"I wish to join your Familia."

The words from Noel left both Skadi and Ragnar frozen, if not confused.

"W-what?! How… why?!" Ragnar stepped forward and helped the silver haired up, "come on, don't do that. Now, seriously, why are you here? "

"I didn't lie, I want to join your Familia. I want to be an adventurer! "

"Even after all I told you?! Noel, being an adventurer is-"

"Ragnar, wait." Skadi walked forward as well and then turned her attention towards the newcomer "You know what being an adventurer entails, correct? " Noel nodded. "It is a dangerous path, many died and still do these days."

"I… I know, but I made up my mind. I want to be like my parents, like Argonaut. I want to be like Mister Ragnar! "

Skadi's eyes widened and turned to look at the captain who was very much surprised as well.

The captain wanted to say something but he couldn't find the words. While being used as a role model could be a good thing, he did not want the young boy to undergo through the same pain that he is currently having when going to the Dungeon, even more so after he saw what the wolf did to him.

"Ragnar, " the blond was pulled from the trance when Skadi called him. "I don't think we can dissuade him from his dreams…"

"Goddess, it is something risky. You saw me how I returned! " the captain grunted and turned towards the boy.

He wanted to tell him to leave, to not risk his life. He would repeat the same speech every time if he had to. Skadi was right and he knew it but there was something else he feared. What if Noel decided to go back to the Dungeon alone and without a blessing? What if he decided to join a different Familia that would treat him worse or just left him to die?

It was easy to count how many problems there would be if he rejected him but at the same time…

"Skadi, what do you think? Would you be okay if he joins the Familia? "

"Huh? Me? Well, it's not difficult for me to grant blessings to others but I want to leave that decision for you. If you accept him, he will follow your orders."

"But-…" another grunt from the captain, "Noel, are you okay with this? You know the risks, you saw it first-hand. There is a way out of this, you can choose not to become an adventurer."

"I know, Mister Ragnar. But I feel like if I don't do this then I would dishonor my parents." He looked down, showing sadness all over his face "I will make it right… I will become the greatest hero. An adventurer that my parents would've been proud of."

It hurt.

Such a declaration was definitely ambitious and the blond felt it. Rejecting him would've been more painful to himself than to the boy.

"Tsch… Why did you have to say that…" A sigh came from Ragnar's lips "Very well Noel, I am willing to accept you into the Familia." The silver haired quickly looked at Ragnar and this time with happiness "But…, I do have a few conditions, alright?" He nodded "First, you will not go to the Dungeon alone. Until you have proven can handle by yourself, we will be venturing together."

"Aww. What will I do if you can't go down there? "

"That doesn't matter. Second: You will not run away, alright? This is not only for both our sakes but Skadi would definitely not want you to leave Fimbulvetr in the middle of the night just to fight."

"I can do that."

"And third: Respect me as your captain. If I tell you to hide from danger you will do it. There is such a thing as testing your limits, but there is a fine line between testing and being overwhelmed by an opponent. I hope you understand."

Noel thought about it but nodded in the end. "I will follow your orders."

He wanted to be happy that the boy understood all of it but there was some remorse about it. He was worried that despite all these conditions Noel would still run away and disobey him, and if something were to happen to him then…

"Right…" Ragnar cleared his throat "With that being said, I welcome you into the Skadi Familia. However, I don't think it would be a good idea to do everything right now; after all you are still grounded at the orphanage, right? "

"Mh… sorry"

"I'll take you back there and tomorrow I'll go to the orphanage and talk to the caretaker to explain the situation, " the captain hummed "I'm going to get quite the earful from her…"

"Oh, no need. I can return on my own. If I was able to sneak out without anyone else noticing then I can get back in in a similar way."

"Isn't that… not too heroic? "

"Uhm… maybe I can start being a hero tomorrow, Goddess Skadi." Noel lowered his head but a slightly mischievous grin was the last thing she saw.

With not much words from each party, the silver haired waved at Skadi and Ragnar as he was running back to the orphanage, leaving the mead hall until he left through the main doors and was not seen again for the night.

