Chapter 73: Sakura’s Reckless Training

“Touya, I’m inferior to you. Let me go at full strength right from the start!”

With those words, Yuuto, surrounded by a radiant aura, lunged at Touya.

(What’s with that light… It looks so cool!)

Yuuto, enveloped in light, closed the distance between them at an incredible speed. Although I have a high level myself, I could barely keep up with their movements, feeling like I was watching a battle anime.

On the other hand, Touya, seemingly able to see Yuuto’s movements clearly, remained motionless with his sword held up. Without flinching, Touya gracefully dodged the successive attacks launched by Yuuto. Immediately, Yuuto took a step back to readjust the distance.

“Kuh, then take this!”

Infusing his sword with the aura of light, he swung it, sending out shining slashes that crossed paths…

I thought I had no choice but to dodge them. However, Touya didn’t move. He swung his sword in response to the incoming slashes, effortlessly neutralizing them.

Yuuto’s attacks didn’t stop there. After launching another slash, he charged forward, clashing swords with Touya…

(They’re amazing…)

Their movements far surpassed those of ordinary people. The sparks flying every time their swords clashed were truly impressive. I was so overwhelmed by their incredible skills that all I could come up with were childish impressions.

“Haa, haa, haa…”

“Phew, that was intense.”

For a few minutes,

although it felt like no time had passed, the intense battle finally reached a temporary break.

“Phew, Touya-kun, you’re amazing as always. My battle with the orcs now seems clumsy compared to the overwhelming strength I felt.”

“I’ve never been so tense before. Yuuto-san’s latent abilities are extraordinary.”

“But you’re still hiding something, right?”

“I’ll leave that to your imagination.”

“Well, that’s fine. I haven’t reached the point where I can bring that out yet.”

“Then, shall we have another round?”

“Yeah! Count on me!”

Without much rest, they enthusiastically plunged into the second round.

Their movements were still intense, but they were smiling. They seemed delighted to have found worthy opponents. …Their battle didn’t leave any openings for others to join. It continued as a space just for the two of them.

◇◇◇

As their interactions deepened,

it was already lunchtime, so they took a break and started preparing for lunch. Using plenty of rice and vegetables, they held an enjoyable lunch gathering.

“How’s everyone doing? If there’s anything I need to improve, please let me know.”

“Well, nothing at all. Right, everyone?”

“Natsuki-chan is such a good girl, and Tsubaki-san is a kind and wonderful older sister.”

“Even though I’m younger, everyone treats me so politely, and I’m happy about it!”

“Kuu, Natsuki-chan is too good.”

The exchange between craftsmen seemed to be going well.

“Yuuto, I can join the mock battles in the afternoon! I want to fight against all three of you!”

“Yeah, I know, Tachibana. We got carried away… Sorry about that.”

“We still have plenty of time. Both Akane-chan and I want to fight against Tachibana-chan too!”

“Yeah, I want to fight more too.”

“Then, let’s have Yuzuki join us too, shall we?”

“That’s a good idea. Let’s do our best together.”

They also seemed to be getting along well. While enjoying a delicious meal, conversations bloomed in various places.

Amidst all this, they headed towards Sakura and Ayako-san, who were not seen in the morning…

“So, it’s time for u… to do it… right?”

“Yes, I th… so too.”

They were having a secretive conversation. I couldn’t hear the content, but they didn’t seem to be troubled or worried.

“What are you two talking about?”

“Whoa, you startled me!”

“Oh, Keisuke-san. Well…”

“Sorry, maybe I shouldn’t have asked.”

“No, it’s fine. It’s just a little consultation, something like that.”

“Sakura listened to me attentively, so I’m grateful.”

I was curious about what they were discussing, but I felt like I shouldn’t pry. For now, I decided to take it positively that they had deepened their relationship enough to have consultations.

“Ayako-san, can I join the magical research in the afternoon?”

