Chapter 15

A monster named Trent. One could say that its appearance is almost nothing more than a tree.

Upon closer inspection, it is slightly thicker and shorter than the surrounding trees.

However, finding this thing among the trees should be quite difficult.

As the saying goes, if you want to hide a tree, put it in a forest. But—

"Once the seed cracks, it's all over."

I don't know if it can move from this spot, but as a tree, it should be impossible for it to move nimbly.

Indeed, Trent did not move from its spot but waved its branches at me.

While the rigid branches swayed like whips, I felt a sense of unease, but in the end, it's just a tree.

A mere tree branch, after all, can be cut down easily.

"Shh—"

With the momentum of cutting the branch, I crouched low and ran.

I felt the remaining branches' attacks pass over my head as I approached Trent.

Aiming for a slight depression that looked somewhat like a face, I swung my blade.

"—Sword of Life"

But simply slashing wouldn't be enough.

I decided to use the skill I learned yesterday to level up.

I reduced my own HP and wrapped my sword in a faint golden phosphorescence.

The blade I swung then deeply cut into Trent's trunk.

However, as a tree, it was quite tough and still had HP left.

Still, if it's slow, one more hit should be enough.

"Sword of Deprivation!"

This time, I wrapped the returning blade in a black mist.

The blade I swung then carved deeper into the wound from before, leaving a deeper scar.

Although the wound was shallower than when I used the Sword of Life, in terms of level, I was far superior.

Trent, unable to withstand the second hit, collapsed on the spot, breaking at the wound.

"Your level has increased. Please allocate your status points."

"The skill level of 'Sword' has increased."

"The skill level of 'Sword of Life' has increased."

"The skill level of 'Sword of Deprivation' has increased."

"Hmm, not a very challenging opponent, but the skills are excellent."

"...If you're ambushed by a Trent, you should keep your distance and take it down from a distance. But, I've seen you use powerful skills."

"Indeed. It was worth learning. Being able to reduce my own HP is also convenient."

After all, there's no point in using the Sword of Deprivation if I don't reduce my HP.

I occasionally used it before, but the difference is like night and day since I learned the Sword of Life.

Using the Sword of Deprivation does consume some MP, but it naturally recovers with 'Automatic MP Recovery.'

I should be fully recovered by the time the next battle starts.

"I've heard of the dojo. They say it teaches the basics to players who aren't familiar with weapons. But I've never heard of them teaching such skills."

"Is that so? I was taught normally."

"Maybe there are some conditions..."

Iori muttered, looking puzzled, but I had a pretty good idea.

There are two possibilities. One is having the prerequisite skill for the Sword of Deprivation—or the three magic swords in general.

The other is winning a mock battle against the instructors.

Honestly, I don't think other players can do it easily.

They cut my trump card, the secret technique of the Kugenshinryu school.

In short, without mastering any of those techniques, it would be difficult for Hizuru to face them.

I wonder what level those guys were.

"Well, someone will figure it out eventually."

"Aren't you going to investigate?"

"I'm not interested. It's not like I care if I'm the only one who can use them... It would be a waste of time to spend on such things when I have precious play time."

"Understood. It's your choice, after all."

Iori doesn't seem to blame me for my stance.

Even though we're having a somewhat complicated conversation, she doesn't seem to want to pry too much.

If she maintains this stance both in real life and in the game, I'll try not to say too much unnecessary stuff.

After all, too much distracting talk might get in her way.

"Anyway, let's move on. Our goal isn't just the random enemies around here."

"Yes, I understand."

As I started walking, Iori followed me, slightly flustered.

She seems to be trying to use the naginata basics I taught her, even if she's still inexperienced.

I think she can handle herself if attacked alone, but she'll probably get worn down over time, so it might be tough to leave her alone.

"Well... let's have some fun."

With Iori behind me, I smiled slightly at the corner of my mouth.

* * * * *

"The skill level of 'Enhancement Magic' has increased."

"The skill level of 'Sword of Life' has increased."

To be honest, the journey here wasn't very interesting.

The monsters in the northern plains are stronger, after all.

Even there, they were only that strong, so there's not much to expect from this forest, which is said to be weaker.

Spiders, boars, and trees are just that when their seeds crack.

That's why the only thing to look forward to is what lies beyond these stone pillars.

"Is there anything to be careful about?"

