Chapter 8: Upgrade, and…recruitment?
"…Fuck?"
…
"Yeah…"
So that happened. It seems I am now a potential homewrecker and a milf hunter…I really don't know how to feel about that.
Let's just shelve that until it becomes relevant. Now for the other pulls.
…
'I GOT A POKEMON!'
There are legit Pokémon in this Gatcha. I've always wanted a real life pokemon, though I would never be able to choose one Pokémon, I'm more than happy with which I got. It may seem useless in combat, and that's completely fine. I shall cherish my new…partner, yeah partner.
'Though I really should figure out what I'm going to do with the Mimic. Can I summon multiple familiars?'
Thoughts for later, anyway. Now for the other rewards. Four arms will definitely be an awesome addition, should I get some more weapons and be able to weird them with all my arms, that's gonna be metal.
I got a cool straw hat I guess, or THE Straw hat. Doesn't really do anything, maybe I should frame it or something?
Intermediate black smithing is pretty cool…should I join the Hephaestus familia? I'm sure that would be a great idea, though that is something that will need attention and thought. But regardless, should I collect the material, I'll be able to forge my own stuff, perhaps armor worthy for a real adventurer.
Novice shooting is just…meh. Since it only involves firearms, like guns and bows, it won't be too useful, unless I get some awesome firearms in the future…ok it is a good skill to have, now that I think about it.
And now…the dupes. Two dupes from 7 Gatcha's, granted they were bronze, but still. Do I get a reroll? Or perhaps…the skills, abilities, traits, items, and or familiars can…evolve? Upgrade?
A duplicate reward has been pulled from the Gatcha. To compensate for this, the player will now be able to evolve: abilities, skills, traits, and familiars, should multiple be pulled.
Charming Smile has been upgraded to Charismatic Smile
Description: Your smile has evolved. Your smile can light up a room, calm many, ease tensions, and is very attractive towards women.
Animal Lover has been upgraded to Beast Bond
Description: All mundane animals love you, most non-mundane animals like you, and most beastkin like you more.
'Hell yeah.'
Now that is awesome. These were just common traits, and they have evolved into something probably on par with uncommon or even rare traits. I definitely prefer to be able to upgrade rather than reroll.
"Haaahh…it's getting late, might be time for a break tomorrow." Though I wonder if I can still get some tickets by just doing that fairly, simple workout. At the start of the week the workout was fairly tough, but when compared to literally breaking down my body until I collapsed…yeah it was easier to adapt to, much easier.
Guess that'll be the first thing I do tomorrow, well, after breakfast that is.
Though, thank the gods for Conditioning and M. Soul. Without those two, fast tracking the preparation of my body would have been a nightmare. And I must say, this training has done wonders for my body. I may not look like a veteran adventurer, but the bump on my stomach is gone, my jawline has become sharper than ever, and I feel better than I ever have in my 24 years of living.
Now it was time to sleep, and see what tomorrow would bring.
——————————————————————
The next morning started off simple—just the way I liked it.
I scarfed down a quick breakfast: eggs, rice, and whatever pickled veggies I could snag cheap. Not exactly luxurious, but it hit the spot.
Once I was done, I made my way back out to the fields.
Today wasn't going to be anything crazy. No collapsing. No death stares from passing adventurers. Just a light training day to keep the engine warm.
100 push-ups.
100 sit-ups.
100 squats.
Then, the 10-kilometer run.
I could already feel the fatigue creeping in by the time I hit the halfway point, but honestly? Compared to the hell I put myself through at the start of the week, this was practically a vacation.
I finished the run with a decent time—sweating bullets, sure, but still breathing. And then…
Daily Feat Achieved: Daily Workout
Reward: 1x Bronze Trait Gatcha Ticket
'Oh hell yeah.'
Another ticket, baby. The fact that I can get a ticket daily is absolutely amazing, I'll be taking advantage of this for as long as I can. Without wasting any time, I rolled the ticket.
'Alright, Gatcha gods…don't fail me now.'
Rolling…
Fertility Calibration (2.2 Rarity, 0.92% odds)-Uncommon Trait-
You can freely adjust your own fertility, being able to freely go from absolutely inert to being so fertile you can impregnate even someone completely infertile at will.
