Chapter 59

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

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

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

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

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

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

"The skill level of 《Life Force Manipulation》 has increased."

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

"…I’m tired, though."

"Hmm. I agree with you this time. A mixed group of ants and monkeys was probably too much."

Fizhen, slumping to the ground, spoke, and I nodded with a wry smile.

Lumina, who had accompanied us in this battle, was also completely exhausted, lying on her back.

It was quite suitable for gaining experience, but when the monkeys joined in, we felt the danger of a total wipeout.

Still, thanks to that, we were able to gain experience at a high pace.

Lumina’s level has already increased. It’s troublesome, but it seems to be an excellent place for grinding.

"What about those ants…"

"Hmm. They seem to attack when we get close to that area."

We had ventured into the depths of the mountain, away from the mountain path.

Those ants would always appear and attack in groups when we got close to that side.

Considering their behavior, it’s not just at night.

It’s likely that stepping into that area is the condition for their appearance.

"Moreover, their names…"

"Hmm? What’s wrong with their names?"

"It said ‘Pawn.’ They’re chess pieces, right? So—"

"Ah… I see, you mean there might be higher-level species, right?"

If we assume that higher-level species exist, then ‘Pawn’ would be the lowest rank.

We can handle those ants because they’re not that strong individually.

But if they were higher-level species, we’d be in trouble.

"Hmm… There might be a nest of ants deeper in that area, and perhaps even higher-level ants."

"I don’t think it’s impossible. But we can’t confirm it right now."

"Indeed… We can’t advance further unless we can clear the Pawns while moving forward."

I nodded in response to Fizhen’s words and shrugged.

In our current situation, we can only retreat and fight the Pawns. It’s impossible to advance while fighting.

If higher-level species appear, it would be almost impossible to clear the area.

"Well, there’s nothing we can do for now. It’s not like our goal is to clear that area."

"That’s true. So, sir, it’s about time—"

"Ah!"

Just as Fizhen was about to ask, Lumina, who had suddenly stood up, let out a sudden exclamation.

Fizhen and I, with wide eyes, turned to look at her, and we saw that Lumina had suddenly started practicing her sword swings.

Seeing her movements, we couldn’t help but hold our breath.

Lumina’s sword skills, including her body movements, had clearly improved—no, evolved to a new level.

She had shown rapid growth with each level-up, but this was on a different level.

"What’s going on, Lumina? You’ve suddenly improved a lot."

"Father, I can use a skill now!"

"What, a skill?"

Lumina’s speech had become clearer, and I couldn’t help but tilt my head.

But since she mentioned a skill, it was probably her own skill.

I decided this and checked Lumina’s status screen.

■Monster Name: Lumina

■Gender: Female

■Race: Sprite

■Level: 10

■Status (Remaining Status Points: 0)

STR: 18

VIT: 12

INT: 28

MND: 19

AGI: 17

DEX: 15

■Skills

Weapon Skill: 《Sword》

Magic Skill: 《Light Magic》

Skill: 《Light Attribute Enhancement》

《Flight》

《High Magic Resistance》

《Low Physical Resistance》

《MP Auto Recovery (High)》

《Wind Magic》

Title Skill: 《Servant of the Spirit King》

I allocated the status points and rechecked the skills.

The changes were clear. She had acquired the 《Sword》 skill, which she didn’t have before.

It seems she learned a new skill upon reaching level 10.

Previously, she had learned new skills through evolution, but it seems that level-ups can also trigger similar events.

I couldn’t determine if it was a coincidence or because she reached level 10.

"Indeed, you’ve learned the 《Sword》 skill. Did you learn it with this level-up?"

"Your strikes from different stances have also improved significantly. Not only that, but your weight shifting has also become much better… Is this the effect of learning a skill?"

"I could do it from the start… I didn’t feel the difference from learning a skill."

"True. But it seems to have raised Lumina’s overall level, right?"

"Hmm… Well, it’s a problem if she’s taught other forms without my permission, but it seems she can only do what I’ve taught her, so it’s fine."

If it’s just a matter of increased proficiency, it’s not much different from previous level-ups.

The growth from level-ups and the growth from learning skills combined to achieve this significant improvement.

In any case, she should now have the skills of a swordsman, even if not a master of the Kugenshin To-Ryu.

She should be able to handle a single monkey on her own.

"Good job. Alright, Lumina. From now on, you can fight on your own, but only when I say it’s okay."

"Ah… Yes, sir!"

"Fizhen, make sure not to overburden her. But you don’t need to be right next to her."

"I understand. I’ll observe and adjust her training accordingly."

Well, to be honest, it’s a bit lenient training, but we don’t need to be overly protective like before.

We’ve been training her to be able to fight on her own.

We’ve already had her fight alongside Fizhen and taught her the basics of close combat.

With her current level, she should be able to handle herself.

First, she needs to gain experience fighting on her own.

"Well, anyway—congratulations, I suppose."

"Eh…?"

"Your skill appearing is undoubtedly the result of your hard work."

The appearance of the 《Sword》 skill is not a coincidence.

Lumina has been seriously practicing swordsmanship, which is why she was able to learn this skill.

Her effort and passion were undoubtedly genuine.

Even with the characteristics of the Sprite race, she wouldn’t have come this far without that passion.

"Good job, Lumina."

"Ah… Thank you, Father. Really, thank you."

Lumina, slightly lowering her gaze, sheathed her short sword and approached me.

Lumina, who had grown to the size of a child in the upper elementary school years, grabbed my clothes and leaned her forehead against my stomach.

Her voice was slightly trembling, but it was filled with strong trust.

"Really… Thank you so much. Father, I’m grateful."

"…What’s wrong? You’re being quite dramatic, Lumina."

