As a data enthusiast, observing the strength of characters progressively deteriorate as they approach completion fills me with exhilaration.
While there may be slight variations in strength, the initial characters created are often fairly comparable in balance. True, occasionally there are races selected with such egregious stats that come with equally prohibitive disadvantages, essentially breaking the scenario right from the start, but this represents a “localized strength” which does not align with my personal aesthetic.
The “indisputable power” that emerges from completed data should not falter when minor conditions change—like being incapacitated at the town entrance with just a location shift or becoming mere tourists in dungeons.
Of course, sometimes characters might skirt these limitations through supplements and unorthodox means, but for now, I’ll let that slide.
The feeling of my circulation improving from lazily floating in the bath has left my thoughts a little scattered, oiling my enthusiasm. But this sense of joy reassures me—there’s no problem.
Ultimately, this is merely a matter of personal belief, but as a data enthusiast, I feel a character’s broken strength isn’t necessarily about omnipotence. Rather, it’s about adaptability across varying situations.
I don’t look down on warriors who might find themselves cornered by high-mobility rear-guard attacks. Nor do I criticize sorcerers who explode with raw firepower and subsequently become useless afterward. Even characters who excel in investigation or exploration phases but contribute little during combat through limited reactions still hold undeniable value when judged by concepts of strength.
I am particularly fond of the team dynamics inherent in tabletop role-playing games, where a well-coordinated party can unleash devastating combos akin to a cohesive single entity. And it proves my preference as I have often created and played support characters whose primary strength lies in enhancing others’ damage or decisions, even while contributing little directly myself.
Nonetheless, I am partial to characters with fewer flaws—ones that can more or less take over and finish things off with relative ease. Of course, this depends on the game scenario, but seeing no reason to moderate myself in the present context, I’ll continue indulging in this playstyle.
With that in mind, my current stats have remained relatively stable since leaving the manor.
I possess the highest values in “Dexterity” and “Durability,” with top-three ratings of “Superior.” Following closely, my “Stamina,” “Agility,” and “Memory” are rated “Fine,” while the remaining five—“Strength,” “Immunity,” “Cognition,” “Magic Storage Capacity,” and “Instant Magic Capacity”—have obtained favorable “Good” ratings.
If one interprets this as simply possessing a base that surpasses the average human in all abilities, it is undoubtedly impressive. It’s gratifying to see these numbers validate the serious five-year commitment I’ve maintained—always prudent and diligent, avoiding unnecessary excess.
Based on this foundation, I aim to improve my existing strengths without overcomplicating things. I’ve been considering raising my “Dexterity” by a couple or even three increments to “Favored,” which would solidify my build with the “Gorgeous Precision” effect and further cement my focus on lethal precision.
Alternatively, enhancing my main skill, “Battlefield Swordplay,” up to “Masterful,” and reallocating remaining resources efficiently would not be unworthy. Achieving the “Divine Realm” tier in swordsmanship has an enticing appeal as well.
It may seem presumptuous, but I wonder if these techniques would actually allow me to contend with divine beings, given the godlike status they hold.
Next, addressing weaknesses—namely the fact that I am rather fragile despite improving my “Durability” to “Superior”—is essential. Regardless of such an upgrade, humans remain fundamentally human and wouldn’t stand a chance against creatures like dragons. Any overwhelming physical force, whether trampling hooves or sheer impact, could easily end me, lacking the resilience that other races exhibit.
Compare us to beings with alloy bones, metal-infused skin, fiery blood, or magical scales that deflect spells, and human fragility stands out as uniquely vulnerable. Even something as ordinary as sunburn can incapacitate me—characteristics that are rare among other races.
It’s clear then that anyone could kill me with attacks that are impossible to physically dodge. Even a few strikes could incapacitate or instantly defeat me given the right angles. No one wants to live under the constant threat of being eliminated with a single hit.
Even at the level of Lady Agrippina and Lord Raizenitz, there are undoubtedly myriad methods to achieve such kills. Worse, even without their prowess, lining up standard warriors against me would overwhelm me unless I possess extraordinary skills like elongated blades, severing space itself, or deflecting attacks from all directions.
This raises the question: how do I counteract saturation attacks and overwhelming force?
One approach might be less about evasion and more about defense—skills that reduce or deflect damage effectively, bolstered by excellent armor bonuses. However, there’s a limit to how much physical or skill-based defenses can handle—meteor showers, for instance, couldn’t be countered this way. Fundamentally, overcoming human fragility would require magic.
