The Oracle At The Temple Of Melfaria

The four of us—Flare, Millet, Zels, and I—arrived at the Palace of Melfaria in the eastern district of the royal capital.

It was a beautiful temple that attracted many visitors.

“This place is a popular tourist attraction too,”

Millet explained.

“Just like the royal palace. This kingdom really has a lot of beautiful buildings, doesn’t it?”

“Yes. The kingdom has a policy of providing extensive protection for its cultural heritage.”

Millet continued.

“We might not be a particularly powerful kingdom, but ordinary people here enjoy fairly prosperous lives, and the government provides substantial support for cultural activities. Personally, I think it’s a wonderful country.”

“I agree. The funding available for magical research is considerably more generous than in other countries, too.”

Zels chimed in.

“That’s exactly why I want to protect it.”

Millet spoke with conviction.

“I understand. I haven’t been in Tilt for very long, but I’ve already experienced how comfortable life is here and how kind the people are. I’ll do everything I can to help protect this kingdom.”

And to accomplish that—I first needed to learn more about Skill Points.

With Millet guiding us, we were introduced to one of the temple’s high-ranking priests.

“You wish to receive a divine oracle? Very well. I shall seek guidance from Lady Melfaria—”

With those words, the gentle-looking, middle-aged priest withdrew into a room farther inside the temple.

Apparently, that was where the prayer chamber was located.

When he returned a short while later,

“I have received an oracle. I am told that a divine revelation will be delivered directly to you shortly, Aerial-sama.”

“Huh? What exactly does that—”

I had no idea what was supposed to happen. Just as I was about to ask for clarification,

Flash!

A dazzling light flooded the surroundings.

Within that light, countless characters began forming in midair.

“What is this—?”

A glowing message hovered before my eyes.

Yes, it was a text message similar to the ones that normally appeared when I used [Skill Appraisal: Ultimate].

According to the message—

“I see…”

Of the methods listed, there were two ways to earn additional Skill Points without spending any first.

The first was for me to learn new skills.

The second was to defeat monsters and other enemies using skills.

“All right. The second option is definitely the quickest.”

My immediate priority would be hunting monsters.

I decided to make that the main focus of my adventuring activities from now on.

“So that’s how the Skill Point system works…”

On our way back, Zels muttered to himself, his eyes still sparkling with excitement.

“I’ll put this knowledge to good use in my research.”

“Research?”

“I’m conducting research on skills.”

Zels answered my question.

“…Thanks to you, I’ve gained some new knowledge today. N-not that I’m grateful or anything!”

As he spoke, his cheeks turned red.

“…W-well, I suppose I should at least thank you. Th… thank you…”

He added those words in a quiet, embarrassed voice.

“What are you, a tsundere?!”

I couldn’t help blurting out the retort.