After that, I slew every monster that I came across and in no time, Shirley was level 32. I had told her to put 7 points in AGI and the rest in STR on each level up. The points in STR were important to increase her HP. Even though I'm with her, there could come a moment where she had to take a hit or two. This would atleast ensure her survival. The points in AGI were obviously, so we could travel faster and longer. Thus, I told her to put majority of her points in AGI. By now, she had about 20 times her previous SP.

Also, I gained another skill.

Sword Mastery LVL 1

Increased damage by 0.1% when attacking with a sword.

We finally took a break as we were starting to get real hungry. We found a small patch of land and settled down. Taking out the cooking items as per her orders, I started thinking about our future coarse of action. If Shirley was really going to travel with me, she had to be more than just a cook in the journey. I was planning to go to dangerous places. In such places, she would only be a hindrance and would most probably end up dying. It was better for her to participate in the battles. But from what I had seen, she was no way in hell suited for close combat. Having absolutely no training since young, she probably couldn't use any weapon, whether it be a sword or a bow. In my opinion, it would be better if she could somehow obtain magic skills, but even was a huge problem. I didn't have the faintest idea how to obtain one.

Since I couldn't come up with anything, I decided that I will leave it for later and would go back after eating.

(Oh crap.)

How could I have not realised this sooner. I had to leave for the real world.

(Is it just me, or I have only faced one problem another since Shirley came with me? I guess its probably not such a good idea for a user to get close to an NPC.)

Regretting now wasn't going to help. Even if she knew I had to leave (she once said to me "I've never seen one of you adventurers but I've heard stories you're from another world and have to leave from time to time"), the fact that she'd get eaten by some monster during that time, wouldn't change.

(Trichia! Help please!)

Seeing no way out, I asked help from my guardian angel.

"What do you need?" She asked in my head.

I had decided to not ask for Trichia's help unless it was to enquire something about 'the system', but this was an emergency.

(I'm worried about Shirley's safety. Is there some way to protect her once I'm gone?)

"You want me to help your affair behind Pauli's back? A flower in each hand. I didn't know my innocent big brother would grow into such a womaniser."

(Wha..wha..what are you talking about? We're not having an affair! I'm totally dedicated to Pauli! Shirley is just....)

"Yeah, what is she to you?"

(Just a travelling companion.)

"In a princess carry?"

(That was inevitable! We had to cross the fence!)

"Tight hugging to press against her breasts."

(That was an accident! An accident I tell ya!)

"An excuse for everything. Where did my innocent big brother go? Rota~~ Where are you~~?"

(.....There's really nothing between us.)

"Well, I'll believe you if you insist so much. Either way, I think it'd be 'entertaining' to get into big brother's body. Guehehehehe."

I felt a chill run down my spine from that laugh.

(I don't really like the sound of that. What do you mean by getting into my body?)

"I'll control your body to fend off any monsters that come. And in the meantime, have some intimate chat with Shirley. *wink*"

Even though she was speaking in my head, I still somehow felt her wink at me.

(I got nothing.)

It was probably better to shut up. Debating against a god could only result in me being squashed like a bug.

Thus, after eating Shirley's delicious cooking, I logged out and let Trichia take over. Whatever happens in my absence can only be sorted out tomorrow.

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Another small chapter. But no worries! I've planned for the next chapter to be considerably longer!! xD