I do not own Danmachi/Jujutsu Kaisen or any other referenced franchise, only my own OCs.

{Thoughts}

"Speech"

Character Sheet / System Text

"Tvs, Radios, Texts, and newspapers…"

(Disclaimers)

*Onomatopoeia*

"Cursed Speech"

[A/N: Hey! I opened up a patr eon! Go to p.a.t.r.e.o.n.c.o.m / AnxietyOverlord if you want to see the next chapter (15k words) early! I'll be posting a few more chapters over the next couple of weeks once I finish editing them, so you'll be getting a couple ten thousand more words!]


Well… Damn.

"... Any chance you didn't overhear anything from inside the room…?" I asked with a grimace as she looked up at my eyes with a sliver of amusement.

"... If I told you that no, I did not hear anything, would that put you at ease?" I see a hint of a smirk on her face and place a hand on my temple.

"Sadly, no." I rub my temples with exhaustion as I beat myself over making such a dumb mistake.

This place is filled with multiple high leveled adventurers that could have easily overheard our conversations if they walked past our door. Talking so openly in a place like this, even if in a private room, is an idiotic mistake.

Where the heck is Bell? Why is he not guarding the front door?

"... Mind if I ask where Bell is?" I try to wipe the grimace off of my face as Ryuu continues staring at me with slight amusement and an indescribable expression.

"He went down the stairs in a rush a couple minutes ago while sweating. When Syr asked him what was wrong he began praying for his goddess's safety and wellbeing." I turn to look at the shocked Hestia behind me as she facepalms and slams her head into her bed.

"I don't have enough energy for this…" Hestia mutters with exhaustion and falls asleep immediately as I take a step forward and close the door behind me while Ryuu takes a step back.

"I see…" What the hell do I do in this situation? I mean… It's not the worst that could've happened, like Syr herself being the one that was eavesdropping or just about any other waitress here.

But I still would've liked it if I didn't make such a dumb mistake.

"EX… does such a thing truly exist?" Ryuu asks with curiosity as I chuckle awkwardly.

"It seems so… I was not aware that it was possible to reach it before today myself." She looks at me wryly with raised eyebrows as I raise mine right back. "I was aware of their existence, not of their achievability. I guess you could say that they were a myth in a story."

She tilts her head and slowly nods.

"I see… This has been… enlightening, Mr. Michael." Ryuu turns to head down the stairs and I sigh before reaching to grab her hand to stop her.

"Ms. Lion…" She freezes at my touch as I grab her wrist. "If it's not too much trouble, I'd like to request you to not spread what you heard today to anyone. I cannot afford to risk the safety of my Goddess and Bell." I stare at her eyes seriously as she stares at mine with widened eyes.

We stare at each other for a few moments silently as the atmosphere turns… weird.

I expected her to either accept, because she's a loner I think, or give a vague answer. Why is she staring at me like that?

"... Tell me, Mr. Michael… What are you?" After a minute of just staring at me, Ryuu eventually speaks again with the same incomprehensible tone she had earlier.

Well isn't that the million-dollar question? Too bad I already prepared for this type of situation!

Not really this situation exactly but, if anyone were to ask…

"I am a Jujutsu Sorcerer." I responded confidently while staring her in the eyes as her eyebrows furrowed in confusion.

"... And what does a 'Jujutsu Sorcerer' do, exactly?"

A lot of things! 90% of them are not possible in this world since… no curses moment.

"... Many things. We drain and store the negative energy of the world inside of us so the world can thrive and progress into a better place. We use that negativity we gather to fight the evils of the world, monsters and otherwise, and protect it from the dark." I try to explain the basic duties of a Jujutsu Sorcerer in JJK while not mentioning the non-existent curses as her face slowly grows shocked and she starts to look at me in a new light.

"I see… I have not heard of these 'Jujutsu Sorcerers' before." I guess there has to be a little bit of skepticism from her for a claim like mine.

I make a show of looking at her for a second before looking down and sighing.

"... The ability to become a Jujutsu Sorcerer is mostly hereditary... I am also the last Jujutsu Sorcerer in this world." Not really true, for the first part at least. Many great Jujutsu Sorcerers are not from a clan, but the big families are definitely at the top of the chain, and people like Gojo would never come out of nowhere.

Ryuu's eyes widen significantly and she looks at me with pity in her eyes while nodding with understanding.

Thanks but I'm totally bullshitting you right now.

"... I see. I apologize if I brought up any bad memories." I let go of Ryuu's wrist as she turned around, giving me her back.

"My past is not audacious enough to hurt me. Do not mind it." I joke a little with a slight smirk as she nods slowly.

"Your secrets will be kept with me to the grave. You need not worry about anything escaping my mouth." I sigh in relief and nod at her words as she begins walking away again.

"Thank you, Miss Lion." I say sincerely as she stops for a second.

"... Please, call me Ryuu. It's only fair considering how I call you by your first name." My eyes widened in surprise.

What brought on this change?

"Very well, Miss Ryuu. Please send Bell up if you see him, and tell him that we're going to have a 'talk'." My amusement must have infected Ryuu because I could swear I saw a small smile on her face as she nodded.

That idiot left the door unguarded despite knowing I was about to have a 'talk' with Hestia, indirectly leading to Ryuu finding out about my status and skills.

Ryuu walks down the stairs and after a minute or two I hear someone scream.

"NOOOOOOOOOOO! WHAT DID I DO!?"

How amusing.

...

...

[Time Release: Timeskip No Jutsu!]

A few days have passed since the Monsterphilia event. Nothing of note has really happened to our familia besides Hestia recovering and returning to our manor.

Oh, well, that and…

– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –

Name: Michael Inumaki

Race: Human (Jujutsu Sorcerer)

Level: 1

Ability Scores:

STR: SS- 1059 — EX- 1500 (MAX)

END: SSS- 1399 — EX - 1500 (MAX)

DEX: SS- 1070 — EX- 1500 (MAX)

AGI: SS- 1108 — EX- 1500 (MAX)

MAG: EX- 1500 (MAX)

Magic:

Cursed Speech:

This magic allows the user to infuse their words with cursed energy to improve the spirit of their commands, forcing all those who hear it to obey.

[]

[]

[]

Skills:

Cursed Energy Manipulation:

The ability to gather, channel, and release Cursed Energy. The greater the Negative energy present, the more energy can be channeled and gathered.

Privative Gathering:

Increased Excelia gained from the gathering of Cursed Energy.

I stare at the most recent update of my status in thought as I review my progress.

Three weeks and a day. That's how long it took me to level up. Counting the fact I didn't go to the dungeon the first day I had the Falna, it took me 3 weeks exactly.

I did also have a couple rest days but… I gain MAG and END just by existing.

Eh. This entire thought process is dumb. No one's getting the progress I'm having, so it's not like I need to be insecure about that one extra day, it's just…

My OCD does not like that extra day I guess.

"Are you finally ready to level up?" Hestia asks from next to me with exasperation as I let out a deep exhale.

This feeling… I'm nervous.

I don't know why. I mean, I maxed out my stats, right? There's nothing I can do to cover my bases more than I've already done.

"Yes… Do NOT pick my development ability without letting me know the choices." I glance at her warningly and she nods seriously.

