*I do not own DanMachi or You-Zitsu
"BELL!"
"...ELL!"
...ll!"
Welf and Lilly called out their Captain's name upon the separation of their party. Taken aback by a sudden ambush, the overwhelming strength of the attacks Ishtar Familia had unleashed swiftly subjugated and separated Bell and Mikoto from their two allies.
With Phryne's position as commander, the selfish desires she bore came to fruition as she took Bell to her private quarters to indulge in the cruel pleasures she envisioned.
"Hehe stay here rabbit. I'll eat you up soon enough," the lady said, her revolting figure wobbling away in the dimness that uncovered the entire cell.
Bell desperately attempted to free himself, however, the restraints placed on him were impenetrable. But in the slightest of chances, Bell's escape was successful, he would be met with the unassailable level 5 Phryne, an opponent he couldn't hope to match.
Fear took over the young boy's throat, unable to plead for assistance. His stubbornness was slowly diminishing, giving in to the fear and anxiety of what would be done to him in the near future.
'Rattle'
?
'Rattle'
?
'Rattle'
"Shhh, it's me, Master Bell."
?
Bell's senses had picked up on the still sounds reverberating off the metal interior of the underground cell. The trigger of such sounds wasn't the Captain of Ishtar Familia, but rather a prostitute.
The one he had intended on saving, Haruhime Sanjouno, had come to his aid instead.
Currently, I traveled through the morning streets of NorthWest Main Street, along the path to the graveyard which eventually led to my lodgings in the backside. However, today I planned to make a short visit to a nearby shop that happened to lay perpendicular to my abode.
"Good morning."
The women at the front counter greeted me as I entered the store, the marble white door excluding a chime throughout the pharmacy.
I nodded at Amid's gesture while moving to the corner sides of the shop. This section contained numerous items that revolved around the basic components of the skeletal structure. Essentially, potions that healed the bones. In contrast to this subsection laid items revolving around the use of Mind, in other words, one's mental capacity.
They would be of use I suppose, even if it was unnecessary in the end.
The potions I bought would be used at my discretion. The items themselves weren't important compared to the one using them.
A kind gesture was all this was.
I approached the front counter after picking out 2 elixirs that were on the cheaper side. I wasn't fond of spending money so carelessly considering my weekly income wasn't as high as I initially expected it to be.
In direct contrast to my last visit, the Dian Cecht Familia Pharmacy was relatively empty, business was slow. The receptionist happened to catch my eyes wander as I placed the two products on the counter.
"It's been a while," she said, simultaneously checking out each item.
"I suppose," I replied, looking at the shelves lined up behind the girl. Due to her short stature, I was able to get a glimpse of the potions down below. "The prices have gone up?" I asked, noticing a pattern between prices. Nearly every product had been inflated by 10%.
"Yes. My deity isn't the smartest of men. He'd rather race prices and lose customers tha-never mind. Anyways, have a good day," Amid cut herself short as she handed me a brown bag.
"Does this have to do with the Blue Pharmacy?" I asked. The possibility that there was a competitive relationship between the two stores was plausible.
"Yeah...how did you know?" The girl asked, suspicious of the accuracy of my statement.
"A random hunch is all. I'll be taking my leave, have a good day."
I left her to ponder over the validity of my response, uninterested in further small talk.
I reverted toward the direction I came from and headed to the cafe located shortly West of Babel.
"Lady Freya."
"Yes, Ottar?"
The two central figures of Freya Familia conversed on the 50th floor of Babel. The level 7 proposing a new topic of discussion.
"You must have realized it by now."
"Realise what?"
"Ayanokōji has been playing us like a fiddle. In other words, he's using us as his pawns to achieve what he wants," Ottar said, his serious tone evident in his speech.
"Suppose he has. What of it?" Freya asked, a grin dwelling upon her cheeks.
"..."
"I am not stupid, my beloved. I have an understanding of what Kiyotaka is doing. However, just because I know something, doesn't mean I can stop it. It doesn't mean I want to stop it." Freya stopped as she waited for her words to sink into the Boaz's mind. "Kiyotaka's no fool either, I'm sure that you already understand that?"
"Yes, of course."
"Fu, then you have already figured out the meaning behind your question," Freya said, rotating her eyes between the man and the window.
