ZAM!
A lightning bolt, resembling an icy projectile, struck the dummy with deadly precision, obliterating it in a single fatal blow.
It had been seven long weeks since Yuichi's unfortunate incident on the outskirts of the Nivaria Kingdom's dungeon.
Within the kingdom's training grounds, a young girl, her black hair cascading down to her white attire, diligently honed her magical skills. With focused intent, she aimed her finger at the practice dummies, emanating a radiant blend of azure and golden light.
She stood poised within the designated range, extending her right hand toward a nearby dummy. With a graceful motion, she conjured forth a frigid strike, a manifestation of her mastery over ice magic.
[Skill: Frostbolt]
A loud "BOOM!" echoed as the other dummy was completely destroyed.
She wasn't calm; instead, her face twisted with anger. She couldn't accept Yuichi's disappearances and was seething with rage. With all her frustration and strength, she channeled her magic into the dummy once more.
[Skill: Luminous Bolt]
With determination in her eyes, she unleashed a potent beam of light towards the training dummy, boring a hole right through its proportionate body. After nearly two hours of intense training, she found herself panting and breathing heavily, her exhaustion evident.
A moment later, she decided to check her status, and in response, a screen materialized in front of her.
'Status'
[Status: Mitsuki Hoshizaki♀]
Human [17]
Level 10 [Range Mage]
EXP: [113/9000]
Titles: [Aric's Descendants, Elemental Arcanist]
Attributes: Ice [Novice] Light [Novice]
MANA: 135 [+100]
HP: 155
STR: 31
AGI: 20
DEF: 24
INT: 30 [+20]
DEX: 10
Skill Points: [6]
Skill: [Frostbolt Level 5] [Luminous Bolt Level 4] [Magic Mastery Level 3]
Passive: [Instant Cognition, Temporal Arcana Attunement]
'Still not enough...' She thought to herself and clenched her hand.
However, she gritted her teeth, her frustration fueling her resolve as she adamantly refused to take a break.
Just as she was on the brink of unleashing a formidable burst of magic at the practice dummy, an unexpected interruption halted her in her tracks, forcing her to abruptly cease her incantation.
A male voice called out her name, his attire reminiscent of a robe-like appearance often associated with support classes. He wore glasses that framed the features of a typical Japanese individual, and his hair was in its natural state.
"Mitsuki-san!" He shouted at her.
Mitsuki paused her task and pivoted, her attention fixing on Kenji who approached at a deliberate pace, holding a sheet of paper in his hand.
Mitsuki, adjusting her glove, gazed at Kenji and asked, "What's wrong, Kenji-san?"
"The king has given us a new mission. We need to investigate a magical disturbance in the Silva Verana Forest. Adventurers exploring the area reported attacks by creatures like Slimes and Shadow Wolves on anyone who enters. Our task is to go there and gather more information and eliminate the threat." Kenji explained.
Mitsuki complained, "Shouldn't the knight be the one doing that job instead of us?"
Kenji responded to her complaint, explaining, "Unfortunately, the knights are currently occupied at the frontlines in the Principality of Valerios. They're engaged in a battle against the Demon Lord's army."
Mitsuki sighed in frustration, "Since we're not fully prepared to confront the Demon Lord, and the knights are occupied, it seems like we're stuck with some shitty mission."
"Err... about that. We're also tasked with a mission to escort the Princess into Veridianthia Kingdom in two weeks prior starting next week."
"Ugh, great, another shitty mission to deal with."
"Yeah... sorry to mention it."
Mitsuki began to walk, showing a hint of irritation in her steps. Behind her, Kenji followed closely, wearing his glasses.
"So you and I are going to that forest for a recon mission?" Mitsuki said while walking.
Kenji adjusted his glasses, causing a momentary reflection that seemed to briefly obscure his eyes.
"About that, Sir Alistair said that Kazuhira will take the lead." Kenji answered.
Mitsuki stopped mid-way and glanced at Kenji. "So that bastard will be in charge of this crappy recon mission? How thoughtful of that Alistair."
"I'm sorry to break it to you, Hoshizaki-san, but Sir Alistair is just doing his job, it's not his fault."
"I understand, Kenji-san, but it really bothers me that Kazuhira is still the one leading us. I can't shake off the memory of what he did to Yuichi-kun – leaving him all alone in that dungeon."
For seven long weeks, Mitsuki remained deep in mourning for Yuichi, who had vanished within the labyrinthine dungeon. She found no respite from her grief; his memory haunted her every waking moment. A tempest of emotions churned within her – sadness, anger, and paralyzing fear.
In the face of Kazuhira's arrogant and heartless remarks, Mitsuki clung steadfastly to her belief that Yuichi could not be dead. She refused to let his cruel words pierce her heart and sway her convictions.
With unwavering determination and an unyielding will, Mitsuki vowed not to succumb to despair. She made a solemn promise to herself: she would become stronger.
Over the course of those seven weeks, Mitsuki devoted herself to the rigorous practice of her magic. She toiled tirelessly, training with unwavering determination. Alongside her classmates, she embarked on perilous field missions, battling fierce monsters, gaining experience, and growing in strength.
However, amidst her intense training and battles, one question remained a constant nagging presence in her thoughts – where could Yuichi have possibly gone?
Kenji could clearly see that Mitsuki was pretending to be strong, but deep down, she was really hurt and fragile. He felt sorry for her and couldn't help but be sad about Yuichi's disappearance in the dungeon.
As they discussed their topic, a newcomer appeared.
There was a girl with lovely purple hair, and she exuded elegance and beauty. Her eyes were captivatingly green, and she had the regal presence of a female knight, wearing an iron chestplate and carrying a longsword by her side.
When they glanced her way, recognition washed over them, bringing a sense of relief.
"Class Rep Murasaki Aikawa," Kenji said, stating her name with familiarity.
Murasaki, with a direct and knowing demeanor, asked, "Another mission?"
Kenji stuttered, "Y-Yes, there is."
Murasaki let out a frustrated sigh. "Those interfering folks are really getting on my nerves," she muttered.
She turned to leave, but not before noticing Kenji's reaction. She couldn't resist stealing one last glance, particularly at Mitsuki.
"Hoshizaki-san, we require your presence out there. Your unique range mage skills and passive abilities are crucial for the mission's success," Murasaki explained.
Mitsuki nodded in understanding. With that, Murasaki took another step and walked away.
Kenji and Mitsuki found themselves wondering why she was so incredibly direct.
However, they chose not to dwell on that question and instead decided to clear their mind.
"Let's meet up with them, Hoshizaki-san," Kenji said, following the same direction that Murasaki was headed in.
Despite some initial hesitation, Mitsuki decided to place her trust in their class representative. She knew that this girl was someone dependable, even if her personality was notably straightforward.
Mitsuki glanced down at her own hands, her palms slightly sweaty from nervousness. After taking a deep breath to steady herself, she made up her mind.
She would follow Kenji's lead and head to the location where her classmates had agreed to meet.