Unveiled Potential

So I'll be honest this was my most annoying chapter and fun at the same time and I hope I captured Oliver's need to want to fit in with others. I hope I captured that at the end of the day he's still young and just wants to be normal but can't. Be sure to comment and send powers stones or likes. 

Regular text

Venom talking

(Thoughts)

[System]

ON TO THE CHAPTER

Oliver Pov.

As I stepped onto the 18th floor, I couldn't believe my eyes. The darkness of the past floors were replaced by a breathtaking sight. Sunlight, or at least something similar, filtered through the crystals located on the ceiling. Casting an ethereal glow on the rich vegetation that thrived around. 

Towering trees with their leaves have a nice shade of green that is refreshing compared to the other floors of the dungeon. A gentle breeze rustled through the foliage, carrying the scent of damp earth and blooming flowers. Rivira was a beautiful sight, it felt as if they were back on the surface.

"Honestly," Skullduggery's voice, a dry rasp in the humid air, cut through my awe, "I've seen more impressive places."

I shot him a look, "You're just upset there's no immediate danger to throw yourself into."

He chuckled darkly, "What is life without a little danger, my dear boy. Even in a sunlit sky, shadows find a way."

"See, he gets it! Danger is always fun Oliver", Venom chimed in

A feminine voice, laced with concern, broke through our banter. "Are you alright?"

Turning, I saw a beautiful Amazonian woman with medium length black hair and dark green eyes. Tiona, if I remembered correctly. I was given notes on some of the top players in Orario and she was one the Level 5's still left.

"We're fine," I replied, "Honestly my heart is still pounding after defeating my first floor boss."

"It's exciting. I still remember the first time I helped defeat Goliath. It was such an a rush", Tiona gushed

I chuckled at her enthusiasm "Yeah, honestly I can see why people enjoy the thrill of a good battle"

"Battles can be thrilling, especially when you're able to test new skills." Tiona's gaze then flicked towards Skullduggery, a hint of apprehension in her eyes. "Also what's the deal with him?"

"Ah, yes," I said with a slight grin, "This is Skulduggery Pleasant. He's a mage, not that he'd admit it."

Skullduggery tipped his hat in a mocking bow, "Charmed, I'm sure."

Tiona's eyes widened slightly, "A skeleton mage? Here in Orario? 

"He's my summon," I explained, making sure not to reveal too much about Skullduggery's nature.

Another voice joined the conversation, this one softer and more mature. "And what of your injured companions?" Riveria Ljos Alf, the renowned High Elf mage, stood beside Tiona, her expression a mix of curiosity and concern.

"They overexerted themselves in the dungeon," I explained, "We were fighting the Goliath on the 17th floor and well, things got a bit messy."

Riveria nodded thoughtfully, "The Goliath is a hard enemy to face even at level 3. The fact You faced it with only four adventurers, all less than level 3 is impressive. 

"We didn't," I said, my voice tight, "We wanted to see Rivria but didn't know that it would respawn so early.."

"Still, you defeated it. I believe you should be able to level up because of it"Tiona's voice held a mix of disbelief and awe. 

I hesitated, before replying."If it wasn't for my ability to summon we'd probably be dead.," I finally said, glancing at Skullduggery.

Riveria's gaze sharpened, "That is a good point, what type of magic is summoning? I love studying different forms of magic. "

"Let's just say we have a few tricks up our sleeves," Skullduggery interjected, his tone light but his aura holding a glint of warning. Riviera just looked at Skullduggery not replying to his words.

As we ventured deeper into the encampment, the lush scenery gave way to a haphazard collection of tents and rough-hewn structures. The air thrummed with a strange mix of tension and anticipation.

Finn Deim, the leader of the Loki Familia slowed down and began walking beside us. His expression was thoughtful as he overheard our conversation with Tiona and Riviera, a hint of amusement playing on his lips.

"Good job on your defeat over the Goliath," he began, his voice calm and measured, 

I nodded, "Thank you."

"How long have you been an adventurer?," he asked, raising an eyebrow.

"Um, roughly about 3 weeks, give or take a day." I replied, "Honestly, I'm not too sure because I was asleep for a while after receiving my falna. Then we got attacked by the Apollo famila so yeah my days might be a little off."

