Chapter 2: Assembly of the Gods
In the tower's amphitheater, the deities were getting seated. Around the big table were the gods of the first-rate familias, like Loki, Hephaestus or Hermes, who would preside over the assembly, while the rest of the gods were seated on the marble steps. Thor did not have a seat at the center table yet, but he had taken a seat in the front row, prominently, Hestia not too far from him, still flushed, after he had asked her if she wanted to sit down on his knees like when she was little.
By the way, what about the crazy obsessive nymphomaniac? Doesn't she gratify us with her presence? said the big burly guy, dropping the bomb without delicacy. Even without mentioning her name, everyone knew very well who he was talking about.
Unless something special happens, she only honors us with her presence once in ten on average. Said one of the deities in the congregation.
Although lately, we saw her here a little more often. Said another.
The god of thunder said nothing more. And everyone was actually quite happy that the goddess of beauty was absent. While the paternalistic relationship between Thor, Loki, and Hestia was well known, so was the fact that he and Freya couldn't stand each other. Hermes cleared his throat and motioned for the meeting to start.
Well! Given the events of the day, the agenda for today has changed a bit. And since everyone seems eager to move on to this hot topic, let's settle this first.
A subject that was obviously unnecessary to specify and which took the form of a two-meter bearded colossus.
Thor, on behalf of everyone here, we welcome you and your familia.
Yeah, by the way, let's talk about this familia of yours. Loki then said with a more serious air.
And what do you want to know, my little Loki?
The goddess took it upon herself to forget the familiarities and spoke again.
I wanna talk numbers. Ya declared fourteen members to the Guild. One level 5, three level 4, two level 3, three level 2 and five level 1. Now yer familia's made up of adventurers who've never, ever set foot in the Dungeon. Forget level 1, reaching level 2 is not impossible outside the city. Level 3 is very rare, but possible. But levels 4 and 5. The only one who managed to do this is Kali and many here know by what disgusting methods she does it. So, better explain this to us.
The mighty god stood up and began to walk in front of the assembly while speaking.
The Dungeon. You're way too focused on this thing. It's not the only way to gain power, just the fastest and easiest logistically speaking, you just need to live in one city. The world outside is big and very crowded. With people… and with monsters. Yes, monsters outside the Dungeon are weaker than their counterparts in Orario and therefore bring in less Excelia, but that doesn't mean they're weak.
The god paused for effect and resumed.
There are a lot of powerful monsters out there, but you have to go find them. That's why my familia remained a nomadic organization during all these years, we traveled the world in search of powerful enemies, we visited the Gekai from one end to the other, from the cold of the polar tundras to the blazing heat of the deserts, in deep jungles, ancient forests, on and under great mountain ranges. We have completed many quests and hunted many powerful creatures.
This much is true. Said Hermes. My sources indicate that Thor has indeed had a very rich monster hunting activity for the past few years.
Hermes might not have been a model of absolute trustworthiness, but he was well informed so if he said so, it could only meanthe information must be reliable.
If anyone wants to ask the question if I cheated somehow. The answer is simple: I did not! I swear on my honor and before all the brave ones of the great hall of Asgard that I did not break the rules of the game and that the power of my children was indeed born from their efforts and the sum of their blood, sweat and tears.
For a god who looked so gruff, he still spoke eloquently. Moreover, Thor was not known for being a liar; if he swore it on his honor, no one would question him.
Well, then I guess no one else has any more questions about this, or wants to question Thor's reliability.
Unless this someone else wanted to get a haymaker. The god of thunder went to sit down, while Hermes took a wad of paper.
So let's see the profiles of your familia if you don't mind.
Ho! If there are levels 2 and above, there must be a naming ceremony! then said some deity, to whom Thor gave a particularly frightening look.
What? Don't you like the nicknames I chose?
In front of the gaze of the newcomer, the god in question suddenly felt very small and retracted.
No! No need! I'm sure you had some very tasteful ideas!
That was an important lesson to get about Thor: he was a nice enough fellow, but he wasn't to be tangled with either. After this slight digression, Hermes spoke again, grabbing a first sheet from the stack of paper he had.
Ladies first, let's start with the one you have designated as captain of your familia. Mei-Yun Qiang, human, level 5. She is from the Shivat, we cannot say that it is right next door. This is your oldest active member.
Yeah, all of this really started with her.
That was surprising: there was no greater cultural gap than between an Asgardian god like Thor and the Shivati culture from which the young woman came.
Her nickname is Asgard Jenta, daughter of Asgard. My my, looks like you're treating yourself here.
Ho! believe me, she deserves her place in the great hall.
