Journey to Planar World

In the midst of the ongoing sparring match, Riveria narrowed her eyes, observing Ais with a mix of astonishment and admiration.

”Finn, is it just my imagination, or is Ais’s swordsmanship improving?”

Even as a mage, she could see Ais’s progress with the naked eye.

Still watching with sharp focused, Finn shook his head slowly. ”It’s not your imagination, Riveria. It’s real. Look at her stance—more relaxed, yet more controlled. Her movements aren’t just fast anymore; they’re more systematic. She’s starting to grasp what Charlie’s trying to teach her. Even as a mage, you can see it.”

”I have to admit, Charlie’s remarkably skilled at teaching others, perhaps no worse than Leon.” Finn added, his eyes gleaming with admiration. The more he learned about Charlie, the more he was amazed by him. Finn regretted that such talent wasn’t part of his Familia.

”Is there anything that guy can’t do?” Gareth grumbled, feeling that Charlie was utterly inhuman. ”Not only is his swordsmanship extraordinary, but he’s also gifted at training others.”

”Tch.”

Hearing their trio’s praise, Bete clicked his tongue. Just watching this sparring match made him worry he wasn’t a match for Charlie.

In his original plan, he intended to challenge Charlie after the sparring ended. But after seeing him create a vacuum crack with pure swordsmanship, Bete hesitated. Though impulsive, he wasn’t foolish. He didn’t want to humiliate himself in front of a crowd.

But even though his courage wavered, his heart didn’t fully submit. His gaze shifted to Ais, then back to Charlie—and in Bete’s chest, an uneasy feeling gnawed at him.

(Even so, I don’t approve of that guy being with Ais-san! S-sexual relationships should only happen after marriage! But that guy took Ais-san’s purity when they’ve barely known each other!)

Lefiya, aware of Charlie and Ais’s illicit affair, glared at Charlie with hostility. She grumbled sadly and angrily to herself.

◆━⊰✧⊱━◆

Charlie continued guiding Ais, correcting her every mistake. Each time Desperate shot forward, he parried with perfect precision, not just stopping her attacks but also creating openings that helped Ais understand her errors.

”Your movements are fast, but not pure. There’s a weight to every swing. It feels heavy, not light and free.”

Ais didn’t respond, listening intently to Charlie, her rapier raised, awaiting further guidance.

”I can feel the burning vengeance in every strike, Ais. That vengeance… it strengthens you, I can see that. It’s not a bad thing. Vengeance can be an incredible motivator, pushing you to grow stronger. But don’t let the hatred and anger from that vengeance influence you.”

Charlie didn’t judge Ais or ask her to abandon her vengeance. His ice sword flashed, a light slash that was barely felt but enough to make Ais stumble back.

”Remember this, Ais. A weapon is a tool meant for killing, but in the right hands, it can become a shield that protects the world.”

”Your vengeance is part of you, but don’t let it control your sword. Control your vengeance, not the other way around.”

”…”

Ais fell silent for a moment, reflecting on Charlie’s words. She had assumed Charlie would only teach her combat techniques, but he went far deeper. She never considered that her swordsmanship was influenced by vengeance and hatred.

”Mm.”

Ais nodded wordlessly. She understood that other adventurers grew stronger through Falna and Excelia, but Charlie, with his guidance, was teaching her how to become a true swordmaster.

The sparring lasted about ten minutes.

Ais attacked with all her might, applying the guidance Charlie had just given, but she still couldn’t land a scratch on him. In the end, the match concluded with a single silent strike from Charlie.

*CLANG!*

Before Ais realized it, Charlie’s ice sword was at her throat. Her rapier, Desperate, slipped from her hand and fell to the ground with a soft clink.

”I lost.” Ais said, lowering her head, visibly disappointed.

”Losing is a natural part of life. It happens. You just need to win next time.” Charlie replied, not placing much importance on victory or defeat. Perhaps he didn’t care, or maybe he simply believed he wouldn’t lose.

It was akin to how a spoiled second-generation heir might constantly complain about needing friendship and love—when, in reality, their problems could be solved by cutting their allowance for two months.

Still, Charlie wasn’t an insensitive harem protagonist, so he comforted Ais.

”Don’t look so sad, Ais. It’s only natural for men to be stronger than women. Otherwise, it’d be embarrassing to let a woman protect a man.”

If feminists on Earth heard that, they’d brand Charlie a patriarch. But in this world, strength was everything.

”Can we spar again next time?” Ais asked, her eyes looking at him with hope.

”Of course. Come find me anytime.”

How could Charlie refuse a request from his beautiful girlfriend?

◆━⊰✧⊱━◆

The quest to rescue Bell was complete. Charlie should have returned to the surface, but Finn invited him to dine with Loki Familia, and more importantly, Ais asked him to stay. Seeing the sincere request on her usually expressionless face, Charlie decided to return tomorrow.

By the warm campfire, Charlie chatted amicably with Finn and Gareth. Their exchange of Dungeon experiences flowed smoothly, especially when Gareth challenged him to a drinking contest.

Of course, Charlie outdrank Gareth, leaving everyone stunned. It was common knowledge that dwarves were true alcoholics. Very few could outdrink them in a wine-drinking contest.

What they didn’t know was that Charlie had the skill The Chosen Savior, which had several effects, one being poison resistance.

Alcohol was classified as a poison affecting the nervous system. Thus, it was impossible to get Charlie drunk, no matter the type or amount of wine. To him, the wines were no different from flavored water.

(This is an unexpected discovery. Should I try tasting the Divine Wine made by Soma Familia, famous for turning people into addicts with just one drop? It’s worth a shot,) he thought to himself.

Amid the lively atmosphere, Charlie also met Bell, who expressed his gratitude.

Not wanting to get too close to the protagonist, Charlie’s attitude toward Bell was lukewarm—neither friendly nor cold.

Clearly, this demeanor made Hestia pout, and she grew to dislike Charlie even more.

◆━⊰✧⊱━◆

As most of the camp’s inhabitants had fallen asleep, Charlie, feeling no drowsiness, decided to get some fresh air.

The atmosphere on Floor 18 was serene, with countless crystals on the ceiling shining like stars in the night sky.

”Speaking of which, it’s rare for me to walk alone without a woman by my side. Sometimes solitude isn’t bad.” he muttered softly.

Charlie wandered aimlessly, savoring the rare moment of solitude.

Passing through dense trees, he arrived at a vast green clearing. He stopped, a soft murmur escaping his lips.

”Hm?”

His sharp eyes caught something in the distance.