Inside the room.
The lighting remained soft, and the air was filled with the lingering magical resonance unique to the qualitative change of God's Grace that had just dispersed.
The red light on Inaba Tsukuyo's body gradually faded.
The original sense of fragility, as if she could be blown over by the wind at any moment, disappeared. It was replaced by a newly born, budding resilience.
Perhaps she hadn't adapted to this entirely new feeling yet.
Inaba Tsukuyo slowly got up from the couch, looking at her own body with some bewilderment.
"Alright."
"Take some time to get used to it first."
"Although it's only Lv.2, for you, this is a qualitative change from nothing to something."
Haimer gently helped Inaba Tsukuyo put her kimono back on, covering the newly cooled sacred text.
"Yes..."
Hearing this, Inaba Tsukuyo somewhat flusteredly grabbed her lapels. Her face still bore a blush brought on by excitement and shyness as she obediently retreated to the side.
With this.
Haimer turned his head.
His gaze fell upon the few people who were still in a daze.
The slaughter in the Dungeon yesterday.
Coupled with the critical hits of two consecutive level-ups just now—first being Amou Kirukiru's suicidal all-stat burst, and then Inaba Tsukuyo's resolve to find life out of certain death.
It had to be said.
This atmosphere was indeed a bit heavy.
This wouldn't do.
Since they had joined his Familia, although pursuing strength was a must, there was no need to make it so bitter and deeply resentful.
Therefore.
Haimer clapped his hands.
The crisp sound of applause echoed in the quiet room, instantly breaking that solidified air.
He revealed a gentle smile to the few girls at the door.
"What are you all standing around for?"
"Since everyone is so highly motivated."
"Then let's not waste time."
Haimer pointed at the long couch in front of him that had just been vacated, his tone relaxed.
"Next."
"Rin."
"Take it off."
"—?!"
Being suddenly called out, Onigawara Rin shivered all over.
Although...
Although this was no longer the first time.
It was also like this the previous two times her Grace was updated.
Furthermore, as a God's Familia member, showing the Grace on one's back to one's own God was perfectly justified and a sacred ceremony.
Theoretically speaking, there shouldn't be any distracting thoughts.
But!
No matter how you put it!
Having a young girl undress in front of the opposite sex... even if that opposite sex was the Kami-sama she worshipped...
Even though she had done it a few times and her brain had already accepted this premise.
A young girl's body would still instinctively feel shy!
"Th-That..."
Onigawara Rin dawdled as she shuffled in from the door. Both her hands tightly gripped the hem of her skirt, and that delicate and cute doll-like face was currently as red as a ripe tomato.
"Is-Is it still the same... taking it all off?"
Onigawara Rin muttered in a low voice, her gaze wandering erratically, completely not daring to look into Haimer's eyes.
"Of course."
Haimer looked at Onigawara Rin's squirming appearance and asked back with some helplessness.
"Could it be that Rin wants me to drip the blood onto Rin through her clothes?"
"If Rin has that kind of ability, I certainly wouldn't mind."
"Uu..."
Onigawara Rin let out a pitiful cry like a small animal whose tail had been stepped on.
"I-I know!"
"I'll take it off, alright!"
"Anyway... it's not the first time anyway!"
As if to embolden herself, Onigawara Rin closed her eyes and then charged forward with a look of facing death without flinching.
Turned around.
Faced her back to him.
Took a deep breath.
Rustle—
The sound of clothing slipping off.
Although Onigawara Rin's mouth said "it's not the first time," the hands undoing her buttons were still trembling slightly.
Her body, stripped of its outerwear, was exposed to the air.
Compared to Inaba Tsukuyo's sickly frailty, Onigawara Rin's body was clearly much healthier. Her skin was tight, full of the vitality and elasticity unique to a young girl.
Haimer didn't say much.
His expression was calm.
The Divine Blood fell.
Drip.
The blood touched her skin.
That back full of sacred text seemed to come alive, beginning to frantically jump and restructure.
Haimer focused his gaze.
Although he had anticipated it in his heart.
After all, this group of girls had acted like crazy yesterday.
A massive density of monsters.
High-intensity life-and-death slaughter.
The resulting gains were absolutely terrifying.
However.
When those strings of finally settled data surfaced before his eyes.
Haimer still couldn't help but raise his eyebrow.
Is this the gold content of a [Monster Banquet]?
Haimer remembered very clearly.
Just two days ago, when he had just engraved the Grace on this girl.
Although her status panel was excellent, it was merely at the level of a rookie who had just broken through the H stage.
Strength: H102.
Endurance: H105.
But now...
[Name]: Onigawara Rin
[Level]: Lv.1
[Stats]:
Strength: H102 → SS1055
Endurance: H105 → SS1021
Dexterity: I88 → S958
Agility: I92 → S942
Magic: I0 → I0
Outrageous.
