Chapter 265
"I think it's a good idea.""Eh? Really?"
If I were to consult someone first, it would naturally be Claudia, the guardian figure of our party. Ingrid would likely give unconditional approval, and Lady Esmeralda would probably agree after some hesitation.
As for Nell and Amina—well, I can roughly guess their responses too.
Since this could shake up the party's overall action plan, I decided to consult Claudia, who I thought would judge calmly.
Even after entering Class 6 and significantly boosting her stats beyond her reset level, her early morning training is just a light warm-up for her.
Basic form practice, warming up, then virtual combat imagining an opponent.
Doing it seriously is her motto, so I brought a towel and water bottle to discuss with her while she was sweaty and likely thirsty.
After explaining last night's possibility and asking for her opinion on verifying it personally versus the party's direction, this immediate response came.
Her appearance, hydrating and wiping sweat, radiated a healthy beauty—not glamorous, but purely lovely. Her straightforward "no problem" left me momentarily speechless, stunned by how easily the answer came.
"Becoming stronger might save time—it's possible, though unlikely. But after seeing that item the other day, you're certain, right?""Well, yes.""Then we should try it."
She pinpointed my anxiety and decisively concluded we should proceed, as if dismissing the possibility of failure entirely.
"It'll take a lot of time, you know?""You've already thought of ways to make up for that delay, haven't you? I doubt you'd come to me without considering schedule management. Your concern is only the increased combat workload for verification—the danger lies there, doesn't it?"
Claudia smiled, implying that even if it failed, it wouldn't be an issue.
"That's right.""You consulted me first because you thought the others would accept it without question, didn't you?""Correct."
I surrendered, raising my hands in defeat—she saw through everything.
"Will we start immediately?""I want to at least complete Class 6 leveling before tackling dungeons for verification. We'll proceed after that.""I see. Understood. Then you should explain the same to everyone. They surely won't object.""Yes, thank you.""You're welcome. How about a spar as thanks?""...Alright, one round."
If she disagreed, she would firmly say so. If I rambled about pipe dreams and went off track, she'd calmly stop me.
Because I trust that, I can accept her words.
She critiques my path, highlights my doubts and mistakes, and ultimately lets me choose—I'm grateful for her kind yet stern guidance. Figuring I might as well, I took out a wooden training spear and suggested a mock battle. Her gentle smile instantly shifted to a beast-like grin, as if she'd been waiting.
The backyard would disturb the neighbors.
But since Claudia moved in, combat-loving spirits who frequently challenge her to "training" mock battles built a spot within a three-minute walk.
Moving there, we found a square with barriers blocking sound, impact, light, smell—all sorts of nuisances.
"Ah, Big Sis!! Good morning!!""Please don't call me that."
Spirits already sparring since morning bowed and greeted Claudia upon seeing her.
Smiling wryly at the "Big Sis" address, she lightly corrected them—clearly well-liked. Noticing me holding a training spear, they quickly caught on.
"Hey! The Guild Master and Big Sis are sparring!!"
Their shout made all spirits—fighting or resting—buzz with excitement and immediately clear the area.
"Hey, no need to rush—""What are you saying, Guild Master?! Watching you and Big Sis fight is top-tier entertainment for us!! Making us wait is unforgivable! Go ahead without holding back!"
The muscular, half-naked spirit grinned, thumbs up, teeth gleaming, insisting the space was ready.
"Well, I suppose I'll take you up on that.""Indeed."
With such enthusiasm, refusing wasn't an option. Exchanging a look with Claudia, we headed to the center.
Since catching up in levels, I've sparred with Claudia like this several times. Each time, we go all out.
Our real combat-like battles, once shown to the spirits, led to this routine.
"Same as usual—skill ban, time limit?"We always set rules before fighting. Since it's training, skills are banned, emphasizing player skills. We don't decide by depleting HP but by time limit.
"Time until... Nell or Amina come to call us?""Sure. And, well, protect each other's lives while at it."
No killing, but go all out. With that in mind, we took stances.
