GOD CAMAZOTZ
Camazotz; He is a tall, slim god. His medium-length hair is jet black, the same color as his eyes. Many women would describe his figure as a handsome one, the sharp look on his face could get many of them aroused at first sight.
It has been around fifty years since he officially started recruiting members for his familia, but he had descended from heaven long before that. For hundreds of years, he wandered on the surface of the world, all he wanted was to explore it and make connections; It wouldn't matter if it were traders, kings, adventures, gods, … In the end, he managed to build a large network all over the world. He would use that to his benefit later on.
His cunning in finances and dealings on the black market, made his familia grow like no other; He would profit from all sides, he didn't care if it was good or evil, if he could he would take advantage of it without thinking twice. After the expulsion of Zeus and Hera's Familia from Orario, his dealings with the group called Evilus intensified. They weren't allies, or friends, only had a relationship of mutual interest. And Camazotz made the most of it.
His familia had become quite good on information gathering, his connections and the focus on stealth training for his children made him the primary source of information for the Evilus. He would also establish a line of supplies of items and weapons for the group. If needed, magic stones would also be available for the creatures. And so, their relationship prospered. With the Dark Age of Orario, Camazotz quickly reached the top 10 familias. With the rise of the Evilus, he also became a necessary existence to the guild, his connections were just that valuable and no one could find any faults in him. It didn't take long for him to climb the ranking and get to the top 6 of Orario.
When he was informed about the newest actions of Freya Familia, he was intrigued by the goddess's actions;
'Why would she go through such lengths for that boy? Is he that important to her?' he wondered.
But this was also a great opportunity; If he managed to get to that white-haired boy, then he would have leverage against the Top 1 Familia of Orario. The opportunity was just too good for him to let it escape his fingers; that just might be his ticket into becoming the number one. And so, he started to observe the child and gather information about him, and it was pretty to get it. With his talent and display of skill, Bell Cranel, on his first day and without a falna, was reaching feats that no one could. Things only got more interesting when he was informed about the boy's origin and his connection with Zeus Familia. He had decided then; He would take advantage of Freya's hesitation and take the boy himself, even if he had to do it by force.
But that would be his undoing;
Freya was parading down the corridors of the Batmanor, the headquarters of the Camazotz Family. The once glorious mansion was now crumbling at her feet, flames can be seen through the whole extension of the yard. Dozens of heavily damaged adventurers are scattered across the site, with blood pouring out of their deep wounds. The hundreds of adventurers from Freya Familia had flooded the place, nullifying every potential threat to the Goddess before she came in person to deal with her enemy. She is being escorted down the halls of the mansion towards Camatotz's private room. There, she'll finish him off.
The marbles and stones from the manor are anything but clean. Freya is now standing in front of the door that leads to the private chamber.
"Please. Wait here, My lady."
It was Ottarl who spoke. This was one of the rare moments where he would issue an order to his goddess.
After the command, he motioned to Allen and the others to enter the room and clean the site of any possible threats. A few moments later they returned, guaranteeing the security of the place.
Freya proceeded to enter the room, accompanied only by her captain. Right across the door, near a window, the God was waiting for her; He knew what would happen next, but it was fine. He wasn't happy about it, but he played the game and he lost. That's all there is to it.
"heh, to think you would go this far… Freya." snorted Camazotz.
"Fufufufu… he-heh.. hah-AHAHAhaHA…" burst Freya, amused. "hah… You have no idea, do you?" she started. "You played the one hand you should have never had." she said, scorn filling her voice.
He has no rebuttal, his familia barely had a chance to move and his enemy was already at his doorstep, the war was finished before it even started. Freya didn't hesitate a second before making her children cross the entire city and make a lightning strike. The forces he had sent to capture the boy named Bell Cranel were also completely defeated along the way.
"But for you to think that I was bluffing… Well. I suppose that I have been going easy in the past few years, but you were really stupid to think that."
"That may be true but after what you've done here, you won't have him either. Hah!" he retorted. "I wonder why you took so long; you should've just taken the boy instead of making those stupid threats. You'll be punished and no god will support you. Hehe" even when losing, Camazotz would act as if he had triumphed.
Freya's expression remained the same as always; she knew it was true, but that wasn't the end of it. In fact, it could actually serve her purposes.
The goddess beauty then gave Ottarl a glance, as if saying "It is time." which the Boaz immediately understood. He reached a pocket and grabbed a vial of potion. Freya took it and walked towards the black-haired god.
"Let's get this over with. Drink it." commanded Freya while extending her hand.
Accepting his destiny, Camazotz reached the vial and opened it. After a few seconds, he drank every drop of it. Ottarl and Freya had already left the room by then.