Truly outrageous.
The growth speed of this group of girls was truly like riding a rocket.
Although Haimer was clear in his heart.
This situation was a special case.
Challenging above their level.
A tide of monsters.
Plus, with Amou Kirukiru crazily setting the pace, the others, in order not to be left behind, were desperately swinging their blades even if they had to grit their teeth to the point of shattering.
The potential squeezed out under this extreme state was indeed absolutely incomparable to normal, step-by-step training.
"Kami-sama..."
Perhaps she had also sensed Haimer's silence behind her.
Onigawara Rin shifted her body somewhat uneasily, her voice tight.
"How are... my ability values?"
"How are they?"
Haimer snapped back to reality and couldn't help but laugh out loud.
"I can only say."
"As expected of Rin."
"See for yourself."
Haimer lightly tapped his finger, copying the updated status panel onto a piece of parchment, and handed it to Onigawara Rin.
Onigawara Rin took the parchment.
She lowered her head and took a look.
Her pupils contracted sharply.
"This..."
Especially those two large 'SS's, they almost blinded Onigawara Rin's eyes.
Was the reward for that feeling yesterday of swinging her arms until they went numb, to the point she could barely hold her sword, actually this bountiful?
"Alright."
"Don't just focus on being surprised."
Haimer restrained his smile, his tone becoming a bit more serious.
"Now Rin, your basic ability values are just enough."
"Since Tsukuyo and Kirukiru have both already taken that step."
"Then now, Rin."
"Placed before you now are two choices."
Haimer put away his smile, his tone becoming serious.
This was also the most important moment as a Main God.
"First, maintain the status quo."
"Although your stats are already very exaggerated, they haven't reached the true limit—or rather, they haven't reached the domain of that madwoman named Amou Kirukiru."
"You can choose to continue polishing yourself and attempt to challenge that theoretically impossible SSS."
"Of course."
"This requires tremendous perseverance."
"Kirukiru's approach is a special case."
"Her skill 『Battle Crazed』 destines her to be able to turn every battle into nourishment."
Furthermore, her life-risking fighting style is completely overdrawing her life force.
"If you want to walk this path."
"The price you need to pay might be your body collapsing, or even leaving behind permanent hidden injuries."
Having said this.
Haimer paused, observing Onigawara Rin's expression.
"Second."
"Is to level up right now."
"Using these two SS's and two S's as the most perfect foundation."
"Step into the domain of Lv.2."
"Placed in the history of the Lower World, this accumulation is already enough to look down upon the masses."
"As a God, I suggest you choose the second one."
"Of course."
"The choice lies with you."
"I will not interfere."
There were no unquestionable orders.
The choices Haimer gave.
As a God.
He did not force them.
Even though he knew that for Onigawara Rin, the current SS was already an extremely perfect sublimation point. Forcibly challenging for SSS not only carried a massive risk, but the marginal returns were also diminishing.
But he still had to hand the right to choose over to her herself.
Hearing Haimer's words.
Onigawara Rin also blanked for a moment.
She lowered her head, looking at the astonishing numbers on the parchment one by one.
In her mind surfaced the Amou Kirukiru that Inaba Tsukuyo had spoken of, who, in order to become stronger last night, did not hesitate to initiate an attack against Kami-sama like a demon of madness.
As well as Inaba Tsukuyo from just now, who, although frail, resolutely chose to level up so that her body wouldn't hold everyone back.
Onigawara Rin remained silent for a moment.
Finally.
Onigawara Rin took a deep breath and raised her head, her face completely filled with seriousness.
"Kami-sama, you are right."
"Amou is an unreplicable special case."
"Although... although I know her ability values are definitely higher than mine, which makes me very unwilling to accept it!"
"I feel like leveling up just like this is like losing to her."
"But..."
Onigawara Rin lowered her head, speaking very honestly.
"I am different from her."
"She is a monster who uses her body as a blade."
"That kind of method of not hesitating to shatter one's bones in pursuit of a momentary extreme... I am very clear that I cannot do it, nor do I want to do it."
"I am not the kind of madwoman who would even throw away her life just to become stronger."
"I have the path I want to walk."
"Compared to the limit..."
"Tsukuyo was right just now."
"If there is no sufficiently tough vessel, no matter how sharp the sword is, it cannot endure."
"Rather than pursuing SSS and ending up covered in bruises and wounds..."
"I would much rather possess the power to protect everyone well right now, the power to stand steadily in front of Kami-sama, and walk forward one step at a time."
"I'll just become stronger right now, and then chop down even more formidable monsters!"
"As long as I don't stop, one day I'll be able to catch up to that girl!"
As she reached the end of her speech.
Onigawara Rin even waved that tightly clenched small fist of hers, as if cheering herself on.
"A very good resolve."
