Chapter 69: Blocked

Due to the Lv increase, today it turned into a 40-kilometer run.

After that, various physical training sessions followed one after another, and by the time they finished, it was around 10 o’clock.

“Siloque, your stamina has improved a lot compared to before.”

“Huff… Huff. Huff, not as strong as you…”

“I brought some tea. Want a little?”

“Yes.”

The two sat under a large tree equipped with a tourist bench to cool off.

Passersby were starting to increase as well.

Bried took a thermos cup and paper cups from the Ring Chart. The moment the lid was twisted open, the aroma of tea spread out.

Siloque wiped his slightly sweaty body.

Unlike the first run when he was soaked through, now he was only a little sweaty, and not many people looked their way.

Though whenever someone did glance over, Bried would glare at them fiercely…

He accepted the cup and drank it in one gulp, the fragrant tea sliding into his stomach.

Very refreshing, very delicious.

Bried, sitting beside him, looked surprised, as if her expression asked, “Isn’t it hot?”

Huh?

Strange.

Siloque remembered Cass had mentioned Bried was currently Lv9.

He himself was now Lv13, higher than Bried, but after running, she only had a few beads of sweat and still gave off that unique scent of shampoo mixed with sweat.

In contrast, he was panting like an old man.

Not to mention showing off in front of Bried—there was simply no comparison.

Running couldn’t be called strenuous anymore; compared to before when he could barely finish, now it was “tired but able to finish,” which counted as progress.

But Siloque quickly realized what was going on.

Bried had trained consistently for years, steadily building up her STR (Strength) and END (Endurance) stats to high levels.

Even if he leveled up quickly, his accumulated stat points in any one area probably couldn’t compare to Bried’s.

Shouldn’t I be considered strong too, being able to pull an all-nighter and still run 30 kilometers and do all sorts of training today?

Rounding up, I’m pretty tough, aren’t I?

In any case, I still need to continue this training…

“Bried, did Kersey message you about anything last night?”

“No.”

Bried showed a wary look in her eyes.

“Why ask all of a sudden? Siloque, you’re not thinking of going to bother someone, are you…”

“Don’t say stupid things. I’m a gentleman. I heard from Cass that her café is doing well. If she didn’t message you to vent, it means business isn’t too busy. I just want to go check it out.”

Really, you could just go directly—what’s with all the extra talk?

Siloque knew his words were full of holes.

At the very least, it confirmed Kersey hadn’t immediately poured out her misfortune to Bried last night, which meant Kersey’s mental state was still strong.

So, for now, there was no need to deploy Bried to help with psychological counseling.

“Is that so? That’s good, then.”

Bried’s attitude softened a little. She poured herself a cup of tea and sipped it in small mouthfuls.

“Bried, if you have time, you should visit the café and see her too.”

“I’m not good at drinking coffee, but if I have time, I’ll go.”

It’s just that you don’t like coffee.

What’s with this “good at” or “not good at” business?

Do you think it’s sword training?

Siloque took a white towel stored in the Ring Chart and wiped his sweat, then draped it over his head.

Watching a beautiful girl drink tea is really a pleasure.

Through the gap in the towel, Siloque admired his childhood friend’s tea-drinking appearance.

After Bried finished her tea, she seemed to remember something.

“Right. Siloque, let me show you my Practice Results from this period.”

She looked eager to show off.

Since Bried was the type who valued hard training, wanting to show off her achievements was natural.

“Practice Results? I’m not really interested.”

“…Is that so…”

Bried’s voice sounded a little disappointed.

“Just kidding, just kidding, I really want to see! What kind of Practice Results?”

Upon hearing this, Bried perked up.

“Talent. Now I can barely control the stacking speed within 50 meters.”

“F-Fifty meters?!”

“Mm, amazing, right? That practice point you mentioned was really effective. I practiced for a long time.”

Bried walked to a narrow open space, preparing to use her Talent.

To be able to control the speed of her Talent within 50 meters after just a few weeks—

According to Cass, before, she would just crash into the forest, getting herself all injured.

…This result!

Too normal.

It matched the growth speed in the game exactly.

Having spent too much time with Cass, Siloque had started to think everyone around him was a chosen one.

He watched as Bried activated her Talent, watching her dash back and forth at such speed that afterimages were left in the air and faint marks appeared on the ground.

(Sorry, city maintenance workers.)

“How is it? Siloque.”

“Mm, very good. From recklessly charging in the beginning to now being able to control turns to some extent, I think you’ve become really strong.”

Bried’s lips curved into a faint smile, and she clenched her fist happily.

“You too, Siloque. To become stronger, you need patience. Don’t think about reaching the top in one leap.”

Sorry, but I’m always looking for shortcuts to the top.

After all, this is a world of level-based stats.

Still, Siloque agreed with Bried’s words.

Those with higher levels do have more options, but unexpected situations can arise in real combat—experience and technique are needed to overcome them.

Cass is a prime example.

Despite the level difference, he used Talent and combat skills to hold out for over ten seconds against Myut…

Compared to Bried, Siloque was certain that Cass’s learning and growth speed was absolutely abnormal.

Even though his Lv was higher than Bried’s, Siloque still replied humbly.

“From now on, I’ll be relying on you to whip me into shape, Teacher Bried.”

“Mm, me too. From now on, we’re training partners who help each other.”

Gurgle—

Bried calmly touched her stomach.

“Siloque, sorry, could you make food for me? I ran out of rice at home today.”

“You don’t look sorry at all…”

“Then come to my place, Siloque.”

“Alright, but it’s almost noon. I’ll go buy some ingredients first. You’re paying, okay?”

“Fine, since it’s my request. I’ll come with you and help carry things.”

From her tone, it sounded like the groceries were so heavy they’d crush me.

I’m not that weak. Even though I work out, my muscles haven’t grown, but my skin quality keeps getting better.

The slightly chilly morning air gradually faded, leaving behind a pleasant breeze.

The two walked and chatted casually, heading toward the nearby convenience store.

“Siloque.”

“Hm?”

“Lately, I’ve noticed—you really have changed.”

“Actually, I’ve never changed. You just didn’t notice my good points.”

“You wouldn’t have talked slick like this before.”

“I’m just speaking the truth.”

“But to me, you have changed. You’re more caring for others and put in all your effort for your goals. This side of you—”

In the fragmented spring sunlight, walking on a somewhat crowded sidewalk, Bried’s gentle smile shone through the crowd.

“I don’t dislike it.”

Such a precious smile made Siloque feel like he’d won something.

“Although everything you said is true, and I admit I’m popular, why bring it up so suddenly—”

Before he could finish, Siloque’s Ring Chart vibrated.

Such great timing.

Who could it be, timing it so perfectly?

He checked, and sure enough, it was the protagonist.

Cass sent a strange picture.

A tired-looking silver-haired ponytailed young girl.

Her fair little hand covered her mouth in a yawn, dressed in a white Lolita Dress, sitting on the bed in a duck pose.

The angle was from above, and the composition was highly skilled.

This little girl looked very familiar.

Ah, I remember now.

***

A protagonist who, despite being a Magic Girl, exorcises evil with a Big Sword—looked exactly like this.

As a cosplay, the level was unbelievably high.

The girl in the photo had natural makeup and no trace of filters or retouching.

Attached was a bizarre line:

Thank you, Siloque!!

And several expressive stickers full of fiery enthusiasm.

Siloque replied:

There’s nothing to say to a criminal. I advise you to turn back before it’s too late.

And then blocked Cass.