Fine Foe


    Gabil gradually felt enraged as he grew Hippocout grass in the cave every day.


    Aiyi, speaking of Souka, rumor has it that shes improved greatly as ofte. Wouldnt she one day be stronger than me if this continues?


    Thats true, Souka-sama was already a capable warrior worthy of being the captain of Abil-samas elite bodyguards, and has since be a force to be reckoned with, next to Gabil-sama. With her training under Souei-sama, her current level of ability makes her barely recognizablepared to her past self.


    Indeed. Her performance against the megalodon during the Charybdis crisis was fantastic. This and that may all be thanks to Souei-samas training.


    Gabil agreed with the words of his subordinates. They had no problem at all acknowledging the power of Souka, who is from the same n as them, and thus simply expressed their opinion to each other.


    Thats gotta be the case. But it cant be helped that we havent been put in more important roles. We are still outsiders and were once hostile towards Rimuru-sama. We should be grateful for being epted aspanions. Moreover, Ive started to gain more interest in the cultivation of this Hippocout grass


    Thats true.


    Indeed, indeed.


    Gabil basked in the support from his subordinates, then eximed what had been irking him: However! Souka not only received the important task of espionage, she is also gaining strength at the same time! This may not be good. If this is to continue, I may lose my dignity as her senior, further deepening my shame before her! Dont you guys think that in order to be ones senior, one has to be stronger as well?


    Ga-Gabil-sama


    Perhaps you are thinking too much


    No, no. The monsters in this cave are unable to pose any threat at this point. If we continue to live like this, we may lose our sense of crisis awareness. My spear-work may also get dull over time. At least thanks to Rimuru-samas grace in dispatching Hakurou-dono as our instructor, our basic training and troop formation exercises are on point But this is not nearly enough! Isnt there anything else significant enough that the likes of us could be of use?! Especially in this town where you cant shine if you are a master of none


    Regardless, Hakurous weapon of choice is the sword, thus I have no way to improve my spear-work, other than working hard on my own, Gabil thought to himself.


    Indeed. Setting us aside, the monsters in the cave are hardly any threat to Gabil-sama


    Hn-hmm Souka-sama receives Souei-samas abusno, guidance and has been steadily improving. Nansou, Hokusou, Touka and Saika have been thriving as well. Presumably, whats necessary is an opponent of simr strength, at least thats what I think will work.


    Indeed, yes. My ability is undoubtedly a bit higher than yours. But, an opponent, hmm


    These whispers andints swirled around Gabils party.


    Meanwhile, someone was giving them a cold look. That would be Vesta. From his point of view, them bragging about the monsters in the cave beingughable, was proof enough that they were plenty strong.


    And since theyve already be this strong, whats the point in pursuing more strength?


    Plus, before that


    That nonsense can wait, could you guys start separating the Hippocout from the weeds instead


    Vesta thought to himself and sighed internally.


    ***


    Gabils party reignited their discussion during break time.


    A man approached them while they discussed.


    Hu-Hu-Hu, Ive heard of yourints!


    It was Gobta. Vesta half-telling, halfining told Gobta about Gabil and their concerns during a meal.


    Oh-oh, Gobta-dono. I see you are able to get inside without even using the magic circle. It would seem your ability has grown quite a bit.


    Of course! When spending time with that old man its inevitable, no matter how bad it is, Gobta said with pride.


    So, what seems to be the issue? Gabil asked. Gobta cut to the chase with his question: I heard you were looking for a rival. Allow me to be Gabil-sans opponent.


    What!? Gabil was shocked by this response, yet upon second thought, it didnt seem to be such a bad proposal. Based on pure strength, Gabil was no doubt stronger, yet Gabil had always been defeated by Gobta so far. This could be attributed to Gobtas wit and adeptbat coordination, which Gabil himselfcked. Gabil was well aware of his shorings. He also received the advice that having technique is far from being strong. At the point between life and death, the inability to react can be lethal from Hakurou. Recalling this, Gabil thought to himself that he could leverage Gobtas bizarre fighting style to help him improve his reaction speed.


    I understand now, that sounds like a great proposal, however, Gobta-donos job


    Just call me Gobta. Im in this to learn how to wield a spear, and since I went through quite a lot of trouble to get this weapon from Rimuru-sama, I want to practice and master it as well.


    Gobta showed off his kodachi. Despite being a kodachi, it was a magical weapon that would transform into an ice spear upon being covered in water. Gobta was unable to master the way of using a spear himself, hence why he was looking for a training partner.


    Very well, Gobta-dono. No, Gobta, from today onward, I shall teach you the art of the spear, and in return


    Ill be Gabil-sans opponent and teach you the ways to fight dirty.


    Hmm! I look forward to training with you, Gobta.


    The feeling is mutual!


    With a firm handshake, a new friendship was born. One that would develop into a secret,petitive rtionship.


    All the while Vesta shot an ice-cold look towards the two from a distance.


    Gabil-dono is such a simple man. And what in the world is the ways of fighting dirty  his eyes were burning with a desire to argue


    But Vesta who had since learnt to read the air remained silent on the matter. Among the three, there is no doubt that Vesta is the one who had matured the most.