Black Iron Magician

Chapter 18 Which One Should I Pick?

Normally, this is a situation where you should prioritize improving your job level and learn the skills associated with it. But this time, there are two empty skill slots for Haru. At least, one of them will be used for the skill associated with her job and she can choose freely for the other slot. Let’s take that into consideration as we proceed.

「Shishou, how about 『Dismantling』 skill? I think this skill is quite effective when dealing with a large number of monsters like this time. It will also lead to a reduction in time after the battle.」

「The dismantling skill, huh…. It’s certainly convenient because the higher the level, the faster and better quality materials can be collected. Compared to martial arts and magic skills, it is quite easy to raise the level.」

I’ve heard rumors that the level was raised while cooking, so it may be possible to use it when bringing down a fish without measuring it. In the first place, it is rare for fish to line up on the table in Adelheit. It would be too hasty to expect that effect.

「However, the increase in status when the level goes up is only dexterity. With that in mind, it might be a little less tasty for you, who already have a certain amount of techniques.」

Dexterity is a status used mainly in production jobs. It is also reflected in the handling of swords and bows in combat, but now she has to raise her strength and magic power to improve her damage source. It is also important to expand safety in HP and endurance. And agility too, if the value is high, she can take advantage. As for luck―― well, yeah. I’m not so sure about that. The only status that’s hard to feel is luck. I’m sure I can feel it if it’s at the level of the legendary hero who’s synonymous with great luck… but if I had to say, I raise it as secondary.

「Only dexterity, huh?」

「By the way, if you long-press the skill name on the skills acquisition screen, you can see what effect it has and what status it increases.」

「Let’s see… ah, it’s true. When leveling up, it says dexterity +3. It’s a bit unsatisfactory compared to hand-to-hand combat and dark magic.」

Haru, who seemed to be poking at the menu screen, replied as if she was convinced.

「For reference, I’ll tell you the popular one. When magicians became level 2, they often learned 『Staff Arts』. It’s a combat skill using a staff.」

「After all, a magician uses a staff, right?」

「There’s a simple reason that your magic power will rise when you equip a staff, but staff arts skill is the only martial arts skill that has relation with job magician. It’s an excellent skill for improving HP, strength, and endurance, which are difficult for magicians to raise. It also increases your magic power even though extremely small.」

Well, Haru, the physical type magician, has already overcome that weakness. Other than the status, I’d say she’s the type to talk with fists first, not magic.

「Wow, the more I listen, the more I feel like it.」

「You seem to be easier to level up in martial arts than magic. If you want to raise your job level faster, this one is definitely suitable for you. I’d recommend it too.」

Also, the graduation festival at the Adelheit Magic Academy is limited to using staff only after all. It also can be used together with the hand-to-hand combat she took before, so this is probably the best answer.

「Then, I will pick that one.」

「Are you sure with that quick decision?」

「I’m high-ranked in kendo even if I look like this. I also handled a wooden sword, so I think it will probably work.」

…… Is it okay treating a wooden sword like a staff? Umm, I guess it’s okay if it’s Haru. Even if I teach her from the beginning, she can absorb it real fast.

「Got it, what about the remaining slot?」

「Hmm…」

Haru groans as she stares at the menu. She’s thinking hard about it. Ah, not good. Black smoke is rising from her head….

「S-Shishou, do you have other recommendations…?」

「Ahh, let’s see… I guess what popular are 『Magic Power Preservation』 that suppresses the consumption of magic power and 『Evasion』 that covers the weakness of being hit. On the contrary, it is not recommended to learn more magic skills.」

「I can’t have more magic skills? It’s going to be fun to have more variations of magic, like fire and ice, light and dark, though?」

「There are some magicians who have more than two types of attributes, but if you want to imitate it, you have to do it after becoming a successful magician. Let’s say you learned light magic in addition to dark magic, how are you going to train?」

「I think using it in practice is the best. After that, I can study with texbo―― AH!?」

Haru stiffened as if she understood something. She’s sweating a lot unpleasantly.

「From that reaction, I’m sure you have an inkling. When you learn a magic skill, your MP will increase slightly. But, that’s only a slight increase. Even if you actually use magic, your MP amount is not much different than it is now. If you poured all your MP into practicing light magic in addition to dark magic, the amount of practice would be divided into two equal parts. And the insufficiency part can only be supplemented by studying,」

「Awawa….」

Even if by any chance there’s a miracle that Haru can do it, it’s very likely that their level will be half-baked. If you are going to use the skill slots to use two types of subtle magic and struggle, it’s definitely better to just learn one powerful magic with the current practice amount. Rather, I’m sure Haru’s brain will definitely overheat beyond this. I want to say it in a loud voice and stop her.

「…… I personally recommend the 『Pleasant Sleep』 skill.」

「The one that makes you sleep well?」

「Yes, that pleasant sleep. With this skill, you can relieve fatigue at bedtime and help you wake up in the morning.」

「I-I see….」

She was thinking ‘Is that all?’ just now. It’s true that a lot of people make fun of it as a good-for-nothing skill, but it’s a pretty useful skill, you know?

「Haru, think about it. How long do you sleep a day?」

「About 6 hours?」

「So, have you been training during those six hours?」

「Eh…? There’s no way I can do it when I’m sleeping.」

「Normally, that’s right. But you see, this pleasant sleep skill is different. With just sleeping well, you can raise your level!」

「W-with just sleeping…! Doesn’t that mean you can train even when you’re sleeping!?」

The tension steadily rising and become like doing online shopping at late night. Now that we’ve come this far, let’s push through this mood.

「Yes, it means that you can train your skills for a full 24 hours a day without wasting time. Moreover, this pleasant sleep skill increases your HP and endurance status. It has good compatibility with you. So to speak, it’s a magician’s lethal weapon. The higher the level, the shorter the time needed to relieve your fatigue!」

「I’ll take it!」

It was a pleasant and quick decision. Apparently, the tenacity shown during her shopping din’t appear here. No, I’d be the one crying if it did. It didn’t have to appear.

「Okay, then, go to bed early today! Feel this great power!」

「Katsuragi Haruna here, I will sleep with all my might! Good night, Shishou!」

「Yeah, go get a pleasant sleep!」

Haru in tracksuit went to her room with a motivated expression. I’m sure she will get a good rest just like what she declared. …… I hope she, who always desperate for everything, can relax even a little with this. Well, let’s check her status before going to bed.

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Katsuragi Haruna | 16 years old | Female | Human

Job: Magician LV2

HP: 235/235

MP: 105/105 (+20)

Strength: 42

Endurance: 46

Agility: 41

Magic Power: 46 (+10)

Intelligence: 18

Dexterity: 1

Luck: 1

Skill Slot

◇ Hand-to-hand Combat LV40

◆ Dark Magic LV17

◇ Staff Arts LV1

◇ Pleasant Sleep LV2

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H-her pleasant sleep level is already starting to rise…!?

――Third day of training, ends.