Shuna's Longing
After defeating the Lead Skeleton Soldier, I check my status.
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Zelos Sylphid
Gender: Male
Age: 15
Emblem: [Emblem of Void]
Level: 30
HP: 300/300 MP: 55/150
Strength: 50
Endurance: 42
Speed: 50
Intelligence: 30
Luck: 30
Status Points: 6
Skills: [Parry] Lv.2, [Slash] Lv.2, [Magic Arrow] Lv.1, [Search] Lv.1
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"Alright, both the Parry and Slash skills have leveled up."
As the system sound indicated, both had risen to Lv.2.
With this, the power of Slash's critical hit increased from 30% to 33%.
In 'Creon,' the skill level system uses a proficiency system, where skills level up through repeated use.
It makes sense that these two, which I've been using the most, were the first to level up.
I turn my gaze to Shuna, standing next to me.
"How about you, Shuna? Did you level up?"
"Yes, thanks to you, I reached level 30."
I look at Shuna's offered status.
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Shuna Trimer
Gender: Female
Age: 15
Emblem: [Emblem of Magic]
Level: 30
HP: 240/240 MP: 62/210
Strength: 33
Endurance: 33
Speed: 38
Intelligence: 60
Luck: 38
Status Points: 6
Skills: [Magic Missile] Lv.1, [Sacred Enchant] Lv.1
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In addition to reaching level 30, her maximum MP has surpassed the target of 200.
"I feel bad, like I'm just riding on your coattails, Zelos..."
"Don't worry about it, I'm doing this because I want to."
After reassuring the apologetic Shuna, I nod once.
(At any rate, this means we're ready to take on the boss.)
Given the level of the lesser enemies in this dungeon, aiming for a higher level would be inefficient.
Besides, our current stats are more than sufficient to defeat the boss.
The only remaining issue is whether Shuna is willing to challenge the boss.
Since we originally formed this temporary party on the condition that her wishes would be respected, I don't intend to force her.
(Now, how should I bring this up?)
Just as I was pondering this, Shuna spoke up.
"Hey, Zelos, you helped me level up all this way because you want me to come with you to challenge the boss, right?"
To my surprise, she brought up the topic herself.
"That's right. But as per our original agreement, if you're not up for it, we can turn back..."
"You believe we can defeat the boss with our current strength, don't you?"
"Yeah. While there's always some risk in a boss battle, we know the enemy's combat style well enough to handle it. And if there's any danger, it'll be mostly on me, the frontline fighter, so you don't need to worry about that."
"Humph."
I intended to reassure her, but Shuna pouted and leaned in closer.
"What are you talking about, Zelos? We're a party, remember? Sure, I've been relying on you a lot, but I don't plan to shove all the responsibility and risk onto you. So, if there's anything I can do, just tell me. Let's win together."
With a bright smile, Shuna made her declaration.
"Does that mean you'll challenge the boss with me?"
"That's what I'm saying. And don't even think about saying I'm not needed now, right?"
"Of course not. I appreciate it, Shuna."
"Great!"
With Shuna's strong offer, we decided to challenge the boss.
However, our remaining MP is a bit low.
So, we moved to a safe area within the dungeon to rest for a bit.
Safe areas are places within some dungeons where monsters don't appear.
They're often located near boss rooms, and we can recuperate here.
"......"
"......"
A silence settled over us for a while.
Then Shuna suddenly spoke up as if she had an idea.
"It'll take a bit more time for our MP to recover, so why don't we talk about ourselves while we wait?"
"About ourselves? Like what?"
"Anything's fine. Maybe our favorite food... or why we became adventurers."
Compared to favorite foods, the latter topic seems quite personal...
As I considered this, Shuna continued.
"Actually, I just want to talk to you about something. Would you mind listening for a bit?"
"Of course."
I nodded in agreement.
Taking a deep breath, Shuna began to speak slowly.
"The truth is, I wanted to become an adventurer because I admired a certain hero."