Hello good people and welcome back! Well, one of our pairings has finally gone and done the dirty, but many of you are asking when are Bell and Aiz are going to finally do the same, and to that I say, you'll have to keep reading to find out. Don't worry, it won't be another fifty chapters before it happens; twenty-five, tops. Kidding! Kidding. Anyway, it is time for us to continue our story and for us to move closer to the war with Rakia and the many issues that it will soon raise. So let's get started.
I do not own Danmachi
"And that concludes my report, Athena-sama," Agrippina finished.
Athena silently contemplated what her vice-captain had informed her, her fingers occasionally tapping her chair.
"That is all quite unusual," she finally said.
Her officers nodded.
The goddess stood up and began pacing her room.
"While I am certainly glad that the Kraken has been dealt with, the fact that it was killed by Achilles Caesar suggests that there is a great divide between our forces and those of Orario." Her officers frowned. "And yet that does not even seem to be the greatest point of interest here, which in itself is extremely odd. The appearance and killing of an Herald should dominate any conversation. Yet," she paused as she began thinking again, her brow scrunching. "There is much to contemplate here. Firstly, why did the Kraken capture that boy, this Bell Cranel, and attempt to flee with him? If it was simply hungry there were plenty of other and quite frankly, better, options. No, he was specifically taken by that creature. But why? The boy himself does not seem so special, and I've certainly never heard of him." Agrippina snorted, a snide smiling growing upon her lips. "Then again, Achilles Caesar has apparently made him his son, which I fear means he's no pushover. We will have to watch him closely. But this brings us to Achilles. He killed the Kraken and from what you told us, Agrippina, he did it effectively by himself."
Agrippina, having lost her smile after her goddess's confession, nodded.
"Aiz Wallenstein and Ottar did accompany him, but they retreated after rescuing Bell Cranel. Achilles stayed behind. The sky darkened with some sort of spell before a lightning bolt appeared. Given the state of the Kraken, that was unquestionably how it was killed."
Athena nodded.
"Thunderbolt, one of his more famous, if less used, attacks. But if it was enough to kill the Kraken then I may have truly underestimated precisely how powerful he is. That miscalculation is something that must be corrected."
"You are the most intelligent goddess alive, Athena-sama, I am absolutely sure you'll figure out how to overcome this challenge," Captain Metis said.
Athena smiled at her captain.
"Your confidence is greatly appreciated, Metis." Her captain smiled back. "Finally," Athena continued. "There is the girl. This renard. Agrippina, you say she used some spell on Achilles, Ottar, and Aiz Wallenstein. From what you said and the situation described, it sounds like some sort of enhancement magic."
"It was quite the enhancement if that is the case, Athena-sama," Agrippina responded.
"Indeed. Though I am unaware of Achilles current strength, I am aware of Ottar's and the Sword Princess's, or at least more so than the Olympian's. They should not be quite so strong as you described, which suggests that this is either one of three things. One: my information is far outdated, which it should not be. Two: this is a very strong enhancement magic. Or three: it's something else entirely."
"Such as, Athena-sama?" Metis asked.
Athena turned to her captain.
"Level boosting."
Her officers' eyes widened.
"Level boosting?" her captain asked.
Athena nodded.
"There have been rumors for some time of the potential existence of such magic. I heard that Ishtar was the most likely owner, but it seems that after her defeat the source of that power may have fallen into Hestia's hands."
"The renard?" Agrippina asked.
Athena nodded again.
"That is my guess. Renards are known for having rare, powerful magic, and I see no reason why this one should be any different."
"If that is true and she is capable of level boosting, then she has one of the most valuable bits of magic in the world," Metis added, still a bit in shock.
"Indeed, and we would do well to acquire it," the goddess said. Then a smile grew upon her lips and she turned to her vice-captain. "Agrippina, you like blondes, yes?"
For a moment, her vice-captain did not respond as she was too confused by the question. But soon, she realized its purpose and blushed before nodding.
"I do, Athena-sama."
"Good," the goddess said. "Then you wouldn't mind getting to know her and showing her how wonderful Athens is, would you?"
Now all but beaming, Agrippina nodded.
"It would be my absolute pleasure, Athena-sama."
"Wonderful. Then it appears we have a plan, and should make ready to have a very lovely fox girl join our ranks."
The three smiled, pleased by the prospect of having someone so powerful and beautiful amongst their ranks.
A knock at the door pulled them back to reality.
"Yes?" Athena called.
A moment later the door opened and one of her familia entered.
"Forgive my intrusion, Athena-sama, but there is a Dido Barca and Imilce Iberia here to see you."
"Dido?" Athena questioned, her good mood instantly forgotten. "What does she want?"
"She did not say. She only said that it was important and that you would want to listen to what she has to say."
