Hermes

Biodata

Personality

Hermes combines a relaxed, teasing manner with a sharp interest in concealed talent. During his first meeting with Cid, he singles out Cid’s ability to hide his presence and openly admits that adventurers’ secrets interest him even more than their potential. His followers describe him as tolerant, while Asfi says that he enjoys risks and will not ignore an intriguing situation 2 3.

He generally receives troubling information with an inscrutable smile, but Cid’s extraordinary status results visibly unsettle him. Despite his curiosity, he respects Cid’s wish to avoid attention, promising to conceal the results rather than publicize his newest member’s achievements 8.

Abilities & Skills

Falna Bestowal and Status Updates

Hermes grants Falna to members of his Familia and updates their adventurer status 3 8.

• Cid receives Falna after signing the Familia’s registration plaque 3.
• Hermes updates Cid’s status using divine blood while placing his hand on Cid’s back 8.
• He identifies Cid’s Level 2 advancement, SS physical attributes, exclusive Mob Character A skill, and Atomic magic. The magic attribute itself appears completely black and unreadable 8.
• He explains that skills arise from an adventurer’s potential and nature, though he does not establish the effects of Mob Character A 8.

Information Gathering

Hermes directs a Familia with an extensive, discreet information network 2.

• Sends a messenger to approach Cid after Cid examines the Guild’s recruitment notices 3.
• Recognizes a possible connection between a recovered black-purple crystal and recent rumors 3.
• Delegates investigation of Dungeon abnormalities to Asfi, specifically prioritizing the twelfth floor after Cid’s report 8.

Appraisal of Hidden Talent

Hermes notices signs that Cid is more capable than he presents himself to be 3 8.

• Arranges a practical Dungeon trial with Asfi recording Cid’s performance 3.
• Recognizes Cid’s preference for remaining inconspicuous 8.
• Compares Cid’s growth with Bell Cranel’s one-month rise to Level 2 and concludes that Cid has advanced even faster 8.

Relationships

• Cid Kagenou / Shadow — Familia member and an object of Hermes’s curiosity. Hermes tests him before recruitment, grants him Falna, and later agrees to keep his exceptional status private 3 8.
• Asfi — Trusted assistant. Hermes assigns her to accompany Cid during his trial, receives her report and recovered crystal, and later entrusts her with further Dungeon investigations 3 8.

Story Role / Major Arcs

Recruiting Cid

Cid initially considers the Hermes Familia because its discreet operations and information network suit his desire to work from the shadows. A Familia member recommends Hermes as a tolerant god, and a later messenger invites Cid to meet him personally 2 3.

Hermes offers Cid a trial: investigate and eliminate abnormally behaving monsters on the Dungeon’s tenth floor, accompanied by Asfi. The expedition uncovers an empowered monster carrying a black-purple crystal and adventurers attempting to recover it on orders from unidentified superiors 3.

After Asfi delivers the crystal, Hermes links it to recent rumors and keeps it for further consideration. Pleased with Cid’s performance, he offers him formal membership. Cid registers under the name Cid Kagenou and receives Falna 3.

Dungeon Anomalies and Cid’s Status

Following Cid’s report of a black-winged dragonman, a blue-flamed monster, and another crystal on the twelfth floor, Hermes orders Asfi to investigate. He then proposes updating Cid’s status, revealing growth beyond anything he has previously seen in physical attribute rankings 8.

Hermes promises that Cid’s results will not be posted on the Guild notice board or disclosed to other adventurers. He also offers to arrange a dazzling stage should Cid ever decide that he wants public attention 8.

Notable Quotes

“Exactly. Though what interests me more are their ‘secrets’.” 3

“Because I know you don’t want to be the center of attention, right?” 8