Chapter 54

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

"The skill level of 《Sword》 has increased."

"The skill level of 《Enhancement Magic》 has increased."

"The skill level of 《Sword of Life》 has increased."

"The skill level of 《Identification》 has increased."

"The skill level of 《HP Auto Recovery》 has increased."

"The level of the tamed monster 《Lumina》 has increased."

We could see the fortress from a distance, but since we had a destination in mind, we didn't hesitate to stray far from the road, and before we knew it, the sun had set.

Well, thanks to that, our levels have gone up, but it's about time to log out.

If we could get inside that fortress, that would be great, but if not, we'll have to use the camping items.

I have a basic set, as recommended by Eleonora, but the items that Hima has are apparently of a higher grade.

If it comes to it, I'll have to rely on Hima. I don't know how the grade affects performance, though.

In any case, just as the sun was about to set, we finally arrived at the northeastern fortress.

The fortress, illuminated by the sunset, casts a long shadow on the foothills of the mountain.

It's a large and sturdy fortress. It's clearly designed for some kind of battle, not just for show.

I heard there's a checkpoint nearby that serves as a border with the neighboring country, so this fortress is probably meant to guard against the neighboring country.

The gate of the fortress is not closed, which means they're not on high alert—but there are still a few soldiers standing in front of it.

It's a national and military facility, so I wonder if we can actually get inside.

With that in mind, as we approached the fortress, one of the soldiers called out to us.

"Stop, who are you?"

"We are travelers from a foreign land. We would like to rest here at this fortress. Is that possible?"

"Foreigners? Why are foreigners here...? Do you have any proof of your identity?"

At the wary words of the soldier, we exchanged glances.

The fortress doesn't seem to be damaged at all. It looks like it hasn't been used in a war.

This fortress seems to be for watching the border with the neighboring country, but it doesn't look like they've ever been in a war with them.

Well, it's a good thing they're not in a tense relationship with the neighboring country. I don't want to think about human wars even in a game.

In any case, what we need is some form of identification.

But in the real world, sure, but I don't remember getting any kind of ID in this game world.

Is there anything?

"Do you have any identification... Teacher, do you have anything?"

"I was actually counting on you for that. Until now, everyone trusted us just by seeing Lumina..."

The soldiers here also did a double-take at Lumina, and they seem to know she's not human.

But this time, just seeing Lumina wasn't enough to gain their trust.

Well, she has evolved into a spirit, so maybe that's different from when she was a fairy.

In any case, we need some form of identification. I looked through my inventory—then I noticed one item.

"How about this?"

"A knight's emblem? This is... the Knight Commander's!?"

What I took out was the emblem of the knights given to me by the Knight Commander.

I used it in a previous event, but since then, it had just been sitting in my inventory.

But it was given to me by the Knight Commander to prove our identity.

So, maybe it can be used here too.

I thought and handed it over, and the soldier, in response, widened his eyes in surprise and examined the back of the emblem.

There must be something written there that can identify who gave it to us.

"Indeed, this is Sir Christoph's emblem... Why do you, a foreigner, have this?"

"When we defeated a demon before, I collected the remains of the fallen knights. This was given to me then."

"A demon? So you're Captain Rambert's... I understand. Please wait a moment while I take this."

Unlike his earlier wary demeanor, the soldier became much more polite, nodded to another soldier, and disappeared into the fortress.

He must be checking with a superior.

I didn't expect this, but if this works, we might be able to get a room.

"Teacher, you have such a rare item. I've never heard of it before?"

"Yes, it's related to a world quest. I didn't expect to use it like this."

Life is full of surprises.

But from the looks of it, it will take some time to confirm.

Even if it's not wartime, this is not a place that's open to the public.

It shouldn't be a place where just anyone can enter.

So, we have some time to kill. While thinking about what to do next, I suddenly asked Lumina a question.

"Hey, Lumina. What happens to you while we're logged out?"

"Hmm? I usually sleep inside the familiar crystal."

"Ah, yeah, usually. But what I'm asking is, what happens if you don't turn into a crystal?"

Lumina, or rather, tamed monsters, can transform into a familiar crystal.

In that state, they can be stored in the inventory, so they stay in the crystal while we're logged out.

But what happens if they don't? I never thought about it before because there was no particular benefit, but now, there's a purpose for training.

Whether she knew about my thoughts or not, Lumina tilted her head and spoke.

"In that case, I'll just stay as I am. I'll wait for you to come back."

"Hmm... Lumina. If that's the case, how about you practice while we're gone?"

