I Will Be Unrivaled With The Skill [Sewing]! They Said It Was A Bad Skill, But With Effort, I will Make It A Hit~ - Chapter 20

Episode 20: It Was Good to Send the Arm Flying

Seneca’s embroidery work settled down, and Maior’s thoughts were organized, so they decided to fully embark on their work as adventurers this time.

First, she spoke with Yulia. She decided to take a break from regular deliveries and would only gather materials on request when needed. Seneca and Yulia’s connection would continue as Seneca planned to visit the pharmacy regularly. There shouldn’t be any inconvenience for Yulia.

Next, she visited Toruga’s shop, where she had been taken care of for sewing-related matters. After thanking him for the previous work, she  informed him that her work would be irregular for a while and that she planned to go to the royal capital next year. Although it was a matter for the future, Seneca was struck by how sad everyone looked, especially Emily.

She also informed the orphanage. The director took it lightly, saying, “It’s still a long way off. Do your best,” but Sister Claire broke down crying. Before going to report, Seneca thought she might cry too, but Sister Claire’s unexpected outburst of tears held back her own. Seneca felt happy to be missed so much.

After informing those around them, they took on various requests as recommended by Trulia. Most of them were extermination and collection requests. Trulia had them take on monster extermination jobs to gain experience and work towards their promotion to copper rank.

In the Baetica area, defeating a Rampage Ape or a Flame Centipede solo would qualify them for the copper rank promotion exam. Seneca had enough ability, while Maior still needed more. Both lacked experience, so they traveled to various places for training.

Three and a half months passed.

Maior’s training steadily progressed. Though it wasn’t clear how close she was to leveling up, the amount of information she could detect kept increasing.

Maior could now narrow her detection range to a small area about shoulder-width wide. She trained using magic orbs, which were processed magic stones. These orbs, polished into spheres, were condensed from magic stones rarely held by powerful monsters. Maior’s orb was marble-sized but could be exchanged for several gold coins. Her overprotective father had given it to her, intending for it to be used in an emergency.

Since magic orbs were derived from monsters and rich in magic power, they were perfect for Maior’s training. Initially, she couldn’t detect movement even when the orb rolled on a table, but now she could clearly track even the slightest tremor.

This increase in detection precision reflected in her combat ability. She could discern monsters’ movements and even detect the flow of magic within their bodies. For example, a Fire Wolf’s throat swirled with magic a few seconds before it breathed fire, and a Wild Bear’s claws subtly gathered magic when preparing a deadly attack. This made dodging easier.

After consulting with Menon at the guild, who secretly advised that her level-up was imminent, Maior decided to continue on her current path.

About half a month later, Seneca and Maior accepted a challenging request: collecting special medicinal herbs growing in a spring deep within the Baet Forest.

The spring was deep in the forest. While Seneca and Maior frequently accepted jobs in the Baet Forest, it was their first time venturing so far. Although the difficulty was high for an iron-rank adventurer, Trulia deemed it not overly dangerous given Seneca’s skills and Maior’s abilities. Both understood that overreaching could easily endanger their lives.

They thoroughly prepared before entering the Baet Forest and heading deeper into it. In unfamiliar territory, Maior diligently used her detection skill to stay aware of her surroundings. As they approached the deeper areas, she detected a strange magical response.

It wasn’t from a person or a monster. The area’s magical density was unusually high, indicating a magic accumulation. Maior explained, “Seneca, there’s a magic accumulation at the edge of my detection range. No sign of monsters, but we should be cautious.”

Seneca nodded and drew her sword. Magic accumulations could sometimes mutate monsters, so they had to stay alert. The cause of such accumulations was unknown, and they often disappeared by the next day after being reported.

Since the magic accumulation was not at their destination, they decided to make a slight detour.

At the spring, they efficiently collected their target, the labyrinth herb, distinguished by its purple bell-shaped flowers, used in potent eye drops. Other rare herbs were present, but they worked swiftly, believing it best to minimize their stay.

Just as they finished and were about to leave, Maior’s detection skill picked up approaching monsters. “Seneca! Two monsters are heading our way fast! Let’s run that way!” she shouted, taking off immediately. Seneca followed close behind.

“What kind of monsters are they?”

“I think they’re Rampage Apes, but their presence is far stronger, and they’re moving incredibly fast—faster than anything I’ve ever heard of. They might be mutated variant!”

“Can we escape like this?”

“No, we won’t make it! There’s a clearing up ahead. Let’s prepare to face them there. We won’t stand a chance fighting in the forest!”

Maior’s decision at that moment was spot on. They avoided getting caught in an irreversible situation by moving swiftly.

“Their magical power is on par with a Kobold Leader. Expect their physical abilities to be significantly higher than a regular Rampage Ape!”

“Got it!”

The two kept running with all their might. Although Seneca was faster when sprinting at full speed, Maior wasn’t too far behind.

