Captain Meld returned the plate to Hajime with a complicated expression.
“Umm, well, you see... A Synergist is basically a blacksmith of sorts. It might come in handy if you plan on opening a smithy, but otherwise...” Captain Meld muttered out a poor explanation of Hajime’s class.
Hajime was certain the boys in his class who hated him would jump at this new chance to belittle him. A blacksmithing class was clearly not a combat-based job. The rest of his classmates all had combat-based jobs and he highly doubted his particular job would be of much use in battle except Yuuya as he knows the importance of a steady supply of weapons in the war.
Daisuke Hiyama grinned wickedly as he hollered out to Hajime,
“Hey Nagumo, don’t tell me you seriously got a non-combat job? How’s a blacksmith gonna fight monsters? Hey Meld, is this Synergist or whatever a rare job?”
“No, not particularly, one in every ten people has the class. In fact, all of the craftsmen the kingdom employs have the job.”
“Gimme a break, Nagumo, You’re gonna fight with something like that?” Hiyama folded his arms provocatively as he said those words. As Hajime looked around, he could see that most of his classmates, the boys especially, were laughing at him.
“Who knows, you never know until you try.”
“Show us your stats then, if you’re so confident. They better be way high to make up for your shitty job.”
Hiyama had most likely already guessed Hajime’s stats from Captain Meld’s expression, but he simply wanted an excuse to bully Hajime some more. He possessed quite a nasty personality. His three flunkies all jeered at Hajime as well. They were the kind of stereotypical thugs that bullied the weak and groveled before the mighty. Their actions were so clearly malicious that Kaori and Shizuku both glared at them, eyes full of disdain.
Despite how smitten they were with her, none of them seemed to realize she disliked such bullying. Hajime lazily handed his plate over to Hiyama.
When he saw the stats engraved on it, Hiyama expression change, it seems he didn’t expect that Hajime stats were average around 30 which still 3 times of average stats for this world. It certainly not as impressive as Kouki or other classmates but comparing a production-based job with a combat-based job was foolish in the first place. Hajime was stronger than other levels 1 Synergist for sure, the reason why his stats was not average because Yuuya was trained him in Earth. Even so, Bullies always searched for a reason to belittle their target.
“Bwahahaha... What the hell, man! You’re weak; I bet there are even some babies out there stronger than you!”
“Hyahahaha, you’ve gotta be kidding me! This guy’s not even gonna last ten minutes! He’d die so fast that you couldn’t even use him as a meat shield!”
Unable to stand it any longer, Kaori opened her mouth to give them a piece of her mind. But before she could get out a single word, Shizuku holds her back. She knows whatever Kaori said would only add fuel to their jealousy and she knows Yuuya would do something for Hajime.
“I didn’t know you kind of person who will use his classmate as Meat Shield, Shinji. Must be suck to join your party,”
Everyone looked at Yuuya who silent in the entire time and looked at Shinji who said "meat shield". Feeling everyone looked at him with a slightly disdain especially the girls, Shinji couldn’t help but felt a cold sweet on his back. Why he intervenes at this timing, damn it Shinji cursed Yuuya in his mind while lamenting why he uses the word “Meat Shield” he looked at Hiyama. Clearly, hoping he would help him from this predicament. Hiyama felt irritated with Yuuya as he always protects Hajime and intervenes with his plan.
“My best friend has a common job, so what? Are you guys will sacrifice him?”
Yuuya looked at the 4 of them clearly disdain whatever they tried to do to Hajime then looked at other guys while let out disappointed sigh.
“What a waste of time, Meld-san can we start our training,”
“O - Of course but first, everyone will get their artifact and equipment,”
Alas, even in the distribution of artifacts and equipment it seems Hajime misfortune still in effect. There no artifact for Synergist, while other students got cool and strong artifacts, he only got a pair of a glove to assist his Transmute skill. Of course, Yuuya also gets a glove, but surprisingly the kingdom officers he asked for Synergist teacher and ores rather than artifact or equipment. The officer asked Yuuya to at least accept 1 artifact but he rejected them and instead of training with other students, Yuuya and Hajime were studied and improved their transmute skill with Synergist from the Heiligh Kingdom.
