Chapter 30
Flexible People
I had been talking all at once about various things, but surprisingly, everyone seemed to have listened seriously. Perhaps the achievement of repelling an earth dragon in such a place had some weight. It might be a combat-tribe-like mentality to listen to the words of the strong.
Satisfying myself by speaking until I was content in my happy mood, I noticed that the villagers had started gathering according to their job aptitudes to discuss.
「Is there anyone who can parry?」
「Oh, I have that.」
「Everyone, has hawk eyes, right?」
「Isn't everyone capable?」
「Silent Step is actually pretty useful.」
「Huh? It's essential for hunting, isn't it?」
The warriors, archers, and thieves, who made up a large portion of the village, discussed their skills amongst themselves. Meanwhile, those with fewer numbers in their job aptitudes exchanged information quietly. By the way, the merchants were the most pitiable.
「... What should a merchant do?」
「... I have no idea.」
「Coin Toss... without any money to toss...」
A feeling of melancholy was exuding from that corner. It was better for the mages and clerics who at least had a direction. The merchants only leveled up endlessly.
Moreover, unless they leveled up somewhat, they couldn't learn the skills for sling rifle, which is intended for attack. During that time, they would lead days that were almost like spiritual training. Amen.
After confirming the essential skills for everyone, I decided to discuss the next topic. I thought cramming specialized knowledge all at once was a bad idea, but the beastmen were earnest. I would be delighted if they absorbed even a little knowledge.
With those thoughts, I clapped my hands to gather attention and began speaking.
「Alright! Then let's talk about tactics next! You might have a vague understanding from the skills we just discussed, but warriors are basically dedicated to protecting everyone. Archers handle reconnaissance and attack. Thieves do ambushes and decoys, but eventually, I'd like them to also handle traps. Mages, once they've learned useful magic, are in charge of area attacks. Clerics handle healing. By clarifying roles like that, and practicing the fighting methods suited to each role, everyone should even be able to repel large magical beasts.」
I passionately clenched my small fist and delivered my speech. This address by Lars could very well remain in history and be included in future history textbooks. I should practice my autograph in advance.
「Uh, what about the merchants...」
「For now, they're on hold.」
「Haaa...」
A pained voice resonated, but it couldn't be helped. Merchants were in the growth slot. I believed they would eventually become invincible beings who could do both pitching and batting.
「... I have a question.」
At that moment, Abel, who had been quietly listening until now, spoke up. When I turned to him, Abel had his arms crossed with a particularly pensive face.
「Is there something you're curious about?」
In response to my question, Abel, uncharacteristically, didn't answer immediately and only spoke after thinking for a bit.
「... No, it's nothing. Your talk was astonishing, surely, but there shouldn't be any need for you to lie like this. Besides, the skill to repel the dragon was gained just as you claimed, right? Let's go with what you've suggested, just as a trial.」
「Eh? Is it okay? My opinions are merely advice, so wouldn't it be better for the village to discuss whether to adopt them?」
Surprised by Abel's prompt permission, I asked hesitantly. I felt a bit too trusted which made me worried. But hearing my concern, Mikel and Rolf responded with laughter.
「Lars knows a lot of things we don't.」
「Exactly. We didn't know anything about the skills of other aptitudes either.」
As the two said that, the village women and children nodded in agreement.
「Lars is smart, isn't he?」
「Is that why humans can build such big towns?」
「I haven't been out of the forest, but I think Lars is a good person.」
Their words almost brought tears to my eyes. Well, maybe a tear did escape from the corner of my eyes. I couldn't respond immediately as my voice trembled, but Irinya gently patted my back.
This only made the urge to cry stronger. If I cried, Irinya would be the culprit. However, since the villagers were accessories to the act as well, there was nothing to be done.
「... Thank you. Well then, maybe as thanks, I'll let Abel be the first to learn a skill.」
「... What?」
Caught off guard by the sudden topic shift, Abel furrowed his brow and replied with a reluctant tone. Maybe it was because, despite being the village's top warrior, he had a past where he couldn't learn any skills.
I had also observed Abel's hunting, and indeed, he didn't use any skills. He simply toyed with the magical beasts using his physical abilities and took them down.
However, I had a guess at the reason for this.
「First, about Abel not having learned any skills—it's not that you haven't learned any at all.」
「... What do you mean?」
Abel looked puzzled, so I smiled, raised my index finger, and explained.
「In the warrior skill set, there are four constant-activation skills. One you already know about is 'Sword Mastery'. The others are 'Iron Body' and 『Foresight』. Sword Mastery makes sword swings faster and more accurate. Iron Body boosts vitality and defense. Anticipation increases speed only at the moment the enemy initiates an attack. There's another special one I'll set aside for now, but I think you might have already acquired those three.」
「I see... but then, why can't I learn other skills?」
「Maybe it's because you never needed them? Probably, you've never been in a life-or-death one-on-one with a formidable enemy.」
「... Hmm.」
Listening to my speculation, Abel tilted his head and pondered.
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