Chapter 13

【Ryan POV】

『Day 1』

It was a coupla days ago now that the shady princess delivered her speech.

Today is the supposed day.

Of course, by that I mean the day where we officially begin what was called battle trainin’.

In other words, from now on, the whole class will start preparations for fightin’ the ostensibly "evil" Demon race.

To start with, we’re bein’ pit 'gainst low-level creatures to get a feel for battle and our abilities.

I believe they're called ‘Goblins’?

I'm not yet familiar with these weird fuckin' fantasy terms, though I plan to investigate soon.

Either way, they belong to a Kingdom'a creatures labelled ‘Monsters’.

Extremely similar to Animals, yet completely different.

They appear to be weak creatures, indeed, but that's when only lookin' at the exterior.

The reality is, they're quite frightenin’.

As evidence, allow me to show you any'a the pissants that fell on their ass just lookin’ at the hideous, kid-sized bastards.

Fightin’ the Goblins was, quite frankly, a cakewalk for me.

I'm self-taught and've won fights 'gainst people over thrice the build, so beatin' a coupla kid-sized weaklin's was no tough job.

On toppa that, we're all given basic weapons to start with, and, apparently in a month's time, we're gonna be provided with superior quality weapons decided off a meritocracy-based system, as the princess declared previously.

As expected'a royalty, they're fuckin' rich as shit, huh.

They won't mind if I pocket some wealth for myself then.

Whether they like it or not, I'll be number one, so they better have the fuckin' rewards ready on time.

By the way, a key difference between 'Animals' and 'Monsters'.

―When monsters die, their magical energy crystallises into somethin' that resmbles gemstones like diamonds.

We were told to harvest them after killin' monsters, cuz apparently they can be sold for cash.

The colour differs based on what monster it is and the affinity of the monster's magic energy.

If they got no affinity, then the crystals are transparent and clear.

They’re called 'mana crystals' or somethin’, but generally, the higher monster’s rank, the higher grade crystals will drop.

So goblins drop shit-tier crystals that ain't worth fuck all.

This is also what the [Luck] stat effects.

The way I’ve learnt it works, is as follows:

If your Luck is anywhere from 0-100, then that's an increase in the 'average quality' of a mana crystal drop from the monster, since not every drop from the same monster will be the same quality, even if the Luck is the same.

For the special ones who've got a Luck stat of over 100, then not only do you get the same increase in quality, but for each 1 Luck point above 100, you get that as a percentage-based increase in experience points.

So basically, you've a higher chance of a superior quality drop until 100, and then just more experience after that as a bonus.

It's really fuckin' unfair when lookin' at a bastard like Chris who has 250 Luck, which is the maximum.

That's a 150% increase in xp.

That's 1.5x faster levellin' than any normal person.

What a lucky fuckin' shithead bastard, huh.

Currently, there is no known possible way to alter one’s Luck, whether it be an increase or decrease in the amount.

Anyhow, it didn't take long at all for me realise what this world was about.

It began with an announcement poppin’ up in fronta me.

Skill「Close-Quarters Combat [Lv.1]」has been acquired Conditions met. Skill「Combo [Lv.1]」has been acquired Conditions met. Skill「Fighting Spirit [Lv.1]」has been acquired Skill「Concentration」has levelled up [Lv.1]→[Lv.2] You have levelled up

Apparently, I had acquired some skills and levelled up.

Of course, this isn't the first time summa my skills had levelled up, but at the same time, I didn't really know much about it either, though I was plannin' on investigatin' this shit.

I opened my Status, and once I did, I noticed.

It was different from before I killed the goblin.

