Previously


"Issei, Are you sure she is going to show up at the celebration? She hasn't been in one for so long." Hestia asked him in concern.

"Freya? She is definitely going there and she will definitely be asking for Bell," Issei answered, confident that he is right about Freya.

"Well, at least I have Hephaestus with me to help, I don't know how I would have dealt with her without making a scene." She said

"That's a blessing. Plus, Loki will also involve herself between you and Freya just for the heck of it" Issei told her, which seemed to annoy Hestia at the mention of the Goddess of Mischief.

"Loki….Are you sure she will come? Just like Freya, Loki also isn't one to go to these celebrations"

"If she know you are going then she will definitely come"

"This whole situation sucks for me. What the hell are you going to be doing then?" Hestia asked him. She was frustrated about everything that might happen at the celebration.

"Me? Well I am going to finally teach Bell something that I wanted to teach him for a while"

"And What exactly is that something?" She asked with one of her eyebrows raised.

"Magic" Issei smirks as he says that.


Chapter 7: Celebration of the Gods


Bell's POV


"Here you go, Bell. This is your payment for today" says my advisor, Eina Tulle as she passes me two sacks that seemed to be filled to the brim by vals.

"Thank you, Miss Eina….Uh, Can you tell me how much is the amount?...I don't know since I was distracted for a moment" I said sheepishly while scratching the back of my neck with a nervous chuckle.

I was currently inside the Guild Headquarters to Exchange all the drops that we had into vals. Issei told me to come here by myself as he wanted to speak with Goddess Hestia about a certain matter.

I don't know why but I have a feeling that what they are discussing is not for the faint of heart.

'Why did I feel like I just punched myself in the gut'

Returning back to reality, I see Eina giving me a weak smile and sighs "You never change, do you Bell?"

I felt squeamish, Did she have to say that? I glanced around my surroundings only to see several Guild employees looking at me and Eina with amusement. Now I really want to hide myself from shame.

Eina who wasn't bothered by their gaze or simply didn't notice, continued "if you are wondering the amount, the drops you exchanged today are worth approximately 26 million vals"

I was surprised but I didn't react much. I already expected the number to be this big since Issei told me about them.

Eina looked at me with a surprised expression as she stood up from her desk and put her hand on my forehead while looking at me with concern.

"Miss Eina! What are you doing?" I quickly and loudly asked her, stammering and madly blushing between the lines.

'Oh God! This is so embarrassing'

"What's wrong? I was just checking to see if you are alright, normally you would have overreacted so much that it would have rocked the entire guild hall" She asked which got me to become even more embarrassed.


Third Person POV:


Misha, one of Eina's co-workers, was watching the concerned Half elf and the embarrassed little white rabbit from the sidelines, she had an amused glint in her eyes.

'Man, I wish Issei was here. He would've killed to see this'

That's right, Misha and Issei (actually his clone to be honest) had befriended each other on the basis of Eina's feeling for Bell. They both found out that the other knew that Eina had a small crush on Bell whether the Half elf likes to admit it or not.

They had a few friendly discussions as well as fierce arguments, such as when Misha argued with Issei that Bell might have also had feelings for Eina but Issei countered with saying that Bell is too dense for that.

"Psst! Misha, What's been going on here?" came a silent familiar voice behind the pink haired guild worker.

Misha almost jumped in surprise as she was not expecting the person she wanted to witness this scene between the odd half elf and rabbit duo, be here in the guild hall right behind her.

"Don't just show up like that. You almost scared me half to death" she said quickly to him in a hushed tone with a scowl on her face.

"Sorry sorry, Misha. I was looking for Bell, he hadn't returned back to the house and Goddess Hestia was getting worried" He said light-heartedly.

Misha gives him a smile and says "Well….if you are looking for the rabbit, I say he is enjoying his current company,". She then points her finger toward the Exchange counter where both Bell and Eina could be seen talking.

Issei and Misha give each other a smirk.

"So any progress?" Issei begins

"Not by much. When you said he was dense, I thought you were joking but he is truly that ignorant of her feelings"

"If you think that this is bad then you should see him with how he interacts with the other females in his life"

"Are they also interested in him?" Misha asked with one of her eyebrows raised.

"Yep!" Issei answers with a straight face.

Misha sighs as she was expecting something like that as an answer. Bell does truly look like an adorable little rabbit and judging from how he is doing in the adventurer business, she knew he was gonna grow himself into a handsome hunk of a man. Surely, that is going to attract some affection from the others….or maybe even someone like herself. She shook herself from these thoughts before looking at them once again.

'Eina, you have to make your move fast to get to his heart or else you will regret this for the rest of your life.'

"Can I ask who they are?"

"Goddess Hestia and Goddess Hephaestus," Issei said in a plain tone.

"The Goddesses themselves, I didn't expect that" Misha says incredulously.

