Chapter 20: Two Skills

"Alright, let's stick to the plan."

"Yes, understood."

We confirmed that a deer-like monster was drinking water from the river and whispered this to each other from within the bushes.

As we headed upstream in search of the secret medicine, we had already fought several monsters.

Of course, there was no point in just fighting head-on, so Lilina was practicing in a way that would help her learn the 'Stealth' skill.

Essentially, it was just repetitive practice.

The practice for acquiring 'Stealth' is quite straightforward.

I would use the 'Stealth' skill while guiding Lilina, making sure the monsters couldn't detect us.

By doing this, Lilina could experience 'Stealth' skill firsthand.

Then, I would deactivate the 'Stealth' skill, leaving Lilina hidden in the bushes while I jumped out in front of the monsters.

"Piiyii!!"

Naturally, I would be detected, but by deliberately making my presence known, it would make it harder for the monsters to notice Lilina.

In this way, even without the 'Stealth' skill active, Lilina would effectively be using it.

"Come this way!"

Then, it was just a matter of drawing the monsters in and letting Lilina defeat them.

As I swung my longsword around, the deer-like monster trembled slightly and tried to intimidate me.

"Piiyii!"

When I glanced behind the deer-like monster, I saw Lilina already positioned behind it.

Lilina smoothly drew her short sword from behind and struck at the monster's neck.

"Piiyii!!!"

The monster, struck from its blind spot, let out a scream and collapsed powerless to the ground.

… That move was quite refined.

The action of taking the monster's back without being detected and delivering a fatal blow was unmistakably that of an assassin.

While I marveled at this, Lilina voiced her realization.

"Lloyd-san! I acquired the skill during that battle!"

"Oh, really? So, that last attack was with the skill then."

It seemed that the repeated practical training had paid off, and Lilina learned 'Stealth' faster than expected.

Well, it probably helped that she had been practicing for it due to her hunting background and the skill's relevance.

And above all, the assassin-like combat style seemed to suit Lilina.

I nodded happily, celebrating Lilina's progress.

"Um, Lloyd-sama..."

"Hmm? What's the matter, Lilina?"

Hearing Lilina's uncertain tone, I glanced over at her.

She had a somewhat complex expression on her face.

Why would she look like that after learning the skill?

I tilted my head in confusion.

"Did you perhaps mistake the skill acquisition?"

"No, I did acquire 'Stealth.' The issue is with the other skill I learned."

"What? You learned two skills at the same time? That's incredible!"

Learning a skill usually requires mastering a specific technique.

Acquiring another skill at the same time as 'Stealth' is not something that typically happens.

Despite that, Lilina had a downcast look on her face with her ears slightly drooped.

"The other skill is 'Concealment.' It feels like I've suddenly become more suited for the underworld, and I'm not sure if I should be happy..."

"I see, 'Concealment,' huh."

While 'Stealth' specializes in hiding, 'Concealment' is a skill for moving without being detected.

Maybe while practicing 'Stealth,' Lilina's battles against monsters contributed to her leveling up and inadvertently practicing 'Concealment' as well.

Well, since 'Concealment' is a skill used by thief professions and real thieves, I can understand why she might feel conflicted.

Still, it’s a significant growth.

"It's something to be happy about, Lilina. Gaining the upper hand in battles is a clear advantage."

"Yes, you're right. Hehe, I'm glad if Lloyd-sama thinks so."

As I patted Lilina’s head, she gave a relaxed smile.

Lilina seemed to be in good spirits, with her ears twitching happily, so it looked like her worries had disappeared.

Since her strengths are growing, I'd like to continue developing them.

Her abilities might be crucial for the battles that lie ahead.

... Soon, we might face the monsters that caused Lilina so much trouble.

I wonder what kind of creatures could have taken advantage of Lilina’s vulnerability as a beastman.

With a firm resolve, I decided to proceed deeper into the forest with Lilina.

Previous chapter | TOC | Next chapter