Nature vs. Nurture

With Arika and Asuna following after Eva soon after the party began, Vahn was left to mingle amongst the Al Jamilans with just Fenrir. She also wasn't particularly fond of crowded places, but, having spent time amongst the Xenos and members of the Menagerie, it didn't bother her too much. She would even sit comfortably next to complete strangers, and, so long as they didn't try anything suspect, she could even tolerate being touched by people beneath a certain age.

To Fenrir, the only thing that really mattered was being able to stay with her Master, and, as he enjoyed spending time with the Al Jamilans, her impression of them was largely positive. The only real complaint she had was the fact that the females among the natives kept trying to separate her from her Master in order to participate in various dances and competitions. Defeating them didn't deter them in the slightest, rather, the moment they realized she was actually very powerful, it had become a competition among the Al Jamilans to see who could defeat her...

Seeing Fenrir arm-wrestling a woman nearly twice her size, Vahn joined the rest of the Al Jamilans in laughing once the burly woman was sent tumbling almost immediately after the match began. This might have annoyed others, but, rather than take offense to being sent flying, the burly woman just laughed along with everyone else as a few members of the crowd helped her from the ground. This scene had repeated a number of times, and, almost immediately after the previous woman was sent flying, another sat down to take her place.

Having witnessed the 'dainty' wolf girl send more than a dozen female 'Warriors of the Sea' flying, Motu had an amused yet appreciative expression on his face as he remarked, "Your friend is really something, isn't she? It's amazing how she can hide so much power in such a tiny body!"

Hearing Motu's remark, Fenrir's ears twitched in annoyance. Her opponent, who had been putting all her weight and power in trying to move Fenrir's paw, abruptly felt an irresistible force, and, much like those who had preceded her, she, too, was sent tumbling into the surrounding crowd...

Noticing Fenrir was a little annoyed, Vahn's expression softened a bit as he said in a voice that easily reached the disgruntled Vanargander's ears, "She has put in a lot of effort to grow strong. She is my most trusted companion, and, though it might sound a little rude, I can confidently say that she has no opponent here in Al Jamilia. Unless she is significantly stronger than the other Great Spirits, even Eulimene Ea wouldn't be able to secure any advantages against Fenrir..."

Though they didn't react in a hostile manner, it was clear from the silence that permeated through the area that Vahn's words weren't exactly well-received. It was never pleasant to hear someone say the person you idolized was weaker than another, and, in the hearts of many Al Jamilans, Eulimene Ea was both their Goddess and the ideal they pursued. Their entire culture was centered around the teachings she had bestowed upon them, so, hearing Vahn casually mention that Fenrir was stronger than their Goddess, the atmosphere suddenly became very awkward.

Rather than display any regret or perturbation, Vahn just issued a light chuckle before saying, "Just as your prior remark, my words were not intended as an insult. I was merely stating the truth. Fenrir is one of the strongest people in the entirety of Mundus Magicus as a result of her own efforts. This is an objective truth that should be celebrated, not something you should take offense to. If you will not take my word for it, perhaps you should ask the person herself...?"

With most eyes focused upon him, everyone followed Vahn's gaze as he looked towards a woman, who, despite her size, had managed to infiltrate the celebration without anyone's notice. When they finally realized who the person was, nearly every Al Jamilan attempted to perform an action similar to a kowtow, but, before they were able, the woman stated in an amused tone that seemed to echo through the surroundings, "There is no shame in weakness. We live in motion, constantly moving to and fro in order to avoid being swept away by the current of history. To be weaker is a blessing, as, if there were none stronger, you would begin to stagnate. Do not fear those stronger. Look toward them as a goal to be overcome. Life is too short for fear. If you've time worry over such insignificant things, it is better spent having fun, fighting, feasting, or fucking. Tell me, have you gathered here to mourn my weakness and fight my battles? Do you think me a child that needs to be coddled...?"

Stupefied by Eulimene Ea's speech, even Vahn found himself at a loss for words. This was doubly so for the Al Jamilans, but, after a few seconds of heavy silence, the tense atmosphere was completely shattered by Eulimene Ea's uproarious laugh. Then, under the anticipatory gazes of the crowd, she made her way over to the upturned barrel where Fenrir had dominated several opponents, an eager smile on her face as she looked down at the petite Vanargandr and said, "Come. I wish to be tested by the Sage Dragon Emperor's most trusted companion..."

Without waiting for Fenrir's response, Eulimene Ea sat down in the challenger's seat before resting her tree-like arm on the barrel's base. Her biceps were nearly 45cm thick, so, compared to Fenrir, it was like an adult preparing to arm-wrestle against a child. Her hand was large enough to surround the latter's paw completely, but, rather than shy away, Fenrir adopted an intense and focused look as she placed her arm atop the barrel and said, "I will not hold back..."

Hearing Fenrir's remark, Eulimene Ea's smile became even more pronounced as she grabbed the former's paw and said, "Life gives no quarter. You are either ready to face it or you will be broken. Show me your strength."

The moment she finished her words, Eulimene Ea tightened her grip. She was slightly surprised by the initial softness of Fenrir's fur, but, almost immediately thereafter, it felt like she was grabbing a piece of indestructible metal. This caused her fighting spirit to increase exponentially, and, though a bit of blood began to trickle from her palm, she clenched Fenrir's paw like a vice as Vahn personally refereed the match...

---

Though there were individual differences between them, the average Great Spirit had a Base Power of around 6500. Considering the average citizen of Mundus Magicus only had a BP of 2, this made them exceptionally powerful, but, when compared to their ability to freely manipulate their element, their BP was inconsequential. They would almost always win a war of attrition, and, unless you could somehow sever their connection to the planet, they were effectively Gods within the Magical World.

