Setting Out Once More

The appearance of Starlight undoubtedly boosted Leo's strength significantly.

Its quality actually exceeds the category of first-tier special weaponry, and it can be listed as a legendary weapon. In this world, it is estimated that only the little black knife in Bell Cranel's hands, which was created entirely by divine craftsmanship, can compare to it.

Hestia Knife possesses almost Infinity growth potential. Currently, it is certainly not as strong as Starlight, and it is even far from being a typical first-tier weapon. However, as Bell Cranel grows stronger, this little black knife will become stronger and stronger, and it may even surpass Starlight in strength in the end.

Of course, Bell Cranel himself estimates that Hestia Knife would need to reach a very high level to grow to that point.

Lv.5 is definitely not enough. In the original work, when he reached Lv.5 Hestia Knife did not show any power exceeding that of a first-level weapon. Therefore, he would need to reach at least Lv.6, or even Lv.7 or Lv.8.

As for the current situation, the Starlight in Leo's hands is one of the highest quality weapons in the world, far surpassing Udaeus's Black Sword. It also maximizes the effect of the [Crossed Star Swords] skill, bringing amazing enhancements to Leo.

In terms of strength, even without using magic, Leo is probably among the top Lv.6 players right now.

Once he uses magic, Infinity the [Brave] who is almost at Lv.8, he is not without a chance of defeating an ordinary Lv.7.

At least, if Leo were to face Udaeus, whose potential power exceeded Lv.6, again, he was confident that he could defeat the floor master unscathed, relying solely on his own strength.

The acquisition of specialized weapons and the mastery of the Third Magic gave him this confidence.

However, the more powerful a specialized weapon is, the more expensive it is.

"Give us 500 million Valis."

Loki then uttered those words, causing Leo's eyes to twitch.

It's worth noting that the Great Spirit, one of the "Supreme Five Staves" of Riveria Ljos Alf, only sold for a little over 300 million Valis.

Although this was the result of Loki's exceptional bargaining skills—otherwise, the final price of the Great Spirit would definitely not have been this much— Leo didn't believe that Loki hadn't negotiated the price this time, as Loki was still the one in charge.

Even with negotiation, it would cost 500 million Valis, so the true value of Starlight is undoubtedly an astronomical figure that would make people dizzy.

Fortunately, Leo had accepted Fels's commission and received an extremely generous reward. Even though most of this reward was handed over to the clan for preparations for the expedition, the remainder was enough for him to pay for weapons.

In addition, he had over 300 million Valis in savings and two unused Grimoire. Although the 500 million Valis was a huge sum, Leo eventually handed it over.

"After the goddess Hephaestus forged the little black dagger, she apparently received two hundred million Valis from the goddess Hestia, right?"

When it came time to pay, Leo suddenly remembered this incident and felt terrible.

A work crafted with divine artistry, the kind of special weapon that grows stronger as the user develops, and it's only worth two hundred million?

If this weren't an exceptionally low price, Leo would have eaten the Starlight in his hand.

Those special weapons with growth potential, unless their upper limit is low, would absolutely be fought over by countless adventurers and forces throughout the Lower World for 200 million Valis.

If given the chance to acquire such a weapon, Leo would be willing to pay two or even three times the price without the slightest hesitation.

However, the Starlight isn't bad either.

Looking at the gleaming platinum blade in his hand, Leo felt a growing sense of satisfaction.

For a while afterward, Leo took some time out of his busy schedule to Dungeon the Dungeon and test out the new weapons.

Unfortunately, he couldn't venture deep into the Dungeon; he could only wander around the middle level. The monsters there were no match for Starlight's attacks; even a half-hit would leave him covered in wounds, let alone give Leo a chance to test his sword skills.

To test the sword, Leo even went to the 17th Floor and used Goliath, the floor master, to test the blade.

As a result, Goliath, a monster specializing in "durability," only exchanged one glance with Leo before one of its massive arms was severed in a flash of platinum gold.

