[You have died. Simulation End.]
[Cause of Death: Killed by Ain.]
This doesn't make sense!
"I saved Ain twice, so in a normal storyline, shouldn't I have won her heart and started living the good life with her?"
"How did I still end up getting stabbed? It's like a plot kill!"
Whatever, let's check the rewards first.
[Negative Rating for this Simulation: B+]
[With this rating, the host can choose two skills learned in the simulation to bring into the real world.]
[Select: Soru and Shigan]
"Since I've already mastered Geppo, it's time to add more combat skills."
[The host has obtained three Blue Rewards from this simulation. Would you like to combine them into one Purple Reward?]
Hearing the voice in his mind, Marsh couldn't help but feel a bit amused.
[Combine them.]
[Congratulations, host. You've obtained one Purple Reward. Would you like to open it?]
[Open it!]
[Reward opened. Congratulations, host, you have obtained Sword Technique: Moon Breathing (Master Level)]
Huh??
Moon Breathing?
Before Marsh could react, a figure wearing a kimono and wielding a long sword appeared in his mind.
The figure drew the sword and began to dance gracefully!
First Form - Dark Moon, Evening Palace
Second Form - Pearl Flower Moongazing
Third Form - Loathsome Moon, Chains
...
As the sword moved through each form, the names of the techniques surfaced in Marsh's mind.
Soon, his hands began mimicking the movements, swinging the sword up and down.
Moments later, he had completely mastered this sword technique.
"System, does this mean that I can unlock skills or items from other worlds as rewards too?"
[As long as your luck holds, becoming a Super Saiyan isn't impossible.]
"Wow, you're usefull!"
"Although Moon Breathing is powerful, I don't even have a sword right now!"
[Please choose one of the following abilities to set as a permanent talent: Skill Enchanment or Treasure Hunter.]
[Skill Upgrade!]
After realizing how unreliable Treasure Hunter could be, Marsh decisively chose Skill Enchanment!
He already had a plan for the next simulation: he would use Skill Enchanment to master Shigan completely.
With two fully mastered Rokushiki, he should be able to hold his own in this vast ocean, right?
...
"Marsh, my friend, this is our base!"
Early the next morning, Kiri, his injuries partially healed, took Marsh to a port in a small boat.
Docked in front of them were five massive Navy warships!
They looked nearly identical to the ones Marsh had seen in the simulation.
They were sailing warships, with wooden decks reinforced by thick steel plates around the edges.
The outer layer was painted navy blue with waterproof paint, and cannons were lined along the ship's sides.
Ordinarily, a lieutenant commander like Gion wouldn't be qualified to command a base.
But this base originally belonged to Vice Admiral Tsuru, and everyone in the Navy knew that Vice Admiral Tsuru and Gion were as close as sisters.
Gion hadn't wasted Tsuru's nurturing either, earning military achievements again and again.
Although she had only recently been promoted to lieutenant commander, she might very well ascend directly to the rank of admiral next!
"Kiri-san!"
At the dock, a Navy soldier bearing the symbol for Justice waved at them.
Kiri and Marsh guided their small boat closer to the dock.
"Kiri-san! Where...where is everyone else?"
Seeing Kiri battered and bruised, the soldier already knew the answer but couldn't help asking.
"They're all gone." Kiri said, his face darkening, though he tried to stay strong. "If it weren't for Marsh here, I might not have made it back."
"This guy?" The soldier looked at Marsh curiously.
"That's right." Kiri patted Marsh's shoulder, pushing him forward. "Marsh here is the son of a Navy hero, and he's incredibly skilled. I hope my completed mission can earn Marsh the chance to enlist."
"You're too kind, Kiri. I just..." Marsh began to blush, but Kiri cut him off before he could finish.
"Enough with the humility! Your Geppo alone is better than most of our officers'!"
"Wow, sounds like we're getting a true powerhouse at our base! Tomorrow's mission should be a lot less trouble now," the soldier said excitedly.
"Tomorrow's mission?" Kiri frowned at him.
"You should report to the lieutenant commander. She'll explain it to you personally."
A short while later, they arrived at a wooden, two-story building.
Seeing Marsh looking uneasy, Kiri couldn't help but chuckle.
"Why so nervous, my friend? Our lieutenant commander is very kind and treats everyone with respect. You weren't even scared when facing that giant gorilla; why so anxious now?"
"N-No, it's just... I'm excited about honoring my father's legacy by becoming a Navy officer."
Marsh felt at a loss for words.
Although he knew that his previous experience with Gion was only a simulation, he still technically died at her hands.
Now, facing his enemy in real life, and recalling everything he did to her in the simulation, how could he not feel nervous?!
***
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