Zongman: The wrong person on the ground, double Shenwei at the beginning

Their eyes met, and the girl from the Far East felt a moment of panic. She shook her silky black hair and stepped forward to straighten his shirt collar.

"...Remember to come back."

The perceptive girl seemed to have noticed something.

Rhodes simply smiled in response.

"As long as there is a room for me in the Court of Stars, this will always be my home."

Rod waved and left the training room.

Kaguya watched Rhodes's departing figure silently until he was no longer visible before she snapped out of her daze.

She sighed softly, turned around, and pulled the spider lily that had been knocked away from the wall.

Boom——

The battered training room collapsed in an instant, leaving only ruins.

“…”

"Oh dear, I'm going to argue with Lyra again... But if she knew it was Rhodes who did it, she'd probably just grumble quietly..."

Kaguya squinted like a cat, staring at the brick wall crumbling along the sharp knife marks, a captivating smile on her face.

In just a few days, he mastered the moves I had endured years of torment to learn. I can't help but feel a little envious...

Putting aside his attributes, in terms of the sword techniques he has mastered, he is already ranked second among the members of the clan!

What's more, the secret that guy harbors is that not only can magic be reproduced, but it's even so outrageous that he can replicate all his skills...

I'm really looking forward to seeing just how far this man can grow.

After leaving the Court of Stars, Rhodes walked alone toward West Street.

When pedestrians saw Rod, their expressions changed slightly, and they hurriedly stepped back, as if afraid of offending him.

Clearly, the matter concerning the Soma Familia has escalated significantly, and his frequent explorations of the dungeon with the Astra Familia have been witnessed by more and more people.

No one will criticize him anymore for his supposed abilities being fabricated.

Rhodes remained calm, unconcerned about the gazes of those who were not involved, his eyes fixed on the interface that only he could see.

"System, open the personal panel."

Name: Rod

[Prayer Points: 8000]

[Wish Tickets: Unlimited (1), Level A (2)]

[Skills: Fairy Singing, Spirit Reload, Masaka Benisaki, Masakado and Masakado Fire, Moonlit Roar, Blood Flash, Minor Agility and Swiftness.]

[Magic: Ashes of the Hearth, Red Blossoms, Flame Blossom, Wind of Light, Noah's Healing, Five Lights, Four Seas, Mus Maine, Rhea Windemia....]

[Development Abilities: Abnormal Resistance H, Magic I, Hunter H, Healing H, Steadfast I, Punching H, Fire Flash I.]

[Technique: Parallel chanting]

[Special Ability: The Wisdom of a Cunning Rat.]

[Powers: EX Absolute Contract, EX Perfect Synchronization, Grace Activation.]

Rhodes' attributes underwent a dramatic change after five consecutive days of patrolling and exploration prayers!

The girls of the clan could probably guess that he could even copy skills, but they never imagined that he could also obtain their development abilities through prayer!

Aside from Ryu's [Fairy Sing] and [Mental Reload], the most noteworthy skills are Arisha's [Masaka Benisaki] and [Masaka Tou Masaka].

【Masaka Hongsaki】

【Effect:

During combat, [Strength] receives a high bonus.

When facing adversity, [Durability] and [Agility] receive high bonuses.

When fighting against powerful enemies, Agility and Magic Power receive high bonuses.

If all three conditions are met simultaneously, [Strength], [Agility], and [Magic] will receive a small bonus proportional to the duration.

When Rhode first acquired this skill, he was speechless at the absurd effect.

This thing is practically a cheat code from Orario itself!

With just this one skill, Alisha, as a second-level adventurer, can unleash strength comparable to that of a first-level adventurer!

While Rhodes doesn't have a grace system, attributes do exist within him.

Furthermore, because Rhodes also possesses the power of [Perfect Synchronization], this skill will still be able to exert the same effect even if he becomes stronger in the future!

For example, if Rhodes is currently in combat, this skill provides a 10% strength bonus.

Even if he becomes a god later, as long as he is in battle, his power will still receive a 10% bonus!

Even with both combined, Alicia herself, as the skill holder, wouldn't be as overpowered as Rhodes!

The other skill also has a huge bonus.

【True Fighting Fire】

[Effect: Amplifies skill effects in close combat. Amplifies spell effects when casting magic.]

Rhodes' current combat style is that of a magic swordsman, engaging in close combat while unleashing magical support.

And [True Fighting Fire] can amplify the effects of all the skills he gains, including [Masaka Kurosaki]!

With the addition of [Fairy Singing], [Mental Reload], and the replicated [Magic] development ability, the magical power that Rhodes unleashed in close combat left even Alisha speechless.

After being stunned into silence for a long time, she gave a mixed assessment: if it were the current Rhodes, he might actually be able to kill a level 3.

