Chapter 20

Since I achieved the number one spot on the low-fantasy weekly ranking, I'm posting three episodes today. (This is the second one.)

I'll post four episodes tomorrow.

"Hmm, I'm still curious about it."

While hunting goblins and killer rabbits, I couldn't concentrate very well.

One reason was that I was using a knife because my sword had broken, but I was also tired. However, the main reason was the existence of 'Agility' in my backpack.

When I had 'Super Strength,' I didn't think to investigate it, so I decided to bring it back. But with 'Agility,' I could check everything, including the effects, abilities, and even the drawbacks, all through the app. That's why I couldn't stop thinking about how it would feel to use this skill myself. I wondered what kind of scenery I would see. Even if it meant putting off the exclusive contract with Maki.

"......Since I have two weeks to spare, if I get used to the skill before the rematch, I'm sure I can win more easily. The drop rate of skills should be quite high at this rate. ...Should I use it, then?"

I was lost in thought for a while, but I made up my mind in about 30 seconds.

"Alright, I'll use it!"

Since I'm curious, there's no helping it. I can always get it again if I need to!

Feeling resolved, I eagerly acquired the skill and immediately started running.

◇◇◇◇◇◇◇◇

"Phew, that was close. I thought I might not be able to stop without crashing like that guy, but it wasn't the case."

After experiencing the speed increase several times while running.

The app didn't mention it, but I remembered how to use the 'Murder Rabbit' and felt a chill. I had accelerated to about four times my normal speed, not just three, before I realized it.

However, I eventually figured out that I could control my speed to some extent. I could slow down by focusing on it, and speed up by focusing on it. This skill seemed to be quite flexible.

"That rabbit couldn't handle it properly."

I think it can move even faster, but it felt dangerous. Probably, my 'Toughness' isn't enough. If I push it further, my legs will probably break, I'll fall over, and I'll end up tumbling. In the worst case, I might die.

I limited this test to one lap around the forest and then started hunting monsters again.

"How should I use this in battle...? If I can reach top speed instantly, I can use it to dodge, but I also need to use deceleration to avoid going too far and not being able to stop."

Imagining myself flying off during a battle, I kept testing and fighting monsters. Before I knew it, my level had risen to 11 again.

"I don't want to stop yet because it's not fully formed, but I don't want to waste experience points."

Thinking this, I opened the map and saw a human reaction nearby.

Since there were no monster reactions in the forest, I went a bit deeper and used the skill. I pressed the final "10 Draws" button.

*Clunk clunk clunk*

One purple, two red, and seven blue appeared.

*Red (R) Strength +5*

*Red (R) Dexterity +5*

*Red (R) Toughness +3*

*Red (R) Agility +5*

*Red (R) Magic +3*

*Red (R) Magic +5*

*Red (R) Intelligence +3*

*Super Rare (SR) Dexterity +12*

*Super Rare (SR) Skill: Appraisal Interference Lv1*

*Super Super Rare (SSR) Agility +30*

* * * * *

Name: Shota Tenchi

Age: 21

Level: 1

Strength: 92 (+88)

Dexterity: 77 (+73)

Toughness: 68 (+64)

Agility: 106 (+102)

Magic: 71 (+69)

Intelligence: 71 (+69)

Luck: 200

Skills: Level Draw, Appraisal Lv2, Appraisal Interference Lv4, Auto Mapping, Body Reinforcement Lv3, Agility, Precognition, Throwing Lv1, Fire Magic Lv1, Water Magic Lv1

* * * * *

*Box Remaining: 0/100*

"The SSR stat boost is insane. Thanks to it, my 'Agility' is in the triple digits! It's a shame no new skills came up, but with these numbers, I should have gotten the equivalent of 10 R-level boosts, so I should have made up for it. Still, 'Appraisal Interference' keeps coming up... With 200 Luck, this must be a good thing... But what is 'Appraisal Interference'? Does it interfere with someone else's 'Appraisal'?"

As I was thinking this, the capsule toy machine suddenly emitted a light.

"Whoa, what's happening!?"

I was blinded by the intense light, but it quickly subsided, and the capsule toy machine returned to its normal appearance.

Or rather, it had changed in various ways.

First, the color of the machine.

I hadn't really noticed before, but the body was usually pure white. Now, it had a bluish tint, reminiscent of the R-frame capsules or blue slimes.

Next, the poster on the front had changed.

*Version Update! The effects of enhancement items have been increased!*

*Version Update! The level consumption for draws has increased from 1 to 2!*

*Version Update! Due to long-term usage patterns, single draws have been removed!*

*Version Update! The maximum number of draws has increased because you used only '10 Draws' to consume the box!*

*10 Draws will now guarantee at least 3 SR or higher items!*

*Box Remaining: 110/110*

"...I'm happy that the effects of enhancement items have increased, but the price hike is a shock! Still, I avoided the situation where I would need to get the gacha skill again to reset the box... That's good news, I guess..."

Still, this change seems to be based on the user's usage patterns...

Considering that the level consumption will continue to increase, using single draws as my level increased might have been more convenient, even if it was a hassle. But because I used only '10 Draws,' the maximum number of draws increased. If I had kept using single draws, the maximum number might have decreased.

If I had taken the easy way out, I might have faced a painful backlash later...

"Well, that's just speculation... Anyway, I'm glad it's not a bad change."

So, from now on, I need to reach level 21 to use the gacha.

With my stats being quite high, I might be able to level up relatively easily by defeating stronger enemies. Especially rare monsters seem to give a lot of experience points when hunted at low levels. However, to target rare monsters, I need to draw the gacha just before encountering one, which is quite roundabout if I wait until level 21.

...Yeah. It's too much trouble, so I'll prioritize hunting rare monsters. With my current stats and skill combination, I think I can handle whatever comes after 'Hobgoblin.'

"Hey, you there!"

"Huh?"

While thinking about my future plans, someone called out to me again.

To the readers,

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