"And most likely, he will get even more attention from the other beautiful ladies in this city very soon" Issei continued inwardly proud of his partner's charms.

Misha started rubbing her chin before snapping her fingers like she had figured something out. She said in wonder "You know what...You are right".

"Of course! I am, That's the reason why you and I are friends in the first place." Issei scoffed, honestly entertained by Misha's antics.

"Hey Issei, Forgetting about Bell and Eina for a moment, Is there someone in your life that you like?" She asked curiously but soon regretted it after seeing the melancholy look on Issei's face.

Issei looking at her, gives her a weak smile and raises his left hand to show a beautiful ruby wedding ring that he is wearing on his ring finger.

"I did….a long time ago but she passed away" He says

"Issei….I am sorry, I didn't realize tha—'' she quickly tried to apologize but Issei waved his hand in front of her for her to stop.

"No no no, it isn't your fault or anything like that. Besides, I made peace with her death before I arrived in Orario. You don't need to feel sorry for me or anything like that"

After that, an awkward silence fell upon the dragon-spirit and the guild worker for more than a few minutes. Issei then sighs and mutters to himself which Misha was able to hear since she was close by.

"I really hate to break this lovely moment but…."

Before Misha could stop him, Issei walks toward the Exchange counter and greets the half elf.

"Hello, Miss Eina. I see you are spending your time with Bell this afternoon"

Bell was surprised to see Issei at the hall and immediately asked;

"Issei! What are you doing here?"

"Looking for you apparently. Goddess Hestia was getting worried so I decided to pick you up from wherever you were which just so happens to be at the guild hall"

"About that….I..Um..I am sorry. I didn't know it was getting late" Bell says as he glanced outside the hall only to see that it was evening.

"Sorry Bell. I didn't realize that I was keeping you that occupied" Eina hurriedly said to him.

""Don't worry about it"". Both Bell and Issei said to her before they look at each other and smile.

"Come On! Bell, it's getting late. You do know that tomorrow is going to be just you and me doing good ol' training right?" Issei asks Bell that and turns around to leave.

"Of course! Issei,...Um..Oh! Miss Eina, see you next time" Bell says to her before following his familia captain.

"Goodbye Bell" Eina says while waving her arm to him.

"So did you enjoy your time with him?" Misha who was near Eina asks her with mirth.

"Yea—, Wait! Why am I telling you that? Just get back to work" Eina says to her annoyed, but if you looked closely, you could see the small blush forming on her cheeks.

"Okay okay, fine. I do have to deliver these papers to Old Bat Royman. Hopefully it would keep him busy for the rest of the day." Misha says to her cheerfully before returning to her desk.


"You are late," Hestia said to Bell with an angry look. Her ponytails were flaring madly behind her like they were alive.

"I am sorry, Goddess" Bell apologized once again.

Issei sighed looking at Bell. The boy has little to no self esteem but then Issei admitted that what Bell did was the best thing you could possibly do in the current situation.

Arguing with a lolita just isn't worth the effort.

The entire familia that being Bell, Issei and the Goddess Hestia conversed about how their day went before Issei left for the kitchen to prepare today's dinner.

Now, Issei isn't the best chef in the world….No, that title belongs to his wives Yasaka and Akeno (he may be a bit biased when he says that) but he is at least fine when it comes to cooking, at least better than Bell and Hestia….and he meant Hestia of this world and not of his world. That Hestia cooking is beyond divine.

Issei shivered as he imagined how outraged the Greek Gods would have become by him if he ever said that his cooking is better than the Goddess of the Hearth (which by the way it is not). They would've most likely waged war on him, consequences be damned.

His clone already bought the groceries for him yesterday. He took out the ingredients and started to make something for the familia to eat. After 45 minutes, he made several dishes that he knew of like marinated beef steak, curry and steamed salmon with veg rice and strawberry sherbet for dessert.


"Your food is really good, you know that, Issei" Hestia said, talking with her entire mouth full. She was shoveling food into her mouth as fast as humanly (or godly) possible. Bell at least had the decency to eat like a normal person unlike the eccentric Goddess but he was also quickly munching his steak since he was enjoying it very much.

Issei was happy at the fact that they found his food delicious. It was honestly extremely difficult for him to learn cooking at all. The reason he even learned cooking in the first place was because of Koneko. That Nekoshou wife of his got one day extremely cranky and quite literally demanded food only made by him for some strange reason. He didn't know what the hell he should've done so he made a strange concoction which to his eternal shame was not that great.

He was underestimating how terrible it was since Koneko after putting one bite into her mouth rushed to the nearest washroom to throw up and suffered from food poisoning for the rest of the week.

During that week, just to make up for his mistake, Issei learned how to properly cook with the guidance of Yasaka, Asia and surprisingly Sona. It was a happy surprise for the Nekoshou to receive several really delicious homemade taiyakis, her favorite treat from her beloved husband after her recovery. She enjoyed it so much that Issei's other wives got extremely jealous and demanded food of their own.

