Midnight Garden:

  While Ais was having her status updated, Bell sat at the wooden table, finishing the last bite of his breakfast. The sunlight streamed through the windows of the Erebus Familia's dining hall lent a warm glow to the room, though his focus remained inward. He had been training tirelessly, pushing himself harder than ever before.

  Across the table, Erebus set his empty cup down, his dark eyes glinting with curiosity. "Alright, Bell, let's see your latest status update," he said, his voice carrying the quiet authority of a god who rarely needed to raise it.

  "Sure thing, Lord Erebus," Bell replied, standing up from the bench. He pulled his shirt over his head, revealing a lithe frame marked by countless hours of combat and endurance training.

  Erebus gestured for Bell to turn around and unlocked the divine script of the falna etched on his back. The mystical seal shimmered faintly, its complex lines and glyphs pulsating with a soft light as the god began the update. As Erebus's fingers moved the familia's emblem emereged of a set of the great black pillars of the underworld emerged upon Bell's back. His expression remained neutral but attentive as he read the evolving record of Bell's achievements.

  Bell Cranel

  Human

  Each Additional S will represent an interval of 200 status points: So

  SS: 1,000-1,199

  SSS: 1,200-1,399

  SSSS: 1,400-1,600

  Age 13

  Lvl 1

  Strength: SS-1100 -SS-1156

  Endurance: SSS-1396 -SSSS-1426

  Dexterity: SS-1042 - SS -1098

  Agility: SSSS-1480 - SSSS-1485

  Magic: SSS- 1325 -SSS-1350

  Magic

  [Satanas Version] (Inherited)

  Skills:

  [Realis Phrase-Crystallization of Desires]

  As long as owner has a strong desire and goal, he will grow stronger according to his desires

  Copy (Inherited)

  Allows its user to replicate the movements and actions the user has observed once

  [Inheritance of Talent]

  User has monstrous talent and will surpassing the Incarnation of Talent herself.

  The dining hall was quiet as Erebus sat back, rubbing his chin thoughtfully as he studied the glowing script of Bell's status update. His dark eyes flicked over the numbers and notes, lingering on the newest line of text. Finally, he let out a sharp laugh, shaking his head in disbelief.

  "Absolutely ludicrous. I can never get over how ridiculous your status is, Bell," Erebus said, his tone a mix of amusement and amazement.

  Bell shifted uncomfortably, pulling his shirt over his shoulder but leaving it off.

  "What do you mean, Lord Erebus?" Amid asked as she stepped into the room, her steps faltering when she saw Bell bare-chested.

  "Excuse me," she murmured while a faint blush crept across her cheeks as she quickly averted her eyes.

  Erebus raised an eyebrow at Bell, who gave him a small, understanding nod. With a slight smirk, Erebus held out the glowing status sheet to Amid. "Here, take a look."

  Curious despite herself, Amid reached out and took the parchment, her amethyst eyes scanning the Koine status sheet. Her hands trembled slightly as her gaze moved over the numbers, her expression shifting from confusion to outright shock.

  The tale has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation.

  "How?" she whispered, her voice barely audible.

  Erebus leaned back in his chair, folding his arms. "Simply put, Bell has an original skill that allows him and those closest to him to break through the usual limits of the status system. The stronger their desire, the greater their growth. It's as straightforward as that."

  Amid's eyes widened, and she looked at Erebus in disbelief. "Really? Then… I can…?"

  Erebus gave a small nod, his expression turning serious. "It's possible. Your growth will depend entirely on what you desire and how powerful that desire truly is. The fundamental question that you must ask yourself is how much pain are you willing to bear to make your dreams a reality."

  The words hung in the air, heavy with possibility. Amid closed her eyes for a moment, her expression shifting to one of determination.

  "What is your desire, Captain Cr…"Amid started to speak, her voice uncertain but grateful.

  Bell held up a hand, his expression earnest. "Please, call me Bell. We are a familia now."

  "Very well, Bell," she nodded, her blush returning, as she said shyly

  "Thank you, Amid," he replied as he smiled warmly.

  Erebus watched the exchange, lifting a single eyebrow in amusement.

