Re:Zero: No Job, No Magic, Just a Stupid Romance System

Paul looked at Allen in astonishment for a long time and finally understood what Allen was trying to achieve.

"You've created a secret technique that relies on using the Flow Secret to continuously deflect attacks. But the Flow Secret itself is purely defensive—it's meant to redirect incoming force, not strike back. So, if you try to counterattack midway, you have to stop using the Flow Secret, which could leave you open to my follow-up attacks. Even if you manage to land a counter, there's a high risk you'll both end up injured, right?"

Allen rubbed his eyebrows helplessly.

"Yeah, exactly. That's why I never used this move during our previous sparring. There's no point in just blocking without having a path to counterattack."

Paul paused, then suddenly laughed.

"Then you're a natural-born defender! Those nobles in the Asura capital really missed out on a talent!"

Allen sighed and rubbed his face.

"That's why I need your help, Uncle. I'm hoping you can give me some inspiration—help me refine this technique so it can maintain the Flow Secret and counterattack effectively at the same time."

Paul scratched his chin as he walked over to the tree and yanked his sword from the trunk, muttering to himself.

"If you keep using the Flow Secret, you can't use other skills. And if you try to use a counterattack skill, the Flow Secret stops. Hmm… what if you use the Flow to completely rebound the opponent's attack? No, that won't work either. The Flow Secret just redirects—it's not like you can bounce the force right back at someone. Maybe just rely on physical strength for the counter instead of another sword style?"

Allen shook his head.

"I already thought about that. But without using a proper sword technique, the counterattack just isn't fast enough. Against someone your level or higher, they'll dodge it. And if the opponent's weak, there's no need to use this secret technique in the first place—I'd just cut them down with a normal swing."

Paul scratched his head and let out a defeated sigh.

"I didn't realize how complicated this got with the Water God Style. Compared to this, training in Sword God Style is a walk in the park…"

Allen could only nod helplessly.

At that moment, he felt something brush against the side of his face. Turning his head, he realized Luo Qixi was already standing beside him, the little strand of hair on her head sticking to his cheek.

Allen blinked at her, about to say something, but she spoke first.

"This is our first time meeting… Can you really use that move? I remember you said it puts a huge strain on your body. Does that mean the high-speed slash is more about raw physical ability than swordsmanship?"

Allen smiled and answered instinctively.

"I've thought about using the 20-Slash Technique. It's mostly based on physical training, repeating a few sword trajectories until they become second nature. So yeah, it's closer to a conditioned reflex than actual sword skills. But the problem is, my body can only handle a few strikes in that state. If it turns into a drawn-out fight, I'll collapse first. So in the end, it's not practical—"

His voice trailed off.

He stared at Luo Qixi for a few seconds before suddenly showing a look of realization.

Then, without warning, he slipped his hands around her waist and ribs, picked her up like a child, and spun around twice with excitement.

"I got it! I figured it out! Thank you! This is amazing—on every level!!"

Under everyone's stunned gaze, Allen—this scoundrel—unceremoniously dropped the wide-eyed and panicked Luo Qixi on the ground, grabbed his sword, and started practicing the 20-Slash Technique again with various forms.

He was laser-focused.

Lokishi sat dazed on the ground, watching the lunatic swinging his blade with deep confusion and embarrassment.

She didn't know what to say.

She just felt… bad.

On a nearby hillside under a big tree:

"So Sylphy's magic level is only at the intermediate stage?"

"Yeah," Lokishi wiped nonexistent sweat from her forehead and spoke with relief, "to be exact, she's between beginner and intermediate."

"Her control, magic capacity, and proficiency with chantless casting all still need work."

"If there was another genius, I really wouldn't be able to stay in this village for a moment longer."

Rudy rested his chin on his hand as he watched Lokishi fidget nervously, smiling to himself.

"Lokishi is still so reckless and lacking in confidence. But it just makes her more likeable, as always."

He said out loud:

"Anyway, Sylphy's only been learning magic for two months. She's still a long way from your level, teacher. That's why Allen wants her to study under you."

And then—speak of the devil.

Allen staggered over, nose bleeding, face pale, gasping for air.

"Sorry—c-cut in—healing… spell…"

Rudy rolled his eyes.

"Seriously, Allen? You're the one who invited our guest, and now you're ignoring her like this?"

Before he could continue scolding, the "neglected guest" had already stepped forward.

"Motherly goddess, please heal this person's wounds and restore him to full health. Healing Spell!"

As Allen was restored and sighed in relief, he gave Lokishi a thumbs-up, then promptly turned and continued practicing sword swings.

Sylphy chased after him in a panic.

"A-Allen, I can also use healing spells…"

"Your magic is limited, and you've been focused on attack magic lately. You're still slow with chants. No offense, but it's just more efficient this way. Once you can use chantless healing spells, I'll come to you, okay?"

"O-Okay…"

Sylphy looked toward Lokishi sadly while counting Allen's swings. Though his movements were slow, the wind they generated lifted Sylphy's hair again and again.

"121…122…123…"

Rudy sighed and glanced at Lokishi, who was watching Allen curiously. With her personality, she wouldn't stay mad long. After all, Allen tended to ignore everyone when he got absorbed in swordsmanship.

Rudy glanced between Lokishi and Allen, then grinned slyly.

'Allen didn't even say thank you… Sylphy doesn't know chantless healing either… wait, this might actually work in my favor! If Lokishi is only here for a few days and Allen's too obsessed with training to pay attention, then all of Lokishi's time will be mine! Ha! Allen, you clueless blockhead—this time, I'll be the one who wins her over!'

Just as Rudy was grinning his signature pervy grin, Lokishi tilted her head and spoke in confusion.

"…Rudy, Sylphy… about Allen's territory. There's a rule carved on a tree that says anyone entering has to kowtow to Sylphy three times? So… should I go do that now?"

Rudy's smile froze.

He turned and saw Lokishi staring at the carving on the nearby tree, the corner of her mouth twitching.

"Allen did that! Go yell at him! It's got nothing to do with me!!"