Fireball, having poured 99 bonus points into intelligence, crushed the Needlewood Level 1 in one hit.
Without any investment, it would have taken two or three hits.
It was clear that the increase in intelligence had boosted the magical attack power.
The size didn't seem to change much, but the speed had increased.
With higher movement speed, it would be harder to dodge.
It was a welcome change.
Even if intelligence was maxed out, the size only increased by about one size.
It didn't seem to change much in that regard.
However, since it could be sunk in one hit, the power had definitely increased, so there was no problem.
"Huh? Huh? What? ...Is this not magic?"
Roxane, who saw my magic, seemed a bit confused.
"It is magic."
"Sir, aren't you an explorer? I've never heard of an explorer using such magic."
However, she quickly regained her composure.
Her expression returned to the serious look she had when entering the dungeon.
It seemed that not many people could handle a second job.
"Well, let's keep this between us."
"Is it a secret?"
I tried to brush it off as a secret.
In reality, there was no way to explain it.
Would it be clear if I mentioned a character reconfiguration and a second job?
"Do you understand character reconfiguration?"
"Re...configuration?"
"Bonus points?"
"Is it some kind of special reward?"
"Hmm."
It seemed impossible to explain.
"I don't understand, but being able to use magic is amazing."
"Thank you."
"Moreover, to take down a monster in one hit with magic is impressive. Magic is more powerful than swords, but I've heard it's quite difficult to take one down in one hit."
"Well, it's not always one hit. Don't let your guard down."
I don't think Roxane is the type to let her guard down in the dungeon.
Roxane went to where the Needlewood had fallen and picked up the branch.
Just as she was about to take off her backpack, I took it from her.
"Let me carry it."
"It's fine. There's still room in my item box."
I put the branch in the item box.
"Is there room? By the way, may I ask what level you are, sir?"
"Explorer? Level 27."
"Level 27... That's amazing... Indeed, with that level, there should be room."
The item box can hold as many items as the user's level.
Roxane must know this.
However, when she said, "We're only a year apart," I wondered what level she thought I was.
It wasn't a low-level price.
Is it that? Does she think I used my parents' money?
A rich kid who came from afar and lives off his parents' inheritance.
It might be an excuse that makes sense.
I think my level is a bit high for my age but not unrealistically so.
If I entered the dungeon for ten days with double experience, it would be less than six years' worth.
In this world, children start entering the dungeon at eleven, right?
Considering how levels increase, it's unclear what will happen in the future.
"Let's keep the level thing a secret."
"Of course."
By the time she asked, it was already safe.
Roxane must understand that it's important personal information.
"Which way should we go?"
"Shall I lead you to where the monsters are?"
"I don't want to be seen using magic, so if possible, let's go where there are no people."
"Understood. It's a secret, after all."
She seemed to agree with the secrecy.
Since it was an order, confidentiality took priority.
However, it was impressive that she agreed so easily to go where there were no people.
Even if she could smell the monsters, she could probably smell people too.
"Thanks. Roxane is really helpful."
"Thank you. This way."
Roxane led the way.
"Can you tell the type and number of monsters by their smell?"
"To some extent, but not completely. Also, I can't smell what's behind a hidden door, and sometimes monsters spawn along the way. I don't always know the shortest path to the monsters."
As we talked, we quickly arrived at where the monsters were.
She was really helpful.
This time, I cast a Fireball with 50 points invested in intelligence.
The Needlewood Level 1 resisted the flames.
"It's no good."
"Leave it to me."
Roxane drew her scimitar and charged without waiting for my response.
This was unexpected.
Two Fireballs should have been enough.
Roxane got between me and the monster, so I couldn't cast magic.
It was unlikely that the fireball would pass through a party member.
The Firestorm, which didn't affect the thief, probably wouldn't affect party members either.
Roxane swung her scimitar with her right hand and slashed the Needlewood.
She lightly dodged the swinging branch.
She followed up with a strike to the monster's shoulder, which had missed.
She then slashed upward.
Roxane easily dodged the branch that swung from the right.
She stepped forward and swung her scimitar downward.
