I got a major note/information at the bottom. Otherwise, it's been two weeks. I bet you weren't expecting a new chapter now did ya? Anyway, I tried to keep it a non-Axton chapter, but at the end... you'll see. Hopefully, I explained what I needed to properly.

I expect some confusion, but... we'll see. Oh, and if something changes with a certain someone, don't be surprised. I actually think I told someone who I responded to via review that she was my first choice. So... I have something to think about doing because I can say this with confidence, he will not get both.

That is all.

"Speaking"

Personal Thoughts

*Ability/Spell*

...

Amid Teasanare had it easy most of the time. She only had to help those who needed medical assistance and talk business. Of course, that was without a few exceptions. Monsterphilia was today, and Amid knew how much a certain blond like this fairly new annual festival. Still, she couldn't figure out why her thoughts were going back to him.

The good Doctor of Orario continued to organize her materials. She was expecting one or more of the tamers to burst through the door and demand to be healed. Accidents happen after all. What she didn't expect was someone to open the door with a panicked expression. She heard the wind before seeing it. Amid had just finished in the back room and she immediately exited the room to see the Sword Princess looking like someone told her that Jagamarukuns were going out of business. The curtains and sheets that were stationary were blessed with the wind that she carried inside. Nothing was out of place, but it was oddly refreshing.

However, that wasn't what Amid's eyes were on. Her violet eyes were on the person in her arms. The Sword Prince was lying unconscious, bloody, in his sister's arms. He was still bleeding as a matter of fact. Clasping her hands together and looking directly at the Sword Princess with all the anger she could muster, she approached the swordswoman.

Ais certainly didn't expect the wave of anger from Dea Saint, and as a result, the words she wanted to say died in her throat. He was still bleeding in her arms, evident by the fact that it started to run down her shirt. Unfortunately, the outfit was ruined, but her brother's life was far more important than pieces of clothing. Sorry, Lefiya, Ais sent a thought to the elf who had purchased the clothing. Even surprising still… Ais was caught off-guard by the wave of the Doctor's anger. There's a difference between expecting something and being caught off-guard.

"Give him here… now," Amid demanded. Even if the tone was neutral, it displayed the anger properly.

Breaking out of her stupor, "O-Okay." Secretly, Amid prided herself on the fact that she was able to make a first-tier adventurer scared of her. A little vindictive perhaps, but when a patient's life is on the line… nothing could stop her. "I was… told that it happened."

Amid had just laid Axton on the bed, and paused her movements. Her eyes were glaring fully into him now, whether he knew it or not. Then, all the tension rinsed off her, so much so, that her very posture slacked. "I know what this does, but why did you have to be afflicted with this?" Amid asked herself, but Ais heard it too. She, too, wondered what she meant by 'afflicted'. "Do you know what caused these injuries?"

Just like that, Dea Saint was in place of Amid. Right now, it was just another patient. At least, that's what Amid told herself. Now isn't the time for this, Airmid. Focus on the task at hand. Martha and Bernadette were off today, as they wanted to enjoy the festivities. She wouldn't need either of them anyway. Presumably, he did too, but something happened. Of course, she hasn't gotten the full story yet, but she will, even if she has to interrogate every person who comes through the clinic door. Dian Cecht knew that Amid wouldn't rest until she got her answers. They were like lifeblood to the Doctor. The follow-up questions could easily determine the correct course of action.

Ais looked on helplessly at her brother as Amid cleaned up the wounds. After a moment of silence, Ais answered, "New monsters that appeared. I… I was only told it happened. Loki made sure to emphasize the 'it' when I told you." The blonde was wringing her fingers nervously as the Doctor began wiping away the blood. She finally looked down and while not shocked, stopped her movements to take off the remnants of the jacket to then put it off to the side. "Can you tell me what caused this?"

"No talking."

Amid was serious as she continued to treat him. She was muttering something incomprehensible under her breath as he laid there. "Why do you always have to be the protector? You cannot save everyone, and yet you still try. Where does this make you end up? Right here on my table and one day, you might not survive!" Amid's muttering became whispers before escalating to a scream.

