13
Chapter 13: New Synergy, Captain Beatdown, & Dungeon Prep
Chico stirred from his sleep to the gentle ticking of the brass-and-glass clock resting on his new dresser. 5:30 AM.
He blinked once. Twice. Then pushed himself upright with surprising clarity for someone who'd trained and studied all day just yesterday. The conditioning he'd built over the past weeks—and his ever-handy Masochist Soul—were clearly doing their job.
He stepped into the bathroom, shrugging off his sleepwear. The hot water hissed to life as he broke in the new shower. Clean tiles, good pressure, adjustable temperature. Luxurious by his standards. The steam curled around his tired frame, soothing tight muscles and dull soreness. It was… nice. But he didn't linger.
By 5:45, he was dressed and ready—dark training clothes, boots laced, and his hair damp but slicked back. He stepped out into the dim morning light, making his way through the quiet halls of Wheat Manor.
The training yard was just outside the west wing: a flat expanse of packed soil and stone bordered by short retaining walls and rows of golden wheat stalks that shimmered even under the pale dawn. Simple training dummies lined the edges. Wooden weapons were racked beneath a covered awning. There were no bells or banners—just practicality, framed by nature.
Persephone stood at the center of the yard, already waiting. The morning breeze tugged at her long honey-yellow hair, but her eyes were still as glass. She wore a fitted gray shirt, durable pants, and soft-soled boots. Nothing dramatic. Just efficient. Something he came to expect from her.
She held two wooden short swords. One she tossed to him without a word.
Chico caught it mid-air, flipping the grip in his palm. He stepped into the yard, wordless, and remained in a fixed position. His heart beat faster—perhaps from nerves, he wasn't sure.
"I want to see where you stand," Persephone said, walking a slow circle around him. "Your current instincts. Your strength, your speed. Don't hold back."
She stopped ten feet away and dropped into a ready stance.
"I want to see your full strength."
'Strength, huh?' Chico thought, gripping the wooden blade.
He had a few skills that could help in a spar, but if she wanted strength… he'd give her strength. The newest ability he'd acquired pulsed beneath his skin. He could already feel the weight of it, the raw power surging in his blood. But what if he pushed it further?
Masochist Soul came to mind. Not just for recovery—but for synergy.
He removed his current combined skill and made a single change.
Temporarily combine: Masochist Soul & Strength?
'Confirm.'
——————————————————————
Overdrive Core (Elite+)
When Strength and Masochist Soul are combined temporarily, the user can enter a temporary state where pain and damage amplify physical power, converting injury and exhaustion directly into raw strength.
While in this state:
Super strength scales not only with energy expenditure but also with the degree of fatigue and damage sustained.
The more wounded or exhausted the user becomes, the stronger and faster they get—while their body regenerates via Masochist Soul.
Minor wounds are healed in real time. Major wounds accelerate energy regeneration, which feeds Strength.
User's pain tolerance increases greatly.
Users can maintain peak output longer with training, pushing past mortal limits—but prolonged use risks collapse from internal strain.
Limitations:
Cannot be sustained indefinitely—extreme use may trigger unconsciousness or body failure.
Once deactivated, the body becomes exhausted, and all boosts are removed.
Recovery cooldown after prolonged use is steep, unless the user is allowed deep rest or healing magic.
——————————————————————
He reached inward. Focused. His Bellowing Dragoncrest Ring pulsed faintly against his finger, amplifying the energy flow as he combined the two abilities. A new power swelled in his chest like a furnace roaring to life.
Overdrive Core – Activated.
It hit him like a wave: strength, pure and dangerous, surging through his limbs. But it came at a cost—an immediate drain, as if something was pulling energy from his lungs, his muscles, even his heartbeat.
He staggered half a step, not from weakness, but from the sudden burn of effort. He gritted his teeth.
And that second of hesitation was all Persephone needed.
She vanished.
No footsteps. No telltale flash. Just—gone.
His eyes widened.
She was already in front of him.
Her wooden sword slammed into his guard, brushing his blade aside with absurd ease. The impact staggered him back—one, two steps—his arms humming from the force. If that had been a real sword…
He caught his balance.
She was already pressing again.
Chico raised his sword, parrying one strike, then another, he was getting hit more than he could parry. He could feel it—the drain from Overdrive pulling hard, but something deeper had kicked in. At the same time the ability was reacting, surging. Every time she hit him, he got a little faster. Stronger. Clearer.
He ducked under a sweeping strike, twisted around a feint, and retaliated with a sudden counter.
She blocked it with a flick of her wrist. No effort.
Still, he felt it. The progress.
