Chapter 11

Only 5 days left until the start of the second semester. A period too short for any significant change. Yet, I was well aware that even this short period was a precious opportunity for me.

That’s why I hurried to recruit two masters overflowing with fundamentals. Of course, I didn’t expect anything grand without conscience.

Just a plan to lay a little foundation in swordsmanship and archery before starting the second semester. But then, an unexpected variable occurred in that plan. A variable that even I, a hardcore gamer, had not anticipated. I named that variable ‘The Miracle Brought by Steak’.

…Long live the high elf, long live the meat

“Umm…”

Turk looked at Max with an expression that said he couldn’t understand at all.

It’s been four days since the lessons started.

Although it may seem short in time, I’ve been training him every day without fail, with high sensitivity. A training method based on his own theory that one day of rest per week is enough.

It may seem reckless, but I was confident in the effectiveness of this training method born from experience. However, there are limits to its effectiveness.

Just a few initial days are not enough for the body to adapt to the intensity of the training and become noticeably stronger. It’s the repeated cycle of six days of training and one day of rest that gradually tempers and strengthens the body.

Now, it was actually the time when accumulated fatigue should be making the body suffer.

But then.

What on earth is that?

Whoosh!

There is power in the downward strike of the sword. A downward cut that has clearly improved since the first day.

Yes, that could happen. Even if the body becomes tired, if taught the correct method, the sword will show a sharper movement.

But then again.

…Does that make sense?

Today’s training was almost at its end.

Since I’ve been increasing the intensity of the training a little each day, it would be normal to feel as exhausted and about to collapse as on the first day.

But…

“Haap!”

A vigorous shout still indicates remaining strength.

A stable grip with hardly any muscle spasms or tremors.

Light and precise footwork.

The flowing vitality is almost palpable just by looking. Is such a thing possible…?

If I had to find a reason, it would be that my training method is more perfect than I thought, bringing such dramatic effects…

‘No, that’s nonsense.’

Turk shook his head in disbelief.

He knew better than anyone that it couldn’t be true.

If it were such a good training method, there would have been several others who experienced such effects. But there wasn’t even one, was there?

Then.

‘Is it really talent?’

Talent.

The very thing everyone dreams of having. But almost no one truly possesses it. Having lived on the sword for decades, I knew this fact better than anyone.

Even I had experienced so much frustration due to my meager talent. The reason I had only managed a second rate mercenary life and now run this modest swordsmanship hall was all due to the lack of talent.

And yet, that very talent.

A man who truly possessed it was right before my eyes.

‘My eyes are still lacking.’

To have a gem and not recognize it. I was somewhat proud of the discernment born from numerous experiences, but now I had no words if this was a wasted experience.

Turk composed himself from his lament. It was time to end the lesson.

“Stop.”

At Turk’s word, Max’s sword finally stopped.

“Is today’s training over?”

Max asked.

“Yes.”

“You’ve worked hard.”

Max, seemingly short on time, was about to leave the swordsmanship hall without delay.

But Turk stopped him.

“Just a moment.”

“What is it?”

“I have something to say.”

“Speak.”

“I’m considering adjusting the level of your lessons. Is that alright with you?’

“It’s only natural to leave the lessons entirely to the teacher. There’s no need to ask for my opinion on such matters.”

Max spoke as if questioning why he was even being asked, But Turk’s intention was somewhat different.

“I’m thinking of moving directly to a much more intense stage than before. It will be much harder and more strenuous. Are you okay with that?”

Turk was saying he would skip steps all at once. It was an unusual move. No, it was something that had never happened since opening the swordsmanship hall.

Because there had never been a student worthy of it.

But finally, he had found one. A talent that was more than capable. But he did not force it.

He knew that if one was not mentally prepared for the more intense training, it could have a negative impact instead.

“Hmm.”

It seemed to be a difficult decision, as Max looked contemplative. Then he opened his mouth and asked Turk.

“You suddenly want to increase the intensity; is there a reason?”

“That’s because I felt that the student’s physical preparation was better than I thought.

Turk barely swallowed the word ‘talent’. He was worried that if he said it himself, it might lead to arrogance. Not all talented individuals succeed. Especially arrogance is one of the dangerous barriers that can block the path of the talented.

Knowing this, he always emphasized to his daughter Elaine to never lose humility and caution.

Turk hoped that the student before him, with whom he had recently connected, would truly blossom his talent without straying. That’s why he chose his words carefully.

“I see. Well, I understand. Let’s do that.”

The answer came out easier than expected. But it didn’t seem to be a light response. The serious look in his eyes conveyed that.

Turk also spoke seriously.

“I will do my best to ensure that results are returned.”

‘Already increasing the intensity?’

I thought to myself in the carriage heading towards Mount Harkin. My first sword teacher.

I knew too well the training process of Turk, the master of basics.

The Imperial Style Eight. Basic swordsmanship that is treated lightly, but even its training process is not to be taken lightly. Even the protagonist, who has at least average talent, had to struggle for a month before barely entering the formal training stage.

