Development Abilities appear during a level-up based on an adventurer's actions. Unlike innate stats, these are "titles" earned through experience.
Astraea began listing his options:
[Hunter]: Earned by slaying massive amounts of monsters in a short time. Enhances combat against previously defeated species.
[Mage]: Creates a magic circle beneath the user, boosting magic power, range, and mental efficiency. Effectively gives magic stats equivalent to one level higher.
[Abnormal Resistance]: Provides resistance against status ailments like poison or paralysis.
[Mystery]: The rarest and most valuable ability. It allows for the creation of magic items, "miracles," and special potions like Unlock Medicines. It can also synergize with other abilities.
"Wait..." Astraea paused. "There is one more. [Integration]?"
Astraea let out a sound of mild confusion. "A development ability never before discovered in the Lower World? Roland, what do you think it is?"
Roland thought for a moment before answering, "Literally speaking, it should mean integrating all powers. This ability likely allows me to use the magic of one class while in the specialized state of another."
The Goddess nodded, agreeing with his assessment. "Yes, I can sense that kind of potential from it as well."
Given how unique the ability was, it was likely perfect for him. However, Astraea was not a controlling deity who treated her children like toys. She left the choice entirely to Roland. "So, you are likely deciding between [Mystery] and [Integration]. Whichever you choose, I will support you."
"Lady Astraea, I choose [Mystery]." Roland didn't hesitate. He chose the ability that would be truly useful to him right now: the capacity to create magic items.
He needed this power to craft items that could ensure the safety of Alise and the others during critical moments, utilizing the knowledge and strength he had gained from the Dimension Walker class. As for [Integration], Roland felt he didn't need it yet. He had an intuition that he would eventually learn to unify his various class powers on his own.
Astraea didn't try to persuade him otherwise. She simply performed the final step of the level-up. "I understand."
Her fingers danced across his back once more. After a moment, she whispered, "It is finished."
His vessel had been sublimated, ascending to a higher stage.
[Roland]Level 2
Strength: I0
Endurance: I0
Dexterity: I0
Agility: I0
Magic: I0
Development Ability: [Mystery]
Magic: [Elemental Mastery], [Bloodline Power]
Skills: [Abyssal Eye], [Undying Body], [Awakening]
Roland sat up and flexed his arms. He didn't feel a sudden surge of power. Astraea chuckled, covering her mouth. "You won't feel the increase immediately upon leveling up. You'll only feel the change in your physical limits once you return to the Dungeon."
Roland could only offer a sheepish grin in response to her teasing.
Even though she had leveled up many children before, and as a Goddess, she was supposed to remain composed, this was the first time she had felt such genuine joy for a child's advancement. She realized then that Roland hadn't even been with the Familia for a full month, yet it felt as though they had lived together for a lifetime.
When Roland finished dressing and turned back to her, Astraea wore an expression he had never seen before. It wasn't quite a smile—her gaze was too intense for that—but it wasn't her usual calm demeanor either.
"What is it, Goddess? Is something wrong with my Falna?" Roland asked, breaking out in a cold sweat.
Astraea smiled and shook her head, beckoning him closer. Roland approached stiffly, looking up into her eyes. At 160cm, he had to tilt his head slightly to meet the gaze of the 167cm Goddess.
Astraea placed her hands tenderly over his small elven ears. Pulling his head toward her, she gently pressed her lips to his forehead. Her lips were soft and full, like pink flower petals, radiating a warmth that felt like a blessing.
After a moment, she pulled back and placed a finger to her lips in a "hush" gesture. "This is a reward only for you. You mustn't tell the other children... my Justice," she whispered with the playful charm of a young girl.
Seeing her bright, sun-like smile, Roland's usual awkwardness vanished. He reached out and caught the hand she held to her lips. The Goddess looked surprised but didn't pull away. Roland bowed slightly and pressed his lips to her index finger.
He looked up and smiled. "The honor is mine, Lady Astraea."
The two shared a laugh. Astraea then tapped him on the head with that same finger. "You shouldn't do that to other girls, you know."
"It's only because your reward was a bit stingy, Lady Astraea—just a kiss on the forehead," Roland joked, emboldened by her affection. "I'm a greedy child. This won't be enough to satisfy me; I'll find myself wanting more of your love."
Astraea didn't take offense at his boldness. She simply pressed her finger against his forehead with a doting look. "You... what am I going to do with you?"
Roland grinned. The fact that she didn't scold him meant she hadn't rejected his desire for "more."
"Will there be a reward for the next level-up too, Lady Astraea?"
"That depends on your performance," she replied, pinching his cheek.
"Then for the next reward, I want it right here!" Roland pointed to his cheek where she had just pinched him.
"Alright, I promise. But it's our secret," Astraea replied.
Roland gave a sharp salute. "Understood, my Goddess!"