Feeling a bit down that I couldn't have more fun with Tiona, I went to sleep. I threw myself onto the bed and quickly drifted off. When I woke up the next morning, I felt incredibly good.
I feel better than before!
So, I went to the bathroom to take a cold shower. I always start my mornings with a cold one.
Since I wasn't wearing a shirt, when I passed by the mirror, I had to stop and take a second look. "My body changed again…" I thought. How's that even possible? Does everyone's body change when their Falna evolves? I'm not sure if that's the case.
"My muscles got bigger. Look at my arms." My arms had grown in size, and the muscles in my abdomen were more defined. Now I could finally feel confident enough to show off my body.
Before, I just had the average build of an adult man who never hit the gym, but now…
Smiling, I struck a few poses in front of the mirror.
"I feel great," I said.
Then I took my shower and put on clean clothes. When I buttoned my shirt, I noticed it was getting tight. I'll need new clothes soon. "Let's go." I walked over to the bed to grab my sword.
That's when I remembered I had thrown it away after it broke.
"I'm without a weapon…" I muttered, feeling down.
Fortunately, I'd earned enough money to buy a new sword. It probably wouldn't be a high-quality one, but it would do. My last sword wasn't that great anyway.
I stuffed the money into my pocket and left the room.
As soon as I stepped outside, I ran into Tiona.
The moment she saw me, she averted her gaze.
"Good morning…" she said, visibly embarrassed.
"Good morning. Sleep well?"
"Yeah, I did… So, about yesterday."
"You really want to talk about that here? Someone might show up," I said, smiling at her.
"You're right…" She sighed and turned around. "Let's go. The others are waiting downstairs. Oh, here. I made this for you."
Last time, Bete had given me food, but this time it was from Tiona.
She tossed something wrapped in paper at me.
"Sandwiches again?"
"What, don't you like them? Then give them back and I'll eat them myself!"
"Don't worry, I'll eat them." I unwrapped the paper slightly and took a bite.
I followed her downstairs while eating.
By the time we reached the first floor, I had almost finished. I eat pretty fast.
"You seem to be enjoying that," Bete said.
"It's really tasty. Just a bit dry, though."
"Should I have added more sauce?" Tiona asked.
"Wait, you actually made this? I thought you bought it."
"I did make the sandwich myself!"
[ The affection of Tiona Hiryute toward you has decreased! ]
[ 49 > 48 ]
Wait, her affection can drop like that? I didn't think that was possible.
I'd better watch what I say.
"Sorry about that! It's super tasty~~" I said with a smile.
[ The affection of Tiona Hiryute toward you has increased! ]
[ 48 > 49 ]
That was an easy point to recover.
While we were talking, everyone around us was giving us suspicious looks — especially Tione.
####
Despite their suspicion, no one said anything.
Then Bete walked off and came back holding a sword. "Here." He handed it to me.
"You bought this?" I asked.
"I had it stored away. Since your sword broke, you can use this one. Tiona and Ais suggested going to the blacksmith to order a new one, but that'll take a while."
"Thanks." I took the sword. "I'll use this for now. I'll get a new one soon."
"I can help you with that if you want," Bete said confidently.
Does he not trust me to pick a decent sword?
Well, he definitely knows more about them than I do.
Now equipped, I headed for the dungeon.
As we approached the entrance, I suddenly felt very uncomfortable under all the stares — mostly from women. 'Why am I getting so much attention?'
I had no idea. I'm not used to getting so much attention like this.
Ignoring it, I followed behind the group.
This time, Tiona didn't slow down to talk to me.
'She's still too embarrassed,' I thought.
Finally, the first group of monsters appeared.
As always, it was a quick battle — I didn't have to do anything.
'Should I ask them to leave a few monsters for me? I really need to practice my swordsmanship. I don't have any skill that improves it.'
Last time I fought these monsters, my movements were basic — just random swings. I'm lucky they were weak.
I need to try new moves.
'A great way to learn is by watching them…' I focused on Ais.
She moved so gracefully with her sword that it was mesmerizing. Even against weak monsters, she was beautiful to watch. I really wanted to learn to fight like her.
Should I ask her to train me?
'No… Even though I'm part of their group, her affection toward me is still low. Her status isn't even 'friend'... I really wish I could get her help.'
I sighed deeply, and Tiona walked over.
"What's wrong?" she asked, holding her massive double-bladed sword.
"I want to train my swordsmanship. I'm not good enough."
"Training, huh? I can help you with that." Tiona brushed off her embarrassment and made the offer.
I would've preferred being trained by Ais — her fighting style suits me better. Still, help from Tiona, a powerful adventurer, is more than welcome. Besides, I could use this as a chance to get closer to her.
"You sure? I'm not exactly a fast learner."
"I know that. Even after training with Bete, you're still pretty bad at it." She laughed.
I trained with Bete before?
So that's why his status says 'Friend'?
####
I'll try to take a few hours a day to write just this fanfic and put many chapters on Patr eon. I recently moved and I'm having to pack a lot of things.
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