His body was adapting. Overdrive Core was working. Pain became power. Strain became speed. He could almost see the flow of her strikes now, like reading a rhythm in battle. One more minute. Just a little longer, and he could—
"Stop," Persephone said.
Chico froze mid-motion, panting hard.
"What? Why—?"
She stepped back and lowered her blade. Her expression was unreadable, but her tone carried that cold, flat calm.
"You hesitated," she said.
He blinked. "I—only for a second."
She nodded. "Exactly. One second. That hesitation nearly got you hit in the heart. Not a deep wound. Just enough to kill someone in the Dungeon."
Chico clenched his jaw, looked away in shame, but said nothing.
"You recovered well," she continued. "Very well. Your instincts kicked in, and I saw you getting stronger. Faster. Sharper. But it took too long."
He looked down at his hands, which were still trembling from the power flow.
"…You noticed the growth?"
"I did," Persephone said. "It was distinct. I've fought a few people with reactive abilities—but yours is something different. You weren't just adjusting. You were evolving mid-fight."
She stepped closer, her eyes searching his. "Perhaps a skill?"
Chico hesitated once more, but she was someone he would grow to trust, so he answered. "It's…a bit hard to explain."
She raised an eyebrow in response.
"If Demeter-sama is available later, you can come with me to my next status update. I'd rather show you than try to explain it now."
Persephone stared at him for a long moment. Then gave a faint nod.
"I'll take you up on that."
The wind stirred the wheat at the edge of the yard, brushing golden stalks against the stone. Chico lowered his wooden blade and exhaled slowly. His body was still humming with power—and the exhaustion from it. With a thought he deactivated the power, and felt it immediately. The drain was…massive, he felt like he just went through his daily workout, without any rest between sets. He took a minute to steady his breathing, he was sweating pretty hard.
"Ha…I can't keep up that ability for long…ha…but, with more training and increasing my endurance stat, I believe I'll be able to keep up with those above my status."
"…Impressive. Now let us continue, I'll be testing your technique with the blade, your form, your footwork, and only until I'm satisfied, will you have my blessing to enter the dungeon."
Chico agreed easily. And so the training continued.
The next few hours were grueling, but not unfamiliar.
Persephone was relentless—but fair. She led Chico through drill after drill, beginning with basic strikes to build consistency, before shifting to footwork. Forward lunges, back-steps, lateral movements—every step demanded balance and economy. She corrected his form with a precise touch or short instruction, giving no compliments, only necessary criticism.
Then came evasive maneuvers—dodges and sidesteps while under pressure. She attacked in bursts, forcing him to weave, duck, and shift his weight. Whenever he faltered, she made him repeat the motion until it became instinctive. She wasn't trying to break him. She was shaping him.
Sweat soaked his shirt, and his muscles burned with fatigue, but the familiar rhythm of training steadied him. His movements grew sharper, smoother. Not perfect—but better.
Finally, Persephone stepped back, wooden sword resting over her shoulder.
"That's enough—for today."
Chico didn't argue. He straightened up, panting, and wiped sweat from his brow with the back of his arm.
"Meet me in the dining hall in thirty minutes," she said, already turning. "There's something I must tend to."
Chico nodded, still catching his breath. "Understood."
She was gone a moment later, boots quiet against the stone path.
He made his way back inside the manor, body still buzzing with the aftereffects of Overdrive Core and the intense training. His muscles ached—but it was the good kind of pain. Growth pain.
In his room, he grabbed a fresh set of clothes—simple, clean, and comfortable—and headed into the shower again. The hot water helped soothe the burn in his shoulders and legs. He didn't take long. After drying off, he flopped onto his bed for a few minutes, eyes closed, just breathing.
By the time he made it to the dining room, the large open space was beginning to stir with quiet morning chatter. The long wooden tables were lined with breads, fruits, and steaming pots of porridge and stew—simple but hearty fare fitting for the Wheat Manor.
At one of the nearer tables, he spotted them: Demeter and Persephone, seated side by side.
Demeter's eyes lit up the moment she saw him.
"Good morning, my little sprout," she greeted warmly, her smile like sunshine through wheatfields.
"Morning, Demeter-sama. Captain." Chico dipped his head respectfully as he approached.
"Take a seat," Persephone said, gesturing to the open spot across from them.
He did, grabbing a plate and piling on some fruit and a slice of buttered bread before digging in.
Conversation picked up quickly.
Persephone gave a succinct report on the morning's training. She commented on his instincts, growth under pressure, and sword form, but emphasized areas that needed improvement—particularly his reaction time and tendency to overcommit when countering.
"You have strength," she concluded, "but your fundamentals need further refinement if you want to survive against unpredictable enemies."
