Undoubtedly, Some Montages are Required. (5.1)

…

The outside of Orario still shows signs of its former existence as a massive series of fortresses meant to hold back monsters. Though the fantasy world I was in wasn't backwards by any means, they were simply still advancing past their version of the European Dark Ages. What was it called in the west? The Renaissance? Yeah, once the gods descended, the world was able to catch a break from the constant number of monsters that stalked across the world. Writing, culture, and trade tends to flourish when there are less monsters wreaking havoc.

Still, the many destroyed fortresses were meant to last for a good amount of time, so there are plenty of ruins of stone, squat, and square fortresses amidst the flat plains that surrounded Orario. While many people viewed them as relics of a previous age, or haunted by ghosts of soldiers, I saw them for what they really were: perfect areas to train at. One man's cursed, ancient war ground is another's place to test out their supernatural powers!

Also, it was a castle! An actual, fortification meant to hold off opposing forces! No stupid, ceiling-reaching windows, or wooden walls! Solid stone masonry, torch holders, and cellars with wooden, upward-opening trapdoors! It was everything I wanted from actual, medieval fortifications! Everything that Twilight House wasn't, these ruins were. Man, I really wished that Twilight House was an actual, fortified castle. How could they make something look so intimidating from the outside and make it 'comfy' on the inside? It's a travesty!

"Oh wow, this place looks great, Hat-kun!" Hiryute Tiona's upbeat, cheerful voice interrupted my musings. That tackle would've interrupted my train of thoughts too, but without my Coat limiting my strength I was able to weather the blow without falling over. Still, the short-haired amazon was Level 5, so that meant that one of my 108 skills: Imouto Attack Negation must have come into play! Thank you, Komachi, you have saved my spine from being turned into paste. "It looks so clean! You did this all by yourself?"

"Yep." I gave a grunt, and did my usual attack to dislodge her. Once again, the Level 5 gave a whine of pain before dislodging herself from me. Huh, I wasn't getting irritated by this. I suppose that with her short-hair and cute demeanor, Hiryute Tiona reminded me quite a bit of Komachi. Though I'm most definitely not going to replace my beloved, little sister, I couldn't help but have some of my ingrained affection triggers be tripped! "I cleared it after I realized that I needed a place to train my students without being watched."

"Eh? You have more students than me, Sensei?" Cranel wandered through the large, wooden gate with wide eyes. I approved of my student's wide-eyed appreciation of the stone fortress. This here was built in an age where Adventurers didn't exist, and its shell still stands today! Mortal beings, without the aid of gods, built this while under attack by monsters and held them back! This is a testament to the tenacity, bravery, and diligence of your ancestors! Also, it's free to use! "But, I haven't seen any of them!"

"I had … nine students. Five of them died, but the other four went on to Rank Up." I laid the facts bare, watching for their reactions. While the Brat seemed shocked, my meanwhile bodyguard merely gave a hum of understanding. The difference between a veteran and a rookie, I supposed. It was odd to consider a girl Cranel's age being a veteran. Then again, all Level 5s are monsters in their own right. Now, how to make this statement suitably mysterious… "So, since you're Level two, that means I have about a fifty percent success rate for all my students."

"…that seems low, Sensei, especially since Eina-san said that you've helped a lot of beginners through the dungeon." Cranel composed himself for a moment, and he spoke after I directed him to place his bags against the wall. I began to stretch and limber up. Hiryute decided to join me. After a moment, the Amazon gave a cry as she fell flat on her face. Heh. The one-legged, balanced quadriceps stretch claims another victim! "Hiryute-san also said that you worked with a lot of people, and… well, doesn't that mean you must have had more than ten students?"

"Students are people who I stick to and make sure they grow in all their abilities, Brat." I patiently explained, making sure not to look at Hiryute as she gave a huff. Best to not chance laughing at a Level 5 Warrior. I liked having my insides unbruised, healthy, and inside my body. After a moment, the short-haired Amazon gave another grunt. Huh. I think this is the first time someone has started stretching without me forcing them to or explaining its benefits. "Anyone I choose to train has the chance to figure out my Skill. That means I need to either have an alibi behind training them, a debt or something, or I think they're trustworthy enough after speaking to them. Remember, I get something out of training other people, as well?"

"Hmmm? Then… you chose to only train me because I owed you money?" Cranel quirked his head. Oi. Why are you looking so cute? I'd be pissed if someone did that to me, you know? I thought I beat- trained the foolish, protagonist mentality out of you already? What's going on in that head of yours, brat? "Doesn't that seem… nice?" Eh. What. "You... do your best to help people while keeping yourself safe, right? Sensei?"

"D-don't be ridiculous, brat." I coughed, fixing my mask. That wasn't the case at all! And… so what if I couldn't think anything to say back!? I just didn't feel like dealing with his odd way of thinking at the moment! I turned to Hiryute. I wasn't at all pleased by the smile she had plastered on her face. Why do I feel like I'm being teased?! "H-Hirtyute, go make sure your Level 1s are on the right track, I'm going to start Cranel's lessons early."

"Okay, Hat-kun!" Hiryute gave me a wave before leaping straight over the two-story masonry. As the Amazon fell, she held down her skirt, sticking her tongue at me. Oi, I wasn't even trying to peek! Not only that, but what's this cute response to someone trying to peek? You know it's rude to lead guys on, right? "Don't have too much fun without me!"

"Hiryute-san is so cool!" Cranel gushed the moment the Level 5 was out of sight. Hey, I thought you were focused on Wallenstein? Or is this your Harem Protagonist genes kicking into effect? Is your cuteness meant to only get women to lower their guards around you? Hmmm… while it's kind of original, actually. Well, as long as you don't delve into doujinshi territory. Zaimokuza, if there's any NTR in this light novel I'm going to kill you! Hell, if there's anything that needs an 18+ rating I'm going to kill you! "Sensei, do you think we'll be able to do that once we're Level 5, too?"

"That's what we're doing this training camp to find out, Brat." I switched into my 'Mysterious Teacher-mode.' Raising a hand with a pointed index finger and cradling my elbow, I adopted a lecture position made popular by a certain, twin-tailed magus. Maybe this was cool enough for an illustration? Ah, who am I kidding, Zaimokuza is going to fill all those pages with fanservice. Pervert. Lech. Deviant! You're the reason people who like anime have a bad reputation, Zaimokuza! What was I talking about, again? "We've both Ranked up so-."

"Sensei!"

I was startled by the sudden cry from Cranel, before I realized that I made an idiotic mistake.

Ranking Up meant Updating.

"You said that you were going to rest at the inn over the weekend!" Cranel took several steps towards me and placed his hands on his hips. Huh, it's Hestia's 'Admonish' mode. When did you learn such an advanced technique, Cranel? Oh, huh, you're even poking my chest. Wait, isn't that something a love interest would do when the protagonist does something stupid? D-don't get m-me wrong, i-it's not like I'm w-worried how you feel about me, Brat! "Why are you going out without the Loki Familia looking after you? What if you get kidnapped again, Sensei?"

