ã€ŠBell of the Darkness: A Danmachi Fanfictionã€‹


 A Fated Meeting

    Orario:

    Midnight cloaked the city in silence, shadows dancing on cobblestone streets with only the wind and the soft tapping of rain on stones disturbed the sleeping city.

    An ancient church, weathered by time, loomed at the end of a narrow alley. Two figures emerged from the shadows of the night. A man, encased in heavy armor, and a woman, long cloak draped across her body, strode towards the church, their footsteps echoing faintly on the slick streets.

    In the quiet, their eyes met, a wordless exchange. Each glance held a question and an answer, an emotional ballet illuminated by dim light¡ªa moment poised between a choice for salvation or sacrifice.

    Approaching the church, its aged doors groaned in protest as the man pushed the door open with a gloved hand, revealing the forsaken interior illuminated only by dim streetlights. Entering the church, their footsteps echoed through the vaulted room. Rain and wind orchestrated a haunting symphony.

    Within the church''s darkness, whispers of forgotten prayers echoed. Once-joyful memories lay in ruins. The duo ventured forth, their breaths mingling with the musty scent of old pews and faded frescoes¡ªa melancholic tapestry.

    Alfia''s gaze swept the dilapidated church; her voice, tinged with remorse, broke the silence. "Is this truly what''s become of her favorite place?" Her words lingered, carrying the weight of memories long faded.

    Zard, a colossal figure, spoke with gruff concern. "Are you sure you''re okay with doing this, Alfia?"

    Her response echoed with somber acceptance, her heterochronic eyes reflecting a spectrum of emotions. "We can''t go back anymore, Zard. This is the only way possible."

    Alfia, clad in a gothic black dress, blended seamlessly with the surrounding darkness. A necklace, bearing a green gemstone, hung around her neck¡ªa token of significance from her beloved twin. She was Alfia, The Maiden of Silence, once deemed the Incarnation of Talent, and a Level 7 of the Hera Familia, now standing on the precipice of an uncertain destiny.

    Zard, clad in black armor and cape, stood by Alfia''s side. His eyes, unwavering, bore the weight of his Level 7 title within the Zeus Familia, Zard Gluttony.

    Within the abandoned church, an unspoken heaviness filled the air. Their journey had commenced, trials ahead pushing them to their limits, leaving no space for retreat or remorse.

    Tears welled up in Alfia''s eyes. "I have nothing left anyway," she confessed

    Zard extended a comforting hand as he attempted to reassure her: "You still have me,"

    Alfia nodded slowly as she admitted; "Even with you, my friend, it cannot replace all that was lost,"

    "If only we could..." she began, but the words caught in her throat, choked by the past''s relentless grip. Her struggle etched across her face.

    Alfia''s impulse was to return Zard''s embrace, but she pulled away, turning her back. "Come on. We don''t have much time," she urged, her footsteps echoing through space. Her voice was a directive, a reminder of their purpose. Zard, silent, watched her retreating figure¡ªa promise to be her steadfast companion in their journey into the unknown.

    As they stepped further into the forsaken church, the reality of decay unfolded. Alfia''s gaze swept the dilapidated interior, and a shiver ran down her spine. The roof had collapsed, a skeletal web of timber and debris. Pews, once grand, now lay shattered as dust and splinters. Memories flooded Alfia''s mind, yearning for the warmth that once pervaded this sacred place. "I don''t even have this place left¡­"

    A man emerged from the shadows, black hair adorned with two striking gray locks, and gray eyes. His attire, stood out against the state of dilapidation.

    "It is good to see you both again. But I must ask if, you are sure. Soon there will be no going back for any of us," he cautioned, his words heavy with gravity.

    Alfia''s heart fluttered with uncertainty. "I... I... I need to go for a walk." Her words carried the strain of her emotions as she walked out, leaving Zard and the enigmatic man behind.

    Erebus, the God of Darkness, regarded them with an inscrutable smile. His voice, gentle and reassuring, addressed them. "You two can leave if you want. No one knows about us being Evilus, not even the other Gods. There is still time to change your mind."

    Zald challenged Erebus''s idea; "You seem pretty half-hearted about this plan to challenge Orario. You keep trying to get us the two most dangerous people alive to leave."

    Erebus turned away, his silhouette fading into shadows, his voice lingering. "I have enough tricks up my sleeves. It would be better if you two were to stay alive and find the happiness you deserve."

    Zald''s merely responded ''If only it was that simple.''

    Their fate hung in the balance, the path ahead riddled with uncertainty and the shadowy schemes of the enigmatic god who had woven them into this intricate web of destiny to prepare the city for the future.

    Far away on Daedalus Street

    A boy, with white hair and red eyes, wandered through the dimly lit street. The once-bustling city was now hushed, and he moved towards his destination¡ªan old, abandoned church with rain-soaked streets. In his hand, a delicate blue necklace glinted under a flickering lamppost, its color mirroring the stormy emotions within him.

    His face bore a profound sadness. Tears welled up in his crimson eyes, threatening to overflow, as he journeyed to an abandoned church holding memories of old.

    "Mom, why?" he whispered, his voice fragile in the night. His words were a lament, his mind clouded by incomprehensible loss. Only five days had passed since his mother''s last breath, leaving him alone in a world that felt alien. Memories of her kindness and warmth deepened his grief.

    His mother had been ill all her life, sustained by a parting gift from the Goddess Hera. The elven holy tree''s branches allowed her to postpone her passing, but without replenishment, her time had finally come. The medicine, once potent, became less effective as her disease progressed. As time passed, she needed it more frequently.

    "Mom, why?" he repeated, the rain and his own tears merged A question that echoed through the desolate street to remain forever unanswered.

    First his mother needed it every few years,

    .

    Then every year.

    .

    Then every six months

    .

    Every three months

    .

    Every month

    .

    Until finally, it was needed every week.

    .

    Two weeks had passed since his mother''s last medicine. A brief reprieve, a flicker of hope, only to be extinguished cruelly. Her condition deteriorated, culminating in her passing five days ago.

    The boy fought to suppress the storm within, but tears continued to mingle with raindrops. He walked, rain-soaked and chilled. The stormy atmosphere mirrored the boy''s own sorrow. The world enveloped him in desolation, raindrops poignant reminders of unshed tears. The street''s silence amplified his unspoken questions and grief etched into his being.

    Thunder, lightning, raindrops mirrored his emotions within. As the boy continued his journey to the church, he came across a silver haired woman looking at him from down the street.

    Switch to Alfia:

    On the other side of the street, Alfia moved with purpose, determined to quell the persistent thoughts since her harrowing encounter with the dragon. Memories of that day, the news of her Familia''s overthrow, the apparent loss of her sister, threatened to unravel her composure.

    ''Keep it together, Alfia,'' she inwardly admonished, a stark reminder of her duty. ''Your family is gone. Nothing left for you in this life. You must be the steppingstone for others. So, give your life so others can have one.''

    Amidst the turmoil, the cries of a child pierced the silence. Alfia''s gaze shifted, revealing a boy with white hair and crimson eyes.

    "An orphan," she surmised, her voice laced with irritation. "Must''ve lost his parents recently. Why can''t he mourn more quietly?"

    As they approached, Alfia''s eyes scrutinized the boy. She scolded him, her tone unsympathetic. "Crying doesn''t do a thing, kid. You better move on."

    The street witnessed the cold exchange, tension thick in the air. The atmosphere was heavy with unspoken emotions, the rhythmic flow reflecting the harsh world.

    Tears welled in the boy''s eyes. "Mom is the only one I had," he choked out, his voice quivering.

    Alfia, watching him with sadness, felt empathy within her heart. ''He''s like me and... her, but he doesn''t have anyone,'' she mused, memories of her past heavy in her heart.

    As the boy sobbed, Alfia''s emotions turned to anger and regret. ''Damn kid, he reminds me of my past,'' she fumed, past grievances pressing down.

    Then, a faint voice called her. "Mom." Their eyes locked, a silent understanding passing between them. The boy''s tear-stained face resembled a younger Alfia, a reflection of her own past. He stood before her, choked by grief, trying to speak.

    "Sorry," he began, his voice broken and heavy with sorrow, "miss her¡­ you just look," he continued, his words interrupted by heart-wrenching sobs, "a lot like my mother."

    Tears flowed unabated from the boy''s eyes, his smile forced, a facade he clung to as he walked past the astonished Alfia. His outpouring struck a chord deep within her, and her heart ached.

    But Alfia, haunted by her own history, was quick to quash any hope that stirred within her. ''No, don''t even dare hope,'' she admonished herself, her inner thoughts a desperate plea. ''Don''t ever think¡­ She died a long time ago... It''s just a coincidence... It''s just another sick torture from the Gods...''

    The atmosphere was heavy as Alfia grappled with the unexpected encounter and the turmoil it had unleashed within her. Her internal struggle froze her in place as she worked to protect herself from the heartache of false hope.

    Thud.

    The sudden, jarring sound echoed through the stillness, pulling Alfia''s attention away from her inner turmoil. She turned her head sharply, her gaze landing on the fallen boy who lay sprawled on the ground.

    Without a second thought, Alfia''s instincts kicked in, and she rushed to the boy''s side. Her keen eyes swept over his body, each observation painting a grim picture of his suffering. His emaciated frame told a story of days without proper meals, his once-clear eyes now a bloodshot red from ceaseless weeping, and deep circles marred the skin beneath his eyes, a testament to days of sleeplessness.

    As Alfia''s eyes continued their careful assessment of the boy''s trembling form, they fell upon a delicate blue necklace, just like the one she clutched in her hand, mirroring her own treasured possession with an uncanny resemblance. Her sharp intake of breath cut through the pattering rain, her eyes widening with disbelief.

    "This¡­ is¡­ her¡­ necklace?" Alfia''s thoughts raced, her mind struggling to process the implications of the boy''s possession. Her heart pounded against her chest at similarity to the pendant of her own necklace, as her now trembling hand found its way to the necklace''s gemstone. Her tears mingled with the rain as she gazed at the precious pendant.

    It was a stark contrast to the memories of her past¡ªthe failure of their last quest, or the heart-wrenching knowledge of that twin sister had likely been killed. This time, the tears that welled in her eyes were a testament to the unexpected bond that she had thought lost.

    "You really are Meteria''s son. How? Why?" Alfia finally spoke the name of her twin sister, a name that had been forbidden in her thoughts for seven long years. Her voice trembled with a mix of astonishment and disbelief as she looked at the boy before her.

    Alfia embraced the boy tightly, tears streaming down her cheeks, her usually stoic expression replaced by an uncharacteristic smile. With the boy held in her arms, Alfia dashed back to the house she shared with Zald and Erebus. Her steps were quick and determined, the tears in her eyes glinting in the moonlight as she ran.

    As she burst through the door with a force that nearly tore it off its hinges, both Erebus and Zald leaped to their feet, their astonishment evident in their expressions. The woman who was known for her aversion to noise had taken them by surprise with her uncharacteristic haste. The two men couldn''t help but feel their curiosity surge as they trailed behind Alfia, their eyes fixed on the boy she cradled gently in her arms.

    As Zald watched the boy with a puzzled expression, his concern was evident in his voice. "Alfia, what''s wrong?" he asked, his brow furrowing as he tried to make sense of the situation.

    Erebus, too, found himself intrigued by the presence of the boy. His inquiry was laced with a strange sense of recognition, as if the child stirred some distant memory. "Who is the boy?" he demanded; his voice tinged with curiosity.

    Alfia, her eyes soft and compassionate, lowered the boy onto her bed with great care. Her tone was soothing, as she explained, "I found him outside the old church."

    The room seemed to hold its breath as her words hung in the air, the atmosphere heavy with unspoken emotions. Zald, never one to miss an opportunity for a playful jab, couldn''t resist teasing. "So you have a soft spot for kids after all."

    Zald, still in shock and struggling to process the boy''s sudden appearance, couldn''t help but fixate on the vivid blue necklace that adorned the child''s neck. The delicate gemstone gleamed, and his thoughts connected the dots in a profound realization.

    "He''s Meteria''s son, isn''t he? This boy is your nephew," he mused, the words forming in his mind as the pieces of the puzzle fell into place.

    Alfia turned her gaze towards the two men, her eyes brimming with tears, and a smile that spoke volumes of a love long buried. Her heart ached with emotions she''d buried deep within to keep going forward.

    "Yes," Alfia replied, her voice quivering with a mix of sadness and affection. "He''s Meteria''s son, my sister''s child. I can''t bear to let him go."

    The room fell silent, both Zald and Erebus, who were aware of the pain that the mere mention of Alfia''s twin sister could cause, were taken aback by her actions. As the rain continued to pour outside, Alfia took Bell inside the room. She gently guided him to one of the spare beds, his wet clothes clinging to his fragile frame. With maternal tenderness, she began to help him out of his soaked garments, her movements deliberate and careful.

    Rainwater dripped from his hair as he stood there, a fragile figure against the backdrop of the stormy night. Alfia''s actions spoke of a deep concern for her family. She was determined to provide comfort and warmth to the young boy who had wandered alone in the rain.

    Once he was disrobed, Alfia gently tucked him into the bed, pulling the covers up to his chin. The room was warm and inviting, a stark contrast to the cold and wet night outside. With great care, she ensured he was comfortable, her hands a comforting presence in the dimly lit room.

    Alfia gazed at Bell''s peaceful slumber, the rhythmic rise and fall of his chest as comforting sight. His innocence, a stark contrast to the tumultuous world beyond their sanctuary.

    "Zald, I need to cook something for when Bell wakes up. Stay here and guard him, won''t you?" Alfia''s voice was soft, her eyes warm as she spoke. The room''s dim light cast a soft glow on her, enhancing the serenity of the moment.

    Zald and Erebus exchanged a quizzical glance. Her smile had caught them off guard, as it had been years since they had seen her radiant like this. It was a reminder of the person she used to be.

    Zald''s curiosity got the better of him, and he voiced the question that hung in the air, "Guard him from what?"

    Alfia''s smile didn''t waver. Instead, her gaze turned serious, the warmth replaced by a determined resolve. "To make sure no one tries to kidnap the boy while I make dinner for him."

    Zald''s brow furrowed. The thought seemed absurd and devoid from reality. "Alfia, no one is going to try to kidnap the kid..."

    Alfia''s gaze bore into Zald''s, a fiery intensity in her eyes, daring him to defy her wishes. Her silent warning spoke volumes, promising dire consequences for anyone who dared to go against her in this moment. The atmosphere in the room shifted, from one of serene calm to a sense of impending danger that lingered in the air.

    "Fine. Fine. I will watch the kid. I have no problem with that," Zald relented, his exasperation evident in his voice. Internally, he couldn''t help but roll his eyes, thinking, "Good grief. She''s gone full mama-bear already." A hint of a smile tugged at the corners of his lips, a mixture of amusement and affection for Alfia''s newfound protectiveness.

    Erebus chimed in, sensing the shifting dynamics. "Well, then, it''s not every day that someone comes into our little family, you know. So, I take it you won''t be participating in the plan then?"

    Alfia hesitated before replying; "Not yet. Not yet. I must be sure of a few things," she replied, her voice a whisper of uncertainty. Her fingers moved deftly as she rushed to prepare a meal for the boy she had just met, the atmosphere in the room thick with the weight of her unease and determination.

    Alfia''s inner thoughts and feelings were a maelstrom of emotions, a mix of love and concern for Bell, but also a deep-seated fear that had haunted her for years. Her past experiences had left scars that ran deep, and she couldn''t let history repeat itself.

    With a determined nod, Zald finally relented, his voice softer as he said, "Alright, Alfia. We''ll stay here, just to be sure."

    As Alfia turned her attention back to Bell, a mixture of gratitude and relief washed over her, while Zald and Erebus exchanged a meaningful glance, a silent understanding passing between them as they both turned their attention to Alfia. Her determination and protectiveness were admirable, but it was evident to both of them that she had crossed a line, even if she hadn''t realized it herself.

    "Alfia is out, even if she doesn''t know it yet," Both men thought to themselves.

    Several Hours Later The next morning:

    The white-haired boy stirred, his eyelids slowly parting as he rose from slumber. As he woke, an unusual sense of calm over him, a stark contrast to the gnawing hunger that had plagued him for days. He blinked in the soft light of the room, taking in his unfamiliar surroundings.

    ''Where am I?'' He thought as he was stirring from the bed.

    He tried to remember how he ended up here, but he was drawing a blank. Then he noticed that his right hand was being held by some warm hand.

    His gaze dropped to his right hand, and there, his fingers were encased in a warm, comforting grip. Turning his head in that direction, he found himself face to face with a silver-haired woman whose features struck a chord deep within him.

    "Good, you''re awake. My name is Alfia. What''s yours? "Alfia said, looking at him.

    ''Oh, that''s right, the woman that reminds me of mom." As he said that it made him remember his mother taking her last breath and what she said to him.

    "Mom," he whispered, his voice a fragile tremor, as the memories of his mother''s final moments rushed back to him. He recalled her words, the gentle reassurance she had offered him in her last breath, and the warmth of her presence that had been abruptly extinguished.

    The room itself was bathed in a soft, soothing light, creating an atmosphere of tranquility that contrasted with the boy''s recent hardship. Alfia''s eyes reflected a mix of concern and understanding, her grip on his hand a lifeline in the storm of his emotions. As the memories of his mother''s passing lingered, a veil of vulnerability shrouded the boy''s crimson eyes.

    Alfia''s features softened, her gaze lingering on the boy''s face with a mix of wonder and sadness. Her voice held a touch of compassion as she reached out to him, repeating softly, "What is your name?"

    "It''s Bell Cranel. It is good to see you again Auntie Alfia," he responds quietly, his voice full of longing and relief. His mind was filled with memories of his childhood spent with Alfia. Being in the presence of someone who had loved him unconditionally gave him a sense of peace.

    At the confirmation that she never dared to hope for, Alfia''s breath hitched. Emotions surged within her, breaking the dam that held back years of longing and searching. Unrestrained tears flowed down her cheeks as she enveloped her long-lost nephew, blankets and all, in a tight embrace. The two clung to each other, a reunion that erased the painful years of separation. In the warmth of that embrace, Bell found a sanctuary¡ªa refuge from the harshness of the last few days¡ªwhile Alfia found relief that her nephew was still alive. It was a moment of solace between the two.

    "I missed you so much," Bell whispered, his voice cracking with emotion.

    "I missed you too, my dear boy," Alfia replied, her voice choked with tears. "I have searched for you for years. I could never find a trace of you or your mother."

    Bell leaned back to get a better look at Alfia''s face. Her eyes were swollen and red, evidence of recent tears, but there was also a glimmer of determination in them.

    "You looked for me?" he asked timidly.

    Alfia nods, wiping away her tears. "Yes, of course. I did. When I heard what happened in the city, I couldn''t just leave you two alone. But no matter how hard I searched, I couldn''t find any information about survivors. I thought both you and your mother had died years ago."

    He felt grateful that Alfia was here now when he needed someone the most and he began to think about what his mother''s last request.

    Flashback Starts:

    Meteria''s gentle touch cradled her son''s wet cheek, her fingers cool against his flushed skin. The softness of her palm brought comfort to the trembling boy, and the warmth of her presence enveloped him. Her voice, a sweet lullaby of maternal tenderness, tried to comfort her crying son.

    Tears streamed down the young boy''s face, his sobs coming in ragged gasps. "Mom, please don''t leave me," he pleaded, clinging desperately to his mother who radiated a deep sense of sadness.

    "I''m sorry, my dear," Meteria whispered, her own voice shaking with pain at the thought of their imminent separation. Their eyes met, both reflecting an unbreakable bond of love and sorrow.

    "There is little time left for me. But know that I will always love you and watch over you." She gently wiped away the tears that stained his cheeks, holding onto his trembling hands. "Promise me you will stay strong and never give up."

    Despite his best efforts, tears continued to flow, but he fought back the urge to sob uncontrollably. He wanted desperately to beg his mother not to leave him, but the words remained lodged in his throat. At thirteen years old, Bell understood his mother''s condition and the inevitable separation that loomed before them. It was a heavy burden for someone so young to bear, leaving him feeling helpless and lost in a sea of emotions.

    Meteria''s eyes brimmed with worry and love, looked at her son and saw the glimmer of resilience in his teary gaze. She knew he was trying to be strong for her, to keep his promise. But she also saw the deep well of sorrow that threatened to overflow.

    "Be brave, my dear. I know you will try your best," she said, her voice gentle yet firm. Bell''s heart swelled with emotion as tears streamed down his cheeks. He wanted to be strong for his mother, but the weight of their situation was almost too much to bear.

    As if sensing his struggle, his mother reached out her hand and placed a delicate blue necklace in his palm. "I want you to take care of this necklace for me, okay? It''s just like the one your aunt has, except hers is green and a little bigger."

    Meteria''s fragile frame trembled, her body wracked by a violent coughing fit that had become an all too familiar, horrifying routine in her life. Her emaciated chest convulsed with each cough, desperately trying to pull in air while her labored lungs fought against the sharp pains shooting through them. The sound of her raspy breaths echoed throughout the room, a haunting reminder of the torment of her deteriorating health. Each cough was a battle she could never win against the disease ravaging her body.

    Her chest rose and fell with each desperate breath. The room filled with the sounds of her painful coughs. Despite the pain she had to make sure her son had everything he needed to be safe. With tears streaming down his cheeks, Bell stood helplessly by his mother''s bedside. Her once vibrant face was now contorted in agony, and her labored breaths were a painful reminder of the illness that had taken hold of her. He wanted to ease her suffering, to take away the pain that wracked her frail body, but there was nothing he could do. The anguish of his own helplessness weighed heavily on his shoulders.

    "MOM!" Bell cried out in panic as he watched her struggle for each breath.

    "Shhh, my brave boy," his mother whispered, reaching out to caress his cheek with a trembling hand. "You are the strongest person I know, and I am so proud to have you as my son." Tears continued to flow down her face as she spoke.

    With a whimper, Bell interrupted his mother''s words. "Mom..." he says

    "Good, Bell. You are a brave and kind boy. I couldn''t have asked for a better child." Meteria whispered softly into his ear.

    "Mom, please don''t leave me." Bell begged.

    "I''m sorry, Bell. I wish I could be there with you," Meteria replied weakly but truthfully. She looked at her son with love and urgency in her eyes. "Now there are two more things I need you to do for me. Can you promise me that?"

    "I promise, mom." Bell said

    "Remember to always wear Lady Hera''s clothes when going out, Bell. It will protect you. It doesn''t matter how you wear them, but YOU MUST WEAR them. I know that you want to be an adventurer like your father and aunt, BUT YOU MUST STAY AWAY from Loki and Freya - they are treacherous deities. If they find out about your connection to Zeus or Hera, your life will be in danger. Please Bell." Meteria says, gripping Bell''s arm tightly as she emphasizes the seriousness of her warning.

    "Yes, mom. I remember what you told me - how they betrayed Lord Zeus and Lady Hera after they lost to OEBD. They are the reason we had to leave the church that you loved so much," Bell replied. "You said Freya Familia only cares about her whims and gaining her love. And Loki Familia will do anything to become the best, even if it means backstabbing others. The Braver doesn''t live up to his name; he is willing to do whatever it takes to gain fame. You said, there aren''t enough adventurers like Astraea Familia anymore - that most are selfish and greedy." Bell repeated the lessons that his mother had drilled into him.

    "GOOD. YOU MUST NEVER trust those two deities, Bell. And while Astraea girls may have good intentions, they are young and naive. The world is harsh, and their light will be snuffed out eventually. Remember, the brighter the light, the more people want to extinguish it," Meteria adds, coughing violently before continuing her warning.

    "Mom!" Bell yelled as he rushed to wrap his warps around Meteria, hoping to provide some relief like she said it had in the past.

    "Bell, I have one more selfish request. My sister Alfia will return to Orario," Meteria revealed, a bittersweet smile on her lips as she was held by Bell. "I know she will use her last breath to help this world. You remember what kind of person I told you she was."

    Tears glistened in Bell''s eyes as he nodded, recalling the stories his mother had shared about his aunt''s love for them and willingness to do anything if it meant protecting them.

    "Yes, Mom. You told me she was kind and caring, always putting family before herself. She would do anything for her friends and family, even if it means going against the whole world." Bell remembers his mother''s words about his aunt being willing to do anything if she thought it would make Meteria happy or protect her.

    Meteria simply placed her hand on Bell''s arm as she is held tight; "Bell I am sorry but there is one more thing I need you to do. I want you to find Alfia and convince her not to throw her life away, trying to strengthen Orario. She is my precious twin. I want her to live as long as possible before she joins me in the next life. Whatever she plans won''t work. Nobody can even hope to reach the strength of Hera Familia and Zeus Familia."

    Meteria''s voice grew more despondent with each word.

    "I''m sorry, Mom," Bell choked out, his voice thick with sorrow. His eyes welled up with tears, and they streamed down his face like a river.

    Meteria managed a weak, reassuring smile, her feeble hand trembling as she reached out to touch his cheek. "No, it''s not your fault, Bell. It was fate, there''s nothing we can do." Her words were barely more than a whisper, a fragile sigh escaping her parched lips.

    Tears continued to roll down Bell''s cheeks as he whispered, "I''m so sorry, Mom. I love you, Mommy. You are the best mom anyone can ever ask for." His words quivered as his chest was wracked by sobs.

    Meteria''s eyes gazed at her son with immeasurable love. "Bell, my time is almost up," she said, her voice a mere murmur. "Please, stay safe."

    Bell nodded, his voice trembling. "Okay, Mom. I will try to make you proud."

    A tearful smile graced Meteria''s lips as she reached for Bell''s hand, her fingers frail and cool to the touch. "I know, sweetie. I know you will."

    The room seemed to close in around them, the atmosphere heavy with the weight of impending loss. Meteria''s strength continued to wane, her breathing growing even more shallow.

    "I love you, Mom," Bell whispered, his voice a gentle plea, his heart heavy with the knowledge of what was to come. "I will keep my promise."

    ''I know you will, Bell.'' She thought as she closed her eyes and let death claim her. As her words trailed off, Meteria''s hand fell from Bell''s cheek, and he saw a serene smile on her face, her eyes closed, as if she had finally found peace. Tears welled up in Bell''s eyes as he took her hand in his, feeling the cold, unyielding stillness that had replaced the warmth and life that once resided within her. The room seemed to close in around him.

    "I promise, I will be strong, Mom. Stronger than anyone has ever been. I will do what you ask," Bell vowed, his voice quivering with a mixture of determination and sorrow. His eyes were brimming with tears, and his heart ached with the weight of his mother''s request. The promise he made was not just to her, but to himself, a testament to his unwavering love and resolve. "but first¡­."

    Reality crashed down on Bell with brutal force, shattering his emotional defenses and reducing him to a heap of despair. He collapsed to the ground, overcome by uncontrollable sobs that shook his body. The weight of his loss consumed him, suffocating him with its intensity.

    Trembling hands clutched at his chest, as if trying to hold onto the memories of his beloved mother. Her love, laughter, and warm embrace flooded his mind like a tidal wave, ripping open old wounds and threatening to drown him in a sea of sorrow. Nothing could have prepared Bell for this overwhelming grief, and he succumbed to it completely. It was as if a dam had burst, and the flood of sorrow threatened to drown him.

    He wanted to hold onto the pain, as if it were a connection to his mother. He could still feel her presence in the room, the faint scent of her perfume, the sound of her voice, and the touch of her hand. The realization that he would never experience these things again was like a dagger in his heart.

    Time seemed to stretch on endlessly as Bell mourned his mother''s passing. Each memory was a fresh wave of grief, each sob a testament to the love he had lost. The room was shrouded in a heavy, oppressive atmosphere, thick with the rawness of his emotions.

    The flow time seeming to ebb and flow, the deep well of sorrow threatened to consume him while the world outside continued to turn, indifferent to his pain, as Bell was overwhelmed by waves of sadness.

    Amidst his anguish, a distant knock on the door pierced through the haze of his despair, bringing an abrupt interruption to his mourning¡­.

    Flashback End

    Bell''s smile, though tinged with sadness, reflected the warmth he felt upon seeing his aunt for the first time in so long. His emotions were a complex interplay of grief and joy, the past and the present converging in this poignant moment.

    Alfia slowly opened her eyes, her gaze meeting Bell''s as she tried to make sense of the unusual warmth that enveloped her. His smile, genuine and innocent, seemed to penetrate the walls she had built around herself, touching a place within her that had remained hidden for too long.

    "Why are you smiling like that?" Alfia''s curiosity got the better of her as she questioned the boy''s behavior. His smile was a stark contrast to the sorrow that had consumed her for years.

    "Because I''m happy to see you again, Auntie Alfia," Bell replied, his voice filled with longing and genuine affection. The words had a profound impact on Alfia, a reminder of the love she had once known and thought she had lost forever.

    Tears welled up in Alfia''s eyes as she was unable to contain the flood of emotions that threatened to engulf her. Without hesitation, she continued to hold Bell into a tight embrace, her arms wrapping around him with a desperate need to hold onto the connection they once had.

    Bell''s response was immediate, as he returned the embrace, tears streaming down his face. They held onto each other for what felt like an eternity, the weight of their shared grief and the flicker of hope intertwining in their hearts.

    Bell and Alfia finally broke their embrace, wiping away their tears and trying to compose themselves. The emotional reunion had left them both exhausted but also feeling a sense of relief and comfort in each other''s presence.

    "I''m sorry for not being there for you all these years, Bell," she said with a hint of regret in her voice.

    "It''s okay, Auntie," Bell replied with a gentle smile.

    Alfia sighed and looked at Bell with a mixture of sadness and pride. She was taken aback by how much he had grown since she last saw him. He was no longer the little boy she remembered but a strong young man who had experienced so much pain at such a young age.

    "I wish I could have been there for you," Alfia said softly, reaching out to hold Bell''s hand.

    "But you''re here now, that''s all that matters," Bell replied, giving her hand a reassuring squeeze.

    They sat in silence once again, this time finding comfort in each other''s company. The room felt warmer somehow, as if the heavy atmosphere from before had lifted. Tears welled in Alfia''s eyes, but she blinked them away, her voice trembling with a mix of emotions.

    The room seemed to tighten with the weight of their emotions, the air filled with a bittersweet longing for moments that were now memories. Alfia brushed away her tears, her gaze now more composed. She needed to know the answers that had been haunting her.

    "Okay, Bell. That''s enough," Alfia said, her voice now steadier. "Tell me, how did you get here? Where''s Meteria?"

    Bell''s expression shifted; his features etched with sorrow as he struggled to control his own emotions. He swallowed hard, a lump in his throat, before he spoke. "Mom died from her illness five days ago. Then I went looking for you, starting four days ago."

    The room seemed to grow colder; the heavy atmosphere now compounded by the news of Meteria''s passing. Their conversation shifted from excitement over their reunion to grief at the loss of someone precious to them both.

    Alfia''s heart weighed heavy with sorrow and frustration. Her sister was gone, and the cruel hand of fate had deprived her of the chance to say her goodbyes. Tears welled in her eyes, each one a testament to her grief.

    "Bell, I''m sorry," Alfia whispered, her voice quivering with the raw emotions that churned within her. "I''m so sorry. I wasn''t there for you when she passed. But what do you mean by looking for me?"

    Bell''s eyes, filled with a mixture of sorrow and determination, met Alfia''s gaze. He had braved the pain of losing his mother, and now he had a story to tell. But before he could share it, he had one more request.

    "First, Auntie," Bell began quietly, his voice tinged with a sense of purpose, "Can I talk to the two men standing outside the door?"

    His gaze flickered to two who stood guard just beyond the room''s threshold. Their expressions were a blend of vigilance, intrigue, and curiosity.

    "What a sharp boy you are," Erebus remarked with a hint of amusement. He extended an introduction; "Hello, my name is Erebus. This is Zald."

    Bell''s gaze shifted between the two men for a moment, his eyes filled with a mixture of recognition and curiosity. The words he spoke carried a sense of familiarity with the world they inhabited, and it was evident that his mother had prepared him well.

    "You''re Zald Gluttony of the Zeus Familia. Mom told me about you," Bell acknowledged with a nod, his tone respectful and poised. He then turned his attention to Erebus, who held an air of enigmatic authority. "And you must be a god. My name is Bell Cranel."

    Erebus and Zald exchanged a glance once more, taken aback by the young boy''s knowledge. The revelation was unexpected, and it carried implications they needed to address.

    "You said that you were looking for Alfia, right? How did you know she would be in Orario?" Erebus inquired, his voice laced with caution, mindful of the secrets they held and the potential consequences of their actions.

    The room hummed with a charged atmosphere as Bell calmly addressed the elephant in the room. His young voice carried a weight of understanding that transcended his age, and his composure hinted at the depth of knowledge imparted by his mother.

    "Mom figured that Auntie would return to Orario eventually to help the city move forward," Bell''s words were delivered with a disarming candor. His gaze moved from Erebus to Zald, his eyes reflecting a mix of comprehension and acceptance. "Mom figured out what you were about to do. She said that Aunt would act as a steppingstone for future heroes to take up the banner. That you would draw out as much of Evilus as possible to let Orario move forward."

    Erebus, with his enigmatic smile, couldn''t help but burst into laughter at the absurdity of the situation. His amusement, though tinged with irony, was a response to the unexpected unveiling of their intentions.

    "Tsk, Tsk. Ha Ha Ha Ha. This is insane. Our plan was exposed even before we started it. Ha Ha Ha," Erebus chuckled, his mirth echoing through the room.

    Bell, in a moment of normalcy, raised his hand and spoke, his tone now that of a boy his age. "Can I eat something? I''m hungry."

    The two humans exchanged glances, their shoulders relaxing slightly. It was a brief respite in the midst of a turbulent revelation. Bell''s request was a return to the ordinary, a reminder that, despite the gravity of their situation, he was still just a child.

    Half Hour Later

    Amidst the dimly lit room, the four of them gathered around a makeshift dining table, their shared meal becoming the backdrop for an unexpected exchange of truths.

    Bell, though barely a child anymore, found himself sitting on Alfia''s lap due to the shortage of chairs. It was an arrangement that didn''t escape her notice, and her reaction was swift and sharp.

    "Are you insane, Bell?" Her voice, uncharacteristically loud and laced with anger, cut through the air, her frustration palpable.

    Bell, undeterred by her outburst, met her gaze with a serene smile, one that suggested he harbored no fear of the powerful aunt who could reduce the swathes of the city to rubble with a flick of her hand.

    "Probably?" Bell''s response, delivered with a hint of mischief, hinted at the audacity hidden beneath his exterior. It was a bold assertion, as if he was daring the Alfia to challenge him.

    "Kid, I like you already," Zald declared, a broad grin across his scarred face. His reaction, in stark contrast to Alfia''s glare, was a testament to his appreciation for Bell''s spirit. Erebus couldn''t help but chuckle, appreciating the unexpected bravery of Bell to talk back to Alfia.If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. Please report it.

    Alfia''s heterochronic eyes shone with warmth as she gazed at Bell. Her lips curved into a tender smile, a mixture of affection and concern danced in her eyes as she spoke

    "I''m glad to have you here with us, Bell."

    Bell, his youthful face marked with determination, returned the smile, a glimmer of gratitude reflecting in his eyes.

    "I''m glad to be with you too, auntie," he replied

    Erebus, seated across from them, leaned forward, his gaze fixed on Bell.

    "Okay, now it''s my turn," he said, his voice holding a trace of curiosity and suspicion. "What did you mean when you said your mom knew about our plan?"

    Bell''s brow furrowed, and he drew in a slow breath, the room''s tense atmosphere amplifying his unease. "Lady Hera told Mom that Auntie Alfia was still alive after the fight with the black dragon. Mom said she knew Auntie''s personality and that she would eventually return to Orario if the other familias couldn''t stop Evilus. Mom said that Auntie would act as a member of Evilus, to give them the confidence to launch an all-out attack on Orario. This would act to lure out most of Evilus and other dangerous people to the city."

    Erebus and Zald exchanged astonished glances, their eyes locked in shared disbelief. They had not expected Bell''s mother to realize the intricacies of their plan, nor did they anticipate that she would surmise almost EVERYTHING they intended.

    Bell swallowed hard, his emotions laid bare, a mixture of fear and determination playing across his features. "While Auntie''s real goal would be to act as the sacrificial pawn to draw out the enemies of Orario and make the city stronger. Mom said Auntie would do it for the greater good and that Auntie would become a steppingstone for future heroes."

    Erebus, his features darkened by the weight of their revelation, let out a humorless chuckle, the sound devoid of mirth. "She really did know you well," he said, his laughter tinged with a touch of bitterness, an acknowledgment of the inevitable.

    Amid the tension in the room, Zald, leaned forward, his brow furrowed in thought.

    "Okay, what are we going to do?" he asked, his voice a mirror to the solemnity that enveloped them. "Do we continue with the original plan minus Alfia?"

    Bell''s gaze shifted from Zald to Alfia, who held him protectively. He sighed, his turmoil mirrored in the furrow of his brow. "You guys should come up with another plan," he finally said, his words carrying the weight of responsibility. "Mom wanted me to convince Auntie to leave because she didn''t believe that anyone could surpass Zeus and Hera."

    The room fell into an oppressive silence, the weight of their unspoken thoughts settling over the three adults like a thick fog. They had no counterargument, no rebuttal to the stark reality that had unfolded before them. The current state of the city, its political landscape marred by the dominance of Loki and Freya''s factions, had left them disheartened and angry.

    Their shared discontent with the city''s strongest remnants hung in the air like a bitter aftertaste, a cocktail of frustration, anger, and resentment. The emotional depth of their disillusionment ran deep, each of them struggling to come to terms with the stark turn of events that had brought Orario to its knees.

    Bell''s gaze fixed on Erebus, the intensity of the moment causing the god to straighten his posture. As he watched Bel prepare to speak. Bell, his eyes filled with an unshakable determination, had the undivided attention of the adults. His voice cut through the silence with unwavering resolve.

    "That is why I will do it," he declared, his words echoing with raw passion. His youthful face was etched with purpose, a fierce fire burning within. "I will find a worthy God and raise myself up to be strong enough to complete the Last Great Quest. I will restore the hope that was lost, and I won''t let the light that she liked be snuffed out like she feared. I WILL FULFILL MY MOM''s WISH, and I won''t let anyone stand in my way. I will be the Last Hero."

    Bell''s proclamation hung in the air like a sacred vow, his heart''s determination shining through. The emotional depth of his commitment resonated in the room, each word he spoke a testament to the love he held for his mother and the legacy he intended to uphold.

    Throughout his declaration, Bell''s unwavering gaze remained locked with Erebus''s. Erebus, as with all deities, could feel the unyielding resolve in Bell''s eyes, recognizing that this was a moment of reckoning, and Bell''s will was absolute.

    With a calm and measured tone, Erebus responded, "Bell, if you consider me worthy. I will invite you into my Familia." His suggestion cut through the air like a revelation, sending shockwaves through the room. Alfia and Zard exchanged wide-eyed glances, their surprise palpable. Erebus''s proposal was a seismic shift from the plan.

    Bell''s eyes sparkled with excitement as he leaned forward, his voice carrying a youthful enthusiasm. "Really?" he asked, his words tinged with anticipation, as if a world of possibilities had just opened before him.

    Erebus met Bell''s eager gaze, his own eyes crinkling with a hint of a smile. "Yes, what do you think?" he inquired, his voice an invitation to a brighter future.

    "I agree, it would be great," Bell responded, his enthusiasm palpable, his dreams were within reach, and a wave of elation washed over him.

    "Well, it looks like it''s settled," Zald chuckled, his amusement bubbling to the surface as he observed the turn of events. "Welcome to the familia, Bell."

    Amid the celebratory atmosphere, Alfia remained silent, her emotions a tumultuous sea of conflict. She observed the unfolding exchange with a mixture of pride and concern, realizing that her beloved nephew intended to fight IT.

    "Bell," she finally spoke, her voice carrying a blend of admiration and caution, "I have to say, you really are special. No ordinary kid would be able to declare something like that so boldly before a God."

    Bell''s voice, tinged with gratitude, drifted through the room as he replied to his aunt, "Thanks, auntie." His gaze met hers, and he gave her a cheeky grin.

    An annoyed glint emerged Alfia''s eyes, she couldn''t resist playfully poking Bell in the cheek, "That''s not a compliment, Bell," she chided with a poke.

    Zard took the opportunity to shift the conversation. He turned his attention to Erebus.

    "Well, that was cute. So, what''s the next step, Lord Erebus?" he inquired

    Erebus leaned back in his chair, his authoritative presence commanding attention. "Well, no one knows that we are members of Evilus," he began, his voice measured and confident. "So, I would say giving Bell his Falna and registering with the Guild probably. Also, did Zeus and Hera leave anything behind that could be of use to us in establishing a familia?"

    Bell''s excitement was palpable as he interjected, his voice brimming with enthusiasm. "SWEET! I am getting a FLANA!" he exclaimed, his joy echoing through the room.

    Alfia, her expression holding a blend of amusement and irritation, delivered a gentle, for a level 7, smack to Bell''s forehead.

    "Noisy," she chided, her voice firm, her touch gentle yet corrective.

    "Ow," he protested, the sensation still stinging on his forehead.

    "And yes, they did. I know of at least a dozen safe houses that I checked already, and they are still intact. What were you looking to have done?" Alfia asked

    The room took on a sense of purpose as Erebus leaned forward, the weight of their impending decision palpable.

    "Well, we will need to find a home once we register. So, I was hoping you would know of some available assets." His gaze shifted to Bell.

    "Bell, two questions for you. Do you want to receive your Falna now or register with the Guild? Second, you said your mom feared a light being snuffed out. What did you mean by that?" Erebus''s inquiry bore the weight of unspoken curiosity, his inner thoughts playing out across his features.

    Bell''s eyes shone with a sense of eagerness; his determination unwavering as he answered Erebus.

    "FALNA first, please Lord Erebus," he said, his voice holding a note of urgency, a young man on the cusp of a new chapter in his life: "Before my mom passed, she warned me against Loki and Freya but mentioned that Astraea and her familia were kind, but that the world was not. So, they will be snuffed soon. I don''t want that, so I want to prevent it if I can. I met them and they were truly kind."

    Erebus nodded, a sense of purpose reflected in his eyes, as he absorbed Bell''s response. Erebus''s voice held the weight of authority as he spoke:

    "Astraea, I see. Very well. Alright, Bell, come over here, take off your shirt. So, I can give you my Blessing,"

    Bell''s eagerness shone in his eyes as he swiftly complied with the instructions, baring his back. He knelt before Erebus, his young frame tense with both excitement and the weight of the moment. Erebus, with a steady hand, pierced his own finger, the blood welling up. With deliberate strokes, he began to inscribe Bell''s falna onto the young man''s skin.

    Alfia and Zard stood behind Bell, their watchful eyes keenly observing the ritual. They noticed a subtle change in Erebus''s expression, a fleeting moment where his brows knitted together, and his finger slowed for an instant before resuming its work.

    After the inscription was complete, Erebus carefully transferred Bell''s status to a piece of paper, each character reaction reflective of their collective anticipation. The room was charged with a mix of emotions, from Bell''s hopeful anticipation to Erebus''s hidden concerns. The atmosphere was one of sacred ritual and transformation.

    Bell Cranel

    Human

    Age 13

    Lvl 1

    Strength: I-0

    Endurance: I-0

    Dexterity: I-0

    Agility: I-0

    Magic: I-0

    Magic

    [Satanas Version] (Inherited)

    User sends out waves of Sound towards the enemy

    Quick chant: Gospel

    Skills:

    [Realis Phrase-Crystallization of Desires]

    As long as owner has a strong desire and goal, he will grow stronger according to his desires

    Exponential Growth

    Immunity to charm

    Status Limit is broken

    Stronger desire results in stronger growth

    Continued desire results in continued growth

    Skill automatically applied to those the user has an affinity for. (Does not have to be romantic affinity.)

    Strength of effect is based on the recipient''s desire.

    Those in proximity have the same effects as user applied to themselves.

    Copy (Inherited)

    Allows its user to replicate the movements and actions the user has observed once

    Grants the user to ability to execute the copied techniques with a precision that ignores the user''s natural limitations

    Grants the user an understanding of the intricacies and subtleties behind the technique in question.

    The user not only gains the physical ability to perform these actions but also absorbs the essence of their techniques.

    User''s knowledge extends beyond the physical execution, delves into strategy, philosophy, and the very essence of the technique being copied.

    [Inheritance of Talent]

    User has monstrous talent and will surpassing the Incarnation of Talent herself. The user slowly gains some Magic, Abilities, Skills, and Development Abilities that belong to the Incarnation of Talent(Limit off Status achieved). [Magic: [Satanas Version] Gospel is gained], (Development Abilities [MAGE (I) Is Gained]) Skills [Copy] is gained] and Abilities are linked to the user''s Skills and Abilities).

    "Okay, Bell. It''s done." Erebus as his mind flashes back briefly after giving Bell his status and thinks ''Was this you''re doing Clotho, Lachesis, Atropos? What fate do you have for this mortal? I hope it is triumph and not a tragedy. ''

    Flashback Start

    Under moonless night, the city of Orario lay shrouded in an unsettling stillness, its cobblestone streets bearing witness to the shadows and secrets that thrived in its alleys. Erebus, a solitary figure, wandered through the dimly lit labyrinth of Daedalus Street, his footsteps echoing in the silence. The looming threat of Evilus had cast palpable tension upon the city, and the weight of the future bore down on him.

    As he contemplated his role in the upcoming chaos, Erebus''s eyes swept over the desolation that surrounded him. The buildings, once proud and resilient, were now marked by scars of previous battles, their wounds testament to the city''s unfolding chaos.

    Amidst this grim backdrop, a flicker of movement caught his attention. Huddled behind a crumbling wall, a boy trembled in the darkness, a fragile figure lost in the turmoil of the night. Curiosity overcame Erebus''s contemplation, and he approached the frightened soul cautiously.

    "Hey, are you..." he began, his voice laced with concern.

    The boy''s wide eyes met Erebus''s as his voice quivered as he whimpered, "Please don''t hurt me." The desperation in his plea was undeniable, a raw cry for safety in the face of looming danger.

    Erebus studied the boy with a second glance, taking in the striking details that defined him. His hair, an ethereal shade of white, called to mind the quality of freshly fallen snow. Yet, what truly captivated Erebus were the two vibrant red eyes that gleamed like rare rubellite jewels. They held a defiance, an untamed spirit even amid such vulnerability.

    As the boy''s trembling form came into focus, Erebus couldn''t help but wonder at the depth hidden behind those crimson eyes. ''Those eyes, even in his state right now, they are defiant,'' he thought, sensing an unyielding strength within the boy.

    Erebus, driven by a desire to offer solace, sat down beside the boy. The sudden presence took the boy by surprise, but he made no move to retreat. Instead, he listened intently to Erebus''s words.

    "You know," Erebus began, his voice gentle, "there are many people who misunderstand the nature of darkness. People are afraid of the darkness because they think it is the opposite of the light, but they are all wrong."

    The boy''s eyes widened with curiosity as he processed the enigmatic words. "They are?" he asked, his voice a whisper of uncertainty, the darkness slowly releasing its hold on his spirit as he inched away from the confines of his hiding place.

    Erebus nodded; "Yes, darkness isn''t the enemy of light. It''s a canvas for both fear and courage. It''s in the dark that we find our true selves, where we discover our strength. You, my friend, have already shown bravery tonight." He offered the boy a reassuring smile, hoping to ignite a flicker of hope within his crimson gaze. The boy''s eyes, once fearful, now held a spark of curiosity and newfound courage.

    Amid the shadowed solitude of the night, Erebus and the boy found themselves in a moment of connection. They sat side by side, beneath a moonless sky, the atmosphere heavy with untold stories and the secrets that lingered in the stillness.

    "Darkness and Light are not opposites, but in fact, they are twins," he spoke, his words like a whispered revelation. "One can''t exist without the other. Life and Death. Love and Hate. Mercy and Ruthlessness. Beginning and End. Poison and Cure."

    The boy, his red eyes glimmering with newfound curiosity, became drawn to the god''s enigmatic words. He sensed a profound truth in what was being shared, a deeper understanding of the world''s dualities.

    "None of them is evil or good," Erebus continued, the weight of his words punctuating the night. "People who use them are the ones who decide that."

    In the boy''s eyes, a spark fascination was kindled. The darkness seemed to relinquish its grip on his heart, allowing his spirit to emerge from the shadowed cocoon that had concealed him.

    Erebus, mindful of the late hour, offered a reassuring smile. "I think I''ve kept you here long enough. You should go back home."

    The boy, his voice filled with newfound excitement, bowed respectfully before departing. "Thank you," he exclaimed, his gratitude palpable in his words, and he darted away like a fleeting shadow.

    As the boy disappeared into the night, Erebus watched with a sense of warmth in his heart. "What a nice child," he murmured to himself, a hint of regret in his tone. "Should''ve asked for his name." With those thoughts, he turned and continued his journey through the quiet, mysterious streets of Orario, where darkness and light danced their eternal waltz, each holding its own unique beauty in the tapestry of existence.

    Flashback end

    The atmosphere in the room underwent a sudden transformation, every adult present was left in stunned silence, their expressions frozen in wide-eyed disbelief. They stood like statues, their jaws hanging open, as if they had just witnessed an unimaginable miracle unfold before them.

    Bell, at the center of the bewildered gathering, felt a mixture of worry and then amazement wash over him. His heart swelled with pride as he looked at his status. With this newfound strength, he was one step closer to fulfilling the promise he had made to his mother.

    "Now, Bell," Erebus began, "we will talk more about this, but you must never tell anyone about your status. I have locked it, so no one can see it." He regarded the boy with a knowing smile, "I think it''s time we head to the Guild and register the Erebus Familia. Also, I just thought of the perfect location for our mansion."

    Bell nodded, his eyes filled with determination as he absorbed Erebus''s words. "Got it," he replied, his voice filled with resolve. With this, a new chapter of his life was about to begin, and the rhythmic flow of their partnership had already set in motion a series of events that would shape their destinies in the intricate tapestry of the city of Orario.

    Guild:

    The four of them walked to the Guild, Bell holding Alfia''s hand. Their presence drew stares from both adventurers and civilians, their power undeniable. Even after time had passed, Alfia and Zald were still recognized as legends in the city. Bell asked why everyone was looking at them, reflecting his innocence. Alfia explained that they were trying to figure out who they were serving now. As the group continued their journey, the city''s denizens watched with anticipation for what the future would bring.

    The entrance to the Guild towered over them, a bustling center of activity where adventurers, gods, and their companions all mingled together. The group navigated through the throngs of people, scanning for an unoccupied receptionist. It didn''t take long before they spotted her; a lone figure behind a counter, completely absorbed in her tasks but not surrounded by other adventurers.

    The receptionist, Rose, was a striking red-haired Werewolf in her early twenties, her youthful energy shining through her brown-yellow eyes. As she worked diligently, her gaze suddenly locked onto the approaching group. Like a primal instinct sensing danger, she immediately snapped out of her distraction and became fully alert.

    In an instant, all color drained from Rose''s face. She couldn''t tear her wide-eyed stare away from the newcomers as her heart raced in her chest. She recognized the figures from the first years of her time at the Guild - Zeus and Hera''s executives.

    Her brow furrowed in confusion as she noticed Alfia holding the hand of young man. The presence of a God among the group did not go unnoticed by Rose. As they made their way towards the counter, the atmosphere in the Guild shifted as whispers and quiet conversations filled the air. Everyone was trying to decipher the puzzle that had just walked through the doors.

    Whispers swelled with curiosity and uncertainty as the group approached the counter. Rose forced a welcoming smile on her face and tried to push aside her nerves and anticipation as she prepared to assist them.

    "Hello, welcome to the Guild. How may I help you?" Rose greeted, her voice warm but tinged with anxiety. She was fully aware of the weight of the moment and the importance of the newcomers who stood before her.

    "Hello, my name is Erebus. We want to register a new Familia." Erebus introduced himself with a calm and confident demeanor. Rose''s anxiety was momentarily replaced by efficiency as she continued the registration process.

    "Okay, we need to know the members'' names. Am I correct in assuming the two behind you are Zald the Gluttony and Alfia the Silence?" she inquired, her gaze directed at the pair.

    Erebus and the two other nodded in agreement, confirming the identities of the two accompanying him: "Yes."

    """"""""WOOOOOOOH"""""""

    However, the confirmation seemed to ignited a wave of excitement among the Guild''s inhabitants. A sudden, raucous crowd formed behind the group, their cheers echoing through the space. But the revelry was short-lived. Alfia, her patience tested by the noisy throng, delivered a chilling ultimatum.

    "Silence. Or I will Silence YOU," she threatened, the boisterous crowd fell into an eerie silence, their earlier enthusiasm extinguished, and their faces etched with a touch of fear. Not a word was spoken, but the her command had been understood.

    Alfia''s commanding presence was enough to quell not only the unruly adventurers but also those nearby civilians who had been mere spectators to the unfolding drama. The sudden transition from lively chatter to an oppressive silence hung heavy in the air, leaving only the trio of adventurers and Erebus standing as the epicenter.

    Amidst the silence, Rose couldn''t help but voice her curiosity, her finger pointing at Bell. "Who is the boy, then?"

    Erebus, ever composed, responded without hesitation, "Their nephew, Bell."

    An outcry erupted from the crowd that had formed behind them, a wave of disbelief and surprise that swept through the room like a storm. The sheer volume of their exclamations seemed to echo off the walls, but before it could swell any further, Alfia spoke

    "Do you have a death wish?"

    To further her threat, she began to summon magical energy. The crowd vanished, as if they had never existed, leaving only the four of them in the immediate vicinity.

    Rose, still caught in the whirlwind of emotions, turned her attention to Bell, scrutinizing his status and the boy himself. She observed him with a critical eye, then looked at Erebus for assurance.

    "He''s not too young and no buts," Erebus replied with a smile.

    "Very well. I am sure he will be fine. He has Silence and Gluttony," Rose conceded, nodding her understanding.

    Twilight Manor Finn''s Office.

    The office was adorned with a collection of art and furnishings. A flag of the Plum Goddess Fianna stood in one corner, a silent sentinel of serenity, while a wooden table took center stage, adorned with a delicate glass vase. Dim, amber lights bathed the room in a warm, amber glow, casting elongated shadows that danced upon the walls. The scent of incense wafted through the air, lingering like a comforting embrace.

    Finn, sat behind his desk, the afternoon sun filtering through the curtains, casting a soft, golden halo on his tousled blonde hair. His glasses perched on the bridge of his nose, and his slender fingers moved gracefully across a pad of paper, as if dancing to the rhythm of his thoughts.

    Outside the door, Dain stood, his chest heaving from a hurried approach. Muffled voices seeped through the wooden door, indicating that the captain was present. With a sense of urgency, Dain hammered on the door, his knuckles rapping in rapid succession.

    Finn''s eyes lifted from his writing, and he raised an inquisitive eyebrow as he called "Who is it?"

    Dain, panting heavily, took a moment to compose himself. "It''s Dain," he managed to gasp out, his words bearing a sense of urgency. "I''m sorry to barge in, but I need to talk to you. It''s urgent."

    Finn, unruffled by the abrupt intrusion, waved a hand dismissively. "Come in, then," he said, his voice calm and measured.

    Dain pushed the door open and stepped inside, his gaze sweeping across the office. He noted the presence of Loki, Riveria, and Gareth. He approached Finn with a determined expression. "Finn, I''m sorry to bother you, but I was at the Guild and saw something that I had to report immediately."

    Finn sat up, his sharp gaze locking onto the source of the disturbance. "Alright, what is it, Dain?" he inquired, his voice firm and measured.

    Dain, a figure hunched with urgency, struggled to catch his breath. "Alfia...and...Zald...are...back," he managed to gasp out, each word laden with a sense of urgency.

    Finn''s brows furrowed, his eyes narrowing in concentration. He rose from his desk, his tall form dominating the room. "WHAT!" he exclaimed, his voice filled with a mix of shock and disbelief.

    Dain, his expression earnest, nodded vigorously. "I know it sounds crazy, but it''s true! They came back with a new god and everything this morning, and they''re at the guild registering as adventurers."

    Finn sighed, his frustration evident as he ran his hands through his tousled hair. "So Alfia and Zald are back? Was there anyone else with them?" he inquired, his inner thoughts and feelings a whirlwind of concern.

    Dain nodded in response. "Yes," he confirmed, "they had a child with them. Erebus registered him as an adventurer as well."

    Finn let out a low groan, his shoulders slumping with the weight of the news. "This is just what we need right now," he muttered, a sense of unease clouding his features. He straightened, his resolve apparent. "Fine, we''ll go check this out at the Guild."

    "Shit. Why did they have to come back now?" Loki''s voice dripped with resentment, her anger palpable. "Couldn''t they have just died out in the wastelands like the rest of their shitty familia?"

    The words hung in the air, a heavy silence following Loki''s bitter outburst. The office seemed to shrink under the weight of her venomous comments. Riveria, her eyes filled with a mix of reproach and sorrow, responded to Loki with a tone that held a sense of reprimand.

    "Loki, that is a horrible thing to say," she chided, her voice laced with disappointment. "Zeus and Hera protected Orario for 1,000 years, and they completed two of the three great quests. They deserve more respect than that." Her thoughts, however, harbored a more profound sentiment. ''I am glad that you are alive, Alfia, despite everything that has happened. I am glad that I will get to see you again, my friend.''

    Gareth, the voice of reason, added his weight to Riveria''s reprimand. "Loki, that is too far. Even if we are rival familias." His words held a touch of admonition, the lines of his face etched with disapproval.

    Loki, her scowl deepening, turned away from the trio, her thoughts a storm of emotions and frustrations. "Fine," she grumbled; "I''ll go with you to the Guild."

    As the group made their way to the Guild; Alfia, Zald, and Erebus stood by the registration counter, their presence a testament to their return. Finn approached them with caution, flanked by Riveria and Gareth, while Loki lingered behind the others.

    The atmosphere in the Guild grew tense, an invisible shroud of hostility hanging in the air. Alfia, directed her scathing words at Finn and the rest. "What do you want, you shitty half-pint bastard?" Her voice dripped with venom, her anger unrestrained.

    Finn, his composure unshaken, spoke through clenched teeth; "It''s Finn, and we are here to see what you are planning. We also need to know who the child is."

    "None of your fucking business," she retorted, her tone unapologetic. "So why don''t you fuck off before we kick your ass."

    Riveria, trying to be the voice of reason, stepped forward, her voice calm and measured. "Alfia, we need to talk. Please."

    Alfia''s glare bore into Riveria, her rage barely contained. Alfia''s fiery gaze remained locked onto Riveria, a dagger-sharp intensity in her eyes. While her anger looked like it was about to explode, Zald, sensed the inner turmoil that raged within her.

    A whirlwind of emotions churned within Alfia, hidden beneath the surface. Her gaze held a hint of surprise, quickly masked by a deeper, almost imperceptible flicker of recognition. In that fleeting moment, it was clear that she hadn''t expected to encounter Riveria here, a familiar face from a time that felt like another lifetime. Her emotions were a tempest of conflicting currents, a mixture of uncertainty, regret, and vulnerability that threatened to break through the dam of her anger.

    The torrent of anger that had driven her initial response now wavered, replaced by a more complex blend of emotions. Beneath her smug smile that had faded earlier, her lips quivered slightly. The presence of someone she had once considered friend (even if she almost never admitted to it out loud), had stirred up long-buried memories and unresolved emotions. Alfia''s internal struggle was a turbulent whirlpool of anger, confusion, regret, betrayal, and an unexpected sliver of longing. Zald, standing nearby, watched the exchange between the two women, keenly aware of the undercurrents that flowed beneath Alfia''s words and expressions.