The captain sighed, his shoulders slumped as his back leaned forward as if he was carrying a heavy bag behind him. "This is all too tiring…"

"I think you like it." He turned to Skadi "Being a captain, that is."

"Is it really that demanding? I know it's one person but still."

"You'll get used to. Noel sounds like an ambitious child but I feel like with proper training and the words of his captain he can grow to be quite the adventurer, and perhaps even a hero too."

"Hmph, if you say so Skadi…" Ragnar stretched his arms and then his back.

"We better prepare one of the rooms below."

"I'll help you with that, but first I need to take a shower and change my clothes." The captain turned and proceeded to walk towards the room in the back but decided to stop "Goddess… there is something I need to ask."

"Yes? What is it? "

"Do you think I would make a good hero? " It was a question that was bugging him the entire day. It was not the first time he was called like that and even though he denied it every time, his actions made him question even more whether he was just an adventurer and not something else.

Skadi was ready to answer but Ragnar waved a hand "Eh, forget it. You don't need to answer that, I was just… thinking out loud." Without a proper response, he walked towards the altar and then headed underground. Tomorrow was going to be important.

Ragnar and Skadi prepared the room next to the captain. They did a thorough cleaning, preparing the bed and emptying most of the room aside from a wardrobe and a desk; it was similar to Ragnar's albeit without the clothes and equipment that were on said desk.

Once the cleaning was done they both went to their respective rooms and finished the day.

A new sunny day arrived; Ragnar was already dressed, he had a quick breakfast and bid farewell to Skadi. He would be returning to Fimbulvetr with the new addition to the Familia.

Following a similar path on the way to the orphanage he started to think of a speech to convince the caretaker. After yesterday's events there was no doubt that she was probably going to be more protective of Noel to make sure that he would not be in danger.

No matter how he would put it, he couldn't think of any way in which she would accept, then again, he would need the silver haired to help him, perhaps that way she could even soften that way.

But that was unconceivable! To use Noel to help him get away with this plan was a bad idea, not because it would not work but because he felt like it was outright manipulating.

By the time he finished thinking about it he arrived at Five Blessings Orphanage.

He took a deep breath and then headed inside.

The bell ringing and the voice of Alicia felt familiar all over again. The main difference was the reaction he received from the caretaker.

While in the last visit she was glad that Noel returned, this one she felt more neutral about it, if not sad.

"Oh, welcome back. I suspected you would return."

"H-hello, I came here to pay a visit and… for something important."

"I know. Please step into my office." Alicia gestured and Ragnar entered only to find Noel sitting in front of the desk with another empty chair to his side.

"Mister Ragnar! "

"Please, have a seat." The captain sat next to the silver haired while the caretaker took her seat opposite of them.

"So… he already told you…"

The adult sighed. "For better or for worse, he did. I am not angry about this I am just… disappointed if not worried. To think that Noel would be returning to that place and do it constantly after what happened is very concerning."

"But Miss Alicia, I am prepared! " The boy jumped from his chair albeit for a brief moment.

"Are you? Noel, this isn't like the books. It is a dangerous world and you've seen it; this adventurer even warned you! " Alicia covered her eyes with one hand. "I do not wish to be the evil one in this but I need you to understand that-…"

"No. Miss Alicia, I understand what you mean; I know what Mister Ragnar also warned me about but I made my mind. I want to be an adventurer, I want to be a hero and sitting around doing anything else feels like I am disrespecting my parents."

Both the caretaker and Ragnar were surprised at the stance that the boy had with his words, "I know you want me to have a bright future, Miss Alicia; I can help keep Orario safe from monsters, to make sure that everyone in this city can see the sun rise the next day. That is what I want to do, what a hero does and I'll become the greatest! "

"Mh…" The caretaker looked at the boy and then shifted to Ragnar "What do you think? "

"Oh? " He didn't want to admit it again but the boy's words reached him once again. "I tried to dissuade him but he presents good arguments. I already told him that if he wishes to join the Familia he would need to follow some instructions and he agreed to all of it."

