Luel's training with SilverPup comes to an end after he defeats the Rank D Ragnarok Beast, Werewolf, using only 15 percent Link and being limited to the use of Charge Skill of the Devour Beast Orion Class.
The training to improve Luel's noob-level gaming skills may be over, but the raids to boost his Link Force back to at least around 40 percent still continue—with SilverPup's help.
However, to give Luel a bit of a break and force him to study the basics of whatever martial arts he might be interested in, SilverPup puts their Raids on hold for a few days.
Right now, as Luel eats his breakfast of garlic rice topped with bacon and a sunny-side-up egg, he takes his time browsing martial arts videos on his smartphone.
"Sigh!... This is useless. As if I'd learn martial arts just by watching videos."
If anyone could learn and master martial arts just by watching videos, then the world would be a much more exciting place—or so Luel thinks while watching a funny video of a self-proclaimed martial artist in a red keikogi, or martial arts uniform.
Putting aside the impossible task of learning any kind of martial art or even basic self-defense, Luel continues eating his breakfast while thinking about another troublesome matter he's had to deal with over the past several days.
—Ding!—
The sound of the doorbell at the front door is the troublesome thing Luel has been expecting.
"ShopXonline delivery!... Is Mr. Luel—Gaghh!"
The delivery man is startled by the person who opens the door.
A tall guy, around 175 cm, with dark fluffy hair and long bangs covering his eyes, plus a facemask completely hiding his face.
Of course, it's Luel. That's how he chooses to face every unknown delivery man dropping off packages—disguised, so he can maintain his insecurity when dealing with strangers.
"Well, it's still early in the morning, so I guess you're still in your pajamas... Anyway, could you sign the order receipt, sir?"
Luel signs the receipt with his signature seal stamp, unfazed by the delivery man's remark about his pajamas. After all, not only is Luel comfortable wearing pajamas or sweatshirts all day—he's also proud of it.
"Thank you for your continued patronage, sir."
The delivery man says goodbye and drives off, knowing he'll probably be back with another delivery in just a few days.
"I wonder what it is this time?"
Luel could easily find out by reading the copy of the order receipt attached to the package. But by now, it's become a hobby of his to surprise himself with what arrives from the $5,000 worth of items he's unconsciously ordered.
Returning to the balcony where his unfinished breakfast awaits, Luel takes his time unboxing the package.
"Did I really order something like this?"
Inside the latest package is a hotplate and some utensils for cooking takoyaki.
"I don't even have any octopus or squid... So what am I supposed to cook with this?"
---
"Huff!... Heya!… Huff!... Haaa!... Okay, that's enough… This is still embarrassing, even if I'm alone!"
Determined to fulfill his promise to Selene, Luel decides to give martial arts a try—following video tutorials. From Karate, Taekwondo, and Boxing to Kung Fu and more, Luel imitates everything shown in the videos for hours.
But when he catches a glimpse of himself in the living room mirror, his awkward stance makes him look like a cringy chuunibyou kid playing pretend.
Trying to get over the self-inflicted embarrassment, Luel turns his attention to preparing lunch.
Since he just got a new takoyaki hotplate, he decides to give in to his craving.
He still doesn't have any octopus or squid, but takoyaki is a versatile and forgiving dish that probably works with other fillings. So, Luel makes do with whatever ingredients he can find.
After an hour of preparing and cooking an excessive amount of takoyaki—clearly too much for one person—Luel is finally ready to eat lunch.
But then—Ding!—another unexpected delivery rings the doorbell. Or so Luel thinks.
Suppressing his hunger and craving, Luel goes to the front door to receive the delivery. But instead of the usual middle-aged man, he finds something else entirely.
Standing at the door is a girl around 170 cm tall, wearing a black jacket and jeans. A hat hides her hair, which is tied in a bun. Sunglasses cover her eyes, and a facemask conceals the rest of her face.
She looks at Luel, who's still in pajamas even though it's already afternoon. Then she pulls a smartphone from her pocket and holds it up to his face, showing him a picture on the screen.
Luel instantly recognizes the image. But it's not the person in the photo that has his thoughts racing—it's the identity of the girl in front of him.
Panicking, Luel shuts the door without saying a word.
—Bamm!—
"Hey!... Don't you dare slam the door in my face! Open up!"
The girl in disguise knocks furiously, annoyed at being rudely ignored, while Luel panics behind the door.
But it's not his usual insecurity around strangers that's making his heart pound, nor is it anxiety or a panic attack. What's making it hard for him to breathe is the identity of the girl outside.
She may be hiding behind a hat, sunglasses, and a mask, but Luel recognizes not only her choice and style of disguise—he remembers how she carries herself with pride, how she wears her clothes confidently, and how she stands tall in front of others.
Everything Luel observed in just a few seconds leads him to a conclusion he can hardly believe.
"Why is the ex-idol Amy outside my house?!"