    The tension in the Guild Hall hung heavy. Riveria, spoke in a measured, imploring tone. "Please, let''s not start a fight. We need to talk about what''s going on and try to come up with a solution. There''s no need for a fight."

    Zald, in an attempt to relive the burden on Alfia, retorted "Ahhh, that is a good joke. Who knew an elf like you could tell one. Us fight you? Don''t make me laugh, Riveria. Fighting you wouldn''t even be considered a warm-up for either me or Alfia, and you know it."

    Riveria, maintaining her calm expression, sought to bridge the gap. "Zald, we don''t have to fight. We can work things out." Her voice held a soothing quality, an attempt to defuse the mounting hostility.

    Zald, unmoved by her words, responded with a harsh glare, his frustration simmering beneath the surface. "We don''t need to work anything out. We have no use for a bunch of useless backstabber. Stay out of the way. You aren''t even worth our time." His words were a declaration of disdain, and the atmosphere in the Guild grew increasingly charged.

    "Oh. What are you planning with this god of yours, anyway?" Finn inquired, his curiosity laced with caution as he attempted to gleam anything about the duo''s intentions.

    Zald, responded with a venomous retort. "That''s none of your business, you two-faced rat. If we have a problem, we''ll handle it ourselves. So don''t interfere, or you''ll regret it. And you should know that better than anyone how out of your league you are." He rested a hand on his greatsword, his stance radiating readiness for confrontation. Alfia, beside him, was equally poised, her eyes locked onto the interlopers, her body taut and ready to pounce at a moment''s notice.

    Riveria, with a measured tone, responded "Zald, this is a serious matter. We need to discuss what is happening and figure out a plan. We can''t just ignore it and expect it to go away. Please, just talk to us."

    Alfia, however, having ginally stifled some of her emotions was able to respond: "Ahh, Riveria, the last thing I want is to listen to anything you have to say."

    Riveria''s eyes widened slightly, a flicker of hurt flashing across her features as she tried to process Alfia''s harsh words. "You don''t mean that, Alfia. You can''t."

    Alfia, her anger and hurt having finally taken over, responded "Oh, but I do. You are nothing to me. You are worthless, a nobody. And I don''t have to waste my time talking to you. You aren''t worth it."

    Riveria, struggling to contain her emotions, took a step back, her hurt etched clearly on her face. Her voice quivered with disbelief, "Alfia...how could you say that? We were friends."

    Alfia''s response was scathing, her words heavy with the weight of their history. "Were. The keyword here is ''were friends.'' We aren''t anymore, not since you and your shitty ass familia stabbed us in the back. It is truly pathetic what you pulled. After everything we did for Orario, you exile us just so you can take the top spot for your own. Truly, pathetic, only the work of cowards. So don''t even bother trying to talk to us." Her voice was laced with bitterness

    Riveria''s voice trembled with the weight of her plea as she tried to bridge the gap of hostility that had formed between old friends. "Alfia, please just talk to us. We can''t keep fighting like this. We need to come up with a solution. We need to work together. Evilus is on the rise. They must be stopped."

    But instead of a softening, Zald''s rage roared to the surface, his voice thunderous in the room.

    "HAHAHA. AND WHO''s DAMN fault is that!? You exile the guardians of the city and then complain when the evil we have been suppressing comes out of the woodwork. Were you really that stupid that you didn''t see this coming? So much for the greatest strategic mind. More like the greatest self-serving ego." His words were a scathing indictment and a testament to the deep-seated resentment that had festered over the years.

    Finn, finally intervened with a tone of finality. "That''s enough. If you''re not going to cooperate, we''ll leave. Riveria, we should go back to the headquarters and discuss this." His words were a clear signal that further discourse had reached an impasse.

    The room, fraught with tension, saw the conversation reach its breaking point as Loki, took the initiative. "Alright. Come on, Riveria. We have wasted enough time here. We''ll have to find another way to handle this," she said,

    Riveria, casting one last hopeful look at Alfia, tried to salvage a sliver of their fractured relationship. "Goodbye, Alfia. I am glad that you are alive. I hope we can be friends again."

    But Alfia''s response was as cold as ice, her words laced with bitterness. "In your dreams, bitch. Don''t even bother. We don''t need your help." Her retort was a stark rejection of any olive branch.

    Riveria, undeterred, maintained her composure, and with a quiet determination, she made her final plea. "I know. I''m sorry. But I will not stop trying to change your mind." Her words carried a weight of genuine regret, and she left the Guild.

    As Loki Famila exits the Guild

    The street''s dimly lit atmosphere seemed to reflect the somber mood of the exchange. As Gareth spoke, his words carried a sense of realism, grounded in the knowledge that reconciliation was a distant hope. "I don''t think that''s going to happen, Riveria. Alfia and Zald have made their decision. We need to focus on what we can do next."

    Riveria, though understanding the futility of her efforts, offered a silent nod. She followed Finn and Gareth as they made their way out of the Guild, leaving Alfia and Zald standing at the counter with a god and a child.

    The Captain''s Office at Twilight Manor, served as the backdrop for the group''s gathering. Loki''s scowl reflected her deep-seated disgust at the mere thought of collaborating with Alfia and Zald.

    As they settled around the table, Loki didn''t waste any time in voicing her frustrations. " Well, that was a waste of time. What the hell were you thinking, Riveria? Why did you bring them back into the picture? Trying to be friends with them." Her words were laced with anger.

    Riveria, however, sought to provide some clarity and reason to their predicament. Her tone was one of contemplation, as she responded to Loki''s questions. "Loki, please. We need to try to talk to them. We can''t let this go any further. We could use their help to take out Evilus. We have a common enemy, and we may need their help to defeat it. We can''t just ignore the situation and hope it goes away."

    The atmosphere in the room was thick with tension, Loki''s skepticism clashed with Riveria''s optimism, and the room seemed to crackle with unresolved feelings and unspoken fears.

    Loki, still resistant to the idea of collaboration, probed further. "So what? Are we supposed to work with them now?"

    Riveria maintained her stance, her voice reflecting a sense of determination. "Maybe not with them. But we should at least try to come up with a plan and see what we can do. We can''t let Evilus take over Orario. They will destroy the city and unseal the Dungeon." Her words conveyed the urgency of the situation, even if the path forward remained uncertain.

    Finn leaned forward, his voice laden with concern and a hint of irritation. "Well, what should we do? I categorically refuse to let them walk all over us again. Their time is gone. Besides it doesn''t seem like they want to help us either."

    Riveria, undeterred by the mounting challenges, exhaled a sigh and expressed her unwavering resolve. "I think we need to find a way to negotiate with Alfia and Zald. We can''t just ignore them. They''re stronger than us and could pose a threat if we don''t work together. I will keep trying to talk to Alfia. I refuse to give up. We have to come up with a plan of some sort. Evilus can''t be allowed to take over Orario."

    Finn, always the pragmatic one, reinforced the need for careful planning and investigation. "Well, that''s going to be a difficult task. We have no idea what Evilus''s plans are or who their allies are. We need to start investigating and gathering information."

    Back in the guild hall.

    Alfia, Zald, Bell, and Erebus remained clustered around the registration desk, their hushed voices a counterpoint to the surrounding bustle of the Guild. The room, with its countless adventurers registering and going about their business, seemed indifferent to the heavy atmosphere this trio carried.

    Erebus let out a deep sigh of frustration, a tinge of disappointment seeping into his voice. "Well, that was a waste of time."

    Alfia, concurred with a degree of cynicism. "Yeah, well. We knew it wouldn''t be easy. Those people have always been stubborn and selfish."

    Zald brushed off the potential trouble with a calculated dismissiveness. "Let them. They''re just a bunch of fools. We can take care of them easily enough."

    "Ha! I finally found you, Bell Cranell!" a happy voice called as woman with vibrant red hair and the brilliant emerald eyes emerged before the group, causing it+ to halt in their tracks.

    The moment those words echoed through the air; Bell''s cheeks ignited with a deep, rosy blush. The crimson hue spread across his features like wildfire. He stood there, seemingly frozen, except for his nervous fidgeting, his heart racing in his chest. The rapid thumping of his heart was almost audible as the silence stretched on.

    The red-haired woman, her fiery tresses cascading in waves, didn''t waste a second. She lunged forward, her lithe frame easily closing the distance, and pulled Bell into a tight embrace. Her strong arms crushed him against her chest, leaving no room for escape. Bell felt her warmth, the softness of her curves against his fidgeting frame. Her laughter was like music, a sweet melody that danced in the air around them.

    "Miss Alise!" Bell managed to get out before he found himself sandwiched in her chest; his voice muffled by the embrace.

    The woman who had captured him in her arms was none other than Alise Lovell. Her emerald eyes shimmered with a blend of relief and excitement. She nuzzled his cheek with her own, her lips soft against his skin, and her genuine laughter emerged.

    "Ooooh, I missed you, Bell," she cooed, her voice laced with a depth of emotion that reached deep into his heart.

    "You know you had us all worried when you ran away. Where have you been?" Her fingers playfully ruffled his hair, leaving a trail of sensations that caused Bell to become even more fidgety

    Bell, momentarily dazed by the overwhelming sensation of her nearness, managed a nervous response. "I... I''ve been around. I had something to do. It''s good to see you again, Miss Alise."

    Alfia, standing nearby, felt her eyebrow arch, her perfect porcelain features etched with a veneer of annoyance. A barely visible vein began to emerge in her forehead. Her lips pursed, and she discreetly clenched her fists, her icy-heterochronic gaze locked onto the reunion with a cold intensity. Zald and Erebus, having witnessed Alfia''s reactions, exchanged smirks as they watched the scene unfold. Each harbored their own thoughts, hidden behind sly smiles and knowing glances.

    "Oh, she is going to have a hard time in the future if this is how girls are already reacting to Bell," Zald thought privately, a hint of amusement in his eyes.

    Erebus, his expression betraying a similar sentiment, added his own private musings, "The lad''s really is a son of Zeus, that''s for sure."

    "Ummm, I''m sorry, but I had to find my aunt," Bell replied quietly, his cheeks turning bright crimson from embarrassment as he found himself still sandwiched into Alise''s chest.

    Alise''s emerald eyes softened with a mixture of amusement and affection.

    "Awwwww, you''re so cute. But that''s not a good excuse." Her voice was gentle, her teasing laced with tenderness as she pouted at Bell. Then, her expression grew more serious as she continued, "Bell, the city is dangerous right now. Evilus has been on the move a lot recently. Something terrible could have happened to you. All the other girls were worried about you. Even Ryu was worried, and you know how she is. Though she tried to hide it. Everyone has been trying to find you when they''re on patrol or in their spare time."

    Bell''s guilt swelled within him as he absorbed Alise''s words. Her concern was palpable, and he felt the weight of his actions, which had caused his friends so much worry. He couldn''t help but feel touched by their care for him. Alise''s gaze locked onto his, her eyes searching his soul with a gravity that was impossible to ignore. Then, she pulled him even closer against her chest, as if to shield him from the world''s dangers. The sight of Bell nestled in Alise''s arms, their proximity, and the warmth of their embrace, sent another vein pulsing on Alfia''s forehead.

    Meanwhile, Zald and Erebus exchanged amused glances, their thoughts in sync. "All the other girls... the boy is already working on a harem. He might make Zeus proud." Despite the underlying humor, they focused intently on Alise''s words about Evilus, understanding the gravity of the situation.

    "I-I know. I''m really sorry. I just had to find her. I didn''t have a choice. But I did find her, so I don''t plan on disappearing again," Bell stammered, his voice filled with sincerity. His eyes were wide, and he wore an apologetic expression that couldn''t be mistaken.

    Alise, gazing at him with a mixture of affection and exasperation, couldn''t help but smile at his earnestness. She reached out and ruffled his hair, her touch gentle and reassuring, causing Bell to blush brightly in response. His cheeks flushed like ripe apples, and his gaze darted toward Erebus, searching for support. Erebus, chuckled at the situation and decided to lend Bell a hand before Alfia''s frustration reached catastrophic levels.

    "Well, I am sorry to interrupt my child," Erebus began, his voice steady and unwavering, "but Bell and his aunt are part of my familia and we have business to attend to."

    Alise''s eyes widened in shock, and her response was an immediate, "What!?"

    "Yep. We just registered as a familia. I''m Erebus. May I ask who you are?" he introduced himself as his eyes, a marble grey, bore into Alise, probing for information.

    Alise''s emerald eyes widened in surprise as she let go of Bell, stepping back and staring at the God in front of her. She glanced between Erebus and the two behind him, uncertainty flickering in her gaze.

    "Oh," she stammered, her voice tinged with a mix of embarrassment and realization. "I''m sorry. I didn''t mean to interrupt. It''s just that Bell disappeared four days ago after we took him in. He hasn''t been coming to the manor or anything. Most of us have been worried. And I am Alise Lovell, Captain of the Astraea Familia, Lord Erebus," she explained herself, her eyes still fixed on Bell with a worried expression.

    Erebus arched an eyebrow at the sudden mention of Astraea Familia and the connection to Bell. His gaze bore into Alise, and he assessed her carefully.

    "That''s because I was trying to find my Aunt. I didn''t mean to worry you guys," Bell explained,

    Alise''s emerald eyes softened as she looked at him, understanding in her gaze. She couldn''t help but feel relieved that Bell was safe. Her stern voice softened as she responded, "You better not have meant it. It was bad enough when you disappeared from the manor."

    In a sudden change of tone, Alise reached out and gently poked Bell''s cheek. He blinked in surprise at the sudden touch, letting out an "Ow."

    "That was for worrying me," Alise continued, her voice now filled with warmth. "Now that I know you''re okay, I''m happy. And since you''re safe, I guess I can forgive you. But promise me you''ll never do that again. I was worried. So, promise not to disappear like that again?"

    Bell met Alise''s gaze, a hint of gratitude in his eyes, and nodded in agreement, a soft smile playing on his lips. "Sorry, I promise, Alise. I won''t disappear like that again."

    "It''s okay. Just please don''t do it again. Or we might not let you leave ever again," Alise said, her voice filled with relief and a bit of mischief.

    "I know, I''m sorry," Bell apologized once more, he gently stepped back from the hug, his gaze shifting to the group of adventurers that had gathered to watch the scene unfold.

    Alise offered a reassuring smile, her emerald eyes filled with affection. "It''s okay, I was just worried."

    "Yes, Miss Alise," Bell replied obediently, a trace of warmth in his voice.

    Alise''s affectionate demeanor didn''t waver as she wrapped her arms around Bell once more, pulling him close. "Oh, you''re such a sweetheart. I love you, Bell," she exclaimed

    Bell''s cheeks flushed crimson, and he looked away, unable to meet Alise''s gaze. Her teasing words had a way of making him feel both bashful and flustered.

    "Ohhhh. You''re so cute when you blush," Alise said with a mischievous grin, her emerald eyes twinkling with amusement. "Now then! How to make you really blush. Let''s see. Oh, I know."

    With a playful glint in her eyes, Alise leaned forward and placed a soft kiss on Bell''s cheek. The touch of her lips on his skin sent a shiver down his spine, and he froze in place, turning as red as a tomato. The unexpected kiss left him feeling both surprised and incredibly flustered.

    "There, now you''re forgiven," Alise declared, her fingers gently patting Bell''s head.

    "Uh-thank you, Miss Alise¡­" Bell stammered in response, his voice trembling with a mix of relief and anxiety.

    "Muh. I told you. Just call me Alise," Alise corrected him with a warm smile, her tone reassuring.

    As Alise''s attention shifted to the other two adventurers who watched the scene unfold with amusement, Alfia''s reaction was impossible to ignore. She stood there, her icy-blue and grey eyes radiating barely suppressed rage, leveled an intense glare directed at Alise. A third and fourth vein had started to bulge on her forehead as the atmosphere around her darkened and began to tremble. While Zald, her polar opposite, stood there with a barely suppressed grin.

    "Well, since Bell is safe and sound, it is all good. I''m sorry for taking up your time," Alise apologized, her voice holding sincerity as she bowed to Erebus and the others.

    Erebus, still nervous about Alfia''s ever-growing wrath, replied with a chuckle and a hint of relief, "No, no. It''s fine. You were just concerned about a friend."

    "Yeah, well. Thank you for looking after him. Bye, Bell. Let''s meet again soon," Alise said, her voice carrying a mixture of warmth and fondness.

    "I-It was no problem, Alise. I''ll see you around," Bell replied, still struggling with his stutter as he tried to bid her farewell.

    Alise flashed a bright smile at him before turning to walk out of the guild. Erebus, cleared his throat to refocus their attention and diffuse Alfia''s rage.

    "Bell, I''m afraid we have a lot of work to do. So, it''s best that we get started," Erebus said, his tone firm but not unkind.

    "Y-yes. Right, Lord. Erebus. Let''s go," Bell stammered, his eyes darting between Erebus, Zald, and Alfia.

    As they moved to leave, Erebus was about take a moment to address the other adventurers who were still gathered, but Alfia spoke first:

    "Did you fucking cockroaches have something to say?"

    Alfia''s words cut through the silence, and she leveled a fury-filled glare at the onlookers. Her icy demeanor sent shivers down their spines. The adventurers, realizing they were about to become targets of Alfia''s rage, fled in terror, tripping over each other to escape her wrath. While the Guild employees fled anywhere else expect the hall.

    Later that Night after bell has gone to sleep

    Later that night, after Bell had gone to sleep, the adults gathered in the living room to discuss the day''s events and Bell''s status. The dimly lit room cast long shadows.

    "Alfia, Zard," Erebus began, his voice carrying the weight of his concerns. "I may be new to Genkai, but something tells me that Bell''s status isn''t normal."

    Zard couldn''t help but burst into laughter at the understatement. "HAHHAHHA. That is the fucking understatement of the year."

    Alfia, on the other hand, met Erebus''s observation with a more thoughtful demeanor. Her heterochronic eyes, sparkled with a mixture of intrigue and unease. "Really, that status is just insane. I don''t think ANYONE has ever had a status like that in my time in Hera''s familia. I mean having a single skill was rare enough. But to have two original skills when first receiving a falna. It is unheard of, even to me."

    "Same. Bell''s status is ridiculous even by the standards of Zeus and Hera. I am not even sure what the first skill, Realis Phrase, does entirely," Zard mused, his voice laced with a sense of wonder and bewilderment. "It''s a growth-boosting skill, which is rare enough to begin with. It doesn''t say how much; it''s just the strength of the user''s desires. Bell has a strong desire, but how much of an effect does that have? Also, the skill applies to those Bell has an affinity for. Well first how does one define affinity? There are a lot of ways to define that. There are just too many unknowns. The only way to know for sure is to test it out."

    As Zald mulled the implications of Bell''s skill as broad grin emerged across his face as he decided to tease Alfia: "Though I guess Bell must really love his aunt if he got a skill to be try and be like her."

    "Zald, I will hit you." Alfia retorted but not before a blush spread across her cheeks.

    As Zard chuckled over Bell''s status, Alfia''s eyes, remained locked on the nephew''s status as if trying to decipher an unsolvable riddle. Her inner thoughts raced, grappling with the mysteries of Bell''s powers and their potential implications.

    "Also, Erebus, I want to know what this ''Status Limit Broken'' means exactly," Alfia inquired

    As Erebus met Alfia''s gaze, his gray eyes filled with contemplation. "No idea for sure, but I have a guess if you want?" he offered, glancing at both Alfia and Zald, who nodded in agreement.

    "Okay. So, I think it means he can to some degree break past the S rank on the Status based on the strength of his desire," Erebus explained, his voice tinged with a sense of wonder. "The greater the desire, the higher he can reach. I have no idea what his actual limit will be."

    Alfia and Zald blinked several times in shock, their expressions a mix of disbelief and awe.

    "Erebus, how is that even possible? I have never heard of anyone being able to do that. Even I have only ever made it to 1001," Alfia exclaimed, her eyes wide with astonishment.

    Erebus, answered her with a sense of calm understanding, "Simple, my dear Alfia. Skills are based on a mortal''s desires. Skills are a mortal''s soul and desires made manifest. What makes them, them if you will. His will is strong enough to craft an original skill that will make his dreams a reality. It seems like he isn''t going to let something like measly status limits stop him either."

    As Erebus spoke, his thoughts drifted toward Bell, and he marveled at the young adventurer''s spirit. "I can see how strong your will is, Bell. Truly, this skill would only come to one who wishes to be a hero above all else."

    Zald interjected with a chuckle and a shake of his head. "Good grief. This kid is just ridiculous."

    The room was filled with a sense of awe and admiration, as the adults contemplated the limitless potential of Bell''s unique skill. Erebus continued to expound upon their newfound understanding.

    "Oh, absolutely," Erebus affirmed, his voice carrying the weight of a significant revelation. "Bell is the kind of child that deities start wars over. So, we must keep this under wraps as much as possible. Given the strength of Bell''s desires, I am expecting him to grow at an insane rate. We will need him to be able to defend himself as soon as possible. So, I will need you two to take over that as soon as possible. Though, in the worst case, we can hold off on giving him a feat, something tells me that will only work for so long. Plus, I will work on expanding the familia immediately."

    Zald, endorsed the plan. "That sounds like a good plan. Also, I am going to suggest that Bell be the captain of the familia. Neither I nor Alfia will be going into the Dungeon anytime soon. As such, it will be Bell''s responsibility to lead the Familia. I also don''t want the title."

    Alfia, her eyes reflecting her agreement, added, "I agree with Zald. I think that is for the best."

    Erebus, conceded with a wry grin, "Very well. We do still need to fill out the rest of that paperwork. I did not think staying in Genkai would require this much paperwork."

    Both mortals couldn''t help but smirk at their god''s lighthearted complaints, knowing that their path forward was now clearer than ever.

    Alfia''s crimson lips tightened, and her fingers drummed impatiently on the polished mahogany table. Her presence filled the room with an aura of authority, a regal figure with a fiery determination that hinted at her noble lineage. Her heterochronic eyes, smoldered with a mixture of irritation and resentment.

    Erebus, leaning back in his ornate chair, raised an eyebrow, intrigued by Alfia''s sudden change in demeanor. He couldn''t help but appreciate her beauty even in moments of anger, her porcelain skin contrasting with the fiery intensity that radiated from her. Though he was never dumb enough to mention it out loud.

    "HMPH, GOOD. Now we can get onto the most important matter. What are we going to do about that woman?" Alfia seethed

    "What woman?" Erebus inquired

    His curiosity was piqued, but Zald, sitting on the other side of the table, knew all too well where this conversation was headed. He sighed in resignation and ran a hand through his unruly hair, mentally bracing himself for the impending headache as he rose from his seat and crossed the room to a heavy wooden cabinet.

    He knew that a bottle of strong liquor was the only defense against the upcoming storm. His fingers danced along the cabinet''s surface before seizing a crystal decanter filled with amber liquid. The rich scent of aged whiskey wafted through the room as he poured it into a crystal glass, the sound a comforting prelude to the storm brewing in Alfia''s eyes.

    Alfia''s regal bearing was contrasted by the fire of her eyes as she spoke, her voice laced with irritation. Her crimson lips quivered, her fingers tapping impatiently on the polished mahogany table.

    "That Captain of the Astraea Familia," she began, her words dripping with disdain, "Her behavior irks me. She was far too forward with my adorable Bell."

    Erebus, seated opposite her, leaned back in his chair, had a faint smirk tugging at the corners of his lips. His voice held a touch of amusement as he responded, "Well, I actually found that quite amusing."

    Alfia''s eyes flashed, a dangerous gleam in her gaze. Her resolve solidified as her thoughts churned with protectiveness and anger. Her fingers clenched into fists, and magical energy began to crackle around her, a potent display of her growing anger.

    "Nope, absolutely not," she ranted, her voice resonating with power, "That woman was a goddamn hyena looking to sink her teeth into my adorable nephew. I will not permit it."

    The air in the room grew charged with her magical energy, filling the space as the energy swirled around her. Erebus, his amusement evaporated, watched in nervousness as Alfia''s power manifested.

    Zald leaned forward and tried to rein Alfia in. He had seen this before, Alfia''s protectiveness in full force, and he knew that her determination was unwavering. With measured words, he spoke, trying to diffuse the mounting tension.

    "Alfia, I hate to tell you this," he said, keeping his tone as composed as possible, "but a lot of women are probably going to chase after Bell." His gaze shifted briefly to the crackling, concentrated magical energy surrounding Alfia, a telltale sign of her escalating anger. He braced himself for what might come next.

    Alfia''s eyes bore into Zald''s, a storm raging within them. Her voice, though controlled, carried a weight of unwavering resolve as she responded, "And I will beat down every last of those that I deem unworthy of my nephew."

    Erebus couldn''t resist a sly remark. "So, you plan on becoming the judge of whether or not women are worthy of your nephew. So, you will be the Final Boss?"

    Alfia''s gaze flicked to Erebus, her lips curling into a small, fierce smile. Her response was immediate and unyielding, her words a declaration of her unwavering commitment. "Absolutely."

    (THE FINAL BOSS AS ARRVIED ORARIO. ALL SHALL TREMBLE BEFORE HER MIGHT!)

    "Good, because I wouldn''t be able to stop you anyway. I have a feeling he''s going to be very popular with the women in the city." Zald''s voice held a note of resignation as he leaned back in his chair, eyeing Alfia with a hint of wry amusement. He had learned that when Alfia set her mind to something, it was nigh impossible to deter her

    Alfia, her eyes still smoldering with determination, nodded in agreement. "Yeah, that is true. We can set all of that aside for the future. We still don''t even know how they are connected totally. We''ll have to keep an eye on her."

    Zald chuckled again, a deep, rumbling sound that filled the room with a sense of camaraderie. "Hahaha. True, but a great man must have a great appetite. Bell might be the one chasing girls."

    Alfia''s gaze softened, her eyes momentarily revealing a touch of fondness. Her voice, however, remained unwavering in its resolve. "While I agree with that sentiment, that does not mean I will allow just any love-starved hyena to be near my nephew. If Bell is truly set on his path, then he aims to be the greatest man ever. So I expect women to flock to him. However, they will have to prove themselves to me first."

    Erebus, his gaze steady as he addressed the important matter at hand. "Okay. Okay. Moving on. We had a lot of paperwork to fill out and need to set up a place for our familia."

    Zald, nodded in response. "Right. I''ll get right on that. Where are you thinking of settling down? Anywhere specific?"

    Erebus, always a step ahead, interjected with a hint of smug satisfaction. "Ah, leave that to me. I have already found the perfect location, and with the initial funds Alfia got, I hired the Gobinu''s familia to start building it already. They said it should take a week for everything to be done."

    Zald, pragmatic as always, offered his perspective, a reassuring presence in the planning process. "Well, it''s a start."

    Erebus''s voice was firm, the determination in his words carrying the weight of their shared goal. "It will do until we can get settled and established. Then we can move to a better home."

    And so the rise of a new legend begin.

 Moving to Midnight Garden

    Top Floor of Babel (Freya''s thoughts. Evening of the same day. After recognizing Zald and Alfia at the Guild.

    In the luxurious chambers at the highest point of Babel, Freya''s alluring voice filled the space as she engaged in deep introspection.

    "I see they have come back, even though I thought we had taken care of all traces of Zeus and THAT woman. While this is disappointing, there is something intriguing about it," Freya began, silken voice echoed through the room

    "I can barely sense any soul within this child," she pondered, delving into the otherworldly essence of the enigmatic child who had entered the Guild earlier that day.

    "Either he is very sickly, or his soul is being protected from divine sight. Given who he was with a sickness could explain it." Freya''s pondered "I wonder which it is. THAT woman is the only one that could pull off something like that. Why would she leave him behind if he needed protection like that? The only decent quality of THAT woman was her ability to judge mortal souls."

    "A curiosity indeed," Freya concluded, her voice carrying a note of anticipation.

    "A fascinating mystery, perhaps this will make for an interesting diversion." Freya added as a mischievous grin emerged across her face, a promise to unravel this mystery.

    Freya lounged on a plush, velvet divan, her silver hair cascading over the ornate armrest. With a flick of her delicate fingers, she summoned Ottarl, her most loyal Captain. He bowed his head in reverence before her.

    "Ottarl," Freya purred, "tell me everything you have discovered about the boy I saw."

    The captain straightened his back and cleared his throat before responding, "His name is Bell Cranel, and he now leads the newly formed Erebus Familia. It consists of only three members - himself, Zald, and Alfia. Interestingly enough, he is also the nephew of Alfia." His voice remained steady and unwavering as he relayed the information to his goddess.

    "So, he'', her nephew?" Freya mused, her gaze piercing.

    "That''s correct," Ottarl affirmed, his voice steady.

    "Interesting. I wonder if he inherited her abilities...or her affliction," Freya pondered aloud.

    "It''s uncertain, but on the surface, he seems to be in good health," Ottarl replied.

    "This could prove to be quite intriguing. I shall keep an eye on this Bell Cranel," Freya declared, her words tinged with divine curiosity and a hint of unpredictability, "And how do you feel about their return, my Captain? You have quite the history with them."

    "I am ashamed of my weakness as I can not drive off those that disturb my Goddess." Ottarl responded

    "No need to fret Ottarl for now I will watch. This could prove most amusing. There''s always the chance that he may disappoint me, but I''ll observe from a distance. It''s fascinating to witness such events unfold. Hehehe. I bet this is driving Loki up a wall. She probably went to molest one of her children as a distraction. Such a vulgar goddess." Freya murmured, giving insight into her inner thoughts of her fellow goddess and eagerness for what was to come.

    <hr noshade="noshade" size="1">

    Ouranos''s Throne (Evening of the same day as when Zald and Alfia registered at the Guild.)

    Upon the throne of Ouranos, the air was heavy with the weight of divine matters as Fels approached, bearing news that stirred the god''s interest.

    "Lord Ouranos, I have news for you," Fels intones

    "What is it?" Ouranos, the god presiding over the Dungeon, inquired, his voice echoing in the room

    "Alfia and Zard have returned to the city with a new god," Fels reported

    "I see. Who is it?" Ouranos questioned further

    "The god''s name is Erebus, God of Darkness," Fels responded

    "I see... Another primordial deity has descended," Ouranos mused

    "Yes," Fels confirmed

    "Very well, for now, we will watch and hope for the best. The return of Zard and Alfia is likely to quiet Evilus, at least temporarily," Ouranos decreed, the divine authority in his voice apparent.

    "That is true, but I have no report of them returning to the city from the Ganesha familia. In addition, they have chosen a boy by the name of Bell Cranel as Captain, not Zald or Alfia. Also of note, the boy is Alfia''s nephew," Fels finished

    "There are many ways to enter the city. It is likely that they will not be returning to the Dungeon for a while. Given their conditions, it is likely that they do not wish to exacerbate them," Ouranos observed. "Does the boy have Alfia''s illness?"

    "True. It does not appear so. He looks like a healthy boy." Fels confirmed

    "Good. We will watch and see if he has inherited Alfia''s talent," Ouranos concluded

    "Understood," Fels responded before fading back into the darkness of the chamber.

    After Fels has left Ouranos was left in quiet contemplation as he prayed to the Dungeon:

    I see that they both descended.

    To think that they would descend together.

    He was never one to be known for kindness.

    If one were to associate him with kindness it would be nothing short of a perversion of the word''s meaning.

    And her, what could possibly have her interested her enough to descend?

    If she has descended, then it is likely that trying times lie ahead.

    At the very least so long as Erebus remains on the side of the Guild, so will she.

    <hr noshade="noshade" size="1">

    Loki''s Perspective (Evening of the same day as when she saw Zald and Alfia at the Guild.)

    Why do they have to come back now? Those damn relics, thinking they still have any claim to this city. This is mine and Freya''s domain now.

    Zeus and Hera were kicked out long ago, their time is over. But these two, Alfia and Zald, they dare walk around as if they still fucking own the place. Well, I won''t let them take it back. It''s my turn to rule now.

    I won''t give up my position as top dog for them. They''re nothing but washed-up has-beens.

    And that dragon... why couldn''t it have done a better job wiping out those worthless families? Maybe then I wouldn''t have to deal with their arrogant faces again.

    And then there''s that brat of a captain to deal with.

    If he''s been named captain, it means the other two are probably conserving their strength.

    Well, at least that brat won''t be a threat or catch up to my children anytime soon.

    But just the thought of them still being in this city infuriates me. I want them dead. I want every reminder of Zeus and Hera gone from this world.

    We might have to team up with that bimbo again. If we combine our familia''s strength temporarily, we might have a chance at defeating them."

    But the idea of working with her makes me want to vomit.

    Well, whatever. They''ll be dealt with eventually. Finn always has a plan to overcome any obstacle. He won''t let anything get in his way.

    "All these frustrations are giving me a headache. I need to relax and distract myself."

    "I know, I''ll go find someone to grope. But who should be my target today? Aki seems like an easy option; she''s been making progress lately. Maybe I''ll use her status as an excuse to touch her under the guise of updating it. Yes, that sounds like a perfect plan."

    End Internal Monologue

    Loki''s gaze narrowed as she strolled through the halls of Twilight Manor looking for her target. She needed to release some of this pent-up anger and irritation. Loki thought she could use her status as an opportunity to touch her under the guise of updating it. She smirked at the thought, her mind now focused on finding her.

    As she walked through the halls of her domain, Loki saw her in the distance. Loki approached slowly, her eyes locked on Aki''s form. She could feel the anger slowly dissipating, replaced by a sense of anticipation.

    "Aki," Loki called out, her voice dripping with false warmth. "I need to update your status. It has been about a week I think."

    The young catgirl turned to her, a look of confusion on her face. "My status?"

    Loki nodded, her eyes never leaving Aki''s. "Yes, I need to make sure everything is up to date. Why don''t we go to my office and update it?"

    Aki started thinking about it and agreed after she realized it had in fact been about a week since her last update. Once they were inside, Loki closed the door behind them. She turned to face Aki, a smug smile on her face. "Alright off with the shirt."

    Loki''s smug smile grew as Aki complied, removing her shirt to reveal her bare skin. Loki moved closer, her eyes roving over Aki''s body.

    "Such a good girl," Loki purred, reaching out to brush a stray lock of hair from Aki''s face. Aki flinched in surprise at the touch but didn''t pull away. Loki took advantage of the moment to slide her hand down Aki''s back.

    "Now, let''s see here," Loki said, pulling out a pin in order to prick her finger. As Loki began, she Slowly started to update Aki''s status "It seems like you''ve made some progress. Your ability scores have increased across the board. Very impressive."

    Loki leaned in closer, her breath hot on Aki''s neck. Aki shivered but didn''t move away. Loki took advantage of her proximity to let her hand wander, tracing patterns on Aki''s back as though she was still updating her status.

    "I''m glad to see you''re doing so well," Loki said, her voice low and sultry. "But we need to make sure your status is up to date. Now, let''s see here..."

    Loki''s hand drifted lower, tracing the curve of Aki''s back down to her butt. Aki gasped but didn''t pull away.

    "Yes, your progress has been remarkable, Aki," Loki said, her voice barely above a whisper. She leaned in even closer, whispering into Aki''s ear. "You should be proud of yourself."

    Aki didn''t respond, but Loki could feel her trembling beneath her touch. It was intoxicating, knowing that she had this kind of power over her.

    "I think that''s enough for now," Loki said, slowly withdrawing her hand. "But I''ll be sure to keep a close eye on your progress."

    Aki nodded, still not speaking. She quickly put her shirt back on, her movements shaky.

    "Good girl," Loki said, patting her on the shoulder. "Now, off you go. I have other matters to attend to."

    As Loki watched Aki leave the room, a sense of satisfaction washed over her. She had gotten what she wanted, a chance to touch the young woman under the guise of updating her status. It was a small victory, but it was a victory nonetheless.

    Loki turned back to her desk, her mind already planning her next move. She would continue to keep a close eye on Aki. She knew she needed to be careful - Aki could always complain to Riveria, who would be a pain to deal with, if she got offended.

    Not to mention that it was Riveria that drew so many elves to Loki familia. Any issues with Riveria could quickly spiral out of control and turn all the elves against her familia. But at the same time, Loki couldn''t resist touching a young woman''s body, so for right now she would simply enjoy feeling her up during status updates.

    "Gods is it good to have a familia. Plenty of cute girls to target and feel up." Loki thought

    Loki turned back to her desk, her mind already planning her next move. She would continue to keep a close eye on Aki.

    (Aki''s thoughts as she leaves the office)

    Is that how a status update is supposed to be?

    It makes me feel uncomfortable.

    Something about it felt wrong.

    I don''t like it.

    <hr noshade="noshade" size="1">

    Loki famila (Finn. Evening of the same day as when she saw Zald and Alfia at the Guild.)

    "Damn it, Loki. Why did they have to show up now? After all these years, I thought we had taken care of all the remaining remnants of Zeus and Hera. We''ve been vigilant in dealing with them for so long; how could we have missed these two? Where on earth have, they been hiding?"

    If only the dragon could have handled them, too. Why did it have to be those two who survived? Seriously, why couldn''t the dragon take care of them as well?

    People need to stop getting in my way. I am trying to revive an entire race, and every obstacle just delays my progress.

    Now, what should I do about them? Both of them were weakened after their fight during the Great Quests.

    Should we simply wait for them to die naturally? No, that could take too long. They may also be able to rebuild under the Erebus Familia, which I cannot allow.

    I cannot allow anything to threaten what I have built. My ambition cannot be interfered with now; I have worked too hard for this. If given enough time, they could gather enough support to challenge us. And there is always the possibility that they could level up, making things even more difficult for us. They will need to be dealt with sooner rather than later. It''s likely that they are conserving their strength since they needed Bell Cranel as their Captain during the Great Quests.

    Well, based on the current situation, our priority should be to level up and become level 6. We''ll have to wait until all three of us are at that level before making any moves. However, if we decide to team up with Freya, Ottarl will need to push himself even further and reach Level 7. With that kind of strength, we can divide our forces and eliminate these two obstacles without breaking a sweat. Only then will we truly have a chance at victory in eliminating them both.

    The muffled sound of Riveria''s voice seeped through the closed door, cautioning Ais about the dangerous state of the city.

    Tch... Another obstacle blocking my path. This girl, she''s too unpredictable, too volatile for my liking. If only she could just be a compliant little doll and follow orders, then maybe she could serve some purpose in my grand scheme. But that''s all I need her for anyway, she''s not capable of anything more. The frustration was evident in Finn''s words, tinged with a hint of disappointment and perhaps even resentment towards Ais.

    .

    .

    What a truly useless doll. She should at least be able to follow orders. Then she can be useful to my ambition. That is all I need her for anyway. She isn''t good enough for anything else.

    <hr noshade="noshade" size="1">

    Loki Familia Mansion (Ais and Riveria)

    In the confines of the Twilight Mannor, Riveria stood facing Ais preparing to scold the girl for her actions.

    "Ais, I have told you that it is dangerous in the city right now," Riveria scolded, her voice carrying the weight of experience.

    Ais, her unwavering golden eyes, shot back, "I had to go into the Dungeon. I have to get stronger. Besides, you were the one that left. Where did you go anyway? You, Finn, Loki, and Gareth all took off."

    Riveria sighed; "Be that as it may, you can''t go into the Dungeon by yourself. It is too dangerous. And we had to investigate someone that returned from a long time away," she explained, her tone softening with an undercurrent of concern.

    Ais, however, was relentless in her pursuit of answers, firing off questions; "Who were you investigating? Were they strong? Was that why the three of you went together?"

    The intensity of Ais''s inquiry did not escape Riveria''s notice. She knew that revealing the details could be a dangerous gamble, especially considering Ais''s current obsession with strength. To say that two of the greatest adventurers ever had returned would send the girl off in reckless charge. IF she found out that they fought the dragon, then; Riveria shuddered at the prospect of what would happen. Instead of answering; Riveria lightly bonked Ais on the head, halting the relentless stream of questions.

    "Enough, Ais," Riveria chided gently, her touch a mix of reprimand and affection. Taking a deep breath, she prepared herself to answer Ais''s barrage of inquiries. "You can go into the Dungeon, but make sure you go with someone from now on. Do you understand?"

    Ais, though momentarily taken aback by the physical reprimand, nodded in reluctant agreement. The room settled into a contemplative silence, the weight of unspoken thoughts hanging between them.

    As Riveria contemplated her next words before she spoke. Her jade eyes reflected memories as she revealed as spoke softly "Good. They were once members of a familia that resided in Orario for many years but no longer. One of them is a friend that I haven''t seen in years. Or at least, I would like to be her friend again. Though many things have changed, I would like to catch up with her."

    Riveria''s voice hinted at a complex history, and the yearning for reconciliation. But she swiftly brought the focus back to the present, adding, "But none of that is relevant to you, Ais. You need to listen to me when I tell you something. It could have been dangerous for you out in the city alone. Promise me you will go with someone next time."

    Ais responded with a curt acknowledgment, "Fine."

    "Good. Now go clean up before dinner," Riveria ordered

    Riveria''s Internal Monologue.

    I hope Ais listens.

    It is too dangerous for her to go out alone.

    She needs to understand that she is precious.

    If anything were to happen to her¡­.

    I would never forgive myself.

    I must make sure that she is safe and healthy.

    I know she wants to get stronger, but she is rushing forward too much.

    I hope to the Gods above that she doesn''t find out about Alfia and Zald fighting the dragon.

    There is no telling what she would do if she found them.

    Plus there is no telling how they will react.

    I am so sorry for everything that has happened Alfia.

    Even if I said that I tried to stop it, I know it wouldn''t matter.

    The past can''t be undone no matter how deeply I might regret it.

    So I will keep reaching out and trying to make amends.

    (Returning to Ais''s POV)

    As Ais begrudgingly complied and left Riveria, she began walking through the hallways when she came across a group of familia members speaking. Ais, on her way to clean up, unwittingly became an audience to the exchange between Dain and a few others.

    "That''s right, Zald and Alfia are back," Dain declared, his words a spark that ignited curiosity in the Ais.

    A member, voicing the group''s confusion, asked, "I thought the one-eyed black dragon killed all the members of the Zeus and Hera familias."

    A chill ran down Ais''s spine at the mention of the black dragon, the echoes of her past reverberating in her mind.

    "Welp, apparently not because I can guarantee you it was the one and only Zald and Alfia," Dain practically spat out the names, bitterness coloring his words.

    "What are they doing in Orario? I thought the Zeus and Hera Familias were run out for their failure to complete the last great quest?" another member inquired

    "They were but Zald and Alfia returned with a new deity named Erebus. So, for now, we will watch and see what they do," Dain responded, his bitterness manifesting in the acidic tone of his voice.

    As the group dispersed, Ais, now armed with newfound knowledge, continued her way to the bathroom. The setting, once steeped in routine, now held an undercurrent of intrigue. As Ais turned on the water in the bathroom shower Ais''s thoughts raced out of control.

    Ais''s thoughts(Internal monologue)

    Someone fought the dragon.

    .

    .

    I have to find them.

    .

    .

    They might know about Mama

    .

    .

    I have to find its weakness.

    .

    I have

    to TAKE

    MAMA back.

    .

    I HAVE

    TO KILL

    IT.

    <hr noshade="noshade" size="1">

    The Temporary home of the Erebus Familia while Midnight Garden is being constructed[Day After registering at the Guild]

    The morning sun cast a warm glow through the windows of their new home, illuminating the dining room where Bell, Erebus, Zald, and Alfia sat around a wooden table. The air was tinged with the scent of fresh paint, a testament to the recent move.

    "So, Bell, how did you meet Alise and Astraea?" Erebus inquired, his voice carrying a subtle hint of curiosity.

    Bell''s response seemed to hang in the air as a tension started to settle over the room. His eyes darted around nervously before landing on Alfia, whose eyes narrowed in suspicion. He swallowed hard before attempting to speak, acutely aware of Alfia''s gaze and the rhythmic tapping of her fingers on the table.

    "Yes, Bell, how did you meet that little girl?" Alfia''s tone cut through the air, her tone indicating that silence wasn''t an option.

    Bell hesitated, feeling the weight of Alfia''s suspicion. "So, they were doing a patrol by our house near Daedalus Street when someone reported hearing me crying after Mom died," he began, choosing his words carefully. "It was late, and they went to check it out. That''s when they found me. It was Alise and Ardee Varma of the Ganesha Familia that found me. Alise refused to leave me alone and took me back to Stardust Garden. She persuaded Goddess Astraea that I couldn''t be left alone, so they took me in. That''s how I met them."

    As Bell tried to leave, Alfia''s stern voice halted him in his tracks. "BELL, sweetie, did something ELSE happen? Is there something Auntie should know about? Do I need to have a nice little chat with Alise and this Ardee?" Her narrowed eyes as they bore into him, demanding answers and that he was not permitted to leave until she had them.You could be reading stolen content. Head to Royal Road for the genuine story.

    Bell froze in place, the weight of Alfia''s scrutiny bearing down on him. The atmosphere of the room seemed to tighten around him as he carefully chose his words.

    "NOPE. NOTHING you need to worry about, Auntie," Bell responded, his voice betraying a nervous undercurrent, as his words attempted to quell the storm brewing in Alfia''s narrowed eyes.

    "Alfia, Bell is telling the truth. Besides, I highly doubt a follower of Astraea or Ganesha would do anything inappropriate," Erebus interjected, his voice carrying a reassuring tone.

    "Fine, but I still don''t like how friendly that hyena was with Bell," Alfia retorted, her words sharp and laced with a protective edge.

    "Auntie, please, Alise is my friend. Please try to get along with her," Bell pleaded as he pouted at Alfia, a tactic that Bell had found usually softened her resolve. Alfia, in turn, flushed and began fidgeting, her stern demeanor faltering in the face of Bell''s pouting face.

    "Fine, Bell. I promise to be nice. I will give her a fair chance," Alfia responded, her words a reluctant surrender to Bell''s plea. The men in the room exhaled a collective breath, the tension dissolving,

    Meanwhile, Zard and Erebus exchanged knowing glances, their thoughts dancing with mischief. "He is totally hiding something. Something that will set Alfia off. Also, since when is Alfia this much of a push-over?"

    Alfia''s head snapped around, her eyes narrowing in on the two men. "Are you two thinking something rude just now?"

    "NOPE. Not at all," both men responded in unison, their synchronized denial barely concealing mischievous grins. Alfia continued to glare at them before turning away with a dismissive "uhmp. Very well."

    Both Zard and Erebus sighed in relief, their internal thoughts echoing, "Fuck, that was close. That woman''s intuition is terrifying."

    Meanwhile, Bell had seized the opportunity to escape the room. As he walked away, he couldn''t help but thank Erebus silently. "Thank Erebus that I got away from THAT TOPIC. Auntie would probably have blown up our house and everything around it BEFORE going on a rampage," Bell thought, shuddering at the mere prospect of his aunt''s wrath if she were to learn about what happened the night, he stayed at Stardust Garden.

    <hr noshade="noshade" size="1">

    Astraea Familia Living Room (Day After seeing Bell at the Guild)

    The spacious living room of the Astraea Familia was alive with energy, as Goddess Astraea sat gracefully on a plush couch, flanked by her children Alise, Kaguya, Ryuu, and Lyra. The warm atmosphere was only enhanced by the comfortable furnishings that adorned the space.

    Ryuu couldn''t contain her curiosity any longer. "Alise, I have to ask. Why were you so insistent on that man staying with us?"

    Kaguya''s lips curled upwards at the corners, revealing perfect white teeth and a hint of playful mischief in her eyes "It''s obvious, Little Elf. The boy was quite cute. I bet Alise wanted to find out if he really was a rabbit," she teased, her tongue darting out to lick her lips suggestively. "At least, that''s what I would have done."

    "Kaguya, that''s filthy!" Ryuu exclaimed as she prepared to launch into a full-blown rant when Lyra, always the mediator of the group, stepped in. She knew exactly how this argument would play out, having witnessed it numerous times before.

    "Okay, okay. Simmer down, Lion," Lyra chided "You fell right into Kaguya''s trap. She just wanted to rile you up. Which you fell for, hook, line, and sinker. I am sure Alise had a legitimate reason for it."

    All eyes turned to Alise, the captain of their Familia, as she spoke up. Alise''s gaze met that of their beloved goddess Astraea, who wore a look of surprise before it quickly melted into a warm smile. A silent understanding passed between the goddess and her first child.

    "I had a reason for taking Bell in," Alise began, her voice heavy with memories and empathy, "I lost my parents when I was young, just like Bell. Seeing what he went through reminded me of my own experiences. So, I wanted to be there for him. I know it''s selfish, but I''m grateful that you all agreed to it without hesitation. Especially you, Lion. I know how strong-willed you can be. It means a lot to me that you went along with my self-centered request."

    Alise''s words lingered in the air, a vulnerable confession that exposed her true feelings to the chosen family she had found. Ryuu responded cautiously, her trust in Alise evident through her words.

    "It''s alright, Alise. I trust you, so if you believe Bell is trustworthy, then I am willing to give him a chance." The subtle change in Ryuu''s demeanor spoke volumes about the strong bonds between the members of their Familia.

    "Ha, don''t thank me. I only agreed to see if he was a rabbit or not," Kaguya interjected with a playful grin, injecting some lightheartedness into the formerly serious conversation. Her words provoked a reaction from Ryuu, who couldn''t help but respond with a shout of indignation.

    "Kaguya!" Ryuu''s voice echoed through the room as she protested, a familiar scene between her and Kaguya.

    "What? Just because you''re a prudish elf doesn''t mean I have to be," Kaguya jeered, her words teasing Ryuu for her much more reserved nature.

    "Here they go again," Lyra sighed, a wry smile on her lips as she watched the familiar argument unfold. The atmosphere in the room shifted between camaraderie and light tension, providing a backdrop for the strong bonds within this chosen family.

    Astraea observed her two daughters with fondness. Her expression held a mix of pride and affection, silently witnessing the relationships that had formed within their chosen family.

    Thoughts running through Alise''s Head:

    The bickering between Ryuu and Kaguya filled the living room, but amidst the chaos, Alise''s thoughts whispered as they echoed through her head. Her eyes drifted away from the argument and gazed out the window, lost in a collage of fragmented memories that fueled her desire to protect others from experiencing the pain she had endured. Despite the chaos around her, Alise couldn''t help but reflect on the events of the past few days and what Bell had said to her the night before he ran away.

    "I''m glad I found him. Big dummy, running away after saying all those things," she mused with a small smile.

    The memories of her troubled past flitted through her mind, a collage of fragmented moments that fueled her desire to protect others from experiencing similar events; however, she quickly pushed them aside as she focused on the present. Her heart thumped as she remembered what Bell had said to her that night.

    "Still, I can''t believe he said all those things," Alise thought anxiously, a shadow dancing across her thoughts and doubts began to claw at her:

    "Did he really mean all those things he said? Or was he just being nice?" A shadow danced across her thoughts and a premonition of potential fallout filled her mind

    "Mother Astraea, if they ever find out what happened, then Kaguya will never let me hear the end of it," she fretted. "Plus, Lion might try to kill him, thinking he was trying to do something perverted. I swear, for an elf, her mind always jumps to the most perverted conclusions."

    A sudden blush crept upon her cheeks as she recalled Bell''s words from that night.

    Unnoticed by Alise, her cheeks had flushed to a rosy, pink glow, her face warming as she thought of Bell''s words and presence. Alise couldn''t help but smile at the memory of their time together at Stardust Garden. Her eyes sparkled with a hint of happiness as she thought of their time together.

    As Alise continued to think of Bell, her cheeks continued to redden, a soft pink deepening to a bright crimson glow that spread across her face until I matched . Her mouth curved into a small, secret smile, her eyes sparkling with happiness. Memories of their time together at Stardust Garden flooded her mind and it became harder for her to suppress the smile. Something that did not go unnoticed by her Goddess.

    Goddess Astraea noticing Alise''s blush: (Astraea''s internal thoughts)

    Observing Alise''s flushed cheeks, Astraea couldn''t help but think to herself, "Looks like she''s thinking about Bell again." She had noticed her daughter blushing a lot since meeting him, and it was clear that there may be some growing feelings there.

    With a maternal sense of acknowledgement, Astraea couldn''t resist teasing in her thoughts, "Is my little girl about to enter the world of love?"

    Despite her playful words, Astraea truly wanted her daughters to be happy, and she saw Bell as a kind boy who could potentially make Alise happy.

    "How time flies. Love has found its way to her," Astraea mused to herself. "It truly is the most irrational and unexplainable thing."

    While it may still be too early to tell if anything would come of their interactions, Astraea had no intentions of interfering with any potential romance between Alise and Bell. Her acceptance and restraint showcased her deep love for her children and their autonomy, unlike some other divine figures.

    <hr noshade="noshade" size="1">

    Time Skip 1 week to when Bell and everyone is moving into Midnight Garden.

    <hr noshade="noshade" size="1">

    The Traveler''s Inn. (Hermes and Asfi) (The day that Bell and everyone moved into Midnight Garden.)

    In the quiet confines of The Traveler''s Inn, where shadows played upon walls, Hermes reclined with an air of nonchalance. Asfi, the vice-captain of the familia, approached with news of the latest events to transpire at the Guild while her God was away.

    "Lord Hermes, I have news for you," Asfi began, her words cutting through the hushed atmosphere of their Familia''s home.

    "Ohh, what is it?" Hermes questioned; his tone laced with curiosity.

    "Preator and Silence have returned to Orario with a new God," Asfi reported

    "Oh¡­ Well, that could be good. Two more level 7s should help stabilize the city. Who is the new god?" Hermes pondered aloud, his thoughts reaching into the implications of the arrivals. The inner thoughts and feelings of the god of travelers unfolded subtly, revealing a mind always at work, even in seemingly casual moments.

    "His name was Erebus, God of Darkness," Asfi responded as she, handed Hermes the Guild announcement:

    THE Erebus FAMILIA REGISTERS IN ORARIO

    Deity: Erebus, God of Darkness

    The Erebus Familia: Exploration Type

    Captain: Bell Cranel. Level 1

    EXECUTIVE: Alfia, Silence/Incarnation of Talent, Level 7

    EXECUTIVE: Zald, Predator, Level 7

    "Errr¡­ That could be something else¡­ Erebus is in the city," Hermes stammered nervously.

    "Why is that? Could that be bad, Lord Hermes?!" Asfi''s inquiry, sharp and suspicious, cut through the silence that followed.

    Hermes hesitated, his mind dancing on the edge of divulging more than he intended. "Err. Well, our realms are close in Tekai. So, I have met him more than most. I am somewhat acquainted with his disposition," Hermes confessed, his unease woven into his voice.

    "While he is certainly not an evil god, presa; he is rather ruthless even among deities and not someone to be crossed lightly. Anyone that did well. Let''s just say it didn''t end well for them," Hermes continued "Though he never seemed really interested in descending. Now if it was his divine wife that descended, that would be another matter. SHE is TERRIFYING,"

    Hermes admitted as a shudder sent a chill ran up his spine at the mere thought of Erebus''s divine wife.

    "Since he announced himself like this, I don''t think he will be doing anything, but I can''t be sure," Hermes concluded, his uncertainty casting a shadow over the room.

    "Now, Asfi, why is the boy Captain of the familia and not Silence or Predator?" Hermes redirected the conversation.

    "Ahh, I don''t know. But that is the official guild announcement. Maybe Predator and Silence aren''t returning to being adventurers? Or maybe they only plan on training him? The rumor mill is that the boy is Alfia''s nephew," Asfi disclosed, her words carrying the weight of uncertainty.

    "I see, Alfia''s nephew. If I correctly remember, Alfia''s sister was Meteria. I only met her on rare occasions when I had business with Hera. She was Hera''s favored daughter after all and was kept very well guarded," Hermes mused, as he shifted through his memories.

    "I wonder if the boy inherited Alfia''s talent at all. This could be very interesting. I will have to pay Erebus a visit soon. Does he have a place yet?" Hermes contemplated his thoughts a calculated dance of strategy and curiosity as his mind worked to unfold the mysteries.

    "Yes, he does. The familia resides at the Midnight Garden, which is directly across from the Astraea Familia''s Stardust Garden. Also, rumor was that the captain of the Astraea Familia was friendly with Bell when they registered in the Guild," Asfi responded,

    "Alise is friendly with Bell, and Erebus chose the location directly across from the Astraea familia? Welp, this just gets more and more interesting. The only way to figure this out is to go and talk to them directly," Hermes declared, his eagerness evident in the rhythm of his words.

    "Please don''t go messing with them," Asfi pleaded, her voice tinged with a hint of worry as she recalled all the times her God''s schemes caused her a headache.

    "Lol. Asfi, no need to worry about that. I am not foolish enough to risk provoking Alfia. That woman scares me. Her fists are likely to fly first before she speaks," Hermes responded

    Meanwhile the thoughts start to run through Hermes'' mind:

    "Hmph. Erebus wasn''t really interested in the mortal realm before. What could possibly have changed?"

    "I believe that last time we met was when Zeus, me, and him tried to peep on Artemis and Astraea bathing, maybe?" Hermes reflected, his inner thoughts and feelings weaving a narrative thread back in time.

    "Hehe, though we failed, it was rather fun."

    "I think that was right before the first deities like Zeus descended." Hermes'' mused reaching back into the distant past.

    "Ah. Well, anyways, I will just have to stop by tomorrow." Hermes'' decision echoed with a sense of resolve "That will honestly be the only way to figure him out."

    <hr noshade="noshade" size="1">

    Moving Into Midnight Garden (This is the exact same as the original. No need to reread.)

    "This is the Midnight Garden," Erebus declared, his voice carrying a tone of mystery and allure. Bell''s eyes scanned the imposing mansion before him, a structure that seemed to contain the darkest essence of the night itself. The mansion, painted in a striking combination of black and red, dominated the southwestern landscape of Orario. What granted it even greater contrast was the mansion directly across from it.

    As Bell approached, the fragrant breeze carried the delicate perfume of the roses, stirring emotions both primal and refined. The mansion and its garden stood as guardians of passion and allure, inviting all into a realm where the boundaries between desire and reality blurred.

    A wrought iron fence, a sentinel of elegance and mystery, embraced the sprawling estate. Its intricate design hinted at a bygone era, each curl and twist a testament to craftsmanship long celebrated. The dark metal, painted in a rich, glossy black complemented by a radiant crimson accent, stood in stark contrast to the vivid colors that it harbored within.

    Along the fence''s length, a mesmerizing tapestry unfolded., with folds of deep-red petals tinged with an almost-black dusty hue, climbed the wrought iron like passionate lovers ascending to an intimate rendezvous. Their fragrance, a heady blend of sweetness and darkness, permeated the air, wrapping the estate in a cloak of sensuality.

    The Black Beauty Gladiolus iris, acted as towering sentinels of burgundy and black, stood tall and proud. Prominent central flower spikes, reaching up to Erebus''s chest, declared their presence as true showstoppers. In the moonlight, the gladioli seemed to absorb the shadows, becoming ethereal silhouettes against the dark canvas of the night.

    Amidst the sea of roses and gladioli, the Black Magic Roses added a touch of enchantment. Their classic deep-red petals, reminiscent of traditional roses, bore the illusion of being dipped in a pot of translucent black ink. As they unfurled in the cool night breeze, the effect was nothing short of magical ¨C a bewitching dance of crimson and onyx, a celebration of nature''s artistry.

    The moonlight cascaded gracefully upon the scene, a silver cascade that turned the garden into a dreamscape. It painted the petals of the Black Magic Roses with a muted glow, transforming the crimson into a velvety wine-red and the onyx into a shimmering silver. The shadows played hide-and-seek, creating an ever-shifting chiaroscuro beneath the boughs of ancient oaks and along the cobbled pathways.

    As the garden unfolded before him, a nocturnal oasis adorned with strategically placed lamps. Roses, Black Baccara and Black Magic bloomed, their petals glistening in the soft glow. The large fountain, a masterpiece in this botanical symphony, displayed an enchanting cascade of water, rhythmic and hypnotic. Shadows, cast by the interplay of light and water, danced upon pillars that surrounded the garden, creating an otherworldly tableau.

