"As expected, since the last status update wasn't too long ago, the increase in Strength and Agility is rather limited," Hephaestus remarked as she examined the parchment recording Shirou's stats. "However, both Dexterity and Magic have improved quite a bit. It seems that participating in the creation of the magic sword earned you some high-quality experience points."
The successful forging of the [Magic Sword - Spiral Sword] allowed Tsubaki, a Level 5 adventurer, to break through her Dexterity stat bottleneck. Even though Shirou had only briefly participated and only received a small portion of the experience, the high quality of that experience points still significantly boosted his stats.
His Magic increased by 30 points, reaching F311, and Dexterity surged by 80 points, bringing it up to E447.
Although for some inexplicable reason, his Endurance increased by several dozen points, did he face-tanked a high-level adventurer's attack?
"So, Shirou, what are your future plans?" Hephaestus asked, handing him the parchment recording his status. "Will you be focusing on gaining the [Blacksmith] development ability and continue practicing in the workshop, or will you prioritize dungeon adventures?"
Shirou thought for a moment. "I'll prioritize dungeon adventuring for now. If possible, I want to level up as soon as I can."
As he grew more accustomed to this world, Shirou's understanding of "Falna"the blessing of the gods deepened. He now realized just how important "leveling up" was for an adventurer.
A level-up not only provided a massive overall boost to basic abilities but also offered the chance to gain development abilities, new magic, and skills. More importantly, leveling up represented the increased of an adventurer's capacity and life force itself.
The guild categorized adventurers by levels: Level 1 adventurers were Low Class, while those at Level 2 and above were considered High Class. Level 2 was referred to as Third Class Adventurers, Levels 3 and 4 as Second Class Adventurers, and Level 5 and above as First Class Adventurers.
Countless examples showed that higher-level adventurers are overwhelmingly more powerful than lower-level ones. Only a few geniuses could overcome this gap and challenge higher level adventurers. Moreover, the higher the level, the more difficult it became to bridge that gap, as most high-level adventurers were once geniuses among their peers too.
Shirou had made up his mind: "Whether it's to gain the [Blacksmith] development ability or to acquire the power I need to protect those around me, leveling up is my top priority."
And his goal wasn't just to reach Level 2. He wanted to become as strong as Ryuu, Anya, and even Tsubaki or the Sword Princess.
"Even though Ryuu is incredibly strong, she still gets severely injured in battles with enemies. Anya always seems cheerful and optimistic, but anyone can tell she carries a heavy burden from her past. And Tsubaki, for a long time, has been the sole high-level adventurer in her Familia, bearing the responsibility of supporting it…"
Shirou wasn't arrogant enough to think he could protect or save them. On the contrary, they had been the ones supporting and helping him all along. In fact, he was only alive because Ryuu had saved him from the start.
He just hoped that someday, when Ryuu and the others needed help, he would at least be able to stand by their side and offer his strength.
"Good, Shirou. That's what I appreciate about you the most." Hephaestus walked over and placed a hand on his shoulder, her fingers lightly squeezing the boy's firm muscles.
"I really like that look in your eyes, Shirou. I can see the flame of 'ambition' burning in them." Hephaestus continued, "My children are wonderful in many ways, but they lack ambition. Aside from Tsubaki, the others are too easily content with the status quo."
For many members of the Hephaestus Familia, their lifelong goal was to spend a few years, or even decades, in the safety of the workshop, gradually raising their Dexterity and Strength stats to D or C level, then join expeditions with other familias to earn the achievements needed to level up and gain the [Blacksmith] development ability. For them, leveling up to Level 2 and gaining the [Blacksmith] development ability was enough to set them up for life, reaching the bare minimum qualifications to craft first-class weapons, having little interest in pursuing anything beyond that.
Many of the familia's blacksmiths had reached Level 2 at a young age and then never leveled up again. Often, their crafting skills stop improving the moment they felt satisfied with their current situation.
Tsubaki was the rare exception. She was passionate about personally testing her crafted weapons in the dungeon, and she was driven by the obsession of forging a weapon that could surpass those created by her Goddess . It was her relentless pursuit of this goal that made her desire higher basic abilities and levels.
But to the other blacksmiths, surpassing their Goddess was an unrealistic fantasy. After all, once they reached Level 2 and gained the [Blacksmith] development ability, they could already craft top-class weapons. Why bother taking more risks and pushing themselves further?
Tsubaki's works were only considered first-class weapons—superior to others yes, but not by an overwhelming amount. So, what difference did it really make?
"It's not that I think their complacency is wrong. Everyone has their own goals." Hephaestus said, looking into Shirou's eyes. "Seeing those children find peace and happiness does bring me comfort. And honestly, reaching Level 2 is already quite impressive."
She continued, her voice ethereal and distant, "But we gods, we can't help but desire 'heroes,' after all."
"So Shirou, go on an adventure. This time, no high-level adventurers will assist or protect you. Use your own strength to conquer the dungeon!" After all, adventurers are those who take on risks, overcome trials, and accomplish the impossible. That's how they achieve great feats that even the gods will applaud.
Shirou responded earnestly, "I understand, Lady Hephaestus."
"But," Hephaestus cautioned, "even though I know you want to level up as fast as possible, I still hope that when you've met the conditions for it, you'll train your basic abilities to their limits before leveling up. At least get your highest stat to A-rank, and the others to C-rank."
Shirou nodded. "Yes, that's my plan."
"Good. As long as you're aware," Hephaestus smiled, clearly pleased with his replied.
"Oh, by the way, Lady Hephaestus, I wanted to ask: Do we have any supporters in our familia? Or should I hire one from the guild?" Shirou asked.
Hephaestus tilted her head, thinking for a moment before calmly responding, "You don't need a supporter."
"Huh?" Shirou looked confused.
"The main role of a supporter is to collect monster stones, and drop items. Just don't bother picking them up. Whether it's the magic stones or the drop items of the upper floors monsters, we don't need them. We're not short on money any ways."Hephaestus explained in a matter-of-fact tone, but with an air of dominance.
Seeing Shirou's shocked and bewildered expression, Hephaestus couldn't help but laugh.
"Speaking of money, Shirou, do you know how much the magic sword Tsubaki just forged is worth, and how much of that you'll get?" She raised two fingers.
"A magic sword of this caliber is a one-of-a-kind item in Orario right now. Its price will be at least a hundred million valis and probably even more. And your share? Twenty percent.."