"Thanks, Hestia. Now that my job is done, I am returning back inside of you, Bell." Issei says to them before his thought projection dissolves into gold dust.

'Issei, are you here?' Bell inwardly thought, confirming that Issei is really inside him.

"Of course! Bell" Issei responded to him which led to Bell sighing in relief.

"Goddess, I am going to sleep, today has been a busy day" He said before standing up from his chair and leaving for his room.

"Okay, Good night Bell" Hestia as she looks up to see Bell head upstairs.


Scene Break:


Bell's POV:


I considered that I had currently the best sleep I could possibly have in a long time. I went to sleep in my bed after having dinner with the Goddess. The sleep I had can only be described as wonderful and it wasn't just the bed either; it felt like I was surrounded by fire that gave me warmth and not trying to burn me.

I blink a few times to get the sleep out of my eyes. I should get up and wash my face and get ready to.… Huh?

There's something on top of me. Not the sheets, and it's round and extremely light. I'm breathing just fine, otherwise I would have noticed sooner.

Please don't tell me it's that death trap chest of the Goddess. Please don't let it be them. They almost killed me the last time.

I hesitantly looked up only to see not the Goddess that I expected but Goddess Hephaestus.

She's asleep with her face buried in my chest. Ha-ha, imagine that.

Don't tell me, Does she sleepwalk like Goddess Hestia too…?


A facepalm could be heard inside Bell's soul. Issei couldn't believe it. He wanted to gouge his own eyes at the fact that Bell is so clueless about the others feelings for him.

"Bell, if you don't realise sooner or later what they are trying to do then I will promise you that I will personally throw you inside a brothel for you to actually mature." he muttered frustratedly to himself.


This is bad. I really won't be able to get up at this rate.

She really is beautiful with her red hair flowing down and a small smile on her face like she was having a good dream.

She's so damn pretty!

'No! this is bad, I need to get out of here before her chest might do the job that Goddess Hestia's failed to do'

I put the sheet over her and got ready to go. I shouldn't be here when she wakes up. Now that I think about it, wow, I'm an idiot! What have I done?! She's a goddess! And I felt her… on me…not again….this is terrible...

I sneak through the room and out the door without a sound.

"… zzz… Bell, you're so naive… zzzz…"


"Okay, Issei, what are we doing today?" I asked enthusiastically wearing my training gear as well as carrying Arondight on my back.

I was currently inside the training room in the basement. It wasn't much of a room but a massive bunker. It looked like it was built with steel reinforced concrete or something very durable. The walls, floor and ceiling were all covered with something shiny and metallic in nature. Issei hadn't come out of my body and decided to stay inside of it for now

'...'

'Hey Issei, something wrong' I mentally asked, worried by the fact that I didn't get a reply from him.

'*sigh*... Nothing wrong here...just before we begin, I have to do something first' Issei said to me mentally, I nod slightly confused on what Issei was doing.

Suddenly my vision turned black. It was a similar experience to how when I first touched Arondight.

My eyes opened and this time instead of a vast plain of grassland, I was somewhere…. different.

It was bright….way too bright, I looked down to see myself standing on top of something soft, I didn't want to believe it but it looked like I was standing on a cloud. Above me was the clear blue sky with the shining sun. It was a mesmerizing sight…. everything here feels holy to me….like this is some sort of heaven.

"Isn't this beautiful?" A familiar voice asked behind me.

I jumped in fright and instantly turned to assault the person behind me only to stop my fist inches away from Issei's face, he didn't even flinch, it looked more like he was smirking at my reaction.

"Scared you good, didn't I?" He asked

"Don't do that!" I shouted to him frightened out of mind. Really out of all things he could've done, he had to scare the crap out of me.

"Do you know what this place is, Bell?". Issei asked ignoring everything I just said, unlike a moment ago, his face was now not showing any sort of amusement, he was emotionless but his eyes told me that he had some sort of sentimental attachment to this place.

I narrowed my eyes and looked around. I don't know if I am supposed to know where I am. I mean, aren't we literally standing on clouds under a clear blue sky?...Is it some higher plane of existence or something like Heaven….

"I don't know, where are we?"

"This is a special place, Bell. It is where I truly exist. A landscape created from thoughts, feelings, memories and imagination. This is the realm inside an individual's soul known as….the mindscape. This place is your mindscape, your soul formed this place inside of yourself based on your personality." Issei monologues dramatically, raising his arms to the side facing me much to my irritation.

"So….why are we here, Issei? Can you just stop beating around the bush and tell me what the hell are we doing here" I snapped. I thought I was going to get some actual training, not some lecture of something that I wouldn't even be able to comprehend.

He looks at me and sighs with a smile on his face. He then loudly says "Did you really think that I just brought you here only to show you this? No no no, kiddo, I am gonna teach you something that you will always remember in your heart"

"Huh…. finally" I said to myself relieved but still something was stuck in my head so I asked Issei

"Uhh….Issei so what is it that you are going to be teaching me?"

