Awakening Potential

Upon entering Loki's room, I took a moment to look around and survey my surroundings. The room was adorned with eccentric decorations, a reflection of Loki's vibrant personality. It was a den of curiosity and mystery, filled with trinkets and artifacts that seemed to whisper stories of their own.

Curiosity brimming within me, I turned to Loki, unable to contain my inquisitive nature. "So, Loki, where do we start?" I asked, eager to dive into the preparations she had mentioned earlier. I hoped it wouldn't involve any questionable fashion choices or singing contests.

With a mischievous glint in her eyes, Loki grinned and uttered words that sent a shiver down my spine.

"Strip, you two," she said matter-of-factly, her voice laced with a strange mixture of mischief and authority.

I was taken aback, my jaw dropping in disbelief. "Pardon?" I blurted out, unable to fathom what Loki had just suggested. Stripping? Was this some kind of initiation ritual?

Loki, seemingly unfazed by my shocked reaction, explained calmly, "It's part of joining the Familia, Althea. Don't worry, it's nothing inappropriate. We need to put the Falna on your back."

I couldn't help but let out a sarcastic retort, my quippy nature kicking into high gear. "Oh, of course, because nothing says 'welcome to the Familia' like shedding your clothes in a tomboyish goddess's room. Is this the dress code for godly gatherings?"

Loki's frustration was palpable as she shot back, "Do you want to join or not, Althea? This is how it's done. It's a necessary step."

I crossed my arms, determined to stand my ground. "Listen here, goddess, I'm all for camaraderie and personal growth, but there must be a better way to initiate newcomers. I refuse to believe that stripping down is a prerequisite for greatness."

Loki let out an exasperated sigh before explaining, "The Falna is a magical mark that will enhance your abilities and allow me to share my divine power with you. It needs to be applied to your bare back. It's essential for our Familia's endeavors."

I raised an eyebrow, somewhat convinced by Loki's explanation, but still reluctant to heed her unusual request. "Fine," I reluctantly agreed, "but let it be known that I'm doing this under protest."

Following Loki's lead, I looked over at Ais, who seemed equally bewildered but determined. Together, we complied with Loki's instructions, reluctantly shedding our outer layers.

With that done, I couldn't help but ask Loki, "What's the next step, O' divine initiator? Shall we now perform a synchronized dance routine?"

Loki, pointing towards a small chair, simply instructed, "Sit there, Althea."

Suspicion tinged my thoughts, but I followed her command, cautiously taking a seat on the designated chair.

As I settled in, I suddenly heard a perverted giggle escape Loki's lip, and before I could react, I felt her hands groping my chest.

"KYAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!"

Startled and caught off guard, I let out a piercing scream, my voice echoing through the room. This was definitely not what I had signed up for.

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[Third POV]

*SLAM*

Riveria burst into Loki's room, her eyes widening at the chaotic scene that unfolded before her. Concern and authority mingled in her voice as she demanded an explanation. "What in the world happened here?"

Her gaze fell upon Althea, huddled in the corner, her vulnerable state causing Riveria's protective instincts to kick in. With a soothing yet firm tone, she approached Althea and asked, "Althea, are you alright? Just what happened here?"

Althea, trying to lighten the mood with her usual quips, mustered a wry smile. "Well, Riveria, it appears Loki took initiation to a whole new level. I've had enough hands-on experience to last a lifetime. A hug would be a welcome change."

Riveria's eyes narrowed as she pieced together the situation, her disappointment palpable. She shot Loki a piercing glare and reprimanded her sharply. "Loki, you need to explain yourself. This behavior is absolutely unacceptable."

Loki, attempting to justify her actions, stumbled over her words. "Mama Riveria, I thought—"

Riveria cut her off, her voice sharp and uncompromising. "I don't want to hear your excuses, Loki. Harassing new members of our Familia is not how we operate. You should know better."

Loki's expression turned crestfallen, as her eyes downcast as she realized the gravity of her actions. She turned to Althea, and her tone sincere. "Althea, please have a seat on the chair. I promise to be serious and complete the process swiftly."

Althea, while hiding behind Riveria, couldn't resist a snappy comeback. "Oh, Loki, you have a talent for making promises. But if you so much as you breathe in my direction, I'll ensure you regret it."

Riveria intervened, sensing Althea's hesitation. Placing a reassuring hand on Althea's head, she spoke calmly. "Althea, trust that I will oversee the process. I won't allow anything untoward to happen to you."