After hearing this, Haimer looked at Onigawara Rin, who was waving her small fist as if declaring her resolve to the whole world, and the corners of his mouth unconsciously curled into a gentle arc.
He didn't mock her overestimating her capabilities, nor did he give perfunctory encouragement.
Just like a parent seeing their child finally grow up, his eyes held only pure appreciation.
Furthermore.
To be honest.
If looking purely at the numerical values.
Onigawara Rin's current panel—Strength SS1055, Endurance SS1021, Dexterity S958, Agility S942.
Throwing this string of data out onto the streets of Orario was already enough to trigger quite a sensation.
But.
Even so.
Onigawara Rin conversely was still not satisfied.
Or rather.
It was precisely because Amou Kirukiru was setting the benchmark up ahead, having that madwoman who didn't hesitate to burn herself as firewood in pursuit of strength leading the pack.
That even though she had already obtained a perfect score on her exam paper.
Onigawara Rin still felt she wasn't good enough, that she could do even better.
But.
Even so.
She was still able to chase after her rationally and clear-headedly.
This point was what Haimer valued the most.
"Not blindly following the trend, nor improperly belittling oneself."
"Knowing what to choose and what to discard, and clearly recognizing one's own path."
"That is the method of a smart person."
"Blindly imitating others often only results in trying to draw a tiger and ending up with a dog."
"After all, everyone's constitution, personality, and fighting style are all different."
"Kirukiru's path is the Asura Path. That is a limit bought with her life; it is not suited for everyone."
"And Rin."
"Since you have already made your choice."
"Then as you wish."
Haimer slowly reached out his hand.
"Are you ready to welcome your new power?"
"Mhm!"
Onigawara Rin didn't have any hesitation, nodding her head forcefully.
At that moment.
The conflict in her eyes completely dissipated, replaced by an unprecedented firmness.
On that delicate and cute doll-like face, there was no longer the slightest bit of squirming.
"Bring it on, Kami-sama!"
"No matter what the future holds, I will accept it all!"
"Even if I can't catch up to that violent woman right now, I will absolutely not fall behind!"
"Good."
Haimer nodded.
With this.
He said no more.
He extended his finger once again.
At his fingertip gathered Divine Power that was even more dazzling than that drop of blood just now.
Following Haimer's movement.
His fingertip fell.
Once again.
Touching the sacred text on Onigawara Rin's smooth back.
Oom—
In an instant.
The Divine Blood surged in.
Just like a spark falling into an overflowing barrel of oil.
The sacred text on Onigawara Rin's back lit up with a blinding light!
The SS and S values that symbolized Onigawara Rin's desperate slaughter in the Dungeon over the past two days, exchanged by frantically probing the edge of life and death, at this moment...
The values were reset to zero.
A moment later.
The light on Onigawara Rin's back finally dispersed.
The originally dense text rearranged and combined, finally settling into a brand-new appearance.
[Level]: Lv.1 → Lv.2
At the moment her level increased.
Three brand-new options, accompanied by the surging of Divine Power, clearly surfaced in front of Haimer.
—The [Development Ability] Onigawara Rin could choose from this level-up.
Haimer swept a glance over them.
Three options.
[Abnormal Resistance]: In a Dungeon filled with poisons, paralysis, and various abnormal statuses, this was absolutely a divine skill with extremely high fault tolerance.
[Swordsman]: Drastically increases the power of sword-type weapons. A purely offensive-oriented ability.
[Spirit Healing]: Accelerates the recovery speed of mental strength. For certain high-consumption skills, it is a guarantee of sustained combat capability.
Considering that Onigawara Rin was clearly different from Amou Kirukiru and Inaba Tsukuyo.
Amou Kirukiru was a flesh-and-blood weapon through and through, possessing an extreme bias where the stronger her body was, the stronger her combat strength became; she didn't even need weapons.
Inaba Tsukuyo herself possessed the skill to awaken the rare Development Ability 『Mind's Eye』, maxing out her perception.
As for Onigawara Rin...
Haimer thought about it, then looked at these three options and read them out truthfully.
"The current options are these three."
"First is [Abnormal Resistance], which can give you stronger resistance when facing poisons."
"Second is [Swordsman], which, as the name implies, makes the blade in your hands sharper."
"Third is [Spirit Healing], which accelerates mental recovery."
Hearing these three options.
Onigawara Rin, who was originally still immersed in the joy of leveling up, was instantly stumped.
Lying on her stomach on the couch, she bit her lip with some conflict.
After all, even though Onigawara Rin was usually boisterous.
When it came to this kind of critical moment deciding her future direction, she still couldn't quite make up her mind.
After all, every Development Ability her Main God mentioned sounded quite useful.
[Abnormal Resistance] was very safe, and it seemed [Spirit Healing] could also synergize with her mask skill.
