52 Unveiling the Spirit's Tale

As time passed gradually, the moonlight began to dim, casting a darkness that heralded the approaching dawn. Just as Wayne entertained the thought of an unsuccessful night, perhaps due to the attribute of luck, his keen eyes discerned a child's palm emerging from the well's mouth, reaching for its edge.

Wayne's gaze locked onto the scene, confirming his earlier speculation—the monster indeed emerged from the wellhead. However, he refrained from impulsive action, opting to conceal himself in the shadows. This presented an opportunity to observe the creature's intentions.

After a brief wait, a metal watering can was tossed out from the well's mouth. Subsequently, a petite being with purple skin, a wreath adorning its head, and large watery eyes crawled out. Wayne examined it closely, confirming that his initial guess was accurate—it was indeed a Godling.

This revelation eased Wayne's tension. Compared to demonic spirits or other monsters, Godlings were known for their kindness, docility, and peaceful nature. These intelligent creatures were considered shy, hardworking beings that enjoyed tending to flowers, plants, and small animals near their dwellings. Many scholars referred to them as guardian spirits.

Resembling human children in behavior and appearance, these mischievous spirits added a touch of innocence and playfulness to their character.

When treated with kindness, these creatures secretly assist the locals in any way they can. Conversely, if subjected to rough treatment, they feel offended and retaliate by playing pranks and magic tricks on the locals. However, despite their helpful nature, these creatures prefer a quiet environment. As a village becomes increasingly prosperous and forgets its traditions, these beings quietly depart, migrating to more remote caves or unknown locations.

Recalling the knowledge about these Godling's from the books, Wayne quietly observed the actions of the Godling from the second-floor window. This particular one appeared to be a young female, characterized by bluish-purple skin and adorned in a damp, unidentified animal skin coat. While seemingly unattractive to humans, exhibiting a gentle temperament, emanating an odd blend of ugliness and cuteness.

Upon climbing up from the well, the Godling looked around in confusion. Assured that no one had noticed her, she gingerly retrieved the previously thrown metal watering can and began murmuring an unknown spell. Harnessing the power of magic, the metal can levitated in the air, descended into the well, and then emerged once more, now filled with clean water.

This display left Wayne somewhat surprised. While intelligent creatures like the Godling possessed spell-like abilities, it was uncommon for juveniles to exhibit such proficiency in magic. Filled with water through this magical means, the Godling displayed evident joy. Despite struggling to lift the metal watering can, she proceeded to twirl around the house, making her way from the backyard to the front yard garden.

Humming peculiar tunes, the godling diligently watered the flowers and trees with the kettle. She even picked up a small shovel from the garden, working diligently to loosen the soil and fertilize the plants, resembling a hardworking little gardener.

Observing this heartwarming scene, Wayne found himself stunned. The thriving condition of the garden, even after the owner's departure, was now understandable—it was tended to by someone in secret during the night.

Although visually measuring only half a meter in height and possessing a slender frame, it was apparent to Wayne that this diminutive creature found joy in its labor, despite the physical strain. Despite her small stature, the Godling seemed to derive enjoyment from her tasks.

About an hour later, the Godling darted back and forth between the well and the front yard, completing her work just as the sun was poised to rise. The petite entity wiped sweat from her forehead, meticulously returned the used tools to their places, and appeared ready to depart.

Observing the Godling holding the metal watering can, turning her head multiple times with each step, and reluctantly making her way toward the well, Wayne couldn't help but smile. Silently descending from the second floor, he concealed himself in a corner outside the house. Only when it walked past him did he lightly cough and ask:

"Hey! What's your name, little one?"

Wayne's voice audibly startled the Godling. Trembling at the unexpected words, she took two or three steps back, inadvertently dropping the metal watering can. Her large, watery eyes displayed a mixture of horror, and her entire body quivered.

Witnessing her reaction, Wayne stepped back, and raised his hands in a reassuring gesture, indicating no intention of harm. Despite his harmless appearance, the Godling remained considerably afraid of humans. Wayne, understanding this, took precautions not to provoke her.

In response to her fear, she reached for a colorful conch hanging on her chest and lightly blew into it. Wayne watched with surprise as Godling's body gradually became transparent, ultimately vanishing directly before his eyes.

While an ordinary person might panic, thinking the little Godling had genuinely disappeared, Wayne's medallion and keen senses indicated that she likely employed some form of illusion to conceal her figure. Her body remained present, unseen, in front of him.

The most conspicuous evidence lay in the small footprints left by her in the backyard's grass as she moved. Chuckling, Wayne observed the path of the footprints and spoke kindly:

"Don't worry, little one. I'm a witcher, but I harbor no malicious intent. I simply came here and wanted to chat with you."

The term "Witcher" seemed to capture the Godling's attention. She halted, and a silence lingered in the air for about ten seconds. A childlike voice emanated from the surroundings.

"Witcher? Is that the kind of person whose job is to kill evil monsters? I've read about these stories in books."

After pondering for a moment, Wayne neither affirmed nor denied the statement but offered an explanation:

"Yes, but a person's occupation doesn't determine their morality. Even Witchers can be bad. Some might indiscriminately kill innocent people, not just evil monsters."

There was a brief pause in the Godling's voice, followed by a question:

"You mentioned wanting to talk, witcher. What do you want to talk about?"

The Godling appeared quite intelligent, even surpassing human girls of the same age. Intrigued, Wayne responded:

"I heard that the owner of this house endured various mischief, and nightmares every night, and suffered injuries as a result. This is a human house. Why are you doing this? Why are you driving them away?"

Upon hearing Wayne's words, she promptly refuted the accusation:

"No, I didn't do it. My brother, Fitz, did. He believes that these humans disturbed the goddess's altar. He insists on driving them away; otherwise, it would be disrespectful to the goddess."

Continuing, she explained further:

"My father tried to stop him, but my brother is too stubborn to heed our father's advice. Those humans were quietly driven away by him."

Wayne was taken aback upon hearing the words. It appeared that his earlier assumption was incorrect. The issue at hand wasn't solely the work of a solitary Godling but rather an entire family of these Godlings, with the involvement of a goddess.

"Which goddess is it, little one?" Wayne inquired.

"Is the altar of the goddess located nearby?" She seemed quite innocent. After contemplating for a few seconds, she responded without concealment:

"It's the goddess of the lake. The altar that our family has worshiped for generations is in the cave below this house. You humans build big houses on it, make all kinds of noise every day, drive away the surrounding creatures, and have affected the peace of the goddess. That's why my brother is so angry and wants to drive away the people in this house."