Chapter 96

Returning to my seat, I check what I have obtained.

Although I am drawing attention from those around me, this area is mostly occupied by the members of the 'Eleanor Guild,' making it difficult for outsiders to see.

There's no real need to worry about that.

Now, I've obtained quite a few things—

"A new weapon, a skill orb... Ah, the skill evolution as well. Really, there's just too much."

"Let's start with the weapon."

"...Where did you come from, Fino?"

"I was waiting, expecting to receive a growth weapon. Ah, this is the equipment you had repaired."

Fino, who had somehow taken up the seat to my left, leaned in and spoke.

As I received the equipment I had asked to be repaired yesterday, I couldn't help but chuckle at her behavior.

Her words were forceful, but I couldn't argue with them.

I myself am quite interested in this sword, Gairoku.

Most of my interest lies in the origin of this sword, but since I will be using it from now on, I'm also curious about its abilities.

Nodding at Fino's words, I took out Gairoku to examine it.

■ Weapon: Sword - Gairoku ★1

Attack Power: 28

Weight: 16

Durability: -

Granted Effects: Growth, Limited Release

Creator: -

"What is this?"

I'm a bit concerned that it's slightly weaker than the sword I'm currently using, but what's the star mark next to the name?

Also, the weapon doesn't have a durability value, and I don't understand the granted effects.

Furthermore, there's a gauge-like bar below the weapon's data, though it's not displayed in text.

What kind of weapon is this? — With these questions in mind, I tilted my head, and Fino spoke from the side.

"Can I see the data? If you don't mind, I can explain it."

"Sure, that would be a great help. Thanks."

"Okay, then I'll go ahead."

With my permission, Fino leaned in and looked at the data screen of Gairoku.

She was almost pressed against me, but she didn't seem to mind.

Well, she looks like a child, and I don't mind either.

"Hmm... I see, it's like this."

"Do you understand something?"

"Yeah, about growth weapons, Altrius has released some information. I can understand the basics."

I blinked at Fino's words.

I didn't expect that man to release detailed information about a weapon he alone possessed.

He must have had some intention, but for now, let's focus on Gairoku.

"Growth weapons, as the name suggests, grow and become stronger. The number of stars indicates the level of enhancement."

"Hmm. How high can it go?"

"I don't know. The Holy Sword Colebrand is still around ★2 or ★3."

In other words, it doesn't level up as frequently as our levels.

Still, being able to use this weapon continuously is a fortunate thing for me.

This sword is undoubtedly a fine blade, and if its performance matches, there's nothing to complain about.

"Growth weapons gain experience by defeating enemies, which fills this gauge. When it reaches its maximum, you can enhance it with the required materials to level up."

"It doesn't level up automatically... I thought it might be maintenance-free since there's no durability value."

"Indeed, growth weapons don't break. However, enhancement requires a production skill."

Fino looked up at me with an expectant gaze, and I couldn't help but chuckle.

This is indeed a rare weapon, and it's understandable that Fino, a blacksmith, would want to touch it.

Moreover, I have no objections to letting Fino handle it. I know her skills from previous weapons, and there should be no problem entrusting it to her.

"I understand. I'll bring it to you when the gauge is full."

"Okay, thanks... By the way, growth weapons have special abilities. That's the 'Limited Release' mentioned here."

"Growth... So, what exactly is it?"

"I don't know the details. The only precedent is Colebrand. However, if the mechanics are the same, it should be a special skill that consumes one-tenth of the experience gauge to activate a powerful effect."

"Hmm...? That's quite a significant drawback."

Listening to her explanation, I reached out to the weapon's description.

Tapping on 'Limited Release' should bring up some information.

A window appeared, and it seemed I had hit the jackpot.

■ Limited Release

⇒ Lv.1: Howl of the Hungry Wolf (Consumes 10% of experience)

Generates a black aura within a 30-meter radius centered on the user.

Deals 0.2% damage per second to all enemies and allies within the aura,

and increases the weapon's attack power based on the damage dealt.

"This is... "

"Hmm... This is a rather ruthless ability."

I didn't expect it to deal damage to both enemies and allies.

However, it's undoubtedly powerful. It has a wide area of effect and simultaneously increases the weapon's attack power.

Honestly, it's a bit tricky to handle due to its peak nature, but considering the cost, I won't be using it frequently.

"The abilities of Limited Release might increase as the level goes up."

"Given that the first one is this, I'm both excited and scared about what might come next... For now, this is it."

Now, let's move on to—quickly finish the skill evolution.

On the stage, the guild rankings have already been announced, and as expected, 'Camelot' is in first place.

It's so predictable that there's no excitement.

I opened the skill screen.

The word 'MAX' appears next to the sword skill that has reached level 30.

I recognize this display. It's similar to when Lumin's skill became eligible for evolution.

