Chapter 4:

Loki Famillia home, Orario

Finns POV

It's around 11 in the morning. I am currently sat at my desk, with Riveria and Gareth sat in front of me on the couch. After last night's encounter with that white haired man, I decided that we should hold a meeting the next day to discuss what had happened. I had asked Tione to bring everyone that was present yesterday to my office, so she will be back soon. I take a sip of my tea and wait patiently for the others to get here. I glance at Gareth and Riveria. Gareth seems to be bored and Riveria looks to be deep in thought. It seems that I'm not the only one who is concerned about what happened last night. I then hear a knock on the door. I tell them to come in and I wait for everyone to enter and take a seat. They all enter silently.

Now that Ais, Bete, Tiona, Tione and Loki have arrived, I decide to start the meeting.

''Good morning everyone, I hope you all slept well.'' I scan everyone's faces, they all have serious expressions. I glance at Bete and notice that the bruise around his neck is more prominent now. I guess I should just get straight to the point then.

''As you know, last night we encountered some newcomers. It seems that they have only recently arrived in Orario and they looked to be quite experienced individuals. I have asked you all here so that we can discuss our next course of action and I would like to hear your opinions on how we should act.'' As soon as I was finished, Riveria spoke up.

''Finn, that blue haired man from last night managed to grab a hold of Bete in an instant. We may have all been drunk but we didn't notice him until he was suffocating Bete. If that white haired man didn't stop him, then we may have been forced to fight him. I'm sure we all noticed that they were strong and definitely not beginners.'' I look down at my thumb. Last night was the first time that it ever hurt that much, clearly, we should be careful around them, especially that white haired man.

''Yes, I agree. They displayed a kind of confidence and strength that no beginner would ever show. But what bothers me the most is that they also seemed to know who we were, yet they didn't care. They are either fools who wanted to just pick a fight with the Loki Famillia or… they knew that they could win.'' There was a moment of silence in the room. If they really thought that they could win, then that means that they could potentially be a threat to the Famillia. If a war were to break out, then it would most likely be devastating for both parties.

''What're ya talking about Finn! Like hell they woulda won against us. We just weren't expecting 'em, so they tried to catch us off guard. I say we go and teach 'em a lesson and get some pay back!'' Loki exclaimed in an irritated voice. I let out a deep sigh and look at Loki.

''You could be right Loki and we could just be overreacting but…you saw the look in that man's eyes, he knew exactly what he was doing and he was the only one in control. I believe that if we were to fight him, then it would not be an easy win.'' I recall those piercing red eyes. They were a deep and bloody crimson. He had clearly seen his fair share of horrors and he commanded the whole room without so much as uttering a word. To think that someone so young had such a deadly and evil aura to him. I almost shudder at the recollection. Loki then turns silent. I turn back to look at the room.

''I believe that we should first gather information about them before doing anything. If the Loki famillia were to challenge them to a war game, then it would look bad on us.'' I then hear a loud bang. Bete, who was silently listening, crashed his fist onto the coffee table, breaking it. His fist was scrunched up into a ball and his knuckles turned white. His eyes were also filled with a deep rage and his face contorted in anger.

''Those bastards made a fool out of all of us! They acted all high and mighty and looked down on us! We're the Loki famillia for fucks sake and now you're gonna let them walk away!'' Bete began to shake in anger and paused for a moment. Once he finally decided to speak again, his anger seemed to have reached a completely new level. ''I say we kill those weak motherfuckers and show them that they messed with the wrong famillia!'' I stare at Bete for a moment and then sigh. Riveria then speaks up.

''Bete, your anger towards them is justified but ruining our reputation and putting our famillia in danger because of a small bar fight, is something we cannot do.''

''Small bar fight! Maybe you should try being choked until you can barely breathe!'' Bete stood up and glared at Riveria. Riveria only glared back at Bete and held her ground.

''Enough!'' I shout in a commanding voice. I understand that Bete wants them to pay for what they did but fighting amongst ourselves is not the answer. Bete then glares at Riveria for a moment longer and then sits back down and mumbles a few curses under his breath. ''Bete, once we gather enough information about them, we will then decide what to do with them. But until then, keep yourself under control and don't do anything reckless.'' Bete turns away and mumbles some more curses under his breath. Tione then comes and refills my empty cup with tea, whilst glaring at Bete. Then sits back down. I'm glad that she decided not to intervene this time.

''Aww, so does that mean we're not gonna fight them. They looked really strong too.'' Tiona says with a slight frown.

''No, I believe that fighting them would only serve to create more problems instead of solving them. So for now, we should all stay away from them until we gather more information about them.'' Tiona lets out a disappointed sigh then leans back on the couch. I then notice Ais sitting in the corner in deep thought. Last night it looked like she recognized Mr. Cranel, I wonder if she's met him before.

''Ais, what is your opinion about the situation.'' I ask, she then looks up at me. It seems that I broke her out of her stupor. She looks down and replies in a calm voice.

