CHAPTER 54: 054 IS THERE REALLY NO PROBLEM?

Now, Reiger indeed possessed strength comparable to that of Lv.5.

Although he was only Lv.4 now, he had previously leveled up three times, each with full abilities rated as SSS, which made his potential much higher than that of the average adventurer.

Before leveling up, others could at most hone one or two of their abilities to stage B, and very few could reach stage A, let alone stage S. Only prodigies like Ais, Bert, Theona, and Theone, who achieved Lv.5 status at a young age, might manage to enhance their preferred abilities to stage S.

For example, Rephia’s potential was acknowledged as Revilia’s successor. She had firepower comparable to Lv.5 when she was only Lv.3 largely because she had honed her "Magic Power" to stage S before leveling up.

If just one ability reaching stage S could make Rephia stand out so much above other Magic Guides of the same level, then Reiger’s case was even more remarkable. Not only did he train all his abilities to stage S, but he also reached the unprecedented stage SSS, accumulating astonishingly high potential.

With such potential, right after leveling up, Reiger was considered by Ais to be not weaker than those seasoned Lv.4 adventurers.

Now, Reiger had three abilities trained to stage S, with the other two reaching stage A.

Such ability scores were, without doubt, the top among those at Lv.4.

The top Lv.4 ability scores, combined with the potential accumulated from the previous levels, meant that now, in terms of ability scores alone, Reiger was not inferior to those at Lv.5.

He also had "Light Equipment" and "Swordsman" as two combat-oriented development abilities. Although both were only at H, Reiger’s skill "Endless Journey" provided the effect of enhancing the levels of acquired development abilities. As such, the contribution of these two development abilities to Reiger’s ability scores became significantly notable.

Therefore, even without using magic, Reiger was easily comparable to a Lv.5 and could even outmatch an average Lv.5.

It was precisely because of this that Reiger, when facing the Fomor army on the 49th floor, could charge and fight alongside Ais without falling behind.

Finn, Revilia, and Grace all observed Reiger’s performance along the way and were secretly astonished. After discussing it, they decided to treat Reiger as a Lv.5 officer.

Otherwise, why would Finn arrange for Reiger to be paired with Ais?

It was because, like Ais, Reiger had become a trump card in the team, capable of challenging higher levels.

It could be said that, in terms of importance within the team, Reiger had already surpassed Bert, Theona, and Theone, reaching a level comparable to Ais.

The three leaders unanimously believed that the most important talents in need of cultivation within the Loki Familia were now Reiger, Ais, and Rephia.

Bert, Theona, and Theone were certainly geniuses, but Reiger, Ais, and Rephia were even more exceptional—super geniuses.

Especially Reiger, whose potential exceeded that of Ais and Rephia—he should not be called a super genius anymore, but a monster.

In summary, since the goal was to temper themselves, it was only natural for Finn to consider including Reiger in the plan.

Reiger himself also possessed the strength of a Lv.5, so including him in the execution team for this mission was perfectly reasonable.

"No problem, right? Reiger?"

Finn asked, smiling, using the same phrasing he had when asking Ais.

"Strong Dragon?" Reiger muttered, then promptly responded, "Of course, there’s no problem."

The thought of battling against a Lv.6 dragon race monster—how could Reiger have any reservations?

He was eager for as many formidable enemies as possible.

"Don’t get reckless, okay?" Seeing Reiger’s reaction, Revilia seemed to see right through his thoughts and said, "Whether it’s Ais or Theona, they are girls who lack moderation and don’t know their own strength. As a boy, you should keep an eye on them."

"I’m not sure if it was correct to put you in this group." Grace muttered, "You’re just like a second Ais, seems equally unreliable."

Reiger fell silent at once.

Ais, who got dragged into this by association, blinked her eyes and then lowered her head, focusing on nibbling her ration.

At that time, Revilia turned towards Rephia and said, "Rephia, you come with us."

"Me?"

Rephia was startled, not expecting to be called out by name.

"You’ll be a Supporter."

That was all Revilia said.

However, this made Reiger more certain that the three leaders had already discussed privately, intending to train these younger members.

"Raul, you follow us."

Grace then caught another person.

"Even the small one?"

A human youth within the team, who was shrinking his neck as if he was afraid of being called out, suddenly showed a crestfallen expression.

"Buck up."

The cat-girl sitting next to him slapped his shoulder with a look of frustration, making him nod with a desire to cry but no tears.

Reiger glanced at these two.

The human youth and the cat-girl were both long-standing members of Loki’s clan, having joined even before some of the officers, and both had reached Lv.4.

