Chapter 4 – Familia

However, his confidence was swiftly replaced by bewilderment when Hestia uttered her unexpected command. "Now, strip," she instructed, her tone leaving no room for argument.

Peter's eyes widened in surprise, his mind racing to comprehend her request. "Huh?" he stammered, caught off guard by the sudden turn of events.

Hestia's cheeks turned a shade of red that could rival a ripe tomato as she realized the unfortunate implications of her words. "Oh, dear! That came out wrong," she exclaimed, flustered by the unintended innuendo. "I meant I need your back exposed so I can give you my falna," she clarified, her tone apologetic and her words laden with double meaning.

Peter's expression transformed from utter confusion to a mixture of relief and amusement as he processed Hestia's explanation. "Ah, I see," he replied, a hint of laughter in his voice. "No worries, Hestia. Honest mistake. But, uh, what exactly is falna?"

With a nervous chuckle, Hestia nodded, grateful for Peter's understanding amidst the awkwardness. "Phew, thanks for not taking that the wrong way," she said, cheeks still flushed with embarrassment. "Okay, so falna—it's like a divine power-up from yours truly. Think of it as getting a boost from the heavens, with extra perks like status growth and leveling up."

As Hestia unraveled the mysteries of the falna system, Peter found himself drawing uncanny parallels to the mechanics of his cherished RPG games back in his world. What began as sheer confusion gradually transformed into a bemused fascination as he pondered the intricate interplay between his reality and this fantastical realm. Could it be that the game mechanics he knew so well were somehow inspired by the workings of this world, connected by an invisible thread spanning across realities? The concept of a multiverse seemed simultaneously mind-boggling and exhilarating, leaving Peter in a state of perplexed wonderment.

Peter unclasped his cloak, revealing the sleek, integrated suit beneath. Hestia's eyes widened in awe as she took in the sight, unable to contain her fascination. "Wow," she breathed, her gaze tracing the intricate golden lines of his armor. Unable to resist the temptation, she stepped closer, her finger delicately tracing the contours of the suit. "I've never seen armor like this before," she admitted, her tone filled with genuine curiosity. "Where did you get it?"

Her question hung in the air for a moment before her expression shifted to one of sheepish realization. "Never mind," she said with a rueful chuckle, shaking her head. "Another universe, I suppose."

Peter removed the top of his suit, laying down on the floor with his back exposed as she indicated. Hestia climbed over his back, her movements delicate yet purposeful. He could feel the warmth of her presence as she began the ritual, dripping her blood, or rather ichor, onto his skin. It was an odd sensation, both foreign and strangely comforting.

As Hestia drew something on his back, Peter felt a tingling sensation, followed by a gradual warmth spreading across his skin. There was a moment of slight discomfort, but it quickly subsided, leaving behind a curious sensation of lightness.

Finally, Hestia placed a sheet of paper on his back, and Peter felt a strange pressure as it adhered to his skin. After a few seconds, she removed the paper, and he turned his head to see her reaction. Hestia's eyes widened in surprise as she examined the markings on the paper, her expression a mix of awe and disbelief.

As Peter got up, Hestia wordlessly handed over the sheet to him. Peter glanced at the sheet, his brow furrowing in confusion as he took in the unexpected information.

Peter Parker

Level 1

Strength: I0
Endurance: I0
Dexterity: I0
Agility: I0
Mind: I0

Magic:

Arachnostrand: No chant magic. Shoot webs from hands.

Skills:

Spider Powers: Can do everything a spider can

Spider Sense: Can sense danger

'Level 1,' he muttered to himself, tapping his chin thoughtfully. 'Strength, Endurance, Dexterity, Agility, all at... I0? Is that a typo?' He couldn't help but wonder if it meant zero or ten, but considering his own physical abilities, he expected those stats to be lot more.

His gaze shifted to the section labeled 'Magic,' and he couldn't suppress a smirk. " Arachnostrand," he read aloud, a hint of amusement in his voice. "No chant magic. Shoot webs from hands." Does it mean he can shoot webs without web shooters now just like Peter 2 from another universe?

"And the skills..." Peter's eyes drifted to the list below. "Spider Powers, Spider Sense..." He chuckled softly. "Spider Sense," he repeated, finding it a far more fitting name than his own playful moniker, "Peter tingle."

