Chapter 36: "Light Armor"

Whether one can learn a developmental ability upon leveling up is not a matter of luck, but rather depends on the experience accumulated by the individual up to that point.

Just like with basic abilities, if you want to improve a certain ability, you need to take corresponding actions and actually use that ability to accumulate the necessary experience to enhance it. This is the same principle that allows you to convert accumulated experience into tangible growth when your abilities are updated.

While potential and talent also play a role, generally speaking, the developmental abilities one learns upon leveling up are determined by the actions taken.

As long as you take the necessary actions and accumulate enough experience to trigger a specific developmental ability, that ability will appear as an option to learn when you level up.

Conversely, if you do not gain significant experience or meet the conditions to learn a developmental ability, you will not learn any new abilities even after leveling up.

Given this, if you have accumulated appropriate experience, multiple developmental abilities may appear for you to choose from.

Right now, Rigel is in such a state.

"There are four developmental abilities you have triggered, but you can only choose one to learn. If you want to level up immediately, you need to make your choice now," Loki informed Rigel and listed the four developmental abilities he had triggered.

"The first developmental ability is—'Hunter.'"

This is a specialized ability for dealing with monsters, and the condition to trigger it is to defeat a large number of monsters in a short period.

Once learned, this ability will enhance the adventurer's stats when facing the same type of monster they have previously defeated and gained experience from.

This ability can only be learned when leveling up to level 2, making it quite rare and valuable. Since most adventurers work by exploring dungeons and frequently face monsters, this ability is highly sought after by both adventurers and the gods, and is something most adventurers hope to learn.

Although Rigel has only had his blessing for about a week, he has been exploring dungeons and engaging in battles every day, which led to him defeating a large number of monsters in a short period, thus successfully triggering the learning conditions for 'Hunter.'

"The second developmental ability is—'Abnormality Resistance.'"

This is the ability to resist abnormal statuses like poisoning, and the condition to trigger it is to have suffered from an abnormal status.

In the upper levels of dungeons, there are often purple moths that can release toxic powder, which can easily harm adventurers. Therefore, most adventurers have experienced abnormal statuses early on, making this ability relatively easy to obtain.

Thanks to this, most adventurers gain 'Abnormality Resistance' when they level up to 2, making it a basic benefit that ensures most adventurers do not end up with no developmental abilities after leveling up.

Rigel has also been harassed by purple moths, so it is natural that he would trigger this ability.

These two developmental abilities are both practical and are often triggered by adventurers who frequently enter dungeons and deal with monsters.

Even the first-level adventurers of Loki's clan have mostly learned these two abilities, as have other adventurers.

Two of the four developmental abilities Rigel has triggered are these.

However, the next two are different.

"Your third developmental ability is—'Swordsman.'"

Loki tilted his head and smiled.

"This is a relatively rare developmental ability, only top swordsmen can trigger it. In our clan, only Ais has this ability, and she only learned it when she reached level 4. If she knew you met the conditions to learn it at level 2, she would probably feel quite dejected, wouldn't she?"

The effect of this ability is simple: it enhances the holder's stats when equipped with a sword.

The higher the level of the ability, the greater the enhancement. Even at the initial I stage, there is a noticeable improvement.

Rigel is inclined to choose 'Swordsman.'

While 'Hunter' is a rare ability that can only be learned at level 2, it is only useful when dealing with monsters, and specifically those that have been defeated before. For Rigel, who will not be staying in this world permanently and will be traveling through various worlds, its usefulness will be limited.

'Abnormality Resistance' is not necessary to choose, as Rigel's skill already provides the highest level of 'Abnormality Resistance.' There is no need to waste a valuable learning opportunity on a lower-level 'Abnormality Resistance.'

Thus, Rigel is naturally inclined to choose 'Swordsman.'

However, the appearance of the fourth developmental ability made Rigel hesitate.

"Your fourth developmental ability is—'Light Armor.'"

Loki's words made Rigel pause slightly.

"'Light Armor?'"

Rigel furrowed his brow, confirming that he had never heard of this ability.