"Fino, do you understand skill evolution?"

"...I don't know. Isn't Mr. Teacher the first to reach skill level 30?"

"Ah, that's right."

Indeed, even Hima hasn't reached level 30 yet.

I only reached this level because I defeated a large number of enemies.

It's understandable that there's no information. Even though my guess was off, I need to confirm the information.

Sighing, I tapped on the sword skill. Instantly, three options appeared, similar to when Lumin evolved into a Valkyrie.

■ Swordsmanship: Weapon Skill

Applies a modifier when equipping a sword.

Applies a balanced modifier regardless of the weapon's size,

affecting both attack and defense.

■ Longswordsmanship: Weapon Skill

Applies a modifier when equipping a sword.

Applies a high modifier when the weapon is large,

enhancing attack power.

■ Shortswordsmanship: Weapon Skill

Applies a modifier when equipping a sword.

Applies a high modifier when the weapon is small,

enhancing evasion and surprise attacks.

"Hmm?"

I couldn't help but place my hand on my chin and ponder.

It feels like the fighting style is determined by the type of weapon, but the content is relatively simple.

In essence, it's about balance, offense, or evasion.

Considering which weapon I prioritize—honestly, I use both.

I mainly use a longsword, but I also use a shortsword.

Therefore, I should choose Swordsmanship, which affects both.

"Senior instructors might favor one style, but... it's fine."

To evolve the skill, it seems I need to consume 5 skill points. Well, I have plenty, so that's not a problem.

Shrugging, I selected Swordsmanship and confirmed it.

As a result, 'Sword: Lv.30' disappeared, and 'Swordsmanship: Lv.1' appeared.

I thought I'd have to start over, but honestly, I didn't pay much attention to the weapon skill.

Even at level 1, there shouldn't be much difference.

"Now... the last one."

The unnamed skill orb I obtained earlier.

Holding it in my left hand and shading it with my right, a large number of skill names appeared as expected.

However, there are so many. Which one should I choose—

"Huff, huff... Did I make it in time? Sorry, can I have a moment, Mr. Quon?"

"Huh?"

At the voice from behind, I frowned and turned around.

There was a man in a white coat with a large case attached to his waist.

His black hair and unkempt beard would not look out of place in the real world.

"Excuse me, I am Professor KMK. I am the guild master of the 'MT Exploration Guild.'"

"Ah, the one Eleanor mentioned... Nice to meet you. I'm Quon. So, what can I do for you... Professor?"

"You can call me 'Professor' if you prefer. It seems you were about to use the skill orb. Before that, I'd like to ask for your cooperation."

Hmm, cooperation. I don't have any urgent matters, so it's not a problem—what does he want me to do?

Eleanor, who seemed to understand my question, turned around and spoke.

"You want to confirm what skills can be obtained from Platinum and their effects, right? And you've already checked the Gold ones, haven't you?"

"Hehe, of course. What do you say, Mr. Quon? If you cooperate, I'll offer my thanks."

"Thanks... Specifically?"

"Hmm, how about 3.5 million? Plus—"

I was speechless at the amount he casually mentioned.

It's not a sum to be thrown around lightly.

Next to me, Eleanor spoke with a sigh.

"You can say that in front of me? It's too cheap."

"Hey, Eleanor?"

"Quon, the skills that can only be obtained from this item likely include rare skills that can't be obtained otherwise. Especially the skills that differ from the Gold ones are definitely rare."

"I see, but—"

"Even if you don't know the acquisition conditions, you can view the effects. Do you understand how valuable this information is?"

I narrowed my eyes but nodded in agreement.

My 'Plundering Sword' is a similar case.

The acquisition conditions are unknown—though it might be learnable from oaks—but it has a powerful effect.

If it can be obtained in the future, the details of the skill would be worth a fortune.

Moreover, if I know some of the effects, I might be able to infer the acquisition conditions.

Professor scratched his head with a wry smile.

"No, I didn't intend to settle with just money... But you're right, 3.5 million is too little. How about 5 million, plus free information based on the number of skills you provide?"

"...Okay. How about it?"

"It's reasonable. Or should we negotiate a bit more?"

"No, that's fine. I'll do it."

"Thank you, Mr. Quon. While we're at it, let's pick some good skills."

In a way, this person seems to be good at managing an organization.

Not as good as Eleanor, but he definitely has a high financial capability.

He looks to be in his mid-thirties, but he might be older in real life.

(Still... in a way, it's convenient.)

The skill orb displays hundreds of skills.

It would be a hassle to check them all and find the right skills.

If he helps, I can choose more efficiently.

If I did it alone, it would take hours.

■ Avatar Name: Quon

■ Gender: Male

■ Race: Human

■ Level: 30

■ Status (Remaining Status Points: 0)

STR: 25

V