CH 82

Capacity does not increase while logged out, but from one hour logged in, in real time of course…… 17? That’s an increase of the skill level per hour. I suppose it’s…..like a gradual piling up of dust. It’s better than nothing, but it’s not as good as one would expect?

Well, despite its name «Great Art» is still just a skill that enhances «Necromantic Secrets», so it’s good enough that it increases automatically.

Considering the loss of capacity on death, it’s currently worse than before, but it’s probably not the type that evolves to the secondary level. In other words, it should increase quite fast at first.

It might be better to summon a lot of bones than a single fortress, considering death costs. «Great Art» is an enhancement of «Necromantic Secrets». So, I wonder what would be the most efficient way to raise it.

Hmm, there is a book on «Puppet Magic». Can I borrow books from Evernight Castle? I can let Abbie read it, if so.

That aside, why is my «Intuition» reacting to this? I’ll read it, of course.

<Special recipe [Doll Core] was learned>

[Material] Doll Core　Rarity: Ep

The heart and power source that serves as the core of an automatic doll.

It is the crystallization of the combined wisdom of «Summoning Magic», «Puppet Magic» and [Golem Building].

………I can’t make it yet! Before even the materials and such, the minimum requirement is the tertiary «Alchemist» skill.

Hmmm…..I can’t collect all these materials by myself. I can either work together with someone or do everything by myself. I have no plans to use dolls, so if I were to make one then it would be a request from Abbie. It will be a joint effort.

Speaking of special recipes, let’s try to make some simple holy water.

Fill the container with Pure Soil, rinse it in the river to clean it, and then pour in the Water of Recollection. Catch the water that comes out from below. It seems that there is no limit to the amount of water that can be used in one go, so I should prepare a good amount.

Then praying over that water…empowers it.

“Breath of the gods that dispels evil. Grant holy power to this water.”

A gentle breeze is created, light falls from heaven, and the water glows, completing the simple holy water. This is the effect of a priest’s prayer. Therefore, I do not need to use any skills.

[Material] Simple Holy Water　Rarity: No　Quality: S+

Water with the power of the gods, created by the prayer of a priest.

Has a strong holy attribute.

This is the first S+. What a complicated feeling…… I just washed the soil with water, waited for the water to seep out, and prayed. I don’t know if I can call it a product.

The resurrection potion was affected by the title and other factors, so this may be similar. It’s impossible to verify by myself. I will need other priests to participate in testing this, so it won’t be simple to proceed.

…..Well, since I don’t plan to use it, I might as well leave it in the church. I can’t use it for cooking……Oh, but I can give it to Ertz-san. I will distribute some to the crafting group, then bring the leftovers to the church. They’ll find a use for it on their own. The crafters will be happy just from having more options for materials.

“Delivery~”

“What? …Princess?”

“It’s holy water.”

“Oh. I’ll see what I can do with it.”

“Then I’ll go and give some to Dantel-san and the others.”

“Sure. I’ll think of something.”

I provide some of the holy water to Ertz-san, Dantel-san, Primula-san, Salute-san and Nephrite-san.

The rest goes to the church.

“Here for Lucianna-sama?”

“I’ve brought some holy water I made as a trial, so do you have a place to store it?”

“Over here then.”

I could call it either organising the inventory or disposing of pointless inventory…..so I’ll leave it without asking for payment. If they ask me to do it in the future though, I will take payment for it as a request.

“The quality of this…..is excellent. Please put it here. We’ll take care of it.”

After the quality is checked, I place them in an empty space at the back of the room.

I have been told they cannot leave the minor details to me, so I’ll leave it to the priest.

It’s nice to have a functioning position that is largely ignored in most games. It adds to the RPG feel. The problem is that it restricts your actions, but that’s normal in games. Fight against the specifications.

“There are no spheres today?”

“I’ve disabled them……but would it be better if they were there?”

“Yes……If you’re going to another church in that outfit, it’s probably best to have them appear.”

In short…. it is a choice between the two extremes of dealing with trouble from believers due to the design and colour of the outfit, or being avoided because of the spheres!

“It can be considered a matter of manners for royalty and nobility to dress appropriately. It’s a measure to avoid unnecessary conflicts. By dressing in a way that clearly states 『I’m nobility!』 it becomes clear how they should be treated from the start.”

