"Focalors, did you use your divine power?" Aiden asked, a trace of barely concealed tension in his voice.
He wasn't particularly surprised by the massive leap in his basic stats. It had been twenty days since he leveled up to Level 2, and the high-intensity combat and exploration hadn't stopped for a single day. In fact, because they spent most of their time in already-explored floors, the effects of his [Trailblazer] skill hadn't been fully maximized—otherwise, the growth would have been even greater.
The only thing that genuinely shocked him was the brand-new skill: [Divine Protection of the Water God]. He didn't even need to think twice; this skill was two hundred percent a "bonus gift" from Focalors' gentle kiss. He couldn't fathom how someone like him—who exclusively used fire and sound—would suddenly awaken a water-attribute skill organically. It defied both science and magic.
"Of course not," Focalors chuckled softly. Her smile was like the shimmering reflection of light on the deep ocean—beautiful and enigmatic. "Using divine power in the lower world would immediately alert the others and result in my direct deportation back to Heaven."
"Then how..." Aiden was even more confused. If she hadn't used divine power, how could he possibly have gained this skill? It completely violated the fundamental rules of the Falna.
"Hehe." Focalors pressed a delicate finger to her lips, a playful glint in her eyes. "While it's true I'm not a Goddess of Beauty and cannot passively exert my Authority without using divine power, I haven't exactly been doing nothing since coming to this world." She winked at him playfully, her tone carrying a hint of pride and boasting. "Although hardly any gods in Heaven know this, I happen to be a 'Great God,' too."
"A Great God?" Aiden was stunned.
He knew the term well. Among the countless stars in Heaven, the few deities crowned with the title of "Great God" were all entities possessing supreme divinity and overwhelming Authority—like Zeus, Ouranos, and Odin. He never imagined Focalors was on that same echelon.
Good lord, I'm backing an actual powerhouse! "Surprised?" Focalors seemed quite satisfied with his reaction. She elegantly flipped her hair over her shoulder and explained, "I was originally the God of Water. Upon arriving in this world, I gained new Authority. Isn't it only natural that I became stronger?"
She reached out and lightly tapped his chest, a cool sensation spreading from her fingertip. "While I cannot use my divine power or Authority directly, my divine blood flows within you. I can still use my blood as a medium to stir the divine blood already in your veins, granting you my exclusive blessing. This is something only I can do; even among Great Gods, our capabilities differ."
Aiden finally understood. So it wasn't created from nothing; she had activated a "seed" that was already there. He put his shirt back on, feeling his understanding of his patron deity update once again. Opening the door, he nodded to Robin, who was waiting outside. "Your turn, Robin."
Robin nodded elegantly, brushing past Aiden as she entered the room. Soon after, Tifa and Hyacine completed their updates as well. Once everyone was finished, Focalors handed the girls their fresh status sheets.
[Robin]
Level: 2
Strength: H-122
Endurance: H-105
Dexterity: G-203
Agility: F-308
Magic: E-411
[Magic]
[Pinion's Aria]
[Vox Harmonique, Opus Cosmique]
[Skills]
[Overture of Inebriation]
[Tonal Resonance]
[Family of Harmony]
[Divine Protection of the Water God]
[Developmental Abilities]
Spirit Healing: I
Diving: I
[Tifa Lockhart]
Level: 1
Strength: S-919
Endurance: D-569
Dexterity: A-876
Agility: SS-1056
Magic: S-958
[Magic]
[Meteor Plume]
[Skills]
[Fighting Spirit Liberation]
[Battle Rhythm]
[Divine Protection of the Water God]
[Developmental Abilities]
Diving: I
[Hyacine]
Level: 1
Strength: D-526
Endurance: E-428
Dexterity: D-562
Agility: C-624
Magic: SS-1089
[Magic]
[We Who Fly Into the Dawn]
[Skills]
[Dawn That Heals the World]
[Mana Burst (Wind)]
[Rain Clears to Sun]
[Divine Protection of the Water God]
[Developmental Abilities]
Abnormal Resistance: I
Healing: I
Diving: I
Studying Tifa and Hyacine's status sheets, Aiden pondered for a moment before offering a suggestion. "Tifa, Hyacine, I recommend you hold off on leveling up for now."
Both girls looked slightly surprised. After all, they had accumulated more than enough high-quality excelia—a Great Feat—to rank up to Level 2 immediately.
"Why is that?" Tifa asked in confusion, feeling as if her power was already spilling over.
"Because of your foundation," Aiden said, his eyes serious. "Your potential is far beyond this. Tifa, your Agility, and Hyacine, your Magic, are both incredibly close to the absolute limit. I want you to grind those specific stats to SSS, or even higher, before leveling up. That way, the hidden stat bonuses you receive upon ranking up will be maximized, giving you a vastly higher ceiling for future growth."
It was an incredibly luxurious—almost obsessive—approach, but for individuals with their level of talent, it was the optimal path to the pinnacle of strength.
"Furthermore, the War Game is about to begin. If you level up now, you'll need time to adapt to the explosive surge in power and synchronize your mind and body. It could actually throw off your combat rhythm."
Hearing this, Tifa and Hyacine immediately understood.
"Got it. We'll follow your lead, Aiden," Tifa nodded decisively.
"Yeah, I'm fine with that too," Hyacine agreed. If Aiden said it was the best choice, she trusted him implicitly. They also knew that for a large-scale Castle Siege, the tactical difference between a Level 1 and a Level 2 wouldn't drastically alter their specific roles. Rather than rushing a level-up, it was better to polish their current strength to absolute perfection.
With the status updates resolved, the atmosphere in the Focalors Familia's living room grew subtly tense. The main event had finally arrived.
"Ding—System fully charged. [Intertwined Fate] is now available for use."
The cold, mechanical voice of the system echoed in Aiden's mind. Taking a deep breath, he stepped into the center of the living room under the curious gazes of the three girls and the Goddess.
"Everyone, the time to witness a miracle... no, the time to witness destiny has arrived." Aiden's expression was incredibly solemn, as if he were conducting a sacred rite. He reached out and forcefully gripped the empty air. "Superstition won't save the unlucky, and whaling won't change your fate... but today, I will defy the heavens! Come forth, my new comrade!"
Watching the system interface slowly materialize before him, his heart betrayed him, pounding frantically against his ribs. His last pull had yielded a blue-tier [White Tassel] spear, which had dealt a heavy blow to his morale. He absolutely refused to be the "unlucky chieftain" again.
─────
Support this fanfict by leaving Positive Review, Comments, and Power Stones.
For Advance Chapters:
> Patreon.com/NegativeTranslations