"I believe that is up to me to decide," Athena replied, now frowning. "But very well. I suppose if a member of Hera's familia has something to tell me that it must be important."
The familia member bowed and departed. A few moments later, Dido and Imilce entered her room.
"This had better be good, Dido," Athena warned.
"You know full-well that I wouldn't be here if it wasn't," Dido responded with her usual harshness.
"Mind your tone," Metis demanded.
Dido simply gave her a disgruntled, yet bored, look before turning back to the goddess.
"So, what is this about?" Athena pushed.
"It's about the real threat that is now within your walls."
As Athena's officers looked at each other, their goddess quirked a brow.
"You mean Achilles? Or perhaps Ottar."
"Neither," Dido replied, the harshness of her voice now even greater. "I'm talking about the one who almost killed Ottar not even a week ago. The boy. Bell Cranel."
Athena's eyes narrowed.
"Explain."
Riveria's eyes began to flutter open. She blinked a few times trying to clear her eyes and get them used to the light again, luckily though there wasn't too much of it flooding into the room.
Almost immediately after her eyes adjusted she took notice of how sore she was. Everywhere.
Gods, he really did a number on me.
"Am I even going to be able to walk today?"
She heard a chuckle and looked up.
"I guess I did a proper job last night," he said, smiling down at her before leaning down to capture her lips.
She fell into the kiss, moaning softly as he pulled her more tightly against him.
They pulled back and she smiled at him.
"Yes you did," she replied. "Too much of a proper job, one might say. You've utterly ruined me, and if I didn't know any better I'd say that wasn't your first time."
He pulled her more tightly against him and kissed her again.
"I promise you're my one and only."
She hummed then kissed him.
"Which makes me very glad. Still, you went a bit far don't you think? Four times and making me scream into the night is not something that tends to happen during most love-making sessions, Achilles. Especially during someone's first time."
"I wanted you to enjoy yourself. That and claim you just as hard as you were claiming me. Or did you forget your little 'drown in me' moment?"
She blushed lightly, but shook her head.
"No. I wanted to claim you too. I wanted you so thoroughly enraptured by me that the very idea of doing what we did with another woman would be unthinkable."
"Well consider that mission accomplished then," he said, earning a smile and another kiss. "Also," he continued after they broke apart. "On the note of the four times, you seem to have forgotten my first skill."
She blinked then her eyes widened before she groaned and her head fell into his chest.
"Unrelenting Endurance," she said with a muffled voice.
He chuckled again.
"Yep. So you better get used to all this affection, Riveria, because that was just a warm up."
She looked up and pouted at him.
"Then I expect you to start having ice-packs ready for me."
He laughed one final time before falling into her lips again.
The two walked down the corridor and into the dining area, finding it already full with the others, who were contently eating breakfast. The only ones missing were the Freya familia, which no one seemed to mind. Achilles and Riveria certainly didn't.
"There you are. We were wondering where you were," Bell said upon their entering.
"Here we are. Sorry for being late, the two of us just wanted to sleep in a bit more," Achilles responded with a smile.
"Any reason why?" Mania asked.
Achilles turned and met her eyes, silently sharing the success of the previous night with her, which caused her smile to grow.
"Perhaps," he replied simply.
He turned to take his place at the table when his eyes caught sight of Mania's captain and discovered the young rabbit man positively burning up.
"Are you alright, Rei?"
The Mania captain jumped and turned to Achilles, his eyes wide and his whole body fidgeting like mad.
"I-I-I."
Now everyone was focused on the poor soul and many quickly grew worried.
"Are you alright, Rei?" Geneve asked, reaching out and touching his hand.
"I-I-I'm fine! I promise! I-I just...didn't get a lot of sleep! Yeah, that's it!"
Many confused and worried looks were shared as no one thought that sounded right, especially given how excitable he seemed.
Achilles was amongst the skeptical, wondering if he'd done something wrong, when his eyes turned to the pair of long rabbit ears on top of the young man's head. The moment he saw them, it clicked.
Oh.
"You heard us last night."
Rei froze, giving Achilles his answer.
The Father on High, sighed and gave the Mania captain and apologetic look.
"Well, I suppose that's very much my fault," the Father on High continued as Riveria covered her now blushing face.
This only served to confuse those not in the know further and now eyes were shifting between Rei, Achilles, and Riveria.
It was this scene that Aisha walked in on, having awoken from a pleasant, long sleep, and intent on filling her empty stomach and maybe getting a little bit of 'rabbit meat' on the side, if she could manage it. However, her plans changed when her eyes caught sight of Achilles and Riveria, at which point she stopped.
Her eyes scanned back and forth between them then she sniffed the air. Catchy the scent she knew so well, a shit-eating grin of grand proportion grew on her face.
"You two did the dirty."
Everyone turned to her, though her eyes were still focused soley on Achilles and Riveria.
