----

After receiving the team's tokens, Olov and Aeran browsed through the Fractured Monolith's shop in search of a piece of knowledge integral to their abilities. Since the plan hinged on them fulfilling their role at maximum efficiency, each of them sought a knowledge that would drastically increase their effectiveness.

For Aeran, he favored the Sword Mastery knowledge. It was a passive ability that gave insight into the techniques revolving around the Foundational Strikes. In essence, every complex sword technique originated from solid foundations along with a combination of basic movements. When arranged together, it gave birth to the outline of a technique.

As for the complete creation, it required the infusion of Mana.

Just a few seconds after purchasing the knowledge, basic sword movements filled Aeran's mind. An astounding volume at that, so much it initially baffled him.

"What the! If I knew the knowledge was so useful, I would have made this a priority over my current equipment," Aeran muttered, but then curiosity befell him. "So, does that mean your archery is the result of a passive ability as well?"

"Correct," Lucian nodded before shifting his attention towards Olov. Based on his expression, he seemed to be in deep thought or even in some type of amazement. Similar to Aeran, he had chosen a worthwhile passive ability.

"I've got it! This thing called Redirection is awesome. I understand the distribution of force at a genius level! This is amazing. Let's get back to this floor right this instant!" Olov jumped around with overflowing mirth, causing the others to question his true age.

"Is he the kid here, or is it us?" Adonis muttered while giving Olov a blank look. After a while, Olov cleared his throat with a slight blush. It seemed his earlier display left him feeling somewhat embarrassed.

"Ahem, don't mind that whole spectacle. I was excited. I tell you this old man here is wise beyond his years. I can school you in the ways of life if need be," Olov said with a shameless smirk.

Seeing as everyone found this hard to believe, they could only scoff and shake their heads. However, Lucian felt his preparations were still lacking. Different from what they assumed, Lucian's goal wasn't the simple 75% run.

No, his sights were set much further. Unlike before, he now possessed a certain avarice for success.

"Every offensive member needs at least D+ Rank Strength and Agility while retaining at least a D- Endurance. Meanwhile, Olov you will also need at least a D+ Endurance and Vitality attribute. Are you all able to achieve this composition?" Lucian asked.

In light of his question, everyone revealed pained expressions. Undoubtedly, the answer to that question was no.

"How far are you all from obtaining that composition?" Lucian questioned.

"Approximately 4 points. As long as I can get those, I'll be able to raise both of them," Ahri answered.

"Eh heh...10," Olov grimaced. Rather than the typical defender stats, Olov focused more on his Strength and Agility. So both his Endurance and Vitality were only at the D- and E+ standard. Fortunately, he possessed some points.

Lastly, Aeran, Desmond, and Adonis each required upwards of 10 points.

After making some quick estimations, Lucian gave a nod before performing a trade gesture.

〈Alert: Lucian Salvatore has initiated an Enhancement Point Transfer. Would you like to accept? [Y/N]?〉

This message appeared before all 5 of their eyes. Since Quinn didn't reply upon these stats, Lucian didn't include him. As for Sylvia, Lucian was shocked to find that both of her Spirit and Wisdom were already D+.

Thus, he didn't need to intervene on their part.

Three seconds later, everyone accepted their unique transfer window. Situated in the bottom-most corner was the number of Enhancement Points everyone claimed they required.

Upon noticing this fact, every was startled. They looked at Lucian with apparent horror. Finally, Olov couldn't help but blurt the obscenities on his mind.

"God dammit! Are you some type of point machine? How the hell are you so strong yet possess an excess of 40 Enhancement Points? This is ridiculous!" Olov exclaimed.

Lucian released a faint chuckle before responding, "It's quite simple, actually. It's courtesy of clearing the pre-existing bonus task in my tutorial and slaying a lot of monsters."

Afterward, Lucian confirmed the trade, which caused his balance of Enhancement Points to reduce by 41.

However, that wasn't the end of his actions. Lucian increased his own parameters as well.

〈Alert: Strength: D → D+ [4 Enhancement Points consumed.]〉

〈Alert: Agility: D- → D → D+ [8 Enhancement Points consumed.]〉

...