"Abra Ka Dabra" Issei said slowly while waving his hands in wonder.

"I didn't get it"

"Really! You didn't get it?….it means 'I will create as I speak' now tell me what does it remind you of?"

'I will create as I speak'...create means make….speak mean say...To make from saying….Wait!...Isn't that?

I widened my eyes as I rapidly turned my head towards the smirking spirit, his smirk was the final confirmation that I had hit the nail on the mark.

"Yeah! That's right, Kid. You are gonna be learning the arts of magic," Issei said with a smug face much to my excitement.


Third Person POV:


"Do I look alright, Hephaestus?" asked the irritated Hestia currently wearing a beautiful dress, plain silk gloves and heels all in white. She looked extremely stunning, even Hephaestus was surprised that Hestia now looked extremely beautiful even among the Deities, not as much as Freya but still truly charming.

"You….you look wonderful, Hestia. Where in the world that you got that dress from?" Hephaestus responded.

"Issei bought it for when he was searching for Bell, said it was perfect for me to wear at the Banquet. I like it very much but it's just—"

"Dress up is not your thing right?" Hephaestus interrupted knowing what her friend was thinking.

Hestia nods as she really wasn't a fan of making herself look pretty. Sure, she might do it to get Bell's attention but knowing him, he wouldn't even understand why she would do it in the first place.

They both met each other right at front of the chosen hall for the banquet and looked in front of them only to sigh at the monstrosity that Ganesha had built.

One overly extravagant building stood over the group of overly extravagant gods assembling in the street.

Standing among the lights of Orario, this thing was just plain weird. It was so out of place, it was almost mysterious.

The building was a massive, thirty-meter, human-shaped statue with an elephant's head sitting cross-legged in the middle of the city block. The base of the building was surrounded by a stone wall.

The statue sat proudly, puffing out its chest. It was famous for inspiring a sense of wonder and uneasiness within anyone who saw it. Magic stone lamps lit up the statue from many angles. The elephant stood out against the black night sky.

It might have come as no surprise, but this building had a history.

It was built by the handsome, dark-skinned god Ganesha. Who knew what he was thinking when he burned through his Familia's savings to build this monstrosity.

This statue, Aiam Ganesha, was the home base of Ganesha Familia.

Even the members of his Familia didn't like it. Most of them teared up a bit as they went in and out, thinking how their hard work had gone into paying for this thing. The icing on the cake? The entrance to the building was in the crotch of the statue.

"What's Ganesha doing?"

"Ganesha really goes all out!"

The group of extraordinarily lavish people filed into the building through the crotch, laughing all the way.

Every one of these "people" was a god or goddess.

They had come for Ganesha's "Celebration of the Gods."

A Celebration of the Gods was basically a large party put on by a god for other gods living on Gekai. There were no rules about who hosted and who attended. The Celebration was hosted by a god who wanted to throw a party and was attended by gods who wanted to come. It was all done on a whim.

"Everyone! Thank you for coming today! I am Ganesha! I am overjoyed at the attendance of this Celebration! I love you all! I do have one small announcement to make: The yearly festival put on by my Familia is only three days away! Please encourage your Familias to attend!"

The great hall was only lightly decorated, completely different from the lavish exterior of the building.

Ganesha, wearing an elephant mask and dressed to match his statue, greeted his guests in a booming voice from the top of a stage in the middle of the hall. The gods in attendance by and large ignored his greeting and continued talking among themselves.

The party was set up to be a standing buffet. Tables with white tablecloths lined the great hall. An array of fresh food filled the hall with a variety of mouthwatering smells. Soft echoes from the shoes of both the attendees and the staff thumped from all directions. A band sat behind the stage, waiting for the signal to play dance music.

Almost all of the deities in Orario were in attendance tonight.

Invitations to the Celebration had been distributed by the host's Familia. The number of guests was determined by their resources.

Ganesha Familia was very prominent in Orario, so he was able to send an invitation to every single god and goddess within the city wall.

Hestia and Hephaestus included.

Hestia would have already jumped to the delicious looking buffet if it weren't for the real reason why she was attending. Among all the attendance, she is most likely the bottom of the barrel but because of Issei, the mysterious Level 5 adventurer who came out of nowhere joining her Familia, she has garnered more attention than she would have liked.

"Whoa! Is that Loli Big Boobs?"

"She looks…. stunning for a change, who could've guessed that?"

"I've seen her. She's working part-time in the northern south block. The children were patting her head."

"That's our Loli Lady!"

"Idiot! The both of you. Don't you see? She isn't here for fun and games. Her face is showing the entire story. She is here to cause some sort of commotion"

Of course! Hestia stuck out like a sore thumb. Wearing extravagant clothing and having an emotionless face both that were unusual for the usual cheerful petite Goddess. She attracted a lot of attention. Obviously, Both Hestia and Hephaestus ignored the mummers and made their way towards the buffet table.

