Chapter 34: The Ability to Challenge Higher Ranks

———

As everyone had said before, this wind attribute supplementary magic was very special.

No, it should be said that it was too abnormal.

Ordinary supplementary magic, while it can enhance the caster's abilities and imbue both the caster and their weapons with magical attributes, the effects of these supplementary magics are not too outrageous.

At the very least, a supplementary magic with an ultra-short incantation like "Wind Spirit Dash" would definitely not have a very powerful effect.

Unless it was a supplementary magic with an incantation as long as those used for large-scale area-of-effect destruction spells, the enhancement, augmentation, and improvement of supplementary magic would be quite limited.

However, "Wind Spirit Dash" was different.

This ultra-short incantation supplementary magic, which could be activated with just one line of incantation, had effects that were quite outrageous. Not only did it explosively enhance abilities, but it was also both offensive and defensive, possessing nearly all-purpose utility except for long-range attacks. This already exceeded the scope of supplementary magic, and even those with ultra-long incantations could barely match it, let alone ordinary supplementary magic, which could never achieve such a significant effect.

A supplementary magic that even ultra-long incantation supplementary magic could barely match, yet could be activated with just one line of incantation, itself demonstrated the abnormality and uniqueness of "Wind Spirit Dash."

The reason why Aiz, who possessed this magic, could hold the title of the strongest female swordsman at level 5 and become one of the strongest adventurers in the city was because of the power of this abnormal magic.

This was a magic that allowed one to challenge higher ranks.

With this magic, Aiz, who possessed this abnormal "wind," though her own abilities were only at the highest level of 5, was on par with the highest-level 6s in the city, and even stronger than the average 6s.

This was not like Raphiel, who sacrificed her abilities in other areas to specialize in "magic," pushing it to the highest stage and then enhancing it with skills to achieve cross-rank power.

Aiz, without sacrificing any of her abilities, relied solely on the power of one magic to gain the ability to fight across ranks, which was truly astonishing to the world.

To put it bluntly, in terms of pure surface abilities, or basic abilities, Aiz, using the "wind," might even surpass someone like Finn and others at level 6.

This was precisely why this magic placed a heavy burden on the body and weapons, and a single misstep could collapse the body.

This was less a side effect of "Wind Spirit Dash" and more the price one had to pay to use this magic.

An overly powerful force that did not burden the user would be strange.

Therefore, outsiders might not believe that a mere level 1 novice adventurer could defeat a level 2 dragon-type monster.

However, the leaders of the Loki Family were all aware that Rieger now had such capabilities.

"His abilities have already reached the upper echelons of level 1, rivaling even the veterans among lower-level adventurers,"

"Add to that the enhancement from the abnormal 'wind,' and it's not impossible for Rieger to defeat a crocodile dragon across ranks,"

"Let alone the fact that he has also learned Raphiel's magic, compensating for the only weakness of 'Wind Spirit Dash'—long-range attacks,"

Loki, crossing his legs, looked at the gathered leaders of the family and chuckled.

"I don't believe this kid's growth potential is any worse than that pig's infatuation,"

Such a malicious statement made Finn and the others quickly avert their eyes, pretending not to hear.

But they also acknowledged that they saw the possibility of Rieger surpassing that one person.

This made Finn and the others particularly excited.

"It seems those brats and girls in the leadership positions will really feel the pressure,"

Gryss grinned.

"Raphiel needs to step up her game too,"

Leviaria, closing one eye, thought about her disciple and silently decided to give her extra training.

Only Finn, biting his finger, suddenly asked Loki,

"Challenging a level 2 dragon-type monster, that's definitely a great achievement for a mere level 1, right?"

This question made everyone fall silent.

"Finn," Finn looked at Loki and said, "Is he going to level up?"

Leviaria and Gryss also looked at Loki.

To this, Loki's response was simple.

"Although I haven't seen his ability values, if there are no surprises, yes."

This statement caused a significant shock to Finn and the others.

"A level 2 after receiving the blessing for less than a week?" Leviaria muttered, "Orcus will really be shaken by this."

Even Gryss chuckled, "Even the fastest Aiz took a year, and this kid did it in a week. That's impressive."

"How is his accumulation?" Finn, somewhat worried, asked, "With his potential, he should be able to reach S-rank in all abilities, so we shouldn't waste this potential."

When people of the same level compete, what factors determine the outcome?