Ayanokōji already had an understanding of Freya's mindset, for as he had already manufactured it to suit his personal interests. In which case, Ayanokōji trapped Freya's motives into an inevitable effort of cooperation.
"What do you plan to do, Ottar?"
"Nothing, I'll simply follow your orders," The Boaz replied, his unwavering loyalty overtaking any personal sentiments he may have felt.
"Is the ritual with the Killing Stone true?" Mikoto asked the exhausted Fox Women.
After the two had escaped from Phryne's clutches, they regrouped with Mikoto, who had managed to skillfully escape her confinements as well. Upon their reunion, Mikoto had asked a question she had been curious about.
"Yes, it is."
Bell had already informed Mikoto of the information he had received from Ayanokōji, however, the confirmation from the woman herself had placed the final dagger in her heart.
"Then we have to save you," Mikoto stated, her resolve solidifying into a nearly unchangeable goal. With the fear of the truth came the determination of the possible future.
"Of Course!" Bell exclaimed, agreeing with Mikoto. That is what they had decided on in the past. However, their approach to the issue has changed. They must become aggressive if they yearn to succeed.
"Yes, that ritual is very true. This stupid fox will, unfortunately, be subjected to the wishes of our Goddess."
The three looked back to encounter the alluring figure of Aisha, Berbera, and level 3 of Ishtar Familia.
"Hey man, don't push yourself."
As the injured members of Loki Familia rested inside the Twilight Manor, their battles in Daedalus Street concluded, they thought over the death of their comrades.
Yet another tragedy took place the day before as they faced Evilus inside the man-made Labrinth, Knossos.
Line, Arshe, Lloyd, and 5 others lost their lives, however, such as before, predominantly mourning was an unproductive act of their lives, and thus, they had begun to train once again.
Atop the rooftops of the mansion's towers stood Aiz Wallenstein, recent events reoccurring through her mind.
Though she had gained the strength to beat down her previous foe, she was unable to stop the deaths of others. Aiz understood the consequences of Adventuring, however, the sheer familiarity of their fight with Evilus took her back to a past memory.
'What is he doing right no-!?'
Her thoughts were cut off by the smoke rising from the Southern District of the city, the sheer density that the smoke protruded was visible to her eyes.
"Lady Freya!"
A human girl walked inside a specific room in Folkvangr belonging to Freya herself.
"What is it?"
"Ottar is leading his team from Daedalus street while Allen, Grer, and the others are infiltrating the Entertainment District. Both groups appear to be successful."
"Well done, Horn," Freya complimented the girl's report as she stood up from her seat. Freya leaned over and stroked her face, as if she was touching silk, leading to the girl's hastily rushed retreat.
"Things seem to be following through. Is this how you envisioned it?" Freya mumbled in joy at the current course of events.
Along with Aiz, one other had viewed the fiery scene from atop the towers.
"The Hell, the Pleasure Quarter...Ishtars fortress is burning?" An anxious sweat took over her body, a nervous smile plastered on her face. "What type of fool would do that?"
"Lady Loki!"
A scream infested her ears, the source of the noise erupting from behind her.
"Huh? Whatsup?"
"You see the smoke right?"
"Well yeah, I can smell the fumes from here," Loki joked, unsure of what her child wanted to say.
"Yea-"
But he was cut off by the entrance of several others. Currently, a party of Adventurers had gathered at Loki's location. This wasn't a random gathering, however, for as this specific group shared one thing in common.
"So how do we say this...we kinda got a warning from Allen!" One of them exclaimed.
"Allen? You mean Freya's pissy cat?"
"Umm yeah. Anyways, he and Hildrsleif told us to look out for something to happen over at the South East side of the city-"
"And that happens to be the Entertainment District which is burning right now!" The group continued each other's sentence, eager to hear the thoughts of their Goddess.
Loki's eyes narrowed in a slit as she issued her command.
"Call Finn and the others."
Due to a momentary lapse of shock, Bell had escaped Ishtar and her charm, on the run once more, he rushed to recuse Haruhime from her abhorrent fate.
"Tammuz, capture him!"
With the order relayed, Ishtar's charmed servant ran off in pursuit of the level 3 Adventurer.