    Hushed wonder enveloped the Midnight Garden, a perfect blend of nature and artistry that reached out and captivated the senses. Bell felt the weight of the mansion''s beauty, the secrets it held hidden behind the veils of moonlit beauty and shadowy elegance. The air thickened with anticipation as he prepared to step into a world where reality and fantasy intertwined, guided by the enigmatic allure of his would-be home.

    As the grand mansion stood before him at the heart of the expansive lot, it cast a majestic presence that commanded attention. Its walls, adorned with a multitude of windows, weren''t mere openings but canvases for the artistry of stained glass. Scenes of moonlit landscapes and celestial bodies adorned these windows, creating an ethereal tapestry that ensnared the gaze of any onlooker.

    A masterpiece by the standards of the Goibniu Familia, the mansion''s exterior was a harmonious symphony of red and black hues playing against each other. The stained glass, a medium of divine craftsmanship, painted the walls with shifting patterns of light and shadow, making the entire structure appear alive under the moon''s watchful eye.

    Generously scattered across the mansion''s surface, the windows acted as silent observers, each framing a different piece of art. Together, they told a silent story of a world bathed in moonlight, with dark skies adorned by stars forming constellations unknown to mortal eyes. These celestial storytellers whispered tales of cosmic mysteries, weaving a narrative that transcended the boundaries of the earthly realm.

    Each stained-glass painting, a testament to unparalleled artistry, depicted landscapes bathed in the ethereal glow of moonlight or skies ablaze with stars. These scenes formed constellations that carried with them the weight of heroes, gods, and destiny. The glass, a kaleidoscope of colors, spilled their hues into the night, casting an otherworldly ambience that draped the mansion in an aura of enchantment.

    The marriage of architecture and nature was a dance of opulence and mystery, where shadows played the role of secret keepers, whispering their ancient truths to those who dared to listen. The stained glass, with its intricate tales woven into the fabric of the mansion, echoed the deep hues of the garden below, creating a seamless connection between the living artistry outdoors and the captivating narratives within.

    The night seemed to embrace the estate, its rhythmic hum blending with the rustle of leaves and the occasional creak of the wrought iron fence. As if it were a living entity, the property pulsed with an energy that mirrored the heartbeat of the nocturnal melody. Bell stood at the precipice of the estate, caught in the magnetic pull of the scene unfolding, a prelude to the mysteries that awaited within the embrace of the Midnight Garden.

    The sound of the night was punctuated by the occasional rustle of leaves, the distant murmur of a fountain, and the soft sighs of a gentle breeze. Each moment seemed suspended in time, as if the universe itself held its breath, waiting for something extraordinary to unfold.

    As the moonlight continued its tender caress, it revealed the intricate details of the mansion''s architecture ¨C the ornate moldings, the sweeping staircases, and the subtle play of light and shadow in every corner. The grandeur of the setting mirrored the depth of emotions that lingered, unspoken, in the spaces between.

    At the carved oak door entryway, Bell hesitated. As he crossed the mansion''s threshold, a realm of elegance and opulence unveiled itself. Light fixtures adorned each window, their soft white glow casting a gentle illumination throughout the rooms. The play of light against the stained glass became a dance of colors, a kaleidoscope that heightened the magical ambiance of the Midnight Garden.

    Amidst this ambiance, Alfia''s voice broke the silence. "You had to choose someplace poetically, didn''t you?" she remarked with a sigh, her tone reflecting a mix of amusement and understanding as she gazed at the mansion across the street.

    Erebus smiled in response, a subtle acknowledgment of the poetic choice he had made for their new home. Meanwhile, Bell''s gaze shifted across the street to the Astraea Familia''s Stardust Garden, a contrast of white and silver flowers against the ruby and onyx hues of his newfound home. Bell couldn''t help smiling hearing his own words come back so easily after being told what he''d just seen again coming true. His smile grew even bigger thinking how surprised they would all be when they found out. Though Alise will probably get pout since she hadn''t seen him in a week now.

    "I should probably get them an Apology gift for making them worry. I will take some of the flowers from the garden." Bell

    His mother''s words echoed in his mind as he surveyed the opposing gardens of white and silver. "They are kind, but the world isn''t. It will snuff them out." Determination flickered in Bell''s eyes as he spoke, addressing his mother''s memory in his thoughts. "I won''t let that happen. I want to restore the lost hope. If they are the light, then I will be the darkness. I will fulfill your wish, Mama. I won''t let THEM claim Glory. I will be the one to complete the final task of Zeus and Hera."

    As his gaze returned to the mansion, Bell''s inner thoughts resonated with purpose. ''This is where my legend begins.'' The declaration hung in the air, a vow woven into the very fabric of the Midnight Garden, where shadows whispered secrets and the night held the promise of both challenge and triumph.

    <hr noshade="noshade" size="1">

    Astraea Familia Home (The girl''s and Astraea noticing that their new neighbors have finally moved in.)

    Alise immersed herself in the embrace of a well-worn novel, the soft creak of the sofa a gentle companion to the rustle of pages. The ambiance of her quiet reading oasis shifted abruptly when a flicker of movement danced across the street, drawing her attention away from the printed world. Lyra, ever vigilant, shattered the tranquil cocoon with her proclamation.

    "Hey everyone, it looks like our new neighbors have moved. I guess Goibniu finished earlier today," Lyra announced, her voice carrying a hint of excitement as she informed Kaguya and Alice, the trio now engaged in their own curiosity.

    ''Hmmmm...I wonder who would move there?'' Alise mused internally, her eyes narrowing as she observed the quartet of figures unfolding on the road, a tableau of mystery and anticipation.

    "GODDESS! Our new neighbors have moved in!" Kaguya''s cried and set the entire familia into motion.

    ''And here comes the stampede,'' Alise thought, a wry smile playing on her lips as the other members rushed into the room. The energy in the air crackled with curiosity.

    "Are they cute?! Can I go meet them?" Iska questions, a blend of eagerness and playful banter, hung in the air.

    "No, you''re a pervert!" Neze responded, her retort laced with teasing reproach.

    "I am not a pervert. I am an Amazon," Iska declared, her defense carrying a note of wounded pride.

    "You are a pervert even for an Amazon," Neze countered, their banter echoing through the room in a familiar rhythm.

    "You guys are loud! SHUT UP!" Kaguya''s authoritative voice sliced through the rising clamor, a command that reverberated through the hall and brought an abrupt hush.

    The sudden silence settled over the room like a heavy curtain, the only sound the collective intake of breath, a moment of suspended anticipation. Kaguya''s approving nod broke the stillness.

    "Good," she declared, her voice cutting through the silence.

    "Now, girls, I know you are excited, but it is late. We can welcome our new neighbors tomorrow," Goddess Astraea intervened, her words a soothing to the excited girls

    "YEAH!" The cheer that erupted from the familia reverberated through the hall, a harmonious crescendo that echoed the excitement of new beginnings. The atmosphere, charged with anticipation and the warmth of shared enthusiasm, marked the beginning of a chapter yet to be written.

    <hr noshade="noshade" size="1">

    Goddess Eris(Reaction to seeing the announcement of the Erebus familia.)

    As Goddess Eris walked through the deserted back streets of Orario, her mind was filled with questions and uncertainty. The sudden appearance of the Erebus Familia and their captain, Bell Cranel, had thrown a wrench into all carefully laid plans. Erebus was always so meticulous and calculated in his actions this weas an unprecedented deviation from the normal behavior for him.

    "This was not the plan, Erebus!" a woman''s angry voice demands.

    "What went wrong?"

    "We weren''t supposed to reveal ourselves for another year."

    "You were supposed to focus on Orario and I was supposed to manage the rest of the continent.

    "And who is the child? Bell Cranel"

    "When did we decide to involve a child in our plan?"

    Growling in frustration, I realize I''ll have to meet with Erebus sooner than expected.

    That means putting aside all my previous plans.

    I can''t believe everything has fallen apart in just one day.

    Why does it always have to be me?

    Hold on. He really didn''t seem like the type to flake out on a plan. After all he said he wanted to push the mortal realm forward in preparation for the Maquia. Maybe he found something more important? But what could be more important than our mission?

    As Eris arrived at the abandoned house where we usually held our meetings, but it was empty. No sign of Erebus or anyone else. As she prepared to search the house, hoping to find some clue that would provide more details about where they had gone and what had happened she spotted a letter on the tabnle.

    My dear fellow deity,

    I apologize for leaving you in such a sudden manner, but something has come up that requires my immediate attention. I cannot reveal much at this time but know that it is for the greater good. I am sure that you will have questions about what has changed. I will not trust details in a letter but sufficed to say I found something that turned everything on its head.

    You will be able to find where I resided once it is registered with the Guild. Or if you are impatient simply look for stardust. Please continue with our plan and trust that everything will work out in the end.

    Sincerely,

    A fellow deity

    Goddess Eris''s frustration turned into anger as she crumpled up the letter in her hand. How could he just leave without discussing it with me first? We were supposed to be partners in this mission! But then again...this sudden disappearance did seem out of character for him.

    As much as she hated to admit it, maybe there was something that necessitated a change of plans. Maybe he had found a way to make our mission even more successful.

    (Internal Monologue)

    Seriously look for stardust.

    GUAH, that can only mean one deity currently in Orario,

    SERIOUSLY Astraea, The Star Maiden, ick. That goody-two-shoes of a goddess is so annoying. Seriously all she ever talked about was:

    Justice this

    or

    Justice that

    Order and peace help the children

    blah blah blah.

    .

    Made me want to vomit

    .

    Seriously what a boring way to live.

    .

    Children are meant to fight.

    .

    They are meant to cause strife

    .

    Sow discord.

    .

    they are meant to yearn

    .

    to cause chaos

    .

    to desire

    .

    to lust.

    Mortal Children are meant to take from one another.

    They are meant to be covetous and greedy.

    They are meant to use anything at their disposal to achieve what they want.

    Having finished her rant, Eris let out a heavy sigh and decided to put her trust in Erebus and head over to the Midnight Garden soon. She now turns her thoughts to the implications of this change are.

    .

    So I now know Erebus now had a reason but why this child?

    How can they be the reason for all of this?

    I caught a glimpse, but I couldn''t get a good glimpse of their soul.

    It was as if something was blocking my divine intuition.

    There are very few things that have the power to do so.

    Ah, but that coat the child wears...it must be the key.

    Only Hera would possess such a rare and precious item.

    Then he must be related to Alfia somehow.

    Their hair is similar.

    Ahh¡­. Alfia''s supposedly dead nephew is not so dead.

    He has been living in the city by himself maybe. Or in hiding?

    So Alfia found this child and ditched the plan.

    Alright knowing what Zald has told me that makes sense.

    But why didn''t Zald and Erebus continue without her?

    Sure having both of them is better but even still just Zald would have lured Evilus out enough.

    Perhaps Erebus saw something in this child''s soul that precipitated a change in our plans.

    Alright that all makes more sense now.

    HPHM - still a royal pain in my ass though.

    Tekai damn it. This is a pain.

    <hr noshade="noshade" size="1">

    The Goddess Nyx, who is residing in a place of darkness.

    At forgotten temple long since lost to annals of history. A goddess sits upon the grass, gazing up at the starry night but moonless night.

    "I see so your plan has changed my love." A velvety seductive voice emerges from the shroud of a moonless night.

    "Let''s see what you are going to do now my darling. Now I wonder why you changed the plan."

    "Oh. My. I see. That mortal boy is the cause. He is quite adorable. He looks like a little bunny. He is certainly the nervous type though."

    "Oh. I see. Truly, a desire strong enough to manifest a skill like that. Even my powers could not foresee an event like that."

    "The endless potential of mortals is just so fascinating to watch."

    "Truly that mortal is special. Deities will wage unending wars for him if that skill becomes known. Wealth, money, power, women. Anything or anyone he desired would be his. Now will he be able to resist the temptations once he starts to attract attention? I truly wonder how he managed to avoid spotted by other deities."

    "Perhaps the other gods have really gone that blind? Consumed with their own arrogance? Pathetic. Zeus and Hera would have noticed him a second. Truly the quality of deities leading Orario has declined."

    "kufff kuff. I see he takes after little Zeusy. Makes me wonder what he would be like if he had been raised by Zeus."

    "Oh my little Alfia is going to need to learn to keep much calmer than that. I can already count the veins emerging. He obviously has that redhead. There will likely be many more in the future."

    "hehehe. Zard is already sighing from Alfia. Opps. Looks like he is going for the liquor. Oh MY. He went for the good stuff right off the bat. That is certainly one way to deal with her. Though given her temperament and Zard''s tolerance, he is going to need a Very Large bottle."

    "PFT¡­ Seriously my love picking the mansion right across from Astraea familia ... pfft¡­. That isn''t even the fox sneaking into the henhouse. That is like the fox building the henhouse. Little Alfia is going to have a hard time with this. I mean after what he said to that redhead. "

    "kufff¡­really me? Terrifying? I might be a little offended but my love has put me in a good mood so I will be gracious and overlook it."

    "I see there will be many obstacles on this boy''s path. So many petty and jealous deities. So many lustful deities thinking of nothing else other than their own satisfaction. So many opportunistic deities thinking of their own glory."

    "SO MANY ARTIFICAL HEROS. Thinking they can scheme their way to glory. Thinking that cunning and schemes can make a true hero. Those heroes are a dime a dozen and we gods are bored of them. Those heroes all fade to nothing in a generation or two. Only those that seize the title for themselves can be true heroes."

    .

    Only those who are willing to risk it all.

    .

    They are the ones that are remembered.

    .

    Albert Waldstein,

    .

    Celdia,

    .

    Evelda,

    .

    Fianna,

    .

    Yuri,

    .

    Galmus,

    .

    Feena,

    .

    And Finally

    .

    The Hero of the Dawn:

    .

    The Argonaut

    .

    All heroes, who threw themselves into the crucible of fire and battle.

    Even the first Braver, though he tried to scheme his way to being a hero when pushed the First Braver craved a path forward for the mortal realms with his final act. Those are the ones that shape the world.

    .

    "Now, will this boy be able to walk alongside them?

    .

    I wonder if that boy can keep his promise. What destiny have you woven for him my Moirai?

    .

    What thread have you spun for him my Clotho?

    .

    What trials will await the boy?

    .

    What triumphs will the boy have?

    .

    What tragedies will the boy have to persevere through?

    .

    What length of thread have you given him my Lachesis?

    .

    Will his life resemble a bright flash that soon flickers out?

    .

    Or will his life be that of a great fire that continues long into the night?

    .

    What ending have you chosen for him my Atropos?"

    .

    Will he weave a comedy?

    .

    Will his desire for herodom cause a tragedy?

    .

    Will he end up a forgotten hero like so many that have tried before?

    .

    OR will he weave a Myth that will cause the very heavens to tremble in awe?

    .

    Even more will this mortal follow the path you have set for him my Moria?

    .

    Or will his desire triumph over even the power of the fates themselves?"

    .

    This mortal may very well defy all our expectations.

    .

    Let us watch what this mortal is capable of.

    .

    .

    Let his Familia Myth Begin

    .

    Hehehe, to think the course of events would be turned on its head so quickly.

    .

    Truly the mortal realm is such a wonderfully unpredictable place.

    .

    Well, if my love has changed his plans then I will as well.

    .

    Now let''s see about getting some familia members.

    .

    I see.

    .

    So many mortals with So Much wasted potential.

    .

    Truly, I am disappointed with my fellow deities to let this much potential be wasted.

    .

    I will need to leave with Olivia soon.

    .

    Olivia Valedstorm.

    .

    She truly is the perfect first child for me.

    .

    She will be the captain of my Keras.

    .

    Now I must be going.

    .

    Wait for me, my love.

    .

    I will be by your side again soon.

    .

    As the goddess finished her thoughts she called out to the other inhabitant of the temple, who is practicing in the middle of the clearing.

    "Olivia my darling daughter, we will be leaving here soon. We will start packing tomorrow."

    "huh, we are? Why, Nyx?" The girl called a she stops her sword mid-swing.

    "Our plans have changed my darling. We will need to move get on the move sooner rather than later." Nyx responded. "My silly but lovable husband has found something interesting enough to change his intentions. So we will change ours."

    "oh. Okay. I was just about to finish up." Olivia said

    "Good, we will pack tomorrow and leave the day after that." Nyx said as she smiled at Olivia.

    "Okay." Olivia replied happily

    After Olvia finished training the duo quickly get to bed in preparation for their coming departure.

 Bells Stay At Stardust Garden

    Daedalus Street, the above-ground labyrinth, sprawled with shadows and secrets. Its narrow alleyways twisting and turning in unknown patterns, while the decaying facades of old buildings were left to rot where they stood. At the edge of this urban jungle, a lone civilian called out from down the street:

    "Hey, adventurers! You''re patrolling, right?"

    "Yeap, we were. I was Alise Lovell, Captain of the Astraea Familia. Was there a problem?" Alise''s fiery locks framed her determined expression as she responded.

    "Maybe. I could hear a kid crying if you walked by a house just around the corner," the civilian replied, his words heavy with worry.

    "Okay. Could you show us where it was?" Alise responded.

    The man guided them through the labyrinthine streets, each step fraught with anticipation. As they neared the source of distress, they strained their senses to the max. Daedalus Street loomed ominously, its tangled alleys a haven for Evilus.

    They stood before the door and could hear sobs from within. Ardee raised her hand and knocked.

    "Guild Patrol. Could you open the door?" Ardee''s voice rang out.

    The sobs faded, replaced by the shuffle of feet. The door creaked open, revealing a boy, with hair as white as snow and cheeks stained with tears, peered out from behind the threshold, eyes glistening with tears

    "What could I do for you, lady Adventurers?" the boy asked, his voice trembling with sorrow.

    "Could you tell us your name first?" Ardee inquired, her tone gentle yet probing.

    "I am Bell," the boy responded, his voice laden with melancholy.

    "Bell, could you tell us why you were crying?" Ardee''s words hung in the air, heavy with understanding.

    "Mom... just... passed... away," Bell replied, fresh tears streaming down his cheeks

    "Bell, is it alright if we come in?" Ardee asked, her empathy for the boy evident in her voice, mirrored by Alise''s silent concern.

    "Sure," Bell murmured softly, his voice barely audible amidst the weight of his sorrow.

    Both women entered cautiously, their eyes scanning the room, taking in the scene before them. Meteria lay still in her bed unmoving.

    Ardee moved towards the bed, her heart heavy with sympathy, and shook her head at Alise, a silent acknowledgment of what had happened.

    "Bell, is your father around, or is there someone that we can bring you to?" Alise''s voice was filled with warmth.

    "There... was no... one in Orario... I am... alone now," Bell responded, his words carrying the weight of his solitude, the emptiness echoing in the hollow of his voice.

    Both women flinched at the desolation in Bell''s tone, the stark reality of his situation cutting through their hearts.

    "No, you were not alone, Bell. I was going to take you to my familia. I was going to convince my goddess to let you stay at least for a few days," Alise declared.

    "Why would you do that?" Bell''s voice wavered; the concern etched in the furrow of his brow.

    "Because I refuse to leave you on your own," Alise''s tone was resolute, her eyes conveying a mixture of determination and care. "Our patrol is just about over. We''ll report to the Ganesha familia what happened. They''ll take care of your mom. And we''ll take care of you until we can find a more permanent solution."

    "Okay," Bell replied softly, a hint of relief in his voice.

    Alise and Ardee swiftly gathered Bell''s essentials. After locking the door behind them, they ventured into the main streets.

    "Alright. I''m going to report this to Shakti. We''ll take care of everything for you, Bell. I''ll stop by tomorrow morning to check in on you," Ardee''s words were punctuated with a reassuring nod.

    Bell offered a nod in acknowledgment, his gratitude unsaid but felt in the air. Alise and Ardee parted ways, their paths diverging with a promise to reconvene. Alise guided Bell back to Stardust Garden.

    Stardust Garden:

    In southwest Orario lay Stardust Garden, a haven of tranquility veiled in ethereal beauty. Its presence a combination of silver-touched foliage and white blossoms danced in harmony. Upon entering, a tapestry of silver and white awaited. The White Moonflowers greeted visitors with their nocturnal blooms. While Silver Birch trees stood sentinel, their slender forms reaching towards the heavens, their bark a tapestry of silver and white, echoing the luminous glow of the moon on a cloudless night. Their leaves rustled in the gentle breeze, serenading the weary traveler.

    As Bell and Alise approached the wrought-iron gates of the estate, a sense of anticipation hung heavy in the air, mingling with the fragrance of dew-kissed blossoms and the earthy scent of freshly turned soil. The gates, crafted with meticulous care and adorned with intricate flower patterns. Each twist and curl of the wrought iron told a story of craftsmanship and artistry, a testament to the skilled hands that had shaped them with love and reverence.

    The path, lined with Silver Dust Dusty Miller, unfurled like a silver ribbon beneath the feet of those who dared to tread its length. Each silvery leaf, delicate and lustrous, caught the light in a dance of shadows and reflections, guiding visitors with its silent whispers of welcome and wonder.

    As footsteps echoed upon the cobblestones, the air hummed with the promise of adventure, the faint rustle of leaves and the distant song of birds serving as a backdrop to the symphony of nature''s embrace. Along the path, clusters of White Moonflowers bloomed, their luminous petals unfurling like stars against the velvet sky, casting a spell of enchantment upon all who beheld their beauty.

    Among the tapestry, the White Rose stood. Each rose, a pristine symbol of purity and grace, exuded an aura of timeless elegance, casting a spell of serenity upon all who wandered amidst their midst. Their blossoms emitting a delicate calming fragrance for the residents and guests.

    In the distance, beyond the gates and the winding path lay Stardust Garden, itself. A haven of peace and tranquility amidst the chaos of the world. Here, the Silver Lace Vine cascaded like a waterfall of stardust, its delicate tendrils weaving a tapestry of dreams and desires, binding hearts in an eternal embrace. Amidst the blooms, a sense of peace permeated the air, as if time itself had paused to bask in the gentle embrace of nature''s embrace. As twilight descended and the stars cast their shimmering light upon the earth, Stardust Garden transformed into a realm of calm and serenity, where silver and white mingled in a dance of celestial beauty.

    It was to Stardust Garden that Alise had brought Bell. As they both approached the building, the air thrummed with a sense of anticipation, mingling with the fragrance of Silver Dust Dusty Miller and the gentle rustle of leaves in the evening breeze.

    As they neared the entrance, their arrival did not go unnoticed. Kaguya, a far-eastern woman with long black hair, greeted them with a purr of amusement, her eyes alight with mischief. "Ara, ara. Who''s this, Alise?" she purred, her gaze lingering on Bell. "He seems rather adorable. A candidate to be the Familia''s husband, perhaps? If so, I approve of your taste in men, if that is the case."

    Beside Kaguya stood Neze, a dark-skinned Beast Human woman, her expression a mixture of curiosity and amusement. "Alise, why did you bring a hume bunny boy home?" she inquired, her voice tinged with playful teasing. "I mean, he is rather cute, but boys are not allowed."

    Alise''s cheeks flushed with a mixture of embarrassment at their playful banter. "He''s not here to stay," she replied, her tone tinged with affection. "Neze, Kaguya. This is Bell and I want to take him in for a couple of nights. He doesn''t have anywhere else to go. His situation is... complicated."

    "Ah, this is like when you adopted Lyon. I trust your judgment of people, so I am sure he is fine," Neze remarked with a knowing smile

    "Hphm. Very well. I will enjoy having eye candy around for a few days. And if he''s under your care, then he''s under ours as well. I will make sure to take very good care of him," Kaguya replied, her gaze lingering on Bell with a playful glint in her eyes. Bell, feeling the weight of her scrutiny, gulped nervously and sought refuge behind Alise, peeking cautiously around her shoulder.

    "Pft. That''s cute," Neze chuckled

    "Thank you both. Kaguya, can you talk to any of the other girls here while I talk to the goddess about letting Bell stay here?" Alise''s voice, cutting through the playful banter.

    "Sure. Most of them won''t complain since you brought him in. Lyon will probably complain, but she is fussy about everything," Kaguya offered, her tone filled with amusement at the thought of Lyon''s inevitable objections.

    "Yeah. Lyon will be stubborn. Of course. We''ll make sure he''s comfortable for the night. But remember, no funny business, Kaguya," Neze interjected, her tone firm yet tinged with affection.

    "Who, me? It''s not my fault that little rabbit is so cute I just want to eat him up," Kaguya replied with a mischievous grin, her eyes twinkling with mischief as she licked her lips, eliciting a nervous chuckle from Bell, who pressed himself closer to Alise''s side.

    "I will convince Lyon if I have to. Come on Bell, time to meet to best goddess in world. I am sure she will love you," Alise declared, her eyes reflecting determination as she turned to Bell, whose gaze mirrored a mix of curiosity and apprehension. With a gentle tug, she led him forward, guiding him through the corridors of Stardust Garden.

    Bell blinked nervously, his heart pounding in his chest as Alise dragged him up the staircase, the sound of their footsteps echoing against the polished wood floors. With a hesitant hand, Alise knocked on the door, her knuckles rapping against the wood in a rhythm of uncertainty.

    "Yes? Please enter," came the gentle voice from within, its timbre soothing yet tinged with curiosity. Alise twisted the knob and stepped into the office, Bell trailing behind her.

    The sight of Lady Astraea, the Goddess of Justice, greeted them, her presence commanding yet gentle, her eyes alight with warmth and understanding. Bell''s breath caught in his throat, his gaze shifting nervously as he peeked out from behind Alise''s shoulders.

    "Alise, may I ask who this young man is?" Lady Astraea inquired, her smile kind as she regarded Bell, noting his timid demeanor with a gentle understanding.

    "This is Bell. Say hi, Bell. This is the best goddess in the world, Lady Astraea, the Goddess of Justice," Alise introduced, her voice steady yet tinged with affection.

    Bell''s reaction was immediate, his voice cracking with surprise as he blurted out, "What?! You are Lady Astraea?!"

    Lady Astraea''s laughter tinkled like wind chimes in the gentle breeze, her smile bright as she nodded in acknowledgment. "Hehe. Yes, I am the Goddess Astraea," she replied, her eyes twinkling with amusement at Bell''s flustered reaction.

    "It is an honor to meet you, Goddess Astraea. My apologies for my previously rude behavior," Bell responded with a deep bow, his demeanor suddenly formal and respectful, catching both Lady Astraea and Alise off guard.

    "There is no need to be that formal, Bell. Why did you change once you learned my name?" Lady Astraea inquired, her curiosity piqued, while Alise mirrored the same question in her eyes.Find this and other great novels on the author''s preferred platform. Support original creators!

    "So umh. Mom always said good things about you and your daughters. She said that you were a good goddess and that your daughters weren''t like other adventurers. She said that your girls were good and honorable," Bell confessed as fresh tears welled in his eyes.

    Astraea closed her eyes as she could sense the truth in Bell''s words. Turning to Alise for confirmation, she received the silent affirmation she sought as Alise''s mouthed the words: ''She died a few hours ago."

    Steadying her breath, Astraea composed herself, her voice steady as she addressed Alise. "It makes me happy that your mother thought so highly of my girls. Now, before we go on, Alise, why did you bring Bell here?"

    "Goddess Astraea, I would like to take Bell in for a few days at least. At least until we can find him a safe place to stay. I cannot just leave him to the streets," Alise responded, her voice tinged with determination and compassion.

    "Oh, Alise," Astraea began, but before she could finish, a knock on the door interrupted their conversation, and Kaguya entered the room.

    "Lady Astraea and Alise, I finished talking to the girls that are at home. They all have faith in Alise to judge someone''s character, and as long as she is responsible for him, they have no complaints. The only ones absent are Lyra and Lyon," Kaguya reported

    "I see. Kaguya, can you take care of Bell for a few minutes while I talk to Alise in private?" Astraea instructed, her tone gentle yet firm

    "Of course, Lady Astraea. Come on, Bell, let''s get you something to eat," Kaguya offered, her voice warm and reassuring as she guided Bell downstairs to the kitchen.

    Bell eyed Kaguya with a mixture of concern and wariness, but his heart was grateful for the kindness extended to him. And as he followed Kaguya down the stairs, he couldn''t help but feel a glimmer of hope amidst the darkness that had enveloped his world.

    In the kitchen of Stardust Garden.

    Kaguya swiftly pulled out a meal from the magic stone icebox, deft fingers working to prepare a simple yet nourishing meal for Bell, who sat quietly at the table. As Bell finished his meal, Kaguya took his plate with a gentle smile, her eyes betraying a sense of warmth and understanding.

    "Bell, why don''t you go into the living room? We can wait for the Captain and Goddess there," Kaguya suggested, her voice soft yet reassuring.

    "Okay," Bell replied, his voice subdued as he rose from the table and made his way to the living room, his footsteps echoing softly against the polished wood floors.

    As Bell departed, Kaguya''s began to count.

    5

    .

    4

    .

    3

    .

    2

    .

    1

    .

    "Intruder!" an enraged female voice yelled.

    "Ephm! Miss Kaguya, help!" A terrified voice pleaded

    "Predictable as always, Lyon," Kaguya thought, her senses sharpening as she sprang into action, rushing to the main hall with lightning speed. In the nick of time, she intercepted Lyon''s strike at Bell, her movements fluid and precise, her stance a testament to years of training and discipline.

    "What are you doing, you stupid elf?" Kaguya''s voice rang out, as she stared down Lyon, while thinking "Perfect reaction as always jumping to conclusion. Now I don''t have to worry about you objecting to Bell staying here. I don''t know what exactly happened, but Alise wouldn''t take in just anyone without reason."

    In the blink of an eye, the commotion drew the attention of the other girls, who came running to the scene, their expressions a mix of confusion and alarm. Among them stood Alise and Goddess Astraea, their eyes scanning the room.

    Alise''s voice cut through air; "Alright, Lyon, put down your weapon. Bell isn''t an intruder,"

    Lyon''s protested, her voice laced with skepticism "What do you mean, Alise? He is a man, and men aren''t allowed in Stardust Garden,"

    "Stupid elf," Kaguya interjected, her voice sharp with irritation as she retorted "Alise brought Bell back because he has nowhere else to go. We certainly can''t kick him out now that you practically tried to murder him. "

    Lyon''s expression grew to one of disbelief, as she protested, her voice indignant; "What! You can''t be serious about letting a man stay in a house full of women."

    Amid the exchange, Kaguya''s asserted: "Regardless of the seriousness of the idea, Lyon, it doesn''t change the fact that you assaulted an innocent person based on your assumptions. At the very least, you should apologize for that first."

    Alise responded "Kaguya is right, Lyon. You have a bad habit of jumping to conclusions. I brought Bell back because he has no one else to turn to right now. I couldn''t just leave him alone."

    Lyon lowered her weapon. As she relented, her voice tinged with resignation "Fine, but I will be watching him like a hawk."

    Alise nodded in acknowledgment as she spoke "Thank you, Lyon,"

    As the tension in the room began to dissipate, Bell stood silent amidst the turmoil.

    "Now, Bell, getting back to letting you stay at Stardust Garden," Astraea began, her tone measured yet compassionate. "I have only ever allowed girls into my familia, and men are typically not permitted into the residence. So, I need you to promise me that you won''t do anything inappropriate if I let you stay."

    "I promise, Lady Astraea," Bell replied, his voice steady with sincerity.

    "Very well, Bell. I will allow you to stay for a few days until we can think of a more permanent solution. Alise will be responsible for you," Astraea declared, her words carrying the weight of authority and compassion.

    "Yes!" Alise exclaimed with joy, pulling Bell into a tight embrace, her relief palpable in the air.

    As the night wore on, Ryu remained true to her word, watching Bell like a hawk. Bell, his nerves on edge, remained close to either Alise or Kaguya until it was time to retire for the evening.

    The Evening that Bell Stayed at Stardust Garden

    The room was cloaked in the soft glow of the moonlight, casting flickering shadows on the walls. Bell, with a hint of vulnerability in his eyes, gazed at Alise, his benefactor, who was meticulously arranging the bed for him.

    "Miss Lovell, why are you doing all of this for me?" Bell''s voice carried a note of genuine curiosity.

    Alise paused in her task, her hands briefly stilling as she met Bell''s gaze. "First, you can just call me Alise," she said her voice warm and comforting; "The reason is actually pretty simple. We are a lot alike. I lost my parents when I was younger, but there wasn''t anyone there for me. It took a while before I met Mother Astraea and finally had someone that looked after me. So when I came across you, it reminded me of myself, and I decided I couldn''t abandon you. That''s all."

    Bell, touched by the sincerity in Alise''s words, simply said, "Thank you, Miss Alise."

    "You are welcome, Bell. Now, get to sleep," Alise ordered, her directive softened by a tender smile. The atmosphere in the room shifted to a more comforting warmth.

    As Bell settled down on the bed, Alise''s watchful eyes followed him. She had insisted on him taking the bed, arguing that part of their agreement was to ensure he didn''t do anything inappropriate or try to sneak out of the room.

    Once Bell was nestled under the covers, he closed his eyes, and settled into a peaceful embrace of sleep. However, as the night wore on, Bell''s expression twisted into one of anguish as nightmares took hold of his slumber. Bell started to toss and turn, as he called out, "Mama."

    Alise, who had become used to sleeping in the Dungeon, noticed Bell''s distress immediately.

    "I see. He is having a nightmare," Alise murmured to herself, her eyes soft with concern as she observed Bell''s restless form. She pondered, her mind racing for a solution, until inspiration struck. "It can''t hurt."

    Alise shifted on the bed and curled up beside Bell. Gently, she began running her fingers through his hair, the touch meant to soothe the turmoil within him. The moonlight played upon their figures, casting a silver veil over the room and illuminating Alise''s face and hair.

    "You know, Bell, no one else gets this treatment, so you had better appreciate it," Alise remarked, her voice carrying a hint of playful teasing. Yet, as her words lingered in the air, she transitioned seamlessly into a calming melody.

    Life blooms like a flower

    In the moonlight or the sun

    Each petal tells a tale

    Of journeys just begun

    Lost in the winding roads

    Or dancing in the rain

    I''m waiting for the one

    To guide me home again

    Rain falls a thousand times

    You who once went by

    Where will you belong?

    I feel your sigh and breath

    In the whispers of the breeze

    Not yet the final chapter

    In this tale of memories

    In the echoes of your footsteps

    That linger in the night

    I''m searching for the path

    That leads me to your light

    Life blooms like a flower

    In the valleys and the hills

    Waiting for the one

    To mend the time it kills

    Time flows across the world

    There''s always a longer way to go

    But I''ll journey through the storms

    ''Til I reach your arms, I know

    A traveler on this road

    With a heart that beats for you

    In every mile, in every song

    There''s a promise to renew

    Rain falls a thousand times

    You who once went by

    Where will you belong?

    The story''s not yet ended

    As I''m walking through the unknown

    Life blooms like a flower

    And I''m finding my way home

    Alise continued her melody, her fingers threading through Bell''s hair until she realized that his rubellite eyes were wide open.

    "Oh, Bell, you''re awake?" Alise''s voice, normally composed, betrayed a hint of nervousness. The realization that she had been caught in the act of singing stirred a blush across her cheeks, painting them with embarrassment.

    "I''m really not good at singing. Don''t you think so too, Bell?" she stammered, her words tumbling out in a rush as she struggled to regain her composure.

    "I-I..." Bell''s attempt to respond was cut short as Alise, interjected with a self-deprecating comment.

    "It''s fine, I know it. No need to console me!" Alise managed a small smile, her gaze averted. She seemed to seek refuge from any potential judgment mirrored in Bell''s rubellite eyes.

    Bell, though momentarily caught off guard, gathered his thoughts, his rubellite eyes softened and he spoke, breaking the silence with sincerity, "No, Miss Alise, the reason I couldn''t answer was because I thought your voice was so beautiful it took my breath away. It was comforting and made me feel happy. Also, the moonlight is making you look even more beautiful than normal. You look even more beautiful than many of the goddess in Orario. "

    The words hung in the air, a confession that cut through the silence. Bell''s heart and mind raced as soon as those words left his mouth. Panic seized him, and internal screams echoed in his thoughts.

    "What am I saying!?" he berated himself, attempting to conjure an excuse before Alise misunderstood his intentions. The girls had entrusted him to behave, not to let any lines blur. Yet, here he was, offering compliments that could easily be interpreted as him flirting.

    In his internal chaos, Bell failed to notice the subtle transformation in Alise. Her cheeks, much like the vibrant hue of her hair, were now crimson. Caught in the unexpected moment, Alise found herself at a loss for words, her attempt to still her rapidly beating heart evident as she placed both hands in front of her chest.

    As she blushed profusely, Alise struggled to find her voice. She opened and closed her mouth several times before she finally managed to articulate her question, "R-really? You think my singing is beautiful?"

    "Y-yes. Your voice was lovely," Bell responded, his own voice tinged with nervousness as he gauged Alise''s reaction.

    Alise, though flustered, found a way to deflect the attention with a teasing smile. "Bell, you are such a flirt, but thank you for the compliment. It means a lot. I never, ever sing in front of other people. So, no telling anyone, okay?" With that, she playfully poked Bell on the cheek.

    "Ow¡­Okay, I promise," Bell responded, a flicker of relief in his rubellite eyes.

    "Good, now back to sleep," Alise instructed, and Bell dutifully complied, drifting back into the embrace of sleep.

    However, Alise, despite the outward assurance, found it challenging to calm down. "ARGHH! WHY AM I SO EMBARRASSED by his compliment!?" Her internal panic, hidden beneath a veneer of slight embarrassment, raged on. As she struggled to quell the turmoil within, Alise realized it would be a long time before her heart calmed enough to allow her sleep.

    The night unfolded with the room shrouded in moonlight, wearied by her incessant panic, Alise succumbed to the drowsiness and fell asleep right next to Bell.

    As the night wore on, Bell and Alise gradually moved closer to one another until Bell was cradled in Alise''s arms. For Bell it was as though he had found a feeling of warmth that was able to alleviate the cold ache in his heart. For Alise it was as though she sought to protect Bell from all the pain and sorrow, she herself had been through, to let him know that there was some there for him. It was a moment that granted both peace and comfort until morning.

    Next Morning:

    With the first rays of dawn streaming through the window, Bell stirred from his slumber, his senses awakening to the soft embrace enveloping him. He found himself held gently, his face nestled against something luxuriously soft. As consciousness gradually returned, he felt the tender caress of fingers running through his hair, accompanied by the soothing hum of a gentle melody.

    Opening his eyes, Bell gazed up to behold a pair of striking emerald eyes peering back at him. "Well, good morning, Mister. Look at you all comfortably just sleeping there on my chest. I bet you had a great rest." Alise greeted him with a teasing lilt in her voice, her gaze warm and playful as she held him close. Internally, however, a tumult of emotions raged within her:

    "Why? Why? Why?" Alise''s mind screamed in silent torment, grappling with the surreal intimacy of their current situation. "Why was I hugging Bell in my sleep? I literally had his face shoved into my chest! He''s going to think I''m a pervert. How did we even get into this position to begin with?! I can''t believe this! Keep up the act, Alise. Don''t let him see how embarrassed you are."

    "I AM"

    Bell, his face flushing a bright crimson, opened his mouth to speak, only to have Alise swiftly clamp her hands over his mouth, forestalling whatever protest he intended to voice.

    "Shhh, Bell, quietly," Alise admonished him, her voice a hushed whisper "You don''t want the other girls to hear you scream. Especially Lyon," she cautioned

    Bell''s blood ran cold at the mention of Ryu, his mind conjuring vivid images of the fierce retribution she would undoubtedly give out should she stumble upon them in such a compromising position. Minutes passed in tense silence, the air heavy with unspoken apologies and lingering discomfort. Finally, as the initial shock began to subside, Bell mustered the courage to break the silence that hung between them.

    "I am very sorry, Miss Alise," he murmured, his voice heavy with remorse as he cast his gaze downward, unable to meet her eyes.

    Alise took a deep breath, steadying herself before she addressed Bell. "It is okay, Bell. It was an accident. We are sharing a bed, after all. Now, we should probably get up and get ready. I will wait outside while you get changed," she reassured him, her voice calm and composed despite the lingering traces of embarrassment that colored her face.

    "Okay," Bell replied tentatively, his voice betraying a hint of uncertainty as he processed the events of the morning.

    "Good," Alise responded, rising from the bed and making her way to the door. Before she departed, however, she couldn''t resist a playful jab at Bell. "Now, Bell, I know this is your first time in a girl''s room, but no peeking in the drawers, okay?"

    "I would never," Bell protested, his cheeks flushing a deep crimson at the mere suggestion.

    "Hehe, I know, but you are fun to tease," Alise chuckled

    As Bell hastily changed and emerged from the room, he was greeted by Kaguya and Lyra, who ushered him downstairs to the kitchen for breakfast. The morning meal progressed without incident, the air filled with the comforting aroma of freshly cooked food and the soft murmur of conversation.

    As the girls departed for their patrols, Bell vowed to begin his search for his aunt as soon as the opportunity presented itself. Armed with what is mother had told him about his aunt''s favorite places, he set forth later that morning disappearing from Stardust Garden.

 Next Morning At midnight Garden

    Next Morning Outside Midnight Garden

    At the breakfast table, the morning light spilled through the ornate windows, casting a warm glow on the table Erebus, his sharp gaze fixed on Bell, leaned in, and spoke "So, Bell, what do you intend to do today?"

    Bell, fork pausing mid-air, considered Erebus''s question "I was thinking of bringing flowers to Alise and the others as an apology for causing them worry. And also, to inform them that we are now neighbors. Afterward, I might take a stroll around the city."

    "If you''re going round the city, I will go with you. I want to see what the city is like now," Zald said

    "Zald... I should..." Alfia began, but her words were cut short as Zald interjected;

    "Alfia, you should stay here and take care of the mansion. The city is probably going to annoy you. You prefer quiet, which is not something that you will find here," Zald suggested, his tone carrying a note of concern.

    After a moment''s hesitation, Alfia relented, her expression reflecting a mixture of resignation and agreement. "Fine. I agree," she conceded, "But next time, I will be taking Bell out to the city."

    Zald nodded in understanding "Sure."

    "Bell, if you are going into the city, could you deliver this letter to Demeter for me? It''s from her daughter in Tenkai," Erebus requested, extending a sealed letter to Bell.

    "Of course, I can handle that," Bell affirmed

    "I''m certain it will bring Demeter great joy to hear from her daughter," Erebus remarked

    After breakfast, Bell wasted no time orchestrating a set of bouquets as a gesture of apology. Bell curated each bouquet of flowers, plucking each specimen from the well-tended expanse of Midnight Garden''s front lawn. In the dining hall, Bell crafted a series of stunning floral arrangements. Black Beauty Gladiolus, with their sleek obsidian stems and velvety petals, stood tall and elegant. Surrounding them were Black Magic Roses, exuding an inky darkness and an alluring fragrance. Interspersed among them were Black Baccara Roses, deep and luxurious with hints of crimson. Together, these flowers created a captivating display, where beauty thrived with colors of light. One for each of the girls of the Astraea Familia, Lady Astraea, and one for Ardee as well since Bell was sure she had heard about his disappearance from Stardust Garden. Once he was done, Bell and Zald made their way onto the streets. Amidst the bustling streets, Bell''s eyes caught a familiar face when she spotted him as well.

    "There you are, Bell!" Ardee''s voice rang out as she ran over to him and dragged him into a tight hug

    Bell''s brows furrowed in surprise as he found himself ensnared in Ardee''s enthusiastic embrace: "What? Miss Ardee?"

    "Mwah. Remember, Bell, what did I tell you to call me?" Ardee''s playful reminder lingered in the air

    Bell''s face flushed crimson, his words stumbling out in an embarrassed revelation. "Big...Sis...Ardee..."

    Ardee''s laughter rang out; "haha. That''s it, Bell," she exclaimed, her eyes sparkling with affection. "Look, Big Sis Shakti, I found our adorable missing little brother."

    "Come on, Ardee. Let go of Bell; you''re suffocating him. And remember not to call me ''big sis'' in public," Shakti remarked sternly. "It''s good to see you too, Predator. Be sure to tell Silence I say hello."

    "Sorry," Ardee grinned sheepishly, releasing Bell from her embrace.

    Zald nodded in acknowledgment. "How have you been, Shakti?" he inquired, gesturing toward Ardee and Bell.

    "I am well," Shakti replied, a weary sigh escaping her lips. "Ardee loves hero stories, and it seems Bell shares her enthusiasm. They bonded over them when they found Bell."

    "HMPH. Alfia is in for another headache," Zald chuckled, envisioning the inevitable chaos.

    "Now, Bell, where have you been? You had us all worried," Ardee interjected "Alise told me she found you at the Guild, and that you''ve joined a new familia."

    "I had to find my aunt," Bell explained earnestly. "When I located her, she was with the God Erebus, so I decided to stay with her. We''ve been preparing to move to our new home. I was actually on my way to inform them that we''ll be neighbors."

    Ardee nodded as she spoke. "Well, it''s good to have you back, Bell," she said warmly, placing a reassuring hand on his shoulder. "We''ve missed you. I will go with you too. I want to see Alise and Lion."

    Ardee chimed in eagerly as the group made their way towards the main entrance of Stardust Garden.

    "Bell, I''ll wait out here; I want to chat with Shakti a bit," Zald said, to which Shakti nodded in understanding, and the two lingered outside while Bell and Ardee headed towards the door of Stardust Garden. There, they were greeted by the familiar faces of Alise and Lyra.

    "Yo. You had us worried there, Bell. Alise was practically frantic," Lyra teased lightly, though her face spoke of relief at Bell being found safe.

    "Maha, Lyra, you weren''t supposed to tell Bell that. What are you doing here so early? Did your familia find a new place to stay?" Alise inquired as she eyed Bell.

    "Well, we did in fact find a place. We moved in yesterday across the street. So, I figured I should come say hi to everyone and apologize for worrying them. I also brought you all these," Bell explained, presenting a bouquet of flowers, and stealing a shy glance at Alise.

    "Bell, you got us flowers?" Alise''s voice held a mixture of surprise and delight.

    "Uh, yeah. I picked them from Midnight Garden. Oh, um, I wasn''t expecting to run into Big Sis Ardee, but I, um, have flowers for you too," Bell added, handing a bouquet to Ardee, whose expression mirrored Alise''s astonishment.

    "Bell, you got me flowers?" Ardee''s voice was filled with incredulity

    "Uhm. Yeah. I know.." Bell''s explanation is cutoff by their combined shriek

    "BELL! THAT''S SO SWEET!" they exclaimed in unison and proceeded to drag him in an enthusiastic hug. The noise of their voices drew the attention of the other girls who rushed over at the sound of the commotion

    "Hey, everybody, Bell brought us all bouquets to apologize for worrying us," Lyra announced

    "That''s so cute!" echoed the voices of the Astrea familia girls as they enveloped Bell in a chorus of hugs and cheers. Kaguya, with a mischievous smirk, welcomed Bell into her embrace, causing him to gulp audibly as he found himself pressed against her ample bosom.

    Rustle.

    Woosh.

    "Umh, Miss Kaguya, why do I feel like my face is touching your skin?" Bell mumbled, his cheeks flushing crimson as Kaguya chuckled softly.

    "My silly boy, that''s because you are. How could I not reward such an adorable gesture with some skinship?" Kaguya teased playfully, relishing the embarrassment evident in Bell''s expression as she started running her fingers through his hair and pulling him even closer to her bosom. Bell''s heart pounded loudly as struggled to escape Kaguya''s embrace.

    However, the more Bell tried to escape the more erotic Kaguya''s moans became. The rest of the girls looked on varying degrees of awkwardness and some had started to sport blushes.

    "Kaguya, release Mr. Cranel this instant," Ryu demanded sternly,

    "Oh, our little elf is getting feisty," Kaguya teased with a sly grin as she looked down at Bell. Her eyes sparkled mischievously, and her tongue darted out to lick her lips. Bell''s heart raced and he could feel himself starting to sweat.

    "Make me Lion," Kaguya purred seductively, her voice sending shivers down his spine. "I happen to like having Bell right where he is." She leaned closer, her breath hot against his skin. "That and there are a couple of other places I would like Bell" she whispered in his ear, causing him to gulp nervously.

    Ryuu lunged forward; her arms outstretched in an attempt to free Bell, but Kaguya dodged it. This game of cat and mouse continues for a few minutes as both girls circle each other, their eyes locked in a silent battle of wills.

    Finally, Ryuu''s fingers managed to grab onto Bell''s arm, but as she began to pull him away, Kaguya let go and Bell tumbled towards Ryuu. Caught off guard, Ryuu attempted to catch Bell, only to be tripped by the mischievous grin of Alise.

    Bell is the first to get back up. "Uhm... I didn''t think the floor would be this soft," he mutters as he starts to brush himself off and places his hands on either side of himself for support.

    The exclamation of a muffled "EMPPH!," jolted Bell from his thoughts, causing him to freeze in place. His hands, instinctively placed on a set of voluptuous thighs, met the unexpected warmth of Ryuu''s thighs.

    As his eyes traveled upward, they locked onto Ryuu''s, whose face was a portrait of embarrassment. The crimson blush that adorned her face had swept from the delicate expanse of her neck to the very tips of her ears.

    "Cute." Bell remarked his words causing Ryuu''s blush to deepen.

    "WHAT ARE SAYING MR Cranel?" Ryuu shrieked

    Bell''s brain froze as he processed what he just said and his head creaked towards Alise, Lyra. and Kaguya, who have extraordinarily mischievous smiles on their faces.

    "I said that out loud?" he stammered, swallowing hard.

    "Yes, you did, my little rabbit. Quite the thing to say to such a sheltered Maiden as Ryuu. Trying to seduce our little elf, are we?" Kaguya teased

    "You know, Bell, you are lucky Lion would have broken most men''s arms by now just for trying to hold her hand. And yet here she is letting you feel up her thighs. Not to mention your face landed in her¡­" Alise''s teasing was interrupted by Astraea''s voice.

    "Enough teasing, you two" Astraea intervened, her tone gentle yet firm.

    "Of course Lady Astraea." Both Alise and Kaguya immediately stopped but continued to giggle to themselves.

    As Bell scrambled to his feet, Ryuu''s blush lingered, and Astraea stepped forward. "Oh, Bell, your hair is a mess. Come closer and let me fix it while you tell me what brings you here," she said, drawing him nearer and smoothing his disheveled appearance.

    "Good morning, Lady Astraea. It''s nice to see you again. I''m sorry I ran away, but I had to do something. I, um, am also sorry if I made you worry. I brought these flowers as an apology," Bell explained, presenting a larger bouquet that left Astraea momentarily shocked by its size and craftsmanship.

    "Bell, did you make this yourself?" Astraea asked

    "Oh, um, yes, I did," Bell replied sheepishly.

    "Where did you learn to do that?" Astraea inquired

    "Uh, some days when Mom''s illness was bad, I would find flowers and make a bouquet for her. She always said it made her feel better. At first I was really bad but Mom said they made her feel better so I kept making them until I started to improve. So I thought it would be a good apology for making you all worry," Bell explained

    "Aww," the girls cooed in unison, Alise''s enthusiasm bubbling over as she enveloped Bell in a hug, eliciting a muffled protest as Alise shouted "BELL you are TOO CUTE!"

    "Alright, Alise, that''s enough. Bell, come here for a second," Astraea interjected, guiding Bell closer and fussing over his appearance with a motherly touch.

    "Thank you," she murmured, as she took the floors and placed it on the table before gently. As she finished placing the flowers down, she turned back towards Bell and pulled him into a warm hug. As Astraea held him close, Bell''s face nestled against her heavenly bosom, a muffled "ehmp" escaped his lips, a mixture of surprise and comfort. His cheeks, tinged with a light shade of pink, betrayed his embarrassment.

    Meanwhile outside

    "So, Shakti, what is the city really like right now?" Zald inquired, his tone carrying a weight of concern.

    "It isn''t good, Zald. The Guild is barely holding the line against Evilus. They operate with impunity in most cases. We have functionally lost control of Dedalus Street. Evilus is running rampant there; no matter what we do, we can''t pin down where they are hiding. They come and go. We have lost a lot of adventurers trying to take the streets back, but they just disappear, and Dedalus Street is a maze," Shakti replied, her voice tinged with frustration.

    "Tck. I always hated having to go there," Zald muttered, but his thought was interrupted by a sudden exclamation.

    "EMP!" rang out a Bell, followed by an amused "That''s so cute!" from the Astraea Familia girls. Zald and Shakti turned their attention to the conversation at hand. Shakti sighed, a weary acknowledgment of the distractions that surrounded them, while Zald couldn''t help but chuckle at the sound of Bell being swarmed by the girls.

    "Welp, Alfia is going to have her hands full," Zald remarked with a smirk.

    "Yes, it seems so. You aren''t going to rescue him?" Shakti questioned.

    "Pft. Rescue him from what? Find me a single guy that wouldn''t want that much attention from all those pretty girls. Besides, Bell is a Son of Zeus; he can handle that many girls just fine," Zald chuckled

    "Is that how it works?" Shakti asked with a hint of skepticism.

    "It is. Besides, the kid has lofty goals; he is going to need to learn to deal with people all over him. Or trying to get something out of him. Those girls are probably the least harmful people he could be around. Though I am sure Alfia would disagree. I think her go-to phrase for them is "hyena". Plus, that redhead seems like the persistent sort," Zald explained with a smirk.

    "Haha. Yes, Alise certainly is that. So, what brought you back to Orario, Zald? I can''t imagine that you would suddenly return," Shakti inquired, curiosity lacing her words.

    "Ah, that. Erebus had a proposal, and we both agreed to it. Of course, that all went sideways once Alfia found out Bell was still alive," Zald responded with a wry smile.

    "Zald, I want you to know that not everyone approved of Loki and Freya''s actions. There were many that objected but were overruled by those that wanted entertainment," Shakti assured him.

    "Thanks for that, Shakti," Zald acknowledged gratefully.

    The two continued their conversation until Bell emerged from Stardust Garden looking worn out.

    "Okay. I delivered the flowers. We can go now," Bell announced wearily.

    "Rough for you in there, Bell?" Zald teased, with barely surpassed laughter.

    "You have no idea. Also, please don''t tell Auntie about this. I don''t even want to think about how she would react," Bell pleaded.

    "Pft. No doubt. Alright, now where to now, Bell?" Zald asked, as they walked out of the gates of Stardust Garden and spotted a blonde swordswoman being confronted by Alfia at the gates of Midnight Garden.

    Ais finding the location of the Erebus Familia (through Hermes. He is going to interfere a little)

    At the Guild building, Ais had become a persistent presence, her daily visits fueled by a singular purpose: to unearth information about the location of Erebus Familia. For a week now, her inquiries had yielded naught, met with stonewalled silence, and veiled warnings.

    "Excuse me." Ais called to a redheaded Werewolf receptionist

    "What can I help you with Miss Wallenstain" Rose responded, her tone bearing the weariness of countless similar encounters.

    "Has there been any update about the home of the Erebus Familia?" Ais questioned

    "There has not been any update. They have yet to register a familia home. Also given who their members are it is not worth it for me to tell you." Rose replied, her words laden with an unspoken warning.

    "Everyone keeps saying that but no one tells me why. What do you mean?" Ais pressed

    "That is not my place to tell you but sufficed to say that the members of the Erebus Familia do not hold the Loki familia in high regards." Rose responds "Now if you do not mind. There are others that need assistance. If you don''t need anything else, head back to your familia. Evilus has been active lately and you shouldn''t be out by yourself."

    "tch" Ais said as she walks gnawing her lip and as she hears a loud voice at another window

    "Ahh, I have finally returned after my long journey. Were you lonely without me. Sofi?" An orange-hair god with a feathered hat said to one of the receptionists

    "I didn''t even notice you were gone. I''d have been fine if you never came back honestly," the receptionist responded

    "Ahhh, yeah. I love it when a lovely elf gives me the cold shoulder. How''s about we go on a date now?" the god persisted, his insistent charm falling flat against the receptionist''s stoic demeanor.

    "I''ve got work to do here, and you are getting in the way, so if you could just go back to wherever you are from and never return, I would appreciate it." The receptionist responds

    As Ais is exiting the Guild, she heard a voice of the dandy god from earlier: "oh now, who is this? Loki''s favorite child? What is bothering you child?"

    "The Guild won''t give me the answers I want." Ais replies

    "Oh. And what is your question?" the Hermes asks

    "I want to locate Erebus familia." Ais responds

    "I see and as you are a child of Loki the Guild doesn''t want you going near them. Understandable. However, I am not the Guild and as such I will tell you. The Erebus Familia resides in southwestern Orario across from the home of the Astraea Familia. You know where they are correct?" Hermes responded

    "Yes, I do. I heard Riveria and Finna talking about once. I will find it. Thank you, Lord¡­?" Ais

    "Ah. It will be trouble for me if Loki finds out. So no need for you to know. Well, Off you go now." Hermes responded

    With a nod of understanding, Ais turned and swiftly departed, her footsteps echoing in the quiet recesses of Orario''s labyrinthine streets. As she vanished from sight, Hermes lingered, his thoughts swirling with anticipation and trepidation.

    After Ais is gone, Hermes speaks "Well I wonder what will happen? It would be interesting to watch but given Alfia''s disposition she is likely to assume I am guilty by default. Best stay away for today. I will pay a visit another day."

    Bell Meeting Ais

    "What do you want, blondie?" Alfia''s spoke as Bell and Zald approached, their eyes fixed on the swordswoman. Alfia continued to scrutinize every inch of the swordwoman as looking for something.

    "My name is Ais. I wanted to talk to Zald and Alfia," Ais responded calmly.

    "Why do you want to talk to them?" Bell interjected, his tone a blend of curiosity and caution at the woman that he had never meet before.

    "I heard they faced the black dragon." Ais replied

    Zald''s expression hardened as he studied Ais, noting the Trickster''s emblem on her sleeve. "And why would a runt like you be interested in the black dragon?"

    "I want to kill it," Ais declared.

    "Pft... A runt like you killing the OEBD. Now, that is a good joke," Zald scoffed and was about to continue but was interrupted by Alfia:

    "Very well, little girl. I will accept you as a student. Don''t think I will coddle you, though. I keep hearing about how you are Loki''s favorite, but that will not help you with me. I will not have you crying for any sort of mercy once we start," Alfia declared, her words eliciting shock from those present.

    Bell and Zald exchanged wide-eyed glances, taken aback by Alfia''s blunt acceptance. Ais''s mouth hung open in stunned silence, yet she quickly composed herself, nodding in agreement.

    "Good. Now, for the conditions of me training you. It will start in one week. It would be best if you kept this secret from Loki and the rest. We have a rather bad history, and they will likely try to stop you. Second, you will form a party with Bell and venture into the Dungeon together. You will also come here in the mornings. Do you accept those conditions?" Alfia laid out her terms with a stern gaze.

    "Yes, but why do we have to wait a week?" Ais inquired, her curiosity piqued.

    Alfia''s eyebrow twitched in response. "We have only just returned to the city and are still moving in. Besides, Bell still needs weapons and armor. You would have to be an idiot to go into the Dungeon without weapons or armor."

    "Oh, right. I will be back then," Ais acknowledged, turning to leave. Meanwhile little Ais is vowing to never let Alfia find out that she tried to do exactly that.

    "Well, this should be interesting," Alfia remarked as the trio made their way back into the manor.

    At the entrance of Midnight Garden

    As the trio crossed the threshold of the manor, Zald broke the silence. "So, Alfia, care to explain that? I figured you would have told her to scram. Or beat her down rather than offer to train her," he remarked, curiosity coloring his tone.

    "Simple. That is the girl of the Dungeon. The one Hera was obsessed with," Alfia disclosed, her words carrying a weight of certainty.