"Don't worry, I learned my lesson about doing things without saying anything. I'll let you know of all of your choices and then we can decide what to put in." I nod with satisfaction and lay back down on the bed as she climbs on top of me again.

"Here we go… Gosh, I'm super nervous. This is my first time leveling someone up!" Hestia happily does something on my back as I smile wryly.

You're gonna be doing it a lot more, trust me.

A few seconds pass and she suddenly gasps behind me.

"How many? I bet a hundred thousand Valis I have 4 options." Hestia shuffles behind me.

"I bet that you have 5 options. Also, I won the bet. Gimme!" I roll my eyes and pinch her foot as she jumps slightly with a squeak.

"Just tell me the options already. That bet doesn't count if you already know the answer." She grumbles and does something on my back again.

"Well… You have Abnormal Resistance, Mage, Hunter, Mystery, and Spearman." My eyes widen at the last two after she says them.

"I personally think Hunt-" "Mage. I'm taking Spearman and then Mystery after that." I immediately interrupt her as she (presumably) gapes and then smacks the back of my head.

"Let me finish! You can only take Hunter at level 2, and it allows you to fight monsters you've already killed once much easier!" She informs me with a huff as I roll my eyes.

What, you think I don't already know that? I don't need that weakass shit!

"Please. The other losers of this world require this 'Hunter' skill because they're weak and need every advantage they can against the dungeon. The dungeon is literally my bitch. I don't need such a waste of a development skill." Hestia looks thoughtful and stays silent after my rant before sighing and smacking the back of my head again.

"You have a point, but quit with the arrogant 'young master' persona you're doing right now. It doesn't fit you at all." I'm glad she's cultured enough to use all of the things I taught her. Also of course I have a point! I'm me.

"Here… Mage… Done. Wait-" Hestia freezes on my back as I tilt my head in confusion.

What happened?

"It- You can pick another development ability…" Hestia speaks with shock as I blink.

Oh. Why?

"Why?" I voice my thoughts as Hestia lets out a sound of contemplation.

"To be honest, your falna is really weird. It's a lot different than Bell's but I just thought that all mortals may have a different feeling when making a falna. Now though…" She speaks wryly with exasperation as I chuckle.

Maybe something to do with the shell of Toge's soul? I don't know how souls work…

"Choose Spearman. I'll be taking Mystery next level, and Abnormal Resistance if I get to pick two next time as well." I doubt it though? If it is because of Toge's shell of a soul then I don't think I'd be getting another one after this one.

But yet again, I have no fucking clue how souls work.

"At least pick Hunter as I told you now that you get another choice…" Hestia grumbles behind me as I smirk.

"I already told you, I don't need a boost against monsters like the other scrubs around here. Spearman would give me a boost in skill when it comes to using spears as well as better talent and intuition with the spear." I calmly explain my reasoning to Hestia as she sighs and relents.

"One Spearman coming up… Oh are you actually freaking kidding me?!" Wait… Do I get a third choice?

Okay I have no fucking idea what's going on anymore.

"... Just… Just give me Mystery…" I hear her laugh a little behind me and tilt my head.

"Nope. Here, Mister. Look at this!" Hestia pushes a paper on my back before circling it and then pushing it in front of my face.

– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –

Name: Michael Inumaki

Race: Human (Jujutsu Sorcerer)

Level: 2

Ability Scores:

STR: EX- 1500 (MAX) — I- 0

END: EX - 1500 (MAX) — I- 0

DEX: EX- 1500 (MAX)— I- 0

AGI: EX- 1500 (MAX)— I- 0

MAG: EX- 1500 (MAX)— I- 0

Development Abilities:

Mage: I

Spearman: I

Sorcery: H

Magic:

Cursed Speech:

This magic allows the user to infuse their words with cursed energy to improve the spirit of their commands, forcing all those who hear it to obey.

[]

[]

[]

Skills:

Cursed Energy Manipulation:

The ability to gather, channel, and release Cursed Energy. The greater the Negative energy present, the more energy can be channeled and gathered.

Privative Gathering:

Increased Excelia gained from the gathering of Cursed Energy.

Indomitable Will:

Your willpower is your greatest strength. You tread on through life unobstructed by what goes around you, incapable of stopping your march. Manifest your will, conquer and tear, do not be impeded.

"YES!" I yell out in excitement and hop off the bed with excitement as Hestia jumps in surprise and looks at me in shock.

"WHAT?!" Hestia yells in puzzlement, but I ignore her.

I'll even ignore the third development ability just sitting there.

The most important thing right now…

I stare at my index finger with the biggest grin I've ever had in my life as it is slowly coated in black energy and engulfed.

I have been training to try and use this ever since I entered this world. Namely, I've been trying my hardest to manifest Haki, from One Piece, with all of my strength for weeks now.

After all, I'm Toge from Jujutsu Kaisen while being in Danmachi. Why can't I manifest a power from One Piece and make this a triple crossover?

If there is one thing that I knew to be my greatest strength since before all of this bullshit happened, it's my willpower.

I was always and still am too stubborn for my own good and never allowed myself to stop no matter the obstacle hindering me. Since coming to this world, I refused to believe that Toge's abilities would be all that I amounted to.

No.

I am also bringing stuff to the table and I will NOT be riding on the back of the abilities of someone else's body.

"What is that!? Your finger turned black!?" I stop my feral grin with surprise and look at Hestia with a raised eyebrow.

She can see it? Isn't Haki supposed to not be visible and only shown in the anime so people know that it's being used?

Oh wait, I can see it too. I just didn't realize it because I'm used to seeing it in the anime. Also I probably subconsciously thought that I can see it since I'm the one using it.

"You can see this?" I asked in surprise as she stared at me with half-lidded eyes and a wry smile.

"Yes, I can see your newly turned black finger." She states with amusement as I huff and turn my Haki off, revealing my normal finger underneath as she blinks in surprise.

"This power is supposed to be invisible from what I know." I inform her humorlessly as her face does an 'o' in understanding.

"I see. What it do?" Hestia with lazy slang is underrated. I just made a goddess too lazy to speak in full sentences. I am a GENIUS!

"Many things, there are three categories of Haki, the name of the power, namely Armament, Observation, and Conqueror's. The first allows for better durability and strength, the latter gives more awareness, sensory, and danger sense, and the last is… complicated." I explain to Hestia excitedly as she nods in understanding before growing excited.

"That's amazing! Are you sure your Mind can handle the strain of all of that stuff though?" She excitedly begins but turns thoughtful at the end as I smirk.

"That's the best part, this doesn't use your mind." Hestia's eyes widen at me and I continue. "This is all Willpower. Manifesting it? Willpower. Maintaining it? Willpower. It's all about the strength of one's Will." I explain with excitement as she claps while matching my excitement.

I try to cover my arm in it but can only manage a couple fingers before it fizzles out of existence. Sad.

I'll train it though, no problem.

"Wait, is that why you were always staring at your hands while focusing intently in the living room? Were you trying to manifest this power this entire time?" Hestia suddenly realizes and I blush slightly.

I honestly didn't realize that I probably looked stupid while doing that. Like an edgy kid trying to use the force or shoot out fire in middle school.

