Upon hearing Jeremy's response, Ritchie's expression remained largely unchanged, yet his eyes conveyed a subtle shift.
Ritchie was unable to display overly complex emotions at the moment; he could only express his thoughts through his gaze.
Jeremy could discern that the meaning behind Ritchie's eyes was one of gratitude towards both him and Bonnie.
"You both went out of your way to make my favorite cake, which truly exceeds my expectations. I must express my gratitude, and I will do my utmost in our future endeavors,"
Ritchie stated to Jeremy with a very serious tone.
Jeremy nodded, feeling a touch of embarrassment as he replied, "Actually, you don't need to thank us so much. Both Bonnie and I think that the chocolate cake we made isn't all that great in flavor and texture."
After Jeremy finished speaking, both he and Ritchie shared a laugh.
"Alright, we don't need to linger here any longer. Although the monsters around The Shadow Mine are not particularly high in level, you still need to rest quickly. Let's get in the car!"
Jeremy promptly led Ritchie back to his residence with great haste.
When they arrived at the foot of Ritchie's building, Jeremy made sure to give Ritchie a specific reminder.
"In the next couple of days, you absolutely must refrain from engaging in any combat with enemies. The shadow manipulation skill, once it reaches max level, can actually pose a significant threat to its wielder.
Therefore, for your safety, you must not use the shadow manipulation skill at all during this period. Once you have stabilized your condition, you will be free to utilize the skill at your discretion."
In response to Jeremy's warning, Ritchie smiled and nodded.
"Alright, I understand. I will not step outside my home for the next two days. This way, I can avoid any encounters with enemies.
Moreover, if I do find myself in a situation of severe danger, I will not hesitate to seek your assistance. You will be staying in Moonlight City for the next couple of days, won't you?"
In response to Ritchie's inquiry, Jeremy answered without hesitation.
"Of course, I will be staying in Moonlight City for at least the next month. This upcoming month is crucial for us to enhance our own strengths.
Moreover, I believe that General Howard and Director Liam will not be able to adequately prepare for further exploration of high-difficulty instances within such a short time frame."
Jeremy's conclusion was the result of synthesizing a considerable amount of information.
Thus, he felt confident that his judgment was sound.
Ritchie also placed a great deal of trust in Jeremy's assessments, which led him to bid farewell to Jeremy directly.
After escorting Ritchie back to his home, Jeremy did not return to his own residence; he did not focus on leveling up either.
Instead, Jeremy decided to check on Claire and Emma.
He had not been in contact with them for several days.
Although Claire and Emma were not undertaking particularly perilous missions, and they were not entering instances to engage in combat.
Jeremy still felt a twinge of guilt.
So, Claire quickly interjected, "Even if I am unable to assist you in the forthcoming battles, I don't think it matters all that much. As long as I can enhance my own strength, I will be able to ensure my own safety.
In a sense, that also provides you with a measure of support, doesn't it? After all, once both Emma and I have improved our abilities, you won't have to constantly worry about our safety."
Claire's words successfully alleviated the tension for Jeremy.
He nodded emphatically.
"You are absolutely correct. I believe that after you complete your second class change, your strength will indeed be sufficient to ensure your own safety. However, where is Emma right now? Shouldn't she be with you?"
"She will be back very soon; she has already been out fighting all day. I believe Emma has also become quite proficient in her skills, and she should be ready to undergo her second class change alongside me."
Just as Claire finished speaking, Emma pushed the door open and walked in.
Upon seeing Jeremy, Emma became visibly excited.
"You finally came to see me! I thought you had forgotten all about me!" Emma's reaction mirrored Claire's almost perfectly.
After all, the two had been living together for quite a long time.
They were well aware of each other's thoughts and feelings.
In light of this situation, Jeremy could only offer some comforting words to Emma.
Once Emma's emotions had calmed down completely, Jeremy turned to her and asked.
"I assume you have also become quite adept at your healing skills by now, right?"
"Of course! My mastery of the skills I use has reached an extraordinary level. I feel that I could initiate the second phase of my class change at any moment."
Emma's response brought immense joy to Jeremy.
He felt that although his companions may not possess strength on par with his own, they were all diligently striving to enhance their abilities.
Moreover, during this recent period, all of his companions, with the exception of Bonnie, had experienced steady improvements in their strength.
Although Ritchie, Claire, and Emma had not progressed rapidly, their advancement was remarkably stable.
This stability ensured that they would not easily stray from the path of enhancing their abilities.
After pondering for a moment, Jeremy addressed Claire and Emma.
"You are indeed ready to initiate your second class change at any time. However, I believe it would be prudent for you to take one to two days to prepare. After all, the class change ceremony does require certain materials.
Furthermore, you cannot complete your class change in a single day; I think it would be best for you to space it out over two days. During your class change process, I will remain by your side.
This way, we can ensure your safety and allow me the opportunity to intervene swiftly should any unforeseen circumstances arise."
Jeremy's plan was undeniably reasonable.
Neither Claire nor Emma voiced any objections; they were merely concerned about when they should commence their second class change.
After giving it some thought, Jeremy settled on a date. However, before he had the chance to articulate it, his phone began to ring.