The trio already knew that Ais's question would come up sooner or later because Kisuke asked them to show what they could and they already thought of an answer to that, "I'm sorry Ais-san, but we really don't know how we would answer your question. After all, we're just new in Orario and don't really know or understand the standards." Sona gave them an answer that dodges the issue.
However, she also knew that they won't be satisfied with just that and added more, "However, I do have a clue onto why that is the case."
"And that is?" Finn asked with a frown.
"What do you think is the most important thing in terms of getting stronger?" Sona asked instead of answering him.
"...Of course, it's the blessing of the Gods. Without it, we wouldn't even be able to become strong, much less explore the Dungeon and exterminate the monsters."
Sona nodded and said with a smile, "And that's where we differ."
Finn and the rest of the Loki Familia's eyes widened, "What do you mean?"
Instead of Sona, Aika answered his question, "Sure, Falna is amazing and the main source of everyone's strength. But because of that focus on leveling up and gaining excelia, the other important things are mostly forgotten."
Finn didn't like the way she said it. It's as if she's undermining his efforts throughout his life, "If you're talking about techniques, training, and experiences, of course, we don't lack those. Although not as important as the Falna, we also see those things as important."
The trio figured out that they still don't understand. Now they can see why Kisuke said that the Gods caused the civilization to stagnate despite having a thousand years of history. Aika then continued, "Really? Then do you understand what every parameter in your basic abilities means?"
Finn was about to answer her, but Aika interrupted him, "You probably do. But do you question why you get Skills, Magics, and choose Development Abilities? Even if you're not. Do you even understand your Skills and Magics? I'm sure you think you do since that should be included in your training."
"However, why do the Skills work that way? Can I modify it so it'll become stronger? Is there something wrong with this Skill? Can I derive an entirely different skill from it that is not in my Falna?
"Magic? Why do we have only three slots? What happens to the Mind when we gather it and cast Magic? Why does Mind move that way? Can't we create our own Magic based on the logic of countless Magic out there?"
"And the Development Abilities? Why do we have those? Where is the knowledge coming from? Is the information even complete or correct? And for abilities like 'Abnormal Resistance', why did our bodies become resistant to poisons when we have it? Did it reject foreign entities in our bodies? Then why do potions work? Aren't they foreign entities too?
"And what about those 'Mage', 'Hunter', 'Swordsman', and such? How do they augment the basic abilities and minds of the Adventurers? Why do these support abilities exist in the first place when you can practice them yourselves? Sure. It might have pointed you to the direction you're most suitable with, but that doesn't mean you should limit yourself with it."
"Almost all of the Adventurers are scrambling and praying to get these Magics, Skills, and Development abilities, but do they, including you, ever have these kinds of questions about the nature of your strength?"
"And since this will come out sooner or later, let me tell you this, all of the current members of the Hestia familia never received a Skill, Magic, or Development Abilities." Aika ended her rude words by dropping a bomb.
Even Sona and Koneko didn't know how to react to her words as they both thought that she said too much. However, Sona isn't against telling the Loki Familia about them not receiving any Skills, Magic, and Development Abilities since it'll be revealed later.
Finn, Riveria, Ais, Tione, Tiona, and Lefiya didn't know how to react to her words as there were too many points where they wanted to say something. But the most prevalent things that ran through the minds are, 'The nature of our strength?' and 'They didn't receive any Skills?'
It took them a few minutes to sort out the confusion in their minds. Ais, Tione, Tiona, and Lefiya were about to barrage them with questions, however, Finn and Riveria used their arms to block and stop them before they could even start, "Finn? Riveria?"
"Stop it. No matter what you asked, it's not guaranteed that they'll answer. And even if they did, due to the difference in mindset, you'll only end up more confused than before and it might affect yourself in a negative manner." Riveria explained.
"She's right. No amount of answers could answer your questions if you do not have the right mindset. If you believe them, then the first thing to do is to open up your mind and discard the common sense that you've developed. But that's not easy. Besides, there's no evidence that they're telling the truth, so stop." Finn gave a follow-up.
The four of them understood their meaning and backed off. But despite that, they can't contain their curiosity and kept their eyes on the trio as if wanting to crack them open.
Not minding their stares, Aika smiled towards Finn and apologized, "I'm sorry for my rude words earlier."
Finn shook his head, "It doesn't matter. It's an eye-opener, however, we still don't know if you're indeed telling the truth, so we will be watching your actions closely in the duration of the exploration."
"That's fine~. We'll also do the same, so please don't hold back~."
Finn laughed wryly, "Holding back inside the Dungeon? That's a suicidal thought."
The group then continued to their journey through the 15th-17th floor. While they only fought monsters that blocked their way, the trio did most of the killing while the members of the Loki Familia only silently watched. But as time goes on, the only Level 3 in the group, Lefiya, is slowly losing her confidence in her ability because she realized that she can't defeat them who's just Level 2s.
Seeing this, Riveria patted her shoulder and comforted her by shooting herself, "If you're feeling down because of them, please understand how I felt when I thought that I have to receive a lesson on Magic from a Level 2. Magic is supposed to be my forte..."
Although it hurt her more than she thought, Riveria knew that it was effective after judging Lefiya's expression.
After Sona killed a group of Minotaurs with a bow, Tiona couldn't keep it to herself anymore and asked, "Uhmm... May I ask just one question? It's fine if you don't answer it."
The trio faced her and simultaneously nodded. With a happy face, Tiona asked an incredibly rude question towards the Adventurers, "You at least received the blessing for the basic abilities, right? May I know what rank they are when you're a Level 1?"
"Tiona!?" Tione immediately smacked her sister on the head, "What are you asking!?"
"Ehhh~? I said it's fine not to answer it. I'm just trying my luck." Tiona pouted her lips and nursed the small lump on her head.
However, unexpectedly, Koneko answered, "Some SS-rank while the rest are S-rank."
"Eh?" Everyone gave them a look of shock.
"Mine are the same," Sona added.
"Mine too." Aika followed.
"Eh?!"
Editors:
28th00
Alexander
AN:
For those who always gets confused with Tiona and Tione, 28th00 taught me an easy trick.
TionA = A-Cup
TionE = E-Cup