But...
"What is Kami-sama's suggestion?"
In the end, Onigawara Rin still couldn't help but turn her head. Those big eyes looked at Haimer eagerly, bearing a completely trusting appearance.
"Which one does Kami-sama feel is more suitable for me?"
"My suggestion?"
Hearing this, Haimer didn't give an answer directly. Instead, he first looked at Onigawara Rin's expectant face, and thought about her renowned blade that had slaughtered all around in the Dungeon.
"If it were me."
Haimer rubbed his chin, his tone certain.
"I would choose [Swordsman]."
"Why does Kami-sama choose like this?"
Onigawara Rin was somewhat surprised.
"After all, don't you have a good blade?"
"Moreover."
Haimer extended his finger and tapped Onigawara Rin's back.
"Your skills 『Mirror-like Sword Heart』 and 『Sealed Heart Sword Soul』 essentially both exist for the sake of slashing."
"『Mirror-like Sword Heart』 pursues absolute focus."
"『Sealed Heart Sword Soul』 pursues the burst after taking off your mask."
"Since you possess such pure offensive talent."
"Then rather than distracting yourself to invest in defense to guard against dangers that haven't even happened yet."
"It's better to sharpen the blade in your hands even further."
"To me, the best defense."
"Will always be hacking the opponent to death."
"As long as you chop off the opponent's head first."
"Danger ceases to exist."
Hearing this sentence.
Onigawara Rin's eyes instantly lit up.
As if she had been awakened.
That's right.
Since she wants to catch up to that madwoman.
She definitely won't be able to win by relying on defense!
"Alright!"
"I choose [Swordsman]!"
Hearing Haimer's words, Onigawara Rin didn't have any hesitation. Finally, she forcefully nodded her head, directly making the final decision.
"I'll listen to Kami-sama!"
"Very good."
After hearing this, Haimer smiled slightly, lightly tapped his finger, and engraved it with the momentum.
Light flowed.
The option was locked in.
The sacred text on Onigawara Rin's back completely settled, the new ability carved into her soul.
This level-up was declared completely finished.
[Name]: Onigawara Rin
[Race]: Human
[Level]: Lv.2
[Stats]: Strength: I0 | Endurance: I0 | Dexterity: I0 | Agility: I0 | Magic: I0
[Development Ability]: 『Swordsman』 I: Drastically increases the power of sword-type weapons.
[Magic]: None
[Skills]: 『Mirror-like Sword Heart』, 『Sealed Heart Sword Soul』
Skills:
『Mirror-like Sword Heart』
A clear sword heart, untainted by worldly dust.
In battle, the more calm and focused the state of mind, the higher the stat correction for [Dexterity] and [Agility].
When the state of mind reaches the ultimate boundary of emptiness, the power of slashes is drastically increased.
『Sealed Heart Sword Soul』
The mask is both a seal and a switch.
『Mask Equipped State』:
Closed mind, self-suggestion.
[Strength] and [Endurance] drastically increased; gains the [Mental Immunity] effect.
『Mask Removed State』:
Seal released, all senses opened.
[Agility] and [Dexterity] drastically increased; gains the [Hyper-Sense] effect, doubling the ability to capture attack trajectories.
"Is this... the feeling of Lv.2?"
As Haimer's hand left her back.
Onigawara Rin jumped up from the couch, rotated her wrists, and even did a light spin in place.
At this moment.
The promotion from the level of life.
That expansion of her [Vessel] made Onigawara Rin clearly feel that the current her, even using only half her strength, could easily knock down her Lv.1 self.
"Alright."
"Go off to the side and get used to it."
"Don't get overly excited and bump into the wall."
Haimer smiled and patted Onigawara Rin's head, signaling her to make room for the next person.
"Yes—!"
Hearing this, Onigawara Rin immediately put on her clothes with glee and ran over to stand beside Inaba Tsukuyo.
She could even be seen flashing a "V" sign at Inaba Tsukuyo.
Inaba Tsukuyo responded with a faint smile.
Immediately after.
"Then..."
"I'll go too."
Kikakujou Mary walked out.
That golden wavy hair swayed slightly with her steps. Her body exuded an innate noble young lady aura—although right now in this mansion, besides Haimer, there was no one else to appreciate it.
It was just that.
Kikakujou Mary still couldn't help but shoot a glance at the foolishly grinning Onigawara Rin, a hint of competitiveness flashing through her eyes.
After all.
She didn't want to yell and shout in front of her own Kami-sama like Onigawara Rin did; it was truly too impolite.
Thinking of this, Kikakujou Mary walked with light steps up to Haimer.
"Then I'll leave it to you, Kami-sama."
Having said that.
Kikakujou Mary placed her slender, fair fingers on the buttons at her collar.
Click.
A soft sound.
The first button was undone.