''I also think that they are very strong and that we shouldn't pick a fight with them.'' I nod in agreement. Ais doesn't look to be in a talkative mood, so I shouldn't press any further. I look around the room and notice that the mood has become rather tense. I didn't mean to ruin everyone's morning. I should probably try to lighten up the mood.

''Anyway, we shouldn't think too hard about it. Let's focus on resting for now, we did just come back from an expedition.'' I then hear a knock on the door. Raul then walks into the room. I had sent Raul to try and gather some information on the newcomers but I didn't expect him to come back so soon.

''Yes Raul, what is it. Have you found something.''

''Sorry captain but I haven't found much about the people from last night.'' He said with an embarrassed look, whilst scratching the back of his head.

''That's fine. Just tell me what you have found out so far.'' He nods and then begins to read from his notes.

''There isn't much information about them but they seem to be new to Orario and only arrived a few days ago. Whilst I was gathering information about them, it seemed that someone was trying to limit the information that I got.'' I raise an eyebrow. Someone was trying to stop Raul? Why would they not want us to know about them?

''Stop ya? Do ya know who?'' Loki asked with a surprised expression.

''No. But they seem to be quite influential, so I couldn't gather much.'' I nod in understanding and then tell Raul to continue. Everyone in the room is now completely fixated on Raul.

''They recently registered themselves to the guild as adventurers this morning and they also registered their famillia as well. Their famillia was only formed a few days ago and there are currently only 7 members registered to it. The members include, a blue haired man called Ban, a woman with pigtails called Diane, a magenta haired man named Gowther, a brown haired man named King, a ginger haired man named Escanor, their black haired vice-captain named Merlin and their captain Bell Cranel.'' Their descriptions match the people we met last night, at least now we know their names. There was a moment of silence, everyone seemed to be in deep thought.

''…And..their levels.'' Riveria asks hesitantly. Everyone eagerly listens to Raul and we all lean forward. Raul begins to sweat, then he quickly looks at his notes. After a moment of silence, he finally speaks.

''They're all….'' The tension has now reached its peak and everyone in the room is waiting patiently for Raul to finish. Raul then sighs, probably noticing how nervous everyone was, and then speaks reluctantly.

''…L-level one.'' Tiona had leaned in so much that she fell on her face as soon as Raul finished. She probably was expecting a much higher number, like the rest of us. Everyone remained silent, with surprised expressions on their faces. Bete then broke the silence.

''Level o-one….'' Bete said, with his eyebrow twitching. ''We've been arguing for the entire morning because of some level ones…'' Everyone in the room is silent, probably not believing that the people we encountered were all level one. Maybe they really were just fools trying to pick a fight with the Loki famillia.

''Raul, are you sure that that's true.'' Tione asked with a look of disbelief on her face, whilst picking herself up from the floor. Raul nodded.

''Yes. I even checked twice to see if it was correct but it was confirmed by the guild'' I lean back on my chair and place my hand on my chin. If what Raul is saying is true, then why was my thumb hurting so much. And how did they all move so fast, I definitely didn't imagine it. Something is clearly not adding up here. Gareth then bursts out laughing.

''BHAHAHA, I guess you all got scared for no reason. HAHAHAHA'' Bete then gave Gareth an angry and annoyed look but didn't say anything.

''Well then, I guess there is no longer any need to worry.'' Riveria said calmly but I could tell that she was far from calm. I lightly nod in agreement. Right now, we have no evidence suggesting that the guild is hiding something. So for now, it's better if we stay quite until we do.

''What a waste of time.'' Tione said in an annoyed voice. I nod in agreement. Then Tiona speaks up, she leans back on her chair.

''Hey, what famillia did you say they were in again.'' Raul immediately flushed in embarrassment and then quickly flicked through his notes.

''O-oh, I forgot to mention that, umm. Ah! Here it is! They are part of the Hestia Famillia.'' Loki then suddenly stands up.

''WAIT! SHRIMPYS GOT A FAMILLIA NOW!''

Abandoned Church, Orario.

Bells POV

A few hours before the Loki famillia meeting.

We came back late at night after our encounter with the Loki famillia. So, everyone is still sleeping, they must have all been really drunk and tired by the time we got back. The church is now much cleaner and warmer, since all of the holes are all patched up, so I had a good night's sleep. Me and Goddess Hestia are the only ones awake. So, I took advantage of how quiet and peaceful it was and asked Hestia if I could have a status update, so we went down to the basement and sat down on the couch. Diane is knocked out on the bed and Merlin went out to do some research. I tend not to ask about what kind of research she's conducting because I know I will never get an answer from her. Hestia had come back before us from her night out with Lord Takemikazuchi and Lord Miach. She said that she had a lot of fun catching up with them and that they talked about all sorts of things.

''I made sure to spend a lot last night, since my boss gave me a raise!'' She said with a wide smile. I smile back at her and speak to her in a calm voice.