    Zald blinked in surprise before continuing, "Seriously, that is her? Are you sure?"

    "Of course. I am curious as to how Loki got her hands on her, but that is another matter," Alfia affirmed, her voice holding a note of intrigue.

    "Auntie, what do you mean ''girl of the Dungeon''?" Bell inquired, his youthful curiosity sparking.

    "That is something we will tell you about when you are both stronger and older. There is no need for you to worry about that now. You wouldn''t be able to do anything about it even if you did know," Alfia replied, her words carrying a hint of solemnity.

    "Fine." Bell conceded with a sigh, though a hint of frustration lingered at being kept in the dark.

    "So, is that the only reason?" Zald prodded, seeking further insight.

    "No. Being able to bully Loki''s favorite is also a plus," Alfia confessed, an evil grin tugged at her lips.

    Meanwhile, Zald couldn''t help but inwardly sigh, thinking, "Good grief."

    "I don''t like it. Why should we have anything to do with them? They are..." Bell''s voice rose, frustration bubbling to the surface.This story has been unlawfully obtained without the author''s consent. Report any appearances on Amazon.

    Alfia''s gaze bore into Bell, causing him to fall silent under her intense scrutiny.

    "Bell Cranel. Do you truly believe that you have more of a right to hate Loki and Freya more than we do? How far will you extend the blame for what happened?" Alfia''s questions hung heavy in the air. "To just Loki and the executives? To everyone in Loki and Freya familias, even those that know nothing? Or those that joined afterward? To the other deities that simply watched and could do nothing? If you extend it that far, then it includes Ganesha and your little friend Ardee. To those that arrived years later? To those who are ignorant of it? If you extend it that far, then it includes Astraea and all her little noisy hyenas. How many people do you intend to blame?"

    Alfia drove each point home, forcing Bell to confront his resentment with her stare. Bell took a moment, reigning in his anger before he spoke: "I will only blame those who gave the orders and those that carried them out. I will try to judge everyone else based on their own actions."

    Alfia nodded before she continued, "In that case, that girl is blameless. Given her circumstances she likely had no choice but to join Loki Familia. Now, back to the topic at hand. Yes, I accepted the training of the blondie. There are multiple reasons, the last one being, as much as I despise the notion, even with your skill, Loki and Freya Familia''s are likely going to be necessary in the fight against OEBD. Never forget, Bell, the dragon is the priority. Unless they take action against us first, we will simply have top tolerate their existence."

    "I understand, Auntie. I should not let my anger control me. I am sorry for losing my temper," Bell responded.

    Alfia''s face softens as she pulls Bell into a hug "I know it must have been hard for you. I am sorry for not having come back sooner. Your mother wouldn''t want her child to be driven by anger or hate."

    "I know." Bell responded

    "Good. Now, we will begin your instruction in the Dungeon this afternoon. You will start going into the Dungeon with that little girl in one week. As such, you will have to be knowledgeable enough about the Dungeon up to the point that you can compete with her. In addition, I will get one of the Astraea girls to accompany you. If either Zald or I accompany you, nothing will spawn and is will cause problems for everyone else," Alfia explained the plan.

    "Alfia, how do you plan on getting those Astraea girls to do that? Mind you, I think they would, but that is still a big favor to ask," Zald asked, not liking the smirk that had reemerged on Alfia''s face.

    "Simple. I will offer them the same training as that little girl of the Dungeon. ALSO GIVEN THE FACT THAT I CAN SMELL ALL THOSE HYENAS ON BELL. They WILL BE getting my personal attention whether they like it or not. Iff they are so insistent on getting close to Bell, I am going to personally beat them into shape to be worthy of being around him. I won''t tolerate any bottom feeders that latch onto him and drag him down." Alfia said, an evil grin surfacing again.

    "Auntie, what do mean you can smell them?'' Bell said as his heart started to hammer in his chest as he shivers at the sight of Alfia''s smile while Zald had started to edge away from Alfia

    "I mean I can smell about half a dozen different perfumes or cosmetics all over you Bell. Really did you think I would notice that you came back smelling like a fruit salad?" Alfia says as she glared at Bell who gulps in response. "Well, what happened?"

    "They were all just happy that I was okay. Plus they all loved the flowers so they just gave me a hug as a thank you. That is all." Bell said as he thought "Technically it isn''t a lie so Auntie shouldn''t be able to tell. Alise. Everyone. I am sorry for what is about to happen to you," Bell thought, praying that his friends would survive.

    "Girls, try not to die on us. Alfia is a tyrant," Zald thought

    "Well, now I have something to look forward to. Zald, I am sorry, but do you mind if I take Bell instead? I know we just agreed that it would be best for me to stay here, but now I have some things I need to attend to. I will be back in a few hours. I want to look for a smith for Bell," Alfia stated.

    "Fine. Since you have something, you want to do, I will stay here and guard the mansion," Zald replied as he decided it wasn''t worth arguing with Alfia.

    "Good. Now let''s get ready, Bell," Alfia instructed, and Bell nodded as they prepared to leave. Alfia left the entrance and when she returned she was carrying a set of two bulky bags over her shoulders.

    Hephaestus familia Main Shop/Forge Outside of Babel

    At the Hephaestus familia home, the echoes of hammers striking metal filled the air, mingling with the rich aroma of smelted iron that wafted from the forge. Alfia and Bell strode toward to where a woman with brown skin, long black hair cascading down her back, and one visible eye a striking red hue. As they approached the woman''s features broke into a wide grin at their approach.

    "Well, if it isn''t Alfia. I heard you were back, but I didn''t believe it. That rumor means Predator is with you too?" Tsubaki''s voice carried a hint of amusement.

    "Hmph. Yes, we are both back under a new god," Alfia replied with a hint of pride.

    "So, I heard you came back with a kid too? Don''t tell me you and Predator got busy while you were away?" Tsubaki''s teased.

    "ugh. Absolutely not. Zald is only a friend. Bell is my sister''s son. I only recently returned and found out he was still in Orario," Alfia clarified, her voice firm.

    "Uhm. Hi, Miss Tsubaki. It is nice to meet you," Bell greeted politely, his gaze respectfully averted from Tsubaki, who wore only a wrap around her chest.

    "Bell CRANEL. Where do you think you are looking?" Alfia''s voice cut through the air, her glare sharp.

    "I don''t know where to look. that is the problem," Bell muttered, earning a swift elbow to the ribs from Alfia, while Tsubaki erupted into laughter.

    "Haha, tell you what, let me cuddle with you, and we''ll call it even," Tsubaki teased when she realized where Bell had been averting his eyes from. Tsubaki started laughing all the harder when Alfia shot her a death glare.

    "It''s a joke. Anyway, nice to meet''cha. What can I do for you, Alfia?" Tsubaki redirected the conversation

    "I have business with Hephaestus," Alfia responded

    "Ah, well, you happen to be in luck. The boss is in right now. I am sure that she will be willing to see you. Follow me then," Tsubaki offered, leading the two toward Hephaestus''s office with practiced ease.

    "Goddess, you have a customer," Tsubaki announced as she rapped on the door of Hephaistos''s Office.

    Hephaestus, seated behind her desk amidst piles of familial paperwork, glanced up. "You can come in, Tsubaki. And a direct customer? That is rare. Who is it?" she inquired with a note of curiosity.

    "Good evening, Goddess of the Forge. I have come with a request only for you," Alfia declared as she entered.

    "Oh, a task only for me. Tsubaki, you can leave. This will be a private and direct contract," Hephaistos directed, her eye widening in surprise at a voice she hadn''t heard in nearly eight years.

    "Yes, ma''am," Tsubaki acknowledged before departing.

    "Well, well, it has been a long time, Silence. Apparently, I should listen to rumors. What brings you here?" Hephaistos greeted

    "My nephew. He wishes to be an adventurer," Alfia explained.

    "It is an honor to meet you, Lady Hephaistos," Bell interjected, offering a respectful bow, to which Hephaistos responded with a warm smile.

    "Well, aren''t you polite," she remarked.

    "I have come to you to have a weapon forged for him. I want only the best. I have heard that you can forge a weapon that grows with its user," Alfia stated

    Hephaistos''s eye narrowed. "And where did you hear that? I have never made a weapon like that."

    "Zeus informed me. I had the displeasure of his company repeatedly, and he once mentioned how you were the greatest smith that could forge a weapon beyond all others. One that would match its wielder and never needs to be replaced," Alfia explained.

    "That old man," Hephaistos muttered before facing Alfia. "Fine, I can do it, but it will be very expensive, and I will only make it this once."

    "No problem. I also have materials that Zard and I collected from the true Deep Zone before we left on the Three Great Quests. Not the little playground the Loki and Freya''s brats are in," Alfia added, placing the bulky bag on the desk.

    "AHHH. So Predator is back as well. I forgot how ridiculously strong the both of you are. Alright well I can use those materials if they are suitable. If you want to pay with materials, I would happy accept that. Or if you''re willing to bring me back materials. That works as well," Hephaistos remarked as she opened the bag and began sorting its contents.

    "Use this as the base plus anything else in the bag," Alfia instructed, placing a great horn from the bag and placing a vial of red liquid on the table.

    Hephaistos took a single look at the horn and froze. She could discern its quality immediately and spoke, "What is this?"

    "It is the horn of Leviathan," Alfia replied calmly.

    "THE LEVIATHAN?" Hephaistos exclaimed.

    "Was there another?" Alfia drawled.

    Bell''s head began to spin. "She was literally walking around with the drop item of a legendary monster."

    "This is incredible. I can''t wait to use this," Hephaistos exclaimed as her hands moved to the vial.

    "The vial, is it?" Hephaestus inquired.

    "Erebus''s blood. Zeus said that a living weapon has something akin to its own status and as such a vial of deities'' blood is needed," Alfia explained.

    "Damn that old man. Spilling all my secrets. What kind of weapon do you want forged?" Hephaestus ranted.

    "A sword. Bell uses a sword and daggers as his back-up weapons," Alfia stated.

    "Alright. The sword is going to be 300 million and I will forge a set of daggers for 25 million apiece. The sword will be the only one that is a living weapon though. The more he uses it the more it will grow as such having back up weapons be living weapon would be redundant." Hephaistos explained

    "Good also make sure that they can channel magic. Bell has magic already and as such it will be a crucial part of his arsenal." Alfia stated

    "Wait he has magic already? When did he get a falna" Hephaistos explained

    "I received a falna only a week or so ago, Lady Hephaistos" Bell said

    "Bell that is crazy. It is incredibly rare for a human to have magic let alone develop it as soon after receiving have a falna" Hephaistos countered

    "Hmpf. Of course he does. He is my nephew after all. He isn''t like all these other rift-raft that are content to be mediocre for their entire lives." Alfia said as she puffed out her chest in pride.

    "ahhhh. You know what. I am not even going to argue that point. Alright what kind of magic does he have? Depending on what it is certain materials will be better than others'' Hephaistos inquired

    "I trust this will be kept confidential, but he has the same magic as me." Alfia explained

    "Wait. Seriously? How is that even possible?" Hephaistos asked, as her eye widen in surprise.

    "That will be revealing Bell''s status. So simply be content with the fact he has the same short chant offensive magic that I do." Alfia responded

    "Right. Right. Sorry. I let my curiosity get the best of me. Now for the payment¡­." Hephaistos starts but Alfia interrupts.

    "Understandable. Here is the payment in full for each weapon," Alfia declared, tossing a set of valis certificates onto the desk, each certificate is guaranteed for 10 million valis EACH. Alfia has just placed 35 of them onto the desk.

    "AHHH. I should just stop being surprised now. Well, this should be fun. Loki and Freya can''t afford my best. So this is a real opportunity for me," Hephaistos remarked.

    "Of course, those brats can''t. The fact that they haven''t even caught up to us is pathetic. Hera would be crying in shame. Zeus would point and laugh at all those self-proclaimed ''heroes''. It has been 8 years. In addition, there is only a single level 6 adventurer. Absolutely pathetic. Useless weakling," Alfia ranted.

    "Ahhh. The fact that you would call Ottar useless and believe it is something else. Alright, this is going to take a few days of work. When do you need it by?" Hephaistos inquired.

    "Within a week. I need to educate Bell and give him the bare minimum of training before he is allowed into the Dungeon," Alfia responded.

    "Alright. Then I can do this. I will get started in a day or two once I clear my schedule. Sound good?" Hephaistos confirmed.

    "That is fine. If that is all, I will be taking my leave," Alfia said as she moved towards the door.

    "Yeah, you are fine. I was just thinking. Bell, I will take your measurements now so that I can start preparing," Hephaistos said.

    "Sure," Bell agreed as Hephaistos began taking his measurements.

    "Okay. That should be good. I can start with this," Hephaistos concluded.

    "Sure. Send word when you are ready to start," Alfia replied as she and Bell walked out the door.

    Hephaistos immediately set to work clearing her schedule in anticipation of the coming project.

    Wheat Manor (Demeter Familia Home. I don''t know if this is the official name or not but I got it from another fanfiction)

    After departing from Hephaistos''s office, Bell and Alfia made their way towards the Demeter Familia home just outside Orario. Despite the rule of adventurers not leaving Orario, a single glare from Alfia was enough to silence the guards once Bell explained that they were delivering a letter to Lady Demeter. Along the main road to Wheat Manor, vast rows of crops stretched before them, a testament to the bounty provided by the Demeter Familia. As they neared the grand manor, a set of familiar faces emerged to greet them.

    "Hey, Bell. What are you doing out here?" Alise inquired, while Ryu offered a nod of recognition.

    Bell replied; "Oh, um, I have a letter for Lady Demeter from her daughter. Lord Erebus requested that I to deliver it. What brings you out here?"

    Alfia, standing nearby, regarded the girls with a glare, who took it in stride.

    "We''re patrolling," Alise explained "Demeter Familia provides the bulk of the city''s food, so protecting their fields is important."

    "That makes sense," he replied

    A woman with blonde hair and the attire of a farmer approached. "Hello, Alise and Ryu. It is good to see you again. And how can I help you two? I am Persephone, captain of the Demeter Familia," she introduced herself as she looked towards Bell and Alfia.

    "I am Bell, Captain of the Erebus Familia. Before he descended, Lord Erebus was asked to deliver a letter to Lady Demeter from her daughter. I was sent to deliver it on behalf of Lord Erebus," Bell explained.

    "I see. Well, this way then. I am sure Lady Demeter would love to read the letter. Alise and Ryu, you can both come along. I am sure Lady Demeter would love to see you as well," Persephone invited warmly.

    Guided by Persephone, the group entered one of the meeting rooms. Several minutes later, Demeter herself made her appearance.

    "It is good to see you again, Alise and Ryu. It is good to see that you are alive, Alfia," Demeter greeted warmly. "Now, I was told that you have a letter for me, Bell."

    "Yes, Lady Demeter," Bell responded as he handed the letter to Demeter, who read it with a warm smile spreading across her face.

    "Bell, could you come here for a second?" Demeter beckoned, motioning for him to join her side.

    "Sure, Lady Demeter," Bell replied as he stepped over to her.

    "Thank you so much!" Demeter exclaimed, pulling Bell into a tight embrace. "You have no idea how much this means to me."

    Bell attempted to speak, but his words were muffled by Demeter''s suffocating hug. In the midst of Demeter''s hug, her bosom pressed against his face, cutting off his ability to breathe.

    Boing.

    Boing.

    Boing.

    Double Boing.

    "Lady Demeter, Bell can''t breathe like that," Persephone interjected, trying to rescue Bell from his predicament Demeter continued to hug Bell tightly.

    Alise couldn''t help but giggle at the situation, Ryu''s eyes glazed over as she watched Demeter''s bosom bounce up and down. While, Alfia''s eyebrows twitched with irritation.

    "Oh. Sorry. They always get in the way," Demeter apologized as she released Bell, allowing him to draw air back into his lungs. Though she still held him in a loose embrace, his head pressed against her chest while she absentmindedly petting his head. "Sorry about that. I just got so excited that I couldn''t contain myself."

    "Okay. But uhm, Lady Demeter, why are you petting my head?" Bell inquired; his confusion evident.

    "Oh, uhm, you just looked so much like an adorable little bunny that I can''t help myself. Do you like carrots by any chance?" Demeter explained with a sheepish smile as she ruffled Bell''s hair.

    "Yes, I like carrots¡­" Bell responded as he heaved a tired sigh, glancing at the magic stone clock and he realized it was just before noon.

    "Pft," Alise giggled, while Ryu muttered words of optimism for the future about growing up. Though Alfia remained silent, one of her eyebrows arched up, disappearing into her bangs.

    "Well, thank you for delivering the letter. It made me very happy. I will make sure to send you a bunch of fresh food along with some baked goods. You can expect them tomorrow morning. I will make sure they are right out of the oven for you. Normally I would love to stay and chat, but I have work to do. We are about to start planting the first crops for spring" Demeter announced as she released Bell from her hold.

    "Of course, Lady Demeter. It was a pleasure to meet you," Bell responded politely.

    As they departed from the manor, Alfia spoke first; "Alise Lovell, I have a proposition for you and your Goddess."

    "Sure, what is it?" Alise responded cautiously; her curiosity piqued by Alfia''s proposal.

    "I would like to have one of you girls accompany Bell when he ventures into the Dungeon. If either Zald or I were to accompany him it would stunt his growth. In exchange, I will personally train all of you. I trust I need not elaborate on the benefits of training under either myself or Zald," Alfia explained

    "Hmm. I will talk to Lady Astraea and the rest of the girls," Alise replied, considering the proposal carefully.

    "Good. Bell''s first trip will be in a week. I need to get him weapons and ensure that he is properly educated" Alfia concluded

    "Okay. I will let you know our decision once I''ve spoken with them, but I anticipate they will agree," Alise assured.

    "Excellent. That settles everything. Bell, is there anything else you want to do?" Alfia inquired, turning her attention to Bell.

    "No, I can look around the city as we make our way home," Bell responded, his tone eager to explore.

    "See you later, Alise and Ryu," Bell bid his farewells as they parted ways.

    "Bye, Bell. See you soon," Alise chimed in, while Ryu offered a simple, "Good day, Mister Cranel."

    With their goodbyes exchanged, Bell and Alfia left Wheat Manor, making their way back to the Midnight Garden to commence Bell''s training and education about the Dungeon.

    Eris''s Arrival at Midnight Garden:

    As night cloaked the Midnight Garden, a cloaked figure emerged from the shadows, opened the gate, and walked across the front garden of the mansion. As Eris opened the gate, she murmured to herself; "Well, time to find out what happened to the plan,"

    As Eris approached the mansion, the door opened to Zald

    "Looks like I''m expected," Eris thought, "Yo, Zald, what happened?" she called out as she spotted Zald holding the door ajar, awaiting her arrival.

    "hahaha. You are better off talking to Erebus and Bell," Zald replied

    "Hmph. What a pain. I hope this kid is worth it," Eris muttered under her breath as Zald led her inside, guiding her to a living room where Erebus and Bell awaited her.

    Alfia stood nearby, engrossed in lecturing Bell about the intricacies of the Dungeon, while Erebus lounged in an armchair by the fireplace, a hint of amusement dancing in his eyes. Under Alfia''s guidance, Bell had spent the afternoon memorizing details up to the second floor.

    Eris strode into the living room, she announced "I''m here for some answers."

    Her eyes locked onto Erebus as she shed her cloak. Her form emerged, a stunning vision of ethereal beauty wrapped in deepest crimson, adorned with accents of gold that caught the flickering light. With cascading waves of raven black hair framing her features, Eris surveyed the room, her emerald eyes shining with a mischievous spark as they settled-on Erebus and Bell. As she took in the scene before her, Eris''s lips curved into a devious smirk.

    "Bell, we''ll stop for now, but remember everything we''ve covered, even the extra material," Alfia commanded before turning her attention to Eris''s arrival.

    "Gulp. Sure," Bell replied nervously while thinking "AUNTIE we just started on the 3rd floor. I am going to die before I even get to the Dungeon."

    Bell''s thoughts betrayed his anxiety about Alfia''s rigorous training.

    "Bell, were you thinking something rude just now?" Alfia questioned sharply as her gaze fixed on him.

    "Nope. Not at all, Auntie," Bell responded quickly, sweat starting to bead on his forehead under her intense scrutiny.

    "Ahh, I see we have a Mama Bear in full swing," Eris commented, earning a sharp glare from Alfia.

    "So, I guess I''ll start. What happened to the plan?" Eris demanded, her eyes narrowing as she turned to Erebus.

    "Hahahaha. It fell apart," Erebus chuckled in response to Eris''s inquiry.

    "No kidding. I figured that out when you made your flashy entrance at the Guild. I meant more like why it fell apart. I''m assuming the kid has something to do with it," Eris retorted, her gaze shifting to Bell, sizing him up.

    "That happened because Alfia found Bell, and I formed the familia in response to Bell''s resolve and will," Erebus explained.

    "Alright, so pretty much as I figured. Now, Erebus, I must ask. Is this kid worth it? Don''t get me wrong, he''s cute, and I can certainly think of a few uses for him when he''s older and if stays this cute, but can he actually do what needs to be done?" Eris questioned, her eyes still fixed on Bell, causing him to fidget uncomfortably under her scrutiny.

    "Ah, rest assured about Bell''s desire. He will be capable of meeting the challenges ahead. Bell''s initial status shocked even Alfia and Zald," Erebus chuckled, his gaze flickered towards Alfia, who seemed to bristle with irritation, and Zald, who merely sighed at Alfia.

    "Is that true?" Eris inquired, her curiosity piqued.

    "Yes, Bell''s status would be considered the cream of the crop, even among Zeus and Hera familia''s," Zald affirmed

    "Well, now that would make it worth abandoning the plan. Zald and Alfia, I want your opinion. Do you honestly believe Bell has what it will take to fulfill our goal?" Eris asked, her eyes narrowing as she awaited their response.

    Zald and Alfia exchanged a meaningful glance before Alfia spoke up, her voice tinged with uncertainty. "I don''t know."

    A heavy silence settled over the room, before Zald added, "It is impossible to know. But then it is impossible to know if the original plan would have worked either. The only thing I can say is that Bell''s status is far beyond anything that I know of, even for the Zeus and Hera familias when we challenged the Three Great Quests."

    "Very well. I have one more question that will serve as a test for Bell only," Eris declared, her tone decisive.

    "Fine. How can I help you, Goddess Eris?" Bell responded, his voice steady despite the weight of the impending inquiry.

    Eris fixed her gaze on Bell, scrutinizing his every action; "Bell, imagine you see a carriage hurtling out of control. Ahead, there are five people who are about to be hit as they are unable to move. You have the power to that will divert the carriage onto another path, but there''s a single person that will be hit if you divert the carriage. What fate would you choose?"

    "To answer your question Goddess Eris. I would choose neither and impose my own. I will not allow anyone to dictate what my life will be. I will carve my own path. This is my familia myth and I will be the one to write it. No one else." As Bell spoke his voice was steady and resolute as he maintains eye contact with Eris.

    "HAHAHAHAH" Eris starts to laugh manically.

    After she has managed to regain her composure, she goes over to where Bell is sitting and pulls Bell''s face close to hers. Eris''s eyes glimmered in amusement, as ran them over Bell, who had started to fidget at Eris''s gaze. Eris used one of her fingers to trace Bell''s lips before she speaks;

    "Oh. You are a wonderful child. I think I might be falling in love for the first time ever. Truly, that is the most wonderful answer I could hope for. You are going to cause so much strife and discord in the future with that attitude. If only I had met you first, what I wouldn''t have given to have made you mine. If only you were a few years older, then I would have so much fun with you."

    As Eris continued her breathing started becoming heavier and her eyes took on an aroused look as she eyed Bell, who has gulped audibly.

    "Alright, that is enough of that," Alfia interjected sharply. "I have shown MORE THAN ENOUGH patience with all these women throwing themselves at Bell. The next woman that makes a move on Bell will be thoroughly punished by me. Death will be a preferable option form what I will devise for them."

    Eris''s smile immediately vanished, replaced by beads of sweat on her forehead. At Alfia''s threat, Eris immediately let go of Bell.

    "Hehehe. It was a joke, Alfia. You know me. I am the Goddess of Strife and Discord. It is in my nature to stir up trouble. I can''t help it. Bell''s attitude made me a little too excited, that''s all. I don''t actually want to do anything to him, I promise." Eris rushes to diffuse Alfia''s rage before she experiences this ''punishment'' firsthand.

    "Hmph. Next time consider who you are stirring up trouble with," Alfia retorted, her face containing visible rage. Eris meanwhile has frozen in fear.

    "Okay. Moving on. So Eris, Bell is the reason that we have abandoned the plan. Suffice to say that Bell''s status upends everything," Erebus explained.

    "You say that but what exactly is so Genkai-shattering about it? Come on, can''t you give me something?" Eris pressed for more information.

    "Normally I would say no as that is a taboo; however, given our objectives, I will state only this. It is an unprecedented growth skill that influences not only Bell''s abilities but also THOSE AROUND Him," Erebus revealed.

    "Hold the fuck up. So you are telling me that this kid has a skill that will accelerate other people''s growth in addition to his own," Eris questioned, her mind racing with the implications.

    "Yes, but that is all I will say," Erebus replied.

    "You said more than enough," Eris remarked, stunned. "EREBUS, that is a fucking broken as shit skill."

    "Hahahahahaha. That was my first reaction as well. And just think, that wasn''t Bell''s only skill." Erebus chuckled.

    "Ah. Well, in that case, I understand abandoning the plan. However, the city will not move forward quickly enough if we leave everything to a single kid. So, I am going to continue my role. This is probably going to be the last time we see each other. I will say that I wish you luck, even if we will be on opposite sides," Eris said solemnly.

    "Goddess Eris," Bell spoke up, his voice clear and firm.

    "Sup, Bell?" Eris halted, her gaze fixed on Bell as he met her eyes with determination.

    "I will be the Last Hero. I won''t let anyone, or anything stand in my way. I will show them all what it means to be a real hero. Not an artificial hero. Nor a brute for a goddess''s selfish desires. I WILL surpass them all. So I will stop whatever you plan for the future." Bell declared firmly, his resolve shining through his words.

    "Hahaha. You really are something, Bell. I can''t wait to see what you do. I will be watching, either here or in Tenkai if I get sent back up. But rest assured, I will be watching to see if you can really craft that familia myth or not," Eris replied, her tone carrying a hint of amusement and intrigue. "Erebus, Zald, Alfia, wish you the best, and no hard feelings if I win, alright?"

    "Hmph. Loki and Freya may be useless, but I will not be," Alfia interjected with a steely resolve of her own.

    "Hmph. Even half-dead, I can deal with these weaklings," Zald added, his voice tinged with confidence.

    "Best of luck, Eris. Let us both prepare the mortal realm for the Maqia as best we can," Erebus offered his well wishes, a sense of duty underlining his words.

    Eris waved as she departed, leaving the room to return to the streets of Orario.

    "Well, that went as well as I expected," Erebus remarked, his tone reflecting a mix of resignation and anticipation.

    "Hmph. That goddess needs to learn a lesson or two in picking her fights more carefully," Alfia commented with a hint of disapproval.

    "haha. That is just her nature. She always seeks to cause trouble either directly or indirectly with everyone." Erebus said as he chuckled.

    "So, what should we do now?" Bell inquired, his curiosity palpable.

    "We will resume your education on the Dungeon. Hmph. Making a declaration like that in my presence, I am not going to let you off easy. I will show you just how high the bar is for what you want to be," Alfia stated firmly,

    "Hahahaha. Sure thing, Auntie. I will do my best," Bell responded, a sense of trepidation creeping into his voice.

    "Well, that is all we can do for now. Eris isn''t typically one for direct conflict, so I expect that she will work more in the shadows to stir up tension and then simply let things play out. Orario is likely to suffer greatly in the future. She is likely to target support structures first such caverns, traders, farmers, industries. She is likely to try to wear down the adventurers through harassment and sneak attacks." Erebus mused. "I will start looking for new familia members, as I expect that we will need them before long."

    "Good, but you should make sure either Zald or I are with you. Loki might take an opportunity to act if you are alone," Alfia advised.

    "Sure thing. I would like to enjoy Genkai a little more anyways," Erebus replied

    With the departure of the Goddess Eris, the night wore on until everyone withdrew to their own rooms, each burdened with the weight of their own thoughts and preparations for the challenges ahead.

    Goddess Eris after she had returned to her house.

    As she prepared a bath for herself, Eris thought over the day''s events. The water begins to run as she fills the tube. She begins to speak to herself as she organizes her thoughts.

    "Alright. So far it is pretty much like I thought. Alfia found bell and abandoned the plan."

    After the bath is filled, Eris removes her clothes and gets in the water showcasing the divine body of a goddess on full display. A set of wide hips, a curvaceous body, and a set of large breasts are revealed. As Eris sinks herself into the bath, she continues to run through the day''s events;

    "Erebus saw something in Bell before he abandoned the plan, gave Bell his falna, and formed an official familia."

    As Eris continued to think, she began to scrub herself with a wash clothe starting at her feet.

    "The result of Bell getting a falna was an unprecedented growth skill that impacts not only Bell but those around him. Plus some other kind of skill. Given that he is both related to and will betrained by Alfia, he is probably going to take after her talent wise. So magic is on the table as well. I mean even if he doesn''t Alfia is going to whip him into shape whether he likes it or not."

    As Eris continues this train of thought, she begins to scrub her lower legs.

    "Basded on what Erebus was saying, Bell''s skill is desire based. So, his desire to be the Last Hero and then to usurp Loki and Freya Familias. That much is obvious. Based on Bell''s age and the timing, he might have the vaguest memories of what Alfia and Zald told me about. Or his mother told him as a warning to never trust them."

    As Eris remembers back to that event, she moves to scrub the rest of her body.

    "Truly, I don''t doubt their sincerity about wanting to prepare the mortal realm for both the dragon and the Maqia. Currently Orario is far too weak to deal with either. I just can''t help thinking they should want revenge but every time I have asked, they have denied it. Since you cannot lie to a deity it must be the truth, but I still can''t help but wonder. Truly they must be selfless if they are willing to propel the likes of Loki and Freya forward. I am the Goddess of strife but even I think what those two deities did was low."

    "Now, Bell, that is a child I want." Eris says as she moves her hands to inner thighs "Such a strong will and the desire to not let anyone get in. Truly he is going to cause so much trouble."

    As Eris continues to think about what Bell said to her, she begins to pout.

    "Mhph, why did Erebus have to be the one to find him? A child like Bell would have been perfect for me. Not to mention as my captain I would have been the closest to him and in a few years if he was still as cute there is SO MUCH, I would have done with him." Eris bemoans the fact that Erebus found Bell before she did.

    .

    "muah. Genkai is so unfair. What I wouldn''t have given to have found Bell first."

    .

    "To say all of the things to a Goddess like me who presides of strife. You really know how to appeal to a Goddess. I have never felt this way about a boy before. Ngh. I can stop thinking about what you are going to do. Truly I believe you will live a life that is the embodiment of strife. I really want to watch to grow so much Bell." Eris''s voice had become throatier and more sensual as she has thought about Bell what had said.

    .

    "Nhg. This is no good. I can''t obsess over a single boy like and besides he really is too young for what I want. I just can''t get over what he said. It just appealed to me too much and my domain too much. huff. I will just have to wait till he is older and see if he stays this cute. No more weird thoughts for now."

    As Eris returned to the task at hand, she resumed washing herself.

    "Well, I guess this is just the hand I was dealt. I will just have to keep an eye on Bell for the time being."

    After finishing her bath, Eris proceeds to exit the bath and clothe herself. After which, she jumps on the bed and begins to think towards the future;

    "Now given everything, I know I will need to start preparing obstacles for all these would be heroes. Bell and those around are going to need to be challenged. That is the only way for children for children to grow. Only by overcoming themselves and their weakness can children grow. However without Zald or Alfia, I can''t lead a frontal assault. Plus that REALLY isn''t my style to begin with. It will probably be necessary in the future. First, I need to take stock of everything Evilus has in the works now. Then I suppose I should try to find this Melty person for the future."

    So the Goddess of Strife began her plots and schemes for the future of Orario.

 Chapter 4 Part 1: Demeter Food Delivery

    A knock reverberated on the manor¡¯s door, prompting Bell''s gaze to shift from the book in his hand A knock reverberated on the manor¡¯s door, prompting Bell''s gaze to shift from the book in his hand towards the front door. Peering out the window, he recognized the silhouette of Persephone, the same figure he had encountered just yesterday. Curiosity piqued, Bell hastened his steps towards the entrance, swinging the door open to greet her.

    "Hi Miss Persephone, what can I do for you?" Bell inquired

    Persephone met his gaze with a gentle smile, her eyes twinkling with an unspoken message. "Ah, Lady Demeter sent me with her thank you gift," she explained, gesturing towards the wagon stationed before the manor.

    A flicker of amusement crossed Bell''s features as he surveyed the contents of the wagon, his eyes widening at the sight. "Uhm. Sure, thank you for delivering it, all. You can set it down in the kitchen," he offered, stepping aside to make way for the procession of Demeter Familia members bustling with activity.

    The air hummed with a sense of camaraderie as the members of the Demeter Familia diligently unloaded the wagon''s bounty. Bell watched in awe as crates of food and freshly baked goods flooded into the kitchen, a fragrant wave of familiar scents wafting towards him.

    "Uhm. Please thank Lady Demeter for helping me. She really didn¡¯t have to go through all the trouble. This looks like a lot," Bell expressed his gratitude, as multiple Demeter familia members begin to stream by with crates of food and baked goods.

    As Demeter familia delivered the goods a familiar scent reaches Bell¡¯s nose:

    Carrots.

    "Uhm. Well, Lady Demeter insisted on making it as a thank you gift. did almost all of these personally with only a little help from us. We only really watched them when they cooked. Apparently, the letter you delivered meant more than she let on and speaking of letters, I have one for you from Lady Demeter," Persephone explained, extending a delicate hand holding a sealed letter towards Bell:

    Dear Bell,

    First, I wanted to thank you for the letter you brought. I know I said this already, but it truly meant the world to me. I haven¡¯t been able to see my daughter since I descended. So, I have been missing her terribly after all these centuries. So once again thank you. Now, I don¡¯t know what you like, other than carrots, so I made a variety of things. Plus, since you look like such an adorable bunny, I thought a carrot theme would be best. I made two varieties, a sweet and then savory option in case you don¡¯t like sweets. I know that you are living with Zald, Alfia, and Erebus so I made enough that you won¡¯t have to share unless you want to. Here is a list of what I made:

    ? 4 Layer Carrot Cake (Each layer 12¡± by 24¡±) X 16.

    ? Carrot Muffins X 60.

    ? Carrot Bread X 24.

    ? Carrot Cookies X 40.

    ? Carrot Scones X 40.

    ? Carrot Cupcakes X 40.

    ? Carrot and Walnut Loaf Bread X 40.

    ? Carrot and Raisin Bread Pudding (Pan size: 12¡± by 24¡±) X 16.

    ? Carrot and Zucchini Cake Bars X 80.

    ? Carrot and Cheese Biscuits X 40.

    I made plenty of snacks for you to take when you get hungry in the Dungeon. I made sure that everything would be very filling and nutritious. I hope that you can enjoy them at your leisure. I look forward to seeing you again.

    With warmest regards, DemeterHelp support creative writers by finding and reading their stories on the original site.

    P.S. In case I made too much, please feel free to share some of them. I may have gotten carried away, but I wanted to make sure to properly thank you.

    Bell''s eyes widened almost comically as he continued to peruse the extensive list of baked goods Demeter had prepared for him. Meanwhile, the members of the Demeter familia, having completed their task of unloading the wagon, began to filter past Bell as he remained engrossed in the letter. The sound of their footsteps drew the attention of the others.

    "Bell, what¡¯s all this from the Demeter familia?" Zald inquired, his curiosity piqued as he and the rest of the group approached.

    Without a word, Bell handed the letter to Zald, his expression a mixture of disbelief and gratitude. Zald''s initial response was a burst of laughter, the sound echoing through the room as he absorbed the contents of the letter. Passing it to Alfia and Erebus, Zald''s laughter subsided into a warm chuckle, contrasting with Alfia''s barely perceptible eyebrow twitch and Erebus''s lighthearted amusement.

    "Well, we are done here, so I will be leaving you now," Persephone announced

    The group migrated to the kitchen, where the bounty of Demeter''s generosity lay spread out upon the table. A veritable mountain of food towered above them, each dish a testament to Demeter''s skill and kindness. The mountain of food stood as tall as Zald, casting a shadow over the group.

    "We are never going to get through all of this before it spoils. I think we should share it," Bell suggested, a note of concern lacing his words.

    "Oh. And who do you think we should share it with, Bell?" Alfia interrogated him, her gaze daring him to mention them.

    Bell swallowed nervously, feeling the weight of Alfia''s scrutiny. "I think Ardee, Alise, and the rest of them would be best," he replied, his voice tinged with uncertainty.

    "Tch. Of course, it is those hyenas," Alfia muttered, her gaze drifting towards Stardust Garden with a mixture of disdain and resignation. "However, you are right. It would be shameful to let this food go to waste. Lady Demeter obviously went through a great deal of trouble to make all of these personally for us. She is also one of the very few good deities in this cesspool of a city."

    "Alright, I will bring it over to them after we sort it all," Bell agreed

    The freshly baked goodies were swiftly split into two distinct stacks. Bell walked over to the Astraea Familia home and tapped on the door, greeted by the familiar face of Neze.

    "Hey Bell, what''s going on? And why do you smell like baked goods? You smell delicious." Neze asked with excitement, her nose twitching and tail wagging eagerly.

    "Oh, Lady Demeter made a ton of desserts for my familia as a thank-you for delivering a letter from her daughter still living in Tenkai. She made too much, so I wanted to share it with you all. Could I get your help bringing it over?" Bell explained.

    Neze''s mischievous grin widened as she leaned in, her eyes sparkling with amusement. "Oh, yeah, Alise mentioned that you nearly died by boobs," she remarked with a playful tone. "That also explains why Lion looked so distraught and was muttering to herself when she came back about hope for the future."

    Bell felt a flush of embarrassment color his cheeks at the mention of his embarrassing incident.

    Neze chuckled and gently ruffled Bell''s hair, her hand lingering on his soft strands. "Bell, you are really too adorable," she teased, her voice laced with affection. "I heard Lady Demeter called you a little bunny." Bell couldn''t help but feel bashful under Neze''s teasing and he gave a shy nod in confirmation.

    "Yes, she did," he admitted, his voice tinged with bashfulness.

    A mischievous glint danced in Neze''s eyes as she giggled, her fingers playfully ruffling Bell''s hair. "Better watch out if you keep looking this adorable, Bell. There is no telling how many women will want to snatch you up, especially animal girls. They will see you and pounce before you know it. Just be careful not to get tricked by any evil women, okay?" Her laughter filled the air as she finally stopped her teasing.

    "Thank you for the warning, Miss Neze. I''ll be sure to watch out. But why specifically animal girls?" Bell asked, his cheeks still flushed from both her words and her touch. He couldn''t help but stare at her with a mixture of curiosity and confusion.

    Neze leaned in close, her warm breath tickling Bell''s ear as she explained. "You see, animal people are deeply connected to their primal instincts. So, when a cat girl, fox girl," she paused teasingly, a sly grin spreading across her lips, "or a werewolf girl catches sight of such a cute little bunny like you, their instincts tell them to pounce and gobble him up."

    With a playful growl, Neze ran her tongue slowly over her lips, her eyes sparkling with mischief as Bell''s cheeks flushed with embarrassment. He couldn''t bring himself to meet her gaze as he squirmed under the weight of her gaze.

    Unable to contain her amusement any longer, Neze burst into laughter. Her whole body shook as she clutched her sides "I am, sorry, Bell," she gasped out between fits of giggles. "But you just make the funniest faces when you''re embarrassed. I couldn''t resist teasing you a little."

    Her laughter echoed through the air. Only when she finally released Bell, did she catch her breath, allowing him a moment to compose himself before he spoke. Despite the lingering flush on his cheeks, his voice remained steady and composed. "I will keep that in mind for the future," he assured her, his voice steady despite the lingering flush of embarrassment on his cheeks.

    Neze''s voice carried through the manor as she called out to her friends Noin, Iska, and Ryana. Three figures descended from the upper floor, their expressions brightening at the sight of Bell and the baked goods he brought for them all.

    "Hey there, Bell. You''re still as adorable as always," Iska greeted him warmly, pulling him into a tight embrace.

    "Hi, Bell. How are you?" Ryana inquired.

    "How has it been settling into your new house?" Noin added.

    "Thank you, Miss..." Bell began to respond before being playfully interrupted by Iska''s protest.

    "What did I tell you to call me?" Iska interjected with a pout.

    "Iska," Bell corrected himself with a sheepish grin.

    "Good. Now what is this about baked goods?" Iska prompted

    After Bell explained the situation, the girls eagerly volunteered to help Bell transport the treats from Midnight Garden to their own home. With their assistance, the process was swift and efficient as they expressed their gratitude and excitement for the savory delights that awaited them.

 Chapter 4 Part 2: Training Day 1

    At the back of the Midnight Garden, there was a training field that had been cleared and sectioned for different training regimes. Currently, the only person on the field was Alfia, watching her nephew Bell with a stern expression.

    ¡°Bell, listen up,¡± she said firmly. ¡°I am not going to coddle you in training. Given your vow and my experience, I understand exactly how far you have to go to accomplish it. There will be no mercy during training. I am only going to hold back enough to kill you. I will try not break any of your bones, but that is all. This will be your last chance to give up your vow. What do you say?¡± While Alfia¡¯s gaze was severe and cold, in contrast to the turmoil her heart.

    Alfia''s worst nightmare was her nephew wanting to become an adventurer. Her last desire and the reason she originally joined Erebus was to raise new heroes who would defeat the OEBD so that Bell would be safe. For Bell to have taken up the sword and swear to fight the dragon felt as if fate was personally mocking her.

    ¡°I am sorry Auntie Alfia, but I refuse. I will fulfill my vow,¡± Bell says as he stares into Alfia¡¯s eyes without backing down in the face of her glare. Alfia sighs at the look in Bell¡¯s eyes.

    ¡°I knew it was futile. Very well. Let us begin.¡± Alfia said

    And so the Hell of training begins.

    ¡°You are open here.¡± Alfia said as she delivered a swift strike to Bell''s left side. The force of her blow knocked him back, a causing a sharp pain radiate through his ribs.

    "You''re exposed here," she remarked coolly as she struck his right side .

    Bell gritted his teeth as he tried to regain his footing, but before he could fully recover, another strike from Alfia landed on his right side with a resounding crack. He stumbled, struggling to maintain his balance and defend himself.

    "Your stance is off," Alfia pointed out, her tone still calm and collected despite the intensity of their training session. The smell of sweat and exertion lingered in the air as they continued to spar.

    Bell gasped for air as Alfia''s fist slams into his leg with brutal force, causing him to stumble and nearly fall.

    "You must learn to anticipate and dodge all attacks, even the unexpected, " she orders, ¡°Gospel¡±

    In an instant, Alfia unleashes her magic upon Bell, sending him hurtling backwards and colliding with the unforgiving walls that enclose their training grounds. Pain shot through his body like fire, but he forced himself to stand, determined to prove himself worthy of his vow.

    The sun had barely risen when Alfia began Bell''s training, and it lasted well into the late afternoon. The physical portion finally came to an end, and they shifted to intellectual training.

    "Remember, Bell," Alfia''s voice was firm and unwavering, "a nimble mind is one of the greatest weapons an adventurer can possess. The Dungeon will try to wear you down slowly, only revealing its true fangs when you are exhausted and vulnerable. That is why we will drill strategies, floor plans, monster strengths and weaknesses into you until they are second nature. I refuse to let my nephew become a muscle-bound brute like so many other adventurers out there. You will receive a well-rounded education in addition to the standard Dungeon curriculum."

    She paused for a moment before continuing, her tone becoming more serious. "We will start by having you memorize the first 10 floors of the Dungeon and the major events in Genkai over the last thousand years. As you progress, we will continue to expand your knowledge. I am determined to pass on every bit of my expertise to you."

    For the next week, Bell was put through rigorous training in both combat and various other topics relevant to adventuring. By the time he was ready to enter the Dungeon, he had absorbed all of Alfia''s knowledge about its first 10 floors and much of Genkai''s history. Alfia constantly quizzed and grilled him on topics that they had covered and when she found him wanting, she administered a remedial education lesson. It was not uncommon to find him collapsed from either mental or physical exhaustion, a testament to the severity of Alfia¡¯s education.

    Hermes Visit (midway through the week of training)

    The god of Travelers and Asfi approached the Midnight Garden, greeted by Zald''s familiar presence.

    "Hello, Zald," Hermes said with a warm grin. "Good to see you and Alfia again. Are the others free? I would like to catch up with Erebus."

    "Ahh, Lord Hermes," Zald replied with a nod. "Alfia and Bell are out back training. I will take you there and then find Lord Erebus."

    As Zald leads Hermes to the backyard. As they approach Bell is sent flying through the air landing in front of the wall unconscious in a heap.

    Hermes chuckled lightly. "Ahhhh. I see Alfia hasn¡¯t changed."

    If you come across this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it.

    "Mhph. Did he really expect her to?" Zald scoffed, his tone tinged with amusement at the thought of Alfia changing.

    "Not really, but one never knows with mortals. They can change so quickly," Hermes mused before plastering on a smile and striding towards the duo. "Hello, my dear Alfia, you look as radiant¡­"

    "Gospel," Alfia chanted, her voice slicing through the air. The rock, mere feet away from where Hermes and Asfi stood, disintegrated into nothingness. Hermes''s heart lurched with fear at Alfia''s magic, while Asfi''s eyes widened in disbelief at the sight of such potent short-chant magic

    Alfia''s gaze bore into the duo, her eyes glaring at them enough to send shivers down their spines. "You are being noisy and perverted. I will not allow you to corrupt my adorable nephew."

    Alfia¡¯s glare promised much greater violence if he were to try anything. Hermes swallowed hard, the sound echoing loudly in the tense atmosphere. Beads of sweat formed on his forehead as he struggled to find words to placate Alfia.

    "Haha. Sorry about that," he mumbled, his voice trembling slightly. "Crap, she''s got an even shorter fuse now. And she''s overprotective, too. Didn''t expect her to be such a Mama Bear."

    "Sigh. Alfia, you probably want to give Bell a potion since you knocked him out again. Besides, Lord Hermes wants to see Erebus," Zald remarked with a weary tone, his footsteps echoing as he made his way into the manor in search of Erebus.

    "Tch. So long as he behaves himself, I will allow it," Alfia replied curtly, her focus shifting to the unconscious Bell. With practiced ease, she produced a potion from her clothes and administered it to him. Almost immediately, Bell stirred, his eyes fluttering open.

    "Ouch," he groaned softly, blinking up at Alfia.

    "Bell, we have guests. It is Lord Hermes and¡­" Alfia began, as she pointed to the woman who was accompanying Hermas, Asfi, who had finally regained her composure, spoke

    "I am the Vice-Captain of the Hermes familia, Asfi Al Andromeda. Please, call me Asfi," she introduced herself with a nod

    "I am Bell Cranel, Captain of the Erebus Familia. Nice to meet you. Please call me Bell," Bell responded, extending his hand in greeting. Asfi reciprocated the gesture.

    "Hermes, good to see you again. I believe it has been several centuries since we last saw each other," Erebus greeted warmly as he arrived. "Let¡¯s have a seat and chat."

    "An excellent idea. I would love to hear about what you have been up to," Hermes began, his curiosity piqued and with a nod, Hermes followed Erebus''s lead as they settled at a table set up in one of the neighboring gardens.

    "Ahh, nothing much in Tenkai, same old, same old. When I descended, I happened to find Zald and Alfia. I was planning to make my introduction to Orario a little later, but then we stumbled upon Bell, who aspired to be an adventurer, so we brought the announcement forward a bit. But enough about me, I''m much more interested in hearing how you''ve been," Erebus replied, his gaze curious.

    "I see. That is interesting. I have been well; my familia is wonderful and filled with great children. I am curious, though, why is Bell the captain? I would have expected Zald or Alfia to hold that position, given their levels," Hermes inquired, his brow furrowing with curiosity.

    "Ha. Absolutely not. Too much paperwork for me," Zald scoffed at the notion.

    "Absolutely not. I won¡¯t be returning to the Dungeon anytime soon," Alfia chimed in.

    "And that is how Bell became the captain. We decided that, given their preferences, it would be best if Bell took charge of the Familia, as he is likely to be the one leading us in the Dungeon," Erebus explained.

    "Makes sense. Do you happen to remember me, Bell? I saw you a few times when I had something to deliver to Hera and your mom," Hermes inquired, his tone friendly and nostalgic.

    "I remember a little bit, mostly your hat and..." Bell began, his voice trailing off as fragments of memory flashed in his mind. The image of Hermes''s distinctive hat, adorned with a single feather, stirred something within him, though the memories remained hazy and elusive.

    Flashback start

    "This way, Meteria. We have to move quickly," a formerly flippant voice urged, its tone now urgent and determined.

    ¡­

    BOOM.

    ¡­

    "Damn. We are cut off," another voice muttered, frustration evident in its tone.

    ¡­

    "Right this way now," came the response.

    ¡­

    "We will hold them here. Go on from here. We will buy you as much time as we can," a female voice declared, her words ringing with a sense of duty as approaching heavy footsteps echoed through the passage, drawing nearer with each passing moment.

    ¡­

    "We made it out. Quickly, to a safe house," someone exclaimed, relief evident in their voice as they hurried away to seek refuge.

    ¡­

    Flashback ends (all will be revealed in time. I promise.)

    "You helping mama escape," Bell finished after a moment''s pause, his voice tinged with gratitude.

    Hermes paused, his expression turned solemn, and closed his eyes briefly. "I only wish I could have done more. It truly is a disgrace what happened."

    "I understand, Lord Hermes, and I thank you for your help in the past. Now, I have a mission for you if Lord Erebus agrees to it," Bell stated

    "Well, let¡¯s hear it. I am sure it will be good," Erebus responded, his demeanor calm yet attentive.

    "I can¡¯t make any promises, but I will help if I can," Hermes added

    "I want you to continue the quest to find a cure for Alfia¡¯s illness and Zald¡¯s poisoning from Behemoth," Bell declared

    Hermes responded carefully "There is no guarantee of a cure. Hera started looking as soon as she brought Meteria and Alfia in. She had no success, though we certainly did not cover everywhere. It will be a very difficult task. Given the state of the city, I can typically only spare a few children. I will look, but this will take a while."

    Hermas paused before he continued, his tone measured. ¡°As for Zald, the Behemoth was one of the Three Great Quests. I doubt there is anything that will be naturally occurring that will surpass that. The most likely success would be to gather up healing herbs and items and start the research from scratch. It will be a labor-intensive tedious, and very time-consuming process. I would recommend talking to Miach and Dain Chent Familia,"

    "I understand. I will make sure to pay them a visit soon. I was not expecting this to be easy. I also want you to look into anything that might delay the progression of their respective ailments," Bell continued

    "If you are looking for a treatment, when we were at the elf village in the Dedine, there was a plant that grew there in spite of the Behemoth¡¯s poison. It was helpful in alleviating the symptoms," Zald offered.

    "And for me, while it is not a cure, a branch of a Sacred Elven Tree helps to both alleviate the symptoms and slow its progression. The older the scared tree the greater the effect." Alfia added

    "Welp, that is where I will start then. If we can at least slow the progression of both of your diseases, then that will be helpful to the city," Hermes concluded, his gaze shifting between them.

    "Thank you, Lord Hermes," Bell said with a respectful bow.

    ¡°Think nothing of it, Bell. It is the least I can do.¡± Hermes replied

    As the gods continued their conversation, Bell returned to training with Alfia.

 Chapter 4 Part 3: Dungeon Exploration (1 week after training began)

    The morning light filtering through the windows cast gentle shadows across the dinning room where everyone had just finished breakfast. Erebus leaned forward; his eyes fixed on Bell with a curious intensity.

    "Alright, Bell, how about a status update?" Erebus began, his voice calm yet expectant. "We''ve held off because we wanted to see what would happen with your skill."

    "Great idea. I can''t wait," he exclaimed as his eyes brightened with enthusiasm

    "Alright, Bell, turn around and take off your shirt," Erebus instructed. There was a sense of purpose in his words, a determination to assess Bell''s progress and potential.

    Bell Cranell

    [I didn¡¯t want to rewrite the entire status again, so I just included skill and magic names and one line.]

    Human

    Age 13

    Lvl 1

    Strength: I-0 -> I-40

    Endurance: I-0 -> H-125

    Dexterity: I-0 -> I-50

    Agility: I-0 -> I-75

    Magic: I-0 -> I-60

    Magic

    [Satanas Version] (Inherited)

    Skills:

    [Realis Phrase-Crystallization of Desires]

    As long as owner has a strong desire and goal, he will grow stronger according to his desires. Skill automatically applied to those the user has an affinity for. (Does not have to be romantic affinity.

    Copy (Inherited)

    Allows its user to replicate the movements and actions the user has observed once.

    [Inheritance of Talent]

    User has monstrous talent and will surpassing the Incarnation of Talent herself.

    "Damn" collectively muttered the three adults as they stared at the status sheets, a mix of disbelief and astonishment clouding their expressions. Meanwhile, Bell''s face lit up with unbridled excitement at the growth he had witnessed on the sheet.

    "This would normally take several months of growth," Zald remarked, his tone tinged with a hint of astonishment.

    "Then the answer is Realis Phrase, correct?" Erebus questioned, his gaze flicking between the others as he sought confirmation.

    "It has to be. Even with Alfia¡¯s training regime, this amount of growth is not possible any other way," Zald affirmed, his eyes drawn to the fact that Bell¡¯s highest stat was his endurance.

    "Bell, you must absolutely never tell anyone about this skill. It is even more potent than we thought. Gods will absolutely wage war for a skill like this. Zald and I can handle ourselves, but if either you or Erebus get taken, we won¡¯t be able to do much," Alfia instructed, her voice conveying the seriousness of the matter.

    "Okay, I understand. How long before you think I can level up at this rate?" Bell inquired, his voice tinged with a mix of eagerness and apprehension.

    "If you were to level up as soon as possible, I would say no more than two months. And that is being generous. You might accomplish in weeks what takes most years to achieve. However, the first level up is the most important as it affects the quality of the rest of your level ups. In addition, your skill might let you break past the S rank limit. So at a minimum, we need to confirm whether that is possible for you at all. Once we have done that, we can make a plan," Alfia explained, her tone measured and thoughtful.

    "Okay, I understand," Bell replied, his gaze drifting out the window where a bob of blonde hair caught his attention. "Oh, it looks like the girl from Loki Familia is here. I will go greet her."

    With that, he made his way towards the Midnight Garden to welcome his visitor.

    Ais¡¯s Arrival At Midnight Garden:

    Ais paced back and forth in front of the Midnight Garden, her footsteps echoing softly against the cobblestones as she wrestled with their inner turmoil. Mini-Ais, a personification of their thoughts and anxieties, mirrored her actions, pulling at their hair in a gesture of nervous tension. Ais grappled with the weight of her decision, torn between entering the garden or waiting for someone to come out.

    ¡°What if I am supposed to go in?¡±

    .

    ¡°But this is their home it would be rude to barge in.¡±

    .

    ¡°If I offend them, they might stop teaching me.¡±

    .

    ¡°I cannot let that happen.¡±

    .

    ¡°I have to get strong.¡±

    .

    ¡°I have to save mama.¡±

    .

    Her mind churned with questions and doubts, each one a knot in the fabric of her resolve. How could she make a good impression? Would Alfia agree to continue teaching her? The prospect of rejection loomed over her thoughts, urging caution and hesitancy.

    Despite her inner turmoil, Ais maintained a neutral outward appearance as she grappled with the weight of her decision. She hadn''t confided in anyone in her familia about her upcoming meeting with Alfia and Zald, fearing interference that could sabotage her desires. Alone with her thoughts, she awaited the approaching footsteps with a mixture of anticipation and apprehension.

    As she looked up, she recognized the white-haired boy from before. "Bunny," mini-Ais thought with a hint of amusement, momentarily distracted from her fretting.

    "Hello, Miss Wallenstein," Bell greeted her coolly,

    Mini-Ais''s anxiety resurfaced when a light went off above her head, signaling a potential opportunity or revelation.

    "Ais," she replied, her voice steady despite the fretting of Mini-Ais.

    "I am sorry, what?" Bell asked, confusion flickering across his features.

    "Call me Ais; everyone does," she clarified

    "Alright, Ais. It is then. You can call me Bell. Our training grounds are around the back," Bell stated, his demeanor relaxed as he took the lead, gesturing for Ais to follow.

    Mini-Ais nodded in satisfaction, pleased to have succeeded in getting Bell to address her by her name as they headed towards the training grounds, where Alfia was waiting for them.

    As Ais followed Bell to the training grounds, Mini-Ais''s earlier worries resurfaced. What if she didn''t perform well in front of Alfia? Would she be a disappointment? These doubts were quickly silenced as they arrived at their destination.

    Alfia''s voice pierced through the quiet, "Listen closely, little girl. I have no interest in coddling you. You will learn, or you will suffer for your mistakes." Her eyes drilled into Ais, unflinching. "But don''t worry, I will ensure that you improve both in status and skill. If you are willing to accept these terms, draw your sword and we will begin."

    Ais drew her sword with determination. "I accept. I will do whatever it takes."

    "Good," Alfia responded, "First, I will evaluate your abilities and provide personalized instruction. Then, you will spar with me. Later you will work with Bell to spare with me."

    Ais nodded once more, mentally preparing herself for the upcoming challenges. "Okay," she replied confidently.

    "This will serve two purposes," Alfia declared, her voice unwavering and resolute. "It will fulfill my promise to train you and improve your teamwork for the Dungeon."

    "I understand," Ais replied

    "Then let us begin," Alfia commanded, her gaze never wavering as she closely observed Ais.

    Ais wasted no time, charging forward with determination imbued in every step. But her eagerness was met with a swift and definitive blow. With a loud CRUNCH, Alfia''s fist connected with Ais''s stomach, causing her to stumble backwards, gasping for air.

    Alfia commented in a cool tone, "You left yourself vulnerable."

    Ais clenched her teeth, refusing to show any sign of weakness despite the pain.

    She forced herself to stand up straight and charged forward with even more determination, determined to prove herself.

    "Hmm, slightly better," Alfia acknowledged ¡°However, Gospel.¡±

    The impact of Alfia¡¯s magic sent Ais hurtling backwards and crashing into a wall.

    ¡°You must learn anticipate your opponent¡¯s actions.¡± Alfia ordered as she gazed down at Ais.

    And so began Ais''s training under Alfia''s watchful eye. Eventually, Bell joined in, the two of them working together to improve their teamwork.

    Arrival of the Astraea Famila:

    Zald welcomed the Astraea family as they arrived, and then led them to the back of the training grounds. The group consisted of Alise, Kaguya, Lyra, Ryu, Neze, and Maryuu. As they approached, they greeted Ais with nods or waves, but their attention was clearly focused on Bell. It was evident that most of the girls had a fondness for Bell, as they either gave him a hug or playfully ruffled his hair with a smile.

    "Greetings, Miss Alfia," Alise exclaimed, her voice pulsing with excitement. "We are beyond thrilled for the chance to train with you."

    Alfia grimaced and nodded curtly. "Very well. Let us waste no time and begin immediately. Who among you will accompany Bell and Ais into the Dungeon?"

    With a sly grin, Alise spoke up; "Ah, me and Lion will be taking Bell''s first time together."

    Bell''s cheeks burned bright red at her suggestive words, while Ryu let out an indignant shriek; "Alise! What are you talking about? How can you be that lewd?"