Ais wisely did not comment and she would never admit it, but she was fearful of something else that day. Never make the Doctor become a Mad Doctor. "So… what does this mean?"

"It means that this is your fault," Amid said mercilessly. She was strangely more emotional when it came to Axton's safety. Not to him though… because who was she kidding? He doesn't see her in that way… nope… not at all.

Ais wasn't going to take this slander lying down, "My fault?" The glare she levied against Amid almost made the Doctor reconsider, but she doubled down.

Amid stopped treating the unconscious boy before rounding on the Princess, her eyes searching the golden orbs that she is so often praised for. Just as she was about to throw an insult that would end her career, she saw the look of genuine confusion in her eyes, "You don't know… do you?"

"Know what?" What could she possibly know about my own brother that I do not?

Amid continued with her treatment, gently wiping away the remnants of blood that continued to leak. In truth, she was worried that if it didn't stop, he may be in for a longer coma than intended. So, under her breath, she chanted her magic spell, Dia Fratel. This magic allows her to heal anything such as wounds, stamina, status ailments, and curses within a five-meter radius, meaning it can easily encompass Axton in it. The boy hasn't stirred nor shifted since being set down. "You should go change your clothes. If I am right, I predict that he won't wake up for at least a few days."

"Why?" So much desperation in one word. The tone could almost be taken as pleading, but Ais would do it if it meant she got an answer. No matter what the case may be, she needed to know.

"This isn't the first time Axton has arrived in my clinic due to this. His condition is due to a skill," Amid revealed. When Amid looked over to Ais, she could see that she was trembling. The Doctor placed her hands on the Sword Princess's shoulders. "Around six years ago, he developed a skill, and it was because of you. I only learned of it four years ago. He's been hiding it for this long and told me in confidence and it seems unfair that his own sibling doesn't know. It happened because of… that time. I know you remember."

"Because of…" Ais trailed off, looking fearfully at her brother. She remembers those times, where two highly powerful individuals betrayed the very city they swore to preserve. Even after learning of their motives, it left a mark on not just her, her familia, but everyone who resides in Orario.

"Judging by your reaction, Lady Loki has failed to inform you of your brother's status," Amid said as a fact. "I would not find it surprising if she did not tell the executives. Lady Riveria may be the only one privy to that." A small smirk made its way onto the Doctor's face, despite the mood of the room, "She is the maternal figure in your lives, even if she denies it. Now, go change, and bring Lady Loki here when you are able. I wish to discuss it with her present."

Amid had to usher Ais out of her clinic, which she did so without complaint. "Tempest," Ais said as she dashed away.

Once she was gone, Amid turned to Axton, sat in the chair at his bedside and began stroking his hair, feeling the coarseness and softness of it all at once, "Why must you do this to me?" the boy in question made no reaction to the external sensation.


Ais left the clinic more confused than when she entered. Of course, the real stinger was that Axton was hiding something from her. She wanted to know what it was. Tione and Tiona were still searching the sewers and Lefiya managed to get back to the Manor easily.

Once she entered the doors, she ignored everyone in favor of finding Loki. "Where is Loki?" she asked multiple members, who answered with shaky voices and shaky fingers as they saw the burning anger and rage on her face. The blood on her clothes only made her that much more terrifying. Ais wasn't Ais right now. She was the Sword Princess and she did not like leaving her brother in that condition. Sure, Amid said it wasn't the first time, but why does it feel like it was the first time? Does she not remember when those times were? Or was she not made aware of those times?

Thankfully, Ais did not have to spend much time debating her own memories as Loki herself entered her field of vision, "So, what happened?"

"What is happening to Axton?" Straight to the point, and Ais was on the cusp of being rude, something Loki picked up on.

The Trickster sighed, "Let me get the top three. Sit in my office and I'll bring them down. Was he stable before you left?"

Ais nodded to the latter half of Loki's statement. What she didn't notice was the slight bags under Loki's eyes. For someone who usually doesn't even open their eyes, this is something to be worried about. "She told me that he's had this skill since he was ten. That it developed because of me."

