Chapter 4

"But I'm Ares. I came out from a rural village, dreaming of becoming an adventurer... but it seems that the only parties forming at level 1 are made up of people who already know each other. They say they can't trust anyone who hasn't leveled up to at least level 3 on their own, and I was getting really anxious. I really appreciate your help, I want to thank you properly again."

"I'm Elma Ed... no, just Elma."

I was told by that damn old man not to mention my family name.

"You don't need to thank me. It was a good opportunity to gain some levels. I'll be taking all the magic stones, though."

"Elma! Hey, I have a chance to join a duo party when we get back. How about you join too? Since you were wandering alone, you must have been struggling too, right? Defense-specialized classes aren't popular among low-level adventurers... but I think you're amazing! I'll definitely convince the others! I owe you for saving me just now!"

Ares clenched his fist and spoke passionately.

"No, that's fine."

"Why not...? Your fighting style is that of a Shield class, right? If you keep going solo, you won't level up at all. Don't be stubborn..."

"I think I've just proven that I can fight alone."

"True..."

Ares is right. Normally, defense-specialized classes shine by drawing enemy attacks and protecting their allies. However, in my preferred method of leveling up, bringing a group would only dilute the experience points and make it less efficient.

I doubt the others would believe me anyway. I also want to acquire items, skills, and titles. Bringing a large group would only make things more difficult.

...Besides, if I were to have a party, I'd prefer someone specialized in exploration or a versatile mage class. However, both types are rare in *Magic World* due to the lack of opportunities for them to shine, making them highly sought after. It's unlikely I'd find such companions so easily.

"But if you keep doing this, you'll eventually run into trouble! Once you get past the low-level zone, you won't be able to handle the enemies with just a defense-specialized class!"

"It depends on how you approach it..."

Even with skill trees, if they're not class-specific, you can acquire new ones using items or cleric-type skills. By giving up *Basic Swordsmanship* and *Defense Boost* and acquiring the necessary skill trees, you can fully compensate for your offensive capabilities. This high degree of freedom is one of the popular elements of *Magic World*. ...Of course, skill points are irreversible, so many people end up retiring due to failed skill configurations.

"Elma, I'm saying this for your own good! You're amazing! That's why I can't just let you continue inefficiently on your own! It's not like you can keep hunting just Lanas. Let's aim higher together!"

Just as Ares said this, a monster fell in front of us with a thud.

It was a giant spider, covered in bright red fur, over two meters long. Its head, though red-furred, was that of an ape with a large mouth and eight eyes.

"EEEEEEEEEEEEE!"

The Aranda Ape opened its fanged mouth and roared.

"Y-You've got to be kidding me...!"

Ares let out a voice of despair.

I quickly checked the *Status*.

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Monster: Aranda Ape

Lv: 16

HP: 31/31

MP: 11/11

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It was a monster twice my level.

...I was trying to avoid encountering such things by staying in the shallow part of the forest.

The Aranda Ape is venomous, fast, and can spit a paralyzing poison. It also has high attack power and the *Stealth* skill.

It seems Ares had attracted the Aranda Ape while running around. The Aranda Ape is aggressive and fast.

*Wall Return* is a skill for bullying weaker opponents and is almost useless against stronger ones. To activate it, you need to completely block the attack, which requires defense twice the opponent's attack power. It's not a skill for use against equals.

Additionally, the Aranda Ape has the *Flame Claw* skill, which increases attack speed and power. If hit, it's game over instantly.

"O-Of course, I can't just leave this to you...! O-Okay, I'll draw its attention! Y-You run away during that time...!"

Ares suggested this to me, but his legs were trembling as if he already regretted saying it.

"...No, I'll handle it. Leave it to me."

My mind was filled with the knowledge of *Magic World* I had accumulated in my previous life. Knowing the level, I could deduce all the other stats of the Aranda Ape. I had been thinking about it all along and had come to a conclusion.

This fight is winnable.

"Y-You're being reckless! No matter what! The Aranda Ape isn't a monster that a beginner can handle! I get that you're amazing, but it's physically impossible!"

Ares turned pale and shouted. Indeed, it's understandable to think that way. With such a level difference, our attacks won't do much, and their attacks will be fatal.

But I have the data from my hundred battles in *Magic World*.

"*Status*!"

I stepped forward, opened *Status*, and manipulated the skill tree screen. I had the 7 skill points I just earned.

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[Skill Tree]

[Remaining Skill Points: 0]

*Oath of Heavy Armor [12/100]* +7

*Defense Boost [0/50]*

*Basic Swordsmanship [0/50]*

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Of course, I maxed out *Oath of Heavy Armor*!

[You have acquired the normal skill *Disarm* because *Oath of Heavy Armor* has reached [10/100].]

This was the skill I needed to defeat the Aranda Ape.

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*Disarm* [Normal Skill]

Reduces the attack power of the target by one level for a short time.

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If I successfully attack, this skill will temporarily reduce the target's attack power. Specifically, it reduces it by 20% for exactly one minute.

"Come on, spider-ape. I'll take you on!"

I shouted at the Aranda Ape. Its eight eyes glared at me.

"EEEEEEEEEEEEE!"

High risk, high reward...

To level up in *Magic World*, you had to hunt higher-level monsters aggressively. This world is probably the same.

"This is when I feel the most alive."