Finn chuckled, "I see, I heard about the whole Apollo Familia Issue. That means your part of the Hestia familia is that correct."

"Yes sir" I replied. Before quickly changing the subject." What were you guys doing down here?"

He paused, his gaze sweeping over the encampment. "We were actually returning from an expedition to the lower floors," he explained, "We were resting here in Rivira before pushing on to the surface. We decided to stay longer because the dungeon's been weird. Also Ais wanted to take down the Goliath before we left, but it seems you beat her to it."

A pang of guilt shot through me. "We didn't know..."

Finn waved a dismissive hand, "No harm done. In fact, you may have done us a favor. Once we figure out why the dungeon's been acting weird we can head back to the surface sooner."

Bete, who had been listening silently, scoffed, "A favor? They're weaklings. A Level 1 and a skeleton mage? They're lucky to be alive."

His words stung, but I held my tongue.

Finn shot Bete a warning look, "That's enough, Bete."

But Bete was already stepping forward, his fists clenched. "I don't believe it. A Level 1 taking down the Goliath? Prove it. Fight me."

I sighed, "Look, I didn't take him down on my own. Also we got lucky and destroyed the monster's crystal, the only reason I was able to survive."

"Sounds like you're making excuses. What are you scared of?" Bete sneered.

"No," I retorted, "I'm still missing an arm. It makes it harder to fight." Holding up where my missing forearm is to show Bete.

A ripple of surprise went through the crowd. Bete faltered, his eyes widening slightly.

"You're missing an arm? I honestly don't know how I missed that." Tiona asked, her voice laced with concern.

"A minor inconvenience," Skullduggery interjected, "He could Easily fix it with magic but chooses not to."

Finn looked at then asked "Why haven't you fixed your arm then? It's rare that someone has a healing ability strong enough to return a lost limb"

"It's a reminder to not be overly cocky", I replied while looking at Bete. "I thought I could fight someone that was stronger than me and I was wrong.

"Words of a weakling", Bete spat out.

Finn looked at Bete with contempt before replying to me, "It's good to know one's strength, but it might be smart to replace the lost limb".

Rivera got a sparkle in her eyes, "When you heal your arm can I be present to see the magic".

"Sure", I replied. "When, I replace my limb I'll make sure I come visit you"

As we talked a crowd had started to gather, drawn by the commotion. People from the city of Rivira started to gather around. Among them, I recognized Tiona's sister, Tione, her arms crossed and a curious glint in her eyes. Other Loki Familia members murmured amongst themselves, their gazes shifting between Bete, me, and the still-grinning Skullduggery.

Finn wanting to move on tired to change the subject " Lets get his party members looked at-"

"Quiet, Finn," Bete spat, his eyes fixated on me, "This pup needs to be put in his place."

Skullduggery's voice, smooth as silk, cut through the tension, "My dear werewolf, must you be so violent? Maybe if I gave you a bone you'll be a good doggy"

Bete's face reddened, "Shut up, skeleton! This doesn't concern you!."

"Oh, but it does," Skullduggery drawled, "I find it rather interesting to see how quickly you can get angry!."

Bete growled, his patience clearly wearing thin. "Fight me, Coward! Or are you going to run away like your little companion does.?" Now completely ignoring Skullduggery. 

The crowd murmured loudly amongst themselves, as they felt entertained by the drama going on.

Finn sighed, rubbing his temples, "Bete, stand down."

"No, Finn," I interrupted, stepping forward, my voice steady, "It's alright, he wants me to prove myself then I will." I met Bete's gaze, my own unwavering, "Plus I'm actually excited to see how I stack up compared to a level 5. But, Let's fight somewhere else so we won't disturb the campsite for you guys.

Bete, surprised by me, readily agreed. We moved to a clearing just outside the encampment, the crowd following at a distance. Ais, Tiona, Tione, Riveria, and Finn stood at the forefront, their expressions a mix of anticipation and concern. 

Standing on opposite sides of each other the circle was formed by the crowd watching. I bounced on my feet to get loose, grateful that my regeneration already took care of any injuries from fighting the Goliath. I can see Bete starting to get impatient as I stretch.

Finally Bete lunged forward with a fierce roar, his speed and power befitting a Level 5 adventurer. I was ready, With Venom's influence enhancing my reflexes, I weaved around each attack. Narrowly avoiding his blows at the last minute. The crowd gasped and shocked a mere Level 1, dodging attacks that should have been impossible to evade.

