Danmachi: Is It Wrong to Be the Main Character in Orario?-Chapter 813: On the Matter of Levels

"So soon?"

Ais knew her teacher would eventually have to face the issue of promotion, but she never imagined that in such a short span of time, he would already meet the requirements. Without needing an explanation, she could tell his Status had definitely reached its limit; otherwise, he wouldn’t be considering promotion this early.

But still... it was far too fast.

"It is a bit quick. But I need to make some preparations within these five months."

Bell spoke with a hint of helplessness.

If possible, I’d really prefer stretching it to nine months. But now I only have five.

Nine months would have been plenty... at least compared to the five I have left. Enough time to fully prepare for both the Lv.8 and Lv.9 promotions, and then push the proficiency of those two levels to their absolute peak. With that foundation, he could face the sphere’s maturation and advance again through fusion.

Honestly, Bell thought this stage would normally take two full years.

Unfortunately, that wasn’t an option. The sphere’s maturation period was firmly limited to five months.

"Teacher, you have difficulties too?"

Faced with Ais’s question, Bell could only nod helplessly.

"Yes. My situation shortens the time I can stabilize afterward. Which means I have to reach Lv.9 within these five months—and even max out all Status proficiencies."

"T-That’s way too difficult."

The promotion window was far too short. Advancing two levels in just five months while maxing out all stats—wasn’t that simply unreasonable? Even Ais felt anxious for her teacher.

"Yes, it’s difficult. But it’s only difficult."

Bell understood the difficulty perfectly, but he didn’t consider it hopeless.

He had already pushed Lv.7 to its limit. All that remained was the Lv.8 promotion and raising the Lv.8 Status values afterward. That part he had time for—three months would be more than enough, even with some time to stabilize.

The only thing Bell truly worried about was the Lv.9 phase.

The time window for Lv.9 was especially tight.

If Ais progressed smoothly and reached her target within three months, he would still have two months left to work on his Lv.9 growth. But if she delayed even a single day, his time would be reduced by that same day.

In other words, the final stage would be extremely rushed. Everything else was manageable.

Of course, this was Bell’s own problem. He would never place that burden on Ais. For now, she didn’t need any pressure—she just needed an environment where she could grow freely.

"But Teacher, wouldn’t it be better to slow things down a little? Why force everything into a five-month limit?"

That was the part Ais simply didn’t understand.

There was nothing stopping him from delaying his promotion, so why compress everything into five months?

"Does this time limit have some kind of special meaning for you?"

Bell’s expression grew slightly complicated.

"Yes. You could say it holds some meaning."

Ais immediately perked up.

"The biggest significance of this time limit is that it helps me advance beyond Lv.9."

"Beyond Level 9? The legendary Level 10?"

Of course Ais had heard of the legend of Level 10. Orario once had someone who came close.

The "Empress" of Hera Familia—who reigned at the peak of Lv.9, the highest level. She was known as the existence closest to a god.

"Hmm... how should I say this?"

Bell felt a bit troubled. This wasn’t something Ais should learn yet. But as her teacher—since she asked—he ought to answer.

Forget it. I’ll tell her.

After a brief hesitation, Bell abandoned the thought of holding back.

Ais wouldn’t ask unnecessary questions, and knowing this ahead of time might broaden her perspective.

"My goal isn’t Lv.10."

"Mm~ before I explain further, Ais, let me first teach you the stages of strength. This will help you understand power beyond just level distinctions."

"Okay."

Ais quietly sat on her ice bed, listening attentively.

"First, the leveling system we use is called the ’Falna System.’ The gods created this system for the Genkai because the number of ordinary people vastly outnumbered those with innate talent. Its purpose was to help more ordinary people survive encounters with monsters.

The ’Falna System’ has a clear level structure, but I believe its greatest success lies in how it turns the adventurer’s growth into numerical data."

At this point, Ais raised her hand.

"Teacher, why is the Falna System’s data the most successful part?"

"Because a person’s abilities can’t really be expressed with numbers. A person’s physical capabilities can rise or fall unpredictably, completely beyond their control. But the Falna System converts all those uncontrollable rises and falls into concrete data. By observing these numbers, everyone can understand exactly where they stand."

Bell could make it even clearer, so he spoke bluntly.

"In truth, the Falna System’s data categorizes people into ’Ordinary,’ ’Talented,’ and ’Super-Talented.’"

"Because of the Falna’s data, talent becomes obvious."

"Skills and magic are the clearest indicators separating the gifted from the ungifted."

"Most people who have the familia crest engraved reveal their true caliber immediately. So this is the greatest achievement of the Falna System—its data grants gifted individuals a direct expression of their talent."

"Of course, for ordinary people, its harshness is another matter entirely."

Although there were negative aspects, the positive ones were far more noticeable.

Bell wasn’t in a position to judge the system.

"In ancient times, humans in the Genkai were being overwhelmed by monsters. They desperately needed gifted and talented individuals to suppress the monsters again. Given that situation, the Falna System was undoubtedly the best solution. Its clear quantification amplified the strengths of those with talent and allowed them to fight the monster hordes more effectively.

As for the negative aspects—back then, the second function of the Falna System likely erased those concerns completely."