The Beginning of Busy Days

In front of Ast's house, I forced a smile onto my stiff face. I must have worried Riz quite a bit.

Honestly, the two wouldn't run away. If they explained the situation, there would be no reason to flee. If they didn't explain, it would be forced participation.

There was no choice but to steel oneself. Fortunately, the guild, despite it being a loan, offered credit.

It might seem like a loan, but this is actually quite lenient. When dealing with others and borrowing money, you know whether or not it will come back is up to fate. Loans from private individuals accrue interest like an avalanche. This is saying, "We trust you. You can borrow money even if you don't have collateral." Such good terms are rare.

Hastily, I'll gather Riz and Fia's equipment.

"I'm back."

After greeting, everyone was already gathered. We had a lively meal together, then Riz and I returned to our room.

"There's something important to talk about."

I tried to keep my expression calm without showing too much gravity.

"The details will be discussed tomorrow with Fia-san."

"Is this about your worries today?"

She seemed to sense something in my heart and looked slightly uneasy.

"Yes. I can't talk about it now."

I smiled at her. Then, unexpectedly, she came close and embraced me, burying her face in my chest.

"It's tough... It's tough..."

Ah. To be hugged and acknowledged like this—how long had it been? I felt the warmth of tears I hadn't felt in years. My vision blurred slightly.

I had been holding back tears, thinking that adults shouldn't cry.

"Ugh..."

Uncontrollable sobs escaped. The warm feeling of her stroking my head called forth more tears.

It was embarrassing. At 35 years old, a grown man crying while being embraced by a child. A rational part of me whispered this thought.

But the tears kept coming.

Scary.
I hadn't even experienced war before. Yet I had to bring important people into such a place.

Scary.
What if Riz or Fia got hurt or taken away?

Scary.
What if someone around him died?

Once the floodgates opened, the tears wouldn't stop. I sobbed freely.

"It's okay... It's okay..."

Wrapped in her gentle touch, I wanted to drown in this feeling for just now.

After crying my fill, that annoying sense of urgency faded away.

"I'm sorry. I showed you an embarrassing side."

"No. There are plenty of good sides about you."

She smiled and whispered softly.

Ah, men can't win against women in matters of the heart. I thought it deep down.

After calming down, I cleaned up and went to bed. Riz seemed tired today and fell asleep right away. After confirming she was asleep, I quietly slipped out of bed.

"Ah, this is just part of being an adult..." I muttered to myself as I stepped into the garden illuminated by the moonlight. In this softly lit world, I began my tasks.

The next morning, sensing movement, I stirred from bed my tired body.

"Good morning, Riz. Thank you yesterday."

"Fufu. Your face is back to normal today." She smiled contentedly.

"It's thanks to you." I spoke as we headed toward breakfast. After our usual routine, we went to the guild.

I caught Fia and booked a meeting room.

"There's something important to discuss."

I made a serious face and began speaking.

"As a conclusion, there is a high possibility that the Goblin outbreak will come earlier than expected. The knight corps may also arrive at the last minute."

"Isn't this just the usual talk? Are you sure it'll be okay?"

So, for the villagers, this was their understanding of the situation.

"The adventurers will defend the village until the knight corps arrives."

"What about us?"

Riz tilted her head.

"Yes. This is confidential. You shouldn't tell your family."

"Hmm? I've never heard of such a thing before. Usually, the knights come and leave without anyone noticing?" Fia said.

"This time it's different. There's a high possibility they won't make it in time. The group is estimated to be around 400 at maximum."

Both tilted their heads. They probably couldn't imagine a group of 400. "Think of it as two to three times the number of all villagers attacking."

Fia's face gradually stiffened, perhaps imagining the scale. Fia had experience hunting goblins alone in the forest and knew what fighting multiple enemies meant. Riz still seemed confused, tilting her head. It backfired.

"But the guild is also taking action. There's no need to be pessimistic. The future plan is simple: reduce their numbers before they attack."

Both nodded strongly.

"For now, please believe in me without question and do what needs to be done."

We left the guild and headed into the forest. Using the usual stream as a starting point, we spiraled outward, repeatedly discovering and eliminating targets. Indeed, the prey was concentrated.

