Upon hearing Jeremy''s response, Ritchie''s expression remainedrgely unchanged, yet his eyes conveyed a subtle shift.


    Ritchie was unable to disy overlyplex emotions at the moment; he could only express his thoughts through his gaze.


    Jeremy could discern that the meaning behind Ritchie''s eyes was one of gratitude towards both him and Bonnie.


    "You both went out of your way to make my favorite cake, which truly exceeds my expectations. I must express my gratitude, and I will do my utmost in our future endeavors,"


    Ritchie stated to Jeremy with a very serious tone.


    Jeremy nodded, feeling a touch of embarrassment as he replied, "Actually, you don''t need to thank us so much. Both Bonnie and I think that the chocte cake we made isn''t all that great in vor and texture."


    After Jeremy finished speaking, both he and Ritchie shared augh.


    "Alright, we don''t need to linger here any longer. Although the monsters around The Shadow Mine are not particrly high in level, you still need to rest quickly. Let''s get in the car!"


    Jeremy promptly led Ritchie back to his residence with great haste.


    When they arrived at the foot of Ritchie''s building, Jeremy made sure to give Ritchie a specific reminder.


    "In the next couple of days, you absolutely must refrain from engaging in anybat with enemies. The shadow maniption skill, once it reaches max level, can actually pose a significant threat to its wielder.


    Therefore, for your safety, you must not use the shadow maniption skill at all during this period. Once you have stabilized your condition, you will be free to utilize the skill at your discretion."


    In response to Jeremy''s warning, Ritchie smiled and nodded.


    "Alright, I understand. I will not step outside my home for the next two days. This way, I can avoid any encounters with enemies.


    Moreover, if I do find myself in a situation of severe danger, I will not hesitate to seek your assistance. You will be staying in Moonlight City for the next couple of days, won''t you?"


    In response to Ritchie''s inquiry, Jeremy answered without hesitation.


    "Of course, I will be staying in Moonlight City for at least the next month. This uing month is crucial for us to enhance our own strengths.


    Moreover, I believe that General Howard and Director Liam will not be able to adequately prepare for further exploration of high-difficulty instances within such a short time frame."


    Jeremy''s conclusion was the result of synthesizing a considerable amount of information.


    Thus, he felt confident that his judgment was sound.


    Ritchie also ced a great deal of trust in Jeremy''s assessments, which led him to bid farewell to Jeremy directly.


    After escorting Ritchie back to his home, Jeremy did not return to his own residence; he did not focus on leveling up either.


    Instead, Jeremy decided to check on ire and Emma.


    He had not been in contact with them for several days.


    Although ire and Emma were not undertaking particrly perilous missions, and they were not entering instances to engage inbat.


    Jeremy still felt a twinge of guilt.


    He realized that he had been somewhat neglectful in his attention towards ire and Emma.


    He needed to visit their ce to ascertain their current condition. If both of them were in good shape, he would not hesitate to facilitate their second ss change.


    When Jeremy arrived at ire and Emma''s residence, it was already four o''clock in the afternoon.


    At that moment, ire was busy preparing dinner.


    When she saw Jeremy arrive, a look of sheer surprise spread across her face.


    "You finally came to see me. I thought you had forgotten all about me!" ire eximed as she rushed up to Jeremy and enveloped him in a warm embrace.


    Jeremy gently patted ire on the head.


    "How could I ever forget you? I have simply been swamped with responsibilities. Besides, you should be well aware of the multitude of foes I must contend with.


    Whether it''s the monsters from the apocalypse game or the lurking menace of Kean, they all pose a significant threat to me. Thus, I cannot afford to let my guard down easily.


    Today, I finally found a moment of respite, so I decided toe here and see you."


    ire fully epted Jeremy''s exnation.


    She promptly ushered Jeremy into the living room of her home.


    She then began to chat with Jeremy about recent events.


    After conversing for a while, Jeremy directly asked ire, "How do you feel about your current condition? Have you been practicing the methods I taught you consistently?"


    ire nodded in affirmation.


