Pulling myself together, I began to gaze at the swords hanging on the wall. Compared to the tree branches, they all looked like magnificent weapons.*
Shirou: "(Let's try to appraise it with [Divine Eye].)"
*Shirou focused his attention on a simple sword that appeared to be in an affordable price range.*
---
[Divine Eye Appraisal Results]
- Name: Longsword
- Type: One-handed sword
- Attack Power: 15
- Durability: 80/80
- Special effects: None
- Price: 5 silver coins
- Description: A mass-produced sword used by ordinary soldiers. There's nothing particularly noteworthy about it, but it's well-made.
---
Shirou: "(A longsword, costing 5 silver coins... attack power 15. That's 15 times stronger than a tree branch. With this, I might even be able to fight a hobgoblin.)"
*Let's look at a few others.*
---
[Divine Eye Appraisal Results]
- Name: Broadsword
- Type: One-handed sword
- Attack Power: 18
- Durability: 100/100
- Special effects: None
- Price: 8 silver coins
- Description: A sword that is wider than a longsword and suitable for slashing attacks. It is slightly heavy.
---
---
[Divine Eye Appraisal Results]
- Name: Iron Shield
- Type: Small Shield
- Defense power: 10
- Durability: 120/120
- Special effects: None
- Price: 3 silver coins
- Description: A small iron shield. It offers minimal protection.
---
Shirou: "(Maybe I should buy a shield as well as a sword...)"
*Considering a battle with hobgoblins, it's safer to have some defensive measures. A longsword and an iron shield. That's 8 silver coins in total. I can easily afford that with my current funds.*
*Gathering my courage, I called out to the dwarf shopkeeper again.*
Shirou: "Don't you have a dagger?"
*At those words, the dwarf's hand, which had been swinging the hammer, stopped dead in its tracks. He slowly raised his head and looked at Shirou with a puzzled expression.*
Shopkeeper: "A dagger? You were looking at swords just a moment ago. What's with the sudden change of heart?"
The dwarf fiddled with his beard with his rough fingers, scrutinizing Shirou's entire body.
Shopkeeper: "...Hmph. Fine. The daggers are on that shelf over there. But let me tell you, daggers are much harder to handle than swords. You need the guts to get close and the skill to hit vital spots accurately. Do you think a skinny guy like you can handle one?"
*Speaking dismissively, the dwarf nodded to a small shelf in the corner of the shop. There, a few daggers were quietly displayed, separate from the wall lined with longswords and other weapons.*
*Shirou paid no heed to the shopkeeper's provocative words and headed towards the shelf he was directed to. There was a reason he chose a dagger. [Swordsmanship Lv. 5] was certainly a powerful skill. However, it was only the technique of "sword." A short, easy-to-handle dagger might be better suited to training his own movements and judgment without relying on skills, rather than a long weapon like a longsword. Besides, it could potentially be used as a throwing weapon if necessary.*
I picked up one of the daggers lined up on the shelf and activated [Divine Eye].*
---
[Divine Eye Appraisal Results]
- Name: Dagger
- Type: Dagger
- Attack Power: 8
- Durability: 60/60
- Special effects: None
- Price: 2 silver coins
- Description: The most common type of dagger. Often used for self-defense or as a tool.
---
Shirou: "(Dagger, attack power 8, 2 silver coins... That's cheap. It pales in comparison to a longsword...)"
*Shirou then shifted his gaze to the dagger next to him.*
---
[Divine Eye Appraisal Results]
- Name: Kris Knife
- Type: Dagger
- Attack Power: 12
- Durability: 70/70
- Special effect: Bleeding (minor) - Has a chance of causing the injured opponent to bleed.
- Price: 7 silver coins
- Description: A dagger characterized by its wavy blade. It leaves wounds that are difficult to heal, inflicting continuous damage on the opponent.
