Chapter 81

"Itaibashi, please don't take unnecessary risks. I'll go to the front and fight."

"I understand."

We're going to fight a much higher-level monster than we are now, so it wouldn't be wise for me to recklessly get in the way.

"It's fine. If a dangerous monster appears, I'll take care of it immediately."

"I know, but..."

I feel uneasy being protected like this.

Just then, I saw a crab monster on the coastline.

It looks like a monster of similar size to those in monster-hunting games.

The Frosty Gray Crab is a monster with a rather cool name.

It's a crab about the size of a person...

"Oh? This is a local specialty! The required level is low, so don't worry!"

Saying that, Ito drew the sword from his waist.

Looking closely, Ito seems to have several swords.

The sword he's holding now appears to be regularly enveloped in lightning.

Ito crouched low and charged at the Frosty Gray Crab.

So fast!

Ramlus and the others seem to be at a decent level, but Ito was much faster, quickly slashing down the Frosty Gray Crab with his sword.

"Power Bash!"

At the same time as he shouted, it looked like a shockwave flew out from his sword.

I thought I had seen the attacks of combat-oriented people many times before... but how much stronger have they become in such a short period?

The experience points gained were also quite substantial for the number of people.

"Good job."

"Amazing."

Mr. Jitsu praised Ito, who had won with ease.

Yeah, it's really impressive.

Is this the power of combat-oriented abilities?

"This is just the beginning. Come on, let's go level up quickly."

"Alright."

"Growl."

Kumako, who had widened her eyes at Ito's attack, was trying to mimic his movements.

I think it would take a lot of training to be able to do that.

"That move is also part of the Raikus-style swordsmanship."

Ramlus was analyzing Ito's movements.

I remember he mentioned before that the abilities of people from other worlds encompass many schools.

Since Ito's ability is swordsmanship, he can indeed use it.

"Yeah, Power Bash is part of that swordsmanship. It becomes usable early on. In the same category, there's also Dash Slash."

"The Suufree swordsmanship is also complete. It's really impressive."

"Are there names for the techniques?"

"Yeah, Itaibashi used it when wearing gloves, right?"

"You mean the Wind Punch?"

"No, that's probably the effect of the weapon. Of course, there are new techniques in the expansion ability slots as well."

"Wait, aren't the attacks from the expansion ability?"

Both Ito and Ramlus shook their heads at my question.

Is that so?

I feel like I'm completely out of the loop after being away from combat for a while.

"It seems there are differences in abilities between combat-oriented and base-oriented people."

"I thought so..."

In the training, they mentioned that new attack methods appear as levels increase.

But that wasn't the expansion ability, was it?

"Hmm... I think what Itaibashi is talking about is a different category. When the main ability is combat-oriented, techniques become usable."

"Is that so?"

"Yeah, think about it. Do you think you're always manipulating the 'swordsmanship' category to fight?"

Indeed, it feels different.

"If Itaibashi changes the bear into a unique weapon and wears it, you'll understand."

"Huh?"

"Growl!"

Kumako immediately changed into gloves.

Kumako, you're really enthusiastic.

"Ah... I understand Itaibashi's approach, but please wear it this time."

"...Alright."

I put on the gloves that Kumako had turned into.

"Growl."

I heard a voice like that.

"Please check your ability list."

Ramlus gave the instruction.

I brought up my status and checked my abilities.

"So, check the combat-oriented abilities."

There was indeed a 'Boxer' ability section.

I checked the Boxer section as instructed.

There were initial techniques: Jab, One-Two Punch, Straight, and another item.

It seems these are attack methods that can be used without much conscious effort.

In other words, they can be done unconsciously?

At level 10, there's a technique called 'Whirlwind Punch.'

Could this technique allow for ranged attacks using the attributes of the weapon?

But the name could be better.

"These gloves have an Earth Crush effect..."

"It might be a ground technique."

At level 15, there's a technique called 'Big Rock Punch'... Is wrapping oneself in rock considered a technique?

Then what exactly is Earth Crush?

"Earth Crush is a ground-shaking attack caused by striking the ground. It's a powerful technique, so it's better not to use it too often."

Ah, I remember the boss of the Punching Bear using it at the beginning.

It wasn't very strong, and it felt like a death move.

"I've heard it's also used for destroying footholds."

I remember Kumako using it to destroy a beehive.

So that was Earth Crush?

"Then, does this glove have no attribute abilities other than Wind Punch?"

"What about Bear Claw?"

"Um..."

When I focus, the gloves glow and wrap themselves in something like a bear's claw.

Probably that's what it is?

"Probably. Use it according to the situation."

Hmm...

While checking the Boxer section, I found a technique called 'Screw Punch' at level 20.

"Can you just shout the technique name to use it?"

"No, shouting it just forces it out. It's a cancel."

Ito explained in detail.

Techniques can be activated at will through consciousness, body form, or voice.

The specifications are quite different from my transfer.

However, I've decided to use Meguru's sword, so I instructed Kumako to return to her normal form.

"Growl."

Kumako seems to be in a good mood after being worn as gloves.

Honestly, I think it's more efficient for us to fight separately, one person and one bear, rather than me equipping Kumako and fighting.

"As a side note, the status of tamed monsters apparently gives bonuses to weapons."

"Is that so... but I..."

While staring at the sword, Ito waved his hand uncomfortably.

"It would be great if I could add swordsmanship to this sword with instant expansion ability."

"I've never heard of such a thing."

"No precedent... Come to think of it, it couldn't be done with the transfer either."

Only the additional effects can be transferred.

It's a bit of a stretch.

"Maybe using a unique equipment for dual-wielding on the other hand would be good."

That probably is the best option.

Considering the future, that direction seems good...?

But I feel bad about it for Kumako.

What should I do?

In the end, wouldn't the unique weapon sword be the main one?

That feels different too.

"...Itaibashi, I understand your desire to cherish Meguru's sword, but it's also important to fight in the right place and with the right tools."

Ito showed the sword he had just used.

"I think you've heard from Sakae, but the Full Metal Turtle's sword is a general-purpose sword. It's effective against opponents who use a lot of magic and ability attacks. However, for other enemies, using the right weapon can make the battle more advantageous. It's the same as in games."

I have some experience with games.

Specialized equipment can usually produce more efficient results than general-purpose equipment.

"Of course, I understand your desire to use Meguru's sword. You're a swordsman, after all. But it's meaningless if you die because of your attachment."

"But..."

This is a personal attachment for me.

I've decided to fight as much as possible with Meguru's sword.

"The gloves are fine with Kumako."

"No, it's true that Kumako is excellent when used, but as the knight said, your performance will be even better if you use them."

"Growl."

"Kumako is so fluffy."

"Growl."

Before I knew it, Mr. Jitsu was riding on Kumako.

Mr. Jitsu, you really love bears.

"Depending on the situation, Itaibashi... you might have a better chance of survival if you use them. Keep that in mind."

Saying that, Ito kept watch and gave directions to Mochinobu and the others.

Is that the end of the conversation?

...Is there a situation where I should use the gloves...?