Chapter 58:

"I cannot keep this baby Poseidon," said Hera. "Even though I fought for this child, it would be…unwise to bring it with me."

The God of Seas stared on in confusion. "I did not even realize that you and Zeus had a child. How in the world did you manage that?"

Hera's face contorted in disgust. "I did not have the baby with my husband! It's from the children in our Familia. The father is one of Zeus's, and the mother is one of my dear children." Her face softened. "The poor girl didn't live long past the birth."

Hera finally looked down at the baby swaddled in cloth in her arms. "The father was lost in battle with the One-Eyed Black Dragon. This is all that remains of their family. This child and her brother." Hera sighed. "I did not want to separate them, but you know Zeus."

The two of them shared a look before Poseidon nodded.

"My brother is a good leader but leaving him to raise a young girl…and if the mother was from your Familia, I imagine she was quite the beauty," responded Poseidon. "Still, I don't like the idea of separating siblings, especially when they're the only family they have left."

Hera frowned. "Zeus demanded that the boy be left behind." The frown deepened. "In fact, he seemed happy to separate them." The Goddess struggled not to squeeze the baby in her frustration. "It all happened so suddenly. One of my children was their aunt, but she ceded any responsibility."

Poseidon grunted.

"The last of my Familia went with me while Zeus scattered his to the winds, taking the boy into hiding," explained Hera. "But none of that matters; what matters is that I cannot raise the child on my own." She smirked. "Despite my domain being that of family…I don't think I am in any place to raise a child."

"And I am?"

Hera shook her head. "Not you, but your children are more than capable. I have heard sad rumours about your Vice Captain. This could be the child she could not have."

The baby gurgled, a light chiming sound.

Poseidon considered the option. He was quiet for a minute, eyes focused on the child. Finally, he nodded. Before Hera could shove the baby on him, though, he raised a hand.

"I will take her on two conditions," he commanded. "First, I will tell her exactly what you told me about her brother. Two, that when she grows up, I will let her see her brother when she chooses. I will not try to control the tide."

Hera laughed, and the baby gurgled. "That's perfect!" said the Goddess. "That'll really get my husband's goat. I agree."

Gently, the deities passed the little one between them. Poseidon finally got a good look at her and her snowy white hair. The child's eyes were open, and they were a deep crimson red. She was almost inquisitive as she reached up with a tiny hand, grasping for God's beard. He chuckled.

"A curious one, then? An explorer after my own heart? Yes, I believe that you will fit right in with my crew," said Poseidon. He looked up at Hera. "Did the parents say anything about their future?"

Hera nodded. "They made one demand; that the children choose their own destiny. If the girl wants to become an adventurer, she can. If she doesn't, she should not be pushed towards that path."

Poseidon nodded.

The two parted ways soon after. There was much more they could have said, but they both recognized that their time was over. Orario, and the adventures around it, was not for them. A new age was here, and it would be up to the children of Loki, Freya, Astraea, and the others, to see it through. Hera was going to lie low and try to rebuild her Familia. Poseidon was going to try and protect the seas.

Stories surrounded the seas. Sailors talked about an underwater Dungeon-like area, the last of the three great frontiers. They spoke of islands with settlements, Familias prospering quietly in seclusion, and monsters the size of buildings in the water. And at the heart of this mythic territory was the fabled Atlantis. A city that shone as brightly as Orario, where explorers made port before tackling the unknown depths. What is the name of this unexplored region? The Trench.

If such a place, and the monsters within, existed, Poseidon would find it. And now this little girl was going with him.

As the Years Go By:

By Poseidon's own estimation, it would take years to find the Trench. The Poseidon Familia would have to stop in fishing villages, talk to superstitious common folk, and even bribe drunken gods. So, Iris Cranel learned to walk with the rolling of the waves. She fell more often than most babies, but she slowly found her way. By age three, she could move between the decks of any ship. And when she learned how to move, she learned how to work.

Seeing a tiny toddler zipping around the decks, carrying what little items or messages she could, became a common sight in Poseidon Familia. And as she grew, so did the number of tasks she did. When her fingers were nimble enough, she was taught sailing knots. When her mind was sharp enough, she learnt how to navigate using the stars. Her young mind was moulded by the experiences around her.

Eventually, though, Poseidon Familia found the Trench and even Atlantis, but that would not be the end. Now, they had to become part of the people. So, Iris ran through the streets of the city, passing messages. Poseidon gave her a status to protect herself, and her Familia taught her self-defence moves. Her body became more robust and agile, and she learned to move differently than everyone else. She was small and lithe and realized how that could be an advantage. Her uncles, the many Familia executives, taught her how to fight, and Iris got stronger.

