After parting ways in front of the guild, I headed back to the inn.
I went straight to the dining hall for dinner.
After that, I took a bath, returned to my room, lay down on the bed, and fell fast asleep.
"A training method for [Appraisal], huh..."
The next morning, after finishing my laundry, it was time for training.
I stood there, racking my brain.
In the end, that new method hadn't panned out in terms of gaining EXP either.
"...The research findings concluded it was impossible, but how true is that really? Is it only working for me because I'm special for having [Fixed EXP]?"
Because of [Fixed EXP], I was on the verge of acquiring [Appraisal].
If someone else did the exact same training, would they truly be unable to get it?
I couldn't help but wonder.
"Not that I mean to speak ill of Olivia-san's acquaintance, but was their training method really identical?"
As I pondered this, time slipped away before I knew it, and Amanda-san came over.
Having spent my time lost in thought, I decided to help her with the rest of the laundry.
Afterward, I hung up my clothes, ate breakfast, left the inn, and headed for the Adventurer's Guild.
After greeting Reina-san, I made my way to the training grounds, where Olivia-san was already waiting.
And today, someone else was with her.
"Cain-san? Why are you here?"
"Yesterday, after you left, I had a little chat with Olivia-san. I figured I'd tag along and help out with your training today. So, good to be working with you."
Cain-san said with a warm smile.
"Of course, I haven't told him about your ability. I wanted to make sure it was okay with you first."
"I don't mind telling Cain-san. After all, he's the benefactor who saved my home village."
"My, Cain, you did something like that?"
"I just happened to have free time. Besides, Erik-kun looked like he was in trouble. More importantly, what's this about an ability?"
Overhearing us, Cain-san asked curiously, so I explained how [Fixed EXP] worked.
"Huh... That's amazing. But in the beginning, that sounds like a real pain to deal with."
"Well, that's true. Since I have to defeat a hundred monsters just to level up, my leveling speed is probably on the slower side."
"Whoa, that sounds rough! I'm terrible at that kind of steady, methodical training, so it'd be impossible for me~."
Cain-san remarked after hearing about my ability.
It was true that [Fixed EXP] wasn't for everyone.
For someone like me, who didn't mind getting stronger through plain, repetitive practice, it was the best possible skill.
Conversely, for someone like Cain-san who hated tedious routines, it would probably be nothing but a chore.
"Well, setting that aside, what should I help with?"
"Cain, if I remember correctly, you have [Appraisal], don't you?"
"I do. What about it?"
"Actually, Erik-kun and I have been training to help him acquire [Appraisal]. Even if it's just based on intuition, I'd like you to explain to Erik-kun what it feels like when you activate it."
Listening to them, I learned almost casually that Cain-san possessed [Appraisal].
"Wait, you have [Appraisal], Cain-san?"
"Yep~. It was one of the skills bestowed upon me during my ritual. Thanks to it, my adventurer life has been a whole lot easier. As for Olivia-san's request, I'd be glad to help. If Erik-kun learns how to use [Appraisal], that sounds like fun."
"Fufu, that's a huge help. Well then, are you ready, Erik-kun?"
"Yes! Cain-san, please show me the way!"
I replied with enthusiasm, and Cain-san demonstrated using [Appraisal] right before my eyes.
As he activated it, I watched him intently.
I repeatedly observed the flow of his mana and the precise focus of his gaze.
"I-It's a little embarrassing having you stare at me so hard..."
"Cain! Stop fooling around. Erik-kun is taking this seriously."
Olivia-san chided him, and I immediately began training by imitating his technique.
This time, I added an element I hadn't tried before.
Until now, I had simply gathered mana in my eyes and looked, but now, I meticulously examined every single detail of the target.
Today's subject was a potted medicinal herb prepared specifically for training.
From the base of its stem all the way to the tips of its leaves, I observed it with absolute precision.
◇
You have trained [Appraisal].
Gained 1 EXP.
29/100 until skill acquisition.
◇
The EXP registered.
What's more, it had taken less than three minutes of training to earn it.
"Olivia-san, this might actually be the right approach. That was the fastest I've ever gained EXP."
I reported my progress to Olivia-san.
Upon hearing the news, she pulled out a notebook and eagerly questioned me on the exact specifics of what I had done.
I explained the training method I had just tried.
"We might have just taken a massive step toward acquiring [Appraisal]. You really are incredible, Erik-kun."
"No, it's all thanks to Cain-san coming today. Having a live example made all the difference."
"Even if I showed you an example, you're the one who figured out how to apply it. That's what makes you amazing, Erik-kun."
"Do you really think so? I was able to study the method up close, so all I did was replicate it..."
I didn't have an eye for discerning people's innate talents like Amanda-san did.
However, having spent my childhood constantly reading my family's moods, I had become very adept at observing people's subtle actions.
"Never mind that for now—let's see if this method consistently yields high EXP! Erik-kun, are you tired?"
"Not at all. I'll keep going."
"Good! Keep at it!"
Olivia-san said with genuine excitement, and I threw myself back into training [Appraisal].
I continued training straight through until lunchtime, and when I finally checked the screen, I froze in disbelief.
◇
You have trained [Appraisal].
Gained 1 EXP.
78/100 until skill acquisition.
◇
Even with taking short breaks in between, I had managed to rake in this much EXP in a single morning.