Oh god. I wanna jump in a fire now.

"Yes. This power should be available to everyone in the world as long as they have the willpower to manifest and maintain it. I will be training Bell to use it from now on, but I'm unsure how long it's gonna take for him to get it down." I mean, I only needed a couple weeks but… I am also the one who knows this power the most in this world.

It also probably helped how much desire I put into getting this, and Falna is all about desire and stuff.

"Oh! Bell can learn it as well? Awesome! I'm so happy to see that both of you can be even a little bit safer in the dungeon now." Hestia jumps to hug me and I catch her happily.

Today is a good day!

Speaking of Bell though…

"I wish to show Bell my status. Now that he's getting closer to leveling up, giving him a goal to go after like my status would benefit him immensely." I suddenly state as Hestia lets go of me and puts a finger to her lip in thought.

"Would he not get… discouraged from the many skills you have?" Hestia hesitantly asks and I stare at her pointedly.

"You should think better of Bell, Hestia. He's too good of a munchkin to do anything other than praise me to the heavens while bragging about how awesome I am. Honestly, I'm more afraid of him spouting something about my status to other people." Hestia blushes in shame for a second before laughing and nodding to what I said.

"That is more likely to happen." I smirk and look at the door.

"Bell! I need you for a second, please come here." Bell materializes in the room within seconds as he stares at me in excitement.

I never asked him to enter the room while I'm updating my status before so he probably put 2 and 2 together and knows what I'm about to show him.

"Yes, Mikey?!" He asks in excitement as I hear Hestia chuckle next to me.

"Sit down-" He immediately goes into seiza without needing another word.

"Right… I have great news, Bell." He stares at me intently as I continue. "I've officially leveled up to Level 2, and I know how eager you've been to see my status for weeks now…" I let my words drag on and pass him the paper with my status written in it as he slowly grabs it like he's holding a signed copy of the Bible, staring at the mere paper in immense awe without even reading what's on it yet.

"You and I are in a whole different league compared to a lot of the other adventures here in Orario, Bell. I want you to look at what I achieved on my first level up and aim just as high as I reached for when you eventually level up as well." Bell's eyes enlarge into the size of dinner plates as he looks up at me in shock.

"1500…? Miss Eina said that 999 was the maximum an adventurer can get in a stat though!" Bell exclaims in astonishment as I smirk.

"It's like I said, Bell. We do not have the same limitations that other adventures have. Others may be limited to only 999 in their stats, but we are not. That's why we will raise our stats as high as we can to abuse our advantage to the best of our ability." Bell's jaw slinked lower and lower throughout my speech and his eyebrows furrowed by the end of it.

"Why do you believe that I can surpass the limit as well? I haven't gotten any stats past 999 yet." He asks me with curiosity and I pat him on the head.

"Our rate of growth is, quite frankly, monstrous, Bell. Both of us should have no business gaining the amount of Excelia we do, and it is precisely because of that giant amount of Excelia we gather that we are able to breach past the limit. Imagine it like this: The 999 limit is a dam there to stop a river flow flowing past it. Excelia gain is the water that is flowing all the way to the dam before hitting it and stopping. Our Excelia gain is magnitudes larger and thicker than other people's, and thus is able to breach past the Dam either by breaking through it or simply flowing above it." I slowly try to explain to Bell my own understanding of how Excelia works as Hestia looks at me weirdly and Bell nods in awed understanding.

"I see. But why do you have multiple development abilities, Mike? I learned from Eina that you can only pick one every level up." Bell asks curiously after taking a moment to digest my paper again.

"I have no idea." Hestia snaps her head to where I am with alarm and I mentally facepalm since I actually do kinda have an idea. "Though the Sorcery one most likely is one I would've had no matter what as I am a Jujutsu Sorcerer. You gain Development Abilities at level 2 though so I was probably unable to use it until now." I thoughtfully explain my theory as Bell nods in understanding.

"But what about blacksmiths and their blacksmith development ability? They don't start with it even if they have previous experience blacksmithing. Why is your Sorcery different?" Hestia asks curiously and I look at her wryly.

You see, blacksmithing isn't imprinted into your soul.

"Good question." I shrug non-committedly and Hestia narrows her eyes.

She's learned to be more perceptive ever since I became her familia member. A blessing and a curse.

"You already have three skills Mikey!? That's amazing!" Bell suddenly exclaims as he looks at the bottom of the page.

"Not really. The first two are something everyone from my clan would have, the last one is the only one that relates to me." I shrug lazily as Bell smiles wryly and looks up at me.

"That's still amazing. Plus, the last one sounds so cool! You have an indomitable will, like a hero!" I look away with a slight blush as Hestia smirks at me.

It's kind of hard not to get embarrassed at such an innocent declaration like that, especially with how he's literally reading my soul right now while saying that.

I miss the days where Hestia just screamed in surprise at my status. Why did I show it to this idiot again?

"Ahem… yes. Now, one thing that comes from this skill is…" I raise a finger in front of Bell as it slowly blackens. "The ability to use Haki, which is a special energy that everyone can learn with enough willpower." Bell lets out a sound of excitement as he stares at my finger and I smugly cover as much of my hand as I can with Haki.

"The dark side of the force is a pathway to many abilities some consider to be unnatural…"

"Woah… Is it possible to learn this power…?"

I slowly turn my head to look at him. "... Not from a Jedi." I answer cryptically as Hestia facepalms.

"Teach me, Master!" Bell requests with sparkling eyes as I nod with radiating smugness.

"Very well, young one. We'll add it to our daily training." Bell suddenly gulps, as if a bad premonition suddenly hit him.

Before we can continue our conversation however, someone rings the bell to our manor… repeatedly.

Who's the dick that's about to be shitted?

"I will answer." I quickly inform Bell and Hestia while putting my shirt on and heading down the stairs.

A quick look with my Cursed Energy informs me who exactly is at the front door as I freeze and sigh in exhaustion.

"… This is quite the party to bring to our little familia, no?" I open the door and state with half-lidded eyes.

I'm greeted by a smirking Loki with her hand on the bell, a Tione trying to pry Loki off, a sheepish Finn staring apologetically at me, a tired Riveria glaring at the floor with exasperation, a panicking Lefiya staring between me and Loki, a curious Ais staring at everything in the manor, and-

"Mikeyyyyyy!" A missile impacts me as I roughly fall to the floor with someone on top of me.

I idly hear an 'oof' from above me alongside multiple exclaims of surprise and concern but I'm unable to make them out over the shifting of the missile on top of me.

"Sorry about that! Didn't think I'd surprise you that hard." I look up to see a brightly grinning Tiona sitting on my stomach.

"… Miss Tiona-" "Stop it with the Miss thing already!" "-Please get off of me. Also, since when did you get to call me by that nickname?" I wryly ask as she pouts cutely.

"You allowed Ais to call you that, why can't I?" She crosses her arms and glares at me as I smile with amusement.

"… Do as you wish, now please get off of me." She giggles and gets off of me as I get up and look at the others.

"… Anyone else here wishes to launch themselves at me in greeting?" I ask with amusement as Tiona blushes slightly next to me and turns to glare at me lightly.

