When you enter a spirit form, it’s common knowledge that you end up naked.
A “spirit form” is, at its core, a mental entity.
An existence in the Astral Plane that possesses a sense of self and constructs its identity out of ether—
Well, to put it simply, it has no need for clothes.
It’s like how, in many movies or games, when someone’s inner self appears or when a divine being manifests, its shape might just look like a mannequin or a fluid-like entity.
— Exactly, you alchemist!
While language may require the presence of a mouth, clothing is typically absent.
If someone in astral form is clothed, it’s due to personal preference.
This logic explains why Kim Fenrir, despite being a mental entity, might appear in a maid’s outfit, a magical girl costume, or other attire.
Such forms are chosen to mimic human appearances for interaction but are inherently unnecessary.
The same applies to organs and clothing.
For astral beings, these are mere representations. However, humans are different.
“Miss Yunia.”
[Yes, Phoenix?]
“Although I’m wearing a blindfold right now, how do you perceive the situation?”
[It feels like there’s substance, but it doesn’t exist in reality.]
Her voice is audible, though in truth, Yunia is conveying her thoughts through the vibration of mana.
The reason I can’t see her directly is that, the moment I observe her, the situation could escalate to something unsuitable for younger audiences.
“So, what happened to your clothes?”
[Um, just a moment. Do I wrap mana around me like a mana skin?]
Yunia flusteredly touches her body, seemingly searching for a solution.
Not that I can actually see her actions—it’s just what I imagine Yunia would do in such a situation.
“In a spiritual form, it’s not about creating a mana skin; it’s about deciding what form you want others to perceive.”
[A form…]
“For example, what kind of image do you want to show me?”
“Hey!”
From behind, Evangeline pulls sharply on my blindfold.
“How is Yunia supposed to focus on getting dressed with you saying things like that?!”
“You’re incorrigible, Phoenix.”
“What? What did I do?”
Unjustly accused.
“Whatever Miss Yunia is thinking about right now, she’s not likely in the form she wants to show me, right?”
“…”
“…”
[…]
All three of us fall silent.
I imagine that the image of Yunia in my mind probably aligns with her current form.
“So, what are you wearing? Is it something revealing?”
“Yes, it is somewhat revealing.”
“Not something you’d show others easily.”
[Oh, um, I’ll try to figure something out quickly!]
This is a good moment to play the part of a gentleman, pretending ignorance and being considerate—an ideal attitude, unlike the “Golden Sun” stereotype.
[Is there any hint you can give me?]
“Think of it as layering mana around your body.”
[Layer mana?]
“Not clothing it like an outfit, but treating it as part of your body.”
[Like this?]
A soft rustling sound follows.
Yunia is likely now wearing casual clothes or a uniform.
“Good. Now remove that sense of separation.”
[Huh?]
“When in a spirit form, clothing becomes an extension of your body, just like a swimsuit feels part of you when submerged in water.”
A swimsuit merges with the body when underwater, creating a seamless sense of unity.
“Once you’ve internalized that sensation, you can layer additional mana over it to create outfits.”
[Hmm….]
“Since Miss Yunia seems to need some time to focus, how about I explain this to both of you? You’ll both have to do it anyway.”
The silence between the two others breaks, indicating their surprise.
“You’re still curious, aren’t you? About why I suggested swimsuits.”
“Is it because you want to see us in swimsuits?”
“Close, but not quite.”
“And how is it different?”
“A swimsuit is an outfit meant to be seen by others, whereas underwear is not.”
A swimsuit can appear on public broadcasts, but if underwear is exposed, it’s considered a broadcast incident.
Even if the amount of coverage and the areas covered are identical, the distinction between a swimsuit and underwear changes how they are perceived.
“When entering illusions, you might show each other forms that are different from your usual appearances. Showing underwear isn’t ideal, so we start with the basics.”
“So…”
“Just like how hunters are issued basic equipment, swimsuits are the starting point. Once you’re used to managing mana flow, you can gradually create other clothes.”
“Wait a second.”
Evangeline grabs my face and asks seriously.
“So, in illusions, I can create and wear any clothes I want, just by imagining them?”
“Theoretically, yes.”
“…For free?”
“It does consume mental energy, but it’s not like studying for finals. It’s more like lucid dreaming, where you can act freely within the dream.”
