Chapter 66: The Same Ambition

The Twilight Manor was brightly lit at night, but the place where Rigel and Ais met had little light, with only the moonlight shining in from the window, illuminating the two of them.

Rigel looked at Ais, who stood there in silence, and sighed inwardly.

At first glance, Ais seemed no different from usual, still with her emotionless expression and lack of facial changes.

However, Rigel keenly sensed that Ais was not in a good mood.

She was dejected.

Her spirits were low.

Just as Loki had said, this girl seemed somewhat disheartened.

Seeing the girl who had always taken care of him, teaching him magic, sword skills, and often practicing with him in such a state, Rigel couldn't just ignore it.

"What are you doing here?"

Rigel approached and leaned against the window like Ais, gazing at the night scenery outside as he spoke.

"..."

Ais didn't speak, only looking into the distance.

Rigel glanced at the parchment in Ais's hand and asked, "Did you not do well this time?"

Hearing this, Ais fell silent for a moment before handing the parchment to Rigel.

"Is it okay?"

Rigel furrowed his brows and asked.

Ais nodded, allowing Rigel to take the parchment.

On the parchment were Ais's recently updated ability values.

Ais Warrenstein

Level 5

Strength: D549 → D555

Endurance: D540 → D547

Dexterity: A823 → A825

Agility: A821 → A822

Magic: A899

Hunter: G

Abnormal Resistance: G

Swordsman: I

Seeing these ability values, Rigel understood why Ais was so disheartened.

It wasn't because of anything else, but simply because the results were really poor.

A three-week expedition in the dungeon, delving into the ultra-deep layers and fighting countless high-level monsters, yet her overall ability proficiency increased by less than 20 points.

Such an improvement was truly too poor.

At least, for Rigel, who had never had a proficiency growth below 500, this number was indeed a bit disheartening.

Rigel could only say to Ais, "Don't worry too much. It's not that you didn't try hard enough; it's just that your ability values are nearing their limits."

Rigel wasn't deliberately comforting Ais.

In his view, the main reason for Ais's poor growth was that her ability values were nearing their limits.

"Strength" and "Endurance" were not Ais's strong points, and reaching the D stage was already quite good.

"Dexterity" and "Agility" were already at the A stage, and further improvement would be minimal, which was normal as they approached the highest S stage.

"Magic" was even more so, just one point away from the S stage, and it wouldn't be easy to advance.

In summary, Ais's poor growth this time was not due to her own shortcomings but because she had nearly reached the limits of Level 5.

"I know."

Ais finally spoke.

However, her voice was not as calm as usual but somewhat weak.

"I've already reached my limit at this stage. Even if I slay thousands or tens of thousands of monsters, my proficiency won't increase much. I can feel it."

Ais had no room for growth at this stage.

Her current ability values were her limit, with little room for further development.

It had been over three years since she reached Level 5, and the "bottleneck" wall was blocking her path, making it difficult for her to make significant progress.

Ais felt disheartened upon realizing this.

"You?"

Ais turned her gaze to Rigel and asked, "Did you level up?"

"Yep." Rigel met Ais's gaze and nodded.

"Of course." Ais's eyes became somewhat complicated as she murmured, "In just three months, you've caught up to me."

This was a significant blow at this moment.

But there was no way around it. As someone who had watched Rigel rise to this point, Ais knew that being caught up was only a matter of time.

No one understood better than she did how fast Rigel's growth was and how great his potential was.

Back when Rigel was at Level 1, he could force her back with a single sword strike. At that time, Ais had a vague sense that this man, who was so similar to her, would quickly catch up.

Now, he had done it, while she had not managed to widen the gap and remained in the same place.

"What should I do?"

Ais couldn't help but ask.

"What?"

Rigel was slightly taken aback.

Ais stared at him intently and said, "How can I become strong as quickly as you?"

This was something Ais had been trying to figure out since seeing Rigel's ability values.

She had been so proactive in practicing with Rigel and teaching him her sword skills, partly to observe him and understand the secret to his rapid growth.