Even though they had managed to avoid immediate danger, the situation wasn’t favorable. At their current level, even facing two regular Rampage Apes would mean retreating for safety.

While running, they quickly devised a plan.

“Maior, do you think you can distract one on your own?”

“Handling one alone will be tough, but I can manage for a short time!”

In such situations, neither overestimating nor underestimating oneself is good. It’s even worse not to be honest.

“Understood! Let’s try to turn this into a two-on-two!”

As they ran, the trees became sparser, signaling they were nearing the clearing.

“How do you think they spotted us outside your detection range?”

“They might have better detection abilities than me, but I think they were watching from a distant hill. That spring was likely easy to spot.”

“I see. So, they have good eyesight. Basically, we should focus on their physical abilities, right?”

“Yes, that’s the most troublesome aspect.”

With that exchange, they reached the clearing. It seemed deserted.

Maior drew an arrow and nocked it on her bow. The distance was considerable, so it was uncertain if she’d hit her target, but it would serve as a deterrent. Using her detection skill’s bird’s-eye view, she observed the enemy’s movements, predicted their trajectory, and released the arrow.

The arrow flew straight toward the left arm of one of the Rampage Apes. Maior believed it was on a direct collision course.

Seeing the arrow, the Rampage Ape swiftly dodged. Although it didn’t cause damage, it slowed their advance, giving the impression that there was a skilled archer on their side.

“That was well done.”

“Yeah, great job. They’ll probably be more cautious with the next arrow.”

“I’ll keep drawing their attention with my shots. After that, it’s up to you.”

“Understood. I’ll charge in but make sure not to stray too far from you.”

Having successfully provoked the enemy with the bow, they prepared for close-quarters combat. If they could contain even one, the situation would improve significantly.

As they waited, Seneca spotted the two Rampage Apes. They looked more muscular than usual.

“I’m drawing my bow!”

From behind, Maior nocked two arrows simultaneously. Seneca closely observed the movement of the two apes.

The Rampage Apes charged toward them with overwhelming force. It was best to shoot from a distance. Despite her hands being sweaty, Maior didn’t believe she’d miss.

“Shooting!”

With that, Maior released her arrows. The arrows flew between the two apes, causing them to instinctively split left and right to avoid them.

Seneca charged toward the one on the left. Seeing this, Maior quickly slung her bow on her back, switching to her sword and shield, and ran toward the same left side.

Maior continued using her detection skill, focusing on the two enemies. She had learned to narrow her focus to only essential information.

The left Rampage Ape retreated as Seneca charged in. Seeing this, Seneca leaped diagonally to the left and slashed at the ape from the side.

Caught off guard, the Rampage Ape instinctively raised its right arm to guard its neck, but Seneca swiftly severed the arm.

“Giiiiii!”

A grating cry echoed from the Ape.

Maior focused intently on the movement of the other Rampage Ape. It was hiding behind the injured one, attempting to close in on Seneca.

To disrupt the enemy’s advance, Maior threw a blinding powder directly at its face. The two-armed Ape swatted it away with its hand but then retreated cautiously, exactly as Maior had anticipated.

Seneca returned to Maior’s side.

“Maior, these guys are really strong. I’m glad I managed to sever its arm.”

“Yeah, and they’re cunning too. But thanks to you, the situation has improved.”

The two-armed Ape stepped forward, shielding the one-armed Ape. Normally, Rampage Apes wouldn’t exhibit such cooperative behavior, suggesting their intelligence might have increased.

“Maior, I might be struggling to handle just one of them.”

Sweat dripped from Seneca’s forehead.

“Got it.”

Maior steeled herself for the fight.

In an instant, the uninjured, two-armed Ape charged with ferocious speed. Both dodged in the same direction, but it seemed the Ape’s target was Seneca, as it relentlessly pursued her.

Soon after, the one-armed Ape lunged at Maior with reckless attacks.

The two Apes aimed to separate Seneca and Maior, driving them in opposite directions. Despite their efforts to stay close and maintain a two-on-two situation, the relentless onslaught eventually forced them apart.

By the time Seneca realized it, Maior was out of sight. The Rampage Ape swung its arms wildly and charged with full force. Its attacks lacked finesse, but getting hit would be devastating, so Seneca focused solely on evasion.

It seemed impossible to regroup while fighting. Seneca knew she had to deal with the enemy before her first and decided to focus on the one-on-one battle.

The Ape, believing it had successfully isolated them, began attacking more cautiously than before.

Seneca watched for an opening to counter with her blade, but it was difficult. The Ape’s fists were known to be extremely hard, and a strike to her blade’s edge could cause it to break. She had no choice but to bide her time and wait for a perfect opportunity.

Even if she managed to attack, it was unclear if she could inflict significant damage. Seneca was only as tall as the Ape’s lower half, and in terms of strength, she was at a clear disadvantage.

A decisive blow remained elusive in Seneca’s mind.