Chapter 32

The second day of special training took place in a forest near the town.

Basically, it was the same as last time: casting magic and blocking with a shield. Since the two of us had also learned magic, I took turns being the one to receive the attacks. We trained until evening, then hunted monsters to level up.

New abilities I learned:

I learned 〈Footwork〉, 〈Insight〉, 〈Deflection〉, 〈Archery〉, 〈Spear Mastery〉, 〈Crafting〉, and 〈Woodworking〉. Additionally, I learned 〈Burst〉 and 〈Concentration〉 at level 2.

My brother learned 〈Fire Resistance〉, 〈Water Resistance〉, 〈Earth Resistance〉, 〈Light Resistance〉, 〈Water Magic〉, 〈Spear Mastery〉, and 〈Staff Mastery〉, and he learned 〈Insight〉 and 〈Deflection〉 at level 2.

Naga learned 〈Spear Mastery〉 and 〈Water Magic〉.

As Master said, it seems that the DEX value might be related to the acquisition of abilities. Naga seems to have difficulty learning new skills and abilities, but his stats are high.

The most extreme growth in stats was Naga's. His highest stat is STR 58, followed by DEF 50, and the lowest is AGI 9. He has grown extremely unevenly, with strength and defense increasing but speed not improving.

My brother's highest stats are STR 36 and AGI 33, and his lowest is MDF 8. He has strength and speed but weak magic defense. My stats are INT 38 and AGI 18, with DEF 6. I have high intelligence, but my speed is not outstanding, and my defense is quite weak.

Even considering the level differences, the differences in the abilities we have learned are too large.

"…Is it individual differences?"

"Yeah. Also, if you consider that Naga's resistances start at level 2, it might mean that I learned them late…"

"…No. Master said that my DEX value is low, so maybe that's why I find it hard to learn."

"Wait!? Naga, you call Master 'Master'!?"

"Hey…"

"Sorry, sorry. But… even though it's hard to learn abilities, your stats are growing well, so maybe you shouldn't worry? I don't understand the difference in stats, though. Also, what do you think about abilities that start at level 2?"

I didn't pay much attention to it before, but… Naga's resistances were at level 2. And this time, my brother and I also have abilities that start at level 2.

As Naga said, it might mean that they are easier to learn… but something feels off.

If I consider that I learned 〈Insight〉 by mimicking my brother's movements… I think, but my brother might already have this ability, even though it's not displayed.

The possible explanation is a unique skill. My brother's movements are much better when he has a sword. From this, I think that to learn 〈Mastery of the Sword〉, the 〈Insight〉 ability is required… and when he has a sword, the 〈Insight〉 ability is automatically activated… meaning he has had it from the beginning. And as his proficiency increases, he becomes aware of it at level 2. I want to verify this, but I lack information.

It doesn't seem impossible… but I don't have anyone to consult with.

"Well, if you can't understand something, you can't understand it. Even if it's hard to learn, you might be able to learn it with repetition. Don't rush, and try repeating it a bit more."

"Yeah. I want to learn resistances, but… for some reason, I can't do it right now."

My brother and I are casting magic, and I'm defending with a shield… but it feels like I'm not doing it well. I had both of them cast fire magic, but… why?

"Hmm… How about you stop receiving magic with your shield?"

"Huh? Why suddenly!?"

"Well, your MDF is higher than Naga's and mine, so you're not taking any damage when you defend with a shield, right?"

"Huh? Umm…?"

"I take quite a bit of damage if I don't defend with a shield. Even when I do, it sometimes gets through, right?"

"Oh…"

Even if we're careful not to get hurt during training, we still take some damage.

In my case, since my defense is lower than theirs, I try to avoid being hit… but with magic, it's true that… even if their attacks hit me, I won't get seriously hurt.

In fact, both of them were taking damage? Healing potions? Or recovery magic? Which one?

"Both of you are hurt!?"

"It's fine… it's not a wound, it will heal."

"Right. A little damage is part of the training. It's better to have resistances, and magic… I can't use it in real combat even if I learn it. It has no power."

"Umm. It might improve a little… but with your stats, you're clearly suited for the front line… but it will be useful on the journey. Water and fire magic, for example."

