Artificial Fantasy

Chapter 160: End of the Battle Test

[Meanwhile with Wind...]

[Your [Swordsmanship Mastery] has leveled up.]

I sigh as soon as I see the notice popping up in my HUD. Has it been 2 hours in-game since I left Kazu to his devices back in <Lucet City>? I'm concerned about him since he's on his own without a [Guardian Player]. But, on the other hand, being separated from him has some benefits. For once, I get to play with Arthur and Razul as high school buddies, and without him, I get to realize how much of my skills matter in an individual fight. Now I know why he wanted to go off to that academy alone. It's a nice change of pace, and with this, I should make up lost time from yesterday's chore with Mom.

Not only that, I've made good progress with my character's growth with the [Masteries].

[Wind's Masteries] (Re-sorted by Mastery Category)

[Dagger] Level 13

[Swordsmanship] Level 25

[Archery] Level 24

[Dual-Wielding] Level 4

[Wind] Level 19

[Physical Enhancement] Level 19

[Hunting] Level 19

[Blacksmithing] Level 18

[Woodcrafting] Level 13

[Cooking] Level 12

Looking at my [Mastery Levels], I'll say it's much better than before. By focusing on the frontline alongside Arthur's tank, I've been able to level my [Dagger Mastery] along with my [Dual-Wielding] to catch up on my [Swordsmanship]. I can't say I did so much with [Wind] since my choices were limited as a hybrid magic hunter. Not helping the matter is that I don't have enough slots to add more to compensate for my limitations. I've heard that there were some [Advanced Masteries] that can be obtained by fusing two existing ones. But there's no confirmation on the net that it can happen. Either way, progress is progress. I'm just happy I'm taking some risks to do so.

"Yo, guys! I just hit our quota!" Arthur calls out. "Let's reconvene and rest for a few minutes!"

Right. This would be our second break for this session. My [SP] is getting low, and I need to refresh my food buffs after non-stop fighting. It's a good thing I got an [Advanced Camp Cooking Tool Kit] from the general store beforehand, so this gives me a chance to cook up some barbecue on the go.

-----

As I'm busy preparing the meat and other ingredients, I hear Arthur and Razul talking while they set up a [Collapsible Picnic Table] that I built back in <Initio>. Seems like they're talking about the ins and outs of the game again, such as [Quests] and rankers. Might as well break the ice before I get overwhelmed by awkward silence on my end.

"Speaking of [Quests], have you guys heard of <Crystal Academy>?" I ask while placing two ox meat skewers on the grill.

"Yeah. It's that magic school located in <Lucet City>, right?" Arthur answers. "I heard there's an entrance exam [Quest] today. Don't tell me you're going to be a wizard there?"

"Like I'd ever want to be one. But Kazu is planning to become one of the students there. Knowing him, I have some ideas why."

"True. He's much more of a kid wizard than you. I'm not surprised you're not trying to turn your character into a giant to fit the theme."