**Episode 048: Rank Up and Buying Time**

“All right, we’ll keep that thing occupied!”
“Make sure to fulfill your roles!”

Shuji and Sato confront the monstrous creature. I’d like to tell them it’s impossible, but it seems the creature took considerable damage from the earlier explosion. It should be manageable to some extent.

“Neigh! Neigh! Neigh!”

Enjyu clings to me, rubbing her head against mine, tears streaming down her face. Hehe… I can’t move at all… huh?

I felt something strange in my body. I casually moved my right hand.

“Huh? It’s not broken? It moves normally? And nothing hurts… what’s going on?”

I scratch my head in confusion.

“Oh!”

Then, I remembered the potion Sato forcibly stuffed into my mouth earlier.

“He didn’t know what kind of potion it was, but could it be some rare healing potion? Moreover, I feel more energetic now.”

I lay there, repeatedly flexing my hand in front of my face to confirm the sensation. I felt a surge of strength welling up from the depths of my body.

“Craftsman rank has increased.”

Simultaneously, my rank increased at just the right moment. Perhaps it’s all thanks to my lucky goddess, Enjyu, returning to me.

“See, Enjyu? I’m already fine. Don’t worry.”

“Huh?”

As I pat Enjyu on the head, she raises her head, tears still in her eyes.

“Neigh! Neigh!”

Enjyu clings to my face and licks me.

“Hahaha. It tickles. Well, we don’t have time, so let’s quickly defeat that thing.”

I lift Enjyu, who was tickling me, away from my face and convey to them that I’ll go help Shuji and Sato.

“Neigh!”

Enjyu responds energetically, reassured that there’s nothing to worry about.

“Both of you! Buy us a little more time!”

I stand up, release my hand from Enjyu, and shout to Shuji and Sato, who are struggling with the injured giant shadow.

“Oh! You seem to be lively now!”
“Good thing it wasn’t poison.”

The two mockingly declare, laughing.

“Don’t give me some unknown medicine. Just buy me some time. I’ll handle it.”

“All right! You look better now!”
“As long as you’re fine. Got it.”

Since there was no response to my request, I ask again, and they accept without hesitation.

First, I start by repairing my equipment. I repair all of my equipment. Fortunately, I had plenty of materials in my bag, so I was able to fix everything perfectly.

And the next thing to do is strengthen my equipment. Despite the large gouges, the shadow gradually began to corner the two. It’s only a matter of time before they fall victim to its attacks. I have to go help them before that happens. In that case, it would be best to enhance accessories that increase both weapon power and speed.

“Hey, use this weapon!”

At that moment, Shuji threw something towards me. It was a beautifully decorated sword with a white blade and a purple reflection. It was evidently stronger than the steel sword I was using. Upon appraisal, it turned out to be a mithril sword. It had exceptional hardness, and its attack power was overwhelmingly higher than my current weapon.

“Thanks!”

I effortlessly caught the flying weapon and immediately applied enhancements. Thanks to the luck and fortune skills of Enjyu and me, the weapon enhancement value continued to rise rapidly. As a result, a stream of overwhelming light overflowed from the sword.

“Ugh!”

“Rokudo, hurry!”

The giant shadow seemed to have noticed, attempting to crush me first or tear Shuji and Sato away. Although the two managed to evade, time was running out. Finally, the sword reached enhancement value +10.

“Gwah!”

However, in the next moment, Shuji took the creature’s attack and was sent flying like a baseball hit by a bat.

“Darn it! Shuji!”

It’s worrying, but Shuji isn’t someone who would die from just that. What I need to prioritize now is obtaining enough strength to defeat that thing—meaning maximizing the enhancement.

While grumbling, I quickly enhanced the accessory that increased speed.

“Gah!”

Just as I reached +10 enhancement, this time Sato was blown away by the creature.

There’s no more time.

“Let’s gooooo!”

I immediately put on the accessory, carrying the sword radiating overwhelming light, and ran towards the creature.

“Attack Up, Defense Up, Speed Up, Magic Up.”

First, I use self-buff magic to enhance my abilities. Additionally, I realize that I can now use Ki techniques since I’ve regained my energy.

I promptly activate Ki techniques.

“Thunder × Six!”

Releasing six thunders, I manage to approach the creature and finally reach its feet.

“Here we go! Feel the power of +10! Cross Slash!”

With a fiercely glowing sword, I slashed at the giant shadow’s legs.

—Zubaaaaan!

In that moment, along with the blade, a massive slash of light surged, and the giant’s legs were blown away.

It was an overwhelming display of power.