Loki froze in place before turning her head back like a poorly-oiled machine, "Amid told you that?"

"She also said she would like to speak to you about his condition, and I am going too," Ais said, in a rare fit of boldness lacing her words.

The patron goddess sighed, "Looks like he told her in confidence." Loki bypassed Ais as she entered her office. They were already walking in that direction. Loki's office was located on the middle floor, the central point in the Manor. Fitting for a Trickster, but it was actually unintentional believe it or not. The Manor used to not be a Manor at all. Moving on to the topic at hand, Loki sat in her desk chair and dug around in a drawer connected close by. Once she reached inside, she continued, "Listen to me, Ais. What I am about to show is confidential. I know you aren't one to spout secrets, but this is something I have never seen in all my time of residing in Gekai and trust me, I've seen a lot of things that would make your head spin."

Out came a piece of paper, and once Ais saw it, she understood what she was looking at: Her brother's status. Normally, one would think that they would share what they've accomplished, but again—for like the third time—the Wallenstein siblings are not normal.

"If I hand you this paper, I need your word that you won't be upset with him. We don't need you two tearing down Orario because one of you was upset over a secret. After all, you're hiding Avenger from him aren't you?" Loki inquired as she held out the paper.

"He figured it out, actually, so this will make us even," Ais said, disregarding Loki's surprise. In fact, Loki was surprised for more than just one reason. The second was for her casual acceptance and nonchalance. This is what she gets for putting expectations on people.

As Ais continued to read the paper, Finn, Riveria, and Gareth entered the room. Ais heard them enter, but made no motion to acknowledge them. Loki sat patiently with her fingers interlocked under her chin. No doubt that she's read through his high-level five stats, his development abilities, magic, and… his skills. He's got three as of now. Two were normal, but one was… different. Ais's golden orbs widened farther than anyone thought possible. Her hands crumpled the paper in shock. If this wasn't her brother's status page, it would have been torn to shreds. She was upset that he never told her, but with a consequence like that, Ais couldn't find it in her heart to blame him, but he still should have told her. Am I being hypocritical?

"Do you understand what I meant, Ais? He had asked me directly to hide it from you. I quote, 'She doesn't need to treat me like a little kid. So what if I have this skill? I'm still going to stand next to my big sis and fight,' and this was soon after he developed the skill. He was going to do whatever he could to stand with you, even if you disagree," Loki said.

Gareth interjected, "The fighting spirit in that boy is greater than most adventurers nowadays. To have gained that spirit during a challenging time for all of us says something. You understand, right Ais?"

Ais did not respond, still staring blankly at the page.

If anything, the skill was a burden as it was a blessing. Loki stood, staring directly at Ais, "I'll answer your questions when we go to the clinic. You did say the Saint would like to speak with me? Riveria, would you mind coming along?"

"Certainly," the High Elf replied, one eye open.

"Finn, let no one know of this conversation. If anyone asks, deflect it, tell them it's a higher-up concern," Loki said. With the look that Finn was giving her, "I'm not asking you to lie, but to not bring the truth to light. Whether or not he tells the familia is up to him, and based on previous times, he's knee-deep in a coma right about now. Gareth, assist Finn where you're able, and if anyone tries to dig further, you have my permission to train them until they collapse."

""Yes, Loki,"" the two responded once they received their not-orders. One could call them 'forceful' suggestions.

Loki, Riveria, and Ais all left the Manor at a casual pace. Ais almost seemed like she was in a catatonic shock because of the way she stared straight ahead. Doll Princess was making a comeback, but that was because of the description of the skill. "Defends… anyone they… care for?" Is this why he always gets upset when he fails to defend others? How much don't I know about my own brother?! The very thought made Ais feel horrible, unworthy of being his sister. Why can't I be useful? Is this what Lefiya feels like when we defend her? I thought… While an airhead, she does pay attention to the words people say, and some of those words happen to be when Lefiya self-deprecates. Ais's thoughts continued to ramble, but her confidence in being what classifies as a 'good' sibling was shaken, most likely to its very core. However, with every challenge comes a preferable outcome.

