Acquisition of Skills

"Map..."

'Let's see here... is there some place... This, seems like a coliseum, but... I need to fight insentient beings. Else, how could I test new skills?'

"Maybe a Cave... or a Floor-based Dungeon?"

"Ah,"

'Found one...'

I walked for a few 30 mins or so — Given that it was relatively distant...

After arriving, a cylindrical tower, so wide, stood tall, touching the heavens above. To the point that Its pinnacle is no longer visible to my naked eye.

"Now, do I just enter? Won't I be halted just like at that Library?"

Later did I notice. Behind me — A magical circle. From it, azure particles gathered, slowly constructing the silhouette of a man... Consequently, a plainly equipped adventurer, slowly appeared...

'Wha- is that a shortcut?'

Observing the map, once again, I paid attention to every detail, be it the insignificant miniscule establishments, or expanded important-looking buildings... Upon comprehensive observation...

"Ahhhhhhhhh! How could I miss that!"

'Crap, they're staring at me like I'm a weirdo'

Hence, I bowed my head multiple times out of embarrassment.

"Forgive me!" Panicked, did I exclaim!

'Man, Ploy: "Ask a bystander," instantly down the drain.'

"At this point, all I have to do is try out if it really is a portal..."

Wobble

"Yeah, hehe... We got lots of time so why not, right? Rimu?"

Boing

"Ey, don't get down from my head..."

Wobble-Boing

"Aha, I get it now, you want to be in my arms. Alright then..."

"Well, let's get going"

Hence, I proceeded to the portal. Surprisingly it wasn't a restricted area so I got in just fine. thereafter, my head went fuzzy...

Then, suddenly, found myself in a different location. I picked the map in one hand, took a look and specified my current location...

"Judging from the buildings, we're at this precise spot... So these tiny dots... really are portals."

'How do these work? Let's try getting out and back in'

Step-Hop

'Ah, lightheaded...'

"We've returned... Hmmm..."

'Let's try different locations. Maybe the spot near the coliseum would do'

Step-Hop

"But... Hmm..."

'I guess it works by imaging the place? Thing is, I haven't visited that place yet...'

"Visualization it is"

'Based from the map's structure, outside, there're different stalls... Lamplights? and roads...'

My surroundings appeared distorted

"Yeah, I guess it works like that"

'From the 7th Law of Magic, which is the application of formulas, I need to figure out its structure as to utilize its teleportation factor. It'd come in handy'

As I pondered seriously inside the circle, people gave off curious gazes. Although, I was at an extensively deep trance back then to notice them

While I reviewed the portal's foundation; "Try applying the Laws of Physics... Murmur-murmur..." Spoke inside my head:

[Skill: Dimensional Control, Acquired]

"Did I do it? Let's give it a go"

'I'll try skipping to higher floors...'

Whoosh — I transferred to an eternally dimmed location

'Perception!'

'Wah, multiple monsters, surrounding me... Ah, one's very close to me

'Visualize the Hotel room!'

"Haaaa!"

'That surprised the hell out of me!'

Wobble...

"Ah, right... Thanks for calming me down."

"Before giving it another try, I should formulate a foolproof plan."

Hence, I sat on my bed. Placed my hands on my chin, and started to enter a state of profound analytical observation on Magical Skills

Boing

Rimu hopped from my head and started prancing around. Lest, had I not notice!

'I need a skill to conceal my presence...'

"Elements Manipulation... Magia"

'Magia is an Element, right?'

"From Whispering Deadlands... There was that Vampire whence, I couldn't sense with Perception"

'How did it do it? Vampires... are Lifeless, thus they contain no Magic.'

Stumped, I jerked my head upwards to the empty ceiling.

"But, Magia, is Life itself..."

'Besides, I have only, a magical capacity of 100... Those monsters are highly sensitive to Magia if they can sense that little. How can I completely conceal it?'

I laid myself flat on bed

"Let's look at this at Physics' perspective. It's a lot simpler..."