"You're fast for a weakling," Bete growled, his attacks growing more frenzied.

"Thanks," I panted, ducking under a wild swing, "I've been practicing."

At times, I sent black tendrils out, helping me in deflecting blows. In some cases tripping Bete, albeit momentarily. Bete's strength and experience were overwhelming. I was constantly on the defensive, relying on my agility to not get hit. 

"He's... dodging him?" Tiona murmured, her eyes wide.

"Incredible," Riveria breathed, "A Level 1 shouldn't be able to keep up with Bete's speed."

Bete, frustrated by his inability to land a hit, roared in anger, "Stop running and fight, coward!"

I grinned,"Aww what's the matter, can't you catch a whittle Level 1?"Mocking him. Despite Bete's anger I was enjoying his fight. Venom hummed in pleasure as well.

So the dance even though I was defensive and couldn't land a hit. I was also able to continue evading Bete's attacks. The shock and awe in the eyes of those watching was very delightful.

Even Bete, for all his bluster, seemed to be losing his confidence. The longer I held out, the more his frustration grew.

And in that frustration, I saw an opportunity. Bete's fist slammed into the ground where I'd been a moment before, leaving a small crater. I rolled away, feeling the wind from his punch whip past my face.

"Hold still, you little—" Bete roared, but his words were cut off as four sinuous, black tentacles erupted from my back, each tipped with a wickedly sharp point. The crowd gasped again, their eyes widening in shock and disbelief.

"Venom, is it copyright if we call ourselves doc ock," I thought with a grim smile.

"Maybe, I mean Doc Ock doesn't exist here so you could be the first", Venom replied.

Each tentacle lashed out, parrying Bete's blows and occasionally landing a strike of their own. Bete was stronger than me. He quickly adapted, using his superior strength to overpower Venom's tentacles and force me back. Even when trying to use a Force push, it didn't affect Bete.

"Tch, tricks," Bete spat, "But they won't save you."

The fight raged on, Bete, fueled by frustration, attacked relentlessly. Each strike was aimed with deadly precision, each block a testament to his immense strength.

I was the more desperate one. Venom's tentacles whipped around me, deflecting blows, parrying attacks, and occasionally lashing out with their own venomous strikes. 

But Bete was relentless, his experience and raw power pushing me to the brink. Soon he was able to hit me. Being able to out speed my counters, or hit where I was going to be dodging.

One moment, I'd be ducking under a sweeping kick, using my enhanced agility to narrowly avoid being crushed. Next, I'd use a tendril to catch a punch aimed at my face, the impact sending vibrations through my entire body.

The ground beneath us was scarred with craters and gouges, evidence of the sheer force of our battle. Dust and debris swirled around us, obscuring our vision and making each movement a gamble.

My breath came in ragged gasps, each one burning my lungs. Sweat stung my eyes, and my muscles screamed in protest. But I couldn't give up. Not yet.

Venom, too, was feeling the strain. His tentacles, though powerful, were no match for Bete's relentless onslaught. My body is shaking from the aftershock of each hit.

"Give up, boy," Bete growled, his voice laced with anger, "You're out of your league."

"Not...yet," I gasped, summoning the last of my strength to dodge a vicious uppercut.

The crowd watched in captivated silence. They had come expecting a slaughter, but they were witnessing a struggle, a desperate fight for survival. And in that struggle, they saw something unexpected: resilience.

Tiona's hands were clenched so tightly that her knuckles were white. Tione's predatory grin had widened, her eyes gleaming with excitement. Riveria's expression was a mask of concentration, her mind no doubt racing to analyze the situation. Finn's eyes were narrowed, his gaze never leaving the battlefield.

Bete's onslaught continued, each attack a testament to his strength and fury. Yet, with every strike, a change was occurring within me. A calmness settled over my spirit, a focus honed not through a master's guidance, but through a forgotten ability given by the system.

Venom's tendrils danced around me, a dark symphony of defense, but it was time for my own rhythm to emerge. A dance now I was just getting to understand.

"Water Smashing Fist," I whispered, the name of the martial art granted by the system echoing in my mind.

