Upstart Pastry Chef ~Territory Management of a Genius Pâtisserie~ - Chapter 14

Chapter 14: Awakening of Earth Attribute Magic

The duel is approaching in just two days.

My sword skill has reached Level III, and I’m in perfect condition.

However, there’s one problem.

“Kurt-sama, what’s wrong? You look troubled.”

Tina asks.

“Well, you see, I don’t have a sword to use for the duel.”

I explain.

The only weapons I have that could be used are a spear, farming tools, and a stone knife.

Going into the selection ceremony with just a stone knife would be rather unsightly.

“No one in this village has a sword.”

Tina remarks.

“If there were iron to spare, I could repurpose farming tools. There’s a blacksmith in the main village who could help, but he’s one of Jorg’s followers, so it’s difficult to get his cooperation.”

I continue.

Most of those with specialized skills are gathered in the main village, and many of them are ingratiating themselves with Jorg, who is likely to become the future lord. They’re mostly my enemies.

“And, I have a sentimental attachment to the spear I’ve been using all this time. I hesitate to take up a new weapon.”

I add.

I grip the handle of the spear I’ve been maintaining. It feels right in my hand. It’s become a part of me.

My partner for the past ten years.

Ideally, I want to continue running alongside it.

But I simply don’t have the aptitude for the spear. I can’t delude myself into thinking a spear is a sword as I did with the knife. A minimum requirement is a blade intended for slashing.

“It’s a difficult situation… Maybe your spear could transform into a sword, Kurt-sama.”

Tina suggests.

“That’s it.”

I agreed.

A revelation popped into my head. I could transform the spear into a sword using magic. That way, I’d have a sword, and I could continue fighting alongside my trusted companion.

Additionally, I had another idea. If it’s a sword and a spear at the same time, like “that sword,” perhaps I could leverage my spear skills while still benefiting from the sword skill modifier.

“Is that really possible?”

Tina asks.

“It might be. If my earth attribute magic awakens.”

I responded.

Earth attribute magic allows manipulation of minerals. Perhaps it’s possible to change the shape of the spear.

“In that case, how will you awaken your attribute magic, Kurt-sama?”

Tina inquires.

“From what I’ve read, becoming one with the earth is crucial.”

I explain.

The same answer comes back to me even with my foresight.

When I become one with the earth, it will respond to me.

So, I must feel the earth with my entire being.

“Tina, I’ll try awakening my earth attribute magic for half a day. I’ll play with the earth in the back field, trying to feel it more deeply than ever before.”

I decided..

If I fail after half a day, I can recover. If it doesn’t work, then I’ll give up.

“In that case, I’ll make lunch and bring it along.”

Tina offers.

“That would be great. I’ll do my best with Tina’s lunch to look forward to.”

I replied.

With that, I head outside to awaken my earth attribute magic.

◇

“Should I enhance my sense of unity?”

I contemplate.

Simply touching it with my hands after all the work in the fields hasn’t worked so far.

Tina awakened her magic just by lighting a fire, but there’s a significant difference in individual experiences.

“Should I try diving into the earth?”

I spread out the nutrient-rich compost brought from the forest, stacked beside the field, making it flat.

Then, I dive into it, getting completely covered in soil.

“Hmm, this level isn’t enough.”

I realized.

It doesn’t feel right at all.

I need an even deeper sense of unity.

I fetch water and wet the soil, turning it into mud.

Once again, I dive in. With the soil turning into mud, I feel even more connected to it.

I can sense the power of the earth vaguely. I’m heading in the right direction.

I’ll stay like this for a while.

With my eyes closed, I continue to feel the earth with my entire body.
　
◇

An hour has passed since then.

I’ve started to feel the power of the earth a bit, but it’s still not enough. Continuing like this would be a waste of time.

As long as I’m heading in the right direction, I just need to deepen my connection with the earth.

I’m confident that I’m just one step away.

“Kurt-sama, I’ve brought your lunch!”

Tina arrives, holding a basket and a water bottle. She’s wearing a very nice smile, probably happy with today’s satisfying meal.

However, that smile turns into a grimace when she sees me covered in mud.

“Oh, thank you. Can you wait a bit for the meal? I want to try something a little longer.”

I request.

“It’s okay to wait. Um, what exactly are you doing?”

Tina asks, her curiosity evident.

“I was trying to feel a sense of unity with the earth by physically immersing myself in it. I’ve never felt the earth so strongly before.”

I explained.

“I see.”

Tina responded, showing a mixture of surprise and understanding.

Now, what to do next? Even lying flat in the mud doesn’t seem to be enough. Perhaps this is still too lukewarm.