'Magic is a particle. Hence, it constantly moves... Everything that moves, generates energy... And Maybe...'

"Energy is the one being sensed?"

'If so... Law... of...'

"Inertia! An object that stays at rest, remains at rest!"

'A non-moving object can't produce energy!'

I closed my eyes... clamped both of my arms together, letting it rest on my forehead.

"Concentrate..."

'Gah, this is difficult...'

"Suppress the particles altogether... Don't let them collide..."

"Haaaa, this is a lot more difficult than I predicted. It requires immense focus... It's a lot difficult than Perception..."

'Again...'

Practicing for a couple few more mins, I sat whilst maintaining insurmountable concentration... Until...

"Yes, this is it... Man, this depletes my braincells."

I then took a stand...

'Rimu... She's fast asleep. I'll leave her be. I can't disturb a goddess' slumber'

Hence, I transferred myself to that pitch-black dungeon.

With the use of my Skill: Perception, I carefully mapped the whole floor mentally... As followed, I tried to maintain inconceivable focus...

'For starters, the Ability Skill I read from Mash-san's book.'

[Ability Skill: Physical Reinforcement, Acquired]

'Cliched, but works wonders...'

Afterwards, I Conjured my sword. Strengthened my physical capabilities and rent the nearest mob I could sense.

Slash!-Crash!

'Wow, this skill's practical!'

Slash!

[Ability Skill: Passive Progression, Acquired]

"Huh?"

'I don't recall doing anything...?'

Rumble! — Hiss-Chomp!

'Crap, I let up! These worms! They're attacking in hordes?! I think... I can manage!'

Consolidating all the skills I have learned thus far, I attacked fiercely!

Slash!

Evading all their attacks by solely relying on Perception while they charge with the intent to murder.

Slash!

And finally...

"Huff, Huff, I think... I disposed... Of... Anyone charging at... Me..."

Rumble — Crush!

"Ahhhhh, what is it now?"

Using Perception, I sensed... A gigantic worm... Covered in crimson scales, with a circular mouth, so wide. Its seemingly infinite teeth, sharp as razor.

'Uwah, I can't really see it with my eyes but this guy's image looks terrifying as hell!'

Subsequently, I tried to conceal myself.

'I need to create a formula that's strong enough to take that thing, on...'

'Flames, would do. It'd light this dark place up'

I created a complexed magical pattern in my mind for a whole minute while the horrid creature, tried its best to locate me...

'This would do'

[Acquired, Skill: Flames of the Nether]

I pointed my palms towards it. Hellish-blue flames ejected and with a loud collision — Bang! the beast screeched... I felled it

'I did it!'

"Ow, my eyes..."

A couple while later, my eyes adjusted to the darkness... From within the vicinity,..

"Slim figure... A woman?"

Dressed in a dark mantle, covering her face with a hood... I wasn't able to make out her facial structure.

To my surprise, I was attacked!

Whoosh-Crumble — Her skill, hitting the rock column behind me, I was fortunate enough to have dodged it barely.

'Hey, hey, what's with that just now? I hardly noticed its presence... Hell, I can't even perceive her!'

"Please wait! I'm not an enem—"

Bang!

'Craaaaaap, this woman's nuts!'

"Please hear me ou—"

[Magical Skill: Spherical Gale, Acquired]

With her progressive threatening attacks, I was forced to be on the defensive. To cancel the attack, I used the Skill to generate a Spherical Barrier of wind.

Meanwhile, consistently creating new magical skills by making use of Elements Manipulation, I fended.

Whoosh!-Slash!

Abruptly slashing me, I countered with my sword.

Clang!

'She's nuts! No way out of this! I need to...!'

As she was progressively charging at me with the intent of harm. I formed a plan inside my head. Needless to say, I kept on evading, fending...

Clang!-Slash!-Whoosh-Slash!-Bang!

... Ferociously, we exchanged blows.