"Haha… sorry about that… Originally it was going to just be me and Riveria visiting you to have a talk but…" Finn awkwardly chuckles and gestures to everyone around him as Ais tilts her head at me.

"Would you like me to?" She suddenly asks as everyone facepalms.

"… No, that will be quite alright. Hestia, we have guests." I call out to the upstairs as I hear some shuffling before Hestia and Bell appear at the stairs.

"Who is it? Wait, who's that with you?" Hestia answers me and points at Tiona in confusion.

The stairs are angled in a way that does not allow them to see the front door, so they're unable to see everyone else that's outside.

"This is Miss Tiona, an executive member of the Loki familia." Bell freezes but is dragged down by Hestia as she quickly runs to the front door.

"The flat board is here!?" She angrily asks as she comes face to face with Loki herself, who's glaring down at Hestia.

"Oh? Is that you Itty-Bitty? I couldn't notice your presence with how short you are." A tick appears on Hestia's face as she moves to respond but is karate chopped on the head.

"Hestia, do not start meaningless fights out of nowhere. Behave." I admonish her with a glare as she turns to stare at me in defiance before quickly looking down nervously once she spots my glare.

Loki chuckles and is about to say something but is quickly smacked on the head by Riveria's staff as the elf sighs with exhaustion.

"Loki, we are currently guests at their familia manor, please be respectful." The trickster goddess quickly cowed under the mama elf's gaze as she nursed the bump on her head.

Riveria and I look at each other with sympathy. Truly, we are kindred spirits.

Bell decides that it's time for him to unfreeze and quickly turns around to run away.

"Trip." I deadpan at him and quickly order as he falls face-first into the ground.

"It's bad manners to run away without at least introducing yourself, Bell. I taught you better." I pick him up by the collar and bring him in front of the Loki familia.

"… Bell Cranel, vice-captain of the Hestia Familia… Also the only other member." I blandly introduce him as he struggles between either blushing crimson or paling whiter than his hair.

"U-u-um… N-nice to m-meet you all." He whispers nervously as I let him go and he immediately bolts up the stairs and away from sight as I turn to the Loki Familia.

They're staring at where he ran with wry smiles.

"… He's kind of shy, don't mind him. Please, come in." I allow them to finally enter and direct them to the living room as they all get seated on the opposite couch of me and Hestia.

Except Tiona, she's sitting next to me for some reason.

"… I dread having to ask this question but as a good host I must ask: Can I get you all anything to drink?" All of them immediately go to answer with varying facial expressions but are quickly silenced by the sound of Riveria clearing her throat.

"No, we will be fine." She smiles pleasantly at me but everyone from the Loki familia sweats and nervously looks at her.

"Can I have some juice?" Tiona whispers in my ear as Riveria turns to her with a glare while everyone else facepalms.

"… Hestia, please get everyone some water and juice." I turn to my goddess as she wryly stares at me before nodding and jumping off her seat to go to the kitchen.

Loki looked like she was about to say something snarky but was quickly bonked on the head by Riveria before she could even say anything.

"… So, how may this humble little familia help you today?" I decide to finally begin talking after Hestia returns with the beverages.

Finn chuckles awkwardly and clears his throat before speaking. "I've been informed that you were present at the plant monster incident during the Monsterphilia event. We wished to ask about any insight you may have gathered about the monsters you fought alongside our members. From the words of Tione and Lefiya, you were able to identify the fact that they were attracted to magic as well as perform some type of decaying effect on the plant monsters as well." Hestia slowly moves her head to me with a dead stare as I continue staring forward unflinchingly without looking at her.

Holy fucking shit, her head creaked like a horror movie.

"… I see. I do not know much, but I can offer what I do know." I quickly let them know to not expect much as I see Finn nod for me to continue with an easygoing smile.

"The monster we fought… was not natural." They all furrow their brows in confusion as I continue. "By that I mean that it was not naturally generated by the dungeon. Or it may have been indirectly created by the dungeon but…" I pause for a second to think as everyone stares at me intently. "It was… similar to the monsters that are birthed on the surface of the world. Not technically created from the dungeon walls, but rather from another similar monster."

I see Finn's eyes turn contemplative as Riveria and Loki share a look before turning back to me.

"And how exactly do you know that, eh?" Loki grins at me while asking her question as Hestia glares right back at her.

Everyone focuses their attention back to me as I raise an eyebrow and cross my arms.

"I do not have a reason to answer that question." I blankly state and dash their hopes of finding out more about my abilities in one fell swoop as they all turn sullen.

"Awww come on~" Tiona whines from next to me and grabs my arm while shaking it with a pout.

"Do you expect me to begin stating how all of my abilities work simply because you asked?" I raise both of my eyebrows this time and stare at Finn directly in the eyes. "Coming to our manor with a party like that and with the desire to learn of my abilities, you're painting a particularly bad image right now."

Finn winces at my words and quickly glances to Riveria and Loki as they both grimace.

"We apologize if it seemed like we were interrogating you, we were simply curious about how you were able to get that information. Is there anything else that you could tell us about these new monsters?" Finn raises his hands non-threateningly with a disarming smile as I snort.

Yeah, okay buddy. I'll let it go.

"... Well. As I've said, the monsters we fought were a byproduct of another monster, and probably much weaker than the original considering how I was able to pull off that little trick your familia members saw. If I had to guess, I'd say that the ones we fought were level 4-5 monsters, while the original could be a level 7 or perhaps even higher." Their eyes widen in surprise at my words and Finn hums in thought at something.

"We've recently fought a powerful monster similar to the ones you all fought on the 18th floor. It was much stronger than the monsters you fought but not strong enough to be placed as level 7. Do you believe it may have been the original?" I barely hold back the urge to eye roll at the question.

He obviously knows it's not the real one but wants to fish for more information.

"... How did such a powerful monster reach Rivira without notice?" I respond to his question with my own question as I hum in 'wonder'.

"... We are not perfectly sure, but a strange orb with something akin to a fetus inside of it was inserted into a monster and the end result was the powerful monster we spoke of." Finn answers with a wry smile as I nod with another hum.

"... There is your answer. The orb you saw was most likely created by the original monster. Though, the implications of the monster being born from a fetus in an orb is quite concerning." Tiona tilts her head from next to me, clearly confused as to what the 'implications' that I'm speaking of are.

It seems Finn himself is unaware of the 'implications' I speak of himself since his eyebrows are furrowed, but he continues nonetheless.

"I see. Thank you for answering, then. I have one more question, though. What was it that you did against the monster that was… decayed? It did not leave behind a magic stone and- forgive me for my rudeness- it was too easily defeated by a level 1 adventurer despite multiple level 5s struggling against it and a level 3." Welp… it loops back around to my abilities, huh?

Oh well. I don't mind telling them a little bit.

"... Hm. As I said, the monsters we fought were not natural like the ones that come from the dungeon. They were however made from the same… life force, so to say. They are very poorly connected to their magic stone and I took advantage of that by simply disconnecting the monster's vines from its magic stone and then the rest of its body." I see Riveria twitch and narrow her eyes at me in annoyance, probably because I said 'simply' like it's something anyone can do.