The fire and destruction that had engulfed the Batmanor were completely overshadowed by a beacon of light and energy that ascended to heaven.
A god's arcanum had been released, which was seen by the whole city of Orario. The sixth strongest familia of Orario was gone. The balance of power in Orario had shifted once more.
A few blocks away from the Batmanor, two people were watching the unfolding events. One of them was a blonde-haired man wearing a feathered hat. The other was a girl with aqua-blue hair and cyan eyes named Asfi. At a safe distance, they watched the released Arcanum piercing through the night sky.
"Hermes. How much of this was according to plan?" asked the girl.
"All I did was tell him about Freya's interest in the boy. Along with a few information about him. That's all…" replied the man named Hermes. He was the god of a mid-tier familia in Orario.
He knew about Camazotz's ambitions and used them in his favor. By stimulating a war between that two familias, he would get rid of many hindrances in one swift move.
Great damage would be dealt to the Evilus. Despite not having full proof about Camazotz's dealings, he was the only one that could help them.
He would also test just how far Freya is willing to go for Bell Cranel, all he knew was that she would prevent him from joining any other familia. If she did nothing, he was ready to end Camazotz either way.
But even more importantly…. This turn of events would delay Freya's plans.
"…" Asfi sighed. All she could do was feel sorry about the boy that had barely got to the city and was already trapped in a game between the gods.
It has been two days since War broke out between two of the most powerful familias in Orario, albeit I heard that it was more like a slaughter. Going against the number one, Camazotz Familia ware completely overwhelmed. They had only one Lv. 6, which was dominated even when fighting against a group with a lower level like the Gulliver Brothers. The whole city was watching when Camazotz's Arcanum was released and he returned to heaven in an endless pillar of light and energy.
Freya's Familia punishment was issued by Ouranos not much time after. She would have to pay 750 million valis and were prohibited to bestow a falna and have a new member in her familia for a whole year. Some would say that the punishment was fair, others say it was too much. Each person had their own opinion. I wondered what had led to this in the first place.
Today marks a week since I have arrived in Orario, through the last two days I have been frequently challenging the dungeon. The furthest I could go was to the entrance of the seventh floor, which seems to be my limit. By the time I get there, I'm already too tired to keep going, and I also have to consider the energy that I have to spend on the way back. That's exactly what I'm doing now.
I'm going up the stairs of the first to reach the great hall of the Babel Tower. From there, I'll visit the guild and give my report to Rose, as I promised. It's already evening, so the sun is starting to set, giving a beautiful orange glow over Orario. Despite the crowded streets, my walk to the guild happens to be very peaceful.
The magic stones that I've been gathering are just being stacked in my room. Despite what I had said, I have no intention of supplying the black market; I have no idea of their intentions, after all, but I still needed to know much one day was worth otherwise, I could get caught in a dire situation.
Now walking through the guild's hall, I see some guild's employees and advisors eyeing me, that has been happening for some time now. Maybe they're making fun of me for not having a falna, but I just shrug off. After I found Rose, I waved at her. She is someone who stands out from the crowd. I know she has been waiting for me even though she wouldn't admit it, but that's part of her charm. I make my way towards her and we set off to the special room. This is how my day usually ends.
But something else was bound to happen.
Something interesting.
Loki Familia was finally returning from their training expedition. While crossing the Central Park crowds had gathered around them, trying to see the first-tier adventurers just a little closer.
"You guys can return to the Twilight Manor; we'll go to the guild and cash in the magic stones while getting the rewards for the quests." Announced Finn.
The executives from the Loki familia would be the ones to report to the guild, mainly because Tione always offered to accompany the Captain and the others would just join one by one.
The streets of Orario were as crowded as ever, but the people would open the path for the executives from the second strongest familia. Being such high-level adventurers, they could get to get guild in less than a minute, but they would probably end up destroying the city in the process. And so, they walked towards their destination, with bags in hand.
Already inside the guild, the group of adventurers proceeded to trade the magic stones and report the expedition. The guild mainly asked about information on any irregularities or new findings in the dungeon. Just like always. Until they heard the guild's employees talking about something that caught their attention.
"… Has the new boy that Rose has been advising found a familia yet?" the question was caught by the senses of the first-tier adventurers.
"I don't think so, but I heard something that could be related…" started a male voice. "A few adventurers said something about a white-haired boy slaying monsters and covering himself in blood down to the sixth floor. He's probably lying about not having one. There is no way he would get that far without a falna, right?" concluded the man.
Bell Cranel had quickly become a well-known existence for them, his feats and circumstances were abnormal, so rumors started to spread among the guild. Most of them made their own theories about it and they would often discuss about it, trying to find the truth.
