MTLNOVEL Chapter 187
187. After The Training
“Fwooooooooon!!”
The sound of a bird’s cry echoes. A faint breeze brushes against my skin.
In front of me stands a bird-like monster, its golden wings flapping majestically.
Its name is Phoenix.
“Fwooooooooon!!”
With a threatening cry, the Phoenix dives toward me, its sharp beak aimed straight at me.
If its strength were converted to a human level, it would be 67. Even Laura, hailed as the strongest, couldn’t match its speed.
…But I’m already bored of this.
“I’ve seen through that move!”
Effortlessly deflecting the Phoenix’s charge, I swing my sword.
The dark blade of Hika carves a wound into the Phoenix’s radiant wing.
The Phoenix lets out a small, pained cry, then turns and retreats.
“Sorry, but this is just a test. Let’s end this.”
I extend both hands and activate a magic circle.
This process has become second nature. Just a month ago, I’d lose control and get blown away or fail to generate enough power.
But now, it’s perfect. I can control it 100%.
“Sliding Twin Burst!”
From two magic circles, lightning is unleashed, creating two large holes in the Phoenix’s body.
The Phoenix falls to the ground like a shot bird and dies instantly.
Not even a Phoenix can regenerate from the power of Sliding Twin Burst. Today, I confirmed that.
“…Alright!”
It’s been a long road. Over the past month, I’ve fought and confronted dungeon monsters as if my life depended on it.
And today, I’ve defeated the Ash Dungeon’s floor boss, the Phoenix, all by myself!
＊
“I’m back. Is Mira-san here?”
Using warp magic to return from the dungeon, I arrived at Mira-san’s house.
This living room has become so familiar after a month of living here.
“Welcome back! That was quick!”
As expected, Mira-san was lounging on the sofa in the living room.
Even after a month, her attitude hasn’t changed. She gets up when she wants, lazes around, and sleeps when she feels like it.
The embodiment of freedom, she rose from the sofa with a stretch.
“So, how was the Phoenix?”
“Piece of cake. I’m confident I can defeat it alone.”
“I see. Then you’ve cleared the second stage!”
Mira-san smiled brightly and began ruffling my hair vigorously.
“Good job! You’ve gotten so much stronger than the Arcs from a month ago!”
“It’s all thanks to your guidance, Mira-san. From adjusting the power of Sliding Burst to how to handle monsters, I learned everything from you.”
Despite her laid-back personality, Mira-san’s instructions were incredibly precise.
When discussing movement or magic, she always used her accumulated knowledge to explain things in an easy-to-understand way.
With her guidance, it would’ve been harder not to grow stronger.
At first, I thought she was strange, but my trust in her has only grown with time.
“You’re the one who made it happen. …So, Arcs, what’s your level now?”
“70!”
I said it with a hint of pride.
My level, which was 61, had risen by 9 in just one month. Part of it was thanks to the power of the Slime, but the daily wall-breaking practice based on Mira-san’s instructions played a huge role.
“Magic Chop!”
“Augh!?”
In a flash, Mira-san’s chop landed on me.
“Don’t get cocky! From my perspective, level 100 is just the starting line!”
“I’m sorry…”
If level 100 is the starting line, no one in this country could even reach it.
She’s truly extraordinary. Being with her makes me feel like I can keep getting stronger.
“That said, you did great. You must be tired, so have a meal and relax!”
At that moment, Raize poked her head out of the kitchen, carrying plates in both hands.
“Welcome back, Arx! Lunch is ready. Can you help set the table?”
“Sure!”
We had divided the chores, with cooking being Raize’s job at Mira-san’s request, while Shino and I took care of the rest.
Living with the three of them and the Slimes has become so natural it feels like this has always been my life.
“…Yep, this is delicious! Raize’s cooking really is the best in the world!”
“Today, I changed the balance of seasonings a bit. How is it?”
“It’s perfect! Though, if I had to nitpick, I’d say I wouldn’t mind it being a bit stronger!”
Mira-san’s mood peaks during meals.
Like a traveler who hasn’t eaten in days, she devours her food with gusto. Watching her eat is almost refreshing in itself.
“””Thank you for the meal!”””
After finishing lunch and getting ready to wash the dishes, Mira-san spoke.
“…Alright, Arx. Starting today, you move on to the third stage!”
So it’s finally here, the third stage.
I’ve spent this entire month preparing for this moment.
And I already know what it entails.
“The third stage… is finally using Zain’s Magic Eye!”