"Noel, I ask you again: Do you really wish to join him and become an adventurer? " The response she got was the boy nodding his head. Alicia sighed and shook her head "I'm afraid I can't keep you in here for any longer. Eventually the little bird would need to flap its wings and fly. Very well Noel, you can go."

The happiness from the boy was clearly visible, his celebration, moving his hands up and looking at the ceiling as if it was the sky itself.

"Go to your room and pack your things."

"Here, I'll help you."

"Please, adventurer, I would need a little bit more of your time."

While Noel left the office, the caretaker looked at Ragnar with a serious look on her face "He didn't tell me anything but something tells me he snuck out of his room yesterday after you left. There is no other explanation I can think of."

"Fine…" Even though he wanted to keep the boy's escapade a secret, it was hard not to deny it, especially with the deal already made. "He showed up at Fimbulvetr and we had a similar discussion. Even my goddess knew that it was going to be impossible to convince Noel to back down."

"I appreciate that you tried." She remained silent for a moment, clinging to the chair before standing up again "If you don't mind, I do have a request for you."

"It's the least I can do."

"Keep Noel safe, protect him, be… a role model. Help him reach that goal that he dreams about."

Ragnar also stood up and smiled, "I can try and do that."

"Much appreciated."

For the next minutes, Ragnar helped Noel pack his things. The farewell from the other kids felt sad but the boy told them that he would return, better and stronger than before in order to not only protect them but the city as well.

Amidst the happy and sad children, Ragnar and Noel left the orphanage and headed towards Fimbulvetr.

There was some little chatter between the two of them, mainly the rules inside of the home as well as a list of things that they needed to do in order for Noel to be officially an adventurer such as getting Skadi's blessing, going to the Guild and then he could visit the Dungeon again.

But of course, they needed to go step by step and first they needed to reach the boy's new home where Skadi was waiting for him.

When they entered the mead hall, Skadi lowered her head "Welcome to Fimbulvetr, Noel Beliz."

"Thank you, Lady Skadi, " he bowed and place a hand on his chest, "I promise I will be of use to the Familia."

"Please come with me, I'll show you where you will be staying."

This gave Ragnar memories from his time joining the Familia. The small tour to the back of the hall, the altar and the secret entrance to the underground area. Needless to say everything would've been better for him if he wasn't carrying a heavy chest that contained the boy's belongings. If anything, part of this was lessened by the happy and exciting reactions from Noel. If he could be jumping around he would've done it already.

The room that was assigned to the newcomer was the one next to Ragnar's and much like previous reactions from him, this was no different. Turning around everywhere at the sight of a room that was definitely bigger than the one he had at the orphanage.

"Woah…" Noel's smile was growing bigger by the minute, "This is bigger than my old room! I can put all my books, and the scrolls and…"

Ragnar groaned and put the chest in front of the bed, "Just what were you carrying in here? Your whole collection of books? "

"Just a few of them, I left most at the orphanage. Some of my clothes are there as well." Noel kept some of his excitement to himself and then turned to the other two "So… what now? "

"Now… you will need my blessing." Skadi gave a faint smile and turned to the captain, "Ragnar, could you please wait outside. This process is something we rather do it private to every children."

"Alright, " he nodded, "I'll be waiting above." The captain left the room and closed the door behind him. He took a quick detour to his room to get his armor, axe and shield and when he came out, the only thing that he saw was a bright light coming from beneath Noel's door before going up the stairs and returning to the mead hall.

It was about ten minutes before he heard the altar moving and from the back room both Skadi and Noel emerged with the latter bringing his overly excitement back to the mead hall.

"…I can't believe, I thought it would be worse! "

"Well, Ragnar told me you used magic so it made sense that it would appear." Skadi smiled and looked at the blond. "It's done, he is part of the Familia."

"Mist-… uh… Captain Ragnar, look! " Noel ran at the Captain who was sitting on the bench by the long table and presented to him a piece of parchment.

It had the stats of Noel along with some of his information. Unlike his own, Noel's was slightly filled with more information, probably due to his magic but unfortunately Ragnar had no clue what was in there except for some numbers.

