Hachiman called Argo, and with Asuna, they headed out for combat training.
"Let's start. Focus on speeding up sword skills," Hachiman said.
He instructed Argo to perform several sword skills, then asked her to compare as he did the same.
"How's that?" he asked after matching her moves.
"Yours are way faster," Argo noted.
"Yeah, cuts down on execution and recovery time. System assist is fine, but initial speed and force control make a difference. Well-made game."
"Got it," Argo said.
"Argo, as an info broker, you're not full-on combat. More hit-and-run, right? Asuna's rapier style is similar. If I can help refine your skills, it's better for the long haul."
Both nodded. Hachiman began the lesson.
"Think of the initial charge like drawing a bow."
"Sharp as ever, Argo. You're already above average, but you're not always fighting," he said, praising their successes. Argo nailed 80%, Asuna about 50%.
"Smoother than expected," Argo said.
"Need more practice," Asuna added.
"Just keep drilling. Power's up too, but the real win is shorter recovery," Hachiman said.
"Feels different. Gotta adapt fast," Argo agreed.
Next phase. "Switch weapons to your off-hand. Get comfortable using sword skills with it."
"Why?" Asuna asked.
"Say a monster cuts off your main hand. No pain, but you can't wield. This is for emergencies."
Asuna and Argo stared at their hands, processing.
"Har-bo, there's more to this, isn't there?" Argo probed.
Hachiman hesitated. "If I suddenly cut off your right hands, could you fight back?"
Both shook their heads.
"With so many players, some are bound to be psychos who enjoy PKing. Extra resilience could buy time for help. Other scenarios too, but this is my starting point. Understand?"
They nodded grimly, practicing with their off-hands. After a few successes, Argo headed back.
"Got work in town," she said.
"Later," Hachiman replied.
"Don't leak real-world info, Har-bo. I could've been bad news," Argo warned.
Hachiman paled. "Sorry. Thought you were too pro to mess with that. Short time, but I know you're solid. Relying on gut was dumb. I'll be careful."
Argo blinked. "Trusted that much already? Maybe we're friends?"
"Nah, acquaintance."
"What's the line with A-chan?"
"Dunno, honestly."
They sighed, exasperated.
"Call if you need info," Argo said, dashing off.
"You and Argo are tight," Asuna said, her expression mixed.
"Look like friends to me," she added.
"My friend capacity's low. Can't handle multiples yet."
"Not upset you only picked me, but it's… complicated."
"Sorry, I'll try…"
"Take it slow. Forcing friends feels off," Asuna said.
"Yeah."
Using a nearby village as a base, they farmed materials and leveled up. With enough progress and Asuna wanting a bath, they returned to the Starting City.
"Good haul," Asuna said.
"You worked hard," Hachiman replied.
"Tomorrow?"
"Let's take a break. You don't know the city well, right?"
"Yeah, I'll explore. Curious about the church."
"I'll poke around too."
They parted for their inns. Asuna stretched on her bed, collapsing backward, pleasantly tired. Her life had been an endless hurdle race, but here, effort showed as numbers. Visible goals boosted her motivation. She headed to the bath.
"So much in so little time… Alone, I might not be here," she mused.
(Hachiman thought I was a guy at first, so trusting him was easy. After talking, I didn't want him gone, so we became friends. But was it all pure? No pity or dependency?)
She shook her head. (I envied his "real" thing most. I'm still leaning on him, not there yet. I want to guard his back too, speak my mind, and be a true friend. Gotta try!)
Reinvigorated, Asuna relaxed, planning tomorrow.
Meanwhile, Hachiman met Argo for info exchange.
"Here's what I've got," he said.
"Thanks. Payment," Argo offered.
"Wait. One thing first."
"What?"
"First-floor boss type?"
"Old beta info okay?"
"Yeah."
"Even then. It's Illfang the Kobold Lord and minions."
"Kobold boss, huh? Thanks."
"Might've changed since beta. Not super valuable. Cool?"
"Yeah, just needed a guide for Asuna's boss-fight prep."
Argo nodded. "Cautious as ever, Har-bo."
"One more thing. I'll pay."
"I've got a request too. Guidebook's done. Help distribute it to towns and villages?"
"Planned a break tomorrow. Day after okay?"
"Works."
"Heading north then. I'll handle it."
"Cool. Your question?"
"Coffee and condensed milk in this world?"
Confirming it, Hachiman immediately took the cooking skill.