Chương 59: Chapter 56: What Is Fantasium?

"Is it the same as before? Hardly," my grandmother said.

"Earth has now assimilated with the Fantasy Cosmos. It has become like Yggdrasil, a true Fantasy World from its very birth. Magic and monsters have existed here since time immemorial. People are born and raised knowing the dangers of the outside world. They use the Andromeda System to sharpen their survival skills and grow stronger simply to live safely."

"I guess it's like an obligation to get strong?" I wondered aloud.

"More or less," my father replied.

"Every school, even the most ordinary ones, teaches children how to learn skills and magic, as well as how to hunt monsters and level up. Some schools even have their own personal dungeons."

"The majority of the population usually reaches Rank 2 by adulthood," my mother added.

"Their Paths are generally between Level 50 and 100. That is what you can achieve without much effort. If you want to grow beyond that, people must visit dungeons and actively invest both time and money into the process. Those who dedicate their lives to hunting monsters and growing stronger earn various titles such as Adventurers or Hunters."

"Of course, thanks to today's technological advancements, most normal civilians can enjoy a relatively peaceful life inside the country," my father continued.

"And no, you do not need to stay trapped behind the walls either. The wilderness outside is full of villages, smaller cities, and settlements. The threat of truly powerful monsters is mostly limited to the distant outskirts."

"Huh." I nodded, taking it all in. If I compared it to my old Earth, it resembled most modern countries and cities. People lived normally, traveled freely, and ventured into the wild without constant fear. There were dangerous animals, of course, but most were not a serious threat to humans. The truly dangerous ones appeared only rarely.

Anyone who wanted to hunt powerful creatures would need to travel to dangerous mountains filled with bears and mountain lions, or venture deep into places like Africa to find formidable wildlife. That seemed like a reasonable balance. It meant any family could hop into a flying car and visit nearby hills, mountains, rivers, lakes, or tourist spots without worrying about deadly danger. Weaker monsters might appear, but like wild animals back on Earth, they posed little threat unless they were true apex predators.

Most would simply flee when faced with resistance. I see. I see. I think I am finally beginning to understand how this world works.

"Back then, people were at risk of turning into Entities or even Grievances because of Fantasium exposure," my mother said, clearing her throat.

"But such incidents do not really happen anymore. Well, there was an exception, but that does not matter right now."

"Ah, yes…" my father nodded.

"That issue was resolved, right?"

"Huh?" I tilted my head.

"Wait, are you talking about me? Oh right! I turned into a giant monster once! That was cool."

"Cool?!" both my parents exclaimed in panic.

"It was not cool at all! The entire kingdom could have been destroyed!"

"A-Ahahah, sorry," I chuckled sheepishly.

"So, um, do dungeons generate items and treasures just because?" I asked. The tale has been illicitly lifted; should you spot it on Amazon, report the violation.

"It is part of how Fantasium naturally functions," my grandfather explained.

"We are entering more technical territory here, but I know you are smart enough to follow along. Tell me, what do you think Fantasium truly is, beyond being an incredible energy that can shape reality?"

"Dunno. Super magic?" I guessed.

"Hahaha!" My family burst into laughter once again at my casual response. I seemed to amuse them quite easily with my straightforward answers.

"You would not be entirely wrong," my father said with a smile.

"However, from what we have discovered through ongoing research at the VPI, Fantasium is technically composed and influenced by the subconscious of all intelligent beings. We still have much to learn, but deep analysis shows that Fantasium appears to be made of 'fragments' of 'stories' themselves."

"…Stories?" I asked, feeling utterly confused.

"What?"

"Imagination," my mother clarified.

"Along with thoughts, emotions, and many other factors that interact with Fantasium. It is truly fascinating, is it not, Father-in-law?"

"Precisely, Mirai," my grandfather nodded.

"Items, treasure chests, and dungeons are born from a combination of several factors. One major element, besides the System creating rewards, is 'Expectation.' It does not mean you will simply obtain something by wishing for it. Rather, this phenomenon arises from complex interactions of subconscious beliefs in ways that even we scientists find confusing. We are still trying to understand it fully, but that is the general idea."

"Huh." I nodded slowly.

"Is Fantasium alive?"

"It is difficult to say whether it qualifies as a living organism," my father replied.

"But it is a super particle that interacts with the world and all other molecules in remarkable ways. It absorbs thoughts, memories, emotions, and more from the brainwaves of intelligent and sentient lifeforms."

"Some might compare it to bacteria," my mother added.

"But we are still investigating at the VPI…"

"The VPI…" I murmured while eating my cake and absentmindedly playing with the Class Stone in my hand.

"Can I go there? I want to visit! Also, you must already know, but two of my familiars are… well."

"Yeah, we know," my father sighed.

"We knew from the very beginning."

"Yup. There was no way you could trick me into believing they were your cute Chaos Spirits," my mother laughed, gently patting my head.

"Mongrel and Dryad, right?"

"Ugh, no way…" Mongrel muttered, appearing beside me.

"They knew all along?!"

"Please spare me! He is the evil one! I am an innocent nightmare beast vestige!" Dryad cried out.

"I do not originate from that horrible dimension! I have changed my ways!" She was lying. She still complained constantly and said she hated serving under me. Still, it was really funny to watch her beg like that.

"It is fine, dears. My daughter has fully tamed both of you," my mother said reassuringly.

"If you were truly hostile, we would have dealt with you already."

"Hm. Investigating them could prove beneficial," my father noted.

"We do have a few nightmares contained below. We have been studying their true natures. The last one we fought left nothing behind for analysis, but these two who have assimilated into the System and become familiars are quite fascinating. Do you not agree, Father?"

"I do," my grandfather replied.

"I would not mind examining what they can do and how they function. It would be most interesting indeed. I suppose… well, at seven years old she is still quite young, but considering her high intelligence and emotional maturity, it would be foolish not to trust her after all the incredible feats she has accomplished. She may come with us to the VPI another time."

"Really?!" I exclaimed, excitement surging through me at the thought of exploring those vast underground laboratory complexes filled with hundreds of scientists, agents, and contained anomalies. It sounded just like the SCP Foundation, but right beneath my own house.

"Nice!"

"Ahem! We have discussed many interesting topics today," my grandmother said, steering the conversation gently.

"But how about we return to the gift-giving? Son, Mirai, why don't you give your daughter her gift now?"

"Ah, right," my father nodded.

"Here." He handed me a large, ornate treasure chest.

"This is our gift to you!" my mother said with a warm grin.

"T-Treasure chest?" I muttered, carefully opening it.

"Ooh?!" Inside I found a beautiful new dress in elegant shades of white, black, red, and gold. It looked practical and easy to move in rather than overly elaborate.

"It is a dress? It is so pretty!" I said happily.

"But what does… Oh?!" I was shocked to feel an immediate connection with the garment. My soul swirled gently as it accepted the dress as a Soul Treasure. Upon closer inspection, I realized the dress was masterfully woven with threads of incredible hardness and magical conductivity. Several embedded jewels enhanced its elemental resistances and affinities.