The user proficiency is measured by the S-F. However most people don’t use the system as it's discouraging to hear your swordsmanship is of F rank, rather we adopted another system which works the same.

S-God

A-Saint

B-King

C-Master

D-Advance

E-Intermediate

F-Beginner

Being a beginner sounds better than having a F rank as the lower letters tend to have negative connotations attached to them.

All I’m saying is confidence goes a long way.

The same ranking system is also used for magic proficiency and the level of spells. This is a good way to categorize things, plus it also helps us evaluate our general aptitude.

“Rona?” I said, gaining her attention.

She was still nearby as she was told to rest by Rick, something along the lines of “just because her injuries are healed doesn’t mean you can neglect rest”.

“Hm? What is it?”

“You’re an Offensio Sword Style user, no?” I asked.

“Yes?”

Rona has a confused expression yet I sense there was also lingering panic, but it could very well be my imagination.

“What is your rank? Ah, could you also say for the other sword styles.”

“I’m also curious as you suddenly killed the monster in a single slash, quite the achievement!” Rick said, joining the conversation.

“Well, I’m an Offensio Sword Style Advanced and Aequipondium Sword Style Intermediate. For Praesidium Sword Style, I haven’t practiced the style at all,” she said, scratching her cheek.

“Wow, that’s impressive,” said Rick, giving compliments as easily as breathing.

But, hey, who doesn’t like someone encouraging them? He’s the type to be optimistic in most situations, which to be honest, there’s nothing wrong with it.

People are unique, as such philosophies affect people differently.

“Is that so?” I said, touching my chin.

“…”

So it is like that. She worried so much about the possibility of me pointing out how she held back. Does she know I know? Because the stare she’s giving me is one of a guilty person. Perhaps she’s too paranoid, her uncharacteristic apprehensiveness might be because of that.

I nodded at her and then turned around, my gaze at my arm. My wounds were being healed, my strength was finally coming back. I stretched my hand out which caused Rick to move to the side with a questioning look. The palm of my hand created a tiny fire out of nowhere.

The warmth of the fire melted the ice nearby, my body also being warmed up instead of freezing. I had no intention of freezing to death, plus when resting I like to make myself comfortable.

Leon walked towards my location, he touched my leg with his foot. I moved my gaze upwards, wondering what his deal was.

This book's true home is on another platform. Check it out there for the real experience.

“Seems like we’re leaving,” he said, cocking his head at the exit.

“Let’s go then,” I said, getting up.

I stopped the fire spell as I finally stood straight. Leon had a torch in his hand, he guided us at the exit where Cynthia and Arakawa waited.

“I got them,” Leon said, sighing as he placed his hand on his head.

He definitely is annoyed at them, haha.

“By the way, are you going to be okay without your shield, Chaim?” asked Arakawa, looking around me.

Ah, right. I forgot, I lost my shield during the boss fight. No wonder my hand feels empty. At least I have my sword. Luckily with my knowledge I won’t feel much of a difference.

I’ll have to change my fighting style.

If you know what I mean.

“Don’t worry about it, I’ll be fine.”

I gave her a thumbs up to reassure all of them. But to my surprise most gave me a strange stare, almost if they doubted my words.

And another shocking thing happened. The sensation of my shoulder being touched by a delicate, warm hand almost made me jolt in surprise.

Given the warmness of the hand, the candidates were narrowed towards two people. In the end, I didn’t have to deduce any further as the person spoke.

“I can vouch for that. Taetel has shown to be capable of it,” said Rona.

“And what makes you say that?” asked Cynthia, humming in fascination.

I completely understand Cynthia’s fascination as I also wonder why she suddenly is on my side, hm, not exactly, what I meant is why made her give the assessment.

I don’t want to be rude, but she isn’t fit to evaluate my abilities.

Damn, that sounded way too arrogant and narcissistic.

Let’s change the phrasing.

I don’t want to be rude, but she doesn’t have the capabilities of assessing my abilities when she hasn’t seen enough.

To be more clear, she and Leon are in the front lines with me, because of that, they haven’t had the time to pay attention to my fighting style.

Well, it’s just my opinion, I’m probably misunderstanding the whole situation which is typical of me. Don’t let this end with my confusion.

“Aside from him protecting me without his shield instead with a barrier, I’m pretty sure he’s a Praesidium Sword Style user,” she said, removing her hand.

“Wait, really?” said Arakawa.

Before either Rona or I could respond, both Rick and Cynthia approached me, somewhat invading my personal space. They stared at me with curious expressions, their eyes shining with excitement.

“Really!?”

Both of them said at the same time, almost shouting. Leon backed away with a glance of pity while Arakawa awkwardly shut her mouth as nobody acknowledged her question.

“You can use protection magic!?” Cynthia said, barely containing her enthusiasm.

“Oh, shit! Learning different branches of magic is always awesome,” said Rick, raising his arms.

Okay, time for an explanation.

There is healing magic which has four branches, healing, detoxification, spirituality, and protection.

Healing is as the name suggests magic for healing purposes, injuries, wounds, bruises, etc. Detoxification purpose is to purge any poisons and diseases. Spirituality is healing magic which counters curses, and stuff like that. Finally protection magic is the creation of barriers

Of course this is a basic rundown of the branches, it’s not going to go in detail since it’s better to take things slow. I don’t think people will appreciate a sudden dump of information which is hard to follow, more so if it contains more complicated words in the lexicon.

Back to the point, protection magic isn’t exactly rare, the reason behind their excitement is probably because in their perspective, they found a fellow student who is able to use magic they aren’t able to use.

The thing with the several branches of healing magic is most are hard to learn after the basics. You need to have proper education to learn anything above beginner level spells.

I wouldn’t say it’s impossible to learn the branches, quite the opposite, but it’s more time consuming. As such many choose a specific branch and stick with it.

Since Cynthia uses debuff and buff magic, she probably specializes in detoxification magic. On the other hand, I’m not too sure, but it’s most likely healing magic as he’s been using it frequently.

“Well, I can, but not to a good extent. I’m at the beginner level,” I said.

“That’s all good, everyone starts somewhere!” said Rick, giving a thumbs up.

“Mhm!” said Cynthia, nodding her head.