Part 381: New Skills
Note: Below is a summary of the skills I remember.
Level: 85
○ Basic Skills
《Hand-to-Hand Combat (Basic)》
《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》
《Thunder Magic I–IV》
《Healing Magic I–V》
○ Job Skills
《Attack Power V》《Roar》《Charge》《Demon Form》
《Defense Power V》《Steel Armor》《Blade Armor》《Aegis Shield》
《Magic Resistance V》《Silence》《Mana Absorption》《Mana Reflection》
○ Skills stolen from the "Spirit Master"
《Spirit Summoning I》《Spirit Presence I》《Fairy》
○ Skills borrowed from Tenkyou-san
《Encouragement》
Among these, 16 skill points remain unused.
The reason for having so many left over is simple: there are currently no skills I wish to learn.
Despite previously complaining repeatedly about how inconvenient it was, there's a new job... Since it's been a while, I'll go ahead and reveal it at this moment,
The "Gladiator" is a combat class capable of handling any close-quarters battle. However, it lacks the authority to decide life or death, and opponents who do not fight bravely may be automatically executed. Additionally, killing enemies in a more artistic manner can grant a permanent status boost.
―"Enforcers" are specialists who can perform special attacks against criminals. However, any attack carried out by an "Enforcer" must be based on a dedicated item called the "Casebook"; otherwise, all vigilante attacks will bring misfortune upon the attacker themselves.
―"Impersonators" forfeit all previously acquired job skills in exchange for gaining the ability to temporarily use skills confirmed through the "Skill Assessment" process, known as "Impersonation."
The "Headhunter" is a combat class specialized in one-on-one duels. It grants proficiency with Japanese swords, but struggles with dealing with hostile lifeforms other than zombies, and its level will decrease unless it carries out murder on a regular basis.
See?
You can't possibly choose any of these, can you?
Well, apparently, class change becomes possible once you meet certain conditions like karma, achievement rewards, level, and so on—based on information from my previous life—but exactly what these specific requirements are isn't clearly defined yet.
Earlier,
『Even if you end up with extra skills, don't rush into higher classes, okay? ☆ —Those skills over there have really weird quirks...』
There was someone who gave me advice like that, but honestly, they were right. If a skill is only strong in specific situations, losing its versatility renders it meaningless.
That’s why I’m stuck staying a "warrior" for the time being...
▼
When it came to creating a new skill, I roughly considered three conditions.
① The skill must be non-lethal.
② It must be usable without weapons.
③ Using a skill that is inconvenient to use.
① Of course, right now, the young lady doesn't lack in offensive power. As long as she has the *Fatal Sword X*, there's no point in creating a stronger skill.
② It's because the young lady can't always carry a weapon. Just like before, we never know when she might lose her sword. Isn't that right?
As for item ③, just consider it as a nice-to-have option, nothing more. After all, it doesn't necessarily produce excellent results. It probably isn't worth sacrificing a strong skill just to create a new one.
With that in mind, after discussing various possibilities with Yoru, the following skills were finalized and listed:
Synthesis Proposal: A
《Cloak of Blades》,《Magic Absorption》,《Magic Reflection》
Fire Magic I, III, IV; Water Magic II, IV; Martial Arts (Lower Rank)
Synthesis Proposal: B
Shout, Charge, Muzzle, Aegis Shield
Fire Magic V
Proposal A: "Skills currently inconvenient to use"; Proposal B: "Skills with easier activation conditions and promising synergy when combined."
If combining, aim for the best aspects of two from this selection.
"In case of emergencies, it's better to think through several scenarios in advance. You won't have time to hesitate at the last moment. Be ready to instantly combine skills when crisis strikes..."
▼
"Gh… ha… hah…"
It's over.
A life is extinguishing.
It's unmistakably clear to witness.
The girl's airway is completely blocked—she likely won't last another minute.
I had already mastered a new skill using the combination I'd planned in advance.
All that remained was to make him my test subject.
Yet even now, I'm still bound by a faint sliver of hope.
—So, I'll treat you. I'll prepare the finest ingredients. Please, do come.
The words once spoken by Riru-kun echo in my mind.
If even just a little, you think of me...
"Riru-kun!"
"Huh?"
"This is really... the last warning. Please, step away from those legs right now... I'll do anything... anything at all..."
"Anything?"
"Yes."
"Then... my only wish is this. Quit the game."
Ah. Just as I thought.
I know it well. In my life, prayers like this—this kind of desperate plea—always fail to reach their mark.
"Is that so."
There's no room for even a moment's delay.
If I'm to use the newly created skill, it must be now—this very instant.
While silently apologizing in my heart for making her wait, I declared it.
The words that would instantly reverse the balance of power between us.
"Then I'm sorry, but I'll break your foot."