Valentina noticed Yuto struggling with the form, which was written in their world language. They leaned over to examine it more closely. "Are you having trouble reading this?" They asked gently, noticing Yuto's confusion.
Yuto nodded, feeling embarrassed. He hadn't even considered that writing would be different here. "I don't know how to read this language, it's all brand new." He admitted quietly.
Valentina smiled reassuringly and pulled out a small book from the bag she had on the floor.
"That's alright, you might need to use a Common Skill called Appraisal to read Yggdrasilian. It allows you to understand and translate any language you hear or see." They flipped through the book, searching for a section on common skills. "Before I continue looking for it in my book, let me ask: do you have that skill?"
Yuto shook his head, feeling a wave of despair wash over him. He hadn't even considered that he might need certain skills to survive in this world, especially common ones. "I don't have that skill... I'm basically skilless..." He whispered in a disappointed voice.
"Ah, don't worry, Yuto. You're not the first person who's come here unprepared. Many of us had to learn everything from scratch, though I found this skill to be quite useful. It was created by the Otherworlders, just like us." They began flipping through the book again, stopping at a section titled 'Common Skills' which had a whole list.
"Appraisal not only translates languages, but it can also help you understand and interact with this world better," Valentina explained, pointing at the list of skills in her book. "With Appraisal, you can learn more about objects and people around you! When you use it, it also displays one's level, magical power, and the information about your target or item." Valentina pointed to an illustration in the book, catching Yuto's attention.
"O-Oh, I see... erm... I can't exactly read it but, so how do I obtain it?" Yuto asked, scratching his head with visible confusion.
"Ahaha, I'm glad you asked. Watch this!" Valentina placed her hand on the book as magical power flowed through her body, exiting her palm. "Learn Skill, Appraisal!" The book began to glow as a small magic circle appeared beneath their hand. Almost immediately, the skills information appeared in front of Valentina's eyes in her status bar, however, an alert popped up, saying, "You already have this skill" in her foundation system.
"Woah, you can learn the skill, just like that? He asked in amazement, glancing at her foundation system.
The other adventurers were watching intently, some whispering among themselves about Valentina, though it was inaudible.
"That's how most skills are obtained here. Through leveling up or special items like this book." Valentina explained with a satisfied smile. "Some skills require evolution or specific circumstances to unlock, but luckily, this book of mine has a list of all the common skills you can learn for free!"
Yuto widened his eyes, finally asking: "What are common skills exactly?" He felt a bit dumb asking such a thing, but her personality seemed rather chill.
"Oh, so you really are a beginner, huh?" She laughed at her own comment and slid her book over to Yuto. "Common Skills are basic skills that everyone uses in Algunita, there are even common skills for daily activities like cooking, cleaning, doing laundry, or even eating."
"Oh, now I get it." He said with a confident smile. "So it's created for everyone to make life easier? Is that it?"
"Yup! You got it, Yuto!" She said enthusiastically. "These skills are like basic math or reading for us now. Everyone uses them every day to interact with the world around them."
"So... I just need to learn these skills to understand everything?" He asked, feeling a bit more hopeful about his situation.
Valentina nodded encouragingly. "Exactly! And I'll teach you the most important ones for free. We can practice together before you start your beginner exam." She gave him a wink, causing the timid Yuto to slightly blush in embarrassment.
"Alright, thank you Valentina, you're far too kind... I wish I can pay you back." He said, feeling a bit dispirited from his accumulated debt.
"Nah, it's cool!" She waved her hand from side to side. "How about you pay me back by learning that skill I showed you?"
Yuto chuckled at her response and nodded his head. "Alright! That I can do!" He looked at the book, hovering his hand over the contents with a worried look.
"Don't overthink it, just close your eyes and imagine yourself absorbing the knowledge." They instructed softly. "Picture the symbols and letters floating around you, and take in its information." Valentina guided Yuto through the motions of learning 'Appraisal,' showing him how to concentrate and mentally grasp the concept of the skill.
Yuto followed their instructions, visualizing the words and images as best he could. After several attempts, he finally did it one last time.
"Learn Skill, Appraisal!"
[Common Skill Learned: Appraisal.]
