Chapter 3: Chapter 3: Lulu
"Please let me join your Familia, Sol-sama!" Lulu chirped eagerly.
Before crossing realms, Sol's parallel consciousness had already informed her of the rules of his Familia. Joining the Familia of the God of Creation was a dream come true.
"Of course, all my children are welcome in the Sol Familia~" Sol replied, smiling. After all, wasn't this the very reason he had poured so much power into creating a new world?
Taking her small hand, he led Lulu towards the lounge to engrave her divine blessing. The size difference between them made them look like an odd yet endearing pair, almost like a father with his child.
As they moved toward the room, they nearly collided with a female elf emerging from the doorway. She had long, emerald-green hair—a mark of the elven royal family. It was Riveria, and the recent spatial fluctuations hadn't escaped the notice of Orario's most powerful magister.
Seeing Sol unharmed, Riveria visibly relaxed. "Sol-sama...who is this child?"
Initially, she'd come to inquire about the unusual activity in the yard, but the sight of Lulu, holding Sol's hand, diverted her attention.
As the head of the Sol Familia, Riveria prided herself on knowing each member personally. And this little one was most definitely a new face.
Though Lulu wore a large witch's hat, it did little to conceal her small stature.
'A young human?' Riveria wondered skeptically. 'Or something else?'
If she wasn't human, Riveria might soon have to escort her god over to Goddess Astraea's domain for a much-needed talking-to.
"Now, now, Riveria," Sol laughed, catching her gaze. "Don't look at me like I've done something shameful. It's so hurtful!"
"Who 'is' this child?" Riveria pressed.
"I'm Lulu! And I'm not a child!" Lulu protested, looking at Riveria with as serious an expression as her tiny frame could muster, though it was far from intimidating.
It seemed she was quite sensitive about being called a child.
"Oh, really…" Riveria raised her brows in mild surprise. She hadn't expected this little one to speak to her with such boldness. Typically, Familia members were respectful, especially when addressing a royal elf.
Surprisingly, Riveria found Lulu's straightforward manner refreshing, even charming. She was used to feeling the distance and deference from others, so Lulu's natural lack of reserve was oddly welcome.
Of course, Riveria couldn't help but find it amusing. Even if Lulu was a young human, her age would still be nothing next to the centuries lived by the royal elf family.
"So, Sol-sama, what are you planning with Lulu? Care to fill me in?" she asked, crouching down to gently ruffle Lulu's hair before turning her gaze up to Sol, her eyes sharp.
Why was Riveria's gaze so piercing today? She looked at him as though he were a pile of discarded scraps!
Sure, he might be a god, but Sol liked to think he had a solid understanding of people's expressions and tones. She must have misunderstood something.
"Riveria! Don't be so harsh! Don't tell me you don't trust me!" Sol groaned dramatically.
Riveria's tone was as dry as ever. "It's because I know you well, Sol-sama, that I'm asking."
Despite her sharp words, Riveria was inclined to trust him. She knew her god well enough to recognize his appreciation for beauty, but also his particular taste.
It's not like he would be interested in a little one like Lulu; his preferences leaned toward the mature and graceful.
Still, the real question remained—where exactly had this child come from?
If she remembered right, Sol had been alone in the yard only moments earlier, basking in the sun.
Riveria held onto her question, though curiosity lingered. While Sol's methods might be unconventional, she had deep trust in his judgment when it came to selecting new Familia members.
At the Familia residence, a room was specifically designated for engraving divine blessings. Located next to the ground-floor lounge, it was a simple space suited for the ritual of bestowing favor.
As Sol led Lulu through the hallway, her gaze darted around, taking in the unfamiliar surroundings with wide-eyed curiosity. The bustling lounge was filled with Familia members, gathered in lively conversation. The cheerful atmosphere briefly quieted as they noticed Sol enter with Lulu in tow. Mixed reactions played across their faces—some seemed mildly shocked, others amused, and a few appeared eager just to watch the scene unfold.
'Please don't get the wrong idea!' Sol thought, a little flustered.
Thankfully, Riveria's presence behind them dispelled any lingering doubts. With her nearby, Sol hurriedly guided Lulu into the secluded room meant for the engraving ritual.
The room's decor was simple: a large bed with fresh white sheets, a small table beside it holding a decorative box, and a stack of parchment. Inside the box was a single silver needle.
"Alright, go ahead and take off your clothes, then lie down here," Sol instructed casually, gesturing to the bed.
"Wait… take off my clothes?" Lulu's eyes widened with surprise, and the seasoned yordle took a cautious step back.
Seeing her reaction, Sol chuckled and shrugged. "No need to worry; I only fancy 'mature' bodies." He waved her concerns away lightly.
Lulu's apprehension softened, though her pride took a small blow. She had always been popular back in Bandle City, but here, her small, childlike figure clearly didn't catch anyone's eye.
"Why… why do I feel so invisible all of a sudden…" she muttered, slightly deflated. Nonetheless, reassured by Sol's unbothered tone, she complied, lying down on the bed with her face pressed into the pillow.
Sol took the silver needle, pricking his finger lightly to draw a drop of divine blood, which glowed with an ethereal shimmer. In the lower realm, bestowing favor required only a single drop of divine blood to unlock the recipient's potential and inscribe the sacred blessing.
The moment the droplet touched Lulu's skin, it melted into her back, triggering a burst of intricate runic characters that glowed across her skin, marking her as a new Familia member.
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Status Board
[Name]: Lulu
LV1
- Strength: I0
- Durability: I0
- Dexterity: I0
- Agility: I0
- Magic: I0
Magic:
- [Shining Spear]
- Summons a piercing missile that slows all enemies it hits for two seconds
- Effect can stack
Skills:
- [Fairy Witch]
- Amplifies magical effects
- Significantly increases magical power
- Enhances mana regeneration speed
- [Faerie Companion - Pix]
- Pix follows Lulu, sharing her magic, skills, and mana with the target they support