――――――――――
You have defeated the field boss, “Hobgoblin”.
As a reward, you have received 3 SP.
The level of [Scythe Mastery] skill has increased.
The level of [Light Magic] skill has increased.
Newly acquired “Flash of Light” and “Light Wall” spells.
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“I-I won…! Also, without getting damaged!”
Phew, I was exhausted! No matter how many times I experienced it, I never got used to the tension of being in the vanguard. I must be totally unsuited for such a position.
Up until now, I had to clear this place all by myself, using only [Light Magic] and my scythe. Thanks to Jigoro and Genjuro’s, these Battle Junkies, it was an incredibly tough challenge. Why on earth did I, a player at nearly level 30, have to struggle so much in a beginner’s field?
“Hey, not bad.”
“Yeah, indeed. You’re still putting in unnecessary effort, but you managed to deflect quite well. Quite impressive!”
The two who imposed this trial on me looked satisfied. Finally, will I be freed from close combat…?
“S-so, does that mean I passed…?”
When I asked hesitantly, Jigoro and Genjuro nodded with a refreshing smile that I had never seen before. Oh…finally, finally, can I go back to being a rear guard?
“Isam…but if you passed, then…”
Iris wriggled her weak tentacles, looking worried. Huh? What could she be concerned about? I had just been liberated from the hellish close combat, didn’t I?
“Um, you seem to have forgotten, but do you remember the purpose behind those two training you, Isam?”
“The purpose? Well…”
Their reason for making me engage in close combat was for self-defense… No, that was not it! This was my purpose, and their purpose. It was… Ah!
“It… It was to find a suitable sparring partner… I think?”
Ruby affirmed in silence. So, passing the test meant I had acquired at least the minimum interpersonal combat skills necessary for fighting the two of them. Does that mean…?
“From now on, spar with us occasionally!”
“Yes, I’ll be counting on you, leader!”
Their refreshing smiles had somehow transformed into the demeanor of carnivorous predators, fixated on their prey. It was a manifestation of their determination never to let go of this new sparring partner.
I had witnessed the two’s sparring several times, and each battle reminded me of the intense final showdowns from battle-themed anime shows I had seen long ago. Despite engaging in such fierce combat, they both seemed to be enjoying themselves throughout. It was the moment when I truly understood the meaning of the term “battle junkies”.
And now I was going to join in? Seriously? In a battle against Jigoro, the martial arts maniac who moves in inexplicable ways, and Genjuro, the samurai insect who unleashes strikes so fast they are nearly invisible?
How on earth did it come to this?
“Ah… Aaah… Aaaah… Aaaah… Aaaah… Aaaah… Aaaah!!!”
“Isam!?”
“Oh, he broke down.”
Why did it have to turn out like this?!
◆◇◆◇◆◇
“Um… Isam? Are you feeling calmer now?”
“Gyaaaah!?”
“Yeah, he has already calmed down. He looked quite unsightly earlier.”
For some reason, Iris still seemed concerned, but I was fine now. I screamed with my head in my hands, but somehow, it helped me shift my thoughts.
“Gegyaaah…!”
Nevertheless, during the journey up until now, the only magic I had used was [Light Magic], so I’ve grown to learn new spells. First, there was the “Flash of Light”, which, to put it simply, could be described as a dazzling flash. It seemed to momentarily blind the opponent, snatching away their field of vision with an intense burst of light. When I tested it, it appeared to be much stronger than a camera flash, making it almost impossible to withstand with the naked eye. It might be different if one had sunglasses, though.
“Goggyaaah!”
However, it didn’t cause any damage. Comparing it to [Dark Magic]’s Dark Mask or [Sand Magic]’s Sand Wind, the usefulness of each spell would depend on the situation.
“Gegiiii!?”
The other spell, Light Wall, was a defensive spell similar to the other wall spells. It seemed slightly sturdier than the other wall spells, but it had absolutely no offensive capabilities.
“Geeaaaah!?”
According to the bulletin board’s threads, [Light Magic] excels in defense, but it takes a long time to learn offensive spells. In my case, I already had an abundance of offensive options, so it was actually quite a welcome addition.