"Ah, that." I scratched at my mask. My cover story for my lack of a god was that I met with them outside of Orario and kept in touch with them with a set of enchanted notebooks. When I needed to update, I'd simply schedule a meeting, and we'd meet on the boundary of Orario. Everyone else came up with the reason that my god didn't want to be used as a hostage and stayed in one of the nearby villages. Of course, it was a lie. I Updated my own stats courtesy of the instructions that were always in the corner of my vision. Seems Cranel is just worried about me. "Sorry about that."

"Don't say sorry! Promise to not do it again!" Jeez, where did all this confidence come from, Brat? From his furrowed brow and frowning lips, I could tell that Cranel was truly angry with me. I… I supposed that I did scare him a bit by disappearing. Not only that, but I can't ignore the fact he went and fought a Tamed Minotaur, risking his life, just for the chance to rescue me. Bell Cranel really did see me as his Sensei… which I honestly didn't know what to make of. "Sensei, you said so yourself that whoever's coming after you is strong, and you're doing all of this so that the Loki Familia would protect you… don't throw away your own work by being so irresponsible, okay?"

"…Seriously, a brat levels up and he thinks he can order me around?" I grumbled and Cranel wilted. Scoffing, I just gave the white-haired kid's hair a tussle. Dammit, so this was what a Hero is, huh? They always know the right things to say to convince people to do what's right. I mean, I wasn't really giving anything up. I didn't have a god, so I wasn't actually losing anything by agreeing… but the fact Cranel cared enough to ask it from me… well, it struck home that I was this orphaned kid's only reasonable adult influence and he'd risk his life to save me. It's terrifying… and a little touching. "Alright, Brat, you've got a deal. I'll have one of Loki's Familia escort me outside of Orario next time."

"…" Cranel took a moment to comprehend my words, but the moment he did, a grin split his features. The things I do for this Brat. Augh, I'm going to have to fake traveling to keep up this charade. I took my hand off his hair, motioned for him to follow, and he took to my side. The goofy grin was still on his face. "Thanks, Sensei!"

Jeez, it's not that big of a deal.

…

Undoubtedly, Some Montages are Required. (5.2)

…

The deal that I struck with Loki was simple: monthly training of five chosen members of her Familia, for a week, in exchange for secrecy and protection. Initially, I asked for only one member, but Loki knew how to play her cards. The goddess knew I needed her protection, so despite the fact her Familia members wouldn't let her blackmail me, she still haggled me up to five members.

Still, it wasn't in her complete favor, mostly due to the fact that once I realized I would have to be training a group of her Familia no matter what I did, I went on the offensive. Every adventurer I was training had to give me half of their Crystals and Drops from the Dungeon. Fifty percent of 5 Level 1 or 2's earnings in Monster Crystals and drops meant… at least five hundred thousand Valis a day in my system.

The average earnings of a Level 1 and 2 isn't that much, so I fooled Loki in that regard. The goddess probably assumed that I would have them go about the Dungeon alone and pick up their crystals at the end of the day. Not a chance! I fully intended to abuse the hell out of Mend and Nourish on all the people Loki assigned to me. They're going to be killing monsters for eight hours straight, seven days a week, and making me money.

Cranel very nearly ruined my little scheme, but I stepped on his foot just as he was about to blurt out my secret plan. It had been a very close call. Also, I had to heal and apologize to Cranel afterward, but it was a necessary sacrifice for all the Valis I intended to gain.

However, of course, I first needed to prove that my Mentor skill worked as advertised. With everything I was asking for, the goddess needed proof that I really could raise the stats of her Adventurers.

That meant training outside the Dungeon, where the average Adventurer's rate of growth dwindled to nothing.

As I had suspected, even despite her instant appeal for me to join her Familia, Loki suspected I was lying from the very beginning, and wanted irrefutable proof of the truth in my words. Unfortunately for her, Loki was simply investigating the part of the lie that I could prove was completely true.

…

Riine Oswald charges, her dull axe held high. At her side is Joanne Baade, bringing two unsharpened knives forward. I make a short leap towards both of them. My foot finds purchase in Oswald's stomach as my dulled sword catches Baade between the shoulder blades. The bespectacled human holds still for a moment before being propelled into the fortress's wall by the force of my leg. The woman of the Cat Tribe loses balance, falling on her unsharpened blades and skidding on the fortress's cobble floor.

Some Adventurers would say that Monsters are needed to have higher Basic Skills, but then that simple statement meets a simple rebuttal: many Level 3s outside Orario are just as powerful as the Level 3s in the city. If Monsters had to be involved, then how did Level 3s outside Orario become kings and queens over entire cities? Monsters, in the end, are just pieces of the puzzle.

Liss Wifra, Teri Arior, and Ilmin Glim charge forward after seeing their Familia members go down. Again, I charge forward, but I focused on Glim. The red-haired Dwarven girl was short, slight, and packed a mean punch with her club. Her eyes widened at my approach, and she swung her club. Wifra and Arior, both of the Dog Tribe, turned on their heels to support her, doubling back towards me. I ducked beneath the Dwarf's swing and rammed the pommel of my sword at her metal helm. The dwarf crumpled. I snatched her maul from the air.

Adversity is the way an Adventurer rises in power. Whether that challenge is in the form of an unlucky soldier, some brigand in the forests, a monster, or some other feat doesn't matter. If an Adventurer defeats, kills, destroys, or surmounts anything that challenged them before… they get more power. It could be as simple as doing thousands of pushups or as complex as destroying a castle filled with regular soldiers.

Wifra and Arior were both only a step away. They had their gauntleted fists raised. Both had learned earlier in the week that their greatswords and pikes were of no use to them. I swung the mace at the stone floor of the courtyard. The crescent swing destroyed the rock and sent pebbles at them. They brought their arms up to shield their eyes. I took the opening by launching myself between them. Before they could turn, I was already behind the two of them. A quick stab toward both their necks and they were 'dead.'

For the Loki Familia and Bell Cranel, their challenge for this entire week is to defeat me.

Cranel came without a war cry or a roar, unlike the Loki Familia members. I met his strike with my own, and made a move to disarm him. Quickly, he stepped back and presented his other blade to discourage me from charging forward. My white-haired student kept his eyes on my legs, making sure to ready himself for a charge.

They haven't won in the first four matches of this first day…

I drew a dull knife from my lapel, knocked his head back with a throw, and hit him with a hip-to-shoulder 'cut' with my dull blade. He was launched upward, fell flat on his back, and made to get up again. I stopped that with a 'killing' blow, a light nick to his throat.

…and they won't win this final match, as well.

