Chapter 31

The numbers in the () represent the growth compared to before.

With a satisfied look, I could proudly show off my equipment, while Recilia, who had been made to understand the greatness of my equipment, had a somewhat serious expression. The mood on the way back was quite contrasting.

Recilia, who had been silent for a while, eventually muttered softly.

"Is it really okay? To hand over such equipment to them."

"Huh? Oh, well, we did talk a lot about how great the enchantments are. But in the end, it's beginner equipment, so there are limits."

In practical use, I can't use equipment that raises the stat increase at level up because it's not available, and I can't lower the weapon grade too much because it affects the annihilation power. So, in the end, I can only put enchanted equipment on the three accessory slots.

"Besides, even if it looks like an incredible performance when focused on one area, a stat of fifty is ultimately just two levels worth."

With three accessories, it can be said that I can raise six levels worth of stats, but conversely, that's the limit. Against an opponent of equal level, I could probably overwhelm them, but if there's a level difference of ten or more, there's a possibility that it won't be enough.

"The biggest problem is that for a while, even if you get new equipment, it will most likely be weaker than the enchanted equipment. Still, gathering strong equipment yourself is a dream..."

While talking about this, I saw familiar faces lined up at the gate of the town that came into view.

"Hey, old man!"

As I frowned, wondering what had happened, Rad and the others ran over to us.

"What's with all of you gathered here?"

"It's not 'what's with all of us gathered here,' old man! Everyone is worried because you said you're going to the 'True Dark Labyrinth'!"

I nodded, understanding. It seems that the danger of the 'True Dark Labyrinth' has permeated even among new adventurers.

"Well, it looks like nothing happened. Don't worry so much. You're my... mentor, after all."

Ah, Rad suddenly became affectionate. Before I could think about it,

"I told them that Lex is fine and tried to stop them! But..."

"Doubt. Mana was also nervous and came along, so she's equally guilty."

"Prana!"

Mana and Prana started talking all at once, and the area in front of the gate suddenly became lively.

"Anyway, I'm glad you're both safe."

Nuek, as usual, smoothly defused the situation. This mismatched party somehow maintains a balance.

(But...)

I think they've all grown stronger.

They followed the unreasonable order of no battles or adventures for a month, which is quite impressive. Their stats prove it.

"Tomorrow marks exactly one month since we met."

As I muttered, Rad and the others, who had been noisy, looked at me with puzzled faces. I looked at each of their faces and used 'Insight' to check their abilities.

They trained diligently without slacking off and grew more than I imagined. They surpassed the line I initially aimed for, and the growth in their stats from training has started to slow down.

The concerns about equipment have also been resolved. If so...

"Two days earlier than planned, but it's about time. Training ends today."

"What do you mean..."

In response to Rad's hesitant question, I lifted the corners of my lips.

"Yeah. ...Adventures are now allowed."

As soon as I said it, a joyful "wooo" rose from Rad and the others. Even though I thought they were being a bit too dramatic, the corners of my mouth naturally turned up.

"There's still today's training left, and there's a big event before the adventure."

"Big event?"

I smiled at Rad, who tilted his head.

"Yeah. Tomorrow at noon, gather at the 'Temple.' We'll do the final assessment of your training and 'Job Change.'"

* * *

'Jobs' and 'Job Changes' are literally divine miracles in this world.

People receive the blessing of the gods at the 'Temple,' where the remnants of divine power still live, and gain divine protection. However, if we consider job changes as a game system, it's not that complicated.

"This is your first time here, right?"

We met in front of the 'Temple' and entered together. As soon as we passed through the door, we were almost overwhelmed by the unique atmosphere of the 'Temple.'

A solemn and tranquil air filled the pure white room, where countless statues of 'heroes' in various poses were seated.

—Each of these statues represents a 'Job.'

In this world, job changes are simple and straightforward: "Touch the corresponding statue in the Temple."

If you meet the job change conditions, the statue will glow, and the job change will be complete. If not, nothing happens.

Not all cities have all job statues, and there are rare job statues that only exist deep in dungeons, so expeditions for jobs might happen in the future, but that's a story for later.

General adventurers start with initial classes like 'Fighter' or 'Magician' that match their aptitudes. The game is designed so that after growing to around level ten, they meet the conditions for the next class.

The higher the class, the stronger the skills they can learn, and the more bonus points they get when they level up.

For example, the initial class 'Fighter,' a first-tier warrior, has only six bonus points, mainly in strength. The next class, 'Swordsman,' a second-tier class, has nine growth points, and 'Imperial Sword,' a third-tier class, has twelve.

—And this is the purpose of the 'training' I imposed on Rad and the others.

By forcibly raising their stats through training, they can meet the conditions for a second-tier job change, which they would normally achieve around level ten, while still at level four. This is a kind of 'legitimate shortcut.'

Their excellent base stats and the fact that they could only achieve this class skip at level four, an underdeveloped state, was a bold move. However, if successful, they can start their adventures with higher stats and growth values.

