Chapter 131
－Core's POV: Mistaken for a Wolf－
I remember the past.
The days when I raced across the sky with my companions.
I've grown considerably larger since then.
My speed has probably decreased because I've grown so large.
But I can still race across the sky even now.
And at this size, I can even carry Master on my back.
I look over at Big Boss-san, who is enjoying wine beside me.
When I shift my gaze, I see Almea Renie, the thread-spinning one, playing with one of Ai's children.
What a strange sight.
"Big Boss-san's child underwent a curious transformation."
When I first saw it, I couldn't believe it was Big Boss-san's child and even thought it might be a different species.
I never expected it to become a species that uses thread.
"That was the image I received when I first met Master."
"Oh, I see."
If it was a power Master needed, then the transformation makes sense.
Still, thread?
I once changed my body drastically, but the strain from my own magic power left me badly wounded and nearly killed me.
It was necessary then, but I never want to do it again.
Transformation is a considerable burden.
Transforming into a form capable of using thread must have been a considerable burden as well.
"There are the Swasowa, right? I got a core and something else from them."
"Hm?"
Swasowa are magical insects that spit poisonous thread.
The ones the golems look after have become a little strange, though.
Those ones?
"A core is necessary to produce thread, so they gave me one."
...You put a core from a different species inside your body?
That is terrifying in its own way.
A core from a different species can sometimes burst through the body and emerge if it doesn't take to the body's magic power.
What a reckless thing to do.
What, that evolved child of yours did it without telling you...?
And what did you do when you heard it had learned to use thread?
Hm? You immediately went to get a core?
...Your competitive streak hasn't changed since the old days.
It's your own child, after all.
What? You want this king's throne?
I'm not giving it up yet!
If you want it, defeat me!
But I won't lose!
Together with you...? Hmph.
Because it would be wrong to hand over the position of king so easily.
More importantly, are there any other children who have transformed to use thread?
Two more?
Oh, so not all of them evolve.
Good for you—the parent is the only one still as it was before... Ouch, don't hit me!
Just because the transformation failed... you still haven't given up?
If you give up... No, keep trying.
Honestly.
...Big Boss-san, what color does the thread it's producing look to you?
It's black. So it can change its color now, too.
Well, its core was originally from Swasowa, after all.
Black thread is hard to see at night.
You'll have your position taken from you someday... No, never mind.
Don't glare at me.
Oh, is that one of my children...?
Big Boss-san, come train with me for a while.
I'm not giving up this position yet!