When the day finally arrived, I looked at my stats, which had changed slightly.
Strength: 642
Endurance: 488
Dexterity: 469
Agility: 502
Magic: 307
What increased the most was my strength. But that's not the most important part.
Right in front of me, a simulated battle was taking place between my current self and my special version. The fight had already been going on for almost three minutes.
I'm holding up well, but I'm at a disadvantage.
Well, what I really need now is real combat so I can evolve even further.
Then it happened.
The hologram with my current strength was killed right before my eyes.
"It's fun to watch, but it would be even more fun to fight against a hologram. Would that be possible, Nano? Training would be much more enjoyable."
[Possible. This unit can project an interactive combat hologram based on the synthesized style. The hologram can simulate attacks, defense, and combat pressure at adjustable levels. It is recommended to start at a low level for host adaptation. Combat training mode can be activated at any time.]
As soon as I read Nano's message, I got excited, but…
"There isn't enough space here to do something like that. Fortunately, I'll be leaving today. I'll wait until night falls."
It was still around lunchtime. Alicia should come through that door at any moment.
Just as I expected, the door opened.
Alicia handed me my food and left the room. I thought about talking to her, but since I'm leaving today, I don't want to get even more attached to this.
I almost started falling in love with her, even though she's older.
Huff~~
I sighed and ate my food in silence while watching a simulated battle between my current self and Ais Wallenstein.
Me with my fists, and her with a sword.
As expected, I died in less than five seconds.
I need to get a sword and start training.
As soon as I finished eating, I sat on the floor cross-legged and began cultivating. I'll do this until night, since it helps time pass faster.
"Nano, when the time comes, let me know."
[I will follow your order and do so.]
####
While I was in the middle of cultivating, I suddenly felt the magic in my body stop circulating. My cultivation was interrupted by Nano.
My eyes opened instantly, and I noticed a tray of food on the floor.
"Did Alicia come here while I was cultivating?" I smiled and stood up. I looked through the small window and noticed it was already night.
"Nano, what time is it now?"
[It is exactly 12:45:34.]
"So it'll be one in the morning soon. Perfect timing."
"Nano, can you sense if anyone is nearby?"
I felt a slight tingling under my feet for a moment before Nano responded.
[I can sense the presence of three individuals within a 20-meter radius. All three are in a dormant state. However, they can be awakened easily if we are not careful.]
"Well, how are we going to leave without making noise? Is that even possible?"
[It is recommended to apply slow and continuous pressure to the lock while I adjust your strength to force the mechanism silently. Alternatively, I can enhance the sensitivity in your fingers to manually manipulate the internal pins. Please wait—initiating assistance.]
"Wait… is something like that really possible?"
Well, this looks like a normal door, so with my current strength, it should be possible.
[Yes. With precise force control and increased finger sensitivity, it is possible to manipulate the internal lock mechanism without tools. This unit will guide you to apply the exact pressure at each point until it unlocks.]
I carefully brought my hand closer to the lock. My fingers were slightly tense, but I tried to relax.
'Calm down… slowly,' I thought. If any of those adventurers wake up, I'll be in trouble. They're probably stronger than me.
I followed Nano's guidance and placed my fingers on the metal.
It felt strange… I could sense tiny details inside, as if the lock were "alive."
'Nano really is amazing.'
I moved my finger slightly, applying almost no force.
My fingers adjusted on their own, as if someone were guiding every movement.
A soft click echoed.
I froze.
I looked at the door for a second… then carefully grabbed the handle and pushed very slowly.
The door opened without making a sound.
"…It worked."
A wide smile appeared on my face as I looked at the long corridor I had walked through many times during the days I stayed in this place.
But now, I need to be even more careful.
"Nano, you recreated the first floor, right? Create an escape route for me. I don't want anyone in this house to notice my presence. Also, keep me alert if someone is nearby."
After hearing my request, a map of the first floor appeared in front of me, and several pieces of information began to display.
[Route adjusted. After descending the stairs, do not fully enter the main hall. Remain in the shadow and follow along the left side. There is a secondary corridor behind the columns—use it to bypass the hall without being seen. Proceed to the service door at the back, which leads outside. This unit will monitor enemy presence and indicate when to stop or move safely in real time. Maintain light steps and controlled breathing.]
I memorized all of Nano's instructions and began walking without taking anything—just the clothes I was currently wearing. Well, I didn't have anything to take anyway.
Nano also helped with the sound of my footsteps.
My steps were light, producing almost no noise at all.
Additionally, Nano said she had suppressed my entire "magic system" so that no adventurer could sense my presence. She explained that the amount of magic within me was currently high, and a level-three adventurer or higher could detect me.
Good thing she did that without me even asking.
I continued walking and slowly descended the stairs.
My heart started beating faster, but Nano helped calm me down.
The anxiety disappeared completely.
'I just need to follow the path Nano indicated, and everything will be fine.'
####
Read 5+ more chapters on my Patreon!
/Parodygirl
I'll post extra chapters on patreon every day