Chapter 20: How to Use a Sword 4

“Thank you for everything today, Ryan.”

“You’re welcome. Good work! I had fun too. Come ask me whenever you have another question. Teaching you should make for an enjoyable time.”

The lesson continued until sunset.

It was originally supposed to end quickly, but Ryan began enjoying himself and decided to train me for the entire day.

Leveling was important, but learning was even more valuable. I postponed my plans to level up and devoted the day to training with him.

“You trained with the Master all day, didn’t you? Good work. How was it?” Reina asked when I stopped at her counter before leaving.

“It was a very good day. I learned many things that will help me from tomorrow onward.”

She already knew how long we’d trained, so I told her how valuable the instruction had been. Then I left the guild and returned to the inn.

After dinner and a bath, I went to my room and checked my Status.

None of my attributes had changed, and I hadn’t acquired a skill. The second panel, however, showed substantial progress.

◇

[Swordsmanship] training completed.

1 EXP acquired.

EXP until skill acquisition: 55/100.

◇

I couldn’t check frequently during the lesson, but I’d examined it during breaks. Experience had increased approximately once every ten minutes.

It hadn’t risen with perfect regularity, probably because my understanding of [Swordsmanship] was still shallow. It would be strange to gain a skill instantly when I understood so little.

“…If I continue like this, I should successfully acquire it.”

Obtaining [Swordsmanship] would make fighting easier. Easier fighting meant a better chance of survival.

“First I need [Swordsmanship], but afterward I’d like to acquire other skills too… Magic would make many things easier.”

Magic required talent. People said that anyone who failed to receive a magic skill during the ceremony should give up on becoming a mage.

Even so, a few stubborn individuals had acquired magic later. It wasn’t impossible, but I couldn’t imagine how much time it would require.

“…I should sleep.”

I’d trained for half the day. Although I’d massaged my muscles in the bath, the exhaustion hadn’t completely disappeared.

I lay on the bed, closed my eyes, and immediately fell asleep.

The following morning, I woke slightly later than usual. The first bell roused me, and I carried my laundry to the backyard.

“My, you’re not training today?”

“I overslept. I intended to train, but yesterday’s exhaustion hasn’t completely gone away.”

“Many children your age work hard, but I’ve also seen many damage their bodies by working too hard. Make sure you rest when you need to.”

I nodded and washed both my own clothes and the inn’s laundry with Amanda.

When everything was clean, I returned to my room, hung my things to dry, and changed. Then I went down to breakfast.

“Thank you for the meal. It was delicious again today.”

“You’re welcome. Work hard,” Ted replied in his low voice.

After thanking the inn’s cook, I said goodbye to Amanda at the desk and left.

The Adventurers’ Guild was only a few minutes away.

“Are there any good city requests today?” I asked when my turn came at Reina’s counter.

“Let’s see. These should suit you.”

“I’ve been here before. Are they short-handed again?”

Among the requests was one from Frank’s diner, where I’d previously assisted in the kitchen.

“Two employees fell ill this time. Frank considered closing, but he couldn’t bring himself to disappoint the people who look forward to his cooking.”

“…Then I’ll help through the lunch period. They’ve treated me well too.”

I remembered how delicious the food had been. Upon learning that the diner was in trouble, I accepted without hesitation.

After completing the paperwork, I went to the Sparrow Diner.

“Erik? You’re the adventurer who accepted the request?”

“I heard you’re in a difficult position, Frank, so I came. Leave the work in back to me.”

“Erik, thank you! I’m so glad you’re here!” cried the employee who’d worked with me last time, looking close to tears.

We hurried to prepare for opening.

As before, I worked in the back, but this time I also assisted with cooking. Frank handled the main dishes and helped the one remaining employee take orders.

“Welcome!”

I called out to arriving customers while moving a frying pan, then returned to cutting vegetables and meat.

The crowd grew at the lunch peak. Frank and the other employee were drenched in sweat, and working near the flames left me soaked as well. Somehow, the three of us kept going.

“I-It’s over…”

“Frank, we did it! We thought we’d have to close, but we served all those customers!”

“Yes! We only managed it because Erik came. Today, both of you may eat anything you want!”

Staff meals normally followed several rules, but Frank was so pleased that he lifted all restrictions.

The employee and I ordered several dishes and ate until we were full.

“Erik, come back the next time we’re in trouble,” Frank said when I prepared to leave.

“If you submit a request and I notice it, I will. I’ll look forward to working with you again.”

After the meal, I returned to the guild and submitted the report. A nearby clock showed there was still time before evening.

“Erik, are you thinking of leaving the city now?”

“It’s late, but I want to test what I learned yesterday.”

“I understand the feeling, but be careful. Come back as soon as the bell rings, all right?”

“Of course. I’ll return with the evening bell.”

I promised Reina.

Since my time was limited, I didn’t accept a request. I simply left the guild, exited the capital, and walked toward the forest I’d already visited many times.