I Played the Role of the Adopted Daughter Too Well

[What are you?]

Viola looked around, trying to hide her surprise as much as she could.

Theres nothing here.

She couldnt see anything unusual. Was it perhaps a spirit speaking? It seemed likely.

Viola. Whats wrong?

Its nothing.

Jermi stood in front of the red tree whose branches were split into a trident shape. So youre saying this tree is suspicious, right?

Yes.

Now that shed given him a hint, he would probably do it on his own. Viola just watched. In truth, the only thing written in the novel was that he had accidentally stumbled upon the strange-looking tree and entered the historic site through it.

Hmm.

In the meantime, she heard another voice.

[What are you? Answer me.]

Viola agonized for a moment. How would she answer? It would only look like she was talking to herself.

There was no such content in the novel.

Spirits appeared when entering the historic site, but no spirits had been found in the Red Tree Forest.

Jermis conversation with the spirit was also after entering the historic site, so she didnt know why this was happening.

[I know you can hear my voice. Ive never seen anyone with as high spirit affinity as you.]

You can hear my voice because I have an affinity with spirits?

That was a quality acquired at birth, an absolute power. That the spirit claimed she had it it was confusing.

Viola in the novel had no spirit affinity. She was indeed an excellent Verratoux, but she was by no means spiritual in any sense of the word.

Thus, this condition was due to her actual identity as someone from another world. In the setting, spirits were beings from different worlds. It was said that these beings exerted their power and appeared in the human world through their contractors.

The so-called, opening the spirit gate through a contract. In other words, the gate must be opened to pass through worlds.

That was the setting of this novel.

According to the law in this novel, Han Arin had also passed through the spirit gate. Thats why she became a character with a very high spirit affinity.

Jermi said, As expected, this tree really is suspicious.

And then he said something she didnt understand.

A special magic circle is engraved. This magic technique is an arcane lock based on Germanatos Third Formula.

The warriors of this era always had to keep in mind the battle against wizards. So, even if she did not learn magic, Viola was quite knowledgeable about the theories and studies of magicians.

It was the same for Jermi.

He tilted his head. As far as I know, this magic needs the help of a spirit. Without the help of the spirit, we cant pass this defensive magic unless you reverse and break it.

That was what the textbook said.

It was not heavy-duty, but it needed help from a spirit to break.

But Viola you can see it.

When Viola saw through the essence, the illusion magic was automatically dispelled.

She realized why.

Its because of the affinity.

Viola started to get a little excited. This place was special because even those who did not have a strong affinity could make a contract.

What if someone with a high level of spirit affinity went in?

Maybe it was only mentioned in passing. A colossal being like the spirit king. Wouldnt it be possible to make a powerful contract?

It would be best if the spirit king appeared as a guardian spirit.

I guess my spirit affinity is higher than I thought.

Its amazing. The blood of the spirits and Verratoux are compatible. Ah Jermi recalled one thing he had forgotten.

Viola was not a blood-born daughter of Verratoux. She seemed more like one than anyone else, so it was difficult to remember.

It makes sense, since shes adopted.

It was still surreal that Viola Verratoux had a high spirit affinity. It made him want to be close to her. He felt like his life would be filled with exciting, enjoyable things if he stayed close to her.

Jermi touched a red tree. I think itll be different if you place your hand here and apply mana to it.

Unfortunately, Viola was feeling dizzy at the moment.

Im just holding it in, but I wonder if Jermis feeling sick too?

She felt something familiar.

Wow. Im not feeling well. Its my first time at the gate.

It appeared that they had already entered the historical site through the tree.

[Hohoho]

[Kekeke]

She heard voices from all over the place.

Viola. Can you hear me?

Yes, I can hear you.

Jermi nodded.

The whistling is like this sound of laughter.

I know.

It seemed that the wind made strange sounds through the forest.

Did the missing explorers come all the way here?

I think so. Viola looked down at the ground. There was a dry patch in the middle of the soil and mud. There are footprints.