Finn and the others raised an eyebrow at the comments, they had just returned from the dungeon and didn't know anything about what had happened the last week. They had noticed of course, that the city was different than the usual, the people seemed to be on edge. But knowing about the new existence in the city, Finn Deimne decided to investigate a little further.
"The rest of you will return to the Twilight Manor with the rewards. I'll stay back and try to find out more about this white-haired boy." announced Finn.
"eh! But I want to stay with the Captain!" blurted Tione.
"I also want to know more about him!" exclaimed another amazon, Tiona.
And so, the executives of Loki Familia started to voice their opinions.
Finn sighed.
"Listen, I don't want a group of first-tier adventurers intimidating him. It's better if I'm alone."
He voices his reasons, after which they complied with his decision.
Now, he had space to do his own investigation.
A white-haired boy was leaving the guild's premises when he heard someone calling for him.
"Bell Cranel?" said an unfamiliar voice.
"huh?" blurted Bell.
Looking in the direction of the voice, Bell saw a very short person, with the height of a child. The pallum had blonde hair and blue eyes. His clothes had very distinctive colors; A purple shirt with a yellow light armor vest on the top, red details on it. A spear bigger than himself was being carried on his bag. Bell instantly knew who this person was; The captain of Loki Familia, Finn Demine "The braver". Even outside the Labyrinth City, the existence of the level six adventurer was very well known, he was a living hero.
"I'm Finn Deimne. Would you mind accompanying me for a moment? I'd like to talk to you." Requested the pallum.
Despite the polite request, Bell wondered if he really had a choice on the matter. Not that he would've refused if he could.
"Oh, of course I know who you are Finn-sama. But what does the captain of Loki Familia need from me, may I ask? Have I done something wrong?" asked Bell, He was wondering if his contact with Ikelos Familia, even if a brief one, had got himself into trouble.
"Just Finn is alright. About the reason I called you, it'd be better to speak about it in a more private place. Why don't we go to a near café? We won't have any problems there." proposed Finn.
Bell nodded and they started walking to the place. It didn't take too long before they reach there, but Bell was surprised by the amount of attention Finn had gathered.
After reaching the café, they ordered some snacks.
Bell was waiting patiently waiting for Finn to start talking.
"So, Bell Cranel. I heard you don't have a falna." started Finn with a grin "Is that true?" he queried.
Bell sighed.
He was thinking about what this question meant. A werewolf from Loki had barked at him on the first he had started to look for a familia. So, what was this all about?
"That's right. Still haven't found a familia that would accept me." he shrugged and honestly answered the question.
"You clearly have armor worthy of a second-tier adventurer and you seem to have just left the dungeon, though." observed Finn. "Mind clearing that out?" His eyes were penetrating. Looking for the truth in the boy's words. He couldn't sense any lie, but his thumb was aching for some reason.
"I used to clear branches around my village, so I had some valis and experience in fighting monsters" started Bell. "My advisor allowed me to enter the dungeon if I had proper equipment. That's all." he finished.
Finn furrowed at his response. If he had so much experience, then why was he refused?
"What floor you managed to clear?" Finn squinted his eyes.
"Just the sixth." shrugged Bell.
Finn sighed at his response.
'What is going on here?' He thought.
"Bell… How about you come to the Twilight Manor?" suggested Finn with a grin.
.
Bell's eyes widened.
After he processed what Finn had said, he nodded while smiling.
At the Twilight Manor, the executives from Loki Familia were walking to its entrance. They were greeted by a flat-chested goddess with vermilion hair.
"Aizu-Tann!" exclaimed Loki while jumping to the golden-haired girl.
That was a common occurrence, the goddess would always try to grope her favorite child, and would always fail.
She landed on Lefiya instead. The elf was an Lv. 3 girl from the Loki Familia known as "Thousand Elf", she has orange hair and deep blue eyes along with a childish personality. After tormenting the girl, Loki realized something.
"Wher's Finn? Ther's somethin' I need to talk with him." she asked while glancing at Riveria, her Vice-Captain.
"We heard something interesting while we were at the guild and he decided to investigate." answered the green-haired elf. "He should be here shortly." reassured Riveria.
"Right, lets get inside then." started Loki. "Ther's a lot I have to talk with the three of ya."
Bell and Finn were walking to the gate of the Loki Familia headquarters; soldiers were stationed there, guarding for any intruders.
"Captain Finn, Loki is waiting for you inside. She said it is urgent." spoke a guard.
"Alright, I coming in. Don't worry about him, he's with me." said Finn pointing at Bell.
The guards opened the gate while eyeing the white-haired boy.