"I see…" Finn is not bothered though and continues with the same friendly smile of his. "Is it possible to learn this power?" I am unable to hold my snort back as Hestia facepalms again next to me and everyone looks at us weirdly.

"Hey, what's so funny?" Tiona 'whispers' curiously from beside me as I shake my head.

"It's nothing. No, you cannot learn this power." Finn looks to Loki for confirmation as she sighs and shakes her head making Finn turn to me with a strained smile.

"That is… unfortunate." He says simply with a shake of his head.

"Mikey… how were you able to fight the monsters? They were… strong. Too strong for a level 1." Ais suddenly asks me as Riveria facepalms from next to her.

"... That is because I am not a level 1." All heads in the room suddenly snap to me, including Hestia who's staring at me incredulously.

"... I leveled up to level 2 not even an hour ago. Though… I suppose that doesn't really answer your question since I was still a level 1 back then." I turn to look at Hestia and nod to her as she hesitantly nods and looks away.

The room is engulfed in silence for a few seconds before-

Loki suddenly stands up from her seat and jumps at Riveria. "Me damn it! Of course it has to be Itty-Bitty and the damned witch that get their grabby hands on him first. This is unfair! Mama~" Loki cries dramatically as Riveria looks murderous and everyone else facepalms shamefully.

Hestia turns to look at me with alarm at the mention of the 'damned witch' and I lean in to whisper in her ear.

"Later."

She quirks her eyebrows but nods nonetheless.

Tiona suddenly grabs my hand and makes me turn to her as I am abruptly faced with star-struck filled eyes and an excited grin belonging to the one and only amazoness (the flat one).

"You reached level 2 already?! How long have you been an adventurer?" She questions with wonder and awe as I flinch back slightly from the closeness.

She really has no concept of personal space.

"... Three weeks, more or less." I answer with a very uncomfortable neutral face as I do my best to take my hands out of her grip.

Listen, I'd usually be all about a pretty girl holding my hands like that but…

Her face is scary and her grip is crushing. Ow.

"How… did you get so strong?" Oh, Ais is here now.

Ais teleported next to Tiona and is now looking at me with matching anticipation as I stare at both of them with wry half-lidded eyes.

I don't say anything for a few seconds as they continue just staring at me and I eventually sigh and speak. "... First, what's important is to make sure you really stick to this intense training regiment."

Hestia's eyes widened at what I'm about to say and her face planted into the couch in exasperation. Everyone else focused intently on what I'm about to say as I looked at them seriously.

"... Listen, Loki Familia, you have to keep doing it, no matter how difficult it gets." I watch Ais focus on me very seriously, making me almost feel bad, but I continue.

"100 Sit-ups! 100 Push-ups! 100 Squats! And then a 10 km run! Do it Every. Single. Day." They all turn shocked at my declaration as I quickly continue. "Never ever use the air conditioner in the summer, or heat in the winter, so you can strengthen the mind. And of course, make sure you eat 3 meals daily. Just a banana in the morning is fine." I ignore their weird looks and Bell's laughter from the corner he's hiding in as I don't stop.

"In the beginning, you'll wish you were dead. You might start thinking, "What's the harm in taking one day off?", But for me, in order to become a strong hero, no matter how tough it was, even if I was spitting blood, I never stopped." They all stopped their weird stares and suddenly looked at me differently, and I saw Tiona and Finn begin looking at me in a new light after my words.

Loki was just grinning at me, probably catching hundreds of lies in my talk.

"I kept doing squats even when my legs were so heavy they refused to move. Even when my arms started making weird clicking noises, I kept doing pushups." I suddenly stopped, staring seriously at everyone there.

OhshitI'mnotbaldgottaremovethatpart.

"In other words, you've got to train like hell to the point where your hair falls out." I end my speech as everyone stares at me incomprehensibly.

The room is engulfed in silence with no sound being transmitted throughout it… other than Bell, still giggling like a loon from where he's eavesdropping.

"... Also, I'm kidding." I add on at the end and everyone collectively groans.

Hestia giggles from where she's lying down as the Loki Familia glare at me with disappointment.

Ais looks very downcast though and stares at the floor sadly, which starts tugging on my heartstrings.

Damn… I feel bad for getting her hopes up like that.

Oh. I could try to get these guys to learn Haki. They're the good guys, no?

Also it's not like I'm hurting for strength and need to keep a tame card like this one close to my chest. Just Armament should be fine.

"... There is one thing I could teach you that will make you stronger though." I comment after a second and watch Ais's head snap at me eagerly.

I slowly raise my hand in front of me and everyone begrudgingly stares at me with attention again, some less expectant than others.

I surprise them all though as my fingers are slowly enveloped in a black energy as I raise it for everyone to see.

"... This is Haki. It's a power that allows you to coat your fists- and eventually, your weapons- in a durable energy that increases the durability and attack power of whatever is coated." Everyone's eyes widen at my words as Finn stares at me seriously.

"And anyone can learn this… 'Haki'?" I stare at him seriously after the question before turning to Loki.

"Yes, anyone can learn Haki." Finn looks to Loki who nods with a grin before Finn turns back to me.

"How exactly do we learn how to use Haki?" Oho~ I hear his voice turn slightly eager while asking this question.

Damn, must be getting a bit antsy about being stuck at level 6.

"You don't. You simply Will it into existence. There is no other trick to it." I shake my head as Finn turns to Loki who nods with puzzlement.

"... You simply will it in…?" He mutters in confusion as Ais stares at me expectantly, as if waiting for me to say something else.

"... You see, Haki is the power of Willpower. It does not use Mind, stamina, or anything else. It's willed into existence by Willpower and consumes Willpower." Ais's eyes shine and Tiona almost squeals at my words.

"So you can manifest your willpower just like that?" Tiona asks with starry eyes and I suddenly remember that she's still been holding my hands in hers this entire time.

"Yes." I nod my head and she actually does squeal this time.

… Why?

I think Tiona's thing is that she likes heroes, right? Maybe… she thinks that this power is heroic like Bell did?

… You know what. Fine.

"... If you'd like, Miss Tiona… I wouldn't mind if you dropped by my training with Bell. I believe that training with someone capable of using Haki may allow you to get a feel for it faster than otherwise." Oh hello Ais. Yes, that's my personal space, thank you.

"... May I?" Is all Ais says as she stares at me almost pleadingly.

"... You may also come, Miss Ais." I dryly inform her as she smiles slightly with happiness.

"A-ah! M-may I also come?" Lefiya finally speaks up for the first time and stares at me seriously. "F-for training, of course."

I offer her a small nod with a hidden smirk and turn to the others with raised eyebrows.

"... Anyone else wish to drop by?" Tione looked like she was about to raise her hand, but then Finn smiled wryly and shook his head.

"I think we've bothered you enough as is. We'll figure it out on our own from here." Finn gets up from his seat and approaches me before bowing his head slightly. "Thank you very much for all of the information you provided, as well as the information on Haki. The Loki Familia owes you a great debt."

I blink slightly and tilt my head.

I didn't expect such a grandiose thanks. I mean, Haki is a game-changer, sure, but he doesn't even know if he can unlock it or not.

Won't say no to having the gratitude of one of the biggest Familias in the world, though.

