Chapter 188:Stats
Then... A wave of heat spread across the room. Silver immediately looked toward Ravenna. The crimson energy surrounding her had become noticeably brighter.
The remaining Rank One beast cores cracked one after another before dissolving into streams of energy. The air itself seemed to vibrate.
Silver immediately stood.
"Ravenna..."
Her breathing deepened. The aura surrounding her body continued expanding. A moment later, a burst of fire-colored energy erupted outward before quickly collapsing back into her body.
Ravenna slowly opened her grey eyes. For a brief moment, tiny flames reflected within them before disappearing. She looked down at her hands, then smiled.
"...I did it."
Silver grinned.
"You ranked up."
She laughed happily before reaching into her pocket, then slowly exhaled. A peaceful smile appeared on her face.
"...That feels wonderful."
Silver smiled.
"I’m glad you like it; it’s like floating in the clouds for a moment."
She nodded.
"Right, so this is how you felt. It feels like my Fire Wolf, and I understand each other better. The connection is much smoother."
Silver couldn’t have been happier. Both of them had entered Delta Four as Rank One contractors; now... both of them had become Rank Two.
It had taken danger, countless battles, near-death experiences, and changing fate itself, but they had reached the next step together.
Silver quietly picked up his phone again, though he had completely forgotten about the game. Watching Ravenna smile was far more satisfying than winning any match on a screen.
Ravenna remained seated on the floor for another several minutes, quietly stabilizing the energy flowing through her body.
The aura that had surrounded her during her breakthrough gradually faded until only faint traces remained.
She slowly flexed her fingers. A small flame flickered into existence above her palm before disappearing just as quickly.
She smiled.
"...Everything feels lighter."
Silver returned the smile.
"Again, congratulations."
She looked over at him, unable to hide her happiness.
"We’re both Rank Two now."
"We are."
She stood before stretching lazily.
"I honestly thought you’d be waiting much longer for me."
Silver laughed.
"I wasn’t planning on leaving you behind."
She walked over before throwing her arms around him without warning.
"I’m happy."
Silver returned the hug, pulling her closer to him.
"So am I."
After a few moments, Ravenna stepped back.
"I should probably tell you what changed."
Silver nodded.
"I’m curious."
She began counting on her fingers.
"My physical strength increased quite a bit, my fire feels much easier to control, and my Fire Wolf doesn’t feel... distant anymore. It almost feels like it’s responding naturally. I’m repeating myself, aren’t I? I’m just so excited."
Silver listened carefully. Every contractor experienced slight differences after ranking up. No two breakthroughs were exactly alike.
Ravenna smiled brightly.
"I think the Soul Harmonization Crystal helped a lot. It feels like my synchronization improved immediately instead of gradually."
"I’m glad we have it."
Silver nodded in agreement.
"So am I."
While Ravenna happily continued talking about how different her body felt, Silver quietly focused on her without letting his expression change.
’Status.’
The familiar blue window immediately appeared before his eyes.
[TARGET STATUS]
Name: Ravenna Arkland
Affection: 40
Current Rank: Rank 2
Title: None
Soul Capacity: 19
Soul Stability: Excellent
Integrated Beast: Fire Wolf
Element: Fire
Synchronization: 52%
[ATTRIBUTES]
Strength: 30
Agility: 35
Endurance: 27
Soul Synchronization: 40
Perception: 30
Mental Resistance: 21
---
[SKILLS]
• Flame Edge Lv2
• Burning Arc Lv2
• Fire Step Lv1
• Blazing Guard Lv1
• Fire Resistance Passive Lv2
• Heat Perception Lv1
---
Silver read through the screen carefully. It was the first time the System had displayed the names of Ravenna’s techniques. The names suited her perfectly.
Unlike his own straightforward style, Ravenna’s combat focused on elegance, mobility, and precision. The addition of Heat Perception also caught his attention.
It wasn’t an offensive skill. Judging from the name, it likely allowed her to perceive changes in temperature around her, making it easier to detect living creatures or predict incoming fire attacks.
A useful ability, especially for exploration. Silver quietly dismissed the window before Ravenna noticed him staring.
"...Silver?"
He blinked.
"Hm?"
She laughed.
"I’ve been talking for almost a minute; you look like you’re thinking about something."
He smiled sheepishly.
"Just wondering how much stronger we’ve become."
"I guess we’ll find out during training."
She nodded enthusiastically.
"I’m looking forward to it."
Silver couldn’t help agreeing. Two Rank Two contractors working together would be considerably stronger than before. The journey ahead would become safer.
Hopefully.
Ravenna walked toward the small refrigerator and pulled out two chilled cans of fruit juice they had bought several days earlier. She tossed one toward him. Silver caught it easily.
"You remembered; I forgot we even had this."
"You always buy the same flavor."
Silver laughed before opening it. A soft hiss escaped the can. Ravenna raised hers.
"We should celebrate."
Silver lifted his own can.
"To Rank Two."
She smiled warmly.
"To Rank Two."
Their drinks clinked together. The two of them spent the next hour talking about everything that had happened during the expedition.
At one point, Ravenna grew quiet.
"...Do you think my mother knew?"
Silver understood immediately what she meant.
"The integration project?"
She nodded slowly.
"We know she wasn’t stationed there but... She visited. And according to that journal... She said the integration was perfect."
Silver thought for several moments before answering.
"I don’t know. I don’t think a single journal is enough to judge someone. Thirty years is a long time; people change, so do circumstances."
Ravenna stared quietly at the can in her hands.
"I know. I just... It feels strange. My mother died years ago and yet... I’m still learning new things about her."
Silver reached over and gently squeezed her hand.
"You don’t have to figure everything out tonight."
She smiled faintly.
"...You’re right."
After a moment, she brightened again.
"Besides..." She laughed softly. "We’re Rank Two now."
Silver chuckled.
"We are."
"So tomorrow..." She pointed at him. "No sleeping in. We’re going back to training."
Silver pretended to groan dramatically.
"I knew there was a catch, the way I planned to go up to noon."
Ravenna laughed so hard she nearly spilled her drink.
"You started it."
He shook his head with a smile.
"I guess I did."