1-26 "Skill Explanations"

I took the oversized sword that resembled Joysman's tachi and gave it a few swings, sheath and all.

Yeah, it had a nice weight to it. But it was long, so I'd need practice to get used to handling it. I'd do some air swings in my downtime to let my body adjust.

I fixed my old sword to the small of my back to use as a backup.

"Looks like your gear just got a nice upgrade out of nowhere, Master."

Sasha seemed to have gotten over last night's gory shock and was back to her diligent caretaking.

"Yeah, but with five escorts down, I'll have to pull extra weight to make up for it."

"Don't push yourself too hard."

"Gii gii!"

Don came scampering up, begging for his pre-nap snack, so I gave him his usual feed plus some dried meat from breakfast.

Thanks to Don's last-second warning about ‍‍‌‌⁠​​⁠‌​​‍​​‍​‌​⁠‍‌‍⁠⁠‌⁠‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍⁠​‌​‌​‌‍‌‌‌⁠‍​​‌‍⁠‌‌⁠⁠the ambush, we'd managed to respond in time. Casual hero of the night.

"Keep up the night watch from now on, Don."

"Thank you for protecting me, Don-chan."

"Myuu!"

Don ‍‍‌‌⁠​​⁠‌​​‍​​‍​‌​⁠‍‌‍⁠⁠‌⁠‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍⁠​‌​‌​‌‍‌‌‌⁠‍​​‌‍⁠‌‌⁠⁠was in bliss as Sasha petted his fluffy fur. I spoiled him too, but he always warmed up to her more. I finally got what it felt like for a husband to be jealous of his wife stealing the kids' affection.

Whatever...

I watched them with gratitude—Don always soothed my frayed nerves.

"There! A dog!"

I spotted movement ahead and rushed over.

...Yup, fang dog. I slashed at it with the tachi right away, and fresh blood sprayed. Sharp blade.

"Could be a pack—stay sharp on the flanks!"

Torabutosu barked the order without slacking.

In the end, the advance scouts must've been wiped out easily and fled, since no others showed.

"Not bad moves, huh."

Torabutosu said it without a smile.

"You think? I'm still getting used to this weapon, and it was a weak one anyway."

"...Right."

He looked like he wanted to say more but dropped it. Maybe hanging around Elliott and Marie had raised his standards for swordplay. Rare for a non-exclusive escort not to have another swordsman besides me for comparison.

Torabutosu was a spearman, and Mara wielded... a hammer? Or was it a mace? I wasn't sure on the terminology.

A metal haft topped with a massive spiked head. Looked brutal just sitting there. From my limited knowledge, it was for smashing through heavy armor where slashes or thrusts wouldn't cut it, killing via blunt impact...

Wonder what possessed her to equip that.

Might be effective against thick-hided monsters. I was curious, but Mara seemed tight-lipped, hard to strike up a chat. Not that I wanted to be chatted up much myself—fellow introverts, maybe I'd skip the questions.

After that, monsters started popping up sporadically, perfect for breaking in the sword.

What I learned using it: it had some quirks. The long reach meant centrifugal force made body control tricky, but that wasn't all.

The slightly curved blade made thrusting awkward—it naturally turned into sweeping cuts. Specialized for slicing, you could say.

First time with a single-edged weapon too, so my old instincts kept throwing me off. I'd accidentally hit with the flat by mistake.

My habit of hammering blows to compensate for the previous sword's dull edge didn't mesh well either. It had weight and bite, so treating it like a brute-force club felt wasteful. Plus it'd dull faster that way.

"...Wonder how strong that Joysman bastard really was in a straight fight."

With the weapon range difference, I'd have struggled hard. Good call hiding the magic gun and comboing it with pocket dimension for the ambush.

Ever since getting the gun, I'd saved it for a dire moment—and this was it.

Worked as planned. But Joysman's toughness exceeded expectations. If hit by someone with higher magic defense, the gun ambush might not cut it.

Can't lean too hard on magic attacks...

That night, we reached the next waystation without issue, and the escorts got inn access too. Exclusives stuck with their employers, but some non-exclusives headed to the tavern.

The merchants ordered their attendants to unload some cargo from the wagons—greeting local bigwigs and drumming up side business. Tough merchants.

I wasn't big on booze, so I lounged in my assigned room, idly checking status—and spotted a change.

Interferer leveled up, and a new skill popped.

I'd hoped for Job Addition III, but no dice. This one intrigued me plenty, though.

"Skill Explanation."

Muttering it softly triggered a popup on the status screen. Pick one owned skill, apparently.

I focused on Status View II—and got results.

Got it. Skill descriptions.

A bit curt, but maybe 'cause it's level I. Still miles better than nothing.

Alright, let's test more.

Yup. Interferer skills matched my guesses—nice confirmation.

Next, the lone Swordsman skill.

Figured as much.

While at it, Mage skills too.

Whoa, sparse info!

Well, it enables the magic systems—hints at some core world system. Figures.

Time to check unclear effects by swapping jobs.

First, Shieldbearer's "Shield Enhancement."