"Hat-kun wins again!" Hiryute Tiona cried from atop the wall above the gate. The short-haired amazon clapped enthusiastically, giving a few cheers. I made my way towards Oswald, chanting Mend as I went, and swiftly healed her up. The bespectacled girl gave me a nod before moving to help out Glim, who was struggling with her helmet. Cranel was already up, moving to help Wifra and Arior up. Go forth, harem protagonist, trigger your flags. Do your duty. "But Loki Familia and Cranel-kun lasted a whole ten minutes! Hooray!"

"I'm faster than you, nya." Baade of the Cat Tribe had the same vocal quirk as the entirety of her race. The rogue took my hand as I helped her up. Her ears twitched with annoyance. Augh, Otaku bait. The strongest Level 2 present and I can't take her seriously because of a stupid vocal quirk meant to entice middle-aged men that like maid shops. They'll all sound horrible in the anime adaptation, Zaimokuza, mark my words! "But you always manage to send me flying, nya. How, nya?"

"Inexperience." Bluntly, I answered her question, before kneeling and healing her leg. Ignoring the fact that Baade was wearing shorts and slippers, I quickly healed up the gashes on her limb. In fact, I had to ignore all the Loki Familia members whenever I healed them. Megane Braids, Tomboy Neko, Armored Loli, and Dog-eared Monks were the basic, cutesy characters Loki sent my way. Loki is a pervert, just as I had expected. "You commit yourself to a charge, going at full speed, and so you can't change your course. Good against monsters, but not against people."

"Eh, Baade-chaaannnn, you need to reeessttt!" Hiryute grasped Baade by her neck. As is the case with all cats and cat people, the Cat Tribe tomboy immediately went limp in the amazon's firm grasp. The action was pretty much the perfect mimicry of a cat picking up her kitten by their nape. Usually, I'm sure, a being of the Cat Tribe wouldn't allow such a thing to happen to them, but Baade is level 2 while Hiryute is Level 5. Not much you can do, Baade. Perhaps you should look into reincarnating into a species that isn't built off of fetishes? Anyway, all five of the Level 2s had their Updates lined up across the week, so Loki could compare and contrast each one's growth. Loki isn't an idiot, by any stretch of the imagination. "No more playing with Hat-kun until Loki-sama checks your progress!"

"…" I watched the Amazon drag the Cat Girl away. Of course, Baade did not reply, her nerves were effectively telling her that she's perfectly safe and should allow herself to be carried. Idly, I shuddered at the terrible, terrible doujinshi that will be made about people of the Cat Tribe in this world. Baade-san, I will pray for your people. When I return home, I shall end Zaimokuza's life with your people in mind. I turned to the other four Loki Familia members, most of them stood shakily. Huh. I didn't go that hard on them, did I? I'm still not used to the fact I'm Level 2, after all. "…Anyone need healing?"

"They're all fine, Sensei." Cranel, you're already speaking as the leader of four girls? You work quickly! Turning to my student, he sheepishly pointed at his forehead. Already, it was turning reddish and a mound was forming. Quickly, I chanted off a mend and healed him. Hestia said she was taking a day off from her job and visiting to see the effects of my Mentor skill along with Loki. Otherwise, I'd have just left it as a reminder not to focus on someone's legs like an idiot. Now, I'll have to say that particular lesson aloud. "Thanks, Sensei!"

"Keep your eyes on your entire enemy, Brat. You did well keeping up, but focusing on the legs can get you killed." I grunted before turning to the other four. As with the end of each of the last matches, they were ready to listen to my evaluation. I activate my Lecture Mode and began to sift through my memories of the battle. Easy, considering the fact I was still analyzing it somewhere in my head. "Wifra, Arior, the two of you have the same problem as Baade. You rush in too quickly, not allowing you to respond when the enemy does something unexpected. Glim, Oswald, both of you rely too much on your weapons and strength. You both need to react and attack faster."

"Hikigaya-renshi, might I voice a question?" Glim had a surprisingly rough voice despite her delicate features. Also, I never thought that I'd be referred to as 'Polished teacher' in my entire life. I supposed that there was some appeal in the respectful, conservative warrior character. I gave her a nod in response. "How are you so skilled in combating us? Loki-dono has trained us all as children, gave us the best tutors to suit our fighting styles, and yet you defeated us all handily. Are we unfit in some manner?"

I was about to answer, when a screech resounded across the air, and the setting sun was obscured by a large shadow.

"By the gods, that's the most immense bird I've ever seen!"

Augh, she takes this long to show up, and decides to do something like this?

"Is it a monster?"

Scare a bunch of Level 2s?

"It's diving towards us!"

I supposed that she probably already heard about my kidnapping.

"Wifra, Arior, get back! It could very well pick either of you up with its talons!"

The fact that I contacted her with instructions rather than an explanation also didn't help.

"Sensei, the monster's heading straight for you!"

Just before said monster made contact with me, there was a flash of light, and a small form landed at my back and before Cranel and Loki's Adventurers.

"To answer your question, dwarf." The girl's voice as brusque and rough as I remembered. Turning around, I found her levelling a gloved finger at Cranel and the others, her features hidden behind a mask. The coat-clad Pallum didn't so much as flinch as I leveled a glare at her. "Yes, you are indeed unfit." She crossed her leather-sleeved arms. "Otherwise, Sensei wouldn't have asked for my help in training the lot of you."

Liliruca Arde, the first of my four successful students, was definitely very irritated with me.

…

Interlude: The Student (Part 2)

…

Fast.

I couldn't keep up.

Once again, I fell to a simple punch to the face.

"Two days and you still can't land a hit on me." Arde-senpai's voice was grating. There was always an angry note at the end of her words. A part of me wondered why. The rest focused on picking myself back up. The Minotaur… hadn't been as difficult as this. "What exactly does Sensei see in you?"

"...Again." I got up and leveled the balanced, dull knife in my left hand towards Arde-Senpai. She was two heads shorter than me, looked like a little girl, but was fast and strong like Sensei. Unlike Sensei, however, she was ruthless, unkind, and didn't hold back. She held the techniques Sensei taught her above us. When she just crossed her arms, I knew that I had to force her to fight me. "Please, Arde-senpai."

"Tch, I told you not to call me that." That got Arde-senpai to move, despite her wanting me to stop. Though the auburn-haired Pallum tried her best to be harsh, she still had some kindness hidden away. Again, like Sensei, except that kindness was… scarce. If Sensei could just roll his eyes at an insult from someone he didn't know, Arde-senpai would get even. Calling her Senpai annoyed her, so I was in for another fight, despite not being able to lift my right arm. "It's your funeral."

Again, she moved.

Like Sensei, she made little hops instead of charging straight towards her enemy. They controlled their speed. Arde-senpai had the 'basic' movements mastered. She could go in any direction with only a single foot on the ground, and touching her with a heavy weapon is impossible.

Sensei could use it to leave people's sight for a split second, weaving like a serpent in a straight line, dodging even their moving eyes. That's why I focused on his legs. I had hoped it would work on Arde-senpai, but that wasn't the case.

