The training method was extremely simple.
Right now, the tool was ready to be activated, but I would hold back and exhaust my mana to its absolute limit.
I had to consume mana right up to the point of blacking out from depletion, and only then restore it.
Use a massive amount, recover, and then use even more—it was a training regimen made entirely possible by the tool.
"Unlike the training methods we've done so far, this feels a bit forced, doesn't it?"
"In the end, if you really want to increase your mana, that kind of recklessness is necessary. I tried all sorts of things and talked with the other teachers back when I was at the academy, but this always proved to be the most effective."
"So it's the result of research. In that case, I'll just have to give it everything."
With that, I began my training following the method Olivia-san laid out.
Consume huge amounts of mana.
Ever since I first heard that, I had been turning an idea over in my head.
"Olivia-san, since I'm going to be using so much mana anyway, would it be all right if I practiced Appraisal at the same time?"
"I haven't fully researched Appraisal yet, but... is that the method you've been using all along, Erik-kun?"
"Yes. It consumes so much mana that I had to put it on hold, but since the goal of this training is to burn through as much mana as possible, I thought it might be a good fit."
"That actually sounds like a great idea. Who knows, you might even unlock the skill from it. Once you have it, simply appraising objects will probably grant experience points anyway, so I think it's worth a shot."
With Olivia-san's approval, I decided to channel my mana expenditure into training Appraisal.
Of course, I also intended to consciously practice Parallel Thinking and Mana Control at the same time to build up experience points.
"Ugh, my head is killing me..."
Once the training actually began, it turned out to be far more brutal than I had anticipated.
Expending mana.
Up to that point, it was manageable, but right on the verge of fainting, I would replenish it.
Then, immediately afterward, I would repeat the whole process of burning through my mana all over again.
Since I never let my mana run completely dry, I didn't pass out, but constantly repeating such a grueling cycle left me suffering from a throbbing headache.
"Mm, was it too much after all?"
"There's nothing wrong with the training method itself. It's because of Appraisal."
The training method was fantastic; if I had done it normally, I wouldn't be feeling this sick.
Appraisal, which I had chosen simply because of its mana cost, demanded an immense amount of concentration.
Still, the results of pushing myself to the point of physical exhaustion were undeniable.
◇
Trained Parallel Thinking.
Gained 1 experience point.
77/100 until next level.
◇
◇
Trained Mana Control.
Gained 1 experience point.
54/100 until next level.
◇
◇
Trained Appraisal.
Gained 1 experience point.
12/100 until skill acquisition.
◇
◇
Trained mana.
Gained 1 experience point.
38/100 until stat increase.
◇
"Normally, with this much training, it wouldn't be surprising if your mana went up by 1 point or so, but because of Fixed EXP, it hasn't budged, has it?"
"Is that how it works?"
"I haven't seen your status, Erik-kun, but your total mana is around 10, right? If so, your pool is still small, so it really shouldn't be unusual for it to have increased by now."
The lower your total mana, the easier it is to raise through training.
That was what Olivia-san explained to me.
"Well, I suppose that's one of the downsides of Fixed EXP. No matter how low the level is, it only increases bit by bit."
"That's true. It just means this is a time for patience."
With that, today's training drew to a close.
Once we wrapped up, I said a quick word to Reina-san at the reception desk on my way out.
Wandering the streets and wondering where to grab lunch, I found myself standing in front of Frank-san's diner before I even realized it.
"Maybe I'll eat here for the first time in a while."
It was the peak of the lunch rush and looked busy, but looking through the window from outside, I spotted an open seat.
I stepped through the entrance, took a seat, and as I placed my order, Frank-san noticed me.
"Oh, if it isn't Erik! Long time no see!"
"It's been a while. How have things been lately? I noticed there haven't been any requests posted."
"Yeah! Ever since that whole mess, I told my apprentices to strictly take care of their health, so nobody's fallen sick anymore."
As Frank-san chuckled heartily, the apprentices who had called out sick back then gave me a warm greeting.
"Oh, right. This isn't really a formal request or anything, but... have you ever thought about becoming a cook, Erik? You were so incredibly handy last time that it got me thinking."
"Hmm... I do want to learn more about cooking, but right now I'm a bit tied up with training."
"Well, I suppose that makes sense. You are an adventurer, after all."
"Still, wouldn't cooking skills be useful for an adventurer too? Like, when you're traveling for requests, you have to make your own food, right?" one of Frank-san's apprentices chimed in.
"That's a fair point. But I don't really need it right at this moment, so learning how to cook will have to wait for later."
Since I had other priorities right now, that was the best answer I could give.
"I hear ya! Well, if you ever feel like learning to cook, you're welcome anytime! I'll teach you myself!"
"Erik-kun, you'd better pass on that. The boss's cooking is great, but he's terrible at teaching..."
"Hey! What do you mean 'terrible at teaching'?! You guys are just slow learners!"
"Wh-What?! Hey, did you hear that? The boss just threw us under the bus!"
Frank-san and his apprentices bickered back and forth, laughing all the while.
It might have looked like a spat on the surface, but in truth, they got along wonderfully.
It was obvious their master-apprentice bond was built on genuine mutual trust.
Shortly after, my food was served, and I enjoyed a hearty meal while chatting with Frank-san and the crew.