Chapter 163 – Training begins.


    Although Mikoto was eager to enter the dungeon, I invited her to have breakfast with me before we headed in. I had already spent much time inside the dungeon, and diving back right away would drive me crazy.


    I needed a little break.


    Fortunately, Mikoto didn''t mind apanying me to a stall to grab something to eat. I bought something for both of us. Even though she had already eaten breakfast, she ate with me anyway. We ate while sipping hot tea.


    It''s wonderful to have hot tea in the morning.


    I took the opportunity to buy some tea to store in my inventory. The people around us looked shocked, wondering where the tea had gone.


    "Shall we get going, then?"


    "Sure. But are you certain about this? You don''t seem very excited," Mikoto said.


    I wasn''t excited about entering the dungeon but was excited toplete the mission.


    I smiled and replied, "I''m not that excited about the dungeon, but I''m excited to be here with you. If I look tired, it''s because I didn''t sleep muchst night."


    "Do you want to postpone the training until tomorrow since you''re sleepy?"


    "No, it''s fine. Shall we?"


    Mikoto smiled, and we headed toward the dungeon. As soon as we entered, I drew my sword from my inventory, and we walked silently through the first floor. We encountered some monsters, but I took care of them quickly.


    This wasn''t the ideal ce.


    There is not enough space.


    As we descended, I took the opportunity to showcase some of my magic and sword skills to Mikoto.


    Seeing my swordsmanship, she realized how useful this training would be. I had more expertise than her because of my [Swordsmanship] skill at level eight. I can''t wait to max out this skill.


    When we reached the 8th floor, we foundrger rooms with plenty of space to move around.


    How much time had passed? Maybe a few hours. We weren''t rushing, and we spent a lot of time chatting. Speaking of which, Mikoto was growing increasinglyfortable around me.


    That''ll make the mission easier.


    I pulled some water and food from my inventory and handed them to Mikoto.


    We ate together, having a pleasant conversation about our swords, until suddenly, a group of ravenous Killer Ants attacked us.


    Mikoto raised her sword and decided to take the lead.


    I didn''t interfere, letting her handle it however she wanted.


    Mikoto had a determined look in her eyes. Her gaze alone seemed sharp enough to slice through the ants, which became incredibly frantic. "Ooh…" I let out a sound of admiration as I watched her.


    She charged at the ants with her katana, spinning gracefully, slicing them in half with surprising ease.


    I thought Mikoto would use her magic to deal with the ants, but it wasn''t necessary.


    <em><strong>p~~ p~~ p~~</strong></em>


    When she finished, I apuded.


    "That was amazing, Mikoto. I didn''t expect you to handle it so effortlessly."


    "What? Did you think I was weak?"


    "Not at all. Still, you could''ve finished it quicker. Why didn''t you use magic?"


    "It wasn''t necessary," she replied bluntly.


    "Fair enough." I stowed my water bottle and drew my sword. "Now that you''ve warmed up against those ants, it''s time for the real training, don''t you think?"


    "Hm?"


    Woosh!


    In an instant, I appeared in front of Mikoto.


    Her eyes widened, and I noticed a bead of sweat trickling down her face. My sword moved swiftly, heading straight for her unprotected neck.


    Mikoto reached for her sword, but it was toote.


    By the time her hand touched the hilt, my de was mere centimeters from her throat. I could have easily killed her. Mikoto was drenched in sweat. Her eyes fitted my sword and my serious expression.


    Then, I smiled to reassure her.


    "You shouldn''t let your guard down like that."


    "I thought our training would only be against monsters..." Mikoto said as I removed my sword from his throat. She then let out a long sigh. "That scared me. How can you move so fast? You could''ve killed me in a second."


    "How can I put it? My stats are pretty high. Even level three or four adventurers wouldn''t have reacted in time."


    "You''re full of yourself. I bet someone at level four would''ve taken your head off."


    "Maybe," I replied with a grin. "So, shall we begin for real this time? I''ll go easy on you."


    "Haha, no need to hold back—just don''t kill me." Mikoto gripped her sword and stepped back to create some distance. I shrugged and tightened my grip.


    I''ll control my strength to give her a fun experience.


    ####


    Minutes passed.


    <em><strong>sh!</strong></em>


    <em><strong>ng!</strong></em>


    Our swords shed repeatedly. The sound of metal meeting metal and Mikoto''s heavy breathing filled the air.


    "Ready to give up?" I asked, smiling.


    "I won''t quit! Let''s keep going!" Mikoto charged toward me. I sidestepped her attack easily and struck her back with my sword''s hilt, sending her to the ground.


    I didn''t use much force, but I knew she felt a lot of pain.


    Mikoto groaned, kneeling and out of breath.


    "Let''s take a break. You''re overdoing it."


    "All right…" Mikoto finally gave in, and I pulled out some water for both of us. I wasn''t even sweating, but I was thirsty.


    Afterward, I sat beside her on the ground and held her hand.


    "!" Mikoto tried to pull her hand away, but I held it.


    "Your hands are beautiful despite the calluses. You must practice a lot."


    "..." Mikoto blushed. "I do practice a lot, but I still can''t match you."


    "If you keep working hard, I''m sure you''ll surpass me one day."


    I know that won''t happen, but I said it to encourage her.


    And it worked!


    <strong>[ Mikoto is growing even more interested in you! ]</strong>