Black Iron Magician

For the time being, let’s explain about the skill rank-up.

「Chinastu’s guess is correct. A skill has the highest value at level 100, and after that, a higher-ranked skill will be added. Of course, the effect is stronger and the level is harder to rise.」

「Um, will I get new higher-ranked skills if my newly acquired 『Radiant Magic』 and 『Fast Thinking』 reached level 100?」

「You are sharp, eh? That’s right.」

Generally speaking, reaching a higher-ranked skill is rare. If you have even one, you are somewhat a hero class. If you have a higher one than the higher-ranked skill, you can be called a hero among heroes, a great hero.

「If so, my Throwing skill will change soon, right? What will be the name of the skill?」

「Who knows? I’ve never seen anyone who mastered Throwing skill to that extent, so I don’t know.」

「E-Ehh…」

Normally, you would master archery if you want a long-distance attack. Even if you don’t, magic attacks are the norm. People whose job is assassin may have it, but people like that keep the information secret, so there’s no information.

「The only magician who blends Throwing and magic is you. Be proud. You are the only one.」

「Ehehe, please don’t compliment me so much~」

「Nell-shishō, is that a compliment?」

「It’s tricky.」

I pat Haru’s head and return to the topic.

「Well, since the level of both of your job has risen in this expedition, the number of unset skill slots has increased. We will be discussing about what skill to learn――」

「Can I ask something?」

Chinatsu raises her hand with a straight back.

「What?」

「I’ve been wondering for a while now, isn’t Haruna’s skill slots… quite a lot?」

Yeah, that’s a natural question. It’s unfair, isn’t it? Just who on earth made this?

「It’s the result of the bonds between me and Haru.」

「Eh?」

「I guess it can be said so. Chinatsu-chan, it’s the power of our bonds.」

「Ehh!?」

「No, I’m not joking… It’s because of my power. You can just think so.」

「S-Sure…?」

She doesn’t seem to be convinced, but I won’t say anything more. The effect of 『Uncrowned Master and Disciple』 can be used only once, so it can’t be used anymore. There’s no merit for both of us even if I explain it in detail.

「I understand somehow. Chinatsu, it means that you don’t need to think too much about it since there’s no benefit in listening to it. More importantly, let’s talk about what we should do from now on. I was wondering about it, Haruna’s luck remains at 1, right? Are you not raising it?」

「That said, you haven’t raised Chinatsu’s endurance. No matter how fast she is, this is dangerous.」

「Sure, it’s a bit scary. She’s also lacking in strength, so I’m hoping to make up for those two.」

「If you’re aiming for the next level, you might as well look for a suitable skill.」

「Shishō, I want 『Strong Throwing Arm』 skill!」

After a few hours of discussion, as a result of writing various things and discussing various developments, we decided on the skills to be acquired.

First is Haru. Since there were two empty skill slots, one was used for a skill that has relation with her job and can raise her luck, and another one was used for the one she likes. The former skill name is 『Magic Power Detection』 and the latter is 『Strong Throwing Arm』.

For all kinds of detection skills, luck stats will increase by 3 with each level up. Among them, this Magic Power Detection is suitable for a magician, and it is judged to be useful in aiming for level 5. Its ability is to detect the flow of magic power around you, so it will be easier to use your magic and easier to read your enemies’ initial moves when they use magic. There are many other useful points, so it can be called a convincing skill.

On the other hand, about the Strong Throwing Arm that Haru picked herself, there’s no need to explain it. It’s a skill that makes you can throw things far away. …… Yep, that’s all. But for Haru, it’s something to take since she can use more powerful magic (physics) by combining it with Throwing. I wonder, will she eventually be able to do a pseudo-sniper attack with an iron ball? The strength will considerably increase too, so it’s shouldn’t be a trash skill.

「Hmm, I’m satisfied…!」

Yeah, sure. Now playing catch ball with you will be life-threatening. Now, next is Chinatsu.

「…… Encouragement. Is it a suitable skill for a priest?」

Yes, it’s Encouragement.

「It’s undoubtedly a suitable skill for a priest. It often has an image of boosting morale, but it also has an image of a sister encouraging dispirited people. Besides, it’s properly displayed with ◆, right?」

「T-That’s true.」

「It increases 2 for each strength and endurance, so this skill is about right for Chinatsu.」

「I see. But, why does encouragement increase strength…?」

Well, you see, you can imagine a muscular and powerful general on the battlefield encourages the soldiers.

「Let’s see. I’ll tell the knights about it later, so Chinatsu, please be a counselor for various people. I think that the more you listen, the higher your level will be.」

「I think it’s perfect for Chinatsu-chan! She was leading everyone in class as a class president, leading as a captain in club activities, and often giving advice to others.」

「I-Is that so? I was just treating them normally….」

「Then, you can just do what you normally do here. If the Encouragement skill works well, the morale of my subordinates will rise. It’s killing two birds with one stone. Ara, now that I think about it, it’s a good plan.」

「You, don’t leave everything up to Chinatsu…」

Well, after some trouble, the skills to take were decided. Then, Haru and Chinatsu went out to train. The training is that Haru throws pebbles from afar and Chinatsu slashes them. At first, they do it lightly from near. After that, they gradually move away and repeat it. It’s a wonderful training to improve each other’s skills. The place is near the forest where the mine site is located. With the trees blocking the view and the unstable terrain, it’s difficult for both the one throwing and the one slashing. Also, monsters will appear, so they have to be vigilant. It’s a ground-breaking training if I had to say myself.

「When are you going to Adelheit Magic Academy? I’ll have Chinatsu join too, so I’ll go with you.」

「I think I’ll go after things have calmed down a bit. I also want Haru to learn various things… I guess about three or four days later. I’m fine with you coming along, but do you have any connections? As for me, I will threa―― the principal owed me something.」

「Well, I’ll manage somehow. I can secretly talk to the king or making the principal owe me.」

「You’re not going to cause trouble again, are you? Ah, no… it’s convenient for me if you are coming along. Well, I’ll also secure a slot for Chinatsu.」

「Is it okay with me just coming along? That’s a big help for me, though.」

「…… Gobu.」

When I and Nell were discussing our plans for the future, Gobuo-kun noticed that we were out of tea and then came to serve another tea.

「Ara, thank you. This goblin is pretty smart for someone used by Weil.」

「He was pretty smart from the start. Oh, talking about Gobuo-kun, I remembered about it. What are we going to do about the greeting?」

「The next meeting is, hmm―― we are lucky, it’s after the graduation festival. I think almost all of them will gather at that time, so we can do it there, right? Although, I don’t mind if you want to meet the employer personally.」

「It involves the Demon King Subjugation, so… I’ll just give them a warning. We properly send him back and they’ve already paid for it after all.」

「You’re too soft…Well, I guess we can let that slide this time.」

Nell stood up, gulped down her tea, and returned the cup on Gobuo-kun’s tray.

「Now, let’s work out!」

「We just returned from the expedition, so do it moderately.」