Preparations complete, Levi left the Hestia residence. While on the surface, he refrained from using Mana Burst: Circle to avoid provoking other adventurers. Because of this, he failed to notice that he was being watched.
Freya stood on the high balcony of Babel, wine glass in hand, leaning against the railing. Her eyes searched the ground for her "Odr"—her fated soul. To her, seeing the brilliance of souls was effortless.
Suddenly, the grey-haired Goddess let out a soft gasp. "What is with that child?"
She had 'discovered' Levi. To be precise, she had observed him when he first entered Orario. Back then, his soul was neither brilliant nor clouded—it was the type you'd forget in a crowd. She only remembered him because, seven years ago, she had briefly stayed at his home in a remote village while traveling. Back then, she was curious about an orphan with good sword skills, but his soul was too ordinary for her to claim.
But now, she couldn't believe her eyes. Just two days ago, his soul was still mundane. How had it become so different after staying inside for two days? It wasn't "brilliant" yet, but it had become remarkably clean and transparent.
"Forget it," Freya murmured. "He's Hestia's first dependent, and I heard he confessed to her in public. I won't move this time." She wasn't so starved for entertainment that she would snatch a child with a few sparks of potential, especially one belonging to Hestia. Doing so would likely get her sent back to the heavens by the other Gods.
Levi was unaware he had narrowly dodged Freya's interest. He headed to the commercial district to buy a set of 2-star plate armor. Then, he spent nearly 6 million Valis at the Dian Cecht pharmacy on a massive stockpile: 10 Elixirs (Panaceas), 100 Stamina Potions, 100 High-Grade Potions for fractures and wounds, and 100 Mental Recovery Potions.
As an adventurer, Levi prioritized survival over damage.
Two hours later, his face mostly hidden by a hood, the pale-gold haired boy arrived at the 13th floor. As if welcoming him, the left wall shattered, and four Al-miraj—cute but deadly rabbit monsters that throw axes—crawled out. This wasn't Levi's first time facing them.
Two days ago, when he descended to the Middle Floors, Tsubaki had been there to guard him. Naturally, his mindset had been somewhat relaxed.
As for now...
Five feline-shaped frost orbs manifested around Levi. One slammed into the ground, enveloping its caster in an initial layer of shielding, while the other four were commanded to streak toward the distant monsters.
As a 4-star magic, the effects of Icy Paws were largely focused on the shield's durability. Its offensive power was not particularly outstanding. However, Levi's current Mana was already on par with an average Level 3. Boosted by such power, a single Al-miraj dissolved into black ash after being struck by just two of the frost orbs. Another Al-miraj fared little better; slowed significantly by the freezing effect, it struggled to maintain its pace.
— Signature Mix!
Levi drew his bow, picking off the straggler while simultaneously tossing a phantom cocktail of concentrated Cryo energy toward the monsters' path.
And then... well, there was no "and then."
If Icy Paws, a skill focused on shielding, could take out a lower-tier Level 2 monster in two hits, then Signature Mix—an ultimate Burst magic—was bound to be far more devastating in terms of both damage and healing.
"Hestia, I pray to you, grant me your blessing!"
As Levi stepped toward the swirling frost mist of his Signature Mix field, he chanted the prayer for the Goddess's protection. The phantom of the twin-tailed hearth goddess appeared, merging into his body as a warm light.
That wasn't enough. Upon entering the field, Levi drew his Favonius Sword and slashed it across his own arm.
Clang!
The sound of metal on metal rang out. Because his shield was active, Levi's first attempt at an experiment ended in failure.
Almost forgot.
Levi shrugged and willed the Vision at his neck to dissipate the shield before repeating the action. Crimson blood splattered. However, the wound—roughly three to four centimeters deep—began to knit back together the instant it formed. In less than two seconds, it had fully recovered, leaving not even a scar.
This recovery speed is terrifying.
Levi was momentarily stunned before realizing the truth. It wasn't just Signature Mix; it was the synergy. Hestia's blessing, which massively enhanced Health and Mana regeneration, was the key catalyst turning this magic into something transcendent.
Next, let's test the shield's durability.
With that thought, Levi began continuously summoning ice paws and smashing them into the ground one by one.