I’m an Appraiser, But What the Heck is a [Divine Eye]? ~I Want to Live Freely as the World’s Best Beginner Class~ - Episode 96: A Life in Another World that is Far from Free 34

Episode 96: A Life in Another World that is Far from Free 34

The next day, after a good rest at the inn. I set out from Angrissa with Dietrich-sama as my guide. Our mission was, of course, to defeat the Level Slime said to be in the Northern Cave.

To be honest, I had secretly Appraised Dietrich-sama. I was curious after hearing he was a Sage. And indeed, he truly was. His level was 35, which was quite high. But when compared to Alisha’s level of 34, the difference was just one. That is, despite the level difference, their Magic stats showed a significant gap. Dietrich-sama’s Magic stat was 600, while Alisha’s was 280. I was shocked by the stark contrast between an advanced-class profession and lower-class profession.

“Haa, haa, haa… So… far…”

“My apologies. We’re almost there, so please hang in there.”

While I was surprised by the profession-based differences, I was more disappointed in my own lack of stamina. Dietrich-sama remained calm. But I was out of breath, struggling to keep up.

Will my stamina increase if I level up? In hindsight, maybe I should’ve eaten a banana or something before coming here. I didn’t feel this exhausted when I was running around in the Forest of Demons…

“We’re almost there, Mihiro-sama.”

“…Ah… that… over there?”

“Yes. But… you can see the entrance?”

“Huh? Yeah, I can see it clearly. The entrance is wide open.”

What’s he talking about? It’s obvious. I mean, the cave’s entrance is right there. But as I thought that, I noticed Dietrich-sama’s expression was still filled with surprise.

“Actually, this cave’s entrance is protected by a barrier, so it’s usually invisible.”

“Then, the barrier must be deactivated right now.”

“…No, the barrier is still up.”

“…Huh?”

“I mean, the barrier is still in place.”

…Wait, but I can see it just fine?

“It’s probably due to your Appraiser (Divine Eye) ability, Mihiro-sama.”

“My Appraiser (Divine Eye)?”

“Yes. I’m not entirely sure how it works, but it seems that illusion-based barriers don’t work against it.”

He said that with a wry smile. But if that’s true, it’s both amazing and problematic. If I can’t detect barriers, it means I might unknowingly wander into dangerous areas.

“I’ll need to be careful then…”

“As long as you’re with someone, they should notice the difference. So I don’t think it’ll be a problem.”

He made it sound easy, but I feel like I’ll need to be extra cautious.

“Shall we rest for a bit before entering?”

“…Yes, please.”

We had arrived, but I was utterly exhausted. After a short rest, we entered the Northern Cave. At first glance, it looked like an ordinary cave, not particularly disturbed. But upon closer inspection, I noticed traces that something had been dragged and marks as if something had hopped around.

Could this be the trail left by the Level Slime?

“Mihiro-sama, could you use your appraisal to locate the Level Slime?”

“Sure, leave it to me.”

There’s no point in overthinking this when I have Appraisal skill at my disposal.

“Appraisal: Locate Level Slime.”

…Oh? It’s actually pretty close. Looks like it was hiding in plain sight.

“It’s this way.”

Following the directions given by my Appraisal skill, I started walking. After about five minutes, I stopped in front of what looked like a dead-end wall.

“…Here?”

“Yes. Can you not see it, Dietrich-sama?”

“See what? …Ah. Is it another barrier?”

“Looks like it. The Level Slime seems to be using barrier magic.”

To Dietrich-sama, this place must appear to be a dead end. But to me, I could see a small hole near the bottom of the wall.

“Let’s step back a little and watch for now.”

“Understood.”

We casually retreated and rounded the corner, taking cover while keeping an eye on the supposed dead end. After a short while, a Slime emerged from the hole.

Its appearance was exactly like that—reminiscent of the slimes from a certain game, small and jiggly. I could probably take this on.

“…I-it actually came out.”

“That’s definitely the Level Slime?”

“Yes. That golden slime is without a doubt the Level Slime.”

“Got it. Can you use magic to seal off the place where it emerged? I want to block its escape route.”

“Understood. Then—Earth Lock.”

As soon as Dietrich-sama cast his magic, the hole from which the Level Slime had emerged was sealed with earth.

“Bigya!?”  

“Now it’s up to you, Mihiro-sama.”  

“Got it! I won’t let it escape!”

I dashed forward and swung my sword.

“Bii~Kyaa!”  

“…Huh? One hit?”

The Level Slime, surprisingly, was defeated in just one strike.