==========
[Eiji Nangou]
[LV·1]
[Strength: I·31 → H·121]
[Endurance: I·27 → H·101]
[Dexterity: I·48 → H·189]
[Agility: I·55 → G·223]
[Magic: I·4 → I·47]
[Skills: Ten Years of Sharpening a Sword]
[Magic: None]
[Development Abilities: None]
==========
"...This isn't slowing down at all!"
Loki carefully read the updated status and couldn't help but exclaim.
"I've been stuck in the dungeon these past few days, leaving early in the morning and coming back late. Based on the growth rate, it should be pretty normal, right?"
Eiji held the parchment, not feeling anything unusual, and was even quite dissatisfied that his magic had only increased by about 40 points.
"It's not normal at all!"
Loki's emotions seemed a bit out of control, her face twisted.
"An ordinary adventurer would need at least a month to reach this level, but you only took four days!"
Although he had been active near the middle levels, which naturally meant faster growth, this speed was completely unreasonable—almost ten times that of a normal adventurer!
It's true that he's diligent, but improving one's status isn't just about diligence.
There are people in the Loki Familia who are just as diligent as him, like the
Ais is even more obsessive than Eiji. She often locks herself in the dungeon for a week without coming out, but that's because she's so strong and frequently ventures into the deeper levels.
In terms of levelling intensity, the two are completely on par.
"Is it because of this skill?"
Loki looked at the very bottom of Eiji's back, focusing on the skill called [Ten Years of Sharpening a Sword].
This skill has two effects: "Indomitable" and "Ultimate Mastery."
Skills with multiple effects aren't rare, and while "Indomitable" is fierce, it's not groundbreaking. Therefore, the issue likely lies with the second effect, "Ultimate Mastery."
"Are you saying that the effect of Ultimate Mastery is to maintain a high rate of growth?"
"Probably. Maximizing the potential as a swordsman, specifically, should mean rapidly improving various abilities."
She hadn't paid much attention before, but now that she thought about it, isn't this effect just boosting the growth rate?
This is definitely an ultra-rare skill!
Makes sense.
Eiji pondered silently.
His potential is undoubtedly strong, but that should be limited to swordsmanship. Whether his talent for physical training is strong or not, he actually doesn't know.
After all, he originally chose the "Sword" icon, but whether that icon represents swordsmanship or being a swordsman, he isn't sure.
However, based on the current situation, the [Ten Years of Sharpening a Sword] skill seems more inclined to unlock his potential as a swordsman.
Eiji clenched his fist, feeling somewhat satisfied with the rate of his status improvement.
His control over his body is very strong, so he can feel that his strength has improved significantly, about 20-30% compared to before receiving the blessing. The efficiency is astonishing.
Although the increase in magic is smaller, it's also steadily rising.
"Listen, this is undoubtedly a very cheat-like skill. You must never reveal it casually, or it will definitely bring a lot of trouble. Not every god in Orario is as magnanimous as me!"
"Don't worry, I understand."
"Good."
Loki actually felt quite reassured. She could tell that Eiji was tight-lipped, keeping his secrets well hidden, but it was still necessary to remind him.
"It still hasn't appeared..."
After Eiji left, Loki muttered to herself.
Although she is indeed very lenient with the children of her Familia and doesn't force Eiji to reveal his secrets, Loki also has other expectations for him.
For example, training him as a trump card against Freya.
She couldn't help but feel excited just imagining such a scene, the thrill bubbling up uncontrollably.
***
The day after updating his status, Eiji wasn't in a hurry to head to the dungeon.
"Huh? Eiji, are you taking a break today?"
After having breakfast together in the dining hall, Eiji returned to the courtyard and continued practicing his sword in silence.
He had bought a new katana, similar in weight and feel to the Bling Blade, to use for his daily morning training and to conceal the existence of the Bling Blade.
When Tiona passed by the courtyard and saw Eiji, she blinked, thinking she was seeing things. After a while, she happily rushed over.
"Yeah, I'm thinking about finding a teammate."
Eiji continued his sword-swinging practice while answering Tiona's question.
"Finding a teammate?!"
Tiona's eyes immediately lit up.
"Right, I want to level up on the 13th floor, but I can't go alone, so I need to find a strong teammate."
"Me, me, me!"
Tiona puffed out her chest, unable to resist raising her hand, her face blooming with a sunflower-like smile.
"I don't have night watch duty right now, and I'm Level 5, so I'm really strong! I'm also very familiar with the 13th floor!"
"It's precisely because you're Level 5 that I don't want to team up with you."
A cold, emotionless voice came through.
Tiona instantly froze into an ice sculpture.
Teaming up with a Level 5 would turn a challenging game into an invincible speedrun.
If every time they encountered a strong enemy, Tiona rushed in and killed the monster before Eiji could even try, he wouldn't get any experience.
"I want to find a mage."
Eiji paused, thinking for a moment before adding.
"Preferably one with healing magic. Do you have any recommendations?"
It's best to choose teammates from the same Familia.
Teaming up with someone from a different Familia can easily lead to trouble over loot distribution, causing conflict between the two Familias.
"Hmm..."
Tiona let out a pitiful whimper, feeling heartbroken.
Not only did he reject her offer to team up, but he also asked her for recommendations, putting her in an awkward position.
"A healing mage... then it would have to be Line, right? She's also Level 2, which is suitable for exploring around the 13th floor... You two would be a perfect match."
Tiona said sourly.
Still, she couldn't bear to withhold the most suitable candidate.
"Line Arshe... huh?"
Eiji searched his memory of 'fate.'
She seemed to be a bespectacled girl with black hair tied in braids, around sixteen or seventeen years old. His first impression of her was very similar to his senior, Touka, and the scale of their 'fate' wasn't small either.
So she's a healing mage? And Level 2? That's indeed a perfect fit.
"Wait, Tiona, Eiji."
At that moment, a clear, cold voice interrupted from nearby.
Dressed in an emerald-green robe, exuding luxury and nobility, with a beauty that even goddesses would envy—the elven princess, Riveria, appeared before them.
In her hand, she held a precious staff embedded with crystals, and she approached them.
"I overheard your conversation. You're looking for a partner to venture into the middle levels, right? Although it might be presumptuous of me, could you take her along?"
Riveria stepped aside.
From behind her emerged a golden-haired elf.
She had tied her long, orange-yellow hair high at the back, with long, pointed elven ears peeking out from the sides of her delicate face. Her small features revealed a hint of innocence.
Perhaps because she wasn't good at dealing with strangers, her gaze on Eiji was slightly reserved.
"Her name is Lefiya Viridis. She's Level 3, an excellent mage with the potential to one day take my place. However, she's still too inexperienced and hasn't even mastered parallel chanting. So, I hope you can take her with you to hone her skills in the middle levels."
***
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