…
'Why is this Gatcha so…lewd?'
Well, if I ever get that far in a relationship, this will be a nice protection I guess, though the thought of having kids does things to my heart.
*AHEM*
Major thoughts for later in life.
With that little dopamine spike out of the way, I decided it was time to not smell.
The bathhouse wasn't far, and thank the gods for that. After paying the fee, I slipped into the steaming water, the heat instantly soaking into my sore muscles. I let out a satisfied sigh and sunk in deeper. No one bothered me, and I didn't bother anyone. Just a quiet soak and a brief moment of peace.
Once I was clean and refreshed, I got dressed and made my way toward the Guild.
There was still daylight left, and I figured I might as well check in—maybe see if any small-time quests were available, or just say hi to a certain receptionist.
Yeah…time to pay the Guild a visit.
——————————————————————
The Guild was about half-full when I stepped in—not too loud, not too quiet. Just the usual hum of adventurers chatting, negotiating quests, and the occasional bark from one of the few advisors.
And there she was, right at her usual station.
"Morning Ariel-san." I waved and made my way over.
She looked up and smiled, setting aside some paperwork. "Well, if it isn't our hard-working guest again. How's the body holding up?"
"Better than ever," I said with a proud grin. "I've actually been taking it a bit easier today—just the basics. A light 100 push-ups, sit-ups, squats, and a ten-kilometer jog."
Ariel raised an eyebrow. "That's your idea of easy?"
I laughed. "Compared to the full body destruction I've been doing? Absolutely."
She gave a small sigh, though the smile never left her face. "Just…remember to rest too, alright? Even the toughest ore can crack if you strike it too often."
"Yeah," I nodded, "I know. Honestly, I'm just… really happy with how far I've come. My body feels incredible now. Stamina, strength, even mentally—I feel sharper. Makes me wonder though…" I trailed off, tapping a finger on my chin.
Ariel tilted her head. "Wonder what?"
"What I could've done with a Falna," I said quietly, almost to myself.
"Would you like to know?"
The voice was like a breeze of spring wind—soft, melodious, and carrying a weight that made the air around me thicker. I turned slowly, every nerve in my body suddenly alert.
And there she was.
Radiant, elegant…beautiful. Her presence alone made time feel like it slowed. She didn't just walk—she glided. Her smile was warm, but it held a glint of something playful…and undeniably dangerous. Her beauty wasn't simply physical—it was divine.
Lady Demeter.
"L-Lady Demeter," I stammered before quickly straightening myself and giving the best bow I could manage without face-planting. "It's an honor to meet you."
She gave a soft chuckle, resting a finger on her cheek as her golden eyes sparkled with mischief.
"Ara ara~ it seems I won't have to introduce myself. You must be this 'Francisco Sol' I've heard a bit about."
My brain practically screeched to a halt. And my head tilted on its own.
"You've…heard of me?"
My face must've twisted into the most confused expression imaginable because she let out a melodic giggle.
"Fufufu…One of my own children resides in this town during the harvests," she said. "He told me a tale about a young man—one without a Falna—training his absolute heart out. Working until failure…and then rising back up to do it all again. He saw this with his own eyes, for four days straight."
I blinked. Hard.
Demeter continued, voice soft but full of pride. "He decided then and there that you were a talent worth recruiting. And when I heard his story, I became curious. I had the pleasure of seeing you for myself—not up close, but enough to confirm the truth of his words."
She stepped closer, her presence wrapping around me like the scent of fresh grain in late summer. "When my child struggled to describe how you looked just 8 days ago, compared to the person you are now…I knew then that your will and determination would be acknowledged by any divine being."
Then she reached out, holding one of his hands with both—not commanding, but caring, zero pressure, yet firm.
"For this, I wish to invite you to join the Demeter Familia."
My brain stopped.
Just—stopped. Like someone yanked the plug on all conscious thought. Mouth slightly open, eyes wide, heart thundering in my chest. And for a second, I swear the entire Guild went quiet. Or maybe that was just in my head.
The Goddess of Agriculture and the Harvest just invited me—me—to join her Familia.
My knees didn't buckle, but they definitely thought about it. I could feel the weight of eyes on me from all around the hall, adventurers pausing mid-conversation, Guild workers leaning ever-so-slightly to listen in. The air felt heavy with something unspoken.