A Goddess leaning on a wall at a corner was looking at the Goddess of the He wearth with confusion and intrigue. She had vermillion-red eyes and hair. She had her hair in a fancy inward spiral and She was sporting a sleek black dress.

'You are here with something in mind, aren't you Itty Bitty? Well, I am not gonna get myself in your problems unless it either involves me or the situation is bigger than I imagined.' She thought.

Yes, the Goddess was the tomboyish, Trickster God of Aiz Wallenstein's Familia, Loki, the Goddess of Mischief and Trickery.

Click-click, click-click. High-heeled shoes echoed as a Goddess approached Hestia and Hephaestus.

"Hee-hee… Still the best of friends, I see."

Hestia turned around to see emerge from another group of deities a goddess so beautiful that she made the others look normal by comparison. The floor was her runway. Everyone else was there to admire her.

Her skin was the color of fresh fallen snow and just as smooth. Freya's arms and legs glided through the air as if she were swimming, her perfume getting the attention of other gods as she drifted past. Their eyes fell on her luscious derriere, the cloth holding it in place gown was open in the front. With only one layer of fabric over each breast, she proudly showed off her full shape. Her cleavage was bright pink, like she was too warm.

She had the perfect body; better proportions did not exist. Long eyelashes surrounded calm eyes that radiated confidence. Her beauty transcended beauty, to the point that no one else even came close.

"Am I disturbing you, Hestia?" a smiling Freya asked the shorter goddess as she made herself known to Hestia and Hephaestus.

"It's not that…" Hestia fought back an irritated twitch in her lips. "I just don't like you very much."

"Hee-hee-hee. That's what I like about you."

Oh please. Hestia crossed her arms and looked away.

Being the Goddess of Beauty, Freya was a lady among women and always carried herself as such. She was always a head above the rest.

Freya had the ability to make others stop and wonder at her charm and grace. Even whimsical gods fell under her spell. The children on Gekai became enslaved by her smile alone.

However, Hestia couldn't stand Freya's personality, or other gods like her.

The Goddess of Beauty gently swished her silver hair as she glided up to the other two goddesses.

Both Hestia and Hephaestus narrowed their eyes on the deity that was apparently interested in their crush/love interest.

"Freya….Ah, the only reason why I came here to this celebration in the first place. Honestly, I wished I didn't," Hephaestus said, trying to control her temper. She held Hestia's shoulder for Hestia to not act on her emotions.

Loki, who was looking at the trio, raised her eyebrows in surprise as she didn't expect Freya of all people to be the reason for those two (Hestia and Hephaestus) ire and distress. She tried to rack her brain for an answer but couldn't get an idea why Hestia and Hephaestus were acting like that unless….it involves a male which would explain a lot but the question that will remain….would be who the hell caught the attention of the love obsessed Goddess and the other two.

"My, my, aren't you tense." Freya smoothly said to the two deities in front of her but inwardly was surprised by how they were acting weird around her. She already knew that Hestia didn't like her but to see Hephaestus who seemed like she wanted to tear her in half honestly did shocked her.

'Wait? Is it because of Bell that they are acting like that towards me….but I haven't even made a move on him yet. How did they know that I was planning something for him?' Freya thought. She was actually troubled by this since she now would have to improvise all of her plans she had prepared for her quest to get the white-haired adventurer's heart for herself and herself only.

Hestia wanted to say something to her but before she could open her mouth, Hephaestus stopped her and spoke to Freya coldly herself.

"We need to speak in private now, and I am not taking No for an answer, Freya."

Now the other Deities who were glancing now and then at the trio were now not bothering to hide themselves and were looking at them hopefully to witness some sort of drama between the Goddesses.

Loki now had her eyes narrowed at them. She decided that it might be the best time to make an entrance now rather than later. She made her way through several Gods and Goddesses before reaching them. The other Deities who were looking at the already tense atmosphere now noticed the approaching Loki and now started to gleam in excitement waiting for Loki to create chaos for their enjoyment.

Dionysus who was conversing with Demeter raised an eyebrow at the Mischief Goddess arrival towards the trio. He made sure to keep his ears open just like the rest to listen into their conversation.

"Hey! Fei-Fei! Freya—! Itty Bitty!" Loki chimed to which Hestia, Hephaestus and Freya turned towards her.

'Guess Issei was right. She did come after all, now to make her join my side' Hestia thought to herself looking at the tomboyish goddess.

Loki might not have looked like much standing next to Freya, but her face was on par with Hestia and Hephaistos in terms of charm.

Hephaestus tched at seeing Loki knowing that the Goddess would not make this situation easier, she then looked toward Hestia only to be surprised by how impassive she was.

