"This will be my future Familia!"*
Hestia's eyes sparkled like stars, barely containing her excitement. However, remembering they were in Hephaestus's shop and that Bell had come seeking the smith goddess, she restrained herself and simply observed from the side, fidgeting like an impatient kitten.
*"That hood is in the way... I can't even see his face,"* Hestia thought, frustrated by her 140cm height preventing her from getting a proper look. Curiosity burned within her—knowing this boy would be her first member gave the moment special meaning.
Hephaestus, noticing her friend's eager glances, sighed internally. "I hope Hestia will be a good choice for him."
*"Yes, there's a useless goddess here who hasn't managed to form a Familia,"* she declared sarcastically.
*"Hephaestus! I'm not useless!"* Hestia jumped like a spring, cheeks flushing. *"I just... recently descended from heaven and don't know the lower world's ways yet. I'm the renowned Goddess of the Hearth!"*
Though aware of her pathetic track record, she refused to look bad in front of her future familia member. What she didn't realize was that Bell already had a clear image of her.
*"With your dismal appearance, what can I say?"* Hephaestus relented. No one knew Hestia better than her—their thousand-year friendship (and rivalry) had seen to that.
*"I'll recommend her,"* she continued, pointing at Hestia. *"This idiot's been mooching off me. Stubborn as a mule, but... well, if you've got no other options, join her."*
Bell wasn't surprised. He knew Hestia's nature—harmless, loyal to her Familia, and kind-hearted despite her clumsiness. "An ideal temperament," he thought.
With solemnity, he addressed Hestia:
*"Goddess Hestia, I'm just a country boy seeking strength. Would you accept someone so... ordinary?"*
*"Of course!"* Hestia puffed out her chest. *"Any child who joins my Familia will be treasured!"*
She meant it. To her, everyone deserved love. Besides, after Hephaestus's brutal honesty, she doubted another adventurer would approach. "This is my only chance!"
Resolved, Bell removed his hood, revealing snow-white hair and calm scarlet eyes. Hestia barely suppressed an admiring gasp. Gods appreciated beauty, and Bell—with his serene aura—was exactly her type.
*"Please allow me to join your Familia,"* he said with a bow.
Hestia felt the universe conspiring in her favor. *Her first member! And handsome to boot!*
*"Yes! Let's perform the Blessing ritual right away!"*
Hephaestus arched an eyebrow. *"In *my shop?"**
It was an absurd request. The ritual required privacy—adventurers' statuses were confidential. But Hestia, clasping her hands pleadingly, admitted:
*"I don't have my own territory yet!"*
Hephaestus growled. *"Just this once. Try this again and I'll kick you out."*
As compensation, she demanded to see Bell's initial status. Hestia agreed—as a rookie, there'd be no sensitive information.
As Hestia prepared the ritual, Hephaestus muttered: "Don't let her mess this up..." But something in Bell's determination made her hope for the best.
--
"Falna" —the power gods bestow upon the dwellers of the lower world.
A digitization of abilities. Just by accumulating enough experience, one could grow stronger, and through this continuous evolution, unique skills and new possibilities might emerge.
This ritual was pivotal for any new adventurer—it transformed innate talents into tangible data. Those with exceptional abilities gained better treatment and status within their Familia.
Hephaestus guided Bell and Hestia to the workshop on the second floor of her shop, now serving as a temporary site for the ritual. Though reluctant, she'd yielded to Hestia's pleading.
"Bell-kun, remove your clothes and turn around," Hestia instructed solemnly.
"Yes," Bell complied swiftly, shedding his coat and linen undergarments to reveal a toned back. "He's trained well," Hestia noted, confirming her initial impression—a country boy, but disciplined.
Focusing, Hestia pricked her finger with a needle from the workshop, letting a drop of divine blood fall onto Bell's back. The blood absorbed instantly, forming a sacred tattoo: *a hearth with flames*, Hestia's emblem. Azure letters glowed around it, displaying Bell's unique status:
---
*[Name*: Bell Cranel
*Level*: 1
*Attributes*:
- *Strength*: I0
- *Endurance*: I0
- *Dexterity*: I0
- *Agility*: I0
- *Magic*: I0
*Magic*:
- *"Four-Dimensional Storage"*
*Skill*:
- *"Early Bloomer"*
---
"Wha—!!!"Hestia shrieked, unable to contain her shock. She'd hoped her first Familia member might have something, but *both magic and a skill from day one was unprecedented.
Hephaestus, intrigued, stepped closer. Her eyes widened at the data. "Hestia... did you secretly save the world?"
Spatial magic was the rarest of the rare, and "Early Bloomer"—which accelerated growth without limits—was legendary. Even she, usually indifferent to others' power, felt a sharp stab of envy.
"Hestia," Hephaestus warned, "these abilities are dangerous. If other gods learn of them, they'll try to take him from you."
The hearth goddess paled. She knew Hephaestus was right—Orario was full of predators. But Bell, observing her unease, bowed slightly. "No need to worry, Goddess Hestia. I'm good at keeping secrets."
Hephaestus studied Bell with approval. His composure was unnatural for his age. "Something in his past shaped this," she deduced.
"The magic isn't the main issue—it's that skill," she muttered. "'Early Bloomer' has no restrictions. This boy will grow at a pace that draws attention... and trouble."
Hestia, still thrilled but now wary, nodded. "I won't report his progress to the Guild too quickly."
Hephaestus sighed. "And *you, idiot, don't boast. If word gets out, both of you will be in danger."
As Bell dressed, Hestia gazed at his back with pride and dread. She'd found a treasure... and an enormous responsibility.