Chapter 68

After battling the ant swarm, we had engaged in two more battles with ant swarms. Although they were numerous, having fought them before, dealing with them wasn't that difficult. While Hizato and Shepherd were quite exhausted, the rewards were certainly sufficient. The materials from the Knight and Luke, the higher-tier species, and the formic acid ore from their nest were particularly plentiful, even considering the possibility of creation failures.

Furthermore, during the first battle, Rumi's level increased to 14, leaving only two more levels until evolution. The next battle also provided a significant amount of experience, bringing us much closer to our goal. After such intense battles, I logged out with great satisfaction. And the next day—

"Alright, that's enough."

"O, oh, good job everyone..."

After finishing the free-for-all with the assistant instructors, I watched them with a good mood. They were all crawling on the ground. Well, I was in good form today, so I might have gone a bit overboard. It wouldn't be good to let Asuka use up too much energy, as I would be directly training her afterward. However, considering the physical aspect, that game, which allows for near-real combat experience without physical exertion, is indeed useful.

The assistant instructors are experts in various techniques: the hard style, the soft style, striking, and naginata. In their respective fields, they have all mastered the advanced techniques. However, the advanced techniques of footwork can only be used by the assistant instructor of the soft style, so from my perspective, they still have room for improvement. By the way, I have only mastered the basic principles of naginata, so in that regard, the assistant instructors are more skilled. Naginata was originally designed for the children of old families and is somewhat less practical for battlefield use. Additionally, I believed that to defeat that old man, I needed to use a sword, so I wasn't very proactive in learning naginata.

The Kugenshinryu school offers three types of training: swordsmanship, naginata, and self-defense. However, to put it bluntly, the latter two were opened to support the Kugen family's finances. Naginata, as mentioned earlier, and self-defense, which teaches only parts of the soft style and striking, are the methods used. Honestly, there aren't many people nowadays who would seriously try to learn outdated sword techniques. I understand that such low-barrier training is necessary for the family's operation, but considering the origins of Kugenshinryu, it's a bit hard to accept.

"Hey, Honjo... What's up with the instructor? Why is he so cheerful and even stronger?"

"I, I don't know..."

I chuckled at Asuka, who was being questioned by the assistant instructors, and lightly tapped her shoulder with a wooden sword. I was definitely in good form. After a long time, I was regaining my combat instincts. That's why I was looking forward to the next event. If it's an invasion, I'll be facing many enemies. It will be a clash of lives, like a battle in the warring states period, different from fighting guerrillas armed with guns. A battlefield where I can fully unleash my honed skills—such opportunities are hard to come by.

"Alright, stop the idle talk. It's the same as usual today. If you have time to chat, start training."

"Yes, sir!"

Their responses were in good form. They understand the skill gap well and follow me, a young instructor, sincerely.

"Alright, Asuka. It's your training with Shiki today... Don't die, okay?"

"Then, could you go a bit easier on me!?"

"Idiot, I'm already holding back as much as I can. If I pull back any more, the techniques won't form properly."

I led Asuka through our usual routine, my heart racing with the added spice to the monotonous days.

* * * * *

I logged in again at the mountain fortress. The event, "Devil's Invasion," is two days away. Honestly, I want to return to the capital today to prepare my equipment at Eleonora's. Fortunately, Rumi's level is just two more to reach the target. After defeating a certain number of enemies, I can return to the capital while defeating more enemies. With this plan, I called out Rumi from the familiar crystal.

"Ah... Good morning, Father."

"Ah, good morning, Rumi. Hizato will be here soon, so check your condition again."

"Yes, I'll practice in the meantime!"

The childlike innocence she had when she was a little girl is gone, and her responses are much more mature. She has grown to the size of a middle school student. Children grow up quickly—though this might be a bit different. Regardless, it's a joy to see her grow up properly. Satisfied with Rumi's diligent attitude, I took a wooden sword from my inventory and handed it to her.

(Now, how should I level up today?)

I started planning today's strategy while watching Rumi practice. I want to return to the capital today, so I need to level up as efficiently as possible. If I wait until the last minute to ask Fino to create something, it might not be completed in time. Therefore, I should probably fight ants again. It will also provide more gifts for Fino.

As I was thinking this, a presence appeared in the adjacent tent. It seems Hizato has logged in.

"Sorry to keep you waiting, teacher. Is Rumi—oh, she's already started?"

"First, check her condition. Fine-tuning is enough until evolution."

"Yes, that's true. Kanya is starting to take shape, but it's still too early for practical use."

"How about Retsushin?"

"It's sufficient for short distances. Well, it's a distance where you would use Shukuchi."

"Of course, I wouldn't ask her to move long distances with that right away. She's doing well, actually."

Hizato nodded with a similar expression to mine. It's abnormal to reach such a level of completion after learning for such a short time. It's not wise to expect too much.

"Alright, I'll start training her."

"Sure. Wait for Shepherd, and do your best."

Shepherd and I have a meeting, but I arrived a bit earlier than his login time. This was to secure training time, but it's also due to the difference in login times. In this game, where time passes faster than in the real world, waiting can be quite difficult. However, if I can use this waiting time for training, it won't be wasted.

"Kanya and Retsushin are taking shape. After that, it depends on the evolution."