〔Status〕

Ryan Kashiko [Blessed]

Level 2

Class : *Classes available

Health Points (HP) : 190 / 190

Mana Points (MP) : 662 / 662

Title : 「Disciple of the Great Sage」

Strength : 22

Endurance : 21

Race : Human

Dexterity : 19

Agility : 22

Age : 16

Magic : 22

Wisdom : 56*

Titles :「Disciple of the Great Sage」「Divine Protection of a God」「World Traveller」

Trait :「Calculative Fighter」*

Luck : 85

Passive Skills :「MP Consumption Down [Lv.1]」「Automatic MP Recovery [Lv.1]」「Fighting Spirit [Lv.1]」

Magic Skills :「Magic Sense [Lv.1]」

Combat Skills :「Combo [Lv.1]」「Close-Quarters Combat [Lv.1]」

Perception Skills :「Thought Processing [Lv.2]」「Parallel Thought [Lv.1]」「Memory [Lv.2]」「Concentration [Lv.2]」

Communication Skills :「Seronian Language Comprehension [Lv.MAX]」

Other skills:「Great Sage's Eyes [Lv.1]」「Great Sage's Records [Lv.1]」

Hm.

So everythin' bar [Magic], [Wisdom] and [Luck] increased by 2 points.

I see.

The former 3 I mentioned seemed to have increased by 3 points, 6 points and 0 points respectively.

I don’t feel any physical change from the gain in Stat points right now, despite 'em increasin' by about 10%, but that’ll perhaps change when I level up more.

It also appears that for every 1 point in [Endurance], ya get 1 [Health Point], and for every 1 point in [Wisdom] ya get 2 [Mana Points]? Hm?

Where’s the fuckin' balance there at, huh?

Well, in reality you could say it's reasonable, since Health, which keeps you alive, is more valuable than Mana.

By the way, my Stats at [Level 1] compared to [Level 2] looks like this:

[Strength] - 20 (↑22)

[Endurance] - 19 (↑21)

[Agility] - 20 (↑22)

[Dexterity] - 17 (↑19)

[Magic] - 19 (↑22)

[Wisdom] - 50 (↑56)

...Upon closer inspection, it seems that by focusin' on the asterisk (*) icon, it tells me in detail what it is.

Oh.

Nah, nevermind.

It only tells you what's different.

For example:

Apparently, normal people only get 1.5 points in Mana per 1 point in Wisdom, but I get 2.

As well as the fact that I started with 50 Wisdom instead of the normal 0.

I see.

Oh, when focusin' on the '*' next to「Calculative Fighter」, it shows me what effect that has too.

And that is:

It grants the skills:「Thought Processing」,「Parallel Thought」,「Memory」and「Concentration」, as well as an increased proficiency gain in all [Combat Skills].

Although no one else I've seen has had a mark next to their Trait, it's fine if it's just me.

Guess I was pretty lucky though, huh? To get that many skills for free.

Or should I say, this is thanks to me bein' me?

Hah.

As expected of me.

Of course, they all started at Level 1, however, from my observations, it seems that some of them level up quicker than others.

Obviously, everyone started with the [MAX] level「Seronian Language Comprehension」, though I currently don't know why this's the case.

Perhaps it's got somethin' to do with the fact that they're the country that summoned us?

I'll have to work on findin' shit like that out.

With the process of elimination, I deduce that the title,「Disciple of the Great Sage」, grants the skills:「Automatic MP Recovery」,「MP Consumption Down」,「Magic Sense」,「Great Sage's Eyes」,「Great Sage's Records」as well as the shit-ton of additional Wisdom I started with, that boosted my startin' MP by 100.

Anyway, other than the 'Stats’ as they’re called, HP and MP appear to increase themselves upon levellin' up.

For reference, my HP increased by 20 points and my MP by 60 when I levelled up, since my base HP and MP were 150 and 500 respectively.

Consequently, it can be said that I have a 'magic-based build', as I'd heard that pig-like Yamato bastard had one as well and was braggin' 'bout it.

Speakin' of that nerd bastard, he's the one that initially spread the Status shit 'round, wasn't he?

Seems he also knows a reasonable amount of information about this kind of world.

I might have to ask 'im some things.

Anyway, 'magic-based build' apparently means that we're based 'round a specific style, as is meant by the world 'build'.

Apparently, havin' a build based 'round magic, or havin' a substantial amount of MP, makes you a [Magician] or [Mage-type] build.

Magic could indeed be very interestin'.

There's a good chance I'll be able to do many, normally impossible things with it.

Despite that...

