A voice from the heavens echoes in my head.
Level Up: 23 → 24
Level Up: 24 → 25
Level Up: 25 → 26
Level Up: 26 → 27
Level Up: 27 → 28
Level Up: 28 → 29
Level Up: 29 → 30
Due to the effect of “Sample Lv. 2,” half of the acquired experience points will be granted to Almoa Savants.
“What is this… my level?”
Almoa reacts similarly to how Philo did in the past.
I let out a long sigh.
Cold sweat trickles down my back.
Rather than a sense of omnipotence or achievement, I feel relief that the massive power didn’t go out of control.
Philo’s Flash Stab was like this too; what incredible power…
So now I’ve reached level 30 in one go.
The fact that I gained experience means the opponent was a monster. Moreover, it gave more experience points than the Purple Slime.
It’s painful to realize, in this way, that the Citrine-class adventurers are no longer human.
What on earth is this place that can transform humans into something greater than ultra-rare monsters?
Looking around the room, there’s nothing that answers my questions.
For now, I can only shift my mindset.
“Isto…”
Almoa’s eyes widen in surprise.
She’s still collapsed on the ground.
“You… were a Spirit Mage? To replicate my father’s ultimate magic so easily… that’s more than amazing.”
“No. To be honest, I’ve never used spirit magic, let alone magic itself, before.”
“What?!”
Almoa stands up.
She rushes over.
And for some reason—she starts patting my body.
On top of that, she hits, massages, and even lifts my clothes—stop that!
“I-I’m sorry. I’m just a bit flustered. I thought you might have some special trick…”
Almoa clears her throat.
“I’m truly surprised. You’re an amazing person.”
She looks at me with pure respect.
As usual, I feel a bit guilty.
The real talents are Almoa and her father.
So I confessed honestly.
“I have the Gifted Skill Awakening Appraisal. With this skill, I can copy others’ Gifted Skills when they’re activated, but only a limited number of times. So what you saw earlier was really your power, Almoa. I just borrowed it.”
“I see… But it’s true that you possess a Gifted Skill. Honestly, I’ve slightly underestimated you until now. But I’ve reconsidered.”
Well, that’s a bit embarrassing.
I suppose I’ve never gotten used to receiving compliments.
I was just doing what I could.
If I can help release Almoa’s talent and ensure her safety, that’s enough for me.
As I was awkwardly smiling, Almoa suddenly seemed to think of something.
“Wait. Isto, you just said, ‘Awakening Appraisal releases others’ Gifted Skills,’ right?”
“Yeah.”
“…Me too?”
Almoa points to herself.
Her expression is, how should I say, so cute that I can’t help but laugh a little.
It’s reminiscent of the gestures and expressions that Mitty would make.
I nodded firmly, “That’s right.”
Almoa lowered her eyes, stroking her slender arms. She turned her back to me and started wandering around.
“Can you believe it, Almoa?”
“…”
Almoa stood at the spot where the former adventurers were obliterated by the White Light Explosion Astrablitz.
“This incredible skill… the same power is in me.”
Almoa begins to speak softly.
“My parents were both wonderful people. I still respect them and think of them as lofty goals to strive for. But even so, they didn’t possess Gifted Skills.”
She turns to look at me.
“Hey, Isto. What should I do? A power that even my father and mother couldn’t grant me… how am I supposed to accept this?”
I sensed that her words came from the heart.
Feeling happy that she shared her troubles so openly, I asked Almoa.
“Are you feeling guilty? That you, of all people, have a Gifted Skill, overshadowing your parents?”
“…”
“I think it’s much simpler than that. Your skill is truly a Gifted Gift. It’s something you obtained because your parents have always cherished you. Embracing such a Gifted Skill and using it with pride is probably what your parents would wish for you.”
“The wishes of my father and mother…”
“At the very least, if I have a child in the future who possesses a Gifted Skill, I’d want them to use it with confidence for their own sake and for the world.”
When I said this, Almoa’s face turned red.
…Why?
“Thank you. Somehow, just as you said, I really feel more confident.”
Almoa furrowed her brow.
“Still, you’re quite mysterious. You’re like a teacher. You’re good at guiding others.”
“Well, technically, everyone calls me ‘Sensei.’ It has a different meaning since I’m a caretaker at the orphanage.”
“I see. Isto-sensei, huh?”
Almoa smiled.
“Well then, Isto-sensei. Can I use spirit magic like you?”
“I think you’ll be able to cast even more powerful magic than me, considering you’re training.”
“I can’t say if I’m better than you, but… yeah, I can feel an image forming. It’s a strange sensation.”
The silver-haired girl spread her arms wide.
Spirits began to gather around her.
They were drawn in by the powerful aura that a mage emits.
Almoa spoke softly to the spirits.
“Everyone, hear my voice. I have people I want to help. People I want to surpass. People I want to comfort. People I want to repay a favor to.”
She glanced back at me.
“For those people, please lend me your strength. —Gifted Skill: Spirit Manipulator!”