"Damn, this doesn't make sense. Is this why that slut wants to put her filthy hands on him."
Ishtars frustration ushered out relentlessly, unable to pay attention to current events.
"L-Lady Ishtar!"
A Berbera rushed into the Goddess's chambers.
"What?"
Ishtar's mind was currently unstable, however, the revelation about to come out of the Amazon's mouth would shock her most.
"Freya Familia is attacking!"
At the entrance of the Pleasure Quarter stood a woman as she walked through the wooden gates, lighted up by lavender and scarlet candles.
"My lady!" Two Familia members kneeled down to Freya, signaling their new report on current matters. "Ottar's team is deep into enemy territory. The battle seems to be going well so far!"
"That's good. The two of you should join the battle as well," Freya suggested.
"But my lady, we need to protect yo-"
"No it's fine, I'll do well without bodyguards," Freya said, rejecting her children's wishes.
The two men obeyed her command and left the vicinity, content on destroying anyone related to Ishtar Familia.
Above Freya stood another woman atop the towers, her facial expression riddled with a plethora of different emotions.
Freya looked up and locked eyes with the lady, her grin in deep contrast to the paled face of Ishtar.
"Alright, explain in detail. Why did Freya Familia send a message to us?" Finn stood in front of his Familia, questioning the party who had encountered the two executives of Freya Familia.
"I do not know sir, however, the warning is accurate. There's no chance in hell it's a coincidence!"
Yes well, it's best that Loki Familia pays attention to the South Eastern parts of the city. Numerous events may happen on this day, branching out from even Lady Freya's control.
The full extent of the warning was relayed in full as Finn contemplated on its contents.
"Freya Familia is involved, that much is sure."
...branching out from even Lady Freya's control.
This was the part Finn thought over the most. It was a known fact that Ishtar and Freya were both Goddess of Beauty, thus prompting a possible relationship between the two, such as a rivalry. However, even if that isn't the case, members of Freya Familia had warned Loki Familia in advance, as if it was an event they had planned out in advance.
Loki and Freya had a rivalry as Familias but no ill will was shared between the two. Therefore, different possibilities came to mind.
Freya wants to take out Loki. This wasn't likely but there was a chance that was the case as their factions competed for the #1 spot in the city.
Or, Ishtar had orchestrated an event in order to wipe out Freya Familia. Finn had discovered Evilus's connection with Ishtar. The possibility of being dragged into Ishtar's fight was viable.
However, there remained yet another theory in his mind. But with no evidence to back up any of the reasoning he may have had, that thought was put aside.
"Call the executives. Loki Familia is moving out."
Finn Diemne let his order be known.
For deep in his mind, he had understood only one thing.
The offense had begun. Now it was his turn to defend.
Bell was fighting his way through the Berbera, desperate to stop the ritual. Exhaustion quickly crept upon him, his limbs were heavy as if he'd been swinging weights attached to his arms. The slightest mistake would shape up his defeat. With Berbera located at each compass direction and then some, he was only able to move forward, attempting to avoid any attacks from the rear and the sides.
"Firebolt!"
Bell released his magic. 3 successions of electrical flames burst out of his palm as he blitzed forward, his approach unrelenting.
However, the sudden use of Mind limited his ability to continuously produce his flames, in which a Mind down would be inevitable due to magic being his most reliable resource in this specific type of battle.
"Hyaa!"
"Uhgh!"
The Level 3 Adventurer had overvalued the use of his magic, however, for these flames would be counteracted by the Berbera's skillful use of their weapons, resulting in the heat being deflected to the side.
An Amazon pounced on him, directing her spear to his neck. Bell grimaced as his mind brainstormed various techniques on escaping such a pinch.
`Whoosh`
The sound of an object penetrating the air touched his senes, as well as the Berbera. As human nature dictated, the unknown would prevail as one's curiosity escalated. Thus, the foolish Amazon directed her attention to the article soaring through the air in their direction.
Bell was an inexperienced Adventurer. In terms of skill and technique, he paled against the Berbera. However, the use of common sense had been ingrained into his body, forming a habitual instinct. The beatings he'd received from Aiz had illuminated his sense of self, understanding that one's focus must always be on the battle ahead. And Ayanokōji's instruction had prepared him in the use of the basics, in which one must take advantage of a favorable position. With a brief understanding of the points Aiz and Ayanokōji had conveyed, Bell took flight, his mind steeling up in massive proportions.