“Of course. I also want to talk about the other world, so please come.”

“I’m interested in the sage’s magic, and I’m curious about Sakura’s condition too. At first glance, it seems to be going well, but…”

“Yeah, it seems to be in a good direction.”

“That’s great. I’m looking forward to it.”

“Yes! See you later then.”

After I left, they continued talking with Haruka and Tsubaki, but it was probably a concern that only women could understand. I quietly watched over them as an old man, not getting involved any further.

They resumed their warrior training in the afternoon…

I also received lessons on magic and was forced to participate in mock battles, struggling through the half-day.

“All right, everyone, I’ll see you again in about a week. Take care!”

“Yes, you take care too. Let’s meet again!”

After discussing with them, we decided to keep the barrier intact instead of lifting it.

Our interactions deepened, and we understood each other’s combat abilities. Although we wouldn’t be adversaries, we were prepared for any unforeseen circumstances. We left with a sense of accomplishment.

◇◇◇

Upon returning to the village,

everyone immediately headed to the church. They were curious about the results of their training. As they took turns offering their prayers…

When it was Sakura’s turn, an announcement could be heard. She was crying tears of joy and jumping up and down. Seeing that, I felt like I was about to cry too.

==================

Sakura, Level 46

Villager: Loyalty 99

Occupation: Mage <NEW>

Skills: Water Magic Level 4

Inflicts powerful attacks by consuming MP. Can be used for drinking, shaping, and temperature adjustment.

Skills: Ice Magic Level 1 <NEW>

Can create ice by consuming MP.

Skills: Fire Magic Level 1 <NEW>

Can create fire by consuming MP.

==================

“Sakura, congratulations!”

“Thank you, Keisuke-san!”

“I didn’t expect the results to come out this quickly… It must be the accumulation of your efforts. I’m really glad.”

“I was able to take this step thanks to you, Keisuke-san. I’m glad I didn’t falter along the way. Ah, I’m so happy!”

Sakura had gained the Mage occupation and the Ice Magic and Fire Magic skills. When I briefly saw her demonstrate it, she was able to transform water into ice and successfully boil and vaporize hot water.

“By the way, I understand Ice Magic, but how did Fire Magic manifest? It’s the complete opposite element of water, right?”

“Well, you see… Please don’t get angry when I tell you.”

“Huh? Well, okay. Go ahead and tell me.”

“Ayako-san used Fire Magic on me.”

“And then? It’s not something to be angry about, right?”

I couldn’t understand why she would be angry when she went to see the manifestation firsthand…

“She used Fire Magic on me multiple times. I covered my whole body with a layer of water, but I was like a human torch?”

“Hey, hey! Is your body okay!?”

“The intensity was controlled, and at the same time, Hazuki-san activated ‘Sacred Prayer’ for me. I didn’t feel any pain or injuries.”

“Well, still… No, let’s drop it. I shouldn’t criticize Sakura’s determination.”

“Thank you, Keisuke-san. I’m glad you understand.”

It seemed like she had done something extremely reckless, but I had no intention of denying her determination.

(…I see. So that’s why I didn’t see Hazuki-san in the morning.)

“Your loyalty is at its limit, and you’ve advanced to an advanced occupation. You’ve made progress to the next stage!”

“Ah, Sakura, congratulations!”

“Thanks, Keisuke-san!”

“You’ve come a long way… It must be thanks to your hard work. I’m really happy for you.”

“I was able to take this step because of you, Keisuke-san. I’m glad I didn’t give up. Ah, I’m so happy!”

With her loyalty maxed out, Sakura had also advanced to an advanced occupation. The village admired and worshipped her like a sage. Even the children were full of curiosity and surrounded Sakura.

Although only Sakura had progressed this time, everyone congratulated her sincerely. And they were determined to achieve the same in the next opportunity.

Well, I hope they are rewarded soon, but I’d like to spare them from reckless training like Sakura’s.

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