With a deep breath, I shifted my stance. Bete's next punch, a haymaker aimed at my ribs, was met not with a dodge or a parry, but with an open palm. The impact sent a shockwave through my arm, but I held firm. Water Smashing Fist, a martial art that turned defense into offense, using the opponent's strength against them.

Bete's eyes widened as his fist seemed to hit an unyielding wave. His momentum was halted, his energy disrupted. In that split second, Venom's tendrils seized the opportunity, wrapping around Bete's arm and yanking him off balance.

Water Smashing Fist katas began to flow through me like a river. Each move calmed me down as I began to understand. The knowledge finally came to me for the first time since acquiring the skill.

My tenderals blend together with my body to make a deadly dance. Bete more confused as every punch and kick he threw was reversed. His own momentum being used against himself. 

I could see the awe and disbelief reflected in the eyes of the onlookers. Tiona's gasp, Riveria's furrowed brow, Finn's thoughtful gaze. The crowd roared, their disbelief palpable. A Level 1, not only holding his ground against a Level 5 but actively countering his attacks? It was unheard of.

"He's...parrying Bete?" Tiona's voice was barely a whisper.

Riveria's eyes narrowed, "That's not just parrying, It's a form of magic from what I can sense. At the last second it seems he redirects the energy of each attack"

Skullduggery's grin widened, "Interesting... Very interesting."

Bete enraged, roared, his muscles bulging as he unleashed a surge of raw power. "Don't get cocky, brat!"

His attacks infused with greater strength. The ground trembled with each impact, the air crackled with the force of his blows. I adapted to it. The system's knowledge flowed through me, guiding my movements, showing me how to utilize Water Smashing Fist in tandem with my reflexes. I met every strike, redirecting Bete's power, turning his own strength against him.

Bete was a seasoned warrior. He began to see the pattern of my katas. How each attack flows through my movements. With a loud cry, he broke through by throwing a feint punch. 

I went to dodge it, but it turned into a roundhouse kick. Landing a devastating blow that sent me sprawling. Pain exploded in my head, my vision blurring as I hit the ground.

Bete stood over me, his chest heaving, a triumphant sneer on his face. "Had enough, coward?" 

As he raised his foot for a final blow, a surge of defiance roared through me. My vision cleared, and a new resolve hardened my gaze.

"Not a chance," I gritted out, pushing myself up, my body screaming in protest.

A blinding light came from beside me. Bete stumbled back, shielding his eyes as the light intensified. The crowd gasped, their murmurs of surprise turning into shouts of awe.

When the light faded, I was no longer alone. Beside me stood a towering figure, a monkey wreathed in golden light, its eyes glowing emerald. Stone Monkey, my Stand, stood ready to battle.

The clearing fell silent. All eyes were fixed on the imposing figure beside me. Finn's eyebrows shot up, Tiona and Tione's jaws dropped, and Riveria's eyes widened in disbelief.

"A... a Spirit?" Tiona stammered.

"No," Riviera breathed, her voice laced with awe, "It's something different I believe."

Tione's predatory grin stretched wider, "Now this is beginning to get interesting."

Even Bete, for all his bravado, took a step back, his eyes narrowed with a mix of caution and confusion.

"Ahh Oliver, always having a few tricks up his sleeve." Skullduggery chuckled, his voice a dry rasp in the tense air. "It's as if he gets stronger every time he's cornered."

A dwarf near Finn, named Gareth, his beard braided with gold, spoke up, his voice urgent, "Finn, we need to tell Loki about this."

Finn nodded, his gaze still fixed on Stone Monkey. "Agreed."

There was no time for reports now. Bete roared, charging forward, his pride wounded, his anger reignited. Stone Monkey met his charge, its movements mirroring my own, a synchronized dance of water and stone.

I channeled the flow of Water Smashing Fist through Stone Monkey, its golden fists mimicking my every move. Where my body faltered, Stone Monkey's strength prevailed. Where my strikes lacked power, Stone Monkey's blows landed with devastating force.

Bete, for the first time, was on the defensive. He dodged and weaved, his attacks losing their precision as he struggled to keep up with the relentless assault.

A synchronized punch from me and Stone Monkey sent Bete stumbling back, a trickle of blood escaping his lips. The crowd roared, their cheers echoing through the clearing.