As the woman snatched the item from mid-air, her eyes faced upward, understanding that the presence of a third party was nearly assured.
Bell, whose head rested on the ground as the spear threatened to pierce his neck, smashed his head onto the hand gripping the iron weapon, stimulating her nerves. In which Bell slid up, hammering his left calf onto the Berbera's shoulder. As her balance become unstabled, the boy slammed his body into hers, reversing their positions in a spontaneous set of movements. The women's hold on the item loosened as she prioritized her defense, in which Bell seized possession of the object while bringing it to his mouth. In one gulp, Bell had swallowed the item which he'd recognized as a potion.
'I see,' Bell thought as a resurgence of mind fluctuated his body. He hovered his palm just mere inches from her face and in one instant...
"FIREBOLT!"
The direct impact forced him back, and in accordance with the swift defeat of their comrade, the Berbera had surrounded Bell once more.
Bell wasn't worried this time around. He looked up onto the tower above him, the dimmed area preventing him from a clear view. However, he'd perceived the figure of a person. Man or women, he didn't know.
The person's clothing fluttered back as they made their retreat, enabling Bell just a brief moment of observation.
'Thank you.'
Bell didn't need confirmation of his doubts, for this person had allowed him to take at least one more step forward in his pursuit of saving Haruhime.
"What is all this?"
"Holy shit. Who the hell went ham on this place?"
"..."
The top Adventurers of Loki Familia gathered around the entrance of the Entertainment District, mesmerized by the smoke and debris emanating from every corner of the area.
"I want all of you to understand one key detail?!"
The Prum Captain stood in front of his subordinates, donned in nothing but flimsy battle cloth and his Fortia Spear, whose golden tip manifested a paltry luminescence in the ruinous atmosphere.
"The business that is transpiring in the Pleasure Quarters isn't our responsibility. Do not get involved..." Finn rotated his head to survey the area, the smoke masking any figure he would have been able to see otherwise. "However, if battle commences, then come to my location at once!"
Finn was sure of two notions.
Battle is inevitable. As they intruded upon the fights of others, the spearheads of this commotion would attempt to trample over them as well.
And the next...well it was a simple conclusion to muster.
When the time comes, the Familia needed to be near him, because if not...then their safety wouldn't be guaranteed.
Because if Finn was correct, if his instinct didn't fail him and his thumb's twitching wasn't just a mistake then... Ayanokōji shall make his presence known.
"Forgive me, please! I swear, it was just a mistake I made without prior thought!"
The Goddess of beauty, a figurehead of female attractiveness, and the respectable patron of the Red Light District pled her case to Freya, Enchantress of Orario, and a deity that ruled over the cities #1.
"I didn't know the boy was so important to you," Ishtar said, her anxiety reaching limits that no mortal or deity had touched upon before.
"Oh Ishtar, I've been able to laugh off your pranks until now but he is going to be mine. No other woman can have him," Freya had closed her eyes as she climbed up the steps, pressuring Ishtar to fall back, unable to stop Freya's advance.
"Damn it!"
Ishtar ran up the stone steps in a desperate attempt to escape. However, upon reaching the pinnacle of her own tower, she'd had forgotten one key detail.
Currently, her fortress was a war zone, in which damage had struck each and every corner of her estate. With that small detail left out of consideration, Ishtar's measly luck had run out. For a dead end had made itself known to Ishtar, spiting her mind and spirit as Ishtar was forced to wait until the Silver haired deity appeared once again.
And that she did, as Freya had calmly caught up to the fool who had attempted to escape, deflecting the fact that any sort of retreat was futile.
"Let's stop this game of tag." Freya's soothing voice struck Ishtar's eardrums, her skin shivering in place. At that moment, though, she potted the figure of Tammuz, her Vice-Captain and only hope.
"Come, Freya. I'll tell you something interesting. Bell Cranel cannot be affected by divine charm," Ishtar said, her confidence unknowingly increasing as she stalled for time.
"If that's the case, then that makes him even more wonderful," Freya commented, accepting Ishtar's desperate words as truth.
