"Stronger monsters... I'm not really sure what standard defines 'stronger' here."
The term 'stronger' was pretty vague, and Bell figured the annotation in the skill description was just as broad in its meaning.
"If it's based on overall strength, then maybe only Floor Bosses would qualify."
"But if it's based purely on 'Status' attributes, then most monsters on the deeper floors would probably meet that criteria."
Most monsters had higher "Status" than Adventurers of the same level. If that were the requirement, then going deeper into the Dungeon would only make Bell's growth easier.
But that seemed unlikely.
The annotation was probably meant to apply specifically to "Floor Bosses."
"It's probably limited to 'Floor Bosses.'"
"Right. That line only appeared after you challenged a Floor Boss—it's hard to believe it applies to any other monster. Otherwise, going deeper would just constantly accelerate your growth, wouldn't it?"
"Exactly."
Hephaestus quickly regained her composure and gave her assessment.
The note clearly didn't refer to all monsters stronger than Bell. If it did, this skill would be absurdly overpowered—beyond even fantasy.
And honestly, Hephaestus already thought it was fantastical enough.
Bell nodded at her analysis. He didn't believe the annotation applied to every single monster stronger than him either—otherwise, he'd basically be in rocket-boost mode.
If the old version of "Personal Training" was a rocket, then with this annotation, it would be a light-speed spaceship.
Still, given the context in which the note appeared, Bell didn't think it was anything that broken.
"But even if that's all it is, it's already more than enough."
Yeah, Bell thought so too.
"I guess the reason I was able to break through the limit again this time... was because I'd already pushed my 'Status' near its peak before fighting the Floor Boss."
"Challenging the Floor Boss then gave me a huge amount of combat experience—and that experience directly boosted my 'Status' even further."
With Bell's explanation, both Hestia and Hephaestus finally understood the massive growth he had just achieved.
"Mmm~ if that's the reason, then it all makes sense!"
"It really does. If your skills let you gain extra experience from the Floor Boss fight, then that combat experience would naturally reflect in your 'Status' gains."
"If that's true, then wouldn't Bell-kun be able to steadily break through limits by maxing out his 'Status' before each Floor Boss challenge?"
It was a sound theory.
But faced with Hestia's eager gaze, Bell cautiously shook his head.
"I haven't tested it enough to be sure."
"To know for sure, I'll need to try it again the next time I challenge a Floor Boss."
He didn't outright deny it, but Bell remained reserved. Hestia, however, was full of confidence.
"No worries! If it's Bell-kun, I know you can do it!"
Her confidence was strangely unwavering—but Bell couldn't bring himself to argue with that hopeful smile.
Hephaestus, meanwhile, gave Hestia a light smack on the head.
"Don't go putting extra pressure on Bell, idiot."
Hestia clutched her head with a pitiful look.
Bell chuckled and stepped in.
"Honestly, it's not really pressure—just... a strong sense of expectation."
Breaking past his limits like this was probably every Adventurer's dream in Orario—especially those who pursued the path of extremes.
If it truly was possible to shatter past ceilings this way, then Bell would absolutely refine his "Status" to perfection before every Floor Boss fight.
Hestia, still rubbing the spot where she'd been hit, turned her focus back to Bell's "Status."
"Bell-kun, are you planning to level up this time?"
"Yeah. I know it might seem a bit soon, but my 'Status' is already refined to its limit, and I've gathered the Excelia needed to ascend. This really is the best moment."
"Alright then, I'll begin."
Hestia took a deep breath and used her own blood to update and expand the divine script on Bell's back, allowing him—who had reached the peak of his current level—to move forward once more.
The level-up process was completed. As usual, a new "Development Ability" option appeared.
He'd advanced three levels so far, and each time, a Development Ability had triggered. For most Adventurers, even upon reaching Lv.4, they'd be lucky to gain two Development Abilities total. But Bell had triggered one every single time.
"Bell-kun, which Development Ability are you going to choose this time?"
"Hmm... Hestia, are there any new options that weren't available before?"
"Let me see..."
Since Development Abilities are closely tied to personal experiences, Bell had explored so many areas that he was already familiar with most of the common paths.
Hestia scrolled through the list. Because there were so many options, finding a fresh Development Ability each time had become a bit of a challenge.
She skipped over common ones like "Abnormal Resistance" and "Hunter." At the very least, it had to be something rare.
Eventually, she spotted a new and unfamiliar entry among the options.
"How about 'Space'? That's a new Development Ability."
"Space...?"
Bell paused in surprise. He hadn't expected there to be something like that.
'Could it be because I've been using spatial transfer frequently lately? Maybe that's what triggered this option?'
This was great news.
Both "Stealth" and "Cognition" had proven to be extremely helpful. It was likely this new "Space" ability wouldn't be an exception.
"Hestia, let's go with 'Space.'"
"No problem."
Hestia swiftly inscribed the new divine characters onto Bell's back.
A fresh status panel emerged:
[Name: Bell Cranel
Lv.4
Development Abilities:
· Stealth: D
· Cognition: G
· Space: I
Attributes:
· Strength: ??? 1854 → I0
· Endurance: ??? 1823 → I0
· Dexterity: ??? 1910 → I0
· Agility: ??? 1937 → I0
· Magic: ??? 2127 → I0
Magic:
"Four-Dimensional Space":
· Storage
"Lightning Command":
· Quick-Cast Magic
· Lightning Manipulation
Skills:
"Personal Training":
· Early Bloomer
· Double Experience from Fighting Strong Enemies
"Heaven's Luck":
· High Luck
"The Poor Man's Desire":
· Accumulate Power]