'I can keep up! If I recall, I had Passive Progression! Exploit all its functional uses!'

With my immense brain-power, thereupon, I was able to initiate a counter-attack!

[1 out of 2 Requirements have been satisfied...]

[Magical Skill: Rend, Acquired]

Slaaaaaaaash!

An imperceptible claw reached her... Luckily, she managed to evade. With the attack, grazing her shoulders, she backed off...

'Tsk... I can't kill a person... Tactical Retreat.'

Hence, I used Dimensional Control and pictured the hotel room...

Whoosh

"Finally..."

'Ooops, did I wake Rimu? Fortunately not'

Subtly, I muttered "Man, that chick's crazy... Wonder what's on with her? Nut job..."

'In any case, that was one scary lady.'

"Let's try not to associate ourselves with people like her..."

I laid myself on the bed, alongside Rimu and began to contemplate...

'I can't rid my mind of that scary lady... Ahhh... Think only of Rimu... Yes, Rimu... Haaa, Goddess of Slimes...'

Appalled, therefore, I regained my composure...

"... On second thought... I'm exhausted... Thinking is beyond me presently"

'I'll take a nap...'

With Rimu parallel next to me, I hugged her and then... Lost consciousness...

Boing-Boing-Boing

"Huh? Ah, the Wake-up-move... Goodmorn— Rather, it's already night..."

I grabbed Rimu, got up, and placed her on the usual spot.

'I shouldn't have slept... Damn. I'll just try messing with Skills at this point I guess?'

"Activate Perception... Conceal your Magia... Utilize Passive Progression... Store Conjured materials using Dimensional Control..."

'Make use of all those, requiring immeasurable concentration.'

"I need to enhance my mental capacity if I am to aim becoming a Legion"

[All Requirements have been satisfied...]

[Skill: Empirical, Acquired]

'Empirical...'

"My thoughts... Seems to be..."

'Wow...'

"I'm at a loss for words..."

'My head's full of ideas... My thought processors, are being refined...'

I lifted my arms on chest level.

[Skill: Vacuum, Acquired]

'I can easily think up of Skills requiring highly complicated Formulas'

Wobble

"RIght... You must be bored. Let's go some place calming... The beach perhaps?"

'Perception...'

With the new Skill: Empirical, affecting all of my stats, I was able to perceive and teleport with ease...

Spread far across my eyes, the calm sight of the ocean. The waters, reflecting the glowing crescent... It perfectly signified...

"Tranquil..."

Wobble

'Sadly, she doesn't have eyes to see... Sensory organs are probably active since she can respond to my messages by wobbling but...'

"Rimu. I'm glad I found you... I doubt I can easily make relations in this world..."

I picked Rimu and fell flat on the sand, then, placed her in my stomach...

I saw the stars above... Glistening so. I was entranced... And together with my partner, I dozed off...

The ambience of the waves swishing, helped me wake up at ease.

"It's morning..."

'She's still asleep.'

"Let's put you in my head..."

Consequently, I transported myself to the Dungeon's Portal as to remain inconspicuous.

'Maybe, I'll try entering from the first floor and work myself up to the higher levels?'

"Also, I wonder what floor level I teleported to yesterday..."

With many questions, I entered the Dungeon, once more.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

As I ventured past the first floor...

"A cavernous floor..."

With perception, I could sense Insect and Arachnid type monsters, scattered throughout, while adventurers fought off, slaying them.

"For a first floor... Well, this is very typical"

Buzz-Slash!

At that point forward, myself, no longer intimidated by the small-fries, casually proceeded, all the while slashing critters.

'This place's mobs are substantially weak. Guess I'll have to move on to the higher floors'

Thus, ever so collected, I continued my expedition... Reaching Floors 2, 3, 4, 10, and so on, until....

'I don't see much people entering here. Figures, it really is the usual Dungeons; every upper floors inhabit tougher mobs...'

"Just how many floors does this place have..."

'My Perception's range can't seem to reach the top.'

