Chapter 88

Extra Chapter 2

"Hey, today we're going a bit far. Do you want to come along?"

"Huh?"

During lunch at school, while I was eating my bento and talking to Takumi, he suddenly said this.

It's quite unusual for Takumi to go on a trip. And the fact that he, who always prepares meticulously before and after going out, would suddenly suggest this must mean it's about OSO.

"Why me?"

"Well, the other members aren't around today, and I felt like I should take you out once in a while. Haven't you been staying in town lately?"

"That's not true—"

But when I was pointed out by Takumi, I tried to argue but then recalled that I've been holed up in the store recently. The last time I went on a trip was to get the three types of picks for the Ex-Skills of "Design" and "Mining," as well as the mining tools.

The condition to obtain the "Design" skill, which I had once given up on, was to raise the "Crafting" level to 25. Meeting that condition, I was thrown into a high mountain alone without any prior explanation and given the task to "collect 100 ores" using the provided pick.

It was very troublesome, and after escaping the mine, I went to the second town and obtained the "Design" skill from a quest-specific NPC, which allows the use of materials other than metal to change the appearance of rings.

For example, you can wrap fur around a metal bracelet or weave feathers into it. While there's no change in ability, you can expect a change in appearance.

"Of course. From what I've heard from various people, it seems like you're doing unhealthy activities, which is scary."

"Basically, staying in bed and playing VR is unhealthy, isn't it?"

"I mean mentally unhealthy. Well, VR was originally developed for sleep learning, advanced medical treatment, and military training. So, in that sense, you might be a healthy overachiever."

With a pleasant smile, Takumi drank the juice he bought from a vending machine and took a bite of his lunch, a savory bread roll.

Reflecting on my recent activities, I realized it has been a continuous cycle of production. If I need an item, I can ask Mew to get it for me, and if the location matches, she will do it without hesitation. So, I don't really have much interest in outside activities...

"Hmm. Well, let's put the healthy or unhealthy debate aside. It's true that I've been neglecting my bow level-up recently."

"By the way, what's your bow level now?"

"Exactly 30, and I also have the derived skill 'Longbow.'"

"30, huh? Did you learn any new Arts? Still, compared to the end of summer break, you haven't grown much."

To be precise, I quickly leveled up to 30, a round number, after summer break and spent most of my time on production activities and enhancing other senses.

"So, are you coming with me?"

I put a slice of pork roll wrapped in vegetables in my mouth, chewed, and paused for a moment.

"Sure, why not? We're always together at school, but it's been a while since we've been alone in the game."

"Thanks. Actually, it's tough to adventure alone."

Takumi smiled wryly, but there was still a suspicious air about him.

"I find it hard to believe you find it tough."

"Well, it's true. Fighting with just a sword is exhausting. There are many pure physical players, but each has their strengths and weaknesses."

"Well, there aren't many players like me who are skilled but poor."

I said this self-deprecatingly, but Takumi even called me a mere hobbyist.

"Anyway, the composition of a physical player like me is usually one or two weapon senses, one armor sense, one magic sense for MP, and three or four physical ability senses. The remaining slots can be adjusted according to the situation. This is the base, and many players combine it with magic to become magic swordsmen. Miharu is a magic swordsman."

Comparing this to my composition, I realized something.

"Hey, isn't that a pretty high status?"

"Rather, the idea is to have high status and use Arts and skills as support."

Takumi, biting the straw of his finished juice, began to explain his thoughts.

"I call it 'hard' and 'soft.' 'Hard' refers to the character's status, or base abilities. 'Soft' refers to the character's Arts, skills, and resistances. Your character has low 'hard' but a well-developed 'soft.' Conversely, my character has strong 'hard' but very few 'soft.' Even with few 'soft' skills, I can cover the combat 'soft' with my strength, and there are 'soft' skills to support the 'hard.' Additionally, items and equipment can boost and provide resistances. It's not a simple matter, and there are unique techniques in VR games, but that's fine."

He paused, looking me in the eye.

"Here's a question. What situation do you think would be tough for me, who has strong 'hard' and weak 'soft'?"

"Well, it's a matter of compatibility, right? I can't say specifically what it is, though."

"Correct. It's mainly an efficiency issue with items. Enemies with high physical resistance are not suitable for hunting. Even if they are the appropriate level, it's tough. So, when I'm alone, I avoid them and find them difficult."

"Wow, there are enemies even you can't beat, Takumi?"

"I can beat them, but it's an efficiency issue. If I use elemental weapons, it takes time, but I can level up. However, the item efficiency is poor, and the expenses pile up. Spending money on weapons and armor and repeatedly enhancing them quickly depletes my assets."

"So, you're inviting me to make money together?"

"You're overthinking it. I won't deny that there's some of that, but the main focus is on your level-up."

"Sorry, I just got suspicious."

I ended up misinterpreting Takumi's good intentions. Feeling guilty about my suspicion, I quickly agreed to today's hunt.

"Where are we going, then?"

"The mountainous area north of the first town. The enemies there are quite strong, and the item drops are pretty good. The main thing I need your help with is the aerial enemies."

"Aerial? I understand that as a ranged attacker, but why...?"

"First, it's a good experience for you. Second, the item drops are good. One in a hundred is a special entity called a Queen, and its drops can be used for enhancements. So, if you defeat it, the drops will be shared between us. It's the most efficient."

"So, you'll handle the ground enemies. Then, make sure to protect me. Also, while I'm targeting the air, can you gather items for me? Mainly stones."

"Got it. I'll send you an email when I get home."

"Sure." We made a few more adjustments and chatted about trivial matters.

After school, we went home and logged into OSO.