---
*His eyes lit up. A weapon with additional effects offers more tactical options than one with just high attack power. These added benefits will be crucial when fighting stronger opponents like hobgoblins. The price is a bit steep at 7 silver coins, but it's well worth the investment.*
Shirou: "(It has a dot!? I'll go with this one.)"
* "Dot" — an effect that inflicts continuous damage. Knowledge from games played in his original world allowed him to accurately judge the value of weapons in this world. The special effect of "Bleeding (Minor)" will make this weapon incredibly effective against stronger enemies. *
Shirou: "I'll take this."
*When I pointed to the kris knife, the dwarf, who had been hammering iron with apparent indifference until then, glanced over at it.*
Shopkeeper: "Hmm... a Kris knife, huh? That's not just any ordinary dagger. The blade is wavy, so it's a pain to sharpen, and if you don't stab properly, you'll cut your own hand. Are you sure that's what you want?"
The shopkeeper pressed the question, his eyes now gleaming with a look of discernment, unlike the contemptuous gaze he'd had earlier. He was simply curious why a young man, seemingly a beginner, would choose a Kris knife—a weapon favored by experts—out of all the other weapons available.
Shirou: "Yes, please do it like this."
*The dwarf snorted in disgust at his resolute stance.*
Shopkeeper: "...I like you. You either have good taste or you're just a reckless fool. Either way, you don't seem like just an ordinary rookie. That'll be seven silver coins. Don't complain if you die."
*With that, the shopkeeper casually wrapped the kris knife in cloth and placed it on the counter. He took seven silver coins from his pocket and placed them on the counter as well. The heavy feel of the metal foreshadowed the real battle that was about to begin.*
*As I left the shop, dusk had already enveloped the outside. I gripped the handle of the Kris knife I had just acquired. It was cold and hard to the touch. Its undulating blade gleamed eerily in the moonlight.*
Shirou: "(Now the preparations are complete. Tomorrow, I'll hunt that hobgoblin.)"
With fighting spirit in my heart, I began walking towards the inn.
*Night. The Weathercock Inn was filled with the clamor of adventurers who had finished their day's work, and the smell of alcohol. I sat on my bed in my room, and after a quick dinner, I focused my attention on the dining room downstairs.*
Shirou: "(If it's magic-based, or if it increases speed...)"
*Even with walls and floors separating them, the [Divine Eye] functioned without any problems. The statuses of the adventurers sharing drinks in the dining hall were displayed one after another within his field of vision.*
---
[Divine Eye Appraisal Results]
- Name: Vargas (pseudonym)
- Level: 12
- Occupation: Light Warrior
- Rank: E
- HP: 310/310
- MP: 50/50
- Skills:
- Spearmanship Lv3: Proficient in handling spears.
- Evasion Lv2: You're somewhat good at dodging enemy attacks.
- Condition: Drunk
---
---
[Divine Eye Appraisal Results]
- Name: Elina (pseudonym)
- Level: 15
- Occupation: Magician
- Rank: D
- HP: 200/200
- MP: 250/250
- Skills:
- Fire Magic Lv.3: Can use basic fire magic (such as Fireball).
- MP Recovery Speed Increase Lv.1: Slightly increases the natural MP recovery speed.
- Cast Time Reduction Lv.1: Slightly reduces the casting time of spells.
- Status: Chatting and laughing
---
Shirou: "(There he is...! A fire mage. Increased MP recovery speed and reduced casting time are tempting... but with my current MP, even if I copy his magic, I can only cast a few spells...)"
*Skill theft/duplication using [Divine Eye] consumes a large amount of MP. I remember last night, my MP ran out just from duplicating [Swordsmanship Lv. 5]. My current maximum MP is 90. It's highly likely I won't have enough MP to steal higher-level skills.*
*Also, turn your attention to other adventurers.*
---
[Divine Eye Appraisal Results]
- Name: Jin (pseudonym)
- Level: 18
- Occupation: Thief
- Rank: D
- HP: 280/280
- MP: 80/80
- Skills:
- Dagger Technique Lv.4: Proficient in handling daggers.