I wanted to say yes. Oh gods, I wanted to say yes.
Not just because it was a Falna. Not just because this could be the start of my real journey as an adventurer. But because she came here—herself. A goddess traveled days just to meet me. That wasn't normal. That wasn't typical. And that kind of dedication…it moved something in me.
But…
I couldn't ignore the reality. The Demeter Familia focused on agriculture, business, trade. Not dungeon diving. Not exploration or combat. Could I pursue my goals in that environment? Would I be stuck plowing fields when I wanted to wield blades?
Would it be disrespectful to refuse? Or worse…would I regret accepting?
Demeter, sensing the storm in my chest, gently squeezed my hand before letting go. Her smile softened, and in that moment, she felt less divine, and more…human.
"There's no need to rush," she said warmly. "Nor any need to say yes at all. I won't be offended either way, Sol-san."
My lips parted, but no words came. She gave me the space to breathe, to think, to feel.
"If you have questions," she added, "you're welcome to ask—whether here and now, or somewhere more private. I want you to choose with a full heart, not one burdened by uncertainty."
My stomach, of course, chose that exact moment to growl. Loudly.
A beat of silence. Then I gave a sheepish laugh and scratched the back of my head. "I, uh…wouldn't mind getting an early lunch in. If you're free, Lady Demeter."
She blinked once, a bit surprised, then smiled with just the faintest curve of something mischievous tugging at her lips. "Fufufu…how forward. But yes, I believe I can spare the time. I did wish to speak with you alone, after all."
And just like that, we were heading out together.
Me and a goddess.
Yeah…what was my life right now?
——————————————————————
Wren's Hearth.
Just thinking about it made my mouth water.
After pushing myself all morning, I figured I earned something a little more satisfying than plain eggs and meat skewers. And truth be told, I'd been craving this place since my last visit. It was where I'd celebrated finishing my first training arc, and the memory of the food hadn't faded in the slightest.
As we stepped inside, the familiar scent of roasted vegetables, simmering meat, and freshly baked flatbread wrapped around me like a warm hug. The lighting was soft, the walls lined with wood and brick, and a gentle heat radiated from the open hearth at the center of the room. It was cozy. Homely. Real.
A waiter approached before I could say a word.
Demeter stepped forward with the kind of grace that made everyone else look clumsy. "A private booth for two, please."
The man blinked, swallowed hard, and nodded quickly. "R-right this way."
We followed him past the main dining area, winding through a few curious glances. Toward the back of the restaurant, we were led to a quiet booth tucked in a dim alcove, half-hidden behind a heavy linen curtain. The cushions were thick, the table polished smooth, and the silence was just enough to make the place feel intimate without being stifling.
Once seated, the waiter passed us our menus and left us in peace.
"I can see why you like it here," Demeter said, scanning the room with an approving smile. "It has heart."
I smiled. "Yeah…it's kind of my spot when I want to reward myself. The food's great, and the people don't bother you much."
She tilted her head, golden eyes gleaming. "So what are we celebrating this time?"
"I haven't decided," I said. "But I wished to try the spiced grain stew, so I figured that was reason enough."
Demeter chuckled softly. "Then I'll trust your craving. I'll have the same. And perhaps a glass of elderberry wine."
"Cider for me," I added when the waiter returned to take our order.
Once we were alone again, Demeter rested her chin on the back of her hand, her expression light. "How long have you been in Trellis town?"
"Just over two weeks now."
"And how are you liking it so far?"
I leaned back, arms folded casually. "Honestly? It's grown on me. The people are kind. The pace is slower than what I'm used to, but…it's peaceful. A good place to focus."
She nodded, satisfied with the answer. "That's what my child said as well. He always returns with such thoughts— how the sun favors the fields. He even mentioned the local cider being the best in the region."
"Hmm…well it's definitely the best I've had so far." I said, smiling after taking a sip.
There was a short pause, a comfortable silence between us. Then, her voice softened.
"And what about you, Sol-san? What are your goals?"
I blinked, caught slightly off guard by how gently she'd asked.
I took a moment before answering. "I'm…still figuring that out. But I do know that in the future, I wish to explore the dungeon. I want to test myself, see how far I can go. What I'm really after? I don't know yet. But maybe that'll come with time."