Then the second one.
Although it couldn't really be seen when she normally wore her tight uniform.
But as the clothing slipped off, the constrained scenery was instantly exposed to the air.
It had to be said.
Compared to the still-developing, immature figures of Onigawara Rin and the others.
Kikakujou Mary was indeed worthy of having an exceptionally outstanding figure among the Five Swords.
That highly impactful visual effect, paired with her expression that always carried a hint of arrogance, was indeed very lethal.
"Please make sure to be a bit gentler, Kami-sama~"
After lying on her stomach on the couch, Kikakujou Mary turned her head slightly. Those sapphire-like eyes looked at Haimer. The corners of her mouth curled up into a faint smile, her voice carrying an indescribable anticipation.
After all.
As a standard sadist, sometimes deep inside often hid an unknown masochist.
She was actually always quite looking forward to seeing this seemingly always gentle and refined Kami-sama reveal a different kind of expression, or treat her in a slightly rougher manner.
However.
"Relax, don't tense your muscles."
Haimer merely said a bland sentence, then skillfully pricked his fingertip. The Divine Blood fell.
"..."
The anticipation in Kikakujou Mary's eyes instantly froze, then transformed into a faint touch of disappointment.
"This girl..."
"Is really infuriating..."
Onigawara Rin gritted her teeth, clearly noticing Kikakujou Mary's very obvious reaction.
Hanasaka Warabi also crossed her arms, a look of displeasure on her face.
Haimer, on the other hand, completely ignored the subtle smell of gunpowder between his girls.
At this moment.
His attention was completely focused on the surfacing sacred text.
As the Divine Blood seeped in, Kikakujou Mary's status panel data synchronously displayed itself.
[Name]: Kikakujou Mary
[Level]: Lv.1
[Stats]:
Strength: H162 → S988
Endurance: I85 → S900
Dexterity: I82 → SS1025
Agility: I88 → S975
Magic: I0 → I0
Compared to the last time with Kikakujou Mary.
—[Dexterity]: H162.
The current Kikakujou Mary.
Her [Dexterity] had already broken through the SS boundary.
Her other attributes similarly steadily crossed the S threshold.
"Very good."
Haimer nodded slightly, imprinting the panel values onto a parchment and showing it to Kikakujou Mary.
"Although your [Endurance] only just reached the S boundary, it is also already at an extremely high level."
"Especially [Dexterity], it has broken through the SS boundary."
"So, Mary, what is your choice?"
Haimer looked at Kikakujou Mary, who had put her clothes back on and sat up, similarly handing the right to choose over to her.
"Although I also really want to compete with Amou."
"I also know my own limits."
"Making myself look utterly wretched has never been my forte."
Holding the piece of parchment recording her values, Kikakujou Mary lightly brushed a strand of golden wavy hair by her ear. Her elegant and unhurried smile hung upon her face once again.
"Therefore..."
Kikakujou Mary shot a glance at Onigawara Rin, who was still excited over there, the corners of her mouth slightly curving upwards.
"Since even Rin has such resolve."
"How can I fall behind."
"Kami-sama, I also choose to level up!"
"No problem."
Haimer nodded in agreement.
Since the choice was made, there was no need to hesitate.
Drip blood.
Level up.
Light flashed.
Lv.1 → Lv.2.
Immediately after, the Development Ability options surfaced.
[Chain Attack] (Continuous attack power increases)
[Swordsman] (General sword technique enhancement)
[Abnormal Resistance] (General skill)
"Kami-sama?"
Perhaps because Onigawara Rin started it.
Kikakujou Mary also turned her head and asked,
Haimer also swept a glance and gave his suggestion.
"In Mary's case..."
"Among [Chain Attack], [Swordsman], and [Abnormal Resistance]."
"I suggest choosing [Chain Attack]."
"Your skill 『Noble Judgment』 leans toward continuous suppression."
"[Chain Attack] can let you increase the power of your continuous attacks."
"Once you seize the opportunity to unleash a combo, the power stacked up by your attack speed will become greater and greater."
"[Chain Attack], huh..."
Kikakujou Mary thought for a moment, then simulated the scene of herself in battle in her mind.
"Mhm!"
"Then I'll go with what Kami-sama said~"
"I choose [Chain Attack]."
Kikakujou Mary broke into a smile.
Level-up complete.
[Name]: Kikakujou Mary
[Race]: Human
[Level]: Lv.2
[Stats]: Strength: I0 | Endurance: I0 | Dexterity: I0 | Agility: I0 | Magic: I0
[Development Ability]: 『Chain Attack』 I: Continuous attack power increases.
[Magic]: None
[Skills]: 『Noble Judgment』, 『Elegant Dance Steps』
Skills:
『Noble Judgment』
When using western rapier-type weapons, attack speed and precision are increased.
