"Huh?"
Several question marks practically popped out of Ryota's head.
"Of course, Lady Lokia."
His entering the Dungeon was purely coincidental, and it truly was his first time receiving a Falna.
But Loki still wore a suspicious look, scratching her head lightly with a puzzled expression.
"But... this is kind of weird, don't you think?"
"And your back is so clean and clear... it definitely looks like your first engraving..."
She glanced down again at the parchment in her hand, her expression growing even more complicated.
Finally, she sighed softly, handing the densely written parchment over to Ryota.
"Alright, take a look yourself."
"I've translated everything into a language you can read."
Ryota took it and lowered his eyes to read:
[Name]: Ryota
[Level]: Lv.1
[Status]:
·Strength: I 0
·Endurance: I 0
·Dexterity: I 0
·Agility: I 0
·Magic: I 0
[Development Abilities]: None
[Magic]:
Ninjutsu Domain
·Fire Style: Great Fireball Jutsu – Releases a large fireball approximately 3 meters in diameter, dealing area-of-effect damage and inflicting burning effects.
·Fire Style: Phoenix Flower Jutsu – Fires multiple flame projectiles locking onto enemies, performing explosive mid-to-long-range magical attacks with extremely high speed.
[Skills]:
All-Encompassing Divine Eye
·Insight: Significantly improves evasion and accuracy during combat. Greatly increases perception of traps, ambushes, and abnormal conditions.
·Copy: Temporarily copies and mimics the target's movements or basic combat techniques.
「Note: Only non-magical combat techniques used by Adventurers can be copied, such as swordsmanship and skills.」
·Opening: Can perceive enemy intentions during battle, providing early warnings before enemy attacks.
===========
Staring at his initial status sheet, Ryota remained silent for a moment, finally understanding why Loki had looked so shocked.
Even with his calm composure, he couldn't help but slightly raise an eyebrow.
His two "Fire Style" techniques had been categorized under "Ninjutsu Domain," becoming "Magic."
His Sharingan had been converted into a Skill, further divided into separate abilities.
So, even though all five of his basic stats were still untouched, just having magic and skills at his initial state was probably incredibly rare throughout all of Orario.
Ryota lifted his head, finally noticing that Loki had quietly moved between him and the other Familia members, smiling mischievously as she blocked their view.
Around them, the other Loki Familia members clearly weren't witnessing this scene for the first time.
They kept a considerate distance of a few meters away, none approaching or attempting to peek.
The hall, though lively, was oddly disciplined and quiet at this moment.
It was both a habit and a form of respect.
After all, the "initial status" was an Adventurer's most crucial secret in this world.
"Ryota."
Loki's usual playful expression was absent, replaced by a rare seriousness:
"This isn't something to show off."
"From now on, no matter who you're facing, never reveal the 'Falna Engraving' on your back."
"And absolutely never casually tell anyone your initial status."
She tilted her head slightly and asked:
"Do you know why?"
"Because it'll help me live longer."
Ryota answered calmly.
Loki froze for a second, then blinked and broke into a grin:
"Yo, kiddo, seems like you understand quite a bit."
With a soft pop, a cluster of ghostly blue light exploded on the parchment, scattering like fireworks.
As the lingering magic faded away into thin air, it marked the completion of Ryota's final step in officially joining the Loki Familia.
"Alright!"
Loki clapped her hands, instantly reverting to her energetic, cheerful self.
She turned around, waving enthusiastically at the Familia members behind her, shouting loudly:
"Bring out the booze! Bring out the meat!"
"We won't leave until we're completely wasted tonight—!"
"Celebrating the official entry of our Familia's new member—Ryota!!"
"Wooooooahhhhhhh!!!"
Cheers erupted throughout the hall, and everyone sprang into action.
Ryota initially intended to stand up and lend a hand—after all, he'd just joined, and he felt he ought to contribute something.
But as soon as he moved, a firm hand pressed down gently on his shoulder.
"Just sit down and relax."
Turning around, he saw Finn smiling gently at him, speaking with his usual calm warmth:
"A newcomer should properly enjoy their welcome party."
"Leave the rest to us old-timers."
Ryota nodded slightly, feeling a subtle warmth blooming in his chest.
So this is... what it feels like to be welcomed.
Soon, deliciously fragrant roasted meats and large barrels of alcohol were brought in wave after wave.
The long tables were quickly filled, steaming hot dishes piling up until it was hard to tell if this was a Familia headquarters or some rowdy tavern.
Loki was the first to rush to the table, rolling up her sleeves and gulping down two mouthfuls of booze. Her cheeks instantly flushed red, and she entered her "party mode."
With their goddess leading the charge, and after returning from the exhausting Expedition—having not relaxed properly for an entire month—everyone finally lowered their guard, releasing their pent-up stress completely.
Within moments, the entire hall was bustling.
Laughter, clinking cups, and playful fights over meat mixed together, the atmosphere heating up quickly as if set aflame.
Ryota initially maintained his composure, sitting straight-backed, smiling politely as he handled everyone's enthusiasm.
But eventually:
"Drink up! The newbie has to empty his cup!"
"Try this one! Lady Loki's special brew she's been saving for three years!"
"Don't just stick to sake; have some fruit wine for a change!"
"Are you seriously pouring drinks into the newbie like that? He's already had five cups—hey!"
(He had no idea which girl shouted that.)
"Too late! The sixth cup is already here!!!"
Ryota completely lost track of how many drinks he'd been given.
Empty cups piled high like mountains, and the chicken bones on his plate were stacking into a miniature "tower."
Fruit wine, sake, strong liquor... drink after drink appeared one after another. Although his smile remained polite, his gaze had already started to drift.
He couldn't hold on any longer.
He knew clearly in his heart that he'd embarrass himself if he stayed any longer.
"Ahem, I'm going to the restroom."
Saying this, Ryota slipped out from the enthusiastic crowd and quickly left the hall.
No one stopped him—everyone was too immersed in the festivities, laughter and cheers loud enough to nearly blow the roof off.
Stepping into the hallway, his steps slightly unsteady, Ryota leaned against the wall and took a deep breath.
In the next second—
A mechanical voice sounded clearly in his mind.
Main quest—completed!