“Gyaaaah!?”
Until now, it had been some sort of hellish Spartan training, but from here on, the environment and the appearing monsters were about to change. According to the strategy board thread, the area around the lake turned into a swamp, making it quite difficult to walk through. Moreover, it seemed like we would encounter monsters adapted to the swamp.
“Gegaaaah!?”
We particularly needed to be cautious of the Lizardmen and Toadmen. They were said to use both martial techniques and magic spells, and if there were multiple of them, they could employ tactical movements.
“Gii, Gegyaaaah!?”
And the field boss was a massive, two-meter-tall frog called Big Poison Frog. Is it safe to say that frogs dominate this region?
“Geggee!?”
Nevertheless, Lizardmen and Toadmen, huh? If they are reasonable opponents, our [Linguistics] might come in handy. With some luck, we might be able to avoid battles to some extent. However, excessive expectations would be unwise. We should proceed with the assumption that they are enemies.
“Geaaah, Gegaaaah!!”
“…What? Are you planning to run away? Light Ball!”
It seemed that this entire mountain was the territory of the Goblins, and even after defeating the Hobgoblin, they kept coming to attack. It was troublesome, but I kept dealing with them.
Of course, using my scythe.
“Um, are you still completely out of it? You’ve only been using [Scythe Technique] and [Light Magic] since earlier…”
“I’m fine, really. I’m usually like this.”
If I don’t slash the Goblins… the only magic I should use is [Light Magic]…
“Ooh~, you’ve become quite skilled with the scythe,” Jigoro said.
“Indeed, indeed. The time between spotting an enemy and moving your body has gotten much shorter. You’re in the zone.” Genjuro added.
Everyone is saying something… But never mind that, the goblins… I have to defeat the goblins…
“Iris… somehow…I’m sorry?”
“I-Isam! Snap out of it! We’re done with the mountain! We can leave the Goblin territory!”
Done with the Goblins…? Right!
“I have to go back…”
“Isaaaaam!”
◆◇◆◇◆◇
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The level of [Light Magic] skill has increased.
――――――――――
After some time had passed since then, my companions and I, who had truly regained my sanity, managed to successfully descend the mountain. We had never known that an untouched mountain could be so difficult to traverse.
Beyond the mountain where I had battled the Hobgoblin, a vast lake unfolded before our eyes. Although it was still night, the serene beauty of the almost-setting moon, the sparkling lake, and the dense green scent of the primeval forest, carried by the cool night breeze, tantalized all our senses. I was just a bone, though.
“What a breathtaking view.”
“It feels like we’re visiting some famous tourist spot.”
Not only was it visually stunning, but it also stimulated our other senses to the point where it felt incredibly real. It reminded me of something I had seen in the news not too long ago.
Apparently, there was a trend of “traveling players” seeking unreal landscapes within the game, landscapes that couldn’t exist in reality. They indulged in these places from the comfort of their homes, making it a suitable pursuit for busy modern individuals in terms of time and economy. I recalled hearing stories about how traditional tourist attractions that merely offered picturesque views were struggling, and now I could understand why.
Oh, no, this won’t do. Our goal is not the scenery. We need to reach the top of the mountain visible beyond the lake. Let’s move quickly.
“From this point onward, it’s the territory of the Lizardmen, and it seems other monsters are lurking around. Be careful,” I warned them.
According to the information we had, the southern side of the lake belonged to the Lizardmen, while the northern side was the territory of the Toadmen. Additionally, there were reports of monsters lurking in the swamp. The information on the strategy bulletin board thread was quite diverse.
“If I remember correctly, both the Lizardmen and the Toadmen emerge from the water, but the Lizardmen have higher combat capabilities than the Toadmen, though they are less stealthy and easier to spot. So, leave that to me!”
With those words, Ruby silently submerged herself into the lake. Ah, I see, by being at the edge of the water, she can easily scout around. I hope that her slimy nature will come in handy and allow her to move freely, even in the water.
We continued along the outer perimeter of the lake for a while. The ground was covered in mud, making it difficult to walk for the four others except Ruby. As for me? I was flying at a low altitude thanks to the effects of my equipment. What’s wrong with that?