    Kaguya''s mischievous tone was full of playful energy as she teased; "Arr, arr. To think it would be the little Elf who''d be popping Bell''s cherry first."

    Bell blushed bright red, his embarrassment visible in the tips of his ears.

    "Me lewd, Lyon? No, no, no. I am the noble, beautiful, innocent, and just Captain to the equally pure and beautiful Lady Astraea. Everything I say is just, pure, and completely innocent. I could never be lewd, and those that interpret what I say lewdly are already lewd themselves. Blaming others for your lewdness. Shame on you, Lyon. You should just accept your lewdness, Lyon. Accept being a lewd and naughty elf," Alise replied with mock innocence as she playfully poked Ryu on the nose.Did you know this story is from Royal Road? Read the official version for free and support the author.

    "Ahhh, I give up," Ryu conceded defeat, unable to keep up with Alise''s verbal antics, while Bell continued to avoid eye contact, his blush deepening.

    "Muah. That is better, Lyon. I knew my genius would convince you," Alise boasted, tapping her breastplate confidently. The other girls¡¯ smirk at Lyon''s surrender.

    "Just remember, Bell, if you ever need some luck in the Dungeon, just give Lyon''s ass a good smack like this," Lyra declared mischievously, playfully delivering a swift swat to Lyon''s rear. This caused the elf to jump in surprise.

    "Emp!!! Lyra, how could you?" Lyon screeched, clearly taken aback by the unexpected gesture.

    "What? It''s for good luck," Lyra replied casually, grinning as the other girls giggled at Lyon''s reaction.

    Lyra''s words lingered in the air, causing a stunned hush to fall over the group. Alfia, usually composed and collected, stood in shock with her mouth hanging open. Zald couldn''t contain his laughter at Alfia''s expression, wheezing uncontrollably. He had never seen her react like this before. Erebus, attempting to maintain a neutral facade, struggled to keep the corners of his mouth from turning up into a smile.

    ¡°Alright, I think we''ve had our fun with Lyon and Bell for today," Alise declared, her tone returning to its usual lightness. "It¡¯s time to head to the Dungeon."

    Bell and Ais both nod in agreement, and the group of four makes their way towards their destination.

    Dungeon Exploration

    As the group approached the great stone staircase leading down, a hush fell over them, anticipation crackling in the air. Alise''s demeanor was serious, her tone commanding attention from both Ais and Bell as they straightened up, ready to absorb her words.

    "Before we enter the Dungeon, there are five absolute must-follow rules that you need to know," Alise declared, her voice carrying weight and authority.

    "One: your weapons and armor must be in good condition," she began, raising a finger to emphasize the importance of her words.

    Bell tapped the newly forged sword and daggers from Hephaestus, along with the shining armor he had acquired from the shop. Ais mirrored his actions, double-checking that her own equipment was good. The glint of metal caught the light and reflected it back.

    "Two, a loot pouch without any holes," Alise continued, her expression serious as she moved on to the next rule.

    Both Ais and Bell nodded in unison, confirming that their pouches were secure and free from any potential leaks.

    "Three, at least one mind and health potion. Preferably two and securely strapped in," Alise instructed, raising a third finger to underscore the importance of preparedness in the face of danger.

    "Four. The caution the Dungeon deserves. The moment you enter the Dungeon, you are putting your lives on the line. You are not there to play. Your lives will be in danger every second," Alise emphasized, her words carrying a weight of seriousness that resonated with both Ais and Bell, who nodded in solemn agreement.

    "Now, Number Five. The Most Important Rule. Especially for you, Bell. Since you are a boy," Alise said with a playful wink, causing a shiver to run up Bell''s spine.

    "A harem of beautiful maidens to watch over your back!"

    Alise''s voice rang out echoing through the corridors. She lunged forward, pulling Bell into a tight embrace that caught him completely off guard. His head slammed against the cold, unyielding metal of her breastplate, the impact leaving him momentarily stunned. Ryu''s cheeks turned a bright crimson at Alice''s wording, while Ais tilted her head in confusion.

    Meanwhile, Bell struggled with the discomfort of the freezing breastplate pressing against his face and the embarrassment of being publicly buried in Alise''s chest. But as if that was not enough, his mind flashed back to Stardust Garden and the night he had spent there. He could not help but be reminded of Alise''s warmth and tenderness as she hugged him that night. The memory only added to his embarrassment in this moment.

    After a few second Ryu intervened and pulled Bell from Alise''s embrace, as she did so, Bell noticed Ryu''s flushed face and bright red elven ears. A single thought crossed his mind before he could stop it:

    cute.

    As Ryu''s grip pulled them apart. She quickly cleared her throat, trying to regain some composure.

    "Thank you for the advice, Alise, but I believe you said something about seriousness" Ryu said, her voice slightly strained.

    ¡°teehee. I did but that is in the Dungeon and we are not quite there yet.¡± Alise countered with a beaming smile causing Ryu to sigh.

    The group cautiously descended the massive spiral staircases that led to the dungeon''s first floor. The carefree energy they had earlier dissipated as they entered the dark and foreboding atmosphere. Ryuu and Alise wordlessly agreed to let Bell and Ais to take the lead, allowing them to absorb everything at his own pace while they kept a watchful eye on their surroundings.

    With each step he took, it felt like the world was shifting around him. The warm caress of the sun and cool breeze of Orario were replaced with an eerie light that offered no warmth and a suffocating wind filled with the stench of death, rusted iron, and dust. As they descended deeper into the dungeon, the once familiar sounds of bustling adventurers and clanging weapons were replaced by an oppressive silence, broken only by the occasional skittering of unseen creatures.

    Bell couldn''t help but feel a sense of unease wash over him as he realized just how different this new environment was from the one, he knew above ground. But he was determined to press on, eager to uncover the mysteries lurking within the depths of the dungeon.

    A sense of unease washed over him as he stepped into what was known as the first level of the dungeon, accompanied by the menacing growls of creatures coming from various dark corridors.

    Alise maintained her friendly smile but kept a hand on her sword and occasionally twitched in the direction of the others, ready to protect them if needed. Ryuu, usually stoic, had a glint of determination in her piercing sky-blue eyes as she scanned their surroundings relentlessly. Her hands were also fidgeting restlessly, poised for any potential danger.

    ¡°Bell, which floor would you like to visit?¡± Ais asked.

    ¡°Alfia said I was allowed to go up to the 5th floor alone. But since I am with you, I am permitted to go deeper than that, but not lower than the 10th floor for now,¡± Bell replied.

    "Wait, Bell seriously? Are you sure that will be, okay?" Alise''s voice was filled with concern as she gazed at Bell. Thinking that there should be no way for Bell to be able to make it to the 10<sup>th</sup> floor. Meanwhile, Ryu''s eyes had grown fretful, worry etched on his face.

    "Yeah, I got the okay. Do not worry Alise. I won¡¯t push myself too far and besides, I trust both of you. So, I know that I can count on you if anything happens," Bell''s confident response caused a slight blush to rise to Alise''s cheeks and a small wiggle of Ryu¡¯s ears.

    "Of course you can count on me, Bell," Alise exclaimed, trying to cover up her embarrassment.

    "Thank you, Mr. Cranel," Ryu added quietly, a hint of shyness in her tone.

    ¡°Alright well if Alfia gave the okay than you must be pretty good Bell. So we will go along with it but I reserve the right to call it off if I think you are getting too tired.¡± Alise says as she looks bell in the eye.

    ¡°Okay. I understand.¡± Bell replied.

    As the reached the final steps Bell drew forth the sword that Alfia had commissioned for him. An ebony black longsword. Ais looks on with a mixture of envy and awe at the quality of the blade. Meanwhile the other two are slack-jawed at the quality of the weapon.

    ¡°woah. Bell where did you get that?¡± Alise asks wide eyed

    ¡°Oh. Umh. Auntie Alfia had it commissioned for me.¡± Bell

    ¡°Mr. Cranel that is a top-class weapon, what smith forged it?¡± Ryuu asked.

    ¡°Uhm well. Alfia had is commissioned by¡­ uhm.. Goddess Heapthaus herself.¡± Bell said.

    Each of the girls goes bugged-eyed at the mention of Goddess Heapthaus.

    ¡°I can¡¯t even begin to imagine the cost of that sword¡­.¡± Ryu says

    ¡°UHM. Yeah. I nearly fainted when I heard the price.¡± Bell responded

    ¡°Welp that just proves how much faith Alfia has you, Bell. So let get going.¡± Alise Says

    As the group followed closely behind Bell, their eyes scanned the dimly lit corridors for any signs of danger. The shadows seemed to crawl along the walls, reaching out with tendrils of darkness that threatened to swallow them whole. The flickering light cast eerie shadows on the walls, causing Bell''s grip to tighten around his sword, his red eyes scanning the darkness for any signs of movement. As Bell was monitoring the darkness he heard the noise of the two women behind him shifting their position ever so slightly

    "Something''s coming," Alise whispered, her keen senses picking up on the faintest sounds of skittering footsteps drawing near.

    "Get ready, Ais" Bell said, his voice steady despite the pounding of his heart. Ais nodded as she readied her sword.

    As the goblins charged towards the group, Bell and Ais sprang into action. Bell''s sword glinted in the dim light as he swung it towards the goblin on his left. The monster let out a high-pitched shriek as Bell''s blade sliced through its flesh, causing it to collapse in a heap before vanishing to ash.

    Meanwhile, Ais effortlessly dodged the goblin''s clumsy attacks, her swift movements almost dancing around the creature. With one swing of her sword, she decapitated the goblin, its head rolling to a stop at Bell''s feet before disappearing into ash.

    The group took a moment to catch their breath and assess their surroundings. It seemed like they were safe for now, but there was no telling what other dangers lurked in these dark corridors.

    "Good work," Alise said with a smile, patting Bell on the head.

    "That was quite impressive for new adventurers," Ryu added

    Bell couldn''t help but grin at his companions'' praise. He felt proud of himself for successfully taking down his first monsters without any help from anyone.

    "Let''s keep moving," Ais said, her voice breaking through Bell''s thoughts.

    ¡°Me and Lyon will focus collecting the stones and drop items. You focus on fighting.¡± Alise said.

    As the group continued their descent, the fought effortlessly against any of the monsters they encountered.

    Eventually they had an encounter with pack of goblins. Goblins emerged from the darkness, their twisted forms snarling and gnashing their teeth in anticipation of fresh prey. Bell and Ais moved as one, their years of training manifesting in swift, coordinated attacks that cut through the goblins with deadly precision. Alise and Ryuu stood at the sidelines, weapons at the ready, prepared to step in if needed.

    "Ais Behind you!" Alise shouted, her green eyes narrowing as she spotted a goblin attempting to sneak up on Bell. As she prepared to jump in Bell was the first top respond.

    Bell spun around as he chanted "Gospel,"

    A surge of magical energy from his outstretched hand and towards the goblin. The monster let out a blood-curdling scream as it was crushed in shockwave before disappearing into ash.

    "What the fu-" Alise starts before receive a smack that cuts her off

    Bell heard more than saw the sound of Alise''s head getting smacked and cutting her off, he turned around to see both women giving him astonished looks. While Ais was also looking on in awe and curiosity.

    "Nice move," Ais said, a hint of approval in her golden eyes as she felled another goblin with a swift slash of her sword.

    "Thanks," Bell replied, taking a moment to catch his breath as the adrenaline coursed through him. "But we can''t let our guard down."

    "Indeed," Ryuu agreed, her blue eyes focused on the remaining goblins. "There are still more of them."

    The battle intensified, goblins lunging at the group with relentless ferocity. Bell and Ais danced a deadly ballet, their blades cutting through the air in perfect harmony as they dispatched the creatures one by one. The sound of steel meeting flesh filled the corridor, punctuated by the goblins'' dying screams.

    "Is that all of them?" Bell asked, his body tense with anticipation even as the last goblin fell to Ais''s sword.

    "For now," Alise replied, her red hair slick with sweat as she surveyed the carnage around them. "But there will be more."

    "Then we press on," Bell said, as he gazed down the corridor.

    "Bell, what was that?" Alise asked after the fight while her and Ryuu were picking up the magic stones, her eyes wide with awe.

    ¡°It is magic that I received upon getting a falna.¡± Bell Said.

    ¡°Bell that is incredibly rare for anyone let alone a human to have magic when they first receive a falna.¡± Ryu said

    ¡°Yeapers it just goes to show how awesome Bell is ¡° Alise says as she pats Bell¡¯s head while Bell blushes at the girl¡¯s praise.

    ¡°Bell how do you have the same magic as Alfia?¡± Ais asks

    ¡°Wait what do me the same magic?¡± Alise ask curiously

    ¡°During training with Alfia used the exact same magic that Bell just used.¡± Ais replies while Ryu and Alise have gone wide-eyed.

    ¡°Ahhh. I am sorry but that is related to my status and I cannot reveal the details to anyone.¡± Bell

    ¡°That is fair Bell. I am curious but we are all entitled to our secrets.¡± Alise says

    ¡°I want magic too¡± Ais says as she pouts.

    ¡°ahh. I don¡¯t know if you will get it but Auntie knows a lot about magic so you should talk to her about it.¡± Bell says, He is putting forward his best effort to get along with Ais even if he does hate the executives and goddess of her familia he is trying to sincerely take Alfia¡¯s word to heart. He also knows that his mom wouldn¡¯t want him to be consumed by hatred either.

    As the pressed onward he darkness thicker as Bell led the group further into the Dungeon. And then they heard it - the unmistakable growling sounds of kobolds.

    Ais''s golden eyes narrowed in concentration as she whispered, "Kobolds."

    Bell''s grip tightened on his sword as they advanced, the adrenaline pumping through his veins. He had faced goblins before, but these kobolds were a new challenge.

    "Ryuu, Alise," he called out, his voice determined. "Can you cover us?"

    "I''ll focus on softening them up for you," Alise stated confidently, her eye glinting as she eyed the monsters

    The pack of kobolds snarled and jeered, their gnarled claws lunging at Bell and Ais.

    "Be careful you too¡± Alise warned

    Together, they lunged forward, swords poised to strike. But the kobolds were too agile and easily dodged their initial attacks. Realizing they needed a new strategy, Bell suggested, "Ais, stay close. We''ll attack in tandem."

    Ais nodded in agreement, her determination burning bright as they prepared to take on the kobolds.

    As the duo fought on the front lines, Ryuu and Alise were in the rearguard standing watch. Ryuu watched carefully to make sure that none of the monsters were able to sneak up on either of them. Alise held a set of stones that she rubbed together in the palm of her hand. Anytime a monster looked like it would get to Bell or Ais, a stone shot out from her palm directly at the monster. Alise kept her promise and focused on wounding the monsters mostly by taking aim at their limbs and putting enough force behind her throws to break or blow off their limbs.

    With this support, Bell and Ais were able to focus on the kobolds in front of them. As the last kobold fell, the group took a moment to catch their breath, their bodies slick with sweat and dirt. The battle had been intense, the kobolds'' agility and cunning pushing them to their limits

    "We did it," Bell said, his voice filled with pride and relief.

    ¡°That was good.¡± Ais says

    ¡°Yeap. You both did well.¡± Alise said ¡°So do you want to keep going or head back?¡±

    ¡°Further.¡± Bell and Ais reply in unison.

    ¡°Alright, By the looks of it both of you can keep going.¡± Alise says as she surveyed the duo.

    ¡°So we are at the entrance to 5th Floor now what do you say to going the 6<sup>th</sup> floor today?¡± Alise proposed.

    Bell and Ais nod in agreement.

    And so the group continues their descent.

    Dungeon 6th Floor

    As the group proceeded across the 6th Floor, a new noise permeated the air.

    Crack.

    Crack.

    Crack.

    A spiderwebbing of cracks formed along the Dungeon walls.

    "Ais. Bell. Get ready, we''re about to have a monster party," Alise said, her voice steady as she and Ryu drew their weapons. Each scanned the cracking walls carefully, preparing to cover for any impending threat. While they had been letting Bell and Ais handle most of the fighting, a monster party may prove too much for the duo.

    "Alise, let us try to handle it," Bell suggested.

    Alise''s eyes flickered with concern but nodded. However, neither sheathed their weapons, their bodies tensed, ready to spring into action at a moment''s notice.

    Monsters began to emerge.

    The first to appear was the group of Frog Shooters, a grotesque blend of slimy green amphibian and sharp, predatory creature. Its massive eye, distended and bulging, seemed to follow the group''s every move. With hop each one, left a trail of mucus in its wake.

    Then came the second monster, the 6th floor resident known as Newbie Killers.

    War Shadows, terrifying sights to behold, emerged from the wall. Their dark and twisted bodies seemed to be made of shadows themselves. Tall and lanky, they almost blended into the dungeon''s shadows. Their long arms ended in three razor-sharp claws, each glinting with a deadly edge. Their eyes, a deep red, glowed with malice and hunger for fresh prey.

    As the monsters began to emerge Bell and Ais charged.

    "HIYA." Bell shouted as he attacked the nearest War Shadow.

    The War Shadow eyes honed in on Bell. The back of one its hands aimed for Bell''s shoulder but is intercepted by Bell''s sword. Bell and the War Shadow exchange a series of blows until Bell forced an opening and drove his sword through its chest.

    The blade tore a clean through the War Shadows, causing it to explode into dust. As Bell surveyed the surviving monsters closing in, he saw Ais cutting through the Frog Shooters with precision.

    Meanwhile, Ais had been dispatching the Frog Shooters with ease. Until upon striking a War Shadow in the chest, Ais heard an unpleasant sound.

    CRACK.

    Ais''s sword shattered as a nearby War Shadow lunged at her, its arms raised swooped in.

    However, before it could strike, even as Alise and Ryu were already moving to intercept, an ebony black blade emerged from the center of the War Shadow''s chest, piercing its magic stone. The creature let out a strangled cry before bursting into dust, as the sword clattered to the ground.

    Whack.

    Having thrown his sword, Bell was left momentarily vulnerable. A Frog Shooter seized the opportunity, shooting its tongue and piercing Bell''s shoulder. Blood began to seep from under Bell''s armor. As Bell moved to draw his dagger, Alise''s shout cut through the chaos;

    "Lion, now."

    Alise and Ryuu sprang into action, decimating the remaining monsters in seconds.

    "Alright, that''s a wrap for today. Ais''s weapon is broken and Bell is injured. Bell, drink a potion. We will be heading back now. Bell, drink a potion. Lyon, keep watch," Alise ordered, and Bell immediately did as he was instructed.

    "But¡­" Ais began.

    "Yes, Ais?" Alise interrupted.

    "I want to fight more. I need to borrow a weapon," Ais insisted.

    "Well, Lyon and I only have our primary weapons. Bell may have a sword and daggers, but if you break them again, you are going to have to pay Bell back. Plus I guarantee that those weapons are not cheap," Alise said sternly, her eyes fixed on Ais.

    "Bell, I want to keep fighting. How much would a replacement cost?" Ais asked, her determination evident, while mini-Ais stacked up all the coins she had and counted them.

    "Haha. The sword cost 300 million valis. And each dagger was 25 million," Bell replied, his eyes dead at the thought of what Alfia would do to him if he broke the sword or either of the daggers.

    All three of the women freeze. Ryu and Alise''s eyes bugged out, while Ais''s mouth hung open and mini-Ais has collapsed as the words 300 million hit her on the head followed by a double tap of 25 million valis daggers.

    Ais immediately handed the sword back to Bell.

    "Here, use the daggers," Bell said as he passed them to Ais.

    "Oh... um, I will be careful," Ais said as she gently holds the daggers.

    "Okay. Um, Ais, why don''t you stay in the middle and only fight when you have to," Alise suggested, finally recovering from the shock of the price tag. "So, we should get out of here now. Before anything breaks."

    The group returned to the surface. Everyone not wanting to incur Alfia''s displeasure focused on reaching the surface quickly.

    <hr noshade="noshade" size="1">

 Chapter 4 Part 4: Astraea Familia Training Session

    Alfia led the remaining Astraea girls to the training grounds in the backyard. As she prepared to assess each of them individually, she spoke with a voice that brooked no argument.

    "I will be testing each of you individually," she declared, her tone firm and unyielding. "As a Level 7, I will temper my strength just enough to avoid causing permanent damage. But make no mistake, I have no intention of going easy on any of you."

    With practiced ease, Alfia exchanged a series of blows with each of the girls present, testing their speed, strength, and endurance. The clashing of steel and the sound of grunts filled the air as they engaged in the rigorous evaluation.

    "Excellent. Now I know exactly how hard I can hit you," Alfia declared, an evil smile spreading across her face.

    The sight sent a shiver down the spine of each Astraea girl, freezing them in place as they met Alfia''s gaze with a mixture of trepidation and determination. The tension hung thick in the air as Alfia''s smile lingered, casting a shadow over the training grounds.

    "What do¡ª?" Kaguya''s question was abruptly cut off by a sharp pain in her chest as she was sent flying into the hard training yard wall. The impact rattled her bones and left a ringing in her ears.

    "Now, now, this is combat training. There is no time for idle chatter," Alfia declared, her eyes locked on her next target:

    Lyra.

    Feeling the intensity of Alfia''s gaze, Lyra reacted on pure instinct. She leaped away, her hand snatching a vial from its hidden location in her clothes. In one fluid motion, she launched it towards Alfia, determined to gain distance.

    With a swift and practiced move, Alfia redirected the bomb towards Neze and Maryuu, who were caught off guard by the sudden blast. While the explosive power itself weas minimal, it was enough to throw both the girls off balance and leave them dazed.

    As Alfia closed in on Lyra, Kaguya scrambled to her feet, but before she could fully rise, a terrified scream pierced the air. As the sound echoed, it sent shivers down Kaguya''s spine. Her heart raced as she looked up and saw Lyra hurtling towards her like a cannonball.

    With a deafening THUD, Lyra''s body slammed into Kaguya, sending them both tumbling to the ground in a chaotic mess of limbs. The impact jolted through Kaguya''s body, knocking the very breath out of her and leaving her disoriented and dizzy. She struggled to regain her bearings as pain shot through her body from where they had collided.

    "You stupid Prum. How could you get caught so easily? I thought you were supposed to be sneaky," Kaguya grumbled through gritted teeth as she struggled to untangle herself from Lyra.

    "Shut it. You got taken out first. This woman is a goddamn monster," Lyra retorted, her voice trembling with both fear and frustration as she tried to regain her footing. The look on her face mirrored Kaguya''s own shock and disbelief at their opponent.

    Meanwhile, Neze and Maryuu struggled to pick themselves up from the aftermath of the bomb blast, their expressions a mixture of annoyance and determination as they glared at Alfia.If you stumble upon this tale on Amazon, it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.

    "Is that all you little girls can do?" Alfia taunted, her voice dripping with mockery. "Truly, if you are considered a top Familia, it is just pathetic. How far Orario appears to have fallen. Though now that I am here, anyone else was always going to be second-rate."

    The girls continued to glare at her as they ground their teeth, but Alfia remained unfazed and merely scoffed at them.

    "Those glares are not going to do you any good with me. Glare all you want, but you little noises mean nothing," Alfia dismissed their anger with a wave of her hand.

    "I sincerely hate this bitch already," Kaguya seethed, as her fury began to mount

    "Me too. I can''t believe Bell is related to her. He''s such a sweet kid," Lyra cursed

    "Well, that is because my sister was a saint, and Bell inherited her kindness. You will find that I am unconcerned in that regard, particularly with all of you hyenas looking to sink your teeth into Bell and throwing yourselves all over him. As if I would allow any of you little noises anywhere near him. Especially that red-head. However, since she is absent, you all are going to serve as my punching bags instead. Don''t worry I will make sure that your skills improve." Alfia explained, her tone dripping with disdain.

    The girls were dumbfounded by Alfia''s reasoning.

    "We will be continuing now," Alfia declared, her voice cutting through the tension as she resumed the training.

    As the training session continued, Kaguya groaned as she struggled to push herself up from the ground, her body aching from the brutal training session. She glanced over at Neze, who had just gotten up after being sprawled on the ground, whimpering in pain. Lyra and Maryuu were also sporting various bruises and cuts from their training with Alfia.

    "Was Alfia always like this?" Erebus inquired, his brow furrowed in concern as he and Zald observed the rigorous training session.

    Crunch.

    With a resounding crash, Neze collided with the stone wall, her body crumpling to the ground in a heap of pain. She let out a whimper as she struggled to stand as her limbs trembled as she attempted to push herself up, but each movement sent waves of agony coursing through her body, causing her to collapse back onto the training ground.

    "Somewhat. She was often considered a tyrannical woman. She frequently exposed her students to risky situations," Zald explained, his voice tinged with a hint of apprehension.

    Crack.

    Maryuu was thrown through the air like a ragdoll. Her body twisted and convulsed in agony as she crashed to the ground, her hands frantically clutching at her stomach. With a gut-wrenching heave, she expelled the remnants of her breakfast onto the ground.

    "Damn. On second thought, this may be even worse than before," Zald remarked grimly, his gaze fixed on the unfolding chaos.

    Whack.

    With a kick from Alfia, Lyra was sent flying through the air, her body limp and unresponsive as she crashed to the ground with a sickening thud. Alfia promptly pulled out a healing potion from her pack and hurling it towards Lyra in order to revive her for another round of training.

    Erebus''s brow furrowed as he observed Alfia and Kaguya exchanging blows in their intense training session. "Do you think they''ll be okay?" he asked.

    "Don''t worry, they''ll live. Alfia knows not to use her full strength, and she wouldn''t want to upset Bell by hurting them." Zald reassured with a wavering confidence as he watched Kaguya being forcefully thrown outside of the training area and into the lawn, causing a large swathe of the grass to be ripped up.

    With a heavy sigh, Zald''s voice carried through the air, "Alfia! Stop destroying the new lawn."

    "Tch. Whatever," came Alfia''s grumbling response, her attention still fixed on the Astraea girls who were struggling to stand back up.

    Exasperated, Zald muttered under his breath and shook his head in dismay at the chaotic scene unfolding before him. Meanwhile Erebus''s brow twitched in concern. The sound of grunts, screams, and wails filled the air, mingling with the scent of sweat and blood as they were pushed without mercy. Any objections were silenced by force. And so, Alfia continued her training of the Astraea familia.

 Chapter 4 Part 5: After the first day in the Dungeon:

    After the first day in the Dungeon:

    The group emerged from the first floor of the Dungeon, their clothes and hair disheveled from their encounters. As they stepped out into the bright sunlight, Alise turned to Ais with a concerned expression on her face.

    "I have to go separately. I will see you later bell." Ais said a she prepared to leave to avoid being noticed with Bell.

    "Ais, are you sure you can make your way back to Twilight Manor by yourself?" Alise asked

    Ais nodded, knowing that she need to minimize the chance of being seen in public with Bell, least her familia learn of her deal with Alfia and try to stop her.

    "I''ll be fine," she replied confidently

    "Be careful on your way back," Alise reminded her as Ais took off towards the entrance.

    "Oh, that girl," Alise sighed with a slight shake of her head before perking back up. After Ais''s departure, the group resumed their ascent and quickly reached the streets of Orario.

    "Alright Bell, how does it feel to have your first time taken by such beautiful maidens?" Alise asked, her eyes twinkling with mischief as she looked at Bell''s flushed face. He opened and closed his mouth, speechless until he finally managed to mutter something.

    "What was that, Bell?" Alise prodded, her grin widening.

    "I... um... enjoyed going into the Dungeon with all of you," Bell stammered out in response to Alise''s loaded question.

    "Hehehe, thanks Bell," Alise chuckled as she pulled him into a hug and gently patted his head. "You were incredible in the Dungeon. Both brave and amazing. You did an exceptional job. I still can''t believe you made it all the way down to the 6th floor on your very first trip. Right Lyon?"

    Ryu''s soft voice trailed off as she mumbled her reply, "Yes, you were quite good, Mr. Cranel."

    Bell''s face lit up with a bashful smile, "That was only because I could trust you and Ryu so much. I knew that you would have my back and watch out for me."

    Alise playfully teased, "Oh Bell, you flirt. You''re making Lyon blush and fidget." She turned away to hide the fact that her cheeks had now started to match the color of her fiery red hair. Meanwhile, Ryu twiddled her thumbs and averted eye contact with Bell, as her elven ears wiggled up and down

    "Ah, sorry. I didn''t mean it like that," Bell replied shyly, clearly embarrassed by the teasing.

    "Alright, enough loitering. Time to get you back home and pick up the rest of the girls," Alise declared, finally managing to suppress the lingering blush on her cheeks. "We made it so that they could get a whole day of training with Alfia. I''m sure they made the most of it."

    As the trio strolled through the lively streets of Orario, their eyes scanned their surroundings for any signs of impending danger. Alise and Ryu, both seasoned adventurers, knew to always be on guard. As they made their way further into the city, they come across Ardee and Shakti on patrol.

    "Hey, how''s everyone doing? Did you all just come from the Dungeon?" Ardee asked, her voice laced with curiosity.

    "Yeah, Ryu and I just took Bell for his first time," Alise replied with a grin.

    "Oh, that must have been thrilling! Did you play the hero and protect all the pretty girls, Bell?" Ardee teased, noticing the blush on Bell''s face.

    Bell glanced at Ardee before nodding shyly, causing her to giggle and affectionately pat him on the head. "Good job, Bell. What''s your next move?"

    "We''re taking Bell back home and picking up the rest of the girls," Ryu explained.

    "Big sis, can I go with them?" Ardee implored.

    "Of course, but stay on patrol while you''re walking him back," Shakti reminded her sister sternly.

    "I will!" Ardee happily joined the group as they continue their journey.

    Luckily, their walk through the bustling city passes without incident, though Alise and Ryu remain cautious until they reach their destination.

    As they approach Midnight Garden, the once tranquil atmosphere is shattered by the cacophony of screams and wails of despair. A look of concern crosses the girls'' faces, their expressions mirroring the chaos before them. Bell face meanwhile has deadpanned at the noises and is already anticipating what is to come.

    With a sense of urgency, they quickened their pace and enter through the gates, pushed open by Bell''s trembling hands. The sound of a fierce battle grows louder as they near its source. Rounding the corner, they are met with Alfia''s commanding voice,

    "Is that really all you LITTLE Noises are capable of?"

    "GRRRR. I sincerely hate this bitch¡­" Kaguya spat and glared at Alfia with fury.

    The training yard was a scene of utter destruction. Neze and Maryuu lay in a heap, barely conscious with bruises covering their exposed skin. Lyra, bruised and battered as well, was frantically preparing another explosive to use against Alfia. The only time Alfia bothered to administer potions was after knocking everyone out. As such the Astraea girls had already used up their own supplies.

    As the training progressed, the other members of the Astraea familia returned and to observe how their sisters were faring. Alfia, as usual, did not tolerate any objections and insisted they join in on the training. The outcome was catastrophic.

    Iska was currently dangling upside down from one of the trees paced 10 meaders beyond the training ground, her body limp and unconscious. It seemed like she had been thrown into the upper branches of the tree and fallen until she got caught on a lower branch. Broken branches littered the ground beneath her. Asta lay against the wall, passed out with broken shield on either side of her body.

    Ryana and Celty struggled to cast their spells, hoping to create an opening for Kaguya. Both of them were covered in bruises, their clothes torn and dirty from the beatings they had taken. Meanwhile, Noin hunched over the wall, gasping for breath after being kicked under the sternum by Alfia during their training session.

    Zald, his head buried in his hands, watched with a look of profound exasperation while Erebus stood beside him, his face twisted in mortification as his brow twitched.

    "Ahh, I see that you''re back, Bell," Alfia remarked, turning her back on Kaguya to face the new arrivals. They gulped nervously under her intense gaze. "You are rather early. I was expecting to have to drag you out of the Dungeon. Care to explain?" The air was thick with tension as the group exchanged uneasy glances.

    Kaguya''s muscles tensed as she lunged forward, her sword glinting in the sunlight as she aimed for Alfia''s chest. But to Kaguya''s surprise, Alfia''s hand shot out and caught the blade between two fingers with ease. With a snort of derision, Alfia turned her attention back to Kaguya who was desperately trying to free her katana from the Alfia''s grasp.

    "Not a bad plan," Alfia remarked, "but you''re much too slow to pull it off against me, little girl. Maybe try again after a few more levels, and there''s a slim chance you''ll succeed."

    With a swift roundhouse kick, Alfia sent Kaguya flying back, the sound of bones crunching beneath the impact echoed through the clearing. Kaguya let out a pained cry before crashing into Ryana and Celty, who were both taken aback by the sudden collision. Despite their best efforts to dodge, they were too slow to evade Kaguya''s flailing form and all three ended up in a tangled heap on the ground.

    Casually brushing off her hands, Alfia turned to Bell with a nonchalant expression.

    "So, Bell," she began as if nothing had happened, "what brought you home early?"

    Bell felt a cold sweat break out on his forehead as he stumbled over his words.

    "Uh...we had to call it an early day because Ais''s weapon broke and we didn''t have a replacement." He avoided making eye contact with Alfia.

    Alfia and Zald both raise an eyebrow in surprise and curiosity, their gazes locked intensely on Bell.

    "Bell, how did a level 1 adventurer manage to break a sword in less than a day? Don''t tell me the blacksmiths got as shitty as the rest of adventurers in this city." Zald questioned, his tone laced with doubt.

    "It looked like a standard Guild-issued sword. I''ve never heard of anyone else breaking one so quickly before, Mr. Zald," Alise responded

    "Just call me Zald, kid. No need for formalities here," Zald replied with a friendly nod.

    "Well regardless, this is an opportunity. Bell, we will continue your training from this morning. And you three little noises will be joining him," Alfia said with determination as she eyed the three girls standing around Bell, each of who all instinctively gulped at her intense gaze.

    "Oh dear, it seems I must be going now. Nice to meet you Ms. Alfia," Ardee said hastily, attempting to make a quick exit but feeling a firm hand on her shoulder stopping her.

    "Did I make it seem like a suggestion, little girl? You will be joining us for training whether you like it or not. Your only other option is to resist; however, I assure you that it will be futile, but you are welcome to try" Alfia states firmly, her grip tightening on Ardee''s shoulder.

    Before Ardee can even formulate a response, her felt her feet leave the ground as she soared through the air. She landed with a resounding thud, her body jolting from the impact in the training yard. Three more thuds follow as Bell, Alise, and Ryu joined her.

    "Yo, I''m glad you all made it," Lyra said through gritted teeth as she winced while trying to move.

    "Ugh, Auntie is always like this," Bell muttered as he struggled to get up from the ground.

    "Oi, any brilliant ideas Captain?" Lyra asks with a hint of sarcasm, eyeing Alfia''s approaching figure.

    "We will give it our ALL and show Ms. Alfia what we are capable of," Alise declared confidently as she thumps her chest.

    "Always so optimistic, Captain," Kaguya muttered under her breath as she finally recovers from the previous fight. Neze and Maryuu staggered over to join the rest of the group.

    "VERY WELL, little girl. Let''s see what you''ve got. Though I highly doubt it will amount to much. And besides, I have several bones to pick with you in particular," Alfia sneered as she glared at Alise, her eyebrows furrowing in irritation.

    "Just wait and see, Ms. Alfia. We''ll show you what we can do. Let''s go girls and Bell!" Alise declared, undaunted by Alfia''s comment.

    And so, the grueling training continued until the sun began to set on the horizon.

    <hr noshade="noshade" size="1">

    Astrea Familia''s Return to Stardust Garden.

    As the sun began to set, the Astraea familia, having been put through rigorous training by Alfia, returned to their awaiting Goddess.

    "Hello there, girls. I have been waiting... WHAT HAPPENED?" Astraea''s voice began in a calm tone but quickly escalated to a horrified pitch.

    All of the girls that have just walked in have severely disheveled. Many of their clothes are ripped and all are stained with varying amounts of mud, sweat, and blood. A few of the outfits appeared salvageable only as scrap cloth.

    Lyra''s voice drips with venom as she declared, "That woman is a demon."

    Kaguya spat out the words "evil hag"

    "Sadist." Neze cursed

    "Monster." Iska spoke as she shuddered

    "Demon." Maryuu muttered

    "EVIL." Noin cursed

    "Wench." Asta spat

    "Monster" Ryana cursed

    "Bitch" Celty muttered, shocking everyone that the most mild-mannered one would swear.

    Astrea stood in stunned silence as she watched the girl''s reaction. She had only thought that this would be a simple training session, but something had clearly gone awry. Her mind raced with questions and concerns as she tried to make sense of what could have happened.

    As the last two arrived, Alise leaned heavily on Ryu for support, her body battered and bruised. Astrea''s worry grew as she hurried over to them both, quickly checking them over before speaking.

    "Girls, what happened? I thought you were just supposed to be training. How did you end up like this? And why are all of you so beaten up? I only expected a few of you to be training," Astrea asked urgently as she started to fret.

    "We''re back, Lady Astrea," Ryuu groaned, her eyes glazed over from exhaustion and pain.

    "Uh...Alfia''s idea of training is...rather extreme, Lady Astrea. We weren''t prepared for how intense she would be," Alise explained, gingerly attempting to stand on her own. It was clear that Alfia had made her the focus of the brutal training session.Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon.

    "Alright girls," Astrea said, looking at the group of tired young women in front of her. "You all must be extremely tired from your hard work today. Would you like to have something to eat first? Or a bath?"

    Kaguya chimed in with a mischievous glint in her eye, "Or are you an option as well, Lady Astrea?"

    Ryu blushed fiercely at the suggestion, exclaiming, "What the... Kaguya! How could you!"

    But Kaguya just laughed and teased, "Well, well. What are you imagining? You''re supposed to be a virtuous elf who can''t even imagine a single dirty joke."

    Ryuu was taken aback and retorted, "How dare you...!"

    "I''ll will get into the bath first then!" Alise said.

    "And Alise goes ahead and does whatever she wants as usual," Lyra muttered.

    "AH. I just had an idea befitting my brilliance! Why don''t you take a bath with me, Lady Astrea? Then I can have the pleasure of both the bath and you," Alise suggested.

    "UH," Kagayu/Lyra/Ryu replied.

    "Oh dear... Looks like you won this one, Alise," Astrea sighed before giggling.

    "Come now, Lady Astrea. We can wash each other," Alise purred.

    "STOP! YOU disrespectful thing," Kagayu/Lyra/Ryu rushed to stop their wayward Captain from going any further off the rails.

    The rest of the girls, though exhausted and bruised, started to giggle.

    "Okay girls, let''s all take a bath together as a family and we can talk about what you went through today," Astrea said with a smile towards her girls.

    "Okay, Lady Astrea," the girls chorused and moved gingerly towards the baths.

    Several minutes later in the baths.

    Lyra let out a long, contented sigh as she sank into the warm water of the bath. "Ahhh... I feel alive again," she murmured.

    Kaguya''s expression was less relaxed. "Tch, speak for yourself. I had to fight her up close. What I wouldn''t give to get one solid hit in on that bitch," she growled, grinding her teeth. She too had submerged herself in the bath up to her chest, which bobbed up and down with the gentle movement of the water. The other girls slowly made their way into the pool, each one letting out a relieved sigh as the water washed away their fatigue and pain.

    "Ugh, it was something else alright," Neze chimed in, wincing at the memories, has she begun to clean her tail.

    "I can only imagine how intense it must have been if it left such a mark on all of you," Astrea said, watching as the girls began to help wash each other off.

    "Well, I am grateful for it..." Alise started as she thumped her chest but was cut off with a sharp intake of breath and a pained grunt

    "Ack... still hurts," she managed through gritted teeth.

    Alise quickly regained her composure and resumed her speech with determination. "Now, our Justice will shine brighter than ever before after this and future training sessions. As for the next ones to accompany Bell into the Dungeon, we have Kaguya and Neze. Are you both okay with that?"

    Lyra couldn''t help but mutter under her breath, "Damn, nothing gets her down."

    Neze chimed in with a mischievous grin, "I don''t mind looking after Bell. He''s adorable and fun to tease. Hehe. He makes the cutest faces. "

    Kaguya added with a sly smirk, "He''s certainly cute enough to warrant some private extracurricular Dungeon education." She licked her lips suggestively.

    ''KAGUYA! That is filthy!" RYU screeches while the others sigh at the direction this is going to take.

    "Whatever could you mean Lyon? I merely meant that I would give him little one-on-one sparring education. Perhaps even take him off the beaten path and find some rare monsters. What were you imagining, you perverted elf?" Kaguya said as she aimed a Cheshire cat grin towards Ryu.

    "URK¡­" Ryu immediately blanched and looked around only to see the others looking at her with pity.

    "You perverted elf. How could you imagine doing something like that in the Dungeon?" Lyra snickered.

    "You really walked into that one Lyon." Neze said as she sighs.

    "Hey now, I still love you Lyon. Even if you are a pervert elf," Alise said as she grabbed Ryu from behind and hugged her.

    "EPP! Alise, watch your hands" Ryu shrieked as Alise''s hands trailed over her chest.

    "PFT...watch for what, LITTLE elf?" Kaguya says as she placed a hand upon her own ample bosom and looked at Ryu''s more petite frame.

    "What Did you say?" Ryu yelled and immediately lunged at Kaguya. Only to be restrained in a hug by Alise.

    "Okay, okay. No teasing Lyon about her chest size. I''m sure she''ll get bigger. Besides, have you seen her butt and thighs? They''re perfect. Not as perfect as mine, of course, but give us a twirl, Lyon, let us see that elven bubble butt. See, watch," Alise said as she started to twirl Ryu, prompting the other girls to whistle.

    "ALISE!" Ryu started blushing and fidgeting.

    The rest of the girls burst into laughter and continud their bath. They all relax and wash away the day''s extremely grueling training. After the bath, Astrea updates the status of the girls.

    Average Status Update(I didn''t want to write 11 full status updates so I did this. )

    Strength: +10

    Endurance: +24

    Alise''s Endurance rises 26 points after Alfia''s personal attention.

    Dexterity: +8

    Agility: +12

    Magic(where applicable): +5

    (they are not under the effects of Bell''s skill quite yet. Just as a point of clarification.)

    I will probably go with this format in most cases going forward. With the exception being when I have someone gain a new skill/ magic. Otherwise, it will get tedious fast.

    I also had trouble deciding what is too much/ too little so let me know what you think of this.

    <hr noshade="noshade" size="1">

    Midnight Garden:

    The men of the Erebus familia entered a smaller open-air bath they had set aside for relaxation, having already washed themselves. The open concept bath was suitable for a dozen people and the warm steam creating an inviting atmosphere. Bell sighed as he sank into the soothing water, his muscles relaxing.

    "Ahhhh. I feel alive¡­" Bell murmured, closing his eyes as he sank into the water.

    Zald chuckled, a deep, rumbling sound that echoed in the bath. "BAHHHHH. Rough for you, Bell?"

    Bell winced, remembering the grueling training session. "URK. You have no idea. I know Auntie was pulling her punches, but it sure doesn''t feel like it."

    Zald''s laughter softened, a knowing smile spreading across his face. "Just think of it this way. It shows how worried she is. She wants to make sure you can handle anything the Dungeon can throw at you. Now, how was your first trip in the Dungeon?"

    Erebus, sinking into the bath across from Bell, listened attentively.

    "It was good," Bell replied. "I made it to the 6th floor before Ais''s sword broke and we had to head back."

    Zald shook his head in disbelief; "Unbelievable. I can''t believe a rookie adventurer broke a sword in less than a day. Did you notice anything about how she did it, Bell?"

    Bell paused, reflecting on the day''s events. "No? though..." He trailed off before continuing, "Ais was basically splitting monsters in half and making them explode with a single strike most times."

    Zald''s eyebrows arched in shock. "Bell, are you serious?"

    "Yeah," Bell said, recalling the sight vividly. "I saw her do it a few times during our fights. It was like the monsters were ripped apart rather than stabbed."

    "I see" Zald pondered Bell''s words, his brows furrowing in contemplation. "Seriously, ripping monsters apart with a single strike is not something a newbie should be able to do. Unless it''s a skill, maybe?"

    Erebus turned his gaze to Zald before addressing Bell. "Well, how did you like fighting with Ais and those two Astrea girls?"

    Bell hesitated, a blush creeping up his cheeks. "Fighting with Ais was good. We got along well, and our fighting improved as we worked together." He paused, the blush deepening as he continued. "Going into the Dungeon with Alise and Ryu was good. They let me and Ais handle almost everything until Ais''s sword broke. That was the only point where they jumped in directly."

    Zald leaned forward, curiosity piqued. "I see. Now, Bell, I have a question for you. What happened when you stayed at Stardust Garden? I know it is something that will set Alfia off by the way you tried to hide it. By the way, you are terrible at lying."

    Bell''s face turned a deeper shade of red. "URK. NOTHING HAPPENED AT ALL!"

    Erebus shook his head, a knowing smile on his lips. "Tut, tut, Bell. I don''t have to be a god to tell that while you are not necessarily lying, you are not telling the whole truth."

    Bell shifted uncomfortably. "Urk. So, uhm, when I stayed over, I spent the night in Alise''s room. Since they are all girls, Alise said she would make sure I did not do anything improper while the girls were sleeping. So, I had to sleep in her bed while she slept in front of the door."

    Zald and Erebus exchanged a glance, nodding in agreement. It seemed reasonable enough. Sleeping in front of the door would indeed prevent Bell from sneaking off to do something to one of the other girls.

    "Well, uh, I ended up having a nightmare about Mama," Bell continued, his voice softening. "Alise came over to the bed to comfort me, but I woke up. We talked for a little bit and then we fell back to sleep in the same bed."

    Zald and Erebus''s eyebrows twitched in unison.

    "Anything else happened?" Erebus asked, his tone neutral but curious.

    "Well, uhm, when we woke up together, I ended up being hugged by Alise and, uhm¡­ my¡­ face¡­ was¡­ umh¡­ buried¡­ in her¡­ uhm¡­ chest." Bell stuttered, his face turning crimson as he remembered the softness and warmth of Alise.

    "AHHHH," both men deadpanned, staring at Bell.

    Zald leaned forward slightly, a smirk playing on his lips. "I take it you like her, Bell?"

    "URK. Well. I¡­ uhm¡­ I mean¡­" Bell stammered, his heart pounding. "What makes you think that?"

    Zald chuckled, shaking his head. "Well, I guess it is a good time to have THE TALK with you. You are about that age."

    "WAIT¡­ WAIT." Bell''s eyes widened in horror, his voice rising in pitch. He couldn''t bear the thought of this conversation.

    Zald suppressed a laugh, his eyes twinkling with amusement. "OH. Do you want to have this conversation with Alfia instead?"

    Bell shivered and all life, color, and joy drained from his face at the mere thought of discussing anything remotely related to THAT topic with her was enough to enough to make him shudder.

    Seeing Bell''s reaction, Zald softened his tone. "pft. Listen, Bell, it''s normal to have feelings for someone, especially when you''re spending time together. But it''s important to understand those feelings and handle them responsibly."

    Bell swallowed hard, trying to calm his racing heart. "I know. It''s just¡­ I''ve never felt like this before. It''s confusing. No one ever reached out to help or take care of me before. Plus I haven''t had the opportunity to do a lot of things since Mama always took priority. I don''t know if these are romantic feelings or just admiration for what Alise has done."

    "Ha! No worries, Bell. This is a good place to be," Zald chuckled, clapping a hand on Bell''s shoulder. "We can talk more about that in the future. For now, focus on getting closer to her if you are truly interested. Spend time with her, learn what she likes and dislikes. Find out her favorite foods and learn how to cook them. Good food is an expression of affection that goes beyond material gifts."

    Bell frowned in thought, "It is?"

    "Of course it is," Zald replied confidently. "People can only accumulate so many material things before it becomes clutter. Good food, though, stays with a person forever. It''s a sign that you put your effort into making something special. Though this is just one man''s opinion, I''m sure others will disagree."

    Erebus spoke next; "I have to agree with Zald. There are as many ways to express love as there are stars in the sky or grains of sand on a beach. There''s no one right way. Find a way that works for you and Alise, if she''s the one you care about. A healthy relationship should be one of equals. Anything else can lead to problems down the road. Relationships between different familias are often discouraged, but given the affection between you and those girls, I don''t think it will be a problem."

    Bell''s expression softened as he thought of Alise and the others. "I want to be their friend. They were kind to me after Mama died, and Mama liked them. I''m going to protect them no matter what."

    Zald laughed, ruffling Bell''s hair affectionately. "Look at this rookie adventurer, bragging about how he''s going to protect his seniors."

    Bell''s cheeks reddened, but he muttered determinedly, "I just have to catch up first."

    Erebus nodded approvingly. "Well, regardless, you should get going, Bell. I''m sure Alfia wants to hear about what happened today."

    "Oh, right. I have to tell her everything," Bell said, hurriedly gathering his things and leaving the bath.

    <hr noshade="noshade" size="1">

    With only Zald and Erebus remaining, they turned and smirked at each other.

    "Well, he certainly takes after Zeus, I will say that much," Erebus remarked, his eyes glinting with amusement. "First time meeting a woman and he gets invited into her bed. I can''t recall how many times that happened to Zeus."

    Zald''s chuckled at the future prospects; "Hahaha! Alfia is going to have a royal series of headaches to deal with. Did you notice how affectionate all those girls were with Bell?"

    "Oh, yeah. I think Bell has already wormed his way into their hearts. He''s rather adorable and honest. Plus, given that they''re an all-female familia, they have fewer chances to interact with men than most. So he probably made a bigger impact on them than familia with less sheltered women" Erebus responded

    Zald''s grin widened. "Alright, betting time. Who do you think Bell will fall in love with first? I bet that redheaded captain."

    Erebus chuckled softly. "Ah, well that is too obvious. It''s not much of a bet. Next."

    "Alright," Zald conceded. "So, do you think the redhead is the only one Bell charms into being his girlfriend?"

    "No," Erebus said thoughtfully. "I foresee Zeus''s definition of a man''s romance for Bell. I see a harem for Bell when he''s older. Based on how Astrea''s girls are already doting on him, probably a large one. One that will likely include several of them."

    Zald chuckled at the prospect "Alright, so who do you think the second one will be? My bet is the far eastern one."

    Erebus broke the silence first. "I have to say, that blonde elf of Astrea''s familia¡­"

    Before he could finish, a cold voice from behind them cut through the steam, freezing both men in place. "Well, isn''t this a lovely little chat you two are having."

    Zald''s heart skipped a beat. "URK. Alfia, I thought you were looking after Bell¡­?" Sweat began to bead on his brow, despite the warmth of the bath.

    "I was," Alfia replied coolly, her gaze piercing through the haze. "I told Bell I had to leave for a moment to get a book to read to him. Plus, knowing you two, once Bell said you remained behind, I figured you were scheming something." She placed a thick tome on a nearby stool, far from the water, and crossed her arms, her glare unwavering.

    "Damn her intuition," Zald thought, feeling the sweat trickle down his temple.

    Erebus, now equally nervous, thought, "AHHH. What a truly terrifying woman. The only other woman I know with intuition this good is my lovely wife Nyx. And she literally holds dominion over foresight." He too began to sweat and not from the heat of the bath that suddenly began to feel oppressive.

    "WELL," Alfia said, her voice like a whip, "do you have anything to say for yourselves?"

    Zald cleared his throat, "Now, Alfia, listen. Bell is a boy. We were just discussing guy stuff." He offered a weak smile, hoping to defuse the throbbing veins in Alfia''s forehead

    "Wrong. Bell is too young for that. I will not allow my nephew to be a pervert." Alfia retorted sharply. "Gospel."

    "SHIT" are the collective thoughts of the men on the receiving end of Alfia''s magic.

    Single Day Damage to the Midnight Garden:

    Total Damage: 30,000 valis

    Source: Alfia

    Repairs: Lawn care (10K valis)

    Bath replacement (20K valis)

    Injuries to others: Minimal bruises to Zald.

    <hr noshade="noshade" size="1">

    Captain''s Quarters:

    A simple room that one wouldn''t expect in the residence of such a familia. Minimal decoration and furnishings. The Captain''s Quarters was placed on the highest floor of the residence at the center rear of the mansion. A simple yet well-made desk looking out the window over the rear garden of the Familia residence in one corner. While a large bed was pressed up against the other rear corner. And on two of the remaining walls were bookshelves that were mostly empty but in the process of being filled.

    "I am back, Bell," Alfia said, her voice soft yet carrying a hint of weariness.

    Bell glanced up, his eyes widened with concern. "Uh, Auntie, why is your dress wet?"

    Alfia chuckled "Oh, I just had a nice little chat with Erebus and Zald. We will need Gobinu Familia to put in a new bath as well."

    Bell winced, imagining the aftermath of such a ''chat.'' "Uncle Zald, Lord Erebus, I am sorry for you," he thought, shuddering slightly.

    Alfia''s gaze softened as she looked at Bell. "Now, how about you tell me about your day?" she suggested, shifting closer to him.

    Bell''s face lit up with excitement. "Sure!" He began recounting his adventures, his voice animated as he described the day''s events. Alfia listened attentively, her fingers gently running through his unruly hair, a soothing gesture that seemed to calm the boy as much as it comforted her.

    "And then..." Bell yawned, the day''s excitement finally catching up to him. His words trailed off as his eyes grew heavy.

    "You must be tired," Alfia murmured, her voice a gentle lullaby. "Here, I will read a few pages of a story to help you sleep." She reached for a book lying nearby, its cover worn from many readings.

    As Alfia read, Bell''s eyes fluttered shut. He leaned into her embrace, the steady rhythm of her voice weaving lulling him to sleep. Before long, he was fast asleep, his head resting against her chest. Alfia closed the book softly, placing it on the nightstand beside her. She cradled Bell in her arms, listening to his noises.

    Noises that from anyone else would have annoyed her to no end. But when they are from Bell, they are not so tedious.

    "I promise that I will raise him right, Meteria," Alfia whispered into the quiet room. Her eyes flickered with sorrow as she contemplated the cruel twist of fate that had separated her from her twin. "I will live long enough to see him become a man,"

    "I am sorry, my twin. It will be a while longer before I get to see you again. And here I thought we would be together much sooner," she mused, as a melancholic smile played at the corners of her lips.

    "I cannot leave him now," she said "I will see his story through."

    "I will not let this disease take me before I have seen him achieve his dream, I will make sure that he will have everything he needs to succeed," she promised.

    As the quiet of the night enveloped them, Alfia found solace in the rhythmic rise and fall of Bell''s chest and his gentle breathing. Cradling him in her arms, she felt a profound sense of peace wash over her. Gently stroking his hair, she whispered words of love and protection into the darkness, her voice barely more than a whisper.

    "I love you, Bell," she murmured as she drifted off to sleep protectively cradling her nephew.

 Chapter 5 Part 1: Dungeon Exploration Trip 2

    Dungeon Exploration Trip 2

    Morning rose on the Midnight Garden, casting a soft, golden hue across the tranquil expanse. Bell began to stir, feeling gentle fingers running through his hair.

    "Good morning, Bell," Alfia said, her voice soothing as she continued to stroke his hair.

    "Good morning, Auntie..." Bell responded, blinking sleep from his eyes. He looked up to see his aunt smiling warmly at him.

    "Come now. It will be time for breakfast soon. We have a morning of training, and then you have another Dungeon trip with that Blondie and the hyenas," Alfia reminded him, a hint of sternness in her tone.

    "Auntie, please try to be nice to them," Bell implored. "They are the first friends I made, and they looked after me."

    Alfia sighed, her expression softening slightly. "I know that, sweetie. Don''t worry, I won''t upset them. They still have a long way to go before I acknowledge them."

    Alfia rose from the bed, finishing her affectionate gesture. "Time to get up, Bell."

    Bell nodded, waiting for Alfia to leave the room before he changed and went to get breakfast. The meal was simple but hearty, preparing him for the morning ahead. After eating, Bell and Alfia headed to their training ground.

    Ais arrived shortly after, and the trio began their rigorous training session. Alfia''s instructions were sharp and precise, pushing Bell and Ais to their limits. The sun climbed higher, marking the passage of several hours as they continued their intense practice.

    Eventually, the Astrea familia arrived leading to the spilt in the group with one going into the Dungeon while the other began their training under Alfia.

    <hr noshade="noshade" size="1">

    Guild Dispatch Quest: Defeat the Monsters Dungeon Mission

    After the grueling training session, Bell and Ais made their way towards the Dungeon, with Kaguya and Neze keeping a watchful eye on Bell. Given Alfia''s warning, Ais left a few minutes before the rest of them to get a head start and to avoid being seen with Bell as much as possible. The trio entered the bustling Guild Hall, filled with adventurers. The air was thick with the scent of leather and sweat, mingling with the buzz of excited conversations. Bell''s eyes were immediately drawn to the Dispatch Quest board. He weaved through the crowd, eyes scanning the myriad of quests posted.

    "What are you looking for, Bell?" Kaguya asked, her curiosity piqued by his sudden focus.

    "I''m hoping to find some interesting quests we can take on," Bell replied.

    Neze nodded in agreement. "That''s a smart idea, Bell. It''s always good to earn some extra valis." She watched as Bell''s eyes darted over the flyers and posters.

    After a few moments, Bell''s eyes lit up. He pulled out a flyer with a bold title that read:

    Guild Dispatch Quest:

    Upper Floors 5-9 Defeat the Monsters

    This is a regularly scheduled quest issued by the Guild. We would like you to go the specified floors and defeat some of the monsters residing off the regular path between levels.

    Given there is set route adventurers take to the next floor this quest serves two purposes:

    1. To provide the Guild with better understanding of the Upper Floor''s current status

    2. And cull the monster population in the less traveled areas before they cause issues.

    Since the Guild is conducting the research, you can take any drop items you find.

    Guild Reward: 20,000 Valis to be split between party members.

    Bell finished reading the quest and handed it to Ais. He raised an eyebrow inquisitively. "What do you think, Miss Kaguya?"

    "That should be a fine challenge for you," Kaguya responded

    Together, they made their way over to the receptionist desk, scanning for an available spot. Bell''s eyes roved the counter, finally landing on a striking redheaded werewolf who was currently had her back turned towards the counter. As they approached, she finished and turned back to the counter.

    "May I take on this quest, Miss...?" Bell asked, handing the flyer to the receptionist.

    "I am Rose Fannett, Mr. Cranel," she replied, studying Bell''s appearance before glancing at his companions. Her eyes widened in surprise at the sight of the Astrea familia with Bell. "Are you certain you are capable of completing this task? You are a new adventurer, after all. It would be troublesome for me to process a failed quest."

    Bell met her gaze steadily. "I appreciate your concern, Ms. Fannett, but I have permission from my aunt to venture to the 10th floor as long as I have a group with me."

    "Your aunt must have considerable faith in you, then. Very well. I will process your request. If you fail, I''ll just have someone else handle that paperwork," Rose remarked nonchalantly as her eyebrows arched slightly before she filled out the necessary paperwork. "The total reward will be split between the four of you. Is that satisfactory?"

    "Yes, I understand," Bell replied, taking the completed forms from her, and stowing them away.

    With the quest officially accepted, Bell, Kaguya, and Neze left the Guild Hall and made their way to the bottom floor of Babel, where the entrance to the Dungeon loomed before them. Ais joined them as they approached and was informed of the quest that Bell had accepted.

    "Good idea¡­oh" Ais murmured, as she cut herself off and started patting herself down.

    "What''s wrong, Ais?" Bell asked, turning back towards her.

    "I just recalled Alise''s rules, so I was checking my potions," Ais explained, her head tilting slightly to the side. Bell''s face contorted into a mask of horror.

    "There is no need to worry about Alise''s rules," Bell said, trying to mask his nervousness as sweat began to bead on his forehead. He glanced at Kaguya, who had developed a Cheshire cat grin and was eyeing him like she had found a new toy.