"Because Father raised me… Because you recognized what I wanted to do, I was able to grow this much."

Hearing those words, I opened my eyes slightly and then chuckled.

Indeed, it started with Lumina’s stubbornness.

It was insane for a small fairy to wield a sword. Normally, it would have been rejected and that would have been the end of it.

But I allowed it. I found her serious dreams and aspirations appealing.

"You chose your path with determination. I just recognized it. The power you’ve gained is yours. Be proud of it."

"Um… I understand, Father."

Lumina looked up and smiled happily.

I chuckled at her appearance and turned to Fizhen.

"Well, let’s call it a day for today."

"Really? I thought you’d say to do one more set."

"The enemies here take time to handle. Besides, it’s good to give her some training."

"Ah, that’s true."

Lumina has grown, but there are still opportunities for her to grow.

If so, it would be a waste to miss training opportunities.

I also want to see the effects of her recent level-up, and training her would be useful.

"Alright, let’s head back to the checkpoint. Blocking the path might be a problem, but camping near the checkpoint should be fine."

"There’s no one around, and enemies don’t seem to come here. It’s a good spot to set up a tent."

"True. We can train here."

Thanks to the retreat while fighting earlier, the checkpoint is nearby.

Although it’s dark and we can’t see it, it’s just a short walk away.

I patted Lumina’s head and we headed to the checkpoint with the two of them.

The only light source is the light magic Lumina is casting, but it’s enough to see on the mountain path.

The shadows of buildings began to appear in the light within a few minutes.

"Sir, what will you teach me today?"

"First, confirm your flowing water stance. Then, let’s work on your footwork. We’ll start with Retsushin, and since we’re at it, we’ll teach you Senga too."

"True, those are quite useful. But they’re quite difficult."

"If they were easy to learn, I wouldn’t have a job. Well, it will take some time to practice."

For offensive techniques, I often use Retsushin and Senga.

They are excellent attacks with high speed and power when closing the distance.

However, since they use body weight for power, Lumina won’t be able to generate much force with her current strength.

But controlling the center of gravity is crucial. It won’t be easy.

"Well, first, let’s focus on the flowing water stance. Once you master it, your center of gravity control will improve. Then we can move on to Retsushin and Senga."

"True. Retsushin is impossible without that."

The flowing water stance involves a forward-leaning posture.

If you can’t control your center of gravity, you’ll either fall over or fail to stop and tumble.

It’s an effective training method for improving center of gravity control, but it often results in injuries.

For children, we usually teach sword techniques and striking methods, but I want to teach this to the highly capable Lumina to improve her center of gravity control.

Fizhen and I agreed and returned to the checkpoint, where we finally started setting up camp.

"I’ll set up the tent, so you teach Lumina."

"Understood. Lumina, let’s practice the flowing water stance."

"Yes, Fizhen-nee-sama!"

While the two of them practiced with wooden swords near the gate, I started setting up the tent.

This is an item used for logging out in the field.

However, without the monster repellent incense, the tent can be destroyed by monsters while logged out.

In other words, it’s impossible to log out in the field without both items.

"Back then, we didn’t have such luxury items…"

Recalling the two times I was abandoned in the mountains by that old man, I finished setting up the two tents.

The monster repellent incense can cover a decent area, so one should be enough.

Lumina’s performance—she’s improved a lot, but she’s almost there.

Today, we should focus on improving her flowing water stance rather than moving on to Retsushin.

I watched her train until it was time to log out.

■Avatar Name: Kwon

■Gender: Male

■Race: Human

■Level: 22

■Status (Remaining Status Points: 0)

STR: 22

VIT: 16

INT: 22

MND: 16

AGI: 13

DEX: 13

■Skills

Weapon Skill: 《Sword: Lv.22》

Magic Skill: 《Enhancement Magic: Lv.14》

Set Skill: 《Dead Point Strike: Lv.15》

《MP Auto Recovery: Lv.11》

《Plundering Sword: Lv.13》

《Identification: Lv.14》

《Life Sword: Lv.14》

《Slaying Sword: Lv.5》

《Taming: Lv.9》

《HP Auto Recovery: Lv.8》

《Life Force Manipulation: Lv.2》

Sub Skill: 《Mining: Lv.1》

Title Skill: 《Blessing of the Fairy》

■Current SP: 20

■Avatar Name: Fizhen

■Gender: Female

■Race: Human

■Level: 23

■Status (Remaining Status Points: 0)

STR: 23

VIT: 15

INT: 20

MND: 17

AGI: 15

DEX: 14

■Skills

Weapon Skill: 《Sword: Lv.23》

Magic Skill: 《Fire Magic: Lv.18》

Set Skill: 《Battle Aura: Lv.16》

《Spell Charge: Lv.13》

《Fire Attribute Enhancement: Lv.14》

《Healing Proficiency: Lv.8》

《Identification: Lv.13》

《Dead Point Strike: Lv.12》

《Martial Arts: Lv.14》

《Combat Skills: Lv.14》

《Endurance: Lv.14》

Sub Skill: 《Gathering: Lv.7》

《Mining: Lv.4》

Title Skill: 《Scarlet Sword Maiden》

■Current SP: 24

■Monster Name: Lumina

■Gender: Female

■Race: Sprite

■Level: 10

■Status (Remaining Status Points: 0)

STR: 18

VIT: 12

INT: 28

MND: 19

AGI: 17

DEX: 15

■Skills

Weapon Skill: 《Sword》

Magic Skill: 《Light Magic》

Skill: 《Light Attribute Enhancement》

《Flight》

《High Magic Resistance》

《Low Physical Resistance》

《MP Auto Recovery (High)》

《Wind Magic》

Title Skill: 《Servant of the Spirit King》