Her adoptive mother taught her how to read and write, and she grew up on stories of past glories. She loved her adopted mother and spent a lot of time following her. So, Iris Cranel was privy to many meetings that little children should not have been.

"We acknowledge the good that your Familia has done," said Pele, leader of the Council of Deities that governed Atlantis and the nearby islands. "But that does not mean that you are in charge."

Calypso sighed, and Iris could hear the barely contained frustration. Even though they were the strongest Familia around, Poseidon forbade any abuse of power. Anyone caught misusing the locals would have their status sealed and be kicked from the Familia. While Iris knew Calypso agreed with this fundamentally, she also knew that her Mama didn't like taking orders. Or when her advice was being ignored.

"I apologize for my insolence," said Calypso through gritted teeth. "But we are experts on monster hunting, and our patrol patterns have never been proven wrong."

There was a low chuckle. Iris could feel the shiver go up her spine.

"Well, little Lady," began Baron Samedi. "While that might have worked when you protected the port city of Melen and Orario, I think that you'll soon find that Atlantis is a different beast entirely."

Iris peered out from behind Calypso. Most of the Gods on the council were only around for fun or reputation, but she knew that some were serious players. Pele led the committee, of course, and Baron Samedi governed the swamps and marshes on the island's outskirts. Then there was Lady Yemoja, who was in charge of the island's medical supplies and healers. Lords Raijin and Ao Kuang were responsible for the city's defences and exploration. Finally, Nanshe, the Goddess of Fishing, managed the island's economy and food supplies. Every other God answered to them, everyone except Poseidon, that is. No one knew what to do with him and his Familia, though. Some were still afraid; after all, it wasn't every day that a large armada of adventurers, filled with level fours, fives and even some sixes, showed up on their island. And that wasn't even accounting for their Captain, a monster on par with the legends of Zeus and Hera Familia.

"Of course, Baron Samedi. Lord Poseidon just wants to make sure that you understand every tool and resource is here for you, including our expertise. By your leave, we will return to our God," said Calypso, bowing.

Pele nodded. "Of course, please give Poseidon my regards."

Calypso left, her cloak billowing as she walked. Iris followed, throwing back a final look at the Deities. No one seemed to pay her any mind except for Baron Samedi, who winked.

When they were outside, they found an Adventurer waiting for them. He was Maui, the greatest adventurer of Atlantis before the arrival of Poseidon Familia. He was the only level six in Atlantis that wasn't in Poseidon Familia and the Captain of Pele Familia. He was barrel-chested, tanned, and seemed to always be smiling. He and the Captain had become best friends since their arrival. The two were often found drinking together.

"Told you they wouldn't listen," said Maui. "People here have found their own way of doing things here and aren't exactly open to foreigners."

Maui walked off but rustled Iris's hair as he left. The little girl smiled at him as he left. Calypso watched him go and shook her head.

"We're in over our heads, little one," said Calypso. "If we're not careful, we'll be washed out to sea."

The two made their way home.

Five Years Later:

Now Iris was ten and out on one of her first big expeditions. The boat was new, only just finished. Her stats were all past D now, which meant she was cleared to go out and try to level up. Apparently, in the Trench, few monsters were challenging enough for adventurers to fight one-on-one. Instead, a crew of hopeful fighters would leave together, searching for something big enough for all of them to fight, and they would try to acquire their feat together. So, the crew on Iris's boat was a mixed bunch from different Familia. They had been training together in preparation for this day, but their knowledge of each other was minimal. The ship was one of Poseidon's own designs.

After much deliberation, the Council of Atlantis decided that Poseidon Familia would serve two purposes. The first was to hunt down the giant monsters that often swam up from the depths. These leviathan class beasts could pose a serious threat if left unchecked, but Poseidon Familia had already defeated the original sea monster. These other creatures were guppies in comparison. They would go out and cut down these beasts before they could be a threat. The other purpose was to help manage the large port and ship-building communities. Working with the Guild for so many years had given the Familia a unique perspective on these matters.

"Now, you need to be careful, got that?" said Calypso for the fifth time. "Your status might be ready, but you're still lacking in skills and magic."

Iris rolled her eyes. "I know, as you've pointed out multiple times. Do you think I can't handle it?"