    "Now, now, Bell. I am sure our wonderful and brilliant Captain imparted a great deal of wisdom. As such, I need to know what these ''rules'' are so that I can ensure they are properly followed." Kaguya''s voice was smooth but firm as she fixed Bell with a piercing gaze. Neze, standing beside her, grinned wolfishly at Bell, causing him to gulp audibly.

    Ais, oblivious to Bell''s discomfort, dutifully repeated the rules she had heard from Alise. Each word made Bell fidget and squirm more under Kaguya''s intense stare.

    "Ara, ara. I happen to wholeheartedly endorse the captain''s rules," Kaguya declared, her voice dripping with false sweetness. She pulled Bell into a tight hug, her lack of a breastplate causing Bell''s face to sink into her bosom. As Bell''s face was pressed against Kaguya''s ample bosom, her scent of jasmine and sandalwood began to fill his nose. Sensing immediate danger, Bell began to struggle to escape. However despite his frantic struggles, he couldn''t break free from her grasp.

    "Don''t worry, Bell. I will make sure to watch you very closely," Kaguya teased, her voice a purr in his ear.

    Bell''s face flushed a deep crimson as he tried to escape. Neze''s chuckle cut through the tension, and she stepped forward with a smirk.

    "As entertaining as this is, we do have a quest to complete and we both have patrols tonight. We should wrap this up as soon as possible."

    "Thank you, Miss Neze," Bell cried out, his voice tinged with relief and embarrassment. He turned to face Neze, tears of gratitude in his eyes.

    "Pft... Bell, you really are too adorable sometimes," Neze said with a chuckle, petting Bell on the head while he remained trapped in Kaguya''s bosom, his face flushed with embarrassment.

    Nearby, several parties of male adventurers passed by, glaring at Bell with obvious jealousy. Mutters of discontent could be heard, but whenever Neze or Kaguya caught these whispers, they fixed the offender with a steely gaze until he looked away and shrank back in fear.

    "Right, time to get going," Kaguya announced, finally releasing Bell. She shot one last death glare at a passing adventurer, who immediately averted his gaze and hurried away.

    Bell heaved a heavy sigh of relief, stepping back to regain his composure. He began checking his weapons and equipment, ensuring everything was in place for their quest. Kaguya and Neze watched him, their expressions softening.

    "We have a long journey ahead," Neze said, her tone more serious. "Let''s make sure we''re all ready."

    Bell nodded, fastening his sword securely and adjusting his pack while Ais did the same. The group cautiously stepped into the Dungeon, Bell''s heart racing with a familiar sense of unease. As he crossed the threshold, a shiver ran down his spine, feeling as if the very walls were warning him. The air was thick with an oppressive energy, making it seem as though the Dungeon was actively rejecting their presence.

    "So, the first four floors aren''t part of the survey. Our focus should be on floors five to nine, where we will scout some of the longer routes that lead to the next floor," Bell proposed as they moved through the first floor. "These routes are less traveled but still lead to the same destination. Since this quest requires us to scout two different routes on each floor, my suggestion is to do one on the way down and then the second one on our way back up. What do you think, Ais? And what about Miss Kaguya and Neze?"

    As Bell finished speaking, a pack of goblins suddenly appeared from a side corridor and attacked.

    "Gospel," Bell chanted, and one of the goblins exploded into a cloud of ash, its screech cut off before it could fully escape.

    "That works," Ais said approvingly, slicing through another goblin with her sword.

    "Good plan, Bell," Neze added, delivering a well-placed kick that sent a goblin flying into the wall. It disintegrated into ash without a soundSupport the author by searching for the original publication of this novel.

    Kaguya nodded. "Yes, that is a fine plan. The return trip will be more difficult, but we''re here to support you."

    A goblin charged forward, growling fiercely. When the creature was within a meader of Kaguya, her sword flashed, and the blade sliced cleanly through the air, decapitating the creature. The goblin''s head tumbled to the ground with a sickening thud, and the body convulsed briefly before turning into a pile of ash.

    "Okay, then let''s plan on that," Bell said, feeling a sense of determination.

    With their plan set, the group began their descent, ready to face the challenges ahead.

    <hr noshade="noshade" size="1">

    Floor 7 (Yes, I intentionally skipped to Floor 7.)

    The group descended through the floors, cutting down hordes of monsters along the way. Neze and Kaguya took a back seat, allowing Ais and Bell to take the lead and set their own pace. They only stepped in when necessary to prevent the pair from being overwhelmed. There intervention was limited mostly to the softening up of potentially troublesome monsters. As they navigated the levels, Bell and Ais moved with improved teamwork, their movements becoming more synchronized with each battle. Finally, they approached a Y-intersection, each path branching off into unknown directions.

    Skitter. Skitter. Skitter.

    The unnerving sound of something skittering across the floor echoed through the tunnel, causing Bell and Ais to freeze in their tracks. Their senses on high alert, they carefully scanned their surroundings, trying to pinpoint the source of the noise.

    Skitter. Skitter.

    The noise seemed to be getting closer, coming from the branch on their right. Ais and Bell pointed their weapons, training them on the branch, ready for whatever might emerge.

    Skitter.

    The sound came again, louder this time, like claws scrabbling against rough stone. The air hung heavy with tension as they waited, weapons at the ready, for the creature to reveal itself. From the shadows, a grotesque creature with multiple legs and a chitinous shell emerged Giant bone-crushing mandibles clicked and clacked menacingly as six skittering legs propelled the creature toward them. Its thick exoskeleton gleamed a deep blood-red in the dim light of the Dungeon.

    "A killer ant," Bell gasped, his eyes fixed on the massive insect before them.

    "Be careful, you two. The killer ant is known as a newbie killer for a reason," warned Kaguya, her stance shifting to intercept the monster if necessary. Though they had defeated many other killer ants before, this creature remained a formidable foe. Overconfidence was fatal in the Dungeon.

    "We will, Miss Kaguya. Ready, Ais?" Bell asked as he leveled his sword at the monster.

    "Hmph," Ais replied with a nod, her weapon mirroring Bell''s readiness.

    "CHCHCHCHCHC!" The killer ant screamed, its enormous mandibles snapping menacingly as it charged toward them.

    Bell dodged to the side, narrowly avoiding the attack. Ais leapt into action, her sword flashing as she slashed at the creature''s armored body. The blade connected with a resounding clang, before bouncing off the ant''s exoskeleton.

    "Aim for the joints, Ais!" Bell''s voice rang out as the ant lunged at him, its mandibles snapping. Bell swiftly sidestepped the attack and swung his sword in a wide arc, aiming for the weak points in the ant''s exoskeleton. As Bell''s blade made contact with a joint in the ant''s leg, the creature let out another shrill scream.

    "CHCHCHC" The ant screeched, frantically clicking its mandibles and trying to attack Bell.

    Bell dodged and weaved as he continued his assault on the giant insect. He ducked and rolled to avoid its next attack, then sprang back up and swung his sword once more, this time aiming for the ant''s fragile legs.

    The killer ant reared back as its mandibles snaped with a menacing hiss. Ais moved in at this opening and her sword arced through the air connecting the ant'' vulnerable neck. In a heartbeat, the ant''s head was several and its body soon disintegrated into a cloud of ash.

    Neze, who had been watching from the sidelines, clapped in approval. "Good work, you two. That was excellent teamwork." Neze reached down and retrieved the magic stone that had been the target of their training.

    Kaguya nodded, her eyes scanning both Ais and Bell for any signs of injury. "Yes, quite good. It''s clear that your training is paying off."

    Bell took a swig from his water flask and nodded in acknowledgment. "Thank you both," he said, his voice carrying a note of genuine gratitude. Ais gave a simple nod in response.

    "So, we''ve encountered an unusually high number of killer ants recently," Bell said, directing his question to Neze and Kaguya.

    Kaguya nodded, her eyes scanning the surrounding area. "Yes, it''s true. While you two have managed these encounters well, for a typical adventurer, this would be a significant challenge. Killer ants are formidable opponents, especially for newcomers. The current rate of encounters is higher than usual. If these ants were to start moving in larger numbers, it could lead to serious problems and casualties. This situation should definitely be reported to the Guild. They might even send an extermination squad."

    Ais''s eyes widened at the mention of an "extermination squad." She quickly turned to Kaguya, her desire bubbling over with questions. "What''s an extermination squad? How do you join? What level do you have to be to qualify?"

    Kaguya''s patience wore thin at Ais''s barrage of questions continued until finally Kaguya brought her sheathed katana down onto Ais''s head, stunning her into silence. Ais looked up, her expression a mix of surprise and irritation.

    "That''s enough, little girl," Kaguya said firmly, her eyes locking onto Ais''s with a stern glare. "You''re far too young and inexperienced for an extermination squad. You don''t need to worry about such things."

    "tch," Ais muttered, clearly displeased as she glared back, her teeth clenched in defiance.

    "WHY you little.." Kaguya began before Neze, having observed the exchange with a mix of exasperation and amusement, interjected,

    "Okay. Okay. We''ve got a quest to finish, remember?"

    "Fine," Ais grumbled, moving back to join Bell at the front of their group. She threw one last glare over her shoulder at Kaguya before refocusing on the task at hand.

    The group pressed onward, their steps echoing through the dimly lit corridors of the Dungeon, ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead.

    <hr noshade="noshade" size="1">

    Floors 9-10:

    The group reached the entrance to the 10th floor, their faces etched with the fatigue of their journey. Bell and Ais, their armor scuffed and dented from numerous encounters, leaned heavily on their weapons. Ais''s sword bore the marks of repeated use, its edge no longer as sharp as it had been.

    "Well, we''ve finally made it to the entrance of the 10th floor," Neze said, her tail twitching, "Good job getting here. We''ve hardly had a chance to do anything."

    "Thanks, Miss Neze," Bell replied, taking a deep breath and a long drink from his canteen. The water refreshed him, if only momentarily.

    "Hpm. Thanks," Ais muttered.

    Bell glanced at Kaguya and Neze. "I was thinking of taking a quick look at the 10th floor before we head back. Is that alright?"

    Kaguya and Neze exchanged glances but nodded in agreement.

    "Go ahead," Kaguya said with a sigh. "We''ll stay close, just in case."

    With a nod, Ais eagerly followed Bell as they stepped onto the 10th floor. The landscape shifted dramatically from the dark, stone corridors they were used to. The walls here were covered in yellow moss, and the floor was dotted with patches of short, green grass. The light that filtered down from above cast an almost sunlit glow over the area, though the effect was somewhat dimmed by a thick, misty haze that rolled across the ground.

    Bell and Ais moved cautiously, their senses alert for any potential threats. The mist made the terrain difficult to navigate, reducing visibility and adding an eerie quality to the new environment. Kaguya and Neze followed closely behind, their readiness for sudden surprises evident in their tense postures. The group had scarcely taken more than a few steps onto the 10th floor when the ground shook with the force of approaching roars.

    "GRGGRGGRGGRG"

    "GUGGUGGUGGUG"

    "GAWRGAWRGAWR"

    Three distinct, thunderous roars echoed through the fog, each one growing louder and more menacing. The group quickly fell into formation.

    Large, shifting silhouettes emerged from the mist, their massive forms casting long shadows that danced across the ground. The impact of their heavy footsteps resonated through the floor, sending tremors up through the adventurers'' boots. From the fog, the orcs emerged¡ªhulking creatures, their eyes gleaming with a predatory focus on the new intruders.

    "Well, Bell?" Kaguya''s voice cut through the tension as she placed a steady hand on her katana, her gaze locked on the advancing orcs. "What''s the plan?"

    Bell glared at the monsters before he responded. "I want to fight, but we need to split the forces. Can you and Neze handle the other two? Ais and I will take on one."

    Ais nodded in agreement.

    "Very well," Kaguya said, her voice firm. "I''ll only intervene if it seems like you''re in imminent danger." Neze, standing beside her, gave a quick nod of confirmation.

    With the plan set, Ais and Bell moved to the right, while Kaguya and Neze veered left to engage the other orcs. The orcs, seemingly entranced by the sight of fresh prey, charged forward. One of the orcs, a particularly large specimen wielding a massive club, barreled straight toward Bell and Ais. The ground trembled beneath its steps, and the air crackled with anticipation.

    "Ais, we need to target its legs and bring it down," Bell instructed, his voice steady amidst the chaos. Ais gave a determined nod, and they both sprang into action. They darted to opposite sides of the charging orc, preparing to come at it from either side

    The orc, confused by their sudden movement, hesitated for a split second. That was all the opening Bell needed. He dashed forward, his sword flashing as he aimed a strike at the orc''s right leg. The blade bit deep into the tough hide, drawing a howl of pain and rage from the creature.

    Ais seized the next opportunity, her own sword slicing through the air and finding its mark on the orc''s left leg. The monster stumbled, its balance thrown off by the twin attacks. It swung its massive club wildly, trying to fend off the duo.

    Bell and Ais danced around the orc as they continued their assault. They weaved in and out of range, striking at the creature''s legs whenever an opening presented itself. The orc grew more and more frustrated, its attacks becoming increasingly erratic.

    In the distance, the sounds of battle echoed as Kaguya and Neze engaged the other two orcs and quickly dealt with them. The clang of steel biting flesh and the roars of the monsters filled the misty air. But Bell and Ais remained focused on their own opponent.

    With a deafening THUD, the massive orc slams its club into the ground, sending a thick cloud of dust billowing into the air. Bell having been in the midst of charging forward, decided to continue the attack but as he enters the dispersing cloud, he sees the Orc''s club hurtling towards his and braces himself as he is unable to dodge.

    While Bell parried the orc''s club, avoiding a direct hit, the force of the impact knocked him backwards, sending him tumbling through the air before crashing to the ground with a thud of his own. His head rings and his vision blurs as he struggles to regain his footing and continue the battle.

    "Bell" Ais screamed as the orc lunged at her, its massive frame regaining its footing.

    She frantically dodged the creature''s grasp, narrowly avoiding its outstretched claws and snarling teeth. But just as she thought she had escaped unscathed, the end of the orc''s club caught her body and sent her flying through the air, leaving her gasping for breath on the ground. The sound of bone crunching and metal clashing echoed in the chaos of battle as Ais struggled to stand.

    "Okay. That is enough." Kaguya says and an instant later the orc''s head fell to the ground.

    Its body crumpled lifelessly to the ground, dark blood seeping from the stump of its severed neck before disappearing into ash. Kaguya flicked her blade to the side with a deft motion, sending droplets of blood splattering to the dirt. Kaguya exhaled slowly and slid her sword back into its sheath with a satisfying hiss of metal.

    "Well. That isn''t a bad attempt. You did fairly well." Kaguya''s words were laced with a hint of surprise as she administered a potion to Bell, who Neze had helped over, then turned her attention to Ais, to whom she also administered a potion.

    "We should make our way back up now," Neze spoke up, her voice tinged with worry as she surveyed Bell and Ais. "Though we did take a detour to the 10th floor, we still have the reaming half of the quest."

    "Sure. Let''s go." Bell complied while he ground his teeth quietly in frustration.

    "GRRR." Ais grits her teeth in frustration but followed the others.

    The group ascended back to the 9th floor, their footsteps echoing through the corridors as they resumed their exploration of the second route. The atmosphere was marked by a tense efficiency, their previous encounter with the orcs still fresh in their minds.

    The second route presented no further complications. As they finished their work, relief was evident on their faces.

    Returning to the surface, they made their way to the Guild. As usual Ais departed from the group early to avoid bustling hall was filled with adventurers discussing their latest exploits, but the group headed straight for the counter.

    "We''d like to submit our report," Bell said, handing over the detailed account of their findings. "We''ve completed the assigned tasks, but we need to address an unusual situation."

    The clerk glanced up from the paperwork, nodding for them to continue.

    "We''ve encountered an abnormal number of killer ants," Bell explained. "The frequency of these encounters is far above what is considered norm. It''s something that could pose a significant risk if the pattern continues."

    The clerk raised an eyebrow, taking note. "We''ll pass this along to the appropriate department. We will likely issue an extermination quest soon if it is deemed appropriate. Thank you for your diligence. The information will be useful."

    With their report submitted, the group exchanged a few nods of satisfaction before they left the Guild.

 Chapter 5 Part 2: Birth of the Keras

    Deep within a forest where the sunlight scarcely reached, the ruins of an ancient temple lay hidden. The remnants of this once-majestic structure were cloaked in moss and tangled vines, which crept over the crumbling stone walls. Amidst the decay and faded murals, two women stood among their packed belongings.

    "Well now, my dear Olivia," one of the women spoke with a sense of finality, "It''s time to be going. We have much to do before heading to Orario."

    The other woman, her white hair catching the dappled sunlight that pierced through the forest canopy, nodded in agreement. Her ebony-black eyes sparkled with a mixture of anticipation and excitement as she turned to her companion.

    "Of course, Nyx," she responded excitedly

    Nyx''s expression shifted to one of solemnity as she instructed "Make sure you say goodbye at the grave. We won''t be coming back here for a very long time, if ever."

    "Already done, Nyx," she called out. "I told papa that I loved him and that I was going on an adventure, but that I would come back."

    Olvia turned back with a reassuring smile at Nyx, her eyes reflecting both resolve and a hint of nodded, a trace of approval in her eyes.

    "Good, Olivia," she said. "Now, before we set off on our journey, let''s give you one last status update."

    As Olivia eagerly stripped off her clothes and turned to face Nyx, the goddess pricked her own fingers with a sharp needle. With practiced precision, she traced the unlocking patterns on Olivia''s bare skin, revealing the girl''s falna. As if in response, Olivia''s emblem unfurled, shimmering in the sunlight.

    A massive, intricately carved skull lay before them, adorned with scarlet roses that seemed to bloom from its very bones. In the center of the skull''s forehead was a glimmering blood red gemstone that seemed to glint. Flanking the emerging skull were two massive scythes creating a sight that was both beautiful and terrifying, a symbol of death and power.

    Olivia Valedstorm

    Stolen content warning: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences.(These are the tentative skill ideas I have for Olivia. Let me know what you think. They are subject to change. I have to think out a magic to give her as well.)

    Human

    Age 13

    Lvl 1

    Strength: G-250

    Endurance: G-200

    Dexterity: H-185

    Agility: H-167

    Magic: I-0

    Magic:

    Skills:

    Keras(Death God) of Battlefield

    Beloved and first daughter of the Goddess Nyx

    Temporary and exponential status growth while in combat.

    Status growth is meant for human combat.

    Benefit when fighting monsters is halved when compared to humans.

    Reaper of the Slain

    Does NOT grant accelerated growth.

    Can harvest a portion of the excelia from slain mortal foes only. No impact from monsters.

    Harvested Excelia will be added to one''s own.

    Harvested Excelia can surpass status limit

    Will receive a fraction of the opponent''s current excelia.

    Greater portions of excelia will be received from stronger foes.

    Lesser portions of excelia will be received from weaker foes.

    Foes that are much weaker (greater than 2 levels) cannot have their exceila harvested.

    "Great job, my dear. You have trained diligently for this. It''s incredible to think that you''ve come so far just by training and facing some surface monsters," Nyx praised.

    "I''m not entirely sure, Nyx. Will it be enough?" Olivia questioned.

    "It''s a fine starting point. We can''t let my husband surpass us. That means we''ll have to train extra hard, especially since he has the Dungeon and we don''t. Now, let''s begin our journey. I think the best place to start would be in the North East. My intuition tells me we''ll find exceptional children there. And with your skills, the conflict between the Empire and Fernest will only aid in your growth," Nyx said thoughtfully, listening to what her intuition was telling her.

    With a soft sigh, Olivia leaned back against Nyx''s warm and comforting presence. The gentle touch of Nyx''s hands running through her hair relaxes Olivia, as she closed her eyes and lets out a contented hum.

    "It''s hard to believe it''s been ten years since I found you," Nyx said softly, smiling down at Olivia. "These past ten years have truly been a blessing. And now my little girl is already thirteen."

    Olivia smiled and nuzzled closer to Nyx, feeling grateful for their bond that has formed between them over the years.

    "I''m so glad we were able to find each other too, Nyx," Olivia whispered, her head resting against Nyx''s chest.

    "As much as I could stay here hugging my adorable daughter all day, we have to get going," Nyx said with a fond smile, stopping her hand from running through Olivia''s hair.

    "Okay," Olivia replied, getting up from her spot and reaching for her pack.

    The duo prepares to leave the temple that has been their home for the last decade. Nostalgia fills Nyx''s heart as she takes one last look around before they depart on their journey together.

 Chapter 5 Part 3: Secret Laboratory:

    In an underground laboratory belonging to the subset of Evilus, a lone figure walked down a long hallway. Each of the magic stone lamps emitted an eerie light that cast ominous shadows across the sterile white surfaces. At the end of the corridor lies a heavily reinforced door, its metal panels gleaming in the dim lighting. The man approaches it with purpose, his footsteps echoing sharply against the floor.

    Despite the hushed silence of the lab, there is a sense of foreboding hanging in the air, as if some unspeakable experiments are being conducted behind closed doors. But for this man, it is just another day at work in the lab. As the man approached the door he thoughts began to wander.

    "I have to do this."

    "I have seen what the mortal realm is up against."

    "I cannot allow IT to roam free."

    "IT must be killed no matter what."

    "I will sacrifice these few for the greater good."

    "it is what must be done. No matter the personal sins I must commit, I will rid the world of the threat of monsters."

    "I remember everything like it was yesterday.

    the roar,

    the screams,

    the stench of blood and gore.

    Watching my familia and friends being killed,

    Toyed with,

    and

    finally

    devoured by the beast.

    I will never forget that day.

    The day when the greatest might Genkai could assembled was reduced to naught but ash in the wind

    I will not all that abomination to hold dominion over Genkai any longer.

    I will do whatever must be done.

    The door creaked open, revealing a dimly lit room. A small window cast a thin sliver of light across the stone floor. Chains hung from the walls, their metal links clinking softly in the stale air. The stench of rot and decay assaulted his senses, causing him to wrinkle his nose in disgust.

    In the far corner, a young elf girl with blonde hair and blue eyes huddled, her body shaking with fear. Her sobs, echoed off the walls, filling the room with a sense of hopelessness. The girl''s tearful eyes met his, searching for any sign of mercy.

    "Why am I here? Please let me go..." Her voice trembled, each word a plea for freedom.

    The man sighed, his voice carrying a heavy weight. "I am sorry, child," he said, his tone devoid of warmth. "But what is about to happen is necessary for the future of Genkai."

    With a firm grip, he seized the chains attached to her wrists. The girl struggled, her feeble attempts at resistance only tightening his hold. He pulled her forward, the chains rattling as they moved.

    "No, no, no!" Her screams echoed down the dim corridor. "Mama! Papa! Anyone!" Her cries were swallowed by the oppressive silence of the abandoned halls, her voice growing hoarse as she fought against her captor.

    The man''s grip was ironclad, his determination unwavering as he pulled her through the darkness. The hallway seemed to stretch endlessly, every step taking them closer to the foreboding destination. The girl''s struggles grew weaker, her energy sapped by fear and exhaustion.

    The creaking of rusted hinges announced their arrival at the laboratory. The room was dimly lit, shadows clinging to the walls. In the center, a third man was arranging instruments on a table equipped with bindings and manacles. The pungent smell of old blood and ammonia hung heavy in the air, making the girl''s stomach churn.

    As the man scanned the room, he noted the mirrors positioned to observe the table from every angle. The girl''s wide, pleading eyes darted around, searching for an escape that did not exist.

    "Doctor Atticus, it''s good to see you again," the man said, his voice steady as they entered.

    "Muller, yes. This is our next subject," Atticus replied, continuing to drag the girl forward.

    Her body trembled with fear, her breaths coming in ragged gasps. The table loomed ahead, a symbol of her impending fate. The two men exchanged looks of grim understanding. In this place, empathy had no place; only the cold, hard pursuit of their goals mattered.

    "Yes, she possesses a significant amount of magical potential," Doctor Atticus stated calmly. His voice betrayed no emotion about what was to happen. "I''ve perfected the process enough that it should not kill her right away. We shall observe the aftermath and proceed accordingly."

    Amidst the doctor''s calculated words, the girl''s voice could still be heard, a faint, pitiful plea for mercy. Her cries echoed off the cold stone walls, but they fell on deaf ears. Arcturus continued to drag her towards the table, his grip unyielding.

    "Please¡­" Her voice was weak, barely more than a whisper.

    "Your sacrifice is necessary for the future of Genkai," the doctor responded, his tone devoid of sympathy. He pulled her to the table and began strapping the manacles onto her limbs. She tried to resist, but despite her best efforts, she was held in place, bound to the table.

    Her heart pounded with fear and desperation as she struggled against her restraints. "Please let me go," she pleaded, her voice trembling with terror.

    But the doctor and Muller paid no attention to her cries. Their focus was solely on the preparations for the experiment. The room was filled with the sounds of metal clinking and soft murmurs of instruction, a stark contrast to the girl''s frantic sobs.

    "Bring the vials over here. We will begin now," Doctor Atticus ordered, his voice calm and methodical.

    Muller moved with practiced efficiency, retrieving the vials from a nearby shelf and handing them to the doctor.

    The girl''s eyes widened with horror as she saw the ominous substance and realized what was about to happen to her.

    "No! I don''t want this!" she screamed, struggling against her restraints, her heart racing with fear at the sight of the vials.

    "Don''t bother," Doctor Atticus stated, not looking up as he arranged the vials in a specific order. "Those manacles are made of adamantite from the Deep Floors. I recovered it myself. You won''t be breaking out of them."

    Desperation clawed at her as she continued to fight against the restraints, but the manacles held firm. Her breath came in quick, panicked gasps. She felt trapped, powerless against the impending horror.

    "Now, Muller, hold down one of her arms and turn it so there is a vein towards me. I need to make sure I get it into one of the main veins for quick distribution. If we miss a major vein, the subject dies," the doctor instructed.

    Muller eagerly complied, firmly holding down the girl''s arm while she struggled against him. The girl''s strength was no match for Muller''s grip. She felt a cold sweat break out on her forehead, her mind racing with a thousand thoughts, each more terrifying than the last.

    The doctor uncapped the needle and inserted it into the vial, extracting the liquid before carefully inserting the sharp tip into the girl''s vein. She flinched in pain, her body jerking instinctively away from the needle, but Muller''s hold kept her in place.

    "Please...stop...this..." she cried out weakly, her voice reduced to a whisper, barely audible over the sound of her own rapid breathing.

    But her pleas went unanswered. Atticus''s focus was entirely on the task at hand. The liquid began to flow into her vein, its icy burn spreading through her arm. The room seemed to close in on her, the faces of her captors blurring as tears filled her eyes. The girl''s vision swam, her senses overwhelmed by fear and the cold touch of the liquid invading her body. She felt herself slipping, her consciousness fading in and out.

    Then it hit her like a tidal wave - an intense burning pain that seemed to consume every inch of her being. She screamed in agony as the liquid continued to flow through her veins, causing them to turn black.

    "AGHHHAHAHAHAHA" The girl''s screams fill the room as the liquid began to course through her veins, spreading throughout her body.

    The pain continues to course through the girl''s body as the Doctor Atticus injected her with more vials of the purplish-black liquid. She can feel her muscles contracting and spasming, her vision blurring and her mind going hazy.

    "Stop... please..." she begged weakly, her voice barely audible over the sound of Muller''s grunts as he held her down.

    "It will all be over soon," the doctor reassured in a robotic tone, his eyes focused on his work. He moved on to the next vial, injecting it into another vein on the girl''s arm.

    With each injection, the pain intensified and spread throughout her entire body. She couldn''t even scream anymore, her voice hoarse from all the struggling and vomiting. Her mind was consumed with pain, her body convulsing uncontrollably. Every second felt like an eternity. She felt like she was being consumed from within, as though her very soul was being devoured. The doctor continued to inject her with more vials, each one bringing greater agony than the last.

    "Please... stop... I don''t want to hurt anymore," she pleaded weakly, her voice shaking.

    The doctor paused for a moment, his hands trembling slightly. He looked at the girl with a mix of guilt and regret in his eyes.

    "I am sorry, but I have to do this. Just know that your sacrifice will be worth it in the end," he said firmly before continuing with his work.

    Muller handed him another vial, its contents a dark purplish-black. The doctor injected it into the same spot, and she screamed in agony. Her veins burned like fire, and she thrashed against her restraints, but they held firm.Reading on this site? This novel is published elsewhere. Support the author by seeking out the original.

    This brutal cycle repeated nine more times, each injection plunging her deeper into torment. By the twelfth, she was barely conscious, her eyes unfocused and blurred. Her body felt ablaze from within, each breath a struggle against the pain. The torture seemed never-ending as tears streamed down her face as she begged for mercy and prayed for someone - anyone - to save her from this nightmare. But alas a hero doesn''t always appear when needed.

    "Please¡­ make it stop¡­" she moaned through clenched teeth.

    "I am sorry. This is all for a greater cause," the doctor responded.

    "Muller, hold her down. We need to ensure it reaches her marrow without displacement," the doctor instructed, preparing the injection with a harvester needle.

    Muller gripped the girl''s tightly, trying to keep her still as she attempted to thrash about. The doctor positioned the needle carefully, ensuring that it is placed above the densest part of the girl''s pelvic bone. As the doctor pushed down, the girl''s body tensed and her screams intensified as the needle penetrated the bone with a sickening crunch injecting the final vial of purplish-black liquid into the girl''s marrow. After what felt like an eternity, the girl''s body went limp, slumping against the cold stone table. Doctor Arcturus carefully withdrew the needle from her thigh, ensuring every drop of the purplish-black liquid had been administered.

    "There, all done," Atticus said with a hint of relief in his voice. Muller released his grip on the girl and stepped back.

    "Is it truly over, Doctor?" Muller asked, his voice tinged with anxiety.

    "Yes... it''s done," Atticus replied wearily, leaning against a nearby table for support.

    "What now?" Muller pressed.

    "Now, we wait. She should begin to show signs of transformation soon. Let''s tidy up and sterilize everything while we watch over her," Atticus sighed, his gaze fixed on the girl''s trembling form.

    "Yes, Doctor," Muller acknowledged

    The room fell silent except for the occasional groan or whimper from the girl as she struggled to endure the pain. Hours pass by and the girl''s body continues to convulse and twitch sporadically. The girl''s body suddenly convulsed violently as she heaved up a thick, dark liquid - a mixture of blood and bile. She had already emptied her stomach of any remaining contents. Her insides burned with agony, each retch feeling like knives being twisted in her gut.

    Time dragged on for what feels like an eternity as she lies there, helpless and weak, until her body finally gives in to exhaustion. Her chest rises and falls less and less frequently, until it no longer moves at all. The doctor, with a grave expression on his face, makes his way over to the table where she lays motionless

    His trained eye quickly noticed the blackish veins running along her hands and feet, a promising sign of for the experiment. As he continued his inspection, he discovered that the dark veins extended into the upper parts of her limbs, bringing a smile to his face. "Excellent sign," he murmured to himself, taking note of the black veins continued under the patient''s shirt.

    "Now for the main issues has always been the torso and the experiments has failed to take." The doctor says as he ponders past experiments. The doctor carefully cut the girl''s shirt off with the scissors, revealing her torso. He inspects her chest and abdomen, looking for any signs of change or success in the experiment. What he sees brings a smile to his face.

    "Completely black and purple veins covering the girl''s torso tracing their ways to¡­ a magic stone at the center of her chest." The doctor says in amazement as he thinks; "finally everything I have had to do has become worth it. With this we will finally be able to kill the beast. I will finally avenge my brothers who died all those years ago. My life has not been wasted."

    Muller looks over his shoulder to see the stone. "Truly wonderful. This is a great leap forward," he mutters under his breath and thinks: "fascinating. I didn''t think he would actually pull it off. I see I was right to study under him. This will certainly help with my own interests. Thank you for being useful to me, doctor."

    The doctor''s gloved hands traced the stone''s smooth surface, marveling at its pulsating energy.

    "This is it, Muller. After all these years, we''ve found it," he declared triumphantly.

    A sharp, high-pitched scream echoed through the chamber as the girl suddenly awoke. Her body convulsed with agonizing pain, thrashing against the metal manacles binding her. Black veins now snaked across her skin, pulsing with a dark energy that seemed to writhe beneath the surface. Her eyes widened in terror as she saw the magical stone embedded in her chest.

    "What have you done to me?!" she screamed through gritted teeth, her voice filled with desperation and fear.

    "Muller! The collar!" the doctor''s urgent command, prompting Muller to spring into action.

    Muller hurried to the nearby table, seizing the collar with trembling hands before rushing back to the main table. There, the girl fought against both the doctor and the creaking metal manacles. Tension thickened the air as Muller approached, urgency in every hurried step, his breath ragged as he struggled against time and destiny to save her from an uncertain fate.

    "Now, collar her while I keep her down," the doctor commanded, his grip firm on the girl''s shoulders.

    Muller nodded, his fingers grappling with the unfamiliar device. He felt the girl''s struggling beneath his touch as he secured the collar around her neck.

    "Stay still," the doctor ordered as the collar clicked around her neck.

    Her body stiffened, muscles locking in place, stripped of their autonomy. Fear and confusion surged through her as she realized she was no longer in control of her own

    As the girl ceased struggling against her restraints, the doctor spoke. "Good. The experiment was successful," he stated, his words sending a chill down her spine. The collar around her neck hummed faintly with power, a silent reminder of her newfound obedience.

    "Why? What have you done to me?" she asked, her voice trembling as tears streaked down her face. She glimpsed her altered reflection in a nearby mirror, the changes unsettling and unfamiliar.

    "It was necessary for the future of Genkai," the doctor replied calmly. "You will play a crucial role in its salvation. Return to your room and await further instructions. I will join you shortly."

    Reluctantly, she felt herself compelled by an unseen force, obeying his command as she walked back to her quarters. Meanwhile, the two men remained in the hallway, engaged in a quiet and intense discussion.

    "She was the first successful experiment of the series," Muller stated confidently.

    "Yes, it''s remarkable that it was our shadow series that yielded the most progress," the doctor mused, his voice tinged with awe.

    "Perhaps we should give her a name to mark this accomplishment. Using her original name might help anchor her identity," Muller suggested, his tone cold and clinical. "To fully harness her abilities, we must extinguish any hope of her returning to her former life."

    "True we have no choice but to make it so," the doctor replied, already lost in thought.

    As the men concluded their discussion on the next steps for their subject, piercing wails erupted from a nearby room down the hall. The sounds reverberated off the sterile walls, sending shivers down their spines and filling them with both anticipation and apprehension.

    <hr noshade="noshade" size="1">

    Doctor''s Journal Entry

    Year 8, Day 125

    Personal Notes:

    After countless attempts, the experiment has finally yielded results. We have achieved our ultimate goal: creating a monster-human hybrid. It was an obscene idea born from desperation to defeat the dreaded one-eyed black dragon. But in pursuing this creation, I have committed a grave sin against nature. The result will likely be an abomination beyond comprehension.

    Witnessing the immense power of the King of Monsters filled me with despair. Even the strongest families in Genkai were no match for its might. It swept through us like we were nothing, crushing our pride and shattering our abilities. I could only watch helplessly as my comrades fell one by one. That day, I learned firsthand just how terrifying the creatures of the Dungeon truly are. No previous encounter could have prepared me for this beast which was the apocalypse incarnate.

    As I gazed upon it from a close distance, I couldn''t help but fear for the future of our realm. The members of my family that remained at our estate were all weak and incapable of providing any support in this battle.

    Hearing what had happened to them filled me with an intense rage that nearing consumed me completely. If given the chance, I would have sought revenge against those responsible in a brutal and bloody manner. But I know that giving in to these impulses would be a betrayal of my fellow warriors who fought the beast.

    Most of the other families are wastrels, their deities seeking only entertainment and pleasure for their own enjoyment. They are unconcerned with anything else but their own hedonistic desires. The two that gained power after my family''s downfall are barely even worth mentioning.

    Loki, a treacherous and wicked goddess with an unhealthy fixation on young girls and gaining personal glory. She is followed by an artificial hero who will stop at nothing to bring fame to himself. On the other hand, Freya is another self-absorbed goddess who acts on her whims without considering others, supported by a group of fanatics who exist solely to please her. It is truly lamentable that the fate of Genkai rests in their hands.

    One day, the beast will break free and attempt to unseal the Dungeon, returning the mortal realm to Ancient Times. Unfortunately, neither Loki nor Freya are capable of handling such a task. If the Last Great Quest is left to them, then the mortal realm will surely perish. I refuse to allow the sacrifices of my brothers to be in vain. I will use every tool at my disposal to prevent such a catastrophic outcome.

    Using my expertise in studying monsters, I have turned my attention towards finding a solution. My entire life has been dedicated to understanding their physiology and weaknesses, in order to aid my fellow adventurers in defeating them and making it home safely. With my deity''s approval, I have published dozens of guides for others to use. Theses guides formed the basis of modern adventurer knowledge''s of monsters.

    Whether they have been effective remains debatable, but thanks to that previous research my latest experiment has finally yielded promising results. The following notes detail the immediate observations of the subject after successful injections were administered.

    Test Subject: 1001

    Injections: 12 sequential injections into the veins at 15-minute intervals. Followed by a final injection into the right ilium region of the pelvic girdle. Previous subjects had injections to different regions and the injections failed. We have eliminated all possible alternative through systemic experimentation.

    Monster Components Selected: Black Ooze''s Body Fluids and Ground War Shadows Magic Stones

    (Author''s note: I created the black ooze since there are other colors I figured a black one was possible.)

    Results:

    1. The subject writhed in agony, their body convulsing as they attempted to expel the foreign substance. Vomit and blood spilled onto the floor, evidence of the body''s desperate attempt to rid itself of the unknown contagion.

    2. As the magic stone formed within the subject, their heart beat erratically before temporarily stopping altogether. After a brief pause, it started up again with a steady rhythm. It seems the magic stone now functions as their heart would, but further investigation is needed to understand its full impact.

    3. In the days since awakening, the subject''s mental state has deteriorated rapidly. It''s clear that the use of magic collars will be necessary for future experiments, to prevent the subjects from causing harm to themselves. Additional collars must be requested from Barca. Meaning compensation will need to be prepared to fund the construction of Knossos.

    4. The subject''s appetite has shifted drastically; they no longer require regular food for sustenance. Instead, their cravings are focused solely on magic stones. While they can still consume regular food, it appears to provide no nutritional benefit. The subject can still derive pleasure from the consumption of food.

    5. It remains uncertain whether the subject will be able to gain excelia through traditional means or if consuming magic stones is necessary for them to grow stronger. This requires further study and analysis, but initial observations suggest that magic stones may indeed be essential for the subject''s strength.

    6. The subject refuses to eat regular food or magic stones most likely this an attempt at self-starvation, as a last resort, I have been forced to utilize a slave collar to compel them to eat and survive.

    7. This concerning behavior may not be limited to just this subject; future subjects will also likely exhibit similar tendencies towards self-harm and resistance to feeding. This could significantly delay or halt mass production if not properly addressed and managed.

    Final conclusions:

    Considering the success of this groundbreaking experiment, it is vital that the results be meticulously compared to previous attempts in order to identify any discrepancies. Due to this meticulous process, it will take some time before a decision can be made on the selection of the next subject for experimentation.

    Once the results have been thoroughly analyzed and compared, a new batch of subjects must be chosen. It would be prudent to select an additional six subjects for the experiment.

    Based on current observations, it appears that elves would make the most suitable candidates, demi-humans, followed by humans. So far neither Prums or dwarves have taken at all to the process. The reason for this is unknown. Further research is necessary to refine our selection process.

    If we are to mass-produce these results, significant refinement of both the process and selection criteria will be required to minimize any unnecessary sacrifices.

    Furthermore, to sever the subject''s ties to their past life, they will be given a new name from this point forward. This one shall now be known as...

    .

    Alpha

    .

    PS. Haaa, I truly am a wretched man.

    .

    Forcing these innocents to participate in this fight and robbing them of their future.

    .

    Even if all I do is for the future of Genkai.

    .

    May the gods of Tenkai punish me for my sins.

 CHapter 6 Part 1: Caught

    Caught:

    It had been two months since Ais first met Bell. Normally, she was able to sneak away when the adults were busy with some other tasks. However, as she returned to Twilight Manor, she found Riveria standing on the steps of the main hall, her gaze piercing as she waited for her charge¡¯s arrival.

    The quest Ais and Bell selected today took longer than expected. This delay caused them to return well past what was normal. As such Ais¡¯s absence drew Riveria''s attention. As she was being glared at by Riviera, Ais felt her heart race as she approached the stern elf, bracing herself for a lecture and potential punishment.

    ¡°Well, Ais. Do you care to explain where you have been?¡± Riveria asked sternly, her eyes fixed on Ais who now stood frozen at the entrance of the mansion.

    Ais hesitated for a moment before responding, ¡°I was in the Dungeon.¡±

    Riveria''s glare intensified and her eyebrows twitched as she grabbed Ais by the arm, dragging her into one of the spare rooms in the mansion. After finding a suitable room, Riveria began her lecture.

    ¡°Ais, you know better than to venture into the Dungeon alone. It''s dangerous.¡± Her voice was sharp and filled with concern.

    ¡°But I wasn''t...¡± Ais started to explain, but Mini-Ais, quickly clamped a hand over her mouth and shakes her head frantically, recalling Alfia''s warning about keeping her training secret.

    ¡°You weren''t what?¡± Riveria pressed, cornering Ais against the wall and glaring down at her.

    Ais shrank back, remembering Alfia''s words about the interference of other familia members. ¡°Nothing,¡± she responded meekly.

    ¡°I see. Very Well¡± Riveria nodded. As she began her lecture, while thinking:

    Is it possible that Ais went into the Dungeon with someone else?

    If so, who could it be?

    I would definitely know if it was someone from our familia.

    But if it is someone outside of our familia, who could it be?

    Ais does not have any close relationships within or outside of our familiaRoyal Road is the home of this novel. Visit there to read the original and support the author.

    I''ll have to investigate this further later on.

    Ais always seems to leave well before breakfast.

    I''ll follow her tomorrow to gather more information.

    Once I have a better understanding of the situation, I can come up with a plan.

    Next Morning:

    Ais felt a sense of unease as she left Twilight Manor, her steps quickened and heart raced as she wandered the bustling streets of Orario. Her senses were on high alert, constantly looking over her shoulder for any signs of danger. While she could not see anyone, Ais couldn''t shake the feeling that someone was following her.

    Sure enough, trailing behind her at a safe distance was Riveria, her eyes trained on Ais''s every move. Riveria had a sinking feeling in her stomach, as she watched as Ais move through the crowded streets.

    As Ais reached her destination, a chill ran down Riveria''s spine. She watched from the shadows as Bell and Alfia opened the gate for Ais. The sight of the trio together sent a shock through Riveria''s body. Her eyes widened and her jaw dropped in disbelief. Riveria''s mind whirled with questions, each one fighting for her attention.

    HOWW!!

    How does Ais even know about them?

    Why?

    What could possibly convince Alfia to accept Ais?

    How long has this alliance been going on?

    But then, it struck her:

    If Ais accepted Bell, then perhaps she had found someone to help her overcome her desire for revenge.

    I have to make sure this works.

    I am so worried about Ais. Her having a friend is a wonderful.

    And Bell¡­if their friendship can make up for even a fraction of the pain and suffering, he has had to endured, it will be worth it.

    Riveria quickly thinks of who else could accompany the duo into the Dungeon. It had to be someone close in experience level but not connected to their past.

    Aki. Yes, she would be perfect. Not only would it give Ais another friend, but Aki is completely unrelated to their past. Surely Bell would accept her too, since he seems to have accepted Ais.

    With a determined nod, Riveria turns and heads back towards Twilight Manor, to talk to Aki about her request.

    " It''s settled then. We can meet Ais and Bell there," she says to herself with a small smile.

    Preparing to set a plan in motion, Riveria couldn''t help but feel hopeful that this unexpected turn of events could lead to something truly positive for all of them.

    At Midnight Garden:

    Alfia let out a frustrated huff, her brow twitching in annoyance. "So that nagging granny elf finally figured it out and followed blondie," she muttered. "So much for keeping it a secret." Her eyes narrowed as she watched the retreating figure of Riveria.

    "I can''t say I expected it to stay secret forever," Alfia said with resignation. "I suppose she will try to approach them in the Dungeon. It''s up to Bell to decide what to do about her." With a dismissive wave of her hand, Alfia turned her back on Riveria, her mind already shifting to the task at hand.

    The training session for Ais and Bell was far more intense than usual, it was as if Alfia was channeling her frustration into their regimen. Her movements were swift and precise, her expression determined as she pushed them beyond their limits. Every strike seemed to carry an extra weight than their previous sessions. The intensity of the training was severe enough that they went through double the number of potions when compared to previous trainings.

 Chpater 6 Part 2: Crossed Paths

    It had been two months since Bell''s first dive into the Dungeon. He had made substantial progress both in the Dungeon and in his status. He was now able to routinely beat the monsters on the 9<sup>th</sup> floor. After Alfia learned of his attempt to fight his first orc, she thoroughly impressed upon what she considered the foolishness of that decision.

    The majority of Bell''s status was rapidly approaching A rank, and adults were now considering whether Bell would be able to break past the S tier limit. His highest stats, Endurance and Agility, were on the cusp of reaching the limit of S. The rest of his status ranged in the A-B range, with Magic being the closest to reaching the S mark.

    As usual the group selected the Quest:

    Practice Material:

    There is a blacksmith that needs Materials from the Upper Floors.

    Adventurers will acquire the following drop items:

    3 X War Shadow Finger Blades

    3 X Killer Ant Mandibles (I made this one up)

    10 X Needle Rabbit Tusks

    1 X Orc Hide

    Guild Reward: 75,000 Valis to be split between party members.

    Today, the group consisted of Bell, Ais, Ryuu, and Alise. They had accepted a quest to retrieve practice materials at the request of a blacksmith. They made a quick descent to the relevant floors. They were in the process of acquiring the materials when they heard footsteps approaching from the way they had just come. Alise and Ryuu were the first to respond, sensing a human presence and placing themselves between it and the others. Bell and Ais, hearing their movement, turned around while keeping an eye out for monsters.

    As they waited in the corridor, the sound of approaching footsteps grew louder until two figures emerged from the shadows. One was a tall high-elf with long emerald hair cascading down her back, while the other was an average-height cat girl with sleek black hair. Alise and Ryuu visibly relaxed at their presence, but Ais¡¯s face stiffened while Bell''s face twisted in anger.

    "Hello, Lady Riveria," Alise greeted with her usual bright smile. "What can we do for you today?"

    "I was hoping to speak with both Bell and Ais," Riveria replied, taken aback by seeing two members of the Astraea familia alongside Bell and Ais. She then noticed the animosity emanating from Bell toward her.

    As soon as he heard his name escape from Riveria''s lips, Bell¡¯s face contorted and his eyes flashed angrily as he spat a response:

    "What do you want, PRINCESS Ljos ALF?"

    ¡°Bell, you should be more res¡ª¡± Ryuu started to speak but was immediately silenced by Bell''s interruption.

    "I am not being disrespectful. I am simply using her title, aren''t I, PRINCESS Ljos ALF?" Bell glared at Riveria, as his anger continued to mount.

    Riveria met Bell''s glare with a calm, measured look, though a flicker of hurt crossed her eyes. As the reality of her misplaced hope dawned on her, a feeling of sadness settled into her chest tightening like a vise.

    Ais, usually composed, now openly fretted about Bell''s change in demeanor. Meanwhile, Mini-Ais ran around, trying to find a way to help. She glanced frantically between the duo, her hands waving in desperation.

    Riveria smiled gently at Bell, her voice careful as she tried to navigate the conversation delicately;

    "Indeed," she replied, "I am a princess. But there is no need for formalities with me, Bell..."

    "Only my friends call me Bell. To you, Princess Ljos Alf, I am Captain Cranel." Bell''s tone was cold and formal as his eyes narrowed with anger as he addressed Riveria.

    Alise and Ryuu were frozen in shock by the change in Bell¡¯s demeanor, while Riveria tried to maintain a brave front despite feeling heartbroken over this turn in the conversation. Things had turned out far from how she had hoped they would be between them. To think their relationship would be reduced to this.

    ¡°Alright, Captain Cranel. I wanted to discuss something important regarding your party with Ais. I''ve been concerned about her solo trips into the Dungeon. When I discovered that you were involved in those excursions, I felt compelled to talk to you and suggest adding one more member to your team. Aki is a new addition to our familia, and I believe it would be beneficial for both her and Ais to work together with you,¡± Riveria explained.

    Bell''s expression hardened, his eyes narrowing. "You mean with orders from the mighty and honorable princess to stab me in the back at the first opportunity? That sounds like something straight out of a plan from the esteemed Loki familia." His tone dripped with disdain as he spat out the name "Loki familia," glaring fiercely at Riveria.

    "Mr. Cranel! You are being terrible to Lady¡ª" Ryuu began, her voice quivering with emotion.

    "Shut up, Ryuu. You don¡¯t know anything," Bell snapped back, his anger pulsing through every word. Ryuu trembled, hurt flashing in her eyes while Bell''s own eyes widened in shock as he realized what he had just said as his emotions continued to get away from him.

    Before the tension could escalate any further, Alise stepped in, her eyes flashing;

    CONK.

    In one swift motion, Alise rapped Bell on the top of his head. He looked up at her, surprise and confusion mingling in his eyes. Disappointment etched into her features, she gazed down at him before.

    Thunk.

    Alise pulled Bell into a tight hug, pressing his face against her breastplate. He struggled against her hold, still quivering with rage. Despite his anger, he couldn''t help but eventually surrender to the comfort of Alise''s embrace. Her voice was soft, yet firm, as she spoke:

    "I don''t know what''s going on between you and Lady Riveria, but it''s not fair to take your anger out on Lyon. I won''t tell you how to feel, but please don''t direct your anger towards people who are trying to help."

    Shame and remorse washed over Bell as his temper began to dissipate. He realized that he had lashed out at someone who had shown him nothing but kindness since they first met. Despite their rocky start, Ryuu had been nothing but helpful and sincere in her attempts to make amends. The realization made Bell¡¯s face soften slightly, thinking about Ryuu''s earnest efforts.

    Eventually, Bell''s trembling subsided, and he pulled away from the hug, feeling calmer thanks to Alise''s intervention. He glanced at Ryuu, her expression a mix of hurt and concern. Bell took a deep breath, his voice steadier now.

    ¡°I am sorry. My emotions got the best of me. I promise to try harder in the future,¡± Bell said, his voice sincere as he turned to face Ryuu, who had previously frozen stiff, twitched at being addressed.

    Ryuu took a deep breath, her posture relaxing slightly, before she responded; ¡°Thank you, Mr. Cranel. I accept your apology. I know this is not your usual behavior, and I can''t even begin to imagine what could have triggered it.¡±

    ¡°There is incredibly bad blood between our families,¡± Riveria added, her voice filled with shame and regret.The tale has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation.

    Bell¡¯s eyes flashed with anger. ¡°Ha! Is that what you call it? Your wretched...¡±

    ¡°All right, Bell,¡± Alise said, gently tapping him on the nose to bring him back to reality. ¡°Now, what are your honest thoughts about having Anakitty join our party?¡±

    Bell took a deep breath, his eyes narrowing as he gathered his thoughts. He understood the distinction between what he wanted to do and what he should do. The lessons from Alfia about responsibility and future planning kept circling in his mind. Finally, he looked at Riveria, his voice strained as he nearly spat out her title. ¡°Princess Ljos Alf, I have one question and one condition before I can consider your request further.¡±

    Riveria¡¯s eyes flickered with a glimmer of hope. ¡°What are they, Captain Cranel?¡±

    ¡°First of all, whose idea was this? And secondly, the condition, I have is that Aki swears before Lord Erebus that she has no intention of harming me. As long as that is met, I will accept her as a member of our party. She can also accompany Ais during her training at Midnight Garden,¡± Bell responded as his face tightened into a scowl, betraying his true feelings towards the situation.

    ¡°I came up with this plan on my own; no one else was involved. And the second condition will not be an issue.¡± Riveria replied, her voice steady despite the tension, as she gently nudged Aki forward.

    The young cat girl, who had been lingering behind Riveria, stepped forward hesitantly. Aki glanced at Bell, her eyes reflecting a nervous determination. Her usually cheerful demeanor was subdued, clearly affected by receiving such a hostile reaction. Bell¡¯s eyes turned to Aki, scrutinizing her with a mixture of suspicion and distrust.

    Bell finally nodded, his expression though still severe, softened slightly as he looked at Aki. ¡°Very well. If Aki is willing to meet that condition, then I will accept her into our party.¡±

    Riveria¡¯s shoulders relaxed, a small sigh escaping her lips. ¡°Thank you, Captain Cranel. I am sure that they will be no problem.¡±

    Aki cleared her throat, the sound small but full of nerves. She took a tentative step forward, her eyes flicking from Riveria to Bell.

    ¡°Uhm, hi. I¡¯m Anakitty Autumn. Nice to meet you,¡± she said, her voice wavering slightly as she offered a hesitant smile. She glanced back at Riveria, who gave her a reassuring nod.

    Bell, still casting a wary look at Riveria, responded with a measured tone. ¡°Hello, Anakitty. I¡¯m Bell Cranel, Captain of the Erebus Familia. Despite what I said to Princess Ljos Alf, you can call me Bell.¡±

    Aki''s relief was palpable, though her nerves didn¡¯t completely settle; ¡°Oh, okay. Well, if it¡¯s alright with you, I would like to join your party.¡±

    Bell¡¯s expression remained serious as he considered her request. ¡°As I said, I will have to discuss it with my god first and see if you meet the requirements. If so, then I will be fine with it. What do you say, Ais?¡±

    Ais looked up from where she had been anxiously fidgeting.

    ¡°I agree,¡± she said quietly. Beside her, Mini-Ais wrung her hands nervously, her face reflecting the tension that had been building since the conversation began.

    ¡°Okay, then Anakitty, you can come Ais to Midnight Garden tomorrow. We''ll decide what to do from there,¡± Bell said, his tone firm but edged with a hint of weary resignation.

    ¡°I¡¯m on it!¡± Aki responded, her voice brightening with newfound enthusiasm. She nodded eagerly as her tail swished back and forth.

    Bell¡¯s expression softened just a fraction as he sighed. ¡°Ais and I have a quest to complete, but I''ll see you tomorrow, Anakitty.¡±

    Riveria gave a nod of understanding. ¡°I¡¯ll leave as well. Ais, we¡¯ll talk later. I¡¯ll continue training Anakitty on a different path so as not to interfere.¡± With that, Riveria turned and led Aki away, their footsteps fading down the corridor.

    As the tension that had hung in the air dissipated, Bell let out a deep sigh of relief.

    ¡°Let¡¯s get this quest over with. I just want to go home,¡± he said wearily, rubbing his temples as if trying to erase the strain of the day.

    Alise nodded as she spoke ¡°We have most of the materials we need already. The only thing left is adamantine plus some monster drops of Needle Rabbits tusks and an Orc Hide.¡±

    Bell¡¯s spirits lifted slightly at the prospect of finishing their mission soon. ¡°Great! Let¡¯s head down to the 10<sup>th</sup> floor and retrieve that orc hide. We can gather the Adamantite on the 10<sup>th</sup> as well and get the Needle Rabbit Tusks on the way back. What do you think Ais?¡±

    Ais, her voice carrying the faintest trace of uncertainty after the earlier argument, responded, ¡°Um, yes, that sounds fine.¡±

    Without waiting for further confirmation, Bell strode purposefully towards the entrance to the ninth floor. His pace was brisk, and he did not glance back to check if the others were following. Ais scrambled to catch up with Bell¡¯s quick stride, her footsteps echoing in the corridor. Alise and Ryu exchanged a glance, a silent understanding passing between them. The group pressed on, each step carrying them closer to their goals and the challenges awaiting them in the Dungeon.

    10th floor

    As the group descended, luck seemed to favor them. Needle Rabbits appeared frequently, allowing them to gather the remaining tusks needed for their quests. This left only two items to collect: adamantine and Orc Hide. Bell¡¯s demeanor had shifted since their encounter with Riveria. His attacks grew more aggressive, often prioritizing offense over defense. Reckless charges left him with injuries that could have been avoided. Ryu and Alise found themselves protecting him, softening up monsters before Bell could engage.

    Upon making their way to one of the known Adamantite deposit on the 10<sup>th</sup> floor a deafening roar echoed through the mist, drawing Bell and Ais''s attention. Emerging from the hazy shroud were a dozen monstrous shapes, their guttural roars filling the air.

    "GAWRGAWRGAWR!"

    The ground trembled with each thudding step as the large silhouettes grew closer, the mist swirling around them and obscuring their full view. The approaching horde of orcs was unmistakable.

    ¡°Ryuu, Alise, let us take one,¡± Bell called out, locking eyes with Ais, who nodded in agreement.

    ¡°You¡¯ve grown a lot, Bell. We¡¯ll handle the rest while you go head-to-head with your opponent," Alise responded confidently, stepping back alongside Ryuu to give Bell and Ais room to fight.

    The lead orc charged forward towards Bell and Ais with a roar, swinging its massive club. Meanwhile, Alise and Ryuu faced the remaining orcs, their teamwork evident in the way they moved together. Alise''s swordsmanship and Ryuu''s swift strikes kept the orcs at bay, preventing them from overwhelming Bell and Ais. The duo then began to easily cut down the orcs after allowing one through.

    Bell darted to the side, narrowly avoiding the orc¡¯s initial blow. He countered with a strike to the orc''s leg, but its thick hide absorbed much of the impact, leaving behind a gash on the orc¡¯s leg. Ais moved and her sword flashed as she took aim at the orc¡¯s leg, causing it to stumble as her sword bit into its leg and caused it to totter slightly.

    Bell''s focus narrowed to his opponent. The orc snarled, swinging its club with brute force. Bell ducked under the swing, slashing at the orc''s exposed leg. The creature stumbled but quickly regained its footing, bellowing in rage.

    Bell pressed the attack, each strike more aggressive than the last, his form growing reckless. The orc''s counterattack was fierce, and Bell¡¯s lack of defense left him vulnerable.

    A sweeping blow he couldn¡¯t fully evade struck him, sending a jolt of pain searing through his side. Several of his ribs cracked under the force, his shoulder popped, and his vision blurred for a heartbeat. He staggered back, struggling to breathe as the agony radiated through his chest.

    ¡°Bell!¡± Ais shouted, her voice sharp with urgency. She sprang into action, without hesitation, she slashed at the orc¡¯s leg, her blade a blur of steel as it connected with the orc¡¯s thick hide, diverting its attention away from Bell.

    Gritting his teeth against the pain, Bell forced himself upright. He could feel the bones grinding in his chest with each ragged breath, but he pushed the sensation aside. Switching his sword to his uninjured hand, Bell charged forward, his sword aimed at the creature¡¯s center.

    The orc turned back to him, its tusked mouth twisted into a snarl. It swung its massive weapon in a wide arc, but Bell was ready. He ducked low, the club whooshing over his head, and in one fluid motion, he thrust his sword upward. The steel bit deep into the orc¡¯s chest, piercing through muscle and bone until finally hitting its magic stone.

    The creature let out a gurgling cry, its eyes wide with shock and fury. For a moment, the orc stood frozen, as if refusing to believe it had been bested. Then, with a final, shuddering breath, it crumbled into ash, leaving nothing but a cloud of dust in the space it had occupied.

    Bell staggered back, his vision swimming as the adrenaline began to fade. He could feel the full weight of his injuries now. He glanced at the pile of ash that and let out a weary sigh. The road ahead was long, and this was just the beginning.

    Ais seeing the monster burst into ash, turned to Bell, concern etched on her face. ¡°Are you alright?¡± she asked, her voice steady despite the tension.

    Bell nodded, panting heavily. ¡°Yeah, I¡¯m fine,¡± he replied, though the throbbing pain in his shoulder and ribs told a different story. In addition, he breathing had become labored.

