While lost in thought, it seemed I had arrived at the central path. Ayane ran up to me with a smile.
"Ah, is he alright?"
"Yes, he said he's going to go home and rest today."
"I see. I'm glad he's safe."
"Your heroic rescue of your junior was very impressive...! If the seniors heard about it, they would definitely be envious."
"R-really...?"
"Yes, they would be!"
"You did a great job."
...It's a bit embarrassing.
"Are you blushing?"
"...Yeah."
"You have a cute side too. Oh, and I told the people gathered at the dungeon entrance that we've already cleared it, so you can rest assured."
I had forgotten about that. But it seems Ayane did her job well.
"I see. Good work."
"It's just what I should do!"
"Alright, let's get back on track."
"Yes, sir!"
◇◇◇◇◇◇◇◇
"About time."
After heading in the opposite direction from this morning, I dispatched the 60th goblin. It's perfect for the experiment.
"What are you planning to do?"
"I want to conduct an experiment. Ayane, Aila, can you help me?"
"Yes, sir!"
"Leave it to me."
First, I had the two of them each kill five goblins individually. Ayane used 'Flame Magic' to burn the goblins, while Aila delivered precise thrusts to their necks. Watching others fight up close is really educational...
The result was that Ayane, who has slightly higher 'Luck,' dropped one 'Tiny Magic Stone,' while Aila got nothing. It seems the 'Luck' of non-participants in the battle doesn't matter.
Next, I lightly attacked, and the two of them finished off the goblins five times each. The result was no drops at all.
This time, the two of them weakened the goblins to the point where they wouldn't die, and I finished them off twenty times. The breakdown was: Ayane to me, five times; Aila to me, five times; Ayane and Aila each attacking, and I finished off ten times. The result was that all of them dropped. It seems the final blow is the key.
And with that, it was the 100th goblin for the team, but no 'General Goblin' appeared.
When I killed twenty more goblins on my own, a 'Hobgoblin' appeared.
"The experiment was a success. It's the best result I could have hoped for."
"Congratulations, sir!"
"Congratulations."
"Thanks. So, for the rare monster battles from now on, both of you can participate. But don't deliver the final blow."
"Yes, sir."
"Understood."
And the first 'Hobgoblin.'
I waited for the two of them to attack before delivering the final blow.
【Level Up】
【Level increased from 15 to 19】
"Level up!"
"Congratulations."
"Congratulations, miss."
I was at level 46, so I thought there was a chance, but it seems I definitely gained one level. It looks like rare monsters really do provide a lot of experience points. However, the 'General Goblin' didn't appear.
Failing twice in a row, it seems a considerable amount of 'Luck' is required.
I handed the dropped items to Aila and sprinted to the next corner.
◇◇◇◇◇◇◇◇
At the top-left corner of the map, I defeated a 'Hobgoblin.'
【Level Up】
【Level increased from 19 to 22】
The 'General Goblin' didn't appear.
At the top-right corner of the map, I defeated a 'Hobgoblin.'
【Level Up】
【Level increased from 22 to 24】
There, I finally confirmed the appearance of the 'General Goblin.' It still targets the weakest human, Ayane, so I and Aila protected her while the three of us attacked. However, Ayane and Aila mostly just kept the enemy at bay, moving to gain experience points. Ayane used magic to draw attention, Aila injured the enemy's vital points, and I delivered the finishing blow with all my might.
Despite the unfamiliar coordination, we managed to defeat it without major confusion. Fighting with multiple people is definitely easier.
【Level Up】
【Level increased from 24 to 42】
The drops were the same as before, seven in total, including the 'Hobgoblin.' This time, a helmet dropped. I could tell how hard it was from hitting it directly. I'll try it on.
...Yeah, the vision is bad. Plus, it's heavy, which is a bit of a drag. But if I get hit on the head, it would be a disaster... I haven't worn a helmet before because I didn't think it was necessary, but I'll keep it on for now. I'll get 'Super Strength II'...
"Ayane, can you learn this 'Leadership'?"
"Is it alright?"
"Sure. You deserve it."
"Master...! Thank you. I'll transfer the money to your account later. 300 million, right?"
"Huh? No, no, no, I don't need the money. You're part of the team now. Even if our relationship changes in the future, I won't ask for payment, so please take it."
"Y-yes, sir..."
She seems a bit down after mentioning the relationship. Did I say something unnecessary?
But she quickly regained her composure and used the orb.
By the way, this is the first time I've seen someone use a skill orb. The orb slowly merged with Ayane's body, spreading light throughout her and then disappearing.
"Wow."
I could feel my stats being enhanced. This must be the 'Leadership' effect.
"How does it feel?"
"Great. How about Aila?"
"Yes. It seems to have increased by 10% and 10%, totaling 20%, just as you imagined."
So it can be stacked with multiple people. If Aila's 'Agility' was 1354, it must have exceeded 1600. It's a very flexible skill that can easily enhance stats. It's worth the price.
"That's amazing. So, when we get the next one, Aila, you can learn it. Of course, no payment is needed."
"Understood."
"Alright... Please wait a moment."
"Yes, sir!"
I sat down to spin the gacha.
I activated the 'Level Gacha' and made it appear in front of me. I glanced at the two of them, but it seems they can't see it. If I tell them the skill name, they should be able to see it, but I'm not ready for that yet. I'm willing to let them learn useful skills, though.
I pressed the "10 Gacha" button.
*Jingle, jingle, jingle!*
Two purple, four red, and four blue orbs appeared.
* R: Strength +12
* R: Agility +12
* R: Magic +12
* R: Intelligence +12
* SR: Strength +25
* SR: Dexterity +25
* SR: Skill: Appraisal Lv1
* SR: Skill: Appraisal Interference Lv1
* SSR: Skill: Swordsmanship Lv1
* SSR: Skill: Assassination Lv1
* * * * *
Name: Shota Tenchi
Age: 21
Level: 2
Strength: 424 (+380) (+39)
Dexterity: 362 (+324) (+33)
Stamina: 443 (+397) (+41)
Agility: 444 (+398) (+41)
Magic: 360 (+324) (+33)
Intelligence: 405 (+365) (+37)
Luck: 884
Skills: Level Gacha, Appraisal Lv6, Appraisal Interference Lv6, Auto Mapping (2/3), Eagle Eye, Adamantine Exterior II, Body Super Enhancement Lv1, Super Strength II (2/3), Adamantine Strength II, Swift II, Adamantine Wall II, Leadership, Precognition (1/3), Dual Wield, Body Techniques Lv2, Swordsmanship Lv2, Assassination Lv1, Throwing Lv4, Elemental Magic Lv1, Magic Recovery Lv2, Magic Transfer, Skill Compression
Trophies: Golden Bug
* * * * *
'Appraisal Lv6' and 'Assassination.' I was envious of Aila's precise attacks on the 'General Goblin,' and this is the result. 'Luck' really does work.
And 'Leadership' seems to apply a multiplier after the enhancement from items. It's helpful, but it doesn't affect 'Luck.' So, 'Luck' is special.
To the readers,
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