Bete wiped the blood from his mouth, his eyes blazing with a newfound intensity. "Fine," he growled, his voice dripping with venom, "You want a real fight? You got it."

A surge of power erupted from Bete, his aura intensifying. The ground beneath him cracked, the air thrummed with his raw power. Fissures spider webbing outward as Bete unleashed a torrent of attacks that defied my and Stone Monkey's combined efforts to block.

Stone Monkey, mirroring my every move with the fluidity of water, met Bete's onslaught head-on. Bete's sheer power was overwhelming. He shrugged off our attacks, his movements a blur as he countered with devastating force.

Despite the relentless assault, I felt a strange sense of excitement. This was a battle against a true warrior, a clash of wills and strength that pushed me beyond my limits. Even as I stumbled back, blood trickling from the corner of my mouth, a grin stretched across my face.

"Not bad, coward," Bete growled, his voice laced with a grudging respect, "For a moment, I thought you might actually have a chance."

With a final, devastating blow, he sent both me and Stone Monkey crashing to the ground. The world spun as I landed hard, the impact knocking the wind from my lungs.

As I lay there, gasping for breath, Bete stood over me, his chest heaving, his expression a mix of triumph and exhaustion. "You fought well," he admitted, his voice rough, "Better than I expected. But in the end, experience and power win out."

I chuckled weakly, "Guess you're right."

The crowd was silent, their earlier excitement replaced by a somber realization. The fight was over, and I had lost. 

Bete extended a hand, surprisingly, and helped me to my feet. As I rose, Stone Monkey flickered and vanished, the golden light fading back into me. Venom's tendrils retracted, leaving only a faint tingling sensation on my back. 

My body ached, and my vision still swam slightly, but the regenerative abilities granted by my mysterious benefactor were already at work. Cuts and bruises were slowly knitting themselves closed, though the damage to my face remained stark, a testament to Bete's overwhelming strength.

I swayed slightly, my legs still unsteady. Bete, though victorious, didn't gloat. There was a flicker of something akin to respect in his eyes, a grudging acknowledgment of my unexpected resilience.

"Not bad, for a Level 1," he muttered gruffly, his voice carrying a hint of surprise.

Before I could respond, Ais Wallenstein emerged from the crowd, her usual stoic expression replaced by a frown. Her golden eyes, normally cool and distant, now burned with an intensity that made me uneasy. She strode towards me, her steps quick and purposeful, her aura radiating a sense of urgency.

"How?" she demanded, her voice sharp, "How did you get so strong? Are you really only Level 1?"

I met her gaze, surprised by her sudden outburst. "I... yes, I'm Level 1," I confirmed, my voice barely above a whisper.

Ais's frown deepened. "But... you fought Bete... You held your own against a Level 5..." Her voice trailed off, her confusion evident.

"I've been training," I explained, "And my fighting style is based on redirecting attacks" I glanced at her. 

Ais's eyes narrowed, "That...still doesn't add up, he's stronger than you so you'd take some damage even if you could block his attacks.?"

I nodded slowly, "My regeneration is really high, so even if I take damage from my block it'll back all the same. In the case of this fight Bete was just way stronger than what I could handle at the moment."

A wave of frustration, and perhaps a hint of jealousy, washed over Ais, her expression hardening. "You... You let Bete underestimate you," she accused, her voice rising, "You toyed with him."

Before I could respond, Ais lunged forward, her movements a blur. I barely had time to register her attack before she was upon me, her fist aimed at my face.

"Stop!" Finn's voice boomed, his command echoing through the clearing.

Riveria appeared beside me, her hand outstretched, a barrier of magic forming between Ais and me. "Ais, calm yourself," she said, her voice firm but gentle.

Ais hesitated, her fist inches from my face. Her breath came in ragged gasps, her emotions still raw.

"He played with Bete," she hissed, her voice thick with frustration, "There's no way he could be a level 1, he's lying.

"Even if he was, how is that our responsibility," Riveria replied, her gaze meeting mine, "We don't know his full capabilities. We shouldn't just jump to conclusions without knowing all the facts."

Finn nodded in agreement, "Ais, stand down. We'll discuss this later."

Ais reluctantly lowered her fist, her gaze still locked on me. "We spar eventually," she said, her voice low and intense, "And then I will find out how strong you truly are."