The next lesson was magic. First, they tested to found out about their own magic affinity (while it clearly stated in Status Palate), Hajime seems didn’t have any aptitude for magic. Make him more depressed than anyone. After all, it's magic you know, MAGIC. Especially after they get lectured about how magic works in Tartarus, Magic functioned in a very specific manner. By chanting an incantation, one could transfer their mana into a magic circle, and the spell inscribed within that circle would activate, thus casting magic. It was impossible for anyone to directly manipulate their mana, so each spell needed its own corresponding magic circle.
Additionally, the length of an incantation was directly proportional to how much mana one could pour into a magic circle, so the effectiveness of a spell was directly proportional to the amount of mana used to cast it. And the more complicated a spell was, or the larger an area of effect it had, the more inscriptions needed in the magic circle to complete the spell which naturally meant that the magic circle itself needed to be larger too.
For comparison, the standard fireball spell that appeared in most RPGs and the like normally required a magic circle about ten centimeters in diameter. Every spell needed the basic inscriptions for the element, strength, range, span, and magic absorption (the amount of mana someone needed to provide the magic circle in order to activate the spell). If one wanted to add additional parameters such as length the spell is maintained, then extra inscriptions were needed for that as well.
There was, however, an exception to this rule. And that exception was magical affinity. Magical affinity was basically a measure of how well one’s natural constitution allowed them to shorten inscriptions. For example, someone with an affinity for the fire element would no longer need to add the element portion of the inscription to their spell as long as it was a fire-based one. People with an aptitude for something were able to use a mental image to take the place of the inscription. They didn’t need to carve the inscription anywhere into the magic circle. By simply imagining flames while chanting the spell, they were capable of adding the fire element to it.
Most people had some level of magical affinity, which meant that the above mentioned ten-centimeter magic circle would generally be smaller. However, Hajime had absolutely no affinity for magic whatsoever, meaning that on top of inscriptions for the basic five properties, he had to include inscriptions for the trajectory, spread, and even conclusion for each of his spells. For him, the standard fireball spell required a magic circle two meters in diameter, making magic completely impractical in combat.
On a somewhat related topic, magic circles came in two different types. The more common of the two were magic circles drawn onto a special kind of disposable paper. The other type was magic circles carved into specific minerals. The former allowed for many different variations of spells, but they burned out after one use and their power was generally on the low side. On the other hand, the latter were bulky and limited in the spells they could cast, but they were reusable and far more powerful than their paper counterparts. The staves Ishtar and the other priests carried all had mineral-type magic circles engraved into them.
The first day of hero training was over, everyone was so tired that they sleep as soon as they hit the bed. They also anticipated a mock battle between Yuuya-san and Meld-san, as he requested to be the one who decides the training menu for Hajime. Fortunately there no ‘Rotten’ female summoned along with them or they would have the river of nose blood, especially if they heard word “Training”
===============================================================================
At the next morning on the training yard, Meld was sat as he looked at heroes training. Yesterday, he certainly should handle better of Hajime situation but he probably caught off guard with how many heroes have an astonishingly high stat and combat-based job. He also sends a report about the heroes’ stats and their relationship. Especially concerning Hajime, he certain that one of the female students has a crush on Hajime and it made other male students jealous. The problem was the female student; Kaori Shirasaki was also their First Prince’s first love. He didn’t forget to caution the kingdom officer if they act against Hajime since Hajime’s best friend was one of the promising heroes, Yuuya Yaegashi; he even challenged him in 1 on 1 duel.
