'Oh right! s.h.i.+ro!' She thought as she instantly sat up.

She looked around and was surprised seeing s.h.i.+ro at the desk with lots of paper around her.

Currently, s.h.i.+ro had tilted her head back as it seemed like she was fatigued.

Noticing that Lyrica had woken up, s.h.i.+ro grabbed a notepad and quickly wrote something down.

[You're awake.]

She looked over with a smile.

Lyrica was both shocked and surprised.

"You learned reading and writing in the time I was asleep?! How?!" Lyrica asked.

[Decoding. I matched my audio cues saying the words with the alphabet. I slowly decoded what each letter sounded like and memorised it.] s.h.i.+ro wrote down as Lyrica couldn't believe someone could learn a whole language in the time she was asleep.

"Unbelievable…" Lyrica muttered.

[Is it really? We live in a world with Dungeons and monsters. I think learning language in a day isn't that shocking.] s.h.i.+ro wrote down with a grin.

"I suppose so." Lyrica said as it made sense.

[So what lesson's do you have?]

"Lessons? I take swordsmans.h.i.+p, Close Quarter Combat and Dungeon Exploration." Lyrica replied as s.h.i.+ro nodded.

[Then I'll take those lessons with you.] She smiled.

"Eh?! What about yours? Aren't you an Ice Mage?" Lyrica asked slightly fl.u.s.tered.

s.h.i.+ro smiled as she flicked her fingers and a sword made from Ice appeared.

[Close Quarters Combat is important for a mage as well.] s.h.i.+ro wrote down.

[That and also you've helped me greatly.]

"No, it's mostly because of your efforts. I didn't do anything." Lyrica shook her head as she didn't believe in her own contribution.

[Without your help, this would have taken much longer. Being able to recognise the language today will help me greatly.] s.h.i.+ro wrote down as Lyrica became embarra.s.sed.

[Since you've slept for the entire day, you want to go eat?]

"Eh? Ah! It's 8PM!" Lyrica said shocked as she held the clock.

[It'll be my treat.] s.h.i.+ro wrote down.

"You really don't have to. I can afford it." Lyrica said looking at s.h.i.+ro.

[If you don't let me do this, I will be angry.] s.h.i.+ro frowned slightly.

"Fine…" Lyrica said as she quickly dressed up.

They walked towards the food court as Lyrica couldn't help but ask a few questions.

"s.h.i.+ro, how come you don't have shoes or socks?" She asked.

[I woke up this way. It's doesn't matter though since it doesn't hurt.] s.h.i.+ro replied.

"How did you manage to get to level 21 even though you're 13?"

[I kill monsters and level up obviously. That being said, how old are you?]

"Me? I'm 15 and only a level 10…" Lyrica said slightly depressed.

[No worries. Since we can explore Dungeons, I can help you level up quickly.]

"Why are you so nice?" Lyrica asked.

[You showed me kindness so I'll naturally reply with kindness.] s.h.i.+ro smiled as they arrived.

They ordered some food and started to eat away.

s.h.i.+ro only ordered a sandwich as she hid a few mana stones inside or else the sandwich would taste just like water. It doesn't fill her up either, only mana stone does.

Lyrica seemed nervous as she kept fidgeting whilst they ate.

[What's wrong?]

"Mn? Oh its just that this makes us seem like friends."

[Are we not though?]

"Eh? Um I guess but you don't want to hang out with me."

[How come?]

"Well… you might get looked down upon because you're hanging out with me. Everyone is at least level 13 plus when they reach the age of 15. Yet I'm still at level 10." Lyrica said.

"A genius like you who's reached level 21 at the age of 13 shouldn't be hanging out with trash like me." Lyrica sighed.

[Then what do you think about those people at a higher level? Some have a difference of 50 levels yet they're at the same age. Are they still trash?] s.h.i.+ro wrote down.

"Of course not. They had the talent to reach such a high level after all." Lyrica replied.

[Then have you heard of those people who jump levels to challenge their superiors?]

Lyrica nodded as she proceeded to say;

"Experience can make up for the lack in stats."

[Then we just need to give you more experience. Not to mention, your cla.s.s seems to be different from the normal starting cla.s.s. Maybe it's because of your elven heritage, but it may need more EXP for you to level up once.] s.h.i.+ro wrote down.

"It can't be." Lyrica denied.

"The cla.s.s Elven Swordswoman is the basic cla.s.s of every Elf who chooses to use the sword." Lyrica said as s.h.i.+ro felt her smile twitch.

'This girl…' s.h.i.+ro thought as she was denying herself a little too hard.

She remembers the Elven cla.s.ses. At the start, they were basic cla.s.ses. But later on, they become harder to cla.s.s up compared to normal cla.s.ses.

This is because everyone had a chance at obtaining the Special Cla.s.s [Elven Sword Saintess].

Each type of weapon had its own [Saint] cla.s.s. Examples being, [Elven Archer Saint], [Elven Axe Saint] and [Elven Dagger Saint].