Hestia then sighs and speaks "I should have known better but Why the hell are you here?"

"Wassamatta? Am I not allowed to greet ya without a reason? It's a Celebration, no? It'd be rude not to say hi. Get with the program, Itty Bitty."

"…!…!"

"That's quite the scary face, Hestia."

Loki was two heads taller than she; all Hestia could do was turn a cold shoulder.

She had nothing to say to Loki at the moment.

Hestia then turns toward Freya

"Let us get back right into the point, Freya. We need to speak privately. This takes priority"

"And Why should I, Hestia? This Celebration is just beginning, I would hate it if I missed something…. entertaining"

"I would listen to her Freya if I were you. That something that is cooking inside of your head is going to cause trouble for everyone in Orario, involved or not. Didn't you feel the shock that came from inside the city? It is a bad time to intervene with any mortal life at this point of time and knowing your disregard for the rules, I am giving you a suggestion right now. Let's talk privately right Now." Hephaestus said to her getting impatient by the second, she knows that she shouldn't rile herself up but with Loki's presence, things might get chaotic between them by the second.

"Wait—What is this about, Hephaestus?" Loki asked softly, now realizing that something is definitely wrong. She thought that maybe Freya annoyed them or something with her antics but if it involves the shock then the matter is of much more significance than it seems to be.

The reason why no God has talked about the Shock at the celebration among themselves is because they knew that even as Gods, they could not prevent Fate from having her way in the world. The last time a God tried to interfere with fate led to the destruction of two SS rank familia that were Zeus and Hera's. The Gods realized that they should avoid the phenomena as much as they possibly could to avoid a similar catastrophe from ever happening ever again.

Seeing Hestia angry is something usual for her but seeing Hephaestus angry….to her is very rare. Sure, the Goddess of the Forge might get irritated or frustrated with others (especially Hestia and Loki) but she never shows those emotions on her face. Loki has decided to tread carefully with whatever is going on unless she wants to face the full force of Hephaestus anger….

Something that she knew that she wouldn't enjoy.

"Shut up, Loki! I don't have time for dilly dallying with you" Hephaestus says to her which surprised many of the Deities except Hestia. She then grabs Freya arms much to her and everyone else's shock and drags her to someplace else.

"Hey Ganesha! Is there an empty room for us to talk? Me, Hestia and Freya have something very and I mean very important matters to discuss" She asks the host of the celebration who nervously nods his head up and down and points toward a direction. He was sweating bullets at seeing an irritated Hephaestus.

"I AM GANESHA, Hephaestus. There are plenty of private spaces for all of you to privately discuss any of your matters around here. Just go to the left of the hall and there is a corridor with many free rooms" He answered rather quickly much to Hephaestus appreciation and the others' disappointment who wanted to know what the matter was all about between them.

Hephaestus forcefully dragged Freya, Hestia who was standing there at surprise at her friend action looks at Loki and says

"You should come too as well."

"Why? I am not involving myself in your mess, Itty Bitty"

"Don't fool me, flat-chest. I know that you are curious about what's going on plus with you there hopefully things wouldn't escalate to the destruction of Aiam Ganesha" Hestia scoffs much to Loki's irritation, Loki wanted to retort to the chest comment but didn't. Hestia now moves toward Hephaestus who was dragging a scowling Freya by her arms

"Is it that bad?" She asks as she too started walking towards Hephaestus.

"Yeah! Actually this was between me and Freya but Hephaestus is also involving herself for my sake" Hestia answers

"Don't tell me….Is Freya madly in love with your familia member at this period of time?" She groans as she asks Hestia that question.

Much to her fear, Hestia hesitantly nods before heading towards Hephaestus leaving Loki with muddled thoughts.

Why? Why Now?... Of all the timing for the Goddess of Love to fall in love with someone, Why in the ever living hell did it have to be now? She knew that a Freya in love is thousand times worse than the most love-obsessed yandere girl. Freya is way too stubborn to give up what she wants especially her love, Loki knew that and she wouldn't have cared….

Until you factor in That Shock, especially since it came from the city itself. She knew that whatever Freya will do from now on will change the course of history of this world drastically. Loki instinctively knew that if she doesn't act sooner in these circumstances than her own Familia could also come under scrutiny or even much to her dread under ruin from any of Freya's actions. She doesn't want to imagine her Familia broken so she too rushed similar to Hestia only to witness Hephaestus opening one of the doors and hurling Freya inside.

After both Hestia and Loki entered, she closed it. Hephaestus looks at Loki for a moment before turning to face Hestia.

"Why is she here?"

"I invited her in, you and I both know that she is gonna get herself involved in our mess sooner or later. It's better this way"

Hephaestus sighs as even though she did agree with Hestia's logic, it didn't mean that she was happy with Loki's involvement. Honestly, She wanted Loki as far away from their problem as possible.

"So, should I ask what's this all about?" Freya asked after recovering from Hephaestus being physical with her.

