Chapter 16

Chapter 16: Izay, Are You Seriously Speaking the Absolute Truth?

“Absolutely monstrous, right? The most extravagant initial stat panel I’ve ever seen was Riviria’s—nine magics and two skills.”

“But yours… despite temporarily having fewer magics, is absolutely on par with hers.”

“And the rare skill to independently create magic? In all my years, it’s the first time I’ve seen something like this. So, does that mean your future number of magics will basically have no upper limit?”

Loki couldn’t help but smack her lips as she leaned in close to Izay, examining the two rare skills he possessed.

You see, magic is divided into innate magic and acquired magic.

Innate magic refers to magic tied to one’s natural aptitude or racial foundation. Ancient magical races could acquire it simply through their latent talents, combined with training and rituals. While its attributes tend to be fixed, they are generally powerful and large-scale in effect.

Acquired magic, on the other hand, is a possibility that sprouts through divine favor, representing self-actualization. It relates to one’s interest and recognition of things.

It has no set rules; instead, it branches off infinitely.

A case like Izay’s, where he can “independently create magic,” was something Loki had never encountered before.

What the hell kind of broken skill is this? It’s outrageously strong! Later on, he’ll practically be an entire army of mages by himself!

Moreover, these two skills—one enhancing spiritual power, the other physical ability—seem to complement each other.

The freedom these magics offer is high, but it also means Izay must explore them himself.

There will likely be a blank period early on, and his eventual achievements will entirely depend on how far he develops.

However, Izay didn’t respond immediately to Loki’s words.

Instead, he focused his attention on the magic named “Silver Starfall.” Suddenly, he felt like he understood something…

“Chant: Let the Curtain Fall (Orionids).”

He seemed to grasp why his favorability with Goddess Artemis was so unusually high.

But before Izay could dwell on it further, Loki tapped him lightly on the head from behind.

“You little brat, what are you thinking about? Zoning out at a time like this? Not daydreaming about some pretty girl, are you? Thinking about making it big someday and going back home to marry her or something?”

“Impossible! Lady God, you’re speaking absolute nonsense!”

“Huh???”

“Ah, pardon me, Lady God, you’re talking complete rubbish!”

Izay felt a bit flustered inside because, in a sense, Loki wasn’t far off the mark.

“Well, I won’t nitpick with you. Anyway, if someone sees your ability values, it’ll cause quite a stir. Be careful when you’re in the dungeon.”

This was the second time Loki had warned Izay, showing just how seriously she took the matter.

Without question, if Izay’s ability values were exposed, those deities would undoubtedly go to great lengths to poach him from Loki Familia.

While Loki herself, whether in terms of faction strength or personal ability, doesn’t fear those gods,

there’s an old saying: “We don’t fear thieves stealing, we fear them remembering.”

There may be a thousand days of thievery, but not a thousand days of vigilance.

So, better to avoid trouble altogether. If Izay’s ability values can remain hidden, it’s best to keep them that way.

“Maybe it’s just talent, something others can only envy～”

Putting aside any ulterior thoughts, Izay looked at the paper in his hands and couldn’t hide his joy. With flying dragons already riding his face at the start, what more needed to be said?

Rubbing his hands together, Izay began contemplating how to prepare for the next dungeon run.

First, let’s set a small goal: reaching LV5 within two years. With his two bug-tier skills and one additional magic, he’ll definitely be able to fight monsters above his level.

At that point, Izay wants to see just how many lives Andarius has to spare!

“You little brat, you’re asking for a beating with that attitude!”

With an exasperated pat on his head, Loki couldn’t help but smile. Without a doubt, once Izay grows, he’ll become a pillar of support for the Familia.

No, even becoming the strongest in Orario isn’t out of the question.

And Loki had a premonition—Izay’s growth rate would be unprecedentedly fast!

Skills that increase growth speed…

Rare sights indeed.

“Hisss, but now this becomes troublesome… sigh…”

Suddenly snapping out of the joy Izay brought her, Loki thought about the upcoming task ahead and couldn’t help but display a troubled expression.

“Hmm? Is something wrong?”

“Of course it is! Couldn’t you have joined earlier? Just when my kids are preparing for an expedition, you decide to join… This makes preparations for your first dungeon trip a real headache.”

As she spoke, Loki anxiously twirled her crimson hair.

Talent doesn’t equal strength. Even if adventurers have excellent talent, when they’re at LV1, they’re at their weakest. Exploring dungeons can easily lead to accidents.

Therefore, new adventurers usually have senior members of their Familia take care of them during their first dungeon runs. Otherwise, they form teams in the guild and venture out together.

In this regard, powerful factions have a natural advantage over weaker ones.

Just then, Loki realized something.

Her Familia’s current situation didn’t allow for it!

All members above LV3 were preparing for the expedition, which would depart in two days. During this time, there seemed to be no powerful members available to guide Izay through the dungeon.

Two days included today.

Which meant there was essentially only tomorrow left. After that, Loki Familia would embark on the expedition.

Expeditions are a tradition among powerful factions.

Because the stronger the faction, the more money they need in every aspect, so they periodically organize manpower to raid dungeons.

They return with magic stones or rare items for resource conversion to sustain the faction.

Although expeditions come with inherent risks, they also bring rich rewards.

Material resources, experience points required for faction member upgrades, great deeds…

This makes expeditions an indispensable activity for large factions.

For example, Loki Familia basically goes on expeditions once a month.

And Izay happened to join exactly at the time Loki Familia was about to set out for their monthly expedition.

This meant Loki’s plan to assign Izay a mentor and bodyguard fell through…

“If this is the problem, it shouldn’t be too much of a concern. I should be fine soloing the first few floors～”

Understanding Loki’s worries, Izay spoke up.

Even before receiving divine favor, he could single-handedly defeat Level 1 monsters outside Orario.

Back when he was chased by a pack of gray wolves, it was ultimately because he killed a lone wolf that caused the trouble.

Though monsters outside Orario are generally weaker than those inside the dungeon, Izay now has divine favor, magic, and skills.

That difference can easily be compensated for.