Chapter 9

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You have acquired the skill [Martial Arts].

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The moment I selected [Martial Arts], a message appeared. To make sure I had really obtained it, I opened the status screen just to be safe.

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[Kiska]

Skill 1: Save & Reset

Skill 2: Martial Arts Lv1

Skill 3: None

Skill 4: None

Skill 5: None

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Yeah, it's displayed properly. I might as well check the skill description.

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Skill: Martial Arts Lv1

Effect activates when not wielding a weapon or when wielding a weapon with short reach. Gain talent in martial arts. Partial enhancement of physical abilities.

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Yeah, it's the effect I expected. The enhancement of physical abilities is great. This should boost my attack power.

"「Gwoooooooooo!!!」"

I heard the roar of the Great Armored Bear. Well, let's get started.

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In the end, I died after 3 seconds.

"Damn it!"

I spat out the words as I respawned. I knew it would be tough. Dodging the Great Armored Bear's attacks is difficult. Even with the Lv1 [Martial Arts] skill, it was the same. Thanks to [Martial Arts], I moved a bit faster and my attacks were stronger, but against an A-rank monster, it was like pouring water on a hot stone.

"I have to keep trying."

I knew it wouldn't work on the first try. If I keep challenging it, memorize its movements, and figure out the best actions, I should eventually see some light at the end of the tunnel.

"Alright."

I said it out loud to boost my morale. First, I need to dodge the initial attack from the Great Armored Bear.

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Attempt number 315. The fifth time I've fought 10 Great Armored Bears after selecting [Martial Arts].

"This is impossible..."

I muttered.

Because I've fought them so many times, I can now predict the Great Armored Bears' attack patterns to some extent.

Especially in the first 15 seconds, I can confidently dodge any attack. I've also had a few chances to attack.

"Die!"

So, I threw a full-force punch. A thud echoed. I could feel the increase in my attack power compared to when I had [Acceleration]. But the Great Armored Bear stood there as if nothing had happened.

"Growl!"

Then, it swung its arm at me. I died.

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"Alright, let's try a different skill."

Last time, I died too many times because I was too focused on [Acceleration]. I've only fought five times with [Martial Arts], but I'll choose a different skill. I think I could do more with [Martial Arts] if I mastered it, but if the new skill doesn't feel right, I can always come back to [Martial Arts].

"First, let's start with you."

I focused on the first Great Armored Bear. After seeing this Great Armored Bear so many times, I feel a strange sense of familiarity. First, I need to escape from this one.

"Well, I've made it here, but what should I choose next?"

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Please select one skill you want to acquire from the following list.

S-Rank

[Item Box] [Enhanced Recovery] [Enhanced Magic Recovery] [Shortened Incantation] [Acceleration] [Stealth]

A-Rank

[Healing Magic] [Barrier Magic] [Fire Magic] [Water Magic] [Wind Magic] [Earth Magic] [Alchemy] [Summoning Magic] [Enhanced Memory]

B-Rank

[Swordsmanship] [Archery] [Axe Mastery] [Spear Mastery] [Shield Mastery] [Martial Arts] [Status Falsification]

C-Rank

[Physical Enhancement] [Presence Detection] [Magic Generation] [Fire Resistance] [Water Resistance] [Wind Resistance] [Earth Resistance] [Poison Resistance] [Paralysis Resistance] [Curse Resistance]

D-Rank

[Appraisal] [Provocation] [Strength Enhancement] [Endurance Enhancement] [Agility Enhancement] [Health Enhancement] [Vision Enhancement] [Hearing Enhancement]

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"Well, if I go with the flow, I should choose [Physical Enhancement] from the C-Rank."

So, I decided to choose it. While I'm at it, I'll check the skill description.

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Skill: Physical Enhancement Lv1

Enhances overall physical abilities.

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The description is as expected. [Martial Arts] also had an effect of enhancing physical abilities, but I can't tell the specific differences.

"「Gwoooooooooo!!!」"

I looked around and saw that I was already surrounded by the Great Armored Bears. I might as well give it a try. Maybe then I'll know if this [Physical Enhancement] skill is effective.

Five seconds after making that decision—I was beaten to death.