When attacking a previously struck area a second time or more, attack speed stacks. The number of stacks depends on the [Dexterity] value.
When piercing an opponent's nerve concentration points, inflicting intense pain several times that of a normal attack, mental strength can be fed back based on the degree of pain caused.
『Elegant Dance Steps』
When moving with specific dance steps during battle, evasion rate is slightly increased.
Furthermore, after every successful evasion, the precision of the next attack is increased, and damage is stacked slightly.
With this.
As the last wisp of light vanished beneath her skin.
Kikakujou Mary re-buttoned the topmost button of her shirt.
She stood up, lightly adjusted her somewhat wrinkled hem, then turned to Haimer and gave a slight bow.
Next was Nomura Satori.
"Hai~"
When it was finally her turn.
This green-haired girl, who always kept a pair of innocent big eyes open but was actually completely black on the inside, immediately raised her hand.
Nomura Satori's updated panel was similarly astonishing.
Previously her [Agility] was: H145.
This time her [Agility] remained far ahead of the rest.
Directly breaking through the SS major threshold, reaching an astonishing [SS]: 1076.
Her other attributes also reached the S stage.
Therefore.
When Haimer asked Nomura Satori whether she wanted to level up.
She also nodded without the slightest hesitation.
"Since everyone leveled up, Little Satori can't be the exception~"
"And..."
"Little Satori also wants to know what it feels like after leveling up."
"Mhm."
Haimer nodded.
Since the person herself agreed, then they could proceed to the next step.
Level up.
Light flickered.
Level sublimated.
Lv.1 → Lv.2.
Immediately after, new choices appeared.
[Development Ability] options surfaced:
[Stealth]: (Erases presence, lowers existence sense)
[Hunter]: (Against monster types previously killed, all stat values increase when fighting them again)
[Abnormal Resistance]: (General life-saving skill)
"What does Kami-sama think?"
Nomura Satori asked Haimer about the Development Ability suitable for her.
"[Stealth]."
This time, Haimer's answer was very decisive.
"Little Satori, your skill—『Blade of No Mind』—is not limited to hiding your killing intent in front of monsters. It is very suitable for developing along the assassination route."
"Of course."
"It's just my suggestion."
"Hmm..."
Nomura Satori seemed to think about it seriously, then let out a light chuckle.
"In that case, Little Satori will listen to Kami-sama~"
"After all, Little Satori also quite likes playing hide-and-seek."
"Especially when Little Satori is the 'it'."
Confirm.
Engrave.
Nomura Satori's level-up complete.
[Name]: Nomura Satori
[Race]: Human
[Level]: Lv.2
[Stats]: Strength: I0 | Endurance: I0 | Dexterity: I0 | Agility: I0 | Magic: I0
[Development Ability]: 『Stealth』 I: Erases presence, lowers existence sense.
[Magic]: None
[Skills]: 『Blade of No Mind』
Skills:
『Blade of No Mind』
Attacks launched in a state devoid of killing intent have their concealment raised to the limit, and cannot be detected by conventional perception skills.
If an attack hits a vital spot without being perceived, the damage is doubled.
With this.
As Nomura Satori hummed an unknown tune, getting up and putting on her clothes with a joyous face.
Among the Supreme Five Swords, four had already successfully promoted.
Finally.
It was Hanasaka Warabi's turn.
—[Strength]: SS1012.
—[Endurance]: S977.
It had to be said.
Although she wasn't as abnormal as Amou Kirukiru.
Being able to train out SS-rank Strength and S-rank Endurance.
It could only be said.
Hanasaka Warabi was truly a monstrous strength loli.
Fortunately, she was a true loli.
And not the kind of muscle-bound King Kong Barbie.
Next.
There was no suspense.
Upon seeing her own data, Hanasaka Warabi was so happy she revealed a small canine tooth. Without even hesitating for a moment, she directly waved her hand grandly.
"Since we've reached this point."
"No need to ask, Kami-sama!"
"I want to level up!"
"I want to become stronger!"
"Mhm."
Haimer nodded.
Level up.
Options surfaced.
Hanasaka Warabi inquired.
A whole set of procedures followed.
[Monstrous Strength] (Enhances the effects produced by the Strength attribute)
[Hunter] (Against monster types previously killed, all stat values increase when fighting them again)
[Abnormal Resistance]: (Resists poison and status effects)
The suggestion Haimer gave was—『Hunter』.
After all, if Kyoubou also manifested this Development Ability upon its subsequent level sublimation.
When Hanasaka Warabi and Kyoubou's skill—『Coordinated Fangs』—attacked the same target, it should have a miraculous effect.
『Hunter』, which could comprehensively increase her abilities when cooperatively fighting against monsters, was much more suitable for her.
Hanasaka Warabi's eyes also lit up.
