Chapter 20

The day after conquering the [Abandoned Fortress] and obtaining the [Guardian's Legacy Sword],

Having reached level 24 and acquired a new weapon, I was pondering the next dungeon to tackle.

There's a magical skill I really want in a dungeon within the range accessible from the Sylphied territory.

However, there was one big problem.

"I can't even challenge it with my current abilities..."

The dungeon not only requires the [Emblem of Magic] but also that the player possesses a certain type of skill.

I don't have that skill yet, and there's no way to obtain it.

"For now, I should probably focus on gathering other skills."

With that thought, I headed to the guild.

I was there to sell the magic stones I had obtained over the past few days.

While waiting in line, I suddenly heard a voice from beside me.

"I see... So, there's no party I can join at my current level..."

It was a girl's voice, soft and gentle.

Turning my gaze, I saw a cute girl with distinctive red hair that reached her shoulders, standing there with a troubled expression.

She must be a holder of the magic or healing emblem, as she was holding a staff.

The receptionist told her apologetically,

"I'm sorry. While your level is 20, since you can only use Magic Missile, it's difficult to find a party that will accept you..."

(Hmm, I see.)

The situation became a bit clearer.

She must be a holder of the [Emblem of Magic] and was given [Magic Missile] as her initial skill.

[Magic Missile] is a skill with high firepower but poor efficiency, making it difficult for beginners to handle.

It makes sense that she wouldn't be recruited by any parties if that's the only skill she has.

However, a question came to mind.

(Huh? Only one usable spell? What about her growth skills?)

Growth skills.

These are skills acquired as you level up, something that [Emblem of Void] holders don't have.

While the specific skills are random, most growth skills obtained at low levels are highly versatile.

With the [Emblem of Magic], she should have obtained her first growth skill by level 20.

Yet, the fact that she can only use [Magic Missile] was puzzling.

The answer to my question became clear with her next words.

"Yeah, it can't be helped. Even the new [Sacred Enchant] I just got, it consumes a lot of MP just to add a holy attribute? without increasing the power... Having someone like that in a party would just be a burden."

She laughed regretfully.

But upon hearing this, I couldn't help but freeze.

(Sacred Enchant...!?)

I didn't mishear.

It was the very skill I was most in need of right now.

A rare skill that can only be obtained from the inheritance shrine in a dungeon recommended for levels over 100.

To think someone at this low level would have it...

(I can't miss this chance!)

Almost reflexively, I jumped out of the line and ran to the girl.

"Hey, you there!"

"Eh? Me...?"

The girl tilted her head in confusion.

I looked at her and said firmly,

"Please! Will you go to the dungeon with me!?"

"......Huh?"

The red-haired girl let out a blank voice, clearly not understanding what was happening.

After a moment of silence, she exclaimed in surprise, "Eeeeeeh!?"

And that was how I met her—Shuna.

Thus, this chapter marks the appearance of the heroine.

Chapter 20... It's been a long journey.

[If you could, please do the following]

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Thank you very much!