However, what she saw was only a man running at an incredible speed, constantly advancing and climbing, rapidly approaching her level, and gradually transforming into a true powerhouse.

As for the secret, she saw nothing.

Originally, Ais would never have voiced such thoughts.

But at this moment, she couldn't help but express her desire to become stronger without any reservation.

This made Rigel fall silent on the spot.

"Sorry." Ais realized her mistake and looked at Rigel apologetically, saying, "I asked something that troubled you."

This was a difficult question for Rigel to answer.

He couldn't say that he had done nothing but chop monsters every day to reach this level, could he?

That would only add to her frustration.

So, Rigel gathered his thoughts before speaking again.

"Actually, I can understand your urgent desire to become stronger." Rigel said, "I feel the same way. I want to become strong as quickly as possible, stronger than anyone, to achieve my ambition."

"Ambition?" Ais was intrigued.

"Exactly." Rigel said calmly, "I want to free myself from others' control, from their gaze and schemes, to run towards the direction and path I want, no longer numb, no longer drifting aimlessly, no longer being manipulated."

This was a feeling only Rigel understood, and Ais didn't.

But hearing the word "ambition," Ais felt a sense of resonance with Rigel.

"So, you're like me..."

Ais's gaze towards Rigel became even more complex.

She had an ambition, or rather, a tragic wish she wanted to fulfill.

That was why she was so eager to become stronger.

Rigel naturally knew this, even knowing the ambition in Ais's heart that no one else knew.

That's why he could say such a thing.

"We seem to be very similar in many ways, but the most similar is probably this."

Rigel chuckled, his voice reaching Ais's ears.

"We both want to become strong to achieve our ambitions, so I can truly understand your thoughts." Rigel looked at Ais and said, "Unfortunately, I can't give you any mature advice in this area, as I'm still exploring myself. I'm just a bit luckier, having grasped the opportunity to achieve my goal. I'm really sorry."

If there were any secrets, Rigel would not hesitate to share them with Ais.

But he had none.

His rapid growth was mainly due to the "Fool's Obsession."

This was something he couldn't share with others.

Therefore, Rigel couldn't resolve Ais's troubles and doubts.

"The only thing I can do is listen to your troubles." Rigel smiled and said, "If you have anything you want to say, anything that's bothering you, and don't know who to talk to, talk to me."

"If this can help you reduce your confusion and troubles, I'm willing to be that listener."

These words made Ais look at Rigel.

Rigel didn't look away, meeting Ais's gaze.

Their eyes had different colors but shared the same emotions and the same determination.

Looking into these eyes that mirrored her own, Ais felt her troubles lessen for some reason.

"Thank you."

Ais took a deep breath and thanked Rigel.

"You're welcome." Seeing Ais regain some spirit, Rigel asked, "Feeling better?"

Ais nodded and refocused her gaze on the window, her golden eyes becoming more determined.

"Since there's no more room for growth at this stage, let's move to the next stage."

Rigel understood what she meant.

"Level up?"

This was Ais's only way out.

Since she had reached her limit at Level 5, her only option was to try to level up to 6.

Only by leveling up could her strength make a significant leap, and her "vessel" would be greatly enhanced, opening up more possibilities and new potential.

If she couldn't do it, Ais would not have any meaningful growth in the future.

"Good luck." Rigel looked at the determined Ais and said, "If you need any help, just let me know."

That was the only support he could offer.

"Thank you."

Ais thanked him again.

The two of them looked out the window, no longer speaking.

The moonlight continued to shine on them, lingering for a long time.

No one knew about the conversation between Rigel and Ais.

Even the high-ranking members of the Loki Family were too busy resting after the expedition to pay much attention.

The others were also recuperating.

A three-week expedition had left many physically and mentally exhausted, and only a good rest could heal them.

The next day, a piece of news spread not only within the Loki Family but also throughout Orario.

"Rigel successfully leveled up to 5."

The news caused a stir throughout the city.

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

(End of Chapter)