I believe you, let's move on. He said, taking another sheet of paper. A most surprising choice here, Thor: a nezu, named Ekkrit, he is level 4.
Can you see the falna under the fur? said a god mockingly.
Hey! I don't think I allowed you to insult my children. There, the gaze of the god of thunder became really threatening, forcing the deusdea who had uttered the mockery to shrivel, because there he was really starting to be scared he would get down from the tower in an expeditious manner. Everyone took note in their heads, Thor was very protective of his familia.
Let's move on. Hermes resumed. His nickname is Skorpionen, the scorpion. I have to say that compared to some of your choices, this one is pretty straightforward.
The colossus only said and offered them a smile.
Ho! Ekkrit is not as simple as you think. The god said to himself in his thoughts, as Hermes continued.
Then we have a dwarf, level 4, Thargar Axemaul. Strange, according to my information, I had heard that the Axemaul clan was extinct.
This is the case, he is the last of his kind; if you knew where I found him…
In any case, that's a nice slab of meat you got here, even for a dwarf. His nickname is Rsende Hjerte, the furious heart.
Subtlety is not his thing.
At least someone who looks like you. Hestia said with a mocking smile before the traveling god resumed.
We then have Ygannea Ralokas, a level 4 elf sorceress. Interesting, she is said to be from the City of Crystal. I thought that this magician city lived in almost complete isolation.
She wanted to see the outside world.
On the other hand, I do not understand why someone specified her measurements… Ha! Forget it, I got it! Well, you gave her the nickname Niflheim, so that's not a simple name.
Yes, smartasses with wandering hands soon find out that she's good at... cooling them off. So a word to the wise, whose vices I know, watch your asses. He said with a focused gaze on Loki, whom he actually knew very well.
The next two are interesting, their files have been put together. Andil and Linda Kejal, two level 3 humans. The resemblance is indeed stunning.
The Twins ? They do everything together. And the first one who makes a slimy joke goes through the window! he said to the crowd. He was quite familiar with the humor of some people here.
Their nicknames are Hugin and Munin. Again, you enjoy yourself.
And once again, he only got a smile in response.
Because the two are one.
Next we have a cute Cat People level 2, Vasati Elmys. Her nickname is Bryter, the Breaker. I take it that despite her pretty face, she's as subtle as you are.
Why do you think she worships me, of all people? His remark made several people in the assembly laugh.
Good, then. Cayope Kranestra, level 2, an amazoness. Ha! Is she really from Telskyura?
Yes, I went through there, Kali and I had… arguments.
Violent arguments, I guess.
Very violent! The girl wanted to change horizons, she knew how to take a opportunity.
Her nickname is Slangebitt, the snake bite. A little pretentious I find.
Always better than what Kali could have invented, or trolls like you could imagine.
This drew an amused chuckle from Hermes, who took back his papers.
Let's continue, Puhraan Olayra, level 2, an adorable Hume Bunny. The nickname you gave her is Nordstjernen, the North Star. I have to admit that it's strangely poetic for you.
Because she always finds the right path. But he said nothing and only offered an amused smile to the other gods.
Well, let's quickly go over those who are still only level 1. Arrauth Dorxina, a half-elf, Girkas Faeceran, a werewolf, Viclaer Morren, a chienthrope, Bricaena Cainan, a prum and Adriel Leoleth, a human.
We have everyone ! Then said the god of thunder.
Okay, so if no one else has a question, we can declare the subject of Thor and his familia closed. My friend, once again, welcome to Orario. Well! Now let's move on to what makes everyone happy. The level upgrades and the nomination ceremony!
The gods responded with enthusiasm and a hint of sadism in their eyes for some.
Damn, you really are such gadflies. Thor said then, sighing in amusement.
Two hours later, the muscular god left the tower and came to find his familia, most of whose members had returned.
So? Mei simply said, approaching him. The deusdea responded with a thumbs-up.
We are officially in the house, children!
Everyone let out a cry of joy as they raised a fist to the sky. They had learned a lot from their nomadic years, but now Thor wanted something more stable for them and access to the Dungeon to potentially reach greater heights. Getting Mei to level 5 was already quite a feat and sooner or later they would stagnate.
Okay, we have to go celebrate! Vasati! Have you found a nice place to go for a feast worthy of the name?
The neko-girl hopped over to him and motioned for him to bend down before whispering something in his ear, which gave the god a big amused smile.
OKAY ! Tonight my children, we are having our feast at the Hostess of Fertility!
The little familia had to negotiate with the Guild first to hire a secure place to store the wagons containing nothing more than all of their possessions, before heading to the famous tavern they had been directed to.
