge about what they loathe, they wouldn't have experienced this.

That also comes to the cursed children. Maybe they couldn't understand witches' abilities, so they hated them without knowing they were also humans.

Well, it was all set by society and mostly, by people who were in power.

If I think of it properly. They were just afraid of having someone that could threaten their current power.

It's basically that someone might have discovered a cursed child's potential but didn't disclose it as it would break the world's balance. And from that fear, witches were born.

After a few minutes, I returned to Ellena's side then reported everything I collected.

'Thank you.'

And with that, Ellena led the path without answering their questions. All of them were curious about how Ellena knew the safest route, but Gero just made a smug face.

He was bragging about Ellena's capabilities.

"See. Big Sister Noelle is such a talented person. She even fixed the city near our village. Just trust her."

Gero was still a kid. Even though he was mature enough to keep up with adult conversations, he was still a kid.

Well, kids like amazing stuff.

"We're here. Let's make our pace slow." Ellena whispered to them that the five just followed.

Ellena and Gero climbed down from Cules's back. Cules is big, and he will surely accidentally touch some webs that would call that monster.

I unsummoned him. And with that, the five were surprised.

"H-How... That was Summoning Magic? How could you know it despite being alone? Are you sure no one taught you?"

Right. Along the way, they were asking different questions. It was about Ellena's knowledge, but somehow, Ellena just gave them vague answers.

"Ssshhh... It's not important. I will check the spider. Remember that the villagers are in the west."

They were just made silent. Then after it, they nodded to Ellena's order.

It's good that they don't have much pride and ego. They didn't even question Ellena's leadership that just happened out of nowhere.

"Let's go."