There was no new information on the upgraded Swordsmanship (E) skill.
'Guess I'll have to put it into practice tomorrow to see the difference.'
Osric decided to look at his new skill.
Composure (F)
Lets you keep your composure in high-pressure situations.
'Seems simple enough, but I wonder to what degree it will help as F-Rank.'
He wondered whether it was this new skill that also helped him calm down after he had killed people for the first time.
'This one will be very important in the future.'
'How does the system decide when to upgrade it though?'
'Probably when I overcome something that is mentally difficult right?'
Osric disliked not knowing things, but he was also excited about the possibilities the system and skills could give him in the future.
He slowly closed his eyes while thinking about what else awaited him.
—
The next morning Osric woke up early, feeling well rested.
It was only the fourth day of the new year and so much had happened already for Osric.
He was supposed to meet William at the adventurers guild today at noon to discuss what to do next.
But Osric decided to head there early to test his improved swordsmanship.
When he arrived shortly after sunrise, he coincidentally walked into Franklin while heading to the training ground.
"Hm? Oh, hey Osric."
"Looks like you're heading out to train. That's good."
"Mind if I join you?"
Osric was actually glad.
"Of course."
They walked out together and Franklin became curious.
"I heard you started building your party and that William joined you. How's it going?"
Osric sighed.
"It's a long story."
He proceeded to tell him about everything that happened recently.
"I see."
"That really is a lot. Killing someone tends to change you, unless you were born without a heart."
"But you seem to be handling it well. Just remember that such things will keep happening and that while you shouldn't erase your feelings, you also don't need to feel remorse for evil people."
Osric nodded with a determined expression.
"I know. Thanks."
"How is William doing? Although he isn't as stupid as others think, he tends to be a bit too naive and kind hearted."
"That's true, but I think he's doing okay. He's tougher than I first thought."
"That's good to hear."
"Now Osric, shall we spar a little?"
"Sure."
Franklin observed him closely.
'I wonder how this incident changed his swordsmanship?'
Osric also wanted to test how much he changed.
Franklin grabbed two wooden practice swords from the rack beside the training ground and tossed one to Osric.
Osric caught it and stepped onto the frost-covered dirt.
They faced each other.
Franklin moved first.
A simple downward strike.
Osric raised his sword.
Clack!
The wooden blades collided.
Osric immediately noticed something.
The movement felt… natural.
Yesterday he would have needed a moment to think about the angle of the block. Now his arms adjusted almost on their own.
Franklin's eyebrow lifted slightly.
Without saying anything, he stepped forward again.
This time the attack came faster.
Two quick strikes followed by a thrust.
Osric blocked the first.
Redirected the second.
The thrust forced him back a step, but his stance held firm.
Franklin stopped.
"Hm."
Osric frowned slightly.
Franklin tilted his head.
"That was cleaner."
Before Osric could respond, Franklin attacked again — faster this time.
Three strikes.
Left.
Right.
Down.
Osric managed to block two before the third knocked his sword aside.
Franklin stepped forward and lightly tapped the wooden blade against Osric's chest.
"Dead."
Osric exhaled.
Franklin lowered his practice sword.
"You're reacting earlier than before," he said calmly.
Osric realized it too.
The sword felt easier to control.
Not lighter.
But more familiar.
Like his body understood the movement better than his mind.
Franklin nodded slightly.
"Good."
"Looks like your training is finally paying off."
Osric tightened his grip on the wooden sword.
He could feel it.
The difference wasn't huge.
But it was real.
And it was only the beginning.
They kept sparring for a while before Franklin stopped.
"Let's stop here."
Osric agreed.
After putting the practice weapons away, Franklin spoke again.
"You should try doing some mercenary work in the future."
Osric didn't expect that.
"Why?"
"Fighting monsters and people is very different. Since you're going to face people anyway in the future, it will help to gain some experience as a mercenary first."
Normally adventurers wouldn't even think of doing mercenary work, but Osric thought that it was a good idea.
"Okay. I think you have a point."
"Good. But you shouldn't rush it. Focus on growing as an adventurer first as well as improving your swordsmanship."
"Also, if you plan on doing mercenary work, it will help if you build your party with the idea in mind that you could also work together as a mercenary band."
Osric thought that this was difficult, but definitely something to take into consideration.
"Alright."
Franklin said one last thing before leaving.
"Oh, and make sure to run that idea by William. It's important to know if you are on the same wavelength as your comrades."
"Yes. I will, thank you."
"Sure thing kid. See you soon."
"Bye."
—
A couple hours later, William arrived at the guild and heard about what Osric discussed with Franklin before.
"So what do you think?"
"Hm. I don't know Osric."
"Although you have a point and I want to follow you, I'm not sure if I can kill people for money."
"Yeah, I get that. Don't worry. Even if I also do mercenary work later on, I won't force you to join me and I won't quit as an adventurer."
"I don't plan to disband our party no matter what. I have big plans for us in the future."
"I just wanted you to think about it. Let's put this matter aside for now and discuss what mission to take next and when."
William smiled faintly.
"Okay. Sounds good."
It didn't take them long to decide on an E-Rank Forest Creeper mission.
After that they talked some strategy and agreed on doing the mission tomorrow after some minor preparations.