Chapter 127: Upgrades and the Choice of a Grand Undertaking

"The limit... has been broken?"

Hestia did not know what kind of expression to wear. Even as a deity who had lived for hundreds of millions of years and had seen almost everything, she could not comprehend the situation before her.

It had been less than two days, yet Roland’s status had grown to an inconceivable degree.

Roland
Lv.1
Strength: A (882) → SSS (1528)
Endurance: B (795) → SSS (1376)
Dexterity: S (998) → SSS (1599)
Agility: B (747) → SSS (1585)
Magic: A (853) → SSS (1563)
Magic—
[ ]
[ ]
[ ]
Skills—
Wisdom of a Thousand
Incarnation of Possibility
Favored One

Over the past millennium, based on how geniuses of various eras developed their Falna, gods had concluded that the limit for status was S-rank. Perhaps, theoretically, a higher level existed, but no one had ever witnessed such a thing. Even those outstanding individuals from years ago who reached Lv.8 or Lv.9 had never broken this rule.

And now, Roland had shattered that ceiling in less than five days.

Not only that, if a Roland who was already this powerful at Lv.1 were to keep improving, what kind of realm would he eventually reach? To Hestia, witnessing this was less like seeing the birth of a hero and more like witnessing the sublimation of a new god. Even she could sense an inexplicable anomaly within Roland.

Yet, upon truly understanding this, Hestia grew calm instead. Her cheeks flushed with a light rosy hue, and her eyes crinkled in happiness.

Time is meaningless to gods. Some people are worth remembering forever after meeting them for only a day, while some gods, even after spending millions of years together, simply remain incompatible. For a deity, following one's own heart is the greatest joy of existence. Hestia knew clearly that Roland was her first family member, a person of special significance to her, and that was enough.

No more grueling part-time jobs, no more living under someone else’s roof; she could hold her head high at the Divine Assembly. She looked forward to each new day, possessing a goal to strive for. This fervent emotion filled Hestia’s entire heart.

"Congratulations, Roland."

She did not ask a single question, simply expressing her sincere feelings.

"Thank you, Hestia."

Roland sat up, moving his body. It looked the same as before, yet it could now unleash power entirely different from what it had previously possessed.

"I should have met the requirements for leveling up by now, right?"

Leveling up—this was the most critical function of the Falna. An ordinary person’s potential is finite. Even with Experience Points acting as a catalyst, one eventually reaches a point where they are fully tapped out and can grow no further; this is the sign that the body has hit its limit. At that point, one needs a level up, which broadens the user’s potential, triggers a metamorphosis, and creates more room for evolution.

For Roland, it was like widening the valve that facilitated growth, allowing him to convert his power with even greater efficiency. Beyond basic requirements—such as having at least one basic ability reach D-rank—the true barrier holding back the majority of Lv.1 adventurers in Orario was the second condition: achieving a great deed.

The most intuitive "great deed" is to defeat a stronger opponent or accomplish feats akin to those of a hero. However, if such deeds were truly that rigid, Roland would likely have to kill a god to level up, as finding an opponent in the Dungeon that would allow him to "defeat the strong with the weak" was, ironically, more difficult.

"Roland, you don't need to worry. The so-called 'great deed' is also a form of Experience Point; it is the key to broadening your possibilities," Hestia explained. "As long as you perform acts that make the gods marvel or create stories that stun the world, they can all become fuel for your level up. In fact, the legend of you clearing out monsters in the Dungeon all by yourself, reaching the lower floors—if that were any other child, it would have been more than enough for Lv.2 or Lv.3."

"But, the 'impact' isn't enough, is it?" Roland remarked with a touch of sentiment. "True great deeds, beyond their intrinsic quality, also depend on whether they can stir up enough noise among the gods, right?"

"After all, we are bored gods; we inevitably have to consider the 'interesting' factor as well." Hestia admitted this righteously, causing Roland to helplessly pat her head.

