Reunion

After parting ways with the Astrea Familia, Van continued his journey to locate the School District, in order to find Alfia and Zald, scanning the area around him with his detection skill that could reach an impressive one-kilometer radius.

The mana signatures of both Alfia and Zald hadn't registered in his mind yet, but tracking them wouldn't be hard; as the only remaining level 7 adventurers, their auras radiated power beyond comparison—Alfia's, especially, was in a league of its own.

It didn't take long for Van to locate them. He spotted the two moving discreetly through the streets, both wearing cloaks with hoods, hiding the fact that they hadn't died as the world believed.

A quick approach was all it took before the two detected his intent and halted. Sensing someone of significant strength closing in, they veered into a secluded alleyway and turned, preparing for whatever might come their way.

Moments later, Van arrived, a smile spreading across his face as he greeted them. "Long time no see, Uncle, Alfia."

Although four years had passed, both recognized him instantly. They lowered their guard and stepped forward to meet him.

"Van...? You've grown immensely," Alfia remarked, her closed eyes seeming to peer through him, shocked by the sheer strength he radiated. Though outwardly calm, she couldn't hide the astonishment from creeping into her voice. His rapid progress defied even her expectations.

"'Immense' might be underselling it. In just four years, you've reached a power level equal to or perhaps beyond a Level 7. Seriously, you're more monstrous than even your aunt, Van," Zald commented, unable to contain his amazement. "Just what in the name of the gods have you been doing these last four years?"

Van merely chuckled and offered, "How about we talk somewhere more private?"

---

**Inside a Café**

They soon found themselves seated in a small, high-class café tucked away from prying eyes. The establishment catered to private meetings, with small, soundproof rooms furnished with tables and cozy couches—ideal for confidential conversations.

In the room, Van sat on Alfia's lap, her arms wrapped tightly around him. Zald watched from across the table, a faint smile tugging at his mouth. As soon as they closed the door, Alfia had pulled Van onto her lap, wrapping him in an embrace that spoke volumes.

Though she seldom showed her emotions, it was clear she had missed him deeply. Losing so many of her family members had intensified her affection for her remaining kin.

Van, understanding her genuine care, sighed lightly, surrendering to her embrace—certainly, with the soft mountains cushioning his head, there was no reason to refuse.

Zald observed the scene with a glimmer of sadness in his eyes. If only there were a cure for her, he thought. Then she wouldn't have to leave them behind and could watch her nephews grow into fine men.

After a moment, Van broke the silence, speaking while nestled in Alfia's embrace. "Anyway, just to clarify, I'm still only level 3. There aren't many high-level monsters on the surface, so even with handicaps and training tools, my progress has stagnated."

I could defeat some of the higher-level girls in the Familia for Excelia, he mused, but… after leveling up from beating Poly, she was down for a week, and some of the immature member is already frustrated with my fast progress. Without some of my skills, they'd probably explode by now.

Meanwhile, Zald and Alfia wore expressions of disbelief as he shared his current level.

"Level 3? But that's impossible! From what I sense, you're as strong as a level 7—maybe even higher," Zald exclaimed, eyes wide.

"He's right, Van. Even if some of your stats are at S-rank, it shouldn't give you this level of strength… Unless…?" Alfia's eyes opened slightly as a realization dawned. Zald's gaze sharpened as he arrived at the same conclusion.

Seeing their expressions, Van chuckled to himself and spoke plainly. "That's right. I surpassed the limits."

Zald sighed, an odd blend of admiration and frustration crossing his face. "To think I'd live to see another one—at such a young age too… Am I lucky or unlucky?"

A hint of frustration lingered in Zald's voice, a pang for his prime when he might have fought beside Van. But he dismissed the thought quickly, deciding instead to focus on using what remained of his life to clear a path for the next generation.

"And? How far have you reached?" Zald asked, his brow raised in curiosity. "Me and Alfia have double S in our status, by the way."

"Hmm… after SS is SSS with three times the usual amount, and the last is EX, the true limit, with values ranging from 1500 to 1999, 499 in short.." Van said thoughtfully before a hint of mischief crossed his face, and he added with a boastful grin, "All my stats were at 1999 when I leveled up, and now they're around 1600+ each."

The two ignored his boastful tone, taking a moment to consider what he had just said.

"1999… So, you're as strong as a level 6 with S-rank stats, but your actual strength is equal to an ordinary level 8—maybe even higher…" Zald trailed off, thinking. "Level 9 or more, maybe?"

Zald blink his eyes as he gave up thinking and just nodded his head, seemingly convinced about something as he look towards him and said, "Yeah, you're a monster indeed."

Alfia only rolled her eyes in her mind after hearing what Zald's statement and thought. You seriously think you have any right to say that when you yourself is a monster who also surpassed the supposed status of an ordinary level 9 adventure.

If Zald and Van heard her thought, they'd likely look at her with deadpan expressions and urge her to check the mirror.

"Anyway, enough of the talk. Let's do some stretching, Van." Zald said as he stood up, cracking his neck with a grin and letting out a bit of fighting intent. "It's been years since I've had a real fight. As mindless monsters is not enough to sharpen my dulling blade."

Before Van could respond, he felt another wave of fighting intent press toward him from behind him. He didn't need to glance over to know its source.

"Well…" Van could only smile wryly, shaking his head slightly. "It seems like you two won't accept any refusal, huh?"

The two merely smirked, making Van sigh in exasperation. Not like I'd refuse, anyway, as this is also a chance for me to level up.

"Though, Before we start—" Van immediately put on a serious expression as he continued, making the two curious about what will he say. "You see, I... gained a very special skill."

"And?" Zald asked, as he and Alfia have their brows raised in confusion.

Van took a deep breath as he closed his eyes for a second and finally said what's in his mind from the beginning—ever since he gained 'that' skill.

"The skill to—"

===

A/N: —to cure your Erectile Dysfunction, so you should now line up and welcome me back.

And also, part-time job be damn😂

Also, please do comment if there's some error.