The days became a pattern. Subaru would wake up early, train at the dojo, eat with Rem and, occasionally, Emilia, and then return to training. Ram remained a silent, critical presence in the dojo, sometimes throwing in a cutting comment, but Subaru ignored it. Every movement, every repetition, was an opportunity to level up.
[Strength Training: +3 EXP]
[Agility and Quick Dodge Training: +4 EXP]
[Stamina Training: +2 EXP]
The EXP notifications were a constant. As his attributes increased, Subaru noticed a real improvement. He felt faster, his blows had more impact, and he could withstand the pain of his wound for longer before it weakened him.
The wound itself was almost healed, only a pink scar remained as a reminder.
[Natsuki Subaru has leveled up.]
[Level: 2 -> 3]
[You have received 5 Attribute Points (AP) to distribute.]
The new notification appeared one day while he was practicing a series of quick strikes. Subaru smiled. Level 3! The progression was slower than in the games, but each level was a significant achievement.
He decided to distribute his new Attribute Points with a similar approach:
* Strength: 7 -> 9 (2 AP)
* Agility: 8 -> 10 (2 AP)
* Stamina: 7 -> 8 (1 AP)
[Current Attributes:
* Strength: 9
* Agility: 10
* Stamina: 8
* Intelligence: 11
* Charisma: 7
* Luck: 1
Available Attribute Points: 0]
Subaru felt a surge of subtle power. Now, with Agility at 10, his movements were noticeably more fluid and precise. Quick Dodge felt more natural, almost instinctive.
"System Shop," he thought. He had 1 SP from the previous purchase and 5 SP from the last quest, giving him a total of 6 SP.
He browsed through the options. He now had enough points to purchase Basic Strike.
* [Basic Strike]: A simple, direct physical attack. Cost: 5 SP.
"Buy Basic Strike," he confirmed.
[Acquired Skill: Basic Strike.]
[Current SP: 1]
A new understanding of how to apply force to his strikes flowed into his mind. It was a simple skill, but it would give him a foundation for direct combat.
As he continued his training, focusing on his new attack skill, the dojo door opened again. This time, it was a figure I hadn't seen in person since the badge incident.
A tall man with exaggerated clown makeup and a peculiar laugh. Roswaal L. Mathers.
"Oh, my, my. It seems young Subaru is trying very hard," Roswaal said, his voice resonating with a theatrical lilt. "I'm glad to see your stay in my humble abode is agreeing so well to you."
Subaru stopped his training and turned to Roswaal, bowing slightly. "Lord Roswaal. Thank you for your hospitality. I'm trying not to be a burden and get in shape to be useful."
Roswaal's clown-like smile widened. "An admirable thought, young Subaru. Rem has informed me of your efforts. And also of your... brave intervention in the alley. Rescuing my badge and bringing little Felt and Rom to safety is an act worthy of praise."
[Charisma Obstacle Overcome: Impressing an Authority Figure.]
[Reward: 20 EXP, Charisma Increase: 7 -> 8.]
Another Charisma point. Subaru felt he was doing things right. Roswaal was a key figure, and his support (or at least his non-hostility) was vital.
"I only did what I had to do," Subaru said, adopting a humble tone.
Roswaal approached, his uneven eyes (one gold, one blue) observing him intensely. Subaru felt uncomfortable under that penetrating gaze. He knew Roswaal wasn't someone who took things lightly. He was a master manipulator, and Subaru's appearance in this timeline, with its changes, could be a factor of interest to him.
"Rem tells me you're interested in training. And that you have a peculiar ability to... 'feel' things," Roswaal said, tilting his head slightly. "The way you described the Undercity Hunter before she appeared... it was quite, how do I put it? Accurate."
Subaru felt a chill. Roswaal was smart. Too smart. He couldn't reveal the system or his knowledge of the future.
"Let's just say I have a good eye for dangerous people and situations, Lord Roswaal," Subaru replied, trying to sound casual.
"Hmm... a good eye," Roswaal rubbed his chin. "Very interesting. Perhaps, young Subaru, if you're so eager to improve, I could offer you some lessons myself. After all, this dojo isn't used only for the exercise of maids."
Subaru's eyes widened slightly. Training with Roswaal? That could be incredibly beneficial to his Strength and Skills. Roswaal was one of the most powerful mages in Lugunica. However, he was also an incredibly dangerous and manipulative character. What would he want in return?
Ram, who had been watching from the doorway, cleared his throat. "Lord Roswaal, I don't think this... Barusu, is capable of understanding its intricacies."
Roswaal ignored Ram with a smile. "Don't worry, Ram. It's always good to have a new toy—I mean, a new student. What do you say, Subaru-kun? Will you accept my humble offer of instruction?"
Subaru debated. It was a priceless opportunity, but also a potential trap. How could Roswaal know he "felt" things? Had he been too obvious with his knowledge? Roswaal's suspicion was a new obstacle.
"I gladly accept, Lord Roswaal," Subaru said with a forced smile. He had to take the risk. If he wanted to become strong enough to protect everyone and break the cycle of death, he needed every advantage he could get.
Roswaal laughed, a peculiar, jarring sound. "Excellent. Let's start tomorrow morning. You'll be surprised at what you can learn from me. And perhaps... I'll learn something from you as well, young Subaru."