Even Rigel, who is familiar with the original story, did not know about this ability, indicating its rarity.

Loki explained:

"I have never heard of this ability, and even the records of developmental abilities that have appeared and are registered with the guild do not mention it."

Loki's gaze turned to Rigel, and his smile grew more pronounced.

"This is a truly rare ability, and you might be the first to discover it."

In other words, it is unique.

"This is one of the fruits of your unknown potential," Loki said, excited and enthusiastic. "Choose this one, Rigel. I feel this ability should be very strong!"

As a god who seeks the unknown and thrives on excitement and entertainment, Loki naturally does not want to miss out on such a unique and valuable ability.

However, Rigel, the individual concerned, did not pay attention to the overly excited god and calmly asked, "What is the effect of this ability?"

"I'm not sure," Loki shook his head. "But based on my understanding, it is an ability that trades defense for extraordinary speed."

The eyes and observational skills of a god are extraordinary.

Even with vague and fragmented information, a god can judge the general effect and type of an ability based on the experience that triggered it.

Thus, Loki explained to Rigel:

"If my understanding is correct, once you learn this ability, the fewer the equipment and weight you carry, the more agile you will be."

This is an ability that enhances 'Dexterity' and 'Agility.'

In contrast to 'Swordsman,' which requires a sword to trigger its effect, 'Light Armor' requires reducing the amount of equipment you carry.

Therefore, Loki said it is an ability that trades defense for extraordinary speed.

Because of the requirements of 'Light Armor,' once Rigel learns this ability, he will likely have to completely abandon heavy equipment in the future.

Especially heavy armor, which would render 'Light Armor' completely ineffective if worn.

Even considering that the less equipment you carry, the greater the enhancement, Rigel might not even use the light leather armor he has been using.

This would reduce his protection to a minimum.

However, in return, Rigel's 'Dexterity' and 'Agility' would be significantly enhanced.

"From your ability values, it's clear that you excel in 'Dexterity' and 'Agility.' Combined with the fact that you have been using lightweight leather armor, this likely triggered this developmental ability."

"Of course, considering that this ability has never appeared before, there may be other conditions required to trigger it."

"Regardless, the rarity of this ability is extraordinary, and if you don't choose it, you may never have the chance again."

Loki seemed to be guiding Rigel, with a sly expression.

"What do you think? Which one will you choose?"

Hearing this, Rigel had no choice.

He would not choose 'Hunter' or 'Abnormality Resistance.'

'Swordsman' is valuable, but Ais learned it at level 4, so Rigel will definitely be able to learn it in the future and does not need to rush.

Given this, does Rigel need to consider which ability to choose?

"Help me level up."

Rigel's answer immediately energized Loki.

"Alright! Here we go!"

Loki, with heightened emotion, began the process on Rigel's back.

Soon, the level-up was complete.

Rigel Brihaut

Level 2

Strength: I0

Endurance: I0

Dexterity: I0

Agility: I0

Magic: I0

Light Armor: I

After leveling up, all basic abilities and proficiency levels were reset to their initial values, starting from I0 again.

The accumulated ability values have not disappeared but exist in a latent form, which is why the higher the stage of growth before leveling up, the stronger the character will be after leveling up.

Only magic, skills, and developmental abilities are not reset, especially developmental abilities, which do not reset regardless of their level, making them extremely difficult to enhance.

For example, Ais gained her 'Hunter' ability when she reached level 2 at the age of eight, but after years of practice, it has only reached the G stage, a mere two stages higher.

'Swordsman' is even more ridiculous. Ais gained it at level 4, and after several years, it is still at the I stage, showing how difficult it is to enhance developmental abilities.

Rigel's "Endless" is considered abnormal by Loki for a reason.

After all, it provides Rigel with three top-tier developmental abilities.

"Perhaps you will bring about some jaw-dropping growth again?"

Loki patted Rigel's shoulder and smiled.

"Anyway, congratulations on leveling up."

Hearing this, Rigel smiled slightly and nodded.

New book, seeking support! Seeking recommendations! Seeking collections! (*^▽^*)

(End of Chapter)