While the great I, pondered, a monster, abruptly attacked me!

With a "slash!" of my sword, I slew it. Subsequently, in a low tone, I stated. "They're still weak... Substantially, weak." Hence, I made a decision; to rush all the floors that won't provide any significant development for myself.

...

Proudly and cautiously, I strode farther, all while entering the different environments of varying floors.

Swish

'Uwah, cold...'

Thanks to my Skill: Passive Progression, I came to adapt very quickly.

'Haaah, so hot...' A floor, confined... It's surroundings, blazing in heat...

Overcoming multiple hurdles — Mostly, caused by the floor's harsh conditions. I was less worried about the mobs and was more perturbed on what abode I'm about to step into, next.

And with countless hours of exploration. I had an ominous thought, 'Beyond this entrance, would be eternal-darkness' Saw a passage emitting no light. Plainly portraying to me, the very image of peril...

'Past this point would be that floor... From yesterday...'

Cautious of the dangers ahead of me, "Best not to produce light." imperturbably, I remarked...

And so, stepping into the void, I made use of Perception to lead me throughout... As I rent all disgusting worms I could perceive... Yet again, encountered another ginormous beast, one which resembled that of before...

Afterwards, my cute Rimu's calming 'Wobble' created a stimulus within me and that activated my hyper-sensitivity.

Due to the sudden tranquil sensation, I let out a tiny voice. Consequently, mobs, went directly at me clearly evoking bloodlust.

'Ah, crap...'

... Composedly, with my marvelous Conjured Sword, I rendered them dead!

'Hmm, I've gotten stronger. It would be fair to say that I'm one of those Overpowered protagonists. Heh'

Slash!

Progressing at a fixed pace, meanwhile, slaying all who impede me. Across the path so inclined, I trekked, caught image of another entrance.

"Huff... Yeah, light. Finally."

Nearer, did I walk... 'til then, my eyes, bathed in darkness, perceived its blinding luminosity.

'Ugh, this sucks. My eyes. hurt...'

With a step... Ruins far and wide... Moss and vines attached to the stone pillars. Far across, characters of unknown scripts, engraved on various structures.

"I feel like I'm in a game..."

'Hm, weird. I can't sense anyone'

Upfront, a camouflaged being initiated an attack using a projectile.

With enhanced reflexes. "Whoosh" I managed to dodge it. Then appeared another...

'A Humanoid Spider!' Its figure, resembled that of a human attached with an arachnid's head. The rear, with eight creepy legs.

Followed... From its horrendous mouth, spewed thick, solid webbings

Whoosh! I retreated behind the pillar! But it wasn't enough to stop their tracks!

'2 of you? At the same time?'

"Ahhh, you've gotta be kidding me!"

I collected myself...

'Calm your breathing... Evade and counter... Focus on taking them down one by one.'

As both were cooperating on taking me down, I gathered my thoughts. Formulating a decisive plan whilst their feral advances persisted.

'Flames of the Nether to burn the webs... Spherical Gale to fend off that camouflaged monster's ambush'

Blue flames, engulfed the spider's webs while a swirling tempest deflected the attacks which i can't easily detect...

Thus began... My ambush! "Rend!" I screamed out of excitement! As I swung my sword, the spider was sliced in half. blood splattered all over.

"Next, that pestering guy!"

'Analyze! The angle of the attack from where I evaded!'

"Found you, you darned insect!"

'Rend!'

Thereafter...

"Things... Mellowed - Huff - down... Finally. You okay up there, Rimu?"

Wobble

'Thank goodness...

I let out a sigh of relief and instructed Rimu "Hold on tight, alright?"

Wobble

"This place... Floor 60..."

'It's dangerous... The monsters are stronger than the mobs I have previously encountered... If Perception is useless, it's time to make use of my wits for Analytic Deduction.'