"Alright! Then I'll listen to Kami-sama!"
[Name]: Hanasaka Warabi
[Race]: Human
[Level]: Lv.2
[Stats]: Strength: I0 | Endurance: I0 | Dexterity: I0 | Agility: I0 | Magic: I0
[Development Ability]: 『Hunter』 I: Against monster types previously killed, all stat values increase when fighting them again.
[Magic]: None
[Skills]: 『Coordinated Fangs』, 『Scent of the Path Ahead』
Skills:
『Coordinated Fangs』
When performing coordinated attacks with a tamed beast, both parties gain a bonus to [Strength] and [Agility].
If attacking the same target, the damage will receive an additional bonus.
『Scent of the Path Ahead』
Borrows the senses of a beast.
Possesses an extraordinary intuition for traps and hostility.
Perception checks for enemies hiding in the dark are drastically corrected.
Pathfinding ability is drastically increased.
With this.
—All members of the Supreme Five Swords had finished their level sublimations.
The originally surging resonance of Divine Power finally settled completely.
The faint, almost imperceptible sense of oppression in the air dissipated, replaced by a brand-new aura.
Looking at the girls who had completed their transformations, their faces still carrying a bit of excitement.
Haimer let out a long breath.
Although the process was somewhat tedious.
It had to be said.
Watching his own children grow step by step was indeed incomparable to anything else.
"However..."
Haimer appeared thoughtful, sweeping his gaze around the room.
He couldn't help but feel...
Wasn't there some important component missing?
Where did the large black bear, Kyoubou, who always stood in the corner like a wall, go?
And that little one.
"Oh right, Warabi."
Haimer asked casually.
"Where are Kyoubou and her child?"
"Eh?"
Hanasaka Warabi's movements paused. She seemed to have finally realized it too. Her eyes darted around in a circle, and after confirming that those two dark figures were indeed not in the room...
Her small face instantly darkened.
One could even clearly see a bright red vein popping out on her temple.
Her fists hardened.
"Um... Kami-sama, please wait a moment."
"I'll be right back!"
Having said that.
Before Haimer could react.
Gritting her teeth, Hanasaka Warabi furiously rushed out of the room, trailing a visibly dark aura.
Heading straight next door!
Three seconds later!
Bang!!!
A loud crash suddenly came from the room next door.
Followed closely by Hanasaka Warabi's voice filled with dissatisfaction, possessing an extremely strong penetrating power that almost flipped the roof.
"Kyoubou!!!!"
"The sun is already burning your butt!!!"
"How long are you going to sleep, you lazy bear?!!!!"
"Get up right now!!!!"
This sudden commotion.
Startled not only Haimer and the others.
Even on the first floor.
Ryu, who was holding a broom to clean, as well as the conscripted laborers Chloe and Lunor, were all startled.
The broom in Ryu's hand paused. Her pair of pointed Elf ears twitched, and she subconsciously looked up at the ceiling of the second floor.
"Wh-What happened, meow?"
Chloe, hugging a wiping cloth, shrank her neck.
"Should we go up and take a look?"
Lunor was also looking bewildered.
However.
Considering that Kami-sama's Grace updating ceremony was taking place on the second floor.
"...Never mind."
Ryu shook her head, lowered her head again, and continued dealing with the dust on the floor.
Outsiders should not disturb the private matters between a God and their Familia.
...
Thus.
Shifting the perspective back to the second floor.
"Awooo!!!"
"Awooo!!!"
In the room next door.
After Hanasaka Warabi finished shouting, a chaotic series of clattering and banging rang out, mixed with Kyoubou's terrified howls.
It didn't take long.
Under the gaze of Haimer and the others.
They saw.
The door was pushed open once again.
Hanasaka Warabi walked in, puffing her cheeks in anger.
Still dragging a thick and sturdy bear leg in her hand.
She forcefully dragged a gigantic black bear inside.
As a giant bear capable of tearing monsters apart bare-handed in the Dungeon—one whom even Orcs had to give a wide berth—Kyoubou.
At this moment, she looked like an elementary school student caught misbehaving by a parent. Her head drooped down, allowing her monstrous strength loli master to drag her along, completely not daring to resist.
One could even see several drool marks from not being fully awake still hanging on her thick fur.
That was the drool from a groggy little cub lying on Kyoubou's belly. It was currently grabbing its mother's ear, swaying back and forth with Hanasaka Warabi's dragging motions. It rubbed its eyes, seemingly still unable to grasp the situation.
"I've made a fool of myself... Kami-sama."
Hanasaka Warabi let go of the bear leg and clapped the dust off her hands. When she turned to look at Haimer, she had already switched to an awkward yet polite smile.
Then, with a look of exasperation over her failure to meet expectations, she glared at Kyoubou, who was lying on the ground playing dead.