Arde-senpai was only using armored gloves, her reach was shorter than mine, and I was sure that I was stronger than her. I was quick, Sensei said so himself, and I was becoming decent in his movement style. The Pallum simply had other tricks up her sleeves.

I predicted her correctly, my dull blade intercepting her charge from my left, but after a flash of light she disappeared.

Another flash, and she was behind me, knocking me down with a blow to the back of my head, sending me sprawling on the cobble floor. A knee pressed on the small of my back, stopping me from getting up entirely. Then, as Sensei did, she pressed on my neck to tell me that I was 'dead.'

"Have you even figured out what I'm doing?" Arde-senpai asked, still pressing on the small of my back. There was… exasperation in her voice instead of anger. I relaxed. Now, just like Sensei, I was sure that I could talk to her instead of just being ignored. "You keep asking to do this again, but you keep failing every time."

"I'm not very bright, Arde-senpai." The pressure on my back increased, but the moment I gave a groan Arde-senpai stopped. The two of them are so alike. "I'm sorry, but you'll have to explain it to me just like Sensei does." I tried to give her a smile, which always seemed to work on Sensei, but it was a bit difficult to turn my neck. Still, I heard a snort from the Pallum. I was glad that it worked. "I promise to not forget. Ask Sensei, he'll vouch for me."

"I'm not your Senpai." Arde-senpai corrected, just as Sensei did when we first met. They even huffed in the same way. The only thing missing was the 'Brat.' The Pallum removed her knee from my back, and her hand appeared at the side of my face, she practically dragged me to my feet, but I didn't complain. They didn't coddle me. I liked that. "And, I doubt Sensei would take in someone as talentless as you if you didn't have something to make up for it." She crossed her arms with a huff. "A Tamed Minotaur, eh? I didn't level up until I passed Under Resort, you know?"

"It was a very well-trained Minotaur! It knew how to fight with a sword!" I argued. Arde-senpai just rolled her eyes and scoffed. They were just as frustrating as one another! I crossed my arms as well and glared at her. Sensei stared at me after that, but the Pallum only gave me a blank stare that reminded me of my Kami-sama when I said something odd. I felt my cheeks heating in embarrassment. "W-why are you looking at me like that, Arde-senpai?"

"I see now, Sensei was just distracted by your appeal." Arde-senpai shook her head, kneading the bridge of her nose. Wait. Appeal? Wasn't that a girl thing? Why would Sensei be distracted by my appeal-? Oh no. No. I like girls! Even if he is really dependable-. NO I LIKE AIZ WALLENSTEIN! "Oi, where the hell did you go with that statement?" The Pallum shook her head. Idly, she ran a hand through a lock of hair that escaped her hat. "I'm just saying that Sensei can't help but teach people who need the help. Also, I'm not your Senpai."

"Oh, that makes sense." I was relieved. Sensei wasn't like that, right? Well, there's nothing wrong if he was! B-But I'm sure that Sensei likes Ryu-san and Riveria-san! I saw him looking at Tione-san before looking away! He stares at girls more than he does at me! Wait, why did I phrase it like that? This is a dangerous line of thought, I need to talk about something else! Anything! "Is that how you met him then, Arde-senpai?"

"…no, I met him outside the dungeon, actually." Arde-senpai's voice grew mysterious. There was a definite sense of nostalgia in her tone, but there was something… vicious… no… validating mixed into it. I had the feeling that she was smiling like Sensei when he did something that a lot of people wouldn't like. Maybe I should tell Ryu-san about this? We're friends, after all. "Heh, he helped me out of an… irritating situation."

"The last time he called something irritating he led a Goliath through it." I groaned, as good as Sensei is at teaching… he really doesn't think about what he's doing. Even though he says he doesn't like others paying attention to him, when he tries to be cryptic and vague he just makes people more interested! I don't think I can tell him, though. Sensei is very sensitive about the way he acts. He might cry. "Hmmm… how about I tell you about what Sensei did and why we're doing this, and you tell me how you met Sensei, Arde-senpai?"

"Hmph, I guess that you actually do have a brain in that skull of yours, eh?" There's the insult… and if Arde-senpai keeps acting like Sensei then… "Well, I guess I can play along to your little ploy, kid."

Hooray, I've finished the insult phase!

Now, I get to learn something!

…why are all strong adventurers so weird?

…

Arde-senpai wrote down everything I told her. My Pallum upperclassman made sure to confirm things like drops, number of monster crystals, and how damaged Sensei's clothes were. She readily explained to me that she's able to piece information together after studying it. Unlike Sensei, who she said can analyze and act on a situation in a heartbeat, she'll have to compare what I gave her to her own notes.

Still, she was able to get to several conclusions very quickly.

"Sensei's clothes had been clean, but he'd been drenched in blood. That meant he was damaged enough to go to one of his stashes for a weapon and extra clothes. The fight was definitely a lot more difficult than he let on."

Arde-senpai recited it aloud, making it clear to me why she didn't think I was Sensei's student.

"That information coupled with the fact he fought an Adolescent Dragon means… that it caught him in its Flame Attack several times. Far from how the battle he described to you went, unless he was actually nude when he awoke in the Monster Farm."

I hadn't seen anything she described. I saw him that night and I'd simply been relieved to see him back. When I saw him the next day, it hadn't crossed my mind that he would lie about the troubles he went through.

"From the sum of the monster crystals he brought back, he probably just killed a few goblins. He might even have just dragged one of his holdouts. It's just a ploy to make you all worry less about him."

Sensei always told me that I needed to practice my ability to analyze situations and I hadn't. Now, even though he nearly died, he was teaching the Loki Familia because people noticed how strong I had become. If I hadn't killed those Killer Ants two weeks ago, gone straight to the Middle Floors looking for him when he disappeared, or if I'd waited for help before killing the minotaur… Sensei could be resting.

"Hey, kid… are you crying?"

Sensei was doing all this because of me. If I'd been smarter… actually listened to him… he wouldn't have to help me so much. If I'd done what I had promised to do-.

"Don't ignore me, kid!"

Immense pressure formed on my cheek and my vision suddenly went black.

…

"Good news, Arde." I woke up to Sensei's dull, dreary voice. Opening my eyes, I was confused as I saw him without both his coat and hat. The mask looked out of place with his vest and white shirt. He looked more like a member of the Guild than an Adventurer. "You didn't kill the brat."

"I thought he'd be tougher than that, Sensei!" Arde-senpai actually sounded worried. Turning my gaze to her, I found her to be quite pretty without her mask on. I wondered why she hid her face. "Besides, you slapped me when was I crying, I thought that's what you're supposed to do!"

"I slapped you because you were hysterical." Sensei gave a grunt. The same grunt he did when he left me to learn my lesson by myself. I guess that since he didn't address me, Arde-senpai was the one learning something. As he moved away, he gave her the lesson he wanted her to learn. "And, I made sure to control my strength. Keep training him, this time no using your Spell. You're getting sloppy with both your blade and footwork. Rectify that."