At that moment, however, Tammuz had spotted the ideal moment to stop Freya. He jumped on her, that is, he had planned too.
"What? You charmed my man?" Freya had expected such an impractical counterattack and had successfully charmed him in mere moments. "Is your beauty greater than mine?!" Ishtar continued to whine, her temper reaching its very peak.
"Of course."
"WHYYY?!"
Freya smirked at the childish outburst as she replied to the women.
"Elegance. It's the only possible answer isn't it?" Freya questioned as if she was stating an already established fact.
Upon Freya's arrogant response, Ishtar had lost it, unable to control her emotions, she snapped and rushed at Freya.
However, with a simple sidestep, Freya had avoided harm as Ishtar placed herself in her biggest unfavorable position yet.
"Think of yourself as a lucky person," Freya started, smiling at the women's unfortunate future. "For if you had gone after that man instead of my Bell, your future would have ceased to exist beyond Genkai."
"Don't be ridiculous. Even if I die, I'd still go back to Tenka-"
`Slap`
Ishtar had been forcibly stopped midway as Freya's slap sent her falling to her death into the flames and rock that had engulfed her Familia beforehand.
"Well, who knows what he would do," Freya said, her smile reaching its highest peak. "But at the very least, you wouldn't have had any type of future in the end."
Intense.
Only one word was viable in such a situation. Their appearance was expected, for their captain had predicted it beforehand. But in the end, coming to terms with that reality was a different circumstance.
"Hello, Ottar." The Prum had initiated the conversation.
"Why're you dressed for battle?" The Boaz stated, ignoring Finn's greeting.
"Hmm well, the same could be said about you. The Pleasure Quarter isn't an appropriate domain for a fight."
"Maybe not, but in accordance with my Lady's wish, it shall become any type of environment if need be," Ottar replied, confirming Freya's involvement in this scene, if even the level 7 Captain's appearance wasn't enough.
Several Loki Familia Adventurers had begun to enter the vicinity of the two Captains.
"You dare to oppose Lady Freya?" Allen had questioned Loki Familia's intent as they gathered around them. His silver-tipped spear resonating with the moonlight. A group of Ottar, Allen, Hedin, Hogi, and the brothers had already assembled beforehand.
In contrast, Riviera and Gareth stood by Finn, as the additional members filled up their ranks.
"There's a damn toad in the courtyard," Bete had stated as he approached the two Familias. Finn had narrowed his eyes upon the understanding of this news.
"You've already dealt with Phryne? You understand the consequences that will befall your Familia, correct?" Finn said. At this point, Aiz Wallenstein and the Amazons had already lined up with the rest of the group, forming the complete battle party of Loki Familia.
"Consequences?"
A new voice was heard, emerging from a third party that the Prum hadn't noticed before. His body, however, reacted in tow; his thumb throbbing to painful extents.
"Rather, this is merely the consequences of your actions, Finn Deimne."
Finn's assumptions proved correct upon the understanding of this reveal. He had been behind this event, orchestrating each and every move until everything had landed into a position favorable to his wishes.
"So that's the Familia you belong to?" Finn said as he viewed the man walk up to the rest of Freya Familia. "Well suited, Kiyotaka Ayanokōji."
"Is that him?"
"Yep..."
Silence ensued Loki Familia as they spectated the man approach the rear sides of the Freya Familia battle party. With a casual approach, he conversed with Ottar, seemingly having a few words for the Captain.
"My apologies."
"Is this what you wanted?" Ottar said, certain that this was the ideal outcome of this operation.
"Who knows, really?"
Ayanokōji had already laid the groundwork for the actions Loki Familia will take next.
"That bastard is here! Captain, shall we get him?"
"Everything now is inevitable. Your plans worked Ayanokōji..." Finn stated, a nervous smiling donning his face before announcing..."Capture Ayanokōji at all costs!"
Loki Familia charged Freya Familia, the combatants taking the center stage as the mages continued to chant; all in the hopes of seizing one man. Loki Familia was bound to attack, for if they didn't, it would mean the deaths of their companions were for naught. This was just a mere stimulation of emotions that Ayanokōji had constructed long ago during the Party Slaughter. As days went by, those emotions of hatred and anger would only grow.