Undoubtedly, it's the difference in basic abilities.

However, the abilities accumulated before leveling up are also a decisive factor.

As previously mentioned, someone who levels up at the S stage is undoubtedly stronger than someone who levels up at the D stage.

Everyone receives the same boost when leveling up, so the difference in abilities before leveling up naturally becomes the difference between the two individuals.

Of course, an adventurer's combat techniques, combat intelligence, tactics, magic, and skills are also decisive factors, so looking at just the basic ability values alone cannot determine the final outcome. However, this is still an advantage, and it's best not to give it up if possible.

In such a situation, unless there is no more room for growth, Finn is not in favor of Rieger leveling up right now.

If it were a regular member of a family, exploring the dungeon is a life-or-death job, and it's more practical to focus on significantly enhancing combat power through leveling up rather than worrying about a few stages of basic abilities.

After all, the boost from leveling up far exceeds the improvement from a few stages of basic abilities. Plus, leveling up can unlock new potential and elevate one to a new level. Considering these undeniable benefits, it's wiser to focus on the next stage of growth rather than the current stage.

However, Rieger's growth speed is truly astonishing, and his potential is boundless. For him, spending some time accumulating is a very worthwhile investment.

Thus, Finn said,

"He's growing too fast. Slowing him down a bit wouldn't be a bad thing."

Finn thought this way.

While Loki also agreed, he chose to respect Rieger's opinion.

"Let's wait until the kid wakes up," Loki said, "If he wants to level up, I can't just stop him as a parent. This is ultimately his decision, and we can only advise, not make the decision for him."

Finn and the others nodded in agreement.

"I'm already looking forward to it," Loki then chuckled, "What kind of outrageous growth will he achieve after this battle?"

Loki, who was eagerly anticipating, had no idea what she was about to witness.

At the Twilight Mansion, in Rieger's room.

When the sunlight shone through the window and hit the bed, Rieger woke up.

"Too bright,"

Raising his hand to shield his eyes from the direct sunlight, Rieger squinted and slowly sat up.

As soon as he sat up, Rieger immediately felt a slight soreness throughout his body.

This situation did not dampen Rieger's mood; instead, it relieved him.

"It seems the injuries aren't serious,"

Just soreness meant it wasn't from the injuries but from the physical strain of forcibly increasing the output of "Wind Spirit Dash," which hadn't fully recovered yet.

While this was a problem, compared to being injured, a little soreness was something Rieger could endure.

After all, he didn't want to lie in bed for a month to recover from his injuries.

"Raphiel's panacea is really effective. If I have the money, it's best to carry some with me, or even use dimensional magic to bring it back,"

This special magic potion that could heal even fatal wounds was best to have on hand to avoid getting into trouble or dangerous situations when injured.

Having fully experienced the effects of the panacea and not wanting to lie in bed again, Rieger seriously considered this issue as he got out of bed, dressed, and left the room.

His destination was Loki's shrine.

Yesterday, after the goddess visited Rieger, she told him to find her when he woke up.

It was still early, and the Twilight Mansion was somewhat desolate, with no one around, either still asleep or already out.

Rieger didn't encounter anyone on his way and directly walked to the top floor of the central tower, arriving at Loki's shrine.

Loki still looked groggy.

"You're really early,"

The goddess looked at Rieger with a grumpy expression, as if blaming him for disturbing her beauty sleep.

"Did you drink all night again last night?"

Rieger walked into the shrine and immediately smelled a strong alcohol odor. Seeing the empty bottles on the floor, he knew why the unreliable goddess was in a bad mood.

"Not all night, just a little more than usual,"

Loki extended her fingers, making a gesture for "a little more."

Unfortunately, Rieger could only see a universe between her fingers.

"Try to drink less,"

Rieger gave a bit of advice.

"Sure, sure," Loki agreed verbally but clearly didn't take it to heart. She patted the seat in front of her and smiled, "Let's update your ability values quickly."

Rieger nodded, took off his shirt, and sat down in front of Loki.

"Wow, I'm really looking forward to it,"

Loki seemed in a good mood, pricking her fingertip and operating on Rieger's back while nodding her head.

"Let's see what you've got this time,"

Before she could finish her sentence, Loki suddenly stopped.

The next second, she exclaimed in shock,

"W-What the hell is this—!?"

New book, seeking support! Recommendations! Collections! (*^▽^*)

(End of Chapter)