The next day, Hachiman called Argo and the two of them, including Asuna, went out for combat training.

"Well then, let's get started. First, let's increase the speed of our sword skills."

After saying that, Hachiman first instructed Argo to activate several types of sword skills.

Afterwards, I told him that I would be using the same technique, so I asked him to just roughly compare the two.

After Argo used several sword skills, Hachiman followed suit and used the same technique.

"How is it?"

"The time from activation to completion is quite short."

"That's right. It also shortens the stiffening time. Compared to relying solely on system assistance,

The initial speed and the amount of force you use during the throw really make a difference. It's a really well-made game."

"I see."

"Especially since Argo is an information broker, his strategies are a little different from the real ones, right?

Even if you go to investigate a dungeon, your basic strategy will probably be a hit-and-run style.

Asuna also uses a rapier, so it's the same.

So, if there is any room for improvement with my advice, it would be better to let me know as soon as possible.

I thought it would be good for the future."

After confirming that the two nodded, Hachiman began his lecture.

"The first charge feels like drawing the bow back."

「As expected, Argo is a quick learner. I think he's been doing much better than average up until now,

After all, given his job, he wasn't always fighting."

Hachiman was always enthusiastic about praising the two when they were able to use their skills well, so perhaps that was the reason why they were able to do so well.

Argo was able to succeed 80% of the time, and Asuna was about half way.

"It went a lot smoother than I thought it would."

"I think I'll be there for a bit longer."

「Now it's just a matter of repeated practice. The power of the attack should have improved considerably.

Well, I think the most important thing about this is that it shortens the recovery time."

"The stiffness definitely feels different from before. I'm going to have to get used to it quickly."

The lecture for the two of them then moved on to the next stage.

"Then, both of you, please switch your weapons to your left hands.

At the very least, you should be able to use sword skills even with the other arm."

"In what situations is that necessary?"

「Yeah. To be more specific, it would be when a monster cuts off your wrist.

Getting your wrist chopped off won't hurt, but you won't be able to hold a weapon, right?

It's a technique to quickly get through such situations."

"My wrists and below are gone..."

Asuna looked at her right hand, opening and closing it.

Argo was also looking at his right hand and seemed to be deep in thought.

"Hey, Haru-bou. Don't you have another plan in mind?"

Hachiman heard those words and answered hesitantly.

"...Hey, you two. Let's say I suddenly cut off both of your right hands.

At that time, do you guys have any way to counter me?"

Asuna shook her head, and Argo shook her head as well, seemingly understanding that that was the case.

"When you have that many people playing, there are bound to be some weirdos in the mix.

There are bound to be some psychos out there who enjoy killing players.

If you find yourself in a pinch, if you can endure even a little longer, help may arrive in time.

There are probably a few other possible scenarios, but the ones I can think of right now are:

First of all, this is the method. Do you understand?」

The two nodded with serious expressions and began practicing their sword skills with their opposite hands.

After successfully activating it several times, Argo decided to return to the city.

"Well then, I'll go back to town first. I have a lot to do."

"Hey, good job."

"Also, Haru-bou, never reveal any real information.

She'd talked so easily to someone like me who she barely knew.

If I had malicious intent, things might have become horrible by now."

Hachiman looked confused at that reply, then turned pale.

"Sorry. At first glance, I thought you were a professional informant,

I had assumed that such a person would never be dealing with real information.

Although we've only known each other a short time, I now know that you're a reliable person when it comes to this.

But it was certainly incredibly reckless to rely on a hunch. I'll be more careful in the future."

Argo was a little surprised by that statement.

"In such a short time, I guess I've gained more trust than I thought.

If he trusted me that much, then surely we must be friends too?"

"No, you know me."

"I don't know where to draw the line between me and Ah-chan..."

"Hmm, to be honest, I don't really know either."

They both looked at each other and sighed.

"Well then, contact me again if you need any more information."

