My Unique Skill [Gacha] Will Save the World - Episode 52: A New Skill

Episode 52: A New Skill  

[As a reward for defeating your first boss monster, you will gain the skill of the defeated boss.]  

Seeing this message and the promise of acquiring a new skill, Rindou clenched his fist in excitement. However, he knew he couldn’t relax just yet.  

Not all skills were useful. Some, like [Resonance] from the Soldier Ant or [Basic Earth Magic] from the Queen Ant, were situational or required magic power he lacked. It made them impractical. What kind of skill would the Eldias Kong provide?  

[You have obtained the skill [Iron Wall Reflection] from Eldias Kong.]  

“…..…[Iron Wall Reflection]?”  

Rindou tilted his head at the unfamiliar name.  

“What’s wrong, Rindou-kun?”  

“I got a new skill as a reward for defeating the Eldias Kong, but it’s one I’ve never heard of before.”  

As he spoke, Rindou examined the skill’s details.  

“…Ha! This is an incredible skill!”  

The [Iron Wall Reflection] skill not only doubled his durability but also allowed him to reflect accumulated damage back at his opponent. It made it a versatile offensive and defensive ability. Though it required him to endure attacks, for Rindou, this was an immensely practical skill.  

(But why didn’t the Eldias Kong use this skill? If it had, Kyousuke and I wouldn’t have stood a chance.)  

Reflecting on the fight, Rindou realized that the only one who took a direct hit from the Eldias Kong was Kyousuke. It was when he created an opening to stab the Poison Fang Dagger.  

(Could Kyousuke have endured that skill? Did he survive despite it?)  

Glancing at Kyousuke, Rindou knew there was no way to confirm this.  

(…No point dwelling on it. We both survived, and that’s what matters.)  

Pushing aside those thoughts, Rindou focused on how to use the [Iron Wall Reflection] skill.  

(For a solo player like me, a skill that boosts defense is invaluable. Plus, it can turn a crisis into an opportunity!)  

Just as he solidified this resolve, a new window appeared.  

[The number of acquired skills has exceeded the limit. Please delete one skill.]  

With [Iron Wall Reflection] added, Rindou now had four skills aside from [Gacha]. But the system only allowed him to keep three.  

(Currently, I have [Intermediate Swordsmanship], [Resonance], [Basic Earth Magic], and [Iron Wall Reflection].)  

Keeping [Intermediate Swordsmanship] and [Iron Wall Reflection] was a given. That left either [Resonance] or [Basic Earth Magic] for deletion.  

(I initially thought [Resonance] was the obvious choice, but now…)  

He glanced at Kyousuke, the companion who had risked his life to save him. Though Rindou originally planned to stay solo, he realized the gates weren’t forgiving enough to tackle alone. If he ever joined others to explore the gates, [Resonance] could be a crucial skill.  

“…I’ll delete [Basic Earth Magic].”  

Magic skills were hard to come by, and some might see this decision as wasteful. But Rindou was confident in his choice.  

[You have deleted the skill [Basic Earth Magic]. You have acquired the new skill [Iron Wall Reflection].]  

Confirming the change, Rindou checked his status.  

“…Amazing. [Iron Wall Reflection] is now active in my skills.”  

“What kind of skill is it, Rindou-kun?” 

Kyousuke asked, unable to see the status window himself.  

Before Rindou could answer, a scream erupted from the southern swamp.  

“Gyaaaaaaaaaaaah!”  

A voice unfamiliar to either of them echoed from the distance.  

“What was that!?”  

“It sounded like it came from deeper in the swamp.”  

Rindou hesitated. If this had been earlier, he would’ve suggested heading deeper to investigate. But after his fight with the Eldias Kong, he was acutely aware of his limits.  

“…Let’s head back.”  

“Good call,” 

Kyousuke agreed with a firm nod.  

The battle with the Eldias Kong had been an exception since it left its territory. Any monster deeper in the swamp was likely more dangerous.  

“We need to report what we’ve learned to the Association.”  

“Right. Let’s hurry.”  

Kyousuke was now able to move thanks to the Intermediate Potion. He stood up. Seeing this, Rindou followed suit. For the first time, they prepared to retreat instead of pressing onward.  

But just as they turned to leave—  

“I FOUND YOU, RINDOOOOOUUUU!!”  

Standing tall and defiant, Gakuto loomed ahead. His face was twisted with fury.