Chapter 79: Important Lesson and Self-Reflection
A colossal epic showdown between a human and monsters unfolded for over an hour.
In this span, the fierce battle reduced the vast cavern to bits and pieces, almost turning it into a ruin.
A mountain of bone spikes spread all over the wreckage, with the remnants of Spartoi scattered in every corner, mingling with the debris, resembling a graveyard unearthed.
Riezel stood at the entrance of the cavern throughout, observing the carnage, never intervening from start to finish.
No choice.
Once he interfered in this fight, he could potentially snatch away Ais's excelia, jeopardizing the accumulation needed for her exploit.
As a result, aside from the first two support magic, he didn't lift a finger, quietly watching the battle unfold.
He witnessed Ais being sent flying numerous times.
He also saw Ais staggering to her feet repeatedly, shouting as she charged at the massive floor boss.
Udaeus summoned spikes and its skeleton soldiers repeatedly, encircling Ais. Even when she charged and closed in, it howled and slammed its colossal arm down, repeatedly pushing her to the brink.
It could be said that without Riezel's two magic as her support, Ais would likely be incapable of continuing the fight.
Fortunately, his two magic effects were extraordinary.
'Raumure' could enhance 'END' and 'AGI', its power depending on Riezel's 'MAG'. Now that he was at Level 5, this magic's enhancement and duration were quite powerful, providing significant aid to Ais.
'Dia Fratel' was a top-class healing magic in this world, not only healing wounds but also restoring stamina, expelling poison, dispelling curses, group healing, and even having its effects sustained. Thanks to this magic, Ais's body maintained the healing effects, repeatedly healing her injuries and stamina.
To ensure these magic effects lasted as long as possible in her body, Riezel poured his entire mind into them when chanted them, maximizing their effects and prolonging their duration.
With these two magic, Ais could stand up, charge, swing her sword, and fight again and again, displaying perseverance and resolve bordering on extraordinary.
Of course, when Riezel thought this way, he didn't know that Ais had seen his performance during his past battles in a similar light.
Every time she got sent flying, crashing to the ground, almost unable to stand due to pain and suffocation, the first image in her mind was Riezel.
For instance, at Level 1, he got rammed by a Level 2 Crocodile Dragon, then thrown, shattering pillars and rocks countless times. Despite all that, he never gave up; instead, he went all out, chanting magic and swinging his sword non-stop until he finally sent the monster's massive body flying.
By Level 4, despite being repeatedly sent flying by the massive female-like worm monster with its flat-shaped arms, he relentlessly charged toward it, slashing countless times without giving up.
Lastly, the last image that surfaced in her mind was when he advanced at an astonishing speed to stand before her, placing his sword at her throat.
These images only strengthened her resolve, backing her up as she stood up and charged at Udaeus again and again, just like Riezel, whom she unknowingly considered a 'hero'.
If Riezel learned swordsmanship, magic, and the style of combat from Ais, then Ais learned perseverance and resolve from Riezel.
Maybe she hadn't even noticed it herself, but from him, she saw so many dazzling things and started to unconsciously yearn for and admire them.
To others, it seemed like Riezel and Ais were alike in many aspects.
Ais felt the same way as she always kept thinking—
—I want to run forward, just like him.
—I want to keep moving forward, just like him.
It was an obsession.
An endless future.
It was also a form of redemption.
Realizing all of this, Ais's transparent golden eyes reflected Riezel's figure running ahead. She suddenly felt the urge to chase after him, desperately picking up her pace.
"Tempest!"
A whirlwind, almost like a storm, wrapped around her entire body.
"Tempest!!!"
Her sword-wielding hand exerted constant pressure, causing the wind entwined around her to surge upward.
At this moment, Ais, clad in the hurricane, wielding the sword of the wind, rushed toward Udaeus at tornado-like speed. Her figure at this moment unmistakably overlapped with the past Riezel.
Just like he once did, she unleashed a decisive and final blow, cutting down the almost unbeatable monster.
However, unlike Riezel, the wind that Ais was about to unleash was a move with a name that could rival powerful offensive magic, capable of breaking through everything.
—Calling out the name when using a finishing move can boost your attack power, Ais!
The words of a certain shady goddess echoed in Ais's mind, prompting her to shout out loud.