"The new child is quite proficient I must say." The goddess commented and sat in front of the blond, "It's clear that he is a very agile person and his knowledge is quite impressive too. His magic is not that developed but I can sense he has potential for more. I wasn't expecting him to be able to understand the language of gods."

"It's because I had a little bit of free time back at the orphanage, " the boy was slightly embarrassed, holding the parchment close to his chest. "I wanted to go to the School District but…"

"Oh no, don't feel embarrassed about it, I do find it interesting that you took the time to learn it."

"Thanks goddess." Noel bowed. "Captain, what comes next? "

"Mh? Next?" He raised his head "I suppose we can do like I did, we go to the Guild and then we can visit the Dungeon." After mentioning it, Noel's levels of excitement were slowly rising "But you'll have to listen to my orders, understood?"

"Yes, captain."

"Good, " the blond stood up, "Skadi, are you alright if I take it from here? "

"Go ahead. And please, be careful."

"Don't worry Goddess Skadi, we will! " The happy youngling smiled as the two blessed ones left the mead hall, leaving a worried deity behind.

As they left Fimbulvetr, it was time for Ragnar to be the guide for once; with an excited Noel following suit who had his hand ready on the dagger and the other looking at the parchment to give a look to his stats over and over again.

"So Noel, I never asked you this. How did you actually learn that magic? "

"Oh? Helbredende Ord? It was something that my parents taught me years ago. Day and night my father would teach me magic and eventually learn a spell that he knew. This one is similar to what he used, albeit with a different chant and functionality as it reverses any damage done to the flesh and bone rendering any attack that was done pointless."

"So it's like it never happened? "

"That is a simple way of putting it. Skadi told me that you have no magic."

"Yeah, no. I'm pretty simple as far as things go, compared to you…" He huffed, "Well, simple describes me best."

"But you are not simple, captain! You are a hero, or someone on the making. You saved me, and have shown strength against that wolf."

"Thanks for the encouragement words but right now you're the center of attention, not me." They continued walking until they arrived at the Guild building; surprisingly the newcomer was not having the same levels of excitement as before. "Is there a problem? "

"This is not the first time I've seen this place, but I've never went inside."

Without much delay, Ragnar entered and the silver haired followed in silently. Now, it was time for him to be amazed as he saw many more adventurers.

"This is amazing…"

"Ragnar? " A familiar voice struck the captain's ears. When both of them turned they saw the red haired worker, although her expression was calm, even happy but the two of them knew that deep inside she was hiding a lot of fury to the point that the silver haired gripped the dagger tightly. "I am glad that you were able to return." She grabbed the captain's arm and pulled him closer, "You could've come here to tell me that you completed the quest, instead you had me worried all night!" Her whispered words were filled with venom.

"I thought it was a proper punishment for what you did to me. You made me risk my life because of your mistake! " He whispered back, "maybe next time you don't put me in that position."

"I was trying to help you, what kind of person would I be if I didn't? "

"You could've asked me first! "

"Uhm… excuse me." Noel caught their attention "Where do I go to register myself as an adventurer? "

"Huh? Who is he? "

"His name is Noel. He is the kid from the quest… and he also joined the Skadi Familia."

"W-wha-…" Esther took a deep breath and tried to compose herself. She released Ragnar and approached the boy "Hi, my name is Estherisiana Brymorian and I act as a guide for your captain. Do you mind if I assist you as well? " The tight grip on Noel's dagger slowly loosened, he smiled and nodded at the elf. "Very well, please follow me."

"Noel, I'll be waiting-…" But the voice of other adventurers were louder than Ragnar's and the boy couldn't hear him as he entered through the same door the captain did in the past. "… outside."

Once again he felt left out. Noel was getting more attention and a better treatment from some people already; Skadi saw potential in him, something that she never mentioned for the captain.

He remained inside for a few seconds before leaving and sitting on the bench that was in front of the Guild building.

Unlike the last time, this was a longer wait; perhaps because Esther was explaining to the young boy about the Dungeon itself and the many dangers, something that she already told Ragnar upon his first visit.

