How to upgrade without going to the dungeon?

“Don’t insult my father!”

The next moment, Kefir’s gaze, along with her true protagonist-level pressure, slammed down on me. If we weren’t standing a bit apart, I’d probably have a handprint on my face right now.

But the momentum, while strong, only lasted a moment.

After that, she must’ve realized I was actually speaking up for her.

Kefir retracted her raised hand, looked away, and her tone lost all of its earlier force.

“You… what do you know.”

If I didn’t know, I wouldn’t be the infamous con man clinging to the script.

Instead of comforting her with some cringy “stroking the heroine’s hair while she sobs” act, I figured saying the problem and solution directly would help more.

After all, I’m here to hug her thigh—not get in her bed.

Kefir’s mood affects whether I live or die, so of course I want her to always stay in her “true protagonist” form.

As Kefir made a fake move to leave, clearly trying to dodge the topic, I spoke up.

“What you’re upset about is probably just this: ‘Why hasn’t my strength improved in so long?’ Right?

It’s going to sting, but I’ll be honest—nine out of ten things you’re doing to get stronger are wrong.”

Kefir is the only true protagonist who can guarantee my survival.

But even for a protagonist, power doesn’t come from naps and luck.

Unlike Nilu, who’s built to “level up and explode,” Kefir—being a born genius—needs something else to grow stronger.

She froze in place.

Then turned around, her eyes filled with confusion and anxiety.

She must’ve reacted instinctively because I guessed correctly.

“W-what do you mean? You’re saying my daily training and my mentor’s teachings are all wrong?”

“Of course not,” I replied quickly. “But they’re also not useful. They won’t make you stronger.”

Getting stronger isn’t about spending money—but it’s also not about doing it Kefir’s way either.

“Euclid! You’re pulling that conman nonsense again, aren’t yo—”

“You’re a prodigy! A true genius who’s different from normal people! Normal people get stronger through training—but you don’t need that!”

Kefir froze mid-step, just as she was about to grab me by the collar.

A faint blush appeared on her face.

But I was too busy trying to explain the idea of “main characters vs. side characters” to notice.

In the script, protagonists don’t level up from just training, studying, or fighting two goons.

That’s like fighting Level 1 slimes when you’re Level 99—no XP gained!

To level up, you have to challenge bosses, chase huge events, create plot!

That’s what it means to be a protagonist.

At first, I was distracted by Kefir’s black stockings and perfect legs.

But now I see—Kefir isn’t just a true protagonist. She’s a perfectionist who wants everything.

That’s fine by me.

The stronger her thigh, the safer I am hugging it.

I placed a firm hand on her shoulder and put on my most sincere expression.

Nilu, stop staring with your mouth open. This doesn’t concern you. Go sweep.

“Ordinary people can train to their limit. Geniuses also have limits.

But you’re… you’re a genius among geniuses.

You have no limit.

What you lack isn’t effort or discipline—it’s opportunity and events that push you past your ceiling.”

“Euclid… have you used this line to scam girls before?”

If I really had, I’d be dead by now. My wives could form a football team.

“This is prophecy. Prophecy told me.”

She tried to brush me off with sarcasm, but failed.

Instead of tossing me out the door like usual, she…

Leaned forward.

Her warm body, sweet scent, and even a hint of sweat pressed against me…

And she collapsed gently into my chest.

Her head lowered.

“I don’t understand…”

Good.

If you did understand the script, I’d be scared to death by now.

“It’s like… um, weird events.

Or… big, important happenings, uh…”

I started to explain but changed my tone—her mood had shifted.

Since I plan to cling to her for survival, it’s better if I lead by example.

I’m her personal priest, after all—the decorative accessory hanging from her thigh.

“In short, your worries aren’t a real problem.

I’ll help you get stronger.

Just… believe in this terrible, infamous conman for once, okay?”

“I…”

A whisper came from her lips.

But just as the perfect thigh-hugging moment had settled in—

Something changed.

Kefir’s hand, gripping my clothes, trembled.

Then she snapped out of it.

She suddenly stood up straight and shoved me so hard I landed flat on my butt.

“Ahem… ahem ahem! I’m going to rest!

You two better clean this place up quickly!”

“And earlier—none of that happened, understood!?”