The aftermath of the [Invisible Lion] was a bit uneventful. None of the trainees were injured and encountered the monster thanks to Lawrence's timely warning. As for Claw and the others, they managed to warn his father on time and gathered his men to rescue us. It wasn't a waste for them to come since without them, we wouldn't be able to go back from the fight and tend to our injuries afterward. While Lawrence managed to beat both of the lions with ease, he still had to be treated by the healer. I know it's not much, but it would be a lie if I saw him as an unstoppable [Lycan] player of all [Isekai]. On the bright side, my team managed to secure the [Wild Boars] we hunted before we fled from the forest. A skewed priority, sure. But at least this hunt wasn't ruined to dust by those lions.
As for me, I was the only one who got injured in that fight. Granted, I have to blame my recklessness and my low-level character for that. But I made a sacrifice that gave Claw, Christa, and Kai a chance to warn the village and distract the female lion before Lawrence's arrival. I could just heal my wounds through my [Life] spells and potions, but this game has a small penalty when your [HP] is yellow or below outside of battles and playing the game for too long. Not to mention letting everyone else worry about me. Either way, I learned my lesson and I have to think twice if I dare do that dangerous stunt again. On the bright side, I need to rest for a few in-game hours before I can resume physical activities not unlike the sickness, not that I can complain about it.
That aside, I still need to process my rewards after that fight. Other than a few rare drops, I obtained a few [Masteries] in my belt.
[Martial Arts]
[Known as the disciples of body and soul, warriors who possess this [Weapon Mastery] abstain from any kind of weaponry for their bare fists and feet. By focusing their inner energy on them, they can turn them into powerful weapons that can decimate an armed army.]
[Physical Enhancement]
[Focusing solely on physical strength, this [Talent Mastery] enhances your body to its peak performance. From enhancing speed and agility to breaking the limits of your body, it will turn a simple peasant into one of the strongest warriors of
[Martial Arts], I can understand since I spent a few days practicing and training it. But [Physical Enhancement]?! This is a big boon since I need some boosts when it comes to physical attacks. But at the same time, it's a bit worrying. I heard that if you get either [Physical Enhancement] or [Magical Affinity], your [STR] or [INT] will go down in exchange for its benefits. So what happens if I get both of them? Well, that's something I have to figure out later.
Now, [Martial Arts] is another issue. I managed to get it without wasting a [Mastery Point], but it has a condition that I have to replace one of my existing [Masteries]. An odd condition, but I have a few complaints about it. With my [Starter Dagger] already broken from the fight, I doubt I have any use with the [Dagger Mastery] any longer. Besides, how the hell am I going to use a weapon that reminds me of my kitchen knife I always drop back home?
After deciding on the [Mastery], I take one more look at my current set.
[Mastery]
[Martial Arts] Level 1
[Fire] Level 6
[Life] Level 6
[Physical Enhancement] Level 1
[Magical Affinity] Level 6
[Alchemy] Level 9
[Scribe] Level 7
[Magecrafting] Level 1
I'm not sure about this set. But I won't find out if I stay idle. For now, I'll just rest up for the in-game night and restore my [HP].
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[We're so sorry for getting in your way, Mr. Lowry!]
I awkwardly chuckle as I find myself surrounded by flowers and wooden gifts given by my now-former NPC party mates on my bed. I get they're guilty about last night, but I think this is a bit too much of an apology gift.
"Hey, no need to apologize. You may be reckless to face the [Invisible Lion], but you made the right decision to listen to me."
[But we didn't do anything...]
I put my finger on Claw's lips to stop him and said, "I told you. You don't need to use force to protect a village. Through communication and teamwork, you will become a great village leader like your father."
[Lowry...]
Oh, boy. The little [Lycan] starts to bawl. Even as a future guard, he's still a young kid.
"Anyways... Have you guys seen Lawrence?" I asked.
[He just left the healer's house to meet up with Claw's father,] Christa answered. [But what about you, Mr. Lowry? Are you okay after last night?]
