==========
[Eiji Nangou]
[LV·3]
[Strength: H·199 → A·807]
[Endurance: H·169 → B·758]
[Dexterity: G·259 → SSS·1204]
[Agility: F·357 → SSS·1476]
[Magic: I·98 → D·567]
[Skills: Ten Years of Sharpening a Sword, Sword Heart's Valor, Charm]
[Magic: None]
[Development Abilities: Hunter (H), Spirit Healing (I)]
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"Over 3,000 points increased!"
Loki removed the silk scarf covering her eyes and glanced at the parchment with her hand shielding her forehead.
"I get why Ais leveled up after defeating Udaeus, but what did you do?"
"Hmm… I killed about a few dozen Level 4 monsters."
"No wonder."
Eiji silently thanked Udaeus's mass production of Dragon Tooth Warriors. Without them, his excelia increase wouldn't even be half of what it was now.
Thanks to slaying a large number of monsters, his Hunter ability also improved, rising from I to H.
Ais walked in and carefully examined the parchment.
As expected, he had once again surpassed the limits.
Judging by his progress, he was only about ten days to two weeks away from reaching Level 4.
To save time, Loki didn't bother copying down Eiji's skill details onto the parchment, or else Ais would have had even more questions.
"By the way, Ais, could you help me with special training over the next few days?"
"Special training?"
"Yeah, I want to reach Level 4 as soon as possible. I'm just one step away now."
"Okay."
Ais agreed without hesitation.
"So direct?"
Eiji was surprised.
"Because you asked."
Ais smiled faintly, but it quickly disappeared, almost as if it were an illusion.
"Also, I want to test my strength after reaching Level 6."
"Then I really owe you one. Let's train in the dungeon."
"Alright."
Ais nodded obediently.
Eiji let out a relieved sigh, feeling thankful for his past decision.
Joining the Loki Familia was the best choice he could have made.
If he had joined the blue-ribbon Familia, where would he find a high-level adventurer to personally train him?
With Ais helping him, it shouldn't take more than a few days to reach the peak of Level 3.
Once he reached Level 4, with all the hidden stats and swordsmanship he had accumulated, he might even match a beginner Level 5 adventurer in strength.
The day after returning to the Familia.
Eiji and Ais left early in the morning and headed to the 10th floor of the dungeon, deep into the Misty Grasslands. Finding a secluded area, they began one-on-one training.
Ais had indeed become stronger.
Even though Eiji had improved significantly after reaching the early stages of Level 3, the gap between Level 5 and Level 6 was massive.
Previously, Ais had to go all out to achieve supersonic attacks.
Now, she could unleash them effortlessly, surpassing the speed of sound with every strike. Her strength had skyrocketed.
Eiji specifically requested her not to hold back.
As a result, he lasted less than ten seconds before Ais knocked him out cold. Even when he used his abilities, he could only hold out for a minute at most—until his magic was completely drained.
Three days passed.
On the 57th day since Eiji arrived in Orario…
"Ugh..."
Eiji groaned as he slowly opened his blurry eyes.
His head throbbed with pain.
Ais truly showed no mercy.
"Are you okay?"
Ais's face appeared upside down above him, her golden eyes filled with slight concern.
His head rested on something soft.
Ais wasn't wearing her armor today, just a pair of dark blue soft leather boots over her slender legs. The sensation was incredibly comfortable.
From his angle, he could also catch a glimpse of her well-shaped curves.
Her proportions were actually quite moderate, but because she had such a slender frame, the contrast made her look even more appealing.
Despite her overwhelming strength, her body showed no signs of excessive muscle.
Anime logic truly defied reality.
Fortunately, Eiji himself could develop well-defined muscles.
Compared to before, his physique had grown more toned, losing any traces of frailty. His build was now perfectly balanced—lean yet muscular, the ideal combination of "slim in clothes, ripped when shirtless." Even Freya had shown her appreciation.
He now had the strong presence of a true warrior—exactly what he wanted!
"I'm fine. What time is it?"
Ais checked her pocket watch. "A little past six. Almost evening."
Despite being an alternate world, Orario still reflected many aspects of Earth's civilization.
"Then we can head back now."
Eiji got up from Ais's lap and stretched his sore body, wincing slightly.
"I think I can level up tonight."
After getting relentlessly beaten by a Level 6 for three days straight…
His status had to be maxed out.
"I'm looking forward to it."
Ais's gaze was filled with anticipation as well.
Compared to a few days ago, she seemed much calmer now.
Perhaps it was because she had taken Eiji's advice to heart, or because leveling up had eased her impatience, or maybe her meditation practice was working—either way, the jealousy she once harbored toward him was gone. Now, she simply saw him as motivation to improve herself.
The two adjusted their clothes before heading towards the passage leading to the 9th floor.
Clang!
Just as they passed through a withered forest, the sound of fierce battle reached their ears.
"Lili! Where are you, Lili?!"
In the center of the dying trees…
A white-haired boy, looking no older than fourteen or fifteen, was surrounded by three Minotaurs, with several Imps lurking around, ready to strike. He was clearly in trouble.
Gripping a black dagger, the boy tried to break through their encirclement, but the overwhelming numbers left him desperate. His gaze darted around as he anxiously called out.
"That guy…?"
Eiji recognized him.
Three days ago, when they returned from the Deep Floors, he had caught a glimpse of this boy. White hair and red eyes were rare features.
"White hair, red eyes… wait, isn't he the protagonist?"
Eiji suddenly remembered.
That rabbit-like appearance was the trademark of Danmachi's main character!
What was his name again?
...He forgot.
"Should we help him?"
Ais had also noticed the boy's predicament. She looked at Eiji while resting her hand on the hilt of her rapier.
"I'll handle it."
Eiji drew the katana strapped to his waist.
Then, with a single step, he vanished like the wind.
Shing!
Shing!
His movements were too fast for the eye to follow.
Dashing around the battlefield in mere seconds, he effortlessly cut down every Imp and Minotaur in his path. Compared to his strength a month ago, it was like night and day.
"...Thank you! I have to go!"
The white-haired boy hesitated for a moment.
Before he could even see the face of the person who saved him, he hurriedly dashed away from the Misty Grasslands, vanishing from sight.
***
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