Compared to yesterday, we continued hunting at a faster pace. After noon, around eight hours later, they had hunted 80 goblins. However, our limits were reached. It was already difficult to walk through the forest, let alone hunt. We fought while overexerting ourselves and I swung my spear. Moving with magic also trained my mind until it felt like I would die. The stench-filled bag I stuck the noses into was already full. This was our limit; we decided that 80 per day would be the target moving forward. Incidentally, both of the girls were still full of energy. Ah, high school girls always seemed so energetic too. Amazing.

"The reward for achieving 80 goblins is 240,000. Is that okay?"

As mentioned yesterday, the reward had increased. I handed over 60,000 each. The achievement was split equally. Everyone exceeded 60.

"Hmm... After hearing this morning's talk, it's a bit complicated, but this amount..."

Riz seemed conflicted.

"Ehe... Ehe..." Fia was grinning like she was broken.

Well, as long as it maintains their motivation.

"Since there's still time, go train." I saw them off and headed to the blacksmith.

On the way, I thought about last night's special training. During tough times, sleep is scarce, sometimes only an hour a day. Adults hide away and study little by little.

I tried various things last night, but both magic and 'Recognition' had range limits. I measured roughly using my stride as a reference point; 'Recognition' had about 10 meters range. For magic, around 20 meters. However, the range increased proportionally with skill proficiency. Judging from the growth rate of skills, he thought that range was related to 'Spell Control.' 'Recognition' teacher also agreed.

By the way, his current skills are as follows:

- Skill Information -
'Sage'
'Recognition'
'Acquisition'
'Stealth: 0.44'
'Bravery: 1.01'
'Common Language of Fua Continent (Conversation): 0.32'
'Common Language of Fua Continent (Reading): 0.10'
'Common Language of Fua Continent (Writing): 0.01'
'Spear Technique: 0.22'
'Alertness: 0.66'
'Prayer: 1.80'
'Spell Control: 1.20'
'Attribute Control (Wind): 1.38'
'Attribute Control (Water): 0.36'
'Attribute Control (Divine): 1.01'

Overall, they are growing. It's good that none are decreasing. My 'Stealth' is improving because I keep moving from bush to bush while hiding from multiple targets. My 'Alertness' is also increasing as I'm constantly detect multiple enemies.

Magic-related skills are also growing, but it seems growth slows down significantly once they exceed 1. Even with excessive overtraining, some don't grow.

I didn't want to throw up at night, so I wasn't pushing myself that hard. I was practicing my spear too, but my arm muscles were sore and not improving. It felt like I needed a teacher for the basics.

I approached the blacksmith and exchanged greetings. I wanted one weapon modified and asked for a design.

"Hmph. I don't mind doing it, but this would make the butt of the spear meaningless."

"Well, better safe than sorry. How much is it?"

"Alright, let's say 5,000 as trial costs. It's like paying to learn."

"How long will it take?"

"About three days. Honestly, hard to tell."

I paid in advance and hurriedly headed toward Pardis' place. He might become a key person.

"A spell that can create a huge mountain at once? Where did you hear that?"

"No, just imagining. I wonder if it's possible."

"The other day, you mentioned rewriting magic. There was someone who built a hill overnight with magic, right?"

"Was there? Past tense?"

"It seems regulations were immediately introduced after. The noble saw the guy trying to show off his experiment and it failed. Now it's just a joke."

Ah. I imagine Alecto's disappointed face. Since I'm being overlooked too, I can't say anything.

"What about water spells?"

"Hmm? Water attribute. Current temperature difference. Quantity. Distance and height from reference point. Execution, I think that was it."

"Too vague."

"I don't use water or fire, so I lost interest."

He opened the window and confirmed no one was outside. He stuck his right arm out.

"Water attribute. Current temperature. 500ml. Right hand straight up 10cm. Execute."

As he muttered, water appeared above his right hand and flowed down. It felt slightly cold.

"This is water?"

"Basically, it's activated over a container."

Hmm. This much is clear. Water magic must have been difficult to design. It can't be thrown and lacks offensive capabilities. So they probably designed it to pour temperature-differentiated water on the enemy.

After saying goodbye, he left the shop.

[x] Earth magic restrictions, water magic syntax with Pardis.

Now, back home for training.

With goals set, he hurried home while reflecting on his busy days.