Of course, as soon as Charlie conveyed his intention, commotion swept through the Guild.
News of his almost impossible level increase was like a spark in a haystack—in an instant spreading to every corner of the room, triggering waves of rumors, amazement, and also doubt.
Just like the procedure Kei had just gone through, Rose requested Charlie's blood sample to verify his actual level through the Guild's special magic item.
It should be noted that this verification magic item only displayed basic information in the form of Level and general numerical parameters. The Guild still respected adventurers' privacy; in-depth aspects such as the types of Skills, Magic, and Development Abilities remained protected as personal secrets that could only be accessed by the Main God.
The result: Charlie's level was verified. He had indeed reached Level 6!
This reality was like lightning on a sunny day for the adventurers present. A new "Monster" had been born, leaping over Orario's power hierarchy with a speed that shattered basic common sense and normal growth.
Under the spotlight of hundreds of pairs of eyes filled with admiration, jealousy, fear, and curiosity, Charlie held Kei's hand as they walked together toward the exit.
Their departure left a trail of heavy silence, marking the beginning of a new era where the name Solo Leveling would be discussed throughout every corner of the city.
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"People's reactions earlier were a bit excessive. It's just Level 6! Is it necessary to be so shocked?"
Hearing the innocent complaint from Kei's mouth, the corner of Charlie's eye twitched slightly. He realized he hadn't explained the power scale of this world to her in more detail.
"Listen, Kei. Level 6 in this world is already considered upper echelon in any Familia. You must think the level system here is like in games, right? That someone can easily reach Level 50, Level 80, or even Level 100."
"I did think that way." Kei admitted honestly. "Charlie-san himself once said the level system in this world is superficially similar to games."
"In theory, reaching Level 100 isn't impossible, but applying it in reality isn't that easy." Charlie began explaining with a more serious yet simple tone so Kei could easily understand.
"Unlike in games where players just need to 'grind' defeating any monsters to collect EXP, this world's power system is far stricter."
"Besides needing EXP, or what's called Excelia here, an adventurer needs a 'great feat' recognized by gods as an absolute requirement for their level increase. Essentially, you must risk your life fighting an opponent far stronger than you."
"And also, defeating weaker opponents produces no significant Excelia at all, or even none at all."
Charlie paused for a moment to let Kei digest that information before continuing.
"Because of those two conditions I mentioned, most average adventurers will never even pass Level 1. Of those who can reach Level 2, most need years."
"There was a genius who broke the record by only needing one year, but common cases usually take much longer. Even outside Orario, reaching Level 2 alone can take decades."
Charlie saw her beginning to understand the seriousness of the matter.
"And remember, leveling up will become exponentially more difficult every time you successfully rise one level."
Kei listened carefully without missing a single word. New awareness began to seep into her mind.
"I see... It seems I underestimated the situation due to lack of information. Thank you for making me aware, Charlie-san."
Now, she truly understood why the atmosphere at the Guild earlier could become so tense and hysterical.
"By the way, Charlie-san, how high is the highest level that currently exists?" Kei asked curiously.
"Level 7. There are two people at that level: Ottar from Freya Familia, and Leon Vardenburg from the School District." Charlie answered lightly.
"That means Charlie-san is only one step away from the peak! No wonder people at the Guild were shocked."
Knowing how great her boyfriend was, Kei's chest swelled with overflowing pride.
"You're wrong, Kei. Level 7 isn't the known peak."
"Huh?"
Before Kei could ask further, Charlie had already taken the initiative to explain.
"Fifteen years ago, in Hera Familia's golden age, the captain with the alias Empress was the strongest. She reached a level no one had achieved since the gods descended to the lower world, which is Level 9! It was said her power was only one step away from truly entering the Divine realm."
"Amazing! So the strongest expert is a woman?! This is truly unexpected!" Kei exclaimed in admiration.
"Unfortunately, in a joint expedition with Zeus Familia, both main forces were annihilated by the One-Eyed Black Dragon. Even Empress herself didn't survive."
Charlie sighed softly, lamenting the fall of another brilliant genius who might have been able to change the world's fate.
Not wanting this heavy topic to continue and ruin the mood, he immediately changed the direction of their conversation.
"Between cold weapons and hot weapons, which would you choose, Kei?"
"Hm?" Kei was slightly surprised by the sudden question, but soon pondered. "I don't know much about weapons, but if I have to choose... hot weapons."
She was an accomplished student; her intelligence had been proven by successfully obtaining a scholarship at the very prestigious Shuchi'in Academy. In her head, she immediately mapped the differences between the two categories logically.
Cold weapons were weapons that didn't use explosives, gunpowder, or combustion processes to function. They relied entirely on the user's physical strength or mechanical energy such as springs or string pulls. Examples: swords, daggers, axes (sharp weapons); maces, clubs (blunt weapons); bow and arrows, slingshots (non-fire ranged weapons).
On the other hand, hot weapons used fast chemical reactions or explosions to launch projectiles or damage targets. They utilized gunpowder or explosive materials that burned quickly to create high gas pressure. Examples: pistols, rifles, shotguns (firearms); grenades, bombs, missiles (explosives).
"Hot weapons, huh... Indeed, everyone from the modern era tends to prefer firearms rather than having to swing swords or pull bowstrings." Charlie muttered while stroking his chin, appearing to be planning something.
"Is something wrong, Charlie-san?" Kei asked, worried she had said something inappropriate.
"Nothing at all." Charlie answered quickly, a thin smile returning to his face. "Anyway, just wait for the surprise I'll prepare for you, Kei. But before that, let's shop for your basic needs first—like clothes and other daily necessities. After all, your modern clothes don't fit the nuance of this world. That will make you too different and stand out."
"Mm. Everything is up to Charlie-san." Kei replied obediently, fully trusting the decision of the man beside her.
So, with a new purpose, Charlie brought Kei through the busy streets of Orario, toward a clothing store he knew well—the same place where he had once dated Ais Wallenstein some time ago.