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A week had passed.

The training intensity wasn’t that strong, focusing more on instilling the basics rather than sparring.

I couldn’t really feel how much stronger I had become, and my status screen hadn’t changed either, but it felt like I was learning the best moves for specific situations.

My intelligence hadn’t increased, but it was like memorizing common openings used in chess.

If the opponent plays this way, you respond like this— that kind of feeling.

“The problem is… reality isn’t chess.”

If the opponent is much stronger, they play freely while I struggle to make one move. Come on, at least follow the rules.

“This is a tank. Win at chess.”

“This is a mighty pawn of checkmate. Win the game.”

They’re playing like that, right?

How the heck am I supposed to deal with that?

In the end, I could only barely hold my own against opponents… and even then, calling it a win would be an exaggeration; a draw would be the best result against those I can face.

If I borrow Nisha’s words:

“I can handle someone around silver rank. Assuming they’re not a wizard.”

“I mean, I’ve been through a lot.”

“Yeah. That suffering adds up over several years. That’s the job of an adventurer.”

I couldn’t argue with that.

It means I was trying to surpass years of effort from others with just a week’s worth of effort.

Sigh…

I can only let out a sigh.

In the end, I hadn’t become noticeably stronger; I could only manage to protect myself and stall for time.

“Is this enough to be satisfied with?”

If I could have trained more with Nisha, maybe I could’ve made some more progress, but if I kept that up, my body wouldn’t last. My lifespan would dwindle.

She probably ended our sparring after just a few rounds due to my pathetic stamina.

Ultimately, the status is the issue.

To survive, I have to go to Regan, get stronger, and turn my status from negative to positive.

My goal remains the same.

Survive. And return.

Today… I survived again.

The sun rose for another day.

Today marked the week.

It was the last day of training.

“Alright. Let’s talk about your eyes.”

“Huh?”

“Honestly, I think the power in your eyes is something other than mere allure.”

That came out of nowhere, and I didn’t quite grasp it.

After all, the positive trait I chose was ‘Captivating Eyes.’

When Skylar talked about the ‘Divine Eyes’, I didn’t get it at all either.

“But, surely… it feels a bit strange.”

The ability of the Heart of the Divine implies infinite magical power. But the eyes, while not as crucial as the heart, are still an important organ that merely allure the opponent probabilistically? And that probability changes depending on the opponent’s mental strength?

That’s too weak.

“What kind of ability are you guessing it to be?”

“I don’t know.”

“Huh?”

“It’s just… I started guessing because my pride was hurt. Even without proper form, I still managed to read the movements of an adventurer on my level.”

I see. It was strange that I, with my health and strength on negative status, was able to read her movements.

So if my eyes possess some ability, could it be vision-related?

“But the logic doesn’t add up. I’ve already captivated someone with my eyes.”

If I think about the physical abilities Skylar explained, then a body only has one inherent ability. It’s hard to believe that there’s something else attached besides allure.

So, does it encompass allure while simultaneously enhancing vision-related functions?

“That’s odd.”

I couldn’t put my finger on it. If I really think about it… no, never mind. There’s no point in stating the uncertain, and I don’t particularly want to share my guesses about my abilities.

So, the answer I gave was,

“I’m not sure.”

“Okay. Let’s just say your eyes are good.”

“That’s a more comfortable way to think about it.”

“By the way, why have you been speaking formally lately?”

“If someone’s been through that kind of experience, wouldn’t it be crazy not to use formal language? Plus, if we’re being technical, I’ve been using formal speech since we first met.”

“Thinking of Skylar just annoys me. Just speak comfortably.”

Sure enough… I’ve never seen Skylar use informal language towards others.

Oh, well, maybe just once?

“When we met the Mad King, he definitely called him a crazy old man with two brains.”

They were fighting like crazy back then.

Anyway, since Nisha said I could speak comfortably, should I go for it? But wait… isn’t Nisha technically an old lady?

“Skylar told me. People with bodies don’t age, right?”

“Yeah. So what?”

“…Isn’t that a bit disrespectful to someone older?”

“Hey.”

“Uh, just the title could use some work.”

“Do you want to die?”

Survive.

Yeah. There’s a clear intent to kill directed at me.

If I say one more word, a deadly resolve will come flying at me, ready to separate my head from my body.