Calypso bopped her on the head. "I know that you can handle it. The problem is that you know that you're good, but this isn't just about you." She gestured to the rest of the crew. "For the next couple weeks, you'll be in their care and them in yours. Watch each other's backs, come back…."

"…and be prepared to sing about it," said Iris.

The phrase was a common one in Poseidon Familia.

Personally, the young girl was excited beyond all reason. She had just been given a chance to finally do something with her life. Growing up on the stories of her Familia and the legendary exploits of all the adventurers and heroes that had come before her, there was a fire in Iris that burned brighter than anyone could anticipate. She wanted to make something of herself, to prove to the Gods that she deserved to live.

Iris left then, waving to her beloved adopted mother. She boarded the ship's deck, looking around at her fellow crew members. Due to her skill set and experience, Iris was deemed to be the lookout. She was supposed to be in the Crow's Nest, keeping an eye out for sea monsters and storms.

"Ah, so you're our Sea Rat," said the captain, standing at the railing. "I've heard about you from the town, Iris Cranel, right?"

This was their level two supervisor, entrusted with protecting the lower-level fighters from the terrors of the sea. She was a strong fighter and a member of Raijin Familia. Iris definitely felt safer in her capable hands.

"Thanks for having me aboard; I'll climb up now if that's ok?"

The captain nodded. "Go ahead, get familiar with the rigging and the like. We'll be setting a course out west. One of the returning ships thinks they spotted a Grand Tortle out those ways. That should be difficult enough."

"Aye, aye!" responded Iris.

She scurried up the ropes and masts to the top of the ship. As she did so, it became clear to all why she had been chosen for the Crow's Nest. Her years growing up on the deck of the flagship of Poseidon's fleet made her more agile than most. She was also smaller and younger than the rest of the crew. After her, the most junior person was sixteen, at least.

Thankfully, the ship took off without any issues. Overall, the expedition was supposed to take two weeks. The first week would be sailing out to the beast and preparing for battle, while the second would be killing the damn thing and returning home.

It was supposed to be easy.

"Kanaloa off the port side!" shouted Iris on the third day.

The shadow of a great beast could be seen in the water. It was a kanaloa, a great tentacled beast, and was classified as a level three creature, bordering on level four. It would turn this ship, and the people in it, into driftwood.

"All hands on deck, drop sails and get to the oars!" shouted the captain. "Turn to starboard, full speed."

Iris scurried around, eager to help the captain, but she knew deep down that it would be pointless. A kanaloa was too fast in the water, and their little ship didn't stand a chance of outrunning it. Even now, Iris saw the shadow getting closer and closer. So, Iris dropped the sails but then ran to the wheel. She was about to commit treason and possibly get everyone killed.

She punched the helmsman, apologizing as she did, and started to turn the ship toward the monster. She was fighting the current, the wind, and every other damn thing, but she pushed on. Her muscles started to burn, and then hands were on her, trying to rip her from the wheel.

"What the hell are you doing, Sea Rat?" shouted the captain, red in the face, racing up the stairs.

"We've got one damn chance, Captain," said Iris. "We gotta ram that thing at full speed."

"It'll tear the ship in half!"

"No! It won't!" Iris breathed. "My Familia built this damn thing, and we built it to last." She glared at the men trying to rip her from the wheel. They all jumped off of her. "I helped caulk the damn thing myself, and I'm telling you all, she'll hold. We won't outspeed the monster, but we can impale her."

The captain had stopped. "And then what?"

"We fucking fight!" shouted Iris. "Or is this not a crew of Atlantis, the greatest explorers in the Age of the Gods?" She pointed to the monster, only a couple hundred meders away, straight off the bow. "If we run from the damn thing now, we'll be running forever. It'll haunt our dreams and leave a stain on our souls." She smiled. "The only stain I want to look for right now is the one I just made in my pants." The people laughed. "And the stains of monster blood on my jerkin. Now, everyone brace for impact, and ready the harpoons!"

There was quiet, and everyone looked to the captain. Iris could see the older woman's hands curl into fists and the silent rage in her eyes at Iris's insolence. But then it vanished, and the captain laughed.

"Well, you heard the girlie! Or is a little lass braver than all you old sea dogs?"

The crew roared and set to work. They only had seconds, but the enhanced speed and reflexes of their statuses bought them a few precious seconds to prepare. Then, they met their monster. There was a massive thud as the metal bow rammed into the shadow. There was a crack from deep in the hull and a vibration from the sea. Iris could hear the planks groaning and the ropes snapping.

"Come on, girl, you gotta hold together," chanted Iris, eyes closed in prayer.