After walking through the gate, Bell was met with a great yard that extended itself until the front door of the manor. No, the front door of the castle is more fitting. The gothic castle of Loki Familia was big enough to shelter its more than 200 hundred members and have room for more. The maids and housekeepers of the Twilight Manor also lived there.
Finally arriving in the entrance hall Bell felt many eyes locked on him, they were no doubt wondering why there was a new face in the manor.
Bell silently followed Finn through the stairs and many corridors of the mansion, until they met a chattering group of adventurers. After noticing their presence, an elf with bright purple hair and purple eyes spoke.
"Finn, Loki has been waiting for you." Mirelia said. "Is that him?" she asked, glancing at Bell.
"It's him." Finn nodded.
At the remark, other members of the group of high-level adventurers also started eyeing the boy.
"Oh! So yo-" started Tiona.
"We can talk about that later; it's better if I go to Loki now." interrupted Finn.
"She is in her office. Riveria and Gareth are already there." Informed the elf.
"Alright, talk to you guys later. Come on, Bell."
The pair started walking through the corridors again until they met a double white door with details in gold.
*knock* *knock*
Finn knocked on the door. After a few seconds, Riveria opened it. After looking at Bell, she exchanged glances with Finn and motioned them to enter the room.
"Yo, Finn! We were waitin' for ya." spoke the goddess. She was visibly on the edge about something.
"I know, I know…" Finn shrugged. "But you see…" he said, showing her a white-haired boy with red eyes.
Loki's eyes widened at the sight.
"W-wait! That's…" she started.
"His name is Bell Cranel." informed Finn.
Bell then gave Loki a bow. "Nice to meet you, Goddess Loki." He greeted
"I see… Is he the boy Riveria said ya were lookin' for?" questioned Loki.
"It is." he replied.
Loki squinted her eyes and scratched her head.
"Well. It makes things easier; I suppose." she started. "I assume ya want him to join our familia?"
"If you are okay with it." said Finn.
Loki nodded at him. "Ther's somethin' I'd like to talk to you about first." the goddess told Finn and glanced at Bell.
Finn understood what the goddess wanted.
"Bell. Wait in the corridor for a moment., please."
Bell complied and left the room with another bow.
"So, want do you want to talk about?" asked Finn.
"Ahh! I don't even know where to start…" complained the goddess. "But you see… I had a meetin' with Freya…"
It was in the morning after the attack of Freya Familia on the Batmanor, headquarters of Camazotz Familia. Freya was already waiting at the café when the door burst open. A furious red-head goddess was walking through it. All the other tables were empty but, even then, Freya was wearing a coat that she used to hide from the eyes of men while walking to the place; her absolute beauty was such that they could be charmed just by looking at her. Loki didn't pay heed to any of that.
"What the hell were ya thinkin', Freya?! Have ya finally lost yer mind?!" raged Loki.
Freya remained composed, Her typical smile still on her face.
"That letter of yar's…! Did ya call me here to threaten me too?!" she questioned.
"Oh no… Not at all. Fufufu." Freya dismissed Loki's worries. "I wish to make a proposition." her smiled widened.
Loki shrugged off. "What ya did to Camazotz… It was because of the new kid, wasn't it?" she asked.
"He threatened my Odr. That's all."
"Still with the Odr thin', huh?" scoffed Loki.
'This nymphomaniac goddess, when is she gonna stop?' she thought.
"Are you mocking me?" glared Freya, irritation in her voice.
"Whatever." Loki shrugged off and took a sit. "So, who is he? how is he like?" she questioned.
"Fufufu." Freya blushed. "Bell Cranel. He's talented. Cunning. But there's also purity in him. He will do anything to achieve his dreams. I've never seen anyone like him"
Loki sighed and massaged her temple.
"Why am I here, Freya?" she asked.
Freya responded with a grin and reached a pocket from her cloak. There, she reached a rolled paper and put it on the table. She motioned Loki to read its contents.
Loki took the parchment and unrolled it, the words were inscribed in the language of the gods. Scanning through the lines, her eyes were wide open.
"W-WHAT?!" sputtered Loki. "I'm sure of it now. Ya have lost yer mind!"
Freya chuckled while extending Loki a pen.
On Loki's hands, there was a contract. It stated that Loki Familia would accept Bell Cranel as its member and, after a year, he would be released and transferred to Freya Familia.
A place for the signature of Loki was also present.
"Does the boy even know about this?" asked Loki.
Freya shook her head. "You'll just have to tell him before he joins you familia."
"Then tell me, why shouldn't I just take him to my familia and just tear apart this contract of yers?"
"That's what the rewards are there for." remarked Freya "Besides, you wouldn't risk your familia for a boy that means nothing to you, right?" she threatened.