    With the immediate threat neutralized, Alise and Ryuu regrouped with them.

    ¡°Bell, drink this now. We need to find that adamantine and get out of here,¡± Alise said, shoving a potion bottle Bell¡¯s un injured hand after he sheathed his sword.

    ¡°Sure. Sorry about that,¡± Bell replied, downing the potion. The liquid¡¯s healing properties started working immediately, dulling the pain and mending his both his ribs and shoulder.

    Ryuu¡¯s eyes scanned the surroundings, her senses on high alert. ¡°We should move quickly. There could be more of them.¡±

    Alise nodded. ¡°The adamantine deposit is not far from here. Let¡¯s get what we need and return.¡±

    Bell straightened, the potion¡¯s effects giving him a second wind. ¡°Lead the way.¡±

    After the rematch with the orc, Bell and Ais were able to complete the quest by going to one of the known Adamantite deposits on the 10th floor. After that the group returns to the surface and exchanges their magic stones and materials to complete the quest.

 Chapter 6 Part 3: City Exploration

    As the group emerged from the depths and returned to the surface, a cool breeze swept through their hair. Bell, his mind still reeling from the journey, set off toward Midnight Garden with Alise close at his side.

    Alise cast a glance at Bell''s tense posture. "Care to explain what that was all about?"

    Bell remained silent, biting his lip as memories threatened to overwhelm him. A shiver ran up his spine, his body trembling as he tried to suppress it all.

    Alise, sensing his distress, gently wrapped her arm around him in an attempt to comfort him.

    "I won''t push," she said softly, "but I''m here if you ever want to talk about it."

    "Thanks, Alise," Bell managed to say after taking a shaky breath, though he was still biting his lip suppress the emotions bubbling inside him. Bell forced a small smile and leaned into her touch, grateful for her understanding and support.

    Concern flickered across Alise''s face as she looked at him. Then, an idea seemed to dawn on her.

    "Hey Bell, do you mind coming with me for a little bit?" she asked gently.

    "Uh, sure," Bell responded, trying not to sound too eager.

    "Great. Come on then." Alise reached out and grabbed Bell''s hand. He immediately felt a rush of warmth and a light blush creeping up his cheeks as he followed her.

    They walked through the bustling streets until Alise led them to a great bell tower that towered over the majority of the city. The sun was beginning to set, casting a warm golden glow over everything it touched. Bell couldn''t help but feel awestruck by the beauty of it all.

    "This is my favorite spot in the city," Alise said, her voice soft and full of wonder. "You can see everything from up here."

    Bell smiled, grateful for this unexpected adventure with his friend.

    Once they reached the top of the enclosed tower, Alise let go of Bell''s hand and turned to face him with a small smile. "This is one of my favorite spots in all of Orario," she said, gesturing to the view in front of them.

    Bell followed her gaze and was met with a breathtaking sight. The bustling streets below were filled with adventurers, merchants, and civilians going about their daily lives. The vibrant cityscape was truly a sight to behold.

    "Wow," Bell breathed out, completely awestruck.

    "I come here whenever I need some time alone to think," Alise said as she looked out the doors to the balcony around the tower.

    As they stepped out onto the balcony, a gust of wind blew through the bell tower, causing Alise''s hair to whip around her face. The sun caught her hair in just the right way, turning it into a stream of fire. Bell couldn''t help but stare at her in awe. In that moment, she looked as beautiful as any of the goddesses Bell had seen walking the street. A single thought crossed his mind:

    ¡°Alise is so beautiful.¡±

    The mere thought of Alise''s beauty sent a wave of heat rushing to Bell''s cheeks. He before he was able to let his mind wander further, Alise''s voice broke through his thoughts.

    "Hey, are you okay?" she asked, her eyes turning to him.

    Bell could feel his face growing even redder as he tried to play it off. "Yeah, I''m fine," he stammered, avoiding direct eye contact.

    "You''re blushing so much," she teased, a smirk playing on her lips. "Were you thinking something naughty just now? Maybe you are more of a rabbit than¡ª"

    ¡°Nononononono,¡± Bell stammered, his cheeks flushing a deep crimson. ¡°It wasn¡¯t naughty at all; you were just so beautiful that it took my breath away.¡±Unauthorized usage: this narrative is on Amazon without the author''s consent. Report any sightings.

    Alise''s emerald eyes widened in surprise. Before she could think further, she pulled Bell into a tight hug, practically smothering him. Her own face turned the same shade of scarlet as her fiery red hair. Panic fluttered inside her as she thought, ¡°EPP. Bell just said I was beautiful. AH. WHY is my FACE SO RED? Why does it feel so hot? Why does this always happen when Bell compliments me?¡±

    ¡°Hghasgha,¡± Bell tried to speak, only to be muffled by Alise''s hug. A fleeting thought crossed his mind: ¡°Damn this stupid breastplate. It''s so cold.¡±

    For the potion of being hugged, he couldn''t help but notice the way her delicate features glowed in the soft light of the sun. As his heart fluttered, he was now grateful for the armor that prevented Alise from feeling the hammering in his chest. For a moment, they stood there, wrapped in each other''s warmth, the world around them fading into the background.

    After several minutes of struggling to regain control over her emotions, Alise finally released Bell from her tight grip. She took a deep breath before speaking.

    "You know, Bell, you were quite the flirt just now," Alise said with a playful tone. "Calling a girl beautiful and saying she took your breath away. Don''t you go breaking hearts and becoming a playboy now. You''re on track to be a real charmer."

    Bell blushed and gently rubbed his cheek where Alise had poked him. "I wasn''t trying to be a playboy. I was just telling the truth.¡±

    A warm flush spread across Alise''s cheeks, but she hurriedly changed the subject. "I wanted to bring you here because it''s one of my favorite places."

    "I see. What makes it so special to you?" Bell asked

    "I''ve always been drawn to high places, and this one is especially breathtaking. Not only is it elevated, but it also offers a stunning view of the entire city. Come, I''ll show you." Alise led Bell around the balcony of the tower.

    As they walked round the balcony, they were greeted with a breathtaking scene. Babel towered above them in all its splendor, its intricate architecture reaching towards the sky. Below, the city buzzed with life as people rushed through the cobbled streets, their colorful clothing blending together in a vibrant tapestry. The setting sun cast a warm golden light over everything, creating shadows that danced and swirled on the ground.

    Alise''s heart swelled with joy as she took in the view with Bell by her side. This was why she loved this place - for its ability to provide a sense of peace and beauty amidst the chaos of everyday life.

    Bell''s voice broke through the peaceful moment. "This is beautiful."

    Alise nodded; her eyes sparkling. "It is. Sometimes, when everything feels overwhelming, coming here reminds me of the beauty in the world. It helps me find my balance."

    Bell looked at her as he nodded ack. "Thank you for sharing this with me, Alise. It means a lot."

    They stood there in comfortable silence, the city spread out before them, a reminder of the adventures yet to come and the bond they were forming. Alise can only smile in agreement as she gazes out over the city, her eyes practically glowing with happiness. A melody escapes her lips as she starts to hum along with the sounds of the city below.

    As dawn unfolds, the city stirs,

    Stone and spire, a world it conjures,

    Streets alive with morning''s song,

    Chasing dreams where shadows throng.

    Lanterns glow with the evening breeze,

    Every corner holds a piece,

    Of tales spun in the whispers deep,

    Of the city''s restless beat.

    City lights, and dreams so grand,

    Spire and tower mark the land,

    Every heartbeat, every sigh,

    City life¡¯s a lullaby.

    Through the clamor and the sound,

    Find the rhythm all around,

    In the beauty, there¡¯s a spark,

    City lights illuminate the dark.

    Cobblestone paths and market cheer,

    Gathered folk from far and near,

    Inn and hall and minstrel¡¯s song,

    Beneath the moonlight, all belong.

    Echoes of a bard¡¯s old tale,

    In the rush, we all prevail,

    Stories written in the night,

    In this vibrant, endless sight.

    City lights, and dreams so grand,

    Spire and tower mark the land,

    Every heartbeat, every sigh,

    City life¡¯s a lullaby.

    Through the clamor and the sound,

    Find the rhythm all around,

    In the beauty, there¡¯s a spark,

    City lights illuminate the dark.

    From dawn¡¯s first light to twilight¡¯s gold,

    The city¡¯s tales are brave and bold,

    In every square, in every lane,

    Feel the pulse of joy and pain.

    City lights, and dreams so grand,

    Spire and tower mark the land,

    Every heartbeat, every sigh,

    City life¡¯s a lullaby.

    Through the clamor and the sound,

    Find the rhythm all around,

    In the beauty, there¡¯s a spark,

    City lights illuminate the dark.

    In the city¡¯s endless grace,

    Find your moment, find your place,

    Let the lights guide you tonight,

    In the city¡¯s ancient light.

    Bell¡¯s eyes widened in awe as he listened to the enchanting melody of Alise''s voice. He stood motionless, completely captivated by the sound. The notes floated through the air, weaving a spell that held him entranced.

    ¡°teehee. Bell, you look positively silly right now. Were you that entranced by my singing?¡± Alise teased, her laughter like a gentle chime.

    ¡°Yes, I was. It was the most beautiful voice I¡¯ve ever heard, aside from my mama¡¯s,¡± Bell confessed, as he smiled bashfully.

    ¡°YOU!¡± Alise exclaimed playfully, pulling Bell into another hug. Her own blush deepened, ¡°We should probably head back before Alfia scolds us.¡±

    Bell¡¯s expression shifted to a nervous gulp at the mention of their strict familia leader. ¡°You¡¯re right. Thank you for showing me this place, Alise.¡±

    With one last longing glance at the panoramic view from the bell tower, Bell and Alise descended. They navigated the bustling streets of their familia''s home, their steps in sync. The day¡¯s light gave way to the evening¡¯s shadows, and the city¡¯s vibrant energy surrounded them. The sounds of the street faded as they continued their journey, the promise of future adventures lingering in their minds.

 Chapter 6 Part 4: Twilight Manor

    The sun was dipping towards the afternoon as Riveria and Aki returned to Twilight Manor. Riveria, intent on advancing Aki¡¯s Dungeon training, guiding her with ease. After hours of navigating the labyrinthine depths, they finally made their way back to the manor.

    As they rested, Riveria¡¯s mind wandered to the approaching conversation with Ais. The task of addressing Ais¡¯s involvement with Bell and the Astraea familia weighed on her. She needed to understand the full extent of Ais¡¯s interest and intentions.

    By late afternoon, as shadows lengthened and the day edged into evening, Ais arrived at the manor and made her way to Riveria''s room. The two women settled into their chairs, a silence enveloping them as they faced each other. Riveria broke the quiet with a gentle, yet probing question.

    "Tell me, Ais. How long have you been venturing into the Dungeon with Bell and the Astraea girls?"

    Ais curled up, hugging her knees to her chest. ¡°About two months,¡± she replied, her voice soft but steady.

    "I see. How did you come to know about them? And what prompted you to join them?" Riveria asked, her curiosity evident as she pondered Ais''s response

    Ais''s voice wavered slightly. "I overheard the others discussing Zald and Alfia¡¯s encounter with a dragon. You know my wish; I felt I had to meet them."

    Riveria furrowed her brow, her expression a mix of confusion and curiosity. "I understand. But why did you feel the need to keep it a secret?"

    Ais¡¯s gaze shifted, her fingers fidgeting in her lap, as she explained quietly. ¡°Alfia warned me that you and the others might try to intervene if you found out,¡±

    Riveria sighed, crossing her arms over her chest. ¡°I see. And what do you think of them?¡±

    Ais hesitated, her eyes searching for the right words. ¡°Alfia is¡­ scary sometimes, especially during training. Zald is stern but fair.¡±

    Riveria nodded, encouraging her to continue. ¡°And Bell?¡±

    You could be reading stolen content. Head to the original site for the genuine story.

    Ais took a deep breath, her voice softening as she spoke. ¡°Bell is¡­.¡± A slight smile touched her lips as she spoke, this did not go unnoticed by Riveria, as Ais paused to think about Bell.

    The room fell into silence as Riveria waited for Ais to continue. The nature of her sentiment was clear, and Riveria understood that Bell''s influence on had become significant for Ais. The two women sat in silence as Ais wrestled with her thoughts, trying to find the right words. At last, she met Riveria''s gaze as she spoke

    ¡°Bell is kind,¡± Ais began, her voice steady, ¡°He always puts others before himself and never hesitates to help those in need. He¡¯s incredibly brave and determined, even in the face of danger. On one of our first Dungeon dives, I was about to be struck by a frog shooter. Bell threw his sword to take it down, but another monster got him in the process.¡±

    Her voice grew softer as she recounted the memory while Riveria nodded thoughtfully, processing Ais'' words, ¡°I see and what about the other girls? The Astraea familia girls you both were with today.¡±

    Ais'' expression turns thoughtful once again as she considers the question. ¡°Alise is kind and caring, always looking out for both of us. Ryuu is quiet but she is also always looking out us.¡±

    As Ais speaks about each member of the Astraea familia, a small smile tugs at the corners of Riveria''s lips as she speaks. Her voice is calm and gentle, giving Ais a sense of comfort and reassurance.

    "I believe it''s safe to say that you have found yourself a good set friends," she says, her eyes meeting Ais''s with understanding.

    Ais nods in agreement, grateful that Riveria didn¡¯t not appear angry or disapproving of her friendship with Bell and his familia. She had worried that they might try to stop her from being involved with him.

    "Now, there are a few more things I would like to discuss with you," Riveria continues, causing Ais to start sweating nervously. Even Mini-Ais seems to freeze in place from Riveria''s intense look.

    As Ais turned her attention fully towards Riveria, the elf''s expression softened. "I believe it would be best to keep this from Loki and Finn for the time being," she began. Her voice was laced with a hint of caution and concern.

    Ais furrowed her brow in confusion. "Why? Alfia said the same thing. Why won''t they take it well? And why did Bell react like that when he saw you?"

    Riveria let out a weary sigh before answering. "You don''t need to know everything, but just understand that our familia never really got along with Zeus and Hera''s familias." She hesitated before adding, "Bell has every right to hate us for what happened, but that has nothing to do with you. So, you don''t have to worry about it."

    As Riveria finished her sentence, her mind suddenly flashed back to a time in the past

    Flashback Starts

    A chorus of screams and shouts echoing across the city.

    .

    The sounds of battle.

    .

    The stench of smoke and burning flesh.

    .

    ¡°What is going on? ¡°

    .

    ¡°Lord Ganesha, What happened? ¡°

    .

    A church engulfed in flames.

    .

    ¡°Damn it, why would you possibly do this?¡± an enraged voice screams at the person across from her

    .

    I am so sorry¡­

    My friend¡­.

    I never thought¡­

    Hicc¡­

    Hic..

    I am sorry¡­

    I am sorry¡­

    I am sorry Me¡­..

    Flashback Ends

    Riviera finally managed to pull herself out of the dark, haunting memories and return to the present, only to find Ais gazing at her with genuine concern etched on her delicate features.

    With a shuddering breath, Riviera slows her racing heart and places a comforting hand on Ais''s head, gently stroking the girl''s soft hair. Her touch was tender and reassuring, as if trying to mend any hidden wounds.

    "Sorry for worrying you, dear Ais. It''s nothing for you to fret over, just some of my lingering regrets," she explains, her voice filled with regret and longing.

    Ais couldn''t help pouting in annoyance, when Riviera petted her as if she were a child, but at the same time, she couldn''t deny the warmth and comfort that came with the touch. They remain in this position for several minutes until a bell signals dinner is ready for their family.

 Chapter 6 Part 5: Midnight Garden and Dungeon Dive

    The Midnight Garden:

    The following day, Aki and Ais arrived at the Midnight Garden. Aki answered Erebus¡¯s question without hesitation, passing the test. With this, she was granted the right to join Bell and Ais in the Dungeon as part of their party.

    Alfia wasted no time, subjecting Aki to the same rigorous training that the others had endured. The exercises were intense, designed to push them all to their limits. Aki, however, strove to meet each challenge head-on. The hours passed quickly, filled with the sound of clashing swords and heavy breaths, each of them growing stronger for what lay ahead.

    As the training drew to a close, members of the Astraea Familia arrived. Their presence signaled a shift in the day¡¯s purpose. They were here to train, but also to accompany Bell into the Dungeon. Lyra and Iska would join the group today.

    Before leaving the Midnight Garden, Ais and Aki would left ahead of the others, avoiding the attention that traveling through the city with Bell might attract. The plan was simple: meet at the Guild, choose a quest, and then begin their descent into the Dungeon.

    Later, Bell and his companions arrived at the Guild Hall, the stone building standing as a testament to the countless adventurers who had passed through its doors. They moved with purpose to the Dispatch Quest board, their eyes scanning the available quests. As they did, Ais and Aki rejoined them, their expressions calm and focused as though searching for their own quest.

    Together, they reviewed the quests, each option representing a new challenge and a new danger. From the board Bell selected the following quest and held it out for the others to examine:

    Trader¡¯s Request:

    A well-known trader has placed an order for a large quantity of magic stones. Given the volume of the request the Guild will start to run short on available inventory after this fulfillment. As such the task is acquire a large volume of magic stones from the 5<sup>th</sup> through the 10<sup>th</sup> Floor. Preference will be given to adventurers that can clear the lowest floor requirements.

    Quest Requirements: 100 pounds of magic stones

    Guild Reward: 150,000 Valis to be split between party members.

    Bell pulled a quest from the board, the parchment crinkling slightly in his hands as he examined it. His eyes scanned the details before he turned it to the others, who each gave a nod of agreement. Ais¡¯s eyes gleamed with anticipation, at the thought of facing more monsters than usual clearly excited her.

    With the decision made, Bell walked over to the Guild receptionist to officially accept the quest. The process was swift, a brief exchange that barely interrupted the group¡¯s momentum. Quest in hand, they made their way to the Dungeon entrance, the weight of what lay ahead settling over them like a familiar cloak.

    As they began their descent into the Dungeon¡¯s depths, Bell broke the silence with a plan. ¡°I think we should head directly to the 10th floor,¡± he suggested, his voice steady. ¡°They will have the largest magic stones. What do you all think?¡±

    ¡°I like it,¡± Ais said immediately, her eagerness to dive into battle evident.

    Aki hesitated for a moment before speaking, her voice measured. ¡°I¡¯ve trained down to the 9th floor with Lady Riveria. The 10th will be new territory for me, but Lady Riveria said I could handle it with a strong group.¡± She glanced at Bell, watching his reaction carefully. His expression remained neutral, though his brow twitched slightly at the mention of Riveria.

    ¡°No need to worry about that,¡± Iska said with a fierce grin. ¡°We may not be as strong as Lady Riveria, but we can handle these chumps.¡±

    Lyra nodded in agreement as she spoke ¡°Yeah, don¡¯t worry. We¡¯ll keep an eye on you if you need help.¡±

    ¡°Thank you,¡± Aki replied, bowing her head slightly in gratitude.

    ¡°Alright then, that¡¯s the plan,¡± Bell confirmed.

    With that, the group continued their descent into the Dungeon, the dim light from above fading as they ventured deeper.

    During the Descent (7<sup>th</sup> Floor)

    As the group descended deeper into the Dungeon, the tension of constant battle slowly eased, leaving a quiet lull in its wake. Aki, sensing the opportunity, remembered what Riveria had told her about trying to connect with her new companions, especially Bell.

    ¡°Hey, Bell,¡± Aki began, her voice breaking the silence as they gathered the last of the magic stones from the defeated Killer Ants. ¡°Why did you become an adventurer?¡±

    Bell paused for a moment; his expression thoughtful as he answered; ¡°I HAVE TO become stronger because I have a wish. I have to become stronger to fulfill it.¡±

    Ais, who had been silently collecting stones, froze at his words. Her hand stopped mid-reach as she turned to look at him, her gaze suddenly intense. Bell, feeling the weight of her stare, turned around, his nerves tightening under the scrutiny.

    ¡°What is it, Ais?¡± he asked, his voice betraying a hint of nervousness.

    ¡°Bell,¡± Ais said, her eyes locked onto his, ¡°what is your wish?¡±

    Bell hesitated and before he could respond, a high-pitched screech echoed through the cavern.

    SCREEEEEEEEEEEEE¡­

    A several Killer Ants descended upon them, cutting off any chance of further conversation.

    ¡°Ais, I¡¯ll tell you on our next break!¡± Bell shouted as he drew his weapon. Ais and Aki immediately moved to his side, weapons drawn, while Iska and Lyra observed them.

    The battle was swift, their earlier coordination paying off as they dispatched the Killer Ants with practiced efficiency. As the last of the ants fell, silence returned, broken only by the sound of their breathing. The group regrouped, exchanging brief glances before continuing their descent, each step bringing them closer to whatever awaited on the lower floors.

    During the Descent (9<sup>th</sup> Floor)

    The group settled into a small room on the 9th Floor, just shy of the entrance to the 10th. The walls were rough, the air damp, but it offered a brief respite from the constant threat of monsters. They damaged the walls and floor, a precaution to prevent any monsters from spawning while they took a break for a quick snack.

    As they prepared a quick snack, Bell felt a familiar sensation¡ªa set of eyes boring into him. Turning, he found Ais staring at him once again, her gaze unwavering. He sighed, realizing Ais wasn¡¯t going to let go of the question she had asked earlier.

    ¡°Ais,¡± Bell began, his tone resigned but gentle, ¡°do you still want me to answer your question about my wish?¡±

    Support the creativity of authors by visiting Royal Road for this novel and more.

    Ais¡¯s head bobbed up and down vigorously, almost comically.

    ¡°Pft,¡± Lyra stifled a laugh, amused by the earnestness of Ais¡¯s response.

    ¡°Hehehe,¡± Iska giggled, finding the normally stoic Ais¡¯s nodding endearing.

    Bell sighed again, closing his eyes momentarily to gather his thoughts. When he opened them, there was a quiet resolve in his voice.

    ¡°I want to kill the One-Eyed Black Dragon.¡±

    The room fell silent. Iska and Lyra froze, their easy smiles vanishing as they fully grasped the enormity of Bell¡¯s words. They knew the legends, the terrifying stories of what had happened to the Zeus and Hera Familias. The bar Bell had set for himself was unimaginably high.

    Aki, too, was stunned. She had heard whispers from her parents about the horror that the One-Eyed Black Dragon must have been to defeat the once-great Zeus and Hera Familias. It was a monster spoken of in hushed tones, a creature of nightmares. The dread apocalypse.

    But it was Ais who seemed most affected. At the mention of the One-Eyed Black Dragon, her body went rigid, her face losing its color. Her heart seemed to stop for a moment before it began to hammer in her chest, a torrent of thoughts rushing through her mind. Bell is like me, she realized, the words echoing in her thoughts.

    ¡°Why?¡± Ais croaked out, her voice unsteady, as she tried to understand.

    Bell¡¯s eyes softened as he answered, the weight of his past pressing down on him. ¡°My father was a member of the Zeus Familia, and my mother was part of the Hera Familia, though she was a non-combatant. When the Familias went to face the One-Eyed Black Dragon, my father was part of the expedition to kill it. But he, along with most of members, died in the attempt.¡±

    A melancholic look crossed Bell¡¯s face as he finished speaking, his gaze distant as if he could see the memories playing out before him. The room remained silent, each member of the group processing the gravity of Bell¡¯s wish. Ais stared at Bell, her own thoughts a storm of emotions.

    For the first time, she felt a connection to someone who understood the weight of such a burden. The air in the room felt heavy, charged with the unspoken emotions hanging between them. Ais, despite the turmoil roiling within her, was the first to break the silence.

    ¡°So, you want revenge?¡± she asked, her voice steady, though her own heart trembled with the question.

    Bell¡¯s expression tightened slightly, the corners of his mouth twisting as he considered his response. ¡°I can¡¯t deny that it¡¯s crossed my mind,¡± he admitted, ¡°but that¡¯s not my main reason for wanting to kill it.¡±

    ¡°Then what is?¡± Ais pressed, her inner self latching onto his words, desperate for understanding.

    Bell hesitated, glancing at each of the girls before him.

    ¡°Promise not to laugh?¡± he asked, his tone almost shy.

    The women nodded in unison; their expressions sincere.

    ¡°I want to be a hero,¡± Bell said, the words coming out with a hint of sheepishness. ¡°A hero who protects people. The reason I want to kill the One-Eyed Black Dragon is so that no one else has to go through what I did.¡±

    For a moment, there was a stunned silence. Then, Iska stood up, her expression serious as she said: ¡°Bell¡±

    Bell swallowed hard, a nervous lump forming in his throat. ¡°Yes, Iska?¡± he asked, his voice edged with uncertainty.

    ¡°That is so WONDERFUL!¡± Iska suddenly exclaimed, her serious expression melting into one of pure joy as she threw herself at Bell, pulling him into a bear hug and wrapping herself around him.

    ¡°PGFHFHGD¡ª¡± Bell¡¯s words were muffled as Iska¡¯s embrace nearly smothered him, his face turning beet red as he struggled to breathe. He was acutely aware of her chest pressing against his face, and the color in his cheeks deepened.

    While Bell was caught in Iska¡¯s enthusiastic hug, Lyra chimed in, her tone playful; ¡°Damn, Bell, talk about being ambitious.¡±

    The tension in the room eased, the heavy atmosphere lightening as Iska finally released Bell, who took a deep breath, trying to regain his composure. Ais, still quiet, watched him closely, her own thoughts racing.

    After Iska finally released Bell from her enthusiastic embrace, Lyra stepped forward with a smirk and gave him a light pat on the back..

    "You survived," she teased, her tone lighthearted,

    Bell, still flushed from the unexpected hug, managed a sheepish smile.

    ¡°Barely,¡± he replied, trying to regain his composure.

    Ais, however, remained silent, her gaze distant as she processed everything that had transpired. Her thoughts were a storm of emotions, but outwardly, she gave no indication of what she was feeling. Aki, standing nearby, seemed similarly contemplative. The only sign of her thoughts was the slight twitching of her tail as it swayed back and forth.

    The group quickly finished their snack, the atmosphere settling into a more focused calm.

    The group finished its snack and proceeded to the 10<sup>th</sup> floor. They were able to acquire the number of magic stones that the quest required and were even able to acquire an excess. Having completed the quest, the group returns to the surface without issue. As they reached the surface and emerged from the Dungeon. There was a collective sigh of relief as they took in the familiar sights of the city above, their task completed.

    Twilight Manor (Ais¡¯s Room)

    After completing the quest, Ais returned to Twilight Manor, and retreated to her room.

    Once inside her room, Ais closed the door behind her and leaned against it for a moment, as if the solid wood could somehow steady the whirlwind of thoughts in her head. She crossed the room and, without bothering to remove her gear, curled up on her bed. The soft mattress offered little comfort as she pulled her knees to her chest, trying to make sense of everything that had happened.

    .

    "Bell wants to be a hero."

    .

    The words echoed in her mind, repeating over and over until they blurred into a single, overwhelming thought. She had known of Bell''s determination, his drive so much like her own, but hearing him say it so plainly had struck something deep within her.

    Ais tightened her grip around her knees, her body curling further into itself. Her golden eyes stared blankly at the wall, but she wasn¡¯t really seeing it. Instead, her thoughts spun in circles, caught between the past and the future, between her own desires and the stark reality of the world they lived in.

    She couldn¡¯t shake the image of Bell¡¯s face as he had spoken those words¡ªhow serious he had been, how much it had meant to him. It was a kind of determination she understood all too well, a fire that burned with a purpose so strong that it consumed everything else. And yet there was no blackness in Bell¡¯s heart when he spoke of slaying the OEBD.

    As the minutes ticked by, the exhaustion from the day¡¯s events began to catch up with her. The weight of her thoughts, combined with the physical toll of the Dungeon, made her limbs feel heavy, her eyelids drooping despite the turmoil in her mind.

    Slowly, her breathing evened out, and her thoughts, once spinning chaotically, began to slow. Ais remained curled up on the bed as sleep overtook her, pulling her into a dreamless slumber. The last thought that passed through her mind before darkness claimed her was of Bell, and the hero he wished to become.

    .

    Dream 1

    Golden eyes watched her father¡¯s back as he swung his sword.

    The young girl was sitting in her mother¡¯s lap in the shade of a tree as the sun¡¯s rays filtered through the canopy.

    Her father always seemed embarrassed by people watching him practice, so he didn¡¯t like doing it in front of others. But whenever her mother coaxed him to let her watch, he would always give in. After his initial embarrassment, he would soon become focused in his practice as her mother watched him with a gentle smile. And Ais¡¯s cheeks would flush at the sight that always captivated her.

    She couldn¡¯t keep up with the blurred blade as her father swung. But she could still tell how beautiful his techniques were. She could remember the sword¡¯s melody whenever she wanted to simply by closing her eyes.

    She loved seeing her father¡¯s techniques.

    She knew that her father¡¯s sword was used for hurting things. And the flash of an unhesitating sword calling forth a mist was a scary thought to her. But that was a sword for saving everyone.

    A sword to protect her mother.

    When she thought of that, she was proud of her father. She aspired to be like him.

    He was the hero she dreamed of. The swordsman her mother loved.

    Finally, after finishing his training, he came back to the shade of the tree,

    She beamed at him as he approached, and he returned her smile, the wind blowing his hair.

    ¡°Ais¡±

    He said her name as he held out the sheathed blade to her.

    After a moment of wide-eyed hesitation, she took the sword in both her hand

    It had profound weight, but it also felt comfortable to her.

    ¡°Ais¡±

    Turning to face the voice from behind, she saw her mother smiling at her as well.

    Almost as if telling her to follow her father, her mother raised her arm, and held up a single finger, and made a sound.

    ¡°_____¡±

    Along with the sound, Ais felt a tender breeze embracing her body. She trembled, giggling as the the wind¡¯s whispers tickled her.

    Her mother broke into a smile and wrapped her arms around her and the wind.

    ¡°I¡¯ll always be with you¡±

    This person. And me.

    She nodded at her mother¡¯s word. She nodded over and over again as she smiled¡­

    As she basked in the warmth of her father and mother, happiness filled her.

    The sword was calling her closer and the wind was smiling so gently at her.

    .

    .

    Dream 2

    .

    The screams of men and women,

    .

    .

    The roar of monsters,

    .

    The shaking earth.

    .

    The stench of blood.

    .

    Ais saw the backs of her mother and father leaving her behind as the raced out of the manor.

    .

    Ais felt a crushing weight of terror grip heart as she followed her parents to the front door.

    .

    The sight before her was one of horror.

    .

    The city was engulfed in flames. Buildings that once stood tall were now crumbling ruins, their walls devoured by fire.

    .

    Smoke blotted out the sky, casting a suffocating haze over the destruction.

    .

    The air was thick with the stench of burning wood and scorched earth.

    .

    As Ais took in the scene, she heard the great the flapping of wings.

    .

    As she turned towards the center of the city she saw IT.

    .

    A symbol of annihilation.

    .

    A great black dragon.

    .

    Its wings spread wide, blocking out the light and casting an ominous shadow over the city.

    .

    Its roar, a deafening proclamation of destruction, shook the very ground beneath her.

    .

    The image of the dragon, a symbol of annihilation, loomed large in her mind, seared into her memory as the world around her fell into chaos.

    .

    And that was where her memories cut out.

    .

    Dream 3

    .

    A girl was crying.

    .

    Her voice quivered as sobs racked her body and tears streamed down her face as she gazed up at the gray sky.

    .

    A flood of emotions wracked her body. The hole that had been torn in her heart dragged her down into a swirl of dark emotions that left her body feeling unbearable cold.

    Despair.

    Loss.

    Suffering,

    Rage.

    Hatred.

    As the sun rose and set again and again.

    Time marched on without her.

    The people she loved would no longer hug her.

    Her happiness would never come back.

    Her cries and wails for help went unanswered.

    Her Hero never appeared.

    ¡°Wouldn¡¯t it be nice if you meet a wonderful partner too.¡± Her mother¡¯s warm words now rang hollow in the girl¡¯s heart.

    ¡°I hope that someday, you find a hero- your hero.¡± Her father¡¯s word sounded like a fairy tale that would never come true.

    For all the promises of her parents, a hero that would save her had never existed in the first place. As soon as the girl realized this ice encased her heart. An enteral wall of ice that would never melt guarded it.

    As the girl¡¯s heart froze all emotion vanished from her face, leaving her face like that of a doll¡¯s and eyes of sharpened steel, She came to a realization;

    That if there were no heroes to save her than she must save herself.

    That wait for a hero would not save her mother,

    That waiting for a hero would never bring back what was lost.

    That waiting for a hero would never make IT pay.

    The maelstrom of the girl¡¯s emotions settled into one direction

    REVENGE.

    As the girl¡¯s emotions settled, she realized that she would need something for it:

    ¡°I want power.¡±

    That was the first thing she had said meeting the crimson-haired goddess, the prum hero, the great dwarf warrior, and the high elf mage.

 Chapter 7 Part 1: New Familia Members

    As Bell was returning to Midnight Garden, he was accompanied by Ryana and Maryuu who had been the ones to accompany him into the Dungeon today. They passed by rows of shops with their charming facades and well-kept displays, but the tranquil atmosphere boke ahead.

    Ahead, a small flower stall lay in ruins. Vases were shattered, petals from once vibrant flowers scattered across the street. The scent of crushed blooms hung heavy in the air. In the midst of it all stood a prum girl with chestnut hair, her small frame trembling as she stared at the destruction, her face wet with tears.

    An elderly couple loomed over her, their stern glares filled with a cold judgment stared her down. Bell''s eyes narrowed as the couple shoved the girl away. She stumbled, her gaze flicking back and forth between them before bolting down the street.

    Without a second thought, Bell sprinted after her. "I''ll go after her," he called over his shoulder, his feet already pounding against the cobblestones before either Ryana or Maryuu could respond.

    "Wait, Bell¡ª" Ryana started, but the words fell away as he disappeared around a corner. She sighed, shaking her head before muttering "Typical. Always running off."

    Maryuu cast a glance after Bell but quickly turned her focus back to the scene in front of them. The flower stall was a mess of broken stems and smashed pots, once-lively decorations now wilted and stained with dirt. But more than the wreckage, what drew her attention were the injuries on the elderly couple. The old man, especially, was worse off¡ªhis face twisted in pain, the corner of his mouth stained with dried blood that ran down the side of his mouth.

    Maryuu stepped forward, her hands already moving as she began the chant for healing. She pressed them against the old man''s wounds, the golden glow of her magic stitching together flesh and easing the bruises. The man grunted, his anger not lessened by the relief he was feeling.

    Ryana, standing beside her, addressed the couple. "We''re from the Astrea familia," she said, her voice calm and steady. "Can you tell us what happened here?"

    The old man spat at the ground, the gesture filled with venom. "A bunch of adventurers came through, knocked everything over," he growled, his voice thick with resentment. "Made a mess of our shop."

    Ryana''s eyes flickered briefly with sympathy, but there was a sharpness in her gaze. "Did you see any familia insignia? Something to identify them?"

    The man shook his head angrily. "No, I didn''t. I was already being beaten by then. Useless adventurers, all of you. You cause more trouble than you fix."

    Maryuu clenched her fists at his words, but she kept her mouth shut. There was no use arguing with people who are the victims. Instead, she focused on the task at hand, her magic soothing the old woman''s wounds as well. Despite the bitterness of the frustration in her throat; she swallowed it down.

    Ryana nodded slowly, processing the man''s words as she promised: "We''ll look into it."

    As Maryuu finished healing the elderly couple, she straightened up, the warm light of her magic fading.

    "We''ll get to the bottom of this," she said quietly, her voice tight with restrained emotion. She hated the feeling of helplessness, the way people looked at them as though they were the source of every problem. Ryana gave her a reassuring nod, though her own thoughts mirrored Maryuu''s frustration.

    "We are terribly sorry this happened to you," Ryana said, her voice steady but soft, holding back the frustration she felt, "Please, if you can recall anything that might help us identify them, it would mean a lot."

    The old man scowled, his lips curling "Tch. Fine. If I remember something. Not that you''ll actually do anything about it," he spat, his glare cold and unyielding.

    Ryanna held her ground, though a faint tightness pulled at her jaw. She and Maryuu both bowed their heads, offering what respect they could to someone who clearly held none for them.

    "Thank you," Ryanna said, even though it felt like a hollow gesture. "We''ll do our best."

    The air between them hung heavy, filled with the unspoken resentment the old man held for all adventurers. Maryuu could feel the weight of it pressing down on her shoulders, but she kept quiet, following Ryanna''s lead as they asked a few more questions. It didn''t help. Every answer they received was laced with bitterness or disdain.

    Finally, they turned to leave, feeling the man''s seething gaze bore into their backs as they walked away. Neither of them spoke, the tension lingering like a shadow as they moved through the winding streets in search of Bell.

    The narrative has been taken without permission. Report any sightings.

    After several minutes of searching, they found him. He was sitting on the edge of a small fountain, a familiar figure cradled in his arms. The prum girl from earlier. Her tiny frame shook with each sob, her face buried in Bell''s chest as he gently patted her back. His voice was low, filled with calm assurance as he whispered words of comfort. The girl clung to him, her sobs ragged and uneven, but slowly growing quieter.

    Maryuu''s heart softened at the sight. Bell had a way of cutting through the noise, offering kindness when others would simply move on.

    Ryanna stepped forward, careful not to startle the girl. "Bell, is she alright?" she asked softly.

    Bell glanced up, his expression a mixture of concern and relief. "She''s fine now," he replied, his voice barely above a whisper. "She was scared¡­ thought they were going to hurt her. But it wasn''t her fault."

    The girl, still sniffling, looked up at Ryanna and Maryuu with wide, tear-filled eyes. There was a flicker of fear in her gaze, but also a glimmer of trust, as though Bell''s presence had given her the strength to hope for help rather than more hostility.

    Part 2:

    As Ryana and Maryuu tended to the elderly couple, Bell chased after the crying girl as he wove through the bustling streets. He didn''t let the noise or the crowd slow him down. She was running out of desperation, not knowing where to turn, but Bell had to catch her¡ªhe felt that couldn''t let her face this alone.

    He caught up to her just as she stopped in a secluded alleyway, gasping for breath. Bell slowed his pace as he approached, mindful not to startle her. She flinched when she saw him, her wide eyes filled with fear, expecting the worst¡ªanother reprimand, more judgment. Bell, though, only smiled warmly, holding out his hand in a gesture of peace.

    "Are you okay? What''s wrong? Can I help you?"" he asked gently.

    She hesitated, glancing between Bell''s extended hand and his face. Her defenses were high, but she was clearly worn down. After a moment, her trembling voice broke the silence.

    "I-I''m Lili... the flower stand¡­ it was attacked by my former familia," she stammered.

    Bell''s expression softened with understanding. "I am Bell. Why did your familia attack the shop?"

    "Lili''s familia charges a lot of valis to leave. Lili didn''t have enough, so she ran away. They came after Lili to make sure she knew¡­ there''s nowhere safe," she said, her voice quivering.

    Bell''s heart sank as he listened. "Can I ask why you wanted to leave?"

    Lili bit her lip, looking down at the ground. After a pause, she spoke again, her words filled with quiet pain. "Lili was a supporter for them, but¡­ it was more like being a prisoner. They treated Lili like nothing. I had to run. They beat Lili for being slow. For being weak."

    Bell felt a rush of anger¡ªnot toward Lili, but toward the people who had done this to her. No one should have to run from their own familia, and no one should feel this much fear.

    "Lili," he said softly, "no one should be treated like that. Not by their familia, not by anyone."

    Lili''s eyes remained downcast, her hands trembling slightly as she spoke. "Why should Lili trust you? You''re just another adventurer¡­ no different from them."

    Bell knelt beside her, keeping his voice calm, steady. "You''re right. I am just another adventurer. But I promise, I''ll be better than the ones you''ve known. You don''t have to decide now. You can come with me, and if you ever want to leave, I won''t stop you. No one should force you to do anything."

    Lili looked at Bell, trying to find some trace of falsehood or deception in his face. But all she saw was kindness. It wasn''t something she was used to¡ªcertainly not from an adventurer.

    "You¡­ you really mean it?" she asked, her voice barely more than a whisper. "You''d protect me? Why?"

    Bell nodded, his hand still resting gently on her head. "Because no one deserves to be mistreated by their familia," he said. "And¡­ because I want to be a hero. And heroes don''t abandon people who need them."

    Lili blinked, surprised by the simple honesty in his words. For so long, she had only known adventurers who saw people like her as tools to be used, as burdens. But Bell was different. He wasn''t offering her help in exchange for something¡ªhe was just it.

    It was all too much for Lili. Her body began to be wrecked by sob and she buried her face in Bell''s chest as he gently patted her back. His voice was low, filled with calm assurance as he whispered words of comfort. The girl clung to him, her sobs ragged and uneven, but slowly growing quieter.

    "O-okay," she said quietly, wiping the tears from her eyes. "I''ll come with you."

    Bell smiled; "Thank you," he said softly, rising to his feet and offering her his hand. "Let''s go find my friends. They''ll be happy to meet you."

    As Lili''s sob subsided, Bell heard the approach of two steps of footsteps and looked up to Maryuu and Ryana looking down at him kindly.

    Ryanna stepped forward, careful not to startle the girl. "Bell, is she alright?" she asked softly.

    "She''s fine now," he replied, his voice barely above a whisper. "She was scared¡­ thought they were going to hurt her. But it wasn''t her fault."

    Lili, hearing the new voices raised her head from Bell''s chest which is when she saw the two new faces and though she trembled she did not back away.

    Maryuu immediately knelt down, meeting Lili at eye level.

    "Hello there," she said warmly. "I''m Maryuu, and this is Ryana. What''s your name?"

    Lili gripped Bell''s hand a little tighter, nervous under their attention, but Bell gave her a reassuring squeeze. "It''s okay," he said gently. "They''re my friends. You can trust them."

    Taking a breath, Lili stepped forward slightly. "I-I''m Lili," she murmured, her voice still fragile.

    Ryana''s expression softened at the sight of her. "It''s nice to meet you, Lili," she said. "We heard about what happened. Are you alright?"

    Lili nodded, though she kept her gaze on the ground. "Lili''s okay. Just¡­ scared."

    Maryuu reached out and gently patted Lili''s head, offering the same reassurance Bell had. "You don''t have to be scared anymore. We''ll protect you, and I am sure Bell will too."

    Lili looked up, her eyes widening slightly as she took in their kind faces. For the first time in what felt like forever, she didn''t feel completely alone. There was still fear, still uncertainty, but there was also a flicker of hope that she had long thought gone.

    The group began to make their way toward Bell''s home, Midnight Garden, walking side by side. As they neared the entrance, they spotted Alfia, guiding a girl with silver hair and striking purple eyes toward the gates. Bell''s pace quickened slightly; his curiosity piqued.

 Chapter 7 Part 2: Alfias Recruitment Drive

    As Bell descended into the Dungeon, Alfia prepared for the daily training session. The Astraea familia had been grinding away at their combat techniques for hours, pushing their skills to the limit. Today''s session had an added sense of urgency. The recent spike in crime had forced them to increase their patrols reducing the free time they had as well as reducing their time for training.

    With the others now patrolling, Alfia turned her focus to a crucial task of her own: finding new recruits. This was a responsibility she shared with Zald. Both having served under Zeus and Hera, deities known for their ability to judge mortals. Their years of experience had made them adept at spotting true potential. Yet, since the fall of Zeus and Hera, finding adventurers of genuine skill and bravery had become increasingly difficult. The city was now filled with those driven by greed and a shallow sense of pride, rather than true talent.

    Alfia roamed the crowded markets and quiet alleys, searching for any sign of worth among the sea of mediocrity. The streets were lined with

    wastrels,

    money grubbers,

    drunks,

    thugs,

    and fools¡ª

    Individuals who, despite their bravado, lacked the substance she sought. Her persistence paid off when she noticed a head of silver hair standing out from the crowd. Without a second thought, Alfia approached the silver-haired figure.

    "You there, girl. What is your name?" Alfia''s voice was direct and commanding. The individual turned to face her, revealing striking violet eyes that regarded Alfia with a mix of curiosity and caution.

    The girl, with silver hair cascading around her face, met Alfia''s gaze and replied, "My name is Amid Teasanare. May I ask who you are?"

    "I am Alfia," Alfia said, her eyes scanning Amid;"A member of the Erebus familia. I believe you could be a valuable addition to our familia."

    Amid''s eyebrows furrowed in confusion. "Why do you think that?"

    "Simple. I have the title the Incarnation of Talent for my own abilities and can tell when another possesses similar qualities. As such I have deemed your worthy of joining my familia." Alfia responded as she completed her evaluation of Amid.

    Amid''s brows knitted together in confusion. "Forgive me, but I am not familiar with that title nor your familia. Could you explain what benefits it entails?"

    Alfia nodded, gesturing toward a nearby caf¨¦. "Of course. Let''s discuss this in more detail in the caf¨¦ there. They have private rooms available where we can speak without interruptions."

    Amid agreed, and the two walked to Caf¨¦ Wishe, a quaint elven establishment known for its private rooms. The caf¨¦ had a welcoming aroma of freshly brewed coffee and baked goods that filled the air as they entered.

    "I would like a private room," Alfia told the waiter at the front counter. The waiter''s eyes widened momentarily at the sight of Alfia but quickly recovered, leading them to a small, secluded room. The room was cozy, lined with shelves filled with books and trinkets from around the world. Soft music played in the background, contributing to the comfortable atmosphere.

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    After receiving the manager''s selection for them, Alfia settled into a chair, her gaze fixed on Amid.

    "What would you like to know?" Alfia asked, her voice carrying a note of authority.

    Amid took a moment to organize her thoughts before speaking. "I want to learn more about the familia you are part of. I was considering joining one of the medicinal familias in the city, like Miach or Dian Cecht. Why should I choose yours instead? What is your familia''s focus, and what benefits can I expect? I also aspire to become a healer and item maker. Will your familia support those goals?"

    Alfia''s expression hardened slightly, but her voice remained steady. "If you truly wish to save people than you need strength to do that. Neither Miach or Dian Cecht have strong adventurers. Their familia members are at best level 2. Both Zald and I are level 7. We are well aware of what it takes to get stronger and we will not tolerate any weaklings in our familia. If you join them you will stagnate after a level up or two. If you join our familia, that will not happen. I have determined that you meet the bare minimum talent for admission to my familia. You will not find anyone better versed in magic than I am and I am certain that with my tutelage, your skills will be polished to perfection."

    Amid listened carefully, a mix of excitement and apprehension evident in her eyes. After a moment, she asked, "Will I have the opportunity to use my healing abilities to help others?"

    Alfia''s eyes softened slightly at Amid''s concern. "Yes, that is acceptable. It aligns well with our Captain''s approach as well."

    Amid''s curiosity was piqued. "Captain?"

    Alfia''s face brightened with a hint of pride. "My nephew Bell is the Captain of our familia. Zald and I serve as trainers, and since Bell is also a new adventurer, you and he will be exploring the Dungeon together."

    "I see. That makes sense." She took a thoughtful sip of her tea, her mind working through the implications.

    "If joining your familia helps me achieve my dreams, then I gladly accept your offer," Amid declared with renewed confidence.

    Alfia nodded with finality. "Very well. I will take you to our familia residence now."

    They left the caf¨¦ and made their way through the bustling city streets toward the Midnight Garden, where they found Bell and others returning, a prum girl at his side. Alfia''s eyebrows twitched at the sight but quickly regained her composure, leading Amid toward the group. The path ahead was clear, and with Amid''s acceptance, the future of the familia promised to be one of growth and challenge. And so the wheel of fate spun.

    Part 3:

    As Alfia and her group approached the gates of Midnight Garden, her sharp gaze fell upon the prum girl standing beside Bell.

    "Well, Bell, who is this?" Alfia''s voice cut through.

    Lili shivered under the scrutiny and instinctively moved closer to Bell, who stiffened, despite his resolve not wavering under the weight of Alfia''s gaze. Bell swallowed hard, his nerves showing despite his best efforts to maintain composure. He took a deep breath and responded:

    "This is Lili, Auntie. I want her to stay with us for a while. She''s in trouble, and I want to help her."

    Alfia studied the girl for a moment, her expression inscrutable. "Very well. It''s your decision," she said, her tone softening slightly but still carrying an edge of authority. "By the way, I found someone else while out in the city. These two will complete your party perfectly. Let''s go find that God and see what he''s up to."

    Alfia led the way through the gates of Midnight Garden, with Bell, Amid, and Lili following closely behind. The mansion''s grounds were expansive.

    As they approached the Midnight Garden''s entrance, Rayana''s voice called out from behind them. "Oh, Bell. Alise and Lady Astraea will probably want to talk to Lili later about what happened."

    Bell turned, giving a quick nod. "Got it. You can come over in a few. It won''t take us long to get Lili settled," he said, waving before guiding his new charges toward the manor. Rayana and Maryuu remained at the gates, watching as the group disappeared into the mansion''s interior.

    Both women sighed as they observed Bell''s retreating figure. "Bell is so sweet. How did he end up on Dadelues Street?" Maryuu asked, her voice tinged with admiration.

    "I know, he really is the sweetest. Did you see how he ran off to help that girl?" Rayana responded, equally infatuated with Bell''s kindness.

    As they began to walk away from the gates, Rayana asked, "So, what do you think Alise and Lady Astraea will want to do?"

    Maryuu''s face grew serious. "That''s a tough one. Lili would have to testify against her familia, but even then, the God could claim the adventurers were just being rowdy. It''s unlikely we''ll be able to punish the entire familia."

    "True," Rayana agreed, her expression thoughtful. "We may need to keep a closer watch on the familia to catch them in the act."

    The two women entered Stardust Garden, where their familia and Goddess greeted them warmly.

 Chapter 7 Part 3: Accepted

    The group moved through the grand manor, their footsteps echoing off the stone floors as they made their way to the library. The library was tucked away at the back of the house, far from the grand entrance. Its thick wooden doors creaked open, revealing a room filled with books amassed from the hidden troves of Zald and Alfia¡¯s former familias.

    At a large oak desk, Erebus was lost in concentration over a hefty tome. His brow was furrowed as he read through the book. The sound of approaching footsteps made him lift his head, setting the book down with a soft thud. His sharp gaze fell upon Alfia, Bell, and their two new companions.

    ¡°So, what brings you all here?¡± Erebus¡¯s voice was measured, his eyes scanning the group with a mix of curiosity and interest.

    Alfia stepped forward and gestured towards Amid; ¡°This girl should join our familia.¡±

    Bell added, ¡°I found Lili in trouble and want to offer her my help.¡± He nudged Lili forward, her steps hesitant as she moved closer.

    Erebus studied Lili with a critical eye before addressing Amid. ¡°If you have Alfia¡¯s approval, then I see no reason to object. Amid, it is my pleasure to welcome you into our familia. I am Erebus. Now, Bell, what are your plans for this girl?¡±

    Bell cleared his throat before replying. ¡°I want her to stay with us for protection and join my party as a supporter. However, she will need to pay a fee to leave her current familia. I want to start by arranging that.¡±

    Erebus nodded, acknowledging the practicality of Bell¡¯s plan. ¡°Very well. That seems reasonable. Amid, do you have any questions for me about my familia?¡± His gaze turned to Amid, reflecting genuine interest.

    Amid took a deep breath. ¡°I aspire to be a healer and help those beyond our familia. I want to make a positive impact on the citizens of Orario, not just adventurers. Is that an acceptable goal?¡±

    Erebus¡¯s expression softened slightly. ¡°That is perfectly fine. I have no objections, and I¡¯m sure Bell agrees.¡± He glanced at Bell, who nodded in agreement.

    ¡°Excellent,¡± Amid said, bowing her head respectfully. ¡°Then I would like to receive your blessing.¡±

    Erebus gestured towards a nearby alcove, signaling the start of the formalities. ¡°Very well. We will officially welcome you into our familia this evening before dinner. Now, Lili, what do you wish to do?¡±

    Lili¡¯s voice was steady, though her nerves were palpable. ¡°I would like to join Bell''s Dungeon party and earn enough Valis to leave my current familia.¡±

    Erebus¡¯s gaze grew more intense. ¡°I see. And which familia are you currently a part of, Lili?¡±

    ¡°The Soma familia,¡± Lili replied, her eyes meeting his with a mix of apprehension and resolve.

    ¡°I understand. We will speak with Soma once you have earned the necessary funds,¡± Erebus confirmed, his tone signaling the conclusion of their discussion.

    Just then, a knock on the door interrupted their conversation, Zald announced that Goddess Astraea and some her familia where at the front door asking for permission to enter the residence saying that they had business.

    ¡°Go let them, Zald. I can guess why they are here.¡± Erebus instructed.

    Zald departed and soon the door to the library creaked open, and the group inside turned as Zald entered, accompanied by Alise, Ryuu, and Astraea. Zald settled into one of the couches.

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    ¡°Good evening, Astraea. I was wondering when you would arrive. I assume this is about Lili?¡± Erebus inquired

    Astraea nodded, her gaze shifting to the girl who had instinctively hid behind Bell. ¡°Yes, Erebus. I wanted to speak with Lili as soon as possible.¡±

    Astraea¡¯s expression softened as she stepped closer to the trembling girl. ¡°Hello, Lili. I¡¯m Astraea. My daughters, Maryuu and Rayana, informed me of your situation. I¡¯d like to hear your side of the story. Can you tell me what happened?¡±

    Lili took a deep breath, her voice quivering as she began to recount the troubles she had faced. Each member of the group responded to her tale in their own way¡ªAlise¡¯s eyes grew heavy with sorrow, Astraea¡¯s face became somber as she looked down, Zald¡¯s features twisted into a grimace of disgust, Alfia¡¯s lip curled with contempt, and Bell¡¯s fists clenched in anger, while Ryuu¡¯s jaw tightened. As Lili finished her story the room became filled the silence punctuated only by occasional sniffle ordeep sigh.

    ¡°We should¡­¡± Ryuu started, but Alfia cut her off.

    ¡°You should do nothing,¡± Alfia said calmly, her gaze fixed on Ryuu. ¡°Without evidence that the God condoned these actions, any punishment will likely be minimal. Zanis will deny everything and blame a few unruly members. They might face a minor penalty, but that will be the extent of it.¡±

    Ryuu¡¯s face darkened with anger. ¡°No way¡­¡±

    ¡°Please don¡¯t,¡± Lili interjected, her voice trembling. ¡°If you speak up, they¡¯ll force you to hand me over. And then¡­¡±

    Lili¡¯s body quivered with fear. Her breaths came in shallow gasps, her hands began to shake uncontrollably, and her heart began to thump in her chest. Astraea, noticing Lili¡¯s distress, moved to comfort her. She wrapped her arms around the frightened girl and gently began brushing her hands through Lili¡¯s hair in a soothing rhythm.

    ¡°Shh, it¡¯s alright,¡± Astraea murmured softly, her voice a calming Lili¡¯s fears. She continued to stroke Lili¡¯s hair until the girl¡¯s trembling began to subside.

    Lili exhaled a shaky breath and whispered a quiet ¡°thank you,¡± her voice barely audible. Astraea responded with a warm smile and a gentle pat on Lili¡¯s head before releasing her from the embrace. Closing her eyes momentarily, Astraea pondered their next steps before speaking.

    ¡°We can¡¯t ignore this,¡± Astraea said ¡°We¡¯ll start investigating the Soma familia without involving you directly, Lili. With a clearer understanding of their actions, we can focus on stopping them. It may take some time, given the current state of the city. But what do you want to do in the meantime? We can¡¯t have you wandering the streets alone.¡±

    Lili looked up, her voice steadying. ¡°I¡¯d like to stay with Mr. Bell.¡±

    ¡°That works for me,¡± Bell said, offering a reassuring smile. ¡°I¡¯d be happy to have you as a supporter, Lili.¡±

    Astraea nodded in agreement. ¡°Good. That way, Lili will be safe while we work. It may take some time, but I promise we will put an end to this cruelty.¡±

    ¡°Thank you, Goddess Astraea,¡± Lili replied,

    The meeting concluded with the decision that Lili would stay in Bell¡¯s care while the Astraea familia conducted their investigation into the Soma familia.

    Hermes¡¯ Delivery:

    Several days had passed since Goddess Astraea¡¯s meeting with Erebus, as Hermes approached the grand entrance, he was met by Erebus, who stood with a practiced air of formality.

    ¡°Good morning, Hermes,¡± Erebus greeted, giving a slight nod.

    ¡°Morning, Erebus. I have something for Alfia and Zald,¡± Hermes replied, holding up two carefully wrapped packages.

    ¡°I see she and the others are out back. They should be going through their training now,¡± Erebus advised, leading Hermes towards the rear of the manor.

    The sound of anguished cries grew louder as they neared their destination. Even from a distance, it was clear that the training was severe. The two deities broke into a nervous sweat as they approached, the sounds of their footsteps almost lost amid the noise. As the emerged through the back door of the mansion they were greeted with a responding:

    THUD.

    Followed by blood-curdling scream split the air followed by the sharp crack of a body hitting the ground.

    CRUNCH. CRACK.

    Another crash resonated through the manor, accompanied by the sound of shattering masonry. The intensity of the training became even more apparent as Hermes and Erebus continued towards training yard.

    The deities looked out over the training ground, their brows furrowed in concern. Amid, the new Familia healer, was casting her magic tirelessly to mend the injuries of the people scattered across the field. A pulsing white magic circle glowed above Amid. The ground was a mess of debris and shattered walls, once solid barriers now reduced to rubble. The pristine lawn was marred by deep gouges and broken remnants, evidence of the sheer force exerted during training.

    Zald stood overlooking the chaos, his face a mask of exasperation. He hung his head, covering it with his hands, overwhelmed by the destruction around him.

    Suddenly, a loud voice cut through the clamor. ¡°HIYA!¡± Ais charged forward, flanked by Bell, with Alise and Ryuu closed behind. Bell made an attempt to strike at Alfia, who dodged effortlessly and sent him crashing into Alise. Ais, momentarily caught off guard, was sent flying by Alfia¡¯s roundhouse kick into a still charging Ryuu, collapsing into a heap together.

    ¡°Well, I thought you all would last longer than that,¡± Alfia sneered, her gaze shifting to Hermes, who flinched under her intense scrutiny.

    ¡°Hello, Alfia,¡± Hermes stammered, holding up a set of two small boxes in his hand. ¡°I have something for you and Zald.¡±

    ¡°If that¡¯s all, you can leave it on the table. I¡¯m busy and this little noise is likely to complain¡± Alfia snorted dismissively as she turned to glare down at Ryu, who had begun to glare back.

    Hermes, feeling the weight of her glare, quickly replied, ¡°Welp. In that case, I¡¯ll be on my way. Wouldn¡¯t want to overstay my welcome. Good luck, everyone.¡± He hurriedly made his exit.

    ¡°Now, back to your training,¡± Alfia called out, her voice cutting through the air like a blade. ¡°You¡¯re all far too weak. With a healer like Amid now, I¡¯m going to whip you into shape much faster.¡±

    Her grin took on a menacing edge, sending a shiver down the spines of those around her. The intensity of the scene was palpable as the everyone braced themselves for the grueling hours ahead.

 Chapter 8 Part 1: Restless Desire

    Everything had been going smoothly for several months, Ais had seen her status start to grow rapidly from Riveria''s teachings, Alfia''s training, Dungeon Diving with Bell, and Gareth''s admonishments about taking care of one''s weapons after she came home after having meet Tsubaki.

    Despite that, her progress has started to stall drastically. When she used to gain dozens of points a a day, she was now lucky to gain a dozen. As the days pasted her frustrations began to mount and they promoted her to ever greater heights of recklessness.

