Chapter 31
Abel Strengthening Program
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I decided to conduct an experiment with Abel to think about strengthening the village in the future.
The test subject, Abel, stood with his arms crossed, firmly planted at the forest entrance. Meanwhile, we found ourselves observing Abel, standing all alone, from within the village.
「Alright, let's begin! First, the thieves who haa learned "Throw Stones", please pick up your stones!」
Upon saying this, six beastman lined up and picked up stones. They looked at Abel with rather complicated expressions.
「... Are we really going to throw these?」
「Is this really alright?」
「We might get scolded later...」
I heard uneasy voices, but that was none of my concern. What mattered was throwing stones at Abel.
「It's fine. We made sure to keep a distance, he's wearing armor, and we even gave him a broad sword that's easy to deflect stones with.」
I replied with a laugh, and despite the distance, Abel's beast ears on top of his head twitched.
「... I feel a sense of malice here.」
「It's just your imagination.」
「... Is that so?」
I answered lightly, and Abel eyed me with suspicion.
Despite the playful exchange, I confirmed everything was ready and promptly began the experiment.
「So, everyone, throw your stones at Abel, but Abel, deflect them gently. Don't counter.」
「... Understood.」
Though he seemed displeased, Abel responded. Having confirmed that, I turned to the six beastman holding stones and gave the signal.
「Throw!」
At the signal, six stones flew simultaneously. Unlike ordinary stone throws, these used skills and flew straight, like stones shot by magic.
Six stones came soaring, and Abel, exhaling softly and shortly, moved his body.
He positioned his sword horizontally, intercepting some stones while skillfully evading others by changing his stance.
Seeing this, cheers erupted from the villagers. A perfect demonstration with no hits taken. A great success.
That was their perception of success, but Lars thought differently.
「No good! Do it again!」
「What!?」
Declaring failure with crossed arms, everyone gasped in surprise. Preventing damage wasn't enough.
「All you did was use the sword as a shield. While developing counter skills with a shield is okay, it's more for one-on-one combat. For now, practice deflecting everything with the sword gently.」
「Handling six at once is really tough...」
「Besides, everyone else managed to learn without doing this...」
Though sternly reminded, concerns for Abel began to surface. However, it's Abel's decision to make.
「What do you think? Should we stop?」
Deliberately, I asked Abel loudly, and Abel shook his head defiantly.
「I understand what Lars means. Let's try a little longer.」
Abel's response made dissenting voices fade away. Indeed. Whether Abel wants to become stronger isn't for others to decide.
「Alright then! One more time! Try not to dodge this time.」
「Got it.」
Thus began Abel's training under Drill Sergeant Lars. It lasted a whole five hours. Even the beastman in charge of throwing began to show signs of fatigue.
Abel, subjected to continuous stone-throwing, stood despite his battered armor. He was drenched in sweat, his shoulders heaving. His hand holding the sword trembled, and he seemed on the verge of collapsing.
True to Abel's nature, though battered, he hadn't sustained a single injury to his unarmored parts. When unable to defend with his sword, he relied on his armor. This was a testament to his exceptional eyesight and reflexes.
However, his extremely high specs became a double-edged sword. Thanks to the occupational benefits enhancing his stamina and strength, and the sword skills boosting his speed, he could rely on his athletic ability alone to evade and cut.
Seeing Abel's desperate state, the villagers' patience was wearing thin. Some even shed tears. If no results were achieved, I might end up becoming the villain in their eyes.
「... Unfortunately, it looks like today is the end, right? Abel must be at his limit, and those throwing the stones seem tired too.」
Upon saying this, the stone-holding beastman looked relieved, ready to discard their stones. But Abel objected.
「Wait... I feel like I'm about to grasp it. Keep going.」
「What?」
Abel's words left everyone stunned. Perhaps he was walking the path of an M. But no, he's more like a monk—a fervent one.
In that case, let's guide him to the forest of penance.
「Alright! Just one more time! Everyone, ready your stones!」
With that, the six, albeit with some hesitation, readied their stones. On the other hand, Abel, brimming with tension—or rather, exuding a sense of killing intent—held his sword ready. More intimidating than a statue of a guardian deity at night. He seemed to be glowing from below with lights.
「It's scary, but throw!」
「O-okay!」
At the signal, everyone hurled stones at Abel. Abel watched the oncoming stones, exhaled shortly, and swung his sword. His motion was effortless and without waste, as if drawing a circle in one stroke. Under ordinary circumstances, deflecting all simultaneously arriving stones would be nearly impossible. Either a large shield would be required, or evasion would be necessary. However, Abel's sword made it possible.
The sword's trajectory drew a silver line, altering the path of the incoming stones with minimal force, preventing direct hits—with perfect display of the parrying skill.
「Whoa!」
「He did it!」
「Amazing, Abel!」
With Abel's successful skill activation, a thunderous applause erupted from the hundred people present. Under the resounding cheers, Abel raised his sword to his face, narrowed his eyes, and silently nodded.
-------------= Author's Notes -------------=
If you found yourself curious about 'what happens next,' it would make me happy if you could press the ☆ button at the bottom of the page!
It motivates the author!・:*+.\(( °ω° ))/.:+
-------------= Clacky's Corner -------------=【(⩌‸⩌ )】
Author just posted, update is once a week.