"These two... as soon as they heard we didn't need to go down into the Dungeon today, they started slacking off."
"It's simply too embarrassing!"
"Well..."
Haimer smiled.
"After all, they were also tired out for a whole day yesterday..."
Just as Haimer finished speaking.
Suddenly.
The groggy little cub, who was still lying on Kyoubou's head, seemed to have smelled something.
Those black-bean-like eyes instantly lit up.
After noticing Haimer sitting on the chair.
Whoosh!
This little guy immediately threw its mother to the back of its mind. Pushing off with its hind legs, it lunged straight off Kyoubou's head.
It was so fast.
Before Onigawara Rin and the others could even see clearly.
They just felt a gust of wind blowing against their faces.
"Awoo!"
The little guy directly let out a joyful cry.
Performing a fierce bear pounce.
It jumped directly into Haimer's arms with unerring accuracy.
"Awoo~"
After crying out once, the little guy skillfully found the most comfortable spot in Haimer's arms. It rubbed its large, furry head against Haimer's clothes, and then very contentedly closed its eyes.
It even started emitting purring sounds.
It was preparing to go back to sleep.
"..."
Haimer looked down at this lump of black coal in his arms.
He felt somewhat helpless.
This little thing certainly knew how to pick a spot.
"Alright, stop sleeping."
Haimer reached out and lightly patted the little cub's chubby buttocks; the feel was quite nice.
"You can sleep later."
"Next, I need to update the Grace for you and your mother."
"Awoo?"
The little cub groggily opened one eye, seemingly understanding Haimer's words, and shifted its body somewhat reluctantly.
At this time.
The other girls also gathered around.
After all.
Yesterday, they had heard from Tsubaki that Lord Haimer had acted on a sudden whim and bestowed Grace upon these two bears as well.
"I'm looking forward to it..."
Onigawara Rin leaned in closer, staring at the giant Kyoubou on the floor.
"With such a huge bulk, she was able to both tank and deal damage in the Dungeon yesterday. Her values should be very high, right?"
"Mhm."
Haimer didn't waste words either.
He signaled Hanasaka Warabi to hold Kyoubou down—although Kyoubou wouldn't dare move anyway.
Haimer walked behind Kyoubou.
He parted the thick and coarse black fur.
He pricked his fingertip.
The Divine Blood dripped down.
Oom—
The sacred text manifested through the fur on Kyoubou's broad back.
Although, due to her size, the area covered by the sacred text was somewhat ridiculously large.
But numbers do not lie.
Haimer focused his gaze.
[Name]: Kyoubou
[Level]: Lv.1
[Stats]:
Strength: I0 → A885
Endurance: I0 → SS1032
Dexterity: I0 → D521
Agility: I0 → E433
Magic: I0 → I0
"Woah."
Haimer raised his eyebrows.
Although he had expected it in his heart.
After all, Kyoubou also had the boost from the 『Thick Fat』 skill. In the Dungeon, she had essentially been acting as a meat shield the entire time, and definitely tanked many monster attacks head-on.
But to push Endurance straight to SS in a single day.
It was still a bit scary.
"Endurance SS..."
Haimer read out this data.
"Hooray!!!"
Hanasaka Warabi instantly jumped up in joy, hugging Kyoubou's large head and rubbing against it forcefully.
"Beautifully done! Kyoubou!"
"As expected of my Kyoubou!"
"Awoo~"
Kyoubou seemed to know she was being praised, letting out two smug grunts as her tail wagged furiously.
"She is truly amazing."
Inaba Tsukuyo also nodded, giving a fair assessment.
"Then..."
Everyone's gaze.
Finally fell upon the little black cub still yawning in Haimer's arms.
"What about this little guy?"
Onigawara Rin poked the little cub's belly.
"Yesterday it seemed to be sleeping on Kyoubou's back the whole time, right?"
"Mhm, it indeed didn't move much."
Kikakujou Mary recalled.
"It didn't even walk much."
"There probably... isn't much improvement, right?"
This was normal logic.
In the Dungeon.
How much effort you put in is how much reward you get.
This is the rule.
What kind of growth could an AFK bear who did nothing the whole time have?
Haimer thought the same.
However.
Since Grace was bestowed, the process still had to be followed.
Haimer flipped the little black cub over, making it face away from him.
He parted the soft fuzz.
Dripped blood.
Updated.
The sacred text manifested.
However.
When that string of data popped up.
Haimer's originally careless expression suddenly froze.
He almost even lost the Godly majesty he had always maintained.
"?"
Haimer rubbed his eyes.
And looked again.
[Name]: Little Cub
[Level]: Lv.1
[Stats]:
Strength: I0 → A888
Endurance: I0 → A888
Dexterity: I0 → A888
Agility: I0 → A888
Magic: I0 → I0
Where did this cheater come from?
____
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