''I'm glad you had fun.'' She nods in agreement and begins to tell me about everything that happened last night. I lightly laugh at some of her over exaggerated stories. I also tell her about our encounter with the Loki famillia and Ais, she seems to know their goddess well. Apparently, they knew each other in heaven and had always hated each other. Goddess Loki even joked about her never being able to find a famillia. Hestia seemed concerned by our meeting but I calmed her down and told her that there is nothing to worry about. I then suggested we update my status before everyone wakes up. I take off my shirt and place it on the couch. I turn to Hestia, who is staring at me with a strange glint in her eyes. I raise my eyebrow and cross my arms.

''Goddess Hestia.'' She then snaps out of her stupor and clears her throat.

''Ahem. Well, what are you waiting for? Lay down on the couch.'' Her face is slightly red and she turns away. I then nod lightly and lay on my stomach on the couch. Hestia then straddles me and begins to update my status. I wait patiently as she updates it. I then feel her hand stop moving. I turn to the side and observe Hestia's surprised expression, I frown.

''What's wrong Goddess.'' Hestia then snaps out of her stupor and then looks at me.

''…You have… a new skill….'' My frown deepens. A new skill? How could I gain a new skill by just going down to the 5th floor? She then finishes updating my status and puts it on a piece of parchment. Hestia aggressively pushes herself off of me and hands me the parchment with my skills. I pick up the piece of parchment and scan it. My stats haven't changed at all, not even by one point but I've earned a new skill. And why is Hestia so angry all of a sudden.

''Liaris Freese or fast growth. The greater your feelings for something is, the faster you grow. I guess that Wallenwhatsit triggered it.'' Hestia said through gritted teeth and crossed her arms. Her eyebrows were furrowed and she was beginning to turn red with anger. Is she angry about Ais? I give her a confused look, then she looks away. I decide to let her sulk for a bit, whilst I examine my stats. I haven't gotten a new skill in a while. So, why was this skill triggered when I met Ais? Should I be happy or concerned by this. Skills are very hard to get and I already have a few. So, me gaining a new skill when I only went down to the 5th floor is worrying. But unfortunately there's nothing that I can do about it now. I decide to let it go and throw the piece of parchment into the fire. It doesn't look like its anything bad, so I should leave it for now. But I should probably tell Merlin about this after, she may be able to find out something new but I highly doubt it. I walk over to the couch and grab my shirt and put it back on. I look at Hestia, who is still sat on the couch and in deep thought. She looks more sad than angry now. I sigh and then crouch down in front of her.

''Don't worry Goddess. Whatever this skill is, it won't change anything. So, there's no need to worry.'' She looks at me hesitantly and gives me a worried look. I smile at her and speak softly. ''Do you trust me, Goddess?'' She looks at me with a surprised expression, then after a moment, she smiles brightly.

''Of course I do! You are the captain of my famillia.'' I nod and smile at her. Giving her a look of reassurance. I then stand up. I begin to strap my sword onto my back. I then pick up my dagger and stare at it. I frown. The quality is terrible, I've used it so much that it's become blunt already. I need to get a new one soon.

''What's wrong Bell.'' Hestia tilts her head. I turn to her and hold up my knife.

''My dagger is blunt and will break soon. I need to replace.'' Hestia stares at the dagger. I stare into her eyes. She is in deep thought and is very concentrated on the dagger. Suddenly, I see a glint in her eyes, like she just had a revelation. She then stands up and grabs a small box from the corner of the room and takes out a letter, with the Ganesha Famillia symbol on it. I raise my eyebrow. What is she planning?

''Bell, I'm going to attend Ganesha's Banquet of the Gods this year, so I have to get going. I'll be gone for the next few days, so tell everyone that I said bye. If I go now, I can ask my boss for the next few days off! '' She then grabbed her fanciest dress and ran out in a hurry, after saying a quick goodbye. I tilt my head in confusion and stare at the exit. I know it's just a party but I have a bad feeling about this. Diane, who was sleeping soundly all this time, calls out in a groggy voice and lets out a yawn.

''Why did Hestia leave in such a hurry? Ow, my head'' King, Ban, Escanor and Gowther also came down and asked the same question. Wondering why Hestia had ran out of the church, so early in the morning.

''The Goddess has just gone out to attend a party. Anyways, since everyone's awake, get dressed we're leaving.'' Bans eyes immediately light up and he begins to smile widely. Almost like a child.

''Cap'n, are we going where I think we're going.'' I grin.

''That's right Ban. We're heading to the dungeon today.''

AN: Sorry that this chapter was short, I didn't have much time to work on it this week. But I hope you still enjoyed it! I'll try to keep updating regularly but I have a lot of assignments due, so I'm going to focus on that. I'm going on break soon, so I will be able to focus on writing more chapters then. Oh yea, happy December everyone, it's so weird to think that it's going to be Christmas soon and it's even more weirder that it's going to be 2022 in a few weeks! Anyway, I hope you all have a good day and I'll see you in the next chapter. Byeeee