54 Progress

(Warning! Zenon Griffey's POV has some rather strong words, as that's how his character is like. If you are sensitive or you can't stomach the mention of certain things [E.g. rape], I recommend skipping that part)

--- Akira ---

At first, the idea of sharing so much with someone else didn't sit right with me. I've been accustomed to solitude, from my past life to the First Trial, so this sudden change felt a bit strange.

But after a few days of being around her, I guess I've grown somewhat accustomed to it.

I'd never admit it, though.

"...I'm reading, don't disturb me." I muttered, my eyes focused on the pages.

I had told her there was no need to tag along on my trips to the Library, but she paid no heed. Instead, she nestled herself by my side, observing me like I was some entertaining spectacle.

"Are you even reading? To me, it looks like you're just randomly flipping the pages."

If there's one noticeable change from the original, it's Alexia's apparent disinterest in the Kingdom's affairs, unlike her novel counterpart. The mere sight of a book seems like poison to her.

Well, not that I care.

Anyway, as the days drifted by, I didn't just sit around.

Leveraging my status as the Duke's son, I managed to gather intel on various territories where slimes were spotted. It won't be too much trouble to journey to these locations and collect some slime jelly.

Once I have it, the next step will be to study how to manipulate it effectively. I'm not sure how skilled I need to be to craft items like clothes and equipment, but having access to it will be an invaluable resource nonetheless...

Hehehe...

"There you are, making that weird expression again. If I didn't know you, I'd think you're lusting after someone"

Why do you always reach that conclusion...

"You...! If you're this bored you want to keep teasing me, why don't you go train with that sword of yours? We don't have to be attached at the hip like we can't stand a moment apart."

Personal space is a luxury I cannot afford anymore...

Anyway, I laid it out for her crystal clear.

I can't be the one guiding her to develop a unique style. It defeats the purpose if I'm just handing her a watered-down version of my Sky Sword Art. Plus, if I merely pave the way for her, she won't grasp the essence of the sword on her own...

Honestly, dying 11 times in my first Trial turned out to be a blessing in disguise. 

With each death, my perception of the sword subtly evolved. I wasn't consciously aware of it then, but now, with my Talent [Sword] unrestricted, I can discern nuances in Swordsmanship that eluded me before. I haven't reached an invincible level yet, but like Alexia, I'll keep pushing myself to reach that pinnacle.

"You haven't given me a proper answer yet, Fray Von Garoff. I won't leave you alone until you do," Alexia insisted, her gaze unwavering.

I let out an exasperated sigh. "Wait until the Bunshin Festival is over, Alexia. I've already told you, I'll give you my answer then."

She eyed me suspiciously, her red eyes narrowing. "What are you up to, Fray Von Garoff? Are you planning to beat up some other young lady?"

Actually, yes.

Your sister.

"Why would you think--" I began, but she cut me off before I could finish.

"You know you can always beat me--" she said, prompting me to instinctively cover her mouth with my hand.

What the fuck, girl!?

I scanned our surroundings, turning left and right to ensure we were alone. Fortunately, no prying eyes were in sight. I sighed as I caught her amused expression.

"...Fine, you win. Let's go to the Gymnasium. Your goal this time will be to last 5 minutes..."

Although I won't be teaching Alexia a new style, my aim is to push her to develop one out of necessity.

I can't aim to end her life, but I can certainly make her believe I'm about to do so.

It's a straightforward strategy—mimicking Yor Forger's killing intent.

Doing so isn't that difficult for me. I've experienced it firsthand 12 times, and with my mental library storing every sensation from those instances in detail, it was a piece of cake.

All she needs is a single spark to create fireworks on her own. What that spark is, I don't know, and it doesn't concern me, as long as she can surpass her limitations.

Meanwhile, it's just faded into the background a little, but my status has undergone some notable changes.

[Status: Healthy

Level: 100

Mana Pathways: Perfect

Combat Prowess: Weakest

Martial Arts: Karate(Lv.1)

Sword Arts: Sky Art(Sky Footwork(Lv. 21 ➔ 23), Sky Sword Technique(Lv. 21 ➔ 23), Sky Slash(Lv.1 ➔ 5))

Active Skills: Cooking Master(Lv.6), Turtle Shell(Lv. 11 ➔ 15), Mirage Veil(Lv.6 ➔ 9), Overload(Lv.9 ➔ 13), Shadow Step(Lv.1)

Passive Skills: Body Control(Lv.1 ➔ 3), Absolute Awareness(Lv.1 ➔ 3), Perfect Human Body(Lv.21 ➔ 23), Limit Breaker(Lv. MAX), Mana Control(Lv.4 ➔ 11)

Growth Skill: Strength

Magic: Body Strengthening(Lv.3)(NEW!), Sword Infusion(Lv.3)(NEW!)

Talent: Sword(Lv. 21 ➔ 23), Movement(Lv.21 ➔ 23), Wisdom(Lv.21 ➔ 23), Intuition(Lv.21 ➔ 23), Body(Lv.21 ➔ 23), Determination(Lv.21 ➔ 23), Mana(Lv.7 ➔ 13)

Awakening: Sword(5.3%)

You have 19 unused Skill Points]

[You have to wait 46 days until you can return to your consciousness]

[Quests Progression] 

[Dark Knight I - 47%]

From the changes, I concluded one thing.

Talents seemed to have some sort of 'rank' differentiating them.

I've actually been suspecting this sort of thing since the start, but my suspicions kept increasing each time.

The Talent [Sword] was in a league of its own. All the other Talents so far had been 'assimilated' under it, and have all acquired some sort of Sword-like trait as a result.

But, from my speculations, the Talent [Mana] was also a 'big' one, which meant it would take more effort to create a bridge and eventually to have it assimilated by the [Sword] Talent.

The only positive aspect is that just by the fact they're interacting with each other, they have been leveling up steadily, also causing my overall skills to level up as a result.

It's just that evolved skills were that much harder to level up. Skills like [Mana Control] had already surpassed level 10, while those two have barely risen to level 3.

Well, I can't really complain, since progress is progress, and it's always welcome. But, to face my enemies, this level of strength is still far from sufficient.

I only have one life, this time.

I need to be prepared...

My thoughts were interrupted as Alexia took up her sword, ready to engage in a fight.

Time to beat her up once again.

...maybe it's my fault she has gotten weird recently...

--- Zenon Griffey ---

"Interesting. So that trash has managed to gain Alexia Midgar's trust. How do you plan to handle it?"

There was only one answer to that question

"Directly attacking him wouldn't align with the reputation I've carefully cultivated. Since our plan is nearly ready, I suggest proceeding with it and shifting the blame onto that trash. This way, he'll end up in prison. By taking advantage of the chaos, acquiring Alexia Midgar's royal blood should proceed without much hassle."

"I will allow it. Proceed with caution. Your future will be determined by the results you bring us."

I couldn't help but smile. Soon, I will finally secure a coveted seat among the prestigious Knights of Rounds. The mere thought of it stirs excitement within me.

'Oh, foolish Princess Alexia. Do you believe using that trash as a fake lover will be sufficient to escape from me? I pity you.'

Once we're finished with her, I'll indulge in a taste of her body fueled by spite.

I have no shortage of women vying for my attention, but I can't shake the image of her defiant gaze crumbling into submission as she struggles futilely against me...

That'll be an interesting and exciting show.

---

Author's Note:

Akira still weak AF...

right?