"Yes, the Greater Forest Spider not only attacks with its front legs and bites but also shoots threads from the tip of its abdomen. If you get caught in the threads, it's difficult to cut them with a blade."

I nodded, processing Iori's words.

It's a bit puzzling that the spiders we've encountered so far haven't used threads, but if they can only shoot from their abdomen, it's manageable.

"Also, there are eggs scattered around the field, and after a certain amount of time, Forest Spiders will appear. If left alone, the field will be overrun with spiders."

"...That's a sight I don't want to see."

"Agreed. So, I'll go around and crush these eggs."

"While I fight the boss, right?"

If it means less trouble, I have no objections.

Honestly, standing next to her with her level of skill would only be a hindrance.

I don't intend to say that to her face, though.

"Is there anything else?"

"Also... I think you should be careful of the bite attack. It can poison you."

"Poison, huh. Yeah, that would be a hassle."

If worst comes to worst, I can use the Sword of Deprivation to keep healing, but it would slow me down.

I involuntarily frowned, remembering the miserable experience with the old man.

I don't plan to be that sloppy, but it's better not to get hit.

Of course, I don't intend to get hit by such a large attack.

"Well, I'll manage. Is that all the precautions?"

"Yes, that's all. Without the flanking, it's weaker than the boss in the northern plains."

"Right, that's a relief. Just being weak wouldn't be interesting."

A fight without tension is boring.

That's why I have no interest in weak opponents, but if it uses flanking, it's a different story.

If it tries to compensate for the power difference with various tactics, it would be satisfying to figure out and defeat it.

Still, I don't expect such a ruthless opponent in this early stage of the forest.

"Alright, let's go."

"Yes, please take care."

Iori nodded, tense, as I spoke.

Satisfied that she was properly prepared, I walked with her to the other side of the stone pillar.

I immediately sensed a change in the air.

The presence of the animals that lived in the forest, which I had felt in the previous area, had vanished.

It was as if this place was a model forest, devoid of any living presence.

"They're coming... 'Enchant: Fire'!"

"Hmm? An 'Enchantment Spell'?"

A spacious area without trees.

As soon as we stepped into it, Iori cast an enchantment spell on both our weapons.

The two weapons were enveloped in red flames, but the handles remained cool, so it shouldn't hinder our movements.

"Its weakness is fire. Please be careful."

"Right, I'll make sure to meet your expectations."

While preparing my own magic, I walked to the center of the clearing.

The leaves of the surrounding trees were thinly coated with a white, cocoon-like substance.

It seemed to be spider silk.

Upon closer inspection, there were several white objects scattered around the trees with the white silk.

Those must be the eggs Iori mentioned.

There are nearly twenty of them. If they all hatched at once, it would be a hassle.

Still, it could be an interesting fight, but with Iori here, I shouldn't take unnecessary risks.

And the one who laid the silk and eggs—

"Up there."

Sensing something falling from above, I smiled and readied my sword.

It must have been weaving a web above the clearing.

What came down was a giant black spider, about three meters wide.

■Greater Forest Spider

Type: Insect, Monster

Level: 8

Status: Active

Attribute: None

Battle Position: Ground, Tree

It raised its two sharp, scythe-like front legs and glared at us with eight red eyes, warning us.

Indeed, this is a rather intimidating sight for arachnophobes.

It's black, but not unnaturally so. If it were hiding in the shadows of the forest, it would be hard to spot.

Of course, now that it's in the clearing, its color is meaningless.

Regardless of its ecology, I don't care. I'll just enjoy the fight.

"—Sharp Edge!"

With a smile, I cast the enhancement spell.

Even a small boost in attack power is beneficial.

While considering how to dismantle it, I swung my sword, now wrapped in two colors of phosphorescence, at the giant spider.

■Avatar Name: Quon

■Gender: Male

■Race: Human

■Level: 9

■Status (Remaining Status Points: 0)

STR: 15

VIT: 12

INT: 15

MND: 12

AGI: 11

DEX: 11

■Skills

Weapon Skill: Sword: Lv.9

Magic Skill: Enhancement Magic: Lv.7

Set Skill: Death Point Strike: Lv.7

Automatic HP Recovery: Lv.3

Automatic MP Recovery: Lv.3

Sword of Deprivation: Lv.5

Identification: Lv.8

Sword of Life: Lv.4

Sub Skill: Mining: Lv.1

Demon-Slaying Sword: Lv.1

■Current SP: 4