Furthermore, she could use a fluffy bunny to hug right about now. Preferably one who was about the same height as her, someone she saved, and one who could accept her breaking her persona… but he wasn't here right now.

As they entered the clinic, they were greeted with a heart-warming sight. Amid was sitting close by, reading a book. Riveria noticed that she was murmuring it under her breath, but the sight made the High Elf pause. It looks like there might be another contender. Loki just grinned, but this was a knowing grin. It seems that both women understood what was happening; not often are Loki and Riveria on the same wavelength. Ais, however, smiled warmly at the sight… until her eyes landed on her brother. She felt those stabbing feelings of uselessness and the smile was gone a moment later.

Amid looked over her shoulder, eyes wide before slamming the book shut and standing in her professional stance, with a rare sight of blushing cheeks. "L-Lady Loki, Lady Riveria, Miss Wallenstein." In truth, she thought she had more time.

"Hello, Saint. What's the verdict?" Loki asked, getting straight to the point.

Clearing her throat, not ridding herself of her flushed cheeks, "He's stable, and will be back on his feet in a few days, possibly less. No, not tomorrow. The injuries he sustained seemed to be minor, but with…"

"His skill."

"...Yes, his skill… the injuries were much more potent. Normally, one would be able to pass off light scratches and minor cuts. A potion and they'd be good as new, but this skill hinders that effect. I've only been made aware because of the trust and bond I share with Ax-the Sword Prince. No one outside of your familia knows besides myself." If anyone noticed her slip up, no one commented on it.

Loki gave Amid a skeptical glance, even though she knew that she wasn't lying. "What about Dian Cecht?"

Amid's eyes lit up with a glint, one that made Loki smile, "He hasn't asked as I play the 'Doctor-Patient' card really well. As a Doctor, I am bound by them to not reveal personal information or afflictions, as that is against the oath I made upon being a Doctor." After all, Amid did not become a Doctor on a whim, she studied and she learned how to handle afflictions. If her knowledge wasn't applied, then it would have been useless to learn. "Throughout the past four years, neither he nor I have found out its name. The only detail that he told me was that 'its name looked like a spinning top that never stops spinning' and he hadn't given it a name."

"Well, I'm here to shed some light on this, and I trust that this will not be spread?" Loki looked sharply at Amid.

The Doctor stiffened, feeling the aura of the room change drastically. Axton, still unconscious, shivered despite being in a coma. While his mind was busy frolicking with something or other, his body reacted just as he probably would've had he been conscious. "Of course, Lady Loki."

Loki sat down in a chair close to Axton and brought her legs up to her lap, "To start off, he developed this abnormal skill just before the rise of Evilus seven years ago. While it didn't appear until a year later, I was the first to notice the symptoms, I guess you could say."

"Symptoms?" Amid asked with a raised eyebrow.

"How his injuries looked worse than they actually were. Sure, he could walk off a bruise no problem, but a cut or a gash, that's another story. I noticed it after he had to pull you out of the Dungeon, Ais. After the fifteenth time, he only just barely made it to the bed before falling next to you. Thankfully, no one else was around."

Mini Ais was fearful, jumping around, trying to pull Ais out of her state, and not because Loki rattled off a number that was probably inaccurate. But Amid's recent words were coming back, how he developed it because of her. Her eyes were locked onto Axton, who still remained unresponsive; he was still breathing, but aside from that... Of course, Ais remembers some of those times where she would have snuck off to the Dungeon, only for Axton to show up and drag her back home. Now that she recalled it, she saw he still had a smile on his face, but only now can she say it was a front. He was always trying to reassure her, keep her company. But what was she doing? Worrying about getting stronger. I really am the worst sibling...

Riveria watched in earnest—shooting a glance at her pseudo daughter—as Loki continued to speak the tale of Axton's unnamed skill. "What does this skill do?"

