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During this 6-day period, Jason has reached level 34, Raphtalia has reached level 33, and Filo has reached level 19.
Because Jason absorbed Filo's feathers into his shield, the [Shield of the Warcraft Messenger] evolved further, and the equipment's ability bonus effect also improved: growth correction (medium). Under this new ability, Filo's growth rate has become astonishing.
She has grown from a palm-sized larva to a height of 230 centimeters, with a round and robust body. The only downside is that she isn't as cute as she was when she was younger. As for when she'll gain the ability to transform, that remains unknown.
The 10 people who followed Jason have also experienced significant growth, with their average level now reaching 18.
Among them, Irene, still code-named No. 1, has reached level 20 and remains the strongest. Her appearance hasn't changed much; she continues to be as cold as ever, except when dealing with Jason. However, her demeanor has sharpened, resembling an unsheathed sword.
Lilith, now code-named No. 2, has reached level 19. To everyone's surprise, she has shown exceptional magic talent, particularly in dark and fire magic. She has learned several powerful spells, making her the largest source of fire-based damage among the group.
Jack's code number has been upgraded to No. 6, and he has reached level 18. Under Jason's constant scolding, Jack has undergone a complete transformation. The notion of kindness has entirely vanished from his mind, replaced by a relentless drive to accept and complete his missions.
Being a focused individual, Jack believes Jason's words to be true—that his former indecisive and kind nature could have endangered both his companions and himself, and would have hindered his strength. So, he discarded his kindness entirely.
It's often said that the gentler a person is, the more terrifying they become when they turn dark, and this seems to describe Jack perfectly.
Jason isn't entirely sure whether this change in Jack is good or bad. He knows that if Jack had been an ordinary villager, he could have led a peaceful, kind life. But given the path Jack has chosen, kindness has no place. After all, those who live by the blade cannot afford to talk about kindness—at most, it would be seen as hypocrisy.
Of course, the eight men, including Jack, who have been pulling carriages and constantly fighting monsters, have seen their bodies grow stronger at a remarkable pace. Six-pack abs and mermaid lines have become the norm for them.
With their absurdly fast physical development, Jason sometimes wonders if demi-humans in this world upgrade their bodies while humans upgrade to build muscles.
In addition to their regular training, combat, and leveling, Jason has been keeping tabs on the activities of the other three Heroes.
It is known that Motoyasu is operating in the southwest, reportedly unlocking legendary sealed crops to save a famine-stricken village.
Itsuki is primarily active in the north. He seems to have taken on the role of a revolutionary, joining forces with rebels to overthrow a small northern country and install a tyrannical ruler.
As for Ren, Jason's primary focus...
Ren is currently staying in a small village hotel, where Jack is reporting back to Jason.
"Master Shield Hero, I've found the Sword Hero's whereabouts. I heard you've had some unpleasant encounters with him. Do you want me to take a group and eliminate him?" Jack, kneeling on one knee, made a slashing gesture across his neck. Six days ago, he would never have suggested such a thing. It's unclear where he learned it.
"No need. While Ren may be weaker than me, he's not someone you can defeat yet. He's still a Hero, and there are strong adventurers around him. Just tell me where he is and where he's headed," Jason replied, waving dismissively from his seat in the hotel chair.
"Yes, sir. According to rumors, the Sword Hero is currently active in the southeast. It seems he rushes to places where there are ferocious monsters, and it's said he's currently planning to take on a powerful dragon."
Jack quickly lowered his head and reported everything he knew.
"Do you know the location of that ferocious dragon? Point it out to me."
As he spoke, Jason pulled out a map and placed it in front of Jack.
"We're in It Village now. If I heard correctly, we should be here."
After studying the map for a moment, Jack pointed to a specific spot.
"Kate Village? You'd need to climb over the mountain in front of us. It's about a day's journey. I doubt we could match Ren's speed."
Jason thought for a moment. Whether they could beat Ren to the dragon didn't really matter—what mattered was what was inside the dragon. So, it wasn't crucial if they couldn't catch up.
"Jack, inform everyone that we'll set off for Kate Village tomorrow. Make sure they rest well tonight."
Having made his decision, Jason gave the order.
"Yes, Lord Shield Hero. Please get some rest as well."
Jack responded promptly and left the room, quietly closing the door behind him.
"Master Jason, is our next target the magic dragon?" Raphtalia, who had been sitting by the bed, naturally overheard the conversation between Jason and Jack.
"Yes. Are you worried?" Jason asked, noticing the concern on her face, and smiled slightly.
"Just a little. After all, dragons have always been a symbol of power in this world."
"Don't worry. Whether it's a dragon or a god, it's nothing more than a single punch for me. And if one punch doesn't do it, I'll just punch again. Plus, I have my shield—no one can hurt me," Jason reassured her, playfully mimicking a punch and holding up his shield in the air.
Suddenly, there was a loud knocking on the window.
Jason looked confused. This room was on the second floor—who could be knocking on the glass? And at this time of night, with no one else around?
When he turned to look, he saw a bunch of feathers crowding the entire windowsill, along with a large bird's head. Upon closer inspection, it was Filo!
Jason had left Filo in the stables—not because he was punishing her, but simply because she was too large to fit in the room. The stable was the best option; it was sheltered from the wind and rain.
"Filo, what do you want?"
With this question in mind, Jason opened the window.
Filo, in her bird form, tried to squeeze through, but got stuck at the window frame.
"Filo, be careful! You'll hurt yourself," Raphtalia called out, concerned.
"Master..."
A voice came from seemingly nowhere.
"Master Jason, did you hear that?" Raphtalia asked, startled.
Jason nodded. "It sounds like it's coming from Filo."
In the next moment, Raphtalia gasped, covering her mouth in surprise, and Jason blinked in disbelief.
Filo's body began to glow faintly, and before their eyes, she transformed into a girl with white wings. She slipped through the window and jumped straight into Jason's arms.
"Master~~~"
Her voice was soft, green, and sweet as she nestled into Jason's embrace.
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