"I am going to get to the point, it's about your interest with Bell. I want it to stop ASAP" Hephaestus told her coldly.

Loki, who was standing in the corner listening to their conversation raised an eyebrow at the name. She thought that it was the mysterious Level 5 that joined Hestia Familia that Freya was in love with, not the rookie that looked like a rabbit. She made a mental note to remember that name for the future.

"And How do you know that I am interested in him?" Freya asked smoothly but inwardly she was irritated. Hestia, listening in, decided to follow Issei's advice and speak for the first time inside the room.

"Do you really think that I am an idiot, Freya? Even if I am new to Gekai, I do catch on quickly. That girl Syr as well as the tavern, Hostess of Fertility sounded fishy to me from the very beginning especially when I heard how Bell met Syr in the first place and the fact that the owner is a former member of your familia."

"So you aren't that gullible as I expected, I should've taken note of that". Freya softly said to herself, her tone akin to sorrow which only managed to annoy the Hearth Goddess even more.

"You aren't even taking this situation seriously, listen here you love obsessed slut, messing with Cranel will not only get you in trouble with me and Hestia but also with someone highly dangerous. I fear him more than I fear any other Immortal. I am saying this for your own bloody sake unless you want your entire familia turned into a bloody mush on the floor" Hephaestus said to Freya, confusing both Hestia, Freya and Loki before Hestia eyes widened in understanding as to where Hephaestus was taking this.

She knew that among all of them, there is only one person that is the strongest, much stronger than even Ouranos in his prime. That man himself isn't a God but he is an Immortal (since Devil and Dragon hybrid and all that) so that means that Hephaestus isn't technically lying plus Issei does truly care for Bell so it could be a very high possibility for the entire Freya Familia to be massacred by Issei if Bell is harmed in any way by them.

She wished that Hephaestus didn't involve Issei into this but it's useless since the cat is already out of the bag. Putting Issei with Freya was the last thing she wanted since she knew what kind of backstory Issei shared with his own version of that bitch.

"Who are you referring to, Hephaestus? Surely you are bluffing so I would back o—" Freya tried to say but;

"Where do you think Issei Hyoudou came from?. A Level 5 adventurer doesn't just come from nowhere without any sort of reputation. He was sent to Orario by his patron God after Hestia sent him a letter requesting his assistance." Hephaestus said interrupting Freya before she could even finish.

Hestia wanted Hephaestus to stop talking, knowing that lying to Freya of all people will only come back to bite them later in the future, Her face however was impassive as she didn't want to lose control of herself from all of this.

"Hey Hestia! Who did you send the letter to that resulted in you getting a Level 5 adventurer" Loki asked her, speaking rather loudly for the rest to hear which led to both Hephaestus and Freya turning towards her direction. Hestia and Hephaestus met each other's eyes and had a wordless conversation between each other for a brief moment before she spoke.

"He is one of the strongest Gods I know and the most dangerous among every last one of us. I know that you two don't know him since you two left for Gekai earlier than the rest….."

"Hurry up! I want to know who he is, he sounds like an awesome person to hang out with"

"Loki, He will slaughter you before you even get to say the first word, if you manage to annoy him. He has controls over many domains such as Magic, Darkness, Darkness, Boobs, Power, Despair... , Dragons and many others" She added Boobs just to mock Loki's flat chest.

Freya was surprised by the mention of a Dragon God. She didn't expect Hestia to know someone that powerful and if that Deity is backing someone like Hestia then this entire situation becomes even more complicated for her but even if she is backed into corner, she would never give up, she would journey through hell and back, would give up everything to gain the Love of one Bell Cranel.

Loki was shocked when Hestia mentioned that the God she was friendly with had control over dragons but her mind got stuck on one of the domains that the God controlled….

God of Boobs….Boobs….OPPAI!

She immediately rushed towards Hestia and started shaking her entire body with her death grip on the smaller goddess's fluffy cheeks. Left, right, up, down, she shook Hestia in all directions.

Shaking, shaking, and more shaking.

"That's how….that's the reason why you have a bigger chest than ME. Tell me who it is, I want boobs too, you meanie! I want big giant massive jugs for me to shake. I will beg him to give me some of his remedy. Please Chibi tell me his name"

Hephaestus and Freya sweatdropped at Loki and Hestia antics. Even in a serious situation like this one, they decided that it was a fun time to fight and argue between each other.

"… hee… hee… I'm thinkin' ya've had enough for today…so now tel' me who the hell he is"

She's twitching all over!

Loki dropped Hestia to the floor and turned her back. She didn't even glance at the girl as she collapsed to the floor.

"Loki, Enough! This isn't some joking matter" Hephaestus said to her while sighing, her eyes were still stuck on the love goddess though

"She started it plus she still hasn't answered who he really is"

"That's complicated even I met him for a brief period of time and he certainly made an impression"

"Oh Yeah! Then tell me his name…" Loki requested now pouting and looking everywhere except for Hestia's direction.

