Chapter 54: Is This Party Really Okay?

Chapter 54: Is This Party Really Okay?

Now, Riezel indeed had strength no less than Level 5.

Although he was currently at Level 4, before this, he leveled up three times in a row and leveled up with all basic abilities at SSS, boasting a latent ability higher than the average adventurer.

Most people, before leveling up, managed to get one or two basic abilities to B-rank at most, with very few reaching A-rank, let alone S-rank. Only prodigies like Ais, Bete, Tiona, Tione, and others who became Level 5 adventurers at a young age had the possibility of developing their basic abilities to S-rank.

For example, Lefiya, considered to be Riveria's successor, matched Level 5 attack power while at Level 3. Besides skill assistance, the main reason was she reached an S-rank in 'MAG' before leveling up to Level 3.

Just getting one basic ability to S made her stand out among mages of the same level. Riezel, with all basic abilities at the unprecedented SSS, accumulated even more astonishing latent basic abilities.

With such circumstances, Riezel considered by Ais to be no weaker than Level 4 expert adventurers was to be expected.

Now at Level 4, he had three basic abilities at S-rank and the remaining two at A-rank. This status, undoubtedly, put him at the cream of the crop among Level 4.

Being the cream of the crop at Level 4, coupled with the latent basic abilities accumulated from previous levels, purely in terms of status alone, he was not inferior to those Level 5 adventurers.

Plus, he also possessed 'Lightweight' and 'Swordsman', two development abilities specialized for combat. Although both development abilities were only at H-rank, his 'Endless' skill would boost the obtained development abilities. Therefore, the amplification of the two development abilities for him became quite significant.

Therefore, even without using magic, Riezel, in his normal state, was enough to rival Level 5, and he might have even outclassed ordinary Level 5 adventurers.

Precisely because of this, when he faced the Fomoire horde on the 49th Floor, even charging alongside Ais, he could hold his own without being at a disadvantage.

Finn, Riveria, and Gareth observed and understood this in Riezel's performance along the way. Astonished, they decided, after careful consideration, to treat him as an executive equivalent to a Level 5 adventurer.

Why else did Finn arrange Riezel and Ais together?

Not just because they had become the party's trump card capable of challenging higher levels. It could be said that in terms of importance within the party, Riezel even surpassed Bete, Tiona, and Tione, reaching a point where he could be mentioned in the same breath as Ais.

The three top executives unanimously believed that the three familia members they needed to focus on developing were Riezel, Ais, and Lefiya.

While Bete, Tiona, and Tione were certainly prodigies, Riezel, Ais, and Lefiya stood out as super prodigies.

Especially Riezel, whose potential exceeded even Ais and Lefiya, could no longer be called just a super prodigy but should be referred to as an anomaly.

In summary, since they wanted to hone their capabilities, Finn naturally considered including Riezel in this commission as reasonable and fair.

"Are you okay with this, Riezel?" Finn chuckled, repeating the same words he had used when asking Ais.

"A strong dragon?" Riezel muttered, then said with a calm tone. "Of course, no problem."

Thinking about facing a Level 6 dragon species, he had no reservations. He welcomed challenging strong enemies.

"Riezel, don't act recklessly, okay?" Riveria said while observing his enthusiasm as if she could read his thoughts. "Whether it's Ais or Tiona, they are girls who lack restraint and don't know their limits. As a man, you have to keep an eye on them."

"I don't know if putting you in this party is the right call..." Gareth grumbled. "You're like the second Ais, equally unreliable..."

Hearing that statement, Riezel instantly fell silent.

Ais, who was affected by the conversation, blinked, then lowered her head, focusing on her food.

Riveria turned to Lefiya.

"Lefiya, you also go."

"Me?" Lefiya was startled to be singled out.

"You'll be their supporter." Riveria added.

Two brain-dead diehard fan girls, a goofy and naive innocent girl, and a seemingly aloof but actually naturally awkward doll-like girl.

Suddenly, he felt a wave of concern.

'It seems like I really can't mess around this time...'

Riezel sighed tiredly.

===

Several hours later.

Leaving behind Riveria and the rest of the expedition party at the base camp, Finn led his commission party to set off to the 51st Floor.

"Take care of yourselves. If you encounter danger, just abandon the commission; your life is the most important."

After advising the second commission party, Finn took the lead with Gareth, Bete, and Raul. Riezel, Ais, Lefiya, Tiona, and Tione waited for a moment before also departing.

The structure of the 51st Floor resembled a typical underground maze.

The walls, floors, and ceilings, neither stone nor soil in material, all presented a deep graphite color, as if deliberately designed. The naturally formed underground passages had several corners and intersections, making it easy for those who entered to lose their way.

The party walked along the wide straight passage, illuminated by the phosphorescent glow above, but their pace was far from slow.

"Cadmus's Spring should be over there." Lefiya, as usual, carried a large backpack and held a map in her hand, directing everyone.

"Ahh! Monsters incoming!"

Tione shouted as she looked in the direction Lefiya pointed, her eyebrows raised. But her voice was quickly drowned out by the roars of the monsters.

*ROOOAAARRR—!!!*

Ais drew a sword from her waist, her gaze becoming extremely sharp.

In front of them, a horde of rough and shiny black rhinoceros-like monsters charged forward, walking on their hind legs.

"Black Rhinos!" Lefiya tensed her nerves.

Black Rhinos, monsters appearing on the 51st Floor, had astonishingly tough skin, capable of easily deflecting most weapon attacks. Even Level 5 adventurers would find them challenging.

Recalling the information about these monsters, Riezel reached for his waist, preparing to draw Hermit, but hesitated for a moment since Ais and Tiona had already rushed ahead.

This scene made him abandon the idea of charging forward.

'Perfect...' Riezel's eyes flashed slightly. 'Let's try out the new magic I learned right here.'

With this decision, he began to chant. Under his feet, a magic circle expanded.

'Mage'.

It was the development ability Riezel chose upon reaching Level 4.

It brought various auxiliary effects, such as strengthening the magic's power, expanding the range, and optimizing the efficiency of 'Mind' when using magic. It was proof of an advanced mage.

At this moment, Riezel finally awakened and used this development ability.