"The moment I give him my falna, he'll be my child too!" Loki blurted, then gave a heavy sigh. "What makes ya think that the boy will even accept this, anyway?" she questioned.
"I told you, didn't I? He will do anything to achieve his dreams." replied Freya.
Loki sighed again and reluctantly signed the contract.
.
"Ya know, there's still somethin' that has been buggin' me" started Loki. "How did ya know?"
"Huh?"
"It has been days since ya invited me here. Ya knew about what Camazotz would do, or y-"
"Does it matter, Loki?" interrupted Freya.
The goddesses stared at each other.
.
"I suppose it doesn't." Loki shrugged off.
Loki then started eating some snacks.
I've been waiting outside Goddess Loki Office for about an hour. Whatever they're discussing must be important. I don't really mind the waiting and a maid from Loki Familia came to me and offered some snacks, which I happily accepted after a big thanks. The couch is also comfortable and the fireplace gives the waiting room a pleasant temperature. If I join Loki Familia, this is to be my new home. Goddess Loki didn't seem to object to the idea, but the feeling I got from her was a strange one. She seemed to know me and was surprised by my presence. This city is certainly a strange one.
After a few more minutes, I hear the door cracking open. It was Loki herself who opened it. Her eyes, unlike before, were completely open as well. She was gazing at me. After a few moments, her expression softened.
"Goddess Loki?" I spoke first.
"Come in, kid. Let's talk." she invited me while opening a way to her office.
I nodded at Goddess Loki and entered her office again. The same three people I had seen before were sitting on the couches, their attention turned towards me. Gareth "Elgarm", Riveria "Nine Hell" and Finn "Braver". The dwarf had a serious expression, while the other two had compassionate smiles on their faces.
"Please, take a seat." offered Finn, which nodded I complied.
"Kid, first I want ya to tell me what ya know about Freya."
"Except that she is the goddess from the strongest familia of Orario?" I asked.
Loki stared at me while the others gave a chuckle.
"W-well, it's not much. I know that her familia has the only Lv. 7 of Orario. Freya lives at the top of the Babel Tower, while her familia lives in a place called Folkvangr. She is known to charm people and there is also that war from a few days ago." I replied.
Loki nodded. "Is that all? Haven't ya noticed anythin' else?" she probed.
I thought for a moment. "Well, I also felt her gaze on me a few times." I remarked
The moment I said that, their eyes widened. Was that something important?
"How do ya know it was her?" asked Loki
"I just felt it coming from the top of Babel Tower, the rest I assumed." I shrugged.
"And what did ya think about it?"
"Nothing much. I thought it was normal for her to watch over people, being at the top of Babel and all." I answered.
"heh. Yer right and wrong, kid. Ya see, she thinks yer special and wants ya in her familia." she clarified.
"But that-"
"That's right, ya can't, not now." said Loki while putting two parchments on the table. "This one is a contract written in the language of the gods, this one is a translation for ya." she explained.
I approached the two parchments and started inspecting them. But something was strange.
"Language… of the gods?" I asked, puzzled.
"Yeah, what about it?"
"Well, it's just that I can read it." I replied.
I saw that many eyes went wide again.
"How?" inquired Riveria, she seemed interested about it.
"My grandfather taught me this language." I shrugged off.
"Yeah, we'll have to talk about that later. Now read it." commanded Loki.
The contract says
.
"This contract is valid from the moment Loki's falna is bestowed to Bell Cranel. His blood shall be dropped on this parchment as proof.
Loki Familia will protect and provide for him.
After a year of the bestowment of the falna by Loki, Bell Cranel shall be transferred to Freya Familia.
As long as the contract is active, a truce between Freya Familia and Loki Familia will be formed.
Upon the moment the contract is completed, Loki shall receive the item named "eagle feather robe"."
.
"Does this mean… I won't really be part of your familia?" I asked.
I was happy that a god had finally accepted me into their familia, but for it to be like this…
"Listen, I ain't having ya just because of this contract, so ya'll be a member of my familia like any other. Understand?" seeing my head low, she said.
"But still, your familias are rivals. After the contract ends…" I faltered.
"Hah! Is that what ya are worried about? Freya won't move against us, and I doubt she would make ya do it." reassured Loki
"How can you tell?" I asked.
"I have my reasons." she shrugged off.
I was still unsure about this turn of events. Unconsciously, I glanced at Finn. He nodded at me with a smile, seemingly saying it was okay.
"What ya want to do, kid?" she asked me.
"…I- I want to talk to Goddess Freya."
Yes, that's what I had to do now.
