17. Pack Mule

"Alright kiddo, turn around so I can update that falna of yours" it's been a few weeks after Marlet had first started going to the dungeon. She had learnt new skills and lessons every time she entered and was feeling confident that she had grown considerably during this time. Loki had also received reports of how much she had improved and that she was a lot more aware of what was going on in the dungeon. "This will be your first expedition into the deeper floors, so I want you to stay close to Riveria and follow their instructions" Loki kept talking to Marlet as she pricked her finger with a golden dagger and went to update her falna.

Feeling her goddess work on her back and hearing her wanting to remain safe in the deeper floors Marlet only hummed, "you're speaking as if I rush into the dungeon like a idiot?!" Marlet exclaimed with fake indignation. "I'll have you know, I have received nothing but praise from my wardens that tag along" this only caused Loki to laugh good naturally.

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Name: Marlet

STR: 146 H

END: 146 H

DEX: 146 H

AGI: 146 H

MAG: 146 H

Development Ability:

[Elder Scrolls Wisdom]

Magic:

[Elder Scrolls Wisdom]

Curse:

[Average Out]

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Giving the status paper to Marlet so that she could see her progress she let out a small sigh knowing how hard the child had worked just to gain the stats she currently has. Marlet however was in another world, seeing the rank-up happen on the paper she couldn't really describe how she felt just now. It was almost as though she was going to use one of the shouts but the feeling traveled throughout her entire body.

Thinking maybe something had changed with her magic or inventory, Marlet focused within herself and went towards her magic side. Seeing no changes and still all the greyed out shouts she became even more confused.

The only choice left was to go up to her skill constellations and this thought get her extremely excited. Seeing that she had gained a perk point to be used Marlet fell into deep contemplation. She had just gained an increase in her 'mind' and could cast her spells for longer and some of the schools of magic were ready for her to go to the next level. Stuck at a crossroads she came out of her contemplation and looked towards her goddess who had her head tilted to the side. Taking a deep breath Marlet explained that she had been given the chance to upgrade one of her many skills, she explained that she could either improve on something existing or help in some other area where she might be able to help the familia.

Loki looked dumbfounded at what this little miracle child just asked of her. She felt the headache she usually got from the paperwork Riveria usually brings her coming along. She weighed her options and asked for more information about what was possible. The range and possibilities of her magic alone astounded the trickster goddess.

"While I'm very interested in your conjugation magic and I'm sure momma would have a field day analysing you, if what you say is true and every rank up you get one of these points I'd say we still have a few chances to make you even more powerful" Loki was currently nodding like a sage, even stroking a beard she clearly lacked, "I'd say either have something to make yourself stronger or help you a lot in the upcoming expedition. If you work as hard as you usually do I expect you'll get to make this choice again when you get back" and Loki didn't doubt it. Marlet might not have realised it but every time she flies she is passively increasing her endurance, it is the equivalent of an adventurer running around Orario for a few laps and the girl has been doing it every day now! Loki still had trouble understanding how any action the girl would take would simply increase all her stats.

Closing her eyes again Marlet thought on Loki's words and decided that she would strengthen herself and her group. She would get something that would make her invaluable within the familia, little knowing how much the familia already valued her. Coming to a decision Marlet went back to her skill constellations and went to her restoration magic, hesitating for only a second.

Marlet had unlocked the apprentice restoration star. Gaining a stronger self healing spell and being able to heal others was a good choice if she cemented herself as the support of the frontal assault group. Going to her spells section she could see the new wards she was able to use and the new restoration spells available for her, making her smile within her mind as well as her body, an action that creeped Loki out a bit because she knew the girl didn't really have control of her body in this state. The goddess however was also very interested what the girl had chosen that made her smile like she was about to plan to rob Hephaestus's vaults.

Coming out of her reverie Marlet opened her eyes and explained her choice and why she had chosen it. Loki could only shake her head at the girl that wanted to ensure her own survival and how she was moving herself into a more supporter role when she could become the biggest damage dealer in all Orario. Motioning for her to follow, the two of them went to Riveria's room where she was currently talking magic theory with her protégé Loki whispered something into the elf's ear only to receive a smack on the head with her staff. Loki could only pout at the injustice she was treated with. She then proceeded to explain why she was really there and dragged Marlet before the scrutiny of the elf. Lefiya could only look between the scheming goddess and her mentor wondering what was going on. After Marlet had once again explained how her magic had 'evolved' the two elves became so excited that they delved into their own world discussing the ramifications of what had taken place that the other 2 guests shook their heads. Neither of them had even seen the new magic and were already lost in their own worlds.

