Pick Me Up!

Chapter 54: Moving Forward Again (3) (2)

18 wins out of 19 matches.

That was the record of my duels with Jenna.

Of course, the 18 wins were mine. The one loss I had was due to an unfortunate overlap of coincidences, almost like an accident.

Are you going to surrender? Aaron is waiting.

Oh, no, Im fine

Aaron waved his hand.

Adding to that, his record was 32 losses out of 32 matches.

We had never gone over 10 minutes.

I should probably insert two of them at the same time.

By my estimation, it was time for the levels of my Skill Inferior Swordsmanship at level 6 and Projectile Defense Skill at level 2 to rise. With the right opportunity, I would soon be able to break through that barrier.

Just as I was contemplating the skills, Jenna raised her head.

No. Ill try a little longer.

Alright, lets do it.

I thrust my sword forward and leaped.

In that moment.

[Twang!]

[Jenna () has acquired Weakness Detection!]

A red cross-shaped light flashed in Jennas eyes.

Ping! Ping-ping!

With a time lag, three arrows flew.

Thanks to the Projectile Defense skill, the trajectory, speed, and point of impact were all visualized in my mind.

The three arrows followed each other meticulously, exploiting openings.

My way of dealing with arrows was to dodge or block. With this, I could block the second arrow as well. However, the precise aim of the third and final arrow was at a point where I couldnt react.

Clang!

I deflected the third arrow with my shield.

It was the first time I used a shield in a duel against Jenna.

Augh!

Jenna exclaimed in disappointment.

With my sword extended, I muttered,

Where did you learn this?

I just thought of it. If theres a skill for blocking, there should be one for piercing, so I wanted to try

Originally, I had intended to give her a hint after the duel was over.

Jenna had two ways to overcome her current challenge. Shoot with such force that I couldnt block it, or aim at a spot where its hard to block. The first was a skill called Strong Bow, and the second was the Weakness Detection she had just gained.

Its interesting.

Did she acquire the skill with just a casual comment? Moreover, Weakness Detection was one of the skills that had significant synergy with rapid fire.

There might not be a need to include Aaron.

I extended my sword.

Lets go again.

It wont be easy like before.

The random arrows being shot at me became more precise.

The first arrow forced a reaction, and the second or third aimed at vital spots. Sometimes, a fake shot was mixed in. Dealing with them became much more challenging.

She could now include both real and fake movements within the shooting.

[Jenna ()s Low-Grade Archery has increased to Level 6!]

Arrows came relentlessly.

In the past, I would have deflected them all at once and closed the distance, but I couldnt narrow the gap between Jenna and me as easily. I didnt use the shield unless it was an emergency. This was still a training to acquire skills.

I needed to go beyond just observing the trajectory.

If I could grasp the intention behind the arrows.

Time seemed to slow down.

Something like white threads started appearing at the tips of the arrows, almost like ethereal strands.

[Skill Awakening!]

[Thud!]

[Han ()s Projectile Defense has increased to Level 3!]

[Han ()s Inferior Swordsmanship has increased to Level 7!]

[Han () has acquired Insight!]

Clang clang clang clang!

I deflected the arrows without leaving anything behind and closed in.

Then, with a bewildered expression, I thrust my sword into Jennas neck.

Does this make it 19 wins for me?

Mo, monster

Amidst the crowd of onlookers, I heard that voice.

As I turned my gaze, they scattered like a swarm of ants.

Insight.

It helped distinguish illusions, slightly enhanced vision and also provided versatile benefits by giving adjustments to weapon skills. There seemed to be effects I didnt know about as well.

So, how many skills do I have?

I brought up the status window.

[Han Israth () Lv. 11(Exp 53/110)]

[Class: Novice]

[Strength: 27/27]

[Intelligence: 10/10]

[Stamina: 25/25]

[Agility: 25/25]

[Owned Skills: Inferior Swordsmanship (Lv.7), Projectile Defense (Lv.3), Insight (Lv.1), Fire Resistance (Lv.2), Pain Resistance (Lv.3), Composure (Lv.3), Frenzy (Lv.1), Equestrianism (Lv.1)]

Its quite a few.

From Inferior Swordsmanship to Equestrianism, there were a total of 8 skills. Its too many for a 2-star Level 11.

Coincidentally, Jenna and Aaron were discussing skills.

Aaron oppa, how many skills do you have?

Me? Well. Inferior Spear Technique, Pain Resistance, Fire Resistance. Those three. What about you, Jenna?

Inferior Archery, Inferior Dagger Technique, Switching, Quick Draw, Weakness Detection, Eagle Eye, Agile Body theres something else too.

Thats enough.

Aaron mumbled with a melancholic voice.

I interjected, Having many skills doesnt necessarily make you stronger.

The strength of skills is determined by level and synergy more than quantity.

Having too many skills could even be a disadvantage. For example, my Ferocity and Calmness. They became quite the odd combination.

But its true they lean towards the stronger side.

From Agile Body to Forest Hunter, and even Fire Resistance.

Jenna had a total of 9 skills.

Anyway, during the ongoing training, Anytng was diligently managing the waiting room.

Iselles voice calling for members to go to the dungeon rang incessantly. The equipment workshop was running day and night, and occasional messages announcing the summoning of 1-star monsters appeared. One point I wanted to make was to avoid synthesis, and if they read the documents I sent properly, they should be able to learn how and when to use it.

The 15th floor is right ahead, but there seems to be some freedom for now.

After the strike, we visited the dungeon a few times, but all were under the 10th floor.

Unless we achieve a certain level of growth, it seemed we didnt intend to send anyone to the 15th floor.

I dont want to relive the struggles I had on the 5th and 10th floors.

I want to challenge it when Im in the best condition. But even if I could do that, I cant guarantee 100% survival.

Gripping his spear with a tense expression, Aaron came out of the training field.

I adjusted my sword.