Speaking of the devil; Yuuya arrive wearing armor typical for a speed-type fighter which didn’t hinder the way he moves. Meld on the other hand wearing the mass-production plate armor and his weapon was a bastard sword. He happy that Yuuya at least wearing the armor their Synergist created but he actually wrong, it was created by Yuuya; The real reason why Hajime was not here because he created a Japanese sword for Yuuya. After all, all of Yuuya technique was based on Katana as he was practicing Kenjutsu from Yaegashi style. The reason why Yuuya didn’t create it himself was to prove Hajime's advantage over Synergist from Heiligh kingdom, namely the knowledge from another world to other students.
“Where is your weapon? This isn’t joke, you know”
Hearing Meld taunts Yuuya only looked around as he felt a familiar presence running to the training yard. Everyone looked at Hajime who bring the katana. Everyone could saw Hajime bag eye and his sluggish body; he spent the entire night making 2 Katana. Hajime created the katana combining the hardest ores and magic conductivity ore available for his ability, Adamantium, and Mythril. After receiving his sword from Hajime, Yuuya looked at Kaori who worried about Hajime.
“Kaori, can you give a reward to Hajime? Something like lap pillow seem nice,”
At first, Kaori startled when her name was called but after hearing what Yuuya said, she was beaming with a smile while Shizuku was smiling innocently with Yuuya assist for Kaori. Meanwhile, Hajime thought Oy Yuuya, are you wanted to kill me? The lap pillow is certainly nice. Look, everyone starring at me now also there is no way Kaori will agree, “Leave it to me Yuuya-Kun, Let’s go Nagumo-Kun” see there no way she will - whaat but Kaori answer betrayed Hajime small wish as she was dragging Hajime to sat under a tree in the corner of Training yard as she agrees to Yuuya request. Kouki looked at Kaori and Hajime; he was felt uncomfortable when he saw Kaori holding hand with Hajime not mention she would give Hajime a lap pillow.
While everyone focused on Kaori who dragging Hajime, Yuuya looked at the white-bluish katana which Hajime created, it seems Hajime made it with combination steel which was created using Adamantium 80% and Mythril 20%. Did he try to add a magic circle here? Sasuga Hajime Yuuya though as he looked at the Guard part. After he swung it a few times, Yuuya looks at Meld who seems interested in the sword Hajime created as Yuuya observed Meld equipment. Bastard sword, no shield, is he some sort black swordsman? Yuuya chuckled a bit as he sheaths his swords. After all, the next act was an important custom.
“Yuuya Yaegashi, Successor of Yaegashi-style, Battou!!”
“That seems interesting, Meld Loggins, Knight of Heiligh Kingdom!!”
Hearing both of Yuuya and Meld shouts, everyone seems to remember why they were in here in the first place; If Hajime heard it, he probably comment, “Is this Battle-Shounen Manga?” but sadly Goddess’ school (Demon lord) dragging him, not mention with how tired he was; he couldn’t offer any form of resistance when Kaori gave him lap pillow as he felt Kaori’s soft thigh, tiredness catch up with him as he sleep amid the chaos that happens around him.
Yuuya used an upper-lower stance while Meld used the middle stance, the referee felt pressure from both of them; he was shocked with a pressure that comes from Yuuya as if he was one of the veteran knights who survived from many skirmishes. There was no way Yuuya was amateur and he was correct, while Yaegashi dojo teaches police martial arts that were just on the surface. The truth was they were a Shinobi clan. The true disciple of Yaegashi style helped law reinforcement to track criminals in Japan even Yakuza feared them. As his training to become head of Yaegashi family, Yuuya also helped the police a few times, especially for criminal against the child, young people, or perpetrator around his age, he usually only pass the information to the police but sometimes he needs to capture them on the spot especially for pedophile or narcotic case. In addition, he was training against the killing intent from both of the current head and former head, Shizuku’s father and Shizuku’s grandfather respectively.
The referee could look their captain knight seem joyfully anticipating for the duel and lament his fate.