“A dream… though nightmares could have adverse effects on the body.”
“Good dreams, on the other hand, can make you feel refreshed.”
Like Kyun-Kyun’s dreams.
If Kyun-Kyun engages in dreamlike activities, the Seven Star Trials’ illusions are akin to fighting Named-class beasts.
“Do you want me to teach you an easy way to create outfits?”
As the authority on Kyun-Kyun, it’s about time I dropped a hint.
“It’s nothing complicated. I just grab the spirit form and—”
[Ah, I got it!]
“…”
The blindfold comes off.
I momentarily lose my focus as Yunia’s spirit form appears before me, clad in a completely new outfit.
[How is it?]
“A wedding dress?”
[Well, I just copied it from a magazine!]
Yunia, dressed in a pristine white wedding dress, places her hands over her chest and approaches me.
[Does it look strange? I think I’m starting to get the hang of it.]
“As expected of Miss Yunia. You’re a fast learner.”
[Right? I tried my best to understand quickly because I wanted to help with your idea about illusions!]
Yunia lifts her chin proudly, her confidence evident.
[So, do we enter the illusion now? I’m ready!]
“You might be, but the other two haven’t even adjusted to their spirit forms yet.”
[Oh.]
“And one more thing.”
I pointed to Yunia’s neck.
“Instead of speaking through mana, you can use your actual voice now.”
[Oh, um. Ahem.]
Clearing her throat, Yunia speaks aloud for the first time.
“Like this? Ah, it works!”
She spoke with her voice, not mana.
“…Huh?”
Her voice emanates from her unconscious body, which temporarily acts as her proxy.
“It’s like sleep-talking.”
“Uh, this feels kind of embarrassing.”
“It’s fine. When we challenge the Seven Star Trials, it’ll just be us.”
“What if someone’s watching us, though?”
“They’ll just get to listen to some live sleep-talking.”
“Ugh… can’t I just stick to communicating through mana?”
“Not until after we’ve entered the Seven Star Trials. For now, it’s not an option.”
There’s a reason for this.
Using mana for communication increases the likelihood of attracting the observation of Kim Fenrir and also consumes mana.
It’s like a game where you have to spend money to chat—who would waste resources on that unless absolutely necessary?
“Alright, Ludmila, Evangeline. Are you both ready to spirit-form?”
“Learning how to spirit-form is fine, but…”
“We won’t end up like that, right?”
I understand their concerns.
“That’s why I suggested swimsuits.”
“Swimsuits, again?”
“Extracting Miss Yunia’s spirit form for demonstration purposes was one thing, but it’s actually much easier if you’re asleep.”
Controlling someone’s spirit through mana is simpler when they’re unconscious than when they’re awake.
“You just need to put on swimsuits and fall asleep. Then, when I extract your spirit forms, they’ll already be wearing swimsuits.”
“…I see.”
Ludmila nods quietly.
“Let’s give it a try. There’s no harm in trying something to understand it.”
“…Uh, not to sound skeptical at this point.”
Evangeline said, tilting her head thoughtfully.
“But are you sure this is really a trial to become a hero?”
“Of course. Without a doubt.”
There’s no falsehood in my words.
* * *
A short while later.
As the three of them lay in the room, asleep and preparing for the process.
“I’ve got the authorization. Here’s the key.”
Instructor Kadisha handed me the magic tool needed to unseal the library in the Old School Building.
“Just so you know, even after accessing that ‘illusion,’ you’ll need to submit a detailed report.”
“Of course.”
Kadisha tapped her magic pad.
“You’ll have to document what you studied, what you researched, and what happened inside the library. To cover your tracks, you’ll need to leave evidence of having read those books.”
“Student Phoenix, are you sure this isn’t too harsh?”
Kadisha picked up a blank parchment.
“If the trial truly exists, you’ll have to handle A-rank monsters while simultaneously preparing a thesis-level report.”
“It’s fine. I’m used to this kind of thing.”
More importantly.
“I can delegate.”
“…What?”
“There’s such a thing.”
I’ll enter the Seven Star Trials with the heroines.
The thesis-level report? That’s Kim Fenrir’s job.
“Let’s go.”
Creeeak.
The long-sealed door of the library began to open.
