George laugh resounded throughout the room while wiping off the strand of blood from his mouth. Soon after, he began to apologise about the insults while explaining his reasoning behind it. Sometimes soul abilities get triggered by emotions, this does not imply that is the only way for them to become active. However, George had decided to give it a try and it had worked. I also apologize for the whole punch thing and so a small debate started between those present about what my soul ability was. Dan insisted there was no way for it to be speed-related since I sent George flying so far. Lizz was fixated on the idea it had something to do with a transformation, I don't know why. And we already know what George's thoughts on the matter were. As for me, I had no idea what to think about all this.

After things calmed down a little everyone asked me if I could reactivate it. I tried but it was no use. With a gentle smile, George began instructing me on how to do it. It was simple since this was mine and mine alone. Only I could know what it had felt like. The only thing I had to do was remembering the feeling and use my will to trigger it. It did work, and like we had agreed before I began to inspect myself. I could perceive a light grey smoke-like substance emanating from my body in small quantities. It was a weird feeling and after a few seconds, I deactivated it. The pain that I had already felt twice hit me once more, however, this time wasn't as bad as the previous ones. And so the debate began once more.

In the end, and after a few more tests all of us reached the same conclusion. My ability improved every aspect of my body from speed to strength, reflexes and mana conductivity. However the strain these enhancements would place on my body made for a really bad backlash. I decided to call it overload thinking back to the machinery from my original world. With that, I began my training to control and perhaps even reduce the backlash of its usage. However, I must admit George training is brutal. First, he said that my stamina needed to improve above else. I knew that already but I hate exercise, I don't like sweating and the feeling of lacking energy is the worst. Even so, I was forced to run laps around the training area until I couldn't do so any more before sparing with Dan or Lizz then repeat. I thought I would die a few times.

When I was finally able to leave the sun was just about to set. There are no clocks on this world, so making an educated guess I think its around five to six pm. I was completely drained but a feeling of fulfilment eased my mind. Tomorrow I would set out to buy some armour, leather should Be good. However, I will run out of money soon. I don't have much left of the jewel rabbit's reward, guess I have to get serious on making money from now on.

Days kept on passing without much happening my training continued to be as brutal as ever. George kept on praising me for my efforts even though it was mostly him pushing me to the very edge for my own good. Soon enough the backlash had been reduced to mild muscle pain and headache after a ten-minute partial activation. I learned how to control the output of my magic and therefore the strength of the enhancement I received. Thankfully I didn't encounter another situation like the one at the forest where my life was at the line. And as of today, I am finally an E ranked adventurer, E+ actually.

There is a slight problem I have encountered during this time, simple iron swords are not capable of withstanding my increased strength. If I am not careful with my output they end of bending or breaking. In a single month I have already changed weapons three times, or should I say four since as of now I am searching for a new one. I think this time I will buy a steel one, they tend to be expensive but if it lasts longer then it will be worth it. As I had these thoughts going around my mind I reached the usual smithy from where I got my equipment. I have gotten somewhat used to this city along with this world. At first, the technological difference was a bother but as of now, I think I am fine with it more or less. Either way, I hope the old man has something suitable for me. As I entered the smithy the old man gave me his usual greeting with a troubled face

"hey, lass have you broken one of my blades again?"

With an apologetic look, I nodded as I took out the shattered sword

"what do ya do with my products? smash em against rocks or what?"

As he looked at the chipped and shattered blade a sigh escaped him

"Either way I guess ya want a new one"

Once more I gave a slight nod before answering

"I keep telling ya. A maze or hammer would be a better fit for someone like ya. That brut strength cant be fully displayed with flimsy sharp weapons"

I contemplated the idea once more but ended discarding it like before. If I were to use such a weapon I feel I would lose something important. I mean I am still a lady, using a sword is already barbaric enough for me I don't want to smash my enemies into a paste. At least not on purpose.

"I already told you its too much for me. I don't want to look like some kind of muscle brain. Also, a sword is a man's romance, though I am a girl but you get the point"

He simply snorted before shaking his head as we went back on track.

"I guess I can't convince ya. Well more money for me, though it's a little heart wreaking to see my creations in such a sorry state"

I gave him an apologetic look and as I was going to state my apology once again as I had done every time before he interrupted me.

"Save it. ya are quite the challenging client and I like challenges so I don't mind it, as long as ya pay that is. So will ya be buying the same as always?"

I shook my head. I had finally saved up enough money to buy something better. I just hope this one can last longer. A year would be nice. I girl can dream can't she?

"Actually, this time I would like a steel one since you know, they are tougher and all that"

As I finished he smiled while taking something from below the counter

"ha! I knew sooner or later ya would gather the mulla for it, and as the excellent smith that I am I have prepared this for ya"

In front of me was something wrapped in a piece of cloth, I could only guess it was a sword probably made from steel. As he removed the cloth a rather beautiful blade was shown. A sword indeed, I say beautiful but it wasn't adorned however one could perceive the effort of the craftsman that went into it.

"Are you sure I can have this? I only have enough for a simple steel short sword, I don't think I can afford this one"

As much as I wanted to simply grab it and say thanks I knew it wasn't possible. However, the old man gave me a wide grin before answering my doubts.

"Don't worry about it lass, I had hella fun crafting this. I will give you a discount since you are such a good customer, how about it?"

Before he finished his sentence I had already started nodding as I took out the money I had prepared. A normal iron sword was worth around ten to fifty silver coins depending on the quality of the material and the craftsman's skill. I had saved up a gold coin and fifty silver coins to get my steel shortsword this steel sword must be at least two gold coins. To think that I would get it this cheap was like a dream.

"Thank you old man, I promise I will take good care of it"

he chuckled a little as he counted the money before answering with a large grin plastered on his face

"knowing you lass, I will be expecting to see you in a week or so. Ya know, since ya refuse to get something sturdier ya should get yourself one of dose enchanted blades instead. I heard the higher their mana concentration the better. Not like I would know anything. If am not mistaken those weapons are called minokens or somethin"

I laughed a little before saying my goodbye and leaving. A minoken huh, those things are way too expensive for me. I read in a book from the library, that was recommended by Dan and Lizz, that minokens poses unique magic imbued on them. This magic provides enhanced strength and durability to the material along with a spell or spells depending on its grade. It would be nice if I could get my hands on one but even the cheapest ones go for five gold coins upwards. Maybe in the future but as of now its not something I can afford sadly.