"You two did the dirty...goooood."
It did not take long for the others to realize what she meant and when she did, dozens of wide eyes turned to the now brightly blushing couple.
As people congratulated and mercilessly teased the couple on their recent...next step in their relationship and Achilles's graduation into full manhood, Aiz sat nearby watching the scene unfold.
She had been mortified when she'd figured out what Aisha meant, and even viciously shook her head when images threatened to start filling it, but in time, she calmed down and was able to be happy for the two of them.
However, once her eyes fell upon Bell, everything changed.
A warmth started to fill her stomach and a tingling she now fully understood began to play through her body, silently whispering the desire in her heart.
Perhaps it's time we took that step too.
The desire roared its approval at that, at least if her heavier breathing and dusty red cheeks were any indication.
After the thoroughly embarrassing congratulations and interrogation of the couple, everyone had gathered their things and put on their war faces for the time had come to head to Athena's war room and plan the Athenian counterattack.
Their group, now joined by the Freya familia, made their way through the halls, passing many of Athena's adventurers and servants. The men still received the same distrustful and scornful looks while the the ladies received more welcoming looks and even the occasional, flirty wave.
Seriously Athena, Hestia thought as she rolled her eyes again at how her fellow virgin goddess had managed her familia.
It did not take long for them to arrive at the war room. The two guards pushed open the door and they made their way inside, finding Athena and her subordinates already there.
As expected, Athena stood at the head of a large table containing a map of the country. Beside her were Metis and Agrippina along with what everyone assumed were her other officers and high ranking adventurers. However, amongst the many women, was a single man.
The man appeared to be middle-aged, a thick beard on his face, with a few specks of gray in his otherwise dark brown hairs.
"Good morning, Athena," Mania greeted. "Metis. Agrippina. And good morning to you too, Liner," she finished, smiling at the man.
"Good morning, Mania-sama," he returned. "It seems you've brought quite the entourage with you."
"I have indeed. Two of whom I would like to introduce you to."
"There will be time for that later," Athena stated.
"There is time now while we're waiting for the others to arrive," Mania returned, earning a disapproving look before the goddess of wisdom rolled her eyes and refocused on the map.
Receiving as close to approval as she would, Mania turned to her boy and grandson and waved them over.
"This must be Achilles Caesar," Liner said, smiling up at Achilles before holding out his hand. "I'm Admiral Liner Mare, commander of Athens's first fleet."
"A pleasure to meet you, Admiral. I am Achilles Caesar, former captain of the Zeus familia and Mama's boy," the ex-captain replied, pulling his mother close to him, making her beam.
"Nice to see a man not afraid of showing his mother affection," Liner said with a smile. "And who is this young man?" he asked, turning to Bell.
"This," Mania said, her smile growing even more. "Is Bell Cranel. He's Achilles's adopted son, which makes him my grandson."
"It's very nice to meet you, Admiral," Bell said.
"Well well, the family's growing isn't it?" Liner laughed. "And it's nice to meet you as well, Bell Cranel," he said as he shook the young captain's hand. "I can already tell you're a good one. Only those with good hearts can join Mania's family."
Half of those present smiled and the Mania familia even puffed up their chests a bit in pride.
However, not all were so joyful as not far away, Athena and her officers stared at Bell with suspicion and wary eyes.
It's about the real threat that is now within your walls.
Dido's words echoed in Athena's mind and she turned her eyes towards the Hera captain.
Dido met her eyes, her own frown even deeper.
Don't let this ridiculous display fool you, she silently told the goddess.
The sound of the doors opening again caused everyone to turn and, in less than a second, the good mood shared amongst half the room was gone. The reason? Apollo and his familia had just walked in.
"You're late," Athena stated.
"My deepest apologies, Athena. I had such a wonderful sleep that I could not be roused by it, no matter how hard my dearest children tried," the god of the sun explained.
He then turned and discovered the many other adventurers in the room.
"My my, Orario was quite generous with the aid they sent," he said as he eyed them, causing many of them to shiver. "Even the King and the Sword Princess are here! How surprising and wonderful!" His eyes turned again, finally landing on a familiar form. "Is that you, Cassandra?"
The girl froze as her name was called.
"It is!" Apollo said as he began to approach. "Have you come here to return to my loving arms?"
The god held out his arms, looking ready to embrace the girl who now stared at him with terrified eyes and a shaking body that barely had the strength to hold her up. Yet, unbeknownst to Apollo, the young seer now had a hero.
Apollo jumped as a body suddenly cut in front of him.
"Leave her alone, Apollo," Bell ordered.
The god and his familia were stunned to find the reason for their banishment suddenly before them. Hyakinthos was far from pleased and even grabbed his sword as if ready to attack, but the wave of killer intent sent his way from many sources, including Aiz and Ottar, stopped him, though he did continue to glare at Bell.