I couldn't help but wince at Ais's intensity. Even injured and exhausted, she was intimidating.

"Ooh, someone's got a crush," Venom purred in my mind, his amusement evident.

I mentally rolled my eyes. "Not the time, Venom."

Beside me, Skullduggery chuckled, his voice a dry rasp. "My, my, someone's feeling a bit left out," he drawled, his tone teasing. "Don't worry, Ais, I'm sure our young friend here has plenty of attention to spare."

Ais shot Skullduggery a glare that could have withered a lesser being. "This doesn't concern you," she spat, her voice laced with venom.

"Oh, but it does," Skullduggery replied, unfazed, "I have a vested interest in this young man's...development." He winked at me, causing my eye to twitch involuntarily.

Finn stepped forward, his voice calm but authoritative. "Enough," he said, his gaze sweeping over the tense group. "Ais, I understand your frustration, but we need to handle this calmly. We're all tired, and emotions are running high. Let's rest and discuss this in the morning."

Ais, though clearly reluctant, nodded stiffly. She backed away, her gaze lingering on me for a moment longer before she turned and walked away.

The crowd slowly dispersed, leaving me alone with Finn, Riveria, Tiona, Tione, Bete, and Skullduggery. The silence was heavy, broken only by the rustling of leaves and the distant sound of the waterfall.

Finn placed a hand on my shoulder, his expression a mix of concern and curiosity. "You've certainly caused quite a stir," he said, a small smile playing on his lips. "Get some rest. We have much to discuss tomorrow."

I nodded, feeling the weight of the day's events pressing down on me. As I walked away, I could feel the gazes of the Loki Familia members following me, their curiosity and suspicion a tangible presence in the air.

"Well, that was fun," Venom chuckled in my mind. "Can't wait for tomorrow."

I sighed, knowing that tomorrow would bring a whole new set of challenges. But for now, all I wanted was rest. And maybe a good night's sleep without any monstrous surprises.

The next morning, I woke to the sounds of the Loki Familia camp already bustling with activity. My body still ached, but the worst of the damage had been healed. A dull throb behind my eyes and a split lip were the only outward signs of yesterday's battle.

As I emerged from the tent I'd been given, I found myself the center of attention. The glances I received were a mix of curiosity, awe, and a lingering suspicion.

"Morning," I greeted a passing adventurer, who gave me a quick nod and hurried away, clearly uncomfortable.

"Popularity is fleeting," Venom quipped in my mind, "But infamy lasts forever. We're doing great!"

I chuckled wryly. "Thanks for the pep talk."

I made my way towards the center of the camp, where I spotted Finn, Riveria, and Gareth conversing in hushed tones.

"Ah, you're awake," Finn greeted me with a warm smile. "How are you feeling?"

"Better," I replied, "Thanks to my healing capabilites"

Riveria's eyes gleamed with curiosity, "That's something we'd like to discuss," she said, her voice laced with intrigue.

"But first," Finn interjected, "We need to address the... elephant in the room."

He gestured towards a nearby clearing, where Ais stood alone, her arms crossed, her expression unreadable.

I sighed, "I suppose we do."

With a mix of trepidation and resolve, I walked towards Ais, knowing that this conversation would be crucial in determining my future with befriending Loki Familia.

Ais watched my approach with a guarded expression. The air between us crackled with tension, a stark contrast to the serene beauty of Rivira.

"I'm not here to fight," I began, my voice calm but firm, despite the lingering ache in my muscles.

"Then why didn't you show your full strength?" Ais countered, her voice sharp, "Why did you let Bete underestimate you?"

I met her gaze, a flicker of surprise crossing my face. "I... I did my best," I replied honestly, "Bete was holding back."

Ais's frown deepened. "He was toying with you at first, but you... you have so much more." Her voice was laced with frustration, "That creature, the golden monkey... and the way you moved, the magic you used... You're Level 1, but you have abilities that even high-level adventurers don't possess."

I took a deep breath, "The monkey, Stone Monkey, and... Skullduggery, they're... summons. They're part of a magic I have."

Riveria's eyebrows rose, "Summons? Like spirits?"

"Not exactly," I hesitated, "It's... different. It's a magic that allows me to summon beings and... copy abilities."

"Copy abilities?" Finn's interest was piqued.