"Lil Rafaga!"
Named by her goddess and recognized by her friends, this was a one-hit-kill move.
Soon, the golden-haired girl transformed into a spiral of powerful wind and lunged forward with lightning speed!
*BOOM!*
The mountain of bones was pierced.
*BOOM!*
Many Spartoi got crushed.
A swirling gust of powerful wind surged forward, piercing through everything, penetrating through all.
*ROAAAARRRR—!!!*
Amidst the dying roar of Udaeus, the gust of powerful wind soon thundered upon its chest.
Instantly, the skeletal structure protecting Udaeus's chest shattered, exposing an enormous magic stone that radiated a dazzling glow right before Ais's eyes.
Her sword didn't lose its momentum and thrust directly into the massive magic stone.
*ROAAA———*
Udaeus's roar abruptly ceased.
*Crack!*
Not long after, the magic stone emitted a cracking sound.
Fissures appeared little by little, gradually spreading all over the entire magic stone, and finally exploded.
*ROAAAAAAARRRRRR—!!!*
This time, it wasn't the usual angry roar, but a dying one.
Udaeus howled to the sky, disintegrating and collapsing entirely as it burst open, turning into a cloud of dust.
The golden-haired girl drifted in the powerful wind around her. Weakly, she released her sword from her hand and, with the sparkling fragments of the magic stone, descended from midair.
Before losing consciousness, she saw him.
The figure whom she had just been gazing at and chasing inside her mind flew toward her.
===
"Dia Fratel."
In a daze, Ais heard a voice.
A warm sensation enveloped her entire body, gradually easing the tormenting pain and soreness.
She felt comfortable after a long time, except for her head, which felt like mush with a slight throbbing.
This was a symptom of mind exhaustion.
The effects of healing magic and recovery magic could only act on the body, not the mind.
Thus, even if the injuries and pain of the body could be healed, the mind fatigue was a different matter.
However, if overcoming a powerful enemy only required paying this small price, it was considered a win.
Of course, all credit goes to that man—the man who traveled from afar, who ultimately chose to support her from the back, chanted magic for her, and pushed her forward.
Ais opened her eyes and saw him.
Kneeling on one knee amidst the cavern's ruins, he cradled her body, his foot planted firmly on a pristine white magic circle, channeling magical energy into a healing miracle. Countless light particles flowed into her body.
Ais met his gaze, and he returned it.
Their eyes locked, yet silence reigned.
She remained wordless, unsure of what to express.
Similarly, he simply observed her, offering no intention of speech.
"Sorry..."
Almost instinctively, Ais lowered her head and uttered an apology. Unfortunately, her apology didn't evoke any response from him.
After an uncomfortable silence, a sigh finally reached her ears.
"I'm the one who should apologize..." Riezel said in a low voice. "You haven't done anything wrong."
Unconsciously, Ais raised her head and looked at his face.
From his eyes, she saw self-blame and reflection.
"I messed up..." Riezel confessed softly, almost as if talking to himself. "I've always been focused on my own growth, getting stronger, moving forward, trying to live my life differently from my previous one, less numb and more free... But in doing so, I unknowingly left many people who cared for me behind, not only running ahead alone but also neglecting their feelings..."
This incident truly taught him a deep lesson.
Ais took a heavy blow because of him.
In his relentless pursuit of testing his new power and adapting to his growth, he sparred with her without considering her feelings. He even went so far as to hold his sword to her throat.
Struggling for nearly ten years, only to be surpassed by a rookie who joined the familia just over three months ago and had a sword pointed at her throat by that same person—it must have been a very unpleasant feeling for Ais.
Thinking up to this point, Riezel felt it was the perfect time for some self-reflection.
"In the future, I need to pay more attention to the people around me..." Riezel whispered, smiling as he gazed at the girl in his arms. "Thank you for helping me realize this important lesson, Ais..."
In his previous life, he didn't get the family, friendship, or love he wanted. In this life, he couldn't let history repeat itself. Even if he wanted to progress and run forward, he couldn't forget that in this second chance of his life, many people were caring for him and accompanying him on his journey.
Realizing this, Riezel felt his restless heart calming down.
Of course—
"You too..." Riezel glanced at Ais's golden eyes, his smile growing more genuine. "Don't forget, you're not alone... People are watching over you by your side."
