Chapter 73 - Growth of Ability Values!
Accompanied by Luke and Ais, Riveria returned to the Loki Familia's residence, the "Twilight Manor."
Today was a bit different from usual.
Upon returning to the Twilight Manor, the three of them didn't immediately go their separate ways as usual.
Instead, led by Riveria, they continued to the deepest part of the Twilight Manor, to the room of the goddess Loki.
Walking up to the door of Loki's room, Riveria knocked on the door.
Upon hearing the response "Come in" from inside, she opened the door, first leading Ais inside.
As for Luke, he stayed outside the door of his own accord.
Today was the day for him and Ais to update their status.
Compared to the original protagonist Bell Cranel, who was the only member of Hestia Familia, and goddess Hestia would update his status every night, Loki Familia had around 30 members.
If they all gathered to update their status on the same night, it would take an exceptionally long time.
Therefore, in Loki Familia, status updates were scheduled, and basically every Familia with a certain number of members would choose a similar approach.
However, this schedule was not completely fixed.
As adventurers leveled up, the speed at which they increased ability values slowed down.
First-class adventurers like Finn and Riveria don't need to update their status once a week, let alone every day.
They might wait for a month or several months before going to Loki for a status update.
Status updates were quick. If no extra actions were taken, it could be done in an instant.
Luke didn't wait long outside the door before Riveria, accompanied by Ais, walked out of Loki's room.
Seeing Riveria nod at him, Luke knew it was his turn, so he entered Loki's room.
The goddess's room was certainly not the same as that of the Familia members, but it wasn't overly extravagant either.
If one were to describe Luke and Ais's rooms as comfortable spaces for single occupants, then Loki's room was just about the right size for two people.
"Hey, you're here. Don't waste time; sit down quickly."
Loki sat cross-legged on the bed, and in front of her was a chair, evidently prepared for Luke.
Luke walked over, sat down, removed his upper garment, and turned his back to Loki.
Loki took a needle from the set of tools placed on the bed and pricked her index finger, causing fresh red blood to emerge.
With this blood-leaking finger, she touched Luke's back and the area near his neck.
Next, she began to move her fingers with skilled motions, like signing a signature, drawing a blood-red trajectory on Luke's back, and finally, with a "shush," forcefully drew a vertical line.
Instantly, it was as if a lock had been opened.
Luke's back, which originally had no discernible pattern, quickly displayed a crimson inscription resembling a rune.
This complex action was due to Loki placing a 'lock' on the divine runes/hieroglyphs behind Luke.
The same 'lock' also existed on Ais.
This 'lock' prevented outsiders from seeing the status panel on Luke and Ais's backs.
Status panels are displayed through 'divine script,' commonly known as 'hieroglyphs.' These inscriptions are rarely understood by anyone other than gods.
Though rare, it's not non-existent.
Within Loki Familia, Finn and Riveria could comprehend most of the 'divine script/hieroglyphs.'
(PS: And there's also the future Ais, probably taught by Riveria.)
Because the status panels of Luke and Ais, especially their skills, were crucial, Loki added this 'lock' to prevent others from seeing their ability values.
However, this 'lock' isn't absolutely secure.
According to rumors, there's a special potion made from divine blood that can be used to break the 'lock.'
So Loki also emphasized to Luke and Ais that their backs should never be touched or shown to unfamiliar strangers.
"As expected, just like Ais, your attribute growth is terrifyingly fast."
After the complex unlocking, the status update took a moment.
While recording Luke's ability values on parchment, Loki expressed her amazement.
"Ais's attribute growth is already quite astonishing. I didn't expect you to be even more extreme. Is it because you had a swordsmanship foundation before?"
Luke took the imprinted parchment from Loki.
Since status panels are displayed in 'divine script/hieroglyphs,' every Familia member, during status update, would have the values imprinted on parchment and translated into common language by the god.
One reason for this is for ease of reading, and the other is to allow Familia members to understand them, considering very few can comprehend 'hieroglyphs.'
Luke looked at the parchment showing the growth of his ability values.
In just one week, all his attributes, except for magic power, had reached G rank.
This growth rate, in Loki's eyes, is considered incredible.
It's worth noting that among the current Orario residents, it usually takes three to five years or even nearly ten years for a Level 1 adventurer to advance to Level 2.
"At this rate, you and Ais probably won't need a year to level up."
Loki smiled somewhat smugly, already imagining how her children would shock the entire city.
Luke was also satisfied with his growth rate, but he was not proud.
He knows that in nine years, the 'protagonist' will appear with all attributes at E rank after three days of being an adventurer and rank up to Level 2 within a month.
However, Luke's calm demeanor disappoints Loki.
"What's with you? Can't you be a bit happier? This is a compliment from gods. How can you be like Ais?"
Loki gave Luke's back two firm pats.
"That's why I don't like kids. Anyway, now that your status is updated, go out. Other members will come for updates later."
Hearing Loki's complaints, Luke felt a bit helpless, but he knew Loki was mostly joking and not genuinely upset about this trivial matter.
Luke, who was pushed out of the door, stood there and sighed.
After putting on his shirt, he was about to return to his room when he saw Riveria standing at the doorway.
"Huh? Are you waiting for me?"
Luke was a bit puzzled. Normally, at this time, Riveria should be back in her room, teaching Ais.
"Yeah, I want to give this to you."
Riveria withdrew her gaze from Luke's back and handed him two scrolls.
"Tomorrow, when you take Ais out, help me deliver these to the respective Familias labeled on the scroll."