Chapter 6: Baby steps
"Come in"
The voice came from within the hallway. The blue haired girl, turned to look at someone behind her. I looked over her head and saw a slim man with orange-blond hair. He had a warm smile on his face. But it still felt that he was up to something. It was more of the feeling he gave me. His entire demeanour implied 'I'm up to no good.' As I walked up a few steps the girl came up to my stomach. The man was about my chest height.
'Being tall is pretty nice.' I'm 6'8" my growth spurt in my earlier teenage years has left me pretty tall and slim. The muscle development and definition needs work. I'm not going around looking like a scarecrow.
"Big fellow aren't you? So what brings you to my house, and more importantly why do you want to join my familia?" He asked.
'Based on his questions he's Hermes. Also despite his looks he has power.'
"I just arrived in the city yesterday, I did some research at the guild and believe they this familia is suited for my career as an adventurer." I calmly replied.
"Lord Hermes, we should go to your office for further discussions." Said the small girl.
"Ah forgive me Asfi, where are my manners. I'm Lord Hermes and this is my familia. Welcome to our home. Please follow me, so we can further discuss matters." said Hermes as invited me in. 'A bit late but he seems a bit laid back. Laid back like a duck on a lake that is.' I could see the wheels turning in his head.
He turned around and led me towards a room on the left side of the hallway. The position of the room gave a feeling of a commander's office. On the main floor and centrally located. The hallway acts as a choke point in both directions. Is easily defensible. 'I already like this guy.'
There was another room across from the one I was led into. Which I believe would be the mission room. I could be wrong though. 'Can't judge this world based on what I know. I mean I've shot an Infant Dragon in the mouth.'
The girl, Asfi, followed us as well. Hermes opened the door and walked in. I followed as I wasn't a soldier anymore and didn't stand on courtesy unnecessarily.
Hermes pointed to a comfortable set of couches arranged around a coffee table. The table was lined up with the fire place on the wall. There were no windows, the light in the room was coming from some enchanted cores. I took a seat on the far side. Back to the wall facing the door.
Hermes and Asfi also sat on the couch facing me. "Now that we're all settled in, how about you enlighten us as to why you have chosen this familia." Hermes got straight to the point.
"I'll be straight with you. You are an exploration familia. You focus on profits and take jobs that bring in money. Despite the small size of your familia you are in the top ten. You deal in information and delivery/messenger contracts. Out of all the familias, yours is the only one who has never been challenged to a War game. You've challenged others, and won. Also, I assume with you dealing in information and messages you know everyone's dirty little secrets. You are also well connected based on the number of jobs other familias offer you. I need a place where I can grow stronger without others sticking their noses in my business. The average level in your familia is level 3. Hopefully, with enough time, I can become a deterrent for people and gods with more ambition than brains." I laid out the facts.
There was an awkward silence that followed. Asfi was surprised and wary of me. Hermes had a look of contemplation.
"You've done a thorough investigation of what we are and how we operate. Tell me what were your other options." Hermes asked, trying to find a bit more about my character and disposition.
"My other options are Hephaestus and Goibniu as I am interested in learning how to craft weapons and armour. I don't think I'm suited for large exploration familias. They're too much trouble." I replied.
"Hmm, you seem to have a good head on your shoulders. Tell me how you would handle an information gathering mission." Hermes inquired.
"Regardless of what sort of information is being obtained. I would first study all available information. Planning and preparing accordingly, I think would head to the location and watch and learn everything about the area. Once I know what defences are present, the. I will ask around local taverns, inns and gambling dens. Asking unwitting associates labour intensive but a safer option than infiltration and asking directly. Once the mission is complete, erase all traces of myself and my involvement and leave." I stated.
Hermes was downright beaming at my response. "See that Asfi!" He exclaimed. "Someone who's not a complete imbecile! Honestly the number of people who start with threats and extortion boggle the mind. I mean just wait and watch, you'll have everything laid out for you. Seriously where were you all this time!" Hermes ranted a bit.
I took a pause before answering, "I was in my village, after my mother passed away five years ago, I worked around the village to earn money to come to Orario."
"I'm sorry to hear that. You mind telling me how old you are?"
"I'm fifteen. My birthday was 3 weeks ago. April 7."
That shocked Hermes. The gaping look on his face like he was waiting to swallow a fly was amusing.
"So you're telling me, that you are only fifteen years of age?" He asked quite suspicious of the claim.
"Yes."
"And you are human? No half-giant or something?"
"Yes I'm completely human."
"Damn you're really tall for your age."
"Yes, yes I am."
"I hate to be the only one asking questions. Do you have any questions for me and Asfi?" Hermes moved the conversation forward.
"As a matter of fact. I do." I stated and pulled out a piece of paper from my pocket.
"1. Does your familia have access to a training ground or room?