However, there was only one shot at this Cla.s.s Up and if they failed, they had to go with [Elven Grand Swordswomen]/[Elven Grand Archer] Etc…

The only reason s.h.i.+ro knew about this cla.s.s was due to the Elf in the [Light Bearer Hero]'s party.

She had the cla.s.s and exhibited superior battle prowess than even the hero at certain moments in her life. Shame she died during a large battle that raged on for 5 days and 5 nights.

[Then why don't we work together? You can help me while I help you in the dungeon.] s.h.i.+ro smiled.

"Eh? How would I help you?"

[I can't speak so there are some limitations in my life. Not only that, I don't know anything about myself. So having a friend stay with me helps a lot.] s.h.i.+ro wrote down making up a reason.

Lyrica's eyes brightened up as she grabbed s.h.i.+ro's hand whilst ignoring the cold.

'!!!' s.h.i.+ro was shocked seeing her suddenly grabbing her hand.

"You can count on me!" Lyrica said as s.h.i.+ro could only chuckle slightly.

After they finished their meal, they walked home with Lyrica feeling happier than ever.

s.h.i.+ro shook her head with a smile.

But it was during this that an idea suddenly popped into her mind and a grin formed on her face.

Tapping Lyrica's shoulders, s.h.i.+ro showed Lyrica her note pad.

[So you know how Elf's have longer life expectancy than humans? Wouldn't that mean you're currently a lot younger in human years? So you aren't under level, but rather you're looking at this using the wrong age system.] s.h.i.+ro wrote down as Lyrica paused.

"That does seem to be the case…" She replied feeling embarra.s.sed.

However, age doesn't really matter. The higher level you are, the more mana you have stored inside you. The more mana you have, the more it vitalises your body.

This made it so that you're able to live for much longer than normal. But s.h.i.+ro won't tell Lyrica that since she had just managed to give her some hope.

[Therefore, you have no reason to feel down.] s.h.i.+ro wrote as Lyrica nodded.

"You're right!" Lyrica smiled.

Returning back to their rooms, s.h.i.+ro found a package next to her door.

'It's probably the uniform.' She thought as she took the package inside with her.

Inside the package was an a.s.sortment of clothes. A set for winter and a set for summer.

The summer uniform was a short-sleeved grey dress with a red bow tie. The skirt stopped around her knees as the uniform also came with black knee socks and shoes.

The winter uniform, on the other hand, was earm.u.f.fs, scarf and a long-sleeved white s.h.i.+rt with a black vest. It included a uniform jacket as it was also grey in colour. A separate skirt that reached her knees and black tights.

Folding up the winter uniform, s.h.i.+ro placed the summer uniform ready for tomorrow.

Before sleeping, she checked her timetable for the lessons she's applied for.

[Lessons]

-Swordsmans.h.i.+p

-Magic

-Close Quarters Combat

-Dungeon Exploration

She chose to apply for Magic as there may be some interesting concepts in this new world.

'The first lesson tomorrow is Swordsmans.h.i.+p. I have decent Swordsmans.h.i.+p but it can definitely improve.' s.h.i.+ro thought before falling asleep.

###

"So s.h.i.+ro here will be studying with everyone. She's 13 so be patient with her. Oh also she's mute so she'll be carrying her notepad around with her." The teacher called out in the swordsmans.h.i.+p cla.s.s.

A girl raised her hands as the teacher gestured for her to speak.

"Why is she in the Swordsmans.h.i.+p cla.s.s? Isn't she a level 21 Ice Mage?" The girl asked.

[That's because learning some swordsmans.h.i.+p will be helpful for mages as close quarters are our weak points.] s.h.i.+ro wrote down.

"As s.h.i.+ro mentioned, this is beneficial to her. Many high-level mages know some form of close quarter combat to keep themselves safe." The teacher nodded.

"Sit wherever you like." She said as s.h.i.+ro nodded.

Walking over to Lyrica, s.h.i.+ro sat next to her as she could hear a few mutters around her.

[Hey.] s.h.i.+ro smiled as Lyrica nodded.

"Try not to talk to me too much. They'll look down on you." Lyrica whispered.

[I don't care.] s.h.i.+ro wrote as they focused on the cla.s.s.

The cla.s.s itself was pretty simple for s.h.i.+ro. It focused on the stances and which part of the body you need to focus on when using the sword.

While s.h.i.+ro found this pretty boring, she could see Lyrica writing down notes earnestly.

The theory lesson was over soon and it was time for demonstration. Everyone paired up as s.h.i.+ro could see a bunch of people wanting to pair up with Lyrica.

However, she rejected all of them.

[How come you don't want to go with them?] s.h.i.+ro asked.

"They just want to suppress me. Because I'm level 10, my stats are lower than theirs. I can't really gain any form of experience sparring against them." Lyrica replied with a sigh.

[Them I'll spar with you.] s.h.i.+ro smiled.