    Having run out of tears to shed, Ais continued to throw herself into battle day in and day out. She advocated for taking longer quests and at deeper floors. Sometimes her requests were granted by the group and sometimes they weren''t and it left her feeling frustrated. Despite that frustration her status continued to grow so she felt fulfilled during those day until:

    Ais Wallenstein

    Age 14

    Level 1

    Strength: D-589- D-592

    Endurance: D ¨C 580 - D-582

    Dexterity: A-825- 826

    Agility: A-850-854

    Magic: I-0

    Ais stared at the parchment in her hands, her golden eyes narrowing. The numbers and letters stared back, mocking her. Loki''s scrawled notations confirmed it¡ªher progress had slowed to a crawl. The once-steady advancement had stopped.

    "Grr," she growled, her voice low and rough with frustration. Her fingers curled tighter around the parchment, crumpling it.

    "It''s too low¡­" the thought crossed her mind

    Finn stepped closer, his calm presence a contrast to the storm brewing within her. His gaze softened as he met hers. "Ais, this is the path we all followed. Don''t take it too hard."

    Riveria chimed in with a measured tone. "As you master your ability, your rate of development naturally slows. It''s not as though you''ve hit your ceiling. Growth is still possible¡ªit''s just¡­ different now."

    "Exactly!" Loki chimed, her irreverent energy a poor match for Ais''s mood. "That''s just how a status works. Everyone hits this point eventually, even the best. Maybe especially the best." She grinned, her teeth flashing as if this were some kind of inside joke Ais should appreciate.

    The words washed over Ais. They spoke sense, logic even, but it didn''t change what she felt. For months, every battle, every triumph had brought leaps in her status. Each increase had been a tangible reminder that she was moving forward, closer to her goals. Now? Now those leaps had shrunk to increments so small they felt meaningless.

    She looked down again at the sheet in her hand. As. Multiple. The highest rank in her attributes wasn''t enough to feel like progress anymore. There was no euphoria this time, no rush of validation. Only emptiness. And doubt.

    Ais exhaled sharply and crumpled the parchment in her hand. She turned away, pacing toward the edge of the room where the sunlight spilled in through a window. Her status was a reminder of the warrior she was trying to be. The warrior she HAD to be.

    What had changed? The battles hadn''t grown any easier. If anything, they had become harder. The foes she faced now required everything she had. But now, no matter how many monsters she felled, how much effort she poured into her training, it wasn''t enough to feel that sense of¡­ progress.

    Her steps slowed as she reached the window. Beyond it, the world stretched vast and wide. Somewhere out there, somewhere in the Dungeon, lay answers¡ªchallenges that could reignite her growth.

    Her fingers brushed the cool stone of the window ledge as she stared out into the horizon.

    Finn''s voice broke through her thoughts, steady and certain. "It''s a test, Ais. This wall you''re facing¡ªit''s not here to stop you. It''s here to make you stronger. You''ve done incredible things already. Don''t forget that. Yours is the fastest growth I have ever seen."

    Ais didn''t reply, but her gaze didn''t waver from the distance. For now, she would let her companions think their words had reached her. But in her heart, the decision was already made.

    "As one approaches the upper limits of the status, their rate of growth slows. This has happened to all of us. There is no need to worry." Riveria reassured Ais.

    Ais''s thoughts churned as she stared at the crumpled status paper in her hand. The numbers didn''t lie. They sat there, mocking her. 999. The number loomed in her mind, an unbreakable ceiling. She had fought, bled, and trained relentlessly, yet here she was, at a standstill nowhere near the limit.

    No one had ever broken past it. Not a single adventurer, mortal, or legend was ever publicly announced as having broken past the limit. Even when the gods were questioned, they had all confirmed it with maddening indifference. This was the limit of status. It had always been this way. Always.

    The cold air of early winter seeped into the room as a reminder of how long it had been since she joined the Loki Familia. Nearly twelve months, twelve months of progress¡ªuntil now. Now, she faced a wall she didn''t know how to climb.

    The words escaped her lips before she fully realized she had spoken them. "Level up."

    The air in the room grew tense. The expressions of her companions¡ªFinn, Riveria, Gareth, and Loki¡ªshifted subtly, but Ais caught their flicker of hesitation.

    Riveria, was the first to answer. "Leveling up is not something an adventurer simply does. There are steps to this process, steps that must be followed."

    Gareth leaned back in his chair, his tone gruff but calm. "She''s right, lass. You just need to keep doing what you''ve been doing¡ªdelving into the Dungeon, honing your skills. I know it''s frustrating, but that''s the fastest way."

    Loki grinned, though her voice carried uncharacteristic seriousness. "You can''t rush this, Ais. Take it slow, deliberate. That''s how you''ve gotten this far."

    Riveria''s gaze grew sharper, though her words were tempered by concern. "We''ve seen countless adventurers lose themselves to impatience. They rush, thinking they can force a breakthrough, only to self-destruct. Please, Ais. Be careful."

    But their reassurances felt hollow, like water slipping through her fingers. Ais''s hands tightened around the paper, her knuckles whitening. Her chest burned with something deeper than frustration. Anger, hot and insistent, coiled in her stomach. Their words¡ªcalm, measured, deliberate¡ªfelt like chains holding her back.

    What were they trying to protect her from? Or worse, what were they hiding?

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    "I want to get stronger," she thought, the words echoing in her mind with mounting intensity. "I need to get stronger." Her heart raced as the image of it filled her mind. The monster, the thing she had sworn to destroy, loomed large in her memory. The monster that stolen her happiness.

    Her teeth clenched as she thought "I don''t have time to stand still."

    The weight of her stagnation pressed down on her like a physical force. This was the first wall she had ever faced that she couldn''t tear down with her sword or her will alone. It wasn''t just blocking her¡ªit was mocking her, denying her the fulfillment of her deepest wish. The people around her, her familia, couldn''t understand. Their words, though meant to comfort, only fanned the flames of her impatience.

    She didn''t want patience. She wanted results.

    Without a word, Ais stormed out of the office, dropping the status sheet as her boots echoing sharply against the stone floor. The cold air outside bit at her skin, but it wasn''t enough to cool the fire burning inside her. Her chest rose and fell with ragged breaths as her thoughts spiraled. They were keeping something from her. She could feel it.

    She wouldn''t let this stop her. If her familia wouldn''t help her find the answer, she would find them herself. The wall she faced wasn''t unbreakable. It couldn''t be. She refused to believe it. She would find a way to break through not matter what. No matter what it took, no matter what she had to do, she would find it.

    Guild:

    Ais strode into the Guild Hall, her boots clicking sharply against the polished stone floor. The chatter of adventurers around her, the rhythmic scratching of pens on parchment, and the faint clink of coins exchanging hands barely registered in her mind. She had a singluar focus as she approached the counter where the red-haired werewolf, Rose, stood.

    Rose glanced up from her papers, her amber eyes flicking briefly over Ais before settling into a casual stare. "What can I do for you, Miss Wallenstein?"

    "How do I rank up?" Ais demanded.

    Rose''s ears twitched, and she raised an eyebrow. She tilted her head, her demeanor cool as she replied, "I don''t know. Isn''t it just something that happens when you go down into the Dungeon? Fight, train, survive. That''s the gist of it."

    The nonchalant tone grated on Ais, her frustration bubbling to the surface. She leaned in, her golden eyes narrowing as she glared at Rose. "I WANT AN ANSWER."

    The werewolf''s casual expression faded, replaced by a serious, almost pitying look. She straightened, her hands resting firmly on the counter as she met Ais''s glare with a steady gaze. "I don''t know," she repeated, her tone measured, "but even if I did¡­ I wouldn''t tell you. Not like this."

    The words hit like a slap, and Ais''s mask of stoicism faltered, desperation flickering across her face.

    Rose''s voice lowered, her amber eyes hardening. "You''re not ready. I won''t have your blood on my hands."

    The room felt heavier. Rose didn''t flinch under Ais''s gaze. For a moment, the two were locked in a silent standoff, the air between them tense and thick with unspoken meaning.

    Ais''s breath hitched, her hands tightening into fists at her sides. Her chest burned with frustration, anger, and something else¡ªsomething colder, more biting. The weight of Rose''s words pressed down on her.

    Rose''s demeanor shifted, her serious tone giving way to something more brisk, almost dismissive. "Now, if you''re done here, I''ve got other adventurers to help. Also Evilus has been acting suspicious lately. You shouldn''t be loitering around on your own. Head back to your Familia."

    Ais stared at her, the words sinking in like stones. Without another word, she turned and walked away from the counter, her jaw tight as she bit back the bitter taste of failure. The hall around her blurred as she exited, her mind racing. Rose''s refusal didn''t just sting¡ªit deepened the sense that the answers she sought were always just out of reach.

    Ais moved briskly through the Guild''s wide front garden, the crunch of gravel beneath her boots the only sound she allowed herself to focus on. The carefully maintained paths and rows of hedges were a blur; her mind raced too fast to notice the beauty around her. Frustration and determination churned in her chest, each step feeding the fire inside her.

    A voice called out, smooth and lilting, cutting through the quiet. "Are you the Doll Princess?"

    Ais stopped and turned. Standing before her was a strikingly beautiful goddess with long, raven-black hair that shimmered in the sunlight. Her emerald-green eyes seemed to gleam with a knowing light. Beside her stood a man¡ªa human with fiery red hair and piercing red eyes. Something about him set Ais instantly on edge, and her hand moved instinctively toward her sword.

    The goddess raised a delicate hand, her smile as composed as her tone. "Ah, no need to worry about my dear Vito here. He''s merely my escort."

    Ais didn''t relax, her golden eyes narrowing. She had seen enough deities meddling in mortal affairs to know when one was about to waste her time. Assuming this was another such moment, she turned to leave.

    "You were asking about leveling up earlier, weren''t you?"

    The words froze Ais mid-step. She stood rigid, her back to the goddess, her mind racing. Slowly, she turned around, watching as the goddess''s smile grew slightly wider, a glint of mischief flashing in her eyes before she quickly masked it.

    "By chance," the goddess continued, her voice velvet-smooth, "are you worried about your growth after your status hit its limit?"

    Ais felt her breath hitch, her hands balling into fists at her sides. She stared at the goddess in stunned silence as the woman''s words pierced directly into her thoughts.

    "And let me guess," the goddess went on, stepping closer with unhurried grace, "no one will tell you how to level up, no matter how much you ask or how hard you try. Does that sound about right?"

    Ais''s legs felt rooted to the spot as she nodded, trembling slightly. How did this goddess know so much about her struggles? Her composure cracked further as the goddess stepped even closer, leaning in until their eyes were level. The goddess''s emerald gaze seemed to look straight through her.

    "Shall I tell you how to level up?" the goddess asked

    Ais''s eyes widened, her heart racing, but her eyes remained narrowed in suspicion. "?!"

    "Now, now," the goddess added lightly, "there''s no need to be suspicious. Guiding children is a god''s duty, after all. That''s just common sense, isn''t it?"

    Ais hesitated for only a moment before speaking. "...Will you really¡­ tell me?"

    The goddess placed a hand on her chest, her expression softening. "I swear upon all that I preside over: I won''t lie to you."

    Something in Ais broke. She didn''t care why the goddess had appeared or what her true motives were. She leaned in, her desperation raw and unguarded. "Please tell me!"

    "Sounds good to me," the goddess said with a sly smile. "As for my name, well, best to keep that a secret for now. Don''t want to ruin the big reveal later, do we? I''d appreciate it if you didn''t tell anyone about me."

    Ais nodded without hesitation, her focus entirely on the answer she sought.

    The goddess leaned closer, her voice dropping to a whisper as the two stood in the quiet corner of the garden. "The condition for sublimating our Blessing¡­ is to accomplish a great feat. To level up, you must defeat something greater than yourself. Something that forces you to surpass your limits."

    Ais''s eyes widened as the words struck her like lightning. Her heart raced with renewed purpose. Without waiting for anything more, she turned and ran, her boots pounding against the gravel as she sprinted toward the Dungeon.

    The goddess remained where she was, watching with a smile that lingered far too long. Her emerald eyes glimmered as she spoke softly to herself. "Good luck, Doll Princess."

    Back in the Guild''s Front Garden.

    Vito''s laughter was soft and mocking, his red eyes glinting; "Heehee. That was a wonderful game you just played."

    The goddess beside him, Eris, turned her head slightly, her raven hair shifting over her shoulder. Her emerald eyes sparkled with mischief as her lips curled into a sly smile.

    "Who, me?" she said, her tone dripping with feigned innocence. "I don''t know what you mean, Vito. I merely fulfilled my duty, guiding a lost child to exactly what she desired."

    Her smirk deepened, and for a fleeting moment, the malice behind her calm veneer broke through.

    Vito chuckled, his voice low and conspiratorial. "Of course, Goddess. Only ever doing your duty."

    They walked on, the sound of their footsteps blending into the hum of Orario''s bustling streets. The marketplace around them was alive with activity, vendors calling out their wares and adventurers moving purposefully in small groups. The scents of fresh bread, spiced meats, and hot oil wafted through the cool air, mingling with the faint metallic tang of nearby smithies. Eris and Vito moved through the crowd with deliberate ease, their presence drawing no attention as they wove between stalls.

    As they rounded a corner, they came upon a group standing near a modest vendor''s stand. Eris''s emerald eyes flicked toward them, sharp and calculating. Bell Cranel stood at the center, his bright white hair making him instantly recognizable. Beside him were two of the Astraea Familia girls, their armor gleaming faintly in the light, and Riveria of the Loki familia.

    Eris slowed her pace, tilting her head slightly toward Vito as she gestured toward a nearby stall. They stopped, pretending to examine a display of trinkets while keeping their ears attuned to the conversation. Vito''s lips twitched into a smirk as he casually picked up a small, polished gemstone, rolling it between his fingers. The duo began to listen in on the conversation.

 Chapter 8 Part 2: Midnight Garden

    Midnight Garden:

    While Ais was having her status updated, Bell sat at the wooden table, finishing the last bite of his breakfast. The sunlight streamed through the windows of the Erebus Familia''s dining hall lent a warm glow to the room, though his focus remained inward. He had been training tirelessly, pushing himself harder than ever before.

    Across the table, Erebus set his empty cup down, his dark eyes glinting with curiosity. "Alright, Bell, let''s see your latest status update," he said, his voice carrying the quiet authority of a god who rarely needed to raise it.

    "Sure thing, Lord Erebus," Bell replied, standing up from the bench. He pulled his shirt over his head, revealing a lithe frame marked by countless hours of combat and endurance training.

    Erebus gestured for Bell to turn around and unlocked the divine script of the falna etched on his back. The mystical seal shimmered faintly, its complex lines and glyphs pulsating with a soft light as the god began the update. As Erebus''s fingers moved the familia''s emblem emereged of a set of the great black pillars of the underworld emerged upon Bell''s back. His expression remained neutral but attentive as he read the evolving record of Bell''s achievements.

    Bell Cranel

    Human

    Each Additional S will represent an interval of 200 status points: So

    SS: 1,000-1,199

    SSS: 1,200-1,399

    SSSS: 1,400-1,600

    Age 13

    Lvl 1

    Strength: SS-1100 -SS-1156

    Endurance: SSS-1396 -SSSS-1426

    Dexterity: SS-1042 - SS -1098

    Agility: SSSS-1480 - SSSS-1485

    Magic: SSS- 1325 -SSS-1350

    Magic

    [Satanas Version] (Inherited)

    Skills:

    [Realis Phrase-Crystallization of Desires]

    As long as owner has a strong desire and goal, he will grow stronger according to his desires

    Copy (Inherited)

    Allows its user to replicate the movements and actions the user has observed once

    [Inheritance of Talent]

    User has monstrous talent and will surpassing the Incarnation of Talent herself.

    The dining hall was quiet as Erebus sat back, rubbing his chin thoughtfully as he studied the glowing script of Bell''s status update. His dark eyes flicked over the numbers and notes, lingering on the newest line of text. Finally, he let out a sharp laugh, shaking his head in disbelief.

    "Absolutely ludicrous. I can never get over how ridiculous your status is, Bell," Erebus said, his tone a mix of amusement and amazement.

    Bell shifted uncomfortably, pulling his shirt over his shoulder but leaving it off.

    "What do you mean, Lord Erebus?" Amid asked as she stepped into the room, her steps faltering when she saw Bell bare-chested.

    "Excuse me," she murmured while a faint blush crept across her cheeks as she quickly averted her eyes.

    Erebus raised an eyebrow at Bell, who gave him a small, understanding nod. With a slight smirk, Erebus held out the glowing status sheet to Amid. "Here, take a look."

    Curious despite herself, Amid reached out and took the parchment, her amethyst eyes scanning the Koine status sheet. Her hands trembled slightly as her gaze moved over the numbers, her expression shifting from confusion to outright shock.

    You might be reading a stolen copy. Visit Royal Road for the authentic version.

    "How?" she whispered, her voice barely audible.

    Erebus leaned back in his chair, folding his arms. "Simply put, Bell has an original skill that allows him and those closest to him to break through the usual limits of the status system. The stronger their desire, the greater their growth. It''s as straightforward as that."

    Amid''s eyes widened, and she looked at Erebus in disbelief. "Really? Then¡­ I can¡­?"

    Erebus gave a small nod, his expression turning serious. "It''s possible. Your growth will depend entirely on what you desire and how powerful that desire truly is. The fundamental question that you must ask yourself is how much pain are you willing to bear to make your dreams a reality."

    The words hung in the air, heavy with possibility. Amid closed her eyes for a moment, her expression shifting to one of determination.

    "What is your desire, Captain Cr¡­"Amid started to speak, her voice uncertain but grateful.

    Bell held up a hand, his expression earnest. "Please, call me Bell. We are a familia now."

    "Very well, Bell," she nodded, her blush returning, as she said shyly

    "Thank you, Amid," he replied as he smiled warmly.

    Erebus watched the exchange, lifting a single eyebrow in amusement.

    "So what is your wish, Bell?" Amid asked

    "I wish to kill the One-Eyed Black Dragon." Bell responded.

    Amid''s breath hitched and shiver ran down her spine before she was able to compose herself enough to respond.

    "I see," she said at last. "Then I will not disappoint either of you." She handed the parchment back to Erebus with a formal bow.

    Erebus accepted it and returned the document to the pile on his desk. "Good. An exceptional healer will be of great benefit, especially given the times we''re heading into. You''ll be critical to the future."

    Amid straightened, her resolve clear in her posture. Erebus tilted his head, offering a faint smile. "Now, would you like an update as well?" he asked.

    "Yes," Amid replied, glancing down as she began to unzip the back of her dress. "I believe it has been a few days since the last one."

    Erebus nodded, turning his attention to her as she moved to stand before him. The back of her dress slipped just enough to reveal her bare shoulders and the faint shimmer of her falna. Erebus placed his hand above the divine mark, his fingers moving with practiced precision as he unlocked the script.

    After a moment, Erebus withdrew his hand, the light fading as he finished.

    "Your progress is solid. This is very solid progress for having been an adventurer for a few months. You magic stat alone qualifies you to be eligible for a rank up. I see Alfia is really utilizing your ability as a healer" he said at which both Amid and Bell shiver. "You''re growing steadily. But as I said, if you wish to accelerate further, it will depend on how deeply you''re willing to push yourself."

    Amid Teasanare

    Human

    Age 14

    Lvl 1

    Strength: H-189 - G-206

    Endurance: F-356 -F-396

    Dexterity: G- 200 - G-234

    Agility: F-329- F-369

    Magic: E- 498 - D-550

    Magic:

    Dia Fratel:

    Properties: Healing magic capable of healing anything such as wounds, stamina, status ailments, and curses within a 5-meter radius. Once cast, the magic stays behind for a certain amount of time as a barrier of light, continuously healing anything that''s in its effect range. Caster can also selectively choose which effects the magic will have when cast.

    Chant: [Healing droplets, tears of light, eternal sanctuary. Compose a medicinal hymn-three hundred, sixty, and five. The melody of the healer''s almanac saves all things. Come, destruction of evil. The burial of wounds, interment of disease. Curses be gone in the light of vitality. In the name of all that is holy - I heal you]

    Skills:

    N/A

    "Truly, you have a kind heart," he said. His voice carried a weight that made Amid pause, her face growing warm. "Only a heart like that could manifest such a spell."

    Amid''s cheeks flushed deeper as she replied softly; "Thank you, Lord Erebus,"

    Bell, who had been observing the exchange, straightened, and glanced toward Amid.

    "We should prepare for the Dungeon today," he said "I think it would be best to raise your status as quickly as possible. That way, you can help more people."

    With the status updates complete and their plans set, Bell and Amid made their way to the training yard. Alfia having already started Lili''s instruction caused the crisp air to be filled with the sounds of clashing steel and determined voices from adventurers. Amid adjusted her grip on the staff she carried, her eyes flicking over the other fighters with a mixture of apprehension and resolve.

    Not long after they arrived, members of the Astraea Familia joined them. They had all but adopted Amid as their little sister since her arrival, offering guidance and encouragement without hesitation.

    Kaguya, in her usual teasing fashion, approached Amid first, ruffling her hair playfully. "You ready to get started, kid?"

    Amid smiled, a little more at ease in their presence. "I am ready," she said, her voice steady but kind.

    Alise, the Astraea Familia''s leader, stepped forward with her signature grin. "Good answer. Let''s see what you''ve got."

    The training yard quickly became a flurry of activity. Bell worked alongside Amid, demonstrating techniques and offering encouragement as she practiced. The Astraea Familia provided their own brand of support, blending teasing remarks with genuine advice. Amid''s focus never wavered, her desire to grow evident in every strike and counter she attempted.

    Erebus watched from a distance, leaning against the fence with his arms crossed. His expression was unreadable, though a faint smirk tugged at the corner of his mouth as he observed his familia and their allies working together. It wasn''t until the sun reached just before midday that the group prepared for their Dungeon Dive today.

 Chapter 8 Part 3: Dungeon Dive

    The group moved through the crowded streets, their path winding toward Central Square. Amid, Lili, Bell, Celty, and Kaguya walked in a loose formation, each caught in their own thoughts. The city was alive with its usual buzz¡ªthe clamor of merchants, the chatter of citizens, and the clop of hooves against cobblestone. It wasn''t until the were approaching Central Plaza and the entrance to the Dungeon that they were approached by someone.

    "Celty." Riveria''s voice was calm but carried a weight that made the words seem like a summons.

    "Lady Riveria, how may I assist you?" Celty asked, the words tumbling out quicker than she intended as her gaze flicked uneasily to Bell.

    The tension between the two was palpable, as Riveria''s eyes flickered briefly to Celty before settling on Bell "I have a favor to ask. Have you seen Ais around?"

    "I¡­ I haven''t seen her, no," she replied, trailing off uncertainly.

    "She wasn''t at training, either," Bell added, his voice steady but lacking the warmth it normally carried.

    Riveria''s expression softened, but the flicker of disappointment in her eyes remained as she spoke. "I see. Thank you, Captain Cranel. If you should come across her, please let me know. I''ll continue searching the city myself."

    Bell nodded. "Fine."

    "I appreciate it," Riveria said, her tone thoughtful as she turned to leave. She glanced back at Bell once more, her gaze lingering a moment longer than necessary. It was a silent plea, a hope for reconciliation that Bell could not return. With a final nod, Riveria walked away, blending into the flow of the city.

    Lili, who had been silently watching the exchange, finally spoke up. "You think she''ll find Ais?"

    Bell''s gaze remained fixed ahead, his thoughts elsewhere. "I don''t know."

    Turning back to the group, Bell exhaled slowly, the weight of the moment settling in.

    "Amid," he said, his voice firm, "I''m sorry, but we''re going to put raising your status on hold for now. We need to find Ais."

    Amid''s face tightened, disappointment flickering across his features, but she said nothing and merely nodded.

    "Alright," Kaguya said from the rear, "We''ll find her, then. Let''s make sure we''re ready when we do."

    The group moved toward the entrance to the Dungeon, their expressions a mix of determination and concern. Amid walked alongside Bell, while beside her, Celty adjusted her gear, her gaze darting between the members of the party as if gauging their readiness. Kaguya walked with an easy confidence at thee rear of the party.

    As they reached the entrance of the Dungeon, they spotted Aki leaning casually against the wall of the building. Her arms were crossed, but her eyes had been scanning the crowd for them. She pushed off the stone as they approached.

    "Finally found you," Aki said, her voice cool but tinged with relief. "I heard you were heading down today."

    Bell nodded as he spoke; "We are. There''s a change in plans, though. Lady Riveria asked us to look for Ais. We''ll start on the 10th floor and work our way down."

    Aki raised an eyebrow, her stance shifting slightly. "You think she went down here alone?"

    "Probably. She''s frustrated," Bell replied, "Her growth must have stalled, and if I''m right, she''s looking for a way to break through. Something like an Infant Dragon would be her target¡ªdangerous, but possible. If she''s not careful, though¡­"

    "She could get herself killed," Kaguya finished for him, her tone light but her gaze serious. "Bold move, hunting solo for a feat like that. Brave or reckless¡ªhard to say with her."

    Amid glanced between the others, her hands tightening on the strap of her bag. "If she''s truly alone, she may need us."

    Bell''s expression softened for a moment as he met Amid''s gaze. "Exactly. We''ll move carefully, but quickly."

    Kaguya clapped her hands together with an air of finality. "Good. Let''s move, then. No time to waste."

    The group entered the Dungeon, their footsteps echoing faintly against the rough stone walls as they descended. The air grew heavier with each level they passed, the familiar mix of tension and adrenaline settling over them.

    Bell led the group, keeping a watchful eye on the paths ahead. Amid followed closely behind, ready to use her healing powers if needed. Aki and Celty were positioned at the sides, their weapons at the ready. Lili walked in the middle of the group, while Kaguya brought up the rear. They moved cautiously, prepared for any potential danger that may arise.

    Meanwhile:

    The air in the Dungeon grew thick with the stench of sulfur and the sharp scent of blood. The stone walls of the 10th Floor seemed to close in as the massive creature loomed over the lone figure. A roar, guttural and deafening, shattered the silence.

    "RAWRRR"

    The monster, its eyes gleaming with a cruel, ancient malice, raised its long serpentine neck, towering above the girl. Its scales shimmered darkly as it gazed at the adventurer before it.

    "I FOUND YOU!" The voice that rang out was ragged, hoarse, its owner barely visible in the shadow of the beast.

    The girl didn''t flinch. Her blonde hair, soaked in sweat, whipped behind her as she crouched low, her eyes locked on the creature in front of her. A flicker of determination sparked within her. Without hesitation, she lunged forward, her body a blur of motion.

    "RAWRRR!" The dragon''s roar split the air, its jaws snapping as it swung its massive head toward her. The sound of its heavy feet thundering against the stone floor reverberated through the Dungeon.

    Thud. Thud. Thud. Each footfall sent tremors through the ground, and the air seemed to vibrate with the weight of the beast''s power. The floor beneath her shook as it charged forward with terrifying speed, its eyes locked on her as if it could feel the pulse of her blood.

    "GAHHH!" The girl''s scream echoed, fierce and full of fury. She didn''t hesitate¡ªdidn''t falter. Her sword was drawn, its blade gleaming even in the dim light of the Dungeon. The edge of it caught the faint glow from the ceiling as she surged forward, her feet skimming across the ground, aiming straight for the heart of the beast.

    The creature''s tail lashed out in a blur of motion, smashing against the stone with a deafening crack. She ducked under the blow, feeling the wind from it whip across her face. Her pulse pounded in her ears, but her focus never wavered. She was close now.

    The dragon''s eyes narrowed, its chest swelling with a deep breath as it prepared to unleash its fire.

    But the girl was already there.

    With a roar that matched the beast''s own, she dove forward, sword held high. The clash that followed was brutal, a flurry of scales and steel. Her sword bit into the thick hide of the creature, but it barely slowed the dragon''s movements. The beast howled in pain, but the girl pressed on, dodging the claws that swiped at her, weaving through the violent storm of its attacks.

    After Bell and company have left:

    "Well. Well. Now that is a very interesting conversation." Eris paused, her eyes narrowing as she considered the exchange. Her fingers drummed lightly against vendor''s stall, her thoughts shifting beneath the calm surface of her expression.

    Vito, standing a few paces behind her, tilted his head in confusion. "How so, Goddess? It seemed to me that the princess was merely ordering around another elf."

    Eris smiled, though there was no warmth in it. "Yes, that is how it would seem. But tell me, Vito¡­ if the elf princess was talking to that other elf, then why was she looking Bell in the eyes the entire time?"

    You might be reading a pirated copy. Look for the official release to support the author.

    Vito blinked, his brow furrowing in thought. He had not picked up on that detail. He had been focused on the more obvious parts of the conversation¡ªthe princess''s sharp tone, the way she commanded respect. But now, with Eris''s words lingering in his mind, he realized something. "I¡­ don''t know," he admitted, his voice uncertain.

    Eris gave a small, almost imperceptible nod. "Exactly. That is what makes this interesting. The princess''s eyes weren''t on the elf at all. They were on Bell. Tell me, Vito, how often does a member of Loki fmilia show such attention to a member of the Erebus familia?"

    Vito''s silence spoke volumes. The two familias should have hated each other after everything that had transpired between the fractions over the years.

    "Vito," Eris continued, her voice taking on a more commanding tone. "Go follow them. See what happens. This¡­ will be very interesting. That''s what my intuition is telling me."

    Vito, never one to question Eris when she spoke with such certainty, nodded quickly. "Of course." Without another word, he turned and hurried off in the direction the group had gone, his footsteps fading into the bustling noise of the street.

    Alone now, Eris slowed her pace, her gaze lifting to the sky as she walked. She could feel the threads of fate weaving together, pulling toward something that she had yet to fully grasp. But she could sense it¡ªsomething was shifting, something important. She wasn''t the type to miss such things.

    Her lips curled into a sly smile. Schemes, plots, and manipulation, she thrived in the midst of them. But this¡­ this was something new. The princess''s strange focus on Bell, Eris didn''t know what it meant yet, but she would find out.

    And when she did, she would use it to her advantage. Because if there was one thing Eris knew for certain, it was that every moment in the game could be turned to her favor, if only she was patient enough to wait.

    Dungeon 10th Floor

    Bell and his group cautiously made their way through the 10th Floor, carefully scanning the shadows among the sharp rocks and landforms. The Dungeon''s eerie noises reverberated through the until, a different sound pierced through the air, a deep, guttural roar that thundered in their ears. It was soon followed by another, more primal human cry, followed by the clashing of steel against scales.

    Without hesitation, Bell''s hand instinctively reached for his sword as he whispered, "This way." His companions nodded in agreement and they took off in the direction of the noise, their feet pounding against the stone floor.

    With each step, the sounds grew louder ¨C metal clashing, monstrous cries. The tension in the air was palpable, practically vibrating with danger. But the group pushed on, moving faster and faster towards the source of the commotion.

    As they rounded the hill, they were met with a shocking sight, Ais standing alone in an open space, her blonde hair wild and matted with blood. In front of her stood an Infant Dragon, covered in deep wounds and lashing out with its claws towards Ais.

    The battle between them was fierce, but it was clear that Ais had the upper hand. With determination in her eyes, she dodged the dragon''s attacks and delivered a fatal blow to its chest , directly into its magic stone.

    The Infant Dragon let out one final roar before collapsing into ash at Ais''s feet. Exhausted and wounded, she dropped to her knees, her sword falling from her grasp.

    But then, just when it seemed like all danger had passed, a new sound caught their attention. A wall on the opposite side of the chamber began to tremble and crack. Soon after emerged a group of monsters from within the cracks ¨C Infant Dragons, Silverbacks, Bad Bats, and Hard Armadillos.

    The first one to emerge from the crumbling wall was the baby dragon, its eyes glaring down at the girl in front of it. It seemed to recognize that she had just killed one of its own kind. With a roar that shook the air around them, it broke free and let out an angry cry.

    "RAWRWRWR!" The sound echoed through the Dungeon, causing the ground to tremble beneath their feet.

    Ais, still weakened from her battle with the Infant Dragon, struggled to rise to her feet. She reached for her sword but could barely lift it as the monsters closed in on her. As she rose Ais turned just in time to see the dragon whip its tail with lightning speed. The impact sent her flying across the floor as her ribs cracked and her body bounced off the hard ground. She crashed into several landform trees before finally coming to a stop, leaving a trail of blood in her wake. With the first strike the monsters began to close in

    Kaguya''s eyes widened in horror at the sight of Ais being thrown like a ragdoll. Without hesitation, she sprinted towards her fallen comrade, her feet pounding against the Dungeon''s floor.

    "Stay close!" she called out to the rest of the group as she moved swiftly and deliberately.

    The rest of the group followed quickly, Bell''s eyes fixed on the chaos unfolding. He could already hear more monsters approaching - there was no time to waste. They needed to act fast.

    Kaguya reached Ais first, her sharp reflexes carrying her across the battlefield. With lightning-fast slashes, she took down each monster that circled around the fallen girl.

    "AMID. Start your chanting NOW!" Kaguya commanded, never losing focus as she cleared the area around Ais.

    Amid hesitated for a moment, fear and uncertainty evident in her wide eyes. "I can''t do concurrent chanting yet," she admitted, her voice tight.

    "It''s okay, I''ve got you," Bell reassured her firmly. Before Amid could protest, he scooped her up into his arms. Though embarrassed by this display, Amid didn''t argue - there was no time for that. As Bell dodged an attack from a Silverback, Amid steadied herself and closed her eyes to begin the chant.

    Healing droplets, tears of light, eternal sanctuary. Compose a medicinal hymn¡ªthree hundred, sixty, and five. The melody of the healer''s almanac saves all things.

    The words rang in the air.

    Bell wove through the monsters as Amid continued her chant, each syllable flowing smoother now. He could hear the sounds of combat around them, but his focus remained solely on getting to Ais. He could see her ahead, lying in a twisted heap. The sight made his stomach twist with dread.

    When they reached her, Bell''s heart sank. Ais was barely conscious, her body covered in blood. Her arm hung limp at her side, and her right leg was bent at an unnatural angle. Blood trickled from her mouth as she coughed, her chest heaving with each shallow breath.

    Come, destruction of evil. The burial of wounds, interment of disease.

    Amid''s voice, still chanting, rang clearly through the turmoil. Bell didn''t hesitate. He gently set Amid down and immediately rushed to Ais''s side, his hands moving with urgency. He rolled her over onto her side, his eyes scanning her injuries, making sure she wouldn''t choke on her own blood.

    Curses be gone in the light of vitality. In the name of all that is holy - I heal you.

    Bell kept his hands on Ais, his breath shallow, as Amid''s chant reached its crescendo. A soft, white circle of light began to form around them, glowing with a pure, calming radiance. As the circle solidified, the light radiated outward, and Ais''s injuries began to heal. The wounds closed slowly, the bleeding stopping, her skin knitting back together.

    Ais stirred, her eyes fluttering open. Bell could feel the tension leave his body as she regained consciousness.

    "Bell¡­ What happened?" Her voice was raspy, weak, but the edge of her usual strength remained. "I was fighting an infant dragon¡­"

    "You killed it," Bell said, his voice steady but filled with concern. "But a monster party spawned. One of them, another infant dragon, hit you with its tail. You went flying. Stay still. Amid''s magic is taking care of your injuries."

    Ais winced, trying to push herself up despite her grogginess. "Good. I have to keep fighting." She tried to stand but her legs wobbled, her balance off.

    Bell stood frozen, his hand still extended toward Ais, whose eyes blazed. Her breath came in ragged gasps, her body trembling with exhaustion, but there was no surrender in her. She jerked away from him, shoving past his grip as if her very life depended on it.

    "Ais, you can''t. We need to get you to the surface. You''re in no condition to fight."

    "NO! I HAVE TO FIGHT!" Ais''s scream shattered the tension, her voice raw with desperation. The force of her outburst made the group flinch in shock.

    Bell''s heart tightened at the desperation in her voice.

    "Ais, please, we need to get you to the surface," he pleaded, his voice shaking. "You''re in no condition to fight."

    But she didn''t listen. Her jaw clenched, her fists tightening in the air, and with a sharp cry, she surged tried to break Bel''s grasp. Bell was stronger, though¡ªhe caught her arm before she could get more than a few steps.

    "Ais," he said again, softer this time, pulling her back, his voice full of regret. "Your weapons, your armor¡ªthey''re destroyed. You can''t¡ª"

    Ais froze, her breath hitching. Her gaze snapped to him, wide with disbelief. She stared at his hands, holding her firmly but gently, then up to his face. Her pulse quickened as realization hit her like a crashing wave.

    Bell''s Status had surpassed her own substantially.

    She couldn''t break free, couldn''t move. Bell''s grip, though gentle, was unyielding. A single thought possessed her as her mind reeled.

    "How?" she whispered, more to herself than to him, though he heard it clearly.

    Bell shifted uncomfortably under her gaze, his eyes darkening slightly. "I''m sorry, Ais," he murmured, the words thick in his throat. "I... can''t tell you that."

    The silence hung heavy between them. Ais''s lips pressed into a thin line as she stepped back, the reality settling in like ice in her veins. She wanted to argue, to demand an explanation, but the words stuck in her throat.

    She turned sharply, not bothering to look back. Her feet moved on their own, her body still aching, but she couldn''t stop now.

    Bell let her go. He didn''t try to stop her again, but his heart ached as he watched her move toward the tunnel that led upward.

    "Thank goodness. I was worried there." he muttered under his breath, his voice barely a whisper.

    "And you should be," came a voice from behind him.

    Kaguya''s face was severe as she fell into step beside him. "I''ve seen that look before. The one she had when she left." Her gaze flicked over to the others, who were already hurrying ahead to catch up with Ais. "It''s a look of obsession."

    Bell merely looked at the ground as he averted his eyes.

    "So you noticed too, huh, Little Rabbit?" she asked

    "Yeah," Bell said, exhaling in frustration. "Ais is always pushing herself too hard."

    "The same could be said of you, you know," she said, and before Bell could protest, she slung an arm around his shoulders, pulling him into a hug.

    Bell''s eyes widened, a stuttered "What?!" escaping his lips as Kaguya pressed his head against her chest.

    Her arms were surprisingly gentle, her touch not teasing but soft as she ran her fingers through his hair. He was too stunned to do much more than blink, his mind short-circuiting from the unexpected warmth.

    "You should learn to relax," Kaguya murmured, her voice quiet for once. "You push yourself too hard, too."

    Bell blinked, flushed, and awkwardly shuffled his feet, not quite sure how to react. "Th-thank you, Kaguya. I... I''ll try."

    She smiled down at him, her hand giving his shoulder a brief, comforting pat before she let go. Her usual mischievous air was still there, but now there was something else¡ªa quiet understanding. They both understood that Ais wasn''t the only one pushing too far. Without another word, the two of them turned and began walking back toward the others.

 Chapter 8 Part 4: Knossos

    The thick, lingering haze of dusk clung to the stone walls, the shadows stretching across the worn flagstones like forgotten memories. Eris stood tall, her robes whispering with each movement, her gaze piercing the air before her, as though it could reveal hidden truths. Vito, kneeling at her side, lowered his head, eyes not meeting hers but watching the flicker of her expression.

    "Goddess Eris," he said, his voice calm but edged with a faint excitement. "I did, in fact, see something interesting in the Dungeon."

    Eris did not stir, though her attention sharpened at his words. "Oh? And what was it?"

    Vito''s lips twisted, a flicker of satisfaction in his eyes. "The little doll princess appears to have taken your advice. She''s trying to kill infant dragons."

    Eris raised an eyebrow, but there was no surprise in her response. She had anticipated that the girl would follow through; "I see. And?"

    "There''s more," Vito pressed, his voice growing heavier with the weight of what he had witnessed. "I saw the captain of the Erebus Familia. He''s... he''s allied himself with her. The little doll princess. And the little black cat from Loki Familia."

    The words hung in the air, thick and strange. Eris'' expression hardened, her eyes narrowing before she shouted:

    "What?"

    Vito''s voice remained steady. "I saw it with my own eyes, Goddess. They were partied up¡ªtogether. Bell Cranel came to the rescue of the doll princess after meeting up with the little black cat. I watched them, all of them go to the rescue of the Doll Princess and save her from a monster party. Based upon their interactions this was not their first time meeting."

    The silence that followed was absolute. Eris stood perfectly still, her fingers flexing, her jaw tight. Her thoughts spun in quick, dangerous circles. She had never thought that Bell would make such an alliance.

    "Are you sure?" Her voice was low, controlled, but there was something brittle underneath it, like the edge of a knife just before it cut.

    Vito nodded. "Yes, Goddess. I assure you."

    Eris'' lips parted slightly, her mind whirring with possibilities. The pieces were falling into place, until finally a plan clicked into place. She could feel her power gathering, stirring in the depths of her being. A deep, bone-chilling satisfaction curled within her chest.

    And then, without warning, a low, almost predatory laugh bubbled up from her throat. It started soft, then grew louder, darker. A ripple of divine energy pulsed outward from her like a storm''s first crack of thunder. The air itself seemed to shiver under her touch, and Vito, who had braced himself for her fury, instead felt the sharp thrill of something far more dangerous¡ªher delight.

    "Hehehe¡­" Eris'' laughter grew, her eyes gleaming with a new hunger; "How... very interesting."

    The power that radiated from her made Vito shudder with a thrill he couldn''t fully explain. There was a sweetness in her wrath now, a promise of things to come

    "You''ve done well, Vito. This... will make things very interesting." Eris'' voice was calm once more, but beneath it, there was a note of something wild¡ªsomething that promised great violence in the future.

    Vito, kneeling in the presence of such overwhelming power, felt a cold satisfaction of his own.

    Eris stood before the ornate table, her fingers tracing the edges of a map that lay sprawled out before her. The city of Orario, its twisting streets and labyrinthine alleys, seemed so small under her touch. Yet, she knew the true power of a city was not in its size, but in the hearts of those who moved within it. And right now, she could feel a scheme coming together.

    "This is too perfect," she muttered, more to herself than to anyone else. Her eyes glittered with a predatory gleam as a smile curved at the corners of her mouth, before she spoke "Vito, go find Thanatos and Valletta for me. I have a plan they are is going to love. Tell them we need to call off the plan for tomorrow."

    You might be reading a pirated copy. Look for the official release to support the author.

    Vito, his expression eager, nodded and darted off without a word. Minutes passed, but it felt longer. The time stretched, just enough to let her thoughts swirl, to sharpen her resolve. It wasn''t long before Vito returned, the duo in tow. The god of death had a calm, almost indifferent air about him, but there was a glimmer of curiosity in his eyes as he approached. While Valletta, seemed to be irritated by something.

    "Well, what''s this new plan?" Thanatos asked, his voice smooth and measured. "Vito seemed giddy about it but wouldn''t say anything."

    "Tch. What''s this about calling off the plan? I was looking forward to butchering some adventurers," Villeta''s voice was sharp, filled with impatience as she joined the group, a sneer pulling at her lips.

    "Now, now, Villeta. I''m sure Eris has a good alternative. Right?" Thanatos'' tone was calm, but there was a certain amusement in his words.

    Eris smirked, a flicker of excitement passing through her. "Right," she said, her voice cutting through the room. "I just got some very interesting news from my dear Vito here. And now, I have a much more... wonderful plan. Listen to this." She leaned in, lowering her voice as she shared her new strategy.

    As the words left her mouth, the reactions were immediate. Villeta''s lips twisted into a grin, a gleam of madness flashing in her eyes. Thanatos, allowed a faint smirk to play at the corners of his mouth.

    "HAHHAHAHA! I love it," Villeta cackled, her laughter echoing off the walls. "It''s perfect! I get to have my revenge on that shitty PRUM bastard and torment the Astraea bitches. This is going to be fun." She practically hissed the last word, her voice bubbling with dark delight.

    "My dear, Eris, this is truly vicious. I love it." Thanatos''s voice was soft as he spoke "How did you come up with it? The possibilities... I could guide so many children to their fates with this."

    Eris allowed herself a moment of satisfaction, savoring their approval. "Simple, my dear friend," she said, her voice a low purr of confidence. "I am the goddess of strife and discord. I don''t fight my opponents head-on. That''s for the meatheads like Ares. I scheme. I plot. I pit my enemies against each other, and then I sit back and watch them destroy one another¡ªnever even knowing I was involved."

    Her smile stretched wider, her eyes glinting with a wild hunger. "It''s the perfect game."

    "HEHEHE." Villeta leaned forward, her grin widening. "I like this goddess. I''ll agree with this plan. It sounds a lot more fun."

    "Yes, I do as well." Thanatos''s voice was warmer now, filled with a twisted kind of anticipation. "It should provide a great deal of entertainment."

    Eris gave a nod of approval, her expression hardening with purpose. "Good. Now, this is what we need to do..." She began outlining the details, her voice steady and deliberate, each word falling into place like the pieces of a puzzle that had finally clicked.

    And as she spoke, the plan took shape, the first step in her grand scheme for Orario set into motion. In the city of adventurers, a storm was coming¡ªone they would never see coming until it was too late. Eris, goddess of strife and discord, was ready to watch it all unravel.

    Upon the table there was a map of the City of Orario, and there upon the map lay three emblems in arrangement. The Grinning Trickster looking at a set of Ebony Black Pillars while the Winged Sword was caught in the middle.

    Later that night:

    As Goddess Eris looked out the moon from her room at an Evilus safe-house above ground.

    ¡°Just remember Bell. This is all a sign of my love.¡±

    ¡°If you cannot overcome even little old me. Then you will never be able to kill the OEBD.¡±

    This world has taken your home once.

    Will you let it take it again?

    You want to be the Last hero¡­.

    That is a fine ambition.

    I TRULY do applaud you for it

    But

    .

    MANY have wanted that

    .

    Albert Waldstein,

    .

    The greatest mortal to ever live tried.

    .

    He was only able to take a single eye.

    .

    Then Zeus and Hera tried.

    .

    The greatest familias that Genkai has ever seen.

    .

    A thousand years of planning and cultivating adventurers.

    .

    And

    .

    THEY FAILED MISERABLY.

    .

    Utter Annihilation

    .

    The best that they could do was to tire the beast out.

    .

    And buy the rest Genkai time¡­

    .

    To prepare.

    .

    And what has Genkai done with that time.

    .

    They have frivolously wasted it

    .

    At this rate the mortal realm will fall into oblivion.

    .

    Either from

    .

    ABOVE.

    .

    OR

    .

    BELOW.

    .

    So just know this Bell, I applaud your ambition.

    .

    I really do.

    .

    All us gods really do love heroes.

    .

    Even those of us that scheme against them.

    .

    We love watching them overcome our tests.

    .

    BUT

    .

    I have a duty to prepare the mortal realm through conflict and strife.

    .

    Genkai doesn¡¯t need any more false heroes.

    .

    What Genkai needs is a TRUE Hero.

    .

    So prepare yourself Bell.

    .

    I want to see how far that ambition will take you.

    .

    I will be overseeing your baptism firsthand

 Chapter 9: Next Day and Dungeon

    Midnight Garden 7:00 -> 9:00 AM

    The morning sun cast long shadows over the familiar buildings and streets of Orario. The Erebus familia had gathered in the backyard for their daily training session, but one notable member was missing -

    -AIS.

    She had been absent since yesterday evening and even Aki, who claimed to have seen her entering Loki''s office last night, hadn''t spotted her since.

    As the hours went by, a sudden halt was called to training.

    "I am sorry Miss Alfia, but we need to get on patrol. We have reports that Evilus might be planning something. Also we won''t be able to accompany Bell into the Dungeon today." Alise said.

    "Humph. Very well, I suppose that is acceptable reason." Alfia responded.

    "Thank you very much." Alise said before she turned to Zald

    "Uncle Zald, I have a request of you." Alise said as she smiled cheerfully.

    "who''s an Uncle?" Zald muttered before he continued; "Sure kid, what is it?"

    "Could you please look after Stardust Garden and Goddess Astraea, while we''re away?" Alise lowered her head in a bow towards Zald, causing shock amongst the others.

    "I am curious. Why do you ask this?" Erebus questioned, his eyes fixed on Alise.

    "I plan to take our entire familia out on patrol. There have been numerous drunken brawls in the city, as well as increased attacks by Evilus. I want to show the people that we are present and we will not allow the Evilus to run rampant." Alise straightened herself up as she explained her reasoning.

    "Might as well. I''ve got nothing else to do. Besides I already have to look after this one. What is one more" Zald shrugged his shoulders nonchalantly as he pointed towards Erebus.

    Alise beamed, "Thank you so much, Uncle Zald!"

    Zald let out a sigh.

    "It''s no trouble, kid," Zald replied.

    As training came to an end, Goddess Astraea was invited over for tea at Midnight Garden by Alise''s request. The Astraea familia in its entirety took to patrol, while Bell and his group prepared for their descent into the Dungeon.

    Dungeon:

    The dungeon''s stone walls of the tenth floor echoed with the heavy breaths of Ais Wallenstein. She stood in the darkness, her hands trembling, the weight of the sword in her grasp offering little comfort. The sounds of monsters dying, her own breath rasping in the silence, had blurred into a ceaseless rhythm. A moment ago, there had been nothing but the thrill of the fight¡ªthe pure clarity of battle. But now, all she could feel was the emptiness of it. The fleeting, empty sensation of victory.

    She had been so certain that killing an infant dragon would be enough. That it would be the thing that would prove her worth. Enough to push her through the ranks, enough to show everyone she was stronger. But it wasn''t. Nothing she did seemed to be enough. After she had been found by Bell and the others she had gone to Loki for a status updates only to get:

    25 POINTS

    And a failure to rank up.

    As the walls of the Dungeon closed in around her, she could feel it. The doubt, the uncertainty, the way her heart began to sink with each passing moment. Had she wasted everything? Was she really just¡­ nothing?

    Her mind barely registered the footsteps approaching until she heard Bell''s voice, urgently calling her name.

    "Ais!" The concern in his tone struck her as sharply as the blade she held.

    Before she could respond, Bell and his companions¡ªAki and the others¡ªappeared at the entrance, their eyes wide with disbelief at the sight of her. Her face was pale, streaked with grime and blood running down her limbs, her armor battered from hours of fighting.

    "Ais, what are you doing here? You need to get out of the Dungeon. You''re pushing yourself too hard!" Bell said as he rushed forward, his eyes scanning her as if trying to convince himself she was still alive.

    "I don''t need your help, Bell." Ais said as she stiffened, his words cutting through her. She had thought Bell would help her with her wish. Her voice came out too harsh, but she couldn''t stop it. The spiral inside her only deepened.

    "Ais, you''re in no condition to keep going¡ª"Bell''s eyes widened as he started to approach her

    "NO!"Ais screamed as her words echoed in the Dungeon.

    Bell faltered at the intensity that was now burning in Ais''s eyes.

    "I am getting a rank up," she repeated, her grip on her sword tightening. "I will not leave this Dungeon until I do."

    Bell''s heart clenched at her words. He could see the desperation in Ais''s eyes, the intense desire to prove herself. But he also saw the danger of pushing herself too far.

    "Ais, please," he pleaded with her, taking another step forward. "You can''t keep going like this. It''s not worth risking your life over. "

    He reached out his hand towards her, but she stepped back again, a fierce determination fueling her movements.

    "It is worth it!" Ais retorted, her voice breaking with emotion. "I HAVE TO GET STRONG! I will not give up now."

    Bell''s heart ached as he gazed at Ais, seeing how much she had sacrificed for this one goal. But he couldn''t let her throw it all away for a chance at a rank up.

    "You don''t have to prove anything to anyone," Bell said softly, his voice gentle but firm. "Ranking up takes time¡­."

    This story originates from Royal Road. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.

    Bell tentatively reached out to lay a comforting hand on Ais''s shoulder, but she violently recoiled, her voice rising in a shriek.

    "STOP IT! STOP IT! WHY DOESN''T ANYONE UNDERSTAND! BELL!, WHY DON"T YOU UNDERSTAND? I THOUGHT WE HAD THE SAME WISH!? I THOUGHT YOU WOULD UNDERSTAND!? INSTEAD YOU¡­"

    Ais turned on Bell, pushing him away with such force that he stumbled back, bewildered. Her heart pounded with anger and grief, but she refused to let the lump in her throat win.

    "You... you sound like Riveria," she spat out, the words unleashing her pent-up frustration.

    The moment they left her lips, she knew they had struck a nerve as Bell''s face flushed red and his features contorting into an unfamiliar mask of coldness. His hand curled into a tight fist.

    "DON"T YOU EVER COMPARE ME TO HER. THAT SHITTY PRUM BASTARD OR ANY OTHER SCUM IN LOKI Familia!" Bell roared causing the others to flinch back in surprise.

    Bell''s eyes blazed with a fury none of them had never seen before. It deep and unbending RAGE. His words echoed through the Dungeon, ricocheting off the walls. "The Loki Familia is nothing but a bunch of worthless bastards. ESPECIALLY THAT SHITTY CAPTAIN who uses people like pawns to achieve his goals.!"

    Ais flinched as if struck, her heart constricting at the venom in Bell''s voice. Aki had also begun to tremble at what Bell was saying. Did he really see her the same way? As just another Loki Familia member to be despised? the Mini-Ais in her head began to tremble and her eyes grew red.

    If he hated them so much why had he formed a party with her?

    "THE PRUM only pretends to be hero, but he is rotten to the core," Bell continued, his fists clenched so tightly his knuckles turned white. "Always scheming, always seeking glory. HE doesn''t care about anyone but himself and his ambition. ANYONE THAT IS MEMBER OF THAT FAMILIA CAN"T BE TRUSTED. I WOULD NEVER WILLINGLY BE FRIENDS WITH ANY OF THEM¡­"

    Aki''s eyes widened in shock, but it was the way Ais froze that made Bell stop. Her breath hitched, her already pale skin turning even more ashen. Ais took a hesitant step back, her voice barely above a whisper.

    "Bell do you really mean that?"

    Each word felt like a dagger to Ais''s heart. She had known Bell had issues with the executives, but to hear Bell speak of them with such unbridled hatred... Did that hatred extend to her as well?

    And the little girl in her head remembered that is had been Alfia to accept her as student while Bell had merely acquiesced in fact she now remembered how cold Bell had been when they had first met.

    Maybe he was just going along with what his aunt told him to do.

    .

    .

    .

    Maybe the friend she thought she had wasn''t really her friend.

    .

    .

    .

    Maybe he was just going through the motions.

    .

    .

    .

    "Do you actually hate me?" Ais''s voice cracked, her usual composure crumbling under the weight of her emotions.

    In his is sudden anger, Bell forget one very important thing. HE HAD FORGOTTEN THAT AIS WASN''T PART OF HIS FAMILIA. He opened his mouth, but the words didn''t come. He wanted to say something¡ªanything¡ªbut his mind was blank. Ais''s eyes were wide, searching his face for something, anything that could tell her the truth.

    The mini-Ais in her head began to wail and something broke in her at the thought of her Bell hating her. Not waiting to hear Bell''s response, Ais spun on her heel, her footsteps echoing as she fled out of the Dungeon, her figure swallowed by the darkness.

    "Ais!" Bell''s voice cracked, a moment too late as Ais had just disappeared into the darkness of the Dungeon

    The others were silent, unsure of what to do. Bell stood there, his hands trembling at his sides. His heart pounded with regret, his mind racing. He wanted to go after her, to apologize, to make everything right¡ªbut the words, the hatred he had spoken, lingered. How could he undo it?

    Just as Bell began to move.

    A deafening crack reverberated through the Dungeon, signaling the arrival of a new wave of monsters. Bell sprang into action, unsheathing his sword with practiced ease. His companions followed suit, engaging in fierce combat against the onslaught of creatures pouring from the walls. But despite his swift movements and skilled fighting, Bell''s mind was elsewhere, replaying the hurt expression on Ais'' face after their last conversation.

    "Mr. Bell, we''ve got a monster party!" Lili''s panicked voice broke through the chaos as she aimed her crossbow. The others quickly took their positions, leaving Bell to take up his place at the front lines.

    The Dungeon walls trembled as group of monsters emerged, their growls and shrieks filling the air. Orcs with jagged tusks, imps with twisted horns, and giant bats with leathery wings all joined the fray, their eyes locking on to the adventurers before them.

    Bell tightened his grip on his sword, determination blazing in his crimson eyes.

    As the monsters attacked, Bell fought with increasing rage and had to rely on potions and healing from met the monsters head-on, his sword flashing in a deadly arc as he cleaved through the creatures with. Black ichor splattered across his armor.

    Aki joined him, her black hair whipping around as she fought off monsters. Amid and Lili provided support with their weapons and magic. Lili''s crossbow sang as she fired bolt after bolt into the group off monsters. While Amid summoned her magic to provide a healing ground for the party.

    As the fight progressed, Bell''s fury mounted and he begin to repeatedly exposed himself to avoidable wounds and repeatedly needing to drink potions in between Amid''s healing spells.

    As the last monster fell, Bell stood among the corpses, panting heavily and trembling. His sword felt heavy in his hand, but it was the weight of regret that truly weighed him down.

    He collapsed to his knees, the Dungeon echoing with his silence. "I didn''t mean it¡­ I didn''t mean any of it¡­" he whispered, but the words felt hollow, even to him. His eyes closed, his body still trembling.

    Lili''s voice called out to him from a distance, but Bell couldn''t hear her. All he wanted to do was scream and release all of his pent-up frustration and anger, but he remained quiet and still.

    "Just leave me alone¡­" he murmured again, as the weight of his words, and the moment he had lost his temper with Ais, pressed down on him like a suffocating force.

    "Mr. Bell. Mr Bell."Lil butted into his ever spiraling thoughts as she began to shake him.

    "Just give me 10 minutes, please," Bell begged, his voice tight with frustration. His eyes, wide and pleading, locked onto Lili as if she were the only thing standing between him and the ever spiraling thoughts in his mind.

    Lili, was standing with her arms crossed, looked back at him coolly, but there was a flicker of concern in her chestnut brown eyes. "Lili will give Mr. Bell 10 minutes. If Mr. Bell is not back in 10 minutes, Lili will inform Ms. Alfia and recommend Mr. Bell receive remedial education."

    Bell''s face twisted, and he shuddered at the thought. "Urck. Not fair."

    Lili''s expression remained unchanged, but there was an edge of sternness in her voice. "Lili is not part of the Astraea Familia, Mr. Bell. She is not worried about being fair or just. This is the Dungeon. Lili is worried that Mr. Bell is not in a good enough shape to be left alone right now."

    Her chestnut eyes softened as she spoke, the hint of concern still there. Bell could see it, despite her cool demeanor. She wasn''t wrong. He probably shouldn''t be alone but¡­

    "Thank you, Lili," Bell said quietly

    After they left, Bell stood alone for a moment in the quiet, the weight of his thoughts pressing down on him. The Dungeon seemed to close in on him, its cold, stone walls a reminder of everything he had been trying to escape.

    Without warning, the dam inside him broke.

    "GOOOOOOOOOODDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDD DAMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMNNNNNNNNNN IT!"

    Bell screamed, his voice raw with rage. The words tore out of him like an explosion, a futile attempt to release the pressure building up inside. He shouted as if the very sound of his voice would bring clarity, as if the Dungeon itself might provide an answer.

    But nothing changed. The stone walls stood unmoving, silent in response to his fury. The only answer was the echo of his own voice fading into the empty air.

    His breath came in ragged gasps as the anger, frustration, and self-loathing all tangled together. He gritted his teeth, shaking with the force of it. There was no escape. No simple way out of the mess he had found himself in. No answer to the questions that gnawed at him.

    Bell slammed his fist against the stone wall, the impact reverberating through his arm, but the pain didn''t give him the release he needed. It didn''t do anything. It never did.

    With a final, ragged breath, Bell closed his eyes, his mind racing. The moment stretched out, the only sound now the steady thud of his heart pounding in his chest. And slowly he went to rejoin the rest of his party and they left the Dungeon.