"Bell? Oh my goodness! It is you! I did not expect to see you again. Have you reconsidered joining my familia? Is that why you're here now?" the perverted god asked excitedly, a grin that could sour milk growing on his punchable face.
"No." Bell said forcefully. "Hestia is, and will always be, my goddess."
Hestia stared at her captain adoringly, her love reigniting and allowing her to forget about the disgusting god before her.
"Besides, I think you should be more focused on Dad. He really wanted to talk to you," Bell continued.
"Dad?"
Apollo suddenly realized there was a shadow over him and he turned to find Achilles glaring down at him.
"Achilles Caesar? I must say you are the last person-."
He was prevented from continuing when Achilles's hand wrapped around his throat and lifted him into the air.
Hyakinthos, alarmed and furious, finally pulled out his sword and moved to kill the ex-captain, but suddenly found a great mace and long sword before him.
"I wouldn't get involved, boy. Not unless you want to die," Ajax said while Patroclus glared at the Apollo captain.
"A-Ach...Achilles! What…?" Apollo tried.
"I heard you tried to get your nasty little hands on my son." the Father on High growled, his voice so menacing that many in the room actually worried than would soil themselves.
Apollo was forefront amongst them and his wide, terrified eyes met those of his captor before he desperately tried to deny.
"W-W-Whatever do you mean?! Y-Your son?! No! O-Of course not! I wasn't even aware you had a son, b-but I can assure I-I would never- t-."
"Bell."
Apollo stopped squirming, the terror freezing his whole being.
"H-H-H-He's...y-y-y-our…?"
Mania stepped forward.
"Which means he's also my grandson, A...pol...lo," she said, her voice a sickening sweet that now added the desire to vomit to the list of many in the room "Now," she continued. "Why don't you tell me which you would prefer: Having your bowels be water for the rest of eternity, or losing that dangling thing between your legs?" she asked, gesturing towards his crotch.
At that moment, Apollo did, quite literally, shit himself.
"Enough," Athena ordered. "I will not have your petty squabbles ruin this operation."
The mother-son duo turned to glare at her, but after a moment and a growl, they turned back to Apollo and Achilles dropped him.
"We'll continue this later," Achilles vowed.
Apollo, naturally, dragged himself away as quickly as possible and latched onto Hyakinthos for protection.
Riveria went over to a still fuming Achilles and began to soothingly rub his chest.
It took a few seconds, but he began to cool and after a deep breath and sigh, he turned to her and smiled appreciatively.
Thank you, his eyes said.
You're welcome, hers returned.
Her lover calmed, Riveria turned to Athena.
"It appears my father is late."
"He likes to keep us waiting, his way of showing dominance," Athena said with clear displeasure.
"That sounds like him. Would you like me to go retrieve him? He'll still be upset, but much less so than if you send some of your adventurers," the elf offered.
Though I'm still sore from the ravagement I received last night, Riveria thought, sending a quick glance towards her now official lover.
"The offer is appreciated, but unnecessary. Given past experience, he should be here in another minute or so," Athena replied.
The goddess of wisdom was proven correct as just about sixty seconds later, the doors opened and Larfal Ljos Alf and his entourage entered the room.
The entourage was quite large and nearly doubled the number of people in the room. Besides Larfal, there were also several women beside him, one of whom was Irime, looking positively full of herself like usual. Following after the king and his queens was a series of younger male and female elves. Based upon their clothing and regalia, they were Larfal's children, in other words, princes and princesses of the High Elves. Finally, there were what appeared to be courtiers behind them, all of whom were surrounded by stern looking guards.
"Our apologies for being late," one of the queens apologized.
"I apologize for nothing," Larfal curtly stated.
"Apology accepted," Athena said, ignoring the king. "Now, let us begin."
"We will begin nothing until I see and speak with my daughter," Larfal demanded. "Where are you, Riveria?"
Sighing at her father's attitude and giving one final look to Achilles, she parted from the former captain and stepped forward.
"Hello, Father," she greeted.
He turned to her and was silent for a moment.
"You appear to be doing well," he finally said.
"I am," she replied.
"Is that all you have to say after not seeing your daughter for so long?" the queen who had previously apologized asked as she stepped forward. She then turned all her attention to Riveria and grew a joyous smile.
"Mother," Riveria said, smiling back.
Riveria's mother rushed over to her and hugged her daughter.
"I am so happy to see you, Riveria," she said.
"I'm happy to see you too," the daughter returned as she hugged back.
"Nerdanel, enough," Larfal said.
"Oh come now, Larfal. Surely I'm allowed to hug my daughter after all this time," his wife threw back.
The king sighed.
"We will have time for a reunion later, and when we're in better company."
