Chapter-07 · EP-110

Episode 110: Healing Magic Skill Level Up

Thursday. Finally, Yuno's Healing Magic skill reached level 2.

"Yuno, let's call it a day here. Your skill level should have gone up by now."

Of course, I knew because I had peeked at her status, but she wouldn't realize it until she left the dungeon and checked the Skill Board. So I pretended not to know and suggested it.

"But I can still go a bit longer."

Yuno was still full of motivation, but in reality, she'd done enough.

"Then let's check the Skill Board, and if it hasn't gone up yet, we'll come back."

At that, Yuno agreed, and we left the dungeon.

When we checked the Skill Board, the words 'Healing Magic LV2' were clearly displayed.

Yuno Hayasaka: LV3
Skill: Healing Magic LV2
Party Members: Shirou Ichinose, Maika Momota

"It really went up…"

Yuno's eyes widened in surprise.

"To reach level 2 so quickly…"

After the argument the other day, Yuno had quietly continued casting Healing Magic on slimes, just as I'd instructed. We also owed a debt of gratitude to Maika, who gathered the large number of slimes.

"Congratulations, Yuno!"

"Thank you, Shirou."

"No, no, it was your own hard work, Yuno."

"I'm so happy for you, Yuno-chan!"

Maika also raised her voice in joy.

"Thank you, Maika. Thanks to you, I got a lot of practice."

"You're welcome!"

"Come to think of it, Yuno, you've achieved your goal."

"Huh?"

Yuno looked blank.

"You said it on the day of the entrance ceremony, remember? You wanted to get Healing Magic to level 2 and become a healer after graduation."

Yuno's expression froze, and she slowly muttered.

"Ah… that's right."

Yuno had stated her goal at the academy: to raise Healing Magic to level 2 so she could use it outside the dungeon, and to work as a healer after graduation.

And today – that goal was achieved.

Understanding what that meant, Maika muttered, a little sadly.

"I see… So you can become a healer now, Yuno-chan. You don't have to push yourself in dangerous exploration anymore."

Yuno's eyes widened as if startled, and she fell silent.

I broke the silence.

"Dungeon exploration is dangerous and you can get hurt, but being a healer is safe and the pay is good. You've achieved your goal, so you don't have to push yourself exploring anymore, right?"

After I said that, a silence fell for a moment.

"…I think I've changed."

Yuno muttered quietly.

"At first, that's what I thought. I wanted to get my skill level to 2 quickly and become a healer. But…"

She stopped there and looked down.

"I met Iori, I met Maika, and I explored with Shirou… before I knew it, I was enjoying exploration."

Maika looked at her in surprise.

"I joined the Archery Club because I felt Healing Magic alone wasn't enough. Because I wanted to become stronger."

Yuno looked up. Tears had gathered in her eyes.

"I know being a healer is safe, the income is stable, and my parents would be relieved. But…"

She clenched her fist tightly.

"I want to become an explorer after all."

Maika and I caught our breath.

"I want to become an explorer and stay with Iori and Maika even after graduation. Even if it's dangerous, even if the income isn't stable… even so…"

She smiled, tears in her eyes.

"I want to be with everyone. I want to dive into dungeons with them and go home together."

Tears also appeared in Maika's eyes.

"Yuno-chan…"

Yuno had chosen the path she would walk with her own feet.

"Yuno, I think that's fine."

When I said that, Yuno turned around in surprise.

"Your parents might worry, but… if it's what you truly want to do, I'm sure they'll understand. That's what I think."

"Shirou…"

"Besides, you're a healer. You're a valuable asset among explorers. With you around, we can explore without worry."

Maika hugged Yuno.

"Yuno-chan, let's do our best together. We'll always be together."

"Yeah… yeah!"

The two hugged and cried.

Watching the scene, I smiled softly.

Yuno had found the path she truly wanted to take, one she had chosen herself.

It wasn't the safe path someone else had decided for her; it was the path her own heart desired.

"Alright, then let's go to the Shinjuku Dungeon this weekend with renewed enthusiasm!"

When I said brightly, Yuno and Maika laughed and nodded, their faces still marked with tears.

"Yeah!"