A knight should look like a knight. A priest dresses like a priest. In other words, uniforms and work clothes. In an aristocratic society where hierarchical relations are strict, it is more convenient to dress according to one’s position in order to keep the peace.

Yes, indeed. It would be annoying if you thought you were talking to a commoner, but it turned out to be a nobleman, and he got mad at you.

“There are those who go incognito……pose as rich merchants, but people who might steal from them seem to be aware of it, so it does not often become a problem.”

It’s the half-hearted ones that are the most troublesome.

The easiest way to determine a person’s position and occupation…is through clothing. Uniforms are the strongest.

I have no plans to change this equipment. In terms of clothing, it’s just an altered version of a priests robe. The problem is the alterations and colour…..so actually everything. Gold, black and white, the colours of the main and vice gods. They are colours that are worn by priests at important ceremonies. And it is designed in a clerical style. That makes it difficult for people to judge.

Without the skill effect active, I look indistinguishable from a normal human. If I am to continue wearing this outfit, it would be best to use the effect to avoid trouble.

『An unfamiliar face, a newcomer? A newcomer with an altered robe in those colours?』, so they pay attention. Then it turns out it’s an Outer One…..sorry about that.

I guess it’s a kindness to make it easier to understand.

However, that effect is caused when «Sphere of Shaking Flesh» is active. It is an automatic counterattack skill. I’m not sure if it will attack people who bump into me in town. If it does, I’ll have to turn it off. If not, it’s probably better to turn it on. Switching is quite troublesome.

“I’ll leave it on. I’ll turn it off if the kids cry.”

“Fufu, you would rather have a child smile than go through more trouble?”

“Yes. To keep the kids from crying…..should be something you can understand. If you don’t like it, feel free to disagree though.”

Outer Ones are isolated due to their size and abilities. Looking so dangerous is quite a persuasive reason.

I’m a pretty good person. Yeah.

“Children should….probably be fine. Won’t they get used to it?”

“I can’t deny that….”

“Children are very honest.”

After chatting for a short while, it is time to go.

The event has just finished, and it is a weekday after school, so I feel like taking a leisurely stroll.

“Ah, Onee-chan!”

“Princess!”

“Onee-chan!”

The Resident children have come to see me.

They’re so cute. I’ll pat their heads.

“You know~. There’s a fight over there!”

“Fighting? Who is?”

“Outsider adventurers~.”

…..So they’re fighting about something. I am taken by the children to where it enters the range of the 3D map, the players quarrelling.

It is between players, so I will let it be. If it involved a Resident, I would get involved, but if it’s between players, I can leave it alone. If there is a problem, the GM will intervene.

In this case, the right thing to do is leave with the children. It is much more meaningful to deal with the children.

I’m not involved in this, and I’m not going to intervene. It’s best not to waste time.

Let’s leave dealing with Outsiders to other Outsiders. It’s dangerous, so we won’t go approach.

I talk with the children while walking, play with them a little, then say goodbye after an appropriate amount of time. Playing with children is a time thief.

I head to the Merchant’s Union and post up some bless potions and food.

After the blessing title was improved the quality of the bless potions has become S. The cooldown time for revival has been reduced from 10 minutes to 8. That’s good.

If there’s a problem, it’s that the skill level of «Alchemycraft» is no longer rising. It doesn’t go up at all. As expected of an MMO production skill. It’s almost October, but it might be next year before it becomes a tertiary skill.

Crafters have to be masochistic, or the production jobs will die out, but that’s just how it is. I will continue on as I have been.

Now, what should I do next…….

Oh, there’s an arachne. It’s quite big. About three metres in length and width. The lower part is a spider, so it can’t be helped that it is wide.

Ah, there’s a fox with five tails. Is that a……lion? A slime and…an ogre. For some reason there are a lot of inhuman species. Maybe they just stand out because they look different. There are plenty of birds, fairies, angels and demons in the sky. It’s very fantasy. It seems like I’m the most fantastical looking one though.

“Oh, Princess!”

This voice is Fairellen-san’s. She’s coming from above.

“Good day, Fairellen-san.”

“Good day! I was just thinking of asking someone~.”

“About what, I wonder.”

“There are rare and extra races, now. There are also rare skills, aren’t there?”

“Yes, there are.”