Chico listened carefully, nodding along and occasionally asking clarifying questions.
Demeter looked pleased—not necessarily with his flaws, but with his eagerness to grow. "It sounds like you worked very hard already this morning," she said, reaching for a strawberry.
"I've been doing my best. I've also been studying," Chico added. "Trying to learn everything I can about the Dungeon before I step foot in it again."
"Studying is good," Persephone said flatly. "But are you equipped?"
Chico blinked. "Equipped?"
"For the Dungeon. Potions. Supplies. Gear. Do you have any recovery tools? Antidotes? Bandages?"
Chico hesitated. "…Not yet."
She frowned. "Then you're not prepared. Studying and training only go so far."
Demeter arched a brow, silently agreeing.
Persephone continued, "There are two major potion sources in Orario: the Dian Cecht Familia and the Miach Familia. Dian Cecht's shop is near the Tower of Babel. Their potions are top-tier—pricey, but worth it. You'll find it easily."
Chico nodded, mentally noting it.
"The other," she added, "is the Blue Pharmacy. The Miach Familia runs it. More affordable. Smaller stock. But they're known for lower prices, and it's near Daedalus Street."
"Which would you recommend?" he asked.
"Dian Cecht," Persephone said without hesitation. "If you can afford it, it's the best choice. But if not—Blue Pharmacy will do. You should visit both. Get familiar with their products."
"I'll make that a priority this afternoon," Chico replied, grateful for the direction.
Time passed in quiet conversation, mostly planning. Chico eventually spoke again, voice calm but deliberate.
"Demeter-sama…I'd like to update my status today. If you have the time."
Demeter looked over her cup and smiled. "Of course, dear. You never have to ask. If ever you wish for an update, you need only come find me."
"Thank you." Chico dipped his head again, sincerity in his tone.
With breakfast winding down, the trio rose from the table and made their way out, passing through the bright, open corridors of Wheat Manor toward Demeter's quarters.
Demeter didn't even question Persephone's presence, Chico assumed they must have discussed it when he was absent.
——————————————————————
The heavy doors of Demeter's quarters clicked shut behind the trio. Demeter walked in first with her usual playful elegance, Persephone close behind, ever composed. Chico entered last—and already, he was tugging off his shirt.
The familiar ritual had become less embarrassing over time, but not by much.
He crossed over to Demeter's lavish bed and sat at the edge, exhaling slowly as he mentally prepared for the process. The goddess approached with practiced grace, her fingers trailing lightly along his shoulder as she moved to straddle his legs.
The moment she settled in, a current of warmth ran through him—not entirely divine in origin.
Chico closed his eyes. The cool touch of Demeter's fingertip met his bare back. A single drop of divine ichor fell onto his skin, igniting a gentle blue glow that expanded across his back in runic light. His Falna responded immediately, information rearranging and updating in pulsing glyphs.
Demeter leaned forward to inspect the results. As always, she pulled a blank parchment and pressed it to his back, her hand smoothly copying the characters in flowing script.
Francisco 'Chico' Sol
Demeter Familia
Race: Human
Strength: I35 → I45
Endurance: I60 → I85
Dexterity: I0 → I35
Agility: I70 → I90
Magic: I0 → I50
Skills:
-Habilidad Activa:
-Overdrive Core
Magic:
-Four Arms
-Lightning Spear
-Light Shield
-Weather
-Summon Item
-Conditioning
Total stat increase: 140 points
Demeter's eyes sparkled with delight. "Very impressive," she murmured, pressing the parchment into Chico's hand. "And all without stepping into the Dungeon."
Before he could respond, she exhaled softly and draped herself across his back, chin resting between his shoulder blades.
The effect was immediate.
Chico tensed, an involuntary reaction surging through his body—half from her weight, half from how close she was. His face turned a brilliant shade of red as he held the parchment stiffly in front of him, trying to focus on the glowing words instead of the softness pressed against him.
He managed a hoarse, "Thank you, Demeter-sama."
She chuckled, warm breath grazing his ear. "You're very welcome, darling."
After a moment, she lifted herself off with a teasing smile. Chico exhaled and quickly stood, regaining his balance as the warmth in his cheeks slowly faded. He turned and handed his status sheet to Persephone.
She accepted it silently and began scanning the contents. Her eyes moved quickly at first—then froze. Both eyebrows lifted in rare, visible surprise.
Her tone was clipped but sharp. "Six magics?"
Chico scratched his neck sheepishly. "They're not traditional spells, exactly. I…have this strange ability. I get these…rewards, sometimes. When I accomplish something big—or overcome a challenge. I can gain abilities, traits, items, skills, even familiars, just like Wooloo."
