Chapter 62

"Shh!"

"Yaaaah!"

Fushin and Lumin each slashed and discarded one of the two apes that the large bear had been holding down.

I could sense their actions through the air, and I was already leaping into the midst of the group of apes ahead.

Sword Technique - Form of Steel — Fan Shaku.

A single slash, released with a slide, cut through the apes' torsos and legs.

I aimed to follow up with a counterattack on the apes whose movements had slowed, but I opened my eyes wide at the presence of something approaching from behind.

"Rouga, León! Support that person! Meera, provide magical support to Fushin and the others! Chico, stay in the air!"

With the voice that echoed from behind, the tamed monsters — a wolf and a lion — who had been fighting the apes, began to follow me.

It seemed that the trouble of finishing them off would be spared. In dealing with these apes, the key was how efficiently we could eliminate the enemies.

Going around to finish off each one individually was not a good move.

If they were willing to take on that role, I would rely on their assistance without hesitation.

"Well, if that's the case—"

If all I needed to do was stop their movements, the task would be much less troublesome.

I dodged the attacks of the apes and slashed at their Achilles tendons, stopping their movements and moving deeper in.

These apes relied on numbers but lacked coordination in close combat.

At most, they attempted to overwhelm with wave attacks.

Their HP was not particularly high, so as long as each one was dealt with accurately, being surrounded would not be a problem.

I deflected the punches with flowing movements and slashed, then struck the side of the head with the hilt of the sword.

"Life Sword!"

Leaving the unconscious ape as it was, I forcefully pulled out the blade and swung it horizontally.

The horizontal slash cut into the ape's side and severed it in two.

With the Life Sword, a single strike could cut through an ape's HP.

Aiming for vital points would not be necessary, but in a chaotic battle, that was not always possible.

"Seizure Sword"

Using the Life Sword, a single strike could cut through an ape, which was quite convenient.

The reduced HP could be recovered with the Seizure Sword, so the only real cost was MP.

A black mist enveloped the single slash that cut the ape diagonally, and a return strike cut through its torso.

The ape, whose HP was depleted, collapsed on the spot.

The number of enemies was less than usual, so it would not be too difficult.

Fushin and the others had already joined the front line, and there was no longer any element of a tough battle.

"Well, let's finish this quickly"

Observing the movements of the running beasts, I moved on to deal with the remaining apes.

* * * * *

"The skill level of 'Automatic MP Recovery' has increased."

"The skill level of 'Life Force Manipulation' has increased."

Perhaps because I had been moving while fighting, I had managed to clear a surprisingly large number of apes and took a moment to rest.

Even though they were familiar opponents, fighting alongside unknown companions required some attention.

Moreover, most of the companions were tamed monsters, so I had to be careful not to attack them by mistake.

The person who had fled here was playing a harp and activating a skill.

"Curse Song — Healing Sound"

As the harp played a cool tune, green phosphorescence danced around us, gradually restoring our HP.

It seemed to be a skill that worked through the instrument.

The effect lasted as long as the instrument was played, and it was also restoring the HP of the tamed monsters he had brought.

The ability to recover HP continuously over a wide area was quite interesting.

"Sorry to use a skill. I caused you all some trouble."

"No, it would have been strange to suddenly appear in this area."

"Indeed, it was quite a surprise at first."

Agreeing with Fushin's words, I shrugged.

The power of numbers is terrifying. No matter how skilled one is, if their hands are tied, they will be overwhelmed.

However, to be able to handle the situation so well on the first encounter was quite impressive.

The instructions given during the battle were quite accurate. He was not just a player with a name.

The young man bowed his head apologetically and introduced himself to us.

"I haven't met you before, Mr. Quon and the lady there... I am Shepherd. I am a player who mainly focuses on taming."

"He is known as one of the leading tamers. His combat style... well, you saw it just now, right?"

"Yes, it was quite busy, but he was very composed. It's no wonder he's famous."

I had heard that he made a living solely through taming, and it was clear that he had the skills to do so.

He provided support with magic and Curse Songs while his tamed monsters fought. It was a very clear style.

The tamed monsters he brought were a wolf, a bear, a lion, a cat, and a bird.

The races I could identify were White Wolf, Fighting Bear, Assault Leon, Magi Cat, and Aero Falcon.

I had only seen the Aero Falcon before. It was a very interesting lineup.

From the battle, it seemed that the wolf and lion were front-line attackers, the bear held back enemy attacks and stopped their movements, while the cat and bird provided magical support.

It was a well-balanced combination.

"So, do you have some business with us?"

"Huh?"

"You've been paying quite a bit of attention to me and Lumin. I understand your interest in Lumin, but if you're interested in me as well, I assume you have some business with me."

Shepherd's attention had been on me and Lumin from the start.

It seemed that his interest in me was stronger than in Lumin.

However, given his nature, it was a bit odd that he was more interested in me than in Lumin.

In response to my question, Shepherd smiled wryly. It seemed I had hit the mark.

"Got me... I didn't expect to be seen through so quickly."

"Hmm, you're not trying to hide it, then?"

"Yes, there's no point in hiding it in this situation. I did indeed come here to meet you."

"Hmm. So, it's about Lumin?"

"Lumin... the fairy, no, the spirit. Yes, that's right. I chased after you to get information about fairies. Well, that's how I ended up in an area that was beyond my level."

I shrugged at Shepherd's self-deprecating words.

I couldn't deny it. If we hadn't intervened, he might have lost to those apes.

Of course, with Shepherd's skills, he might have managed to win, but a prolonged battle in this area would have been difficult.

It was not a wise choice, but it was understandable given his lack of knowledge about the apes.