On the way here, more than once had Reiger seen Finn and others handing over the command of the team to these two when they decided not to take action. The expeditions against the floor masters Goliath and Amphisbena were under the command of that human youth Raul.

Clearly, these two were also junior members being closely watched by the clan’s upper echelons.

If one were to rank the members of the current Loki clan in terms of potential and importance, these two would be in the third tier.

Reiger, Ais, and Rephia were the first tier.

Bert, Theona, and Theone were the second tier.

The human youth Raul and the cat-girl Angel were the third tier.

Also in this tier were an elf big sister named Alicia and a human girl named Elfie.

As for the others, they had to be pushed further back.

This was a ranking Reiger inferred himself based on the original story and his understanding of the clan.

Ultimately, Reiger wasn’t very familiar with Raul and other senior clan members; in the month since he joined the clan, he had been leaving early and returning late every day, only interacting more deeply with Rephia and Ais, then with the Headquarters Camp and the officers, and only having a nodding acquaintance with the rest, so he didn’t pay much attention to Raul and the others.

Just like now, knowing Raul had joined Finn’s group, Reiger only glanced over before losing interest.

"Then it’s settled."

Finn’s decisive statement confirmed the entire arrangement.

"After the meal, you all go back and rest for a while, then we’ll set off, aiming to resolve the commission within the day."

Hearing this, everyone nodded in succession, indicating their understanding.

"Heehee, I’m in the same group as Reiger."

Theona giggled beside Reiger, seemingly happy about something.

"I’d rather be in the leader’s group."

Contrary to her sister, Theone looked as if it were the end of the world, her eyes pleading pitifully toward Finn.

Without any doubt, this Amazon twin sister was a die-hard fan of Finn.

Of course, there was another die-hard fan in this group.

"Please, teach me a lot! Miss Ais!"

Rephia seemed unsure whether to be happy or troubled, but eventually she spoke up timidly to Ais.

"Mhm."

Ais nodded her head, not saying much.

But even that transformed Rephia’s troubled look into one of happiness, her eyes starting to sparkle as she looked at Ais.

"Is this team really okay?"

Finally, Reiger also started to worry about this issue.

Two die-hard fans, one foolishly naive youngster, and one seemingly cold yet naturally oblivious puppet girl—Reiger suddenly felt overwhelmed.

"Looks like I really can’t afford to mess around this time."

Reiger sighed.

...

Several hours later...

After parting with Revilia and the other team members who stayed behind at the camp, the commission execution squad led by Finn set out towards the 51st floor.

"Take care of yourselves, and if you really encounter danger, give up the commission, life is the most important."

Finn left these instructions, then took the lead with Grace, Bert, and Raul a step ahead.

Reiger, Ais, Rephia, Theona, and Theone waited for a moment before they too departed.

The structure of the 51st floor was that of a typical underground maze.

The walls, floor, and ceiling which were neither stone nor dirt were a deep graphite color, creating several turns and crossroads with their square natural passages as if by design, easily causing those who entered to lose their way.

Guided by the phosphorescent light above their heads, Reiger’s group walked down the wide straight pathways, their speed not slow at all.

"The Cadmus Spring should be over there."

Rephia, as usual, carried a large backpack and held a map in her hands, directing the way for everyone.

"Oh my."

Theone glanced in the direction Rephia indicated and raised her eyebrows.

"Monsters appearing!"

Theona also shouted, but her voice was quickly drowned out by the monsters’ roaring.

"Here they come!"

Ais drew her sabre from her waist, her eyes becoming extremely sharp.

In front of the group, a herd of rhinoceros-like monsters with rough, glossy black skin scurried forward on their inclined legs.

"Black rhinoceroses!"

Rephia tensed up at the sight.

Black rhinoceroses, a type of monster found on the 51st floor, possessed astonishingly tough skin that could easily fend off most weapons’ attacks, troublesome even for a Level 5.

As these monsters’ information flashed through his mind, Reiger’s hand, reaching for the Sword of the Hermit at his waist, hesitated for a moment.

And in that moment, Ais and Theona had already rushed forward.

At this scene, Reiger abandoned the idea of charging forward.

"Just right."

A flicker crossed Reiger’s eyes.

"Let’s test the new magic I’ve learned right here."

With that decision, Reiger began to chant.

Beneath his feet, a magic array expanded.

——— "Magic Guide".

This was the skill Reiger chose to cultivate upon reaching Level 4.

It could enhance the power of magic during use, expand the effect range, and improve the efficiency of spiritual power, serving as a distinction of a high-ranking Magic Guide.

At this very moment, Reiger invoked this ability.