Danmachi: Strongest Familia

(Please add it to your Library! Please send Power Stones! Thank you!)

Vex's skill set turned out to be even more formidable than Sol had anticipated; her abilities and spells were flawless, with her original passive now split into two distinct skills. Though the activation conditions had changed slightly, these adjustments only made her skills more accessible and effective—a promising shift in the right direction.

The spreading and sustaining of her black mist still consumed magic power, but the cost was minor. Once Sol completed the blessing ritual, Vex calmly pulled her cloak back over her shoulders, uninterested in even glancing at her favor data—a stance of steadfast indifference.

"Riveria, I remember there's an empty cabin in the backyard. Take Vex there to settle in," Sol instructed, recalling his promise to arrange a private space for her—a promise he had no intention of breaking over something so simple.

Riveria led Vex away, her expression tinged with complexity. More and more problem children seemed to be cropping up around her, each one more challenging than the last. She felt a sense of resignation settle in; peace, it seemed, would be elusive in her future.

Afterward, Sol prepared to grant favor to the hyperactive Gnar, with Poppy's help to keep him still. Gnar's skill set, however, diverged from the others. The moment he received his blessing, he unlocked his ultimate ability—a notable feat. While his boomerang throws and nimble leaps were not explicitly recorded, these abilities hinted at Gnar's unparalleled versatility, positioning him as an ideal frontline tank.

[Tl/n: Gnar's ultimate ability turns him into Mega Gnar.]

Yet, Sol noted that Gnar's enthusiasm needed tempering; without training, his impulsive nature could compromise his role. If the vanguard abandoned his post mid-battle, it could spell disaster.

"There's only one left," Sol remarked, glancing at Poppy. "But I'm not sure how to handle this little one."

Meanwhile, Gnar was twisting his body, trying to catch a glimpse of the symbol of Sol's family now emblazoned on his back—much like a kitten chasing its own tail, relentless until he succeeded. His energy was endearing, but Sol knew that Gnar's liveliness could become a daily nuisance if left unchecked. With Gnar creating such a commotion, the environment wasn't exactly ideal for Poppy's blessing.

"I need someone to keep him under control," Sol mused aloud, heading for the door to fetch help.

At that moment, Riveria re-entered, having just settled Vex into her cabin. True to her reputation as Sol's reliable steward, her timing was impeccable.

"Yes?" she asked, noticing the odd expression on Sol's face.

Sol's mischievous smile immediately made her wary. Experience had taught her that when her God wore that expression, trouble usually followed.

"Could you look after Gnar for a bit? I need to grant favor to Poppy," Sol requested.

"Understood," Riveria replied, albeit reluctantly.

"Oh, and if you could also teach Gnar to read when you have time?" Sol added. "He's been out of touch with modern civilization after being frozen for so long."

Riveria froze. "Literacy?" she echoed, incredulous. Was he really offloading everything onto her? She hadn't had a moment's rest since her return; she was already strategizing ways to ease Vex's reclusive tendencies, and now… literacy lessons?

Having new members join was great for the family overall, but the weight on her shoulders was increasing by the minute. With a sigh, she pressed her fingers to her forehead before pulling Gnar—who was still twisting around, attempting to see his own back—closer. He was like a little wild animal in both size and appearance, and Riveria couldn't help but marvel at the uniqueness of the yordles. They were indeed a strange race. And perhaps due to some elven magic within their nature, just by standing next to Riveria, Gnar seemed to settle down.

Finally, Sol was able to bless Poppy in peace.

[Poppy]

Level: 1 

Strength: I0 

Durability: I0 

Dexterity: I0 

Agility: I0 

Magic: I0 

[Magic Skills]:

— Firm Demeanor 

 - Wide-area defense magic 

 - Interrupts all nearby dashes and boosts movement speed 

[Skills]:

— Iron Ambassador 

 - When conditions allow, she can craft specialized equipment 

 - Boosts her forging prowess 

If Vex and Gnar's stats were impressive, Poppy's panel was an unexpected boon!

The blacksmithing guilds in Orario were nearly monopolized by Hephaestus and Goibniu, meaning most other familia's were left with low-tier blacksmiths at best. Getting powerful weapons made was a luxury few could afford, and yet here was Poppy, a skilled blacksmith—just as hinted in her background lore.

This was the legendary benefit of a true Iron Ambassador! Sol suspected that "special equipment" could even surpass the quality of Orario's famed gear. His heart raced at the thought; he had all but abandoned hope of finding an exceptional blacksmith until Ornn could be brought to life, yet now here was Poppy, fitting the role perfectly without any effort on his part!

[Tl/n: Ornn is the Freljordian spirit of forging and craftsmanship.]

The yordles really were an impressively versatile race. Sol, grinning with newfound pride, gave them an inward thumbs-up.