Things quieted for a second, and tentacles began to crawl up the sides. The ship was holding, but just barely. The boat would be kindling if the creature chose to focus its wrath on the cloth and timber. Thankfully, it was curious now and feeling out for prey it could eat.

"Steady," said the captain.

Iris drew her dual scimitars, letting the wheel go. They wouldn't be running anymore. She watched as the ship fell into the monster's shadow. Every sailor had long barbed harpoons and whatever other weapon they chose. The very few with magic chanted quietly, their spells being a last-case resort. The captain raised a hand just as the tentacles began encroaching on the ship's people.

The wind calmed; Iris felt her heart beating in her head. She hoped her sweaty palms wouldn't be a problem, but she couldn't be sure. Slowly, she tried to wipe the sweat away, keenly aware of the giant tentacle edging closer and closer to her feet. Just as Iris opened her mouth, the captain dropped her hand.

"NOW!"

The crew exploded into motion. Iris swung both blades into the tentacle, and the resulting sound was a wet thunk, like chopping into rotten wood. She used her enhanced strength, pivoted at the waist, and drew the swords up and out. Then she chopped down again, cutting the tentacle in half. As it writhed away, Iris surveyed the rest of her comrades. Some were standing together, stabbing at anything that got close, while others tried in vain to fight on their own. The unlucky few were already getting pulled into the sea. The captain swooped down as she watched one poor soul scrabbling on the deck, trying to find something to hold. Her blade cut through the tentacle, freeing the sailor. With her other hand, the captain threw a harpoon into another tentacle.

"Stand together and get ready for the mages!"

Just as she gave the order, the sound of spells igniting rang across the salty air. There was a flash and then the boom of explosions. The close proximity rocked the ship, and then there was a terrible wail. The kanaloa had made itself known.

Iris looked towards the bow and spotted the beast in the water. She also saw her crewmates start to be overwhelmed. The mages were swept aside, and level ones were still only third-rate adventurers. For every tentacle cut down, another two took its place. The strength of the creature was never-ending. Even the captain was being overwhelmed. In her mind, Iris saw Calypso and the rest of her family and swore.

"I'm sorry, everyone, but you'll have to sing my song without me."

She lowered her body before springing forward.

When she was five, Poseidon told Iris about her real mother. He had explained the disease that had killed her and how Iris might have it herself. Every day was a gamble, and every status update might carry her closer to death. This was told to her again when she got her falna. Poseidon warned her, and Calypso asked her not to have a status at all. Maybe she was rebellious by nature, but Iris wanted a falna even more after that. To know that fate had conspired to fuck her over for doing the simple act of living? Iris Cranel's blood boiled at the thought. So, she vowed to live her life to the fullest and never be afraid of wanting to do more.

Iris practically bounced across the deck, bobbing and weaving around the tentacles, debris, and her fellow crewmates. As she dashed towards the bow, she grabbed the captain's harpoon. The captain shouted at her as she went, first in anger and then in fear. But Iris ignored it. She looked forward, eyes on the horizon. One scimitar dropped, she continued to move around the deck. Despite being in an impossible situation, she felt alive. She felt untouchable, bobbing and weaving around her obstacles.

Her feet hit the bow, and she jumped up, rocking the boat with the explosiveness of her leap. Lance down, Iris sailed towards the sea. The kanaloa was right there, its giant maw open. Its jagged teeth would probably rip her to shreds, but she didn't care. She just wanted to protect her crew.

"Eat me, asshole!" shouted Iris, thrusting down.

When the spear pierced through the monster's mouth, she used her momentum to vault over the kanaloa's head. Then she dragged her remaining sword down the monster's head. Blood and guts spilled into the water, and a part of her mind knew that more monsters would sense the chum. She landed in the water, a flurry of bubbles briefly obscuring her vision. When she finally breached the surface, she could taste the metallic tang of blood mixing with the salt of the sea.

"Is it dead?" she asked the ship.

"You're fucking insane!" responded the captain.

"I'll take that as a yes!"

Iris was hauled back aboard, and the ship quickly turned around to go home. Safe to say, she got her level up and so much more.

After the Battle:

The first gift that Iris got was a skilled Liaris Freese. Apparently, it would accelerate her growth. When Poseidon discovered it at her next status update, he swore her to secrecy. The only people who knew were him, Iris, the Captain, and Calypso. Apparently, he had never seen such a skill before and believed that her life could be in danger if it was made public. However, that potential catastrophe did little to dampen her excitement. As far as she understood, she'd grow faster and get stronger than anyone else as long as her feelings persisted. Those feelings centred around her desire to live. Her wish to live brighter and longer than anyone else, despite the possible hardships she might face, had manifested into her skill.

