DanMachi Universe, Lower World, Orario.
*Bang!* *Bang!* *Bang!*
"Hey! Aislynn! Let me in! I came over for breakfast!"
"Seriously?" Tatsuo asked while looking through a window towards the front gate of the Dragon's Nest. "Who the hell shows up at the crack of dawn without notice and talks about coming over for breakfast?"
Currently, Tatsuo and Alfonzo, the members of the Familia responsible for feeding the others, had just come down to the Dragon's Nest's first floor after they, along with Elicia, had their Falnas updated, as Aislynn was not in the mood to do any more updates after dinner last night, claiming that she was far too sleepy after overindulging.
And true to what she said, Aislynn, after returning to her room on the villa's third floor, fell right to sleep, leaving the rest of the Familia to their own devices for the evening.
However, as soon as she woke up, Aislynn immediately woke up Tatsuo, Alfonzo, and Elicia to get their Falna updates. Though, she really had to struggle with Elicia, as the Magic Seamstress had no intention of getting out of bed before breakfast was ready. But Aislynn eventually succeeded, and their updated Falna looked like this:
Status
Name: Soramoto Tatsuo
Level: 1
-Attributes-
Strength: I12 -> I96
Endurance: I6 -> I42
Dexterity: I15 -> H119
Agility: I17 -> H135
Magic: I14 -> H105
-Magic-
Blink
-Allows the user to use short-range teleportation.
-Chant: Chantless
Transmutation
-With adequate understanding, materials can be deconstructed and reconstructed into a form of the user's choosing.
-Chant: Mankind cannot gain anything without first giving something in return. To obtain, something of equal value must be lost. This is known as the Law of Equivalent Exchange. Transmutation.
[Empty]
-Skills-
Magic Circle Creation
-The user is able to create magic circles of any attribute. And with a corresponding Mind cost, the user is able to cast the circle's magic.
Void Destiny
-As one destined for greatness, the speed of Excelia gain will be greatly increased.
Status
Name: Alfonzo Marcus
Level: 1
-Attributes-
Strength: I8 -> I67
Endurance: I6 -> I40
Dexterity: I8 -> I69
Agility: I9 -> I74
Magic: I8 -> I66
-Magic-
Corpus Fulmineum
-A spell that enhances the user's body with Lightning Magic. Strength, Endurance, Dexterity, and Agility increase with Mind usage.
-Chant: Oh lightning. Descend into this body and grant the power to vanquish my enemies. Corpus Fulmineum
Analysis Materiae
-A spell that allows the user to pulse magic power into an object to learn specific details about its makeup.
-Chant: Open your secrets to me. Analysis Materiae
[Empty]
-Skills-
[Empty]
Status
Name: Elicia Marcus Taylor
Level: 1
-Attributes-
Strength: I5 -> I38
Endurance: I3 -> I24
Dexterity: I10 -> I73
Agility: I9 -> I64
Magic: I8 -> I58
-Magic-
Administratio Filorum
-A spell that allows the user to create threads with magic and manipulate the conjured threads. Length, duration, and minute control of the threads scale with the Magic Stat and Mind usage
-Chant: Mend the Seams of Reality. Administratio Filorum
Implicatio Filorum
-The user conjures a large amount of magical thread before spreading it through the area. Then, at the user's command, the threads converge to immobilize a target. The scale and strength of the spell scale with the Magic Stat.
-Chant: Set the trap and reel in the net. Implicatio Filorum
[Empty]
-Skills-
[Empty]
After their Falna updates, Tatsuo and Alfonzo made their way downstairs to start on breakfast while Elicia hurried back to bed, stating that she would not get up until she could smell breakfast.
Unfortunately, Elicia forgot that the villa they were living in was not equipped with the same sigils that made the smells coming from the kitchen permeate the entire estate like the ones Alfonzo installed in the two houses they lived in back in Earth Land.
Back to the present…
As soon as Tatsuo and Alfonzo arrived in the main hall, as they had to pass through it to get to the kitchen, they heard banging from outside. And when they looked through the window out at the courtyard, towards the villa's gate, they saw Loki banging on the gate while Ais, Tione, and Tiona stood next to her as she shouted at the top of her lungss to get Aislynn's attention.
{Pic}
"She even brought the Sword Princess and the twins, too..." Alfonzo added while shaking his head. "How did she even get Tione to come without her beloved captain?"
"Who knows?" Tatsuo replied with a shrug. "She managed to leave her chaperone, Riveria, at home, too."
"That one's easy." Alfonzo replied with a chuckle while remembering the look on Riveria's face when she ran out of the Dragon's Nest while clutching a plate of Jagamarukun the last time she came over. "There's no way Nine Hell is ever coming over here again to eat without a damn good reason."
"Fair enough." Tatsuo replied with a shrug.
Then, Alfonzo turned his head to look at Tatsuo with mischief in his eyes.