"... I see our familias being allies in the near future. Consider this an olive branch extended from our side." Finn's eyebrows raise at what I said but he nods his head nonetheless with a smile.

"An interesting expression to use… 'Olive branch', huh? I understand. We'll keep in contact. Mr. Inumaki."

"... Please, call me Michael." He nods again with a smile as we walk to the front door with everyone tightly packed behind Finn in a group.

"Don't worry Mikey! I'll come to visit soon like I promised! Oh!" Tiona suddenly moves her face right next to my ear and whispers. "I didn't tell anyone about our secret. Hehe."

I facepalm.

Everyone in the Loki familia snaps their head to where Tiona is and stare at her with narrowed eyes.

"... Miss Tiona… Everyone heard you." She blinked at me before turning around to see her entire familia staring at her suspiciously while she sheepishly laughed.

"Hehe… Nothing to be heard or seen here! AnywaysbyeMikeyseeyousoon!" Tiona suddenly dashes out of the door and runs away at groundbreaking speeds.

"Come here and tell me what secrets you've been keeping from me!" Tione yells in outrage as she stomps full speed after her sister.

I stare at the ruined front porch of my house silently as Riveria facepalms and Finn grimaces.

"Err… Send the repair bill for this our way. We'll handle it." He apologetically smiled at me as I nodded slightly.

"The 'secret' she's talking about is a harmless thing to do with my familia. You needn't worry about it." Finn looks at Loki who nods with a weird expression and he turns to me with a smile.

"I understand. Thank you for your hospitality, Michael." I nod to him one last time before they walk off and I close the door.

"Alright mister! Explain!" Hestia immediately jumps off of her couch and points her finger at me accusingly.

"... They can still hear you, Hestia." Her eyes widen and she puts her hands on her mouth, blocking them.

"... I said hear, not see." She glared at me and took her hands away as Bell poked his head out from underneath the stairs.

"T-that was scary…" Bell mutters as Hestia goes to shush him but I raise my hand to stop her.

"They're gone now. Anything they could pick up would be drowned by the sound of the blacksmiths of the Hephaestus Familia." She exasperatedly glares at me.

"What's the difference between now and 5 seconds ago when I said something?" I turn to her with raised eyebrows.

"The difference was that you spoke when they were literally at our front door. A couple seconds later and they were already on the road." She harrumphed and crossed her arms while looking away.

"Whatever... Now, explain yourself!" I sigh with audible fatigue as she points at me dramatically once again.

This is gonna take a while…

[Elsewhere…]

"So… What'd ya think?" The obnoxious laid-back voice of Loki asks with a grin as the eternal shota looks at the group in thought.

Tiona is currently being choke-holded by her sister as Riveria glares down at the poor amazoness while Ais and Lefiya stare at Tiona with interest.

"... Are you sure that recruiting him into our familia is a bad idea?" Finn asks while turning away from the girls' shenanigans and staring at Loki with a sheepish smile.

Loki snorts and rubs the back of her head lazily with one eye open. "If he was interested in joining I would've done it in a heartbeat even if it meant clashing with 'her'. Seeing as he seems to have no interest in joining, however… Forcing him would not be worth it." Finn lets out a disappointed but understanding sound as he nods and turns back to the girls.

"It's unfortunate, but having an ally with… his utility and knowledge is great as well. Though it's quite strange how he seemed to have 'extended an olive branch' as if he was the one investing rather than us." He smiled slightly with amusement at Loki's snort. "It's quite the first being the one 'invested' in rather than the one 'investing'. If I didn't know better, I'd say he was pulling a power move." Loki's grin widens as she lets out a loud laugh and Finn turns to look at her with a raised eyebrow.

"Care to enlighten me on what's so amusing about what I said?" Loki shakes her head and stops laughing before looking at Finn with one eye open.

"That was a power move. Michael truly does believe that an alliance with us is not necessary, instead, it's a mere convenience." Finn blinks in disbelief at Loki's words and stares at her face looking for any sign of deceit.

Until he remembers who Loki is and gives up on that action with a sigh, instead just taking her words at face value since he has no other choice.

His smile turns strained while staring forward. "... I don't even know how to feel about that. I understand that he's leveled up in only 3 weeks but… he's only one person. Does he truly believe that one of the top familias of the world with a dozen First-class adventurers is not a worthwhile ally?"

Loki hums something in contemplation for a second before eventually speaking. "I don't believe that he doesn't see us as a 'worthwhile' ally. I believe that he may think that the flaws of allying with us are barely mitigated by the gains. After all, a small familia like his being in cahoots with us makes them a clear target for all of our enemies." She pauses for a second. "Though I honestly think he really does see our familia as a convenience to be allied to rather than a giant boon." She continues with a grin as Finn sighs amusedly.

"... Quite an interesting character, huh?" Loki nods and they both turn to the girls again just in time to watch an interesting scene.

"F-fine! I'll tell you… o-our secret…" Tiona tearfully exclaims as Tione smugly releases her head from the chokehold and Tiona darts away from her while rubbing her neck to soothe the pain.

Everyone focuses intently on Tiona as she pouts with tear-stricken eyes and a fierce but resigned glare.

"U-um… When I followed him after our fight with the new species, we saw his younger familia member fighting a silverback while defending their goddess… Instead of saving him and killing the Silverback, he only stepped in when his familia member was about to take a particularly bad hit. When I asked him why he didn't interfere, he told me that his familia member was having an adventure and that he wouldn't interfere unless they were about to be lethally injured. He then asked me to keep it a secret so that the boy wouldn't know and I agreed…" She sniffled and pointed at everyone accusingly. "Now I had to go back on my promise because of you all!"

She's ignored as Riveria hums and makes her way to Finn and Loki while Ais and Lefiya smile apologetically at Tiona, with the latter being the more expressive one.

"How interesting…" Riveria notes as she looks at her goddess and Finn. "The younger boy, 'Bell', has only been an adventurer for about the same time as Michael, yet he can fight a Silverback already…?" Finn's eyes widen slightly in realization as he lets out an 'ah'.

"I didn't even process that part yet, I was too distracted by Michael leveling up in only 3 weeks." Finn admits it with a weak smile as Loki laughs.

"Something got past our little captain? Impossible!" She's ignored by the Captain and Vice-captain as Riveria speaks again.

"Do you think that… they may have a way to increase growth speed? One can be seen as good luck on their goddess's part, but two? If Michael's confidence is anything to go by… I do not doubt that they must have something… a secret card, perhaps…" Finn and Loki sweatdrop at Riveria's intensity as she glares at the air with focus.

"Well… I wouldn't say they have a 'secret card' but… If Michael is so calm about giving us such a powerful skill like Haki… There's no doubt he has more of that." Loki and Riveria nod at his words and the other girls that were 'eavesdropping' perk up at his words. "Ais, Lefiya, Tiona." Finn suddenly calls out as the ones called stiffen.

"When you're training with Michael, I want you to be on the lookout for anything he may be teaching his younger familia member that seems… odd." Finn instructs as they all pause hesitantly.

"Ah, don't worry. I am not asking you to spy on his familia. If he shows something while you all are there, then he does not care if it's seen or not. I am merely asking you to be alert." They all breathe out a sigh of relief and nod seriously to Finn.