He pulled his axe and looked at his own reflection. He saw a worried human. But worried about what? Sure, he had the responsibility of not only trying to keeping himself alive but also protecting Noel.

"Am I actually ready for it? "

"Ready for what, captain? "

"Oh? Ah, you're back. How did it go? " But the silver one did not reply, instead he took his dagger closer to the chest. "A-are you alright? "

"Miss Esther… she's scary."

"Eh… I think she's a bit…" Many words came to his mind and none would shed a good light on the Guild worker "She can be knowledgeable." While true, he had to dig deep to find that word to describe her.

"Still scary…"

"Well, " the captain stood up, put his weapon back to the side and stretched, "time to do what you were probably eager for the entire day." Noel's head darted immediately and his eyes went from that somber look full of fear to ones of attention and determination. "Are you ready? You can always take the day off, unpack your things and we can come back tomorrow."

"No, I need to do it. It's like a small step, right? "

Those words surprised the blond. So similar, yet at the same time it felt like it hit him differently now. Words that he used in the past, an attitude that he recognized and even in the boy's eyes he could see that same determination that he had many days ago during his first visit.

Sure, this was not going to be Noel's first delve into the Dungeon but it was perhaps his first proper one as an adventurer.

"Let's go."

Unlike the boy, Ragnar was not feeling the same excitement as he did on his first trip. His goal was still very much in his mind but right now his focus was of protecting the newest member in the Familia.

When they arrived at Babel, they stood in front of the entrance that led to the darkness that was the first floor.

The captain could notice that the young mage's legs were trembling. A similar feeling that he went through already.

"Captain… I'm an adventurer… why am I scared? "

"Because the thing in your back does not make you fearless, but it helps you move forward." Ragnar gave that brief comment, clicking his tongue. "Or at least, that's what I tell myself and it helps me."

"Alright…" Noel took a deep breath, looking back at the darkness that was in front of him. "I'm ready."

The two of them went down the staircase and straight for the first floor of the Dungeon. The newcomer felt safer with his captain nearby but he was still nervous.

The plan was to limit themselves to the first floor; Noel was already in the know when it came to what was lurking in this place, simple creatures that the previous day made him run but this time it was different, he wanted it to be different.

While inside of the cave, Ragnar followed the sounds to a lone kobold that was walking around. The furry creature with its dog head did not notice the presence of the two adventurers who were hiding behind the corner.

"A kobold…" Noel whispered, "am I ready to take that one out, captain? "

"If it is right here then we can take it down." Ragnar started to remove the straps from his shield. "Here, you might need it."

"No, " the blond was surprised to hear that response, "I will need to move fast and the shield might slow me down."

The young one stepped away from the wall, took another deep breath and pulled the dagger. He whispered some things to himself that Ragnar was not able to hear and then saw him running towards the kobold.

Ragnar was ready to shout at him but that would ruin the element of surprise they got on the monster. Sadly this didn't last long as the creature turned around and spotted the adventurer approaching.

"Noel watch out! " But he didn't listen to his warning.

The adventurer let out an angry scream as he lodged the dagger into the kobold's belly, making it squirm in pain and roar.

Noel smiled at his successful attack but it soon disappeared when the monster pushed him away.

"Noel! " While the boy was trying to get back up, the kobold went to attack him.

The captain remained still; seeing the boy getting attacked reminded him of himself. If the newest member were to become the best adventurer and hero then he would need to learn to withstand hits much like he did. He could just stand there and watch to see how he would resolve the situation, how all of this `potential´ could work.

"No… that's not right." Ragnar shook his head. That horrible thought of leaving Noel to his own devices felt vile, horrible and would even break the heart of the caretaker and especially Skadi. What would he even say to her? That he was just watching as he was being attacked by a monster? That is not the attitude a hero, as much as he hated to think himself as one.

He ran towards the kobold, using his shield to push it away. "Are you alright? " He looked back at the downed adventurer, extending his hand to help.

