It's been three months since Hanabi started going into the dungeon and I've made sure either Finn, Riveria, or Gareth are always with her when she's down there. I'm probably being a bit over protective, I could send other members that have less responsibilities, but I just can't help it. She's been through more than any kid should have to deal with. While she's definitely smart for a kid I'm sure she'd run off on her own if we tried to stop her from going to the dungeon completely.
Another concerning change is that she has barely spoken since she overheard Riveria a while back. She just nods or shakes her head, and if she needs to say anything it's only one or two words at most. Before she was quiet but would at least hold a conversation if someone else initiated. Pretty much anyone who chooses to be an adventurer has some baggage, but none of us have really dealt with such a young kid. She also hardly eats anything, just enough to get through the day. She doesn't have an ounce of fat on her, whenever we ask her why she just shakes her head.
For some reason she refuses to wear armor, whenever we ask her why she just shakes her head. Because of that Finn has been teaching her a dodge heavy fighting style, which she thankfully has taken to quite well. Riveria has been teaching her how to make the most of her magic as well. Her first time in the dungeon something happened to her spell turning her flames black. Since then every time she uses her magic the flames are always black. We can't figure out why and there's nothing in her status that explains it, but the black flames seem to be stronger. Which added with her spirit blood and being a Renard, a highly magic attuned race, means her spell is on par with a peak level 2.
Gareth has been a bit down since he doesn't have much to teach her, their fighting styles are just about opposite after all. All three say she's a natural at fighting, apparently she applies what the others teach her very well. She's no master swordswoman or great mage, yet, but she is improving at a crazy rate. If she carries on like this she might set a record for fastest level up, I am sooo looking forward to showing her off if she can pull it off.
One good thing has changed with her over the last few months. She has taken a real liking to Finn, I don't think its a conscious decision on her part though. A kid needs a parent figure, especially one that's been through as much as she has. Finn seems to have taken a liking to her as well so it's all good, though my money was on Riveria. Whenever she takes a day off, which we have to force her to do, she shows up at Finn's office with a stack of books. Finn even got another desk just for her to use, the whole thing is just too adorable. Seeing the ever stoic fox girl be clingy and seeing the ever focused prum dote on her.
The fox in question is currently sitting on stool in front of me getting her status updated. Her stats are growing quite quickly, according to the others its because she always moves at full tilt. Both in the dungeon and in training, we'll have to find her a hobby one of these days.
Looking down I skim through her new status.
Hanabi Hino
7 Years Old
Level 1
Strength E407
Defense E401
Dexterity D531
Agility D579
Magic C670
Magic
Immolation Raiment- Enchantment magic that cloaks the user's body and weapon in flame
Chant "Rage, Surtr."
Skills
Spirit blood of Surtr- Immune to all fire, physical and magical. All fire magic greatly enhanced.
Partial Elemental Transformation- User's body becomes partially comprised of flame. Eyes, ears, hair, and tail. Hands and feet become claws of hyper condensed flame. Consumes mind to stay active.
Full Beastification- Can turn into a fox, size of fox depends on magic stat. Can be used concurrently with Partial Elemental Transformation.
We still haven't let her mess with either of the transformation skills, too high a chance of it messing with her mentally. "Here ya go Hana-Chan" I say, handing her the sheet. "Ya sure are growin fast fox." I say trying to get a reaction out of her. Of course she just nods with that blank expression, Tsk. Finn started calling her Hana a while back and she doesn't seem to mind so I've started using the pet name as well.
Her agility and dexterity are increasing quickly because of the fighting style Finn has been teaching her, though her strength and defense are increasing slowly for the same reason. We think her magic is growing so fast because its pretty far beyond what a level one should be capable of, also because she uses it as often as possible. Both in the dungeon and in training. Her build has a lot of potential, I'm sure she'll develop more spells down the road. With her spirit blood her magic might end up as powerful as Riveria's, and if she keeps up with her sword work she might even overtake Freya's elf as best magic swordsman. Oh I can't wait for the day I get to hold that over her.
"Hana-Chan, why don't we go show Finn?" I ask, making her nod a few times quickly. Her expression didn't change but that's the most emotion I've seen out of her in a while, maybe I should start calling Finn papa? Nah, probably still a bit too soon for the fox.
Arriving at the office we find Finn in a meeting with Riveria, Gareth, and a few others probably about our upcoming expedition. But that doesn't stop Hana from speed walking over to Finn and handing him the status sheet "Very good Hana, can you go sit at your desk while we finish up here?" Finn says with a gentle smile while patting Hanabi's head, making her tail wag back and forth.
Other than Riveria and Gareth everyone's eyes went wide at the interaction. I can barely hold myself back from cracking up, but I can't blame them. To everyone else Hanabi is the silent and mildly creepy child, and Finn is their always reliable captain. Seeing the obviously affectionate display from the two would shock almost anyone in the Familia. Whether she knows it or not, Hanabi just won over everyone here.
As I walk over to the desk with Hanabi and put her on my lap I'm shocked at what I see open on her desk, Dungeon Oratoria, the story about the mercenary king the great spirit of wind and their daughter. A story book for kids. On a young fox girl's desk, a young fox girl who only ever reads reference material or magic textbooks. After a second I realize she probably just grabbed it because it said dungeon. This girl really needs a friend her own age.
The meeting ended a few minutes later "Hana, good job on with your status. There's something I'd like to talk to you about." Finn said as I turned the girl and myself to face him, letting him see her ever serious nod. "As you know our Familia is going on an expedition next week, our goal being the 40th floor. So far you've only been down to the 14th floor, as Riveria has no doubt taught you the dungeon becomes much more dangerous past the 18th. I want you to be part of the vanguard with the other level ones and twos down to the 18th, after that you will be acting as a supporter. You will help carry food, supplies, spare weapons, and help collect magic stones. You aren't strong enough to fight down there yet, but this is a good opportunity for you to see what the dungeon is really like." Hanabi simply nodded at this, though she somehow looked more serious than usual.
Hanabi then looked down, appearing to be thinking about something, so we waited to see if she had anything to add. "Won't the city be in danger without us?" She asked shocking everyone present, not just because that was the longest sentence she's said in months, but because of the foresight this seven year old girl showed. We've kept her far away from anything to do with Evilus, but it seems she hasn't forgotten. The fact that she not only remembered but thought ahead like that is unreal for someone as young as her. God am I glad I took her in, she has potential not just with fighting but for planning as well.
"I'm impressed you thought of that, but I've already coordinated with Freya Familia to take care of the city while we're gone. We can't put our lives on hold just because something bad might happen." Finn said with a smile, earning a rare small smile from the fox, apparently pleased with impressing Finn. "Back to the point, I want you to spend the next week off from the dungeon. I want you to study up as much as you can on the lower and deep floors alright?" Finn continued, this time earning an equally rare small frown. But she nodded again, apparently seeing the logic.