Chapter 313: Skipping Time (1/2)
”There.” Tal commented blandly from his side, indicating the speck of darkness on the horizon. ”Land.”
”I'm not really one to speak of auspicious events or anything, but I can't help but feel that this might be a good omen.” Morris added relaxedly while leaning on the railing.
The weather was exquisite, with the warmth of a clear sunny day moderated by a cool breeze. Combined with the shockingly blue waters of the ocean, it almost felt like they were looking at a painting of some tropical paradise.
[All we need now is an island with white sand and a few palm trees.] Mike thought while savoring the sight.
The Huntsman was set to arrive in Gildusi by late afternoon, and he had to admit to feeling a little bit of cabin fever. The demi-realm was useful for its purposes, but it lacked a certain freedom that he'd come to take for granted. He was more than ready to get out and stretch his legs on some real ground.
”Excited?” Tal asked, perhaps sensing his mood.
”Of course. I've spent the entirety of my time in this world on the Central Continent, so I'm looking forward to seeing what else Ea has to offer.”
”Speaking of seeing, I don't think I've seen the others for a while.” Morris said while glancing down the length of the ship. ”That's normal enough for Sera nowadays, but Lily…”
Briefly consulting his Aerosense, Mike located both party members. ”Sera's practicing her foresight in the bilge at the moment, and Lily is currently in her cabin. By all appearances, she is only reading a book, but I suppose that doesn't entirely rule out the possibility of something more dangerous going on. If it makes you feel any better, William is nearby, mending one of her dresses.”
The bard gave him a slightly sour look, but nevertheless relaxed. ”I don't think I'll ever get used to you doing that...Anyway, it seems like Sera's training is coming along nicely. You must be proud.”
”At this point, any progress she makes is the product of her own efforts. I'll pick up the training again once she's exhausted her current methods, but there is not much left for me to do until then.” Mike replied with a shrug. The Oracle had been managing her own training for much of the last week, only relying on him to provide sufficiently difficult opponents.
He didn't mind, of course, since it gave him a chance to practice his Summoning Magic while simultaneously working on other things. Most recently, he'd improved his smithing skills to the point he was able to forge a few basic steel swords for his own personal use. This proved to be the breakthrough point he needed to move into Intermediate Blacksmithing, and subsequently unlocked another skill.
----------------------------------
- Intermediate Blacksmithing (Tier 2, Rank 2) -
The art of fashioning a variety of implements and items out of forged metal. Moderate system correction to practitioner's knowledge and ability in regards to smithing. Functions as the Prerequisite and Limiter for all other forms of smithing.
- Basic Weaponsmithing (Tier 2, Rank 1) -
Practiced smiths can learn the art of forging metal into weapons of war. Minor system correction to practitioner's knowledge and ability in regards to smithing. Minor enhancement to the durability and effect of weapons crafted by the practitioner.
-----------------------------------
[It seems that it's a basic principle of crafting skills to stack enhancements from multiple abilities and titles in order to create stronger gear. I wonder if there are more specific skills, like Sword Smithing or something to that effect that I can eventually acquire. If that's the case, I'd better wait until my skills have improved before investing too heavily in the materials necessary for me to make a more permanent weapon.]
While lost in thought, he idly adjusted the weapon resting on his hip. The rest of his creations were currently sitting within his personal storage space, ready to be pulled free at a moment's notice. He suspected that he'd have an issue with his weapons breaking again, now that he'd gone back to using swords.
[While the Fang of the Primal has definitely served me well up to this point, it really has to be a sword for me. Nothing else quite fits as well.]
”We were just talking about you. All done with training?” Morris spoke up suddenly, breaking him out of his thoughts.
”As much as I can be.” Sera grumbled. ”I've hit another block and it doesn't feel like my skill is improving any more.” She glanced over at Mike. ”I might need your help again.”
There was a slight hitch in her voice which suggested that she wasn't completely comfortable with asking for his help again, which seemed odd to him considering the events of the last couple weeks. Finally, though he dismissed it as yet another instance of her overthinking things.
”Let me guess, you are having a hard time making any progress just using rats as training partners?”
She nodded. ”But even your summons haven't been helping as of late. I feel like there is some component of the skill that I'm missing.”
[I guess it's time to move onto phase two.]
”Then I think I might have a solution for you. I was actually planning on taking the party to a dungeon at our first opportunity. It would give us a chance to practice our teamwork and skills simultaneously, and Audra could use some more mana cores to supplement her diet.”
The little dragon had all but emptied his supply recently, and he would need to top up at the first opportunity. Thankfully, the expense had largely paid off, as his familiar was back to being the energetic ball of mischief she usually was.
”Oh? You're planning on taking all of us? That's interesting.” Morris broke in. ”While I don't mind the opportunity to train, I doubt I'll be able to keep up with the rest.”
”Hmph. I'm sure you'll be fine. You fought in the war, after all.” Sera replied with a shrug.
”You forget, I've been watching your training over the last few days, and I can safely say that I would have been dead many times over if I had to fight the things you faced. No amount of wartime experience could have prepared me for that.”
Mike gave his friend a sidelong glance. It didn't appear that Morris was feeling jealous or discouraged. Rather it looked like he'd come to some kind of realization and resigned himself to his current situation.
[Is he trying to keep his distance? I don't think he's gotten a companion title yet, or at least he hasn't mentioned it. Could he maybe be feeling down about it? Or is it something else?]
Sera was a bit taken aback by the bard's comments. She'd obviously spent so long considering herself as the group's weak link that she didn't know what to do when confronted with someone that told her the opposite. So, unsurprisingly, she didn't know how to respond.