After watching Philia take down five monsters at once, we resumed our exploration.
Taking our time, we worked our way down to the fifth floor, searching areas far off the beaten path between staircases much more thoroughly than we had yesterday.
Thanks to that, we stumbled across a surprising number of monsters left unhunted, allowing us to reap considerable rewards despite clearing fewer floors than usual.
◇
Goblins: 21
Slimes: 40
◇
We exited the dungeon a little before the evening bell tolled and made our way back to the royal capital.
From there, we headed to the Adventurer's Guild to turn in our monster materials.
The monster parts alone earned us 22 copper coins.
We had also gathered a decent haul of magic stones this time around.
Selling the 11 stones brought in 1 silver coin and 10 copper coins.
All told, our earnings came to 1 silver coin and 32 copper coins.
After divvying up the reward as usual, we stepped out of the guild.
"Oh, right! Remember how I said I'd ask my bro about shields? Well, he said you're welcome to come over whenever!"
"...Bringing that up now of all times, Alan? Did you forget?"
"...Heh, yeah, it kinda slipped my mind. Actually, right around the day that came up, my bro had to leave town for work. When he got back yesterday, we started talking about it, but the conversation shifted to gear, and that completely stole my attention."
"Well, at least you remembered before we called it a day. In that case, what should we do about tomorrow...? Philia has her magic lessons lined up, so should we take a break from party activities?"
I put the suggestion forward to the group.
Studying wasn't something that could be wrapped up in a flash, and rushing through it in a short timeframe would defeat the purpose of what Leticia needed to teach.
Likewise, finding time would be tough for me since I had morning training with Olivia-san.
"That sounds like the best plan."
"Rather than a day off, it's more like a training day for everyone."
"Works for me, too. When I get home, should I just tell my bro that Erik's coming over tomorrow afternoon?"
"Yeah. Since I have morning training with Olivia-san, the afternoon would be ideal."
With our minds made up, we decided to take a break from party quests tomorrow and dedicate the day to our individual studies.
After parting ways with Philia and the others, I headed back to the inn.
Dinner was delicious as always, and the hot bath felt heavenly.
Once I returned to my room, I sat down on the bed and pulled up my status screen to check my progress.
◇
Subjugated a monster.
Gained 1 EXP.
100/100 to next level.
◇
◇
Level has increased.
0/100 to next level.
◇
◇
Subjugated a monster.
Gained 1 EXP.
17/100 to next level.
◇
◇
Trained in [Swordsmanship].
Gained 1 EXP.
88/100 to next level.
◇
◇
Trained in [Parallel Thinking].
Gained 1 EXP.
97/100 to next level.
◇
◇
Trained in [Mana Control].
Gained 1 EXP.
73/100 to next level.
◇
◇
Trained in [Earth Magic].
Gained 1 EXP.
68/100 to next level.
◇
✤
Name: Erik
Age: 10
Level: 11
Strength: 21
Mana: 22
Stamina: 20
Agility: 20
Dexterity: 20
Skills
[Swordsmanship: Lv. 4] [Physical Enhancement: Lv. 4] [Cleaning: Lv. 8]
[Earth Magic: Lv. 2] [Parallel Thinking: Lv. 5] [Mana Control: Lv. 4]
[Appraisal: Lv. 2]
Special Skill
[Fixed EXP]
Blessings
——
✤
"My stats have finally doubled from where I started."
Reaching Level 11 meant every single one of my attributes had doubled compared to the baseline values from my appraisal ceremony.
"If I had focused on stat training, they might have climbed faster, but it's not like I was in a massive rush... Still, looking at it now, my status has really come a long way."
Since my baseline stats originally sat at 10 across the board, they had all officially doubled.
As for skills, I had started out with nothing but [Fixed EXP], but now my list was packed, and their levels had climbed quite nicely.
"Tomorrow, [Shield Technique] might even join the list... I can't wait."
I hadn't spoken much with Alan's older brother, Roan-san.
Even so, knowing he was Alan's brother kept me from feeling overly intimidated.
"Then again, he is a nobleman... Companion's brother or not, I can't afford to be rude. I'll need to stay on my best behavior."
Lost in thought and worn out from a long day of moving around in the dungeon, I lay back on the bed, closed my eyes, and drifted straight off to sleep.
The next morning, I woke up early as usual and knocked out the laundry.
After hanging the clothes up to dry in my room, I grabbed my wooden sword and headed out to the backyard.
"My goal is to raise my skill level before Amanda-san comes out..."
With that target in mind, I began my [Swordsmanship] training.
◇
Trained in [Swordsmanship].
Gained 1 EXP.
100/100 to next level.
◇
◇
Level has increased.
0/100 to next level.
◇
◇
Trained in [Swordsmanship].
Gained 1 EXP.
2/100 to next level.
◇
I poured all my focus into swinging the sword.
Presently, the door leading out back swung open, and Amanda-san stepped out from the inn.
Pausing my routine, I checked the floating screen before me.
Seeing that my skill level had safely gone up, I pumped my fist in a quiet little victory pose.