She smiled at that—gentle, but knowing. "A journey in search of purpose. There's no nobler path."
"Guess so," I murmured. "Long as I keep moving forward."
Just then, our food arrived. Hot, fragrant, and exactly as I remembered it. The stew was thick with grain, root vegetables, and tender slices of seasoned meat. The bread was warm and crisp, perfect for dipping. Demeter took a small bite and gave an approving nod.
"Mmm. I see why you were craving this."
"Yeah…reminds me of home..."
We ate for a while in content silence. Then I glanced up between bites.
"So…if I were to join your familia—hypothetically—what would that look like?"
Her eyes sparkled a little. "You mean, would you be pulling weeds or planting vegetables?"
I chuckled. "Something like that."
She leaned back slightly, her tone easy. "My children farm because they love to. But it's not a requirement. If your heart lies in the dungeon, then that's where I want you to be. I've had many adventurers in my ranks—Persephone, my captain, is one of the most capable delvers I know."
"That's…reassuring," I said, chewing over both food and words.
"I care about growth, Sol-san. Be it from soil or spirit. If you join me, I'll help you grow however you need. Whether your hands are in the earth or your sword is in the dark."
There was no pressure in her words. Just calm, steady conviction.
——————————————————————
The last of the broth had long since cooled, and the warmth of Wren's Hearth seemed distant now—like it was waiting for us to say what mattered before letting us enjoy the rest.
I placed my spoon down quietly and leaned back, eyes drifting across the flickering lantern light before settling back on Demeter. Her attention hadn't wavered once. She didn't press me, didn't intrude—but she was waiting.
So I met her gaze and spoke.
"Lady Demeter…before I give you my answer, there's something you should know."
She said nothing, only gave me a small nod of encouragement, golden eyes steady.
I took a breath, steadying myself. This may be a mistake…but, this is something that needs to be known.
"I'm not…normal."
The words felt heavier than I expected, even though I'd lived with the truth of them for weeks now.
"I'm not just a late bloomer. I'm not some hidden prodigy. I'm something else entirely. An anomaly."
My hands curled into fists for a moment. Then I released them. No theatrics. No hesitation.
"I don't have a Falna, and yet—I can do things no one else should be able to. Things that grow stronger with each passing day."
I paused, then let the change take hold.
Four Arms. Lightning Spear.
A quiet hum filled the booth as two shadowy forms bloomed above my shoulders, shaping into flesh. Lightning danced in my palms, steady and controlled, arcs flickering between fingertips.
"These…are real. My strength, my speed, my abilities—they defy logic. I have been gifted these powers. They are a part of me. And I'm only scratching the surface."
The extra limbs vanished in a shimmer, the lightning dying out with a faint pop. I leaned forward slightly, voice lower now, not from fear—but from conviction.
"There are things I carry that could change the course of a battle…maybe even the course of a nation. Weapons no one's ever seen. Traits that feel like they belong in legend. I don't know why I have been given them…but I know they make me a target, if the truth ever gets out."
I held her gaze firmly now.
"If I join your familia, I won't lie to you. I won't hide what I am. I need to know that if I do this…you won't just tolerate the weight I carry—you'll help me bear it."
I looked down, then back up—eyes steady, voice quiet.
"I'm not asking for protection. I'm asking for trust, encouragement, and support."
And just like that, the words were out. The truth between us, laid bare. Whatever came next would decide everything.
For the first time since she entered the room, Demeter's smile faded.
Not from disappointment.
Not from fear.
But something softer—empathy.
She looked at me like one might look at one who holds a large burden.
"I won't lie to you, Sol-san," she said, her voice quiet, earnest. "I'm not the best goddess when it comes to protection. I don't command an army. I don't wage wars. That's never been my way."
She paused, then smiled gently—something older in her eyes now, something deeply rooted.
"But I do have friends. Allies. People who care for the balance of this world and those within it. I count Lady Hephaestus among my dearest companions. I share a cordial understanding with Ouranos himself. And even the proud Lady Freya and I… are on warm terms."
Her hand reached across the table, not to claim, not to pressure—but to offer.
