Coincidence?

So, right before I squared off with Nightfall, I got this one shot to use the System and peek into Yor Forger's Combat Prowess.

[Impossible to estimate the target's Combat Prowess]

[Note: To ensure fairness, there will be a hint to the target's Combat Prowess]

[Hint: If there were 20 of you, you would be able to barely defeat the target in a direct confrontation. 13 of you would die in the process, 6 would be severely injured. This is an estimation, thus it's not advised to blindly trust the results]

Pathetic, no other word for it.

Even though I was Low Combat Prowess back when I had this chance, it doesn't change the fact I'm light years away from taking her down.

Also, if we have to clear that up now, what does defeating her even mean?

Does she have to admit defeat? 

If I somehow end up bonding with her in one of the loops using my [Mirage Veil] and outshine her in something random, like cooking, does that count?

I'm pretty good in the kitchen, proof of it being my Cooking skill. I'm confident I could outcook her any day...

[Cooking]

[Description: As someone who had to bear the hardships of life since he was small, Akira Bashira had to learn how to enjoy life his own way. Thus, he developed a passion for cooking]

[Effect: Anything you cook will be delicious]

[Cost To Upgrade: 1 Skill Point]

I usually skip over the upgrade costs for skills – like, even the Slash skill is running a hefty 15 Skill Points to upgrade these days. But, for whatever reason, I figured why not take a peek this time.

Anyway. At first, the effect was 'The food you cook will be tasty' but after the upgrades of all my skills, it seems the effect changed drastically. 

Still, let's be real – making my food taste good wasn't exactly game-changing. Not in this loop, at least.

In the next trials, I can try to tweak with this skill and add the 'edible' word so that I can boost my survivability by many times, as I can just cook not only food, but water as well.

Which means I won't have to worry about one of the most important aspects of survival.

But the real kicker wasn't the skill itself. Fairness-chan decided to stick its nose into my pondering about what the heck "defeating Yor" actually meant.

[Note: To ensure fairness, the Task of the Trial will be altered slightly]

[Condition: Defeat Yor Forger in combat(0/1)]

[Your Talent [Sword] thinks it's not fair to just cut off a way to defeat a character without even compensating the user for having found a loophole]

[Note: ...To ensure Fairness, the task of the trial will be altered slightly. As compensation, the System will give you 5 Skill Points]

[Your Talent [Sword] is satisfied. It will accept the conditions]

Couldn't help but crack a little grin again. If the System's gotta cough up extra rewards for every loophole I find, hey, it's an advantage for yours truly...

I'm on my way to become a Chinese MC now.

How dare you, Long Chen, Courting Death!

Or something...

---

My final day sailed by, just like that. Gave a subtle farewell to Father, about to make my way back to my room, when once again, I was stopped right before the door to my room.

"L-Libert-sama... Pardon my intrusion, a lowly maid like myself should keep quiet, but are you feeling alright?"

Why's she here again?

That's the question on my mind. In this loop, I hadn't treated her like the previous identity's owner, but we weren't exactly best buds either. Not that I was setting up walls, I just had no time to stroll around with her.

So, how did she pick up on this?

"Why the concern, Anna? I'm fine. And quit calling yourself a lowly maid. Don't belittle yourself like that."

In response to my question, she clutched her apron with her hands, a mix of happiness and conflict in her expression.

"S-Still, Libert-sama, I know it sounds silly, but I have this bad feeling... that you'll disappear."

I let out a sigh. Second time around, taking in her words.

"And why's that a problem? I've been pretty harsh on you for ages. Why wear such a pained expression when this should be a joyous occasion for you?"

This was a message I'd always wanted to convey. Since my death was imminent, understanding her mindset seemed like a worthwhile pursuit to clear my doubts.

She shook, clearly not expecting my response, unable to retort.

Witnessing the vastness of her heart – the ability to forgive, to move forward, to care for her master despite years of mistreatment – I couldn't help but respect her.

Seeing her on the verge of tears, I gently patted her head to offer some solace.

"You ought to value yourself more. You're an incredible woman. You deserve someone who treats you like royalty, not just an ornament. Keep that in mind for the future."

Before she could respond, I gently knocked her out, taking her to her room and tucking her into bed while making sure my [Mirage Veil] was up to avoid nasty misunderstandings.

'That should do it...'

But doubts still lingered. I had been in disguise all along, and I had been able to deal with my pre-death anxiety much better than the first loop. So, why did she show up? And with that timing?

Feels more than just a fluke.

Is the System pulling strings?

Or maybe Anna's got something special going on that's flying over my head?

...Right now, no answers in sight.

---

Author's Note:

I thought long and hard about it, and for now, one FL has been decided. I will not tell you my decision until she appears in the story on her own, but I'll need time to decide if there will be more or not.

Of course, on my Patr eon, the poll is still there and I will leave it like this until I have come to a decision. If you wish to vote, then please go there. 

Most of this chapter was also to address some concerns you all had, like the Cooking skill and why is it so high, what 'Defeat Yor Forger' means... etc.

Peace <3< p>