Chapter 107: Adaptation 3
TL/Editor: Raei
Schedule: 5/Week Wed-Sun
Illustrations: Posted in discord.
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While pondering which magic would be best to recommend, I also continued to reflect on my own divine energy.
Both mana and divine energy coexist within me, but they don't mix.
When I used them, I could feel slight differences.
Shield enhancement using mana felt incredibly sturdy, like an impenetrable wall of steel.
It neither bends nor warps, standing resolutely against any onslaught.
However, enhancing with divine energy feels different
Bulletproof glass?
Reinforced plastic?
It's hard to find a proper analogy due to my limited knowledge.
In any case, compared to mana enhancement, the divine energy enhancement felt more like it enveloped and absorbed impacts, diverting them away.
Is it like an enhanced version of reflected damage and damage absorption?
'Should I think of it as a reflection damage upgrade versus damage absorption upgrade?'
From my perspective, if I were to liken this to game mechanics, that would be the idea.
My passive skill has two main effects: damage reduction and damage reflection.
The feeling I get is that using either mana or divine energy maximizes one of those effects.
Using one skill for two different functions was also a feature in Heroines Chronicle.
Characters that could transform their form upon skill activation were overpowered in the game.
There were characters in Heroines Chronicle like the Guardian of the Canyon or the Spider Queen who could change their form through ultimate skills.
For instance, a damage-dealer that looked like a young girl would transform into a unicorn to guard the backline when it was attacked, or a scantily-clad healer would morph into a bear, tearing enemies apart when near death.
Considering that Roland's body was of a 6, it's almost like
"...Roland, are you there?"
Knock, knock
As I was rolling about on my bed in the evening, I heard Grace's voice along with a knocking sound.
If shes visiting my room this late after heading to the inn with Han Se-ah, there could only be one reason.
Rising cautiously from the bed and approaching the door, I could already hear her quickened breath and the thumping of her anxious heart.
This was quite unexpected.
When two people, meet in a private room late at night, what else would it be for?
Grace's heart must be racing in anticipation.
What is it?
Um, Roland? Would you like to go to the market with me...?
Without hesitation, I opened the door to see Grace, not in her leather armor, but in a simple dress.
Yet, her simple attire didnt mean she didnt make an effort; a sweet fragrance teased my nostrils, suggesting she had prepared with care.
Even if a gacha character benefits from enhanced looks and cleanliness, it's obvious when they've taken extra care to groom themselves, especially when the setting is a peculiar blend of medieval and modern fantasy elements.
The problem wasnt Graces subtle fragrance, nor the revealing silhouette of her figure accentuated by her dress.
The issue was Han Se-ah, who, in her own mind, was expertly hidden around the corner of the hallway.
Her stream is off... She's really something else.
There's no sign of the semi-transparent camera drone.
A quick glance at the hologram internet window also shows Han Se-ahs stream marked offline.
Why would someone, who should have ended the game after saving in the inns bed, be clumsily hiding there?
Even someone oblivious would notice.
Excuse me, Roland?
Yes, just wait a moment.
As I peeked at the internet window, making sure Han Se-ah wasnt streaming, Graces voice quivered, perhaps interpreting my silence as rejection.
With a reassuring smile, I slowly closed the door and headed towards the wardrobe.
I can't go on a date dressed in shorts and an old shirt I wear for bed.
But what is Han Se-ah thinking? Does she not realize I'm practically a superhuman?
Even if I'm a vanguard type without any detection passives, I'm still a superhuman enhanced by magic.
I may not detect enemies dozens of meters away in dense forests or dark caves, but Id still be aware of someone peeking around a corner barely 10 meters away.
Heading to the market? To buy arrows?
I swapped my old, comfy shirt for the tidy shirt and pants I usually wear for personal requests.
Given that 'Heroes Chronicle' is based on a medieval fantasy setting inspired by 'Heroines Chronicle', male clothing options are quite limited.
In this fantasy world where cafes selling macarons and iced Americanos exist, women have a range of modern outfits, from lingerie to coats.
But men?
Just shirts and suits.
Partly that, and since we reached the 21st floor, I thought maybe... we could grab a drink?
"Drinks? Sounds good. Are we going to look at arrows first?
Yeah. Or, since it's getting late, maybe we just go for a drink straight away?
As I stepped out all dressed up, there was Grace, her face flushed, suggesting drinks, and Han Se-ah, still sneakily peeking.
I wanted to ask Han Se-ah if she genuinely believed she was hiding, but acknowledging it would feel like admitting defeat.
I knew she was trying to help Grace and me get closer.
Ever since the character quest took us to Grace's hometown, she subtly made sure the two of us always had time together.