"No time like the present. Since I need fame, I’ll go and give it a try. I heard it’s been quite a while since the last expedition, hasn't it?"

"You mean...?"

"As a newcomer who hasn't even had the Falna for a week, if I were to subjugate a Floor Boss, surely that would be enough to serve as the first page of a hero's legend."

***

The next morning, when Roland arrived at Babel, he discovered an unexpected scene. The central plaza in front of the tower was packed with people, a rare sight. A group of heavily armed adventurers were organizing supplies and checking their gear, seemingly unaffected by the surrounding noise. In front of them stood a flag embroidered with a jester. Even an adventurer new to Orario could recognize the significance of that emblem.

"The Loki Familia is launching an expedition!"

As a proper exploration-type Familia, the Loki Familia shouldered the pressure of the front lines and the expectations of all Orario; every move they made caused a massive stir.

At the front of the group, the core combatants were gathered, chatting casually. Finn, the "Brave," a Pallum who appeared quite mature despite his stature, stood holding a spear and smiling at his members. In many ways, his authority far surpassed that of Loki herself.

Ais, dressed in formal white light armor with hair as magnificent as gold dust, stood quietly in the center like a moon surrounded by stars, flanked by two chattering Amazonian girls. Their bold attire, paired with healthy tan skin and heroic features, did not appear androgynous; instead, it carried a unique, striking beauty. Their shockingly open-minded views on courtship combined with a fierce, singular devotion once they had chosen their partner perfectly characterized the Amazon race.

Tiona and her sister Tione were not only a beautiful sight distinct from Ais, but also representatives of the Amazon race. However, those who underestimated them based on their appearance would soon learn exactly how they earned their distinctive aliases: "Amazon" and "Hiryute."

"Ais, at the party after this expedition, be sure to invite that hero who defeated you. I heard the Soma Familia started dumping their stock of divine wine these past few days—it’s such a pity we’re heading out before I could drink any..."

"Idiot! What kind of reason is that? Ais has her own plans. Besides, if you really wanted a chance to meet him, don't you have time everywhere? I heard he’s already entered the deep levels. He's only Lv.1, and many people in Orario are already betting on when he’ll level up."

On the edge of the group, a beastkin youth with lightning-shaped tattoos on his face and prominent wolf ears and a tail—Bete—listened to their chatter with a sour expression. He let out a grunt of annoyance, especially when they mentioned Roland. This made the twins laugh even more; Bete’s secret crush on Ais was hardly a secret within the Loki Familia, though it was likely that Ais remained completely oblivious.

"Alright, alright, get ready. We’re moving out."

Gareth, a dwarf who looked nearly fifty and appeared extremely reliable, stood at the back with Riveria and clapped his hands, cutting off the chatter of the juniors. He was the final Lv.6 of the Loki Familia besides Finn and Riveria, a figure who had been active for years under the name "Elga."

Although Roland didn't recognize the others, the mere presence of these members made the importance the Loki Familia placed on this expedition clear. While it was normal to launch an expedition when a Floor Boss began to respawn, it wasn't hard to deduce from the surrounding discussions that this expedition was happening several days earlier than usual. Thinking back to Riveria and Ais’s previous mission, Roland’s gaze flickered.

Had the influence of the Spirit already begun to manifest?

Just as he was deep in thought, a clear gaze suddenly fell upon him. The moment she saw Roland, Ais detached herself from the group without hesitation and walked over. No emotion could be read on her exquisite face, but her quiet eyes remained locked on him.

"Hello, Miss Ais." Roland looked at the earnest girl and smiled slightly.

"Hello, Roland." Hearing Roland’s words, Ais tilted her head, clumsily mimicking his greeting.

At this point, the rest of the Loki Familia noticed Roland and walked over, looking at him with curious expressions. Tiona and Tione examined him with particularly rare interest, as if looking at some precious creature. Upon seeing his face, Tiona, the younger sister, enthusiastically grabbed Roland’s arm, acting like a fan meeting an idol.

