Pick Me Up!

Chapter 13: Laying the Groundwork (1) Part 1

The next day.

As usual, I cooked and ate ramen before heading to the training camp.

Jenna was waiting for me. We did some warm-up exercises together before starting our running routine. Jenna was running on the track as usual.

After lightly sweating from the run, we were about to start the stamina training when Jenna unexpectedly spoke up with a determined expression on her face.

Excuse me, Oppa!

What is it?

Im in your hands!

Did you eat something bad again?

You said youd survive if I start training with you. So I want to do it even more intensely! From now on Im going to be in your hands!

Jenna bowed her head.

Shes quite determined.

You said you lived alone up until now, didnt you?

Yes?

Are you lying?

No! I, Jenna Shirai, swear that Ive been living alone! I havent even held hands with a guy!

I chuckled and said, Relax. Dont strain your shoulders. I wont try anything funny like that.

Yes!

As long as you dont think about useless things like now and just focus on your tasks, you wont die. So dont worry too much.

Thank you for your kind words!

I said dont strain your shoulders. Its annoying. Im not a master. If we establish such a hierarchical relationship, itll just bother you.

Even if it bothers me, Im okay with establishing a hierarchical relationship! Oppa, please consider me as your Number 1 subordinate!

[Who said youre Lokis Number 1 subordinate!]

Here it comes.

Iselle exclaimed with a childish expression on her face.

[Im the Number 1 subordinate! Youre out!]

Why are you here?!

[Why are you next to Loki? Like a sly fox. Do you know who this person is? Hes different from a lowly woman like you. Pick Me Ups god, the Master of Ugh! Ugh!]

I covered Iselles mouth and dragged her outside the training camp.

I let go of her hand at a corner of the square.

Why are you like this? Dont show off to that kind of woman!

Youre mistaken. Im not the master here. Dont say things like I came from Earth or Im Loki. Got it? If you dont listen to me, I wont talk to you.

But

Are we good? Or do you have some objections?

Ah, okay.

When we returned to the training camp, Jenna was looking at Iselle with a stern gaze.

Anyway, Loki I mean, Han, Im your Number 1 subordinate, remember!

After giving Jenna a reproachful look, Iselle disappeared.

I shouldnt have said anything to her.

My head starts to ache.

Whats wrong with her?

Just ignore her. Shes just a fool.

And strictly speaking, my Number 1 subordinate would be Seris.

In Niflheimr, I have subordinates who can be considered close to me, up to Number 5. They are level 99 with various ultimate skills and possess the 5 Divine Artifacts I painstakingly created.

Ill probably meet them as I climb the tower.

We continued with our training routine.

While doing push-ups, I checked my stats, which had been enhanced through synthesis.

[Hann Israt () Lv. 7 (Exp 13/50)]

[Class: Novice]

[Strength: 19/19]

[Intelligence: 13/13]

[Stamina: 18/18]

[Agility: 18/18]

[Skills: Low-Level Swordsmanship (Lv.3), Pain Resistance (Lv.1), Composure (Lv.1)](T/N: It says Swordsmanship, but I think its just a mistake, it should be Shield and Swordsmanship)

My strength increased by 2, stamina by 2, and agility by 2, resulting in a total stat increase of 6. However, my intelligence decreased by 1, so the overall growth value is 5. Considering that the base growth value for a 1-star is 4, this is a remarkable change. The efficiency of leveling up has increased by 20%.

Furthermore, I obtained the composure skill that I desired.

Indeed, synthesis proved to be the most efficient method of growth.

Now its time to examine Jenna.

[Jenna Shirai () Lv. 5 (Exp 22/40)]

[Class: Novice]

[Strength: 16/16]

[Intelligence: 13/13]

[Stamina: 15/15]

[Agility: 19/19]

[Skills: Low-Level Archery (Lv.4), Eye of the Hawk (Lv.1)]

A typical archer type.

In the previous synthesis, she even gained the Eye of the Hawk skill, which enhances eyesight.

As her level and rank increase, she can transition from a thief to an archer, and eventually to a sniper.

Stamina training is complete.

As my level increased, the training gradually became easier. I discussed with Jenna that we would increase the intensity starting from tomorrow. We would wear sandbags and run or reduce the fingers used for push-ups. As the level of the training camp rises, more diverse methods will become available.

After lunch, we regrouped at the training camp.

Thats when something unexpected happened.

In a corner of the training camp, a young man with short hair stood with a determined expression.

It was Aaron. He rarely even showed up in the square, let alone the training camp. Aaron came up to me energetically.

Excuse me!

What is it? Im busy.

Let me join you too!

Join us?

I want to fight too. I want to be of help to you. So, please teach me how to fight!

Aaron bowed deeply.

Im sorry. I I was a fool. I was only causing trouble. But now, things will be different. Just once, please trust me!

How can I trust you?

Well, if you want, Ill even kneel. Please

Seems like youve come to your senses.

Jenna jabbed me with her elbow.

I smirked.

Hey.

Y-Yes?

Have you ever fought a monster?

Aaron shook his head hesitantly.

Before coming here, I didnt even know if such things existed, let alone fight them.

Its a matter of determination. The determination to fight even if it means dying, no, the determination to fight and survive.

I swiftly threw a spear from the weapon pouch.

Whats this?!

Its a spear.

S-spear

Im not an expert either, but I heard its the easiest weapon to master. Give it a try. Do you know the principle of balance?

Whats the principle of balance?

Close range, mid-range, long range.

Jenna pondered for a moment and clapped her hands.

Ah! Close range, sword! Mid-range, spear! Long range, bow! These three make up the principle of balance, right?

Thats right. When three inexperienced people form a party, its one of the most efficient methods.

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