Part 161: First, Level Up
In any case, leveling up—this is the priority.
To avoid regrets when facing the "King," I can't hold back now. I'll max out my skills.
Though, having already received advice from Shunna-san, I'd somewhat decided in advance what to choose.
Taking a deep breath.
Exhaling.
First, let's start with the safe option,
"Attack Power V, followed by Magic Resistance III, IV, and V."
Next,
"Skills derived from Attack Power: Roar, Charge, Demonic Transformation; from Defense Power: Blade Cloak; from Magic Resistance: Mouth Sealing, Magic Absorption, Magic Reflection..."
Congratulations! You have completed the "Warrior" job skill!
――Currently, four job classes are available for your class change.
――Your title has been updated.
――From now on, you will become known as "The One Who Ends" instead of "Wandering Warrior."
And so.
Complete all close-combat job classes (excluding those like Grappling Techniques, which seem unnecessary to me).
Since I'm already this far, I'm somewhat tempted to try out the "Class Change" feature as well.
"If you happen to acquire extra skills, don't rush into advancing to a higher class☆ Those skills over there tend to have really strong quirks... "
Apparently, higher-class jobs often come with skills that follow the "gain something, lose something" pattern—like the "Madness" skill that some Spirit User once had.
In that case, it wouldn't make sense to take such a strange risk right here.
The remaining skill slots are,
"Water Magic III, IV, and V. Thunder Magic III and IV."
And that's how I've arranged it.
Well now.
Now, I've got the legendary Water Magic V!
The skill "Hydro Magic V" is a dream ability that lets you take a shower anytime, anywhere. I remember seeing Hana use it once.
Then, let's apply the skill effect.
"Alright then..."
Finished the work according to schedule, for now feeling relieved.
With this, the skills I've acquired are:
"Finisher"
Level: 68
○ Basic Skills
《Swordsmanship (Advanced)》《Perfect Maintenance》《Fatal Strike I–X》
《Natural Healing (Strong)》《Skin Reinforcement》《Bone Reinforcement》
《Hunger Resistance (Strong)》
《Skill Assessment》
○ Magic Skills
《Fire Magic I–V》
《Water Magic I–V》
《Lightning Magic I–IV》
《Healing Magic I–V》
○ Job Skills
《Attack Power V》《Roar》《Charge》《Demon Form》
《Defense Power V》《Iron Armor》《Blade Armor》《Aegis Shield》
《Magic Resistance V》《Silence》《Mana Absorption》《Mana Reflection》
《Spirit Summoning I》《Spirit Presence I》《Fairy》
○ Shared Skills
《Subjugation》《Slave Control V》
And thus, it turned out like this.
As a final touch,
"Select the item from the achievement 'Master Dungeon Master'."
——Please choose your reward from the achievement "Master Dungeon Master."
——1. Ring of Fire
——2. Ring of Water
——3. Ring of Thunder
——The Ring of Fire grants powerful fire resistance upon equipping. Additionally, it converts damage from Fire-element spells into "Attack Power."
――The "Ring of Water" allows you to breathe underwater upon equipping. It also converts damage from Water-element spells into "Defense."
――The "Ring of Thunder" causes lightning to surround you when equipped, automatically attacking nearby enemies. Additionally, it converts damage from Lightning-element spells into "Agility."
"Then, the 'Ring of Fire'—"
――I'll issue the item now.
Holding the ring that appeared as if materializing from midair, just as usual, I immediately put it on.
The reason I chose the "Ring of Fire"... well, just because it felt right.
I think resistance to heat tends to be surprisingly versatile in practical applications.
Plus, it comes with Magical Resistance, so I might as well have an impenetrable magical defense right now.
"Then, I'll go with the 'Ring of Water'."
The gambler who just obtained the ring appears to be all set.
Upon using《Skill Assessment》, her current status is revealed as:
Job: Gambler
Level: 69
Skills:《Coin Toss (Divine Rank)》《Luck V》《Natural Healing (Strong)》《Skin Reinforcement》《Bone Reinforcement》《Hunger Resistance (Strong)》《Skill Assessment》《Karma Assessment》《Achievement Condition Reference》《Fire Magic I–V》《Water Magic I–V》《Lightning Magic I–III》《Healing Magic I–VII》《Manipulation of Fate》《Negotiation Skill (Reaper Rank)》《Dream Dice Roll》《Reverse Ace》《Roulette Shot》《Coin Toss》《Deception (Advanced)》《Money Heavier Than Life》
That's all.
As always, this person's skills are mostly incomprehensible at first glance.
"Then, then..."
"Yeah..."
Let us go forth—into the battlefield.
...But before that.
"Mr. Gambler."
"What?"
"Isn't it about time you revealed the truth?"
"Why the Kansai dialect?"
There's no particular reason.
I just thought it might lighten the mood.
"…Um, well. What was that thing, you know, the 'enemy of all players' you were talking about? The one Two Horses mentioned."
The Gambler cast a glance upward into space and asked,
"Curious about it?"
"Yeah. It's like something's stuck between my teeth. I can't focus on the fight."
"…I see."
The petite friend then let out a long, drawn-out sigh.
"Ah, well. It's a promise, after all."
Then, I catch a glimpse of something uncharacteristic in her.
For some reason, I thought I saw the eyes of the "Gambler" slightly moist.
"But I just want you to understand one thing... Even if this means we must part ways—whether or not we go our separate ways—it still won't change the fact that... we must bring down the 'King'..."
Parting ways...
Huh?
What's that even supposed to mean... scary.
"The secret was... the effect of a certain skill. And that effect is also the very essence of the 'Gambler' job."
Then, over the course of these past two and a half months—someone I've shared meals and sleep with—began to speak.