His eyes turned to the others in the room, an unrestrained displeasure, if not outright loathing, being directed as anyone not a High Elf, though if one was paying attention, they would see that his scorn abruptly stopped when it saw Hedin who, upon meeting the king's gaze, smiled and bowed.
"The company is fine, Father," Riveria said, pulling away from her mother. "Excellent, in fact. You have some of the finest adventurers in the world here to aid against Rakia."
"'The company is fine', she says," her father replied, nodding his head. "Fine. Like a spring day or some newly bought vegetables," his eyes darkened and a malicious look filled his face. "That is an interesting word to use when speaking on adventurers, and especially interesting when I hear that a Crozzo is amongst you!"
The king and all of his entourage except Nerdanel, spun towards where Welf stood, his eyes showing that he knew what was about to come.
"I must wonder how these, 'adventurers' plan to fight against Rakia, when one of Rakia's greatest weapons is amongst them!" the king roared.
The High Elven guards and many of Larfal's children looked ready to attack right then and there, prompting many within the Hestia familia and their allies to grab their weapons. However, the one all would expect to have been the first to grab his weapon, did not. Instead, he made his way forward until he was right before the High Elven King.
This ought to be interesting, Achilles thought as he watched his son.
Larfal, now focused on the young man before him and sneered.
"What do you want, monkey?"
Riveria internally groaned, not even needing to turn to know how her lover would take that comment. Bell however, didn't even blink.
"You will not attack Welf or take any action against him," he said calmly, though with an unmistakable force behind it.
Had it been anyone else, Larfal would have laughed at the ludicrousness of some human boy ordering him about, or maybe simply struck him across the face for his insolence. However, the steely gaze and unshaking voice gave him pause for a moment as he looked down upon Bell.
"You dare to speak to me with such a disrespectful tone, boy? Who are you to speak to the king of the greatest race on this earth?" he demanded as his children nodded and his guards moved closer, all looking at Bell with venomous eyes.
"I am the captain of the Hestia familia, the Red Dawn, and Welf's little brother, and I dare because no one, no adventurer, no monster, and no king, is allowed to threaten my family. Am I understood?"
Larfal, now thoroughly enraged on every level, gnashed his teeth and growled.
"If you are family, then you may suffer with him!"
He raised his hand and cast it down at Bell, but, to his immense shock, the arm was immediately caught by the young man, who had not even blinked as he intercepted the king.
Larfal was about to pull away, when he noticed that something else was in his field of vision. Looking up, he found Aiz pointing her sword directly at his face from over Bell's shoulder, her golden eyes shining with wrath at his attempted assault. He was prepared to curse her, when he felt something on his neck. Looking down, he found not one, but two swords now pressed against his neck. Alarmed, he turned his gaze again, finding the furious gazes of Achilles and Ottar boring down upon him.
Unbeknownst to him, his guards and children had been prevented from intervening by Ajax, Patroclus, Tiona, Bache, Aisha, and the rest of the Freya familia.
Knowing that she needed to step in again, Riveria did so.
"Calm yourself, Father. Nothing will be gained by striking Bell. These four are some of the most powerful people in the world. Each one could tear through your guards, your army, and the Rakian army in an afternoon."
"Hour. Tops," Achilles stated menacingly, not moving his sword even a hair from Larfal's neck.
Riveria, had to hold back a smile at his response.
"As such," she continued. "You will gain nothing but powerful enemies. So, I would highly suggest you restrain yourself."
Her father's face turned bright red.
"Restrain myself!" he roared.
"Yes," she replied calmly "Unless you want to see what two level sixes and two level eights can do when they're very upset."
Larfal did not look keen, even with the swords at his neck, to back down, but he was prevented from making another outburst when Nerdanel stepped forward.
"Darling, enough. You have acted most uncharitably and unwisely."
"I have acted unwisely!"
"Yes. Exceedingly so," his wife responded gently. "You came to Athens to seek aid against Rakia. They, in turn, have brought in some of the most powerful adventurers in the world. Adventurers whom you have now very clearly upset. It is very obvious this...Welf Crozzo, was it?" she asked, turning to Welf.
"Yes, your Majesty," the smith responded.
"This, Welf Crozzo, is not our enemy, else he would not be here. Therefore, you have nothing to be upset over, let alone try to strike young...Bell, was it?"
"Yes, your Majesty," he replied.
"As such, you are the fool here. Now, seeing as I love you and don't wish you to embarrass yourself or for any real harm to come to you, I would suggest you follow your daughter's wise words and calm down."
Larfal growled for a moment longer, still very much too upset to quiet his rage instantly, but in time, his body relaxed and the rage began to dissipate.
This definitely isn't the first time she's had to give him a dressing down, many amongst the adventurers thought.
Once her husband had calmed, Nerdanel smiled and turned to the three adventurers pointing weapons at him.