    "I have been diligently following the techniques you advised me to practice. I believe I have be quite proficient in my mental skills. I can now easily manipte the thoughts of monsters that are slightly lower in level than I am, and I am also immune to the mental attacks from certain types of creatures."


    To substantiate her ims, ire deliberately demonstrated one of her mental skills in front of Jeremy.


    After witnessing ire''s disy of skill, Jeremy had to admit that her mastery of mental abilities was indeed impressive.


    "You have certainly demonstrated a high level of proficiency with your mental skills. I believe you could be ready for your second ss change within the next two or three days."


    Jeremy''s words filled ire with immense joy.


    "If Iplete my second ss change, will I be able to fight alongside you? I truly hope to assist you in battle."


    In response to ire''s inquiry, Jeremy hesitated slightly.


    Afterpleting her second ss change, ire''s level would be able to surpass level 30.


    However, Jeremy''s level had now reached 53, and in order for ire to provide him with any meaningful assistance in battle, she would need to elevate her own level to at least 40.


    Although Jeremy felt that ire would be unable to aid him in the uing battles.


    He did not wish to dampen her enthusiasm. Thus, he needed to formte a more tactful response as quickly as possible.


    Noticing Jeremy''s hesitation in answering her question, ire realized that he was undoubtedly searching for a more diplomatic way to express himself.


    So, ire quickly interjected, "Even if I am unable to assist you in the forting battles, I don''t think it matters all that much. As long as I can enhance my own strength, I will be able to ensure my own safety.


    In a sense, that also provides you with a measure of support, doesn''t it? After all, once both Emma and I have improved our abilities, you won''t have to constantly worry about our safety."


    ire''s words sessfully alleviated the tension for Jeremy.


    He nodded emphatically.


    "You are absolutely correct. I believe that after youplete your second ss change, your strength will indeed be sufficient to ensure your own safety. However, where is Emma right now? Shouldn''t she be with you?"


    "She will be back very soon; she has already been out fighting all day. I believe Emma has also be quite proficient in her skills, and she should be ready to undergo her second ss change alongside me."


    Just as ire finished speaking, Emma pushed the door open and walked in.


    Upon seeing Jeremy, Emma became visibly excited.


    "You finally came to see me! I thought you had forgotten all about me!" Emma''s reaction mirrored ire''s almost perfectly.


    After all, the two had been living together for quite a long time.


    They were well aware of each other''s thoughts and feelings.


    In light of this situation, Jeremy could only offer someforting words to Emma.


    Once Emma''s emotions had calmed downpletely, Jeremy turned to her and asked.


    "I assume you have also be quite adept at your healing skills by now, right?"


    "Of course! My mastery of the skills I use has reached an extraordinary level. I feel that I could initiate the second phase of my ss change at any moment."


    Emma''s response brought immense joy to Jeremy.


    He felt that although hispanions may not possess strength on par with his own, they were all diligently striving to enhance their abilities.


    Moreover, during this recent period, all of hispanions, with the exception of Bonnie, had experienced steady improvements in their strength.


    Although Ritchie, ire, and Emma had not progressed rapidly, their advancement was remarkably stable.


    This stability ensured that they would not easily stray from the path of enhancing their abilities.


    After pondering for a moment, Jeremy addressed ire and Emma.


    "You are indeed ready to initiate your second ss change at any time. However, I believe it would be prudent for you to take one to two days to prepare. After all, the ss change ceremony does require certain materials.


    Furthermore, you cannotplete your ss change in a single day; I think it would be best for you to space it out over two days. During your ss change process, I will remain by your side.


    This way, we can ensure your safety and allow me the opportunity to intervene swiftly should any unforeseen circumstances arise."


    Jeremy''s n was undeniably reasonable.


    Neither ire nor Emma voiced any objections; they were merely concerned about when they shouldmence their second ss change.


    After giving it some thought, Jeremy settled on a date. However, before he had the chance to articte it, his phone began to ring.