"You took a big risk. Well, if it's just a conversation, I don't mind— but I can't just give away information for free."

"Of course. Besides, I owe you for the help... I'll share the information I have. As a tamer, I have more information than anyone else."

Shepherd's words, spoken with a proud chest, were not just boasting.

Indeed, he was the player with the most knowledge about taming.

If that was the case, he would certainly have useful information for me.

However, it was a matter of what I could offer in return. I had been thinking about it and decided to cooperate.

I didn't really think of turning my information into profit.

As long as I knew the necessary information, I didn't care how the other party used it.

...Of course, if people started flocking to me for the "Blessing of the Fairy" title effect, I would have to impose some restrictions.

"Then, let's exchange information. What do you want to know first?"

"Let me think..."

In response to my question, Shepherd pondered for a moment.

It seemed he was considering how to phrase his question.

Well, I didn't intend to be particularly difficult.

"Then, do you know a way for me to tame a fairy?"

"Yes, I do."

I had anticipated this question. After all, if this young man had a question for me, it would be related to fairies.

However, the method I used to tame a fairy was too unique, and there was no point in teaching it as is.

I smiled slightly and answered Shepherd.

"When I tamed Lumin, I obtained the title skill 'Blessing of the Fairy.' Its effect allows me to visualize fairies around me."

"Ah, I see. A title skill. I suspected you had something, but I didn't expect it to be a title."

"I was surprised by that too. In other words, I can tame fairies in my vicinity. However, I don't want this information to spread while there are few players with this title. Do you understand?"

"Yes, of course. I also struggled with the title."

I intensified my gaze slightly, and Shepherd nodded deeply.

I recalled that this young man also had a unique title.

Given his experience, he would not make a foolish move.

"Then, let me ask the next question. About the evolution of tamed monsters."

"Evolution? Your spirit evolved from a fairy, right?"

"Right. What I want to know is the timing of the second evolution... but I don't think your tamed monsters have reached that stage yet."

"That's true. However, I do know when the next evolution will occur."

I opened my eyes slightly at his words.

How did he obtain this information when he hadn't reached that level yet?

Reading my question, Shepherd smiled and continued.

"There is a tamer guild in the capital — a mutual aid organization for locals. I learned it from someone there."

"I see, information from locals. That's reliable, then."

"Yes. The level required for the second evolution is 16. I'm looking forward to it."

"Hmm, level 16, huh."

Lumin's current level is 11. Considering the pace, it might just be in time.

Lumin's training also needs to be considered, so the pace is important.

However, having a goal is good. I'm curious about what form she will take after evolving, so it's worth aiming for.

But this guy, he even shared the useful information about the tamer guild. He doesn't seem to realize it himself.

"Then, the next question, or rather, a request... Mr. Quon. I want to tame a fairy. I need your cooperation for that."

"Well, I expected you to say that. You want my help, right?"

"Yes... can you help me?"

Looking into Shepherd's eyes, which were fixed on me, I narrowed my gaze slightly.

Well, I have no objection to helping. He even shared unexpected information earlier.

However, this is a good opportunity. This young man seems interesting, so I'll set some conditions.

"Sure, but there are a few conditions."

"Conditions, you say?"

"First, I will only help you. I have no obligation to help other tamers."

"...Understood."

I don't mind taking care of someone I choose, but I don't like being overwhelmed by a crowd.

I tend to dislike having my plans disrupted.

I don't mind helping this young man, as I have a good impression of him, but I have no intention of helping many others.

If he obtains the title, I will leave the rest to him.

If he doesn't— well, I might help if I feel like it.

"And the second condition—"

I smiled and said.

That would be the price for helping him.

Shepherd's expression twitched at my words.

■Avatar Name: Quon

■Gender: Male

■Race: Human

■Level: 23

■Status (Remaining Status Points: 0)

STR: 22

VIT: 17

INT: 22

MND: 17

AGI: 13

DEX: 13

■Skills

Weapon Skill: Katana: Lv.23

Magic Skill: Enhancement Magic: Lv.15

Set Skill: Death Point Strike: Lv.15

Automatic MP Recovery: Lv.12

Seizure Sword: Lv.13

Identification: Lv.14

Life Sword: Lv.14

Demon Slaying Sword: Lv.5

Tame: Lv.9

Automatic HP Recovery: Lv.9

Life Force Manipulation: Lv.4

Sub Skill: Mining: Lv.1

Title Skill: Blessing of the Fairy

■Current SP: 22

■Avatar Name: Fushin

■Gender: Female

■Race: Human

■Level: 24

■Status (Remaining Status Points: 0)

STR: 24

VIT: 15

INT: 21

MND: 17

AGI: 15

DEX: 14

■Skills

Weapon Skill: Katana: Lv.24

Magic Skill: Fire Magic: Lv.19

Set Skill: Aura: Lv.16

Spell Charge: Lv.13

Fire Attribute Enhancement: Lv.14

Recovery Aptitude: Lv.8

Identification: Lv.14

Death Point Strike: Lv.14

Martial Arts: Lv.15

Combat Skills: Lv.14

Endurance: Lv.14

Sub Skill: Gathering: Lv.7

Mining: Lv.4

Title Skill: Crimson Sword Maiden

■Current SP: 24

■Monster Name: Lumin

■Gender: Female

■Race: Sprite

■Level: 11

■Status (Remaining Status Points: 0)

STR: 18

VIT: 13

INT: 28

MND: 19

AGI: 17

DEX: 16

■Skills

Weapon Skill: Katana

Magic Skill: Light Magic

Skill: Light Attribute Enhancement

Flight

High Magic Resistance

Low Physical Resistance

Automatic Large MP Recovery

Wind Magic

Title Skill: Servant of the Spirit King