The boy looked up at Ragnar and took his hand, getting back up, "thanks captain." He leaned to grab the dagger once again.

"Good, let's end this thing and-"

"No." Noel stepped forward "Please, let me handle this. I appreciate your help, captain." With his dagger in hand he went to rush at the kobold who was standing up from Ragnar's attack with the shield.

The creature roared and was ready to hit Noel as soon as he was close.

The silver haired reduced his distance and noticed that the kobold had its hand ready to punch him.

"Have to be quick…" He muttered and the moment the monster leaned for the attack he took a step to the side to dodge it to the side and used this momentum on his other leg to jump forward.

The dagger pierced the neck and the weight of Noel's body was enough to make the kobold stumble backwards. With the boy on top, he removed the dagger and then pierced the creature in between the eyes. A cry of pain before it was turned to dust and the only thing remaining was the magic crystal.

"I… I did it captain…" The smile that Ragnar saw earlier in the day returned to the boy's face as he slowly stood up, trying to regain his balance. "The first monster that I killed…"

"Technically second. You still helped me with the wolf, " he approached, "how do you feel? "

"I'm…" Noel looked down at his hands, they had some blood from the monster and they were shaking. Nonetheless, he clenched his fist and held the dagger tighter "I'm great! " He looked up at the captain and gave that bright smile.

He returned the smile, even if there was something bugging him on the back of his head. There was no doubt that he was glad that Noel was able to defeat his first monster and overcome the same fear he had albeit quicker. He started to see what Skadi meant with potential; a young boy with quite the ambition and if he decided to nurture his abilities then sooner or later he would reach that goal of his.

"Let's take a moment to rest and then we'll find more monsters, alright? I doubt you would like to return home with only one kill under your belt."

"Home…" Noel muttered and nodded "Yeah, I would like to train more."

The rest of the day they both spent it training, Noel was able to kill more monsters and often with the help of Ragnar who tried to keep him safe. Much like it happened in the captain's first visit, the silver haired got some cuts and bruises from combat but otherwise he was mostly unharmed.

When they returned to the surface they went back to the Guild to sell the crystals and then headed to Fimbulvetr only to be met with a worried Skadi, this time about Noel's state rather than the captain who was unscathed from all that combat.

The loudest voice was the newcomer who explained to the goddess everything they did during the day, from visiting the Guild to fighting and how he feels like he is improving while the blond sat in silence, eating his meal and hearing, minding his own thoughts at the moment.

By the time dinner was done, Ragnar and Noel retreated to their respective rooms for the night.

The captain was sitting on his bed, holding the axe and looking at his reflection once again.

He saw a worried adventurer, but he did not understand why, or rather did not want to disclose it to anyone else. He wanted to be happy since the Familia was bigger but there was still something bugging him.

When he was ready to go to bed, he turned his attention at the door. Someone was knocking.

His first idea was that Noel might need something, he did say he would be unpacking his belongings and trying to get used to his new room.

"Yes? " He opened the door but was surprised to see Skadi on the other side. "O-oh, goddess, sorry. Did you need anything? "

"Yes, I came here to update your status, " she raised her hand to show an empty parchment. "May I come in? "

"Sure." Ragnar nodded and allowed the deity inside who closed the door as she walked in.

"Please, take off your shirt and lay on the bed." While it could've sound strange, the captain followed those instructions. His back was facing the ceiling and his head resting on the pillows and felt an extra weight on the bed. "This might be cold."

Skadi prickled her finger with a needle she brought and let a small bubble of blood form on the surface of her index; the goddess traced a perfect circle on the back which made him shudder.

The blood disappeared and instead the falna took its place revealing the familiar snowflake to the goddess; but Ragnar could not see anything except for a mysterious glow that he assumed came from his back.

"Skadi..."

"Yes? " Even though her attention was focused on the captain's status, she could still answer.

"Mh… forget it, it was nothing." He hummed and continued looking at the bedside table.

"I have noticed you a bit off today." This prompted a reaction from the blond who tried to move to look at Skadi but she pushed him so he wouldn't interrupt her. "Is there something wrong about Noel? "

"I…" He sighed, "I don't want to say it's Noel but it is something that has been bugging me ever since he joined. Perhaps it is what people said or just me realizing things."