Loki opened an eye to look at Riveria, "He described it as an aura of sorts. When in range of the person he wants to protect, he feels on top of the world. I'm paraphrasing what he said by the way," Loki cleared up before jumping right back into the explanation, "His status remains the same, but it feels like a key was used to unlock the true full potential of his status. The person he wants to protect was never specified, and he wasn't lying about it either. It seemed like it was a matter of the heart. Ais, what was he like fighting those things?"

The Sword Princess snapped out of her downward spiral, full attentiveness on Loki, "He was agile, ready to spring to where he needed to be at a moment's notice. Faster than me at my peak. He was using Ariel, but it didn't seem to make a difference."

"So, an enhancement of the body?" Riveria mused aloud. Her pensive look made her seem far more regal than usual. Amid, having heard all this new information shot her eyes over to Axton.

Loki asked a question of her own, "Who was there, Ais? You, Tione, Tiona, and… Lefiya. That's it… he was trying to protect her, and because the description of the skill says that the 'user will defend those they care for until the threat has passed…'"

"How far has he come to be like this?" It was meant to be silent, but Amid's thoughts became verbal.

"A long way. All because he just wants to protect those he cares for," Loki laid a hand on Axton's hair, playfully ruffling it. What the three mortals noticed was the soft smile Loki had. "Did I miss anything?"

"Is there anything special about this skill?" Riveria asked. "Something like that must have a great drawback."

Loki took a moment to think before having that 'ah-ha!' moment. "This skill, while great, the injuries he takes are potent. So, the cut he took became much worse." Her eyes narrowed, "I believe this to be a new brand of skill. I've called it a Cursed Skill."

"A Cursed Skill?" Ais asked, her hand trembling.

"Yup. There's no official name, so I came up with one," Loki said without shame. Riveria put a hand to her temple and sighed. She couldn't blame Loki for that one, really. It made sense.

"So what does that mean for Axton?" Riveria was looking at Amid as she asked this.

The Doctor sighed, "Well, with how he came in here and the extent of his injuries, which aren't as bad as they have been. He'll be out for two days at the minimum. Four days maximum. There is, unfortunately, nothing I can do to speed that up. While I did use my magic on him to heal, it does not do anything for comatose patients. He'll have to wake up on his own power."

Loki tapped her thighs with her hands, not the answer she wanted to hear, but the one she had to accept, "On that note, how much do I owe you for this?" Loki expected to give her something, so better ask now rather than be surprised later.

"Nothing, as it is my policy that I do not charge the Familia if the patient is close to death," Amid wanted to say this lightly, but sugar-coating it was never a good idea. So, she was blunt.

Ais bristled at the remark of her brother being close to death. I've already lost Mom and Dad, I won't lose him too. Ais's resolve rose with that very thought.

"Is there anything else that needs to be discussed?" Amid inquired, not trying to be rude, but she does have a clinic. Surprisingly, no one entered during this time.

Loki shook her head before standing up, "We'll check on him in two days. If he somehow awakens before that, then let us know so we can stop him from doing something reckless." Amid nodded in confirmation. "Oh, and if Ais stays here, let her be. I think she'll want to be with her brother for the time being. If she leaves anyway, then follow her," the Trickster told Riveria. The High Elf nodded, but was expecting-

"After all, Mama has to keep her ducklings in a row."

There it is. Riveria bopped Loki on the head before she left. Amid smiled faintly at the sight. Truth be told, she does that to Dian Cecht all the time. For a God, he was pretty greedy. Ais immediately sat by Axton's side, gripping his hand. It was still warm, and it was a welcome relief. Even though she should be upset at him for hiding his skill, she didn't have much room to talk. Amid calmly checked him over once more before leaving the room.

All that remained was Royalty, but for some reason, it felt hollow. Should she be happy that he's fine? Alive? Should she be upset that he's always been the one taking the major hits, ones that she doesn't even know about or recall? What can she do to make it up to him?