Bell had already left Loki's Office and he was heading to the Babel Tower. In the meantime, a discussion was still occurring in the office room.
"This is the best choice, right?" asked Gareth.
"I wanted him to be our Familia member, but this isn't so bad." started Finn "A link between our Familia and Freya's will be necessary for the future. Bell seems like a good opportunity for that."
"uh-hum Zeus and Hera were pretty close and they still lost. I hate to admit it, but if we don't get together…" Loki scratched her head.
"We still don't know if he can do that. Isn't it too much responsibility to put on him?" pondered Riveria.
"Mamma always mamma, huh." said Loki with a smirk.
Riveria only stared at her.
"The other lads might not take that so well, though." said Gareth.
The rivalry between the top two familias in Orario is well known. It could be quite hard to make the familia members trust in, perhaps, a future enemy. Especially the hot-headed ones.
"We'll keep that a secret for now. I want him to become acquainted with the other members. He might get isolated if word got out." determined Finn.
Everyone nodded at his remark. It was the right decision, but it wasn't enough.
"He might be hated by the others as soon as he transfers to Freya Familia, though. Our idea of a link between the familias just might backfire." uttered Riveria.
Loki sighed.
"We'll just have to think of somethin' by then. If we do it the right way, they'll accept it with time."
Everything depended on the actions of Bell Cranel. He could become the hero or the villain depending on what he did. If he could gain the trust of members from both familias, then a new dawn age could begin. If not, it just might be the start of the darkest one.
I was standing in the Central Park of Orario, while gazing at the top of the Babel Tower. I was waiting for an invitation, Sure that she would be able to understand what I want.
After waiting for a few minutes, a large, tall, muscular Boaz appeared in the corner of my eyes. One glance at him and I knew; He was the Captain o Freya Familia, Ottarl "The King", the only Lv. 7 of Orario. I can feel his presence getting stronger and stronger with each step he takes in my direction.
I start to walk towards him as well.
Once we are from a close enough distance, he speaks.
"Bell Cranel. Lady Freya requests your presence."
I take a deep breath and nod at him.
After a short walk, we are now on an elevator powered by magic stones. Our destination is the highest floor of the Babel Tower. We made the whole journey in silence. After the elevator stopped, we started walking in the direction of a great double black door. Two guards were stationed there. One at each side. Noticing our presence, they opened the doors and we got in.
The first thing I noticed was a gigantic glass panel at one side of the room. Freya was sitting on a throne while facing a perfect view of Orario.
'so that's how she's been observing at me.' I thought.
She rose from her throne and smiled tenderly at me.
She really was befitting of the title 'Goddess of Beauty'. Her body and face could very well be the definition of perfection. Very few mortals could even compare to her. Nothing seemed out of place from her. There is nothing that could be improved. I understand now why people are charmed by her. To complement her beauty, she wears a set of revealing black and red clothes. I can feel my cheeks heating up a bit… But something about her feels familiar.
"Odr…" she uttered so low that I was almost unable to hear. A small tinge of red was on her cheeks.
I didn't understand the meaning of her words, but shrugged off.
"Goddess Freya." I greeted her with a bow.
"Ottarl, leave us." ordered Freya.
Ottarl them gave me a glance before he left the room and shut the door.
No doubt he was warning me not to try anything against his goddess.
I diverted my eyes from hers and started walking towards the window. This view from Orario is even more breathtaking than the one I had seen on the first day I got here. I can't blame her for having made a throne just to appreciate it.
"Is this how you noticed me, Freya-sama?" I asked.
She shook her head. "You were the one who noticed me, Bell." She blushed while putting a finger on her mouth. She felt even more familiar now. "I'm Syr. Well, the Syr you know at least. Fufu." she declared.
My eyes widened at her words. Syr that I had come to consider a friend was Goddess Freya? Then…
"…If you are Syr and you wanted me in your familia then you could have easily reached out to me sooner. Why did you wait, Freya-sama? I wouldn't have to pass through Loki Familia then."
"My familia members can be quite hard on a new member, you know. Especially if you are a beginner." she shrugged. "I had to make sure that you wouldn't be broken. I see how your soul shines how the pain and guilt contaminated it. I didn't want to make it worse..."
"But how did you-…" I started. But my eyes widened when I realized it.
'Why would Freya be so sure that I wouldn't join any god in the meantime?' was the question hovering over my head. It took days for Loki familia to contact me and Freya didn't seem to be anxious about it. 'Did she not care?' No, I knew the influence that the strongest familia withheld, so there is only one answer to that question.
"Was Freya-sama the reason that the other gods refused me?" I asked.
She then looked to the ground. "Yes. Sorry about that." answered Freya while returning to look at me.