Applies status corrections to shields too. Without this, I'd never have grasped it. Big reveal: corrections don't naturally affect gear. Wonder about close-fitting armor—without an Armorer job, maybe it does? Hmm.

New job: Vigilant's "Presence Sense I."

Vague, but first detection skill for sure. Gotta test it sometime.

Finally, the unwanted old job, Fool's "Carefree."

Helpful in its way. Lets you shrug off pressure and dive deeper into foolery. ...Too gimmicky.

Even with the inn, we'd rotate minimal night watch. Policies varied by caravan, but full-loaded wagons needed guarding, so we posted up near the entrance by the wagons.

Small waystations weren't always safe, even in royal direct territory. Didn't matter much.

Other caravans had watchers too.

First shift: me and Torabutosu, with Sasha. We huddled where we could see the wagons, rubbing sleepy eyes.

Info from a grizzled vet like him was gold.

"Hey."

"What."

"Any Vigilants among the escorts?"

"Huh...?"

"Scout-type job, I think. Friend picked it up—curious how it works."

"Ah."

Torabutosu glanced at Sasha, nodding like it clicked.

Not quite.

"Heard scouts come easier to archers."

"Really?"

"Rumor. Anyway, none of us had Vigilant."

"Handy for escorts, though."

"Maybe. But these three merchants each have two exclusives. Sometimes that's all for guarding the boss— no room for non-combat jobs."

"Ah... got it."

"Bigger caravans might have 'em."

Torabutosu was spear line; Mara? Blunt Wielder? Scary.

"Mind if I ask back?"

Lost in Mara's job thoughts, he hit me with that.

"Nah, shoot."

"What are you guys?"

"..."

"Noble brat?"

"...Noble? Why?"

"Clues. Magic Swordsman job—noble specialty. Young but one-sidedly killed five mercs, so high level, not newbie. Only nobles raise Magic Swordsman that young. And that one behind you."

"...Sasha?"

"Yeah. Doesn't scream personal merc or combat slave. Plain but decent features, slender build—odd for fighter slave. Top servants for nobles fit that: unassuming but skilled."

"Whoa... and knowing that, what?"

"Nothing. Keep your secrets, but hide better."

He shrugged and clammed up.

Hard to deny in this vibe! "Totally not" feels off!

Fine. We knew we looked odd—good to hear outsider views. Way off-base, though.

If they think spoiled noble son, might avoid trouble. Use it. Didn't affirm anything—no lie. Just misunderstanding.

"...Master."

Sasha wore a weird look. I shot her a "play along" glance. She'd keep quiet. Misunderstanding only.

Gotta tweak fighting style ahead. I'm Magic Swordsman now.

Plan to use magic gun freely if needed—no big hide. And Magic Swordsman cover lets me mix sword and spells without suspicion.

Heard from Pikata-sensei at the port: Magic Swordsman magic like Mage but sword-focused—flames on blade, magic slashes. Sword as cast trigger?

Rumored higher destructive power than pure Mage.

Wanna test walls in combat, but would that look off for Magic Swordsman?

Magic varies by person even same skill—excuses might fly.

Mud-ifying ground splash (forgot formal name)? Nah.

Endured the awkward silence till relief arrived—handover done.

Exhausted weirdly.

Next days: smooth progress, south from Oguri Kyuresu port, slight east—southeast overall.

More monster encounters on main road, but manageable numbers. Fang dogs, subhumans; even slimes. Non-blood slimes. Four types matching basic magics—elemental slimes.

Unlike blood slimes, no hardening; lower threat.

Fluid bodies, core-only weak point: low risk but slow kill. Usually ignore. Core is magic stone, but breaking it ruins sale—hunter's dilemma.

Clear obstructers, push on. Slow movers, low rear threat.

Veered east off main road, hugging coast. Salty breeze—exciting.

Earth me barely swam, but sea still hyped me—Japanese thing? Inland prefecture folk?

"Hm?"

People burst from woods left/right—then whizzing sounds.

Raised shield wary—slender object thudded between me and Torabutosu.

Arrow.

"Enemy attack!"

Torabutosu yelled, alerting as more jumped out shooting. Sparse arrows from front woods too.

"Lots of 'em—tight formation!"

Channeled magic to sword instinctively—smoother than usual? Sword proxy for staff?

Nice surprise. Overflowing magic from tip formed wall. Wind attribute's Wind Wall. Gust deflected incoming arrows.

Heavy MP drain—tone down output. No deflection, but paths veered wildly.

Stray shots scary, but sustainable.

Behind, Dentoru steered wagons sideways.

"Fall back!"

Torabutosu called; I held Wind Wall, retreating to wagon rear.

‍‍‌‌⁠​​⁠‌​​‍​​‍​‌​⁠‍‌‍⁠⁠‌⁠‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍⁠​‌​‌​‌‍‌‌‌⁠‍​​‌‍⁠‌‌⁠⁠

Others: rear two wagons parallel as flank walls. Dentoru's sideways as front—U-shape defense. Attendants freed horses inside. Siege prep.

Escorts fell back shooting; one merchant passed bows. Emergency protocol—smooth.

"Torabutosu, I got a special magitech."

"What?"

Faked pulling from pack, fetched magic gun from pocket space.

