DH : [51] Development Abilities (Patreon)

The former involves extracting the accumulated proficiency from one's training over time and converting it into basic ability values.

The latter, however, entails reaching a certain level in basic ability values and acquiring sufficient great feats, thus obtaining enough experience to level up. This process involves extracting the experience from these feats, breaking through the constraints of the previous level, and entering a new one.

Upon leveling up, all basic ability values are reset to zero. This hidden power is retained within the adventurer, allowing them to continue improving their basic abilities.

After updating his ability values, what Aiden looked forward to most was leveling up.

Aiden's basic ability values had already met his expectations, with his strength attribute reaching an unprecedented SS level.

Moreover, he had single-handedly defeated an infant dragon, a task usually requiring multiple Level 2 adventurers, and it was an even more powerful mutated infant dragon.

Can any other Level 1 adventurer boast such a great feat? 

Additionally, Aiden had endured a fierce battle. If such a feat didn't qualify him for a level up, he might as well buy a cute dress and prepare to debut as an idol.

"Congratulations, Aiden-kun, you can now level up." Hestia said with a smile as she continued to manipulate the sacred texts.

"Your growth rate and potential have already surpassed all adventurers in the past thousand years, including the Sword Princess from Loki Familia."

"I really look forward to seeing Loki's reaction when she hears that Aiden-kun leveled up to Level 2 within a month. Plus, your magic is now accounted for too, hahaha!" Hestia laughed heartily, hands on her hips.

Though Aiden was equally excited, he mused to himself about the insurmountable divide between his peaceful aspirations and the desire to inspire others. Once Hestia's laughter subsided, he continued, "I encountered the Sword Princess and the Nine Hell of Loki Familia while battling the infant dragon."

Aiden then recounted the entire process of saving Dunn and encountering the women of Loki Familia during his fight with the infant dragon, omitting only his injury and Riveria's healing.

"Dunn and his group are indeed very reliable and good people." Hestia remarked, hands on her hips, after hearing Aiden's story.

"That's why I chose to save them. I'm not a saint; if someone tries to harm me, I won't help them." Aiden said with a smile.

"Exactly, exactly, that's how it should be. This world is a dangerous place." Hestia patting Aiden on the shoulder with an air of seriousness.

"Come on, Hestia, hearing that from you is the least convincing." Aiden couldn't help but smile, amused by Hestia's serious tone and her adorably childish face.

"Just thinking about Loki's reaction right now makes me laugh, haha!" Hestia's bell-like laughter echoed once again in the quiet living room.

"So, Hestia, hurry up and level me up. I'm really looking forward to it." Aiden interrupted her laughter.

"Alright, alright. But before leveling up, Aiden-kun, you need to choose your development ability." Hestia's voice was filled with genuine joy.

Aiden was taken aback and then turned his head to look at Hestia, who was sitting beside him, somewhat puzzled.

In the anime, when Bell leveled up, he immediately gained skills, including the overpowered passive skill Argonaut, which allowed him to defeat stronger opponents. There was no mention of choosing a development ability. In reality, Bell did receive a development ability along with his skills, but the anime didn't show this process. After careful consideration, with the help of his dungeon advisor Eina, Bell chose the rare and powerful Luck from the options of Abnormal Resistance, Hunter, and Luck. This was the ability Aiden, who often felt unlucky, desired the most.

"It's the new ability you can gain each time you level up." Hestia explained softly, her smile unwavering as she noticed the confusion on Aiden's face.

"Every one of our children who receives a blessing from us gods can gain a new ability when they level up."

"Currently, adventurers can develop abilities such as Hunter, Abnormal Resistance, Swordsman, Blacksmithing, Alchemy, Magic, and Healing, among others. The ability that appears depends on your past experiences and what you desire."

"For example, if you've frequently fought large groups of monsters before leveling up, the Hunter ability might appear."

"If you're a blacksmith who forges often, the Blacksmithing ability might appear."

"Of course, there's also the possibility of gaining a skill directly without needing to choose. If there's only one development ability available, there's no need to choose either."

While carefully working with the sacred text on Aiden's back, which emitted a serene blue glow, Hestia answered his questions in detail.

After hearing Hestia's explanation, Aiden asked, "How many development abilities can I choose from?"

"There are three options!" Hestia's voice was cheerful, and without keeping him in suspense, she raised her slender index finger and continued.

"The first is Hunter, a rare ability that only adventurers who have defeated a large number of monsters in a short time can obtain. It's specifically geared towards dealing with monsters."

"This ability enhances your capabilities when you encounter monsters of the same type you have previously fought and gained experience from. It's extremely useful for exploring and conquering dungeons. Any adventurer focused on dungeon conquest would hope to acquire this ability."

"The second is Swordsman, an ability granted only to adventurers with a deep understanding and proficiency in swordsmanship. I'm a bit curious how you got this ability, Aiden-kun. Could it be that a natural talent for swordsmanship is enough?" Hestia raised her second finger.

Knowing Aiden's level of swordsmanship, Hestia was understandably puzzled. After a brief pause, she continued.

Aiden also felt a bit confused, as he was well aware of his own skills in swordsmanship.

"Swordsman enhances the power, speed, and accuracy of your sword techniques. It's a very advantageous ability."

"The third ability is Mystery, a super rare ability." Hestia raised her third finger, her tone becoming more excited.

"What does it do?" Aiden was intrigued. The names of the first two abilities, Hunter and Swordsman, clearly indicated their general functions. However, Mystery was, as its name suggested, quite enigmatic.