Orsted's strength was Level 5, though his rank was only Level 3, and the mechanics of his development ability were highly unconventional.

If an enemy's strength reached a certain threshold, it was treated as that level for Orsted.

However, when facing multiple foes, leap prioritized the strongest enemy. It only activated against the most powerful opponent.

The Corrupted Viola's strength reached Level 6, while Olivas's was Level 5—two to three levels above Orsted's Level 3.

The development ability targeted the strongest, meaning in this battle, it granted him a three-level boost.

Originally, Orsted's combat power, enhanced by leap, pushed his status to the peak of Level 5.

This strength was nearly comparable to Level 6.

Without Olivas' interference, Orsted could have directly challenged the Corrupted Viola, much like Ais faced monster rex Udaeus.

But Olivas, increased the battle's pressure significantly.

Though Level 5 wasn't Level 6, Olivas remained a threat, especially when coordinating with the Corrupted Viola.

As long as Olivas assisted, Orsted couldn't fully engage, forced to watch for openings that could cause serious trouble.

Eternal arms mastery was formidable, but he couldn't ignore distractions.

Facing multiple enemies, he had to split his focus, unable to concentrate solely on one.

The battle—one elf, one Creature, one monster—was ferocious.

From the monster site, destroyed by the Corrupted Viola, they fought out to the path leading to it.

The path was scarred, pocked with deep craters from the Corrupted Viola's attacks.

Smoke filled the air, one area shrouded in dust, with relentless explosions echoing.

"Falgar, handle this. I'm supporting Orsted!" Asfi, having cleared most Violas with her Hermes Familia, entrusted the rest to her deputy, the Weretiger Falgar, and activated her Talaria to join Orsted's fight.

"Leave it to us, go support!" Falgar shouted back.

With Orsted's magic items boosting their strength, they could handle the remaining Violas without Asfi.

Soon after, adventurers drawn by the commotion arrived.

"What happened here?" a burly dwarf in armor asked, stunned.

Wasn't there a monster party here before?

"The Guild must've sent a team," another said.

"But isn't that Falgar's crew from the Hermes Familia?"

"How's he that strong? That's Level 3, right?"

"This is a lie about their level. I'm reporting this to the Guild later."

"Take me with you. I hate sneaky types!"

"Oh no, they've spotted us," Lulune groaned, noticing the adventurers on the cliff.

They hadn't held back against the Violas, or they'd have been killed.

"No helping it. Our level deception was bound to come out," Falgar said calmly.

"Might as well show off. The Guild can fine us if they want."

On Orsted's side, the battle had shifted after minutes of intense fighting.

Under siege from the Corrupted Viola and Olivas, Orsted was in constant danger.

Only Avalon's healing kept him standing against their combined assault.

As the fight wore on, development ability of leap grew stronger, unnoticed.

He fought with increasing ferocity, becoming evenly matched—no, dominant.

Proof was Orsted now ruthlessly overpowering Olivas.

Bloodied, clothes tattered, and armor damaged, Orsted bore no wounds, thanks to Avalon.

His smile was radiant and Excalibur carving deep wounds into Olivas.

The Corrupted Viola wouldn't let its ally be slaughtered, lashing out with tentacles.

Orsted easily parried, even landing counterstrikes.

When Asfi arrived, she saw Orsted fending off the Corrupted Viola while dominating Olivas.

"Teacher's strength has grown even more!" Asfi exclaimed, her eyes alight with admiration.

"Hm? Asfi, take this guy. Don't let him interfere!" Orsted, noticing her, tossed the battered Olivas her way.

With Olivas distracting him, he couldn't fully engage the Corrupted Viola.

Now, with Asfi handling Olivas, Orsted could go all out.

Could Asfi handle him?

The magic items weren't weak, and Olivas, heavily wounded, was diminished.

If Asfi couldn't manage, she didn't deserve to be the captain of the Hermes Familia.

"Yes, Teacher!" Asfi shouted, charging Olivas.

"Don't call me Teacher!"

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