As expected, the training methods described in the materials only applied to those who already possessed the skill.
"There aren't any good training methods in here, are there?"
"Indeed. If there were, there would be far more people running around with [Appraisal] by now."
"Hmm, I'm starting to feel like my current method was the right one after all..."
The more I read through the materials, the less I could think of any better way to train for [Appraisal].
Channel mana into your eyes and observe an object.
Through that, obtain information and comprehend what the object is.
That was the essence of the [Appraisal] skill.
According to the text, once you had the skill, you could instantly identify even the specific variety of a medicinal herb at a glance.
"Aside from that, simply building up your knowledge might help. Knowing facts about objects and cross-referencing that information, perhaps? Though it's doubtful whether that would actually lead to acquiring the [Appraisal] skill."
"That's true. Why on earth didn't the method of channeling mana into the eyes work for others, I wonder...?"
Since it was almost identical to how the skill was actually used, I felt the practice had to have some meaning.
And yet, past research had already proven it to be useless.
"For now, shall we try a method other than channeling mana into your eyes? How about channeling mana into your hands and touching objects to probe them instead?"
"That might be worth a try."
We decided to test out the training method Olivia-san suggested.
With that, I spent the rest of the morning session trying this new approach.
◇
Trained in [Parallel Thinking].
Gained 1 EXP.
35/100 to next level.
◇
◇
Trained in [Mana Control].
Gained 1 EXP.
67/100 to next level.
◇
◇
Trained in [Appraisal].
Gained 1 EXP.
28/100 to skill acquisition.
◇
◇
Trained Mana.
Gained 1 EXP.
94/100 to stat increase.
◇
I kept at it until the morning training came to an end, but the EXP gained was considerably lower than yesterday's.
"Looks like this new method isn't going to work."
"...Yes. I'm sorry. Sticking with what we were doing until yesterday would have been better, wouldn't it?"
"There's no need for you to apologize, Olivia-san. Trying new things is important!"
I quickly reassured Olivia-san as she apologized.
After wrapping up my training, I checked in with Reina-san at the reception desk.
Since today's training hadn't yielded the results she'd hoped for, a slightly downcast Olivia-san and I headed over to Sara-san's cafe.
"This is my first time eating here, but it's delicious. I really should have come sooner."
Taking a bite of her sandwich, Olivia-san let out a smile.
"I'm glad to see you've cheered up."
"Fufu, did I make you worry? I'm sorry. I thought I'd be able to come up with more ideas, but [Appraisal] really is a tricky one, isn't it?"
"It can't be helped. We knew it was going to be difficult from the start."
As I was chatting with Olivia-san over our meal, a familiar face walked into the cafe.
"Oh my, if it isn't Cain. Long time no see."
"Olivia-san? And Erik-kun, too... What kind of combination is this?"
The person who walked in was Cain-san, my senior from Fledgling Pavilion.
Cain-san looked a bit bewildered to see Olivia-san and me sitting together.
Before coming over, he placed an order for food, then walked up to our table.
"Erik-kun is my apprentice."
"Wait, really? Huh, Erik-kun is?! I've always thought Erik-kun was a good kid, but to think you'd be acknowledged by Olivia-san of all people. I'm jealous."
"What are you talking about? You're the one who turned down my offer to take you as an apprentice, Cain."
Surprised by Olivia-san's words, I turned to look at Cain-san.
"Ahaha, well, Olivia-san seemed really strict, and since I just want to enjoy my life, I figured it'd feel way too suffocating. In that regard, Erik-kun is super earnest, so he's a great match for you, Olivia-san."
"Well, I already knew our personalities wouldn't mesh, Cain. Even taking that into account, I still offered you the apprenticeship, though."
"Wait, Cain-san was a candidate to be your apprentice?"
"Far from a candidate—I asked him and he turned me down in an instant."
When Olivia-san said that, Cain-san gave an amused grin.
"Well, that's because I know what Olivia-san was like back when she was a teacher. Erik-kun, do you know anything about Olivia-san's teaching days?"
"Um, no, I haven't heard anything. I only know that she used to teach at the academy."
"You don't need to bring that up, do you? Back then, I just had a lot on my plate and ended up being overly strict, that's all. I'm not like that anymore."
"Ehh, really?"
Even though some time had passed since we formed our master-disciple relationship, I knew nothing about Olivia's time as an instructor.
I had always been curious, but the timing had never been right to ask. Hearing Cain-san's words, my interest was piqued just a little.