And now, those feelings were going to unleash upon him.
Ayanokōji himself wouldn't be able to defend himself against them, he simply wasn't strong enough.
...However.
"Lay your shitty paws over him and you're dead!" Allen had intercepted Finn's weapon with his own. Gold, and silver contrasting once more.
Allen, or Freya Familia as a whole, wasn't fond of Ayanokōji per se. Rather, they were jealous and envious of the man, who had attracted Freya's love without their knowing. However, it's because of their unique loyalty to their Goddess, that they're able to protect Ayanokōji from anyone and everyone. For if physical harm was brought to him, then emotional harm would be brought to Freya. Once again, physical and emotional feelings have come into play.
"Loki Familia has opposed our Goddess," Ottar stated, looking down at the Prum who had engaged in battle with Allen. "Finn, I suppose it's time we fight."
And thus, the resolution in this battle of minds has commenced.
Loki Familia was put at a disadvantage. Their numbers, which weighed greater than those of Freya Familia, resulted in being their Achilles heel. As for why, well, being the sole Level 7, Ottar was able to swiftly take out anyone below the level of 5 while continuously fighting the higher-ups.
Excluding the Loki Familia elites, their party was composed of a majority of second-tier Adventures.
The rear vanguard of their party were the mages, composed of Riveria Lojs Alf and a few elves. As the 'leader' of these elves, Riveria took a more hands-on approach with her enemies while the rest chanted. And as commander, Finn directed his allies to their appropriate opponents.
My position, however, was at the front, which meant I'd be tasked with the combatants rather than the mages. However, my scuffles with the second-tier Aventuers were cut short as a certain swordswoman made her appearance known.
"I didn't think I'd have to fight you," she said, her eyes narrowed in slits as she pierced me with her gaze.
I rushed toward her, leaning down to the left side as I launched a right hook to her neck, however, the speed she possessed motioned her to block with her forearm, my fist hitting nothing but the sturdy armor. I looked down at her face, locking eyes with the level 6 Adventurer.
"That's true. You wanted to kill me instead."
She jumped back, creating space between us. Then, in contrast, she jumped forward and struck with her sword. Unable to dodge the strike in time, she pierced my left arm.
As soon as she began to remove her weapon, I locked her right arm with my right calf, forcing it down. Due to this deflection, I was placed on her right side, directly in front of her blindspot. Her sheer speed would have caught up with my movements if I hadn't taken use of her limited range of sight.
I lunged forward, applying immense pressure into my fists an-
"Stop!"
A third party had interfered with our fight, a mage's staff taking the full brunt of my strike. However, I threw my left leg straight at her head. Not expecting another attack in quick succession, she stumbled back.
"Lefiya, this is my fight." Aiz had acknowledged the women and her efforts to help, however, she thought of this battle as something personal, in which outsiders weren't welcome.
"The other members need your help. The mages can't keep up with those 5 brothers. You need to fight someone on your level to help all of u-"
I had no intentions of letting them chat while I idly stood by. I hit the girl's kneecaps, her strength wavering. Her lack of focus on this fight would prove to be erroneous.
I grabbed the staff from her grip, maneuvering the object in such a way that any attempt to steal it back would be unsuccessful. I pushed the staff forward, attempting to hit the Elf around her rib cages, however, she moved to the side, predicting such an attack.
"...Ok."
Aiz took my failed attack as a sign of confirmation that Lefiya wouldn't need her assistance. We traded blows until the swordsman fell back, engaging with the Freya Familia elites.
As a mage, her skill set was magic. Her unpolished skills of combat was evident in this fight. Once again, I jabbed with the staff. Lefiya attempted to counter the attack as she sidestepped, keeping her arms out in which she'd be able to parry the stick. However, upon contact with her arms, I threw a sweeping kick at her calves, knocking her knees upfront. I pulled back my arm and grabbed ahold of the unbalanced Elf. I didn't need to purposely fail this time around, seeing as the Elf's backup had retreated.
I gripped my arm on her face and slammed her skull onto the ground. The sheer amount of force I put in along with the gravity of the fall abrased the ground as an exponential amount of blood erupted, coloring the area beneath me a scarlet red.
"Wha- Damn you!"