[Name: Yuto Alltear
Age: 18
Race: Human
Magical Power: 5
Strength: 2
Speed: 2
Durability: 3
Skills: Appraisal (Common)]
All of sudden, the skill appeared in Yuto's field of vision as words appeared before him, translating the language of the guild hall, and his documents into something he could understand.
"I... I think I did it!" He exclaimed excitedly, looking around him to see everything written in his native language.
The guild lady behind the desk raised an eyebrow, impressed by his progress. "Well done. Most people need at least a day to learn that skill." She remarked, looking at Valentina with newfound respect.
"Ehehe!" Valentina grinned and gave Yuto a friendly pat on the back. "Now you can read and write without any trouble. And with my book, you'll be able to use your other skills too." They turned to the guild lady behind the desk. "Ma'am, may we schedule Yuto's exam for tomorrow? He's made incredible progress today."
Yuto glanced between Valentina and the guild lady, feeling a combination of gratitude and wariness. He still wasn't sure what her motives were, but he couldn't deny that he was getting better.
"Tomorrow... works I guess." He agreed cautiously, waiting for the guild lady's response.
"Very well. You'll need to report here at dawn tomorrow for your exam." She turned to Valentina. "And you - you're responsible for his training before tomorrow."
Valentina bowed respectfully. "Of course, ma'am. I'll make sure he's prepared!" They turned to Yuto with a reassuring smile. "I know this all seems a little strange, but I promise I just want to help you succeed in Algunita as a fellow Otherworlder." Their eyes held a sincerity that made Yuto want to believe them.
Yuto's trust in Valentina grew slightly stronger, though he still remained cautious.
The guild hall had started to empty as adventurers left for their evening quests. "I'll walk you to the inn where I'm staying." Valentina offered as she gathered her things, though Yuto nodded hesitantly, a bit skeptical about her motives; needless to say, he had trust issues from being bullied and set up all his life—but the thought of being alone in this new world still scared him.
"That's awesome! I can't wait to see what the inns are like, I'll just finish signing my form before we head out!" He said vigorously.
Yuto finished signing his docs and stood up from the table, jogging toward the Guild Lady to hand in his documents. He finally knew the language of this world thanks to appraisal, so there couldn't be any mistakes.
"Thank you for your time, I expect to see you here at dawn tomorrow." Yuto nodded at the guild lady before making his way outside and through the streets beside Valentina.
He kept a steady pace beside the mage, his confidence booming from learning a new skill. "Don't worry about paying for the exam or training. I'll cover it all." They added with a warm smile.
Yuto looked at them with surprise, "I didn't know it cost money..." Touched by their generosity, he rubbed the back of his head awkwardly. "Why are you being so kind to me, exactly?" He finally asked, his voice barely above a whisper.
Valentina stopped walking and turned to face Yuto, their expression serious but gentle. "Because I know what it's like to be lost and alone in a strange world." They said softly. "And I had people who helped me, just like I'm helping you now."
Yuto's heart skipped a beat as he looked at Valentina's gentle smile. The streetlights created a soft halo around their figure, making them appear almost ethereal. Something about their unwavering support and gentle demeanor made him feel safe and... different.
This unfamiliar feeling in his chest grew stronger, making his palms sweat and his stomach flutter. He had never experienced anything like this before.
"Besides, there's something about you that reminds me of myself." Valentina continued, their eyes meeting Yuto's.
"Really? Do you really think I can become an adventurer?" He asked hesitantly, vulnerability showing through his uncertain words.
"I believe in you, Yuto." They said firmly, placing a hand on his shoulder. "You'll make an excellent adventurer if you put your mind to it, just like me!"
Yuto nodded with a visible blush as they continued walking. He found himself stealing glances at Valentina, noticing how their hair caught the light and the way their eyes crinkled when they smiled.
"What's wrong?" Valentina asked, noticing his sudden nervousness. "You're looking a bit pale like you've seen an Elufray Spirit."
Yuto shook his head, tensing up his body.
"I-It's nothing, it's nothing! I'm just nervous to... uh... see your inn is all!" Valentina giggled at his response and increased her pace.
"Well, it's not too far from here, c'mon!"