"Hmm?"

"Wait, Teacher, isn't that a bit too much...?"

In response to my suggestion, Hima protested with a half-lidded eye, but I decided it would be a waste to reduce Lumina's training time now.

After all, her movements have improved so much just by leveling up.

I want to improve her movements as much as possible. Since she's still at the very basics, it's very important to solidify this foundation.

"Right now, I'm teaching you the basics of sword grip, swing, and walking. While we're logged out, I want you to practice these and one more technique. What do you think?"

"Um... if I do that, can I become like Father?"

"Hmm? Well, you'll definitely get much closer."

"Okay, I'll do it!"

"Good answer."

It seems she's fully motivated.

If that's the case, the next question is how to allocate the training and what to do about meals during that time.

Well, I have various types of food, including preserved food, so we shouldn't run out during the time we're logged out.

"Alright, I'll leave the allocation to you, Hima. Make sure to teach her properly."

"Alright... I guess that's fine. But what technique are you going to teach her? Flowing Water?"

"No, Bamboo Split. It's easier to practice alone if you prepare for it."

Bamboo Split is the foundation of the hard form, and Flowing Water is the foundation of the soft form.

Both are the first techniques learned when learning sword techniques.

But Flowing Water is a technique for deflecting, so it's difficult to practice alone.

If she's going to practice alone, it's better to teach her Bamboo Split.

Hima nodded with a slightly exasperated expression after hearing my words.

"Oh, that's why you bought all that stuff at Yagami's... I understand. I'll think about the menu."

"Thanks. And... they're coming back."

As I turned my gaze towards the approaching presence, the soldier who had gone to confirm something was returning.

He doesn't seem as wary as before, so it doesn't look like it's a bad result, but let's see what happens.

"Sorry to keep you waiting!"

"No, we just showed up unexpectedly. Even if we can't get a room, it would be enough to stay on the grounds."

"Yes, just not having to use the monster repellent would be a big help."

"No, no, we can't do that to a benefactor of the Kingdom Knights! We're happy to provide you with a room. But—"

At the added words, I narrowed my eyes.

There must be some condition attached. Well, as long as it's not too unreasonable, I don't intend to refuse.

With a slight wariness, I waited, and the soldier spoke with a slightly apologetic tone.

"Please speak with our commander when you return."

"Hmm? We're just humble foreigners... Do you have something to ask?"

"Teacher, humble...?"

I ignored Hima's muttering and asked the soldier.

He chuckled and replied.

"We can't call you humble after you've earned the trust of the Knight Commander. We want to hear about the recent demon attack."

"About the demon invasion? I'm not an expert on demons, so I don't think it will be very useful."

"We want to rely on your firsthand experience."

I nodded and thought about it.

I don't know how much they can rely on it, but if they just want to hear it, I don't mind.

Demons are a matter of life and death for them. I'm also curious about how this fortress plans to respond.

If I can learn about that, I have no objection.

"...Understood. I'll speak with you when I return."

"Thank you. Please follow me."

Led by the soldier, we stepped into the fortress.

The interior, sturdy and practical, gave a good impression as a place to entrust one's life during war.

We were led to a room in the corner of the fortress.

It looked more like a well-maintained guest room than a room for soldiers.

Perhaps it's for guests or officers. I didn't expect to use such a room.

"Can we really use such a nice room? I feel bad."

"No, we can't let you into the soldiers' quarters, and this was the only clean room with two beds."

Well, this room has two beds, so it makes sense.

I glanced sideways and saw Hima looking unusually stiff.

"Hey, Hima—"

"It's fine! It's fine, I'm totally fine!"

"Alright, I get it. Let's use it gratefully."

"Yes, please have a good rest."

With a wry smile at Hima's suspicious behavior, the soldier bowed and left.

I sighed and stepped into the room.

There's not much time left before we log out, so we can't waste any time.

"Hey, idiot, stop spacing out. How about you start teaching Lumina?"

"Ouch! Hey... don't hit me so casually."

Hima, who was lightly hit on the head, grumbled but led Lumina to the spacious area of the room.

I took out a few tools from my inventory.

First, a wooden sword made for Lumina's practice, and a wooden pole with a stand.

The pole, straight and reaching the ceiling, is very flexible and smooth.

It's a simple homemade item, but it's used for Bamboo Split training.

"Hima, let Lumina use that wooden sword. It's light, so it's good for her current practice."

"Ah, thank you. By the way, is this... for Bamboo Split?"

"Yes. Show her an example."

