Chapter 89: A challenge(corrected)
(Author: On re-reading the manga, I realised that Tiona, Tione, and Bete would become level six after the exploration. Obviously, since I started out this way I will continue with this approach, but in the future, I will try not to make similar mistakes)
'inhale.'
Breathing in the fresh air, Mark's mood improved. Although there were no problems with air circulation in the dungeon, the surface air gave more of a refreshing feeling.
After some time, the second group arrived unharmed, which made everyone sigh with relief. They too had felt the earthquake, but it seemed to have happened on the lower floors.
"I see, I'll send someone later to check it out, but let's go home first, I bet everyone thinks the same thing." -Said Finn smiling, gaining the enthusiasm of the others who could finally rest comfortably.
After thanking the Hephaestus Familia for their help, the group finally headed back to base. Everyone seemed to be in good spirits now that they were out of the dungeon, while Mark had to force himself to remain normal, but reading his status, his lips couldn't help but curl upwards.
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[NAME]: Mark Tormeto
[AGE]: 18
[LV]: 2(3)
[BASIC ABILITIES]:
Strength: G 250-> SS 1000 (1300)
Endurance: H 190-> S 990 (1200)
Dexterity: G 200-> SS 1050 (1250)
Agility: F 300 -> SS 1100 (1400)
Magic: I 50-> SS 1100 (1600)
[DEVELOPMENT ABILITIES]:
Falna perception (B)
Falna manipulation (B)
Monster perception (C)
Abnormal resistance (I)
[MAGIC]:
-electricity control: allows control over electric mana.
-electric dart O
-electric explosion O
-electric javelin O
-flashbang O
[SKILLS]:
-Golem heart:
(active) Turns off your human side and increases your statistics (corruption risk) (when used in conjunction with 'limit break' double corruption) (Statistics increase by 50 points every 5% of corruption) (corruption 0%).
(passive) Makes it easier to distinguish the nature of people.
-Limit break (lv1):
(active) doubles the gains but you will suffer double the pain (it can only be activated before fighting if deactivated it will negate any kind of gain).
-Intent:
(active) you can convey your intent to others whether it is bloodlust or courage.
-Aura(new)
Reinforcement: uses internal energy to make the body more resistant.
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'Now I understand why the Familia who do expeditions are so strong.'
[The host is a special case for your ability, but you're not wrong. Being in a place that forces you to remain ready for all eventualities, especially over a long time, will allow a person to make the most of their potential].
Mark nodded at his words, as he also agreed, but he was more interested in the fact that the corruption had returned to 0%, which he had already noticed for a few days because he was feeling better. When Mark was affected by the corruption, he felt a mental pressure that made him distort everything he saw and heard, which was also the reason why he was always annoyed.
Over time Mark began to realize the danger of that ability. Even with the corruption zeroed, he knew that the changes in his mind had merged with him. He didn't know what the future would hold for him, but he certainly knew he would regret it if he ever became addicted to that ability.
'sigh'
"Aren't you glad you got out?" -Finn asked him, who had heard him sigh.
"Nothing like that, I just thought I still have a lot of problems to solve."
"It's fine to be self-critical, but when you have a chance to rest, you should take it." -He said patting him on the shoulder.
"WELCOME BACK!"
Running like crazy, Loki came out of the gates of the base launching herself towards the girls, with the same labored breathing as a dog in heat. The girls didn't hesitate and immediately sported, causing Loki to fall pitifully to the ground.
"Ghua! So cold, you might as well have been embraced." -Said Loki sullenly.
"Loki we returned without any casualties. We also need to discuss a few things, but I think you want to get up first." - With his usual smile, Finn seemed to have completely ignored Loki's show.
"...You're right. Well, guys, I'm glad you're back because that means we'll be partying late tonight!" -Standing up, Loki raised her index finger to the sky as if looking forward to the celebration, but her happiness was short-lived.
"Actually, I would like to update my status." -Aiz said impassively,
"Me too!" -Tiona raised her hand cheerfully.
"Us too!"(all)
"NOOO!" -Losing all her color, Loki tried to run away but was blocked and carried to the base while still struggling.
(A few hours later.)
"Next!" -Hearing Loki's irritated voice, Mark preferred not to keep her waiting and entered.
"I see you're in a good mood." -Mark joked, closing the door.
"I hate exploration and why they immediately want to update their status when we could be celebrating!" -Loki said, complaining.
"Because they know which one matters most." -Feeling back in his chair, Mark exposed his back.
"You will never be popular if you remain so boring, but now show me something interesting. I know you have done a lot of feats as a first expedition, so I expect a lot." -Said Loki who went from being sullen to a little girl looking forward to opening a present.
