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.
However, this made Riezel more certain that these three top executives had already discussed privately to toughen up the younger members.
"Raul, you're with us." Gareth caught another person.
"Me too...?"
A Human youth, who had been cowering within the crowd, looking afraid of being called out, made a face of despair.
"C'mon, cheer up a little!"
A Cat girl sitting beside the Human youth slapped his shoulder, making him nod with a tearful expression.
Riezel glanced at these two.
Both the Human youth and the Cat girl were longstanding members of the Loki Familia, joining even before some of the executives. Their levels had reached Level 4.
On several occasions, Riezel had seen Finn and the others handing over command of the party to these two when deciding not to make a move. For example, Raul was in charge of directing the battles against Goliath and Amphisbaena.
Clearly, these two were also young members receiving special attention from the top executives.
If Loki Familia's members were classified in terms of potential and importance, these two would be in the third rank.
Riezel, Ais, and Lefiya were in the first tier.
Bete, Tiona, and Tione were in the second tier.
The Human youth, Raul, and the Cat girl, Anakitty, belonged to the third tier. In this tier, there was also Alicia, an Elf girl, and Elfy, a Human girl.
As for the rest, they would have to be pushed further back.
This was Riezel's unofficial classification based on the original work and his understanding of the familia.
Ultimately, he wasn't very familiar with familia seniors like Raul.
In over a month since joining the familia, he had been busy every day, only engaging in deeper conversations with Lefiya and Ais, and to some extent, the executives and top executives. His interactions with other members were limited to mere nods. Consequently, he didn't pay much attention to Raul and the others.
Just like now, knowing Raul joined Finn's party, Riezel only glanced at him and then moved on without further interest.
"That's settled then." Finn decisively confirmed the entire arrangement with a firm tone. "After dinner, you all go back and take a break, then we set off. Let's try to wrap up the commission today."
Upon hearing this, everyone nodded in succession, indicating their understanding.
"Heehee, teamed up with Riezel." Tiona laughed foolishly by Riezel's side, seemingly unaware of the reason for her joy.
"I'd rather join Captain's party." In contrast to her little sister, Tione had a downcast expression. The way she looked at Finn became pitiful.
Among the Amazoness twins, the elder sister was undoubtedly Finn's loyal fan. Of course, there was another loyal fan in this party.
"Ple-Please guide me, Miss Ais..." Lefiya wore an expression of uncertain joy and, finally, spoke softly to Ais.
"Sure." Ais simply nodded, not saying much.
Even so, Lefiya turned her dilemma into happiness, and her eyes toward Ais began to sparkle with starlight.
'Is this party really okay?' Riezel finally began to worry.
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.