“Start”
Using supersonic step Yuuya disappeared from his spot. Feeling the presence behind him, Meld slash to his back only to slice the shadow; as he realized that Yuuya used Illusionary Attack one of the derivative skills from Invisibility, he couldn’t help but smile as he parries Yuuya attack from his side. It only 1 day after the heroes summoning and Yuuya already develop one derivative skill, he was excited to saw other heroes' potential but first; he needs to treated this duel seriously. At first, Yuuya was rarely parried Meld’s slash as katana wasn’t known for their durability especially against the bastard sword if he didn’t careful it could snap the blade when they clash with each other but it seems material from another world was more stronger than he thought, something he really grateful for as he made the distance between him and Meld while sheathing his katana, feeling satisfied with his discovery.
Everyone looked awe as they watched the duel between Meld and Yuuya but they can’t hide their excitement. After all, they also have potential to become strong. Referee on other hand felt worried since he didn’t has confidence to stop their attack. Fortunately for him, Meld sighed as he put his sword; he couldn’t saw opening on Yuuya despite Yuuya sheathing his sword, he also has guts that Yuuya still had hidden card.
--------------------
A week has passed from the duel between Meld and Yuuya. Hajime was laid on training ground as he tried to regulate his breath and beside him, Kaori heal his injury after his spar with Yuuya. Not far from both of them, Yuuya and Shizuku were sparring with each other and due their similar battle-style. Sometimes, everyone in training ground who watched their spar could only saw spark when their Katanas clashed especially when Yuuya and Shizuku using their No-Tempo Skill.
In other training field, Meld was sparring with Kouki and Ryutarou. Meld usually spar with 4 of them (Kouki, Ryutarou, Shizuku, and Kaori) but because Yuuya and Hajime were training longer than usual, Shizuku and Kaori Joined them. Meld could felt Kouki dissatisfaction as he locking sword with him while Ryutarou tried to get up after he send fly by Meld kick. In Meld eyes Kouki was really talented or even genius among others heroes, the fact that he could change Yaegashi technique to suit a bastard sword was a proof for his talent. Yet, the fact that he lose to Shizuku in every spar they had was destroyed his confidence. Yet, it also proof Shizuku’s monstrous talent in sword.
Overall, Meld satisfied with the growth of heroes. Even Hajime shown the surprising growth to become the 3rd person to develop the derivative skill (the 2nd person was Shizuku) but considering his teacher was the 1st person, it not really surprising. Meld was even considering to hurried up their plan for expedition to the Great Orcus Labyrinth, one of seven labyrinths. The seven labyrinths referred to the seven highly dangerous locations scattered throughout the world. The Great Orcus Labyrinth was the closest to their kingdom. It also popular training area for adventure but Meld decide to stick to plan after he saw heroes hadn’t complete their training, he realizes he focus too much on Hajime and use him as minimum standard for other heroes.
Normally the students were given free time after training until dinner, but Captain Meld held them back after training had ended on that day. The students all looked at him curiously, and once he had their attention, he proclaimed loudly,
“Next Week, as part of your practical training, we will be going on an expedition to the Great Orcus Labyrinth. I’ll prepare all the necessary equipment you guys will need, but don’t think this is going to be anything like the monster hunts you’ve been going on outside the capital! You guys better prepare yourselves! That’s all, dismissed!” He kept his announcement brief, and then left right after he had delivered it.
Hajime body was stiff up when he heard this. At first, he was glad that he trained by Yuuya but soon he regret it. Yuuya was a Demon Instructor, what the hell with 100 push-up, 100 sit-up, 100 squat, and 10 KM. Not mention, he must did it every day, at least he didn’t only eat banana from this world and then he must transmute a lot ore. It not like he regrets it though as his growth was quite good
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Hajime Nagumo Age: 17 Male Levels: 10
Job: Synergist [+?????]
Strength: 50
Vitality: 50
Defense: 50
Agility: 60
Magic: 60
Magic Defense: 60
Skills: Transmute [+Precision Transmutation] [+Ore Appraisal] [+Ore Perception] [+Area Transmutation] [+Ore Synthesis] [+Ore Dysynthesis] [+Synchronize Transmute] — Language Comprehension —?????
