Chapter 27

"Alright, should I go hunting on the second floor today..."

The next day, I returned to the second floor of the hunting ground. The reason for this was...

"I need to get used to the new skill 'Speed Up' I acquired."

When I read the explanation of skills in the materials prepared by Salome, it mentioned the 'Up' effect, which provides a buff.

This effect boosts various attributes when support magic is cast, and as the skill level increases, the support effect becomes more potent, significantly changing the experience.

This time, I obtained the skills 'Speed Up' and 'Stamina Up,' and I plan to shift my combat style back to weapon-based.

To do this, I prioritized strength and raised it to 200.

"I've gotten too used to fighting with magic and haven't used weapons recently. The chances of using weapons in the match against Walter are high, so I need to train."

I drew my short sword and cast support magic on myself.

"Speed Up, Stamina Up"

Strength: 200

Agility: 105 (+60)

Endurance: 116 (+60)

Magic: 224

Spirit: 202

Dexterity: 171

Luck: 200 + 10

When I opened the status screen, the numbers were displayed with (+60) next to them. This is probably the support effect.

"Agility has increased quite a bit. I definitely need to get used to this change..."

The feeling is different from when I suddenly boosted my stats. It feels more like I'm floating and can't settle down.

"Support magic's effectiveness varies depending on the user, and the duration also changes."

I recalled and repeated the sentence from the explanation. It probably refers to skill levels. If the skill level increases by 1, the effect increases by +10, meaning higher-level users can cast more effective support magic.

Even now, my effect is apparently higher than Olive's.

"Let's start by defeating Kobolds."

I began circling the second floor to experience the effects.

"Whoa! Suddenly slowed down..."

How much time had passed since then? I was so engrossed in hunting that my speed suddenly decreased while fighting a Kobold.

"Indeed, I need to get used to this."

It was fortunate that the opponent was a lower-level monster. If I were fighting an equal opponent with support magic, the enemy would not miss the moment my movements slowed.

"I need to know how long the support lasts when I use it."

I want to measure the time when I cast support magic, so I'll ask Salome to buy a pocket watch.

"Once I get used to it, I'll go down to the third floor..."

I should build up my skills step by step. I tightened my resolve and left the dungeon.

"Pocket watch? Can you get one?"

"Yes, can you get one for me?"

"Of course, but what do you need it for?"

It seems she's curious about the purpose, but it should be easy to get.

"To keep track of time in the dungeon, as the sense of time gets distorted."

I should keep the fact that I can use support magic a secret for now. I trust her, but getting skills rapidly might draw attention, and I don't want to reveal my hand before the match with Walter.

"Understood. I'll have it ready by tomorrow. Please wait."

I thought it would take longer, but Salome is reliable. I thanked her and considered returning to the dungeon since I still had time...

"Mr. Tim, please wait."

"Huh?"

Salome stopped me.

"You're not planning to go back to the dungeon, are you?"

"Um, I was planning to..."

Salome gave me a stern look. She seemed to have something serious to say.

"Mr. Tim, do you know?"

"Know what?"

Her unusual tone made me swallow hard.

"For two weeks, you've been diving into the dungeon non-stop."

"!?"

"Listen, Mr. Tim. Even experienced adventurers take two days off each week."

Salome raised a finger and lectured me.

"But... I don't have to fight strong monsters..."

I remembered how much fun it was to level up and gain new abilities, which made me forget to take breaks.

"Even so, it's not a good idea. Some people have overexerted themselves and never returned."

She seemed a bit sad as she shared her own experience.

"Alright, I'll take a break today."

She's supporting me, and I can't ignore her advice.

"Thank you."

With Salome's smile, I left the guild.

"Still, I have nothing to do..."

I walked around the town aimlessly. I would reach my inn in a few minutes if I continued like this.

"Even on a break, what can I do..."

Before I got my skills, I would spend my days sleeping in a cheap inn. But now, I'm not that tired.

"Maybe I'll just wander around the town..."

As I thought this,

"Oh, it's Tim!"

"Really, what a coincidence to meet you here."

Mina and Olive approached me.

"Hello. Are you two on a break today?"

"Yeah, Hugo and Riber are getting their equipment repaired, so we have two days off."

"Tim, what about you?"

Olive looked at me curiously, probably because I was wandering around at noon.

I told them that Salome advised me to take a break.

"So, Tim is on a break too?"

Mina laughed, as if she had an idea.

"Then, Tim, why don't you come play with us?"

Olive put her hand on her chest and invited me.

"Well, I..."

I was already unsure how to spend my time, and playing with them seemed too challenging. I was about to decline...

"Wait a moment..."

They have the magic of a priest and a mage. Maybe I can get some information by talking to them.

"Of course, I'm not forcing you, but walking around with two women, we get approached a lot and it's hard to relax."

I saw Mina's troubled face and Olive's wry smile. Indeed, any man would approach them if they saw them walking.

"If you don't mind, I'll accompany you."

It seemed better than going back to the inn, so I decided to follow them.