Thats right. Jermi smiled by himself, fascinated.

Even though she has a talent for violence, she refused to become a Black Verratoux and instead claimed the position of the White Verratoux, which is perceived to be weaker. I think I understand a little bit as to why now.

He found the mobile gate in an instant and did not miss any minor clues on the ground.

[Can you find me?]

[Look for me]

[Ill be waiting]

Small balls of fire flew everywhere, like gigantic fireflies brightening their surroundings.

Theres a long passage. Do you want to go? Is it raining?

Okay. Viola recalled the contents of the novel.

As he had passed through the dark and long passage, Jermi fell into the fantasy of the spirits without realizing it. According to the novel, spirits didnt do it out of malice, but more out of mischief, but there were indeed cases where people couldnt escape from the fantasy and died.

Jermi had been in a fantasy for a week and subsequently fell into a coma. If it were an ordinary person, he would have already died of dehydration. However, being the exceptional specimen that he was, he was able to come to his senses despite his severe condition.

In fact, his extreme hunger and thirst were what broke him out of the illusion.

Spirits probably didnt understand why the people died, since they dont need food and drink for sustenance. To put it in other words, humans were like frogs who died from skipping stones.

I cant hear the spirits voice now.

Viola and Jermi kept walking, the passage narrowing and darkening and the fireballs growing scarce.

Viola, give me your hand.

Hand?

Yeah, because its too dark. Lets hold hands and go.

It seemed wise.

His hands were bigger than she had thought. Was it because her own hands were so small compared to seventeen-year-old Jermis?

Jermi, do you remember the fantasy magic of the spirits beyond the gate?

I do.

Then its highly likely that the spirits here have another magic trap.

Okay. Ill be careful.

She shouldve said something earlier, she realized, but she knew Jermi would do just fine.

A little relieved, Viola walked for a long time holding Jermis hand.

What do you think? Can you hear another voice?

No. I cant hear anything, she replied, then flinched at the sudden cacophony that ensued.

It sounded like dozens of people were talking at once.

Male voices. Female voices. Adult voices. Young voices. All kinds of voices.

[Why are you here?]

[You cant be here.]

[Whats your real name?]

Viola trembled.

Real name. Violas real name was Han Arin.

The voices came faster and faster.

[What is Korea?]

[Han Arin, who are you?]

It felt like she was trapped in a storm inside. This fantasy world was a place where witch hunts often took place.

Korea? Han Arin? A different world?

If this is revealed

She would be beheaded for defaming Verratouxs honor and prestige.

The voices crescendoed again, picking up on her fear.

[Yes. Your neck might be cut off.]

[Why are you here?]

Viola tried to tell them to be quiet, but it felt like there was a boulder on her chest and throat

[What is Kang Hanjun?]

[Is your dog Kang Hanjun?]

A giggle.

[Where is Kang Han-jun?]

The laughter intensified.

[Wow! What is a car accident?]

[What is an emergency room?]

Jermi was immediately alert when Viola first started shaking. He knew there was no way it was because she was nervous about them holding hands, so it must have been something else.

Wouldnt it be embarrassing if I pointed it out?

However, he could feel cold sweat bead on her hand.

Viola?

It was dark, the last fireball completely consumed. He couldnt even sense Xenon, who had been following them from a few paces behind.

If I hadnt held Violas hand

If that had been the case, then she might have disappeared as well. For that, he was glad they were holding hands.

By now, her body was trembling like aspen leaves.

Jermi pondered for a long time before opening his mouth, Viola, are you alright?

Even then, he wondered if his question would hurt her pride. Still, he was worried about her, suddenly afraid of this inescapable darkness, this feeling of loss that he had never felt before.

Viola, are you okay?

A soft groan escaped her mouth. It sounded pained.

He grabbed her shoulder and shook it, but there was no response. His anxiety spiked.

Whats the matter?

No answer.

Viola!

Something strange happened to Jermi at that moment.