Is it wrong to try to meet someone in a dungeon?

"Ku, kukukukukuku... Are you saying you should be that hope? Do you know what you're saying?"

"Of course—I will claim the throne of hero this time."

Looking into those unwavering blue eyes, Loki barely managed to suppress his laughter.

To the person asking the question, this answer was utterly absurd and nonsensical, probably just nonsense. It was something that made one sigh, "What kind of nonsense are they spouting in this desolate, backwater place?" and then simply laugh it off.

However, the divine eye clearly discerned that Finn's resolve was genuine. Every word and action was sincere. Because of the dwarf before him, one might mistakenly believe that all inhabitants of the lower realms were such interesting, absurd, and dazzling individuals.

(Despite being so short... she really seems to be carrying some disproportionate burdens.)

The tip of the spear leaning against the table gleamed with a silver light, and a smile appeared on Loki's face.

"To be specific, what do you want to do? You want to become the pride of your race. But if you say that without any plan, it's nothing more than escaping reality."

"I will achieve a great feat at the center of the world."

In a split second, Finn revealed the path he envisioned.

"Become a first-class adventurer in the labyrinthine city of Orario. Then, with an unshakeable position and reputation... reign supreme as the strongest [Familia]."

"I see, so that's what climbing the steps means."

"That's right, let me use you. But it shouldn't be a bad thing for you."

Finn was referring to self-interest. The gods could secure talented members, while the children exploited the gods' factions for their own ambition. Loki grew increasingly fond of Finn, who so openly revealed his plans. And that included his audacious ambition, everything.

"The [Family] that you and I lead will stand at the pinnacle of Orario, no, it should be at the top of the world... How about that, is your heart racing?"

Realizing that this deliberate wording was Finn's way of "stirring up trouble," Loki's lips curled up as if he were drawn in by the smile before him.

"Isn't that interesting?"

If you're going to do something, do it the best. That's something Loki also said.

Since we've said we're going to create the strongest [Family], the first member should be a 'reckless' child who constantly talks about his wild ambitions.

Just as Loki had decided to sign the contract, Finn spoke up as if to stop him.

"Loki, if you're going to approve of me joining your Familia, I hope you'll make a deal with me first. Otherwise, it's as if we never discussed joining."

"Hmm? What's wrong? Tell me?"

Loki urged him on, and Finn held up two fingers.

"There are two conditions for becoming your servant. First, you must assist me in the racial revival I just mentioned; second, you must not interfere with me."

"Obstacles?"

"That's right. I know exactly what I'm going to do. Although I'll discuss matters with you after joining the faction, I'm willing to do anything to achieve my long-cherished goal."

In other words, what happened? Just as Loki was about to ask this question,

"Oh, Finn! You're here again?"

One of the tavern's waiters came to Loki and his companions' table.

The girl, standing less than 120cm tall, was a dwarf like Finn. Her chestnut hair was neatly cut short near her neck, and her round, darting eyes were as endearing as a squirrel's. Combined with her appearance, she evoked a protective instinct. Wearing an apron over her ordinary city girl clothes, she received a comment from Loki: "So cute, so adorable!" Finn returned the smile to this girl of his kind.

"Hello, Melissa. Please allow me to bother you again today. I hunted a wild boar outside the village; I'll share some with you later."

"Wow, thank you, Finn! The shopkeeper will be happy too... Wait, wait a minute? Could it be that you've found the god you've been longing for?"

"That's right, the god I've been looking forward to has finally appeared."

"Such arrogance... Your Majesty, please don't be offended, Finn. He's such a dwarf, yet he's so incredibly confident."

After noticing Loki's presence, the girl called Melissa looked up somewhat timidly.

"I don't mind, don't worry. It's all because of youth," Loki said, waving his hand, and Melissa returned the smile.

"So Melissa has always acted all high and mighty towards me, hasn't she? More importantly, what's your wish... has your height increased? My fellow countrywoman who's even shorter than me?"

"Really! I'm the older sister!"

Melissa, puffing out her cheeks in anger at Finn's prank, clutched the tray, but Loki thought they were evenly matched. It looked like two precocious toddlers having a conversation. Loki thought, "Little girls aren't so bad," and felt a warmth spread through his heart.

"Hey Melissa, hurry up and order!"

"Oh no! Well then, Finn, my lord, please enjoy your meal!"

Melissa was scolded by the shop owner in the back, and hurriedly left the table.

"Don't be fooled by her appearance, she's the shop's mascot," Loki retorted with a roar after Finn told him. He noticed her sharp eyes.

Finn's eyes were drawn to the girl's back.

"Hehe, what's up, Finn? You've got your eye on that girl? Come to think of it, you mentioned you were at this shop earlier~ Looks like you've got something up your sleeve, Melissa Charcoal…!"

Loki, with an extremely annoying old father's face, seized the opportunity to mock him, only to be instantly countered by Finn's straightforward affirmation, "Yeah. It's a little embarrassing, but I think this feeling is what you'd call 'first love'."

Loki's gaze followed the smiling profile of the tavern's signboard girl, who was still bustling about. She probably didn't look like a teenager going through puberty. Calling her father or brother would be more believable. The same went for the way he'd phrased it earlier. How refreshing it was to objectively accept his own feelings and acknowledge it as 'first love.' There was no bittersweet feeling involved; Loki had no ill intentions towards her.

If this means the child has grown up, then perhaps it's something to be happy about.

However, Finn's situation is not a sign of growth; he has already acquired a level of authority that can be described as mature and authoritative.

Are the inhabitants of the lower realm really that optimistic? If so, that's really annoying. Although Loki expressed such genuine thoughts, it turned out to be nothing but needless worry.