“I’d like to review that area.”

“I see. Hmmm….. certainly……”

Rare races are suitably rare in this world. The ones that have come to be called ‘extra’ are the so-called unique races. Their position in the world seems to be the same, so it should be fine to use such a setting in RP.

In the terms of a game, anyone can become a rare race if they meet the requirements. A familiar example is Dullahan. An armour mounted on a horse.

Extras are almost impossible to aim for. The requirements are unknown. Only one person on the server can become one. If you’re a player, however, it’s not incredibly difficult…it seems. You don’t need to play while tied to a specific race….it’s easy to be unique. You could say it’s synonymous with weirdos.

In addition, the first of a rare race is treated as an extra, like Alf-san. The design of some parts of the body are slightly different.

As for rare skills, the conditions to learn them are different from other skills. Perhaps the condition is not the skill level…or it is triggered by the skill level and something else. The conditions are not even known to the one who learned it. In other words, they cannot provide accurate information. The SP required is a threatening 16, and many of the skills have special effects.

“That’s how I understand it.”

“Good. We’re on the same page. After all, for extra races, there is only one of each kind on the server?”

“That’s right. Other than that, there is also extra equipment, and the unique sacred artifacts……? I think that’s about it.”

“With the current extra races……It should be possible to anticipate higher level skills, based on the route they take? Stats seem to be restricted.”

“The rest depends on the person. If you’re not an RPer, you’re pretty much out of the running.”

“We can’t show off Princess’s palace either~”

“That area itself is special…..Well, it’s just a production and gathering facility, so it’s not really important.”

“You’re basically out hunting and exploring.”

“Yes. In that position, it’s pointless to have a shop, so maybe it’s a bit thoughtful of it…. By the way, did you go to the fairy land?

“I did~! There were lots of fairies. There were some I’d never seen before~.”

“There were always going to be some we have yet to see.”

“You can’t see Leannán Sídhe, Brownies, Tomte and the like amongst players.”

“Were you able to predict what they derive from by appearance?”

“Leannán Sídhe is a minstrel and Tomte is a farmer, but… I honestly don’t know what skill Brownie derives from!”

“Hmm……house fairy…..cleaning…..?”

“Is there anything like that…..? Isn’t it possible that it’s only for Residents? Can a house fairy even leave the house?”

“Ah….there is a possibility of that.”

“There was a Leprechaun. A gatherer, maybe. There was also a Dinancy, but the player’s tank type is apparently a Cavalier, so maybe it’s for Residents only, too?”

“Dinancy……Dinancy? Was it part of the deity family?”

“Maybe so. It was the royal guard of Oberon and Titania.”

“It’s a mixture in various ways……but, there we have it.”

“It’s a game setting, so that’s how it is. Weren’t the Outer Ones already like that?”

“Certainly.”

Well, it’s twice as interesting if you know the original story of what is used in the game….is about how I feel. As long as I’m playing this game, I’ll follow the setting that it uses.

“By the way, what happened with «Identification»?”

“Oh, that. I got it when I was talking to a Resident in the fairy land.”

So the announcement will come out even if the knowledge is acquired from Residents. I got it from a book in the library. «Identification» doesn’t have a skill level, so it’s a bit special.

“Oh, did you solve the agility mystery?”

“Yes, I did. I can fly now, too.”

“Seriously~! What is the difficulty of your flight!?”

“There are two methods for flying. That was why it was an E (A) rating.”

“Oh?”

“The «Coordinate Levitation» skill is E. And by using a combination of «Coordinate Levitation» and «Spatial Magic», it becomes A”

“Is it a derivative of «Levitation» or «Floating Ability»? Space…..would mean it is gravity manipulation?”

“There is a magic that has its cost greatly reduced by my race. Sophie-san also said that she almost never uses it because of its low fuel efficiency, so I can only think it is affected by race.”

“Well, flight is usually racial…..”

I discuss flight with Fairellen-san. I can talk about flying using [Gravitas Manoeuvre], now that I understand it. There’s no need to hide it. It is learned by raising «Spatial Magic» anyway.

“Wahaaa~…… That’s an awful difficulty. There is such a difference even though it is the same A rating.”

“I guess it’s just an evaluation of the speed, not the control.”

“Princess is basically a rocket.”