Reveal time. Inevitable.

"Eats magic stones—hated to use, but..."

"Plan?"

"Need suppressing fire till set. I'll counter-snipe."

Gestured at Dentoru; peeked left wagon front.

They shot wildly, but wagons blocked hits.

Central guy ordered lobs—failing, pissed.

"Used sooner than thought."

Aimed magic gun: distance/velocity priority.

High-pitched shot—hit head guy's torso. Panic yells.

"No instant kill, huh. Oh well."

Spam shots—half forward group hit. Fled to woods.

Left woods arrows: ducked wagons or Wind Wall dodged. Annoying for them.

Shoulder tap—jumped.

"Yoyo, status?"

Torabutosu. Escorts/merchants/attendants scattered shooting bows.

"Hit some, unclear."

"No visuals?"

"Magitech spooked 'em into woods. Still shooting from there."

"...Got it."

Grim nod, pondering.

"Anyway, next move?"

"Cleared with Dentoru—hold defense, intercept."

"Safest. But as bandit, I'd flank rear."

"Me too."

U-shape left rear open. Ambushes likely.

"Stalemate means melee shift somewhere."

Torabutosu drew, predicted, loosed arrow.

"That's the worry. They outnumber."

"Torabutosu, round up bowless guys?"

"Fine, but what?"

"Quick rush means rear probably. Counter-ambush then."

"Deal."

He went back to Dentoru; Sasha cover-fired beside me. Talked, ran back.

"Approved. Yoyo, fall back—lead intercept squad."

"Me lead? Not exclusive."

"Ad-hoc unit—strongest calls shots."

"...Kay."

Suddenly "strong." Gun's strong, sure—but I'm ambush specialist...

"Slave... Sasha?"

"Stays."

"Master?"

"You're needed here, archer. I'm assault—no bow cover needed."

"...Yes."

"Later."

Patted Sasha's back, headed to Dentoru.

"Intercept too—nice."

Mara waited, massive hammer. Intimidating. Voice/name suggested woman, but full-face helm hid it.

Four more joined.

Should I say something?—then rear watcher screamed.

"Coming! Over ten!"

Turned: bandits charging ragged.

"Go wild!"

Shitty battle cry, charged. Right hand to holster, drew gun.

Blasted nearest 3-4 torsos, readied sword.

"Damn! Thought magic stones ran out!"

Bandit gripe. Gun was marked.

Mutual charge closed fast. Magic to sword.

Hurled fireball from tip at foes.

"Whoa!?"

Lead dodged back—swung up. Heavy impact, blood spray.

No bone cut, but armor rent. Inertia-slashed stunned left guy, posed. Matched incoming thrust, full-body counter using momentum—tip pierced throat, dropped.

"Im...possible."

Chased half-said words—parried. He lunged; light Wind Wall startled, body-slammed aside. All-out diagonal slash—arm off, blood geyser. Solid.

"UGAAAAAH—!"

Mara bellowed beside. Foes froze—hammer crushed bones, skulls. Monster scary.

Others joined melee. Small groups, gritty—not epic war scene.

Cleared locals, mercy-killed downed—eyed aid ‍‍‌‌⁠​​⁠‌​​‍​​‍​‌​⁠‍‌‍⁠⁠‌⁠‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍⁠​‌​‌​‌‍‌‌‌⁠‍​​‌‍⁠‌‌⁠⁠when skilled swordsman approached from back.

"...Named warrior, I see. Fight me."

"Huh?"

No more talk—lunged.

Fast!

Random fireballs distracted, thrusts menaced, corpses shielded—barely coped. Strong. No contest fair.

Swept greatsword for pause, dropped for gun.

"That magitech..."

Shot—dodged like predicted.

What the—

Space opera warrior vibes.

"Powerful, but simple use is fa—"

Scatter shot mid-taunt.

Point-blank area—no dodge.

Twisted from center, but leg hits.

Pressed scatter barrage on stagger.

Zjun, zjun, zgyuun...

"Guh, guh..."

Swordsman spat blood, fell. Bashed head with spare sword, finished—surveyed.

Bandits routed. We lost one—no time to heal, gone.

"...What was that wild magitech?"

Mara muttered. Saw my finale.

"Special, y'know."

"Last night too?"

"Who knows."

Couldn't affirm/deny quick—dodged. Indirect yes? True anyway.

Front: retreat started; Torabutosu halted pursuits. Smart—no overextend traps, regroup first.

"Good work."

"Master."

Sasha scanned bow-ready, sighed relieved at me.

Limited fights, zero PvP. Tense, naturally.

Don at her feet, alert-ish.

"Don helped too? Thanks."

"Gii!"

Don's smug face signaled clear; petted both heads. Neither thrilled, but whatever.

"How'd it go?"

"Sporadic archery. Think one down."

"Nice, good job."

No mental cracks visible. Overcome killing fear?

Don's scouting + Sasha = sniper duo gold.

"Glad no injuries."

Went to pinch cheeks for flirty mode—Torabutosu closed in.

"Report?"

"Hm? Ten-plus rear squad. All down."

"That's it?"

"What else?"

Sighed, muttered "leader flop."