Ais stood up, leaned down, and left a kiss on her brother's forehead. He scrunched his nose and a faint smile came to his lips soon after. Brushing her hair out of the way, she left the clinic, well aware of the person tailing her.


When the rest of the familia knew that Axton was in the hospital, most rushed over to see him. Yes, while most were girls, they knew his eyes didn't stray to them. They were betting valis on who would capture his heart. Dea Saint certainly did not expect to have over a few dozen women wanting to see the Sword Prince, especially while he was in a coma for Pete's sake!

Ais, meanwhile, hasn't been seen since last night. She was assumed to be in the Dungeon and knowing she can handle herself. It was only a matter of time. Lefiya was actually one of those people to show up, and Amid had 'fast-tracked' her inside so she could have a moment.

Lefiya herself had figured that he was in the hospital, but she was too scared to go. When she went, she wanted to turn away in shame. Loki had discreetly told her that a skill made him want to protect someone he cares for. Lefiya wasn't dense… most of the time, but even she could put the pieces together. It was a matter of accepting that. So, she resolved to train harder so that he nor anyone else would have to protect her and take the hits. She needed to be trained to do better. A silent promise to herself.

Tione and Tiona each ruffled his hair gently before Tiona placed a gentle kiss on his cheek. Surprisingly enough, the younger Hiryute does have a softer affectionate side. Tione rolled her eyes but knew she meant well.

Amid kept an explicit watch on him and found herself questioning her emotions. Every time she got close to an answer, the same answer, she denied it and herself. It was not her place to think like this. She had more important things to worry about. When will you stop lying to yourself?

The Doctor froze as her own voice sassed her in the back of her mind. Her fists clenched, but her expression did not change. With one final look back to him, she told everyone to leave the clinic. No rhyme, no reason, but Amid knew the real reason. She wanted what she can't have. That doesn't mean she can't be self-indulgent.

When Ais had returned, she saw Amid gently rubbing Axton's head, and reading a book, if only to calm her nerves. Ais wisely said nothing, and sat close by, gently listening to Amid read him a story. Soon enough, Ais fell asleep in the chair. It was the next day that almost descended Amid, Ais, and the Loki Familia into chaos.


A figure was found in the Graveyard, located in the Southeastern district of Orario. They decided to get up and about today, but there was a reason. They walked with a limp and held a hand to their side, right under their right pectoral. Thankfully, they were wearing clothes. They weren't too shredded. They entered in the dead of night, so visibility was down, but it was a path they've walked so many times before.

They did wake up to a pleasant sight though, to see two girls laying on their bedside, but with a pained grimace, they had to slip out unnoticed. Thankfully, with their high status, they made it outside without disturbing them. Before they left, they put a sheet over them to keep them warm. They then kissed their respective foreheads before whispering an apology for the potential worry they were going to give them.

No, they were not stupid enough to go to the Dungeon. Anyway, back to the Graveyard. This figure walked with their eyes half-closed, as it was still physically exhausting to be up and about this late in the night, or early in the morning, dependent on one's point of view, their sleep schedule, etcetera. No matter what, they just wanted to sit down and relax in a place where they could cast off their worries.

As tempting as the coast of Melen was, going there was a hassle because they needed permission from the Guild to leave. Sneaking out was an option, but that would cause some unwanted distress to a few people. An elf came to their mind and the sheer power of their presence when agitated was enough to mollify them. Then there was Shakti, who would understand, but have to play the part of security chief. "I know it's around here somewhere. I see it every time I'm nearby," they whispered to themselves.

No one was around, otherwise, that might be a problem. Not that they expected a fight, but someone may try to drag them back to the clinic, especially if it was one of their familia members. After five minutes of trudging on the main path, each step burning the muscles in their legs, they arrived in front of the grave they wished to be in front of.

In front of them was a massive statue of a man. This man did some things that most considered impossible back then, but he still did them without worrying about himself. The only things he cared about were helping the people, his wife, and… his children. "Why did you have to go?" The figure was talking to the statue like it was another person. "Why did you have to sacrifice yourself? Why did she have to go with you? Why did you send us away?" Why did you have to fight? To add one more question, "Why do I have this skill?" Blinking, they felt something drop from their face. They knew it was tears dropping from their cheeks.