I don't know how to use wind and earth magic in daily life. I might use them in combat, but not very often.

The growth of stats is different for each of us, and everyone is unique.

My brother is an attacker who uses his strength and speed. He might be suited for scouting, but he clearly stated that it's not for him. The reason is a secret for now.

Naga, if he uses his strength and defense, might be a tank… but he likes direct combat, so he might be an attacker.

"So… are you going to be on the front line?"

"Umm. As a solo adventurer, I might have to fight on the front line sometimes, but if it's for gathering, I don't need to be at a high rank, so it's fine."

"I see…"

Indeed. My defense is… weak. That's why I want to learn resistances.

I think Naga's good growth in DEF is because he has many resistances.

To improve my defense, I need to learn resistances… but, I can still fight! I want to assert that.

If I can avoid attacks, I can manage with the abilities I learned, like 〈Insight〉 and 〈Deflection〉.

"The difference in stats between front-line and back-line roles is quite large, even at low levels. And… instead of stopping short, why not hit me directly? If I get hurt, we can heal with recovery magic… or wrap the blades with cloth to prevent cuts."

"That's fine if you're doing it to us, but if we do it to you, you might get seriously hurt."

Serious injury… oh, but Naga's STR is 252, and my HP is 175, considering DEF… if I get hit directly, I might get seriously hurt… hmm. Well, it's not impossible.

"Hmm. But… the reason Naga didn't learn 〈Insight〉 and 〈Deflection〉 might be because his defense is high? It adds tension, so let's try it."

"…No."

"No, it's fine."

"…No."

Naga is absolutely refusing.

He turns his face away, looking unhappy. Before I can persuade him, my brother intervenes, saying, "Okay, Naga will continue to stop short. I can take my attacks, so I'll hit you directly. Except with the sword."

"Isn't that overprotective?"

"…"

"Well, well. We're worried about you too. Let's try it next time, and if it doesn't work, we'll reconsider."

The second day of training showed a lot of individual differences. We learned unexpected abilities, and we also found out that Naga doesn't learn much.

However, Naga's growth rate is higher than mine or my brother's, so he is still the most capable.

In fact… I need to learn more front-line abilities, or I'll be too weak compared to them. This might be the difference between the second and third unique skills.

And… Naga seems to be against me acting solo.

I told him I won't form a party, but he's not listening.

I don't want to form a permanent party, just a temporary one when I go out. My stats are lower than theirs, but I can handle the enemies around here.

My brother seems to understand and is smiling wryly but doesn't seem to want to stop me.

"It's fine. I have the approval of Leonis, who was a former A-rank adventurer! The monsters around here are no match for me."

"You're a magic type. It's dangerous to go alone."

"It's not a dangerous place. I admit… it takes longer to defeat enemies because my attack power is lower than yours. But I don't take damage."

"What about when there are many enemies?"

"I have a plan. I can avoid fighting swarms of monsters."

I continue to persuade, but we're at an impasse… I can't say there's no danger, but I've tried to minimize it… Naga is just too worried.

Well… I admit I'm weaker than the two of them. But I can't accept being judged as unable to fight. If I accept a back-line role, I'll be stuck as a healer!

It's not that I dislike healing, but the responsibility is too heavy. I can't focus on my own health while worrying about others' health during combat! I'm sure I'd mess up the priorities!

I don't want to deal with such complicated things… but my brother recommends that I become a healer if I plan ahead.

"I think it's not bad to act solo. But when we go out together, it's fine to be a healer, right?"

"Find a dedicated healer. I'm learning alchemy from Master, so I can't be away from town for long."

"Well, not immediately, but Master said he would teach alchemy in a year. After that, it might be good to see the world."

"No, um… considering your strength, I don't think I can keep up with you two?"

"I think it will be fun… there's no need to rush to a conclusion."

Indeed, there's no need to rush.

If I'm asked if I want to travel… it's complicated. I like occasional trips, but… in this world, traveling is difficult. Even riding a horse, there are monsters… I don't have the passion to see everything…

Just waiting in town alone is boring… I'll think about it a little.