Chapter 34: Status Update
Ariel.
As mentioned before, this wind element enchant-type magic was quite special.
No, it should be said, it was exceptionally unique.
While ordinary enchant magic could enhance the user and their weapon, the effects of those enchant magic were usually not too outrageous.
At least, ultra-short chant enchant magic like 'Ariel' was definitely not expected to be too powerful.
Unless it was an ultra-long chant enchant magic with a chant comparable to wide area annihilation magic, the strengthening and enhancement of regular enchant magic were quite limited.
But 'Ariel' was different.
This ultra-short chant enchant magic could be used with just one chant and had extremely powerful effects. It not only boosted the explosive enhancement of basic abilities but was also versatile in offense and defense, possessing almost omnipotent utility except for long-distance attacks.
This had surpassed the realm of enchant magic; even those ultra-long chant enchant magic were faintly inferior, not to mention regular enchant magic. It was impossible to achieve such significant effects.
Enchant magic that was faintly superior to even ultra-long chant enchant magic but could be activated with just one chant demonstrated the abnormality and uniqueness of 'Ariel'.
Ais, who possessed this magic, was known as the strongest swordswoman, becoming one of the city's strongest adventurers. This was due to the anomaly of this magic's power and enhancement.
This was a kind of magic that allowed one to challenge opponents of higher levels.
Ais, despite being a Level 5, was more than a match for even the Level 6 individuals in the city with her Ariel.
This wasn't like Lefiya, who sacrificed her other basic abilities. She focused solely on 'MAG', upgrading it to the highest rank, and complementing it with skills to achieve powerful firepower beyond her level.
Ais, without sacrificing any other basic abilities, solely relying on one magic, possessed the capability to fight someone with a higher level, truly shocking anyone.
Said without a trace of politeness, if one considered pure basic abilities alone, Ais with 'Ariel' might even surpass Level 6 adventurers like Finn and the others.
It was understandable that Ariel would put a significant strain on the body and weapon. One slight mistake could lead to the breakdown of the body.
However, the side effect of 'Ariel' was actually not that significant, considering how amazing the results it brought. An excessively powerful power that didn't bring a burden to the user would be a strange thing.
That was why people who didn't know might not believe that a mere Level 1 rookie adventurer could defeat a Level 2 dragon species monster alone.
But the Loki Familia's higher-ups knew very well that Riezel had such a capability.
"In itself, that kid's status is already comparable to the level beyond Level 1, akin to the veterans among low-class adventurers. Add to that exceptional wind enchant magic from Ais, he can take down a higher-level Crocodile Dragon is not impossible."
"Not to mention, he's also mastered Lefiya's magic, covering the only gap that Ariel lacks, which is long-distance attacks."
Observing the three top executives of her familia, Loki explained with a grin, leaning back with her legs crossed on the couch.
"I just can't believe that with the kid's ridiculous growth potential, he'd be worse than the pig of that slut (Ottar)."
Hearing their Goddess's malicious remarks, Finn, Riveria, and Gareth pretended not to hear, maintaining their composure.
But they also admitted that from Riezel, they saw the potential to surpass that man. This made the three top executives especially hopeful.
"Looks like those stinky executive kids are really under pressure, huh..." Gareth smirked.
"Lefiya needs to step up too." Riveria said while closing one eye. Thinking about the matter of her disciple, she silently decided to give her extra lessons later.
Only Finn, biting his finger, suddenly turned to Loki with a question.
"Challenging a Level 2 dragon species monster in lower level condition, that's definitely considered a great exploit for a Level 1, right?"
His statement made everyone fall silent.
"Loki..." Finn looked at Loki solemnly. "Is he about to level up?"
Riveria and Gareth also turned their gaze towards Loki.
To Finn's question, Loki's reply was only one sentence.
"Although I haven't seen his status yet, but most likely, yes."
The impact of her statement was easily imaginable.
"Reaching Level 2 after receiving a blessing in less than a week...?" Riveria murmured. "Now, Orario is really going to be shaken."
"Heh, even the fastest Ais took a year originally. But that kid did it in just one week, huh? Truly impressive..." Even Gareth couldn't help but chuckle.
"How's his proficiency?" Finn was somewhat worried. "With his potential, he should be able to reach S-rank on all basic abilities, don't let his potential go to waste."
When people of the same level contended, what factors could determine their victory or defeat?
