My Unique Skill [Gacha] Will Save the World - Episode 22: Skill Proficiency

Episode 22: Skill Proficiency

“Hah!”

“Gebyah!?”

Rindou’s sharp strike decapitated the Sand Lizard. It was a monster that lived in the rocky area.

Although the gacha was a dud, his [Basic Swordsmanship] proficiency was steadily increasing.

“Still only 65%, huh? I’ve been hunting for almost three hours, and it’s only gone up by 5%. It might be tough to reach 100% today.”

Yesterday, he had not only gained skill proficiency from the gacha. The proficiency from the [Basic Swordsmanship] skill he obtained after defeating the higher-tier Ghost Knight had also contributed to his progress. Given that there was no guarantee a Ghost Knight would appear in the rocky area, Rindou felt that evolving his skill would depend on getting more proficiency from the gacha.

“Plus, I feel like the proficiency I gain from battles is getting smaller. It’s gonna be tough if I don’t get a good roll on the gacha.”

Muttering to himself, Rindou started searching for the next monster. He thoroughly explored the rocky area.

Then, he discovered a cave beneath a dead tree’s exposed roots.

“Whoa, so there are these kinds of places in the gates too. …..This smells like treasure!”

It was said that hidden rooms existed within the gates, and they usually contained treasures from another world. However, since this was a gate meant for new players, many had likely already explored it, including the Association staff. So Rindou didn’t expect to find anything too special.

“…Well, let’s not get our hopes up. Let’s just look for a monster to hunt.”

With that in mind, Rindou stepped into the cave. It was not to search for treasure but to find the monsters that might be living there. The inside wasn’t completely dark, as the moss growing on the walls, ceiling, and floor provided enough light to see.

Despite being fascinated by the glowing moss, Rindou proceeded carefully through the cave.

(…….I can hear something.)

The sound of footsteps echoed faintly against the walls and ceiling.

If he fought, the noise from the battle would likely alert any nearby monsters. Rindou was eager to fight many monsters. But he didn’t want to face too many at once.

Moving even more cautiously, he took extra care not to make any noise as he headed toward the source of the sound.

(…I found it.)

Without saying a word, Rindou confirmed the presence of the monster. He reached for the hilt of his Gale Sword.

‘…Fshhurulul.’

The monster was a Flame Lizard, similar to the Sand Lizard. If it attacked, it would unleash flames from its mouth.

(If it notices me and spits fire, the light will expose me to all the other monsters.)

Rindou steeled himself. He was waiting for the Flame Lizard to turn around. Then—

(Now!)

With a powerful push off the ground, he sprinted toward the monster. The Flame Lizard turned around at the sound of footsteps. But by that time, Rindou had already unsheathed his sword.

——Slash!

With a quick slash, the Flame Lizard’s head flew off. It collapsed lifelessly to the ground.

“…Phew.”

After exhaling quietly, the gacha activated.

[You gained 10% proficiency in a skill from the gacha.]

“No way! …Wait, crap!”

Rindou hadn’t expected to gain skill proficiency from the gacha and exclaimed loudly without thinking. Quickly covering his mouth with both hands, he glanced around. But there was no sign of approaching monsters.

Letting out a relieved sigh, Rindou thought it was over. But an unexpected turn of events was about to unfold.

“…Wait a minute… Wait, wait, hold on?”

The gacha had activated, and skill proficiency had been gained—not just that, but a magic circle had appeared because of that. This meant that the light from the magic circle would illuminate the cave.

“No way!!”

The light from the magic circle spread throughout the cave. And as Rindou quickly listened, he heard the unmistakable sound of numerous footsteps. They were approaching from the deeper part of the cave.

“………I need to run, now!”

Realizing the danger, Rindou immediately turned and dashed toward the cave entrance at full speed.