"At each adventurer level, raise all abilities to their limit."
When Hestia said these words, a flicker of surprise passed through Liang Yue's eyes. Setting aside other circumstances, at least in this moment, she was definitely thinking from the perspective of a competent deity.
Becoming the fastest adventurer in the world to reach Level 2—he had thought about chasing such a hollow title before. But the suggestion she gave him was the exact opposite.
At the core, it could be summarized in one word:
Refinement.
Stay at the current level stage, slow down, and raise all his ability stats to their maximum before undergoing a level-up.
The feats he had already achieved would not disappear.
And since Hestia had made such a serious suggestion, Liang Yue didn't reject it outright. He considered it from every angle, based on his current situation.
There were no threatening rival Familias pressuring him.
If he continued training at his current level, then aside from his Magic stat, he could bring every other stat up to SSS.
"This is really opening up now!"
There weren't many adventurers with stats this high. In the original story, only the rabbit (Bell) had reached such a point. Even "Auntie"—Alfia—one of the most powerful adventurers at Level 7, had only achieved double SS stats.
Liang Yue propped himself up with one hand and noticed the earnest look on Hestia's face. Reaching Level 2 was simply a matter of choice and timing.
Given how familiar he now was with the dungeon, all he needed were a few more satisfying monster hunts to keep refining himself.
Or maybe he'd drop to the 12th floor and face the juvenile dragon directly. If he really wanted to push his stats to the limit, the process wouldn't even be that difficult.
"In that case, I'll do as you suggest, Lady Hestia."
Giving her a sense of involvement in her follower's growth, Liang Yue nodded seriously. "I'll continue refining myself in the dungeon."
"I'll aim to reach my full stat limits before leveling up!"
Seeing his determined declaration, Hestia felt a bit emotional. She had been a firsthand witness to Liang Yue's rise as an adventurer. Yet, in this grueling process—
She couldn't really help him much. Other than updating his stats and enabling level-up progression, she had nothing else to offer.
Just today, she had mentioned this to her best friend Hephaestus.
And Hephaestus had replied: "Gods don't need to do anything. Just give your followers trust, encouragement, and help guide their path."
So now—
Hestia was doing exactly that. She could probably guess Liang Yue's intentions. Their Familia was still obscure and small in Orario.
Rising in strength and rank quickly would naturally benefit their Familia's development.
But it was only because of Liang Yue's sensible and thoughtful personality that she realized deeply:
The growth of a Familia should not be the burden of its members.
Whether it was out of emotional concern or future aspirations—
Hestia didn't want Liang Yue to make any compromises for the sake of the Familia's development. She gently tilted her head.
"But you're still taking tomorrow off."
"Of course."
Liang Yue had no objections. In fact, his entire schedule for tomorrow was already packed—but it could be arranged smoothly.
As an adventurer—
He had a proper date with Guild advisor Eina, scheduled at Babel Tower to return the borrowed weapons from Tsubaki.
Also, asking the half-elf to help find cost-effective weapons seemed entirely reasonable, didn't it?
"Dungeon exploration needs a balance of work and rest, Liang Yue-kun. You don't have to pressure yourself too hard. Take breaks when needed."
Hestia really wanted to say something like: "Having you as my follower is a blessing. I don't care about the Familia's growth."
But such words…
Were impossible for her to say without alcohol.
She slipped on her slippers, clapped her hands with a cheerful smile, and began gathering the tools used for updating his status.
"Don't forget to stop by Hephaestus's main weapon shop tomorrow."
"Your weapon repairs are done. And for dinner—my treat! Let's go to the Hostess of Fertility."
Saying this, she turned around, brimming with energy and gave him a sincere thumbs-up:
"To celebrate."
"To celebrate the progress in Liang Yue-kun's abilities!!"
"Sure."
Liang Yue smiled and nodded. His schedule for tomorrow hadn't changed—only the reason for the celebration had.
Naturally, he didn't refuse.
After all, he had agreed to Lili's deal and had already taken a 50% advance payment. Backing out wasn't an option.
In fact, he was starting to feel relaxed.
If he had been at Level 2, he might have worried about going up against Zanis from the Soma Familia. Stopping someone was different from defeating them, after all.
But right now, he was still at Level 1.
And that made him genuinely curious—could he defeat a higher-level opponent purely with maxed S-rank stats?
At the very least, it would make the fight fun.
Liang Yue stood up. If he wanted to be in top form tomorrow, he'd need to get a good night's rest.
He turned to Hestia and said decisively:
"It's about that time. Let's wash up and get ready for bed?"
"No problem."
Even though they lived in an abandoned basement, Hestia kept it impeccably tidy. Their daily needs were well taken care of.
The image of her brushing her teeth with a tree-root toothbrush was a little surreal.
But from Liang Yue's perspective—at his height—he was treated to a visual feast. Newton's law of gravity manifested perfectly in Hestia's form.
It was truly a visual spectacle. But as he watched her finish brushing her teeth and prepare to soak her feet in hot water…
His smile slowly faded.
And was replaced by a deep and genuine seriousness.
Noticing the change in his expression, Hestia—sitting on a small wooden stool—lifted her head in confusion.
"What's wrong, Liang Yue-kun?"
"Nothing."
Liang Yue didn't feel like it was thick-skinned of him to speak his mind. He simply thought—Hestia had done so much for him, and he had no way to repay her.
It made his heart ache a little.
"I just feel like Lady Hestia has helped me a lot. So I want to repay you in whatever ways I can."
"Wha–?! No, no, not at all!"
In fact, she should be the one thanking him.
Hestia was about to say that out loud when—
His next affectionate action caused her pale cheeks to flush a vivid red.
She was flustered, her heart in chaos. She was aware she had feelings for Liang Yue that went beyond familial affection.
But they were still goddess and follower.
Why did it feel like she'd just been electrocuted?
Romance is a slow-burning flame.
That's how Liang Yue approached it, too. And under his persistent persuasion—
The goddess no longer slept on the sofa.
After a bit of tug-of-war, neither of them slept on the couch. Perhaps it was the light, orchid-like scent in Hestia's hair...
But after an intense stretch of dungeon crawling, Liang Yue—physically and mentally drained—soon fell into a deep sleep.
When he awoke again, dawn was already breaking.
He gently pulled his numb right hand from Hestia's embrace, washed up, changed clothes, and prepared himself for the day ahead.
With the morning sun bathing him in warm light, Liang Yue's gaze turned contemplative.
Today was a rare day off.
"Hope everything goes smoothly today!"
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