*I do not own DanMachi or You-Zitsu

"That was uncalled for."

"Maybe so, but unfortunately, that was the situation I was caught up in."

"This will put me in a tough spot, Kiyotaka."

"It could, but as of now, this matter is a personal problem. Of course, that means all responsibility will fall on my shoulders. I'll take care of any issues that will arise."

Freya pinched the arc of her nose in exhaustion. After the revelation of what Ayanokōji Kiyotaka had done reached her ears, she had begun to worry about the future and what would be in store for her Familia. As expected, no possibilities had led to bright futures.

But alas, Kiyotaka Ayanokōji had let very few details come to light.

With her divine ability to charm others being rendered useless, Freya sat back down and shut her silver eyes.

"You're a troublesome one, Kiyotaka. To challenge Finn Deimne of all people."

"You knew?"

"I don't know nearly the amount I would want too but I am a Goddess after all. One close to you at that. Even I would be able to infer something like this."

"Is that so. Well, he knows as well so it shouldn't a surprise.."

Ayanokōji remained in silence for the next few moments, contemplating the subjects on his mind.

"I'll return for a status update but for now, I have to catch my shift at the Hostess of Fertility."

Freya merely nodded at that. As Ayanokōji made his way to the exit of Freya's chambers, he spoke just a few short words without turning back.

"I apologize for Heith. I brought her a few potions from the Dian Cecht Pharmacy. I placed them at the doorstep."

With that, Ayanokōji left the room of his diety and continued on with his day as if nothing of importance had occurred.

1 day before

I stepped out of the Dungeon with Heith in tow. Due to her inability to walk with posture in the Dungeon's rough terrain, I lent her my shoulder, it being the least I could have done.

As we bathed in the light coming from the afternoon Sun, Heith mustered up the energy as she put her mouth to my left ear.

"What happened to your shirt?" In a soft tone, Heith expressed what was on her mind.

As for my shirt, well, I hadn't been wearing a top since Heith found me in the Upper Floors. With my plain white dress shirt and travelers' robe being caught up in the flames of the incident, I had been forced to expose my upper body.

"They were burnt while I had begun my escape," I replied. I doubt she would believe me. I hadn't proposed this lie with the intention that she would. If my clothes were burnt, it would only make sense that my body had been too. But that wasn't the case. And since I had no healing potions on me, my lie was as unbelievable as it can get.

"Don't lie, I know you threw it in the flames. Why?... Another part of your scheme?"

My scheme huh? I suppose if my actions were to be looked at with an objective outlook, it would certainly be that way.

"If the truth is what you want then so be it. My shirt was soiled by a liquid I had been keeping on me. as it stands, I'm not fond of wearing uncomfortable clothing."

This liquid that had been caught up on my shirt was, of course, the monster stimulant. The reason why a horde of monsters from the deeper levels had made its way to the room Heith had stayed at was because they were attracted to me, specifically my shirt. I had been making my way to the room at the time. Fortunately, the Loki Familia Adventurers had arrived at the scene in time, cleaning up my mess.

When had I dropped the stimulant? If I recall, it was just before I had confronted Raul and the others inside that room.

The Monster Stimulant is a dangerous item if used with false intent. It was a mistake on my part for dropping it. My careless actions caused this incident.

"They died you know."

Almost on instinct, I had redirected my narrowed eyes to the girl leaning on my left shoulder.

"Those mages from Loki Familia, I don't know why, but they couldn't use magic."

Casualties were a given. Mages who are unable to fight in close proximity were most vulnerable, and in the end, they died.

"B-But I don't understand. How come the combatants weren't able to fight properly? How come monsters from Deeper floors were fighting with them? How come the incense wasn't able to stop the monsters? How come the high-level Adventurers fought like idiots? I don't understand damn it!" Heith let out her frustrations and questions like a jet stream, leaving no room to think.

The incense I had purchased had little effect on monsters, with most of its contents being useful as a numbing tool for the senses of humans and other creatures excluding Dungeon born monsters. It seems, however, that Heith has no knowledge of such information. I hadn't informed her of it.

But the mages being unable to use magic is interesting. Does this have anything to do with the Ruthven? It seemed to be the most likely possibility, at least on a surface level thought. It's something I'll have to think about.

For now, it's best that I get Heith somewhere safe.

"Folkvangr."

"Just drop me off there...please."

She requested the place she wanted to be sent to. The timing was convenient though...

Folkvangr was the home of Freya Familia. I was entitled to live there along with my fellow Familia members, but I had declined the offer. There are numerous liberties that are stripped away from you once you enter a living environment with other people.

If I were to drop Heith off at Folkvangr it would be inevitable that I would meet the Familia. This was to be expected the moment I had sent my request to Freya to acquire Heith for my travels in the Dungeon today.

"Name and Affiliation?"

