Having received a foldable cane from Yanagi-sensei, I started carrying it with me every day to work. Of course, I never used it to attack anyone. Holding it frequently, I practiced the movements Yanagi-sensei taught me: sweeping, thrusting, and dropping. These three actions are surprisingly challenging in terms of the required force and technique.

For sweeping, unlike a spear or staff, the cane is short. It feels more natural to flip the holding end and hook it, which helped me understand the concept of "maai," or combative distance, often mentioned by martial artists.

Thrusting with a cane is entirely different from using a spear or staff. A spear thrusts with its blade, while a staff uses momentum for power. However, a cane's thrust doesn't gain much force when pulled back due to its short length and light weight. Instead, fixing my shoulder and pushing forward with my body weight seemed more effective in pushing the opponent back.

The most challenging action is "dropping," which seems to be the most powerful attack in cane technique. Targeting vital spots is crucial. When Yanagi-sensei used it on my foot, it was excruciatingly painful. If it were to hit the head or heart, I shudder to think of the consequences.

I practiced these actions daily, carrying the cane everywhere.

"Um, Abe-san?"

"Oh, sorry. Is break time over?"

Recently, I've been having lunch daily with Yabasawa-san, who seemed puzzled by my silent practice.

"No, there's still time, but you suddenly went quiet."

"Sorry, I've been lost in thought lately. I've been learning cane technique since my second encounter with a goblin."

"Cane technique? The one that old man carries?"

"Yes, this cane."

I took out the foldable cane from my bag and handed it to Yabasawa-san.

"This can be used as a weapon?"

"Honestly, I'm not sure. May I try a little experiment?"

"Okay, but I don't want it to hurt."

"Of course."

I hooked the cane around Yabasawa-san's waist and pulled her towards me. I avoided the ankle to prevent tripping her.

Oops, I did it...

"What's the intention behind this?"

I explained the technique, originally designed to trip by hooking the foot.

"I see, so you pulled me in and then hugged me."

I sat there, reflecting deeply, under Yabasawa-san's stern gaze.

"Don't worry, I understand it was to avoid hurting me. But please explain first next time."

"Understood."

"Alright, let's get back to work."

"Sure."

I feared I had alienated Yabasawa-san, whom I had grown closer to during our lunches.

"You're not mad anymore, are you?"

"Eh?"

"So don't look so down."

"Ah, yes!"

Was she forgiving me?

"Why do you look so happy? Hmph."

I couldn't hear what Yabasawa-san muttered under her breath, but I was relieved to be forgiven.

Two weeks after my last encounter with a goblin, I spotted another figure.

"It seems the appearance rate is increasing. Maybe I need to study more about dungeons. Mizumochi-san, shall we fight today?"

Mizumochi-san, ready for battle, nudged my back.

"Can I leave it to you today?"

Mizumochi-san's jiggling seemed to say, "Leave it to me."

Today, instead of a metal bat, I brought the cane.

"Alright, let's go."

Approaching the goblin, I pushed the cane against it.

"Giyyagigi!"

As the goblin rose, I pushed it with the cane, making it fall onto its backside. Without mercy, I thrust the cane into its abdomen.

"Giyya!"

The goblin turned into a magic stone.

"Huh? I defeated it."

Mizumochi-san seemed to say, "Well done."

Although anticlimactic, it seemed goblins turn into magic stones upon receiving a certain amount of damage.

"I leveled up. I'm now level 2, but there's no real sensation of increased physical ability."

I broke the magic stone to absorb the magic and left the dungeon, Mizumochi-san giving me a thumbs up.