Physical build does affect the suitability of techniques. Especially for techniques that utilize one's own weight, it's somewhat disadvantageous for women. Rumi is still a child, even though she has grown, so it's too early to teach her such techniques. Whether her post-evolution form is adult or not will determine which techniques to teach. I wonder what form she will take and how she will grow. As I was imagining this, a sudden electronic sound rang in my ear.

"! This is... a friend message?"

I had forgotten about this feature, but it seems I received a message through the friend function. Displaying the friend list with unfamiliar operations, I saw a recognizable name. However, it was a bit unexpected.

"Altrius... him?"

I didn't expect him to send a message in this manner. Well, given his nature, it's probably not for personal reasons. Opening the message, it contained official matters, as expected. It seems he wants to discuss the event's deployment.

"Hmm... 'Camelot's' headquarters for a strategy meeting."

The map is attached to the message. The location is a mansion near the capital's main street, apparently renovated. It's impressive that they managed to secure such a large building at this stage. While not as wealthy as Eleonora, they must have considerable financial power.

The purpose of the meeting is to discuss the actual event's deployment and strategy. The members of 'Camelot' who are equivalent to officers are called "unit leaders." One of the purposes is to meet the unit leaders who will be on the front lines. The members behind Altrius the other day were probably them. They seemed to be competent, but I need to see more to judge their full capabilities. As officers, they must have considerable skills.

(However, he said he doesn't intend to restrict my actions... What does he plan to do?)

I don't mind following general guidelines, but I won't follow detailed instructions. My goal is to enjoy the battle. If he tries to interfere, I'll break the alliance. However, I don't think Altrius would do something so shortsighted.

"Well, we'll be on the same battlefield. It's more efficient to meet beforehand."

I have experience fighting with unknown faces, but it's inefficient. At least, meeting before the battle helps identify who is doing what. Otherwise, even capable individuals can start to drag each other down. Proper preparation is crucial. Checking the time, the meeting is set for 3 PM tomorrow in real time, exactly 24 hours before the event starts. This time should be manageable. He says he can adjust the time if it's impossible, but this should be fine. I sent a message confirming my attendance and closed the screen. I wonder what kind of discussion it will be—there's a bit of anticipation.

(However, I'll be busy with preparations tomorrow.)

I won't use all my login time, but I need to attend the meeting with Altrius and adjust my equipment at Eleonora's shop. I also want to check the site and other things, so I might not have much time for battles. It's a bit disappointing, but it's part of the preparation for the battle. Cutting corners in preparation increases the risk of failure. Consider the preparation phase as part of the battle.

"However, I can't bring Hizato, which is a bit disappointing."

Watching her training, I muttered. It's inevitable that our battlefields will be different. It's a matter of chance, and I don't have any complaints. However, I haven't shown my disciple a real, serious battle. She has seen my fights with the old man, but they weren't real battles. I thought I would show her eventually, but it hasn't happened yet.

"Well, if we keep at it, there will be an opportunity eventually."

In this game, there are plenty of battles. Conveniently, there are enemies like devils that can be defeated without consequences. So, the opportunity will come eventually.

—The time to show the battle with everything on the line, the battle that represents Kugenshinryu.

■Avatar Name: Kwon

■Gender: Male

■Race: Human

■Level: 25

■Status (Remaining Status Points: 0)

STR: 22

VIT: 18

INT: 22

MND: 18

AGI: 14

DEX: 14

■Skills

Weapon Skill: 《Sword: Lv.25》

Magic Skill: 《Enhancement Magic: Lv.17》

Set Skill: 《Dead Point Strike: Lv.17》

《MP Auto Recovery: Lv.14》

《Plundering Sword: Lv.13》

《Identification: Lv.15》

《Sword of Life: Lv.16》

《Sword of Demon Slaying: Lv.5》

《Tame: Lv.11》

《HP Auto Recovery: Lv.11》

《Life Force Manipulation: Lv.8》

Sub Skill: 《Mining: Lv.6》

Title Skill: 《Fairy's Blessing》

■Current SP: 26

■Avatar Name: Hizato

■Gender: Female

■Race: Human

■Level: 26

■Status (Remaining Status Points: 0)

STR: 24

VIT: 16

INT: 21

MND: 18

AGI: 16

DEX: 15

■Skills

Weapon Skill: 《Sword: Lv.26》

Magic Skill: 《Fire Magic: Lv.22》

Set Skill: 《Fighting Spirit: Lv.17》

《Spell Charge: Lv.16》

《Fire Attribute Enhancement: Lv.16》

《Healing Aptitude: Lv.10》

《Identification: Lv.15》

《Dead Point Strike: Lv.15》

《Martial Arts: Lv.15》

《Combat Skills: Lv.15》

《Endurance: Lv.15》

Sub Skill: 《Gathering: Lv.7》

《Mining: Lv.8》

Title Skill: 《Crimson Sword Maiden》

■Current SP: 28

■Monster Name: Rumi

■Gender: Female

■Race: Sprite

■Level: 14

■Status (Remaining Status Points: 0)

STR: 20

VIT: 14

INT: 30

MND: 19

AGI: 18

DEX: 16

■Skills

Weapon Skill: 《Sword》

Magic Skill: 《Light Magic》

Skill: 《Light Attribute Enhancement》

《Flight》

《Magic Resistance: High》

《Physical Resistance: Low》

《MP Auto Recovery: High》

《Wind Magic》

Title Skill: 《Servant of the Spirit King》