I’m Not the Final Boss’ Lover

KEN5-6 minutes 19.02.2022

The levelometer analyzed your stats relative to the same level. With C-rank as the average standard, B to SS ranks as the upper grades, and D to FF as the lower grades. Although it was easy to understand when looked at as a 9-grade system based on percentiles…

What was this, some sort of school report card?

Of course, unlike report cards, the levelometer didn’t show specific percentages or numbers. It displayed only ranks, which was why having an SS rank didn’t mean you had the same stats as someone else. Normally, it wasn’t possible to tell that far, but I was an exception. My status windows showed absolute numbers as well, of course. It was natural when looking from the omniscient perspective of a “player”. August said I had all the abilities needed to raiding a dungeon, and truth be told, he wasn’t wrong. The very reason players played the game was to clear dungeons, after all.

Perhaps Sevi was too outstanding. The crowd realized he wasn’t someone they dared to compare with and fell silent one after another. After him, Julieta and Nova measured their stats as well. Their levels were all similar, and the result was exactly as I had told them. That was probably why the three rookies of the special unit remained calm through it all. Julieta’s other abilities were just so-so, but she had SS-rank in physical attack. In other words, strength.

“She did seem extraordinarily strong, but to think she had an SS-rank…”

“It’s a rare talent having an SS-rank in offense, but that makes it all the more a pity. Her other stats to support her offense are just…”

Julieta hung her head low at the murmuring going on, her exposed ears reddened. Those people couldn’t find anything to fault Sevi with, but apparently, they thought the acolyte was someone to sneeze at. My mouth itched to tell the facts, knowing that Julieta’s strength was at the top of SS ranks. She was second only to Mayer in strength! Considering how the captain was beyond what you could call human, there weren’t many that could stand up to Julieta’s power. Moreover, she could heal herself, and even her regular attacks had the holy element in them by default. It was a significant advantage when dealing with fellspawn. I could go on forever about her strong points but now wasn’t the time.

Nova’s evaluation following the Julieta’s was satisfactory. He received an all-around elite result: A to SS rank in everything except magic-related stats. Simply having high ranks wasn’t necessarily a good thing. However, for a tanker whose role was to protect the expedition members, having uniformly high stats was ideal.

“That’s Nova Ferrum for you alright…”

He had low stats magic-wise because he wasn’t a mage. Having low magic defense was a bit worrisome, but it was fine since it was uncommon for fellspawn to cast spells. And even in such situations, Julieta could take the defense in his place. She didn’t have a high magic defense either, but the holy element in her neutralized the dark element of fellspawn. She received almost no damage from them.

The growth of the special unit was undeniable thanks to the levelometer. All the looks of curiosity and ridicule on those who had come to watch had long disappeared. No longer did the Dark Knights view the special unit as a thorn in the flesh or a rival that would steal their place. We were the gifted who would pass by them and become elites in reserve. One day, we’d stand before the demon lord as Mayer Knox’s sword and shield. Of course, it wasn’t like there weren’t those who envied the special unit. Unfortunately, there were more of the shrewd type who came over to feign closeness.

With the level measuring done, Sevi approached me. “Don’t you need to measure as well, Vice-captain?” he asked quietly.

“Me? I don’t need to,” I replied disinterestedly.

I had the rookies measure their levels due to the need to put on a display, but I didn’t need to since I knew all my stats anyway. Besides, my ranks weren’t exactly good. I was the type with good skills, not stats. Measuring my level in public would only make me look like a pushover. I’d end up hearing things I didn’t need to.

“Well, you do have an amazing grasp on levels and stats after all,” Sevi nodded in understanding.

As for those who were curious about my level and stats… When they heard that I wouldn’t be measuring, although they looked bored, that was all. In the past, they would’ve tried ignoring or belittling me in some way, claiming that I had something to hide or the like, but no one said such a thing now. Certainly, it was different from then. I could feel that my status in the Dark Knights had changed. All that toiling in the dungeons did seem to have some effect. Although I was sure Axion had suggested the dungeon grind so that I could raid dungeons with those naysayers and show my capability, but well… As long as the means met the desired ends, no? I smiled contentedly.