Chapter 131: Return To The Underground
I bluntly replied to Kamian's question.
In front of me were three sizable bags.
"You promised to supply us. A promise should be kept."
Right.
It was a supply.
These bags were filled with supplies for the residents of the underground space.
Even though my efforts had prevented them from starving to death, surviving on moss alone was not sufficient for sustaining life.
In order to use them as a viable force, it was necessary to feed them well and improve their condition.
That's why I had decided to take time out to go down.
However, that was not the only purpose.
'Real combat.'
The third stage: real combat.
The end of skill training was, of course, real combat.
Only when you can use it properly in real combat can you say it's truly your skill.
But one could not simply practice real combat against humans.
So, inevitably, something non-human.
Today, for instance, the undead on the 10th floor underground would be the opponent.
'Besides that...'
Today was not just about simple combat training; there was another special curiosity.
The strike of the executioner, trained by Hiresia, had evolved into an improved strike due to the training.
I had never experienced such a sudden skill evolution before.
Therefore, I was very curious about the power of this evolution.
Just how much better it had become compared to the original skill.
Moreover,
The proficiency had also skyrocketed to an unbelievable 20.1% without a single real combat.
Normally, it wouldn't even reach 20%, let alone 10%.
This must also be a testament to the power of skill evolution.
'There are quite a few things I do not know.'
Especially in relation to Hiresia.
I shouldn't simply consider this as luck, but rather take it into account for future matters.
Who knows, it could open up new and favorable paths.
"Ugh."
Kamian groaned and frowned as he lifted a bag to test its weight.
"Why is it so heavy? What's inside?"
"There's a lot inside."
"A lot? It doesn't look that big, though."
"It's a subspace bag."
A subspace bag.
As the name suggests, it was a magical bag that had a subspace within, allowing it to hold much more than it appeared to.
Even though it had weight-reduction magic applied, it was still heavy when filled to the brim.
"Wow, a subspace bag? That's expensive..."
Anette exclaimed, her eyes wide.
"Why? Do you need one? Should I buy you one?"
"No, no, that's okay."
"Is that so? Well then, you should also carry one."
"Me?"
"Since there are three of us, it's only fair for each to take responsibility for one. Don't complain since it's the lightest bag."
Members of a party each have their responsibilities and duties.
There are no exceptions, even for women.
That's the right attitude for a leader.
Like me.
"Ah, right. Of course, I should also contribute."
Anette quickly approached the bag I had pointed out.
And she began to exert effort with groans.
"Ugh."
Even though it was the lightest bag, it seemed a bit difficult for her.
But I had no intention of helping.
This too was part of her training.
Even as a healer, being weakly frail would only make her an easy prey for the enemy.
"Wait a minute, senior. Isn't this too much for someone with little strength?"
Kamian protested.
It seems like the spirit of chivalry was coming out, seeing as they were close childhood friends.
I understood, but there was no way I was going to blink at that.
Apart from the responsibilities and duties as equal party members, Anette, along with the hero, was also part of those I intended to nurture.
"Aren't you the one underestimating your friend by being overprotective? Anette is a legitimate student of the top academy's Royal Class, a proud member of our party, and not someone who should be overprotected by anyone."
I answered sternly.
Kamian's expression hardened at my response.
He looked like he wanted to retort, but he just bit his lip and could not easily open his mouth.
Probably because he was caught off guard by an unexpected point.
"You're right, senior. I'm part of the party too, and I'll naturally do what I need to do."
Anette spoke in a surprisingly calm voice.
However, she seemed quite moved by my words.
Her eyes sparkled, and her face flushed.
A legitimate academy student.
A proud member of the party.
She probably had never heard such affirming words from someone, especially a senior, hence the reaction.
Honestly, I hadn't aimed for such a response, but it turned out well in the end.
It was apparent that she had gained a positive sense of confidence.
"Sorry. I think I was a bit short-sighted."
Kamian accepted the situation and closed his mouth, probably having realized something himself.
That was enough.
"Then let's go. Follow me."
I picked up the remaining luggage and moved.
---
The place we moved to was the secret entrance we stumbled upon when we first got involved with the underground space.
We could not exit through it, but we could enter.
"Is it clear of people?"
"Yes."
"Good, then let's go."
I pushed the seams of the wall where the entrance was upon Kamian's reply.
Clunk!
The entrance opened, and we were swept into the underground.
However, unlike the first time, we were prepared, so Kamian and Anette landed lightly on the ground without screaming.
Whoosh.
Anette lit up the place with her light magic.
The surroundings brightened instantaneously.
"Nothing has changed."
Kamian murmured as he looked around.
"It should be the same here. Not sure about over there, though."
"I hope everyone is safe..."
Anette said with a somewhat worried expression.
"We don't know. But wouldn't they be? We've reduced the number of enemies to one."
We had dealt with the monsters, so the only forces left on the 10th floor underground were humans and the undead.
And today, we planned to annihilate the remaining undead.
Then the 10th floor underground would become a completely safe area, and the path to a new floor would open up.