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"This is incredible, Senpai! I’d thought the power up would only be that much, but this is wildly beyond my expectation!”
"It's really surreal to see you defeating goblins in droves at level 8, despite having no skill help, beside that one."
I'd seen her status—since we'd already revealed our skills to each other, there was a little meaning in hiding that as well—and it was obvious the power up she received was beyond the threshold of current level.
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Takamiya Noa
Level : 8
HP (Endurance) : 31/31
SV (Skill Value) : 11
Skill Slot (1)
・—«Game System - Eroge»
・—Derivative Skill I: «Dress Damage»
・—Derivative Skill II: «Heavy Equipment»
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We both were similar in the aspect that we only had our non-combat demerit skills. If there was anything even slightly working, then it was just the «Dress Damage» which was more of a defensive skill.
"And yet, I'd have to exhaust myself and think of every scenario possible before I can defeat three goblins soldiers at my level......"
And that was her strength without her go-to weapon, which would've allowed her to get the benefit of «Heavy Equipment». You would've thought that might hamper her combat style quite a lot, but on the contrary, she'd just faced three goblin soldiers head on, and defeated them with ease without receiving as much as a scratch.
"It's your help that allows me to achieve this though, Senpai. Before this enhancement, my best record was defeating three goblins soldiers after a long, grueling fight. But now, it took me, like, not even a minute. I definitely wouldn't have imagined myself capable of that at all. It feels like I jumped 2 or 3 levels."
Takamiya-san replied while excitedly hopping on her feet. She must've been feeling the sensation of newfound physical attribute.
"It's a pity though. It only allowed me to use 30 «Seed of Growth»."
At first, I'd started with one, but it hardly brought any clear premonition of enhancement, and even if there was, it must be too miniscule to feel it. I decided to use as many of the seeds as I could.
I'd wanted to use all the 80 «Seed of Growth»—they're simply existing in the inventory after all—but I hit some sort of cap at 30.
"No way, that's more than enough. If anything, I really don't know how to thank you for using something so valuable on me."
"I mean, I can't use them either, so might as well. Ah, let me get your clothes back into shape."
"This is really such a convenient feature. With your safety net, I don't have to hold back and fear getting my clothes damaged. It's another reason why I defeated them so easily."
I had my skill smartphone appeared in my hand, and after a couple of taps on dress icon, the slightly torn clothes Takamiya-san got from battle were once again good as new.
"......Thankfully, amending clothes doesn't leave me naked again."
Someone's whispering voice reached my ear. I pretended not to hear it. I didn't want to go on a fool's errand by bringing it up thoughtlessly.
"So then, what's the plan? I would’ve suggested reaching the dungeon entrance first thing if it’d been before, but seeing your strength, I think 3rd floor will not be a challenge. Maybe we can search for your lost shield?"
"......No, it's better to leave. It's been a while since the shield was lost in the dungeon, I fear it's already been absorbed into the dungeon."
Ah, yeah, dungeons did have a self-cleaning function. You could toss trash, and even that would disappear. So often searching for lost items was a lost cause, and we were advised to always keep our stuff to ourselves.
Though, if there were people nearby, luggage or other items dropped during battle wouldn't disappear immediately either. Unless there's something else going on, you just have to be careful of your items.
"Are you sure? You said it's a greater shield, isn't it expensive?"
"It's alright. —There's nothing that can make up for loss of life just because you're too stubborn to lose a weapon. I've purchased a spare, so don't mind if it gets trashed or whatever. These were my dad's words."
Wow, her dad must've had a heart of steel. The last I saw, equipment like the greater shield was priced at a whooping 150,000 yen.
She must've been from a rich family.
"Besides, I have the shovel for now."
"...Just switch to your usual weapon after returning."
One of her skills was «Heavy Equipment». It would be a waste to not use weapons that actually make the most from it.
"Well, we're two adventurers fighting with shovels. I feel like we're going to get some attention on the way."
"You mean like those matching couple weapons?"
"I think anyone attempting couple-maxxing in the dungeon would've to have screw looses in their heads."
"Hahaha, that's for sure. Besides, it's always best to go for what fits you best."
We made our way to the dungeon entrance while bantering. There were some goblins we stumbled on, but Takamiya-san easily wiped them out.
There was a wide gap between Takamiya-san and I, all courtesy of my skill. Plus, there was this difference between our level, so by the time I defeated one, she'd already taken care of two others at once. ......Yeah, it's better not to ponder over it more.
"I really can't express how grateful I am for your help, Senpai."
Takamiya-san bowed, expressing her gratitude, when we finally made it to Adventurer Union's building.
"It takes two to tango, you know? And honestly, it was fun. I mean, it's the first time I'd partied up with someone after the training course session."
"That it was, I really liked it too. Now that we're here, I guess it's time to disban—excume me, Senpai. Will you please follow me?"
"Huh, what?"
Interrupting her own words, Takamiya-san pulled me to the washroom.
"I apologise for the confusion, really."
"What's all this about?"
"Well, it's because we hadn't exactly tried to see what would happen when we disband the party, I mean, with your skill and all that."
"You have a point."
"Who knows what will happen to clothes when I leave the party."
.....Ah.
"Earlier might've been a blunder, but it was an isolated incident. It would be unbearable if my clothes disappeared again, and leave me naked."
Takamiya-san raised a valid out, her eyes nearly tearing up.
She was right. I would definitely hate it if what she said turned out to be true. There was no way I would be able to wash my hand from the situation if my junior ended up naked in public, no matter how I explain.
"Sorry, I didn't think of it. Alright, let’s try it here then."
"Yes, please."
I followed suit, and promptly, I heard a familiar POOF! sound.
"You can turn around, Senpai. It's fine."
"How did it go, Takamiya-san?"
"It turned out to be a groundless worry. I did get covered in smoke, but there were no changes in clothes."
"That's good to hear."
I still had this bleak hope that maybe I would be able to find a party sooner or later, but even that silver lining would’ve been gone completely if my skill forced everyone to get naked every time we disband the party.
"However, I am feeling sluggish now that the party is disbanded. Perhaps, the training benefit only applies when we're in a party."
"So it wasn't permanent, eh? I see. Not a surprising discovery."
Had to say, «Team Formation» did pull my interest. Perhaps, with these benefits, I could finally find someone willing to form a party with me?
"Thank you, Takamiya-san. Your assistance was a really big help to learn about my skill."
"Please, these are my words, Senpai. Thank you, really. Alright, then see you at school."
Takamiya-san bowed once last time, and strided away.
She'd even passed all the magic stones we obtained to me, saying it was a gesture of gratitude from her. Watching her leave, I also made my way to reception.