"Now that my husband has relaxed, may I kindly request that you remove your weapons?"
The three shared a quick look before turning back to her.
"Very well, your Majesty," Achilles said as they all pulled back.
"Thank you, kindly," the queen responded.
With the situation defused and all weapons returned to their sheathes, Athena sighed.
"Can we begin discussing our plans of action now? In case you all forgot, there is still a war to fight."
"Go ahead, Athena, we're all listening," Hestia said.
"Good, as I do not intend to repeat myself."
Everyone gathered around the table allowing her to continue.
"As you are all aware, there are several fronts we are fighting on, not only in terms of terrain, but in terms of style," Athena pointed towards the map. "Firstly, we have what we're all used to, the main Rakian army. This is of little consequence. They may have numbers, but given that this force is made of those who are either low level ones or have no levels at all, they can be easily dealt with. A few scuffles with a high-tiered adventurer will send them scurrying away. No, they are not our concern," her finger pointed towards a new spot of the map. "The first true concern is the use of monster herding."
A few grim nods were shared.
"While the monsters are generally low-level creatures and nothing in comparison to what you all would see in the Dungeon, they are still dangerous, especially in the numbers the Rakians have managed to unleash. Dozens of villages have already been attacked and while our forces have been able to keep casualties to a minimum, we are increasingly hard-pressed," Athena said solemnly. "Part of this is due to the second concern. The special assassination corps that Ares created. This corps is made up of level twos and threes and has been targeting my officers. This has led to chaos and fear in the ranks. We have set up measures that help, but the problems remain and new ones have sprung up, namely we have few reserves to use in case of emergency."
More nods amongst the adventurers, especially the older and more experienced.
"Lastly is potentially the greatest concern. The mercenaries," her finger moved once more. "Rakia has used a great deal of their wealth to buy a not insignificant force of adventurers. Others have come in return for loot that Ares has offered as compensation. All in all, there's at least one hundred mercenary adventurers within their ranks, which is draining our forces. From what we can tell, most range between level two and three, though we believe at least one of the captains is a level four. Rumor has it that there's even a level five amongst their ranks."
That raised some alarm. Sure it was nothing they couldn't handle, especially with two level eights, but a level five could do a great deal of damage before they were stopped and the lower-levelled adventurers would have to proceed carefully.
"Of course that may just be a rumor spread to scare us, but we can't take chances here," Athena continued. "Now here's the plan of action. Achilles," she turned to the former captain. "You will be in charge of finding the assassination corps and eliminating them. We don't know precisely where their bases are, but we know they are hiding somewhere near these locations," she pointed at the map.
"Why not have me go after the adventurers? If there's a level five in there, I would be one of the better options," he asked.
"Your speed makes you the best candidate for finding the assassination corps and eliminating them before they can do more damage, which will give us breathing room. More importantly, they are the most likely to know where Ares is. We know he's constantly on the move so we can't pin him down, but if we can find his location, we can capture him and end the war right then and there."
Achilles nodded.
"As for the adventurers, that will be the job of the other high levels here," Athena explained turning to said adventurers. "Those level five and higher will deal with the adventurers and end them as a threat. We know where most of them operate, but it is likely you will still have to hunt somewhat given that many of them aren't taking direct orders from Rakia and are simply running amok. Naturally, given the threat they pose, I will send members of my familia with you."
The members of the expeditionary force shared quick looks. They knew that this wasn't the only reason she was sending her familia along.
I suspect she'll also be sending agents after me as well, not that they'll be able to keep up, Achilles noted.
"Finally, everyone below level five will be in charge of protecting the villages and eliminating the monsters," Athena finalized.
"Will they have back-up too? I don't want my children to be out there alone," Hestia said.
"Yes. While my familia will be focusing on the adventurers, we can spare some of our lower members, along with some city guards, and Admiral Liner's marines," the goddess of wisdom replied.
"My kiddos will make sure they come back to you, Hestia-sama. I promise," the admiral replied, giving her a confident smile.
She smiled back and nodded.
"Larfal has also promised to provide some of his own troops to the battle. They, along with a large group of Forest Elves that have joined our ranks, will be split between dealing with the monsters and dealing with the common Rakian soldiers," Athena continued.
"We will be focusing on the Rakians. They are the invaders and thus are the primary issue for us," Larfal stated.
They are also less dangerous than the average monster, even above ground, Riveria thought, giving her father a disapproving glance.
"Then we have a plan!" Hermes said with a smile. "Ares won't know what hit him!"
"That's the hope," Athena said, frowning at the smiling god.
"Then we should start getting ready," Asfi said, hoping to end the embarrassment her god was causing her.
"Indeed. We've wasted enough time," Athena said.
The meeting ended and everyone began to depart. The Orario expedition did not get far, however, before they were stopped by Larfal.