"So, what should we do, Captain? Should we let them in?" Alfonzo asked playfully.
"Let Aislynn handle it." Tatsuo replied in an uncaring tone.
At that moment, Loki seemed to notice them from the gate. And when she did, she smiled widely while waving her hands wildly, trying to get their attention.
However, instead of acknowledging Loki, Tatsuo turned away and started walking towards the kitchen, leaving Alfonzo chuckling. But in the end, Alfonzo did not go outside to open the gate, either. Yet, he did not immediately follow Tatsuo to the kitchen, either. Instead, he headed upstairs to ask Aislynn how he should handle this, just as his captain ordered… Or at least how he interpreted Tatsuo's orders.
"Damn you, Brat!" Loki shouted as she ran through the villa towards the kitchen. "Why didn't you let me in when you saw me? You damn womanizer! Playboy! Gigolo! Scound--- Mmph!"
About ten minutes had passed since Tatsuo left the main hall. And during that time, Alfonzo made his way up to Aislynn's room, asked her what to do about Loki, and let her and the members of her Familia in after Aislynn told him to.
Then, as soon as the gates were opened, Loki, already angry that Tatsuo ignored her, ran straight past Alfonzo towards the kitchen, shouting and complaining the entire way. And when she eventually reached the kitchen and stomped up to Tatsuo, intending to grab him by the shoulder, Tatsuo spun around and stuffed something, a muffin, into her mouth, causing Loki's complaints to die in her throat as an expression of euphoria appeared on her face.
{Pic}
"Good morning, Lady Loki." Tatsuo said as he turned back to the kitchen counter. "I would assume you'll be joining us for breakfast this morning?"
Naturally, Loki could not answer Tatsuo's question as she was too busy chewing the muffin Tatsuo stuffed into her mouth to even register his words. Luckily, there was someone who was more than willing to answer for her.
"That's right, handsome." Tiona said as she skipped into the kitchen. "Loki said you and Alfonzo were amazing cooks. So, we asked her to bring us along when she came to freeload a meal."
*Smack!*
"Don't say it like that, Stupid." Tione scolded while slapping Tiona upside the head.
"Why not?" Tiona asked indignantly while covering the spot where she was hit. "That's exactly what happened, though."
"Even if it is, wrap it in nicer words." Tione shot back. "It saves our goddess a little dignity.
"Like she ever had any of that in the first place." Tiona said while glancing at Loki, who was hugging herself lewdly.
"*Sigh* I can't even deny that." Tione muttered while rubbing her forehead.
Tione and Tiona were not the only ones to enter the kitchen, as Alfonzo and Ais also followed them in. And while Alfonzo started to prepare more ingredients for breakfast, Ais stood directly between the two chefs while looking as if she wanted to say something but was afraid to hear the response.
"Yes, we can make Jagamarukun." Tatsuo said in an exasperated tone, answering Ais' unasked question. "Just don't disturb us. Go wait in the dining room or the main hall."
Hearing that, Ais' eyes lit up. Then, without a word, she nodded her head before turning around to leave the kitchen.
"Oh, and don't let your goddess disturb us, either." Tatsuo added before Ais could leave. "Or there will be no Jagamarukun."
That caused Ais to stop dead in her tracks with the light of panic flashing in her eyes. A moment later, however, Ais' eyes firmed with determination. Then, with all the speed her Level 5 Status could offer, she flashed next to Loki, wrapped her arms around the goddess' waist, and dragged her out of the kitchen.
"Huh? What? Ooh! Ais-Tan's hugging me!" Loki squealed after she came back to her senses from her food-gasm. "Come, let me hug you, too, Ais-Tan!"
*Bang!*
However, just after Loki's voice sounded from outside the kitchen, the sound of a hard object striking flesh and bone sounded. Then, Loki fell silent. Meanwhile, Tatsuo and Alfonzo paid no attention to the commotion, chatting as they worked together while preparing breakfast.
Tione and Tiona, on the other hand, only shrugged at the common sight of Ais knocking out Loki when she got too handsy. Then, in order to not disturb Tatsuo and Alfonzo, they both left the kitchen, as well. Though, Tiona did steal more than a few glances at Tatsuo, curious to know more about the captain of the Aislynn Familia.
As time passed, James, Violet, Aletia, Akatsuki, Sakura, Zelretch, Momo, and Aislynn made their way downstairs. And when they arrived in the dining room, they saw Loki and the three members of her Familia she brought with her.
"Aww, she didn't bring Riveria." James said in a forlorn tone. "*Sigh* Until that day, I didn't realize just how much I needed an embarrassed High Elf in my life."
The footsteps and James' lament caused Loki, Ais, Tione, and Tiona to look towards the entrance to the dining hall. And when Loki heard James' complaint, she put on an exaggerated expression of lament, as well, and dramatically pressed her right hand to her forehead.
