Phase 47: Level-Up Loop

So, Phase 1 is over, then.

In other words... this means we're moving on to Phase 2?

Not really sure what that means, though.

Feeling a bit lost, but let's just get the level-up done for now.

——Please select your reward from the achievement "Monster Hunter."

Ah...

Right, that one exists.

I think this time I leveled up by five, and unlocked about three achievements.

Wow.

This is going to be a bit tough.

――1. Hunter's Grilling Set

――2. Hunter's Trap

――3. Hunter's Whetstone

Yes, yes. Effects, effects.

――"Hunter's Grilling Set" is a grill that can cook raw meat to delicious perfection, even without draining the blood. Additionally, while grilling, cheerful background music plays.

――"Hunter's Trap" is a universal trap designed for animals. Any creature caught in it becomes completely immobilized, regardless of size. However, sentient beings with a certain level of intelligence can easily free themselves.

――Using the "Hunter's Whetstone" allows you to restore a blade's sharpness to like-new condition—just once.

…………Huh?

Wait—could this be a Monha… No, better not go there.

I'm gradually losing track of the criteria for the items that the Visionary will bring.

Come to think of it, the power of the skill granted to me feels kind of game-like, or maybe parody-like. That's about the right vibe, isn't it?

Is there some deeper meaning behind it all?

"Meat-grilling set."

I answer on instinct, not overthinking it too much.

——Then, the item is issued.

In the center of the classroom, a cluttered barbecue set materialized.

...Honestly, getting handed something like this out of nowhere is just going to be a hassle—taking up space and getting in the way, that's all.

I was lucky it came at a time when I could actually make good use of it.

That was close.

From now on, I should probably consider whether an item is portable before choosing it.

Anyway, next one.

Let's keep raising our level.

—So, please select the skill you'd like to acquire.

――1. Swordsmanship (Advanced)

――2. Perfect Maintenance

――3. Martial Arts (Beginner)

――4. Choose Magic Skill

――5. Enhanced Natural Healing

――6. Skin Reinforcement

――7. Skill Assessment

...Hmm.

It seems safe to assume that my stamina against hunger has reached its maximum.

For now, let's see what effect this so-called "Skill Assessment" has.

――"Skill Assessment" allows you to view other players' skills once obtained.

Hmm. So that's how it works.

Well, I'll hold off on that for now.

Since I'm definitely setting out on a journey soon, I'll need to keep that in mind when choosing which skills to acquire.

Thinking about it this way, my options were limited.

The one I've always hesitated to take: "Skin Reinforcement."

Considering I might be venturing outside soon, I realized I’d need a backup plan in case I ever got bitten by a "zombie."

According to Genjou-san, zombies seem to have gotten a bit stronger lately.

Just to be safe, I double-checked the effect.

――Upon acquiring "Skin Reinforcement," your skin becomes tougher, making injuries less likely. You'll also be able to withstand cold even when completely naked.

That’s what it says.

...Hmm. I guess I'm still a little scared, though.

It's better than dying, isn't it?

Praying it doesn't end up looking like a rock.

"Silent flower"

I nervously waited, wondering what would happen, but then I remembered—skills are applied all at once at the end.

Let's go to the next one, next.

Please select the skill you wish to acquire.

―1. Swordsmanship (Advanced)

2. Perfect Maintenance

――3. Martial Arts (Beginner)

――4. Select Magical Skill

――5. Enhanced Natural Healing

――6. Bone Reinforcement

――7. Skill Assessment

So, bones this time.

―― Acquiring Bone Reinforcement will make your entire skeleton as strong as steel, greatly reducing the chance of fractures or injury.

Steel, huh.

Does that mean I'll end up looking like Schwarzenegger from Terminator?

...Ugh.

Fine, whatever.

"Bone-ee"

Originally, I had decided to allocate half of the increased level points to defensive skills.

--- Choose your skill to acquire.

--- 1. [Advanced Swordsmanship]

--- 2. [Perfect Maintenance]

--- 3. [Basic Martial Arts]

--- 4. [Select Magic Skill]

--- 5. [Enhanced Natural Healing]

--- 6. [Skill Inspection]

"Natural healing"

Then,

――You have reached the required level, so a job change is now possible.

The unfamiliar voice speaking these words.

Now that you mention it, I think I remember the system saying something about jobs when I defeated the boar.

――Your karma is "Neutral."

――Your current job is "Citizen."

――The jobs you can now attain are as follows:

――1. Warrior

――2. Archer

――3. Beast Tamer

Ah, I see.

Hmm.

...Hmm?

I don't quite understand.

"Karma...?"

No reply.

As usual, I can't quite reach that slightly itchy spot.

Trying to imagine what karma might be, using my game-brain to the fullest, it seems like karma is roughly a guideline indicating whether one is a good person or a bad one.

Depending on that, different jobs become available...?

Hmm.

"Can you tell me about the characteristics of each profession?"

―"Warrior" is a classic combat class. It has numerous skills that enhance defense and survivability, and can neutralize certain types of magic.

―"Archer" is a combat class specialized in ranged attacks. It features many skills that boost attack accuracy and evasion, and significantly enhances leg strength.

―"Beast Tamer" is a specialized class focused on subduing animals and certain "hostile lifeforms."