She dodged the swinging branch by taking a half-step back and landed a hit.
Impressive.
I was a bit mesmerized.
Roxane was perfectly dodging the Needlewood's attacks.
It didn't seem like the monster's attacks would hit her.
Not only did she dodge easily, but the distance was minimal.
She was dodging the monster's attacks by centimeters, even millimeters.
At first glance, it seemed like she was struggling, but in reality, it was the opposite.
If she dodged too much, it would be a wasted movement, and it would be harder to counterattack.
If she could perfectly read the enemy's attacks, dodging at the last moment was the best.
Roxane's movements were exactly that.
It was like she was dancing.
She dodged with light steps or twisted her body to avoid.
Was the Needlewood's attack this monotonous?
Well, it is a branch, after all.
I put away my wand and drew my copper sword, following behind.
Roxane's presence gave me the leeway to switch weapons.
I might have had enough leeway to draw Durandal.
I'll do that next time.
I joined the battle with the copper sword.
I positioned myself a bit to the left of Roxane and swung the copper sword.
I received a branch that swung from the left.
Then a branch swung from the right.
Roxane dodged, and the branch that missed came toward me.
I hastily leaned back.
As I lost my balance, a branch swung from the left.
I barely blocked it with the copper sword.
No. It's clear that I can't do it.
I can't dodge as easily as Roxane.
Moreover, Roxane was striking multiple times in the meantime.
I finally found an opening and struck with the copper sword.
The Needlewood fell.
The branch remained, and the smoke disappeared.
"Wow. You dodged all the attacks."
"Thank you. It was easier with two of us."
No, no. You were dodging all the attacks even when you were alone.
"Is that so?"
"Upon closer inspection, I can dodge attacks like that."
It might be true.
But honestly, I don't think anyone can do it.
Roxane might be a really amazing person.
She can even sense the location of monsters.
"I'll take the next one, so please let me handle it."
"Understood."
If I continue like this, I'll be seen as a pushover.
Even if I can use magic.
I think it's better to show that I can fight.
Roxane's movements were half divine.
That's impossible for a normal person.
At least for me.
With Overwhelming, I might be able to mimic it a bit.
That's it. Roxane is in a constant Overwhelming state.
Maybe she's actually using it.
"Beast Attack, right? What kind of skill is that?"
The Beast Warrior's skill was Beast Attack.
It might have an effect similar to Overwhelming.
From the name, it seems like an attack skill.
"It's a technique that deals significant damage to monsters. However, I can't use it."
"You can't?"
"Skills and magic spells are all in the Brahim language. The Brahim language is a sacred language that has been used to handle words of power since ancient times. Those who can't use the Brahim language can't use skills."
I see.
The Brahim language was a useful language.
To use skills, one had to learn the Brahim language.
It was also a common language.
"But you can use the Brahim language, right?"
"Yes, but it's not enough yet."
"You don't know the spells?"
"No. The spells come to mind when I try to use a skill. However, the incantation must be perfect, including pronunciation, accent, intonation, and subtle nuances. It's not enough to be able to have a conversation; one must be able to use the Brahim language freely to use skill incantations."
I see.
The spells come to mind, and it seems to be the same for others.
"Is that so?"
"Also, when trying to cast a skill, there's always a moment of vulnerability. Not being able to use skills isn't a big problem. It's not recommended for beginners like me to use skills."
I see.
That's probably true for attack skills used by front-line fighters.
Roxane doesn't seem like a beginner, though.
"By the way, can I ask you something?"
"What is it?"
"Do you not need to chant spells for the magic you use? I thought spells were necessary for skills and magic."
Oh no.
Asking about skills was a mistake.
"I can't explain it, and I don't think anyone else can do it. Keep it a secret."
"Yes, sir."
"Um-hmm."
Let's just keep everything a secret.
"You are really amazing. And you can use the Brahim language so effortlessly. Those who can use the Brahim language are truly remarkable."
Roxane looked at me with a passionate gaze.
It's a bit embarrassing. After all, it's borrowed ability.
I don't even know why I can use the Brahim language.
"Is that so?"
"Yes..."