Name: Lucian Salvatore

Title: N/A

Archetype: Variant (Hybrid/Evolver)

Fractal Rating: D (C+)

Authority: Delta

Health: 100%

MQ: 185/185 (3.05 MQ per min)

[«Attributes»]-

»Strength: D+

»Agility: D+

»Endurance: E+

»Dexterity: D

»Vitality: E+

»Perception: D+

»Spirit: D

»Wisdom: D

----

[«Enhancements»]

»Points: 16.6

----

[«Abilities»]-

»Limitless [??? Rank Trait]

»Hypervigilance [SS Rank Trait]

»Manifestation [D+ Rank Ability]

»Duplication [D+ Rank Ability]

»Amplification [D+ Rank Ability]

»Assimilation [??? Rank Ability]

...

Even after upgrading his own attributes, Lucian was still left with more than 16 Enhancement Points. Naturally, defeating the 40 Knolls really increased his count. Since the system failed to register his rank up at the time, his points per kill were inflated, which allowed him to gain an unmitigated 32 Enhancement Points.

Added together with his prior points he was unable to use, Lucian possessed a whopping 69.6 Enhancement Points. However, that number was mutilated after conducting ample precautions.

Of course, this wasn't philanthropy. Lucian didn't have the luxury of being so blatantly selfless.

"See this as a loan. The same way a bank distributes loans in times of need, I expect my opponents to be returned in full. After all, you'll soon come into your own collection."

"Roger that," Desmond nodded.

"Understandable," Aeran added.

"Damn. I thought this was just a generous donation," Olov groaned, but nodded nonetheless.

With this, their preparations were concluded. With the party now optimized to attack the floor, Lucian smiled and revealed some harrowing news. "We'll be aiming for a record run. So take this Sylvia."

Lucian presented Sylvia with 3 packages composed of strictly Mana Elixirs. Although they were the Lesser Version, the quantity was enough to astonish Sylvia.

Approximately 30 elixirs were inside the bag. Sylvia didn't stand on ceremony and merely accepted the package because according to what she saw, she was almost certain the value would have to be returned as well.

"W-why does it feel like we're being geared up and carried by a sugar daddy overpowered player in a game? I...kind of like this," Adonis said with a light chuckle.

"Ahaha, I can see it now that you mention it," Aeran agreed. However, their laughter soon stopped as Lucian canceled the privacy prism. And compared to before, the lounge was a lot more lively as many people returned from their floor attempts.

Within the crowd, a few familiar faces were seen.

Lucian watched as Matthias along with 5 others exited from the grand gates of the Echelon Lounge. Surprisingly, Cezar wasn't amongst their roster.

'Did he leave their party? If so, then where is he?'

Although curious, Lucian didn't confront Matthias for the information. One, if Cezar left of his own accord, then odds are he was unaware of this answer. Second, Lucian wasn't sure how much of an upgrade Matthias' status had undergone.

Unlike the rest, a shroud existed around Matthias that kept Lucian from prying into the state of his vessel. It seemed artificial, unlike the authentic aura of the extraordinary Guardians. The enormity of their auras formed an innate shield to protect their internal information.

Suddenly, Ahri tapped Lucian's shoulder, "Will you be the leader for this run? If you wish to achieve something as absurd as that feat, then I think you'd be the best one to lead our assault."

"Very well. I'll attempt to lead you all. But, I'll be honest with you now. This will be my first ever attempt at being a leader. I may prove inadequate, so just bear with me."

'Inadequate? I really doubt that. Not just anyone would be able to pinpoint so many issues and manage to convince people who are seemingly strangers to follow your suggestions,' Ahri thought. However, she didn't voice her opinion and kept it to herself.

Moments later, they arrived before the gate. However, Lucian turned towards Quinn before entering, "Remain calm. Remember, for a healer, timing is everything. So do well to remedy that issue."

Afterward, Lucian and everyone else agreed to enter the second floor and disappeared from where they stood.

Unlike before, the moment they landed, Lucian blitzed forth while taking the lead. But as he ran, everyone noticed a bizarre sight.

"This dude is carrying Sylvia on his back?!" Olov exclaimed with a slack jaw.

Judging by his actions, it was clear that Lucian was serious about fulfilling those stringent criteria.