"His name is—" Hephaestus began but;

"Ddraig!" Hestia shouted which got everyone to face her.

"His name is Y Ddraig Goch." She repeated once again after standing up.

"Ddraig….Never heard of him," Loki said, skeptical about Hestia's claim to be friends with someone that influential yet someone so anonymous among them. It didn't mean that she thought Hestia was lying since it could be possible as all the Gods have their unique quirks.

"Freya….Ddraig isn't someone to mess with since he is the reason why Issei Hyoudou came to Orario and joined my familia in the first place" Hestia said now facing Freya herself, sidelining both Loki and Hephaestus.

The Love Goddess stared at Hestia for a few moments. "Do you really think that a Level 5 is enough to stop me from getting what I want?" Freya said scowling, her eyes were narrowed at the petite Goddess trying to intimidate her.

"You are underestimating him….if you bothered to check his stats then you would've seen that he is peak Level 5 with a skill so broken that it makes him able to fight Peak Level 6 adventurer evenly."

Loki and Freya both inwardly cursed at forgetting how broken [Boost] skill truly is. Sure, On paper, it may sound insignificant but if you truly spent your time thinking about it then the skill can be a game changer on tough situations. Truly, Even if [Boost] has limits, it is still an extremely impressive skill to have.

"So What? You and I both know that I wouldn't give up my pursuit for Bell's love. I can't imagine such a clear shade, such a pure soul not being within my arms reach"

"I see…." Now it was Loki time to speak, unlike the free spirited smile she had a few moments ago, she was now sneering at Freya.

"Now what is it, Loki?"

"Are you seriously gonna jeopardize everything in Orario just for you to gain this boy's love, Freya?"

"Of Course! Loki. I want the boy to be mine more than anything else. I won't stop even if the world itself collapses on top of me. I will get him for myself" Loki could see the craziness in those eyes when she heard Freya speak.

Hephaestus was now actively glaring at Freya. Hestia also gritted her teeth listening to her, her fists were tightly clenched, Loki seeing their reaction, sighs knowing that she has to take a side if not for Orario stability but for her own familia sake.

'Freya, If you do this then you cross the line that not many should even dare to cross'

"Then…." She drawl before she turned her back;

"You and I are enemies, Freya….Oye! Hestia, Hephaestus you two should also leave, arguing with the slut isn't going to help you at all in your case"

She says to all of them before walking away and harshly closing the door on them.

"..."

"..."

"...Hephaestus, I hate to say this but Loki is right. Arguing with Freya isn't going to help us at all" Hestia said to her friend.

Hestia already accomplished both of the goals that she was here for, one being to confront Freya personally and two being allying with Loki and her Familia to face off against Freya or at least to make sure Loki doesn't ally herself with Freya.

Hephaestus wanted to say something against the notion but couldn't since it was the best thing they could possibly do at the moment. They now started to leave after Hephaestus gave one last dirty look toward Freya and a final warning.

Freya now alone chuckles to herself, she was amused that even though many plans for Bell now went to scrap since three of the Goddesses are aware of them, The fact that she was able to realize that both Hephaestus and Hestia love Cranel was able to sate any of her anger or resentment that she was feeling for the two.

"He he….Hestia and Hephaestus….I promise you this that I will make sure to steal Bell Cranel for myself under your very eyes and you wouldn't be able to do anything about it. I will make very sure of that."


Character Status:


Bell Cranell

Level: 2

Belongs to: Hestia Familia

Race: Human

Job: Adventurer

Dungeon Range: thirteen floor

Weapon: Arondight

Current Worth: 4,508,000 vals

Status:

[Strength] H-198

[Defense] H-170

[Utility] I-79

[Agility] G-265

[Magic] I-0

[Mystery] l

Magic: —

Skill:

[Realis Phrase]

Rapid Growth.

Continued desire results in continued growth.

Stronger desire results in stronger growth.

[Dragon's Heart] Can Only Be Active By Issei Hyoudou

Unbreakable Will.

Unshakable Courage.

Highly enhanced Senses.

[Devil's Blood] Can Only Be Active By Issei Hyoudou

Rare Loot Drop from Monster.

Understanding all Languages.

Improvement in Studying and Learning.

[King's Sight] Can Only Be Active By Issei Hyoudou

Grants instinctual understanding of tactics and strategies.

Grants Instinctual Leadership Quality.

Natural Empath and Animal Rapport.

[Hero's Spirit] Can Only Be Active By Issei Hyoudou

Unlimited Potential

Stats Boost when fighting stronger opponents.

Temporary Level Up when fighting stronger opponents.


Author's Note


Sorry for the late update. Poor Internet Connection Plus recent events that being the pandemic caused some private problems in my life.

I do appreciate the support on the fanfic, hoping that you will like what I have written.