Chapter 17 - Finally I'm Cosplaying.
[Chapter Size: 2015 Words.]
Lucius POV
Ishtar Family Headquarters.
...
...
Hestia POV
Abandoned Church.
"Let's see your stats..." Hestia waited to examine the sheet without directly facing the falna on Lucius's back.
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---Information---
• Name: Lucius Drakenar
• Race: Human;
• Level: 1.
---Stats---
• Strength: G248
• Endurance: F314
• Dexterity: G255
• Agility: G295
• Magic: SSS1,302
---Abilities---
---Spells---
• Fire Spell/Firebolt/Rank 2
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"His stats seem strange... What's here, his physical abilities are in G and F ranks, while his magic is in SSS. I think it's good... WAIT!" I froze, not understanding what was being said.
"Stats in G, F, and SSS ranks..."
"SSS..."
"What does that mean?"
"If we look at his numbers, they are 1 3 0 2, all in the same line. Bell should have 200 points in this category now, after acquiring his magic..."
"I didn't even know a stat could go over a thousand. Hehe... WAIT AGAIN!"
"Go over a thousand..."
"1 3 0 3..."
"..."
"Hehe, what does this mean...?"
"..."
"..."
While Hestia tried to understand the situation, Lucius was calmly lying down, waiting for what was to come after Hestia fell silent.
"WWWWWWHHHHHHHHHAAAAAAATTTTTTTTTTTT!?!?" I screamed in shock with all the strength of my lungs.
"HOW IS THIS POSSIBLE!?" Lucius covered his ears with my outbursts, but I didn't stop.
"THAT... I SAW YOUR STATS AT RANK I A WEEK AGO! NOW YOUR RANK I MAGIC HAS GONE TO SOMETHING SSS, I DON'T EVEN KNOW WHAT. HEPHAESTUS TOLD ME A STAT DOESN'T GO BEYOND S WITH 999 POINTS!" I looked like I was going to have a heart attack, but isn't that normal when faced with situations that defy the logic of the world?!
"W-what the hell is this stat that's so different from a week ago..." Hestia wasn't shouting anymore but was shaking like a doll.
"Bell may be stronger physically due to his evolution boost ability, but Lucius has nothing, yet increasing 200 points on average in a week can't be so different from Bell and his magic. It's TOTALLY outside logic; this growth shouldn't exist!" Hestia couldn't believe what she saw, speaking without thinking, with trembling hands and a pounding heart.
Lucius had already pushed Hestia off him and stood up to put on his shirt.
"Wait?! How can you evolve your stats and, more importantly, your magic like this?! And secondly, how do you have the same magic as Bell !?" She said, looking at Lucius's magic with wide eyes.
"I somehow learned it when I touched that book, I can't explain. I thought you already knew, as you saw my stats the moment you gave me the falna. But my spell is different from what Bell can cast; I can cast it without an incantation now." He said, making me widen my eyes with him showing a fireball forming in his hand, something I don't remember hearing about in an incantation-less spell. I also don't remember the spell when I gave him his falna; I was so happy that I didn't pay much attention. I looked and felt like I was going to faint at any moment seeing that fireball; I even forgot that his first words didn't sound so true. I was paralyzed, thinking about how I could calm myself down.
Looking at my most recent child, I said, stuttering, as I can't hide anything about his stat. According to him, he can self-update and see everything, something that shouldn't exist either, breaking another logic of this world.
"Lucius, what I can tell you is that you are as fast as Bell, but be careful and don't tell anyone about this."
"THIS CAN'T BE SEEN BY ANYONE; OTHERWISE, I'M SURE IT WILL CAUSE A WAR WITHIN ORARIO! I DON'T DOUBT THAT LOKI OR EVEN FREYA DIDN'T SPARE EFFORTS TO GET THEIR HANDS ON YOUR ABILITIES. AND I'M SURE YOU'RE HIDING MORE THINGS, AREN'T YOU?" I said hysterically to him, reprimanding him with all my might. I already have Bell to worry about, now Lucius somehow is even more special, but he always made it clear, and he said he didn't even need a family to grow, to begin with.
"Yes, I must admit there is more about me, and it's related to my magical growth, but I won't disclose my secrets, don't worry." He told me.
Shaking my head, that reminded me of some events these days. I had to talk to Lucius about things I've been wanting to do for a whole week. So, with some miracle, I returned to normal without being so hysterical and crossed my arms to face my son.
"First, I heard
about your fight in the Hephaestus family! Do you want to fight with everyone !!?" I complained to him about that. Hephaestus started giving me a lecture that I'm not taking care of my children after she told me that when I found her in her store.
He looked at me, raising an eyebrow, and said, "Look, that damn dwarf started it; I wanted to finish him if it weren't for Hephaestus, which was a shame..." He said without any remorse or fear.
I sighed; I barely know Lucius, and I already know he's a troublemaker, unafraid of Hephaestus or Loki. He doesn't even seem to respect us, gods, like everyone in Orario.
Seeing that the conversation wouldn't lead anywhere, I decided to change the subject.