"Eh? But aren't your stats much bigger than mine?"

[I won't attack actively. You try to break my guard ok? Land a hit on me and you win.] s.h.i.+ro wrote down as she picked up a wooden longsword.

Lyrica nodded as she too picked up a wooden longsword.

[Ready when you are.] s.h.i.+ro wrote down as she held the sword with one hand.

Lyrica nodded as she ran towards s.h.i.+ro with her sword.

s.h.i.+ro only smiled as she placed the flat side of the blade on her palm and parried Lyrica's sword.

s.h.i.+ro allowed her sword to slide down the blade as she was about to attack.

Lyrica drew the blade upwards to try block but s.h.i.+ro landed a light attack on her shoulder.

Her eyes narrowed as she had a suspicion about Lyrica's moves.

Not giving up, Lyrica held the sword in a reverse grip as she clashed with s.h.i.+ro once more.

This time, at the very moment the swords clashed, Lyrica let go of her sword as she held it in an upright position. She twisted the sword as it moved s.h.i.+ro's sword downwards.

s.h.i.+ro smiled as she crouched down and tripped Lyrica up.

"Again!" Lyrica said as she had a smile on her face.

They continued for several bouts as Lyrica kept getting knocked down. To outsiders, she was taking a beating. To s.h.i.+ro, Lyrica was improving quickly.

'This girl is smart. She quickly corrects herself when she finds out what went wrong. If it wasn't for the other students suppressing her with their attributes, Lyrica would most definitely not have this self-esteem issue.' s.h.i.+ro thought as she hopped back and slid on the ground slightly.

'However, her movements seem a little awkward at times. It's like she's trying to use a staff rather than sword.'

She raised her hand to get Lyrica to stop. Picking up the notepad, s.h.i.+ro started to write something down.

[You've improved a lot Lyrica. So smart.] s.h.i.+ro praised.

"It's just dumb luck." Lyrica said as s.h.i.+ro shook her head.

[I have an idea. Do you want to give it a try?]

"An idea? What idea?"

s.h.i.+ro walked over to the teacher and got her attention.

[Do you have a handle without a wooden blade?] She asked.

"A handle? Yeah we do. What do you need it for?"

[I think Lyrica's moves match a different weapon better. I want to see if I can use my Ice to find out the weapon.]

"I see. Since you have an idea give it a try." The teacher smiled as pa.s.sed s.h.i.+ro a wooden handle.

[Thank you.] s.h.i.+ro wrote down as she jogged back to Lyrica.

The temperature around her dropped as Ice started to coagulate on both ends of the handle.

As the Ice finished, Lyrica was surprised at what s.h.i.+ro held in her hands.

It was a dual-ended blade. On either side of the handle was a double sided sword as s.h.i.+ro lightly threw it over to Lyrica.

[Give it a try.] s.h.i.+ro wrote down as Lyrica nodded.

Holding the weapon, Lyrica waved it around as she became more proficient.

"Wow! s.h.i.+ro, this weapon is really easy to use." Lyrica said surprised at how easy it was for her to use it.

'I knew it.' s.h.i.+ro thought with a smile. What Lyrica experienced was hidden proficiency.

Hidden proficiency was a situation where the body would exhibit movement habits for a certain type of weapon. It wouldn't show up on the status board so it was hard for people to know which weapon suited them. Most of the time, it was custom made weapons.

For those who did discover their hidden proficiency, their combat prowess soared as their body movements were designed to fit that weapon.

While the dual ended blade wasn't exactly Lyrica's hidden proficiency, s.h.i.+ro already knew the weapon was something similar to the dual ended blade.

She noticed this during the fight as Lyrica would always fall back on using the bottom of her sword when she was forced into a tight situation.

When used with a longsword, it is suicidal. When used with a dual-ended sword, it was effective.

[Try attacking me now.] s.h.i.+ro wrote down as Lyrica nodded.

Twirling the blade, Lyrica charged towards s.h.i.+ro.

Parrying the top down slash, s.h.i.+ro twisted her body as she dodged the other end of the blade.

Lyrica didn't let her loose as the blade followed s.h.i.+ro's movements like a ghost.

Parrying her attack several more times with a few close calls, s.h.i.+ro was surprised at how powerful Lyrica's hidden proficiency was.

Even though she was suppressing herself until she was roughly level 10 in stats, it was still amazing for Lyrica to sneak in a few close calls.

The spar finished as Lyrica panted heavily. s.h.i.+ro, on the other hand, was fine as always.

[Congratulations Lyrica. You've found the weapon you're really good at.] s.h.i.+ro smiled and showed her the writing.

"It's all thanks to you s.h.i.+ro." Lyrica replied happily feeling her confidence rise.

s.h.i.+ro was an enigma for her. The moment she arrived; Lyrica felt her life change. s.h.i.+ro gave her confidence and even a weapon she was strangely proficient in using. If s.h.i.+ro never appeared, Lyrica doesn't know what kind of a state she would still be in.