I check my stats to see if she's right. "Yep. I stayed home, no sneak-aways. Like I ever tried to do that in my current condition." I sheepishly chuckle since that's all true. The only time I "got out" of bed was when I had to stretch my legs and get some hydration. "Don't worry, a few [Health Potions] and I'm ready to get back on my feet."
[Wow, that's awesome to hear, Mr. Lowry! You're much stronger than any [Insignis] we ever met.]
I raised my eyebrow the moment Kai mentioned that race. Did he mean that he and possibly, other villagers met other [Insignis] before?
[Alright, you two. I think we pestered him long enough. Let's give him space for him to rest.] Christa turned to me next. [Thanks again for your help on the hunt and the lion, Mr. Lowry.]
The trainees went out of the room with Christa pushing the boys out of my room while I waved goodbye to them. They really are good kids. I hope they can develop more than trainees if the rumors about the game's AI are true.
The genuine version of this novel can be found on another site. Support the author by reading it there.
[Your relationship with
Huh. That's a bit sudden. I'm a bit confused by this sudden notification. But it's not like I can find out by staring at the window for 1 hour. I better head out and stretch my limbs now that I'm fully recovered from last night's lion incident.
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In a quiet café in the streets of a certain city, a young man was wiping the counter while the older man brewed a variety of coffee. He groaned as he finished cleaning and just as he went back to the kitchen, he stopped when he heard a few murmurs behind him.
"Geez, look at her go. Trying to clean the counter with an apron with a skirt."
"Hey, Hayley! Where's your maid outfit? It's much better than an apron and a suit!"
The young man growled as the voices turned into laughter. He thought he would avoid those insults and mockery after moving out from his mother and high school graduation. He thought he would have a fun-filled college life with his friends. Alas, a perfect life didn't exist and reality is a fickle concept. And in this modern reality, not everyone can accept people like him. If anything, he was seen as a freak because of what he was. Just thinking about it made him want to crawl into a ditch and...
"Don't listen to them, bud."
The young man's eyes widened and turned to see the same man carrying two paper cups of coffee in both hands. His mouth trembled as he uttered one word. "Dad..."
The older man smiled before gingerly putting down the cups on the counter. "I get you're frustrated with those kinds of people. But you will gain nothing if you retaliate or let them beat you down. Not everyone can understand what it means to be you. A unique person that cuts above the rest. Don't forget some people accept you for who you are. You can never please anyone by forcing them to do so."
The young man sighed. "Tell that to her..."
"Now, now... Let's not go to that topic. Besides, we don't want to bring down the atmosphere from our conversation," his father said. "I'll take care of them. Until then, how about you wash some dishes?"
"Alright..."
The young man's father left him while carrying the tray of coffee to the cat callers. Without turning back, he went inside the kitchen and as he shut the door behind him, he let out a growl of frustration.
"[Isekai] or real life, there's no escaping the loop of discrimination and harassment," he muttered. "If only I could step into their shoes, maybe I wouldn't born who I was..."
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[LEVEL UP]
I stop my training for a while to catch my breath. I've only been in the training hall for an hour now and yet, I made great progress compared to the [Fire Mastery] for an hour and a half on my first day, during which I had trouble due to the long incantations and manual aiming. But for [Martial Arts], I managed to level it up to 4 for half an hour and I'm almost at Level 5 soon. Still, I'm surprised that the village training hall has the same function as the one from
It seems that this one is focused on combos along with strength and speed. By connecting any combination of skills, I can pull off a massive amount of damage along with other effects that would benefit me and deter my opponents. It's easy to master, but hard to learn the correct combos. It would take a big brain to memorize them and a great timing. I guess my training won't end at Level 5 until I get the basics done.
[Oh! Good morning, young cub!]
I turn around to see Fenrir before I respond with a respectful bow. "Good morning, Master. Sorry for using the facilities without your permission."
[Nonsense! You're already a trainee for our humble village. You're free to use the training hall anytime as long you take care of your health. Speaking of which, how are you today?]
