The moment her skin met the cool air, Kanae shivered slightly.
Her eyes were tightly shut, long lashes trembling.
In her heart, anticipation for this unknown power mingled with a maiden's nervousness and unease at the proximity of the opposite sex.
Ultimately, it all became silent waiting—for what the god before her would do next.
Yet Phaethon made no unnecessary gestures or comments. He simply extended a calm hand.
At his fingertip, a sacred light gathered—
A drop of golden divine blood, like molten sunlight, slowly formed and fell precisely onto the center of Kanae's smooth back.
"Buzz—!"
The instant the divine blood touched her skin, a warm, holy energy spread outwards, as if a lamp had been lit deep within her soul.
Intricate golden markings rapidly formed across her back, weaving together into a unique sigil—the sacred crest of Phaethon's Familia.
The Falna system—activated successfully!
Kanae Kocho had officially become Phaethon's first ever Familia member.
The whole process was swift and serene, devoid of the discomfort Kanae had anxiously anticipated.
She still kept her eyes shut, waiting to see what the god would do next… only to hear his peaceful voice at her side.
"It's done. The ritual is complete. You can put your clothes back on."
"...Eh?"
All her tension and expectation dissipated in an instant. Blinking in surprise, Kanae turned her head toward Phaethon.
His expression remained gentle and composed, as if he'd just done something routine and unremarkable.
She sat up slowly, still dazed, and dressed herself again with some uncertainty.
Just then, Phaethon handed her a pristine sheet of white paper.
"This is your status panel. It shows your current attributes. Only I can interpret the writing.
But take care—never let anyone else see the divine script on your back, especially not another god."
Kanae accepted the paper. Her eyes scanned it—and were met by rows of mysterious characters:
[Name] Kanae Kocho
[Level] LV1
[Stats]
Strength: I0
Endurance: I0
Dexterity: I0
Agility: I0
Magic: I0
[Magic] None
[Skills]
Resolve to Slay Demons: +20% attack power when fighting demons.
Breath of Flowers: A derivative of the Water Breathing style. Kanae's Nichirin Blade turns a soft peach-pink. Her strikes are elegant, graceful, and bloom like flower petals.
Derived Sword Techniques:
Breath of Flowers, Third Form: Cherry Blossom Veil Dance
Fourth Form: Red Petal Robe
Fifth Form: Peony of Futility
Sixth Form: Whirling Peach
Final Form: Equinox Crimson Eyes
Staring at the skills and sword forms, Kanae confirmed: these were indeed the breathing techniques she had mastered before—now manifested and quantified in a way she had never imagined.
Phaethon patiently explained the meaning of the five basic attributes—strength, endurance, dexterity, agility, and magic—and how they functioned in combat and exploration.
After hearing everything, Kanae's heart surged with excitement and desire.
She couldn't wait to charge into this so-called Dungeon, battle monsters, grow stronger, and one day gain the power to rewrite her fate.
"Lord Phaethon, let's go to the Dungeon right now!"
Kanae exclaimed eagerly.
But Phaethon only shook his head and glanced out the window—the sky had already gone dark.
"It's too late today. Your first descent into the Dungeon requires careful preparation.
Though your wounds are healed, your body still needs to adjust. Rest here for tonight. We'll set off first thing in the morning."
Though anxious, Kanae obediently nodded and pushed down her impatience.
She knew his reasoning was sound—and more importantly, he was her savior and the one she now relied on. His decisions were naturally best.
"Then I… I'll just sleep in the hall on the first floor."
Kanae said shyly. After all, this was the god's home.
As a newly joined member, it felt inappropriate for her to sleep in one of the upstairs rooms.
"No need,"
Phaethon waved a hand. "You'll sleep here. From now on, this is your home too."
With that, he turned and left for the adjacent room, giving Kanae the space.
Left alone in the quiet room, Kanae stood frozen for a moment. The air still carried a trace of Phaethon's gentle warmth—like sunlight.
She inhaled deeply, and his calm, luminous presence lingered in her mind—his serene, handsome face etched into her thoughts.
In this strange and unfamiliar world full of unknowns, meeting such a reliable god and becoming his family—
Perhaps… this was the greatest blessing of her life.