I quickly started to backtrack.

“I’m sorry.”

“…Formal language?”

“Sorry! I’m so sorry!”

“Okay. We’re friends now, right?”

“Yes!”

“What?”

“Uh, yeah.”

“Good. What’s your name?”

“…Didn’t Skylar tell you?”

“I mean, I just want to formally introduce ourselves. You already know my name, right?”

Actually, if we’re talking about introductions… there’s something I want to ask.

Are you really a nun?

Using a spear, living the adventurer life, and staying alone with a giant priest at the church. Plus, she looked a bit rough and certainly didn’t appear to be praying.

Is she a real clergy member? I haven’t seen any divine power either.

Anyway, it’s time for introductions.

I’ve been quiet for so long, she might get angry again.

“My name is Selina, the Bard.”

“Good. My name is Nisha, a nun, and a spear-wielder. Platinum adventurer. Nice to meet you.”

“Was there a need to do this kind of introduction?”

“It’s just a habit. Before going on a request, we shake hands once. We don’t trust each other until we shake. It’s a jinx kind of thing.”

“Oh, okay.”

I took her extended hand and shook it.

The handshake was over.

She said she would prepare for the request and left first.

I should get ready too.

The hunt begins today.

It’s time to apply for the rank assessment at the Adventurer’s Guild.

Inside the Adventurer’s Guild.

While it wasn’t as crowded as other guilds, those with visible scars or extraordinary characters were seen more frequently here compared to others.

Everyone was seated quietly at the tables, maintaining a hushed atmosphere like they were submerged in water.

“Selina.”

“Yes.”

“The request for rank assessment has been accepted. The temporary examiner has been waiting inside.”

“…Okay.”

She opened the guild’s door. Not the main entrance I came through, but a worn-out back door.

An incongruous open space. The back yard of the Adventurer’s Guild.

There were high fences all around, and it was roughly the size of a decent sports field.

And there were three familiar faces.

Propertyius, Nisha, and Skylar.

Before I could even ask what they were doing here, Nisha spoke first to clarify my confusion.

“We’re here to watch.”

“Oh.”

If they were just here to observe, perhaps they wouldn’t be stopped? Or maybe Nisha used a bit of her ‘power’ as a platinum adventurer to be here.

Looking around more closely, I saw several weapons.

From daggers to swords, great swords, spears, bows, and crossbows.

Most of the weapons I could imagine in a fantasy setting could be found here.

They didn’t seem to have any special magic or enhancement; they looked like simple combat training equipment made of crudely shaped metal.

Next to them were bundles of scrolls. Probably for the mages?

“Please place the equipment you’re wearing to the side.”

“Yes.”

“…Just the weapons, not my clothes.”

“……Yes.”

I calmly hid my embarrassment and awkwardness, covering my reddened face with sunlight, trying to act naturally.

Carefully setting down the dagger I had bought and my precious instrument, my hands finally held nothing. It felt relieving.

I had definitely been feeling heavy in my body and shoulders recently. It’s surprising how light I felt with just two items gone.

“Please pick one of the weapons you like.”

I immediately picked up a suitable long sword.

My stamina and strength were indeed deficient, and handling anything other than a dagger would be tough. But for a short fight… maybe I could manage somehow.

For me, the long sword was a man’s romance, and the great sword was out of my reach while the dagger was too short.

Since it was for training, it wasn’t as heavy as I expected. An appropriate wooden sword… but it still felt quite weighty. I wouldn’t be able to swing it for long.

What bothered me more was…

“Who’s my opponent?”

“That person.”

The guild receptionist pointed at Skylar with her fingertip.

…Unranked adventurer, capable of using scrolls.

Why did I only realize this now?

I let out a sigh.

Skylar spoke distantly.

“Get ready. And you can use your eyes. Because I know you.”

“…Yeah. I suppose so. But couldn’t you have told me you would do this beforehand?”

“I don’t know what you were thinking, but I’m going to be serious. Try your hardest for a draw or a win. If you lose, you won’t be coming with me for this request.”

He placed the bag with the scrolls on the ground and took about ten scrolls from the bundle on the table.

I couldn’t see the types.

After all, I could only see the magical energy, but I couldn’t decode the patterns and symbols of the magic at all.

But this is serious.

He really intends to do this seriously.

What should I do?