“If speed is prioritised, then yes. If I don’t care about speed, then «Coordinate Levitation» is excellent.”

“A race related to manipulating space.”

“Perhaps it’s more like related to belief in Stellura-sama.”

“Oh, right.”

According to Fairellen-san, FOX4 (air-to-air, or air-to-surface combat) is basically instant death.

The damage received is affected by the enemy’s defence, the speed of the two sides, how they collide, and other factors …… but fairies don’t have any physical strength, so even if she tries to measure it, it’s hard to understand.

“It’s a miracle to survive.”

“It’s that bad.”

“It’s a quick death. Like a bug flying into a flame, hahaha.”

“I’m on the bug side, but…..”

“Are fairies not bugs?”

“Some species do have wings that look like that…. That’s a lot of self-deprecation. The other fairies are going to beat me up.”

“I don’t think I have the courage to try it face to face. Isn’t the level of inhuman Residents quite high?”

“Isn’t it the difference in lifespan? The level of Residents is likely to be in line with their age…is what Ske-san wrote.”

“Well…..with the exception of witches, among humans…..beastmen live longer than humans. Dwarves and elves longer than beastmen. Giants longer than dwarves and elves, and machinery would live longest.”

Well, the longer they live, the fewer they seem to be. So the amount of a race you see in town is the opposite of their lifespan.

That said, it seems that the most extraordinary tend to come more often from humans. A concrete example is Lana. I don’t know if it’s because there are so many of them, or if they live desperately because of their short lifespan……or maybe both, but this knowledge is common sense here, so it is easy to find out by asking around.

“Hmmm…… well, let’s get back to the skills. What about racial skills? Is there anything unique?”

“Well….I don’t think there is at the moment. There are some racial restrictions that make them difficult to acquire, but on the other hand, once you get used to it, you can get them automatically. There are also skills that you could change the name of and apply to other races.”

«Unusual God Larva» and «Active Cells» could easily be used by the mucus species, after a name change.

“Mmm……then the only ones that are exclusive are the extra races, some extra equipment and sacred artifacts~.”

“Right. If you look at it from an RP point of view…..the positions might be first come, first served, but if you don’t log in, you might be forcibly removed.”

“That’s quite possible. It’s an MMO after all~.”

“I guess that’s how it is. If everyone can have the rarest…..then it won’t be appreciated…..right?”

“The price will go down regardless of the rarity~. It’s rare because it does not come out often. You would work hard for ‘maybe’ types of drops……”

“Would you play a game that gives no sense of accomplishment? If you ask me…..”

“Well, I wouldn’t……”

The good thing about the game is that the amount of effort you put in is immediately reflected in your skill level, items, and other numerical values. I think that’s why I’m hooked.

“What kind of position does extra equipment fill?”

“Hmm……It is the type of equipment that has a lot of options and enchantments, but low attack power. To be honest, I think the biggest advantage is that it’s indestructible.”

“Hmm….”

“Not needing to pay for repairs is a big deal. Whether not having to collect materials for equipment is an advantage or a disadvantage is up to you.”

“Whether to consider it a good thing that you don’t have to keep changing the equipment, or consider it as missing out on the fun of doing so.”

“Yes. However, in the case of inhumans, there is evolution, so it’s about the same.”

“Inhumans need to be smart, so it takes some getting used to…..”

We don’t have all the information, so the evolution of inhuman species is a gamble, to be honest. You can rebuild, which is a relief, but if the evolution doesn’t match the style you want to play, you’ll be in tears. In this game, which is full-dive, it’s especially painful if it does not match your preference.

You need to get used to the different ways that inhumans move, and you’ll need to think about how to build and fight in a way that suits your race and personality.

“You can’t really play brain-dead, can you.”

“Wolves and horses are easy to think about. Their skeletal structure limits them to a certain extent.”

“They’re easy to build, but fighting would be hard.”

“Slimes and goblins are more difficult~.”

“An inhuman race that is relatively capable of anything….is quite tricky. Such as Immortals…..”

“Right. Fairies have to be very careful about raising their skills~.”

“Because it changes your race……”

“Whether to specialise according to your race, or build to remove weaknesses….. It is more personalised than humans.”

“I could be considered a specialised type.”

“I’m also specialised~. In MMOs, you can’t do everything….”

“I can only see it as a hell…..”