She performed the usual ritual of accessing the status and then updating it and seeing the numbers quickly increase, her smile became more and more distorted.
"He-he-hehehehe."
"Right now your laughter would make even monsters uncomfortable." -Mark said as he looked at her strangely.
"What can I do! In a fortnight of exploration, not only have your stats increased so much, but you've unlocked a new skill and you can even level up!" -Loki said elatedly.
"Let's just say it's been a busy two weeks." -Said Mark, as he picked up the sheet with his values on it.
"You don't seem too surprised about it." -Said Loki suspiciously.
"Come on Loki let's be honest. During the fights, I kept 'limit break' active, plus I managed to have an almost even fight against a level 4 monster. If I didn't get such results after all these feats, then yes I would be surprised."
Of course, Mark could not say that he had seen the data from an existence living within him and that this being came from a god superior to Loki, but his words were honest. During the exploration, he had given his best and it had paid off.
"If you put it like that it makes sense. So what are you going to do now? To me you are already ready to level up, adding your current stats with the ones you already have, you will possess the strength of a starting level 4."
Loki's questioned Mark. It was true that his stats were already high, but if he compared them to what he had when he was level 1, there was still room for growth.
"I'd like to wait a little longer."
"That's fine with me, but is there any reason?"
"I'd like to challenge Goliath."
"Oh right, because of the state of the others, Finn had preferred not to have you fight the boss. With your strength, which has already reached that of a level 3 and a small party, it would be possible to arrange a battle for next week." -Nodding at Mark's proposal, Loki quietly sipped tea on the table.
"Maybe I misspoke, I would like to challenge it alone." -Said Mark seriously.
'pfruu!' 'cough, cough'
"...You're disgusting." -Getting a blanket, Mark disgustedly wiped his face wet from the tea sprayed by Loki.
"And you are crazy! Not even level 4 adventurers would face Goliath alone." -Loki said, slamming her fist on the table.
"That's the only thing I can think of. No level 3 monster could get me in trouble, and the weaker level 4 monsters are too deep, thus increasing the dangers. In comparison Goliath is the only one that can offer me a chance to overcome myself and at the same time is the safest, as if I were in danger I would only need to head for the entrance to the 18th floor." -Said Mark trying to convince her.
"Haaaa, I understand what you are saying, but boss monsters are not simple. Look at Aiz for example, although she possessed ample experience against monsters and the difference in strength between her and Udaeus was small, she managed to win narrowly." -Massaging her forehead, Loki was trying to reason with Mark.
Mark's strength was real. Loki had never seen someone possess such stats despite being level two and she knew he would become even stronger in the future and that was exactly why she could not understand the reason behind his impatience.
'BAAM!'
"Can you tell how long you're taking?! I've been waiting for over twenty minutes!"
Kicking open the door, Tione stormed in but was puzzled by the fact that Loki and Mark kept looking at each other seriously, without even turning around.
"...Mark, you have trained with Tione a few times haven't you?" -Putting her hand on her chin, Loki seemed to be thinking about something, while ignoring Tione's presence.
"Well yes, it's thanks to her that I improved so quickly in combat." -Said Mark honestly.
"Hehehe, you are too kind." -With a laugh, Tione patted Mark's back, but she felt happy about the compliment he gave her.
"Did you ever manage to do her any damage?" -Loki continued to ask.
Mark and Tione looked at each other momentarily and shook their heads together. Far from causing any damage, Mark could barely hit her and every time she would be able to parry.
"The reason for my questions is because I want to offer you a challenge. If you can even make a scratch at Tione then you can do as you please, but if she manages to land you at least five times, then you will have to participate as a party in the assault against Goliath. You can use whatever you want while fighting, while Tione will have limitations, plus you can decide the date, so what do you think?" -Loki asked, looking into his eyes.
"I don't mind fighting, but what exactly are you talking about?" -Tione asked confused.
"What kind of limitations?" -Mark asked in confirmation.
"She'll have to limit her strength to level 4 and not use any skills, if she breaks any of these rules the victory will be yours, do you accept?"
"I'm in."
Shaking Loki's hand, Mark accepted the challenge and quickly left as he began to ponder a possible strategy, leaving a confused Tione trying to figure out what had happened.
"What were you talking about?" -Unable to resist any longer, Tione's curiosity became too great.
"Let me explain." -Loki said with an amused smile.
That evening, Tione's shout of surprise could be heard throughout the base.
Weekly Power Status
-- Power
Ranking 
-- Power
stone