Chapter 6:
Turning Point
WITH ONIZUKA MAXED OUT, I checked my stats again.
“I can’t believe my level more than doubled in just one week.” My growth was so wild, I couldn’t begin to justify it to a normal adventurer.
Next, I reviewed my skill list, where I saw Battle Barrier LV 5 and Dungeon Teleportation LV 29.
“Battle Barrier is normal so far, wanting the usual bump in SP each time. It made sense to get it to LV 5 then switch priorities to Dungeon Teleportation but…I still don’t have enough SP to reach LV 30.”
I’d shoveled SP into it until Dungeon Teleportation reached LV 29 but didn’t see much difference in its abilities. There was no need to get upset over it, though. The same thing happened between each ten-level increment, other than the surprise at LV 21. I shrugged and focused on something else.
“Each skill level increase required 10,000 SP, but LV 30 requires 50,000 points…what the heck is it gonna do with that much SP?”
Something as awesome as Time Zero, right? It’s just gotta be something that good.
On second thought, I would be in for a world of hurt if I let my hopes fly that high. Dungeon Teleportation grew as unpredictably as a weed on the side of the road. It was dangerous to put too much faith in LV 30.
“I need to stop overthinking this,” I decided. “I’ll have the answer soon enough.”
More specifically, I’d have my answer in about two days. I only needed 15,000 SP to reach the 50,000 SP cost. Thinking about it put a pep in my step.
✦ ✦ ✦
I chatted with Hana over dinner that night.
“Hey, remember the guild I mentioned? They can make time to talk to you tomorrow afternoon. Think you can make it?” I asked.
“Yeah! So long as it’s in the afternoon.”
“Oh, plans in the morning?”
“I’m gonna hang out with Yui-senpai and Rei-senpai.” She paused to think. “I know! Why don’t you come with us?”
“Me again?”
I asked where and she named a shopping mall in the city center. It was close to Yoizuki’s headquarters, so not a bad place to meet. This way, we wouldn’t need to regroup before heading over.
“You should probably ask them before inviting me, though,” I warned.
“I don’t think they’d mind, but gimme a sec.”
She pulled out her phone and typed out a quick text. Replies came immediately.
“Witness!” she said, brandishing the screen like she’d drawn Excalibur. It displayed a group chat between the three of them, which I had no idea existed.
Gee, thanks for the invite.
Yui had responded with an enthusiastic, Ooooo, fine by me! and Rei had sent a sticker with big letters that said ‘OK’ and ‘YAY!’ The way their personalities shone through their messages was kind of funny.
“Well, guess I might as well come along,” I said.
“Yes, you should!”
Hana giggled excitedly and texted to let them know I’d be there. All of a sudden, my schedule for the next day was solidly booked.