Chapter 394
"Nell, thank you!!" "It's fine, it's just the usual, right?"
Checking the contents of the rainbow treasure chests, I'm practically hopping with joy, holding two accessories in my hands.
One is an ankle ring. It looks like a simple silver accessory, but the densely packed magical characters on its surface tell that it's no ordinary accessory.
**High-Speed Maker.**
An item dropped by the rare golden Runner Runner, an object coveted by front-line fighters, as simply equipping it increases speed by 50%. It has performance that makes you want to shout, "Is this a cheat!?"
The other is the **Time-Reducing Earring.**
An item that halves the recast time of all skills, except for a few exceptions like unique skills. This one goes beyond being a cheat—it's practically bug-level.
Originally, items that shouldn't come so easily have now come in a pair, so I can't help but get hyper.
I can't sleep with my feet pointed towards Nell, who is giving me a gentle, kind smile as I dance with joy.
"But it was incredibly fast. If we had to fight it head-on, avoiding traps, the thought sends shivers down my spine." "I thought the same. We heard it was on par with Azhdaha, and that reputation was no lie."
As I celebrate, Nell and Genjirou reflect that if we had made a mistake, this terrifying monster would have spread an unstoppable wave of destruction far and wide.
That said, this time my strategy worked perfectly, and Runner Runner's end, despite its incredible speed, felt somewhat anticlimactic. However, until that anticlimactic end, Runner Runner left significant scars.
Stopping my joyful dance, I look back at the path behind the tunnel, the way Runner Runner came, and witness the horrific devastation.
Gouged ground, trees blown away—a single path created just by running. Seeing this devastation, Nell and Genjirou probably attacked Runner Runner with all their might, without carelessness or overconfidence, when they joined the attack.
We tried not to let it escape, but the possibility of failure existed. In that case, we would have had to intercept this disaster-like charge.
"However, this incident made me acutely aware that we must train even harder." A disaster-like enemy—that is the existence of a World Monster. Genjirou strokes his chin with a solemn expression, and Nell nods in agreement.
"The problem is our inability to fight monsters that attack at such speed early on. I don't think all monsters are like this, but gaining experience wouldn't hurt, my lord. Is there a way to get such opportunities?" "There is." "I see, so easily... there is!?" "Well, more like we just obtained it."
The surrounding Gardener Retainers are also consulting among themselves about how they would fight Runner Runner if it weren't restrained. Many opinions suggest using counterattacks, dealing damage by anticipating the opponent's moves. When such opinions emerge, it's better to actually try them.
"Fortunately, we have someone who has experienced speed on par with Runner Runner." Today is impossible, but from tomorrow onward, we can.
"Could it be...?" "Lady Claudia?" "Yes, yes. Rather than a live trial with a monster, training with Claudia, who will go easy (with a time limit), would be more effective." I wave towards Claudia while shaking the Time-Reducing Earring.
She approaches us with a slightly refreshed expression after pounding Runner Runner to her heart's content.
"Did you need something? I thought I heard my name." "Actually..." After explaining...
"Yes, that's fine. It will also help me get used to high-speed combat." "That's a great help." She readily agreed.
We'll need to prepare lots of recovery potions and training weapons to prevent injuries. With protective charms, we should manage.
Using Duel Pieces would be best, but the temple isn't built yet. Considering such needs in the future, I'd like to advance temple-related matters soon for training purposes.
"For now, let's head back today! Tomorrow is rest, and training is the day after!" But first and foremost, let's rest well today.
"I'll bring out alcohol, so drink up!" "「「「「「Yeahhhhーーーーーー！！」」」」」" "Hey, we should tell the Entertainers too!" "Those guys start stripping as soon as they drink..." "It's fine! Sharia strips too!" "「Eh?」"
We decided to serve alcohol to celebrate the World Monster subjugation, but I'll ignore the slightly unsettling conversation I overheard for now.
I guess I'll rest today too.
And so, amidst the revelry and vacation, we made preparations. On the promised day after tomorrow...
"It feels much lighter, doesn't it?" "Since there will be a sense of discrepancy, let's start with a warm-up to get used to it." "Understood."
We built a simple arena in the space between the first and second walls for practical training. Almost everyone gathered except those on guard and alert duty.
"It's already fast even without using skills." "Yeah, and my song and Lady Claudia's equipment skill effects will stack on top of that, right?" "I can't even imagine hitting it with direct magic. At best, we could release area-of-effect lightning magic and hope for the best. Miss Ingrid, could your iai strike catch it?" "I must say it would be difficult. I shall endeavor to improve."
Just by equipping the High-Speed Maker, Claudia's movements improved dramatically.
"Hey hey, Judas-kun." "What is it, Sharia?" "Can you hit that?" "I'll strive to be able to."
While I'm helping Claudia confirm the feeling of her movements, those watching from a distance probably already think it's dangerous at this stage. They seem to be considering whether they can manage with their own stats and skill builds.
