Chapter 148 The Day 'It' Happened
Sitting in the kitchen on a peaceful morning, I was drinking a good cup of morning coffee.
The room was quiet as always and this serene atmosphere was heart-calming.
This was a good morning.
It has been a month since I made that potion and increased my Mana pool and things were just like always… normal.
It was really amazing to see just how much a difference of nine presents could have on a person, but it was a lot.
I can cast two more (tier-3) spells with just that much increase, which was a big difference.
In normal circumstances, I couldn't even cast ten or so (tier-3) spells, but now, I could do it if I tried hard.
I was confident that I can kill a (Green) ranked monster if I tried my hardest with 'just' my strength, but things might get difficult if it is a berserk creature.
Not that I will have to fight something like that for a while now. And I knew I would win anyhow.
The month has passed quietly, and I had just practiced, read books, trained my energy arts, and did some last fine-tuning to Asta.
That arrow, sphere, lance, or whatever I call him, was an amazing being.
It was more powerful than the highest rank [Level-12] artifact, but not at the level of a divine artifact.
I use the term [Pseudo Divine Artifact] to describe it and my master had made her a long time ago.
That weapon was my partner as well as my blank slate.
I can make any number of enchantments on it and it will accept all of them.
Just like programming a machine, I can program many things and it will work perfectly on it.
I didn't know just how could such a wonderful weapon be just rotting in the weaponry of this tower, but it wasn't like this was the only thing rotting there.
Yes, this was one of the most special things, but there were countless weapons on the 40th floor.
It was literary weaponry filled with almost all kinds of weapons, ranging from normal wooden weapons made of original woods to weapons like this one and some low-end divine artifacts too.
That place was a treasure trove for those who loved weapons, and I knew if Carla was here, she would take every single sword with her.
Well, she was a sword fanatic from what grandpa said in the letters, so I had a sword prepared in mind for her when I return.
Carla had grown strong a lot, and she had the talent to wield every weapon as long as it was a sword.
Every single one, be it a short sword as short as a knife, to giant broad swords that can smash a mountain.
She would wield such swords as if they were nothing... from what they said in letters.
She was the troublemaker of the house, and my darling Anna had to calm everyone after her mess.
They were doing good, so I wasn't worried and I had worked hard all this time, so I wanted to take this morning off and just sit here and do nothing.
Doing nothing is the best thing if you can and it would be tough to change my mind on this topic.
This coffee was a great one, and I knew what I was drinking this time.
'Three Eyes.'
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[Cotilliok Frantio]
->A masterfully brewed coffee grew up in a calm environment.
->You have done grinding and brewing of beans like an expert, making the flavors pop up with a single touch on the tongue.
->The harsh desert camel milk used in the coffee has harmonized the flavor, perfectly enhancing the feel and aroma.
->The calming effect, as well as the energy restoration effect gained after consuming it, would last for three hours.
->In the general perspective, one could say that this one cup of coffee is more helpful for the day than normal morning beverages.
->You have a great taste for things and your mastery in making such beverages is quite good.
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"What do you mean, quite good? I'm awesome~!" I shouted at the expected type of reply.
This skill of mine would tell too much if I knew some things already and then judge things like a third-person opinion.
It was interesting, and I liked just how good it was.
I have tried this skill on almost anything I had.
From books, food, artifacts, floor, chair, the spoon to this tower, and grass outside.
Some were surprisingly more detailed while some normal things that I already knew were normal come out with a cold reply like 'why waste time?' and a very long chunk of info.
This skill was quite moody sometimes, though I liked the evaluations it gave.
Well...
Things were looking good, and the coffee was also doing the work, calming my whole body.
With my eyes closed and some low music playing, the morning breeze on the high floor and the fresh light, as well as this sweet smell of coffee.
Just sitting here with my eyes closed and enjoying this was a soul-soothing feeling, and I wanted to relax like this for the whole day.
Such a beautiful thought... wish it could have come true.
"Eon~!"
"Phhhhhh! What the hell?!"
It was master, and she had crawled up behind me.
I didn't feel her at all and with my eyes closed; I didn't even see her.
The coffee in my mouth was sprayed on the table, and my calm heart had blasted with surprise.
This bastard of a heart should have signaled me when someone was this close but, no?
The hack...?
"Huhuhu... looks like I startled my dear student." She chuckled with a radiant smile as I looked back.
She was laughing in her normal, cheery voice but, there was something very weird with what she called me just now.
"W-what did you say, grandma? Student? Does that mean...?"
I was almost certain that the time had come because she had never called me a student in normal situations like this in the entire past year.
I was fairly certain what she was up to and from the smile on her face; it was pretty clear I was actually right.
"Huhu... yes, that's right. Today is your test, my dear student Axion."
She was strangely energetic today, and the sudden decision to take the test had to be on this beautiful day.
Why today of all days?! Was she making fun of me having some peaceful time?!
"Does it have to be today...?" I asked, knowing she wasn't going to change the decision, and it was answered with just a silent smile.
"Nuuu..." I didn't want to leave this peaceful place.
My peaceful morning, this cool place, and calm music.
Why the hell did she have to decide it on the day I was finally having a nothing-doing day?!
I wanted to cry like a little baby whose ice cream has been stolen but, this wasn't the time to dwell on such pitiful things.
After finishing the coffee, I took a deep breath and looked at her cheerful face.
She was especially happy today.
Was it just because of the test, or was there something more than that?
I... could only know after whatever this test she was giving me was.
Sighing deeply, I looked deep inside those fiery, pure blue eyes.
"Let's go, grandma. I think I'm ready."
p
I will clear this, even if I had to push myself to the very limits.
'Here ends my lovely, peaceful morning... hope I survive this 'deadly' exam.'
I said my prayers to the sun and nature, and we walked out of this peaceful place.