The next surprise was the developmental ability, Luck. Poseidon just scratched his head, shrugged, and said it felt like just that, something that would make her luckier. Whatever that meant, he thought that it was the best option. Other DAs, like diving, which all Poseidon Familia members had, could be acquired later.

Finally, was the thing she, and everyone else, had been dreading. The disease that ran through her family had finally manifested, but not in a way that any of them understood. The skill was called Entropic Body. It came with many drawbacks but some strange benefits. The first was that Iris would not heal on her own. Any physical injuries she sustained had to be cured by a healer or a potion. Sleep would alleviate fatigue, and given a long enough period, the hurt would go away, but cuts and bruises would not heal on their own anymore. The second was that the skill provided some form of abnormal resistance. Or rather, her body would already be so diseased that another poison was inconsequential. Instead, her body would absorb the toxin and dissipate it. Third, Iris had to update her status constantly now. If she didn't, the skill would cause her body to physically deteriorate. Finally, Iris could absorb attacks at the cost of her mind. Cuts would not harm her if she activated her skill, but she would become more mentally fatigued.

She had not been given a choice in this skill, though. Poseidon had apologized profusely, but apparently, the decision had been out of his hands. He had put his blood on her back, and suddenly the skill was there like it had always been. Calypso had done a lot of screaming at that point and then crying, but Iris had done her best to comfort her. It was strange; Iris herself felt normal. After all, she had grown up with this sword over her head, so when it finally started swinging down, she had almost been relieved. At least it was happening now.

"Now we know," Iris had said. "Besides, I was gonna keep getting my status updated anyway." The girl shrugged. "Now I just have double the reason to do it."

The Captain had pulled her close then, his large frame practically engulfing her. He had squeezed her close, sitting there for a minute before pulling back.

"And we'll be here to take care of you every step of the way," he had said. "Including mandatory daily training sessions."

Iris smiled and saluted.

"Aye, aye, Captain!"

Five Years Later:

The next five years blurred together afterwards. There were battles, hardships, heartaches, and celebrations galore. Every two to three years after her first rank up, Iris would hit another milestone. She could have levelled up even quicker, but Poseidon and the Captain soon discovered that she could over-cap her stats. She could hit triple SSS and possibly more for each individual category. So, instead of levelling right away, they would often push the excelia gain as far as possible. When she was thirteen, she would be hit with the next big bomb that was her life.

Poseidon had called for her, setting up a private meeting for the two of them. Iris had entered, and she could already feel the tense atmosphere in the room. A chill went up her spine, and she could feel a tingle in her long white hair.

"Take a seat, little Sea Rat," said Poseidon, gesturing to the chair opposite him. "There is something that you need to know."

Iris did as she was told, sensing the severity in Poseidon's voice.

"Calypso would probably want to be here for this, but I know that this is better said between the two of us," said the God. "What I am about to tell you is a secret few know about and that I was talked into keeping. It involves your birth family and where you come from."

Iris frowned. "You mean my original Mama and Papa? And that Auntie that you guys talk about? The one that ended up doing the bad things?"

Poseidon nodded. "Yes, it's about them, but it's also about someone else." He paused before rubbing a hand over his eyes. When his massive bronze paw dropped, Iris was struck by how old he seemed to look at that moment. It was like the pressure of the sea was finally pushing down on her God. "This was not something I hid from you on purpose, and if you think that I should have told you sooner, you might be right." He leaned forward, a gentle hand on her shoulder. "You are not the last Cranel, Iris. You have a twin brother."

Iris sat there in silence, letting the words settle. When they did, it was like a bolt of lightning had struck. Suddenly, the room was too small, and the lights were too bright. Everything was encroaching on her, and her body screamed at her to run, but she couldn't. She was frozen in place.

"I don't…I can't…why would…" Iris trailed off before clenching her hands into fists. "You're lying!" she snarled. "You're lying! I can't have a brother! Because that means you and Hera and some other fucking deities tore us apart!" She slapped his hand away. "And you wouldn't do that! Not after taking me from my home! Not after my Mama and my Papa died! You wouldn't have dared take me from the only family I have left!"

Poseidon hung his head. He looked very little like the great God of the sea.

