Chapter 8

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

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

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

"The skill level of 'Critical Strike' has increased."

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

It seems I managed to defeat them properly.

I try to collect the drop items from the fallen monsters, but for some reason, the monsters disappear into particles of light before I can touch them, and then a window appears in front of me.

"Congratulations! By defeating the Field Boss, you have unlocked access to the next area! Your reward items will be stored in your inventory."

"Seems like boss battles are different from regular fights."

"In the case of a boss, instead of dismantling, the rewards are distributed to all members of the participating party. Well, since there's also a contribution factor, I didn't get much this time."

Fushin, who had been watching until now, says this with a shrug. After all, Fushin didn't participate at all this time, so his contribution must have been at the minimum, and he probably didn't get any good items.

However—

"Indeed, this is interesting."

"Teacher, what is?"

"Recently, I hardly had any opportunities to use techniques. If I don't use them, they might rust... but something like the 'Hard Style' would be dangerous if used on you, right?"

"Well, to put it mildly, it would be fatal."

The 'Hard Style' of the Kugenshin Shinto-ryu, which consists of cutting techniques, striking techniques, and footwork, is the most aggressive of the three. It has the highest attack power, but even with a bamboo sword, it could potentially kill someone.

With a well-defended instructor, I could use it with some peace of mind, but even then, I wouldn't use it in full seriousness.

I thought I would only face such a serious attack from the old man, but here, no one would complain no matter how serious I get.

"Ah, Teacher. I recorded the battle. Is it okay to share it?"

"Huh? Record? Can you do that?"

"If it's a partnered video site, we can even do live streams. Though, in-game only. Anyway, I think there will be a fuss about you. I'll explain that you're strong, including the video."

"Hmm. I don't really understand, but I'll leave it to you. So, I'll ask you to do it."

"Yes, leave it to me."

Despite Fushin's unusually cheerful demeanor, I nodded without much thought. Honestly, I don't understand much when he uses so many technical terms.

Anyway, I'll not worry about it for now—

"So, what do we do next?"

"Well, we can move on, but since your level has increased, let's go back for now? We can also get better equipment."

"I'm not really dissatisfied for now... but I haven't really explored the city yet."

The city should be a hub for many players. I need to walk around to remember what's there. Besides, I came here without any preparation, so it's better to go back and prepare.

"Then, let's go back. Oh, and when you defeat a boss that you can't progress without, you get a 'Skill Slot Ticket.' Use it."

"Huh? It increases skill slots?"

"Yes, but you only get it once."

Well, if we could get such a convenient item multiple times, that would be a problem.

Following Fushin's advice, I opened the menu and used the Skill Slot Ticket stored in my inventory. A system message appeared, saying "A skill slot has been added," and the skill menu was automatically displayed.

I had accumulated a decent amount of skill points, but since I didn't have any particular skills I wanted, I decided to add 'Mining' for now.

While performing these operations, I returned to the other side of the stone pillar, where the party that had been waiting was looking at me with astonishment.

"Thanks for letting me take over. As an apology, I gave them a lecture. Take it as a reference if you want."

"Ah, yeah... Hey, you. I know it's bad manners to pry into real life, but..."

"Haha, don't worry too much. I'm his teacher. That should be convincing enough, right?"

"Ah, the teacher of 'Scarlet Sword Maiden'..."

We're already quite noticeable, so there's no point in trying to be inconspicuous now. It's better to clear up any misunderstandings.

The leader, though surprised by my words, nodded with a look of understanding.

It seems Fushin's name is well-known enough to convince them of my strength.

"You're quite famous, aren't you?"

"Well, I've placed in the top ranks in events before."

"...As long as you don't neglect real-life training, it's fine. Anyway, we'll leave here. Good luck."

Well, whatever, our business here is done.

When I told the party, the leader smiled lightly in response.

"Yeah, thanks. I'll try to take it as a reference... though, it wasn't much help from the middle onwards."

"Hmm? Ah, reading killing intent is hard for beginners."

"...Teacher, I often fail at that too, you know."

With a half-lidded gaze, Fushin's words made me tilt my head, but I waved to the party and turned around.

We then proceeded to return to the first city, 'Fauskatze,' while taking out any enemies that came our way.

By the time we finished, my level had increased to 8 due to the experience gained from the boss.

---

* * * * *

"Hmm... Compared to that boss, regular wolves are unsatisfying. Rabbits are even less so."

"Well, they can't be compared to a boss... Oh?"

We had just returned to the city through the gate we had exited earlier.

Suddenly, Fushin looked up at the sky, and I tilted my head in confusion.

"What's wrong? Did something happen?"

"Ah, yes... It's a forwarded email from the real world. I have some business to attend to, sorry."

"Got it. I've already received an explanation, so I'll walk around the city for now."

"Sorry, I invited you, but I'll have to leave you alone... Oh, do you know how to log out?"

"Of course, it's written in the menu. No need to worry."

Well, I still have some time to spare and plan to continue the game.

Apparently, time in this game flows three times faster. So, even if I stay here for three hours, only one hour will have passed in the real world.

Being able to allocate even a short time to actual combat is a pleasant surprise for me.

"Then, I'm sorry, I'll leave first. Oh, I'll explain on the bulletin board!"

"Huh? Hey, wait—"

I was about to call out to him, but unfortunately, Fushin's figure faded and disappeared.

His voice probably got lost in the sound of his disappearance.

I sighed and lowered my raised hand.

"Explaining on the bulletin board, huh... Well, I'll ask later."

