13 The Guardian Of The Forest

"Yes, the form that you're using, is that of a Knowing Hardness."

Then how about those made out of water like the one around this forest?

"Then you should be referring to the Knowing Waters, little one."

Woooaah~!

It might be a little weird to refer to a slime as Knowing Water, but maybe because the moose's intent is directly translated into the language I comprehend the most.

"Correct."

Can you teach me how to do that, O majestic guardian of the forest?

"This kind of communication method is a science of one, little steel, as all souls are unique from one another."

So you're speaking directly to our souls, is that what you're saying?

"Correct."

This is really cool!

"In any case, the critter there offered me a gift to grant their wish." The moose slightly tilted its head to the side, trying to find a better angle to look at my direction. "This critter wanted to form a mutual bond with you—a spiritual one—one that will last as long as one of you has their soul persisting in Hisoutenshizen."

That's quite the shocking exposition. Can you explain them all in an orderly manner if that's not too much to ask, your majestic one?

The moose glanced at the rabbit once again, who appeared to stand firm and resolute of their choices.

"This critter came from a kin whose purpose is to wander the world outside their region at their coming of age. To find knowledge and mastery of any kind. To procure wisdom and adapt to any kind of hardship and environments.

"It also encounters you in their journey. A single Knowing Hardness who seems to know nothing of this world despite its size, yet brimming in kindness to not punish malice with another malice.

"This little one wanted to make it up to you, by becoming your significant other."

Significant wha–– In what way?

"That's where the problem lies. The two of you came from a very different nature of existence. Any bond beyond this moment would prove to be hard when it comes to mutual understanding and development.

"As for why this world is called Hisoutenshizen, it lies at the very origin of this universe. Something that you should piece together as time goes on."

Are you implying that I'm not from this world?

"Everything you experience as a living being will be carved onto the planarity of your soul. One who glimpses through these carvings from a different soul for a long time would notice a new pattern when they see one.

"This is also why the little critter believed that it would never reach any understanding as long as the difference in gaps were far too long and wide.

"So I ask you this, will you accept this critter offer to be your significant other?"

Well, you did know of the fact that I have no common sense and knowledge of this world. It will be a world full of trials and hardship if I went on through this realization alone.

Besides, having someone there when I walk upon this land would be a much better experience on my part.

Especially after knowing that the rabbit centaur was some kind of wanderer who sought knowledge and wisdom as their goal of life.

As someone who had an experience in human resources department, for some reason, I don't want to let go of such a valuable asset–– I mean, companion for familiarizing myself with this world!

The moose closed its eyes, signifying its understanding. "Very well."

There wasn't much reaction on the rabbit side. As the godly moose said, it would probably be arduous to gain even the surface level of understanding between us in our current state.

Wait, I think I'm missing some important piece that I need to understand for what will happen next.

"Due to your superior existence of soul, I'll be extracting a piece of your entirety to create a pathway of resonance for the critter to absorb the planarity of your life."

Ah yes, right. Ripping my soul out of my gunk and then connecting it to the other person—

This sounds really dangerous!! Are you sure there won't be any long lasting effect that'll linger around after this process has been done!??

"Are you taking me for a shoddy backwater surgeon?"

I'm amazed that you knew such a concept for a giant moose.

"First thing first, because of the inherent unknown factor of your soul, which is something that I've known little about, there's a restriction that results in some specific outcomes to the transformation for the one on the other end.

"Which is why I'll be giving you three options that fulfill the requirements of this spiritual and existential exchange.

"The first option will turn the critter into that of your very significant life partner, in a romantic sense. They will acquire the trait of your true kin while also maintaining a diverse difference that will fill the counterpart of your life. And much like a groom, they will act like one.

"The second option will turn the critter into your parental figure, which will imbue a mature characteristic like a motherly or fatherly trait along with a significant portion of your kin capability. Choosing this will force the critter to develop mentally and spiritually to an acceptable height of a guardian for you, but it will cause a certain level of instability onto the critter's soul due to the forceful burden this process will cause.

"The last option will turn the critter into that of an adolescent, a recreation of your offspring that comes from the make-happen scenario of your prominent trait along with what the critter possessed. Contrasting the second option, this will regress the soul of the critter to some extent but still keep their true individuality untouched, heightening their innate potential. Think of it as adopting a child that will gain your bloodline and genes to the very core of their existence.

"With all these three options in mind, what will you choose?"

So you're saying that I should choose to have a girlfriend, a parent, or a kid. In which, I still don't know if the rabbit centaur have a gender to begin with––

If I choose the first one, it would be awkward to have a male for a significant other. Even if the rabbit is actually a girl, I have zero interest in developing this kind of relationship on the first day…

And it's not like my experience with women was any good in the past…

The fact that the second option straight up causes an instability into the rabbit's soul would prove to be a problem somewhere in the future if we can't find any means to cure it. Afterall, all kinds of forced growth in nature will mostly end rather badly for the most part.

As for the third option, it might mean that I'll get a young 'blob?' that I need to protect and nurture before they could prove any substantial use to me, if I translate that correctly.

My focus went onto the rabbit, even though there wasn't any movement coming from my part.

As expected, there wasn't any reaction.

It seemed like the rabbit would agree regardless of my choice here.

"You think a lot for a Knowing Hardness."

Are you implying that every Knowing Hardness possesses an empty mind?

"Simplistic is the correct word. Especially for a lump that hasn't formed its core."

I take that as the state of Knowing Hardness' maturity.

"So, have you chosen your options?"

I have.

I chose the third option.