  "So what is your wish, Bell?" Amid asked

  "I wish to kill the One-Eyed Black Dragon." Bell responded.

  Amid's breath hitched and shiver ran down her spine before she was able to compose herself enough to respond.

  "I see," she said at last. "Then I will not disappoint either of you." She handed the parchment back to Erebus with a formal bow.

  Erebus accepted it and returned the document to the pile on his desk. "Good. An exceptional healer will be of great benefit, especially given the times we're heading into. You'll be critical to the future."

  Amid straightened, her resolve clear in her posture. Erebus tilted his head, offering a faint smile. "Now, would you like an update as well?" he asked.

  "Yes," Amid replied, glancing down as she began to unzip the back of her dress. "I believe it has been a few days since the last one."

  Erebus nodded, turning his attention to her as she moved to stand before him. The back of her dress slipped just enough to reveal her bare shoulders and the faint shimmer of her falna. Erebus placed his hand above the divine mark, his fingers moving with practiced precision as he unlocked the script.

  After a moment, Erebus withdrew his hand, the light fading as he finished.

  "Your progress is solid. This is very solid progress for having been an adventurer for a few months. You magic stat alone qualifies you to be eligible for a rank up. I see Alfia is really utilizing your ability as a healer" he said at which both Amid and Bell shiver. "You're growing steadily. But as I said, if you wish to accelerate further, it will depend on how deeply you're willing to push yourself."

  Amid Teasanare

  Human

  Age 14

  Lvl 1

  Strength: H-189 - G-206

  Endurance: F-356 -F-396

  Dexterity: G- 200 - G-234

  Agility: F-329- F-369

  Magic: E- 498 - D-550

  Magic:

  Dia Fratel:

  Properties: Healing magic capable of healing anything such as wounds, stamina, status ailments, and curses within a 5-meter radius. Once cast, the magic stays behind for a certain amount of time as a barrier of light, continuously healing anything that's in its effect range. Caster can also selectively choose which effects the magic will have when cast.

  Chant: [Healing droplets, tears of light, eternal sanctuary. Compose a medicinal hymn-three hundred, sixty, and five. The melody of the healer's almanac saves all things. Come, destruction of evil. The burial of wounds, interment of disease. Curses be gone in the light of vitality. In the name of all that is holy - I heal you]

  Skills:

  N/A

  "Truly, you have a kind heart," he said. His voice carried a weight that made Amid pause, her face growing warm. "Only a heart like that could manifest such a spell."

  Amid's cheeks flushed deeper as she replied softly; "Thank you, Lord Erebus,"

  Bell, who had been observing the exchange, straightened, and glanced toward Amid.

  "We should prepare for the Dungeon today," he said "I think it would be best to raise your status as quickly as possible. That way, you can help more people."

  With the status updates complete and their plans set, Bell and Amid made their way to the training yard. Alfia having already started Lili's instruction caused the crisp air to be filled with the sounds of clashing steel and determined voices from adventurers. Amid adjusted her grip on the staff she carried, her eyes flicking over the other fighters with a mixture of apprehension and resolve.

  Not long after they arrived, members of the Astraea Familia joined them. They had all but adopted Amid as their little sister since her arrival, offering guidance and encouragement without hesitation.

  Kaguya, in her usual teasing fashion, approached Amid first, ruffling her hair playfully. "You ready to get started, kid?"

  Amid smiled, a little more at ease in their presence. "I am ready," she said, her voice steady but kind.

  Alise, the Astraea Familia's leader, stepped forward with her signature grin. "Good answer. Let's see what you've got."

  The training yard quickly became a flurry of activity. Bell worked alongside Amid, demonstrating techniques and offering encouragement as she practiced. The Astraea Familia provided their own brand of support, blending teasing remarks with genuine advice. Amid's focus never wavered, her desire to grow evident in every strike and counter she attempted.

  Erebus watched from a distance, leaning against the fence with his arms crossed. His expression was unreadable, though a faint smirk tugged at the corner of his mouth as he observed his familia and their allies working together. It wasn't until the sun reached just before midday that the group prepared for their Dungeon Dive today.