Chapter 29

The next day.

After sharing our status information, we moved to a secluded location to acquire skills and magic abilities, which took about two hours. We headed south from the road leading to the western hill. The road disappeared, and while the number of monsters increased, there were no people around. This area was off the beaten path to other towns and the capital, and there were no dungeons, so it was almost deserted. The view was good, so we could easily spot anyone approaching.

"Well, we're quite far from town, so this place should be fine."

"......There's no one around."

"Yeah. We don't want to be seen by others."

"So, what do we do first?"

"Let's start with skills. After confirming our information from yesterday, the skills we can learn are unarmed combat, archery, spear, and shield. How about starting with the shield?"

After considering the information from the others, we decided to start with the weapons we already had. Among them, the shield was the one we were most excited about.

"Hmm? Is something up?"

"I'll cast a spell, and you defend with the shield."

"You're checking if we can learn shield skills without fighting monsters?"

"That's part of it. I originally had water magic, but I learned fire, earth, and wind by using elemental materials 100 times in alchemy. The hypothesis is that by handling the magical elements in the materials, I learned the spells. So, by casting spells, we might be able to touch the elements and learn the spells."

"I see. So, I just need to defend?"

"Right. Try to consciously defend. Oh, first, you need to activate the skill by saying 'Guard' like this. Try to mimic it."

I activated the shield skill 'Guard.'

I thought it might be impractical in actual combat because it immobilizes you, but if you can hold the shield like this, it makes it easier for me to cast spells.

"Got it. I'll defend against your spells 100 times, and then we'll try to level up."

"Hmm? But our MP will run out if we try all elements 100 times, so it might take a whole day. How about we level up at the end of the day?"

"......We can try one element at a time."

"Each time we learn a skill, our stats improve. If we want to get stronger, it's better to learn as much as possible early on. For efficiency, let's try to level up at the end of the day. If it doesn't work, we can reconsider."

"Sounds good."

We cast spells on each other—100 times for each of the six elements, for two people. With only about 200 MP, we had to recover by using SP to cast skills, practice with other weapons, and fight monsters in the evening to level up.

Naga reached level 4 and learned several abilities:

Water resistance LV2, Fire resistance LV2, Earth resistance LV2, Wind resistance LV2, Light resistance LV1, Holy resistance LV1, Fire magic LV1, Shield skill LV1, Observation LV1.

Brother learned: Wind magic LV1, Fire magic LV1, Wind resistance LV1, Shield skill LV1, SP shortage LV1, Disassembly LV1.

For some reason, Naga's resistances started at level 2, even though he didn't have them yesterday. Despite similar training, the abilities we learned were different. As expected, there are individual differences, but it's hard to verify.

"Hmm. We learned something, but it feels different. Even though we did the same thing, we learned completely different things."

"Yeah... I remember that some people can learn things while others can't."

"......Next?"

"Should we continue? We'll have to camp out..."

"No. We've made some progress. Let's call it a day."

Naga looked disappointed, but we decided to head back. We talked about what we noticed on the way back. The lack of people on the way back was good, but the distance was a time loss. We decided to find a closer location for next time. We need to avoid people, but there should be secluded spots nearby. We might ask Mary for suggestions.

"Any plans for the future?"

"I have training with my master on odd-numbered days. I can do morning sessions on those days. But I want to go to the church tomorrow, so I can only participate in the morning."

"......Church?"

"Yeah. The guild master told me to go. ...If you're interested, do you want to come with me?"

"Ah......Sure."

He agreed eagerly, which was unusual for Naga. He must have some attachment to it. I want to ask, but maybe it's better not to pry into his past. My own memories are hazy, so it wouldn't be fair to ask about his.

"Church, huh?"

"What about you, brother?"

"Well, if you two are going, I'll come along."

Brother didn't seem very enthusiastic. That's unusual. He usually shows interest in new things and likes exploring. Maybe he doesn't like the church or the guild master, or both.

"Tomorrow's plan is fine, but..."

"On even-numbered days, we'll do a full day of training. Since we can learn magic and resistances, let's keep it up. I want to learn resistances too, so I'd like you two to cast spells as well."