"If you come under my banner, I will not bind you to soil or sickle. You will have the freedom to grow how you choose. Whether you walk fields, descend into the dungeon's depths, or become a hero—I will nurture your potential with the same care I give every one of my children. That is my promise."
There was no fear in her voice. No judgment. Only conviction.
A quiet passed between us. The lantern flickered gently above, and the rest of Wren's Hearth seemed far, far away.
And somewhere in that silence…my heart answered.
Was it not fate that led me here? That dragged my soul across worlds to end up in Trellis Town of all places?
Was it not fate that gave me a lewdly named ability, and the drive to rebuild myself—day after day?
Was it not fate that a single member of a specific familia passed by during those very days, saw something in me, and spoke of it?
And now…this. A goddess crossing days of travel just to meet me. Not out of ambition. Not out of greed. But because she believed in what she'd heard. And now saw it with her own eyes.
The choice had already been made in my heart.
Still, I drew in a slow breath, voice calm, steady.
"I accept…Lady Demeter."
Her smile bloomed once again, radiant and warm.
"But," I added, lifting a hand gently, "there are two people I need to speak with before I take the final step."
She tilted her head slightly, curious.
"I owe them that much. Cole—he's helped train me, we've become fast friends. And Ariel…she's also one of the few people I have a connection with. I want to say goodbye properly. Not because I'm going far, but because my path…it's about to change."
Demeter gave a soft, understanding nod.
"Of course. Take what time you need, Francisco Sol. A sprout grows best when its roots are grounded."
I smiled faintly.
And just like that, everything in my world had shifted.
I wasn't just some anomaly anymore.
I was on the verge of becoming a part of something.
Something more. Something great.
And I wasn't alone.
——————————————————————
We decided to bestow a falna inside the familia home—The Wheat Manor. We'd ride in a couple of days, once I was ready.
These past two weeks had been so peaceful. So different from what I was used to.
But before I could take that step forward, I had to look back… and say some proper goodbyes.
I wandered through town that afternoon with no real destination in mind. The streets of Trellis had a certain rhythm to them now—vendors calling out with offers, kids running barefoot past carts, the breeze tugging gently at linen canopies. Familiar. Safe.
I rounded a corner by the well near the central square—and there he was.
Cole Landen, decked out in the standard guard uniform, looked halfway between bored and alert. Sword at his hip, posture relaxed, but his eyes still scanning rooftops and alleyways, looking for action.
I smirked and approached.
"Fancy seeing the town's finest on duty," I called out.
Cole turned, a small grin cracking his face as he recognized me. "Well, look who it is. You training or just here to distract me?"
"Bit of both," I said, stepping up beside him. "So…anything interesting happen during your patrol?"
"Hardly. Scared off a goose from someone's fruit cart, and I think old Mrs. Vetch is spying on her neighbor again. Very important stuff."
I laughed. "Sounds intense."
"Oh it was, I wouldn't be surprised if geese originated from the dungeon," he mused. "Those little beasts are monsters."
We shared a chuckle, the kind that came easy between people who'd been through sweat and bruises together.
I scratched the back of my neck. "Hey, uh…I've got something to tell you."
Cole glanced over. "What's up?"
"I'm joining a familia. Soon. In a couple of days."
His brows rose, but there was no surprise in his eyes—just a quiet kind of pride, like he'd seen it coming.
"No kidding," he said. "Which one?"
"Demeter."
His smile widened, just a little. "Really now? An interesting choice."
"You think?"
He nodded. "Ay. Considering your stand against vegetables, it is indeed surprising. Though I'm not surprised about you being recruited, I've seen how hard you work, it was only a matter of time."
I let the silence hang there for a beat, then nudged him lightly with an elbow. "So…before I go full-time adventurer, you up for a drink?"
His grin turned sly. "Trying to get me drunk and sentimental before you leave?"
"Exactly."
"May as well then, I'll be off shift in about 3 hours."
——————————————————————
Three hours later, I found myself sliding onto a stool across from Cole at a corner booth inside The Gilded Oak—a sturdy little tavern with old beams, low ceilings, and the smell of aged wood soaked in generations of ale. The place wasn't packed, just comfortably full. Background noise hummed around us—soft lute music, laughter, and the occasional crash of a mug hitting a table.
