This time, when entering the dungeon, the system originally assigned Milora the task of gathering as much intel as possible, heading towards areas where other teams had found traces of the boss, and quickly pinpointing the boss’s exact location.
However, not only did she fail to complete this task, but she also felt like she was caught between Torina and the system, feeling awkward all over.
For example, when facing the monster-infested lizardmen (lizardmen wrapped in giant centipedes)…
“Milora, use the sword techniques I taught you.
Although you can’t unleash their true power yet, you must quickly adapt to them in real combat for the future,” the system suggested, as always, somewhat forcefully.
“Milora-chan, consider my guidance.
This is the sword technique more suited to you.
Overcoming the current challenge is what’s most important,” Torina suggested, gently but suspiciously.
So when the infested lizardman lunged at her, she first used the “Parry & Riposte” technique from the Tartaglia sword style to block the lizardman’s sharp claws.
But the centipede on the lizardman’s body suddenly attacked, trying to peck at her head with its sharp mandibles.
According to the system’s suggestion, she should continuously parry to unbalance the opponent and then execute it, but her hand holding the sword was still numb.
What should she do—
“Milora! Sidestep!” Torina’s shout prompted her to act instinctively, using a sidestep to dodge and then regroup, slashing the centipede’s head with a reverse grip, and after a few more evasions, successfully severing the lizardman’s throat, winning the battle.
“Phew…” Milora breathed a sigh of relief.
“Very good, very good, well done! In battle, it’s important to simplify, don’t do unnecessary things.
Quick and efficient is the right way,” Torina patted her shoulder in affirmation.
“Why didn’t you follow my instructions? Have you forgotten to stay vigilant against her?” the system was displeased.
(I-I know! It was just instinct! An unintentional act!)
The subsequent battles were the same.
In every skirmish, the system and Torina would give her different advice.
The system’s advice was to quickly master the sword techniques it taught in real combat, and once she got through the initial pain, she would be invincible.
Meanwhile, Torina advised her to use whatever worked and was more than happy to teach her simpler and more understandable combat techniques.
“Precise parry, then attack the lower body.”
“Avoid the sharp edge, I’ll create an opening for you.”
“Strike hard at the weak point, use brute force.”
“Don’t go head-to-head, maneuver a bit.”
“Keep some distance and wait for it to come.”
“Now’s the chance, attack!”
And so on, and so on, she was about to crack—but on the other hand, her kill count reached a new personal record.
Apart from Anna-veil nitpicking a few things, no one else said anything, and Ji Xue even quietly gave her a thumbs up.
As night fell, the dungeon expedition finally ended.
The Amana Forest at night would be filled with miasma and flying insects, making it unsuitable for exploration.
Most adventurer groups would return to town before nightfall, and the Moonlit Adventurer Group was no exception.
Everyone returned to the inn to do their own things: Torina went to the Adventurer’s Guild to submit tasks (simple monster clearing and herb gathering tasks done along the way), Anna-veil went to the shop to sell unused materials dropped by monsters, the physically weakest Naji and Lindas immediately went to wash up and sleep, Lanifi was drinking at the bar, Ji Xue and Patty went to the blacksmith to maintain their equipment, and Laxis wandered off somewhere.
“So tired…” Milora slumped over the table, exhausted from the day.
Being closely guided by the female contact list all day was mentally draining.
But… why? Why did she feel… quite fulfilled?
This time, when leaving the dungeon, apart from Anna-veil’s poor attitude, no one else criticized her.
This wasn’t just because Torina had put her foot down, but because… she indeed performed better than before.
Being part of the team like this, without considering “future plans,”
“training ancient, extremely difficult sword techniques,” or “quickly finding the lord,” just purely exploring and fighting monsters… didn’t seem so bad?
“As your strategic analysis assistant system, I must remind you that having such thoughts means Torina Deville is starting to succeed.
You’re indulging in comfort,” the system sharply criticized without mercy.
“I’m not! I’m just trying something new—”
“Yo, what are you muttering to yourself about?”
“!!”
Torina, who had finished her tasks, suddenly came over.
She sat across from Milora very familiarly, even bringing a plate of delicious snacks.
“I’m… not muttering to myself, you heard wrong.”
“Let’s just say that’s the case.
By the way, no one came to bother you just now, right?”
“Not for now…”
“How did today’s dungeon exploration feel?”
“Just so-so…” Milora covered her face in a sulky manner, not letting her see that she was actually a bit happy.
“Then that’s not bad.
This dungeon exploration cleared some accumulated small tasks, so we can rest for a few more days.”
“Uh, but—”
“How about one-on-one teaching for the next few days? The sword techniques passed down in the Deville family are practical and easy to learn.
The sword technique you’re using now is too strange, it doesn’t seem suitable for real combat.”
“But the current sword technique for me—”
“For you, it’s tiring and inefficient, isn’t it?”
“This, this sword technique is special! It’ll be useful when I get stronger!”
“‘When,’ as in how long from now? I can help you with all my strength now, but you’d rather pin your hopes on the vague ‘future’?”
“………………”
At that moment, Milora’s heart indeed wavered.
But the system, noticing her wavering, immediately spoke up:
“Have you forgotten that this woman can’t be trusted? She has countless opportunities to harm you under the guise of helping you.
Trusting me is enough.
Once you get through the brief period of pain and obtain the Mage Tower key, you’ll have the ticket to the path of the strong!”
“Uh… right! Thirty years on the east side of the river, thirty years on the west side, I can’t always be under others! I’m on the path of the strong, I have my own ideas, I don’t need the captain to dictate!”
“What a cringy and hot-blooded line, but did you come up with it yourself or did someone teach you?”
“Eh…”
Milora’s expression seemed choked.
Having read the original work, Torina, of course, knew that half of those lines were generated by the system using big data.
She shrugged and said:
“It might sound hypocritical, but I sincerely hope you can try to open your heart, don’t push yourself too hard, and don’t be driven by the so-called desire to ‘become stronger’ to do things against your will.
I’m serious.”
“What’s wrong with wanting to become stronger? Don’t underestimate me!”
“But honestly, are you happy like this?”
“Does happiness matter!?”
“If your path to becoming strong isn’t happy, then what’s the point of becoming strong?”
“Of course, I’m happy!”
“Really? But have you thought about the meaning behind it?”
“…!”
Milora was at a loss for words again.
The system kept beeping at her, but she had no time to respond.
She was indeed stumped by Torina’s question.
Why become strong?
Because she grew up in poverty and wanted to change her situation.
Because she admired the heroes in epics and wanted to achieve something.
Changing her situation and achieving something, for what?
Because it allows her to live with dignity, a sense of accomplishment, and peace of mind.
Dignity, accomplishment, peace of mind, in a word… isn’t it “happiness”?
“Isn’t it?” Torina seemed to see through what she was thinking, gently holding her hand, rubbing her pale hand with her soft cheek, and whispered:
“The things you haven’t experienced, those ordinary joys, those easygoing daily lives, I’ll teach you one by one in the future, so let’s start as friends, okay?”
