[X] "Looks like I'm one step closer to being a magnetic hero."
[X] "Well, guess I can use it for discounts and extra breadsticks..."
[X] "Does it work on Monsters?"
[X] "Can I turn it off? I'd like to still be able to get to know people without it..."
[X] "Are there any Development Abilities that go well or go poorly with Charm?"
You force a grin. "Looks like I'm one step closer to being a magnetic hero!"
Hades cocks an eyebrow as he presses a piece of paper to your bare back. "A... what now?"
"Uh... Nothing. Still, this is kind of a raw deal... I could've gotten Spearman, Mage, or Abnormal Resistance... I mean, I guess I can use it for discounts and extra breadsticks..."
Hades chuckles, using his fingers to make sure every part of the paper presses evenly on your Status tattoo. "That's the spirit. Though I would advise against getting the Abnormal Resistance or Magic Resistance Development Abilities. Your Draw and Relay predicate on being affected by abnormal statuses and magic, so if you make yourself resistant to those... Well, it would be counter-productive."
"Ah... Right... Say, does Charm work on Monsters?"
Hades peels off the paper, lifting it up to look it over. "Oh, absolutely. Granted, I'm not sure how helpful it will be for Monsters intent on killing you to view you as charismatic, but it really can't hurt."
You giggle a bit. "Oh, can I turn it off? I'd still like to be able to get to know people without it..."
Hades goes to wash off and dispose of the needle he used to prick his finger, holding your Status report out for you to look over. You sit up, one arm draped modestly over your breasts, and use your other arm to take it. Wow, your new arm feels cold against your nipples...
"I'm afraid you can't turn it off, but it's not like you're cheating or manipulating people. Charisma isn't mind control, Rooster. Development Abilities only enhance your naturally occurring trait related to it. Charm isn't making you supernaturally attractive or forcing it on you, it's only enhancing what is already there," your familia's deity explains.
Huh... You suppose that makes sense. Hades turns back around and you hand the paper to him. He's going to have to report your Level Up to the Guild, after all. "Are there any Development Abilities that go well or poorly with Charm?" you ask.
Hades chuckles, turning to slip the Status report into a waterproof carrying case he has in a cabinet. "Some Development Abilities
do synergize well with each other, but there's not really any that are detrimental to each other. As for Charm, I can't really think of any Development Abilities that would go well with it, other than Kama Sutra."
Your ear perks. You know that term... "Kama Sutra? What does that Development Ability do?" You're pretty sure you already know the answer, but...
"Sahgi has it, actually. It improves performance in bed," the God of the Underworld explains.
"Wait, you mean..."
"Yes."
...Oh good lord. How is that even a thing?!
-o-
After getting your tunic back on, you return to the tavern of the Underworld Dormitory. Hades returns with you, grabbing his hat and coat and carrying your Status report with him.
"I'm heading to the Guild to report Rooster's Level Up and research her new Skill. I shall be back either sometime tonight or tomorrow morning," your deity announces. "Flora, Jersey, Sunny, can you handle the dinner rush?"
"You got it, hubby!" "Sure thing, grampa!" A nod from the cloaked and hooded Jersey is her only reply.
Speaking of... you're awfully hungry. You turn to wear Tessa is merrily scrubbing the floors. "How long was I out?" you ask her.
"Three days!" the diminutive Weretiger says, not looking away from her obsessive cleaning. "We were all worried sick!"
Huh... That explains why you feel like you haven't eaten in days. You literally haven't! You go to take a seat at one of the tables and noticing you, Sunny hurries over.
"Hi, Rooster!" the little Chienthrope chirps. "What can I get you?"
Your stomach angrily rumbles. "Anything, just please make it quick."
She salutes. "You got it, Rooster!"
Hurrying off, you wave Flora over, the barefoot dryad padding over. "What is it, honey?"
"Where's my armor and spear?" you ask, actually feeling a bit naked not knowing where your armaments are...
Flora crosses her arms under her hefty breasts. As it's winter, the Spirit is wearing a white cotton coat, though always one to be provocative, it still shows an ample amount of her brown cleavage. "Sweetie, your armor was destroyed, even your buckler. But don't worry, Frobo is helping to make a new set for you! It'll cost you, but he says you can do a payment plan. As for the Gem-Sho, it's up in your room, polished and sharpened by Frobo. It'd probably be a bad idea to head into the Dungeon without any armor, so I'd avoid any Adventuring until Frobo is done. Oh, but you won't be going alone! You're Level 2 now! You'll be Adventuring with the Veteran Squad from now on!"
Your ears perk. "Really? Where are they now?"
Flora grins. "They're on an expedition to the Lower Floors. They should be back any day now, though! We've even arranged to have a big party to welcome you, Ian, Tessa, and Leo into the squad!"
Hm... "Where are Partner and Dog right now?"
"Ian is meditating in the training yard out back. Leo is up in your room, napping. They'll be overjoyed to hear you've finally woken up from your operation," the Captain explains.
Well, at least they're okay.
It's soon that Sunny brings you an entire platter of various dishes and you get to shoveling it in. Well, sort of. You eat a lot, but you don't eat any faster than the average person. She even brought an entire bottle of milk for you.
As you eat, you ponder what you should do... No Dungeon-diving, not with no armor.
Reader Choice
[ ] Talk to Ian.
[ ] Talk to Tessa.
[ ] Talk to Leo.
[ ] Talk to Flora.
[ ] Talk to Hero's Shade.
[ ] Talk to Frobo.
[ ] Talk to Elga.
[ ] Talk to Urist.
[ ] Talk to Morn Rower (while you can).
[ ] Talk to Sunny.
[ ] Talk to Rixis.
[ ] Visit the Hostess of Fertility.
[ ] Parkour around Orario.
[ ] Write-in.