I handed Hima another wooden sword, the size of a katana.

She nodded and called Lumina over, pointing the wooden sword at the pole.

"Okay, Lumina. I'm going to teach you one of the basics of the sword techniques you wanted to learn from the Eternal Spirit School."

"Really?"

"Yes. It's good for learning the basics. This pole is very flexible and smooth. So, if you touch it normally—"

As she said, Hima poked the pole with the tip of the wooden sword.

Naturally, the pole slipped and wobbled.

If you do it normally, this is what happens. But Bamboo Split, the foundation of the hard form, is different.

"The pole will slip to the side. But the foundation of the hard form, Bamboo Split, is—"

Sword technique—hard form, Bamboo Split.

Hima's swift strike—hit the pole head-on and stopped perfectly.

It caught the center of the pole and stuck to the blade without any extra force.

This technique prevents the opponent's deflecting circular motion by applying force vertically.

It helps to learn precise and delicate force control, which is the foundation of the Eternal Spirit School.

"By hitting accurately without wasting any force, you can transmit all your power to the opponent. It's the principle behind all techniques."

"Um... it's difficult."

"Yes, it's difficult. I don't expect you to be able to do it right away, Lumina. But you have genuine enthusiasm. If you do, you'll definitely be able to do it eventually."

At Hima's words, Lumina's eyes widened slightly, and a determined fire lit in her eyes.

Indeed, this child's resolve is not half-hearted.

Lumina really wants to wield a sword like me.

"I'll do my best...!"

"That's the spirit. But follow the menu properly. Honestly, you're not ready for this yet, so start with practice swings and walking."

"Okay, Miss."

At the term Lumina used, Hima froze with wide eyes.

In reality, a few of her students also call Hima—Asuka—by that term.

She has a good nature and is easy to be looked up to by her juniors.

I chuckled and took out some food from my inventory.

Preserved food and long-lasting items. Lumina, being a spirit, doesn't eat much, so it shouldn't be a problem.

"Alright, Lumina, practice well. I'm looking forward to it."

"Okay, Father!"

"Good answer. Hima, let's log out."

"Okay..."

With Hima, who was called "Miss" even in the game, feeling a bit conflicted, we each lay on our beds.

I gently patted Lumina's head and pressed the log out button.

■Avatar Name: Quon

■Gender: Male

■Race: Human

■Level: 18

■Status (Remaining Status Points: 0)

STR: 19

VIT: 16

INT: 19

MND: 16

AGI: 12

DEX: 12

■Skills

Weapon Skill: 《Sword: Lv.18》

Magic Skill: 《Enhancement Magic: Lv.13》

Set Skill: 《Dead Point Strike: Lv.13》

《MP Auto Recovery: Lv.8》

《Plundering Sword: Lv.10》

《Identification: Lv.13》

《Sword of Life: Lv.12》

《Demon Slaying Sword: Lv.5》

《Tame: Lv.6》

《HP Auto Recovery: Lv.7》

Sub Skill: 《Mining: Lv.1》

Title Skill: 《Fairy's Blessing》

■Current SP: 18

■Avatar Name: Hima

■Gender: Female

■Race: Human

■Level: 21

■Status (Remaining Status Points: 0)

STR: 22

VIT: 14

INT: 19

MND: 17

AGI: 14

DEX: 14

■Skills

Weapon Skill: 《Sword: Lv.21》

Magic Skill: 《Fire Magic: Lv.15》

Set Skill: 《Battle Aura: Lv.16》

《Spell Charge: Lv.9》

《Fire Attribute Enhancement: Lv.12》

《Healing Proficiency: Lv.8》

《Identification: Lv.13》

《Dead Point Strike: Lv.11》

《Martial Arts: Lv.14》

《Combat Skills: Lv.14》

《Endurance: Lv.12》

Sub Skill: 《Gathering: Lv.7》

《Mining: Lv.4》

Title Skill: 《Scarlet Sword Maiden》

■Current SP: 20

■Monster Name: Lumina

■Gender: Female

■Race: Sprite

■Level: 5

■Status (Remaining Status Points: 0)

STR: 13

VIT: 11

INT: 27

MND: 19

AGI: 15

DEX: 14

■Skills

Weapon Skill: None

Magic Skill: 《Light Magic》

Skill: 《Light Attribute Enhancement》

《Flight》

《High Magic Resistance》

《Low Physical Resistance》

《MP Auto Major Recovery》

《Wind Magic》

Title Skill: 《Servant of the Spirit King》