All the Adventurers finally understood what that "assistance" truly meant. The same power that had propelled Tiona, Tione, and Bete to Level 5 was now within their reach—a power strong enough to help Adventurers break through to a higher tier.
In that moment, everyone began doing the math in their heads.
Their first Level Up—from Level 1—had only been possible with Tsuna's help. Without him, training their Status would have remained their biggest obstacle.
Now, the challenge before them was the advancement to Level 2. Ever since the "Training Space" had been created, accumulating Status had no longer been a problem. The only real hurdle was gaining enough Excellia. Although it was far more difficult than their time at Level 1, with enough effort it wasn't beyond reach.
Thinking along those lines, even reaching Level 4 through steady Excellia accumulation didn't seem so far-fetched. Especially with Tsuna's assistance, the growth of their Status was no longer what held them back. All that remained was effort—and the gathering of Excellia.
They didn't have to stockpile it all at once. Even small gains, made bit by bit, would be enough after a few years.
In other words, Level 4 really wasn't that far away.
Once, none of them had even considered such a possibility. But now that they thought about it seriously, they realized the conditions they possessed far surpassed any other Familia. Who else could boast of having direct help that strengthened both their Status and their potential for Level Ups?
And once they reached Level 4, they could even receive another boost from Tsuna—one that might help them sprint toward Level 5. Of course, that power could only be granted after they themselves reached Level 4. In that sense, Level 4 was merely the prerequisite to qualify for it.
"Captain, do we really have to reach Level 4 first? What's the reason behind that?"
"The reason," Finn replied, "is to limit how widely this power spreads—and to avoid drawing too much attention from the whole Labyrinth City. If such a power appeared openly, it would inevitably attract unwanted scrutiny toward both the Familia and Tsuna himself. Without a proper explanation, it's not something we can afford to display too freely."
Finn's reasoning made perfect sense. What Tsuna had created was something extraordinary—an ability that could grant strength directly within the "Skill" list. It was utterly beyond the norm. Moreover, this power resembled magic but required no chanting. If such a new form of strength became widely known among Adventurers, it would indeed cause chaos.
Therefore, limiting how many people displayed this power was the best way to keep it hidden.
Everyone in the Loki Familia understood Tsuna's importance. No matter what, his secret must never be exposed. If his abilities were revealed to the world, the benefits they now enjoyed might soon be taken by others instead.
"Besides minimizing that risk," Finn continued, "there's another reason for setting the requirement at Level 4. It's a form of training—and a challenge. Given everything Tsuna has already provided, don't tell me you think you can't reach Level 4 through your own effort and accumulation?"
He looked around the table, his expression firm.
"I believe your current conditions are more than enough for you to climb to Level 4. If you can't, then you don't deserve the power Tsuna offers. His aid is a gift to those who've proven themselves. If you can't even reach Level 4, then you have no need for a helping hand."
The words were blunt but true.
Under such favorable circumstances, any Adventurer who still couldn't reach Level 4 through their own effort truly wasn't qualified to wield Tsuna's power. The Level Up to 4 was a threshold—one that tested perseverance and resolve. Only by crossing that line could they earn the right to receive help in reaching for Level 5.
"So if you want Tsuna's strength," Finn said, "then work hard for it. Make the most of the upcoming three Joint Expeditions and seize your chance to Level Up."
His reminder struck a chord within everyone present. If they wanted power, they needed to grasp every opportunity that came their way. This next "Joint Expedition" was one such chance. If they gave it everything they had, many of them might even earn the Excellia needed to reach Level 3.
"Yeah! This time, I'm definitely earning my Level Up!"
"That's right! We can't waste this chance!"
"The upcoming battles are all against deeper-layer monsters. The Dungeon's likely to trigger another 'Monster Feria.' It's dangerous—but also our best opportunity."
Finn's words ignited the entire dining hall.
They were no longer the greenhorn Level 1 Adventurers they once were. They had already experienced rebirth—now it was time to challenge higher ground. Their minds were clear, their goals within sight. The path upward was open to them, and this expedition would be their ticket forward.
It started with reaching Level 3.
"All right, finish your breakfast," Finn said. "We begin today's expedition soon."
He sat down and began eating, and everyone followed suit. The chatter ceased as they focused on their meals. They needed every ounce of strength for the battles to come.
Watching them, Tsubaki couldn't help but feel a twinge of emotion.
His power really has changed this Familia. Even Adventurers who couldn't Level Up before now have a chance—and those weak in combat have room to grow.
It's just a shame... our own Familia are mostly craftsmen. Aside from me, no one's really interested in Leveling Up. What a waste.
Shaking her head, she pushed the thought aside and focused on eating.
Breakfast ended quickly. Soon after, the Adventurers gathered outside the Great Tree House to check their weapons and gear.
Once equipped, they began their morning warm-ups in unison. Against stronger monsters, courage alone wasn't enough—they needed coordination, too.
This expedition wasn't just about seeing the deeper parts of the Dungeon alongside the main party. For them, it was about earning their ticket to keep climbing higher.
And that climb began with Level 3.