I defeated the new rare monster, 'General Goblin.'
While not as strong as the 'Golden Bug' enhancement, it was still a high-level rare monster, and it seems my level has risen to 41. I would like to think that from now on, with the flow of 'Hobgoblin' and 'General Goblin,' things will be easier... but my top priority is to confirm the appearance of the enhanced 'Hobgoblin' after eliminating four locations. However, if 'General Goblin' appears in all locations, I might encounter its enhanced form after the fifth enhanced 'Hobgoblin.'
The possibility of this happening is extremely low due to a certain point of concern... but let me think about it.
First, the reason I was able to defeat it without any damage this time is that it exposed a weakness by targeting Ayane. From there, I was able to win by mounting it and using my skills to the fullest, turning it into a punching bag. Fighting it head-on would be difficult because its armor is too tough.
I don't think the same strategy would work against an even more powerful enhanced form. After all, even the 'Golden Bug' had a 1.5x boost in all stats plus a power-up from the 'Limit Break' skill. The 'General Goblin' has the same 'Strength' and 'Toughness' as the 'Golden Bug.' If the power-up ratio is the same, it would have a 'Speed' of 240. Just imagining the 'Golden Bug (Enhanced)' moving around freely, I don't think I could win. It just gives me chills...
I should avoid such an opponent for now. If 'General Goblin' keeps appearing, I should consider retreating.
If I do fight, I should get a new weapon that can handle even 'Mithril.'
And the second discovery.
Both today's 'General Goblin' and yesterday's 'Golden Bug (Enhanced)' disappeared immediately after being defeated. This means that no additional rare monsters are waiting afterward. So, if the enhanced 'Hobgoblin' also disappears, it would prove that the enhanced 'General Goblin' won't appear.
I guess I'll have to test it.
If it doesn't disappear, there are still two rare monsters I haven't seen yet: 'Murder Rabbit' and 'Golden Bug.' These will only appear if I increase my 'Luck.'
...By the way, what about the 'Rainbow Slime'? I was too excited to check back then...
Anyway, 'Murder Rabbit' appeared in the same way as 'Hobgoblin,' and it's possible that I can make the next one appear even now. It's a bit concerning, but I'll put it off for now.
There's a problem with 'Golden Bug.' I can't even guarantee that it will appear. It's hard to see it in its current state.
But what if it does appear? ...Will it hatch or something?
"Master!"
As I was lost in thought, Ayane jumped on me from behind. I could smell something nice over my shoulder.
"Ayane?"
"Master was angry about what happened to me earlier. It made me so happy!!"
"Ah, that was... I was just annoyed that it ignored me and went for you... I can't really put it into words."
"So, you see me as your woman now!"
"No, that's not it. It's not like that at all."
Ayane looked blissful, and it didn't seem like my words were getting through to her.
"...Aira"
"Yes, Master"
"Get her off me"
"As you wish"
"Kyaa!"
Ayane was peeled off with a dramatic reaction. I said it as a joke, but why did Aira listen to me? Yeah, she declared it just now.
Well, it's troublesome, so I'll let it go. Let's focus on the items in front of me.
The drops are...
1: 'Steel Greatsword'
2: 'Mithril Chestplate'
3: 'Medium Magic Stone'
4: 'Large Magic Stone'
5: 'Skill: Herculean Strength'
6: 'Skill: Herculean Strength II'
7: 'Skill: Leadership'
Hmm...
I didn't expect 'Herculean Strength II' to drop alone. This means...
No, I need to test it. Including whether it will be wasted.
"Use 'Herculean Strength'"
The 'Herculean Strength' skill orb disappeared. Let's see...
＊＊＊＊＊
Name: Shouta Tenchi
Age: 21
Level: 41
Strength: 375 (+331)
Dexterity: 331 (+287)
Toughness: 441 (+397)
Speed: 380 (+336)
Magic: 344 (+302)
Intelligence: 313 (+271)
Luck: 802
Skills: Level Roulette, Appraisal Lv5, Appraisal Interference Lv5, Auto Mapping (1/3), Eagle Eye, Adamantine Exterior II, Body Ultra Enhancement Lv1, Herculean Strength II, Adamantine Power II, Swift II, Adamantine Wall II, Foresight (1/3), Dual Wield, Martial Arts Lv1, Swordsmanship Lv1, Throwing Lv3, Elemental Magic Lv1, Magic Recovery Lv2, Magic Transfer, Skill Compression
Trophies: Golden Bug
＊＊＊＊＊
No change...
It seems to have been completely wasted.
"This is... good that I didn't test it with the Adamantine series."
Really.
'Herculean Strength' and 'Herculean Strength II' are clearly of different values.
So, the next test should be...
"Use 'Herculean Strength II'"
The 'Herculean Strength II' skill orb disappeared. This should...
＊＊＊＊＊
Name: Shouta Tenchi
Age: 21
Level: 41
Strength: 375 (+331)
Dexterity: 331 (+287)
Toughness: 441 (+397)
Speed: 380 (+336)
Magic: 344 (+302)
Intelligence: 313 (+271)
Luck: 802
Skills: Level Roulette, Appraisal Lv5, Appraisal Interference Lv5, Auto Mapping (1/3), Eagle Eye, Adamantine Exterior II, Body Ultra Enhancement Lv1, Herculean Strength II (1/3), Adamantine Power II, Swift II, Adamantine Wall II, Foresight (1/3), Dual Wield, Martial Arts Lv1, Swordsmanship Lv1, Throwing Lv3, Elemental Magic Lv1, Magic Recovery Lv2, Magic Transfer, Skill Compression
Trophies: Golden Bug
＊＊＊＊＊
"Yes!"
This is a big discovery. Skills without a level indicator will only level up if the name and number are exactly the same.
If the effect changes only slightly when it reaches 'III,' it would be a very discouraging skill.
But then, it would be faster to learn a skill with a number from the start...
Hmm. I'm also curious about what happens if someone tries to learn a numbered skill without knowing it exists. This area is uncharted territory.
...So, I'm the first one to do this. It's getting exciting.
Thinking about this, I want to farm 'General Goblin.' But I don't want it to become an enhanced form...
"Finally... 'Leadership.' Let me check."
'A passive skill. Increases the stats of team members recognized by the user by 10%. Maximum of 5 members. Market price: 500 million.'
Hasn't the world recently become one where billions are the norm?
I understand it's an excellent skill, but...
"Of course, I'll use it."
I might eventually upgrade it to 'Leadership II.' But it will probably be a meaningless skill since I don't have any team members...
Thinking about it, I suddenly thought about the two behind me.
I feel bad about treating them casually, even though they have been serving me selflessly. I ignored them because it was troublesome and I had other priorities, but it's distracting me from focusing on battles.
But, it feels weird to trust and invite other girls into the team when I've only been with these two for a short time...
But, if I simply teach them 'Leadership,' will it make me stronger, or will the effects stack to 20%? I'm curious about that.
"...No, I can't."
I'm now searching for the benefits of making them my companions. This is dangerous. It seems I'm seriously considering this sudden opportunity because of my longing for a team.
"Phew..."
Okay, when in doubt, consult them! I've done a simple test and satisfied my exploration desire a little.
It's not yet noon, but I'll end the morning session here! Retreat!
"Let's go back. I'll report to Aki and Maki, so come with me."
"Yes, sir!!"
"Understood."
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