Now that my condition was better again we continued our walk. I also considered using another edit because I was back at 500 LP.
「Stone Projectile」
Although there are differences based on individual, every human has mana. When it's used up you can no longer cast magic and your vitality also takes a hit. While some people collapse after a single shot, there are also those that can fire up to a hundred. It's like some kind of stratified society!
But enough of that. I performed edit.
20 cm → 10 to 100 cm
Changing the text like that demanded 100 LP. Seemed acceptable so I went for it.
Honestly, stone projectile's current damage is pretty low, so even if it costs more mana I'd like to be able to fire larger projectiles. On the other hand, for when I need to preserve mana or go easy on someone I want to be able to go with a diameter of just 10 cm.
It's not like he knew we were nobles either, they say the same to everyone. After all, who would take offense to being mistaken for a noble? If anything it was the opposite.
"...It's not a lot, but with this much a meal should be possible."
Normally one would ignore outcasts like these - there's no end to it after going along with them once. However, I have yet to see Emma react that way.
"You never change, do you."
"I just so happened to be born in a blessed family is all."
"True. And I just so happened to be born a beggar noble. Is it alright if I start crying now?"
"Oo~ of course, come 'ere."
"That's making me feel a little too mocked."
Suddenly our kidding around was interrupted by a scream.
"Thief! Somebody, ――!"
Isn't that the fugitive from earlier that's screaming for help right now! The middle aged man who stole from him was running in the opposite direction from us.
"I'll go catch him real quick!"
"No, let me handle this."
"But, Noir is..."
"「Stone Projectile」"
Dopang! Dokang!
The rock I fired drew a marvelous arc and crashed into the thief from behind, causing him to stumble and fall over. The people close by pinned him down and the fugitive was able to recover his money.
"Wooow! That was stone projectile right now, wasn't it! How come you can use that!?"
"You'll be met with surprise if you take your eyes off a man for three days."
"Pretty sure we last talked just yesterday though!"
"I'm just saying that I'm in a growth spurt."
"It also seemed like the stone was larger than usual..."
I actually adjusted it to a size of 30 cm and its power really did surpass the unmodified skill. It didn't consume too much of my mana either, so I guess you could call it a success.
"Well then, I'll be going home. Still need to prepare for tomorrow's hero school entrance exam."
"You're taking that!?"
"More or less. See you."
I considered stopping by the Hidden Dungeon before returning, but because I felt a little exhausted already I went home for the day.
I'm grateful she went along with my confusing request, with her assistance my LP went up by 30. Not as much as with Emma, but still a big help.
"My fatigue disappeared, thanks."
"If it's just this much feel free to come to me whenever you need my assistance."
"Can we also do a good night hug?"
"Fuwha-!? I mean, sure!"
"You're the best little sister, Alice."
430 LP → 500 LP
But still... this means that as far as restoring LP goes, it doesn't even discriminate between one's little sister.
◇ ◆ ◇
I felt my heart pumping as I passed through the great stone arch.
I had a badge of copper shaped like a top hat attached to my chest, the proof that I was part of a baronet lineage. Depending on one's rank the color and shape was different, which made it possible to immediately tell which rank of nobility the other party belonged to. Since I'm still technically a noble I was able to enter without issues and headed towards the school's reception desk.
Truth is, the supplemental exam, which is where commoners and the like had to take part in, was already held a couple days ago. Those who passed it were able to take today's actual exam. However, children of nobility were given a free pass and allowed to start with the real one right away.
I heard he used to be a first class dungeon seeker.
Looks like you're free to choose your teammates, but I was a little troubled. Who was I supposed to team up with?
"Noir, I'm here~~!"
"Emma!?"
The one to rush over to me was Emma, properly equipped with daggers and full of energy.
"What are you doing here?"
"Ya~, I decided to take the exam as well~. Unemployment was pretty grim after all."
"Well, an unemployed noble certainly does invite criticism."
"And so, let's team up! With me we'll be stronger than a team of a hundred people, na- ha- ha~!"
Sounds good. Honestly, having Emma participate is a huge help. She's also pretty skilled at combat, unlike me.
Ah..., that brilliance is too blinding for someone of the lowest rank...
"The first half of the exam will be―― To acquire monster materials from now on until six in the evening! The score is determined based on the gathered materials. You are free to acquire them in whichever way you please. Now, begin!"
When the chairman's announcement concluded all the gathered people started moving at once. Some people even dashed straight to the exit.
"Let's split up and gather materials separately. Don't end up dragging me down now, alright?"
The count's daughter had a slender back and pure white skin. That, paired with her composed facial features, gave her the air of a beauty, which was probably part of the reason for her arrogance.
Lenore stared at me with wide open eyes and I continued, still smiling.
"Now what should we think about a team mate that gives us a false name? Well, don't end up dragging us down, yeah?"
Turning my back on the dumbfounded girl I started promptly leaving her behind.
Ah but there was something I still had to tell her after all.
"By the way, despite your cool attitude there's some fruit caught between your teeth."
"Wh-!?"
"W-wait, Noir! Sure that was on my mind as well but you can't just tell her that!"
Responding to a bold attitude with bold behavior is also a kind of etiquette, isn't it?