"Yes," I explained, "It can mimic any magic I see, but it's random whether I retain it permanently."

"That's... incredible," Riveria breathed, "And dangerous."

"I know," I admitted, "That's why I've been careful. I don't want to hurt anyone."

"But you were willing to fight Bete," Ais pointed out, her voice still sharp.

"I had to prove myself," I replied, "And I didn't use my full power."

"Why not?" Ais demanded.

"Because I don't fully understand it," I admitted, "And I don't know who I can trust."

Riveria's gaze softened, "We understand," she said, "And if you become allies with the Loki Familia, we're willing to help you learn to control your powers."

I hesitated, weighing my options. "I can't tell you everything," I finally said, "Not yet. But if we become allies, and if I can trust you... then maybe, in time, I can reveal more."

Riveria's expression shifted, a thoughtful gleam in her eyes. "There's more, isn't there?"

I hesitated, then nodded slowly. "There is... one more thing."

"And that is?" Finn prompted, his curiosity piqued.

"I can... create portals," I admitted, my voice barely above a whisper.

A collective gasp rose from the group. Ais's eyes widened, Tiona and Tione exchanged surprised glances, and even Bete's stoic expression flickered.

"Portals?" Riveria repeated, her voice laced with wonder, "You mean, you can travel instantaneously from one place to another?"

"Yes," I confirmed, "But there are limitations. I can only create portals to places I've been to before, or places I have a strong connection with. And it doesn't work in battle."

Finn's eyes gleamed with strategic possibilities. "That's still an incredibly valuable ability," he said, his voice thoughtful, "It could change the way we approach dungeon exploration."

Gareth, who had been listening silently, spoke up, his voice gruff but laced with intrigue, "And how did you acquire this ability? Is it related to your other magic?"

"I... I don't know," I admitted, "It's just something I can do."

Riveria's curiosity was evident. "Fascinating," she murmured, "I've never heard of magic like this before. It would be a privilege to study it."

Just then, Tiona and Tione walked into the clearing, their boisterous laughter momentarily silencing the conversation. Chattering away, asking questions about my abilities I didn't want to answer. 

Finn raised a hand, to silence them "Enough," he said, his voice firm, "We have more important matters to discuss."

He turned to me, his expression serious. "Your abilities are extraordinary," he began, "And they could be of great value to the Loki Familia. We're willing to offer you a place in our ranks, to help you hone your skills and learn to control your powers."

Gareth nodded in agreement, "We could use someone with your talents."

Riveria added, "And I would be honored to help you understand your magic."

I looked at them, at the sincerity in their eyes, and felt a flicker of hope. They were offering me a place, a home, a purpose. But a pang of guilt tugged at my heart.

"I... I appreciate the offer," I began, my voice heavy with gratitude, "But... I can't."

Finn's brow furrowed, "Why not?"

"I owe a debt," I explained, "To Hestia, and to her Familia. They took me in when I had nothing. They gave me a home, a family. I can't just turn my back on them now."

Riveria's expression softened, "Loyalty is a noble quality," she acknowledged, "But are you sure you're making the right decision? The Loki Familia could offer you resources and training that the Hestia Familia might not be able to match."

"I know," I admitted, "But my debt to Hestia goes beyond just resources and training. It's about loyalty, about family. And I won't betray that, no matter what."

Finn sighed, a hint of disappointment in his eyes. "I understand," he said, "But if you ever change your mind, the Loki Familia's doors are always open to you."

I nodded gratefully, "Thank you."

Gareth clapped me on the shoulder, his grip firm but not unkind. "You're a good lad," he rumbled, "Don't forget that."

As I turned to leave, I caught Ais's gaze. The intensity in her eyes had softened, replaced by a flicker of something I couldn't quite decipher. Respect? Understanding? Perhaps a hint of disappointment?

I offered her a small smile, "Maybe another time, Ais."

She nodded silently, her expression unreadable.

With a heavy heart but a clear conscience, I walked away from the Loki Familia, my path leading back to the Hestia Familia, my family.

As I made my way through the bustling Loki Familia camp, a wave of relief washed over me. The tension of the past few hours, the uncertainty of my future with the Loki Familia, it all seemed to melt away as I saw familiar faces.

Bell, Welf, and Lily were stirring, their eyes fluttering open, expressions dazed as they awoke. Relief washed over me; they were alright.