I don't like this situation at all.

Bein' magic-orientated makes me specialised.

Bein' specialised means I have clear-cut weaknesses.

I despise weakness.

Moreso if it's a weakness that's easily avoidable as long's the correct path's chosen.

Henceforth, I'll make efforts to ensure I ain't a specialised build, but a balanced one that can deal with everythin' thrown my way.

The term I prefer to use is [Master of all Trades].

Anyway, I've a much greater understandin' of it than before, but I'm sure there are plenty of things I dunno, so I'll have to keep investigatin'

・・・

“―Well, depending on the class you have, you can learn certain types of skills easier, you master certain skills at faster or slower speeds, and your Status gain per level will alter slightly to suit the class you have. Unfortunately, normal people can only attain the rights to choose up to 3 classes, and, once you pick one, you can’t change. Not only that, but the three slots are super easy to fill up as well, since it depends on your actions what classes you can get. That’s why pretty much everyone chooses their class either as early as possible, or because they don’t have a better choice.”

I asked a knight who was in the trainin' grounds with us what a [Class] is an' he responded as so.

It appears choosin' a suitable class is of upmost importance then, if I wanna get the most out of it.

—is what I initially thought, before the knight said another piece of vital info.

“However, I’ve heard that it’s a bit different for you Summoned Heroes.”

The knight continued as he spoke with a very clear and excited expression.

“The Summoned Heroes—you guys supposedly have no limit on how many classes you can choose from. Well, aside from the「Hero」that is, since the「Hero」can only ever be the「Hero」.”

Ah, that’s right; bastard Chris started with his Class at Level 1. Must be cuzza his Title or somethin'.

Fuckin' cheater.

He don't gotta work for shit.

What a despicable fucker.

Nevertheless, this was good news; although there was the fact I might miss out on a few Stat points, I have a suspicion that it’d be worth the small sacrifice of waitin' a few levels to get a high-quality Class.

You can look at the list of available classes.

For me, I currently have a few shitty ones available to choose from like「Magician」,「Fighter」, etc., which are listed as [Basic] classes.

So of course I ain't choosin' one'a those.

Anyway, with all this new information, I have quite a bit to work on.

Seems I'll be busy for a while, eh?

『Day 2』

It's been a day.

This place fuckin' sucks, as usual.

Unfortunately, the bastards here don't let us fight more than a certain amounta goblins per day, so I’m still only Level 3, but for the time bein' I’ll have to deal with it since there ain't much I can do right now.

Also, the 'ole, ‘wantin’ to take it slow’ procedure is really gettin' on my fuckin' nerves.

Seriously, it's startin' to piss me the fuck off.

From what that shady as fuck princess said the other day, there was shit like [Demons] and [Demonic Beasts], as well as rare an' strong monsters to defend the world 'gainst, weren’t there?

Though that's prolly all just a loada bullshit like I thought.

Not to mention the wide variety and diversity of different monster species, ya’d think that havin' the so-called 'Heroes' get stronger quickly would be ideal, no?

It’s one'a the several reasons why the Bitch’s 'ole performance is obviously just a shitty façade, and yet no one bats a fuckin' eyelid at her actions.

Hell, most of 'em even forgot 'bout the performance I put on at the rankin' shit too.

Even though I did that to leave an impression, they just fuckin' forgot it as if they're fuckin' mentally retarded or somethin'.

Though they prolly are, this is just too fuckin' much, ya know?

If there was one silver linin' with this, however, it would be 'skills'.

Specifically, I have plenty'a time to level up my non-combat skills.

Most notably,「Great Sage’s Eyes」and「Magic Sense」had levelled up, and I've acquired some new ones as a result of rigorous experimentation.

I'd used 'em so much that it was to the point of frettin’ whether it would break of overuse.

Fortunately, however, it is the reverse.

What I mean is that Skills level up with usage, called 'skill proficiency', so thanks to that, they're now Level 2.

Of course, since some of my skills had already levelled up, I knew that, which was the point.

When「Great Sage’s Eyes」levelled up, the skill unlocked a new function called『Insight』, allowin’ it to do somethin' like dig deeper into the status to find more information, or so it seems.

