"In the end, we're all slaves to our bloodline."
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Two weeks since joining hestia familia.
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The faint glow of the updating ritual illuminated Hestia's surroundings, casting soft shadows across the dim room. She let a drop of her divine blood fall onto the bare back of her only child, watching as the Falna on his back began adjusting to showcase his current progress.
She frowned slightly as she pressed an empty sheet of paper to Bell's back, waiting for his status to update.
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Bell Cranel: Level 1 Adventurer
Strength: 96 → 102 H
Endurance: 54 → 66 I
Dexterity: 65 → 75 I
Agility: 92 → 110 H
Magic: 65 → 70 I
Skills:
All For One, Feral Clarity
Magic:
Fireball
---
Hestia's fingers lingered on the sheet as she studied it, her lips pressing into a tighter line. It's slowing down… but it's still extraordinary growth.
This rate of improvement would undoubtedly draw unwanted attention to her small Familia, especially if anyone discovered his rather dangerous skill.
Her thoughts turned to his encounter with the Minotaurs. When Bell had returned that day, limping from a wound on his leg, she had nearly fainted from worry.
Yet, despite her concerns, he had brushed off the incident with casual ease, his focus entirely on updating his status.
When she finally gave in and updated his status, the results had left her stunned. The leap in his parameters was nothing short of amazing, far beyond what she had expected.
Alarmed, she had rushed to Hephaestus, hoping her friend could shed some light on the situation and provide reassurance that such growth was normal.
Hephaestus, however, had simply shrugged and replied, "It's probably normal."
It didn't help at all!
"Here you go, Bell-kun! Congratulations!" Hestia said brightly, masking her worry with a cheerful tone. "You've finally reached over 100 in two of your parameters!" Her eyes sparkled with pride as she handed him the updated sheet.
Despite her concerns, she couldn't help but feel proud of him. Her Bell-kun was working so hard to support their little Familia, and she wouldn't let her worries dampen her enthusiasm.
Although, she was a bit concerned about where he'd been getting all that money without venturing into the dungeon these past few days.
Perhaps he'd taken up a part-time job until he could afford new equipment? Maybe she should ask Hephaestus for a weapon for him!
No, that's stupid—there was no way she could afford anything made by Hephaestus.
Bell took the sheet from her hands, his expression turning serious and contemplative as he studied the numbers. Hestia couldn't help but smile to herself. He's just so cute when he gets that focused look on his face!
"Thank you," Bell said softly, folding the sheet. Without hesitation, he walked over to the hearth and threw the paper into the fire, watching it burn to ash.
Hestia's smile faltered slightly as he turned toward the staircase.
"I'll be late tonight." he said, his tone calm yet distant.
As as she watched him go, Hestia let out a small sigh, her hands resting on her lap.
"Oh, Bell-kun…" she murmured, tilting her head in mild exasperation.
Managing a Familia is such a headache.
---
"Sorry to keep you waiting," All For One said smoothly as he approached the red-haired man's table.
The man set down his drink and stood up, flashing a casual grin. "So, you're the one who's been trying to get ahold of me. Guess I've got a little time for fans," he chuckled.
"Yes, that would be me, Mr. Crozzo," All For One replied politely, aiming to leave a good first impression.
He currently was in a tavern, located near the Hephaestus Familia's northern shop district, it was lively and cheerful. Some adventurers were already drunk well before the sun had set.
After his equipment was destroyed, All For One had painstakingly tracked down "Welf Crozzo," the maker of his armor, in the hopes of establishing a contract. Welf's products were both affordable and durable—ideal for someone in his current position.
He had managed to arrange this meeting through a member within Welf's Familia, agreeing to discuss business at this tavern.
If all went well, he would secure a long-term agreement with a skilled blacksmith, a partnership that promised great potential for the future.
Welf's family lineage also added value to the arrangement. As a descendant of the famed "Crozzo" line, Welf possessed the skill to forge "magic swords"—weapons imbued with magic capable of devastating attacks. However, for reasons unknown to him, Welf refused to make them.
All For One noted the slight twitch in Welf's eye when he addressed him formally.
"Just Welf's fine," Welf corrected. "And you are?"
"Bell Cranel. It's a pleasure to finally meet you in person," he replied, offering a polite smile as he took a seat.
Welf ordered drinks for them both. The pair exchanged brief glances, sizing each other up in the quiet moments before the waitress returned with their order and a warm, "Enjoy your drinks!"
Without hesitation, All For One leaned forward. "I'd like to discuss a contract with you."
The direct approach caught Welf off guard. "A contract? And why's that?" His tone carried a hint of suspicion, likely assuming the conversation would lead to a request for magic swords.
"I recently tested one of your light armor sets, and I was impressed with the quality—especially for a level-one blacksmith," All For One said, subtly downplaying himself to seem unassuming.
"My current equipment was destroyed in a recent dungeon dive, and I'm looking for a reliable craftsman. I'd appreciate regular access to your expertise if you're open to it." He took a small sip from his drink, savoring the taste.
The subtle compliment softened Welf's demeanor, his suspicion fading slightly. He studied All For One for a moment before asking, "And what kind of contract are you proposing?"
All For One took another measured sip before setting his drink down. "Simple terms: exclusive discounts, priority on commissioned work, regular repairs on weapons and armor—the basics of any standard contract."
He retrieved a pre-written document from his bag. "I had this prepared by the Guild. It only needs your signature to become official. Either party can terminate it at any time if necessary." He smiled, confident that he had already won Welf over.
The offer was tailored perfectly to Welf's sensibilities, and the red-haired man's broad grin confirmed his satisfaction. "Phew, you had me worried there, Bell. Thought you might be after magic swords." he laughed, relaxing significantly. "Sorry for being suspicious,"
All For One smile widened slightly, "Do you agree to these terms?"
"Of course! I'd be glad to work with you," Welf said, then paused, "But I've got two conditions before I sign." He raised a finger, "First, never ask me to make a magic sword." His voice carried fierce intensity, as though the term itself were a curse. He raised a second finger. "Second, I want to team up with you. Let's form a party."
Welf's request caught All For One by surprise. Though he was aware of Welf's history of frequently changing party members, he hadn't anticipated such eagerness to collaborate immediately.
Still, this arrangement had its advantages. Brothers-in-arms could serve his goals more effectively than a mere business contract.
"Your terms are acceptable," All For One replied, standing and extending a hand.
Welf grasped it firmly, grinning. "I look forward to working with you, Bell!"
Yes, this had gone even better than expected.
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The End
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Updated version: what changed? Not much, just shortened significantly and it's content stored for later use.