Though we hadn’t encountered any battles yet, we noticed medicinal herbs growing around us, which were ingredients for intermediate potions. While gathering them as we walked, the sky gradually brightened. It was dawn.
“Oh, it’s the sun!”
The in-game sun appeared just as radiant and majestic as it did in reality. However, it was the first time I, in this skeletal form, had ever paid reverence to the celestial body, and it brought about a sense of awe even greater than when I overcame my [Light Weakness].
“Oh, sorry to interrupt your emotional moment, but there are enemies! They’re in the mud!”
…Argh! How insensitive these creatures are! They don’t even give me time to indulge in sentimentality. They’ll pay for this; I’ll torment them with [Curse] and [Witchcraft] before ending their lives.
Ruby informed me of the approximate direction of the enemies, and I carefully observed the area. Soon, I noticed a spot where the mud was moving strangely. There it is! First, let’s use [Appraisal]!
――――――――――
Race: Evilfish・Loach Lv11
Job: Apprentice Thief Lv1
Skills:
- [Sharp Fang]
- [Earth Magic]
- [Water Magic]
- [Aquatic]
- [Stealth]
- [Ambush]
- [Lightning Weakness]
――――――――――
The Evilfish Loach, which was essentially a Loach that turned into a monster, was quite large. It seemed to be about a meter long, with long whiskers and sharp teeth in its barely visible mouth.
Speaking of Loaches… I do like Yanagawa Nabe (simmered loach pot). Oh, and Jigoku nabe (hell pot) too. I’ll spare it from any dangerous way of dying, given its appearance.
“Star Magic Circle, Thunder Arrow!”
Five Thunder Arrows burst forth from my staff and pierced the Evilfish Loach. With its existing [Lightning Weakness] and the significant level difference of around 20, my magic easily took it down. The Evilfish Loach was defeated without much resistance.
Though it was just a weaker opponent, I was trembling with excitement. Because….
“That’s right, yes! I am a mage! I must fight with magic!”
Finally, I was able to return to my true calling! It felt like such a long time since I last used magic!
Ah, yes, magic is definitely better! It soothes my soul! Long live the support role! Long live the mages! Fuhahahaha!
“Tch! Can’t believe we couldn’t lure him over to our side.”
“Oh well, there will be another chance.”
I think I heard some unsettling conversation from behind me, but let’s ignore it! Right now, let’s be grateful that I can use magic without getting scolded!
“Isam, I’ve finished skinning it.”
“Oh, let’s see…?”
――――――――――
- Evilfish ・Loach’s Whiskers – Quality: Inferior, Rarity: R (Rare Class)
The whiskers of a Loach that has turned into a monster. They were degraded after defeat.
Highly flexible and much sturdier than they appear, making them suitable for rope-making.
They are vulnerable to drying, so proper care is required for preservation.
――――――――――
The whiskers of the Evilfish Loach, huh? It’s interesting that they are vulnerable to drying but suitable for rope-making.
However, the part that caught my attention is the phrase “degraded after defeat”. Could it be that if we defeat it using its weakness element, the quality of the material drops?
Come to think of it, when I hunted the skeletons in the western cave, using [Light Magic] to defeat them caused the bones themselves to vanish, and the destroyed bone parts didn’t drop as “monster bones”. There must be a connection between these instances.
“Genjuro, if the Evilfish Loach appears again, could you defeat it without damaging its whiskers?”
“Hm? I don’t mind doing that, but is there something you’re curious about?”
“Yeah, well…”
Just as I was about to convey my thoughts…
“Watch out!”
“”””!!!!””””
As Ruby emerged from the water, she swiftly deflected something that came flying towards us from beneath the surface with her dagger. I was surprised, but I looked at what had flown toward us. It appeared to be a spear crafted by combining wood and materials from monsters.
“Enemies! The Lizardmen!”
In response to Ruby’s warning, two armed bipedal lizard creatures, the Lizardmen, emerged from the lake. They must have realized that hiding was futile after their initial surprise attack failed.
Well, well, whether it’s in the mountains or the swamp, they are more than welcome! But I’ll have them all as materials in one go!
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