Persephone narrowed her eyes slightly. "And you don't control what you get?"
"No. It's random," Chico said. "But once I receive it, it's mine for good. Most of what I've gained has shown up in my Falna just like any other ability."
She tapped the parchment once. "And Habilidad Activa? What does that do?"
"It lets me actively wield abilities I've gained," he explained. "Like Overdrive Core, which is a combined ability of two of my magics. Right now, I can equip two at a time. It's sort of like…switching stances or powers mid-fight. Eventually, I think I'll be able to carry more."
Persephone looked back at him, her gaze assessing. "So all six of these magics—Weather, Lightning Spear, and the others—were acquired this way?"
"Exactly. I didn't train for them. I earned them through feats, I guess. That's how it works."
Her expression remained cool, but there was a spark of interest in her tone now. "That's an absurd concentration of magical utility for someone your level.
Demeter's voice floated in from the side, amused and proud. "That's because Chico isn't just a Level 1. He's my little miracle."
Chico coughed. "I'm…working hard."
Persephone crossed her arms. "You'll need more than hard work. Power like yours attracts attention. You'll need discipline, strategy…and experience."
"Then I'll get it," he said firmly. "Starting soon."
Demeter stepped beside him and placed a hand on his shoulder. "With us to guide you, you'll go farther than even you expect."
Persephone gave a short nod. "We'll see that you're ready."
Chico looked down at his parchment again, a smile tugging at his lips. This was only the beginning. The stats, the skills, the attention from two powerful goddesses—it was all real now. He was stronger, sharper, and more determined than ever. And this was just the beginning.
Feat Achieved! Impress Persephone during training and with your status!
Reward: Bronze Item Gatcha Ticket
He would be prepared for whatever the dungeon threw at him. He would make the most of his new life.
——————————————————————
On my way out of The Wheat Manor, I rolled my ticket and received…
Scrap Iron Candy (1.4 Rarity, 1.96% odds)-Common Item-
Blacksouls -"Tastes like its name" When consumed, bolsters the user's defence for 30 minutes. Restock Timer: 8 Hours
…an interesting item. Though the thought of eating something that tastes like scrap iron makes me want to gag…this would be extremely useful.
With that thought out of the way I decided that I would head over to the guild's archive and study some more. I will reiterate, I want to be prepared for the dungeon, whether I go alone tomorrow or with someone else, it won't matter.
After some extra studying, I'll head on over to the Dian Cecht familia's shop. I may only have 2000 valis left, but surely that is enough for a potion…right?
Anyway, then I'll be off towards the Blue Pharmacy, see what they have. Then I'll probably do some physical training to end the day.
May as well jog towards the guild. That should be enough for the running portion of my routine.
——————————————————————
The morning air of Orario was crisp and cool, the kind that felt good in the lungs. Chico jogged through the streets, his breath steady as his legs carried him the final stretch of his 10-kilometer run. These days, it was much easier, it felt more like a warmup than an actual workout.
He arrived at the base of the Tower of Babel, a monumental structure of white stone veined with glowing blue lines. Inside, the first floor of the tower spread out like a temple to commerce and civilization.
It was a grand circular hall ringed with pillars and sunlit archways. The stone beneath his feet was polished marble, pristine and smooth, reflecting the warm hues from the stained-glass windows set into the walls. Enchanted chandeliers floated gently above, casting soft white light on the busy crowd of adventurers. Rows of storefronts hugged the outer curve of the floor, each one proudly displaying goods behind glass or enchanted barriers—potions, weapons, armor, scrolls, charms, magical gear of all kinds. Signs of every color and script competed for attention. In the center of the space, the foot traffic thickened where elevators and the massive spiral staircase descended into the Dungeon.
Chico lingered as he strolled, watching adventurers gear up, haggle with clerks, or walk out freshly supplied. Eventually, his attention was drawn to a particularly large, striking storefront. A wide marble arch framed the entrance, and above it, gilded letters gleamed in the light:
"Dian Cecht Familia Shop"
He stepped inside.
The interior was bright, clean, and refined. Smooth tile floors, white walls, and perfectly aligned shelves gave the place an air of sterile professionalism. Shelves extended along the perimeter, each neatly stocked and labeled. On the far wall, enclosed glass cases displayed advanced alchemical goods—potions glowing faintly with color, sealed bottles labeled with golden tags, and rarer items placed behind glass. A steady stream of clients came and went, some browsing, others being ushered into private booths by attendants in pristine robes of blue and white.