"Hai, Sensei." That sigh, I'm sure that I've said many times myself. As I wobbled to my feet, Arde-senpai pulled up her mask and held out a hand to help me out. Without hesitation, she apologized. "Sorry about that, kid. You panicked me a bit when you started crying." My Pallum upperclassman almost tilted her head, but stopped midway and cleared her throat. "Did I jog a bad memory or two? The Gods know that all adventurers have more than their fair share, especially in this shitty town."

"It's… It's… my fault." It was painful to admit. To the point that I didn't want to. However, I wouldn't be a man if I couldn't acknowledge my own mistakes. "Sensei's doing all this because I wasn't smart enough to figure out everything that you had." I shook my head. I wondered how Arde-senpai would react. She seemed to be much closer to him than me. I couldn't face her. "If I had been smart enough to see through everything like you did, he wouldn't have as many problems as he did now."

"What the hell, kid?" Arde-senpai grabbed my jaw and straightened my face until my eyes were locked with hers. "If Sensei couldn't outsmart the bastards that did this to him, what makes you think you could've?!"

My upperclassman pushed me back, drew her knife, and I found myself taking my own with my eyes just locked onto her.

"If someone's bigger than you, smarter than you, and planned for you… then you've lost completely!" Someway, somehow, I could tell Arde was speaking from experience. There was too much… passion in her voice for what she was saying to be just plain words. "There's no way for you to win in that sort of battle!"

Right now, I was truly facing Liliruca Arde, the first student of my Sensei.

"You always need to be stronger, faster, and smarter! And if you can't do that, then you drag them down until you can beat them where you stand!" Arde pressed on me, bringing her knife to bear, I overpowered her only to find her fist bury itself into my gut. "No Adventurer is weak! There are no excuses to the chosen of the Gods! We are all strong in our own way!"

I held firm despite the pain in my stomach. I held her knife with my own and lashed out with my own fist. Arde evaded it with ease, but there was no flash of light. No magic. Just superior speed and skill. She was better than me.

"You just have to find the right way to use what you have… and never lose hope in the face of your opponents." Arde crouched and launched herself forward. A kick I couldn't even react to landed on my stomach, and I was sent flying. "If you're not smarter, then be cunning. If you're not stronger, be faster or tire them out. If they have allies, get better ones or pick them apart piece by piece."

I twisted backward and caught myself on the cobblestone. The fingers of my right hand tore as I clawed at the stone. However, I landed upright, meeting her knife before she can end the bout.

"Sensei found me when I was being taken advantage of, when I had no one to turn to, and had nowhere to go." Arde seized my wrist and wrenched my knife from my hands, then with a sweep of her leg she brought me down. Two knives buried themselves in the grooves between the stones beside my neck. "But he didn't save me! He taught me all of that so that I could save myself!"

I lost.

"Get over yourself, kid. Sensei's problems are out of your league." Arde got up from my chest, prying the knives from between the stones. When I met her gaze, it made my heart speed up. However, it wasn't the same way that Aiz Wallenstein did. No. "Focus on being able to wipe your ass before you start crying about not being good enough to handle someone else's."

There was a fire in my chest, that I couldn't describe.

However... I knew one thing as I stood up and met Arde's gaze.

"Give me back my knife."

A scoff and a throw.

"You think making a face like that will let you win? Maybe in another life, kid."

I caught it.

I never wanted to lose to her ever again.

…

Undoubtedly, Some Montages are Required. (5.3)

…

Though I was a good hand at magic and combat, mostly out of necessity, I was far from someone who could repair an entire fort. However, scouring the depths of ruins is a second instinct for anyone who has played a video game. Unfortunately, there was no treasure in the heart of the fortress, but a single tower survived whatever destroyed the rest of the fort.

It was easy to figure out that it was the place where the commander stayed. There was a porch that overlooked the rest of the courtyard and the walls. Most of the furniture and everything else were either destroyed or ripped apart.

Understandably, upon finding a fully-intact Fortress Commander Tower, I made it my secret base. There's no point in lying about that. It might not be a smart move, but I liked castles and there was just one that no one had a claim to? No rules against taking it? There's absolutely no way I could live with myself if I didn't make it mine.

Still, I used to just have a few weapons, clothes, and food. A place where I could hide if Orario blew up like the powder keg it was. Or if I pissed off some meathead that was stronger than I am. Both had an equally likely chance of happening. Too many Familias were competing with one another, and pissing people off is easy and as fun as hell.

Still, after I started taking in Students, the place started to have 'style,' gain 'furniture,' and become 'organized.' Arde stayed in it the most, given the fact the rest of the Soma Familia are a bunch of drug-addicts, so she bought a few cots. The rest chipped in for bookshelves, Mage Lights, and a table set.

Everyone being around was rare, but they basically had free reign over the place. The jerks didn't ask permission. Still, I didn't turn aside things people gave me for free. That's against my ethical code. Wait, doesn't that mean I lack ethics? Eh, equal exchange is stupid anyway. I like free things.

"So, what's so special about the kid, Sensei?" Arde laid back on one of the room's cots, juggling a dozen knives. Each one gently caressed the ceiling before falling back to the ground. The Level 2 Pallum's Dexterity allowed her to do it with ease. I wasn't even able to talk since I did the same. Still, with the bonus of Mentor I was sure I'd have to look into buying more after I Updated myself later. The growth bonus of Mentor from six students is nothing short of ludicrous. I was keeping up with Cranel's bullshit protagonist power even though he was beating the Loki Familia Members with ease. I'm sure that we'd both catch up with Arde later. "Why go so far for someone you just met a month ago?"

"Didn't I face down two Level 2s and three Level 1s after knowing you for five minutes, Arde?" I tried to deflect the question, but at Arde's snort I knew she wasn't going to let the matter go. I shut my book and thought about what I knew about Liliruca Arde. Yep. She's going to get herself hurt by doing something stupid no matter what I do. Might as well make it not my fault. "Brat's Skill is a game changer. History-making. He's going to be unstoppable when the time comes."

"And, you're sworn not to divulge the real nature of his skill, aren't you, Sensei?" I grunted an affirmative and Arde just gave a sigh of frustration. The Pallum stopped her exercise and stood up from her cot, working the kinks out of her back. There was definitely some frustration in her voice, but she knew that I took keeping my word seriously. It's probably one of the only reasons we got along. "So, is his God looking to take in new adventurers? I already own myself in the Soma Familia, so I'm free to go to a Familia that isn't filled with money-hungry addicts. I could do without all the begging and threats."