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For comparison Kouki status who have same level as Hajime.
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Kouki Amanogawa Age: 17 Male Levels: 10
Job: Hero
Strength: 200
Vitality: 200
Defense: 200
Agility: 200
Magic: 200
Magic Defense: 200
Skills: All Elemental affinity — Elemental Resistance — Physical Resistance — Composite Casting — Swords Proficiency — Superhuman Strength — Armor Proficiency — Foresight — Increased Mana Recovery — Detect Presence — Detect Magic — Limit Break — Language Comprehension
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Kouki growth was 3 times of Hajime but considering their Job, it not really fair comparison. Regardless Hajime time to develop derivative skill was faster. The one that bit fair to be compared to Kouki was his best friend stat, Ryutarou Sakagami.
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Ryutarou Sakagami Age: 17 Male Levels: 10
Job: Monk
Strength: 180
Vitality: 180
Defense: 90
Agility: 70
Magic: 100
Magic Defense: 100
Skills: Close Quarters Combat Proficiency [+Body Strengthening] — Supersonic Step — Physical Resistance [+Diamond Skin] — All Elemental Resistance — Language Comprehension ============================================================================
Meanwhile Shizuku and Yuuya could be considered more cheat existence than even Kouki, Hajime wonder if Yuuya has skill that promote the growth of stat or maybe that ridiculous training actually effective.
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Shizuku Yaegashi Age: 17 Female Levels: 10
Job: Swordmaster [Kunoichi]
Strength: 290
Vitality: 250
Defense: 250
Agility: 550
Magic: 300
Magic Defense: 300
Skills: Sword Proficiency [+Improve Slashing Speed] [+Improve Drawing Speed] [+Precise Piercing] — Supersonic Step [+Continual Step] [+Steel Leg] [+No Tempo] — Foresight [+Improve Prediction] — Detect Presence [+Precise Detect presence] — Invisibility [+Hide Presence] [+Illusionary Attack] — Limit Break —Language Comprehension
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============================================================================
Yuuya Yaegashi Age: 17 Male Levels: 10
Job: Masked Hero [Shinobi]
Strength: 400 (600)
Vitality: 400 (600)
Defense: 400 (600)
Agility: 400 (600)
Magic: 400 (1500)
Magic Defense: 400 (1500)
Skills: All Elemental Affinity [+Decrease Mana Consumption] [+Speed Casting] [+Chain Casting] — All Elemental Resistance [+Increase All Elemental Resistance] — Physical Resistance — Composite Sorcery — Swords Proficiency [+Sword Mimicry] [+Improve Slashing Speed] [+Improve Drawing Speed] [+Precise Piercing] — Dagger Proficiency [+Improve Slashing Speed] [+Assassinate] — Close Quarter Combat Proficiency [+Body Strengthening] [+Focused Strengthening] [+Penetrating Strike] — Projectile Proficiency —Atlas Strength [+Burst] — Armor Proficiency [+Lessen Weight] — Perfect Vision [+Blade Steal] [+Foresight] — Supersonic Step [+Continual Step] [+Steel Leg] [+No Tempo] — Increased Mana Recovery [+Meditation] — Detect Presence [+Precise Detect presence] —Detect Magic [+Precise Detect Magic] — Invisibility [+Improve Invisibility] ([+Status Concealment]) — Limit Break [+Ittou Shura] [+Decrease Backlash] — Transmute [+Precision Transmutation] [+Ore Appraisal] [+Ore Perception] [+Area Transmutation] [+Ore Synthesis] [+Ore Dysynthesis] [+Synchronize Transmute] — Language Comprehension — ?????
============================================================================
Hajime didn’t know how Yuuya could improved with frightening rate despite Yuuya also taught and trained him. When Hajime asked Yuuya about it, Yuuya told him that he more or less has the same ability as Shirogane Ikki, one of Hajime favorite protagonist. Hajime back to his room with resolve to go through a week of hellish training tomorrow.