Althea found herself swayed by Riveria's strong presence and the respect she commanded. With a cautious nod, she sat down in the chair, her eyes fixed on Loki. "Just remember, Loki. No funny business, alright?"

Loki nodded understandingly, her eyes conveying sincerity as she proceeded with the initiation process.

With a small knife, she pricked her finger, allowing a droplet of blood to form. Carefully, she let it drop onto Althea's back, enveloping the area in a radiant glow.

Althea's eyes widened in surprise, prompting her to inquire, "What's happening, Loki?"

Loki smiled and replied, "The blood activates the Falna, Althea. It connects you to the blessings and powers of the Loki Familia."

As the glow subsided, the symbol of the Loki Familia's Falna materialized on Althea's back, marking her as an official member.

Curiosity piqued, Loki configures the Falna, causing a Status screen to appear. Her surprise was evident as she scanned the information before her.

Sensing Loki's reaction, Althea asked, "What is it, Loki? What do you see?"

Loki shared the unexpected discovery, her voice tinged with astonishment. "Your potential, Althea. It's far greater than I anticipated. You possess incredible abilities."

Loki reached for a special paper on the table, using her finger to draw a circle. The circle imprinted Althea's Status, capturing the details of her newfound powers.

With the process complete, Loki handed the paper to Althea and said, "It's over now, Althea. Take a look at your Status."

Althea glanced at the paper, her eyes widening as she absorbed the information before her.

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[Althea's Status]

Name: Althea Waldenstein

Level: 1

Attributes:

Strength: I0

Endurance: I0

Dexterity: I0

Agility: I0

Magic: I0

Magic:

Arcane Bolt (Level I) - The user can conjure and project bolts of arcane energy, capable of striking targets with precision and force.

Incantation: "Ignis et Lux, Arcane Bolt!"

Skills:

Strategos: Boosts growth and experience gained from battles, making the user stronger with each fight. Provides immunity to mental attacks as a side effect.

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As Althea ponders her status, her gaze lingers on her last name, Waldenstein. A surge of familiarity washes over her, triggering a long-lost memory that hints at a forgotten legacy waiting to be unraveled.

Then she contemplates her skills, the power to conjure Arcane Bolts fills her with a sense of potential. Combined with her Strategos skill, she envisions a future where she harnesses her magical prowess and gains invaluable wisdom through each hard-fought encounter.

Lost in her thoughts, Althea was brought back to reality as Loki suddenly tapped her on the shoulder. "Alright, Althea, time to make way for Ais. It's her turn to receive the Falna," Loki declared.

Althea couldn't resist interjecting with a playful warning. "Now, Loki, let's keep the touching limited to appropriate areas. Ais wouldn't want any misunderstandings, would we?"

Loki's annoyance flashed across her face, and she shot Althea a pointed look. "Must you always inject innuendos into every situation?"

Wearing a mischievous grin, Althea quipped, "Well, you do make it so easy. I can't resist the opportunity for a good tease."

Caught off guard, Loki fell momentarily speechless, while Althea stood up, reveling in the cheeky banter she had stirred up.

Turning her attention to Ais, Althea nodded encouragingly. "It's your turn now, Ais. Don't worry, the process will be over in a flash."

Ais nodded silently and she took a seat on the chair, her determination evident, as Loki prepared to bestow upon her the Falna. Althea observed the ritual with rapt attention, her eyes tracing every movement she sees.

Althea witnessed Loki cutting herself and allowing a droplet of blood to descend onto Ais's back, resulting in a radiant surge of light and the sudden emergence of a jester emblem. In awe, Althea observed the astounding metamorphosis unfolding right in front of her.

To her surprise, Riveria giggled softly at Althea's astonishment. "It's quite a sight, isn't it?" she remarked, a touch of amusement in her voice.

Althea nodded, her eyes still fixated on Ais's back, where intricate symbols materialized, glowing with an otherworldly energy.

Curiosity burned within her, and she turned to Riveria, seeking answers. "What do those symbols mean? They resemble the language of the gods, like what's on my paper."

Riveria smiled warmly, her voice carrying a hint of reverence. "Indeed, Althea. Those symbols represent Ais's innate abilities and potential, written in the language of the gods. They are a testament to the unique path and destiny that await her."

Amazement and a newfound appreciation filled Althea's eyes as she glanced back at her own paper, now understanding the weight and significance of the information inscribed upon it.

She realized that within her resided untapped potential and an extraordinary role to play in this realm of adventure and magic.

The journey ahead seemed both daunting and exhilarating, and Althea embraced it with renewed determination and a zest for uncovering the depths of her own power.