Silence filled the room.
My eyebrow twitched. 'What was I supposed to think about that?'
"You war with God Camazotz has something to do with it?"
Freya nodded. "Once he learned about me interest in you, he tried to use you as leverage against me. I wouldn't allow that." she explained.
My eyes widened again at her remark.
"W-why... Why would you go that far?" I asked her in bewilderment.
"Because you are my Odr." She gave me a genuine smile. "You can't imagine for how long I've been waiting for you." spoke Goddess Freya while extending her right arm. She started caressing my cheeks.
I can feel my cheeks heating up more while my heart beats faster. A golden teardrop escaped her eyes. She laughed when she realized it. I extended my arm and cleaned it from her face. I don't know why but it felt right.
I couldn't fully understand her words, but her tone transmitted so many feelings that I knew it had to be true. Right now, the most powerful Goddess of Orario just seems like a vulnerable blushing girl.
"She didn't give me a choice from the start, but I doubt that I would have refused to join her if I was offered by then either." I thought. "Still, how can I trust her?"
"Freya-sama, why did you choose Loki Familia for the contract. I'm sure you could pick any other."
"I trust Loki, at least somewhat. We used to be from the same region in heaven. I also think they'll be able to help you." she smiled.
If she just wanted to use me to destroy a rival Familia, then it'd be impossible for me to accept it. But I didn't detect any ill intent in her words. Still, I shouldn't underestimate Orario. I was in a trap the moment I walked in and didn't even realize.
"I promise that I won't make you go against the friends that you make there. As I said, I only wish to see you shine more and more."
Shine… Does that mean that she wants to see me getting stronger? I want that too.
I sighed. I just wished that…
"No more plots, yes?" I needed to hear her say it.
"Of course." She smiled brightly.
I returned her a gentle smile and nodded.
"I will be going then." I started "Finn and the others are waiting for me."
She understood and nodded as well.
"I hope we can talk more in the future, Freya-sama." I said while giving a bow.
"Anytime, O-.. Bell." She smiled.
I then proceeded to leave her private room; I feel like a heavyweight has been taken off of my shoulders. The conflict about her actions stills withers in me, but no one really got hurt in the process… Well. Except for God Camazotz, that is. But he did choose war, there is not much I can do about that.
I have found the answers to my questions and I'll finally found a familia... Or better said, I found two familias to join and protect. This is unexpected, but I'll finally be able to do what I wanted from the start; Become an adventurer; And maybe, if I'm worthy enough, become a hero.
After crossing half of the city again, I finally got to the Twilight Manor. It seems that the Captain had warned the guards about me, so they allowed me to pass through. A maid of Loki Familia was already waiting for me in the entrance hall and took me to Loki's Office. It wouldn't be hard for someone to get lost inside this castle. After walking through the corridors, I got the same double white door.
*knock* *knock* "It's me, Bell." I announced.
"Come in, kid." When Loki allowed my entrance, I opened the door and passed through it.
"Excuse me."
"So. Have you decided, Bell?" It was Finn who asked me.
The others had an expectant look on their faces. I wondered if it was really fine for them to take in a future member of a rival family, but it even seemed like they wanted it. They had waited for me the whole time, after all.
"Yes… I accept the contract." I announced.
For some reason, he accepted my answer with a smile.
"Just to make this clear. In this familia you will follow my orders and the orders of your superiors. If anyone in our familia is found to be in danger, you are bound to help to the best of your abilities. Understood?" he clarified.
"Yes, sir!" I answered. I had expected nothing less.
"he-he Come on now. Let's get ya a falna!" exclaimed Loki.
I smiled at her and nodded.
"Go to the couch and take off yer shirt. The rest of ya, wait outside!" she demanded.
Every one of us complied. My upper half is naked now and I'm laying on the couch, waiting for the bestowment of the falna. With a knife, Loki makes a cut on her finger and starts drawing on my back. I feel an energy flowing through my body while a faint light starts to engulf the room office. Eventually, it came to a halt, and Loki gave a sigh.
"Ya really are a special one, huh." I hear her mumble under her breath. "Kid, can you keep a secret?" she asks me.
"If I think it is worth keeping, then yes." I answer.
"hmm."
She then approaches a parchment to my back and starts drawing on it too.
"I'll also put yer blood on the contract while I'm at it." she stated.
"Okay."
When my blood made contact with the parchment it also began to glow. It was the sign that it was active. From now on, Loki and Freya Familia will have an alliance of some sort.
"I'm finished. Here's yer status, kid." She declared, handing me the paper.
"Thanks, Loki-sama." I smiled at her and took a look at the letters.
.