The walk to Folkvangr had taken a considerable amount of time as it was located at the very Southern tip of the city. This trip had been a worthwhile experience, however. I hadn't been able to explore every part of the city so the times when I do provide a source of intel for any sort of matter I may need to know. Such as directions, specific locations in the area, etc...

Currently, I was being held at the towering front gates of the home of Freya Familia by guards. Based on the way the guards spoke to Heith, it was obvious that they had some kind of relationship. Most likely because the guards have seen her several times in the past. I doubt that the relationship was friendly, however. They showed no signs of assistance and immediately went to questioning the two of us.

"He's a companion of mine, just let him in," Heith said, her patience decreasing as time went by.

"The man can speak for himself. Name and Familia?" The guard dressed in relatively light armor, appearance-wise, left no room for discussion. I had remained silent during this interval of questioning and answering, but that quickly ended with my next few words.

"Ayanokōji Kiyotaka."

"And your Familia? I don't have all day."

"Same as yours, I surmise."

Heith, who had been leaning on my body, suddenly turned her figure toward me. Her momentum caused her to collide with my body, dropping her to the ground. My body reacted in time as I wrapped my left arm on her back and pushed her back onto her feet.

"What do you mean? I've never seen you around until now."

Before Heith could let out her mass amount of questions, the guard took this moment to attempt to dispel his own curiosity.

"I stated my affiliation. There isn't any reason why I should explain further," I said, looking the guard directly in the eye.

"...Whatever, Heith Velvet is coming with me. You go away!" He exclaimed, motioning his body as if to reveal a path for Heith towards the manor.

"Hell no! I'm not done yet. How come you never told me before?" Heith shouted.

"I stated that you'd find out soon enough, didn't I?"

"Back in the Dungeon, you mean? Well yeah, still. Doesn't explain why you needed to keep it a secret," she said. It doesn't seem as if she'll be giving up on this topic soon.

"Heith, it's best that you rest. I'll handle things from here."

The voice of a third party invaded my ears. I moved my eyes from one person to the other to view the sight of First-Tier Adventurer, Hedin Selland.

"Yes sir."

The guard left his post immediately after being signaled by a superior 'officer' of sorts.

Hedin Selland, level 6 Executive of Freya Familia. Upon his strength and standing, he was in many of the records I had read in the Guild archives. I have no knowledge of his personality, however, so that's something that remains unknown.

"Heith, if you will," said the Elf as he guided his arms towards the door of Folkvangr. Heith walked into her abode with that order, leaving the two of us alone at the entrance.

"I assume you heard?"

I asked a simple question. As a level 6, Hedin Selland's senses should be enhanced beyond human proportions, so it would only be reasonable for him to have heard of my statements. That of being part of this Familia that is.

"That would be the case. For now, come with me. Ottar would like to speak with you." I followed Hedin as he led me into a room of the massive manor fitting for the cities #1.

I could only assume that Ottar was ordered by Freya to confront me. Otherwise, I see no reason for him to leave his post as he should have no knowledge of what took place inside the darkness of the Dungeon.

The inside of the building was much nosier than I expected. Fights broke out around my entire surroundings. Verbal, physical, it didn't matter which. With the look in Hedin's eyes, it would seem that this is a common occurrence. Those eyes of his resembled and represented the experience of occupying such a home.

With the atmosphere in this manner, it was odd that I hadn't received many hostile glares. At least, maybe that's what someone might have thought. These Adventurers were much too busy with their battles and couldn't be bothered to associate themselves with a stranger.

If we take prior knowledge into account, the members of Freya Familia only care about their patron deity. Though some are more mature than others, as I've seen with Ottar and Hedin.

During this walk in silence, Hedin had created no instances where small talk can be incorporated as he only stared at the objects ahead. Upon entering the room, he motioned me to the desk at the back. I walked in front of it.

"Wait here. He'll be back soon."

Coincidentally enough, the door was gently opened by the Boaz man behind it. The Captain, my Captain, had made his appearance known. He walked over to the two of us, thus making our 2 person circle into a 3 man clover.

"You're more dangerous than you put on, Ayanokōji Kiyotaka."

"To toy with Finn to such an extent. Ayanokōji, explain to me. Who are you?"

"..."

I remained silent at the gaze of the cities strongest man. Meanwhile, the man on my left had his own questions upon this reveal.

"'To toy with Finn'. What do you mean Ottar?"

"The man who humiliated Finn Deimne at his own game. Ayanokōji, if you will," Ottar said.

"Before I relay any information, I suppose it's not out of my place to ask this. How did you know?" I asked my own question.

"This entire discussion has been nothing but questions. Unfortunately, questions don't answer questions. Only answers." What was Ottar trying to say? "It wasn't difficult. You relayed the hints, I just took the initiative to understand them."

I see.