- Stealth Lv.3: Skilled at acting while concealing one's presence.
- Trap Detection Lv.2: Makes it easier to find traps.
- Agility Lv.2: Enables quick movements.
- Status: Eating Shirou:
"(A thief...! [Agility Lv.2]! This could be useful. A speed-boosting skill. It should give me an advantage against hobgoblins by allowing me to dodge and adjust my distance.)"
*The [Agility] skill doesn't directly increase attack power, but it will significantly improve survivability. It's also highly likely to be a passive skill that doesn't consume MP, unlike magic.*
*I set my sights on the thief, Jin. He was eating alone in silence at a table in the corner of the dining hall. His distance from the other customers was convenient.*
Shirou: "(If I'm going to do it, now's the time...!)"
*I'll enhance my concentration while lying in bed and maximize the power of my [Divine Eye]. My target is [Agility Lv.2].*
"Skill duplication... [Agility Lv.2]!"
*The moment I intensely focused my thoughts, I felt a massive drain on my MP. It was about 70. I was left with only 20 MP.*
[Successfully duplicated [Agility Lv.2].]
*As an announcement echoed in my mind, I felt a surge of energy throughout my body. My body felt lighter, and my limbs seemed to move faster and more freely. Is this the power of agility?*
*Shirou smiled with satisfaction, having acquired new powers. A Chris Knife and [Agility Lv.2]. This should significantly increase his chances of winning tomorrow's battle.*
```
Status display
- Name: Shirou Nishiki
- Level: 4
- HP: 180/180
- MP: 20/90
- Skills: Divine Eye Lv1 (Hidden), Swordsmanship Lv5, Agility Lv2
- Title: Appraiser (hidden)
- Current funds: 4 gold coins, 3 silver coins, 6 copper coins, 1 iron coin (※7 silver coins lost due to purchasing a Kris knife)
- Equipment: Kris Knife
- Item: None
```
Shirou: "Okay, all that's left is to sleep... zzz"
The rapid depletion of MP brought on another wave of intense drowsiness. With a sense of satisfaction at his newfound power and anticipation for tomorrow, he collapsed onto his bed and fell asleep. His newly replicated Agility skill unconsciously optimized his body.
--
*The next morning, I woke up feeling more refreshed than ever before. My MP was fully restored, and my body felt as light as a feather. Perhaps it was the effect of [Agility Lv2], but I could clearly feel that my body was much more agile than it had been the day before.*
*When he went down to the dining hall, Garou and Lisha were already ready to depart. Garou noticed him and called out to him.*
Garou: "Hey Shirou! You're early! We're heading out a bit far now on a quest to exterminate some orcs. Be careful!"
Lisha: "...Shirou. You've definitely changed somehow. You're much more...efficient in your movements than yesterday?"
*I was inwardly amazed by Lisha's sharp observation. Her insight felt like a different kind of threat than the [Divine Eye].*
Shirou: "It's just your imagination. More importantly, you're going to hunt orcs? Be careful."
I gave a noncommittal reply and saw them off. Even C-rank adventurers like them take on orc extermination as a party. They're not someone I should be facing alone right now.
*After finishing breakfast and making thorough preparations, I headed back to the eastern forest. My trusty Kris knife was at my waist.*
*Upon entering the forest, I headed straight for yesterday's location. Sure enough, the hobgoblin was still there, patrolling its territory. It held a rusty one-handed sword and was keeping a watchful eye on its surroundings.*
*Although he doesn't possess the [Stealth] skill, he uses his honed physical abilities, enhanced by [Agility], to slowly and silently close the distance.*
Shirou: "(I can do it... I can win!)"
*When the distance between me and the hobgoblin was about 10 meters, it noticed my presence.*
Hobgoblin: "Grrr...!"