Indeed, magic provides a broad range of options for such protections, from physical barriers crafted through spells like the troublesome “Invisible Hand” setup I’ve managed, to magical buffers that overwrite physical properties or even concept-based barriers that defy conventional logic. While the exact mechanics elude me at times, both Lord Raizenitz and Lady Agrippina could offer invaluable advice and teachings.
Another approach could involve range and preemptive strikes—eliminating enemies before they eliminate me. Though conceptually strong, this would overtax my current magic reserves, especially when confined to tools like the crescent moon ring, designed for quick and limited spells.
I considered synthesizing lethal substances through transformation magic, though this raises ethical concerns and risks harming innocents—a move I’d prefer to avoid.
“Here, let me offer my assistance, darling.”
“…This is the men’s bath, you know.”
As I ponder between practicality and idealism, a familiar sensation of something softly landing on my forehead. No need to look—it’s Ursula teasing me again.
Perching on someone’s head like that is quite audacious, but as she casually points out, “Fairies don’t distinguish between male or female baths. Haven’t you noticed the heat-loving fairies or water spirits lingering within?”
Indeed, this is true, and many fairies often amuse themselves disrupting bathers—such as turning hot water cold, a mischief that should be avoided around the elderly.
Though fairies tend to exercise their whims as they see fit, a little consideration for their neighbors wouldn’t hurt.
“Seeing you lost in thought, I thought I would offer some advice. If you’d dance with me, I could bestow a splendid magic upon you—something that repels all ‘physical interference.’ A magnificent fairy protection charm.”
The prospect of physical immunity, while tempting, reminds me of the pitfalls in fairy magic—where simple kindness rarely comes without malicious intent.
Surely she means it as a jest, but accepting might lead to an invitation to the Twilight Hill—a place where centuries could pass unnoticed—an outcome I find unsettling despite its superficial allure.
“Disappearing for centuries isn’t exactly appealing.”
“Ah, if you already know the punchline, how dull,” the night fairy says, unfazed. Time travel may hold romantic allure, but separating myself from friends and family isn’t worth it.
“Any milder options?”
A faint whisper through “Thought Sending” reaches Ursula, who plays with her damp hair. Her reply is curt: magic given without compensation isn’t appreciated in fairy circles. Do these eternally playful beings also wrestle with the complexities of management?
“Hmm… we don’t have to whisk you away to Twilight Hill. A simple favor or two could suffice. The night fairies possess splendid walking techniques—let me teach you.”
Her proposal intrigues me. The “walking technique” she refers to allows one, despite clear visibility, to remain unperceived—an elusive movement innate to night fairies who dwell in the unseen “darkness.”
While I’ve mentioned before that stealth during combat has its limitations, this specific technique could serve as a decent evasive measure.
Most attacks require recognizing their target. Even homing magic that strikes over wide areas won’t hit what isn’t recognized. After all, if projectiles don’t sense a target, they won’t home in.
Thus, this unique form of evasive maneuvering during combat isn’t inherently weak.
Although shifting the burden to allies might make it seem trivial, this ability to vanish from enemy cognition is not without merit.
“Alright, what’s the price for this reward?”
“Hmm… how about the head of that strange mage who teases fairies?”
Truly, this black-clad loli revels in extreme, absurd suggestions. Even my childhood friends, despite their penchant for trouble, showed more restraint. Although, I suppose asking for “moderate chaos” is a paradox in itself.
“Can you make less troubling requests, especially since it’s still daylight?”
“Daylight? Are you sure?”
With a whimsical twirl, she floats in front of me, her delicate figure teasingly concealed by her hair. Her gaze is curious, almost disapproving, as if I’m an anomaly.
“It’s nearly sunset!”
“Huh!?”
In my bath-induced bliss, I hadn’t realized the tub was slowly filling with patrons—workers seeking relaxation after long days of labor—not the usual elderly or children.
“Oops! Better hide that!” Ursula mocks.
Having come to bathe before work, only to potentially be late due to this distraction, I find myself speechless.
With my final reflection on adding new “essences” to my repertoire temporarily paused, I rush toward the changing area…
—
【Tips】 There are humans who possess miraculous constitutions and abilities that far surpass the average, thanks to their unique bodies and traits.
After yesterday’s embarrassing display, I’ve meticulously ensured my USB data and laptop are always with me during morning and lunch breaks, though I might’ve forgotten the pocket WiFi.
Receiving over six thousand bookmarks was unexpected and humbling, and while I’m but a humble individual, I’ll continue this journey following my passions. Your continued support is greatly appreciated.
The next update is planned for around 19:00 on 2019/2/20.
