Episode 25: Demonstration

 

"Well, it's just a little trick."

 

"It's not just 'a little trick'! Rain, you're a healer, right? Your magic is stronger than mine, even though it's my specialty..."

 

Oh dear. I suppose I have to explain this, even though it's a bit of a hassle... But since we're going to be working as a team, it would be inconvenient not to share this.

 

"The truth is, I can use magic of all attributes."

 

I then proceeded to explain the details to Lisha.

 

"I see. 5.5 times... No wonder it's so powerful. That makes sense. But I'm a bit shocked. Rain, you're just going to keep getting stronger as you level up. As for me..."

 

Lisha's face darkened as she seemed to realize her future potential.

 

Given the explanation so far, it might have seemed that I was inherently gifted, making it unfair for Lisha, a professional mage, to feel like she could never catch up no matter how hard she tried.

 

I need to make sure she understands that's not the case.

 

"Lisha, I wouldn't consider an adventurer who isn't needed as part of the team. I don't quite know how to put it, but... Could you watch for a moment?"

 

I said to Lisha before moving over to Milia.

 

"Milia, could you lend me your sword for a moment?"

 

"...? Sure, but why so suddenly?"

 

"I have something I want to show both of you."

 

I borrowed the sword from Milia and infused it with my magic power.

 

As my magic flowed into the sword, it began to emit a white light.

 

"Magic power" is relevant not just to magic users like mages or healers, but also to other types of adventurers. Essentially, there is not much of a fundamental difference between roles like swordsmen and mages.

 

For a swordsman, the key is how to channel magic power through the sword to impact monsters. For a mage, it's about how to quickly and accurately convert magic power into spells. The methods differ, but the essential task is nearly the same.

 

In other words, even though I'm a healer who is not typically focused on offense, if I can transmit strong magic power through the sword using all attributes—

 

ZAAAANNNNNNNN!!

 

Just like that, I can easily take down a golem.

 

"That was incredible...! Rain, you're skilled not only in magic but also with the sword!"

 

"That was amazing... You're stronger than Milia, aren't you!?"

 

Stronger than Milia... That was exactly the reaction I was aiming for.

 

I wanted to show them that I could also handle a sword, partly because it's easier to explain my abilities by demonstrating my power.

 

"As an adventurer, I can fight well enough on my own. I'll keep growing stronger, and if the gap between our abilities widens, I wouldn't need either of you."

 

Milia flinched at my words.

 

I might have scared her a bit. I need to be more careful as I continue.

 

"That was just a joke. Besides, saying I'm stronger than Milia is an exaggeration."

 

"I don't feel like I could beat you, though?"

 

"Even if my raw attack power is higher, against agile and tough enemies like the 'Red Dragon' we faced yesterday, factors like experience and skill with the sword make a big difference."

 

I handed the sword back to Milia.

 

In yesterday's fight, I left the attacking to Milia because I realized I couldn't defeat it on my own.

 

The reason I am currently better at attack magic than Lisha, a mage, is simply that the commonalities between healing and attack magic are somewhat greater than with other professions.

 

"I see. So, Rain, you're expecting us to contribute in ways other than just raw power?"

 

"That's half correct. Additionally, the ability to use all attributes is something that can be acquired through certain conditions, even without inherent talent."

 

"Is that true?!"

 

"Does that mean I could also use all attributes someday?!"

 

The two of them were shocked by my words.

 

In 'Sieg,' my character in the second playthrough—designed as a cheat character to make the story easier—eventually balances out to be as strong as the strongest character in the first playthrough.

 

Achieving all-attribute magic through meeting certain conditions is actually the standard route.

 

"That's right. While I don't intend to lose to anyone as a healer, both of you will surpass me in swordsmanship and magic eventually. I have high expectations for you, Milia and Lisha."

 

When I glanced at Milia, who I had scared earlier, she seemed back to her usual self.

 

"But how do we unlock all attributes?"

 

"Reaching level 50 and mastering certain skills, then clearing a hidden dungeon will unlock it, but... that's a bit further down the road. For now, focus on becoming stronger in your current state. It'll be incredibly useful once you unlock the attributes."

 

"I understand..."

 

Good, explanation complete.

 

It was easier to explain after demonstrating it first.

 

"Alright, let's finish off the remaining monsters and head back to the city."

 

We calmly completed our task and started our journey back.

 

◇

 

On the way back to the capital city after defeating the golem...

 

Two executives from the 'Black Mist Blade'—Raven and Lugas—were watching the trio from a kilometer away through binoculars.

 

"Oh, they're out of the forest. As expected of Lisha, she works fast."

 

Lugas put down the binoculars and stored them in his bag, having confirmed Lisha's position.

 

They had been observing from a distance to avoid detection and couldn't see what was happening inside the forest.

 

With only information on the ranks of Rain and Milia, they assumed the quick completion of the task was due to Lisha's contribution.

 

"Still, being ordered to kill former comrades is unsettling... And the guy in the party, wasn't he your favorite student, Raven?"

 

"Rain Shadow. Of all people, why did he have to team up with Lisha..."

 

"I get how you feel, but we can't leave any witnesses. If we do, our involvement will be revealed, and that would bring trouble to the clan. Understand?"

 

"I understand. Let's go."