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Chapter 53: Level Up to Lv.2
Furina was even more excited than Aiden himself; her small body trembled slightly with anticipation.
Looking at her expectant face, Aiden couldn't help but chuckle. He reached out and gently rubbed her silky white hair.
"Of course, I'm going to level up," he nodded, his tone firm.
Although with his current SSS-rank stats, if he continued to train or grind in the Dungeon, he might be able to squeeze out a few dozen more points.
But the closer one got to the true limit, the slower the improvement became. It would be a grind measured in months, or even years.
Rather than wasting precious time on negligible gains, it was better to level up directly and embrace a broader, brand-new world.
"Alright, let's start then!"
Receiving a positive answer, Furina was immediately fired up.
She made Aiden lie down again and placed her fair fingers on his back.
"Let me see... what Development Abilities can you choose?"
Furina carefully observed the Hieroglyphs on Aiden's back, then read aloud: "Ah, found them. There's [Hunter] and [Swordsman], and one more... [Fire Flash]."
"Which one are you going to pick?" Furina asked.
Hearing the three options, Aiden revealed a thoughtful expression.
[Hunter]: Improves all abilities when fighting monsters of a type previously defeated.
[Swordsman]: Increases attack power, attack speed, and precision with all sword weapons, and slightly reduces mind usage when using sword skills.
The last one, [Fire Flash], was a rare ability.
[Fire Flash]: All attacks will carry fire damage. Increases the power of all fire-attribute skills and magic. Attacks inflict a burning effect.
[Hunter] was very practical, allowing for higher efficiency when repeatedly clearing the Dungeon—an excellent grinding ability.
[Swordsman] was the safest choice, directly strengthening his current fighting style and taking his swordsmanship to the next level.
However, when he heard the third option, his heart skipped a beat.
[Fire Flash].
This Development Ability undoubtedly appeared because the Falna recognized his usage of the enchantment magic [Everlasting Flames].
Unlike the first two, which were general enhancements, this was a specialization deepening the path of "Fire."
Without any hesitation, Aiden made his choice.
"I choose [Fire Flash]."
"Decided?"
Furina sat astride Aiden's back, tilting her head to ask.
"Yeah, that's the one," Aiden affirmed.
"Okay, I'm starting."
With that, Furina dripped a drop of divine blood and began writing the Hieroglyphs on Aiden's back.
Aiden could feel the sacred brand of the Falna on his back beginning to emit a brilliance more dazzling than ever before.
Those "experience points" representing his past Feats, which had already reached their limit, surged under the guidance of Furina's divine power like hundreds of rivers returning to the sea—gathering, condensing, and finally sublimating.
An indescribable sensation of rebirth washed over Aiden's entire body.
He felt as if every cell in his body was cheering, a massive joy rising from the very essence of his life.
The sensation of fullness, like a cup filled to the brim with water, vanished completely. Replacing it was a vast, empty lake waiting to be filled.
This was leveling up.
"Done! The first Lv.2 of our Focalors Familia is officially born!"
Furina raised her hands high, cheering with joy.
But immediately after, she withdrew her hands, placed them on her hips, puffed out her cheeks, and muttered with some dissatisfaction:
"But speaking of which, Aiden... why do I feel like you're getting further and further away from 'Water' and going deeper down the path of 'Fire'? I'm the God of Hydro, you know!"
Her words were filled with minor complaints, as if a parent in a specific trade felt a twinge of loss seeing their child major in a different subject.
Hearing this, Aiden couldn't help but laugh.
He sat up, looking at the cute goddess before him, and slowly opened his palm.
A cluster of golden-red flame ignited out of thin air in his palm, emitting a heat and light more intense and pure than before.
This was the change brought by [Fire Flash].
He looked up at Furina, his eyes holding a gentle and firm smile.
"Whether my magic is water or fire, we will always be together, forever, won't we?"
Furina blinked. She felt like something wasn't quite right with that logic, but she ultimately chose to toss her small grievance to the back of her mind and handed him the brand-new status parchment.
Aiden took it, his gaze landing on the completely refreshed panel.
[Aiden]
[Level: Lv.2]
[Abilities]
Strength: I-0
Endurance: I-0
Dexterity: I-0
Agility: I-0
Magic: I-0
[Magic]
[Ripple of the Past]
[Everlasting Flames]
[Skills]
[Descender]
[Trailblazer]
[Abyss Gazed Back]
[Development Abilities]
Abnormal Resistance: S
Fire Flash: I
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When Tifa, Robin, and Hyacine returned home, they were greeted by lights filled with warmth.
The dust and scent of blood from the Dungeon seemed to be shut out the moment they pushed open the door.
"We're back."
Tifa unbuckled the equipment on her back, her voice carrying a hint of relief.
"Welcome home! Look, look! We have big news today!"
Furina jumped up from the sofa, waving a small spoon in her hand like a theater conductor eager to announce a major discovery.
Aiden was sitting on the sofa. Seeing them return, a gentle smile appeared on his face.
"What news?"
Robin put down the supply bag in her hand, habitually starting to organize things while looking curiously at Furina.
"Of course, it's about our great Captain—Mr. Aiden," Furina puffed out her chest, announcing in an operatic tone, "Just today, he successfully promoted to Lv.2! And he completed the level up with all basic stats breaking the limit!"
The air went quiet for a second.
Hyacine reacted first. She covered her mouth in pleasant surprise, her eyes sparkling with bright light. "Really? Aiden, you leveled up?"
Tifa stopped what she was doing and looked at Aiden, her eyes full of joy.
The corners of Robin's mouth couldn't help but curve upward. Her lake-green eyes reflected heartfelt happiness and pride.
"Yeah, Furina just helped me level up," Aiden nodded, confirming Furina's announcement.
"That's wonderful!" Tifa laughed sincerely. "This is absolutely a major event worth celebrating. Tonight, I'll make a grand feast. Let's celebrate properly!"
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