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The moment the glowing sigil faded from his back, Ethan felt… heavier.
Not in the sense of fatigue or exhaustion—he had plenty of that already—but in a way that made him feel real. Solid. His body, once light and nimble, now pulsed with a weight that wasn't burdensome, but powerful.
He stood slowly, his joints cracking faintly. Hestia, still sitting behind him, blinked as she watched the subtle changes unfold. His muscles weren't bulkier—but denser, more defined. His movements were grounded, his presence sharper, even when he wasn't trying.
Ethan opened and closed his hand.
"…It's different," he muttered.
"How do you feel?" Hestia asked, voice laced with concern and awe.
"…Like gravity's stronger around me. But it's mine."
Hestia giggled lightly. "That's how real strength feels. Welcome to Level Two."
She pulled out the updated stat sheet she had just finished.
Her eyes twinkled as she pointed at the bottom.
"You've awakened a new skill during the Level-Up."
Ethan leaned closer. His eyes scanned the line.[New Ability Acquired: Weapon Mastery (Rare)]
An advanced growth-type skill that increases efficiency, precision, and lethality with all weapons. Adapts over time with usage. Bonus effects for blades, spears, and thrown weapons.He raised an eyebrow.
"…Weapon Mastery?"
Hestia nodded, grinning now. "I've never seen that awaken so early. Most people never get that unless they specialize or fight with a wide variety of weapons consistently."
Ethan looked thoughtful. "I did start with a short blade… then switched to longsword, daggers… even tried axes in the training yard."
"Exactly," Hestia said. "It's an adaptive ability, one that fits your style—and your potential. It's very rare among first-time Level 2 adventurers."
She puffed her chest. "My child is amazing, after all."
He chuckled, ruffling her hair gently. "Thanks, Hestia."
A small blush bloomed on her cheeks. "J-Just don't go getting yourself killed trying to impress people!"
Lili appeared at the doorway, arms crossed, but a smile on her face. "So the mighty warrior has finally joined the rest of us mortals at Level Two, huh?"
Ethan smirked. "Took me long enough."
Lili stepped forward, holding out a small cloth-wrapped bundle.
"What's this?" he asked.
"Breakfast," she said simply. "You're not going to admire your stats on an empty stomach, are you?"
He took it with a grin. "Thanks, partner."
They sat down at the old church table—now reinforced with wood they'd gathered over the past week—and shared the meal together. Simple bread, eggs, and a warm broth.
But it tasted like victory.
Later that morning, after the food and rest had settled, Ethan stood in the courtyard behind the church. Shirtless, sweat trailing down his back, he swung his newly acquired longsword in practiced arcs.
The steel felt lighter. No—his body was stronger. Every movement was precise. Controlled.
The blade cut through the air like it was part of him.
Lili watched from the steps, nodding approvingly.
"I've seen a lot of swordsmen," she said. "But you? You're something else now."
Ethan didn't respond immediately. He let the blade rest on his shoulder, eyes calm.
"I have to be."
Lili raised a brow. "Why?"
"Because I'm not just fighting to survive anymore," he said, turning to her. "I'm fighting to carve a place for us—for Hestia. For you. For the future I couldn't reach back then."
Lili blinked, eyes widening slightly. Then she smiled. "…Guess I picked the right adventurer to follow."
He grinned. "Damn right you did."
Back inside, Hestia sat at her desk, quill in hand, staring at the updated Familia ledger. Funds from their dungeon loot had already begun covering the basics: better bedding, furniture, stronger doors, new cookware.
But what made her heart truly swell wasn't just the money.
It was the boy who walked through fire and blood to bring it home."Ethan," she whispered. "You're becoming someone the gods will notice. I just hope you never forget where you started… and who you fight for."She looked out the window—watching him swing his blade under the morning sun, with Lili cheering softly beside him.
The road ahead would only get tougher.
But now… they were ready for it.
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