The Fastest Evolution of the Unrivaled Slime: My Rejected Skill was a Cheat for Super Efficient Leveling, So I Trained 100 Times Faster to Become the World’s Strongest

135. That Guy Said About Sierra-san

“Let’s end the story here. What I just talked about is the relationship between me and Laura.”

Sierra-san, having finished talking about the past, crouched down while leaning against the wall.

“…You despise me, don’t you?”

“Not at all—”

“It’s fine. I know I did things that deserve such feelings. It can’t be helped how Al-kun feels.”

Everything was clear now. Why Sierra-san and Laura kept their distance? The reason Laura said she would ‘take away happiness’.

Sierra-san left her home and came to Ortia. As a result, Laura had to undergo harsh training at home.

Previously, Noah had mentioned that ‘the conditions for becoming strong are not just leveling up.’ Since then, I have been thinking about the source of Laura’s strength.

Now, the answer has come. Laura endured the harsh training. That’s why she gained a strength that surpasses anyone else.

“When Sierra-san first met Laura, weren’t you sent back home?”

“Yeah. After I left home, Laura turned ten. At that point, Laura’s skill was found to be , and there was no need to involve me anymore.”

… It’s a super rare skill that boosts all physical abilities by 100%! Given the rigorous training added to that, it makes sense she’s strong.

“…Since coming to this town, I’ve thought many times about what Laura must be going through. I know from experience. It was clear Laura was suffering.”

Sierra-san’s hands trembled. She gripped the hem of her pants and continued, her voice strained.

“…But I couldn’t go back. I should have understood the most. Even though Laura was suffering, I prioritized myself. Laura resents me. After all, she stopped smiling—”

“That’s enough, Sierra-san.”

Sierra-san’s breathing became ragged. Sweat flowed down her forehead like a waterfall. I grabbed her shoulders to calm her down.

Sierra-san regretted possibly hurting Laura in the past. This was the first time I’d heard such a story from her. It must have been hidden deep in her heart.

That’s why I need to say everything I can to Sierra-san now.

“…I don’t think Laura resents you.”

“That can’t be true. After what I did…”

“I realized it while exploring dungeons with Laura. She loves people and cherishes everyone. More than anything, I realized this when fighting with her.”

Sierra-san looked up and gazed at me.

“Laura is strong because she overcame her painful past. Laura isn’t as trapped by her past as you think. Rather, she’s thinking about how to face you now.”

“…Is that because Al-kun thinks so?”

“Yes. But there’s also a basis for it. Laura said that by getting involved, she would ‘take away Sierra-san’s happiness,’ right? What Laura struggles with is rather the possibility of hurting you. That’s how kind she is.”

Sierra-san stood up, fell silent for a while, and then nodded.

“I don’t know for sure yet…but since you say so, I’ll try to believe it.”

Maybe I managed to restore a little of Sierra-san’s spirit. I don’t know how much this will help her, but I’m glad I could convey it.

“That’s right. Also, you won’t know until you actually talk to Laura. After the next dungeon exploration, let’s hold a party and have a heart-to-heart talk there.”

“Huh!? Isn’t that a bit too soon…”

Sierra-san suddenly panicked. Seeing her usually calm self getting flustered felt strangely endearing.

“Oh! There you are, Arks!”

At that moment, someone called my name. That loud voice…

“Irena? It’s been a while, hasn’t it?”

It was Irena with pink hair. After not seeing her for a while, she appeared unexpectedly in this situation.

“I’ve been holed up in the workshop lately! For this!”

Saying that, Irena held up a green cloth in her hands. From it, the tip of a sword was visible.

“What’s that?”

“Remember the scarlet sword I made the other day? I thought about making a magic sword that anyone can use! So, here it is!”

When Irena spread the cloth, about ten colorful swords appeared. They looked like regular one-handed swords but were painted in red, blue, yellow, and other colors.

“If you shout [Activate] while holding it, the magic stone used in the blade will explode, allowing anyone to use magic!”

I see. She used magic stones for the swords. Since magic stones are glassy and not suitable for long-term use, she resolved that issue by making them disposable.

With this, anyone can easily use magic without needing mana. Irena, you’ve thought this through!

“I’ll sell a lot of these and make new swords! You can keep all of these, and please try them out and spread the word!”

Irena tied up the cloth and handed it all to me. She was being very generous, but I wonder if it’s profitable…?