What this means is, for example, if I take'a look at that guy over there.

Status Lucas Einhard [Blessed] Level 3 Class : Classes available* Health Points (HP) : ...... Mana Points (MP) : ...... Title :「Soul Oracle」 Strength : ...... Endurance : ......

Lucas.

Sounds familiar.

Oh right.

He’s the guy that I warned Jae 'bout.

Though I lied when I said that, but it doesn't really matter.

Anyway, as seen there, it shows his status, but for the example, we'll focus on the Title,「Soul Oracle」.

It should at least be a decent one, since the guy was ranked A.

Now, if I use the『Insight』function, then I’ll be able to see more information about「Soul Oracle」.

Title -「Soul Oracle」

[Description]

An exceedingly rare title for one to hold.

Because of the rarity, it comes with appropriate boons and bonuses, although sufficient work must be put in first.

The holder of this Title has the power to observe into one’s very soul.

This power, upon steady cultivation, has the potential to develop and grow to a significant point.

《The holder of this title has the power to see into one's soul.》

《The holder of this title has boosted affinity with the Spirit race.》

Interestin'.

It’s better than I thought it'd be.

Seein' into souls, huh.

I noted the description of the title with my other unique skill,「Great Sage's Records」.

By the way, since he's ranked A, he has a trait too.

Though, it doesn't seem to do much.

Called「Neutral Ally」.

『Insight』says that it just slightly increases affinity with other people and gives the unique skill,「Undecided」.

Since it's a unique skill, called in the Status as [Other Skills], it means there's no one else in the world with the same skill.

'What a fuckin' lucky bastard', is what I'd normally say.

If I didn't know the effect of「Undecided」, that is.

Skill -「Undecided」

[Description]

《The holder of this skill cannot choose a [Class].》

《The holder of this skill cannot sign or be bound by magical or blood contracts.》

《The holder of this skill cannot sign or be bound by verbal or written contracts.》

《The holder of this skill cannot participate in competitions or battles with more than one [Humanoid] entities that are at odds, unless the holder is attacked first.》

《All restrictions will be temporarily removed if a Saint-tier or higher [Mental Abnormal Status Effect] magic skill is used on the holder of this skill for the duration of the abnormal effect.》

《The holder of this skill has sharply increased experience point gain while not owning a [Class].》

...It's terribly restrictive.

What a shit fuckin' skill.

Although, I might not mind it if the xp gain is that much higher.

Since the restrictions are only really: no class, no contracts, and no fightin' if two 'Humanoid' sides are involved unless you concede the first attack.

I guess that's how it works?

'Humanoid' prolly refers to races like the Demons or Spirits that've been mentioned.

Now, onto the other skills.

Firstly,「Magic Sense」levelled up to 3.

It is a result of me attemptin' to sense the magic power in the air, called mana, as well as the mana within others.

Really, I just did it cuz I started with it due to my title, so I wanted to try it out.

Turns out it's unexpectedly useful.

In the future, if there's ever a case where, for some reason, I can't view the opponent's status, then I'll be able to use this skill to judge the strength of 'em via the quantity of magic power within them and that it's quite accurate once the skill's at a high level, since it isn't based off the MP of the enemy, but their actual 'magic power', whatever the fuck that means.

Therefore, it works on those that use only physical attacks, those who have a small mana pool, and those that can't use magic.

Theoretically, it could also be used to find the location of hidden or invisible enemies, though there hasn't been any opportunities to experiment it yet.

Maybe I should try it on Nico.

Next're the skills that I've gained via experimentation.

They are almost all classed as 'Enhancement Skills':

「Sight Enhancement」,「Hearing Enhancement」,「Smell Enhancement」,「Touch Enhancement」and「Taste Enhancement」.

They're all level 2 since the first level up was just that easy to get.

As the names suggest, they enhance each of the 5 senses respectively, with the effect only increasin' as they level up.

They were acquired by sensin' the magic power within me and movin' it with the other skill that I got,「Magic Manipulation」, which is presently Level 3 thanks to constant use, even when I'm idlin' around.