"We did, Iris," he said. "Me and Hera couldn't trust you with Zeus, and Zeus only wanted to keep the boy anyway." He couldn't look her in the eye. "Calypso can't have children…her body isn't able to. So when Hera gave me a solution, a way to help one of my dear children and take in another, I took it."

Iris fell backwards from her chair, quickly scrambling to her feet. She didn't believe any of it! Calypso was her mother, just as much as Mama! She had raised her and loved her!

"So, what, I'm just a replacement, then?" asked Iris, her voice low. "Or I guess it's even worse than that. I'm the cast-off, the scraps off the plate of the great Zeus."

Poseidon looked up. "Calypso has loved you since the day she saw you, with all her heart. Be angry at me and the Gods if you want. But Iris, I am begging you now, do not be angry at Calypso or the others; they have only ever loved you."

The two stood in silence. The only sound was the drip drip drop of water off in the corner and the distant roll of the waves. Finally, Iris felt a tugging in her stomach.

"I need some space…and some fresh air," she said. "Permission to take a single-man boat and some supplies."

It wasn't a question.

Poseidon nodded. "But only for one day, then you come right back."

It wasn't a request.

Iris nodded.

That night, she left without anyone knowing. Her boat was not large enough for the deep waves, so she stuck by the coast. When the sun set had truly set and the moon hung high in the sky, she leant back in her dingy. As she gazed at the stars, she soon realized that her brother was doing the same somewhere out there. Then she kicked herself because she had left before she could ask Poseidon anything about him.

"I don't even know his fucking name," said Iris. "And he probably doesn't even know I exist." She sighed. "Fuck." She frowned, but then she smiled. "I have a brother."

She sat up. "I have a brother!"

She practically jumped out of her boat, almost capsizing it.

"I HAVE A BROTHER!"

In the Interlude:

Things between her and Poseidon were never quite the same after that. This would forever be a stain on her and the God's relationship. However, Calypso was quick to apologize, and Iris was quick to forgive; the same could be said for the rest of her Familia. Any anger was quickly dissipated by the fact that she had a brother and, more importantly, that her Familia would help her find him.

"Of course, we're helping you!" screamed the Captain. "I mean, it's a grand epic in of itself!" He clapped her on the back. "We still have a couple loose ends to tie up around here, but as soon as we finish and we get a good enough reason to leave, we'll all go find him."

The rest of the Familia had roared their approval, and Iris was not ashamed to admit that she cried that moment. Her Familia were not blood-related, but she loved them as if they were. And it turned out that her wait would not be as long as she feared. Only a couple of years later, when she was a newly minted level four, a certain God of Travellers came drifting towards their shores.

In the Present:

It was early, and Iris was gearing up to leave with Hecate Familia in the advance party. As much as it panged her to abandon her Familia, the tugging in her gut kept pulling her towards her brother. Bell Cranel was waiting for her in the Dungeon City, without a clue of who she was. She couldn't stand around waiting.

"Try to leave some Freya riff-raff for the rest of us," said the Captain, ruffling her hair.

She smiled. "No promises. If Bell turns out to be a nice guy, I might have to be a protective older sister."

The Captain nodded before kneeling down in front of her.

"In all seriousness, Jack is probably already there. If you run into trouble, I want you to find him. He'll take care of you, ok?"

Iris nodded. "I promise I will, Papa."

He pulled her in for a hug. "That's my girl."

Iris had already said goodbye to Calypso and the others. If all went to plan, they would be seeing each other in a couple weeks anyway.

"Hecate Familia!" called out Morgan le Fay. "It's time to get moving!"

Slowly, the battalion of battle mages lurched into motion. Iris joined in at the back. She was bouncing from excitement.

"Bell Cranel, get ready, 'cause your sis is coming to kick your butt!"

Iris Cranel:

Poseidon Familia

Level 4

Status:

Strength: I 15 Endurance: I 16 Dexterity: I 15 Agility: I 11 Magic: I 13

Developmental Abilities:

Luck: D

Acrobat: G

Diving: H

Magic:

Physalia Sting: Shoots out blue tendrils that shock and paralyze whoever they touch. Reaches out 30 feet.

Skills:

Liaris Freese: Fast growth as long as feelings last. The strength of the effects corresponds with the level of the user's feelings.

Octo Slayer: Heavily increases all abilities when fighting tentacled type monsters, potentially making the user stronger than their actual level when fighting them.

Entropic Body: Physical injuries do not heal on their own, but status ailments are absorbed into the user's body. User can absorb hits through Mind expending and cancelling out physical damage. If status is not constantly updated, the user's body will physically deteriorate.