31 3rd - 4th Loop
With no more quests guiding my growth, the only avenue left for advancement was to glean wisdom from the experience I accumulated.
The second loop's trove of data far eclipsed the first, offering insights into what I was lacking without much difficulty.
Being caught by surprise was inevitable during a fight. Even if I try to understand and learn how Yor Forger fights down to the tiniest detail, there will always be something I'm missing if I go with this logic.
Thus, I changed my ways. I delved into aspects overlooked during our clash – the rhythm of her breath, the subtle nuances of her reactions...
It became apparent – everything flowed effortlessly for her. Her reactions were instinctive, a seamless dance where her body responded before conscious thought could register. I instead, was quite the opposite.
Despite the formidable strength coursing through my body, it's evident that my reaction speed was still lacking, which was just an hint behind how strong my perception had grown.
Even if I can see a move, it's useless if my body is too slow.
The discrepancy was only natural. My training spanned a mere 60 days, a brief period compared to the years she had dedicated to honing her skills.
Closing that gap required an investment of time, an unavoidable truth that loomed over me.
So, I persisted, channeling every moment into refining myself, seeking improvement in any way within my grasp.
Of course, that was not my only aim. I also kept going to the library to 'register' as many books as I could.
The ability to register information with a mere glance at a page streamlined the process. Within a few weeks, the entirety of the library would be archived in my 'mental library.'
Engrossed with these two matters, I ignored everything else.
The only noteworthy thing I did in the Mulling residence was the one breakfast which marked the beginning of the loop, things playing out exactly the same as I did not speak with any of them further....
---
And so, 30 days slipped away like fleeting shadows. On the eve of the third loop's thirtieth night, just as I reached for the doorknob to my room, an interruption halted me once more.
'You've got to be kidding me.'
Despite harboring no animosity towards Anna, the fact I had to keep reassuring her each time was starting to wear thin on my patience.
I couldn't help but wonder if she possessed a power akin to Anya's – an esper with the power to understand when someone dear to her might die.
Her interference grew irksome, an unwelcome intrusion into the calculated solitude I sought.
Once more, I gently dismissed her concerns, assuring her that I would be fine. The cycle continued, a silent plea for her to let go, unspoken yet echoing in the confines of my mind.
---
In this third loop, little deviated from the second, which was expected given the scant 30 days that had transpired. Yet, unlike the second loop, I found myself less caught off guard.
My calculations, now bore the fruits of improvement. I was able to plan ahead more, and think of ways to corner her without risking as much. Unforeseen circumstances, while present, were met with a level of adeptness previously beyond my reach.
This time, my blade claimed an entire hand, a testament to the strides made in honing my skills. However, the victory was not without its cost – a clean slice across my throat left me wordless, robbed of the chance to convey anything to her before succumbing to death.
---
Emerging from the clutches of death, my fourth loop commenced with a singular focus – refining my body control in mid-air.
Before delving into that, a noteworthy development had taken place – I had devoured the entirety of the library's contents, rendering further visits unnecessary.
This newfound freedom translated into more time for acquainting myself with [Jump]. What I attempted during the second loop was a daunting challenge for my body to get used to, but I would not give up on that.
In the future, this could actually be a move incorporated in my Sky Sword Technique, after all.
Soaring through the sky, with endless strength to destroy everything daring to bring you down...The concept also aligns perfectly with it.
The synergy of my [Perfect Human Body] Skill and my Body Talent proved to be a boon. Progress, substantial and tangible, unfolded with the passage of time.
Moreover, I came to realize that the strength at my disposal was gradually on the rise, courtesy of the Growth Skill, Strength.
A subtle curiosity lingered – why did the growth skill lack a level? Could it be leveled up somehow? These thoughts flitted through my mind, tempting me to employ Question Tickets for a direct answer from the System. Yet, I resisted, opting to let the steady increase in strength suffice for the time being.
I wanted to use these Question Tickets if and only if I cannot see any other way to get stronger.
Despite the modest boost from the growth skill, when combined with my relentless training and the continuous blossoming of my inherent talents, the transformation in my physique was unmistakable. A tangible sense of growth coursed through my veins.
In the blink of an eye, 30 days slipped away, and as I reached for the door to my room...
"Libert-sama..."
She called my name as I sighed.
---
After taking care of Anna, I fought with Yor Forger.
The outcome marked a marginal improvement from the previous loop. While the damage I inflicted mirrored the prior confrontation, the difference lay in her unsuccessful attempt to land a fatal blow.
I was able to see something I did not in my previous loops, and thanks to that, instead of taking a hand with me...
She lay amidst a pool of her own blood, adorned with cuts tracing across her form, while my consciousness teetered on the brink. In retrospect, my body bore the scars of at least ten significant gashes.
The only thing still keeping me alive was my [Determination].
It was clear she was still much stronger than me, but at least, I had managed to deal serious damage to her.
I couldn't help but give her one last smile of defiance as I choked on my own blood to death.
While the intent to end her life wasn't my aim, for the target she pursued really had to die, I had no qualms about attempting to kill her.
I will not hesitate, for I did not have the luxury of holding back against her.
---
Author's Note:
Something I need to apologize about: I'm sorry, _Harsh_
I wanted to explain what we discussed about in this chapter, but I ended up with way more words than I thought this would take. As I have already written everything for these 12 loops, I will give you the reason why he cannot kill her 2 chapters from now. I hope you will bear with me until then.
Anyway. We'll soon be done with Spy x Family. Can you guess which world will be next?
Hint 1: It's a magical world!
Hint 2: It's really popular on webnovel, in the fanfic section
Anyway, I would like to thank Maxence Montiel for being my 3rd patron! I deeply appreciate and admire each one of you, since I know how difficult it must be to choose to support an author.
Of course, to everyone else, I am also glad for all the power stones, interactions, and for voicing your doubts over my novel.
Soon, I am planning on adding some other benefit for patrons:
- I am thinking about releasing unedited chapters for them, since it takes about 1 hour for me to edit a chapter to an extent I approve of, they would be able to read my chapters a little faster
- Special chapters released first for them, and then added to the novel after this trial is done
- and more...
For anyone willing to support me!
Also, in the future, I will think about creating a discord server for this novel. I am not like some other author I know, being able to do anything on their own, so I will need help, which I don't have...
See you soon in the next chapter.