At his words, she just silently stared at his face, observing the genuine smile on it.
Her heartbeat unknowingly quickened.
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Chapter 80: Return
It must be said that it was definitely the right decision for Riezel to learn 'Dia Fratel' from Airmid.
Its ability to single-handedly support an entire frontline was truly astonishing. Even after Ais fought for over an hour, getting beaten up by Udaeus, with bruises all over, this magic managed to restore her to her original condition in less than a minute.
Such an incredible recovery effect, even Airmid herself might not be able to achieve it.
But then again, she was a Level 2. Using the same magic in the hands of a Level 2 versus a Level 5, there was bound to be a difference.
Since Riezel's 'MAG' was already off the charts, the magic he cast and the one Airmid cast were incomparable.
As a result, Ais could quickly bounce back, with only her mind slightly lacking, making her look a bit tired.
But that was more than enough.
As long as she didn't use magic, she should still be able to fight at full power.
"What?" Ais looked at Riezel in surprise. "You're not coming back with me?"
"Yeah..." Riezel nodded.
Indeed, he wasn't planning to go back with her—or rather, he didn't have the time to go back with her anymore.
In order to catch up with Ais, he spent a whole day and a half, using up the last bit of his time limit in this world.
He could feel the Dimensional Magic Cube in his mind slowly starting to turn, seemingly about to open.
For this reason, he wouldn't be able to go back with her.
However, Ais was clueless about this.
"Is there something you need to take care of?" Ais looked at him, seemingly ready to stay with him.
However, he shook his head.
"I do have something to take care of, and it's not a small one..." Riezel explained. "Since your problem is resolved, I'm preparing to leave."
Even the most clueless person would understand the hidden meaning behind his words. Once he leaves, it might not be easy for him to return anytime soon.
"I've already talked to Loki, and I was planning to tell everyone soon, but it looks like it's too late now..." Riezel smiled at her. "Just tell Loki for me, say that I've already set off."
Ais instantly fell silent.
"Go." Riezel urged slightly, sensing his limited time. "Riveria is on her way to find you. Head back, and you'll meet her soon."
Upon hearing that, Ais looked deeply into his eyes, and Riezel looked back with a smile on his face.
They stared at each other for a moment before she nodded.
"I'll be waiting for you at home." Ais said in a rare, gentle tone.
Hearing the term 'home', Riezel's eyes widened slightly, and his smile became even more warm and genuine.
"Yeah, I'll congratulate you in advance on leveling up." Riezel nodded.
This time, Ais was almost certain to level up. By then, she would be Level 6, and her strength might surpass his again.
"But, I'll catch up to you soon." Riezel said fearlessly.
"..." Ais watched him quietly for a moment before responding. "...I'll be waiting for you."
"Alright, go."
"Um."
Ais retreated a few steps, but her gaze remained on his body.
Shortly afterward, as if letting go of something, she abruptly turned around and sprinted away.
Riezel watched her leave until her back was no longer visible, and only then did the transparent cube in his mind begin to rotate.
[The time limit has reached zero, dimensional travel is about to conclude, initiating inspection.]
[User detected possessing unique powers of this world and will return with the user after dissolving the consciousness body.]
[User detected carrying unique items of this world and can return with the user by consuming energy.]
[A list of unique items has been compiled, please proceed with your selection.]
With such messages received by Riezel, a list of items, invisible to others, suddenly appeared in his mind.
[1: Loki's God Blood (70)]
[2: Fool (5)]
[3: Hermit (2)]
[4: Battle Suit (1)]
[5: Elixir (1)]
[6: ...]
That was a list of items that Riezel had carried on his body.
Some items, like Fool and Hermit, were strapped on his waist. Others, such as the elixir and replacement battle suit, were stored in the Dimensional Magic Cube's storage space for his use as needed.
Now, the Dimensional Magic Cube had detected all these items and had created a list for him to choose from.
In the Dimensional Magic Cube's instructions, section five stated that when carrying items for dimensional travel, the corresponding energy consumption needed to be based on the value of the items.
Following this rule, if he wanted to bring certain items back to the main world, he had to use the energy of the Dimensional Magic Cube. After this energy was consumed, the chosen items would assimilate into the Dimensional Magic Cube, enabling them to travel dimensionally with him.