Usin'「Magic Manipulation」, I concentrated my magic power into various body parts like the eyes, ears, nose, hands and tongue, while simultaneously strainin' or usin' those body parts, and I got the skills.

I'm also havin' Nick and Kaitlyn get these skills, as it'd prolly be useful.

Unfortunately, they can't do it as easy as me, since I have the「Parallel Thought」skill which allows me to more easily think about multiple things at once, as well as a higher level of the skills「Concentration」,「Magic Sense」and「Magic Manipulation」.

As a result though, the former two levelled up as well.

Cuzza the trainin',「Fighting Spirit」is now level 2, but not「Close-Quarters Combat」, perhaps cuz it's one of the skills that takes longer to improve.

Lastly, a title was acquired.

「Goblin Killer」

Usin'『Insight』on it, it was found out that it increases all stats by a miniscule amount when facin' goblins or goblin-type creatures like Hobgoblins.

Basically, all monsters in the 'goblin' familiy.

Though, the amount it increases the stats by is so insignificant that it don't make a difference.

Also, I've found that certain actions increase the related Stats, though only to a certain extent it seems.

Basically, runnin' an' fightin' can increase Endurance and Agility, workin' can increase Strength, etc.

Handicrafts an' similar shit'll increase Dexterity.

Firin' off an' practicin' your magic increases Magic and usin' magic a lot'll increase Wisdom.

Obviously, Luck can't increase.

However, this is valuable.

It means it'll be easier to become a [Master of All].

So I start to do all these things, as well as learnin' all the weapons available.

It wouldn't be funny if I died merely cuz I didn't know how to effectively use my weapon, now, would it.

After, I heard an evenin' report from Nico and slept.

『Day 3』

Twas mornin', a while before breakfast.

I decided now was as good a time as any to get some information.

That is, information about our situation.

While I got Nico snoopin' around for shit, doin' it myself is still the quickest an' most effective way.

However, there ain't no way I'm gettin' the juicy stuff by questionin' people'a this world.

I'll only lose major rep that way.

Currently, the people'a this world see me as a 'Hero'.

More specifically, a vital asset to this country.

Since I'm light years aheada all the other shitters in my class.

They wouldn't do anythin' to get on my bad side, in case I decide to revolt or defect to one'a this country's enemy states or somethin'.

I can't afford to lose that advantage while I'm still green to this world.

Thus, the best way to get information in these circumstances is―

*slam!*

"Oi, fatass."

"Eek!?"

"Stop squealin' like a fuckin' pig an' listen closely. Ya hear me?"

"A-a-a.... Y-yes...!!"

I punched the wall next to the heada the biggest nerda the class, Yamato, an' asked 'im some questions.

"Ya know a lot 'bout these types'a things, dont'cha? Why dont'cha tell me all about it, huh? Don't it sound like a good idea?"

"...Ah....... O-of course! Wh-what do you want to know...?!"

We walked to a quiet location and Yamato told me everythin' I wanted to know.

The answers I received seemed to not be lies.

They also seemed to be accurate if I compared 'em with the current situation.

This fatass ain't smart enough to come up with that kinda shit on the spot.

Things like magic and other fantasy-like shit he said to expect in a world such as this, as well as various things to do with the Status.

When I was done with 'im, I turned 'round an' started to walk to the dinin' hall, since breakfast had already started.

But then.

"...H.... H-hiyaaah...!!!"

From behind me, I heard it.

The squallin' of a pig with a death wish.

Quickly, I turned around an', with the world movin' in what seems like slow motion, saw the fatass chargin' towards me with his right hand outstretched.

Thanks to「Thought Processing」, I can think many times faster than normal.

Meanin' I perceive the world quicker.

Although, since my body doesn't move faster, I feel completely slowed down physically.

Though it doesn't matter.

As I watched the pig run towards me slowly, I thought about the best way to punish it.

He's tryin' to attack me, which deserves punishin'.

But, there's a bigger crime bein' commit.

Currently, he's got his right hand outstretched.

This means he's tryin' to kill me.