Peter handed the sheet back to Hestia, then began to dress, his mind still swirling with questions about his newfound abilities. "Why do all my stats show as 0?" he inquired, pulling on his clothes and suit. "I'm pretty strong."

Hestia nodded understandingly. "It's normal," she explained. "The falna doesn't take into account your previous strength. It only tracks the additional powers it grants you. But what's unusual is you having two skills and a magic spell. Most humans start with none."

"I'm special," Peter replied with a hint of pride. "I was bitten by a radioactive spider, which gave me spider superpowers."

Hestia furrowed her brow, trying to grasp the concept. "I have no idea what that means," she admitted.

Peter didn't bother with further explanation. Instead, he demonstrated his abilities by effortlessly leaping up and sticking to the ceiling with one hand. Hestia gasped in amazement.

"You could do that before getting the falna?" she exclaimed.

Peter nodded with a grin, then released his grip and landed lightly on the floor. Eager to test his magic, he rolled up a sleeve of his suit and adopted his web-shooting position. With a focused thought of "Arachnostrand," a stream of white web shot from his hand and adhered to the ceiling. Hestia watched in awe.

Observing the web, Peter noticed it was slightly weaker than the strands produced by his web shooters. Realizing he would not have access to the chemicals needed to replenish his web cartridges in this world, this magical ability was godsend - literally. But would this magic dissipate after a few hours, like his synthetic web formula did, or could he control it?

Experimentally, he directed his thoughts to the web in his hand, silently commanding it to "dissolve." To his delight, the web miraculously dematerialized. A smile spread across Peter's face. "How cool is that?" he muttered, marveling at the possibilities of his newfound magic.

"Remember, Peter," Hestia cautioned, "you need to be careful how much magic you use. Beginners like you are prone to 'mind down' because you don't have much mind reserve."

"Mind down?" Peter echoed, recalling the Mind stat he had seen on his sheet.

"Yes, it's related to your mind power magic," Hestia clarified. "If you use up all your mind power, you'll become unconscious. So, it's essential to be careful and not overexert yourself."

As Hestia prepared to leave, she remarked, "I must return to work." Peter began to drape his cloak over himself, but Hestia interrupted, "Peter, you're an adventurer now. Wear your armor with pride, no need to hide it." Peter didn't bother correcting her misconception about his suit actually being armor. Besides, he didn't really need to maintain a secret identity in this world. He simply folded the cloak and carried it along.

Peter couldn't resist his curiosity and asked, "Why do you have to work in a potato snack stand, Hestia?"

Her response was cryptic, "It's a long story, Peter. I'll tell you later." Despite his desire for an immediate answer, Peter sensed there was more to Hestia's story than she was letting on. He decided to respect her privacy for now, trusting that she would share when the time was right.

As they descended the stairs, Peter noticed Bell waiting eagerly at the landing, his face alight with childlike glee and anticipation. With an amused tone, Hestia directed Bell, "Take our newest familia member to get registered at the Guild." Bell practically jumped out of his skin in delight. "Welcome to the familia, Peter!" he exclaimed with infectious enthusiasm.

Peter grinned appreciatively at Bell's warm welcome. "Thanks, Bell," he said, feeling the warmth of Bell's excitement.

Bell's eyes widened as he took in Peter's "armor," his gaze fixating on the golden spider design. "What's with the golden spider design on your armor?" he blurted out, unable to contain his curiosity.

Peter flashed a grin, scratching his head sheepishly. "Oh, this? It's a fashion statement," he quipped, striking a heroic pose. "You know, spiders are all the rage where I come from."

Bell raised an eyebrow, clearly skeptical. "Spiders? As a fashion trend? That's... unique."

"Yeah, well, you haven't seen the webbed socks yet," Peter joked, chuckling at his own absurdity.

Hestia stifled a laugh, shooting Peter a playful glance. "I think you've just given Bell a whole new perspective on fashion," she teased.

As Hestia observed her children depart the bookstore, she couldn't help but marvel at Peter's cleverness. Even as Bell continued enquiring about his armor, Peter skillfully evaded revealing his true origins. Initially, Hestia had assumed the golden spider design on his armor was a clan insignia. It was only after witnessing his remarkable powers that she realized the design was custom-made to showcase his abilities.

Recalling the moment she bestowed the falna upon him, Hestia sensed a latent power within Peter, something beyond the ordinary. He had hinted at his strength, but the extent of it remained a mystery. Whatever it was, Peter was no ordinary mortal.