"Alright, full power.""Let's do it!!"
Both Claudia and I don't just tolerate fighting—we enjoy it. Many in stories find fighting bothersome, hate it, or see it as dangerous.
That's not wrong; avoiding it or seeing it as poor cost-performance is understandable.
But I love testing how much I've honed my skills, so I adore fighting!!
How many times have I fought Claudia since we first met? Sparring like this, we've learned each other's habits, making it a battle of breaking the other's rhythm.
Naturally, I take the initiative—as a spear user, if I don't, she closes the gap too fast, leaving no room to counter.
So, it usually becomes me using the spear to control distance while Claudia tries to close in.
But today, I decided to try something different.
"Eh!?"
Someone among the spirits gasped. No wonder—instead of maintaining spear distance after the initial feint, as I usually did, I countered Claudia's advance not with the spear but with a kick.
Hand-to-hand combat.
In emergencies, any style might force it. Swordsmen, mages, alchemists, musicians, chefs—dedicated FBO players never neglect hand-to-hand.
Kicks and spears can surprisingly collaborate.
While the spirits were shocked by the unexpected move, Claudia just grinned, unfazed, deflecting the kick and shifting to slowly close the distance instead of charging.
My kicking style has no base.
Karate, Taekwondo, Kickboxing, Muay Thai, Capoeira, Savate—a chimera martial arts mix is my way.
I'd lose to a dedicated karateka in karate, or a kickboxer under kickboxing rules. But in no-holds-barred conditions, my techniques aim for victory.
A whip-like kick suddenly changed trajectory, probing skeletal limits, shifting from arc to point.
The kicking range was, of course, also Claudia's range.
The surprise attack gave me the initiative, but then it became a striking battle. She's not someone you can beat with tricks alone.
So, mix frontal assaults with tricks.
Like our first fight, no level difference, same stats. Thus, player skills and physique become key.
"Whoa!! Awesome!! Guild Master!! Holding his own against Big Sis with just kicks!!""Idiot, look at Big Sis!! She's using techniques to pin down his spear!!""Both are amazing!! Never seen moves like this!!""Waking up early was worth it!!"
Physique-wise, Claudia has the advantage. Technically, it's orthodox vs. unorthodox—even.
You'd think I'd be pushed back, but in combat experience—especially against human opponents—I've faced equals or superiors more often.
Claudia is strong and serious. Her diligent training, relentless pursuit of strength, and sincere enjoyment of battle undoubtedly make her formidable.
But sadly, her talent deprives her of chances to fight equals.
"O-oh!!""The Guild Master is pushing forward!!""Hang in there, Big Sis!!""Finish it, Guild Master!!"
The rhythm break from the kick was brief. But instead of pressing, I returned to spear distance, shifting rhythms until Claudia began to be pushed back.
For a hand-to-hand specialist, losing distance is fatal.
If she had long-range skills like before, it might be different, but this is a skill-free, player-skill-only mock battle.
Exchanging blows, my attacks landed more frequently, cheers growing louder. Switching from kicks to spear focus, I thrust, swept, and pulled, but Claudia shifted to defense, fiercely seeking counter opportunities, making it hard to finish.
As the spirits watched, wondering how it would end—by chance or intent—
I felt a slight sensation at my stepping foot's tip.
Sensing it, I kicked through.
"!?"
Claudia's eyes widened as she tilted her head, dodging what came at her face, her posture slightly breaking. But this range wasn't for spears.
From the kicking stance, I leaped, aiming a roundhouse kick with my pivot foot to further topple her. She blocked but, off-balance, fell.
Just as she entered spear range—
"Liberta!! Food's ready!!"
Amina's voice from the sky froze my spear mid-motion.
"Kuh, I couldn't secure the win.""You were nearly losing, but you could say you held out until the time limit."
Result: draw.
I grumbled in frustration; Claudia smiled wryly.
Then, my stomach growled from the movement.
Amid the spirits' disappointed voices, the mock battle ended. Since Amina came calling, they didn't make more noise.