"We got this, Captain!" Tiona salutes Finn 'seriously'.

"Y-yes! We won't let you down." Lefiya also nods seriously while psyching herself up and matching Tiona's energy.

"... Okay." Ais simply nods slightly, missing the look she gets from the sweatdropping Lefiya and Tiona.

"Great. I'm glad you all have no misgivings about my request." Finn does his bishounen shota smile as Tione squeals and Loki chuckles.

Ais stays silent for a few minutes as the group walks through the streets of Orario before eventually speaking. "... What can I do to get Michael to teach me his method of fast growth?" Her sudden words cause Riveria to freeze before sighing and palming her face into her hands.

"That's not an easy thing to ask from someone, Ais. Their method of fast growth is probably their biggest trump card right now… I honestly cannot think of anything we can offer them that would be worth giving up that card." Ais sadly slumps at Riveria's words as Riveria dies a little inside.

"Hehe~ I can think of one thing we can offer that'd be worth it." Loki giggles perversely while staring at Tiona intensely, causing the Amazon to back away from Loki warily.

Ais suddenly materializes in front of Loki while staring expectantly at her, but before Loki can utter a single word, she's bonked on the head by Riveria while Ais is dragged away from the Trickster goddess.

"Owie…"

Riveria sighs exasperatedly at the pouting Ais that turned to face her with puppy dog eyes. "... Haah… In time, we may be able to find something to trade for his techniques, Ais. Just be patient." Ais's pout lessens slightly but remains present as Riveria pats her head.

"Okay…"

[Mike POV]

"-and that's why we're going to have to fight the strongest Familia in Orario in the future." I finish off my explanation as the husk of Bell's body falls to the ground lifeless and Hestia collapses alongside it while in tears.

"ᵂʰᵃᵗ ᵈᶦᵈ ᴵ ᵈᵒ ᵗᵒ ᵈᵉˢᵉʳᵛᵉ ᵗʰᶦˢ…" I hear Hestia's weak voice mutter while sobbing as I roll my eyes.

She's such a drama queen.

"While you guys do your whole 'shocked' drama, I'm going to go to the guild to announce my level up." I turn around and make my way out of the house, leaving the sobbing Hestia and lifeless Bell to do their thing on the ground as I close the door behind me.

In a couple of minutes of walking through the now familiar streets of Orario, I find myself in front of the gigantic building of the Guild as I take a step in and beeline to my resident elf guild advisor.

Eina seems to be talking with one of her co-workers but turns around just in time to see me approaching her as I see her face suddenly light up and smile.

"Mikey! It's good to see you again! You haven't dropped by the guild in a few days and Bell said you were busy exploring the dungeon more than usual for some reason." Oh, he did? I mean, I was using more time to grind since I really wanted to level up soon.

"Ah, I apologize for not coming to see you more often in the last couple of days." Eina's eyebrows twitch and a light pink color dusts her cheeks. "I'll make sure to visit you every day from now on." I continue 'innocently' as Eina shakes her head in exasperation.

"... You are insufferable." She rolls her eyes and stacks a bunch of papers on her desk before placing them in a drawer and moving away from the guild desk. "Have you at least been safe in your dungeon delving?"

I smirk as she leads us to a private booth, not answering her until we enter the room and she closes the door behind her. "Yes, I've been as safe as one can be in the dungeon. Perhaps even more so, I'd say." She looks at me weirdly for only a moment before shaking her head, already used to my cryptic words and antics.

"I've also become a lot safer now that I'm a Level 2." She froze.

No like, literally. She's frozen.

She's just standing there.

Unmoving.

Unresponsive.

I think I broke her.

"... Eina?" I call out with concern and slight amusement as her frozen figure does not respond.

This is… a bit too cartoonish for reality, isn't it?

Do normal people actually just stop functioning after worldview-breaking news?

I move to Eina's side and poke her cheek a couple times to see if she's gonna react.

She's not reacting.

"Oh no… What perverted thing should I do to take advantage of this situation…?" I ask dryly as Eina comes back to life and jumps away from me with a massive blush and a scathing glare.

"YOU-" She stops and lowers her voice before continuing. "W-what the hell did you say?" She asks in a lower but grave voice as I put a hand to my chin in thought.

Is she asking about my level or my perverted comment?

"Both!" She answers my question without me having to ask it.

I shrug. "I've leveled up today and came here to inform the guild of that, but you suddenly froze and became unresponsive. I had to find a way to break you out of your stupor." I nod to myself wisely as Eina facepalms and groans.

"... How…"

"I'm built different."

She facepalms again.

"What does that even mean…" I smirk smugly.

It means what I just said! I'm built differently! That's simply the truth.

"I don't know what to tell you, Eina. I am simply built different. That is all there is to it." I tilt my head slightly to further convince her of my 'confusion' as she looks at me unamusedly.

"How- Remind me, how long ago did you register in a Familia?" She groans and pushes her face deeper into her palm as I 'thoughtfully' hum.

"Three weeks, more or less." Ignore the one extra day! Please! My OCD is killing me!

"... You do realize I need to check your Falna to ensure that you're speaking the truth? Even if I know you wouldn't lie to me." She quickly adds on at the end as I roll my eyes.

"To think I trusted you with Bell… you're even going after me too? Asking me to take off my shirt so you can 'inspect' my back… Have you no shame!?" Eina blushes crimson and groans again, throwing a box of tissues at me as I snicker and dodge.

"It's not like that… Damn it, you're just like my co-workers! Always teasing me… Just take your shirt off." Eina complains frustratedly before realizing the last thing she said as I chuckle mischievously.

"Wait-" "Oh my, Eina… So demanding…" I make a show of covering myself up shyly as Eina groans again in embarrassment.

"Why are you like this…" How dare you?

"I'm quite amazing, thank you very much." I take off my shirt as Eina deadpans at my words before sighing and getting up to check my Falna.

"I only need to look at the level, so you don't need to worry about me knowing any secrets on your Falna." Eina tries to reassure me as I roll my eyes again.

"Eina, I literally trust you with knowledge about my magic and ridiculous Drop Item gain. I wouldn't mind showing my sheet to you if it was necessary, I know you wouldn't tell anyone anything." Eina blushes at my words and bashfully smiles. "That is, if you don't just scream out everything I tell you in surprise."

Eina punches me in the ribs (I don't feel it) while pouting with a deeper blush.

"I've apologized numerous times for that time!" She exclaims ashamedly as I raise an eyebrow.

"'That time'? Don't you mean 'those times'?" She punches me again, which I still don't feel, and grumbles something as she traces her hand on my back.

"Whatever… Let's see…" She stays quiet for a while as she looks at my back, making me tilt my head with raised eyebrows.

"That's a lot of time for just reading my level, y'know?" I glance back to see her roll her eyes with a slight blush at being caught.

"You said you were fine with me looking at your sheet, so I thought you wouldn't mind…" I snort and shake my head exasperatedly.

"It's fine, just make sure to keep it between us." I physically feel her aggressively nodding her head before she gasps.

"Three development abilities…? And if I'm not wrong… Three skills? I'm not good enough at reading the Falna to know what they are but… Incredible…" She sounds almost breathless after reading my status as I smirk.