Was it a coincidence that Thor was going to this place? Obviously not. He had got some information beforehand. He knew very well how bad his relationship with Freya was and also, that she would certainly not like to see him arrive in the city of which she had become a sort of unofficial queen. He knew that the former captain of Freya's familia had retired and was running a tavern. Vasati knew very well what to look for from the start. It would remain to be seen how Freya would take the fact that he invited himself to her unofficial territory.
When they arrived at the tavern, it was early enough that there was still enough room to seat fifteen people. And better believe that the arrival of this troop with at its head this immense tattooed colossus could not go unnoticed. The warrior god stepped forward and placed a large purse full of varis on the counter.
Food and drink for fifteen! Tonight, we're celebrating!
Here we go, take a seat! Mia replied smiling, seeing in the familia only good potential customers who looked like they were paying cash. Thor concluded that either she was really no longer related to Freya or she was not openly hostile to him. He was too recognizable, his showy arrival in town had already been relayed and rumors were rife, so she most likely had to know who he was already.
The familia gathered a few tables to get some privacy and everyone chatted happily, like ordinary adventurers. Quickly, the waitresses brought food and drink.
Cheers everyone! cried the god, raising his tankard, followed by his children.
Very quickly, all these people ate, drank, laughed and spoke cheerfully. The tavern deserved its good reputation, the food was indeed delicious and the drink flowed naturally down the throat. From the staff's point of view, they sounded like good customers, a little loud, but not fussing about and none of them had tried to get their hands on the waitresses' buttocks.
Ryuu, still on guard, watched the little familia throughout the evening. Very quickly, she could get a feel for their abilities and identify who were the beginners and who were the stronger ones. The busty elf seemed like a powerful magician, the twins human gave her a mixed feeling, as if something about them was unnatural. The nezu, which would have made her neck hair stand by his very nature, made her wary of him instead for the skills he seemed to have, and which he hid very well. The dwarf looked mighty. But the one that caught his eye the most was the human wearing an oriental outfit. She was the top of the familia, all her moves were calculated, she had a natural balance that commanded respect and seemed naturally on her guard even when she was relaxing. She was a warrior, powerful and experienced, Ryuu could tell, even across the room.
Moreover, at one point, Ryuu passed by her side; the warrior had turned, and was facing her familia, sitting on her stool, legs crossed and the upper thigh serving as her arm rest for the hand holding her head, while the other carried her mug.
This city is truly fascinating and this establishment is even more surprising I must say. Said the shivati with a mischievous little smile. Ryuu answered her professionally.
I am happy to see that the food is to your liking. To those who didn't know her, the elf could seem very cold. But Mei didn't let go and kept the same light tone.
Ho! I wasn't talking about that, although it is indeed delicious. No, I was thinking, this is the first time I've seen a tavern where almost all waitresses seem that strong.
Ryuu tried her best not to show anything, but she couldn't fully restrain her surprise. This girl had also gauged them on her side. She was suspicious for a moment, looking for any trace of hostility, but there was none. The young woman had not changed her position, she made no aggressive gestures and showed no hostility towards them. Just as Ryuu had gauged them, she had made herself gauged back, which was fair game. The young woman was simply playing the honesty card.
Can I have a refill please? she said simply, handing her mug to the waitress.
Ho… right away. Ryuu took her empty mug from her hand before heading back to the bar. This familia had power, but she had no idea of their intentions. There was no doubt that they would change a few power struggles around and quickly establish themselves in the middle-tier familias. She was however pulled from her thoughts by Anya, who was running in all directions.
Nya! But where has Syr gone? When we have plenty of work tonight!
Sure enough, Syr was gone early in the evening, as soon as she had sensed Thor's presence around. She was relatively sure of herself and her little trick, but she also knew that you couldn't fool all the gods. Most of them yes, even Hermes fell for it, especially because he only saw the connection in Mia or even Loki who, despite her nickname of Trickster, did not necessarily see all the intrigues around. But she avoided some, especially Hestia, because her instincts told her so. And Thor was a downright red flag for Syr.
He would know, she knew instinctively that the instant Thor saw Syr, he would guess absolutely everything. This juggernaut was a big, gruff meathead without any subtlety, but contrary to what the image conveyed, he was far from being foolish, and could be particularly perceptive. She knew it and she distrusted him like the plague, so Syr disappeared into the night.
Later that evening, at the top of Babel, a certain goddess, considered one of the most beautiful women, both in the heavens and the lower world, was seated on her throne, observing the night activity of the city in below while enjoying her glass of wine. Beside her was a small table with a wad of paperon top of it, containing information released to the general public about a certain familia who had just arrived in town.