It's just that this little race is a bit special.

"Going back to the topic of 'don't get in my way,' this is exactly what I meant."

"Huh? This one?"

"That's right. For the sake of racial revival, I will go 'seeking a bride'."

Not only that, it even exceeded Loki's expectations.

"……ha?"

"After I have become the hope of my people, that glory is meaningless if it is fleeting. I need a successor."

"...Huh?"

"Romantic relationships within a clan should be kept as private as possible. Even if it's a mistake, relationships with members of other factions are strictly forbidden. That's an ironclad rule, right? But if I find a suitable kin, I'll propose to them even if they're from another faction."

"...You want me not to interfere?"

"That's right. Well, for now, Melissa is 'qualified,' and I would be very happy if she reciprocated my feelings."

"...You want to be surrounded by cute girls and build a harem, right?"

"If necessary, you know what I mean. Although I know I'm not cut out for it."

Several moments after Finn answered without hesitation.

"Hahahahahahahahaha!?"

Loki leaned back sharply and burst into wild laughter.

"Looking for a bride? You're hilarious!!"

"I'm quite serious about it."

"Hahahaha, that's absolutely brilliant!"

He slammed his hand on the table in front of Finn, who was shrugging.

Although the goddess's sudden outburst of laughter drew surprised glances from the tavern's guests, the owner, other staff, and Melissa, Loki's manic laughter was completely unstoppable.

After screaming and convulsing several times, Loki wiped away the tears from the corners of his eyes and made a decision.

It's completely decided. There's no way to let such an absurd and interesting child slip by.

Doing such a thing would tarnish the Joker's reputation.

This little person was the first companion he would remember.

"Although a cute girl would be better as the first choice, I've decided on you!"

"So?"

"Yes, you're admitted! Finn was the first member of the Loki Familia!"

Loki picked up a cup, and Finn, smiling, did the same. They clinked glasses and drank heartily. Loki's first servant was born there.

This also signifies the beginning of Loki and Finn's "Family".

The Loki Familia, a small, insignificant faction of Dwarfs, has begun its activities in this obscure rural village.

"Alright, let's hurry up and get on with what we need to do!"

After finishing his drink, Loki wiped his mouth and suddenly stood up.

"Finn, have you booked a hotel?"

"You stayed at a cheap hotel while in this village, what's wrong?"

"Let's go there! The induction ceremony is about to begin!"

"ceremony?"

Loki smiled smugly at the little boy with the crooked neck.

"That must be—the bestowal of 'favor'."

Finn's inn was on a small road at the corner of the village's bustling town.

The bed, chairs, and table looked rock hard, but despite being a budget hotel, it had all the basic necessities. And it was a single room, so it was passable. After all, what was about to happen was a 'contract' that couldn't be seen by anyone outside the [Family].

The initiation ceremony of the [Family] is to inscribe the "God's grace" on the inhabitants of the lower realm.

Once Loki entered the wooden room, he immediately ordered Finn to take off his clothes.

"I'd heard of it before, but it's really etched on your back!"

"Hehe, even Finn gets nervous, huh?"

"I'm fine, Loki. Let's get started."

Finn, shirtless, sat down in the chair, closed his eyes, and smiled. He looked as if he had been waiting for this moment.

Sitting on the bed, Loki muttered, "What an unlovable fellow," as he picked up the dagger he had borrowed from Finn and cut the tip of his index finger. As the divine blood dripped out, shimmering ripples spread across his back, etching his "blessing" upon it.

"Now Finn is one of our own. We won't let you escape anymore~"

"Haha, I also hope to maintain a long-term friendship with you. Best regards, and I look forward to your continued support from now on, Loki."

Next, they wove out crimson sacred script.

Although short, the backs of these well-trained little people were adorned with crimson trails.

Over time, the inscriptions, resembling epitaphs, formed engravings bearing divine symbols and the true names of the chief god and his retinue. Upon seeing the boy's true name revealed then, Loki tilted her head slightly but ultimately said nothing. She sensed that, just as she had seen so far, even the name 'Finn' was a manifestation of the resolve he carried.

Soon, the Joker's symbol was complete, and Loki's "Blessing" was engraved on Finn's back.

"Roar~, roar~~..."

"Is it over, Loki?"

"Oh, sorry, sorry, that's all for now. Just a moment, I'll write it out for you in common language."

Loki gazed meaningfully at the "Blessing" inscribed on Finn's body, then activated the prepared parchment and quill. Inscribed on it were the details of Finn's newly inscribed [ability stats].

(He starts with two 'skills' and also discovers a 'magic'... Are all the other kids like this? No, no, Finn is just special. And this ability... has the feel of a 'rare skill'!)

Glancing at Loki behind Finn, he was certain that the little man had indeed "won the lottery".

At the same time, because she had drawn an unexpected bonus for the opening of the lower realm, she felt a sense of superiority like a child, and couldn't help but smile broadly. She thought to herself that this feeling of "winning the lottery" was something she could only experience after establishing a [Family].

A full-length mirror, such a high-end item, is impossible to find in a country inn, so Finn, unable to see clearly behind him, simply put his clothes back on. That being said, if you were to ask him if he also cared about [ability stats], an eager emotion was already faintly visible on his feigned calm face.

Loki laughed it off and finished transcribing the common language.

"Here you go, these are your [ability stats]. Take a good look at them."

"grateful"

Finn's gaze fell on the update sheet that was handed to him.

Finn Dimna

Lv.1

Strength: I0 Durability: I0 Dexterity: I0 Agility: I0 Magic: I0

"magic"