Chico kept to the open area, browsing one of the wall-side shelves. A row of basic healing potions caught his eye. The vials were small, filled with a clear red liquid, each sealed with a stamped cork and tagged with a simple label: 650 valis. Further down the same wall were antidotes, mind potions, and finally, elixirs—the latter sealed in crystal containers, glowing faintly, and priced high enough to make most adventurers wince.
After a few minutes of browsing, Chico made his way to the main counter.
There, waiting with practiced poise, was a woman of striking beauty. She stood tall behind the desk, her long silver hair tied back neatly, and her violet eyes calm and unreadable. Her white-and-blue robes marked her clearly as an officer of the Dian Cecht Familia, but it was her composed presence that caught Chico's attention. Everything about her radiated quiet competence.
"Morning," he said with a relaxed tone. "Just picking up some potions."
"Of course," she replied with a soft, measured voice. "Please place your item on the counter."
Her movements were smooth, almost effortless. She processed the transaction with calm efficiency—no wasted motion, no chatter. She passed the potions to him with a graceful hand and nodded once.
"Thank you for your purchase."
Chico nodded back, pocketing the vial. "And thank you for the service."
With that, he stepped back out into the Tower's grand hall.
Now, for The Blue Pharmacy.
——————————————————————
After asking around and following directions from a few helpful locals, he set off through the winding streets of Orario. An hour later, he arrived at a much humbler storefront tucked between two larger buildings. It had a wooden sign swinging above the door with neatly painted script that read The Blue Pharmacy. Potted herbs lined the windowsills, and the air smelled faintly of crushed leaves and bitter medicine.
He stepped inside. A small bell jingled above the door.
The interior was quaint and slightly cluttered. Narrow wooden shelves packed with jars, bottles, and boxes filled most of the space. The floor creaked softly beneath his feet, and dried herbs hung from thin strings above the counters. The entire place had a lived-in feel—functional, warm, and faintly herbal.
"Welcome…" came a soft, languid voice.
Behind the wooden counter stood a young woman with drooping eyes, short brown hair, and floppy dog ears. Her posture leaned just a bit, as if holding herself up took effort. A long tail swayed lazily behind her. She wore a modest apron and a sleepy, distant expression—but her eyes were sharp with quiet calculation.
"If you…need help… just ask," she murmured, voice smooth and low like she'd just woken up.
"Thanks," Chico replied, giving her a polite nod. "I'll take a quick look around."
He browsed quietly, scanning the shelves until he found the basic health potions. To his surprise, they were priced at 500 valis—a full 150 valis less than what he'd just paid at the other shop. His brow twitched slightly. Unfortunately, after his earlier purchases, he only had enough left for one.
He approached the counter and placed the potion down.
Naaza's eyes flicked from the vial to him, her voice slow and slightly teasing. "Just the one? You sure? The Dungeon's not exactly…kind."
He chuckled softly. "Yeah, I'd buy more if I could, but this is all I've got for now. I'll be heading into the Dungeon soon—first real dive. I'll be back once I've got some coin."
Her eyes half-lidded, she gave a sleepy smile that didn't quite reach her cheeks. "Hmm…You should really stock up more, you know. A scratch becomes a limp, and a limp becomes a corpse…"
He gave her a dry look. "Nice sales pitch."
She let out a soft hum, not denying it. "Just saying. But…I'll hold you to that. Come back soon, rookie."
"Count on it."
He paid the 500 valis and slipped the vial into his pouch. As he turned to leave, Naaza added in that same lazy tone, "Try not to die. Dead customers don't return."
Chico smirked and waved over his shoulder. "I'll keep that in mind."
With that, he stepped back onto the sunlit street. Healing potions in each pocket, feet still light, and mind sharpening with purpose.
The Dungeon awaited.
But first—his final training set. Time to return to Wheat Manor, and finish his daily regimen at the training grounds.
——————————————————————
It took another couple of hours to return home, he went to his room to drop off his meager purchases, then he made his way to the training grounds.
He quickly finished his work out, and in return he received a random bronze Gatcha ticket. He opened it and received…
Hygienic (1.9 Rarity, 1.36% odds)-Common Trait-
You are almost always hygienic, no bad breath or germs for you.
'Huh…that's nice. My hygiene was fine to begin with. A nice cosmetic from the Gatcha.'
Chico's day was nearly over, after he grabbed a meal from the dining hall, he ate alone, which was fine, he went back to his room and began to study once more.
It was hours later that he felt extremely confident that he had memorized the first floor's map, all the choke points, all the corridors, the entrance and the exit. He was ready.
With that thought in his mind, he went and showered, washing away the days events, and prepared for what was coming next. His first dungeon dive. Let's go.
Only 5 days remain…
Chapter 13 End