"I will wish to speak to you after you return," he said to his daughter.
"I understand. That may be a while though," she replied.
"If it's to destroy the Rakians, I can wait," his eyes turned to those with her, his frown returning in force. "Be careful around these barbarians, Riveria. Who knows what they are willing to do to a member of our kind in the heat of battle."
Many a glare was sent his way, though interestingly enough, Achilles was not amongst the glaring. Instead, he smiled.
Hm, that gives me an idea. I wonder if Riveria's into role-play.
His eyes turned to his lover, who was about to rebuke her father, when Nerdanel stepped in.
"Darling, stop being silly. Those are Riveria's friends and comrades. Now, come along before you say any more foolish things."
Larfal looked reluctant for a moment, but soon turned to depart.
"Remember," he said, looking back at his daughter. "The moment you get back."
Then he left, leaving behind his mentally exhausted child.
A familiar, warm hand found her shoulder and began rubbing it. She turned and smiled up at Achilles.
"Don't worry. I'll deal with that stress later," he vowed.
She shivered at the possibilities of that promise.
"And pray tell," Aisha said, stepping forward, her smile pure lust. "How are you going to do that, big guy?"
A few people blushed at the suggestiveness, but Achilles simply turned to her and said.
"Anyway my princess desires."
After Hestia had reprimanded Achilles for his filthy mind and tongue, the group returned to Mania's quarters.
"We'll meet back here once we're all ready," Rei said, looking at the other familias.
"Sounds like a plan," Bell said, and a moment later the various adventurers parted and headed towards their rooms.
Just as Bell was about to open the door to his own, he heard his name being called. He turned and found his familia before him.
"Hey guys. What's up?" he asked.
"We were wondering if you still wanted to check out Athens's libraries for more information," Hestia said.
Bell quickly checked the hall to make sure that no one was listening. After finding it empty of everyone but his own familia, he turned back and nodded.
"I would, yes. But, shouldn't I be out there with all of you, especially now that there might be a level five with the Rakians?" he asked.
"I'm sure we'll be able to handle anything Ares can throw at us, even a level five," Achilles said, getting a nod from the others. "Besides, we know the real purpose for our being here, meaning that it would be wise to keep as much information a secret from Athena as possible, and given you have fought both myself and Ottar to a standstill, it wouldn't be unfair to call you the strongest adventurer in Orario."
Bell blushed as his familia smiled.
"I don't know about that," he replied.
"Well, even if you're not, you soon will be," Welf said. "Which means we have a lot of catching up to do. This gives us a chance to start working on that. More importantly, it may help us find some of our friends and give you a chance at some well-earned rest and relaxation."
"Research isn't exactly relaxing, Welf," Lili pointed out.
"It's more relaxing than fighting a war," he countered.
A few of them chuckled and Lili had to concede he had a point there.
"It sounds like we have a plan," Hestia said.
"What will you tell the others though?" Bell asked.
"For those that know, we'll tell them the truth. For those that don't, we'll just use the Athena line," Achilles replied.
Bell thought for a moment. Part of him felt bad at leaving the others to deal with Rakia, especially since people were suffering at the hands of Ares and his army, but he also knew that many Xenos were also suffering. He also trusted his familia and wanted to give them a chance to grow. The idea of a break after everything: Freya, the tournament, the Loki familia attack, his losing control against Ottar, the Kraken, was also, undeniably tempting. So, after a minute or so, he turned back to them and smiled.
"Thank you," he said.
They all smiled back.
"You're welcome," they returned.
Everyone had gathered again, now fully equipped and ready for battle. All except for Bell and the deities.
The others had been informed of Bell's situation, though not without a good deal of confusion, curiosity, and interest, though no one shared their thoughts beyond a few light words and an even harsher glare from Dido.
"Good luck everyone. Stick together and stay safe," Bell said.
"We will, Bell-dono," Mikoto said.
"We'll keep our eyes and ears open," Ryuu vowed.
"Things will be fine," Ajax jumped in, smiling at the younger adventurers. "Don't forget, we'll be there too. If anything happened to you guys with us around, it would be a permanent stain on our familia."
Bell smiled at the older man.
"Thank you, Uncle Ajax," he said.
"Ah, don't mention it. It'll be nice to get out and stretch these muscles of mine," he flexed a bit, getting a few giggles and laughs.
His concerns abated, Bell turned to Aiz and smiled at her, receiving one in return.
"I know how strong you are, but do be careful," he requested.
"I will. Maybe when I get back we can go on a date," she said.
"I'd like that. I'd like that very much."
Her smile brightened and she leaned in to kiss him.
It was a quick kiss, but both felt an immense happiness within them from it and when they parted from each other, both were absolutely beaming.
"Kick their butts," he said.
"I will."