I smile while rotating my right arm. "I'm fully rested and ready to go! Don't worry, I stayed in bed and followed the healer's instructions."
[That's great to hear. I'm just relieved you didn't get some grievous injuries from that fight yesterday. [Invisible Lions] can be hard to deal with even with a couple.]
I chuckle dryly at that late realization. "Well, that aside, can you answer a few questions while you're here?"
[Sure! What do you want to know?]
Without going through the gameplay lingo, I told him about the changes in my body after I woke up.
[I see. So you forgot how to wield a dagger properly, but your strength has grown tenfold when fighting against the lion. Is that correct?]
I nodded. "To be honest, I don't miss my dagger skills. I'm already clumsy with a kitchen knife anyway."
[I won't blame you. Judging by your movements earlier, you have a knack when it comes to martial arts. And that's rare even for a magic-focused race like [Insignis].]
"Yeah. But it's still strange. How I forgot a skill for another..."
[That's somehow normal for a [Lycan]. In some cases, most of us never give up our proficiency in weapons and rather forget the ones we tend to neglect. Sometimes, it's the opposite effect. Regardless, it's only a small sacrifice as you can learn them again in the near future. Our lessons with basic [Martial Arts] is a small compensation for the mark when that time comes.]
Yeah. As if I have enough money to replace my broken [Starter Dagger], so it's a blessing in disguise.
[As for your strength, it seems like you're getting closer to your first change. It's normal at this time of day before the full moon. However, the only thing I'm surprised to see is your quick progress in [Martial Arts]. If you keep this up, maybe you can master the [Swift Style] someday.]
I smiled at his compliment. "That's enough for me to not stop training then."
[Just don't push yourself. We have some trainees who overworked themselves to the bone and there is a punishment for those who neglect their health.]
I chuckle again. I rather not do that when it comes to my writing and studies. Having Bryan scolding me for it is enough punishment for me.
[Speaking of which, now that you gained the strength of the wolf, I think you're ready to join in with the hunt.]
The hunt?! Wait, as in he lets me out of the village to hunt monsters?!
"S-Seriously?! But I haven't mastered [Swift Style] yet and my transformation is only in a few days."
[But that doesn't mean you earned the right as an adventurer before our meeting and your mark. Winter is almost here and we do need more hands to gather some meat and pelt for the villagers. You still have to stay within the borders of the village, so you don't have to worry about rampaging outside. Don't worry, I'll let Lawrence know to make sure you won't get lost.]
I smiled. It's not only the game. I'm glad the village leader is very considerate of my current conditions.
"Thank you very much, Fenrir. But you didn't do all of that. I feel like..."
[That you're taking advantage of our kindness? Nonsense! You saved our village twice now, if not thrice with your potions. That's more than enough to give back. It's not only a give-and-take offer. After everything you've been through, we want to make sure you have a great second chance with us. Plus, I haven't got the chance to say thank you for saving my son and my wife would say the same in the heavens. So... Thank you from both of us.]
Fenrir... I guess it's not just zeros and ones that motivated him to help me with my first transformation. "You're welcome, Fenrir." I stretched my limbs and took a deep breath. "I'll finish up my training here first. As for equipment, I doubt I can get something since I can only fight with my fists, right?"
[True. But I suggest you should wrap your arms with a [Wool Bandage] first to give you a bit of protection from the recoil of every punch. I'll lend you one and while it's optional, it's best if you get yourself a pair of gauntlets against monsters or opponents with armor once your income is stable.]
"Right. Thanks for the tips, Fenrir."
Fenrir nodded. [Don't mention it. I should leave you alone. If you want, I'll let you see some important people that will help you after your first change. I'll explain more if you're interested. I'll be at the village hall tomorrow morning.]
I nodded and said, "Alright. See you then."
Fenrir waved before he left the training hall. Well, it's only 3 days left in the game. So I might as well spend this mastering my newfound [Masteries]. If it all goes well, maybe I can cast some spells while fighting with my fists.
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[3 days left until the full moon...]