The tombstone, below the statue, read:

Albert Waldstein

The Last Hero

A Man Everyone Aspires To Be

Father, Husband, and the First Adventurer

XXX-XXX

"Dad, why couldn't we have stayed with you and Mom? She could have gotten us away, we could have…" The figure crumpled to their knees, letting their emotions run free, just this once. "Mom's trapped, and you're gone. No one has become that Hero we need. Why did you save us?" Because that's what Heroes do, Axton, they mentally berated themselves.

Axton Wallenstein, son of Albert Waldstein and Aria Waldstein, sibling to Ais Wallenstein, the Sword Prince, was crying like a child. A child who finally had the opportunity to do so. His hand reached out and touched the tombstone, feeling the cold quartz and metal it was made out of. His hand traced over the inscription as he looked up to see his Father's face. "Will we be able to save Mom?"

Even so, the statue did not respond. How could it? It was just an object that resided in this place for almost a thousand years. Unless there was some magic spell that could bring inanimate objects to life to speak, then it was a fruitless task to ask questions that he wasn't going to get an answer to.

He knew he wasn't strong enough to face the Dragon, but he didn't want everyone he knew and had come to enjoy being around to die, but that was just it. Someone he cared for was going to die if and when they fought the Dragon. No one knew where it was, no one's heard anything in over fifteen years when the Zeus and Hera Familias tried to fight it. While unaware of the history of that, there was a piece of Axton that was happy that he nor Ais were present during that. A light breeze brushed Axton's hair, ruffling it.

He paused. It felt motherly. "M-Mom…" he wrapped his arms around himself before sinking further into the ground, blubbering like a toddler. Little did he know, he needed this for years. Axton wanted his mother. He wanted the embrace to surround him, to lull him to sleep as she did once upon a time.

Droplets hit his head, making Axton shiver, breaking him out of his emotional wave. Looking up, he laughed in self-deprecation. He smiled as the droplets hit him, which he now had a valid excuse for his crying if anyone asked. If he had been paying closer attention, he would notice the pattern of the rain. The rain was hitting the statue's face, giving the illusion that the father was weeping for his son.

Axton laughed dryly, "Maybe next time I visit, it won't be under such horrible circumstances…"

Despite the burning in his legs, he stood up and found himself leaning against the tombstone, trying to give it a hug. This was the closest he was ever going to be to his father ever again. "I love you, Dad. I love you, Mom. I love you, Ais." He could only pray that he was strong enough to protect her.

Little did he know, he was the one who needed protection.

I realize how similar their statuses are, with some minor differences, but relatively the same. This is what Ais had read in Loki's office. To Ais's level five stats according to the Wiki, her Ranks were D, D, A, A, and S respectfully. I did say his Endurance was higher than hers, and her agility was higher than his. I don't believe I said anything about their Magic stat, so that will remain the same. The beginning of Chapter 3 is the reference.

Axton Wallenstein

Level 5

Strength = D595

Endurance = C684

Dexterity = A832

Agility = B717

Magic = S900

Hunter = G

Abnormal Resistance = G

Swordsman = H

{Skills}

? (Cursed Skill): When the user desires to defend someone important to them, whether it be subconsciously or consciously, this activates. The user will defend those they care for until the threat has passed. The closer the user is to their desired target, the stronger this 'Aura' will feel. The detriment to using this skill is that injuries received could turn lethal. Use with caution. Passive Trigger. Activated for two individuals.

Punisher: Increases the user's strength with every consecutive hit on an opponent.

Nimble Body: Increases user's agility by a significant margin in a pinch.

{Magic}

Ariel: Enchant type magic that can imbue things with wind. It has been mentioned as being far beyond normal enchant-type magic. Chant- "Awaken, Tempest." or just "Tempest."

Precision Enchantment: Derivative; This allows the user to make small, precise modifications to Ariel's wind to suit the user's needs.