"Yeah, see you later."

Argo said and ran off.

"Hachiman and Argo really get along well."

Asuna, who was resting, spoke to me with a confused look on her face.

"They just seem like normal friends."

"Ah, how should I put it, the capacity is low so it's still not possible to suddenly have multiple people..."

"It's not that I'm not happy that I'm the only friend I have, but it's a bit complicated."

"Sorry, I'll try my best..."

"Well, maybe a little at a time would be fine? I don't think it's right to force it."

"ah"

Using a nearby village as their base, the two worked hard to level up while obtaining materials to strengthen their weapons.

And since we had a good idea of the level and materials, and Asuna wanted to take a bath,

The two of them decided to return to the town where they began.

"It was quite a harvest."

"Yeah, you did well."

"What are we doing tomorrow?"

"That's right, let's take a day off here. Asuna, you don't know this town very well yet, right?"

"That's right. I guess I'll go and check out a few places. I'm also curious about the state of the church."

"I'll do my own research too."

The two said goodbye and headed off to their respective lodgings.

Asuna sat on the bed, stretched out, and then collapsed backwards.

My body was enveloped in a pleasant feeling of fatigue.

For Asuna, her life has been one in which every time she overcomes one hurdle, another one appears.

In a sense it was like walking down a never ending road.

In this world, effort is clearly reflected in numbers.

Having a visible goal is a great way to keep you motivated.

While thinking about this, I decided to finish my bath early.

Asuna headed to the bathroom and got into the tub.

"A lot has happened in a short amount of time... I wonder what would have happened if I had been alone..."

Her life had settled down to a certain extent, and Asuna had more time to think about things than she had at the beginning.

And if I were to be thrown out alone into this world where I don't know anything,

I had a vague feeling that I was no longer in this world.

(Hachiman-kun... I'm sure you thought I was a boy when you saved me,

It was easy to trust him from the beginning.

After that, I heard his story and thought I would be sad if he left, so I became his friend.

I'm not sure if I had any feelings of sympathy or dependency or anything like that.)

Asuna shook her head as she thought about this.

(But the feeling I had most strongly at that time was... I was envious of what he meant by "the real thing."

Right now, I'm still dependent on him. I don't think I've become the real person he talks about.

First of all, I want us to be able to watch each other's backs...

I have become able to express my thoughts clearly, and

I want to be a friend that people can be confident and consider genuine. Okay, let's do our best!

With renewed resolve, Asuna finally relaxed.

I started making plans about what to do tomorrow.

Meanwhile, Hachiman meets with Argo to exchange information.

"That's all the information I've been able to get these past few days."

"Thanks. Well then, here's the information fee."

Hachiman didn't accept it, and instead held his palm out in front of him as if to say, wait a moment.

"Um, sorry Argo, but before I take that I need some information."

"Hmm? What is it?"

"Do you have any information on the species of the first floor boss?"

"If you're okay with old information, I have it, but is that okay?"

"Oh, never mind."

"So that makes it even. Illfang the Kobold Lord and his entourage."

"So you mean the big kobold and his entourage? ... Sorry, thanks."

"There may have been changes since the beta version,

It's not that valuable as information, but is that okay?"

"Yeah. To give Asuna experience for the boss battles,

I just wanted to get some reference for which monsters I should be fighting more than others."

Argo nodded in agreement at those words.

"As expected, Ha-bou is very careful."

"There's one more thing I really want to ask. Of course I'll pay for the information."

"Oh, then I have a favor to ask of you. The guidebook is now complete, so

Can you help us distribute it to other towns and villages?"

"I was planning on taking tomorrow off, but would the day after be okay?

"Yeah, that's fine."

"The day after tomorrow I was planning to go north, so I'll leave that area to you."

"Oh, thank you very much. So, what is it that you want to ask?"

"Is there coffee and condensed milk in this world?"

After checking the information, Hachiman immediately acquired cooking skills.