It was then decided that they would rather discuss this with someone less, enthusiastic, about magic and would see the practicality of what this change would bring. The two just left the elves without even explaining anything. Finally arriving at the door leading into the head office Loki kicked them open and walked in as though she owned the place, which she did. Finn to his credit only raised an eyebrow too see who had disturbed him and relaxed considerably noticing who it was. Loki then once again explained her reason for being there and got the captain very interested. He proceeded to take out a dagger from one of the drawers and asked Marlet if she was willing do demonstrate, to which the girl nodded her head.

Finn then proceeded to cut his palm with the dagger, just deep enough to draw blood. Marlet pointed her open palm towards Finn and cast the spell. To say it was mesmerising to see the flowing golden specks head in his direction, all three looked at the cut on Finn's hand disappearing leaving nothing behind. Finn then proceeded to ask her the limitations of her new magic and they started incorporating her new abilities in their main formations. Finn was extremely happy that their aerial archer could now also heal, what they now needed was for her to reach level 3 and she could be a force to be reckoned with. Looking at the paperwork Marlet also commented that she should be able to transport some of the supplies for the upcoming expedition and proceeded to explain how they should be packed for her to maximise the use of her inventory.

Scratching and muttering could be heard from Finn as all his focus was concentrated on the planning and redistribution of resources Marlet had led him to consider and with him not paying the two intruders any more attention they could only leave. "So what do you want to do goddess?" Marlet was curious because she knew that Loki was shirking off her duties to both Finn and Riveria. The goddess in question put on a relaxed posture and thought for a while, "why don tee decorate your tree? Don't get me wrong, the smooth white bark looks really nice and all but it's a little bland if my second room doesn't have any style." Marlet's lips twitched at that moment "Oi! Don't call my majestic tree bland. If you don't like it then go grow your own" she finished with a little smugness at that last comment. "I know! You say you have constellations in your head, right?" Loki's face was very close to Marlet's at this moment "then you draw out what's in your head and I'll get some of the elves to carve it out of the wood! It's brilliant, you may praise me now" Loki had a very self satisfied grin on her face but Marlet had to agree with her, those designs would look really nice carved out on the inside of her home.

That's how they spent the rest of the day, with Marlet making rough sketches of the constellation outlines and star positions that was inside her head. Loki was surprisingly a decent sketch artist and all Marlet got in response was that when you're as old as her, any hobby would be mastered to a certain degree. This by the time evening came the outlines and star points had been marked and allocated on all the walls, even the planning phase looked good and had the expedition not been coming up it would have been a great way to stave off boredom.

During dinner the announcement was made on who would be joining in on the expedition, their roles and positioning. If anyone had any queries or protests, now was the time to bring them up before everything was final and no more changes could be made. Not surprisingly Marlet had been positioned next to Riveria and on the other side of her was Lefiya. No-one complained or caused problems with a level one being between all the executives as they knew how protective Loki had become of the girl and that she now possesses healing magic. It was also decided that each group leader would be given a blue banner with golden embroidery to indicate when they needed a healer but he also made it extremely clear that it was also likely that their newest healer could not make it in time. In the dungeon, death was a common occurrence after all.

The next morning, Marlet had a scowl on her face and Loki was rolling on the floor laughing at the sheer size of the wagons the familia had packed. It was only 2 wagons though with one carrying supplies for a month and the other possible equipment they might need. After Marlet showed how the same items stacked upon each other in her inventory it made all their lives easier and after the wagons were stored everyone made their way towards the dungeon.

At the entrance was a very strange sight though. The King, Ottar and a few of his familia were already waiting for them and it seemed that it would become a joint expedition after the two captains had a small talk and shook hands. Contrary to everyone's expectations though, Ottar walked straight for Marlet making everyone tense.

Stopping before her Ottar looked her up and down before saying something that baffled everyone, "my goddess has approved of your proposition, for now. She expects you to keep up your end after the expedition." This made her familia look at her strangely and Marlet to facepalm.

'Do these people want to make such an unnecessary misunderstanding!?!'