Magic flames begin to light the streetlamps.

 

We were able to return to the town of Loine before dusk, and we were in the square on the outskirts of town.

 

The time of day when the sun will set completely in just a few more tens of minutes.

 

Starting a mock battle now involves great danger.

 

I asked the gatekeeper to do something unreasonable and ended up having a mock battle with him in the training ground used by adventurers.

 

Fortunately, there are a few streetlamps installed in the training ground.

 

Therefore, the environment is better than waving a sword relying on the light of the moon and stars.

 

There are two reasons why I want to have a mock battle to this extent.

 

One is the experience points that can be gained from a mock battle with a high-level player.

 

A mock battle with the sturdy gatekeeper of at least level 100 is a unique opportunity to earn experience points.

 

And the other is the duration of the experience point buff from the 【Platinum Wine】.

 

The 【Experience Point Increase】 disappears when you return to town from a dungeon, field, or after 24 hours have passed.

 

So, if possible, I want to have a mock battle before entering the town today.

 

If I have a mock battle with the clearly high-level gatekeeper, I can safely acquire a large amount of experience points.

 

“I appreciate your cooperation.”

 

“Just to be clear, I’ll try to hold back… but be careful.”

 

The mock battle begins, with John, a colleague of the gatekeeper, watching over.

 

“Are you ready? Then, let’s start!”

 

The mock battle begins at the signal of John.

 

— He’s fast!

 

The distance of 10 meters is closed in an instant.

 

By the time I realized it, the gatekeeper was swinging a large sword in front of me.

 

I see.

 

In the game, AGI only makes a slight change in moving speed even if it is raised to the limit.

 

But it’s different in this world.

 

In this world, it’s possible to break through physical limits with the increase of one’s level, unlike the game which has limitations on the controller and human specs.

 

That’s why you can demonstrate superhuman physical abilities.

 

I underestimated this.

 

This is my loss.

 

It’s probably the result of sticking with the sense of the game.

 

It was a waste of the 【Experience Point Increase】 buff, but I’ll honestly give up.

 

If you think about it, it wasn’t a waste of a mock battle because I was able to learn something new.

 

But… what is it?

 

— This is a mock battle

 

— The large sword stops in front of me

 

I understand.

 

This is not a life-threatening situation, it’s just “training”.

 

But–

 

The chill that strokes my spine.

 

The blood that withdraws from my whole body.

 

Is this– “death”?

 

The moment I recognized that, my body moved naturally.

 

“…Hey, that’s not the move of a D-rank.”

 

“What happened to the stopping?”

 

“I meant to stop. But look, the boy managed to deflect my attack.”

 

The large sword of the gatekeeper at my feet.

 

It would have been dangerous if I hadn’t raised my bronze sword and tried to deflect the attack.

 

What if I was a moment late in my action?

 

What if my standing position was a step to the side?

 

I don’t want to think about it.

 

At that time, the gatekeeper’s large sword would have hit my head directly.

 

No, maybe not?

 

It was easier to deflect than I thought, and the gatekeeper intentionally let me deflect his attack.

 

I continue the mock battle without saying anything in particular.

 

Each of the blows from the large sword is powerful enough to knock away my HP.

 

Against the storm of deadly attacks, I somehow survive by dodging and deflecting.

 

After all, there is no meaning in training without risk to life.

 

Results are obtained precisely because we do it while seriously considering the actual combat situation.

 

Indeed, the gatekeeper is holding back.

 

His attack is not so heavy compared to his movement speed.

 

Also, he adjusts his speed so that I can just barely cope.

 

But he’s seriously fighting.

 

Feints like pretending to attack with a large sword and then attacking with the 『body technique』 skill.

 

Rushing to strike with full force at any gap.

 

And I remembered this movement.

 

“By the way, I haven’t introduced myself yet.”

 

“Huh? …Yeah, I’ve only been calling you boy. My name is Theo, nice to meet you.”

 

I knew it.

 

— Kingdom Knights Commander Theo Arthur Brown

 

The knight who is acclaimed as the strongest in the kingdom.

 

In the game, his face was unknown because he was covered in full armor.

 

But his muscular physique and brilliant large sword handling were impressive.

 

“My name is Arata.”

 

“Alright, Arata, shall we continue?”

 

“Please.”

 

After a brief introduction, we cross swords again.

 

I can feel my level going up with each attack I fend off.

 

Theo also raises his gear in accordance with my getting used to his attacks.

 

The attacks become heavier, more relentless.

 

I respond in kind.

 

It’s been a while since I felt this way.

 

I wonder when was the last time I was in the position of having to challenge someone?

 

“It’s fun, Arata!”

 

“Yes!”

 

I forget about the passing of time while crossing swords.

 

Again and again.

 

To savor this fun time, I continued the mock battle with Theo.