"Right. We didn't learn anything else today besides the shield..."

"......For unarmed combat, it's better to spar with me and Granos. For other weapons, it's better to practice with Crein."

"Oh, you have a plan?"

"......Crein is better with weapons other than swords. It's more effective to practice with someone who can challenge you. Your style is too chaotic."

Brother's style is unpredictable and strong in one-on-one combat, but it's not beginner-friendly. I'm not a match for him in unarmed combat due to the power difference. I've improved with weapons, as I can parry and dodge more, but...

"......What about other weapons? Should we buy some?"

"Ultimately, neither Naga nor I learned spear skills... Is it too early?"

"......If we're going to add more, what should we add?"

"Hmm. Axes? I don't think we need staves... With axes, we can gather wood and roots."

"Ah, that's true. If you need them for gathering, we can buy them. But maybe it's better to get something for cutting down trees..."

"Also, staffs? With swords and spears, the reach doesn't match, so a long weapon would be good."

"......Greatswords would be hard to wield."

"Ugh... I know I don't have enough power."

It's easier to spar with weapons of similar length. Axes are fine with swords, but spears are hard to handle with swords. The length disadvantage is a problem.

The cost is a concern, but for efficiency, it might be worth it. We should consider armor for both of you first, though.

"Doesn't matter since we're magic users, right?"

"That's not the point! Compared to you two, I'm weak..."

"......We'll learn eventually. It's important to keep practicing without rushing."

There was a big difference in the stat growth from today's level-ups. Naga's strength increased significantly. Brother's strength and speed also improved, making him strong.

It's only one level up, but we might learn more as we level up. If we can figure out the pattern, it will be faster.

"Is there anything else you noticed?"

"......Why are your movements better than your stats suggest?"

"Ah, it's probably due to the passive effect of 'Intuition.' Leonis mentioned it, and it seems to be quite effective."

I thought I'd be terrible in sparring, but it went better than expected. My attacks are weak, but I can hit with multiple strikes. I avoid big swings, which surprised both of them. The level difference might be a factor.

"Indeed, you moved better than expected. And your movements improved as we went on."

"Maybe it's because I tried to mimic Brother's sword movements. They were clean and efficient."

Brother's movements were very clean. He changes when he wields a sword and is incredibly strong. I tried to mimic him, and it seemed to improve my movements.

Today, I didn't level up, so I couldn't see the results. I'm at a higher level, so it's understandable. I might do a lot of alchemy later to level up.

"......Doesn't a unique skill have a passive effect?"

"Huh? Yeah, it seems to."

"Then that's it. You have 'Sword Mastery,' so your movements are better with a sword. It would be great if you could move like that all the time."

"I see......Mine doesn't seem to have an effect."

"Really?"

"......Dragon Slayer... or 'Dragon Killer.'"

Dragon Killer... Dragon Slayer...

It makes sense. Naga's choice seems a bit middle-schoolish, like a hero in a game. But that's a unique skill.

However, I don't want to fight dragons. I wouldn't be a burden, so I wouldn't be taken along.

"That's so you, Naga!"

"......What do you mean?"

"Never mind. Your unique skill can't be tested. But maybe your resistances improve easily because of it. Dragons seem resistant to magic."

"True. Your resistances improved across the board, and your stat growth was the best."

"......Thanks to you two. Thank you."

Unique skills might affect potential. Just having them can make you stronger, so it's not impossible. Brother's 'Sword Mastery' is a good example. If it's the reason for the good stat growth, it's understandable to be cautious.

"What's wrong?"

"Huh? Oh, I didn't level up, so I thought I'd do some alchemy later."

"No. No late-night alchemy. You tend to overdo it. Get some rest today."

"......Take a nice bath and go to bed."

"Ugh......Okay, I'll take a bath."

I was glared at by both Brother and Naga, so I decided to comply. It's better to skip alchemy today. I'll use water and fire magic to heat water and fill a bucket. I also want to add a spell to keep it warm.

I'll think about it after Brother and Naga's training settles down... and I'll reheat the water when we leave.