Cole raised his glass when I sat down. "Right on time."
"Wasn't about to let you drink without me," I said, grabbing the cider I'd ordered at the bar. "To good training, boring patrols, and whatever comes next."
We clinked glasses and took the first long drink.
Time passed easily between us. We didn't talk about serious things, not at first. Mostly we just joked about things around town—like the time Cole caught a couple sneaking into the orchard after dark, or when he got pecked so badly by a rooster that his helmet needed repairs. I told him about a particularly miserable run on Day Four of my training arc, where a log I was carrying rolled downhill and nearly took out two farmhands and a cart of cabbages.
He laughed at that, a real one, and shook his head. "See? That's why I train with swords and not logs."
At some point, we got a refill, and I leaned back in my chair, watching the candlelight flicker over the foam in my cup. Then I said, "Hey… since I'll be heading to Orario soon, got any advice? Things I should know?"
Cole let out a thoughtful hum, scratching lightly at his jaw.
"Don't ask questions about the Dark Ages."
I blinked. "Huh?"
He shrugged. "Just…don't. I'm serious. People there get real twitchy when you bring it up. Best not to dig."
I raised an eyebrow. "Noted. No digging. Anything else?"
"Yeah. Keep your head down, especially near the guildhall. A lot of adventurers think they're kings just 'cause they reached Level Two." He took a swig. "Also, definitely try not to get into fights with high-levels. If someone flashes their badge or emblem and it looks fancy, back down. Some of those types will beat you within an inch of your life just for looking wrong."
"Got it," I said, sipping slowly. "Anything about gear or supplies?"
That finally earned a short nod. "The Tower of Babel—eighth floor. That's where the younger blacksmiths from the Hephaestus Familia set up shop. Prices are a lot better there than on the first few floors. Armor, weapons, even basic enchantments sometimes, all without needing a noble's wallet."
"Eighth floor, huh," I repeated. "I'll check it out. Sounds like the place to be if you're just starting out."
"It is," he said. "And hey—if someone offers you 'authentic' minotaur leather at a corner stall, it's probably just stitched ox hide dyed red."
I snorted. "Thanks for the warning."
Another beat passed, and we fell back into an easy rhythm—drinking, talking, sometimes just sitting in silence as the room buzzed around us. It wasn't flashy or dramatic. Just a couple friends spending what might be their last night in the same town for a while.
——————————————————————
The night wound down quietly. Our glasses were nearly empty, the tavern a little quieter now as the regulars began drifting home. A soft breeze rolled in through the open windows, carrying the scent of the wheat fields outside town.
Cole leaned back in his seat, arms crossed, eyes distant. I could tell he was content—not drunk, just relaxed in that rare way people get when they know they've done right by the day.
I stood, pushing my chair back with a scrape of wood against wood. "Guess I should get going," I said, grabbing my things.
Cole nodded and stood too, stretching his shoulders with a grunt. "Yeah. Early shift tomorrow. Patrol waits for no one."
We stepped outside into the cool night. The lanterns along the main road cast a warm glow, and the distant sound of crickets echoed between buildings.
I hesitated a moment, then stepped forward and pulled him into a firm hug.
He stiffened for half a second but then returned it with a quiet pat on the back.
"Thanks," I said, voice low but steady. "For everything. For greeting me when I first showed up with nothing to my name. For sharing your lunch that one time—I would've gone most of the day without food if you hadn't."
Cole didn't say anything, but his grip tightened for a second.
"For pushing me forward after I killed my first monster. For showing me how to hold a sword without slicing my own foot. For all of that…"
I let him go and stood back to look him in the eye.
"But mostly? For being my friend."
He met my gaze, that unreadable guard expression softening just slightly.
"You're a good one, Chico," he said. "Don't let the dungeon change that."
"I won't."
He gave a quiet nod, and just like that, we stepped apart, and parted ways.
No more words needed.
Just two friends, standing beneath the stars—knowing the road ahead was about to change, but still grateful for the part of it they'd shared.
I would miss Cole, but should I ever find the time, I'll make sure to visit. This won't be the last time we meet, I'll make sure of it.
For now it was time to sleep…I'll skip training in the morning. There's someone I wish to spend most of the day with.
Chapter 8 End