The next morning, I went through my usual routine.
My morning training focused on [Swordsmanship] again, yielding a small increase in EXP.
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You trained in [Swordsmanship].
Gained 1 EXP.
62/100 to next level.
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Checking my status screen as I got dressed, it looked like it would level up either today or tomorrow at this rate.
Once ready, I left the inn and headed over to the Adventurer's Guild.
"Huh? Are there fewer adventurers than usual today?"
The guild had been packed lately, but today the crowd seemed noticeably thinner.
"Good morning, Reina-san."
"Good morning, Erik-kun. More training today?"
"Yes. That's the plan, but... um, it looks pretty quiet in here. Did something happen?"
"The second wave finished their preparations and set out for the dungeon," she explained. "The adventurers who were gathering intel finally geared up based on what they learned and headed in, so it just looks empty right now."
"I see. For a second, I wondered if a new dungeon had popped up somewhere else."
"Hehe, if that happened, it might actually take some pressure off the royal capital's guild, so I wouldn't mind it one bit."
After chatting with Reina-san, I headed to our usual room, where Olivia-san was already waiting.
"Good morning, Olivia-san."
"Yes, good morning, Erik-kun."
Starting today, our sessions were meant to help Olivia-san acquire [Appraisal] rather than focusing on my own growth.
With that in mind, I jotted down notes detailing the most efficient training methods for accumulating EXP.
"First, the key is focusing mana into your eyes. But since you're already much better at mana control than I am, Olivia-san, I'll skip that part."
"Hold on a second. Even if you say 'into the eyes,' isn't where exactly you focus it important too?"
"Ah, good point. To put it simply, it feels like forming a thin film of mana over the surface of your eyes. That was what seemed to happen whenever Cain-san used [Appraisal], so I kept that in mind while practicing."
"A film over the eyes, huh..."
Olivia-san made a quick note, then gathered mana into her eyes to test it out.
"Something like this?"
"Hmm... that's a bit too much mana. You don't need nearly that much. Could you try using about a quarter of that amount?"
"...L-like this?"
"That's it!"
Taking my advice, Olivia-san dialed back the flow of mana to her eyes.
"The rest is simple—it all comes down to the conscious intent to observe your target. Examine every detail, moving your eyes as though probing to discover what it is."
"...L-let me take a quick breather. You made it look so effortless, Erik-kun, but this is surprisingly difficult."
"Is it? I figured it would be a breeze for someone who has mastered [Mana Control] like you, Olivia-san..."
"It's probably because it's completely different from how I normally use mana, so it feels unnatural to me. In your case, Erik-kun, you picked up this method before forming any ingrained habits, which is likely why you could do it without any trouble."
After just a single minute, Olivia-san looked thoroughly exhausted.
While she rested, I practiced on my own.
Instead of activating [Appraisal], I demonstrated the exact training technique that had helped me build up EXP so Olivia-san could observe.
"...I see. You really do form a very thin film over your eyes. And do you also expend a tiny bit of mana when looking at the target?"
"That's almost unconscious. I think a little bit leaks out when I designate what I'm looking at."
Taking her break, Olivia-san studied my movements carefully.
Before long, she resumed her training to acquire [Appraisal].
Her control was noticeably steadier than before.
"As expected of my master. You've already got the hang of what I explained."
"Hehe, what kind of master would I be if I couldn't manage after such clear instructions? Though regulating the flow is still pretty tricky."
After that, I continued my own training alongside Olivia-san.
◇
You trained in [Parallel Thinking].
Gained 1 EXP.
95/100 to next level.
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You trained in [Mana Control].
Gained 1 EXP.
88/100 to next level.
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You trained your Mana.
Gained 1 EXP.
76/100 to stat increase.
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You trained in [Appraisal].
Gained 1 EXP.
67/100 to next level.
◇
Because I had been teaching Olivia-san throughout the session, my skills came close to leveling up without quite crossing the threshold.
Even so, I considered the day's training a solid success.
Olivia-san was growing much more accustomed to the process of training [Appraisal].
"You taught me so much today, Erik-kun. Thank you."
"Don't mention it. You're always the one teaching me, after all."
We wrapped up our conversation as the session ended and parted ways.
After letting Reina-san know at the front desk that my training was done, I walked out of the building.
The others were already waiting outside, and together we headed off to find a place for lunch.