*He let out a low growl, his hostility blatant. Without hesitation, he drew his Kris knife. The undulating blade gleamed in the morning sun.*
*Yesterday, this opponent chose to retreat. But today is different. My whole being craved battle.*
*Thoughts, like a precise machine, were drawing out the most efficient and safest path to victory. They moved faster than the hobgoblins could even raise their threatening roars.*
Agility Lv.2] pushes his physical abilities beyond their limits. The force of his kicks off the ground is converted into propulsion without any loss, and his body closes in on the hobgoblin like a bullet.*
*The hobgoblin's eyes widened in surprise, and he hastily tried to bring his sword down.*
*With minimal movement, he parried the sword, flashing his kris knife as he passed by. The undulating blade sliced through the hobgoblin's thick hide, leaving a shallow but decisive slash in its thigh.*
*Swish!*
*A dull tactile response. A definite feeling.*
Hobgoblin: "Gyaaaaah!?"
*The hobgoblin stumbled, startled by the unexpected speed and pain. Dark, murky blood began to flow from its legs.*
The hobgoblin is bleeding (minor).
*As soon as he heard the announcement echoing in his mind, he leaped into the forest thicket without looking back at all. His Agility skill activated once again, and he vanished into the trees in an instant.*
*I hid in the bushes, holding my breath and observing the situation. The hobgoblin was furiously searching the area, clutching its wound, but I couldn't find it.*
Hobgoblin: "Grrr...gah...!"
*As time passed, the hobgoblin's movements became noticeably slower. The bleeding damage steadily drained its health. (Its HP bar wasn't visible.)*
*Eventually, the hobgoblin collapsed to its knees and fell forward, becoming completely motionless.*
You gained 80 experience points.
Your level has increased to 5.
*In the now silent forest, only the voice announcing a level-up echoed. Emerging from the bushes, I slowly approached the fallen hobgoblin.*
*The direct combat time was only a few seconds. All I had to do was wait, and the superior monster died on its own.*
Shirou: "...Easy win."
*It was the moment that proved his choice of the Kris knife was the perfect one. He realized his fighting style was now established, and a quiet smile spread across his face.*
Shirou: "Unlike games, the dots continue even when you move away, so this should work..."
*The tactics were no longer "combat," but "hunting." Hit and run. Give the enemy no chance to retaliate, and wait for their death from a safe distance. While this might be considered cowardly by the standards of this world, it was the most rational and efficient method.*
He became a hunter of the forest.
*With [Divine Eye], he finds his prey; with [Swiftness], he sneaks up silently; with [Swordsmanship], he precisely targets the vital points; and with his Kris knife, he engraves the "Death Curse." Then, he waits for his enemy to fall.*
*Swish!*
*key!*
*The figure disappears into the bushes.*
*A few minutes later, the goblin collapses weakly.*
*Swish!*
*Grrrrr!?*
*Shirou's figure disappears into the trees.*
*A few minutes later, the hobgoblin collapses to its knees.*
He roamed the forest with unrestrained freedom, treating goblins and hobgoblins equally as mere targets for gaining experience points. This one-sided hunting raised his level at an astonishing rate.
You gained 15 experience points.
You gained 80 experience points.
Your level has increased to 6.
You gained 15 experience points.
...
Your level has increased to 7.
...
Your level has increased to 8.
*In just half a day, his level doubled. He felt a surge of power, realizing he had become a being on a completely different level than he was yesterday.*
*At that moment, in a slightly cleared area of the forest, I encountered a monster. It was clearly on a different level than goblins or hobgoblins.*
*He was nearly 3 meters tall, with an ugly, pig-like face and well-developed muscles. He was holding a huge weapon in his hand. It was an orc. It was the same orc that Garou and his party had gone to hunt.*戦斧Battle Axe
---
[Divine Eye Appraisal Results]
- Name: Orc
- Level: 15
- Occupation: Warrior
- Rank: E
- HP: 800/800
- MP: 30/30
- Skills:
- Axe Mastery Lv.3: Proficient in handling axes.
- Strength Level 2: Strength has increased.
- Charge Lv.2: Charges forward with tremendous force.
- Status: Searching for enemies