Chapter 9: Asuna and Argo Training Program
The next day, Hachiman called Argo over, and the three of them headed to the battle training grounds together.
"Alright, let's begin. First, we'll start by increasing sword skill speed."
As Hachiman spoke, he had Argo execute several sword skills, then performed the same moves himself so the two could observe and compare closely.
After Argo unleashed a few sword skills, Hachiman immediately followed with the same techniques.
"How does it feel?"
"The time from activation to completion has clearly shortened."
"Exactly. The stiffness duration has also decreased. Rather than relying solely on the system assist, you can really make a difference in starting speed and power control. This game's design is truly brilliant."
"I see, huh."
"Especially since Argo is an informant, your fighting style must be quite different from the hardcore clearing groups, right?
Even when exploring labyrinths, you likely adopt a hit-and-run style.
Asuna's rapier also suits this kind of strategy, so if my suggestions can help improve your skills, learning early will benefit you in the future."
After confirming both nodded, Hachiman began the official explanation.
"When charging at the start, imagine it like drawing a bowstring."
"As expected of Argo—she grasps it quickly. You were already much better than average before, though I suppose due to your job you haven't fought extensively over time."
Every time either of them successfully triggered a skill, Hachiman would actively praise them. Perhaps thanks to this, Argo's success rate reached 80%, while Asuna's was around 50%.
"You're picking this up more smoothly than I expected."
"I still need more practice."
"From here on, it's all about repeated training. The power should also increase. But I believe the most important thing is reducing stiffness duration."
"It definitely feels different from before—I'll have to get used to it quickly."
The training entered a new stage.
"Now, please switch to holding the sword with your left hand. You need to at least be able to use sword skills with your non-dominant hand."
"When would a technique like that come in handy?"
"For instance, if a monster cuts off your wrist—while it won't hurt, you'll lose the ability to hold your weapon, right? This is an emergency measure."
"Having your wrist cut off..."
Asuna stared at her right hand, clenching and releasing her fist repeatedly. Argo also looked at her own right hand thoughtfully.
"Hey Hachiman, you've got another reason for this, don't you?"
After a moment's hesitation, Hachiman replied: "Say I were to suddenly cut off your right hand—what countermeasures would you have?"
Asuna shook her head, and Argo also gave a knowing look and shook hers.
"Among all the players, there are bound to be dangerous individuals—perverts who take pleasure in killing other players.
If you can hold out just a bit longer, help might arrive. There may be other options, but this is the best countermeasure I can think of for now. Understand?"
Both nodded seriously and began practicing sword skills with their non-dominant hands.
After a few successful tries, Argo prepared to return to town.
"I'll head back now, still got a lot to do."
"Thanks for your hard work."
"Oh right, Hachiman—never reveal real-life information. You told me so easily even though we just met. What if I had bad intentions?"
Hachiman froze, his expression suddenly turning pale. "Sorry. My first impression of you was that you were a top-tier informant, so I assumed you'd never touch real-world info.
Although we haven't spent much time together, I've come to see you as trustworthy.
But you're right—I shouldn't rely on gut feelings. I'll be more careful going forward."
Argo looked a little surprised. "To be trusted this much in such a short time… I guess we're friends now?"
"No, just acquaintances."
"You're drawing such a fuzzy line with Asuna too..."
"Yeah, to be honest, I'm not quite sure myself."
The two exchanged wry smiles.
"If you need information, get in touch."
"See you."
As she watched Argo's silhouette disappear into the distance, the resting Asuna said with a complicated expression: "You two really get along well. Doesn't seem like you're just regular friends."
"How do I put it... suddenly having to deal with too many friends is a bit overwhelming..."
"I'm happy just being friends with you, but I also feel a bit conflicted."
"Sorry, I'll do my best..."
"Take your time. Forcing yourself to make more friends isn't the right approach either, right?"
"Yeah."
Using a nearby village as their base, the two gathered strengthening materials and leveled up.
Once both their materials and levels met their goals, Asuna wanted to take a bath, so they decided to return to the Town of Beginnings.
"We made good progress."
"Yeah, thanks for your hard work."
"Plans for tomorrow?"
"Let's take a day off. Asuna, you haven't really had time to explore the place, have you?"
"Nope. I want to walk around a bit, maybe check out the church."
"I also want to gather some intel."
After returning to the inn separately, Asuna collapsed on the bed, wrapped in a comfortable fatigue.
She thought to herself: In the real world, hardships never end. But here, hard work is reflected in numbers.
Having visible goals really helps maintain motivation.
While soaking in the bath, Asuna fell into deep thought: If I'd been thrown into this world alone, I'd probably be dead by now.
'Hachiman-kun trusted me easily at first because he thought I was a guy. Later, after hearing what I went through, we became friends.
I'm not sure whether there's sympathy or dependence involved, but what I envy most is his sense of "reality." I'm still not independent enough. I want to become someone who can
protect his back, someone who can express her thoughts with confidence, someone who can truly be called a friend!'
With renewed determination, Asuna began planning for tomorrow.
At the same time, Hachiman was exchanging intel with Argo.
"That's all the info I've got from the past few days."
"Thanks. Here's your reward."
"Hold on, I want to ask something first—do you have any info on the first-floor boss's species?"
"If you're okay with outdated info, I've got something. Want to trade for it?"
"Sure."
"Illfang the Kobold Lord and his minions. The beta version might have been updated, so take it with a grain of salt."
"That's good enough. I want to get Asuna more battle experience, so I'm trying to figure out which monsters we should focus on."
Argo nodded in realization. "As expected, you're cautious."
"There's one more thing. I'll pay separately for it."
"Perfect timing. I've got a favor to ask—can you help distribute the completed guidebooks?"
"Tomorrow's a rest day. How about the day after?"
"Sounds good."
"I'll be heading north the day after, so I'll take care of that area."
"Then let me ask—does this world have coffee and condensed milk?"
After confirming the intel, Hachiman immediately learned the cooking skill.