"Such as? "

"Such as you saying that Noel had potential, that he is quite agile and knowledgeable to use magic. There was the caretaker who said that he can have a bright future." He stopped, thinking about the words from the two adults. "I felt small at that moment, like I don't think I will be able to compete with someone like that. Would I even be able to become someone like him? Or just… end up like this? "

"Compete? Ragnar, there is no need to feel like that. This is not a competition to see who the better adventurer is. It is true that I saw potential in him, being able to perform magic without a falna is quite the achievement but you've seen Noel, he is like a walking library!" She giggled "But that should not discourage you of what you are or what you do."

"Noel is agile and can use magic on top of fighting up close; you can do that too but you have more raw strength and are more resilient when it comes to combat, perhaps you can't cast any spells or be as quick as he could be but that does not mean is something bad. You two complement each other, whether in combat or outside of it."

"But what if it doesn't work? "

"You need to have faith sometimes, much like I have faith that you will return every day when you go to the Dungeon. You shouldn't burden yourself with those thoughts. Noel is not a competitor, he is a child of the same Familia as you are and he sees you as a captain, perhaps even as a friend."

"Skadi, what if I don't reach my goal? Do I even have enough ambition? Is it even enough? "

The unnatural glow that came from his back disappeared. Skadi placed the parchment where the falna was and traced a few lines and pressed it against the back before taking it away.

"My child… you do have ambitions and they are definitely enough. What I can tell you is this: " She presented the scroll to Ragnar who sat on the bed. Once again he could not understand any of what it was written except for his name and a few numbers.

"You won't become stronger overnight but you in time you will reach that goal of yours. Look here, " she pointed at the different stats, "your strength and endurance have gone up and your agility to a lesser degree too. You have no magic but perhaps if you start reading you might be able to learn a spell."

The captain took the parchment and his look of surprise was enough to make the goddess smile, even more so when he was also smiling as well. "I'm… I'm improving?!"

"I don't know why you are surprised. You are a hard worker after all, all those battles against monsters are paying off. Just make sure to return every day." Even if they were underground, Skadi was still wearing the same hood that was obscuring part of her face.

"Goddess, I… I don't know how to thank you." He held the parchment tighter and turned to the deity with an even bigger smile.

"You don't have to, " she stood up, "this was all your doing. I just inducted you into the Familia." Skadi walked towards the door and opened it. "Oh, Ragnar? Remember that question from yesterday? " The blond tried to remember. "My answer is yes, I do think you would make a good hero."

Giving him one last smile for the night, she walked out of the room and closed it behind her.

The captain was happy. All those injuries he withstood in the Dungeon finally paid off and he was able to let something out of his mind that was bugging him. With Skadi's guidance, he will start seeing things differently.

For now he took another look at his stats before turning off the lights and going to bed.


And Noel is part of the Skadi Familia! The first of many perhaps but for now we have a happy newcomer and a happy captain who enjoys his improvements.

However, the road for the two of them is ambitious and will definitely not be easy.

Thanks everyone for the reviews, follows and favs for the story, it keeps me happy whenever I see something new, even if it's just a small comment or a new follow it always makes my day.

Before I finish the chapter I want to add something here. In the last one I mentioned about making the adventurer sheets for the members of the Familia and after thinking about them, here we go:

...

Name: Ragnar Strand.

Age: 17

Affiliation: Skadi Familia.

Level: 1

Strength: G306

Endurance: H280

Dexterity: H261

Agility: H274

Magic: I48

Skills: -

Magic: -

...

Name: Noel Beliz

Age: 15

Affiliation: Skadi Familia

Level: 1

Strength: H209

Endurance: I141

Dexterity: H281

Agility: G301

Magic: H294

Skills: -

Magic: Helbredende Ord

...

Hope you enjoyed the chapter. Next one will feature a few familiar faces and will setting up a few things. Have a good weekend and as always: I'll see you next chapter!