Eoghan and Keeva

Eoghan: We're people who are searching for a Familia to join. My name is Eoghan Shannon, and this is my wife Keeva.

Adalwulf: Huh? Did Misha send you here?

Keeva: Yes! She spoke nothing but good things about this Familia, and she said that we'd have better chances of getting stronger here.

Adalwulf instantly focused on their emotions. They seemed to be good people, and according to Samkennd, they were. He could feel nothing but curiosity and hope. It would seem like they really wanted to join. Perhaps it was the building.

Adalwulf: You do know that right now we are only a small Familia, right?

Eoghan: That would not be a problem. People say you have the potential to reach the same height as the Loki Familia even with less members. Besides, you are in an Alliance with the Astrea Familia. The facts speak for themselves.

Hestia and the girls were looking at the couple with curiosity. They didn't feel threatened, since they could tacitly tell that they had the same strength as they did, and Ad was stronger. The Goddess, instead of thinking about that, decided to intervene. As much as she loved being lazy, it was still her Familia, so she should also participate in the conversation.

She walked to the door and stood besides Ad, hugging his arm. She looked at the blonde and then at the bluenette.

Hestia: Ad, how are they?

Adalwulf: Clean, Hestia-sama. They feel like good people, so I want to see what they can do before we let them join.

Hestia: Ok! Then, please come in. After we have a meal, Ad will take you to the backyard to test your Abilities.

*

After a very fulfilling meal prepared by Natsuki with Ad's help, the couple was guided to the backyard of the Manor. Ad had already analyzed their gear and could tell, more or less, how they fought.

Eoghan carried a spear with him, and his armour made him look like someone who could take a hit or two. Keeva didn't seem to have any weapon on her, so Ad assumed she was either a magician or a fist-brawler, but because of her getup, he leaned towards magician.

Eoghan: How are you going to test us?

Adalwulf: In your case, you are going to spar with me. I can only guess that Keeva is a magician, right?

Keeva: That would be the case, indeed.

Adalwulf: Then you'll just have to show off your magic. As Keeva's test is easier to judge, she'll go first. Then it's your turn, Eoghan.

Once Adalwulf finished speaking, he along with the girls and Eoghan moved to a side. They didn't want to be caught unprepared in Keeva's magic.

Keeva: "Lord under the sea. A mirror that reflects truth. Show my enemies your rage. Expel the impure from my domain. The pressure of your home does not affect my will. The formless existence that brings life. Protect my body with your silent love, attack my enemies with your roaring anger." Muir Dhomhain!

As Keeva recited her chant, she was surrounded by a light blue glow. Her Mana, or Mind as some call it, focused on her hands the more she recited. Once she called the spell's name, two water spheres were formed. Keeva was inside one, while the other was in the middle of the backyard. Ad was amazed by the beauty of the water.

Ad deiced to test what this spell did, and he was rather surprised. It was an offensive and defensive spell that attacked the objective by surrounding it in a raging torrent full of sharp waves, and defended the user by encaging it in a calm sphere of water. It was an extremely versatile magic, and it would be very useful against big monsters and the Monster Rex of different floors.

When she cancelled the magic, she fell on her knees while panting hard. It would seem that her spell was still too much for her to use regularly. Still, it was extremely useful for the future.

Adalwulf: Your spell is really strong. Once you reach greater heights in Magic, you'll be a force to be reckoned with.

Keeva: Thank you. *huff huff*

Eoghan: Then, it's my turn now.

Adalwulf: Indeed. I've decided on a this test to be different. Ten minutes. You just have to hold on. Oh! But... I'll be going all out. So... please make sure to give everything you have.

Hestia, who was with the girls and Keeva watching from the side, chuckled softly. Natsuki was smiling and Iman had her usual bright smile. Keeva, who didn't understand the reason behind the action, simply asked.

Hestia: Ad-kun has already decided to have you guys join, but he is too excited because Eog-kun is his first male friend. So he just wants to spar with him for the fun of it. And I think Eog-kun understands Ad-kun's intention.

Keeva: *sigh* Men... who told me to marry this hardheaded husband of mine...

In spite of her words, Keeva had a warm smile on her beautiful face. She thought she was lucky to meet a man as loving as Eoghan.

In front of the girls, totally oblivious to their thoughts, stood Ad and Eoghan, waiting for the other to make their move. It was Ad who moved first, but it wasn't an attack.

Adalwulf: "Shadow, thou whom swallows all of creation when they fall under the blanket of Nott. Answer mine call, and aid me in my quest." Skuggaþrjótur!

Ad was surrounded by shadows and, once again, his attire changed into his Shadow Trigger form. Without giving Eoghan any sign, he suddenly went into the shadows and attacked from below him. To everyone's surprise, the blonde was able to dodge the attack in the last second.

Still, it didn't seem like it had been an easy thing to do, if his sweat-covered forehead counted as evidence. Ad didn't give the man any time to catch his breath, as he kept attacking him time and again from the shadows. With his augmented Basic Abilities, Ad thought Eoghan would've already fallen, but excluding the obvious signs of exhaustion, the blonde man seemed to be able to keep fighting for a while.

Ad simply undid his Shadow Trigger and went to pat the man on his shoulder.

Adalwulf: You really surprised me. It would seem like you really can take a lot of hits. You're not even hurt.

Eoghan: *huff* You *huff* didn't even *huff* break a sweat.

Adalwulf: *boisterous laugh* Well, that is because I am stronger! Still, you both have a huge potential. I am sure you have some awesome skills!

Keeva had a toothy smile on her face. She enjoyed hearing others praise her and her husband. And she particularly liked the environment in the Hearth Manor. It was... wholesome.

Keeva: You people in this Familia are... very close to each other.

Natsuki: That is because of Ad and Hestia-sama, if I'm being honest. Ad said he didn't want a Familia for business and strength, but a Familia that was a real family. And Hestia-sama is the Goddess of the Hearth and Home.

Keeva: I think Eoghan and I can get used to this kind of Familia.

Hestia: Then I officially welcome to the Hestia Familia! Let's go, I'll give you your Falna!