It's the pig's Unique Skill.

「Disintegration」

Though it's only Level 2, it's still dangerous.

A rank, in fact.

At a glance, this ability simply allows the fatass to decompose things he touches, up to a limit.

Since it's Level 2, the limit is relatively low.

Nevertheless, if he touches a vital point like the head, you're fuckin' dead.

However, usin'「Magic Sense」, it seems the skill doesn't merely turn things to nothin'.

It turns shit into magical energy.

Rather interestin', though there ain't any time to think 'bout it.

Nor do I actually give a shit.

Well, I s'pose it's time to discipline this pig-like fucker.

Skill「Power Burst」has activated

My physical stats received a huge boost.

It's a new skill I just recently got, so this was a good opportunity to test it out.

It seems to be incredibly effective, which's nice.

It'll be useful.

Analysin' his every move, I easily dodge Yamato's straightforward attack.

For some reason, he seemed surprised.

As he couldn't even touch me, the only thing he could do was watch.

With widened eyes, the pig glared resentfully at me.

*thud!*

Before he had a chance to even realise what happened, I went round his back an' knocked 'im onto the ground.

I kept his arms locked behind 'im, to the point of breakin' the bones.

"A-AAAAAAGGGGHHH!!!!"

He screamed in excruciatin' pain.

Not like I give a fuck though.

This fuckin' bastard tried to kill me.

"Whaddaya doin', huh? Ya fuckin' pig bastard."

I leaned forward an' whispered a cold breath into his fat an' sweaty ear.

"Ya lookin' to fuckin' die, shithead? On this cold, hard floor? Somethin' tells me ya got a death wish. Right?"

Silently, tears flooded his face that was shiverin' an' shudderin' in pain an' regret.

The fatass' eyes quivered violently, as they only stared into empty space.

No, he appeared to be whisperin' to 'imself in an almost inaudible voice.

I could only hear cuzza my「Hearing Enhancement」skill.

"I'm sorry I'm sorry I'm sorry I'm sorry I'm sorry I'm sorry I'm sorry I'm sorry--"

This greedy fucker....

He's scared shitless.

He has the fuckin' audacity to attack me in an attempt to kill, an' then beg while cryin' when I retaliate?

I twisted the arms that were already in an extremely unnatural position.

"GAAAAAAAAAAAGGHHHH...!!!!"

This is what'cha get, ya fuckin' bastard.

―The pig only squealed on death row.

・・・

Later, I killed every goblin I was allowed to and became Level 5.

Although, I can feel my levellin' speed gradually slowin' down.

That's a problem, but I can't do anythin' 'bout it.

When I reached Level 5, I received a notification.

You have reached a Title-related milestone You have unlocked a new class

....What?

Wait a minute.

Title-related?

I quickly opened my Status.

Immediately, I opened the [Class] tab.

Currently Available Classes 1. Standard Mage - [Basic]

2. Standard Fighter - [Basic]

3. Standard Thief - [Basic]

4. Standard Swordsman - [Basic]

5. Standard Archer - [Basic]

.......

I scrolled all the way to the bottom'a the list without even glancin' at any'a the shit classes I've seen up 'til now.

And there it was, at the very last spot on the list―

Currently Available Classes .......

16. Avosa's Disciple - [???]

―a class I'd never seen or even heard of before.

Who was Avosa?

What did bein' his disciple mean?

I didn't know.

However, it was fairly evident that 'Avosa' is the name of the Great Sage.

Despite this, there was somethin' strange, flarin' inside me as I looked at the class.

It was callin' me to hurry up an' accept the damn class already.

I was waitin' for a suitable class to appear so that I could get as many benefits from it as possible, and would'ya look at that...

This is an interestin' turn of events.

It's somethin' I'm certainly not against happenin'.

Unhesitantly, I made my choice.

Are you sure you would like to equip this Class? Warning: Your Class cannot be changed once chosen Do you confirm to equipping the Class: [Avosa's Disciple]?

Yeah.

Just get it fuckin' over with already.

Conditions met You have acquired the Class, [Avosa's Disciple]