Chapter 23

"I understand. I won't do anything reckless."

"Really, that's what I'm saying. If anything happens to you, everyone will worry."

With that, Libia's cheeks slightly flushed before she continued.

"Of course, I'll worry more than anyone else, won't I?"

"...I understand."

"So, what are you going to do today? Will you proceed with the investigation of the northern sub-humans as planned?"

"...I guess so."

Given the conversation we just had, I can't nod enthusiastically.

However, if no one does it, we won't get any information on the northern sub-humans.

Libia seemed to understand this and relaxed her expression.

"Please be careful."

"Yeah, of course."

In response, Libia placed her hand on her chin.

"It's a shame that only Lord Crest can act stealthily at the moment. If others could, we could gather more information."

"What can't be helped, right? Besides, I'm asking everyone else to handle other tasks. Everyone has their strengths. Well, I'm off."

"Yes... please take care."

In the beginning, I used to take on everything, but things are different now.

For daily life and base construction, I can ask other sub-humans for help.

That's why I can allocate time to become stronger.

I need to gather information on the northern sub-humans and improve my skill levels to protect this life.

After parting ways with Libia, I left the base and headed north.

[Copper Skills] [Strength Enhancement: Level 8 (5/8)] [Endurance Enhancement: Level 7 (5/7)] [Dexterity Enhancement: Level 6 (3/6)] [Agility Enhancement: Level 7 (2/7)] [Magic Power Enhancement: Level 7 (1/7)]

[Silver Skills] [Swordsmanship: Level 5 (2/5)] [Dagger Mastery: Level 3 (2/3)] [Mining: Level 3] [Fishing: Level 3 (1/3)] [Clearing: Level 3 (1/3)] [Hand-to-Hand Combat: Level 3 (1/3)] [Cooking: Level 2 (1/2)] [Blacksmithing: Level 3 (2/3)] [Tailoring: Level 2 (1/2)] [Animal Husbandry: Level 2] [Cartography: Level 4] [Gathering: Level 2] [Spear Mastery: Level 2] [Perception: Level 4] [Construction: Level 4] [Monster Evolution: Level 3] [Healing: Level 3 (2/3)] [Stealth: Level 2 (1/2)] [Lockpicking: Level 2]

[Gold Skills] [Earth Magic: Level 5 (2/5)] [Fire Magic: Level 6 (2/6)] [Water Magic: Level 5 (2/5)] [Wind Magic: Level 4 (1/4)] [Enchantment: Level 3 (2/3)] [Light Magic: Level 2 (1/2)] [Trap Magic: Level 3 (2/3)]

[Rainbow Skills] [Appraisal: Level 3 (MAX)] [Cultivation: Level 3 (MAX)] [Pharmacy: Level 3 (MAX)] [Summoning: Level 3 (MAX)] [Monster Guidance: Level 3 (MAX)] [Monster Control: Level 3 (MAX)] [Assassin: Level 3 (MAX)] [Weakness Analysis: Level 2 (1/2)] [Transformation: Level 2 (1/2)] [Dark Knight: Level 2 (1/2)] [Shadow Magic: Level 2 (1/2)] [Black Shield: Level 1]

[Remaining Skills] [Appraisal: Level 1] [Pharmacy: Level 1] [Summoning: Level 1 × 3]

After leaving the village, I began to be on guard.

This is to be able to respond immediately if anything happens.

However, there are no signs of sub-humans or monsters nearby.

...But I can't let my guard down.

Although I haven't been seen, I have been spotted by the hooded man.

The other side might also be investigating the southern region with some caution.

Of course, this is only if the other side has hostile intentions.

If they don't have hostile intentions, all of this worry will be for nothing.

It's possible that they attacked because they detected an unknown presence.

I need to investigate the thoughts of the northern sub-humans as well.

While thinking about these things, I walked through the northern land.

After wandering for a while, my Perception skill reacted.

It's a monster.

I activated my Perception skill and remained vigilant.

There are no signs of sub-humans around.

I wanted to test my newly acquired skills in combat, so I decided to fight the monster.

The monster I found is a black wolf called a Hydewolf.

Although the sub-humans in the village have already killed the required number, it's still a good test subject for my skills.

When I deactivated my Assassin skill, the Hydewolf turned around in surprise.

"Grrr..."

I observed the Hydewolf, which growled threateningly.

I could have easily defeated it while using Assassin, but the purpose this time is to test the new skills.

Let's try Dark Knight first.

I already have a good understanding of its effects from when I used it in front of Libia.

Recalling the increased strain on my body at that time, my body tensed slightly, but I still activated the skill.

The moment I activated it, power surged through my entire body.

It felt as if my physical body had been enhanced to a higher level.

With the skill level having increased, the enhancement seems even stronger than when I first tested it.

However, I also feel a greater fatigue washing over my body.

While I was aware of these sensations, the Hydewolf pounced on me.

It didn't wait for my preparation; the attack seemed slow to me.

Or maybe I can move faster than that speed.

My body is clearly moving better than usual.

Although it consumes a lot of stamina, it seems to boost all my stats.

I checked my stats, but there was no noticeable increase, so I don't know exactly how much it has been enhanced.

I raised my sword to meet the Hydewolf's attack head-on.

The Hydewolf's body landed on my sword, and I felt its weight.

But I thought this was no problem.

I swung my sword with all my might.

I threw the Hydewolf's entire weight back.

"Wha!?"

The Hydewolf was sent flying and hit a nearby tree with its back.