2. How often do you send parties into the dungeon?
3. Will it possible for me to go into the dungeon regularly or are there tasks which I must complete as well?
4. How is your familia managed? How much freedom do I have in completing assignments and missions?
5. Is it possible to go to other familias to learn specific skills?
6. Do you take a cut of the mission rewards? Are there any fees, if so what are they and how much?
...That's it for now, I'll ask if anything comes to mind." I finished reading off the paper and looked up.
Hermes had a blank look on his face. Asfi on the other hand was smiling at me.
"Hrrpmh, hrrmph...those are some are some very good questions. It seems I underestimated your dedication to growing stronger. To answer your questions:
1. Yes we have out own training grounds they are behind the house. It has all facilities one could need.
2. We go into the dungeon to gather information, get stronger and as part of expeditions. The guild and other familias request our help regularly to gather information. You will have plenty of time to get stronger as long as the mission is completed.
3. If you are permitted to join us, you will be required to learn our methods of operating and our network. Even though that sounds like a lot of work, as a new member you will have ample time to dive into the dungeon.
4. A mission is only given to members deemed able to complete it efficiently. If your skill-set does not match the requirements you will not be given a mission from us. Guild missions are your discretion, if you are having trouble completing any guild mission, you're on your own for the penalties.
5. We encourage our members to reach out and grow into well rounded and capable adventurers. I am more than willing to help make introductions. The tuition however is your problem. So you better have the money to pay for the required apprenticeship. I do not wish to get into debt.
6. The mission requests given to us, information, messenger services are how we make our money. Anything to 'find' or 'acquire' on those missions are your business. Money earned from the dungeon dives is yours as well. There are no fees...although thank you for the idea." Hermes gave a detailed reply to my questions.
"Lord Hermes!" Asfi yelled at Hermes.
"Kidding Asfi." He brushed her off playfully.
"So do you still wish to join?" Hermes asked seriously. "Honestly you would do well in any familia, it's not a bad idea to join a god looking for members, you'll have more leeway on how to act. Here you will be expected to contribute to the standing and growth of this familia. We do not recruit for a reason."
"If you wouldn't mind having me, I would like to join your familia." I replied hopefully. If he says no that is alright Plan B through Z are still viable. Although I only have up to Plan E figured out right now.
"Excellent! Welcome to the Hermes familia!" Hermes welcomed me enthusiastically.
*****
The initiation process was pretty awkward. Asfi was told to leave the room, and I was told to remove my tunic and turn to the side. Hermes did something and my back was warm for a few moments before returning back to normal. Everything about the process was explained by the documents from the SHOP.
"Who would've thought.." Hermes mumbled as he handed me a sheet with my Basic Abilities.
Cassius Jordan
Human
STR: 10I
END: 10I
DEX: 10I
AGI: 10I
MAG: 0I
Development Abilities:
Luck
Get Some!: Once an attack has begun, user and allies deal more damage per kill.
Rear Guard: During a tactical retreat, user gains triple excelia per kill.
Skills: None (A/N yet)
Magic: None (A/N yet)
"Your stats are at the peak of non-falna humans. As you grow and develop the stats will rise. Now get dressed, And I'll have someone show you to your room." Hermes explained what the numbers and squiggles meant.
"Thank you, is it possible for me to get my stuff from the inn I am staying at, today?" I asked.
"Yes do that after your accommodations have been sorted out. I almost forgot to ask, have you registered as an adventurer with the guild?"
"No, I have not, it was advised that I join a familia first." I replied to Hermes.
"I see, in that case, Asfi will see to it that you're squared away."
****Evening 19:30****
It has been a hectic day. First the impromptu interview with Hermes and Asfi. Then getting my room and meeting the few members who were in the house at the time. Followed by a visit to the guild where I registered and got the free potions, given to new adventurers. I parted ways with Asfi after that and went to the inn to get my things. I had stored anything important in my INVENTORY or LIBRARY. I found that the room was tampered with. It wasn't housekeeping. My bag that I had left there was missing a pouch. I'm not sure who took it or if the inn manager was a part of it, but I don't want to be nearby when the explosive charge detonates. It was a little experiment I came up with. From the SHOP buy:
Metal discs
A pouch
500g of Plastic High-Explosives
A detonator
A roll of RJ11 cable
About an hours work later your "Go to hell" device is ready. Now I'll just wait and see which unfortunate fucks end up dead.
I packed up my stuff and left the room. I returned the key to the innkeeper. He returned V1500. I didn't even want to bother with him, so I took it and left. On my way to my new residence, I heard the sound of an explosion going off. It was a little distance away from the inn, but the panic and surprise from bystanders was the same. 'You wanna steal? Go ahead. You wanna steal from me? Get fucked.'
Weekly Power Status
-- Power
Ranking 
-- Power
stone