“If you have a fixed party, it might be fine to have one jack of all trades…..”

The do-it-all type tends to be underpowered in the early game. It will take you a long time to defeat enemies and you will not be able to clear dungeons.

In other words, it’s a sad state where you won’t be invited to parties……

“Right. Fairellen-san, do you have passives that increase basic stats?”

“I have the combined form of «Intelligence Enhancement» and «Spirit Enhancement».”

“It’s better than nothing…..”

“Well, it’s passive, right? I think it makes it easier to get kills. Strength and stamina, dexterity and agility, intelligence and spirit each get integrated into a secondary skill.”

What was it…..

«Strength Enhancement» and «Vitality Enhancement» merge into «Body Enhancement». «Dexterity Enhancement» and «Agility Enhancement» become «Limb Enhancement». With «Intelligence Enhancement» and «Spirit Enhancement» you get «Soul Enhancement». And perhaps «Body Enhancement», «Limb Enhancement» and «Soul Enhancement» will integrate into a tertiary skill.

“If I take them all….3×6……18 SP.”

“Is there anything derived from «Vitality Enhancement» and «Spirit Enhancement»~?”

“Eh…. «Max HP Increase» and «Max MP Increase», perhaps.”

“I’m wondering if I should take «Vitality Enhancement» or «Max HP Increase». It might be going too far….”

“Covering your weaknesses.”

“I’m sure I’ll take them all eventually~”

“Nothing beats having high basic stats.”

“Raising skills is a pain, though. I don’t use physical strength. I would still die in a collision even after improving it.”

“Yeah, that’s possible. For me…. It should be relatively easy to level everything but strength and agility. Should I take them…..”

“I think I’ll get one~.”

Farewell, 18 SP. Welcome, passive skills.

“I don’t have any defensive skills”.

“If it doesn’t hit you, it’s nothing. A style with no second chances.”

“It’s thrilling.”

“It’s hard when the enemies attack from a distance.”

“Did you go to the dungeon?”

“I did~. The north one is impossible! It’s too narrow!”

“I see.”

“The traps are pretty bad too!”

“We mostly ignored the traps.”

“The abnormal condition immunity~. We have to take precautions against them especially in the west. I mean, the west is more dangerous, but the area is bigger, so it’s easier for me.”

“I haven’t been to the west yet. Are there medicinal herbs to collect?”

“Hmm~. And wood. I think Steiner said something about fertilizer.”

I see. Since it’s a forest, it’s a good place to get fertiliser. But the land itself is special in my field…

I haven’t explored the Medium, and I haven’t actually been to the Abyss. It’s a big world, after all.

“Okay, maybe I’ll go hunting~.”

“Yes, I’ll see you later.”

“See you~.”

I see off Fairellen-san as she flies away. And I…..will go and raise «Rope», while collecting capacity, I think.

The fortified city, Castreille. And Fort Dinselve.

They were the 7th and 8 areas beyond the capital of Nealence Kingdom. Castreille is similar in colour to the previous towns, but the atmosphere is much more sombre. The people I can see in the town are also armed. Knights, adventurers and the merchants who deal with them.

Fort Dinselve is, as the name suggests, a fort. It’s not even a town.

“Huh!? An intruder!?”

“How did you get in here!?”

Ah, yes. I am surrounded by knights.

“What’s all the noise?”

“Oh, captain! It’s …….”

“I’m an Outsider. We can transfer through the statue.”

“I see. I was going to give the orders at the next meeting, but I guess it’s too late. Men, put down your weapons.”

“『Yes!』”

“Pardon my men. This is our front line against the monsters. We welcome any adventurers who can help. You go back to your posts.”

An armoured knight. Very crisp and clean.

I talk to the captain and get some information. It seems that the surrounding enemies are around level 55, so it will be a while before the Outsiders become a force they can make use of.

However, it seems there are requests to transport supplies, so the Outsiders will be very useful in that aspect. The escort requests will still be difficult, though.

While talking, it starts to become noisy, gradually getting louder.

“Hmm? What is it…..?”

“Did something happen?”

“Captain! Captain!”

“What is it!”

“A Genocide Viper and Grappler Bear are coming this way while fighting!”

“Them, huh…..”

The knight looks rather agitated. The captain’s face is twisted, too. Is it a nasty enemy?

