The plan that Renjiro had set in advance was simple: while assisting Welf in reaching Level 2, he would also continue increasing the base stats of his actual body.
His thought was: "Since my Magic stat is already at S-998, then no matter what, I have to push that last point to the limit."
Yes… truly late-stage perfectionism.
Fortunately, Renjiro understood that what he needed most at the moment was an overwhelming magic capacity. So once that was maxed out, the other four stats, Strength, Endurance, Agility, and Dexterity, would just be left to fate.
To put it simply, this was the inevitable dilemma that every adventurer capable of leveling up would face eventually:
Do you continue to accumulate growth to raise your future potential?
Or do you prioritize the present and level up as soon as possible?
Many adventurers in smaller familias have no one to take on the hardest burdens for them. Everything, they have to endure themselves, so the moment they achieve a "Feat," they will immediately level up.
The same goes for familias where internal relations are terrible.
Take the Soma Familia for example, there were plenty who planned to take revenge on those who tormented them after leveling up.
But on the other hand, there were those with good conditions, such as Lefiya.
As a member of the Loki Familia, she had the "Big Three" supporting the front line, plus Ais, Bete, and the Hiryute Sisters bearing pressure… and after them, Raul, Alicia, Anakitty and the rest of the mid-tier strength.
So in the original timeline, the Familia's goddess Loki advised Lefiya to continue accumulating, at least until her Magic stat reached the upper A range before leveling.
For most adventurers, such growth conditions would be enough to make them weep with jealousy.
In any case, Renjiro had already planned out his future growth path. As long as no unforeseen events occurred, he only needed to advance step by step.
But before that…
"Welf, there's something important I need to tell you in advance."
After dropping the classic line 'So, I have this friend…', Renjiro (Aether) put away his usual teasing tone and spoke seriously.
"My friend is a good guy. Handsome too… cough… anyway…"
"In short, have you heard of the Thousand-Magic Elf from the Loki Familia?"
Hearing this, Welf blinked.
"I've heard the name, but I've never met her. Why?"
"You're asking if my friend is also an elf with a cleanliness fetish?"
"No, nothing like that."
Aether waved his hand before continuing:
"You know that Lefiya Viridis is called the Thousand-Magic Elf because she can use every Elf magic spell, and her talent and potential are said to surpass even the Nine Hell. That's why the gods gave her that title."
"And my friend…"
Aether spoke slowly and clearly:
"He has the same ability."
Welf's eyes widened.
"You mean, "
"Yes."
Aether nodded.
"If you team up with him, your anti-magic spell Will-o-Wisp may end up being learned by him."
"He is, so far as I know, the only adventurer capable of learning magic."
"And just so you know…"
Aether finally reached the real point:
"He has also learned Genshin Descent, the same magic that Lumine and I use."
Welf fell silent.
For a long moment.
"…So are you telling me this because you're worried I'll be upset if he copies my magic, or…?"
"You don't need to worry about that."
Aether waved his hand casually.
"My friend isn't the type to trample on others' feelings. If you don't want him to use it, then even if he learns it subconsciously, he simply won't use it."
"Lumine and I gave permission for him to use Genshin Descent, that's the only reason he uses it freely."
"Otherwise, I wouldn't even consider introducing you two."
At that,
"…I see."
Welf nodded slowly.
"Heh, actually, he's sounding more interesting now."
"But…"
His brows furrowed slightly.
"With an ability that is rare… is it really safe for him to just walk into Orario now? You do know some familias, uh, "
Welf suddenly stopped.
He had just remembered,
Aether, and the Twin Stars, were members of the Frigg Familia.
And that familia…
"…is known for snatching strong people just like Apollo's, right?"
…was something you shouldn't say directly.
But not saying it didn't mean he didn't understand.
Aether, of course, understood what he was thinking.
"Relax."
He smiled mysteriously.
"My friend's goddess and my goddess are… old acquaintances."
"Frigg-sama will not intervene in that familia."
"To put it simply, "
Aether gave a very clear example:
"Do you think Hephaestus would ever try to steal a member from Hestia?"
Welf understood immediately.
After all, that blue-ribbon goddess had lived in Hephaestus's home for three months freeloading.
Even after being kicked out, she cried into Hephaestus's lap again and again.
And now her job and home were all arranged by the same red-haired, one-eyed blacksmith goddess.
If two gods are that close… then yes.
"…Looks like I was overthinking."
Welf crushed the last of the oily paper in his hand and tossed it aside.
The strength he had regained from eating was already surging through him.
He gripped his greatsword tightly once again.
"Aether, you don't need to worry. If your friend really is a good guy and we get along, then him picking up a spell or two is no big deal."
"More important than magic is having a reliable teammate, right?"
Aether nodded in satisfamilia.
And then,
"Well then, to help you reach Level 2 faster, the difficulty from here on… doubles."
"…I knew it. I trusted the wrong person."
"YAAAAA-MEEEEE-ROOOOO, TEEEEH-MEEE!!!"
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