Freya was a manipulator, and the list of gods she was openly hostile to was not long. And Thor was on it. If she hated him so much, it was primarily out of pride. The goddess was proud of herself, of her beauty, of her art of seduction, of the right words that she always found to make everyone succumb. No one resisted her, no mortal could escape her charm and even without it, she remained the personification of seduction. There was hardly any god, male or female, who could resist her. In several aeons, many deities had come into her bed and had danced in the palm of her hand. But there had been exceptions, for example Hestia or Artemis, who stupidly clung to their unofficial title of chaste goddesses.
Most importantly, Thor had never given in to her. What could seem crazy when you knew his way of life: joyful and carefree, he refused nothing to himself, neither food, nor drink, nor women. But, he had never succumbed to her advances and long ago, at the Tenkai, on a divine evening, he had even preferred the intimate company of Hephaestus, leaving the goddess of beauty for the scarre done. Well, in fact, Freya had ended up devouring the blacksmith too, but the act of the god of thunder had sounded to her like the worst insult.
Out of pride, she hadn't given up and tried to draw him into her nets. Until one day she realized that she had fallen into her own trap and behaving exactly like those seeking her attention, that she was the one dancing for him. A lesson she learned the hard way and a stain on her honor. Thor was no fool, quite the contrary, he could see right through her, and that still pissed her off.
Ottar. She said in a weary voice at the attention of the colossus beside her.
Yes my goddess?
Leave me alone, please.
The boaz bowed, stepped out and closed the door behind him. What followed was more surprising, he heard a scream of rage, the sound of broken glass, another scream of rage and the sound of something being suddenly knocked over. The goddess came out of the room shortly after, with her usual little smile, as if nothing had happened.
Ottar, send someone clean up, I seem to have spilled something out of clumsiness.
I will. He said nothing and acted as if nothing had happened, but even he was worried about his goddess, so for once he dared to ask a question. My goddess, do we need to take… action?
Are you talking about Thor? No, let's leave him alone for now. His familia may be inferior to ours, but he's the kind of god you shouldn't tease without knowing more. Let's start by collecting more information, I first want to know what really brings him to town.
As you wish.
At the Hostess of fertility, the feast continued for Thor and his familia, the latter not caring more than that about the annoyance he might cause to Freya. Instead, he listened to Adriel's report, the strict-looking human of his familia. She had only entered the familia a year ago and was still only level 1. But she was not a fighter: she acted as a support, but above all, she had taken the reins of stewardship and accountancy very easily.
My lord, I'm sorry, but buying a sufficient home for us is going to take me longer than expected. I have found an inn good enough for us, but we can't stay there too long, otherwise it will drain our finances and delay most of our plans.
The god remained thoughtful for a moment, then spoke again.
I believe I have found the solution which should help us temporarily. Okay, listen to me everyone, this is the schedule for tomorrow.
The fourteen mortals then turned to their divinity and fell silent to listen.
Mei, go make a first reconnaissance in the Dungeon tomorrow. No need to go too far, the first ten floors will be enough, it is above all a matter of getting a firsl impression. Take the twins with you and Puhraan, so she can map it.
You got it! the woman replied, while the other three responded with a nod. The twins were good at reconnaissance, especially unfamiliar places. As for the hume bunny, if she was nicknamed the North Star, it was thanks to her mapping ability, represented by her skill mapping. Purhaan had a perfect sense of direction and could draw mental maps of all the places she visited, allowing her to always find her way.
Ekkrit. He said to the ratman's attention. Go and… do your usual thing.
The nezu only answered with a nod of his head. He was going to go where respectable people weren't going, to see the dark side of the city a little bit.
Yga. He said, addressing the elf. Go to the Guild's Public Library and start investigating.
Do I have to look for a specific topic?
No, I'll let you judge what will be most useful. She nodded and the god turned to the bespectacled human.
Adriel, keep looking to find us a nice house. And the others, I let you choose who you want to go with or if you want to explore the city a bit. We all meet at dusk in the central square and from there, we'll go see my little idea.
" All right ". They all spoke in unison before the deusdea spoke again.
Come on, enough talk about work for tonight! Boss! Another round!
Author's Note: And here's another chapter finished. For the moment, little action, we're just introducing the newcomers, but it is just to identify them afterwards.
Regarding the nicknames of the members of the Thor Familia, these are rough translations made with the Google tool from French to Norwegian, so I am absolutely not sure of myself.
So if anyone of my readers is fluent in a Nordic language (Norwegian, Finnish, Icelandic, Danish, etc.), or better yet, knows enough about Old Norse, I would gladly take better suggestions ^^