A man belonging to Loki Familia had sprinted toward me, his emotions overtaking his sense of judgment. His cutlass aimed for any part of my body that it can hit. I moved to the right, took hold of his right arm, and applied pressure to push out his Humerus joint out of the glenohumeral joint, successfully dislocating his arm from his shoulder. With his arm immobilized, I took hold of his weapon and slashed his neck, resulting in the formation of a deep cut. I picked up a pouch containing a plethora of potions, crushing them between my fist.
With no medical items to assist his healing and the mages with healing attributes currently occupied with battle, an immediate loss of blood was guaranteed, resulting in his unfortunate death.
I continued East, leaving the two to lay beneath my feet.
"Do you really want war?"
The two Goddess, Loki, and Freya conversed from a safe distance as the battle between their Familias progressed.
"It's not my wants, dear Loki. These current events are just a reflection of his desires," Freya said, her smirk never leaving her features.
"You mean that brat, Ayanokōji? I'm gonna kill him, you know that don't you. Finn is looking for vengeance." Loki's anger continued to increase as the death of her children clouded her thoughts and mind.
"He's looking for vengeance? For what?" Freya asked.
"Ya know what I damn mean!"
"No, I don't think I do. After all, Kiyotaka is simply looking for a life of peace. To my eyes, it looks as if that wish has been disturbed," Freya said, explaining Ayanokōji's actions up to this point from her perspective.
"What bulls-"
"Now now, don't get riled up. After all, his goal is near. And once it's completed, I doubt he would want to interact with you or your children ever again."
Giving up on her attempts of prying information from the Goddess of beauty, Loki had moved away from Freya and approached the battlefield to assess the current situation.
"So you've finally come."
I approached the battle between the two Captains, the sheer impact was enough to nearly blow me away. However, I kept my stability firm as I walked onwards. This specific battle had been isolated from the others, which must have been Finn's decision.
Though, it seems Finn was put into an unfavorable position as he wildly fought back against the Boaz. And while Ottar had received several deep wounds, the inevitable winner was clear. Ottar was a man of unbelievable strength.
"He appears to be acting quite differently," I commented.
Ottar had caught wind of my observation and replied as he continuously parried any and all blows the Prum had been inflicting.
"It is the use of his magic, in which any sense of proper judgment has been discarded in return for greater strength."
Is that so? Well, since I can't hope to comprehend the two's strength, I'd have to take his word for it.
Ottar landed a critical blow with his greatsword, bringing the Prum down to one knee. I stepped up to the man, eyeing the Boaz for approval. He allowed me to interfere as he walked to the side, drinking a potion.
"I lost."
Even on the verge of defeat, even at his loss of judgment, Finn was able to recognize one important fact.
"But there's more. Or are you a man who lets others dictate the results of your battles," Finn said. Perhaps he hadn't lost his judgment?
No, that is just the use of common sense.
I looked down at his injured figure, more frail and weak than I've ever seen it before.
"Finn."
I called out his name, grabbing his immediate attention.
"My actions or methods are irrelevant."
His eyes narrowed as he intently listened to every word.
"In this world, survival is everything. What I do or say is of no matter, for as long as I win in the end...that's all that matters."
I turned about, walking back to the figure of my Captain.
"Don't kill him. Just leave him be," I said, nearly ordering him.
"I didn't plan to. It wouldn't be wise to kill him off, with the dangers of this world active and about."
I simply nodded as I walked back to the main battle, placing myself in a position where every member of Loki Familia, including Loki herself, was in range.
With this, my altercation with Loki Familia shall be complete.
I parted my lips, starting the chant of my spell.
"Unavoidable, indescribable, unfortunate. Feeling of one may be such, but not none. It is though, something of faint reminiscence. With the wish of a sovereign, it will be gone. Take the time to harness and sow, for it will be like great white snow."
For just a brief moment, a white light spread far and wide, meeting the touch of every individual in Loki Familia.
"Blank State."
But Just as brief as it had appeared, it had dissipated as well. As if that light was nothing but a play on the mind, the members of Loki Familia continued fighting.
Ayanokōji Kiyotaka
LV 1
Strength: F 342
Endurance: F 342
Dexterity: F 342
Agility: F 342
Magic: G 200
Blank State
-The embodiment of physical touch, feeling, and usage will be extinguished and whisked to the void of white.