Rhodes withdrew his gaze with satisfaction and looked toward the source of the commotion not far away.

"Hmm? Is that a group from the Hephaestus Familia?"

As the city's most famous forging clan, their every move is exceptionally eye-catching.

Rhodes didn't approach; instead, he watched from a distance.

In the group, there was a small figure carrying a large backpack, arguing with Chun, who was the leader, and neither was willing to back down.

Ultimately, Tsubaki, being a higher-level adventurer, reluctantly raised her hand in surrender and then gave the little human's head a good pat.

The little people immediately glared and protested, and a burst of laughter and cheers erupted from the ranks.

Rod's gaze softened, and he smiled knowingly.

"Lily's personality has become much more cheerful too..."

[Yes, it's all because Master found her new family and friends.]

In her mind, the silent Suzuka, who had been specially summoned, witnessed this scene and revealed a gentle smile.

"To be honest, I'm a little embarrassed to say that I usually only let you out during battles."

[Hehehe, it's okay. After all, Master needs to travel around and meet different girls, and maybe even get intimate with Sister Alicia~ Am I right~]

"...Um, Suzuka, you've gone astray."

[Hmph, it's Master who's gone astray. You'd better watch out for a wood-chopping knife!]

Chatting idly with the silent Suzuka along the way, Rhodes arrived at his destination: the bountiful mistress.

This is a three-story building made of stone. The bar, which looks like a high-end hotel and has back-of-house space, is always packed with customers because of its location on West Street.

During the day, the customers are mostly ordinary citizens, primarily women, while in the afternoon, the business targets adventurers returning from the dungeon. This business model, which focuses on different customer groups at different times of the day, is very popular.

The menu and prices change between day and night, and high fees are usually charged to well-paid adventurers. However, because Boss Mia's special fruit wine is so delicious, she has many repeat customers.

Push open the double doors and step inside.

The interior is constructed entirely of wood, and its decor is much more subdued than that of other pubs.

The brightness of the magic stone lamps on the ceiling has also been reduced, creating a slightly fashionable atmosphere.

"Welcome! Oh, it's Brother Rod, meow~"

Rhodes was greeted by a cat-girl who seemed to have appeared in the store with incredible speed.

Anya curiously peered behind Rhodes.

"Your companions? Are you alone?"

Rod handed her a bag, walked to a seat by the window, and said with a smile.

"I guess it's just one person."

Since the members of his clan had gathered here for a meal before, he and Anya were not strangers.

Anya looked down, opened the bag, and her eyes lit up.

"It's Red Berry Meow again! Mommy Mia will be so happy to know!"

The gourd-shaped red berries from the Maze Park can be fermented to make a soothing alcoholic beverage.

Boss Mia is currently developing a new fruit wine. During the last dinner party, she learned that they often had to go down to the eighteenth floor, so she simply asked them to collect some red berries.

Rhodes didn't like its somewhat cheap taste, but Riveria, who never drank alcohol, would have a little.

Perhaps it's because this level of commission is purely a transaction, or perhaps the emotions haven't reached the level of a wish; in any case, Boss Mia's commission didn't form a wish.

This left Rhodes somewhat disappointed.

"Still the same as always, meow?"

"Yes, Boss Mia's special noodles and mead are truly unforgettable. By the way, bring more grilled meat this time."

"I've noted it down, please wait a moment, meow!"

Anya wagged her thin tail and ran energetically towards the kitchen, clutching the bag.

[This other world really has all sorts of fantastical creatures. I never even imagined I'd encounter a catgirl, hehe.]

Upon hearing this, Rhodes mentally retorted.

"Isn't the horse girl also an illusionary creature?"

[That's not necessarily true; we really exist!]

"But Anya and the others are real too."

[Hmm....]

Silent Suzuka was rendered speechless by Rhodes's few words, and could only mutter in her mind with teary eyes things like "Master is bullying me".

Although the two seemed to be bickering, they were actually filled with happiness and reluctance to part.

Because today is the last day that the Silent Suzuka will stay.

Rhodes came out alone this time to say goodbye to the companion who had accompanied him through his weakest period.

After a while, Anya skillfully brought the food to Rhodes. Soon, a variety of fancy ingredients filled the table, including many of them that he was interested in but had never eaten before.

Rhodes' eyes widened.

"Hey, Anya, I don't remember ordering this much!"

Anya sat on the other side, leaning on the table, and winked playfully at Rhodes.

"Thank you for providing so many precious fruits, and although I don't know why, there's always a reason for me to come to the tavern alone to eat."

"Good food and wine can make people happy and temporarily forget their troubles, especially when they're free. That's the answer if that guy asks."

"That's what Mia's mom said, meow~"

Rod glanced toward the kitchen, chuckled, and shrugged.

"Since you've put it that way, then I won't stand on ceremony."