And yet, Max, a guy who is insignificant compared to the protagonist, let alone average, enters the formal stage in just a few days?

That just doesn’t make sense.

‘Every second is precious, how much am I earning.’

A pleasant smile crossed my lips. It would have been impossible under normal circumstances. Impossible even with the knowhow of hardcore gamers.

But then it happened.

Thanks to the unapproachable heroine Hiresia, I, who was in no condition to proceed with archery training. Had no choice but to ask for a postponement, but she refused. The excuse that it was unacceptable to postpone annoying tasks on a whim was a fake, and it was because she was afraid she wouldn’t get to eat steak if the lessons were canceled.

A truly Hiresia like reason. And that steak brought about a miracle I had never experienced before.

She forcibly fed me vitality.

The moment that energy entered, an odd vitality surged through my body. As if someone had forcibly injected a source of energy. My trembling arms and legs moved, and strength overflowed throughout my body.

And the effect seemed to last longer than expected, as I was still full of energy during the next day’s training. That’s why I was able to perform Turk’s training so unbelievably well. Hiresia didn’t explain to me what that energy was.

But even with just the term ‘vitality infusion’, I could guess. High elves are children of the World Tree. What is the World Tree?

It’s a tremendous ancient tree filled with the overflowing vitality of nature.

So, the high elves, being the children of such a being, inevitably inherit this overflowing vitality.

That’s why high elves live very long, don’t get sick, and maintain a youthful appearance until just before death.

A part of that vitality. Could it be that it was infused into me?

That was my guess.

Anyway, whatever it was.

‘It’s just amazing, amazing.’

An extra weakling advancing in training faster than the protagonist? There’s no snowballing like this. In game terms, it’s like starting with a growth speed increase DLC.

Of course, being such a wreck, it won’t be noticeable right away, but what if it accumulates?

No words will be needed.

Anyway, so one thing became certain. The most critical task at present. That is the relationship with Hiresia.

Archery or whatever, now that I know she has such an amazing skill, I can’t let it slip away.

‘The past plan is completely discarded.’

What does it matter if it’s said to be impossible to conquer? What does it matter if you can’t make her a companion? Just shut up and cozy up to Goddess Hiresia, stick to her like glue. That’s how you suck up the grace of vitality infusion and grow…

While thinking that.

“Huh?”

Suddenly, all the strength drained from my body.

At the same time, an overwhelming sense of fatigue rushed in.

I barely managed to support myself against the carriage wall, almost collapsing. I could immediately grasp what was happening.

‘Damn, the drug’s worn off.’

As soon as the vitality Hiresia had infused evaporated, the suppressed fatigue flooded in.

“No, young master! Is there any discomfort…?”

Dolph seemed panicked, slowing down the carriage in a hurry.

“Look here.”

I said, clutching my head, throbbing with fatigue.

“Yes, young master!”

“It’s nothing, just keep going.”

“Huh, yes, yes!”

The carriage picked up speed again.

“You look tired?”

“The drug’s effects have worn off.”

“What?”

Hiresia glared at me with sharp eyes.

“…It seems the sacred and great power of Hiresia, the noble high elf, has faded away.”

I quickly changed my answer. I’ll bend when I need to bend. It wasn’t for nothing that I’ve been through the grind of social life.

“Hmm, you do know somethings.”

She nodded her head with her nose held high. Such an easy to understand person… no, elf.

“Senior.”

“What is it?”

“It seems you’ll have to feed me again.”

A somewhat awkward expression. But there was nothing wrong with that expression. The archery training so far was only possible because she had forcibly spoonfed me up to my esophagus.

No, honestly, the swordsmanship training too…

“Hmph, why should I do that?”

She feigned indifference.

There’s a give and take in everything. Here, I had to play along with her rhythm.

“Senior.”

“What?”

“Do you need a shuttle?”

“Shuttle? What’s a shuttle?”

Ah, you don’t know what a shuttle is. Well, you’re not a bully, so…

“It means something like a supply source.”

“Supply source?”

“Yes.”

“I see. I’ll remember that.”

Why suddenly remember everything and use that word, it’ll kill the mood if you say it around others. You’re a model student. I opened my mouth again.

“So, here’s the thing.”

“What is it?”

“I want to be your meat shuttle.”

“Meat shuttle?”

Hiresia tilted her head in confusion. I kindly elaborated for her.

“I’ll supply you with meat whenever you want.”

“What’s so great about that. I can catch the meat myself.”

“Expensive and delicious meat.”

“More expensive and delicious meat.”

“…?!”

“If you want even more expensive and delicious meat, I can supply that too…”

“…!!!”

Drool.

She blatantly drooled.

Her focus blurred as if she was envisioning meat in front of her.

“Ex, expensive and delicious meat…”

“Yes, exactly. Just add ‘more’ twice to that.”

“More more expensive and delicious meat…?”

“That’s right.”

I waited calmly.