I never expected such aggressive date coaching, though.
Feels like I'm in some rom-com.
The male lead, a bit dense, gets trailed on his date by the female lead, the same one trying to pair him up with another woman.
Its a scenario all too familiar and almost comfortingly predictable to those deep into pop culture.
As I walked in step with Grace outside the inn, she discreetly reached out, gently holding onto my arm.
Perhaps she wasnt bold enough to hold hands or loop arms, perhaps waiting for some liquid courage.
At the same time, I heard hurried footsteps from the inn's corridor.
She's not only bad at lying, but she's also terrible at tailing.
But then again, would it be strange for a modern woman to be good at those things?
"Do you have a restaurant in mind? Or a place you've been wanting to visit?"
"Well..."
Grace tilts her head adorably in thought.
It's cute to see her pretend, even though it's obvious she and Han Se-ah planned this beforehand.
Whenever Han Se-ah lies during her streams, she stammers, blinks excessively, and looks aimlessly around.
Similarly, Grace flits her eyes here and there, probably out of embarrassment.
I've heard that pets tend to take after their owners, but it's the first time I've seen an NPC imitate a player.
They must have gotten quite close, considering she even gives makeup tips and dating advice.
"Let's just go to the Lucky Scoundrel. Their drinks are the best."
"Really? I can take you somewhere nicer."
"No, it's fine! The drink I had there was really good."
Grace reacts strongly to my casual suggestion.
Maybe for Han Se-ah who's 'discreetly' following us.
Given our party's current financial status after reaching the 21st floor, visiting the 'Lucky Scoundrel' is as easy as heading to a local convenience store.
Even if we splurge on a meal with silver coins, it's easily covered by hunting down a group of goblins.
However, if I were to bring Grace to a more upscale restaurant where expenses run in gold coins, Han Se-ah wouldn't be able to spy.
I'm not sure why she's following us, to begin with.
"That's good if you like it there."
"Mhm, well... There are a lot of female staff, but the drinks are great."
Walking side by side with Grace, she's coughing awkwardly, possibly worried I've caught onto something.
The bustling streets of the adventurer's district, growing dark with the setting sun, provide a perfect cover for Han Se-ah's sneaky pursuit.
Of course, I spotted her from the hallway of my inn, so even if she tries to blend in with the crowd, I'd recognize her.
But both Han Se-ah and Grace probably think she's hiding well.
The streets are alive: drunken patrons leaning on each other and humming tunes, mercenaries grinning ear-to-ear after a successful job, and weary adventurers in worn gear heading back to their lodgings.
"It's always so crowded here."
"It's the Tower. Its made adventurers wealthy. Maybe it sounds a bit irreverent towards the Goddess."
"We can't deny that we've earned a lot, though. With only a few battles we end up with a hefty pouch of silver coins."
The Tower does pose life-threatening challenges, but it also supplies the city with abundant magic stones.
Thanks to that, the 'Lucky Scoundrel' is filled with boastful men trying to attract attention.
Even with the city like that, public order remains intact.
Otherwise, Han Se-ah, who was walking alone on the street, might have been harassed by the street's miscreants.
The reason public order was maintained was quite simple.
There were just too many adventurers.
"Welcome to the Lucky Scoundrel! Are there two of you?"
"Just food for the two of us, no need for a room."
"Oh my, are you two on a date? That's a bit of a shame."
With a spirited greeting, the waitress effortlessly flirts.
She smoothly took our order and disappeared.
As she turned toward the kitchen from the table, she exaggeratedly swayed her hips.
As her skirt flutters and her ample hips move like waves, adventurers at nearby tables whistle, staring as if they would pierce holes in the fabric.
The boy blushing at her short skirt, the young man pinched while trying to wrap his arm around a waitresss waist in his drunken state, and the robust old man, seemingly having had a bit too much to drink, being supported by two others as he headed to the rooms upstairs all of them were adventurers.
"What? You want to drink alone?"
"What's this, a fight?"
And, adventurers, well, they tend to dive headfirst even for a small piece of fame.
"Isnt that... Hanna?"
"Maybe just someone who looks like her?"
"...Well, whatever. Even if I dont step in, itll get sorted out."
For instance, if there were hoodlums bothering an exotic-looking beauty with black hair, trying to monopolize a table by herself
"The lady over there wants to drink by herself!"
"Hey, what are you doing? You're ruining the vibe here!"
In no time, a dozen or so individuals pose as her white knights, fueled by a sense of justice and quite a bit of self-interest.
This was the secret to maintaining order on the streets.
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This 𝓬ontent is taken from f(r)eeweb(n)ovel.𝒄𝒐𝙢