At that point, whether these items returned with him to the main world or accompanied him to other worlds, it was all possible. The selected items could travel dimensionally with him at all times without further energy consumption.
As for the powers, it wasn't as complicated. As explained in the Dimensional Magic Cube's instructions, it would return with him after his consciousness body dissolved without consuming any energy.
Riezel immediately checked the current energy of the Dimensional Magic Cube.
[Dimensional Energy: 100]
The Dimensional Magic Cube could automatically absorb energy from each world. When it had accumulated enough energy for one month, it could perform dimensional travel.
The cube absorbed 1 unit of energy per day, totaling 30 units in a month.
In other words, one dimensional travel required 30 units of energy, and if there was a need to travel to a personally selected world, it required ten times the energy, which meant 300 units.
Having spent a hundred days in the world of Danmachi, the Dimensional Magic Cube had absorbed a hundred days' worth of energy, resulting in the current energy of exactly 100 units.
Originally, Riezel thought the cube absorbed energy based on the main world's time. However, he realized that the energy absorbed by the cube followed the same ratio as the time he spent in other worlds. This meant that the cube followed his time as the reference point.
After all, energy existing in the dimensional world could be said to be all-encompassing. The main world was a world, and this world was also a world, with no significant differences.
Finished pondering, Riezel quickly considered the items he needed to take back with him.
Firstly, there was 'Loki's God Blood'.
This was something Riezel requested from Loki upon knowing he was about to leave. After leaving this world, if he wanted to update his status, he would have to do it independently, as he couldn't rely on her anymore.
Therefore, he naturally needed Loki's blood as the essential medium to update his status, ensuring that after leaving this world, his status could still be updated, and he could continue to grow.
Hence, he asked Loki for a small bottle of her blood, causing her to grumble and almost ascend to heaven on the spot.
With this bottle of blood, Riezel could perform hundreds of status updates.
God's blood was undeniably expensive.
While the units of energy consumed by other items were only in single digits, even Fool only required 5 units of energy. In contrast, this bottle of god's blood needed a whopping 70 units of energy, truly a rip-off.
However, Riezel had no choice.
This was the blood of the gods, and regardless of the cost, he must take it with him. For his own growth and future, he had to reluctantly accept this price.
Next, Fool and Hermit also had to be taken along.
These two were Durandal attribute weapons, the most suitable weapon for him. Especially Fool, not only sharp and handy, but also extremely light. It would allow him to fully utilize the effect of 'Lightweight' development ability, further boosting his 'DEX' and 'AGI', so he definitely had to bring them along.
The rest didn't matter much.
The battle suit was a durable piece of clothing he bought casually in the market, nothing special. If it weren't for the fact that dimensional energy had a specified minimum unit, which was 1 unit, this clothing wouldn't be worth the price.
The elixir, on the other hand, was worth its 1 unit cost of energy. After all, it was the most effective potion in this world, capable of quickly healing almost any injury that wasn't fatal or limb-severing. Spending 1 unit of energy to take it away was definitely not a loss.
Of course, if he hadn't learned the top-class healing magic 'Dia Fratel', he would probably have taken some back. Unfortunately, he had already learned healing magic more astonishing than the effects of elixir, rendering it somewhat redundant.
The remaining items were miscellaneous things—magic stones, various spare potions, and even food and water. There was no need to consume dimensional energy to bring them back to the main world.
In summary—
"A bottle of god's blood and two weapons, huh? That's all the stuff I need to take with me."
Riezel quickly made his selection.
[Loki's God Blood (70)]
[Fool (5)]
[Hermit (2)]
Three items were chosen, totaling 77 units of energy.
[Dimensional Energy: 23]
After confirming the remaining energy, Riezel concluded the process.
[Selection completed, starting execution.]
[Item assimilation successful.]
[Dimensional travel concluded, initiating the return procedure.]
Riezel's body instantly faded away, appearing as if it had vanished into thin air, leaving no trace behind.
His consciousness was absorbed by the Dimensional Magic Cube, which had opened inside his mind, entering the dimensional channel and heading back toward the main world.
Soon, the 37th Floor of the dungeon became silent, returning to its dormant state.
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