{A Sweet Smile - Yu-Peng Chen}

It's been a few weeks since we crashed into this new town, and I'm lovin' it. The city is almost as quiet and peaceful as the witch forest. The people have also become accustomed to Vera and Me. Talk about an easy assimilation, am I right?

"Hey there, Yoimiya, the usual?" The fisherman asks me while I fiddle with my equipment for a few seconds while waiting in line.

"Yeah, the usual. You know me well already, uh?" The fisherman simply smiles while he cleans my order right before me. His craftsmanship was worthy of praise, if anything. I had never seen anyone who took such pride and care in filleting fish like him. It was pretty enjoyable, to be honest.

"Of course, I know you! You're the cutest little thing I've seen around!" {Sigh} I wish he hadn't reminded me of my frail looks, but it was terrific to Bartholomew once he found out people gave discounted prices to me because of my "cuteness." Geez, I'm not that cute, am I?

The sun hits my face ever so slightly, making my cheeks blush a little since I've got no melatonin to protect my skin. The people around me almost immediately begin to make "Aw" noises as they try to squeeze my cheeks, but I don't let them. I'm a killing machine, you know?! WAAAAAH!

I said I liked to have control over people and all, but this type of control feels weird. Sure, these people would probably die for me, but I'm not sure how I feel about it since they will only do it because I'm "cute." What if I were ugly then? It didn't seem fair, but I guess that was my charm.

My only wish and thing that I would change would be my skin. I wouldn't complain if I could be a little more tanned. I'm so pale and white that I sometimes think I've become a ghost. Also, you could probably spot me at night since I reflect every bit of light back at you. {TwT}

At least Vera likes the place and has been working hard to raise her level once Bartholomew granted her access to this city's upgrade pedestal. Vera sits comfortably at level 25 while I'm still at level 3. Since I do not know what to do when we hunt lower-class monsters, I swing my sword wildly.

"Here you go, Yoi. That'll be 40 Eris." I pay the man his money and head back home with the fish while I pass by other places to check out their food or snack deals.

"Good morning, Yoimiya." The fish and chips establishment greets me, and I answer right after.

"Good morning."

"Hey, Good morning, Yoimiya." Next was the clothing store owner, who made my current clothes. I answer to him too.

"Good morning."

"Good morning, Yoimiya." The butcher also says good morning, and I really feel like ignoring him, but at last, I just muster a forced Good morning.

"Good morning..."

I never thought I would say it, but I don't like being so well-known within a month! It's nice that nobody dislikes me, but you don't all have to treat me like I'm special because I'm not! I'm just a weak little kid with pale skin and a sword! What's so special about me?

This tale has been unlawfully lifted without the author's consent. Report any appearances on Amazon.

I doubt everyone simply found me cute. I mean, I understand men seeing that, but women also think I'm pretty. I don't want to become a narcissist like Julius, so you all better stop praising me before it gets to my head! I need to remind myself of it! I'm not special! I'm average! Yes sir!

[Proficiency has reached the required level. Acquired Skill: "Rising star - Level 1."]

You, too, divine voice? {Temporary name.} I avoid every other establishment on my way home since I go up early for the fish. Not many shops are open; otherwise, I would never be back. Once I get home, Vera snatches the fish and takes it to the kitchen, greeting me with hot tea.

"Vera! You need to get the fish more often! The people harass me!"

"Oh, quit crying! You know people give you up to 50% off! How can we not take such a deal, right Bartholomew?"

"Y-Yeah! You save us quite a lot of money, so you must do it. They don't give discounts to Veronica." Even Bartholomew was on it, so I was screwed. This was my routine and my burden alone. What a pain in the butt. I take a sip of tea and slightly burn my tongue with it.

"Shesh! You could've warned me it was boiling hot."

"Oh? Careful, Yoimiya, it's hot." Veronica simply teases me with a smirk and a taunting little laugh. So, she did it on purpose? Okay, if that's how it is.

"How will you make the fish today? Veronica?"

"I told you not to call me that..."

"Oh woah, calm down, you too. I don't want to put you both down like last time." Bartholomew's words calm both of us and remind me of my weakness. That's right, I was still weak compared to everyone around me. I needed to get stronger.

"When will you teach me how to fight with a sword?! I still swing this bad boy randomly, and I have no clue how to use the sword."

"Uh? Veronica hasn't taught you anything?"

"Hey! I have taught her some moves, but she is just dumb!"

"Veronica, don't talk about your sister like that. I'm sure she is not as bad as you say; come with me, Yoimiya. Show me your moves!" Bartholomew challenges me to friendly squabble at the house patio, where I proceed to butcher every single kove Vera taught me like an imbecile.

{Gamestart - Kevin Penkin}

"AHHHHHHHH!" {Bonk} {BONK} {BONK!}

I last about five seconds against Bartholomew, who neutralizes me with only a single move every single time, hitting me in the head with the butt of his sword. I try to do various made-up moves and even a low blow, but nothing works as I get endlessly bonked over and over!

"You sure you're even trying?" Bartholomew's taunt doesn't help with my confidence, but I keep trying for several more minutes, being stomped on without mercy.

"You move like my grandma." At those words, I can't take it anymore, finally pushing my mysterious Skill. The Skill I acquired back then against Edwina and the others. [7 Heavenly virtues: Hope] With the Skill active, Bartholomew finally steps back with the first swing of my sword as it connects against his.

"Uh? What's this power?" Thanks to my Skill, once I get the power boost, I keep randomly trying moves but with an increased speed that finally makes Bart take the fight more seriously.

"I don't know what it is, but whenever I get hope of winning or wanting to win, I get this boost!"

"I see, so you're cheating! Fine then, kiddo! I will show you no mercy! SKILL! All boost aura! Blessing of magic caster!" Bartholomew also boosts himself, which lets him reclaim the master role as he bonks me even in my boosted state. Until my Skill announces its uniqueness.

[Skill: Hope has granted a power booster high enough to match the opponent.]

"AHHHH!! Hyaaahh! YAAAHH!!" Bartholomew makes strange noises as he retreats every time my sword clashes with his since it looks like he struggles to keep up with my strength.

"What is this power of yours?! What Skill could possibly grant you such power?! UGH!" My last hit finally pushes Bartholomew with such power that it makes him lose his balance, leaving him in shock. He gets down to one knee and stops the fight.

"That's enough! I don't know your Skill, but it's way too strong!" The dark mist vanishes once the fight ends, and my newfound strength leaves with it.