Hidden Skill (1)
“Joan’s Search S skill can analyze and identify anything you look at—whether it’s an object or a person. So, there’s a chance it could uncover hidden skills too.”
“B-but… can it really reveal skills that didn’t show up in the appraisal orb at the baptism ceremony?”
Manuel asked nervously.
“Hmm… I wonder? Joan, what do you think?”
Ah… she’s tossing it to me… total improvisation.
—Hey! Assist-chan! Help me out!!
—A: Yep, right here!
—J: Can Search S find hidden skills?
—A: Yup, it can.
—J: Oh, it really can…?
—A: Well, you’re Joan, after all.
…Even you, Assist-chan?
Hidden skills… hidden skill… reminds me of metal slimes. Hehe. Like a bonus character from some RPG—you find one, and you get a bonus skill or something.
“Joan?”
“Ah, sorry. It looks like it’s possible.”
“I see. That’s how it is, but what do you all think? I know being appraised isn’t always pleasant, so of course, you’re free to decline.”
“What happens if we refuse?”
Miura asked.
“Nothing happens. You’ll just have to leave the special class. Also, please don’t mention anything we talk about here—this is still in the research stage. I’ll need you to sign a confidentiality contract afterward.”
“I want to be checked! If I have other skills, that means I can do more, right? Besides, I trust Joan.”
Souya said with a wide grin.
“M-me too… I’d like to know more about myself…”
Manuel said, adjusting his glasses.
“I’ll go too.”
Added Kosshi.
“But… what if people talk about what they find out about me…?”
Miura was still hesitant.
“Miura, I won’t reveal your appraisal results to anyone. I’ll check each person privately, and Joan won’t say a word either.”
Joan nodded in agreement.
“In that case… please, I’d like to be checked too.”
They asked the others to step out, and first, Joan appraised Souya.
“(Show hidden skills too) Search Open.”
————————————————————
[Souya]From the Royal Capital.
Age
10
Attribute
Null
Condition
Healthy but hungry
Skills
Body Enhancement, Stealth, Speed, Transformation, Memory.
Note
Grandson of Spice Shop Nao.
Related to Sachiko and Taiki.
————————————————————
“““Eh!?”””
Joan, Juliette, and Souya all reacted simultaneously.
“I have five skills!?”
Souya was shocked by the number.
“… Definitely suited for covert work.”
Juliette commented on the skill set.
“Wait, grandson of Nao!? Related to Mr. Taiki!?”
Joan was stunned by the connection.
“Huh? Joan, you know my grandma and Taiki bro?”
“Yeah, Mr. Taiki’s one of our regulars, and I go to Sachiko and Nao’s shop all the time.”
“Wait… Lampail… ahh! You’re that famous cooking-obsessed lady!?”
“Ah, probably me. Oh, by the way, how’s Nao’s back doing?”
“Back? Oh! That was you!?”
“Well, I didn’t heal it myself, but I brought the healer.”
“Right, she’s been doing great now, thanks.”
“Ahem… may we continue?”
““Ah, sorry.””
“Souya’s hidden skills are Transformation and Memory.”
“Um… what do they do?”
“Transformation lets you change things like hair color or voice tone. Memory enhances memory. Though I don’t have those skills myself, so I can’t explain exactly how to use them.”
“Auntie… maybe Mr. Taiki uses these?”
“Could be.”
“Huh? What are you talking about?”
Souya didn’t seem to know about Taiki’s secret side.
“Hmm… you should just ask Mr. Taiki directly.”
“But… I don’t know how to contact him.”
“Our butler probably knows.”
“Really?”
“Yup. I’ll ask him.”
“Great! I’d love to work with Taiki bro.”
Next, Miura entered.
“Um… please.”
“Okay. (Show hidden skills too) Search Open.”
————————————————————
[Miura]From Hapine Territory
Age
10
Attribute
Null
Condition
Healthy but slightly nervous
Skills
Clean, Dry, Aqua
Note
Shy, wants to get along with everyone but tends to try too hard.
Often uses strong words to hide embarrassment.
————————————————————
“……”
Miura blushed and looked down, more embarrassed by the notes than the skills.
“Miura, are you okay?”
Juliette asked kindly.
Miura just nodded.
“Um… Miura, would you like to be friends?”
“Eh? But… I’m a commoner…”
“Hmm? Since when do you need noble status to be friends? I’d love to be your friend.”
“… Are you sure?”
“Yup.”
“Th-thank you… please.”
“Yay! Let’s be friends, Miura! … Can I call you Mii?”
“Eh… y-yeah… thank you.”
What do you think about this chapter?