Whether in the real world or in the game, there will be plenty of opportunities to ask.

He seemed to be up to something, but he probably won't do anything to my disadvantage.

If he does, I'll give him a tough time tomorrow.

Anyway—

(Fushin's absence is immediately noticeable)

People's gazes are now focused on me.

Even when Fushin was around, I received some gazes, but about half of them were directed at him.

Now, all those gazes are on me.

Fushin must have been a deterrent. Being noticeable is inevitable, but it's a bit troublesome.

However, not being able to walk around because of it is frustrating. I'll just head straight to my destination.

"Hey, you—!?"

A guy approaches, probably to invite me to join his party or to connect with Fushin.

Judging by his movements, he's a novice. Whether an enemy or an ally, dealing with him now would be a waste of time.

I judged and slipped into his blind spot.

Though it's not as narrow as in combat, it's still difficult to completely disappear from his field of vision, but with the current crowd, it's not too hard to blend in for a moment.

(Though, it would be troublesome if it happens too often)

I blend into the crowd, making my presence as light as possible.

I'm famous, but usually as a set with Fushin. My face isn't widely known yet, so I can easily slip out of sight by concealing my presence.

I'm not particularly skilled at such assassin-like actions, but in combat, combining this with feints using killing intent is quite effective, so I have learned it.

I hide from any gazes that come my way, slipping into the shadows.

Even in a crowded place, weaving through the gaps is child's play for me, who has trained in dynamic observation.

I quickly slipped into the tent I had visited earlier.

"Damn, this is troublesome..."

"Hey, Teacher, you're back already?"

"Ah, Fino."

Fino, who had spotted me, put down the weapons she was carrying and approached.

I shrugged and chuckled.

"Fushin had some business, so I came here to avoid attention."

"You're quite noticeable, Teacher. You defeated the grassland boss, right?"

"Sure, I have good sources. I got some items, but is it okay to sell them here?"

"Sure, no problem. Kan-chan!"

"Sure thing. Oh, and stop calling me that."

The one who responded to Fino's call was the male player who was talking with Eleanora, the leader here.

He has black hair and small glasses, a delicate-looking man with a rough tone.

However, he doesn't give a bad impression. His childlike gestures probably contribute to that—though, it's likely an act.

His skill in making others let their guard down is quite impressive.

"Alright... So, you're the teacher of that sword maiden. I'm Kanbei, nice to meet you."

"As you know, I'm Quon. You're the one who will handle the settlement, right?"

"Yep, I'm the accountant. So, you want to settle the materials from the Greater Stepwolf?"

"Right. Let's see... item selection and exchange, right?"

I selected the item list from the menu and opened the exchange window.

I put in the items, and Kanbei put in the money. We press the exchange button when both are satisfied.

Incidentally, if both are satisfied, one-sided transfer is also possible.

"Seems like you have quite a lot. Did you really defeat most of them alone?"

"That big wolf? I took care of it and its minions alone."

"Seriously? That's impressive. Let me do the settlement, wait a moment."

Kanbei, with a twisted smile, started calculating with the ledger he was holding.

There were quite a few materials, so it might take some time.

With some spare time, I called out to Fino, who was looking at us with a blank gaze nearby.

"Hey, Fino, I'm now level 8. Can I get new equipment?"

"Hmm, how much has your STR increased?"

"14."

"With that, you can equip steel equipment if you increase it to 16. It's two levels higher and the current highest rank. You won't be able to equip heavy armor, though."

"That's fine. I wasn't planning to wear armor anyway."

After moving around today, I realized that this kind of cloth equipment suits me.

If I continue in this direction, I don't need to worry too much about the weight of the equipment.

While the metal gauntlets are heavy, they are small enough not to be too burdensome.

"Got it... Oh, can I wear a haori over the kimono?"

"You can use one of the two accessory slots. But we don't have it in stock, so it needs to be ordered."

"Is there not much demand for it?"

"Well, for light armor, it's more common to use charms to increase resistance rather than adding more armor. If you ask Iorin, she can bring it, but she's on a quest, so it might take some time."

"In that case, I'll kill some time somewhere... "

Iorin, I assume, is the player named Iori who makes these kimonos.

If she's a fellow crafter, I can expect good quality.

While looking forward to it, I thought about how to pass the time.

The people around me are troublesome, but hiding here for too long is boring.

I might just wander around the city—when I thought this, Fino looked up as if she had an idea.

"In that case, there's a place you might be interested in."

"Really? Where?"

"In the southern part of the city, there are two sword schools. If you say 'tanedo' when you enter, they'll welcome you."

"Welcome, huh?"

That sounds like an interesting welcome.

I don't know if she's saying it on purpose or if she's naturally like that, but I might as well check it out.

With that in mind, I decided on my next plan.

---

The second volume of Magikatechnica will be released on September 19th!

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■Avatar Name: Quon

■Gender: Male

■Race: Human

■Level: 8

■Status (Remaining Stat Points: 0)

STR: 14

VIT: 12

INT: 14

MND: 12

AGI: 11

DEX: 11

■Skills

Weapon Skills: 'Sword: Lv.8'

Magic Skills: 'Enhancement Magic: Lv.5'

Set Skills: 'Critical Strike: Lv.7'

'HP Auto Recovery: Lv.2'

'MP Auto Recovery: Lv.3'

'Plundering Sword: Lv.3'

'Identification: Lv.5'

'Mining: Lv.1'

Sub Skills: None

■Current SP: 12