"Those are just idiots and morons, Arde." I turned back to my book as Arde took the seat by her side. The auburn-haired Pallum produced the notebook and pen I bought her a while back before going over it. Never thought that critical thinking and analysis problems would help out in this world, but when most of the population can only read and write, a little bit of critical thinking goes a long way. I train all my students in the mystical art of deductive reasoning and analysis. If there are dead bodies everywhere, screams echoing from down the hallway, and the scent of blood is in the air… that means you should leave the area. Amazing. "Besides, I thought you were staying in Soma since you wanted to exact your vengeance by throwing the largest Soma's Nectar down the sewers every month?"

"It got boring after the third time. They just started picking fights with the one who got Second Place instead of me." Arde shrugged. Then, the auburn-haired Pallum pointed at a part in her notebook. Huh, so Bugbears grew teeth and spat poison when they weren't killed fast enough? That's certainly terrible for one of the fastest, flying enemies in the Deep Floors. Between her and my other four students, I was getting a clear picture of the Deep Floors. Heh, go forth, my minions. Risk your lives so I have no need to! "Soma seemed happy whenever I did it too, that creepy old bastard keeps offering to Update me whenever I come by now."

"Well it was a half-assed plan, so you only got a half-assed result." I pointed out, turning back to my book. Carefully turning a page, I made sure to make it clear that I was right and she was wrong. As what every teacher must do. Before all that, however, I wrote down 'kill quickly' and 'potential use against opposing adventurers' below her newest bestiary entry. I actually had to meet the minimum requirements of my Teacher Class before initiating my most powerful attacks! "The best thing you could've done was give it to them all equally the first few times… then start favoring one group over the other. That would've started a civil war that would've culled most of the idiots… or made you the Leader of the entire Familia."

"That sounds like too much effort." Arde pointed out. "Too much effort for a bunch of idiotic addicts, anyway."

"...Good point." I agreed after a moment of thought. Yep. No number of loyal Soma Familia members is worth that much trouble. Not only that, but it would be better if I started forming Bell's Adventurer Party sooner rather than later. Cranel, myself, and my students would probably blow out any 'bad guy' that Zaimokuza had planned before I got into the picture. Altogether, we're far too strong for all the bosses on the first three discs. "I'll talk to Hestia about taking you in. She owes me a lot for 'revealing' my Skill for the sake of her Familia."

"Thanks, Sensei."

There wasn't much to talk about after that, we simply fell into our regular routine. Arde going over her most recent findings, and me studying magic theory.

Arde, of course, tried to stay awake as long as I did, and I had to carry her to her cot after her head started lolling to and fro. Each one of my students all tried to do the same, and I always had to see them asleep before going back to work through the night.

I mean, they all knew they can't keep up, why they'd all want to stay awake was beyond me.

…

"Hat-kun, Hat-kun, Hat-kun!" I felt a weight settle on my shoulders and a pair of legs fall against my chest. The sudden force nearly had me fall straight into the pot of food I was stirring for breakfast. However, my Imouto Handler Skill auto-activated, and I quickly caught my balance with the heels of my feet. I was soon presented with a piece of stir-fried vegetable. "Taste my ultimate dish!"

"How is it different from your ultimate dish from yesterday?" Eh, Arde, where did this hostility come from? Please, show some courtesy to the Level 5 that can crush my neck! I don't want to die. Maybe, just focus on cooking your part of the breakfast, please? "You even used the same vegetables."

"I made it with more seasonings and spices, of course!" Hiryute proved to be exceptionally skilled in evading Arde's biting comments. Wait, was the Amazon just capable of ignoring any bad comment aimed at her?! What a useful skill to have! That skill alone negates every attack I could possibly mount against her in my current level! My passenger waved the piece of potato before me.. "Try it, Hat-kun~"

"…Only if you get off my shoulders." I went for the compromise that didn't end with my head popping like a watermelon because of an errant insult. Death by thighs might be somebody's fetish, but it isn't mine. Truly, the fact that I have to acknowledge that fact sickens me, but at least it wasn't a warship. Hiryute gave a cry of success and simply flipped off my back. I took the proffered piece of food. Huh. "It's good. Better than yesterday."

"Yay!" Hiryute gave a little pump of her arms, nearly making me forget she was capable of crushing boulders in a single hand. The Amazon ran off towards her cooking station. She gave a backwards wave as she sprinted away. The apron she wore flew to the winds, rendering her to her normal Amazon clothes. I turned my gaze back to the pot. "C'mon, everyone, time to eat! Hat-kun's approved of my special meal!"

"You'd think a Level 5 would control herself better." Arde huffed, shaking her head, before turning to me. "Sensei, couldn't you have gotten a more normal guard?"

"Nope! My lovely Tiona-chan was the only one available for the entire week!" I was interrupted before I could answer. A ladle blurred into the pot and scooped choice pieces and vegetables before I was able to stop it. Loki giggled as she rapidly stepped away. Damn you, it isn't ready yet! Don't you dare complain if it doesn't taste good! I'm proud of the food I make, dammit! "Ooh! Adventurer food! I bet my Familia eats this all the time on their expeditions! I'm sure that by eating this I'll understand my cute Familia better!"

"Loki." I addressed the goddess after putting out the fire. A few minutes of simmering and stirring were left before I could serve it. I had to learn to cook before I managed to get a room in the Hostess of Fertility. I lived on stew and bread for about six months. I mastered the art of cooking stew. "I thought you and Loga went back to Twilight House."

"Eh, you want to get rid of me, Hikigaya-kun? I'm hurt!" Loki gave a fake sob as she dug into the meat. No insult came, and she had to stop eating for a moment, so I assumed the goddess liked it. Not even going to give me an inch of a compliment, eh? You sure don't like it when you don't get your way, Loki-sama. Be careful, someone might mistake you for a spoiled brat if you keep acting like that… oh, wait, you already are. "After I saw the 100 point increase for all my precious Familia, of course, I had to stick around and see their final day of training!"

"You mean try it yourself and figure out if Sensei's still lying about his skill." Arde came to my defense quickly, leveling a glare at the goddess without hesitation. Well, my student, if you want to take care of this annoyance for me I won't be complaining. "Hmph, you do realize that Sensei's just doing the bare minimum for your Familia, right? They're not actually his students. You won't be getting the absolute, best training methods we have." My Pallum student sneered. "I thought Gods were supposed to be smart."

"Hah? What'd you say to my Kami-sama, little brat?" Bete Loga made his presence known with a growl. Oh boy, Arde and him are going to get along famously. Their gazes locked and I felt a chill go down my spine. My Pallum student met his glare and he cracked his knuckles dangerously. What was this, some 70s Seinen manga? Where are your metal bats, medical masks, and pompadours? "Would you mind repeating it? I think I misheard you."

"I said-."

"Arde, stop." I cut her off, and her jaw snapped tight. My eyes met hers and she took a deep breath before turning back to her pot. Bete Loga, however, seemed rankled at being so suddenly dismissed. I turned to the damnable woman, who had a smirk on her face. Smile all you want, bitch. I saw your face when Arde snapped at you. You hadn't expected that at all, did you? "Loki, keep your mutt leashed. We can have a civilized conversation once you have."