“Make sure everyone is fully armed. Even if they’re sleeping, wake them up. I’ll take part too.”

“Yes!”

“I’ll help too. I’m an Outsider, so you don’t need to worry about me.”

“….Appreciated.”

The captain is getting ready, but I’ll go straight to the scene.

“Genocide and Grappler! Don’t forget your shields!”

“Yeah!”

Oh, it feels like just before a battle.

The ground is shaking as though they are fighting each other in a flashy manner. They must be pretty big.

“These guys of all things…..”

“Even one of them would be a hard time…..”

The captain and the knights who were woken up have hurried over to join us. They came quickly. Trees are falling and clouds of dust are rising….. Under the orders of the captain a camp is formed ahead of it.

There are knights equipped with wands, in addition to swords and shields. They may be a magic division. They’re a little behind the rest, so I’ll join them.

“You probably already know, but don’t let them pass us. Or you’ll be camping out here.”

“『Spare us that!』”

They are living in the fort, so if the living quarters are taken out, they will be camping out. It’ll be hard to rebuild.

The thumping is annoying. I should float.

And it’s time to summon #1. The fortress is not the best choice. Long range attacks are best….a spirit body then.

“#1, the enemy is strong, so support the knights while making sure not to become a target”.

Since there are a lot of tanks called knights, I’ll stick to magic attacks.

I mix in among the magicians and wait for the enemy as instructed by the captain.

It is a 4-metre bear and a 10-metre snake that appear, while knocking down trees and raising clouds of dust. Both are in the late 50s.

Work with the knights to defeat the enemy….. So it is a spontaneous defence quest. It is a general quest, just randomly generated. In other words, it’s a routine occurrence for the knights here. Thank you for your hard work.

We’re watching and waiting for a while. It’s convenient to let them crush each other. When they reach a position we cannot do that any more….. we’ll follow the captain’s orders and join in.

The impression I get is that of a great kaiju war.

After confirming that the knights with large shields have used hate building skills, I start to attack.

“[Ra’se Mea Persepho Ilda]”.

Along with #1 I shoot magic at the Grappler Bear, while hitting it’s head with the tentacles. It’s too hard to fight in terms of strength. Probably because of the level difference.

This quest, isn’t it a bonus quest? There are knights who are in charge of the front line defence. They’re very good. It’s a bonus quest for long-distance players. A bit risky for melee.

It is over 15! The «Rope» skill is improving! It’s a valuable situation for raising «Holy Magic», too. Let’s heal those who have stepped aside with minor injuries.

The knights are accustomed to this, so the monsters were rather easy to get rid of.

<Your Race Level has increased.>

<«Rope» reached level 10. “1” Skill Point acquired.>

<«Rope»’s art [Leg Capture] was acquired>

<«Rope» reached level 15.>

<«Rope»’s art [Whole Capture] was acquired>

<«Darkness Magic» reached level 45.>

<«Darkness Magic»’s [Dark Enchant] was enhanced>

<«Holy Magic» reached level 5.>

<«Holy Magic»’s [Cure] was acquired>

<The servant’s level has increased.>

Hmm…..

“Thanks, for cooperating.”

“Not at all, it was a good experience for me.”

“I can’t offer you a reward, but if you ever want to go into the forest, I’ll do what I can to provide you with some support.”

“That would help.”

There are no rewards from the knights, but I do get some game-like quest rewards. Money and experience, though.

Aside from that, the reputation among the knights has increased. With this, the more favourably they see someone, the more they will help…I suppose.

In other words, this quest is very tasty. I should come by once in a while.

I only came to explore, so now that I have some understanding of the area I am free to go.

Now it’s time to check the arts.

[Leg Capture]

Entangles one of the targets legs. Further actions depend on the user.

[Whole Capture]

Entangles the whole body of the target. Further actions depend on the user.

[Cure]

Reduces the strength of a randomly chosen condition by 2.

I don’t really use the «Rope» arts at the moment.

[Cure] is difficult to use because it’s random. That said, it’s better than nothing. It does not matter to me, who is racially immune, but it might be useful if I team up with someone other than Alf-san and Ske-san.

The passives for the basic stats have also improved. I want to bring those and «Rope» to the second tier. I shall hunt. I also want capacity.

So, let’s go~.