Chapter 35

Today is also Chapter 3. (2/3)

Descending to the second floor, I looked at the forest on the map again. There was no monster reaction in that spot, just like yesterday. Since there was none when I saw it in the morning, it might be a spawn point for rare monsters.

However, there were multiple human reactions instead. ...What could it be?

I'll keep my distance for now. My gut is warning me.

"Let's look for a spot with no people first."

I've already accumulated the necessary level. I want to clear it as soon as possible.

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"Sure enough, there are more spawn points for the 'Murder Rabbits.'"

While filling in the four corners of the map, I picked out a few forests that seemed promising. The first two were places where goblins and killer rabbits coexisted, which were troublesome. But the third one was a peaceful forest with no monsters at all. I turned off 'Swift' and ran around inside, mapping the entire forest. Sure enough, there was the same square in the center. No one would come here.

I activated the gacha and pressed '10 Gacha.'

*Jingle, jingle, jingle!*

One purple, four red, and five blue. The same lineup as last time. It seems that with my 'Luck' approaching 300, I'm guaranteed at least one purple.

* * * * *

Name: Shota Tenchi

Age: 21

Level: 2

Strength: 135 (+129)

Dexterity: 130 (+124)

Toughness: 124 (+118)

Agility: 126 (+120)

Magic: 97 (+93)

Intelligence: 125 (+121)

Luck: 282

Skills: Level Gacha, Appraisal Lv2, Appraisal Interference Lv4, Auto Mapping, Body Enhancement Lv4, Super Strength II, Swift, Precognition, Swordsmanship Lv1, Throwing Lv1, Fire Magic Lv1, Water Magic Lv1

* * * * *

"Swordsmanship!? What is this, it must be super strong. Let's check it out."

*Skill Holder: Increases understanding of swords based on level. It is believed to apply to most weapons with 'sword' in the name. Market price: Unknown.*

"It's vague. But if the price is unknown, it might not be in circulation, or there might be too few holders to verify it."

I'm the type who wants to experiment and verify unknown things, so I can understand the struggles of the people who made these reports.

I tried swinging a sword casually.

"Whoa..."

It's hard to describe in words how it changed. It feels like my 'senses' have expanded. That might be the best way to put it.

Next, I imagined the monsters I've fought and the movements to counter them. It seemed like my body was simulating the best movements on its own.

Slimes, goblins, killer rabbits. Single combat, and group combat when surrounded. Situations that would have been troublesome before now seemed easy to handle.

I imagined a well-built 'Hobgoblin' and slashed the air multiple times.

I imagined the overwhelming speed of the 'Murder Rabbits' and swung the sword in sync with their movements.

Sometimes, I imagined a clash with a 'Hobgoblin' and a high-speed battle with a 'Murder Rabbit.' In all these scenarios, I had the upper hand.

As I continued to simulate, something else began to bother me.

It's something I hadn't thought about before, but now I feel like I can do it.

"...Alright."

I walked up to a tree and swung the sword horizontally.

The sword cleanly cut through the target, and the tree collapsed with a thud.

Before getting the skill, I never thought about cutting a tree. No, I didn't think it was possible, even with the 'Super Strength' skill.

But after getting the skill, I can 'predict' how the sword will behave. This is a significant improvement.

"Understanding of swords... Then, I need to test it in combat."

I dashed out of the forest.

◇◇◇◇◇◇◇◇

*Swish!*

*Zap!*

*Zap!*

Swinging the sword like mowing grass, the heads of the killer rabbits fell to the ground.

While using 'Swift,' I couldn't one-shot them due to their low position, but after acquiring 'Swordsmanship,' I naturally mastered the proper body movements for handling the sword.

And this was the 100th one.

The smoke began to move and entered the forest in front of me.

I used 'Swift' and ran at the same speed as the smoke, avoiding trees and underbrush with practiced movements.

The smoke reached the center of the square and dissipated, revealing the rare monster.

It seems that the time it takes for a rare monster to appear varies by type.

"Hey, it's been a while. I'm here for revenge."

*Giiii!*

Revenge is mutual, it seems.

The 'Murder Rabbit' let out a shrill cry and disappeared from sight, probably entering a blind spot.

"It's this way."

*Bang!*

*Gii!?*

I saw this attack method yesterday. I won't make the same mistake.

I deflected its horn with my sword and kicked its lower jaw.

Thanks to 'Swift,' I could predict its movements from the moment it started moving. I could see it clearly without even using 'Precognition.'

'Swift' increases running speed, but the basic aspects like leg spring remain unaffected and default. Therefore, when trying to turn at a right angle, there is inevitably a slowdown. It takes time to accelerate again, during which the speed is normal.

So if the opponent doesn't come straight, paying attention to the sides will naturally reveal their movements. However, if the 'Agility' stat is high enough, it's not a problem... Unfortunately, the 'Murder Rabbit's' 'Agility' isn't that high.

"From now on, stronger enemies will appear. I need to be able to handle this speed without 'Precognition.'"

*Gyuuu!*

"Come on, show me more of your speed!"

And 10 minutes later.

We clashed in the square, but the difference was decisive.

The 'Murder Rabbit's' horns were chipped in places, and one was completely broken off at the base. As for me, I was breathing heavily but had no significant injuries. My 'Spirit' remained unbroken, still radiating its captivating glow.

The 'Murder Rabbit' fell and disappeared in a puff of smoke.

It was a good training partner.

【Level Up】

【Level increased from 12 to 27】

"About 7 minutes until complete disappearance. It must be due to the opponent's level."

The drops were two intact horns, despite being broken and battered, as well as fur, a 'Medium Magic Stone,' and a 'Skill: Swift' skill orb.

"With this, Maki's exclusive status is secured."

I wanted to use it to upgrade to 'Swift II,' but to ensure I bring one back, I'll put this in my backpack.

To the readers,

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