-The embodiment of emotional feeling shall be extinguished and whisked to the void of white.
Skills: H PALMARIUS
-Mastery results in reward
-The more difficult the task, the greater the reward
"It seems your magic has somewhat altered."
Freya pointed out the difference in my status, excluding the increase in stats.
"Previously, the spell focused on the physical aspect of feeling. Meaning the touch of a piece of wood, or the skills of a smith would disappear upon the use of my magic. Of course, results would vary depending on the strength of the person being cast upon, and the usefulness of that skill," I started to explain. "Say I cast this spell on Bell, with the intent of erasing his skills as a blacksmith. it would prove to be ineffective since it's a skill he mostly doesn't rely upon. However, if I cast it upon level 5 Tsubaki, it would fail. This is due to the disparity in strength between us, as well as the sheer important smithing is to her career, being a master smith and such."
"But now your magic has somewhat altered," Freya said, moving on with the topic of this discussion.
"Yes. Now, it deals with feelings. Freya, what feelings do you have of me?" I asked her a question in order to provide an example.
"Me? I suppose affection an-"
I cut her off, no longer needing to hear the rest of her response.
"If I cast this spell upon you, those feelings of affection that your bear will disappear. And as stated, will be whisked to the void of white."
That was my theory on the new attributes my spell had gained.
Those feelings of hatred and sadness. Those overwhelming emotions Loki Familia holds of me. All of it will disappear as if they never existed in the first place.
They'll feel nothingness and indifference towards me. A void in their hearts and minds.
A Blank State.
Now that I ponder over the effects of my spell, oddly enough; in some twisted, sick nature, they remind me of something. Someplace.
The White Room.
The environment that raised me, cultivating the man I am today. Well, there's not much I can say nor feel about it.
That place...
that facility...
...Was the true Blank State in my life.
The effects of my magic had affected every member of Loki Familia present. They understood that I exist, and they had full recollection of my every move. However, they felt nothing about me. Even if they wanted to hate me, it would prove to be impossible. Thus was the power of my magic.
But, there laid one man. The sole man not affected by my magic.
The Prum Captain of Loki Familia.
With this, you'd have learned what your mistake was, Finn Deimne. Relish these memories and feelings so as to never commit the same errors twice.
Days passed, and the battle between Loki and Freya Familia had concluded. The destruction of Ishtar Familia had shocked nearly every resident in the city. However, what had affected everyone was the balance of power between the cites #1 and #1 Familias.
The event from Floor 9, being deemed the 'Party Slaughter Incident' had inevitably been revealed, with my actions being kept a secret. And with the deaths from the battle in the Pleasure Quarter, Loki Familia had lost several Adventurers.
The Guild had punished both Familias for shaking up the entire city of Orario, with Freya Familia being affected the most.
In the end, however, both Freya and Loki had come to an agreement.
Finn Deimne had stopped any and all actions targeted towards my existence. As such, I had moved into the home of Freya Familia, Folkvangr.
The members of my Familia had not forgotten their feelings towards me, as my magic hadn't affected them.
"Are you okay with this? My children can get quite forceful." Freya said, questioning my decision to move in. We sat together in her private quarters, atop her bed.
"It's fine. If I want to live a peaceful life, there would have to be some sort of compromise, no matter how small it may be. In which case, sparring with the members of our Familia isn't the worst outcome, no matter how ruthless they may be," I answered honestly, a sense of relaxation infiltrating my being.
I don't know how long this peace will last. Nor when it will be disturbed once more. However, when the time comes, I'll engage with it once again, much as I had with Loki Familia.
For now, It'll be best to follow in the steps of my peers.
For that is how I'll be Integrating into an Adventurer Society.
END
A/N- This is it, the final chapter. It's been a good run guys. I appreciate everyone for supporting this fanfic. However, in these 6 months, I've evolved as a writer, something I never expected to happen when I got into fanfiction.
However, with the release of chapter 27 of 'Integrating Into Adventurer Society: Cote X DanMachi', I'm done with fanfiction and will be in a sense, retiring.
And with that, I wish everyone a good day.
-02ragnar