"Did you plan to use us more than you already have?" He asked. His tone of voice showing no anger, nor curiosity. It was that of a man who already knew the answer.

"The future holds several possibilities, doesn't it."

'Sigh'

With my vague response, the level 7 'King' of Orario was forced to give up his plights.

"I take it that Finn had been investigating you?"

Hedin had finally spoken up after my conversation with Ottar had concluded. Now that he seized this chance, I doubt he will let it go.

"Who knows."

"It seems that I do. Anyways, it's common for high-level Adventurers to investigate someone they're curious about. Though if what Ottar says is true, and while I don't have any specifics, this would be the first time anybody has taken an offensive stance against it. And while I don't know the reason as for why, I commend you for it."

Hedin laid out his unenlightened but valuable thoughts. Were they based on experience? Most likely.

"How long do you plan to stay shirtless?"

With the topic suddenly changed, I found myself redirecting my gaze to the Boaz Man.

"So as long until I get back home," I replied, not understanding the situation.

"I see. So you still don't plan on residing here," Ottar stated. My answer to his question turned out to be an answer to another one of his questions, one he hadn't expressed visibly, keeping to himself.

"Well then."

I turned around to face the mage.

"I can certainly see why Lady Freya would accept you into her Familia." Hedin continued. "Welcome, Ayanokōji Kiyotaka."

He put out his right arm. I looked down at it, contemplating over any hidden motives he might be hiding.

...

No.

"Thank you."

I took his hand and with a firm grip, responded by accepting the handshake.

After finishing up today's training with Aiz-san and Tiona-san, the day had already passed by us. Time is really flying by.

...Soon I'll have to fight Apollo Familia.

I really can't appreciate them enough. To take time out of their day to help me, I couldn't be more grateful.

"Thank you, Aiz-san, Tiona-san."

"You said that a billion times already. We get it Argonaut." Tiona-san threw her fist on my head, rubbing it with force but affection. It hurt, especially after a hard day of training, but I didn't mind.

I turned around to look at Aiz-san, who had merely nodded at me with a very faint smile. It was still there though.

Today is a good day.

As I took a bite of my potato puff that Aiz-san was really adamant on buying, I noticed something. No, someone. He was walking right past us. I wanted to call out to him but something was off about him. Namely the fact that he was half-naked.

But that wasn't the weird thing, it was that bag he was holding. I don't know why but it feels familiar.

Ayanokōji-san, what is that?

I noticed Bell's change in attitude. I don't know why but he seemed to be staring at someone. I tore my gaze away and placed it in the same place Bell was looking.

It was him, that man. The one who works at the tavern and goes into the Dungeon.

Ayanokōji Kiyotaka.

But before I could react to anything else, my body felt something coming from that bag of his. It wasn't a personal feeling. But actually a physical one. I know that feeling. I'm quite used to it.

What exactly is it?

Oh.

Its Mind.

...why would Mind be in a bag?

I wanted to ask him that but before I knew it, I had already wasted too much time. He was gone.

What's in that bag?

After making my way to Sirens Graveyard, I placed the bag down on the shelves. After finding a spare shirt I bought in the past, I went to the far right corner of the shed. There, I maneuvered my hands behind the shelf and twisted a lever. After doing so, a small space became visible on the wooden walls. I took out an item from the gap, leaving the stone tablet out in the open space.

"Fantastic Spells and How to Make them." I recited the Books title aloud as I flipped through its pages. Eventually, I landed on chapter 9.

"Upon recollection, place one's hand onto the tablet's centerpiece." I recite the writing as I simultaneously followed its instructions. I placed my hand onto the ragged stone.

...

Time went by in silence.

Nothing had happened.

48, 49, 50.

!

A black gleam surrounded the tablet, focusing on the skin of my hand. The Black luster digging deep into my skin like a needle.

Moments passed and needless to say, my hand was physically fine. The dark glow had dissipated, the air still.

...

Complete.

I read the remaining pages in the chapter, which further explained the specifics of what just occurred.

Present

After finishing my shift for the night, I made my way to Babel tower. After I found my way to Freya's chambers at the very peak of the pressuring tower, I entered the room.

"Freya, I'd like a status update."

Her lips curled into a grin as she spoke softly.

"Of course."

She led me to her room, and after taking off my top clothing, the usual routine had begun. After i felt her cold blood drip onto my body, I could feel the essence of an Adventurer, the Falna, being unlocked.

"Here, see for yourself. Once again, you don't fail to surprise me, Kiyotaka."

With the ritual complete, Freya lent me the parchment, allowing me to see my status. As she stated, something surprising had occurred.

That of course being the awakening of my magic.

Blank State

END

A/N- I hope that people understand when Kiyo's lying or being modest because apparently, people don't understand when he is (In this fic at least)

Also, I'll say it again, no romance for Kiyo...for now (maybe).