"You smug little bastard-."

"Bete-kun, go see if Tiona-chan needs help. I don't think I'll be needing your help for now." Loki surprisingly complied. She leaned on a wooden box, as the silver-haired Wolf Tribe member stalked away biting his tongue. "So, Hikigaya-kun, you're not training my students in the ultra-special classes you gave to your mini-me over there? My, my, I'm a bit hurt, Hikigaya-kun."

"The deal was I raise their Basic Skills, not teach them how to fight." I answered smoothly, taking a step back and looking over the Goddess. Unlike the last time we met, there was a rather shocking difference to her that I hadn't noticed last night. The Trickster Goddess' abdomen was covered in white bandages. Something must've taken a chunk out of her. "Huh, what did you piss off?"

"I was going to ask you that." Loki chuckled darkly, she scowled as she leaned against the decrepit fortress's walls. It must've taken one hell of a monster to injure a god to that extent. Even when healed, deeper wounds ached incessantly, requiring tight bindings. Loki was a lot more fearsome that I realized, if she was still standing after a wound like that with a normal, human body. She produced a piece of paper and threw it my way. I caught it. "You recognize that thing?"

I prided myself in knowing about just about every monster that was discovered in the dungeon, but the one on the paper she gave me… plant-type… body stronger than steel… capable of impaling Level 3s… capable of rapid growth and regeneration… weak only against magic… it was one of the most dangerous monsters I'd ever laid eyes upon. It was something that I would study the hell out of, if only to stay clear from it.

"No, I don't."

Yet, I didn't. That alone set alarm bells in my head.

"I heard you kept a little bestiary in that head of yours, and your students report to you, I hoped you knew." Loki gave a scowl. Something that looked out of place given her usual smile. I had the distinct feeling that the goddess was very, very pissed off. "Someone attacked Orario last week. Dozens of those monsters just sprouted from the ground all over the city."

I met Arde's gaze, sharing the paper with her, but she offered no information to it. All we could do was look at the grimacing, trickster god.

"No one has a clue who did it, how they did it, or why." The scowl deepened, Loki leaned back. "So, I'm going to need to ask for your help, Hikigaya." She crossed her arms, leveling her gaze. "I want in on your eyes and ears in the city. Name your price."

Of course, my price was for me, my students, and Cranel to not get involved in it.

I knew a sidequest when I saw it.

…

Undoubtedly, Some Montages are Required. (5.4)

…

Five opponents. Two hand-to-hand combatants. Two warriors, axe and mace, one wears armor. Single rogue, very quick. Available weapons? Six knives and one short sword. All still holstered? Armor? Tailored, combat formal wear. No coat. Irrelevant given first blood requirement of match.

"Liss, Teri! Keep him from charging us!"

"Yes/You got it!"

Two charging. Hand-to-hand specialists. Style suited for quick takedowns. Strong, but easily avoidable. Making up for shortcomings with increased teamwork. Most coordinated pair. Very low amount of input needed from leader. Only one word needed for communication. Need to separate, remove ability to communicate, or knock out one of the pair. First is possible. Second unacceptable for spar. Attempt to do third option.

"Low!"

"High!"

First uses leg sweep and second charges with intention to grab from midair. Controlled fall to evade both. Use arms to gain stability. Lash out with each leg. Focus force on heel. Attacks are blocked. Reflexes are faster than expected. Hand-to-Hand opponents still sent flying. Pursue? No. Rogue coming.

"They're still in the fight! Joanne, go now! Ilmin with me!"

"Yes!"

"Affirmative!"

Rogue is very quick, but incapable of changing direction. Warriors cut off evasion opportunities. Rogue has straight line of attack. Cannot contest in knife-fight without using magic. Magic unavailable for current fight. Self-imposed limitation. Increased chance of Agility and Dexterity. Also withholds information from Loki Familia. Worth the trouble.

"Stay alert, Ilmin!"

"I am prepared!"

Easiest avenues of escape blocked by Warriors. Warriors are primarily defensive, capable of reacting quickly to any entity entering their range. Cannot engage without proper, stable stance. Rogue cannot be stopped easily. Evasion towards safe location still required. Straighten body upon arms. Bend elbows. Push off ground. Upward launch into air. Tuck in knees to maneuver into standing position.

"Everyone, throw weapons now!"

Both first attacks were feints. Meant to force me into air. At least ten projectiles incoming. Assumed incapable of dodging in mid-air.

Correct assumption.

"We have him!"

However, incorrect in assuming dodging to be only viable alternative.

No pursuers, full focus on projectiles allowed.

Estimate trajectories of incoming objects.

Seven in sight. Possibly three or more behind.

Intercept projectiles with knives or capitalize on lowered guard?

…no. More options available due to increased Dexterity.

Locate knives thrown by Rogue and warriors. Fastest and best-aimed. Utilize knives on belt to intercept. Two for mace and axe. One for each knife. All knives used. Draw sword. Intercept remaining two knives.

Look over shoulder. Four knives incoming. Two will miss. One heading towards head. Remaining can be intercepted with sword.

Last knife pierces mask.

Rely on Endurance and utilize Dexterity.

Catch with teeth.

"Impossible!"

"How did he-."

"Everyone, move!"

Throw short sword at armored warrior. Knock off helm. Considered Dead.

Catch inaccurate knives. Cuts to leg of both close-combat specialists. First Blood rules. Dead.

Deflected knife towards remaining warrior. Knife is evaded.

Use captured projectile on Rogue? No. Waste of resources.

Land.

Two opponents left.

Attack.

…

After I administered to those who needed healing, I arrange the group of Loki Familia members I was training for the week. Oswald, Baade, Wifra, Arior, and Glim all chose to sit in Seiza with their heads downcast. There was quite a bit of mumbling going between them. Most of it wasn't very nice. Little did they know that I drew power from their negative emotions… wait, no I didn't.

Yeah, I better start talking before my feelings get hurt. I am more fragile than a freshly fallen Sakura blossom when it comes to insults (lol). My pure, snow-white heart cannot possibly handle the gripes and angered glances aimed upon me (lol). There is absolutely no way I am happy about beating an experienced team of Level 2s without getting a single scratch on me (lol).

Haha! Yes, kneel before the one who has defeated you!

I took way too much happiness from this.

I coughed into my fist, made sure the edge of happiness was no longer present, and adopted one of my lecture poses. Pushing up my mask, the hole caused by the knife barely visible, and crossed my arms.

Time to teach.

"Oswald, you did well taking command of your group. Your plan was well-executed, but you were incapable of changing it once you realized it failed." I started with the Leader of the group. The Megane Onee-sama with the braids. I'd pegged her as the leader of the small band with the Armored Loli as her second-in-command. However, I found that no one else gave orders after she did. Big mistake. "You should've reassembled your team when you realized that it wasn't going to work. Make sure to appoint someone to keep watch over the team while you come up with strategies."