"You're okay!" Bell exclaimed, his voice raspy, pushing himself up to a sitting position. "What happened?"

"And then..." Welf trailed off, his gaze focusing on my face. "You look like you've been through hell."

I chuckled wryly, "You have no idea."

I recounted the events that transpired after they were knocked unconscious; the desperate struggle against the Goliath, the unexpected arrival of the Loki Familia, my confrontation with Bete, and the revelation of my abilities. Their expressions shifted from shock to awe, their eyes widening as they absorbed the tale.

"You fought Bete?!" Bell exclaimed, his voice laced with disbelief.

Welf, ever the pragmatist, focused on the practicalities. "So, we're in the Loki Familia's camp now? How did that happen?"

I explained how the Loki Familia had arrived just in time to help finish off the Goliath and had offered us a place to rest and recover.

"That's... incredible," Bell breathed, his eyes shining with admiration. "You faced all that, and you're still standing."

"Barely," I admitted, wincing as I shifted my weight. "But I'm okay."

Just then, Skullduggery emerged from the shadows, his grin as wide as ever. "Sentimental reunions are all well and good," he drawled, "But don't forget, we have work to do."

I groaned inwardly. "What now?"

Skullduggery's grin widened, "Training, of course. You've got a lot to learn, and we don't have 

Bell and Welf exchanged excited glances. "Training? Can we join?"

Skullduggery considered for a moment, then shrugged. "Why not? The more, the merrier."

The training ground was a quiet corner of the Loki Familia camp, a stark contrast to the bustling activity nearby. Skullduggery, with his usual air of cryptic amusement, surveyed the area, his gaze settling on me.

"Right," he clapped his hands, his voice a dry rasp that cut through the morning air, "Lesson one: Thinking is not a luxury, it's a necessity."

Bell, Welf, and Lily stood beside me, their expressions a mix of determination and curiosity. They had all recovered from the Goliath fight, their injuries healed thanks to the blessings of the dungeon.

"But we always think during a fight," Bell protested, his brow furrowed.

Skullduggery's grin was sharp. "Do you? Or do you simply react? There's a difference between instinct and strategy, between impulsive action and calculated maneuver."

He gestured towards the training dummies, "Show me what you've got."

Bell, ever eager, charged forward, his movements a blur as he unleashed a flurry of strikes. Welf, his stance solid and grounded, followed suit, his swings powerful and precise. Lily, nimble and agile, darted around the dummies, her daggers flashing in the sunlight.

Skullduggery observed them, his expression impassive. When they finished, he turned to me, "Your turn."

I hesitated. "But I... I don't have a weapon."

"Use what you have," Skullduggery said, his voice a cryptic whisper.

I closed my eyes, reaching deep within myself. Venom's tendrils snaked out from my back, their tips sharp and glistening. Stone Monkey materialized beside me, its golden form shimmering in the afternoon light.

"Now, fight," Skullduggery commanded.

I moved, my body guided by instinct and the system's knowledge. Venom's tendrils lashed out, their movements mirroring my own, a deadly dance of predator and prey. Stone Monkey's strikes were precise and powerful, each blow echoing with the force of a thunderbolt.

But Skullduggery was unimpressed. "Impressive," he drawled, "But predictable. You're relying too much on brute force, on your summons' power. Where's the strategy? The cunning?"

I faltered, my movements slowing. "I... I don't know."

Skullduggery sighed, "That's where the thinking comes in. You have a vast arsenal at your disposal, but you're using it like a child with a new toy. You need to analyze, to strategize, to adapt."

He gestured towards the others, "Watch them. Bell's speed, Welf's strength, Lily's agility. They each have their strengths and weaknesses. Learn from them. And most importantly, learn to use your own abilities in a way that complements theirs."

The rest of the day was spent in intense training. Skullduggery pushed us to our limits, forcing us to think, to analyze, to adapt. He pitted us against each other in mock battles, forcing us to work as a team, to cover each other's weaknesses, to utilize our combined strengths.

By the time the sun began to set, we were all exhausted, but also exhilarated. I had a newfound understanding of my powers, a glimpse of the potential that lay dormant within me. And as I looked at my friends, at their tired but determined faces, I knew that we were ready. Ready to face whatever challenges the dungeon threw our way.