Chapter 95: A Secret Among the Three

Day 200 in Another World.

It had been exactly one week since we discovered the boss room on the 15th floor.

With the addition of the Fish-man tribe, the fishing operations in the southern sea had fully started, and seafood appeared on our table every day. With the fresh seafood and the excellent cooking skills of the Fish-men, the village’s life had become even more abundant. Sakura and Akiho, who loved seafood, were particularly delighted.

During this evening, Akiho finally achieved her long-awaited class change this evening. In fact, for this past week, Akiho hadn’t accompanied them into the dungeon; she had stayed in the village every day, experimenting with class changes to achieve an upgrade.

It happened right after we decided on our boss conquest plan together, seven days ago.

◇◇◇

After dinner, I returned to my room and spent time leisurely until bedtime.

While relaxing in the living room, Akiho entered the room. She had a serious expression and stood still, gazing at me.

“Akiho, don’t just stand there. Come on, sit down. Do you want some fruit water?”

“Um…”

It was clear that something was different. Rather than being down, it felt like she had resolved to convey something.

After we sat facing each other, silence lingered for a while… then Akiho began to speak.

“Village Chief, I have a favor to ask. Please lend me your [Imitation] ability, just for a little while.”

“You mean using the ‘Inheritance’ ability, temporarily transferring the skill to you?”

“Yes, that’s right. I want to try out the skills of the people in the village to obtain a new derived job.”

“Can you tell me why you came to that conclusion?”

“Considering the manifestation tendencies of everyone else, I think it’s necessary to experience other people’s skills and various job types. Of course, it’s not the only condition, but I believe it’s pretty close to the correct answer.”

“I see, so you want to copy their skills and have firsthand experience.”

“Among the Japanese people in the village, only Tsubaki and I haven’t changed jobs yet. Tsubaki contributes greatly to the village even without changing jobs… but I, well…”

“You feel like you haven’t been contributing?”

“I don’t have the confidence to say that I’m really helpful. And honestly, I’m worried about being left behind by everyone else.”

Her words were honest, and her feelings of impatience were relatable. The healing role tends to have results that are less visible on the surface. That probably made her feel that way even more.

“I’ll be a bit harsh, but… I don’t mind lending you my ability. It’s because you have a high level of loyalty. It’s not due to vague trust or emotions, let alone sympathy. Do you understand that?”

“I understand. I’m also aware of the importance and danger of the [Imitation] ability, so I’m asking with that knowledge.”

“I see. In that case, I’ll pass on the ability right away.”

“Th-thank you!”

If you understand that, then it’s fine. To be honest, if there weren’t an absolute indicator of loyalty, I’d be suspicious of handing my ability over to others… But well, it’s clear that she thought it through and made this decision.

“Oh, right. You should try copying my village skill first.”

“Huh? That might be… a bad idea. I’m very happy, but…”

“What are you saying? If you’re going to do it, do it thoroughly. Experiencing a unique skill would be quite effective, don’t you think?”

“…You’re right. Thank you, Village Chief… Oh!”

“What’s wrong? Just focus your thoughts. I haven’t copied anything today, so you should be able to use it.”

“Well, that’s not it. I was told that I can’t copy village skills.”

When I asked for more details, she said that as soon as she tried to copy the village skill, an announcement was made saying, “The skill that is the source of the ability cannot be imitated.”

Well, come to think of it, if she could copy village skills with the [Imitation ability] she could pass it on to anyone and everyone by inheriting it again and again. Doing something like finding a “loophole in the system” would be too impossible.

“Well, that can’t be helped. In that case, how about Kyoko’s [All-Attribute Magic]? It’s a unique skill, so there shouldn’t be a problem. At least, I was able to copy it before.”

“[All-Attribute Magic]… Oh, it might work?”

“You can only change it once a day, so you should plan carefully what to copy.”

“Um, I actually have an idea――”

It seemed like Akiho already had a plan in mind, and she went on to explain what she wanted to try and her thoughts on class changes. It was evident that she didn’t come up with this idea on a whim; she had thoroughly considered it and decided to ask me as a last resort.

…………………………………….

