Chapter 39

A few days after picking up the rabbit, the magic stones had also accumulated, now totaling 920.

With this, I thought that even in my current state, I should be able to get at least one UR when the next festival comes.

However, I was somewhat hesitant about aiming for it.

The days of just accumulating stones for an uncertain festival were stressful. It felt like waiting for the probability boost from the free stones to come.

Thinking about what would happen if I didn't get the desired job, I decided that I should do what I had to do.

"Nor, I have a favor to ask, is that okay?"

"Huh? Is something wrong~?"

"Really, you do like that rabbit, don't you?"

"Hehe, it's so cute, isn't it?"

I had been pondering something for a while and finally decided to consult them.

The girls I called out to were sitting in chairs, petting and admiring the rabbit they had picked up not long ago.

The rabbit's name was Mofut, which seemed like a very fitting name.

I even changed our inn for Mofut. The accommodation fee was a bit higher, but they were satisfied, so it was fine.

Nor was smiling, petting the rabbit on her lap, looking content. Estelle was sitting next to her, stroking its body.

Mofut seemed to be enjoying their attention, looking quite relaxed. Honestly, I was a bit envious... why don't you switch places with me?

"So, what is it you want to ask?"

"Well, you see... can you teach me some training?"

"..."

When I said that, they looked at each other, then at me as if I were some unbelievable sight.

Even Mofut, who was on Nor's lap, trembled in surprise. Hey, you're getting used to this too quickly.

"...Estelle, something's wrong with Mr. Ohtsuka again."

"...Yeah, what's going on? He's been acting strange lately."

"Hey, I can hear you."

They were whispering, but I could hear them clearly.

What, is it that strange for me to ask for training?

"What's going on? You want me to teach you?"

"Well... since you're also a melee fighter, I thought you could teach me and maybe I could improve a bit."

What should I do to become a useful fighter?

That's when I thought, why not learn from an expert in melee combat who's right here.

But honestly, if I'm asked to mimic Nor's fighting style, I don't think I can do it, so I'm a bit anxious.

"Hmm, that's true. What do you think?"

"Mmm, I'm glad you're motivated. But training... I've never taught anyone before."

She rubbed her chin, looking troubled.

Yeah, I get it... it's hard to ask someone to do something they've never done before.

Maybe it's too much to ask...

"Let's just do it! Mr. Ohtsuka, today we'll thoroughly find your weaknesses!"

It seemed Nor had a plan.

●

"So, why are we here?"

"Probably this place is just right~."

"The Warrior Eagle Forest, huh."

When Nor suggested it, we came to the Warrior Eagle Forest.

I was curious why we were coming to such a place now, but she said it was fine, so I came along.

I left Mofut with the innkeeper. They take care of pets there, which is very convenient. Of course, it's not free.

"So, what do I do?"

"We're going to have another one-on-one with the Warrior Eagle Chief!"

...What? A one-on-one!?

No way... is this the kind of practical training Nor meant!?

"That's too harsh! Can't you be my opponent?"

"What are you talking about? Learning by doing is the best way. Fighting monsters will give you more solid experience."

That's true, but...

I was thinking of having a mock battle with Nor to gain experience gradually.

I remember she left me to fight in the initial tutorial... did I ask the wrong person for help?

"Here, I'll point out Mr. Ohtsuka's weaknesses, and you'll work on them while fighting. Oh, and no Skull Ring."

"What, really?"

No Skull Ring!?

Well, I have the Holy Shroud now, so I should be fine against the Warrior Eagle Chief...

"And you have to take off the Holy Shroud. You need to feel some danger."

"Are you really going to fight like this..."

Nor took off the Holy Shroud, and I was back to being the warrior with a bar and a pot lid.

Hey, no, this feels really insecure... I feel so vulnerable.

"Isn't this quite lenient?"

"Your level is higher than before, so I want you to have confidence."

Yeah, that's true. My level and experience have improved since then.

Maybe I can defeat the Warrior Eagle Chief now.

"Oh, the Warrior Eagle Chief isn't here. Let's just start."

"We'll clear out the Warrior Eagles to make him appear."

The Warrior Eagles were walking in front of the forest. There were no red-feathered ones, so it seemed they weren't spawning right now.

