Only after a long time did he pick up another book and walk to the reading area to continue reading.
The moonlight had just risen, and the night was serene.
The entire "Twilight Manor" had grown dim, with the lights scattered throughout the courtyard faintly illuminating a corner of the darkness.
The stronghold, shaped like a castle, stood silently like a giant beast crawling in the dark.
It was the complete opposite of the bustling Pleasure Quarter, which were brightly lit by magic stone lamps.
-----------------------------------
Inside the underground library at headquarters, the pitch-black atmosphere gave it a slightly eerie feeling. Only in one corner of the reading area was there the warm glow of a magic stone lamp.
In a fully focused reading state, golden irises of Fron had two blue rings glowing with a bluish light circling his pupils.
That was the special effect triggered by a skill.
『Reader』
· Domain-enhanced mental power
· Effect doubles at night
· Immune to mental pollution
The powerful mental strength greatly improved Fron's memory and allowed him to maintain full mental vitality.
At night, this effect reached its peak. This made him absorb knowledge with even more enthusiasm.
At some point, faint and nearly inaudible sounds echoed in the quiet corridor, eventually extending to the first-floor hall and down to the basement.
Gently, the library door opened a crack. A divine eye that shone red even in the dark opened slightly, secretly watching the back of someone immersed in the sea of knowledge.
"So this is his skill? Damn mental power boost and night-doubling effect. Looks like we've got a bookworm who'll be reading by lamplight at night in the house."
The mischievous god's lips curled into a teasing smile.
"Maybe his joining will motivate those stagnant kids. But isn't it a bit too much to use Fron as a test subject? Oh well, for the sake of everyone else, you'll just have to make a small sacrifice. Sorry~ hehehe…"
"?"
A sudden chill woke Fron up with a jolt. He quickly looked left and right suspiciously.
"…Why do I have such a bad feeling all of a sudden?"
Ultimately finding nothing, he dove back into his books.
With interest as fuel, time flew by when doing anything.
Sunrise, sunset, day and night turned in cycles, the city moved from bustle to silence, day after day.
The changes of the Lower World were fascinating, and the eternal, unchanging gods sought amusement daily, exploring the unknown and the possibilities that brought them joy.
The excitement around the new Loki Familia member had begun to fade. The Familia, being large and busy, was in a state of frenzy as most members were away on an expedition.
That day, the silent library doors opened after several days.
Fron stepped out with bedhead, swaying as he walked.
His clothes were wrinkled, and he looked a bit unkempt.
Counting the days, it had been five or six since he holed up in the library.
His companions, not seeing the newcomer for days, thought he might've had an accident in the dungeon and hurriedly asked their deity.
The deity waved it off, saying there was no need to worry. Left puzzled, they all returned to their work.
—Only Loki knew how terrifying that boy's growth truly was.
"Tsk tsk tsk, not once in a thousand years have I seen a kid this ridiculous. Just holed up in the library reading for five days, and his stats increased by 2505. I can't wait to see his future. When Ais and the others come back from the expedition—hehehe…"
Wearing a face full of disbelief, Loki took a swig of alcohol and let out a weird laugh.
She casually burned the status sheet in her hand, with Fron Argon's name faintly visible on it.
...
[Name]: Fron Argon
[Level]: lv.1
[Ability Stats]: Strength: D501 | Endurance: D501 | Dexterity: D501 | Agility: D501 | Magic: D501
[Development Abilities]: 『』
[Magic]:
『Surtr』
· Enchantment Magic
· Destruction Attribute
[Skills]:
『Reader』
· Domain-enhanced mental power
· Effect doubles at night
· Immune to mental pollution
『Scholar』
· Can choose two development abilities each time
· Not restricted by magic slot when learning magic
· Greatly increases power when using magic swords or magical tools
· Doubles power, range, and reach of magic
『Infinite Super Magic』
· Strengthens mind through accumulated knowledge
· Strengthens magic through accumulated knowledge
· Magic power synchronously amplifies all attributes
Current Accumulation: 0.3%
[ T / N : He can already level up if he wants, his feat is also there, gaining 2505 stat points in 5 days. ~(￣▽￣)~ ]
========================================
The terrifying growth rate shocked both Loki and Fron.
In Loki's words, "At this rate, you'll catch up to Ais and the others within a year."
But he himself didn't believe that.
Leveling up gets harder the further you go. For example, when your stats are at I rank, reading a single well-written book might boost you by dozens of points.
But when reaching C, B, or even A rank, a single book might only increase you by a few points.
Accordingly, "Infinite Super Magic's" effect of enhancing mental and magical power through knowledge accumulation diminishes similarly.
At first, one book might increase it by 0.01%, but that number gradually slows.
"—Although books contain treasures, there's another saying: 'Reading ten thousand books is not as good as traveling ten thousand miles.'"
Shaking his head with a chuckle, Fron thought he was being too greedy.
Then he frowned slightly, troubled again.
"No matter how high the stats, I'm still a blank super soldier. I have no techniques, no strategies, and zero combat experience."
"And then there's that famous quote from a certain elf: 'Knowledge is money…'"
Fron knew he couldn't continue down the pay-to-win route. He had to go make actual money in the dungeon.
"Alright, today's the day."
After breakfast, he began preparing in his room.
"Since I'm only exploring the upper floors, I can make a round trip in one day. Breakfast is done, so just bring a packed lunch."
"My weapon is a short sword worth 1600 valis, no armor—unless you count this cloak."
"To collect drop items and magic stones, I'll need a sturdy backpack… Ah, I can finally use that gift from one of the members."
It was a sturdy, handmade backpack, roughly 600×400×400 in size—more than enough for a newbie.
"As for potions, I can't afford any. I'll deal with that after returning from the dungeon."
"Alright, let's go."
Fully prepared, Fron set out for his first exploration.
Wearing a black cloak, carrying a backpack, and with a newly purchased short sword on his cheap belt, he looked rather spirited.
"Go for it, little Fron!"
At some point, their deity stood on the second-floor open corridor, waving energetically.
Fron turned and raised his fist with a confident smile, then departed low-key.
Watching him slowly disappear down the path, Loki narrowed her eyes and smiled.
"I wonder how far you'll grow this time? I'm really looking forward to it."
"Still… with how exceptional this child is, how did that lovestruck goddess's cheat ability not notice? Was it coincidence, or—"
The red-haired goddess fell into thought.
...
Fron didn't know if he could live up to the expectations of his deity, but one thing was certain: he would live up to his own expectations.
Crossing the garden and leaving the path, a surge of people entered his view.
On North Street, well-equipped adventurers and supporters strolled about.
Some were chatting and laughing, others were tense and serious—but regardless of mood, everyone was armed to the teeth.
No one dared underestimate the "Dungeon."
The ever-changing "Underground Labyrinth" could cost a life with the slightest carelessness.
"Whew."
Taking a deep breath, Fron tightened his backpack straps, pulled up his cloak hood, and melted into the crowd.
Target: The Tower of Babel!