"You little monster… If the other kids at home saw your updated ability scores, they'd probably lose all confidence and fall into utter despair." Loki printed the status onto paper and handed the sheet to the bare-chested Fron.
"Hmm, my ability values increased about the same as before. Not bad, I'm satisfied. But the improvement in Development Abilities is pretty big."
The growth of his basic stats was within expectations, so nothing surprising there. But when he looked at his Development Abilities, it genuinely delighted him.
As everyone knows, ability values, before hitting a bottleneck, will automatically grow just by training, fighting, or adventuring. They're both the best and hardest part of the status to raise.
Compared to ability values, Development Abilities are on an entirely different level of grind.
In all of Orario, anyone who's a true specialist, only has one or two Development Abilities, and even then, usually only at low levels. For example, Fels, Asfi, and Amid, holders of Mystery, each have their own specialties.
But Fron is different. Not only in Mystery, but also in Forging, Alchemy, and other disciplines related to equipment creation and potion-making, plus every combat-oriented Development Ability for front-line fighting, he obtained improvements across the board in this update.
This meant, Fron's "bucket" had become even more indestructible. Not only did the bucket itself grow larger, it also became sturdier.
Holding the sheet, he couldn't help thinking:
The improvement of Development Abilities, besides research and proficiency, should also be related to my breadth of knowledge... If knowledge affects Development Abilities that much, then it makes sense why most people barely progress in them...
Fron felt this line of reasoning made sense, he himself was proof.
And it also explained why Development Abilities are so notoriously difficult to raise. Even the Strongest of the Freya Familia probably doesn't have high Development Ability ranks. He estimated the highest wouldn't exceed rank E.
After all, that guy is just a pure warrior. How could he compare to someone like Fron, a academic student?
Thinking through all this, Fron couldn't help the upward curl of his lips, letting out a low, sinister chuckle.
Loki: "... "
What's with this kid? Why is he being so creepy all of a sudden?
Then she remembered the dozens more children lined up waiting for their ability updates, and snapped irritably: "Scram, scram! Don't hold up my work! You laughing like that definitely means nothing good!"
"Uhh..." Facing the forceful Loki, Fron realized he had indeed been wasting everyone's time a bit, so he awkwardly scratched his cheek and left the room.
"This brat… he's already the strongest in Orario right now, isn't he? With that potential of his, even that kid from Freya probably isn't his match anymore. Hehehehe… Our Loki Familia finally pulled ahead! Hehehehehe…"
Leaving Loki giggling foolishly in the room, Fron stepped outside. His keen-eyed companions saw the smile on his face and immediately grew excited.
It was obvious, Fron had grown even stronger. And that meant their side's overall battle power had risen!
During the previous battle, Fron's front-line fighting ability had already been widely praised, unbelievably strong.
And now… Thinking of what the future might look like, everyone felt their blood boiling.
"Alright everyone, I'm heading off to prepare for tonight's battle!"
"OOOHHHH."
...
"Fron… he updated his abilities, right? He should be stronger now."
Ais sat on her bed hugging her knees, gazing out the window, whispering softly.
Without noticing it herself… the girl known for a stiff face actually had a smile on her face.
...
Gareth, Finn and Riveria were doing their final pre-battle preparations in Finn's office.
Hearing the cheers coming from the direction of the divine room's corridor, they exchanged glances.
Finn sighed with a wry smile: "That guy Fron… this time it's not just his surface strength. His ability values probably surpassed the three of us completely."
Riveria nodded. "Don't forget his skill. Once any attribute rises, it pulls all the others up with it. In other words… Fron's four major stats have no weaknesses at all. He's a true all-rounder adventurer."
"Hahahahaha, that's great… I thought we'd need to wait a few more years before the youngsters could really stand on their own. I didn't expect Fron to reach this level in less than three years. At this rate, we can even hand over some of our responsibilities and relax a little."
Finn and Riveria exchanged a knowing, relieved look.
They all shared the same opinion.
Unlike Ais, Bete, or the Tione sisters, those youngsters only have brute strength.
When it comes to administration, logistics, or management, they're still far from competent, to put it bluntly, they're helpless.
But Fron is different. Outsiders think the strength of the Nightweaver comes solely from his unmatched power, able to fight and win above his level.
But only these three know, Fron's true strength has never been his visible power. It's his knowledge.
That's why he can be considered the fourth leader. In crisis, his calm mind ensures he won't lose his head like Bete.
His steady command keeps the troops organized, not relying on individual heroics, but uniting everyone's strength and leading from the front.
One word describes him: pillar.
Aside from being a bit of an introverted homebody, he has no real flaws.
This was the true Fron in their eyes.
"Alright, Fron's growth is great news. But what matters most now is the coming expedition."
"Unlike our deep-floor expedition, where even if we fail, as long as we avoid casualties, we can try again, "
"This time… we only have one chance. If we fail, Orario will be blown apart, and the entire city will be overrun by monsters."
...
Elsewhere, instead of returning to his room, Fron headed to his Magic Workshop.
On the workbench, the fully repaired armor and weapons were neatly laid out.
Compared to when they were newly forged, the equipment's performance had been completely restored, but the battle-worn appearance now gave them a bulkier look.