I regained my composure and followed Roxane's lead.
As I walked, I drew Durandal.
For other skills, the required experience was reduced to one-fifth, and the gained experience was increased to ten times.
Bonus skills have reduced required experience and increased gained experience.
When in a party, the gained experience is probably shared among party members.
The reduced required experience benefits only the user.
We arrived at a place with monsters in a few minutes.
"Roxane is really amazing."
"Me?"
Until now, we had been walking around waiting to encounter monsters.
The efficiency was completely different.
"Um-hmm. By the way, take a look at my sword. What do you think?"
"It's a very fine sword."
I showed Roxane Durandal.
Her response was a bit lacking, but she seemed to recognize it as a good sword.
I charged at the monster.
As I ran, I raised Durandal and struck the Needlewood Level 1.
The monster fell in one hit and disappeared in smoke.
"One hit? You're amazing, sir."
Roxane, who picked up the branch, handed it to me with a slightly flustered expression.
Being looked at like that by a beautiful person felt great.
Of course, it was all thanks to Durandal.
But it was certain that my stock had risen in Roxane's eyes.
"Well, the sword is amazing."
"Indeed, it's a fine sword. It's also well-maintained and looks like new."
Roxane inspected the Durandal I held up.
It seemed to be in a state that matched her glasses.
I think when it's brought out during a character reconfiguration, it comes out completely new.
Otherwise, it wouldn't be in better condition than the scimitar and copper sword, which I had used much more.
The scimitar and copper sword were in a state that would make Roxane angry.
I don't know how they were used before I got them.
"Let's keep the sword a secret."
"Is it a secret?"
"Yes. If the sword is known, for example..."
I took Roxane's hand and pulled her.
I wrapped my arm around her neck and pressed a hand to her throat.
"Huh?"
"If you value this woman's life, hand over the sword," I said.
"Yes, indeed. I understand."
"Um-hmm."
I released Roxane.
If I threatened her a bit, she wouldn't misinterpret the "secret" part.
It's a real possibility, after all.
"But if such a situation arises, please choose the sword without hesitation."
"I'll choose you, Roxane. In any case, I want to avoid losing either of us."
"Understood. ...Thank you."
If she understands the possibility, she won't spread the word.
After that, I tried various things.
The experimental approach was to determine the minimum number of bonus points needed to invest in intelligence to take down a Needlewood Level 1 with one magic attack.
I set a fourth job and a fifth job, adding jobs like Merchant and Herbalist, which have the effect of a small increase in intelligence.
Then I tested whether the number of bonus points needed to invest in intelligence to take down a Needlewood Level 1 with one magic attack changed.
If the required bonus points decreased, it meant the added job's effect of a small increase in intelligence was working.
The result.
It seemed that the effects of the fourth and fifth jobs were also stacking properly.
Adding Warrior Level 16 didn't change anything, probably because the small increase in vitality from the Warrior job didn't affect magical attack power.
Adding Swordsman Level 2 probably didn't reduce the required points, so the effect might only be additive.
The reason I say "probably" is that even with the same number of bonus points, there were times when I could and couldn't take down the monster.
There seemed to be individual differences among the monsters.
Or perhaps the correlation between the damage dealt by magic and intelligence wasn't constant.
However, the fact that there were cases where I could and couldn't take down the monster with the same points had its uses.
"Alright. Let's do it bare-handed."
"Yes."
If it could be taken down, it meant that even if it wasn't a one-hit kill, the monster would be on the verge of death.
I put away my wand and charged at the monster with Roxane.
Roxane attacked from the right, and I attacked from the left with my bare hands.
I punched the Needlewood Level 1, but I wasn't sure if it was taking damage.
A branch swung from the left.
I leaned back to avoid it, almost falling over.
Without a sword, the distance to the monster was closer, making it more difficult.
Roxane was dodging the Needlewood's attacks gracefully.
Why could she dodge so easily?
Damn.
In this situation, kicking was also an option.
I circled around and kicked the Needlewood.
After the kick, I followed up with a punch.
Then a branch swung at me.
I couldn't avoid it.
In exchange for taking a hit, I landed three jabs.