"Do you think just anyone can level up in 3 weeks?" She smacks my head in a way similar to my own goddess.

"Don't get too arrogant now, Michael. I wouldn't want you to lose your life in the dungeon to overconfidence." Her tone is serious and pleading as I nod seriously to her.

"Don't worry, I'm always on guard when in the dungeon. You'll need not worry when it comes to me." I reassure her with a small smile as she pats me on the shoulder and moves away.

"I won't ask what your development abilities-" "Mage" "-or skills are- Oh. Well, that was a good choice."

She brightens up once I share with her one of my Development Abilities, probably happy that I told her one of them.

It'll be obvious anyway since a magical circle will appear from now on when I cast magic- wait.

"Eina, do you mind if you help me with something?" She tilts her head at me and nods in confusion.

"Of course, what can I help you with?" She sits up seriously and I almost feel bad.

"Look at me." I order as her eyes snap to my face, slightly widened.

"Did a magical circle of any kind appear?" I ask as her eyes widen even more in understanding.

"Ah! Your… uhm… Seal." She pauses for a minute while knocking on her head for a second. "I believe it was called the Snake and Fangs seal…" I nod. "Yes, it glowed purple for a second, but I did not see a magic circle."

Interesting.

"Thank you for your help, that was very informative." She bashfully shakes the back of her head with a smile.

You're not an anime MC, what are you doing?

"It was no problem. All I told you was that your seal glowed." She humbly stated as I shook my head.

"This test also let me know that I can use 3 words in a command now. Maybe even 4 since I didn't feel too strained." Her face gains a look of realization and her mouth opens in an 'o'.

"I see. Good to see that your powers are improving!" She happily chirps as I nod my head.

"Now, back to business. Do I need to fill in anything now that I'm a level 2?" Her face becomes thoughtful for a moment before nodding and standing up.

"I need to get some papers for you to fill out and then you're good to go." Eina stood up and left the room for a few minutes before returning with some papers.

"Make sure to stay careful from now on, Michael. Many will not be happy with your fast growth. Make sure Bell is safe as well. People may try to target him to get to you." Eina advises me as I begin filling out some papers.

"Bell will level up in a few weeks himself so I won't need to worry about fodder trying to attack him to get to me." Eina freezes but immediately thaws out of her stupor with a sigh at my words.

"I don't know how to deal with you…" I look up from the papers and raise my eyebrows at her as she raises hers right back.

"I wonder when the next time you'll yell out sensitive information I tell you will be?" She blushes crimson and throws a pillow at me while groaning.

"I hate you…" She whines pathetically.

Pathetic.

I grab the pillow I Ultra Instinct'd and place it next to me while smirking at the grumbling half-elf.

We sit in silence for a few minutes as I fill out all of the papers I need to do. Mainly ranking up our familia because we have a level 2 now.

Funnily enough, we won't be able to rank up again even if I become level 3 until we have at least 6 familia members.

Oh well. Fewer taxes.

I put my pen down and stand up as Eina looks up from the papers she was reading.

"It's been a pleasure, as usual, Eina. Unfortunately, I have things I need to sort out now that I've leveled up, so I must be on my way now." I incline my head to her as she nods with a smile before I exit the booth with my hands in my pockets.

Time to prepare for the storm.

As I walk out of the guild nonchalantly, I do not notice the malice-filled eyes staring at my back.

Or do I…?


Sorry about the lack of chapters in the last couple of weeks. I've had a rough few weeks as I revised all of my written chapters (2 not counting this one bc I had to delete 2 others after some changes), and am still in the process of editing those 2. Please expect a bit more tardiness for the next chapter, I apologize.

I'm aware that some of you may think that sharing Haki with the Loki familia is a bad idea, and I can admit that it may be a bad idea in some parts since they come to blows with the Hestia familia about the Xenos later, but you have to remember…

Michael doesn't know that.

He never got that far.

For right now, Michael believes them to be the 'supporting cast' to the Hestia familia for when they eventually fight the Freya familia (not right) and the OEBD (probably true? Idk what the author for Danmachi has in plan).

He thinks that giving them Haki this early would help since he doesn't know if they can learn it fast enough later once he's higher level since he knows that the author plans for the series to end in 1 year, and by that logic, the OEBD to be dead within a year.

Therefore, the earlier he gives them Haki, the more help he'll get from them. (by his logic)

It was also a plot device to get the Loki familia closer to Hestia familia bc Omori seems to really not want them interacting if volume 18 is anything to go by.

Anyways, reviews time!

Yukiiiiieeee: Thank you! Glad you enjoyed.

Herox100: Thank you. I ate cake for my birthday so it was a very happy one indeed.

Nugget O Awesome: The fact you accidentally posted your review too early made me laugh my ass off, glad you're enjoying though lmao. Toge's memories are not part of the package, but I guess the best way to describe this would be like a 'Toge Google' is inside Mikey's head that he can ask for info at times. Though one thing that IS part of Mikey is muscle memory. Take that how you want. As for the challenge thing? We'll have to see.

GoTeam: Glad you're enjoying and unless Mikey gets drugged up on Horni energy and CE, it probably won't happen? Who knows. (me)

Walkmanapprenticewordsmith: Thank you! People from QQ told me the same thing, except they told me to suck it after I gave them the chapter on my birthday.

BingbongBingity: Glad you're enjoying. Though I'm a bit confused as to what JoJo has to do with this fic thank you nonetheless.

son of wind: Thank you! Glad you enjoyed.

T-B-R: Happy you enjoyed the newest chapter. Also, Ryuu was there for a good bit, but not all of it. Where exactly she appeared? I'll leave it to your imagination.

UoDuh: I hope I go far with this story as well, and I'm happy you enjoy it. I apologize for the inconsistent posting schedule, I am dealing with quite a bit of… stuff.

Deicide: Indeed my friend. Glad you enjoyed the scenes in that chapter as well as the horni.

Issei Uzumaki: Most people actually hate their interactions but I'm glad you enjoy them. I was mostly going for 'sibling bickering' when it came to them.

OmniscientReader: You too- aw shit. Jk Thank you!

Crimson Division: Thank you! Also I was totally channeling my "Tatakae… TATAKAE!" energy when writing Bell fighting scenes. And Mikey's totally a freak this chapter. Horni power go crazy.

T149Man: Glad you enjoy the MC!

Nero GristFam: Keep hoping… I need all the hope I can right now homies.

Nm707512: I'm sad you see it that way, and yes many people have noted their dislike about Hestia's favoritism to me. It was supposed to be a gateway for character development later on but it annoyed people so much I had to nip it in the bud earlier than I planned.

Resurrection99: Thank you!

FAKE-ROB: Thank you very much.

Gwynx: Sus, Amogus. Thank you and I'm glad you enjoy it.

Guests time.

Guest 1: New chapters incoming! ETA: 3 weeks. Probably. Hopefully. Maybe less maybe more.

Guest 2: Thank you! I think. That sounded almost passive-aggressive.

Wow, lots of reviews today. Almost 500 words of me just replying to them.

Anyways, that's all! Thank you all for your time! Review, favorite, follow, all that good jazz. Bye Bye~

See you all later!