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

  I needed a little break.

  Fortunately, Mikoto didn't mind apanyio 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 m.

  I took the opportunity to buy some tea to store in my iory. The people around us looked shocked, w 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 wased about entering the dungeon but was excited to plete 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 much st night."

  "Do you want to postpohe 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 iory, and we walked silently through the first floor. We entered some monsters, but I took care of them quickly.

  This wasn't the ideal pce.

  There is not enough space.

  As we desded, I took the opportunity to showcase some of my magid 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 't wait to max out this skill.

  When we reached the 8th floor, we found rger rooms with plenty of spaove 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 increasingly fortable around me.

  That'll make the mission easier.

  I pulled some water and food from my iory and hahem to Mikoto.

  We ate together, having a pleasant versation 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 ha 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, slig them in half with surprising ease.

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

  Cp~~ Cp~~ Cp~~

  When she finished, I appuded.

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

  "What? Did you think I was weak?"

  "Not at all. Still, you could've fi 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 trig down her face. My sword moved swiftly, heading straight for her unprotected neck.

  Mikoto reached for her sword, but it was too te.

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

  Then, I smiled to reassure her.

  "You shouldn't let yuard down like that."

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

  "How 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 someo 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, o 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 trol my strength to give her a fun experience.

  ####

  Minutes passed.

  Ssh!

  g!

  Our swords cshed repeatedly. The sound of metal meetial 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, sendio 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 eveing, 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 't match you."

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

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

  And it worked!

  [ Mikoto is growing even more ied in you! ]

  ParodyGirl