Bell Cranel
Age: 16 years old
Familia: Loki Familia
Level: 1
Strength: I-0
Endurance: I-0
Dexterity: I-0
Agility: I-0
Magic: I-0
.
Skill
(Noble Impetus)
. Rapid growth.
. Continued desire results in continued growth.
. Stronger desire results in stronger growth.
.
Magic (none)
.
As I looked at my status, I saw Loki smirking from the corner of my eyes.
"Come on! I have to show this to Finn!" she spoke.
She went to the door as I started putting on my clothes again. The skill was self-explanatory, I would grow more quickly than others. Just by how much is unknown. But that's fine, I never depended on a skill to improve myself. This only meant that, if I did everything right, I would be able to help my familia a little sooner. I couldn't ask for more.
As I thought that, the others had already entered the room and were chatting among themselves.
"Come on, take a look!" said Loki. She was apparently excited.
"heh. This is certainly interesting. Are you sure you want to give the lad back to Freya?" asked Gareth.
"Yer right, I'm starting to reconsider." replied Loki, a smirk crept on her face.
I could only give a smile to their words.
"I… I have never seen a skill like this." remarked Riveria, looking at my status.
"Your progress will have to be accompanied very closely; we are going to keep a record of it. This is important information about an unknown skill." determined Finn.
I nodded at him.
"Come on, now kid. I'll show ya to yer room. As ya will be updating yer status more frequently than others, it will be closer to mine." she determined, a mischievous smile was on her face.
I don't know why, but I gulped at her words.
"Oh! The rooms of the other executives are also close by. Ya can get the others but don't ya lay a hand on my Aizu-tan. That clear?" threatened Loki.
I didn't understand a word of what she said, but nodded either way. She seemed serious about it. The top executives from Loki Familia sighed at her words.
"Bell Cranel." called Finn
"Yes, Finn-san?" I asked.
"Tomorrow morning I will be introducing you to the other members. Be ready." he ordered.
"I will, thanks!"
Loki motioned me to follow her and I bowed before leaving the office. She must be taking me to my room.
"Ya know, Ya should take the day off tomorrow. Use that time to settle in and register at the guild. There'll be time to go to the dungeon later." advised Loki.
I thought about her words and it made sense. There's a lot a should do before I begin tackling the dungeon again. There was just no need to rush.
"I will. Thanks, Loki-sama."
She smiled.
After a few moments, I arrived at what is supposed to be my room.
"My room is at the end of the corridor. Finn's is to the right, while Riveria's in the left. Gareth's is the one right in front of yers. You can reach to us if you need anythin'. The others you'll learn over time. Got it?" informed Loki.
I nodded.
"I'll be taking my leave then." she said.
She then proceeded to leave. After everything that happened, it was already nighttime. Tomorrow I'll be introduced to my new Familia. I'll also have to complete the registration at the guild and move my things from the hotel.
The room is quite spacious, more than the one I've been sleeping in. I'll take a shower and then rest. Tomorrow is a big day.
I'm slowly opening my eyes. My first night in my new home was quite comfortable, I couldn't ask for anything better. Finn told me I should prepare to be introduced to my new Familia. If possible, I'd like to be on good terms with everyone. It's still early morning, so I still have some time.
Yesterday, as I had just left the dungeon, I was still wearing my armor when I was brought to the Twilight Manor. Luckily, they had some clothes that were able to fit me. I'm now putting on a set of black pants, brown boots, and a red hoodie. This should be enough.
After I got ready, Finn reached out to me and started taking me to the dining hall. I could the faint sound of people chattering.
"Are you ready?" asked Finn.
"I am"
After a short walk, we reached the hall and the sound made by more than 200 people became known to me. Finn instructed me to wait, while he would walk to the stage.
*bang* *bang* *bang*
The sound of his spear reverberating through place silenced the crowd. He then proceeded to speak.
"Loki Familia! We now have added a new member to our rankings. Please, welcome him with open arms." he declared and then nodded at me.
As I walked to the, I could feel all of their eyes locked into me. My heart raced. I took a deep breath.
"Everyone. My name is Bell Cranel and I'm the newest member of Loki Familia. I'm pleased to make your acquaintance. Please, take care of me!" I said, with a bow.
OHH BOY. We finally got here. I hope that the first three chapters of the story were good enough of a start. A few moments may have been rushed? I don't know, everything is just playing I'm my head the whole time and it's a little difficult to notice these things so please, tell me what you think; it would help a lot.
For now, I intend to take things slower and focus on Bell's evolution and his relationship with another character. This was all just the start of his journey and from now on, Bell will start building relationships.
I hope you enjoyed what I've been doing so far and feel free to make suggestions. Thanks!