"A hero living in the real world! I’ve only ever seen them in books!"

Though he didn't know why this Amazon girl was so friendly, Roland responded with a polite smile.

"Tiona, don't be so rude." Riveria walked over with a serious expression, nodded at Roland, and introduced him to the members behind her. "This is Roland, the one who contracted with a Spirit and defeated Ais before even receiving a Falna."

"A Spirit and a hero?" Gareth and Finn were both surprised, while only Bete, lurking at the back, wore an unpleasant expression.

"Where is your Spirit?" Ais tilted her head, scanning Roland's surroundings, and asked with a hint of confusion when she didn't see that nostalgic figure.

"Aster is resting in my seal. I’ll call her out when she’s needed." Roland shrugged and smiled as he asked, "Launching an expedition so quickly—is it because of what happened last time?"

Riveria and Finn instinctively exchanged a look before nodding. "You are a hero recognized by Loki; there is no need to hide it from you. That is correct. Anomalies have begun appearing in the upper floors. For the sake of future strategy, the Guild wants us to resolve the Floor Boss and keep the paths between floors as clear as possible."

"Is that so?" Roland gave a gentle smile. "In that case, I have a request..."

***

"You want to defeat the Floor Boss to complete a great deed? But you’re only Lv.1!"

As they walked through the Dungeon passages with the Loki Familia, Roland explained his reasoning, drawing a chorus of gasps.

"I remember it’s only been, one, two..." Tiona, standing next to Roland, began counting on her fingers, calculating how many days Roland had been in Orario.

"Six days." Riveria interrupted Tiona without expression, looking at Roland with astonishment. "In just six days, you’ve reached the limit of Lv.1? With your power, wouldn't it be better to accumulate more?"

"I have nothing left to rise to, and besides, the number six suits my palate well. I might as well resolve it all today." Roland smiled kindly, looking radiant.

"Resolve it all?"

A slightly annoyed and skeptical voice rang out; Bete was looking at Roland with a sour expression. "Even with the help of a Spirit, a Floor Boss isn't something someone who hasn't even spent a few days in the Dungeon can defeat!"

Such an unprovoked provocation caused the good-natured Finn to frown. Just as he was about to say something, Ais spoke first.

"I believe in you, Roland."

Ais’s earnest and simple words caused Bete to wilt, his face freezing completely. Seeing Ais defend Roland so fiercely only made the look on his face more hateful.

"Enough, Bete. You should know that Ais doesn't lie. Moreover, though Loki is usually unreliable, she is very measured when it comes to these matters. The fact that she ordered the Familia to assist Roland with all their might is proof enough of the truth behind those legends." Finn didn't give him another chance to speak, sternly warning him. Faced with the Captain’s words, even the unruly Bete dared not cause more trouble.

"Apologies, he was far too rude..." After reprimanding Bete, Finn immediately turned to Roland to express his regret. Although he might only be an acquaintance, having such grace made it easy for Roland to understand why Diarmuid of the Fate series felt such deep remorse for betraying his lord.

"This is all too inconceivable, so I understand the disbelief. In that case, shouldn't I just go ahead and prove it?" Roland shook his head, indicating he didn't mind. "For what comes next, please allow me to face the Floor Boss alone."

This declaration plunged the passage into silence. Led by Finn, the members of the Loki Familia looked at Roland with unprecedented expressions. Even Tiona, who had been quite confident in him, hesitated.

"I feel like a hero definitely won't lose, but a Floor Boss is a completely different concept from the monsters we usually encounter. Even if you have experience with monster hordes, it won't apply to a Floor Boss..."

Roland pursed his lips slightly, opened his mouth, and decided the matter in a calm tone.

"It doesn't matter. After all, whether you are sweeping away one speck of dust or two, it looks the same to the naked eye."