"Another thing, Eina Tulle from the guild, Bell's advisor, came to talk to me at Babel Tower while I was working at one of Hephaestus's shops. It's about Bell's supporter; Eina tells me she comes from the Soma family and is somewhat dangerous..." I said, concerned.
Seeing that Lucius was thinking, I continued.
"I wanted you to help him if he has problems. I know you don't hunt together in the dungeon, but I would appreciate it a lot. I talked to him; however, he's stubborn with that pure heart of his and wants to help the girl, saying she needs someone." I sighed, but deep down, I was proud that Bell was so kind.
But while I was thinking, I felt Lucius's hand touch my shoulder; I looked surprised at him with the sudden touch.
"Don't worry, Goddess Hestia; he'll be fine, and I'll protect him if he needs it. But I believe it's something he has to do on his own." He said with a confident smile.
"Yes, Lucius-kun! I believe you're right! I trust Bell!" I was touched by my family; I have two sons who are eager to protect and trust each other.
After that, Lucius went to eat and asked me to exchange some magic stones that are under the bed that were left over in the first days. I ate with him and went to see the stones he asked to exchange. But when I opened the box on the bed, I saw enough stones for 100,000 valis! I screamed in surprise and wanted to ask how he worked so much, but he was already asleep...
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**Lucius's Point of View**
*Abandoned Church.*
Lucius woke up in a good mood, finally having more than 8 hours of sleep in a week. Finding Bell and Hestia sleeping on each other, he quickly made coffee for himself, choosing not to go out to eat today. Later, he left the church and went straight to the city center to pick up an order he had left pending a few days before.
He had entrusted Hestia with enough stones to yield over 100,000 valis when exchanged, but still carried over 50,000 from exchanges made in recent days. He could have accumulated even more, but most of the acquired stones were exchanged for points in the system.
Speaking of points, a significant problem arose that needed to be addressed: the need to change his combat style to enhance physical attributes. Although being a mage had its advantages, physical weakness was a concern, and Lucius didn't want to be an easy target for his opponents.
Reflecting on the different classes and their characteristics, he pondered on the importance of forming a balanced team. The Loki family, famous for their deep dungeon raids, was an example of how each member could compensate for the weaknesses of others. This reflection led Lucius to desire to be an adventurer without weaknesses, capable of exploring the dungeon alone.
Opening his shop as he walked through the city, he began to analyze his options. With a considerable amount of accumulated points, he saw some spells that could assist in training his physical attributes. However, he hesitated to spend precious points on support spells and short-range attacks, despite recognizing the need for it now.
Arriving at the store, he found the beautiful outfit he had negotiated earlier, and the woman didn't mention anything about his delay. After paying, he finally took off his official cloak, completing his cosplay.
![IMAGE]
Putting on the leather armor without wasting more time, he could perceive how much attention he drew, especially with the unique high-quality cloak adorned with jewels.
*It's not every day you see someone with a cloak with shiny stones on a chain, like a great scholar*, he thought to himself. *There is no concept of a mage king in this world, so it's normal hehehe. But there are also no old mages in the city... Anyway, screw it, I'll continue with my life.*
As he finished this thought, he headed back to the tower's weapon shop. Even being greeted with hostility by the same dwarf, now wearing his mage king cloak, Lucius didn't care and acquired a higher-quality Crozzo's bastard sword than the previous one, spending 10,000 valis. He left the store, ignoring the furious dwarf, and headed towards the location indicated Hephaestus the last time.
When I descended the tower, traversing the path inside the guild, I was about to leave when a voice called my name. "Lucius??!!" A surprised exclamation echoed. I looked in the direction of the voice and saw Rose staring at me, as well as many others starting their workday in the guild and some adventurers seeking guidance. They were curious, especially after hearing the unusual tone with which Rose called me, something that deviated from her usual composure. However, the cloak seemed to attract even more attention. *Just as I hoped it would*, I thought with a smile.
"Hello, Rose," I greeted her with a smile as I approached her counter. "This outfit looks amazing on you! I've never seen anyone wear something like this; it looks like a king." She mumbled in her reverie. *Ah, about that... You have no idea, Miss Rose, you can't even imagine...* I chuckled inwardly with that thought.
"Well... Thank you, I guess," I replied, somewhat surprised by her comment, but I waited for her to continue. I was sure she wouldn't stop me in my tracks just to comment on my clothes, even though it seemed a bit surprising.
"Wait, Lucius, there's something I wanted to tell you. Eina came to me to discuss your family member, Bell Cranel, from the Hestia family, right? It's about his supporter..." Rose said, and I interrupted her with a hand gesture.
"I know, Rose. Don't worry about it. I'll help him if he needs it, but I'm sure everything will be fine!" I reassured her, and she nodded after staring at me for a few seconds. *Everyone is concerned about Bell, and it's normal for them to come to me since I belong to his family. It would be strange if no one touched on the subject, however useless it may be...* I reflected as I continued my way through the streets of Orario, heading towards the Dungeon Hall.
Now, I'm going to the dungeon, and maybe I can find Bell on the intermediate floors, in case he needs help, although it's a bit complicated because everything is unfolding canonically. If I'm not mistaken, today is the day when Lili should get her knife and escape, leaving Bell to face the orcs alone.
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