Chapter 33

"Alright, I have a lot to check today, so I need to work hard."

The other day, I acquired the 'Item Box' skill and tried storing various items to test it out.

After investigating yesterday, I found out that only one item can fit into one slot in the Item Box, regardless of its size. Even items that are clearly too large to fit in a box can be stored when brought close to the Item Box.

"There must be some limit somewhere, though..."

By conducting more experiments, I should be able to determine the limits eventually.

Incidentally, I also stored water. Since potions can be stored with their containers, it seems that liquids are considered as single items, and I was able to store a barrel of water directly.

Adventurers often move around in battles, so they tend to sweat and get thirsty quickly. However, it's not always possible to have enough water, so they usually drink a little at a time while checking the remaining amount.

If you have magic skills, you can melt Ice Arrows to replenish water, but that's a hassle.

Thus, being able to secure enough water, I felt relieved as I looked at the well-stocked items in my Item Box.

"Maybe it's time to go hunting and test the 'Item Drop Rate Increase' skill."

I closed the Item Box, looking at a certain spot inside.

This is for later enjoyment.

"Starting today, I'm a scout, so I need to hunt more than before!"

I have to make up for the time I've lost. I drew my sword and started circling the fourth floor.

"Yeah, being light is definitely good."

I ran around the fourth floor, hunting many monsters, and then sat down at a resting spot to take a barrel out of the Item Box and quench my thirst with water.

"Phew! I feel alive again!"

The well-chilled water soothed my throat and healed my fatigue. I had been moving around more than usual, so my whole body was hot.

"At this rate, I can probably expect good results on the other side too."

I poured water from the barrel into a cup, placed it on the ground, and took something out of the Item Box.

"Sure enough, it's still fresh."

The dish I took out of the Item Box was still hot and steaming. The resting spot was filled with a delicious smell. Feeling hungry, I started eating the dish right away.

"Seems like time doesn't pass while items are in the Item Box, huh?"

While eating the dish, I thought about the results of my experiment.

The skill points required are a significant drawback, but the Item Box is an incredibly useful skill that more than makes up for it.

"Why hasn't such a skill been known to anyone until now?"

It's certainly difficult for merchants to level up, but there have been merchants who engage in combat. If they knew about such a skill, it would have spread widely.

"Ah! Maybe just leveling up as a merchant isn't enough to get it!"

I recalled the first time I saw my status screen.

I had been fighting goblins with a short sword until I awakened the unique 'Status Manipulation' skill.

Thanks to that, I had obtained 'Swordsmanship Level 1' from the start.

I had also peeked at Yugo's and others' status screens. Even though the conditions were met, their skill levels were only halfway there. They probably hadn't fully leveled up their skills yet.

From the fact that their skill points were given at level up and hadn't been allocated, it seems they naturally leveled up.

"Perhaps there's something like proficiency required to obtain skills?"

I formulated a hypothesis.

Thinking about it this way, a lot of things make sense.

"The 'Item Box' requires 100 skill points to obtain."

Generally, the higher the skill points, the harder it is to level up skills on your own.

Merchants, who are not suited for combat, and the inability to allocate skill points even when the conditions are met, preventing proficiency from increasing.

This explains why no one with an Item Box has appeared until now.

"Or maybe it's kept secret?"

Given how useful this skill is, if it were known, it would be highly valued. If useful skills were to manifest, they would bring status and wealth.

"Well, there's no point in thinking about it. I'll just keep hunting for now."

I finished the dish, stood up, and returned to hunting.

"Is that it for today?"

Looking at my pocket watch, it was time to head back.

The number of monsters I killed today was 600, and the number of drop boxes I obtained was 13.

"Details... 10 ingots and 3 scrolls."

It's roughly double what I usually get.

"Ingots still drop frequently."

There are probably differences in the drop rates of items from drop boxes.

The scrolls I get from this floor are needed, so I don't sell them to the Adventurer's Guild. I'd like to collect a few more, but...

"It's tough to rely on luck any further."

The only option is to increase the 'Item Drop Rate Increase' skill.

Fortunately, with the Item Box, even if the number of ingots I drop increases, it's not a problem. It just means more income.

"Once I allocate the points, there's no going back... Let's do it!"

I psyched myself up and manipulated the acquired skills.

"Done!"

Name: Tim

Age: 16

Job: Scout Level 22

Strength: 246

Agility: 260 + 44

Stamina: 309 + 22

Magic: 224

Spirit: 202

Dexterity: 240 + 22

Luck: 443

Status Points: 204

Skill Points: 22

Unique Skills: 'Status Manipulation'

Acquired Skills: 'Swordsmanship Level 6', 'Bash Level 6', 'Healing Level 6', 'Skill Point Increase Level 5', 'Status Point Increase Level 5', 'Experience Gain Increase Level 5', 'Light', 'Trap Detection Level 5', 'Trap Disarm Level 5', 'Backstep Level 5', 'Item Appraisal Level 6', 'Dagger Mastery Level 5', 'Fire Arrow Level 6', 'Ice Arrow Level 6', 'Wind Arrow Level 6', 'Rock Shot Level 6', 'Meditation Level 6', 'Wall Level 6', 'Burst Level 6', 'Mana Focus Level 6', 'Bless Level 6', 'Cure Level 6', 'High Healing Level 6', 'Safety Wall Level 6', 'Speed Up Level 6', 'Stamina Up Level 6', 'Item Drop Rate Increase Level 5', 'Item Box Level 4'

I increased the Item Box by one level, as I would eventually acquire it anyway.

I'm still thinking about the status points, but I can allocate them before my match with Walter.

"I should be able to finish being a scout by tomorrow."

I checked my status screen, feeling satisfied, and headed back to town.