Chapter 32

Today is also a three-part story. (2/3)

After attempting to use the 'Super Strength' skill twice with no effect, I was disheartened for a while.

"Damn it, what a waste! But it's strange that I can use skill orbs even though I already have the skill. Is this a side effect of other level-based skills? Or...?"

Once again, dangerous thoughts swirled in my mind.

"Maybe I'll just hunt 100 more monsters for now."

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"'Super Strength' use. Here goes!"

【Level Up】

【Level increased from 18 to 22】

I once again defeated the fourth 'Hobgoblin' of the day and picked it up.

"Maybe using it twice didn't work, but using it three times might... No, but..."

Gripping the skill orb, I suffered for the third time today. I had already wasted two skill orbs from the third 'Hobgoblin' and had to defeat one more.

"Even if I waste this, it would be a huge loss of 90 million... But, considering I didn't get any drops for a few hours, the damage is still minimal."

Well, since I'm skipping all the minor drops, I won't have anything left except the greatsword and the 'Medium Magic Stone.' I thought of various excuses but ultimately decided to use it.

"'Super Strength'... use!!"

The skill orb disappeared, and I confirmed the effect. Slightly discouraged, I checked my stats.

＊＊＊＊＊

Name: Shota Tenchi

Age: 21

Level: 22

Strength: 140 (+115)

Dexterity: 104 (+79)

Stamina: 135 (+110)

Agility: 145 (+120)

Magic: 98 (+75)

Intelligence: 118 (+95)

Luck: 282

Skills: Level Roulette, Appraisal Lv2, Appraisal Interference Lv4, Auto Mapping, Body Reinforcement Lv4, Super Strength II, Swift, Foresight, Throwing Lv1, Fire Magic Lv1, Water Magic Lv1

＊＊＊＊＊

"Alright!! All this effort wasn't in vain. There's meaning in stacking!"

If it can become II, then it might become III with more stacking...

Wait, does that mean the Level Roulette...?

No, but that's dangerous. It would just mean repeating that hell again. And not just once, but at least three times. My current 'Luck' is more than four times what it was then, but it would still take an unimaginable amount of time. At least... I need 1000 'Luck.' I don't know when, but without that much, it would be tough to fight again. Because there are at least seven levels of rare monsters among slimes. With 1000 'Luck,' based on past trends, I should be able to get the fourth rare, 'Purple.' From there... yeah, realistically, I should be able to get 'Rainbow.'

"Ah, crap. It's almost time for our appointment. I'll put the Level Roulette on hold and verify 'Super Strength II' on the way back."

◇◇◇◇◇◇◇◇

When I returned to the guild, both of them were waiting in the entrance.

"Welcome back, Shota-san!"

"Back, Maki. Aki-san too."

"I'm just along for the ride! But as I thought, it was just as I said, right?"

"True, coming back just five minutes early..."

"Aha, as expected, Aki-san..."

They have a complete grasp of my actions.

"Still, Shota-kun, you look so happy. Were you really looking forward to Maki's homemade bento?"

Aki-san's comment caused a stir. As usual, she drops a bomb. If I stay here, who knows what else she might say. I need to leave quickly.

"Well, that's part of it, but let's go inside first?"

"Yes, let's go, Shota-san."

"Hey, wait for us!"

◇◇◇◇◇◇◇◇

Clank!

Even with increased 'Strength' and 'Stamina,' this equipment is bulky and dense, making it quite heavy.

The blades are in a backpack with anti-blade measures, but they are too long, and the handles stick out. They are tied together, so they might look like one from a distance, but a closer look will reveal four.

"Shota-kun, is that...?"

"Should I settle the accounts first?"

"Please, I'm curious."

"I also find it hard to believe..."

"Aha, then I have no choice."

I'm curious about the arranged bento boxes too... But since I lost the majority vote, I have to give in. As I moved the bento boxes to the side, Maki looked apologetic.

"Sorry, Shota-san. I made a lot today, so let's eat them later?"

"...Okay."

"Good, good, you're such a foodie."

"Fufu."

Is this payback for this morning? Aki-san and Maki both patted my head.

"...I'll put the loot down."

"Blushing?"

"I won't pat you anymore."

"J, just kidding!"

"...Alright. Here are the four 'Great Steel Swords' and four 'Medium Magic Stones' from this morning."

Aki-san and Maki swallowed hard as they looked at the four sets. They looked at the backpack, expecting more, but I gestured that it was all. They didn't believe me and started checking the backpack directly.

No, I told you, there's nothing in there.

"Wait, just this!?"

"Shota-san, where are the 'Tiny Magic Stones'...?"

"I didn't bother to pick them up."

"You threw them away!?"

"No, I just moved on to the next one right after defeating them. I didn't pick them up at all."

"..."

They looked at me as if I had done something unbelievable. Really...?

"Coming back without a lot of magic stones... It's not like you, Shota-kun."

"Hey, that's my identity!"

"Fufu, just kidding, Shota-san."

"Phew, just kidding..."

"You were busy with the big ones, right? But it's still shocking that there's nothing else..."

"..."

"Aha, sorry, Shota-kun. We just couldn't believe that these four are all there... And no magic stones..."

"..."

"It's fine. I'm only good at collecting a lot of magic stones. Can I eat now that I've finished the report?"

I didn't expect to be teased so much about not having magic stones. I moved my gaze to the bento, determined not to look away until I finish eating!

"Sorry, Shota-san!"

"Just kidding. Come on, cheer up!"

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