From the first day of special training with [All-Attribute Magic] to trying out [Magic Sword Art] [Dragon Fighting Art] [Body Enhancement] and more, she continued the cycle of experimenting with skills, having mock battles with me at the church, and analyzing the results.

Unfortunately, it wasn’t as easy as she had hoped. Nevertheless, the act of actually using the skills became a valuable experience for Akiho. “I feel like I’m about to grasp something, just a little more,” she said, approaching it optimistically.

And today, she decided to try something a little different.

Copying Natsuki’s [Crafting] skill, she was working on creating decorations for equipment and furniture. Until now, she had mostly focused on combat skills, so this time, she wanted to experience crafting skills, and it seemed to have yielded results.

“How are you doing, Aki-chan? Crafting is quite a good experience, isn’t it?”

“Yeah, the sensation when a special effect is attached feels good. Ah, it might work, like ‘I’ve got it now!’ – that kind of mysterious sense of accomplishment.”

“Yeah, yeah, that moment is irresistible!”

“Thank you, Nacchan.”

“It’s great! Since we have time, keep challenging yourself to the fullest. I’ll accompany you for a year or even ten. Words like ‘give up’ can be thrown into the distant future!”

“Thank you!”

Watching the interaction between the two, the old man couldn’t help but be moved to tears. He had nothing to advise them today, so he was merely a spectator, but he found that wasn’t so bad either.

“Akiho, it’s getting dark, so shall we stop by the church and finalize tomorrow’s plan?”

“Yes, Village Chief, thank you for everything every day. But please, continue to help me for a while longer.”

“Of course. Strengthening you means strengthening the village, and a stronger village means my safety. I’ll support you as much as you need, so don’t worry.”

“Village Chief, that’s a 40-point response! I wanted a bit more flair. Right, Aki-chan?”

“Fuu… But compared to Touya’s 10 points, it’s quite better.”

“You guys are merciless.”

Though the evaluation was harsh, looking at her expression, it didn’t seem entirely negative.

When Akiho and I went to the church together, we began our usual prayer. Every day, Akiho looked back with a slightly sad expression, but we had to accept it now.

As I observed her, thinking about such things…

“I-I heard it! Village Chief, I heard it!”

“No way! Well done, Akiho!”

Like everyone else, it seemed she heard the announcement. Excitedly, she clung to me with tears of joy. Since I also wanted to know the details as soon as possible, we both rushed back home.

“Alright, here it goes!”

“Bring it on!”

With determination, Akiho touched the monitor. There, her new occupation and skills were displayed perfectly.

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

Akiho, Level 51

Villager: Loyalty 98

Occupation: Shrine Maiden (Miko)

Skills:

Healing Magic Level 4

Consumes MP to heal wounds, abnormal conditions, and diseases by visualizing the target.

Granting Magic Level 2

Nature Recovery Granting: Gradually heals wounds over time.

Physical Enhancement Granting: Continuously strengthens physical abilities.

*Effect and duration improve with level increase.

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

“Oh, a Shrine Maiden, huh! And Granting Magic, and it’s already Level 2!”

“It’s different from the combat skills I was aiming for… but these skills seem useful in group battles!”

“Now, let’s go tell Natsuki. The others will be back soon too, so let’s celebrate today!”

“Village Chief, thank you so much. With this, I can work hard with pride!”

With a successful class change, Akiho quickly rejoined Natsuki to share her joy.

As dinner time approached, the Japanese members gathered, surrounding Akiho and spontaneously offering words of celebration. Akiho’s expression was bright, filled with newfound confidence. She was already excited to try out the Granting Magic!

From here on, we had a secret conversation among the three of us – me, Akiho, and Natsuki.

When we were together as a trio, I asked Akiho directly, “Why did you become a Shrine Maiden?” And then…

“Just before the transfer, I was wearing a Shrine Maiden costume. I was about to change clothes after the photoshoot when I got transported… I think that might be the reason?”

She shared this behind-the-scenes information with us. She emphasized, “Except for Natsuki, no one else knows, so let’s keep it as a secret among the three of us.” By the way, it seems she still carefully keeps that costume.

This lethargic old man doesn’t have the courage to ask what kind of photoshoot it was.

I’m really curious, so I’d like to ask someday.

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