In the end, while thinking I might die, I managed to go through the ‘warm-up’. And my happy master was laughing in front of me who fell down out of exhaustion.
“Hiiro sure doesn’t have much stamina. Let’s make this a subject of training from now on.”
You just have too much stamina, you gorilla!! Even though Hiiro’s initial stamina status is pretty outstanding, how could you not even be out of breath despite doing the same amount of exercise as I!! Developer-san!! We need an update to fix this, an update!!
When I fell on my back and was panting from exhaustion, I felt something cold pressed to my cheek.
It turns out to be a sports drink, given by my master who crouched while smiling at me.
“While you take a break, let’s move on to the lecture.”
Master, I love you… I’m sorry I called you Gorilla in my mind…!!
“After that, we’ll immediately start again.”
You bloody Gorilla!!
She lifted me with one hand and made me sit on the bench. Then, she sat next to me and tidied my messy hair with her hand.
“Fufu… Although we’re just training, you should always care about your appearance, you know…”
You should say that to a girl. That’s what I wanted to say, but only wheezing came out of my throat.
Perhaps because being cared for by Master was just that efficient, as she saw that I’m gradually recovering, Master started her lecture.
“Does Hiiro decide to train 『Light』 attribute?”
“Hmmm… to be honest, I’m still thinking about that.”
Attribute… In other words, this refers to the ‘attribute’ parameter. As you already know, stamina, strength, magic power, intelligence, and agility are called basic parameters. But apart from that, there is actually something called ‘attribute’ parameters that are related to the power and effects of magic, and in some cases, even the activation of magic.
The content of the attribute parameter itself is orthodox. Fire, water, wind, earth, light, darkness and no attribute.
According to that, there are also six types of consoles: fire, water, wind, earth, light and darkness. By fitting each of those attributes into the slots, you would be able to increase the attribute parameters by activating the magic of each attribute. And if you activate magic without fitting these six attribute consoles, the non-attribute parameter will increase.
Eh? Then, isn’t it better to raise the non-attribute?
That’s what everyone probably thought. I mean, I did think like that too before.
However, the non-attribute is undoubtedly the weakest attribute in this game. The reason is that the six attributes (fire, water, wind, earth, light and darkness) will apply their own attribute value to the activated magic, while the non-attribute only has a fixed attribute value to match its own non-attribute-ness.
To put it simply, the six attributes will double the damage of the magic, which comes from parameter x attribute value. On the other hand, the non-attribute only deals 0.2 damage from the parameter x fixed value.
Moreover, that fixed value is very salty, it makes it so that even if you continue to train the non-attribute for a daunting amount of time. The situation where you can only deal the fixed amount of damage which is still below the six attributes that you only spends a limited amount of time on is very common. For that reason, it is safe to treat the non-attribute just as an auxiliary.
For example, for physical strengthening, an instant magic barrier, or enchant… since I will definitely fill one of the slots with one of the six attributes, the non-attribute might be useful for me depending on the customization of my magic device.
At any rate, it is certain that I will raise one of the six attributes from now on.
From the beginning, Kuki Masamune has light attribute consoles. Perhaps because of that, Hiiro in the game was also using light attribute magic, but… die, you bastard. There is no way someone like you is fit to use the light attribute. You, who are sandwiched between the dazzling Yuri, should be that of dark attribute, or maybe non-attribute, because I want you to be nothing (overflowing emotions).
Regardless, what attribute should I train?
If I go with the normal theory of the Esco world, it’s either specializing one attribute or two attributes divided into main and sub, but…for the time being, since I don’t want to be the same as Hiiro even if I die, I’m going to avoid light attribute and possibly combine two attributes.
“I think Hiiro should train your light attribute.”
“Yes?”
When I was thinking about that in my head, my master gave me unexpected advice.
“But why?”
“Because swordsmanship and the light attribute are surprisingly compatible. You can even move at the speed of light if you combine Warp with the light attribute.”
No, you are the only one who can do it. Because I don’t have enough magic power. And in this game, you’re the only cheat who can move at the speed of light.
“But, I don’t want to use light–”
“What about the sub-attribute? Do you have one in mind?”
T-this woman…!!
While saying that it is a master’s privilege, Astemil then snuggles up to me. I wonder why she is this close to me, but probably because she is so focused on my attribute, she didn’t notice it.
“Water might be good.”
“Why?”
“Water attribute is easy to combine with other attributes, right? Well, if I am considering combining attributes, I might have to part with Kuki Masamune that only has 3 slots, but… I think water will be the best choice in the future.”
“Hiiro sure is thinking carefully. I’m proud of you~”
“Something like stroking one’s head, you should do this to Lapis… Ah, and if you do it, can you please also call me… Not that!”
Ignoring the master who keeps stroking my head, I continued.
“I’m thinking of using something other than a sword… Presumably a bow, can you teach me?”
“Bow?”
In puzzlement, Astemil stopped her hand.
“Are you talking about a normal bow? Or a magic device?”
“Normal bow. Because I’m planning to use Kuki Masamune for a while. Besides, it is impossible to use two magic devices with my current magic power. I’d like to learn to use a normal bow, so I can cover up to a medium range.”
Hearing that, Astemil smiled proudly.
“Well then, I’ll teach you archery along with swordsmanship. Regarding your self-taught training, although I also often do it myself, Hiiro’s swordsmanship is still not good enough, and I don’t even understand how you could get this stronger by only doing what you called magic power enhancement running…. That’s why, first, there is a need to reassemble your training menu.”
“Yosh!! With that decided, we should go back to the Sanjou family’s villa and have a strategy meeting!! Which means, we shouldn’t stay here!! Let’s go back immediately–”
Suddenly my shoulders were grabbed. And when I turned around, I saw the smiling face of my master.
“Today’s training is not over yet, right…?”
“Hiee!?”
“Pull out your sword… Until your training menu is decided, we will be conducting a very fun combat practice… Fufu, this lump of talent, I’ll definitely make you able to use it…”
“Ano, really, I think today is eno–”
After that, I was beaten to the point of almost dying.
Having parted with a master who said she had something to do, I went to the Sanjou family’s villa while staggering.
“For now…. let’s shower…. I want to wash this blood, sweat, and dirt… What’s with that monster… I’ll die if I keep doing this…”
When I arrived at the villa, I promptly entered the training ground and moved to the shower from there. And while being hazy, I became naked and pulled the shower curtain without checking it first.
“….”
“….”
And I saw a naked Lapis standing there. She is staring at me, with her mouth shaking.
“….”
I stared at how her skin became like cherry blossoms in a daze.