When I was intimate with Aria, I was granted an A-rank skill, one so powerful it let me defeat a dragon in a single strike. But this time, with Mylene, Mayu, and Cattleya, I received B- and C-rank skills—likely weaker than the [Freeze] skill, judging by their ranks.
Does the skill I gain depend on the partner? Or is the skill rank just random? Perhaps there's some hidden rule governing it? I don't have enough information to figure it out yet, so I'll need to investigate as I go along.
"Master Kairi, thank you for your efforts," Mylene said softly, her voice warm as she stood bare before me.
"Here's some water," Mayu offered, holding out a cool cup with a gentle smile.
"The bath is ready for you as well," Cattleya added, her tone inviting, her eyes sparkling in the dim light.
Still naked, the three tended to my needs with care, their soft hands brushing against me as they moved, ensuring my comfort even after our intense encounter. Their attentiveness was almost as blissful as the act itself, and the night passed in a haze of indulgence and satisfaction.
Now, what's next? I've been reincarnated into this world, but I'm not some chosen hero with a grand mission or a destiny to fulfill. There's no pressing "must-do" task looming over me. So, I suppose I should focus on what I want to do. But what do I want, exactly?
"Maybe… just living a relaxed, enjoyable life," I mused aloud. "After slaving away as a corporate drone in my past life, kicking back and having fun sounds perfect."
For now, that'll be my goal in this new world.
"If it pleases you, Master Kairi, please consider staying in our village," the village chief said earnestly, his weathered face breaking into a hopeful smile.
"You're our savior, and we wish to show you our gratitude in every way possible."
"Gratitude, huh?" I raised an eyebrow.
"Of course, including nightly companionship…" he added with a sly chuckle, his eyes glinting mischievously.
"Oh, really?" I fixed him with a sharp look, intrigued.
The chief returned my gaze with a knowing grin, as if to say, "Leave it to me."
The prospect of experiencing nights like yesterday—filled with pleasure and connection—was undeniably tempting.
But if I'm going to accept such hospitality, I want to give back to the village in equal measure. With my Reincarnation perk, I've got a unique tool at my disposal, and I intend to make the most of it. But how, exactly?
"First, is there anything I can help with around the village?" I asked.
"Oh, Master Kairi, your kindness is deeply appreciated," the chief said, bowing low, his voice thick with gratitude.
"Assisting with farming or hunting would greatly support our people's livelihood."
"Got it," I nodded.
The thing is, I've never done farm work or hunted in my life. Then it hit me. "Wait, one of the skills I got yesterday was [Shooting (Intermediate)]."
Could that skill enhance my archery? It's worth a shot.
"Alright, let's test it out," I decided.
I joined the village hunters, heading into the forest with a borrowed bow and quiver. Activating [Shooting (Intermediate)], I focused on the skill.
Shwbaa!
"What the—?!" I yelped as a glowing arrow of pure light materialized in my hand.
I nocked the radiant arrow and let it fly.
BOOM!
"WHOA!" I staggered back as the massive tree in front of me exploded into splinters, the blast echoing through the forest.
"That's… insane power…" I muttered, staring at the devastation.
So, [Shooting (Intermediate)] doesn't just improve my aim—it conjures light arrows with explosive force.
"It's got crazy potential, but I'll need to be careful with it. Still, this could definitely work for hunting."
Alright, time to put it to the test!
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"[Shooting (Intermediate)] activate!"
I declared, focusing my will as I gripped the bow, my senses sharpening in the dense forest near the village.
I targeted the Vimmy deer, the primary game in these woods, their sleek forms darting through the underbrush. Their meat, firm yet laced with just the right amount of fat, promised a savory feast, but their agility made them notoriously elusive, slipping through the grasp of even seasoned hunters.
Yet, with [Shooting (Intermediate)], precision wasn't critical. Even if my aim wavered, the glowing arrow's shockwave and explosive blast could fell prey in a wide radius, making the hunt almost effortless. A B-rank skill it may be, but its utility depended entirely on application—and for hunting, it was an unparalleled asset, transforming a challenging task into a swift victory.
In mere moments, I had brought down several Vimmy deer, their bodies collapsing under the radiant arrows' devastating force, and I delivered them to the hunters, who stared in awe. Adhering to the village's rule of sustainable hunting, we stopped once we had enough, my skill ensuring the task was completed with startling efficiency.
"Phew, that went pretty well," I said, wiping sweat from my brow, a satisfied grin spreading across my face.
"Well? That's an understatement!" one hunter exclaimed, his eyes wide with admiration. "I've never seen such an efficient way to take down prey."
"I'd hunt with you anytime, Master Kairi," another added, clapping me on the shoulder, their respect evident in their broad smiles.
It seemed I'd earned the hunters' favor, their companionship warming me as we transported our catch back to the village.
That evening, the villagers gathered to feast on the Vimmy deer I'd hunted, prepared in a steaming hotpot brimming with fresh vegetables, the savory aroma filling the air. I took a bite, the tender meat melting on my tongue, rich and perfectly balanced.
"Delicious!" I declared, savoring the flavor, my mood buoyant.
"Hee, I'm enjoying it too," a soft voice said beside me.
It was Aria, seated close, her presence gentle yet striking. The first village girl I'd been intimate with in this world, her beauty caught me anew—her delicate features, her luminous eyes, her soft smile that seemed to glow in the firelight. My heart skipped, a flush creeping up my neck.
"Thank you for saving the village," she said, her voice earnest, her gaze steady.
"No big deal, just doing what I could," I replied, trying to play it cool despite the warmth spreading through me.
"I never thanked you properly," she continued, her tone softening. "It was only because of your help that we saved the village. I should be thanking you, Master Kairi. Truly, thank you."
I bowed my head to her, sincerity guiding my words. Her sacrifice—offering her virginity—had granted me the [Freeze] skill, which let me vanquish the dragon. Without her, none of it would've been possible.
"I'm just glad I could help," Aria said, her smile brightening as she leaned closer, her shoulder brushing mine.
Her smile was impossibly cute, stirring a mix of affection and embarrassment that left me flustered, my heart thudding louder than I'd admit.
That night, a soft knock sounded at my bedroom door.
"I've come to visit, Master Kairi," a familiar voice called.
"Aria?" I said, surprised as she stepped inside, her silhouette framed by the moonlight.
Was this the start of nightly companionship, as the chief had implied? The thought sent a thrill through me, though I wondered—would I end up intimate with most of the village women at this rate? If they were willing, I couldn't exactly complain.
"I… wanted to thank you again for saving the village," Aria said, her cheeks flushing a delicate pink, her eyes darting away shyly.
"I definitely didn't come just because I… wanted you to hold me again," she added quickly, her voice stumbling, her blush deepening.
"Oh?" I teased, raising an eyebrow, a grin tugging at my lips.
Was Aria... lovey-dovey? Her flustered demeanor, the way she fidgeted, suggested feelings beyond mere gratitude, and the possibility sent a warm spark through me.