I figured she was switching to small talk since she wasn't confident about romance advice.
For now, I should just go with my gut feelings.
If worst comes to worst, I'll steel myself and ask Ferio directly.
To shift the stagnant conversation, I recalled a specific term.
STATUS WINDOWLv 10
HP 151/220
STR: 24
AGI: 32
INT: 42
LUK: 10
MP: 28/30
Status Ailment: Muscle Pain
Equipment: Casual Clothes
Blessing: Happy Moment
Now it pops up effortlessly just from thinking, without saying a word.
But since there'd been no changes or real use for it, I'd barely checked it—until the cave recently, when I pulled it up just in case.
"So, has this experience brought any changes?"
The reason Agnes had recommended me for the subjugation op was to verify this ability.
Her hypothesis was that real combat—unlike training or study—might trigger bigger shifts.
"Well, my level went up... Three levels in two days is pretty fast, but given the intensity of the battles, it doesn't feel like much."
"At least we've confirmed that special 'experiences' boost levels. What about the other stats?"
"Eh, my INT is skyrocketing even though I can't cast spells. Higher than my MP pool, even. The stat allocation's a total mess—full of bugs."
"Being smart doesn't mean you cast more spells, my little brother.
Or wait, you wanted big sis today, right?
Either way, I've seen plenty of dimwits who spam spells nonstop despite their brains.
Though their repertoire was always limited."
"Oh, right! I did notice one thing."
I told her about spotting the poison gas in the cave. The Status Window had flagged the status ailment instantly, letting me avoid the damage.
"That's an astonishing ability. It might even detect curses, diseases, sorcery, or hexes. Incredible!"
Agnes's reaction exceeded my expectations. I'd only thought of it as a way to learn about myself.
"What makes black magic curses and sorcery so terrifying is not knowing you've been hit.
You're lucky if you realize after major damage—most never do, even on their deathbeds."
I wanted to celebrate my cheat skill, but since it's only visible to me, the utility seemed limited. Like the poison gas—extremely niche.
"Still, best not to reveal this to others."
"Why not?"
"Once they know, they'll throw you into the deadliest spots.
Remember: Adventurers shouldn't flaunt all their cards."
I wondered if people were really that ruthless.
"...No, yeah, I get it."
It clicked fast. Fine in this peaceful village, but life-or-death zones? Different story.
Didn't Shtai say labyrinths get brutal after seven days?
Prolonged stress breeds unpredictability.
Worst case, a party member kills you for the loot. No CCTV here.
Adventuring demands mental prep, not just physical training.
"By the way, where the hell is my MP draining?"
"Hmm, even I don't know. You wield ancient tongue freely yet can't cast spells, Kirgil.
Innate limitation, nothing for it.
Maybe you used magic this big sis doesn't know—or some other action burned it."
At least not the Status Window. I'd checked that before.
"Suspect it's your blessing... Any odd magic or miracles mid-fight?"
"Magic, huh. Ferio sliced an orc's neck clean with her sword—looked enchanted to me."
"Ferio's blade is indeed a magic sword. I verified and gave it to her myself.
She struggles with it usually, but crisis brought it out."
"Don't magic swords stay enchanted?"
"Some do, but constant fire would make it too hot to hold.
Perma-sharpness? It'd shred the sheath and slice your foot.
Above all, you can't infuse infinite mana into small objects."
Makes sense. No on/off for powerful effects? Impractical.
Can't adventure with a running chainsaw strapped on.
"Nothing else unusual?"
"Hm."
Nothing MP-related came to mind.
Wait—one thing. The dying goblin's last words, searching for family.
"..."
Wasn't planning to bring it up, but now it wouldn't leave my head.
Forcing it down only sharpened memories of kills—or mock deaths.
Not full guilt, but bitter. A nagging question I couldn't ignore.
"...Do monsters have families?"
Unrelated to MP, but it gnawed at me.
Sudden pivot flustered Agnes a bit.
Brief silence.
She sipped tea, then spoke.
"They have families, villages, kingdoms. Bonds, yes."
"I see. Figures."
The world beyond this village finally sharpened in my mind.
Not simple like games, but heroes mean Demon Kings, right?
No internet means personal knowledge stays narrow, ignorant.
And in that ignorance, I killed someone with family.
"But remember—they have enemies too."
I let out a wry chuckle.
Even my homeworld, full of humans, brimmed with wars and massacres.
Understanding goblins and orcs a tad doesn't make me a bleeding-heart savior. This world's no picnic.
Agnes added that to keep me from pitying them into a fatal mistake.
"Thanks. Like our first meeting, I learned a ton today."
"Sorry. This big sis didn't gauge your ordeal.
Rest now."
She sensed my turmoil and wrapped up.
Physical and mental fatigue crashed in.
More precisely, I craved beer and chicken.
Not even an adventurer yet, but I got why they drown in booze per the old songs.
Does Agnes drink?
"Have to for long trips—preserves water."
No romance in her mage vibe. Shouldn't have asked.
"This big sis once drowned in drink, seeking solace.
No effect. Led to a drunken blunder, so I avoid it now."
Explains no booze here. If Reshi came, I'd mooch from her folks.
Dragging sore muscles to beg? Too much hassle.
"Got it. Next merchant cart, I'll request some if you want, Kirgil.
Can't walk—crash here tonight."
She supported my aching body to the room.
Stayed here early on, so no stranger vibes.
Just reluctance.
"Bored in bed? Read the books beside it."
This was my old workspace.
Tomes stacked bed-high. Professor mode Agnes strikes again.
Wait—you just worried over me! Told me to rest!
Usually sage and kind, but pushy like a kid now.
She won't make me actually read, right?
...But she sets a huge candle nearby.
At least not endless magic light—considerate?
...Now she pulls up a chair.
Won't sing lullabies, surely.
"Can't move easy—tell this big sis if you need food or drink."
Ah, Agnes. Holding a tome while saying that? Too comfy.
Don't gaze like an expectant girl.
No choice—I took the book.
Title: Tales of Hayes.
Hero Hayes heals woes with odd meds and medicine, conquering trials. Travels fixing humans, races—even cures a dragon, founding a nation as reward.
My take: A fantasy version of the 'Donguibogam', a classic Korean medical text..
Fact or fiction? Blockbuster for potion-loving Agnes.
Shouldn't she read to me in bed?
Fell asleep reading, not listening...
Good she didn't nag a sleeper awake.
While on it, Agnes—
Don't loom with a book when I wake. That's why I couldn't live here. Your beaming morning face with sunlight? Terrifying.
One more thing.
After that, Reshi didn't visit for a week.
What now?
Asked Shtai, bringing her survival kit instead.
— Shtai"Not now."...Just patted my shoulder like "hang in there."
First time this world felt so damn tough lately.
Worldview, girls' hearts, my situation.
Too many unknowns! Too many!
Frustrated enough for an anon board to vent these tales.
Sure, I'd get "edgelord" flak.
Fine by me—at least someone spill it straight!!
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