"Sounds like we're ready to go," Ajax said.
"Indeed. Let's head out," Riveria said.
The Orario expedition turned and departed, leaving behind Bell and their deities, all of whom wished them luck.
With his compatriots gone, Bell turned to Hestia who smiled and nodded.
Good luck, Bell, she silently told him.
He smiled back and prepared to head out when he felt something press against his leg.
Looking down, he found Nix looking up at him.
"Nix?" he asked, bending down to pick up the rabbit. "What is it? I didn't forget to feed you, did I?"
The rabbit shook his head.
"I think he wants to go with you," Hestia said, smiling at the cuteness before her.
"I agree. His eyes are very expectant," Mania said, smiling just as brightly.
"Really?" Bell looked at his pet. "You want to come with me?"
Nix nodded.
"Hm, well, I'm not sure if the library will allow you in."
"They will. Many in Athena have familiars, like owls, so taking pets inside is quite common. Some even know how to retrieve items like books," Mania informed him.
"Wow, that's amazing. Then," he turned back to his rabbit and smiled. "I'd be happy to have the company."
The rabbit's eyes sparkled and it snuggled into his chest, causing him to laugh.
"Alright, now I'm heading out," Belll said.
The deities bid him farewell again, cracking a few jokes about the rabbit before Bell turned and departed, leaving his goddess and the other deities behind. One of said deities watched the young man go with very interested eyes peeking out from under his hat.
Following the instructions Mania had provided for him, Bell made his way through the streets of Athens, Nix still thoroughly snuggled in his arms.
The Great Library was not far, but the walk did allow him a chance to see the city.
The buildings were made of white stone and marble that shined in the sunlight, with the occasional burst of color appearing in the form of flowers, art, or the clothing of those he passed.
The people, much like Orario, were made up of every race and type one could imagine. Humans, elves, chienthropes, tall, muscular, it didn't matter, they were there. There were only two real differences he noticed. One: fewer carried any sort of weapon, which made sense as, unlike Orario, this city did not have a Dungeon to attract adventurers. The second thing was that the majority of them were women.
And many of them are glaring at me, he thought as many of the women he passed seemed to hold his very existence with a level of disgust, if not outright contempt.
It's nothing compared to what I've faced before, he thought, his eyes falling as he thought of the glares and curses sent his way after his two 'falls'. However, he did not let himself remain low as he shook his head and picked up his pace, soon arriving at the Great Library.
Making his way instead - and ignoring the hostile eyes of the Athena familia guards - he quickly found a librarian at the front desk.
"Excuse me, can you help me find some information?" he asked politely.
The librarian, a woman with big glasses and black hair tied into a bun, looked up and frowned at him as expected. Unnoticed by both of them, Nix was now glaring right back at her.
"What are you looking for?" she asked.
"I'm looking for information on rare and unusual monsters," he replied.
She quirked a brow.
"'Rare and unusual monsters'?"
He fidgeted a bit, worried he had said too much.
"Yeah, um, like irregulars. Monsters that don't follow the 'rules', so to speak. Like," he paused, wondering if he should say the next part, before deciding to risk it. "I've heard of monsters using weapons and even taking armor from adventurers recently. I was hoping there was some information on monsters like that."
"Hm," the librarian eyed him for a moment, before standing up.
"This way."
Bell followed after her, steadying his breath and hoping beyond hope that there was something in this great mass of information that would help him find and rescue the Xenos.
Not far away, a pair of girls, twins by their shared looks including blood red eyes, watched Bell from the shadows.
"'Rare and unusual monsters', he says," the one on the left said.
"A peculiar request," the right twin said.
"And a dangerous one."
"Potentially."
There was a pause as the twins watched the librarian bring Bell to the section he was looking for and the young man thank her.
"Should we tell Hades-sama?" the left twin asked.
"That seems the wisest course of action for now. We don't know what the white-haired boy is looking for. No need to turn to violence yet," the right replied.
"I agree. Besides, it would be a shame to get blood on that little bunny's white fur."
"We could always eat that too."
"If Hades-sama decides the boy needs to be eliminated then we shall do so. He does look very healthy. His blood is probably quite delectable, but for now, we will head back."
The twins departed, leaving Bell and Nix to their studies, unaware of the danger they were delving deeper and deeper into.
And done.
Well, this one was a bit shorter than usual, but I hope you'll forgive me that. Next time we'll be getting to the war with Rakia, I promise, as well as bringing in a whole host of new characters, including Hades!
With that said, please do tell me what you think. Was it too short? Are you mad that I brought Apollo back? Would you have preferred more teasing of Riveria and Achilles? Whatever your thoughts or criticisms, please do share them with me as I do read them.
Well, I do hope you guys enjoyed it, but now it's time for me to sign off, so, until next time, bye for now and have a lovely day.