With a "durability" value of Lv.5, it's not even comparable to leather in the face of Starlight's brilliance; it might not even have an advantage over paper.

Thus, the second flash of Starlight severed Goliath's head, causing this level 4 floor owner to die on the spot.

Looking at the giant's corpse that had turned into massive ashes and vanished, Leo seemed to see himself from about two months ago in a daze.

At that time, I was only level 2. In order to defeat this colossal giant monster, I used all my strength. In the end, I only managed to defeat it by sheer luck and a bit of luck. I lost half my life and was taken home by my fellow members of the Familia.

Now, when he encountered the floor master who had once posed a deadly threat to him, he easily cut him down with his sword in less than ten seconds with just two attacks, without even using magic.

Goliath, whom even a regular Lv.5 would find difficult to deal with, couldn't even last three moves against this newly promoted Level 1 adventurer who had only been at Lv.5 for less than half a month.

This strength is worlds apart from his level 2 days.

Having once again experienced his own growth and become stronger, Leo returned to the base camp with a lingering sense of satisfaction.

And so, the day for another expedition quietly arrived.

Twilight Manor, top floor of the Central Tower, in front of the Divine Room ----

On the eve of the expedition, long queues formed here once again.

The numerous members gathered here, lined up to enter the Divine Room, and prepared for the final stat update to be in top condition for the upcoming expedition.

"Why couldn't you have come sooner?"

Loki was already in despair; her hand holding the needle was trembling, and her fingers were covered with needle marks. Anyone who didn't know better would think she had been tortured and was receiving the treatment reserved for a princess from another world.

Anyway, when Leo entered the Divine Room, the Chief God was already somewhat out of his body, which made Leo feel a little sorry for him.

"----Or should I update again after I get back?"

Leo scratched his head and made this suggestion.

"No need, just sit down for me."

Loki picked up the needle shakily, gritting his teeth, looking like he was ready to risk everything.

"It's one thing for others, but if you don't properly update your stats, that's the biggest irresponsibility towards the upcoming expedition and your companions."

Even if others update their ability values, the improvement is limited and doesn't have a qualitative change effect. It's more about accumulation; every bit of strength brings a bit more security.

Leo is different.

Given his growth rate, his stats will see an astonishing increase with each update.

The stronger he is, the more confident the expeditionary force will be, and the more advantageous it will be for the subsequent campaign.

Therefore, everyone else can skip updating their stats tonight, except for Leo.

Even with his fingers pierced, Loki would still prick Leo's toes to upgrade his stats.

If Leo knew what Loki was thinking, he would definitely turn around and leave.

He certainly didn't want to have that Chief God's toes scratching all over his back; the sight was too much to bear.

"Come here right now!"

Loki ultimately couldn't use his toes, but laboriously squeezed out two drops of divine blood from his riddled fingers—one to unlock, and one to update, resulting in Leo's latest ability stats.

Leo Eligos

Lv.5

Strength: H188 → E444

Durability: H137→E412

Dexterity: G264→D558

Agility: G251→D557

Demonic Power: G292 → D596

Mage: F

Magic Attack: G

Mind Healing: H

Swordsman: 1

"Good."

Looking at the contents of the parchment, Leo couldn't help but nod.

"Dexterity", "Agility", and "Demonic Power" have all reached D, and "Strength" and "Durability" have also reached E. In Lv.5, this ability value can be ranked in the upper-middle range, not far from the top.

After the anomaly on the 24th Floor, Leo had basically stopped going into the Dungeon. He spent his days helping his clan prepare for the expedition. The only time he got any exercise was during his morning training and his evening study sessions in the library, which gave him experience points to improve his stats.

At most, when he first obtained the Starlight, Leo would occasionally go into the Dungeon to test his sword, but he only went to the middle level and didn't go any deeper.

Otherwise, Leo's growth rate might have been even faster.

"By the time you return from this expedition, all your abilities should have broken through their limits again, right?"

Loki had gotten used to Leo's rapid growth, and he said, sucking his fingers as he spoke.