His presence in her familia promised an exciting journey ahead, but she knew she had to guard his true nature from the prying eyes of other gods at all costs.

As Peter and Bell strolled towards the guild, Bell's curiosity seemed insatiable, firing off questions about Peter's armor and backstory like a relentless interrogation. Peter, however, remained a master of evasion, offering only vague responses. When Bell inquired about his arrival in Orario, Peter couldn't resist a playful retort, "How do you think? By hot air balloon, of course."

Bell's expression morphed into one of utter bewilderment. "Hot air... balloon?" he echoed, his voice tinged with incredulity.

Peter nodded sagely, his tone deadpan. "Yes, indeed. It's the latest mode of transportation on my island. Quite luxurious, I must say. Beats riding a dragon any day."

Bell's eyes widened, struggling to comprehend. "But... how does it stay afloat?"

Peter shrugged casually, playing along with the charade. "Oh, you know, magic balloons and pixie dust," he quipped, barely able to contain his laughter at the absurdity of it all.

As they walked, Peter couldn't help but notice the stares his suit attracted. Civilians and adventurers alike cast curious glances, prompting Peter's inner monologue. 'What's the big deal? Haven't they seen a nanotechnology-enhanced suit powered by a miniature arc reactor before?' he mused, rolling his eyes at the attention.

"Mr. Parker, I must apologize," Bell began, his tone sincere as he glanced over at Peter. "I assumed you were poor by the way you were clutching that cloak and not buying any food even though you were hungry."

Peter couldn't suppress a grin at Bell's earnestness. "Why so formal, kid?" he interjected with a playful wink. "And you're not wrong, I am broke. Lost all my money."

Bell's eyes widened in surprise, unsure whether to take Peter seriously. "Lost all your money? How?"

Peter shrugged, adopting a mock serious expression. "It's a tragic tale, really. I invested all my savings in a 'Get Rich Quick' scheme. Turns out, it was a 'Get Poor Quick' scheme," he confessed with a dramatic sigh.

Bell blinked, clearly taken aback by Peter's response. "A 'Get Poor Quick' scheme?"

Peter chuckled, slapping Bell on the back in camaraderie. "Yeah, I know, rookie mistake. But hey, who needs riches when you've got the thrill of adventure, right?"

Bell shook his head, still trying to make sense of Peter's eccentricity. "You're a strange man, Mr. Parker," he remarked, a bemused smile playing on his lips.

Peter flashed a mischievous grin. "Strange? Me? Nah, just your friendly neighborhood Spider-Man," he quipped, striking a heroic pose for added effect.

Bell's eyes widened in confusion. "Spider-Man?" he repeated, clearly perplexed.

Peter chuckled nervously, scratching his head. "Uh, yeah, Spider-Man. You know, like the insect with the webs and the—never mind," he hastily corrected himself, realizing his mistake. He didn't need to maintain a secret identity in this world, but he still needed to conceal the fact that he had powers before receiving the falna. Peter sighed inwardly, knowing that Bell's discretion was about as reliable as a leaky bucket in a rainstorm.

"I meant... um, just ignore that. It's a... nickname," he improvised, hoping to salvage the situation.

Bell blinked, still not quite following. "Nickname?"

"Yeah, you know, like a moniker," Peter elaborated, his grin turning sheepish. "People call me that because... well, I do... spider things," he trailed off, inwardly cringing at his feeble explanation.

Bell raised an eyebrow, clearly unconvinced. "Spider things?"

Peter winced, realizing he was digging himself into a deeper hole. "Yeah, like... uh, eating bugs and... spinning webs," he mumbled, desperately grasping for anything to justify his slip-up.

Bell's expression shifted from confusion to amusement. "Eating bugs and spinning webs?" he echoed, his lips twitching with suppressed laughter. "You're a strange one, Mr. Parker."

Peter grinned nervously, mentally kicking himself for the awkward exchange. "Yeah, strange is my middle name," he joked, trying to regain his composure. "Anyway, let's go get me registered before I spin any more webs of confusion."

As they entered the bustling guild, Peter couldn't help but notice the curious glances directed at his armor. There were long queues at the exchange counters. Peter mused that most adventurers must be returning from the dungeon at this time.