"Understood, Hikigaya-sama."

"Glim, you play to your strengths too much, you didn't use the speed you gained this week. You engaged me with armor on despite the fact I proved that it's useless against me." I turned to Loki's Loli. Glim seemed the most glum of the bunch and seemed to curl inward with each word. The young dwarf should, since she was knocked out after simply throwing her weapon. "Inflexibility is a liability in combat. There will always be ways and means to overcome defenses. It won't matter if you can cave in your opponent's skull if you can't catch them, and your armor won't matter if someone puts a blade between the joints."

"T-thank you for your words, Hikigaya-renshi. I-I shall endeavor to do as you say!"

"Now, as for you three…" I turned to the girls from the Dog and Cat tribes. Arior, Wifra, and Baade all had their ears flat against their heads and their tails curled on their laps. Cute, but don't think you can evade my judgement! There is no escape from my harassment- er, mentorship. There's nothing wrong about having fun correcting people when they're wrong! "None of you changed your tactics against me at all. You simply allowed yourselves to be used as parts of a plan that played to your strengths." They all winced, as they should. "You're all good in your assigned roles, but if you'd made up with your weaknesses then Oswald could've come up with a better way to utilize you."

"Yes, Sensei/Yes, Nya."

"Good, then, that's all I have for you all, as your Kami-sama has informed you of my ability's success." Carefully, I switched to a more 'formal' way of speaking. I hoped that I was hitting the right tone of voice… yes, they all raised their heads. Ahaha! My Imitate skill has leveled up! "Pack up your tents and equipment, we're returning to Orario today." I gestured to Loki who immediately stood up and approached her Familia with a grin. "Loki-sama will be informing you of our next meeting date and what you'll need to bring along."

They dispersed, moving along with their Goddess. They were bruised and beaten, but undeniably stronger than when they first started. Knocking them off their specialist mindsets will be tricky, but soon enough they'll recognize that they're limiting themselves to one fighting style. The advantages given by high Basic Skills is negated by their current mindset.

In the weeks I'll be spending with them at the Dungeon, I'll put them through the same training as Cranel and Arde.

…and speaking of my two Brats…

I made my way up to the walls, each step brought me closer to the sound of clashing weapons.

…

"They're still at it after two hours." Hestia wrung her hands and fidgeted as she observed the fight between Arde and Cranel. I took the seat offered by Hiryute, who patted the stone next to her once she caught sight of me, as I saw no need to decline. Loga didn't bother greeting me, the bastard. I think he's just being rude on purpose, now. "Hikigaya-sensei, can't you convince them to stop?"

Cranel swiveled on his ankle with speed that would break that of a normal human's and lashed out with his foot. Arde allowed it to crest over her chest before she grabbed it with both hands, swung a leg over it, and attempted to bring him down.

"They fight until first blood." I answered casually as I sat and Hiryute seemed pleased with my answer. Bloodthirsty bunch, these Amazons, even if they're a tad airheaded. I guess Zaimokuza must have had a few (read: many) bad encounters with girls on sports teams. I had to commend him on making them actually powerful though, many lesser men would've merely slandered them entirely… oh wait, their main goddess is the head of the Red Light District. How petty of you, Zaimokuza. I approve. "They put their knives to use yet, Hiryute?"

Cranel quickly withdrew his leg with a grunt, bringing her closer, and swung with his knife. Arde was forced to let go, but quickly surged forward with a straight kick aimed towards his abdomen.

"Nope~." Hiryute assumed the role of referee in most matches. Though ditzy, she's still a frontline, Level 5 combatant. Having the short-haired amazon around to act as my teaching aid allowed me to get more work done. She doesn't get bored, I get less work. Win-win. Huh, is this how a corporate manager is supposed to feel? Can't be, I actually thank her for doing what I ask and I'm not taking credit for the work she did. "Arde-chan and Cranel-kun are both too evenly matched, Hat-kun!"

Cranel dodged and attempted to 'cut' Arde's leg. However, Arde quickly threw a knife at his cheek. Cranel was forced to evade the flying knife, making his attack miss by a hair's breadth. Arde landed in a crouch, but quickly went for a leg sweep. Cranel stepped back from it, pursued, and Arde kept him away with a backward flip with her heel aimed at his chin. Once more, they were simply opposite one another.

"Fighting for two hours straight can't possibly be healthy, Bell-kun can get seriously hurt if he messes up!" Hestia protested with a surprisingly valid point. It seems that the Oppai Loli can come up with quite convincing arguments if Cranel was concerned. It's true that with both Cranel and Arde tired, they had a greater chance of hitting one another too hard. Thank goodness that I had Hiryute keeping watch on them. "Hikigaya-sensei, don't try to act cool and keep staying quiet! Ooohh! I know you're ignoring me!"

Who held the advantage? In Strength and Endurance, Cranel was putting his stamina and power to send out blows that could seriously injure Arde if he hit. He still had explosive force behind his blows while Arde was minimizing her movements and going for efficient takedowns. He took my advice concerning outlasting opponents seriously.

"The fight's about to end, Hestia-sama." Surprisingly, Loga spoke. For the first time it wasn't followed by a curse or a growl while in my presence. There was a definite tightness to his voice, however, that made it seem that he was putting a lot of effort into controlling himself. Note to self: Bete Loga is still easy to anger even when not drunk. Use to advantage. It takes a special sort of temper to nearly snap at a goddess, after all. "By the next exchange, one of them will come out on top."

For Dexterity and Agility, Arde was superior in both Basic Skills, physique, and skill. In terms of experience, Arde had Cranel beat. Cranel was only capable of evading her attacks by continuously throwing his own, and his attacks never reached her. Over the course of the week, Arde made an effort towards regaining her footwork, adhering to my rule of not using her ability, and eventually regained her competence.

The fact that they fought on even terms spoke a lot about both their talent. Cranel might have increased his Basic Skills quickly due to Realis Phrase, however Basic Skills didn't help in regards to actual, trained reflexes. He gained all of that on his own. Arde was holding back against a stronger opponent, limited to her normal form, but she was keeping her cool and leveraging her experience as much as possible. She went as far as to get Updated so that she's at the top of her game.

Now, as Loga had said, they were at a threshold. Arde was still quicker than Cranel, but can't keep up with him any longer. However, Cranel was exhausted enough to have his reflexes dulled. If they continue, Arde will lose her edge, and so the next exchange would decide the match.

They each brought their knives before their chests, crouched, and ran straight for one another. Their knives clashed and Cranel overpowered Arde's blade… only to have his wrist grabbed by Arde as she dropped the knife completely. She spun on her heel, slammed her body against Cranel's center of gravity, grabbed his shoulder, and threw him over her shoulder into the stone ground. A moment later, before Cranel could recover, she had a knife against his throat.

Ruthless, efficient, and powerful… everything I wanted Cranel to be was in Arde.

Making her his perfect rival.

…