Unfortunately for Eulimene Ea, she wasn't using her element to fight against Fenrir, so, immediately after the match began, her forearm was nearly torn off as a powerful shockwave slammed into the barrier Vahn had erected. Fenrir's BP had increased to 7300 during her training, and, since she had always specialized in physical reinforcement and internal energy, there was, simply put, an extreme difference in their strength. It wasn't even a competition, and, if not for her ability to turn into water and reform like a Logia user, Eulimene Ea's arm would have been completely mangled.

Despite her instantaneous defeat, Eulimene Ea reacted similarly to all the other people who had lost to Fenrir. She even playfully dangled her arm as it reformed, laughing boisterously before extending the regenerated limb towards Fenrir and saying, "It seems your Master wasn't exaggerating! You are indeed very powerful!"

Though she didn't generally care about the praise of others, Fenrir ears perked up slightly when she heard Eulimene Ea's words. Then, settling the matter on a positive note, she graciously shook hands with the burly Great Spirit. This caused a stir among the surrounding Al Jamilan, but, when people like Muto began to laugh and celebrate, it wasn't long before everyone else joined in. From there, as if they hadn't already been celebrating for half the day, an entirely new celebration was started...

---

Following his Master's hunch, the red-haired youth, Nagi Springfield, directed his former teacher, Eishun Konoe, to fly to Vairocana. Unfortunately, after several hours of searching, it became pretty obvious that his target, the Sage Dragon Emperor, hadn't visited the famous forest city.

With his Master insisting they wait for Vahn's arrival, Nagi found himself exceptionally bored. He would normally pass the time by training his body or practicing his magic, but, after getting hyped up for a battle that never came, it was hard to get motivated.

In order to alleviate his boredom, Nagi convinced his Master, Zect Filius, to accompany him on a late-night raid. He had heard a lot about the Great Spirit of Wood's beauty, and, though it wasn't exactly proper, the thought of breaking into the Forest of Serenity to catch a peek of the famous beauty was pretty exciting. He had tried to visit during the day, but, without an appointment, the horned priestesses, members of the Wood Dragon tribe, would not let him pass.

Nagi had always been relatively popular with the ladies, but, even after trying to work his charm on the taciturn priestesses, the only reaction he got out of them was a slightly troubled look. It was like they had no emotions, but, after observing closely, he noticed their tails, which were similar to living tree branches, would twitch or wiggle in response to his flirtatious remarks. He found this extremely interesting, but, after asking one of the priestesses if he could touch her tail, she ended up slapping him hard enough to leave a visible imprint...

Since even her priestesses were pretty charming, Nagi's curiosity towards the Great Spirit of Wood, Tamaki Damu, had only increased. When he got like this, there was very little that could get in his way, so, rather than try to rein him in, Zect decided to accompany his young protege to keep him out of trouble. Nagi had always been slightly perverted, but, when it came down to it, he wasn't the type to actually do anything promiscuous or licentious. He was just a very curious boy, and, though he was very interested in the opposite sex, he would almost immediately return to his training after successfully flirting with or teasing a cute girl.

With his Master's help, it took very little effort for Nagi to sneak past the barriers that had been set up to prevent outsider access to the Forest of Serenity. His Master specialized in the usage of Light-Elemental Magic, and, with a bit of preparation, he was able to cast a forbidden-grade camouflage spell that could even bypass standard magical barriers. This was one of the few magic spells Nagi hadn't been able to learn, as, no matter how much he begged and pleaded, his Master refused to even teach him the chant, much less the complexities of the spell...

Seeing how they were able to literally walk through the advanced barriers created by a Great Spirit, Nagi, who had been walking with his staff slung over his shoulders, complained, "You know, Master, if you actually taught me this spell I wouldn't have to bug you so often..."

Hearing his young protege's remark, Zect couldn't help snorting through his nose before adopting a deadpan expression as he said, "I would be a fool to teach you a spell like this. You already mess with Eishun enough as is. If I gave you a spell like this, there would be no end to your pranks. I have enough trouble just keeping you from offending people you shouldn't so spare me from having to clean up even more of your messes..."

Rather than take offense to his Master's words, Nagi adopted a wry smile while rubbing the back of his head. He knew he had caused a lot of trouble for his Master, but, after he was finally freed from that prison-like laboratory, he had found even the most mundane things interesting. He refused to return to how things used to be, so, even if it got him into trouble, he wanted to fly freely using the wings he had obtained through his own efforts.

Seeing the awkward smile on Nagi's face, Zect repressed a slight sigh, smiling as he said, "After you mature a bit and find someone you're willing to settle down with, I'll teach you this spell. By then, it will be your wife's problem. For now, just be thankful I tolerate these little excursions of yours..."

As he really was grateful for everything his Master had done for him, Nagi adopted a smile of his own as he said, "Thank you, Master...now, I wonder if the Great Spirit goes commando? I noticed all those stuck-up priestesses didn't wear panties. I guess their tails get in the way? Hmmm...this merits more research!"

Having already grown used to Nagi's habit of deflecting whenever he felt embarrassed, Zect lightly chuckled before adding, "Indeed. It is important to understand the ecology and characteristics of other races. You never know when such information might prove useful...ufufufufu~"

(A/N: Alternate Titles: 'Fenrir is strong (O w O)...','More Logia users...!','What's this? Hidden depth in a shonen protagonist!?')

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