NOVEL WEB Chapter 55
55. Getting Stronger, Huh?
A burst of brilliant colors exploded in the forest.
Before my eyes, an angel-like pattern with wings spread out appeared.
At the same time, a dome of light enveloped me.
This is the basic form of the defensive skill ── [Armor Phase].
The effective range is about one meter.
The duration is around one minute.
── or so it used to be.
“Well, it lasted five minutes this time.”
The dome of light disappeared after lasting about five times longer than my previous limit.
When I concentrated again, the brilliant colors instantly covered my body.
Yes, continuous use is not a problem, and the duration seems to have simply increased.
Alright, let’s try the next one.
“Second form ── [Barrier Phase]”
When I concentrated, the range of the dome of light expanded.
Five meters… ten meters…
It kept expanding, forming a giant dome about fifty meters in radius.
This used to max out at about ten meters, but it had greatly widened.
Within this space, all magic fails to activate and is nullified.
It’s a defensive skill against magic.
However, there’s a limitation.
It can only nullify magic before it’s activated.
Magic that has already been cast won’t have its effects disappear.
“Third form ── [Kaleidoscope Shift]”
The dome shrunk back and clung to me once again.
This is an advanced version of the first form.
It’s a skill that reflects all attacks by dispersing them into thousands.
Next, I activated the fourth form, the skill that nullifies destructive energy ── [Void Seal].
The range of these two forms remained unchanged, and it was unclear if they had powered up compared to before.
Considering the other forms, it felt like they had gotten stronger, but…
Finally, I tested the fifth form, which I learned from the battle the other day, [Wing Sphere].
It’s a skill that can be sent to a location to activate there.
However, this also has limitations.
You can only send the skill to one place.
It cannot be activated in more than one place at the same time.
Also, the range is about fifty meters.
You can protect someone away from you, but during that time, you are defenseless, making it a double-edged sword.
“…Phew. That should be it.”
I deactivated the skills.
“The skills are gradually getting stronger.”
── A week ago, I fought Gregorio Lava, who possesses divine skills.
During that time, I felt our skills resonating and growing stronger.
Since then, that sensation has continued.
Every day, I train in the forest on the outskirts of the royal capital, and each time, the duration and effective range seem to gradually increase.
I still can’t see the limit of how strong this power will become.
Will it get stronger, or is it reaching its limit?
And maybe ── if I meet another person with divine skills besides Gregorio, will my power increase even more?
“Ah, you’re here again.”
Lilith parted the bushes and approached me.
“Practicing defensive magic? Good job, Hart.”
Lilith handed me a towel and some drinks.
To use skills, you need to concentrate intensely and visualize the image strongly.
I had unknowingly broken into a light sweat.
“Thank you, Lilith.”
I thanked her and took the towel and drink.
“I had business at the guild, so on my way back… you’ve been training here a lot lately.”
Lilith explained with a smile.
But the guild is quite far from here.
Thinking she came all the way here made me happy.
── I wonder what she thinks about the other day.
My chest ached with a throb as I looked at Lilith.
The sudden kiss… was that to comfort me?
Was there any other… or even more meaning to it?
“W-What’s wrong? If you stare at me like that, I’ll get embarrassed.”
Lilith shyly smiled.
“Ah, sorry.”
As I spoke, I couldn’t help but look at her lips, and my chest throbbed.
“Are you practicing again tomorrow? If you like, around the same time…”
“No, I’m leaving the capital tomorrow.”
I told the inquiring Lilith.
“I got a new request from the guild. I’ll be on an exploration mission to Mills City for about three days starting tomorrow.”
“…I see, you’re leaving. I’ll miss you.”
Lilith muttered, looking down.
I’ll miss seeing her for a while too.
“Then, when you come back… let’s meet again.”
Lilith’s smile made my heart skip a beat again.
※
In a desolate wilderness, a loud explosion echoed.
Thick dust billowed up.
In the center stood a man.
“Ah, did I overdo it?”
He ── Jack Jarse scratched his head.
The ground at his feet had collapsed into a huge crater.
It was the result of his regular ‘enhancement’ skill training.
By enhancing his strength, even a light punch to the ground had this effect.
“Ever since I met him, my skills seem to have gotten stronger.”
About a week ago, Jack met a boy with divine skills like his own.
Levin Hector.
Just as Jack had the skill of ‘enhancement,’ Levin had the skill of ‘domination,’ leading many soldiers and beautiful girls.
He was like a king.
“He said he wanted to join forces, but… I don’t trust that guy.”
Jack smiled wryly.
He couldn’t imagine getting along with someone who could manipulate and dominate people’s wills so easily.
Seeing Levin and his entourage gave him chills.
But he couldn’t tell Levin to release all the people he controlled immediately.
In fact, if Levin wanted, he might be able to dominate Jack too.
Avoiding him was the best option.
Having acquired his skills and started to turn his life around for the better,
He hoped this modest happiness would last forever ──.
Jack sincerely wished for that.