"If you manage to reach the 59th Floor, you might even level up again when you come back."

This would be a difficult thing for others, but given that it's Leo, Loki has reason to believe it will become a reality.

Unless there is absolutely no danger on the 59th Floor.

But is that even possible?

"With your current strength, you'd rank among the top three even within the entire clan."

Loki sighed and looked at Leo, then chuckled.

"You are now qualified to protect your companions and shoulder the future of your clan."

Leo understood perfectly well what Loki meant.

"Don't worry," Leo said calmly, "I will return victorious with my companions."

"We never doubted it," Loki chuckled. "We've been waiting for you guys to come back home."

Leo nodded and then walked out of the Divine Room.

The members of the clan were still lined up outside in a long queue, gradually updating their stats.

However, Ais, Tiona, Tione, Bete Loga, Lefiya Viridis, and others were nowhere to be seen.

"Are you planning to practice until the very last moment?"

Once inside the sky corridor, Leo looked out over the courtyard in the moonlight.

There, a blonde girl was wielding a silver saber, training diligently.

The next day, early morning.

As dawn broke, the Twilight Manor was already bustling with people, a scene of general mobilization.

"Lefiya Viridis! Hurry up!"

"They're here!"

The elven girl, wand in hand, stepped out of her room at her roommate's urging, tying her hair up as she walked towards the courtyard.

"Alright! This time we must catch up with Ais! And overtake Leo!"

"We really can't afford to fall behind any further."

The Amazonian twins set off together in high spirits, their weapons already in hand.

"Hey! You guys! Don't you dare drag me down!"

The werewolf youth arrived in the courtyard early and shouted loudly at Raul and the others who were busy at work, making countless people tremble.

As for the leaders of the clans, they were doing the final inventory of supplies and looked at each other with amusement at the scene.

"The atmosphere is much more tense than during the last expedition."

"There's no other way; everyone's been holding back their energy, and they've been looking forward to this expedition for a long time, haven't they?"

"It's good to be energetic, just don't be too impatient. If you do that again later, remind her."

The Prum leader, the elven royalty, and the dwarven warriors conversed amongst themselves, much more composed than the others.

At this moment, Leo and Ais also came out of the tower together and arrived at the courtyard.

"Mr. Leo!"

Miss Ais!

The group members greeted the two men with great respect.

Leo was somewhat used to this, and he nodded to everyone along with Ais before joining Finn and the others.

"Commander, we've arrived."

Leo and Finn greeted each other.

"Finn, Riveria Ljos Alf, Gareth."

Ais also gently called out everyone's names.

"It's good that you're here." Finn looked at the increasingly well-matched man and woman before him and couldn't help but smile. He said, "This time, we'll have to rely on you two, Leo, Ais."

"Don't let us down," Gareth stroked his beard and said, "You two are the cream of the crop this time. Whether we can reach the 59th Floor depends on you."

Clearly, Finn and Gareth both had high expectations for Leo and Ais's performance going forward.

During the last expedition, the two people in front of me were Lv.3 and Lv.5 respectively. Although they could be considered part of the main team, the three of them were the ones who truly carried the burden.

But this time, Leo has reached Lv.5 and Ais has reached Lv.6. Both of them have made great progress in strength, and can even further unleash their power with their skills and magic. Even if they cannot replace them, they can share most of the pressure with them.

This forced the clan leaders to have high hopes.

"I will do my best."

Leo didn't feel any pressure and remained calm.

"Um.

Ais simply nodded, remaining as silent as ever.

Riveria Ljos Alf stepped forward and patted the two of them on the shoulder, everything understood without a word.

One of them was her student, and the other was her daughter. Seeing them grow up and mature, she, as their teacher and mother, felt proud.

"We're here too, Finn!"

"Sorry to keep you waiting, Commander!"

Miss Ais!

Before long, Tiona, Tione, Lefiya Viridis, and others also arrived.

"Is everyone here?"

Upon seeing this, Finn immediately waved his hand.

"Let's go then!"