Uuu...

Ooooooooh!

Hmmmmmmmmmm! (Strange sound)!

I don't really understand. I don't understand, but...

Usually, things like this are "warrior," "priest," "wizard," right?

Something like adding "fighter" and "thief" to that list.

I'm sorry if I'm thinking in terms of Final Fantasy and Dragon Quest, but I thought I'd be able to choose a job like "wizard," and I was preparing myself for that.

Could it be that my karma is "neutral," so I can't choose it?

Or maybe there never was a job called "wizard" to begin with?

If that's the case, I could accept it.

But honestly, unless this is some kind of guidebook, I'd have no choice but to stumble through the selection blindly.

Gah.

There's no helping it. I'll go with the second option.

"Warrior."

――Your title has changed.

――Your title is now "Wanderer" to "Wandering Warrior."

Huh.

Wandering.

...Wandering?

Oh well.

――Please select a skill to acquire.

――1. [Advanced Swordsmanship]

――2. [Perfect Maintenance]

――3. [Basic Martial Arts]

――4. [Choose Magic Skill]

――5. [Choose Job Skill]

――6. [Skill Assessment]

Good, good. [Natural Healing] maxed out, too.

And now, a newly introduced job skill.

...but I had a sudden thought, so I'll double-check the magic skills just to be safe.

――Please select the magic skill you wish to acquire.

――1. [Fire Magic IV]

――2. [Water Magic I]

――3. [Thunder Magic I]

――4. [Healing Magic I]

Oh.

I didn’t expect it, but Healing Magic has been added.

Probably because I obtained [Natural Healing] earlier.

For a brief moment, a negative thought flickers through my mind: "If only I had acquired this magic earlier…"

………

………………sigh, ah.

Take a deep breath.

Stopping now.

That is something I must never do.

After all, no one truly wants that.

"……Details of Job Skills"

——Please select the job skill you wish to acquire.

——1. [Attack Power I]

——2. [Defense Power I]

――3. [Magic Resistance I]

Ah, this one's effect is easy to understand. That's good, but...

...I bet this will branch off into other skills from here on out.

Ugh, ugh, ugh, ugh.

Are there going to be even more options now? I feel like my head's about to burst.

For now, let's hold off on job skills whose effects aren't clear yet.

What matters most is building stable combat power that can endure the long journey ahead.

"Please grant me 'Advanced Swordsmanship'."

— Please select your reward from the achievement "Restoration."

— 1. Buckler

— 2. Gauntlet

— 3. Warrior's Shield

"Um, effects... you know, right? I mean, you get it, don't you?"

Let's just skip straight to it.

— The "Buckler" is a small, easy-to-handle steel shield.

— The "Gauntlet" is a steel glove worn on the arm.

The "Warrior's Shield" is a circular shield. Its weight makes it unsuitable for someone weak.

"Please give me the 'Gauntlet'."

Before me appeared a sturdy-looking black gauntlet.

Just had an idea—what if we deliberately let a zombie bite into this, then use the free hand to finish it off? How about that?

I'll bring it up with everyone later.

Now, the next skill to acquire.

"Perfect Maintenance, here we go~"

With this, I should have acquired all sword-related skills, right?

And then, the moment of truth.

—Now, applying the skill effect.

Let's see how the effect of "Skin Reinforcement" turns out.

Nervously, I glance at the mirror.

……………

Ah.

Looks like my appearance hasn't changed at all.

Just to test it, I tug at my arm and bite into it lightly, but I don't really feel any difference.

Is this even working?

I considered giving it a quick cut with the knife I had on hand, just to be safe...

Let's do it another time; I'm scared.

Please select your reward for achievement "Phase 1 Completed."

That's the last one.

Choose your reward for achievement "Phase 1 Completed."

――1. The Hobbit's Drink

2. The Elf's Drink

――3. Dwarf's Elixir

What's that, huh?

――"The Hobbit's Drink" transforms the drinker into a Hobbit. While height is significantly reduced, both magic and strength are enhanced.

――"The Elf's Drink" transforms the drinker into an Elf. Magic is enhanced, but strength is reduced. Additionally, the drinker's ears become long, and their appearance changes to that of a blonde, pale-skinned human.

――"Dwarf's Elixir" transforms the drinker into a dwarf. Strength is enhanced, while magic power is reduced. Their appearance changes to that of a short, red-faced pale-skinned human.

...I'm honestly not surprised by anything anymore.

Hobbit, Elf, Dwarf—

Honestly, all of them feel like items you'd get but never actually want.

I can't possibly be serious about becoming human again.

But if I had to choose, I guess... the Elf?

Among these, this one seems the least likely to change appearance.

If your destined one is fond of Elves, then there's no reason you couldn't drink this.

—Then, I'll issue the item.

A small bottle is gently handed over.

It looks similar in shape to "Dokukeshi."

For now, just quietly tuck it away in the desk to make sure you don't accidentally drink it.

"...phew"

A single sigh escapes.

With that, all the necessary tasks are complete.

Thank you for your hard work, me.

...Well.

What should I do now, I wonder.

I'd been so caught up in leveling up that I'd forgotten for a while.

I'm at a loss, I suppose.