Estelle confirmed this, took out her grimoire, and summoned fireballs to bombard the grassland. The warriors were blown away by the explosions.

One warrior who survived the first explosion tried to stand up but was hit by a second fireball.

Seeing them being blown away one by one, I felt guilty for starting this.

"Okay, good luck, big brother."

"Mr. Ohtsuka, fight!"

After the warriors were defeated, several monsters emerged from the forest.

Among them was a large red bird—the Warrior Eagle Chief.

Estelle attacked the Warrior Eagle Chief with magic, drawing him closer.

The warriors accompanying him were also chasing, but they were quickly taken out by Estelle's magic.

The Warrior Eagle Chief, surrounded by a red aura, was using a skill. I swung my bar at him.

I released a wind-attribute attack from the tip of the bar, which hit him.

Surprised by the sudden attack, he changed his course and ran towards me.

It's okay, it's okay. His stats are much lower than mine now.

My level and stats have also improved since the last time. I can do this, I think!

"Ugh, whoa!?"

The Warrior Eagle Chief, who had reached me, swung his one-handed sword. I blocked it with the lid.

I then swung my bar horizontally, aiming to stab his abdomen.

But just before the attack hit, he jumped back, evading it.

Why... my attack is faster than last time. Yet I can't hit him.

While I was on the defensive, the Warrior Eagle Chief suddenly kicked up sand into my eyes.

"Ouch!?"

Caught off guard by the sudden blindness, I got sand in one eye. Losing sight in one eye, I panicked and raised the lid to protect my head.

Immediately after, I felt a sharp pain in my leg, probably from the Warrior Eagle Chief's slash.

I tried to drive him away with my remaining eye and swung my bar.

I didn't feel any blood. When I glanced at my leg with my remaining eye, there was no visible blood.

With high defense, I don't take damage, but I still feel the pain. Just like the first goblin.

From then on, I was on the defensive. A few minutes later, the red aura around the Warrior Eagle Chief disappeared, and his movements slowed down.

Finally, I could hit him, and my vision partially recovered, allowing me to defeat the Warrior Eagle Chief.

"Haa... haa... I can't... I can't do this anymore."

After barely defeating him, I returned to the girls and collapsed.

If there was no stat difference, I would have definitely lost. I reflexively protected my head, but my legs were heavily slashed.

It was very painful. It felt like being cut by a piece of paper, and the sensation spread all over my legs, making me very uncomfortable.

"Nor, how was it?"

"Um, well, there were a lot of issues."

Nor looked troubled, crossing her arms.

It seemed I did very poorly. I agree.

I didn't expect to do this badly...

Then her critique began.

First, my field of vision was too narrow. I was focusing on the weapon instead of the whole opponent.

My defense was weak, my attacks were too casual, I was overconfident because I could see my stats, and I wasn't using my equipment effectively.

By the time she finished, I felt like my heart was about to break.

"I was going to point out things gradually as you got used to it, but since we're here, I'll say everything."

"That's how it is. So, Mr. Ohtsuka, try to be more aware of these things in battle. If you do, you should be able to defeat the Warrior Eagle Chief even when he's using skills."

"Then, big brother, let's go for the second one."

"What... what? We're still doing this!?"

I was tired and wanted to go home.

But the two of them lifted me up and dragged me back to the Warrior Eagles.

I want to go home...

●

"I... might have asked the wrong person..."

After a few hours, today's special training finally ended.

I had defeated over 10 Warrior Eagle Chiefs, and my whole body felt like it was covered in paper cuts, making me shiver.

Even after drinking potions, the sensation remained, and my body was involuntarily twitching.

"You did much better in the second half, hitting the attacks more often."

"Hehe, you took fewer hits too. If you keep this up, your awareness should improve."

Hehe... keep this up? Keep doing this...

Indeed, my performance improved with each fight. The thought of catching up to them was exciting, but it also made my stomach hurt.

With that, we decided to end the day, and I took out my phone to head back to the inn.

"Huh? This!?"

At the same time, my phone vibrated, and a large message appeared on the screen: [SSR Guaranteed, 33-Draw Pick-Up Gacha Event].