I stand up and emerge from the mud.

“Tina, I have a request.”

I told her.

“What is it, Kurt-sama?”

She asks.

“Merely soaking in the mud isn’t enough. So, I’m thinking of burying myself alive.”

I declared.

I enhance my physical abilities with magic and start digging vigorously into the hard ground until I can fit in.

The depth of the hole is such that only my head remains above the surface.

“Tina, please cover me up with soil.”

I instructed her.

“Yes, Kurt-sama.”

Tina complies, and soon the hole is filled with soil.

I find myself unable to move a single finger.

My sense of unity with the earth grows even stronger.

“Kurt-sama, aren’t you in pain?”

Tina asks.

“I’m fine, it’s quite pleasant actually.”

I reassured her.

There’s a strange sense of comfort being enveloped by Mother Earth. Just a little more.

“Tina, the finishing touch. Cover my head as well.”

I instructed.

“If I do that, you’ll suffocate!”

Tina protests.

“I’ll blow myself out once I awaken to earth magic.”

I assured her.

“If I don’t awaken to any power…”

“Count to a hundred, and if there’s no movement, dig me out. I should be able to hold my breath that long.”

I instructed Tina.

“Understood. Here we go.”

Tina replied.

She begins covering my head with soil, gradually darkening my vision and making it harder to breathe.

Soon, my head is completely buried.

It’s quiet. And strangely warm.

Sound and light fade away, replaced by the rhythm of the earth.

So this is the power of the earth.

A new landscape unfolds. The world changes.

This is the world as seen by the spirits of the earth.

Indeed, I’ve grasped something.

“Kurt-sama, I can’t hold it any longer. I’ll wait ten more seconds, and if you don’t respond, I’ll dig you out!”

Tina’s panicked voice reaches me, on the verge of tears.

I feel guilty for causing her worry.

Thank you. It’s enough. I’m fine.

I awaken. This is the earth attribute magic.

“I’ll be counting on you from now on.”

I say to the earth, and the soil surrounding me begins to move.

Feeling the weight of the soil lift from my head, I open my eyes.

Tina’s face is close, as if she had been peering anxiously into the hole.

“Kurt-sama, you’ve awakened to the earth attribute magic!”

Tina realized..

“Yeah, I finally obtained the earth attribute magic.”

I replied.

The soil surrounding me shifts away on its own, and I emerge from the ground.

“Now, I’ve gotten a bit dirty, so I’ll take off my clothes, bathe, and change. Could you look away for a moment?”

I asked Tina.

She hurriedly averts her gaze, covering her face with both hands. Even though it’s Tina, being seen naked is embarrassing.

Once I confirm Tina is not looking, I undress, wash off the mud, wipe myself dry with cloth, and then put on clean clothes.

“Sorry for the wait, I’m done changing.”

I announced.

Tina seems to still be averting her gaze, but I catch her sneakily glancing my way from the corner of her eye.

“Tina.”
I walk up to her and give her a flick on the forehead.

“Ouch! What was that for, Kurt-sama?”

She protests.

“You were told not to look, but you peeked, so that’s the punishment.”

“Uh, I’m sorry.”

Tina apologizes, rubbing her forehead.

Well, I can’t blame her entirely. Tina is at that age where she might be curious about male nudity.

“You wouldn’t like it either if someone peeked at you naked.”

I remarked.

“It’s not like you, Kurt-sama… I mean, never mind. I apologize, it was just a momentary lapse.”

Tina stammers.

“In that case, maybe next time I’ll be possessed by some magic and peek at you bathing. Then you’ll understand how I feel.”

I jest, and Tina’s face turns crimson.

“It’s just a joke. I wouldn’t do something like that.”

I assured her.

“Oh, Kurt-sama, you’re teasing me!”

Tina exclaims.

I chuckle softly. “I gained the earth magic thanks to your help, Tina, so I’ll let it slide this time. Let’s proceed to reshape the spear into its new form right away.”

I pick up the spear leaning against the wall and tightly grip it. It feels familiar and comfortable in my hand. I still want to fight with this one.

“Sure thing, Kurt-sama!”

Tina replies energetically.

However, there’s a cute growling sound.

It’s Tina’s stomach growling.

Clearly embarrassed, her fox ears flatten, and her face turns a different shade of red compared to before.

“It seems you’re hungry, Tina. Let’s have your lunch-box first. We can transform the spear into its new form afterward.”

I suggest.

“Uhh, Kurt-sama…”

Tina mumbles, blushing but nodding firmly.

She must be really hungry.