Claudia's outfit is the same one she used to outrun Runner Runner the other day. In other words, it's not for combat but for speed specialization.
Even without using Heavenly Fist, her movements are considerably fast. While not leaving afterimages, keeping Claudia in sight as she moves with high-speed steps requires concentration even for me at Class 8.
"Genjirou-sama, do you think our iai could keep up?" "Hmm... You all, this might not be straightforward." "Since serving our lord, we've faced many such trials. Well, compared to when we were on the eastern continent, life here is so fulfilling that comparison seems presumptuous." "Indeed."
Claudia's physical abilities are one thing, but her sense of movement is high. Otherwise, she couldn't perform such high-speed movements with the handicap of being one-eyed.
"Ho ho ho ho, there's nothing this old man can do now. The world is vast. There are things beyond my knowledge. I cannot retire yet."
Even now, as if her body has become lighter, her movements are more agile. She's comparing her thoughts and senses to keep up. Despite the likely immense sense of incongruity, she grasps the general feeling with just one step and progresses at an incredible speed in eliminating inefficiencies.
Truly worthy of being called a top-tier NPC powerhouse. She was the main firepower of our party and was properly trained.
"First, may I test how well I can fight in this state?" "Sure, but who will be your first opponent? Should I do it?" "You could probably handle my movements... I'll save the fun for last."
Being designated as the dessert, surpassing the main dish, by such a powerhouse, I wait. Then the question becomes: who will challenge first?
"Then, allow me to have the honor of the first spear!" "Genjirou-san? That's more than adequate as an opponent."
Coincidentally, the strongest and the fiercest are about to face off. Genjirou boldly raises his hand and steps forward. Everyone nods, and a one-on-one match is approved.
"Alright, both of you, wear these. They're magic items as substitutes for Duel Pieces. They have barrier magic incorporated." I hand the magic items prepared as a safety measure to the two.
It uses one accessory slot, but it's necessary for safety. It's a simple bracelet-type magic item that blocks a certain amount of damage when equipped.
It uses a Class 7 magic stone, so the barrier strength is decent.
"The one whose barrier breaks loses. Also, offensive skills are prohibited this time. Use training weapons too." "Understood." "Understood."
We also prepared potions, but considering the worst-case, we've taken all possible safety measures.
Thus, preparations for the sparring match between the two with a speed disparity are complete. Claudia and Genjirou face each other at a set distance.
Seeing this, those watching from a distance also step back a bit. I stand between the two.
"Alright, begin!"
I raise one hand and bring it down. In terms of combat technique, Claudia and Genjirou are among the top five in this frontier village.
Looking forward to the result, I immediately backstep far away as I swing my hand down, but a shadow passes before my eyes at tremendous speed.
It's Claudia.
Seizing the initiative, she uses the speed enhanced by High-Speed Maker to close the distance instantly.
In the time I was airborne from the backstep, she's already within striking distance of Genjirou.
"Tch!"
However, Genjirou isn't flustered by that speed. He lowers his stance calmly. His right hand, placed on the hilt of the sword at his left hip, flashes the blade and swings it out.
A perfectly timed iai, matching the opponent's charge.
Using an emergency brake, Claudia jumps sideways, dodging the first iai, then moves at a sharp angle like lightning.
Against that movement, Genjirou attacks with a two-stage strike using the pommel of the scabbard drawn with his left hand, but Claudia dodges that with ease too.
Genjirou grins. It's not that he has a secret plan, but rather an atmosphere of being impressed by the incredibly fast movement and enjoying it.
"Hah!"
Dodging the scabbard, Claudia enters punching range. Both arms holding weapons are open, leaving Genjirou momentarily defenseless. Claudia's fist, entering his guard, is about to land.
"Kah!"
However, Genjirou, rotating on the spot with a shout, intercepts Claudia's fist with his blade.
No matter how fast Claudia moves, her movement draws a curve. Did he match it with a circular movement centered on his body's axis?
"Fast! I almost ended it in the first exchange." "Was my approach a bit too straightforward? If you can handle this, is going easy unnecessary?" "Indeed!"
The impressive exchange makes the surroundings hold their breath and watch as spectators.
Overall movement speed: Claudia is superior. Attack speed: also Claudia. Genjirou increases the number of attacks by wielding a heavy weapon like a sword at high speed and using the scabbard for an unorthodox dual-wielding style. Yet, gradually, Genjirou is being pushed back.
And.
"Hah!!!!" "Guhah!?"
Claudia beautifully dodges Genjirou's attack, and her palm strike hits Genjirou's solar plexus. The sound of the barrier shattering, *parin*, echoes.
Rolling on the ground, Genjirou immediately gets up.
"My, my, I'm defeated, defeated! Too fast—we could only exchange a few blows!"
He laughs cheerfully and sheathes his training sword.
"No, there were several attacks that made me flinch too. If we do this again, the outcome might be different."
And as Claudia relaxes her stance, the first match of the sparring session comes to an end.