For this reason, Rad and the others spent this month training monotonously from morning to night. The eyes of others were not kind, and the path no senior adventurer had walked must have been filled with uncertainty. Yet, no one dropped out, and everyone was serious and desperate.

The results are now bearing fruit here.

"Shall we start?"

As I said, they began to move to their respective spots. Except for Rad, they had already decided on their jobs beforehand.

First was Nuek.

He stood in front of the 'Battle Mage,' a second-tier magic class, with a serious face and gently touched the statue. A large light enveloped him and slowly entered his body.

...Job change, successful.

At the same time, I used 'Insight' to review the results of his training.

---

Nuek

Strength 25 (+7)

Health 37 (+1)

Magic 72 (+9)

Spirit 40 (+4)

Agility 50 (+5)

Focus 50 (+5)

---

'Battle Mage' is a peculiar job that requires some combat abilities despite being a magic class. Without complaining, he steadily and steadily raised his abilities until he met the conditions, which is the result of his efforts.

Nuek, who successfully changed jobs, looked at me with a rare, unhidden smile and bowed deeply.

"I'm next!"

Declaring this, Mana touched the statue of the 'Bishop,' a second-tier healer class.

---

Mana

Strength 27 (+3)

Health 38 (+6)

Magic 51 (+3)

Spirit 76 (+20)

Agility 32 (+8)

Focus 50 (+18)

---

(I didn't expect her to meet the conditions while still at level three.)

Among this training, she grew the most.

Mana started at a level one lower than the others, and the spirit value required for the second-tier job was high, so I thought she would struggle the most.

However, she excelled in the 'Pray' training to raise her spirit and focus. With an extraordinary level of concentration, she completed the training and raised her spirit and focus values at an incredible speed, eventually meeting the requirements.

I thought she might not be suited to being a healer based on her base stats, but I was wrong. She might be a genius whose talent doesn't show in the data.

"...Yeah."

Immediately after, a light danced in the corner of the room. Without any prior announcement, Prana touched the statue of the 'Sniper' and completed her job change.

---

Prana

Strength 50 (+5)

Health 30 (+3)

Magic 30 (+3)

Spirit 30 (+3)

Agility 55 (+1)

Focus 86 (+14)

---

She originally had ideal stats for a bow user and, unlike Mana, had the easiest time meeting the job change conditions. Still, she continued training and thoroughly raised the focus value required for a bow user.

I might need to revise my judgment that she was a difficult person based on her lack of charm and first impression.

"...Now, it's my turn, right?"

And the last one.

Rad slowly walked up to me.

"So, old man. What job should I change to?"

As he said, I didn't tell Rad which job to aim for or what stats to aim for. I only asked him to "raise his strength" and "master the Brave Sword."

---

Rad

Strength 76 (+22)

Health 63

Magic 27

Spirit 45

Agility 36

Focus 27

---

Through 'Insight,' I saw a straightforward increase in his strength, the only stat that rose.

Raising a high stat takes more time than raising a low stat. Therefore, the total increase in Rad's stats was the lowest among the four.

But this is fine for him.

(Strength 76, huh. It barely made it.)

I started walking, leading Rad, and stopped in front of a statue of a hero in the center of the 'Temple,' who was proudly thrusting a sword forward. The hero's name is...

"...Young Leo?"

To the puzzled Rad, I nodded.

"Yeah. This is the job you should choose."

As I clearly stated, a surprised voice came from Nuek beside me.

"W-wait! 'Young Leo' is a dud job with almost no effects..."

"...Nuek."

But Rad stopped Nuek's words by calling his name and stared at me intently.

"...Hey, old man. Can I trust you?"

I nodded silently. No more words were needed.

"Rad!"

"...Let's go."

As Nuek's voice echoed, Rad touched the statue of 'Young Leo.' The light enveloped him and was absorbed into his body... and it didn't end there.

"The sword is glowing!?"

The Brave Sword, which I gave to Rad and was sheathed at his waist, was enveloped in the light of 'Young Leo.'

"...Try drawing the sword."

As if controlled by these words, Rad drew the Brave Sword from its sheath. Immediately, a second light of job change appeared.

'Young Leo' is a zero-tier job, with only a total of two points in strength and health. It's so weak that serious discussions are held about how to survive the opening events without leveling up to change jobs.

However, it is the only job among all classes that can "change its class based on the equipped item." By equipping a specific item and meeting its equipment requirements, 'Young Leo' can evolve!

"...What just happened..."

As the light faded and Rad stood there, bewildered, I patted his shoulder.

"Congratulations on your job change, Rad."

The Brave Sword, which Lex held, is a sword that once belonged to a hero, according to its flavor text. It is one of the treasures that can awaken the power of the young lion.

Beyond the first-tier 'Fighter,' the second-tier 'Swordsman,' and even the third-tier 'Imperial Sword'...

"From today, you are 'Brave Leo.'"

The fourth-tier job 'Brave Leo.'

That is the name of the new power Rad has obtained.

Absolutely, Rad is the main protagonist.