Undoubtedly, it was the difference in basic abilities. The basic abilities developed before leveling up were the decisive factor.
As mentioned before, comparing someone who leveled up with basic abilities on the S-rank with someone who leveled up with basic abilities on the D-rank, the difference in power was self-evident.
The improvement during leveling up was the same for everyone, so the difference in basic abilities before leveling up became the gap between two individuals.
Of course, an adventurer's combat techniques, experiences, tactics, magic, and skills were also decisive factors. Just looking at the basic ability alone couldn't determine the final outcome. However, it was still an advantage, and not ignoring it was undoubtedly a wise choice.
In such a situation, unless Riezel truly couldn't continue to grow his basic abilities, Finn wasn't in favor of letting him level up now.
If it were ordinary familia members, instead of being entangled in the improvement of those basic abilities, it was better to significantly enhance combat power through leveling up since exploring the dungeon was a life-threatening activity.
No matter what, the improvement gained from leveling up was incomparable to the improvement of a few ranks in basic abilities. Moreover, leveling up could unlock new potential and elevate oneself to another level.
Considering these undeniable benefits, abandoning the growth of the current level and directly focusing on the growth of the next level was a wise move.
However, Riezel's growth speed couldn't be treated the same as other adventurers, as his potential seemed bottomless. For him, taking some time to develop basic abilities was a very wise decision.
"He's already growing fast enough. Let him slow down a bit; it's not a bad thing." Finn said what he believed.
Loki, although deeply agreeing with him, chose to respect Riezel's opinion.
"Let's talk about it when the kid wakes up." Loki shook her head. "If he wants to level up, I can't stop him; it's ultimately his decision. I can only advise and can't make decisions for him."
Finn, Gareth, and Riveria nodded.
"Honestly, I really can't wait..." Loki said with a playful smile. "After this battle, how absurd will his growth be?"
Poor her; she had no idea what she was about to witness later.
===
Twilight Manor, Riezel's Room.
As the sunlight streamed in through the window, casting its warmth onto the bed, Riezel finally woke up.
"Damn, it's so dazzling..."
He raised his hand to shield his eyes from the direct sunlight, squinting as he slowly sat up. With this movement, a slight soreness instantly surged through his entire body.
However, this didn't ruin his mood; it actually relieved him.
"Well, looks like the injuries aren't that bad."
If it was only soreness, it meant it was not due to injuries but rather the strain from forcefully boosting the output of Ariel hadn't completely subsided.
Though it posed its own problem, compared to being injured, a little soreness was manageable for him.
He definitely didn't want to lie in bed and nurse his wounds for another month.
"Lefiya's elixir works wonders. If I have money, it's best to keep some on hand. I could even use the Dimensional Magic Cube to bring some back."
This kind of magic potion could heal even fatal wounds—if conditions allowed, it was best to be prepared. He seriously considered this issue as he got out of bed, dressed, and left the room.
His destination was Loki's divine room.
Yesterday, after she came to check on him, she instructed him to come find her once he woke up.
Twilight Manor felt somewhat deserted since it was still early. Riezel walked all the way without encountering anyone, reaching the top floor of the central tower and entering Loki's divine room.
At this hour, she still had a sleepy look on her face.
"You're up early, kiddo."
The Goddess looked at him with resentment, as if blaming him for interrupting her beauty sleep.
"Did you pull another all-nighter last night?"
Riezel asked while walking into the room and instantly smelled a strong scent of alcohol. Looking at the empty bottles on the floor, it was clear why this unreliable Goddess was in a bad mood upon waking up.
"Not an all-nighter, just had a bit more to drink." Loki extended her finger, making a small gesture.
Unfortunately, all he could see between those fingers was a vast universe.
"Drink a little less."
Riezel advised Loki, to which she nonchalantly replied 'Yes, yes, yes', clearly not taking it to heart.
"C'mon, let's update your status quickly!" Loki said with enthusiasm while patting the seat in front of her.
Riezel nodded, took off his shirt, and sat down in front of her.
"Ahh, I'm really looking forward to this!"
Loki seemed to be in a good mood as she spoke, swaying and shaking her head left and right. She quickly pricked her fingertip and started working on his back.
"Let me see what you've got this time—"
Before she could finish her sentence, however, she suddenly stopped.
"W-Wh-Wha-What the fuck is this—?!!!"
Loki couldn't help but curse loudly in shock.