This time, brains over skills was the best option. Hence I treaded carefully. 'Keep-close-attention-towards-every-minor-changes-in-my-surroundings-and-react-accordingly. If-ever-something-out-of-the-ordinary-transpires-counter!' was the plan I had in mind, and so I remained vigilant.

From above me, I heard a noise thus, I reacted correspondingly. Afterwards, I utilized "Rend" — A ranged slash developed from my Magical Sword, cutting the enemy in half.

"I'm gaining battle experience."

'I'll try mapping the whole place and return as soon as possible. I can't risk to endanger Rimu further... Besides, I only need to hone my Skills in the Sword and magic. — To fortify my mentality as well'

And so, I did thus...

Various monsters, approached me with the intent to eliminate, but I remain steeled! I never lost focus! Protecting both me and Rimu, I exploited the skills practically!

Monsters, imperceptible by skill, kept on appearing to me by storm. Nonetheless! I utilized everything I had in tow; Elements Manipulation and the Skills I've developed with it. Passive Progression alongside Empirical...

It was truly a riot... Resonating explosions 'Bang!' The deafening 'Screech!' of the monsters... But I stood strong.

All of it continued... Until...

"The Whole Floor's geographic structure..."

'—Committed all of it to memory successfully!...'

Thereupon, I visualized a part of Kingdom Weiss' bustling places and covered my ragged clothing with Illusory ones by formulating another Magical Formula.

[Skill: Trickster, Acquired]

I then looked for a bench to lay on.

"Let's lie there."

'I need to ask someone about... The Legion...'

The crowd's commotion rang within my ears... Subsequently, the exhaustion, made me fall in a daze...

...

"Rimu?"

Panicked, I looked everywhere. Ran from places, to places. Took a turn, here and there. 'til I heard...

"Ahahah! This could sell! A rare colored slime!"

I used perception. Consequently, Dimensional Control to teleport.

"Hah! That dumbass was naive for sleepin' 'n our turf!"

"I agree!"

"Yeah, I agree as well...'I never should've dozed off in the first place...' Hey, fools! you signed your death contract!"

Enhancing my Physical capabilities to the extent that it would leave relatively serious injuries to normal civilians. I punched one in the gut! The other, tried to resist and brought out a knife — I disfigured the douche's face! And the last one...

'Wind Manipulation... Generate a reasonably high-velocity air bullet'

'Whoosh' Hitting his back 'Thud' He fell head first...

"If you did something worse to Rimu, I would've gone to much greater lengths... Bird-brains..."

Wobble

'She's unharmed, thankfully.'

Lifted her up and raised her at chest level...

"Rimu, sorry about that, I never should've let fatigue get the better of me."

'This was a major blunder... I need to reflect upon it'

From the intersection, "Uhm, excuse me..." Positioned Rimu on my head. 'Who's this guy?' I then replied with an annoyed tone "Yeah? You one of these goons?"

"Oh, my deepest apologies.. I didn't mean it that way... From your reply, they must've done something bad... My name is Takahiro. I sensed someone ask for help so I came..."

Replied, "I'm Shuma... These imbeciles attempted to sell off my partner so I gave them a thorough beating"

'I don't recall asking for help... Nor had I heard someone else'

He stared at the roughed up ruffians... And followed, a friendly laugh...

"Ahahahaha! I see, I see... You must love your Slime."

'Huh? What the hell are you talking about?'

"—Of course I do."

'I can't casually make friends here. — Excluding Uzakawa and the C.L.A.R.K. Unit, I never had genuine ones.'

"Well then, Shuma-kun, San?."

—"Shuma is fine. Also, about my rude behavior. I'm Shuma"

"It's fine, it's fine. Anyways, Shuma, it was a nice encounter... Until Fate decides our reconciliation. Oh, and, you better change clothes!"

"Clothes?"

'Ah, [Trickster] Deactivated!... That guy... He's just heading off? What an unusual guy... Takahiro, was it?'

"Not that I'm gonna meet him again... Rimu, let's head home."

Whoosh.

-End of Chapter-