This was bait, no, an offer that she couldn’t possibly refuse.

An offer that could make us both happily satisfied.

Eventually, she fell for the irresistible offer.

“Fine, you be my meat shuttle.”

“I shall do so.”

“You… as it turns out, you’re a good person.”

Huh? Just because I said I’d supply meat whenever she wanted, my evaluation in her eyes skyrocketed ridiculously. What’s this about?

Even as the protagonist, doing all sorts of things never got me such an evaluation… Ah, but as the protagonist, I couldn’t afford to splurge her on meat like this. Sorry, I had to make a living too…

“Hey, good person.”

“Yes?”

“I want it today.”

Hiresia looked at me with eyes shining with appetite.

That meant.

“You’ve mastered transformation magic, I see.”

She nodded with a triumphant expression.

“Alright. Let’s go today. I’ll buy you whatever you want.”

Of course, after all the work is done.

“Senior, then shall we proceed with the archery training…”

Before I could finish my sentence, she approached me. She placed her hand on my chest with a thud.

[Hiresia cast ‘Vitality Infusion’ more fervently on you.]

[Your body begins to overflow with even more vitality.]

…She cast a more fervent Vitality Infusion, seemingly pleased.

I was filled with energy to the brim.

What’s this feeling?

It’s too good?

Wrapped in a feeling like I could genuinely get addicted, she urged me.

“Don’t dawdle, focus, focus!”

…She must have really wanted steak.

Central Square.

Though the day had darkened, the place had not lost its light. Thanks to the magical streetlights lit here and there. The many people remaining on the streets indicated that this was the busiest district in the capital.

A carriage was running down the wide road among the crowd. It was the carriage carrying me and Hiresia.

The carriage stopped in front of a building.

A respectable fivestory building.

Located in the center of Central Square, the rent alone must be incredibly expensive.

The restaurant occupying the 4th and 5th floors of such a building was ‘Mylon’s SteakHouse.’

Mylon’s SteakHouse had one strategy.

Only premium.

Premium ingredients, premium chefs, premium recipes. A steakhouse for only the finest customers, It quickly made its mark among the wealthy, thanks to word of mouth.

“This is…”

Hiresia, slightly nervous from the ‘no entry for the penniless’ aura emanating from the entrance, swallowed hard. I whispered to her softly.

“Senior, relax. You look undignified.”

“Ugh.”

Her shoulders straightened up, perhaps feeling a bit embarrassed. Though she had transformed into a human, she still seemed concerned about image management.

“Let’s go in.”

“Ho, hmm. Yes, let’s go in.”

I walked a step ahead of her. It was a sort of escort. A few steps in, and a magical elevator appeared before us. This expensive elevator was the reason Mylon’s SteakHouse confidently occupied the 4th and 5th floors.

I pressed for the 5th floor. Because it was the most popular floor with the best view.

Drdrdr.

The elevator was pulled up by magic.

Soon the door opened again.

“Please step out.”

A luxurious and neat entrance.

“Welcome. We’re glad to have you at our establishment. Is it just the two of you?”

A man who appeared to be an employee greeted us with a smile.

“Yes.”

I responded with a nobleman’s tone. I must always remember that I am the eldest son of a count’s family.

“Please come in. Have a wonderful time.”

As we entered, the staff guided us to an empty table. Luckily, there was one seat available. I sat down and spread the menu towards Hiresia.

“Take your time choosing.”

“What about you?”

“I’ve already chosen.”

Having played the game so much, I could recite the menu of this major restaurant in the bustling district without looking.

“Already?”

She looked at the menu, slightly bewildered. She squinted at the letters on the menu, but seemed to have a hard time deciding.

Naturally.

She wouldn’t have a clue which menu item was delicious.

I offered help.

“How about starting light with steak tartare? Get a taste and then we’ll cut into some Chateaubriand and rib cap.”

Truthfully, I don’t know the taste. I’ve only eaten it in the game, how would I know the taste?

But beef is beef, what could be different?

Start with a Western Style raw beef dish, and then cut into delicious parts like tenderloin and shrimp meat, it’ll melt in your mouth.

Wow, I’m drooling too. In reality, what’s beef, when even pork belly is too expensive to eat often,

“Ah, that, sure.”

She quickly nodded her head.

She didn’t know anything, so she left the ordering to me.

“Then let’s go with that.”

“Yes, that, that,”

I raised my hand to call the waiter.

Soon a waiter approached quickly.

“Have you decided?”

“Here’s the order… Huh?!”

Suddenly.

I opened my eyes wide in surprise. I had to.

Because the face I had seen countless times was right in front of me.

No, if it were just that, I wouldn’t have been so surprised.

“Sir?”

A voice all too familiar.

A handsome face with manly features.

A tall stature, stretched out handsomely.

If there were a protagonist in the game, he would look exactly like this… What the heck, this guy is the protagonist!

“Hey, you! What are you doing here?!”

Unable to contain my excitement, I ended up shouting.