"*Sigh* It truly is a shame." Loki said dramatically. "Mama really doesn't understand just how much joy she brings to others. A true travesty, indeed."
Hearing James' and Loki's back-and-forth, Tione recoiled in terror.
"How... How is this possible?" Tione asked with her eyes wide in shock and fear. "There's actually someone else with the same terrible hobby as Loki?"
While Tione was absolutely horrified, Tiona could not help but laugh uproariously while slapping the table repeatedly. Ais, on the other hand, only tilted her head in confusion. Because she was so focused on the Jagamarukun last time, she completely missed Riveria's breakdown.
{Pic}
"Anyway, why are you here so early in the morning, Loki?" Aislynn said as she made her way towards her seat at the head of the table. "Although wanting to have some of my children's cooking is completely understandable, I doubt you would come here so early just for that."
"Right." Loki said while dropping her performance. "Actually, it's because the children of my Familia are curious about our new allies. So, I was hoping you would let them spar with my children. Naturally, Ais-Tan, Tiona, and Tione will suppress their strength to match theirs if you agree."
Instead of replying immediately, Aislynn turned to look at James, Violet, Aletia, Akatsuki, Sakura, Zelretch, and Momo, taking in their reactions to the suggestion, she could not help but smile.
Naturally, James, who had trained to hone his swordsmanship and martial arts for two lifetimes, was eager to try sparring against the stronger opponents. Zelretch, on the other hand, showed absolutely no interest in the opportunity. Aletia was similar to Zelretch in that regard. As for the others, they all showed varying levels of interest.
Then, Aislynn thought about the other three members of the Familia, Tatsuo, Alfonzo, and Elicia. And while Elicia was not as much of a battle junkie as the other two, none of them would turn down a good fight. And with that, the decision was made.
"Sure." Aislynn replied casually. "But it will have to be right after breakfast. Tatsuo and Alfonzo said they have things they want to do today."
"No problem, I'm sure it won't take too long either way." Loki said while waving off Aislynn's concerns.
"Indeed." Aislynn replied with a smile. A moment later, however, she narrowed her eyes and glared at the Hiryute sisters. "I'd suggest the two of you control yourselves very carefully. Especially you, Jormungand. Because if either of you loses control, you won't like the consequences."
The reason for Aislynn's warning was because of a Skill both Hiryute sisters had, Berserk. When invoked, the two gained a large increase in their attack power. As for putting more emphasis on Tione, whose Alias is Jormungand, it is because her attack power increases even further when she is angered. And based on how skilled the members of the [Dimensional Chat] were, Aislynn felt that Tione would find herself rather frustrated by the time the spar ended.
After Loki mentioned that Aislynn was more than likely strong enough to put down the One-Eyed Black Dragon by herself, every member of the Loki Familia now had a healthy respect, mixed with a dash of fear, for the Dragon God. So, when Tione and Tiona heard the warning, they nodded their heads quickly with cold sweat forming on the backs of their necks.
"Stop scaring them."
As those words arrived, a delectable aroma also floated into the dining hall, causing all the tension to evaporate. A moment later, the one who spoke, Tatsuo, accompanied by Alfonzo, entered the dining hall while carrying today's breakfast.
"What was all the tension about, anyway?" Alfonzo asked as he started putting plates down in front of everyone sitting at the table. "Oh, and can someone go upstairs and... You know what? Never mind. I'll go wake her up myself."
"Would you like me to finish setting the table in your place?" Sakura asked softly.
"If you wouldn't mind." Alfonzo replied with a smile. A moment later, his smile turned teasing as he continued. "You're gonna make T a happy man when you two get married in the future."
Immediately, Sakura lowered her head to hide her embarrassment. Yet, she did not delay taking the platter Alfonzo was carrying. At the same time, the other ladies who were interested in Tatsuo all had different reactions.
First, Violet simply smiled at the interaction. Aletia, on the other hand, glared at Alfonzo out of jealousy. And Momo blushed brightly, her conversation with Violet during last night's bath making her imagination run wild.
Meanwhile, Alfonzo, after handing the platter to Sakura, left the dining room to wake up Elicia. And by the time he returned to the dining hall with Elicia, everyone was seated and waiting for them to arrive so they could eat, Ais the most impatient, as Jagamarukun were served with today's breakfast.
"Sit down, you two." Aislynn said with a smile. "It looks like some of our guests can't wait much longer."
Alfonzo and Elicia did not need to be told twice, as they were looking forward to seeing Tione's and Tiona's reactions to the food. Meanwhile, after hearing Loki talk up the cooking in the Aislynn Familia to the heavens, Tione and Tiona were too busy digging in to notice the strange silence in the dining hall. And before long...
"Ahn~~~~~!"
"Mmm~~~~~!"
...they were both moaning loudly as they chewed the food.
{Pic}
"Never gets old, does it?" Tatsuo asked with a smile as he fist-bumped Alfonzo triumphantly.