Heading towards Eina, Bell's enthusiasm was palpable as he introduced Peter as the newest member of Hestia's familia. Eina greeted Peter warmly, complimenting his armor before handing him a form to fill out for registration.

After Peter completed the form, Eina kindly recommended he invest in a starter pack. The bundle boasted a magically expanded backpack, a knife, a chest plate, and two low-quality healing potions, all for the reasonable price of 5000 valis. She assured him that the guild offered loans to new adventurers for such essential gear.

Bell, nodding enthusiastically, echoed Eina's advice. He emphasized its value, having benefited from it himself.

Peter hesitated at the offer of the chest plate, realizing he didn't particularly need it. "Could I get something else instead of the chest plate?" he asked, hoping for a more tailored option.

Eina nodded, considering his request. "How about four lesser potions instead?" she proposed, gesturing towards the vials displayed behind the counter.

Peter glanced at the potions, noticing the red and blue hues. "What's the difference between the two?" he inquired.

Eina smiled, explaining that the red potions were for health while the blue potions were for replenishing the mind. Peter's choice to take three mind potions alongside one health potion surprised both Eina and Bell.

"Mind potions are typically for magic users," Eina remarked, her curiosity piqued.

Peter grinned, a twinkle of mischief in his eyes. "Well, I've got a few tricks up my sleeve," he replied.

"You have magic?" Bell blurted out, his voice carrying across the bustling guild hall and causing several heads to turn in their direction.

"Real smooth, Bell," Peter quipped, his tone laced with playful sarcasm.

As the attention of the guild turned towards them, Bell's face flushed crimson with embarrassment. "Oops," he muttered, his voice barely audible over the murmurs of the surrounding adventurers.

Peter couldn't suppress a chuckle at Bell's inadvertent outburst, understanding his excitement but also the need for discretion. "Hey, Bell, how about we keep some of our familia's secrets just between us for now?" he suggested with a conspiratorial wink. "We don't want to attract too much attention, do we?"

Eina smiled knowingly at Peter's comment, appreciating his tact. "Indeed," she agreed, nodding in approval. "Now, let's focus on getting you equipped for your adventures ahead." She gestured towards the potions, ready to assist Peter with his selections.

After Peter filled out the paperwork for the loan and made his purchases, Eina suggested he consider getting a guild adviser to provide guidance for his adventures.

Peter raised an eyebrow. "What are the terms and conditions for this adviser?" he asked, his curiosity piqued.

Eina frowned slightly, clearly unfamiliar with the phrase. "Terms and conditions?" she repeated, puzzled.

Realizing it wasn't a common term in this world, Peter clarified, "I mean, what do I have to do, and what do I get in return?"

Understanding now, Eina nodded. "The guild adviser would offer detailed guidance on dungeon exploration and strategy. In exchange, the guild would deduct 10% from your dungeon collections."

Peter mulled it over. "Is it mandatory?"

Eina shook her head. "No, it's completely optional."

Peter then inquired, "Is all the information about the dungeons available in the guild library?"

Eina nodded. "Yes, our library contains extensive information about the dungeons."

Peter chuckled, recalling how Eina had interrogated Bell about exploring the fifth floor without permission.

"In that case," he said with a grin, "I think I'll pass on the adviser."

After all, he had become a masked vigilante and even ventured into outer space 'without permission.'

Eina frowned disapprovingly, clearly not pleased with Peter's decision, while Bell looked genuinely surprised by his choice.

As Peter turned to leave, Eina's voice trailed after him. "Remember, Mr. Parker, adventurers shouldn't go on adventures. It's best to play it safe and take things slow."

Peter turned back to face Eina, his expression incredulous. "Adventurers shouldn't go on adventures?" he repeated, a playful smirk spreading across his face. "Next, you'll be telling me bakers shouldn't bake bread! But hey, if you insist, I'll just sit here and knit socks instead." He pantomimed knitting with exaggerated motions, eliciting a chuckle from Bell beside him.

As the light hit Eina's glasses, they glowed ominously, casting a shadow over her already stern expression. Peter couldn't help but stifle a laugh as he imagined her practicing that intense stare in front of a mirror. Seriously, it's like she's honing her inner dungeon boss or something.

He turned and left unceremoniously, leaving a fuming Eina behind. Bell, caught between two conflicting loyalties, flashed Eina an apologetic grin before darting after Peter.