[Of course! The Millennium Tree is level 1000! Its skill experience efficiency is at the highest level! On top of that, if it’s the Poison Hand skill, even just attacking without destroying the target is counted as skill usage! This training method is unique to pharmacists with special abilities like Poison Hand!]
“…Got it. I’ll give it a shot.”
Right in front of me stands a tree so tall I have to crane my neck to see the top.
Its thick bark, reddish-brown trunk, and lush green leaves don’t look like anything a person could affect with just punches…
[To use skills, I recommend starting with a vocal activation routine until you get used to it! Once you’re comfortable, you can move on to silent activations or even create original skill names!]
There’s no information to go on. For now, I’ll just follow the instructions.
“Skill: Poison Hand.”
The moment I muttered it, something strange started happening.
My right and left hands began twitching, turning an ominous shade of purple before my eyes. Veins bulged, and my nails darkened… almost black.
[Fantastic! You successfully activated the skill!]
“…This doesn’t feel like something a protagonist would have.”
Clenching my poisoned fists, I struck the tree.
Thwap.
“…It’s tough.”
[Ah, that won’t do. You’re not putting your heart into it. You won’t gain skill experience with Poison Hand without full power.]
“Damn it…”
There’s no choice but to go all in. Think. Imagine.
I wouldn’t let pain or fear stop me if I were the protagonist. I’d do what needs to be done.
Half-desperate, I swung my fist.
Thud.
Pain shot through my knuckles as a dull impact reverberated.
“Guh… ouch…”
What happens when an amateur punches a tree bare-handed? The answer’s simple—you hurt your hand. A lot.
[Skill-based attack confirmed. The level gap of 990 with the Millennium Tree has been converted into skill experience points.]
So… enduring this pain will help my skill grow, huh?
Staring at my scraped knuckles, a thought hit me… Wait a minute… didn’t the tutorial mention an inventory?
“Tutorial, can I use the items listed in my inventory?”
[Some crafting-based professions start with bag-type items that allow for item storage and usage anywhere.]
“…Pharmacist’s bag.”
Pop!
A worn leather bag materialized before me, the kind you’d sling over your shoulder like a satchel.
“Got it…”
Ignoring the throbbing pain in my hand, I rummaged through the bag and pulled out a small bottle of red liquid.
～～～～～
★ Pain Nullifier ★
- Quality: Legendary
- Type: Personal Anomaly
- Effect: Grants the user “anesthesia” and “numbness.”
Description: One of the forbidden medicines created by the Calamity King. Erases the concept of pain.
Gifted to knights and royal vassals under his rule. The Calamity King once declared from the execution stands of the gods:
“Humans, to move forward, cast aside pain—even if it’s proof of your humanity.”
～～～～～
“Pain Nullifier, huh…”
I was the one who picked the Pharmacist class.
In the design phase, I envisioned it as a class that could craft various potions, but I don’t remember creating something like a Pain Nullifier…
And this flavor text—what’s with that?
“…Still, this is exactly the kind of item I need.”
[Ahaha, you noticed! Each profession and unique skill comes with early-game items tailored to be useful. Drinking the Pain Nullifier will greatly enhance your skill training efficiency! But of course, you don’t have to—]
Pop! Gulp.
[Eh?]
Ignoring the explanation, I popped the cork and chugged the contents. The thick, syrupy liquid had a sickly sweet taste as it slid down my throat.
“…Time is precious. Let’s get back to training.”
[…Incredible.]
～～～～～
Skill experience points added.
～～～～～
The words floated into view.
I actually kind of enjoy grinding skills like this… when my life isn’t on the line.