For Ais x Bell fans, the editor of the series has screwed with us enough. Enough bait and switch of other girls for Ais. Enough empty promises to keep waiting on Ais' return. They are just milking the series for shipping revenues. DO NOT BUY ANY DANMACHI MERCHANDISE UNTIL AIS RETURNS TO THE MAIN SERIES! No More Bait and Switch!

Replacements

- At the Folkvangr -

At the beginning of the 3rd week, Bell continued to practice against Ottar and Filvis. With everyday of training, he gets closer and closer to having an even fight. As Freya watched, she actually thought that Bell would catch up after a level up. The problem is that the level up would probably require a trip to the dungeon, but she really would prefer that he leveled up before going into the dungeon...

Finn and Gareth would continue to train against an available level 7 fighter who is not sparring with Bell. They are also benefiting from the experience, especially against Filvis who had skills that other sparring partners did not.

Haruhime's boosting was used to give everyone the chance to fight against a level 8 opponent. Also Haruhime's boosting endurance continues to improve. With consistent practice over the last few weeks, Haruhime could also boost 5 people for up to 12 minutes twice with at least half an hour of rest in between. The biggest news of all was that Haruhime is now qualified for level 2. They would wait until the trip before completing the leveling, giving her an opportunity to get the stats a bit higher.

The last practice of the day had all 5 combatants boosted. So it was Bell at level 6 and Ottar at level 8 against Filvis at 'level 8', Finn at level 7 and Gareth at level 7. The Loki members had the clear advantage, but Finn actually commented that it could be an even fight after Bell leveled.

After the Loki members left for home, Bell's status showed steady improvement.

level 5

strength: 1048

endurance: 1159

agility: 1167

dexterity: 998

magic: 1151

skill: argonaut, ox slayer, love

magic: firebolt

development ability: luck, abnormal resistance, escape, magic resistance

- At the Twilight Manor -

Gareth, Finn, Lefiya and Filvis ran into Ryuu at the gate. Ryuu was basically falling apart in tears.

Finn "What happened Ryuu"

Ryuu in tears "Finn-san, I just lost all my powers. I fear for the worst"

They quickly took Ryuu to see Loki, who happened to be in her chambers. Soon Riveria joined them.

After learning that Ryuu lost her powers, Loki "When did this happened?"

Ryuu "It just happened. I immediately came here to talk to you afterward realizing that"

Loki "So did you see Astraea"

Ryuu "Yes, we found her in a distant village. We left the village about a week ago"

Loki "Ryuu, I am sorry to tell you that Astraea has returned to heaven"

Ryuu continued to have tears stream down "Is there any other explanation?"

Loki "No, was she in any danger or is there any explanation why this happened?"

Ryuu "No danger that I was aware of. She did tell me to join another familia repeatedly"

Loki "I see. May be learning of what happened was too much for her. So she basically pushed you to move forward, is that right?"

Ryuu "Yes"

Loki "Well, perhaps you do need to move forward. Would you like to join my familia?"

Ryuu "That would be an honor, but my background is bad and you may be aware of the bounty of 80 million valis on my head?"

Loki "80 million is an awful lot, but let me take care of that. Just tell me if you would want to join. I am sure Freya would also be happy to accept you, and she should also be able to take care of your bounty issue."

Ryuu "I would prefer to join the Loki familia."

Curious Loki "Good. I would like to ask why you prefer us versus Freya or Ganesha or Hermes."

Ryuu "First, you are leading the charge against the creatures. Second, I think I would fit in here better because I believe I got to know a lot of your members over the years"

Puzzled Loki "But I can tell there is something else important"

Stunned Ryuu suddenly remember that she cannot hide things from a god "Well, there is something else but it is too embarrassing to mention."

Very curious Loki "Well you should not keep secrets from your familia"

Tomato red Ryuu looking down "There is something I would like to avoid over at the Freya familia"

Detective Loki "Now we are getting somewhere. But you need to tell the whole story. So what is the situation you want to avoid?"

Super embarrassed Ryuu "Well there is a situation with 2 people at the Folkvangr that I want to avoid"

Interrogator Loki "Good, but who are those people?"

Ready-to-faint Ryuu looking down "Bell Cranel and Ais Wallenstein", making Lefiya gasp and the senior executives have knowing looks and smiles.

Executioner Loki "And why do you not want to see the rabbit and Ais? Have they offended or threatened you?"

Defeated Ryuu "It is because I am in love with Bell and I do not want to see them as a couple every day", making Lefiya's fist tightened as noticed by Filvis.

Satisfied Loki "I see. Well that is a good explanation. I have cried many times and nights over this myself. Well I can respect that and it is a good reason. Dont worry, your secret crush is safe with us."

Loki continued "Well Ryuu, I will give you my falna now", as the other members left to give them some privacy.

As Loki gave Ryuu her falna, she thought about some groping with Ryuu's slender body, ample curves and smooth skin. However she decided to respect Ryuu's situation with Astraea for now. She will give an unsuspecting Ryuu a proper initiation into the familia later. The familia bath would be a good location...

As everyone else waited outside, Filvis saw Lefiya was fuming mad.

Filvis "What is wrong Lefiya?"

Fuming Lefiya "Everyone is in love with that rabbit"

Filvis smirked "Do you finally admit your feelings?"

Tomato red Lefiya "I only hate that rabbit! I have no other feelings towards him!", earning knowing smiles from Finn, Gareth, Riveria and Filvis.

Fortunately for Lefiya, Loki screamed "Wow a level 5! ... Alright, you can come back in now. I am done with her"

After everyone reentered the room, Ryuu had more information "Lady Astraea confirmed our theory. All connections between Lady Astraea and her former members were terminated 5 years ago on the day of the massacre. So my former colleagues died and their souls were released. So they do not have power from Astraea. Of course, as you stated, Astraea died today."

Ryuu continued "Also Lady Astraea keeps her falna in a convertible state so another god could have given those members a falna."

Finn "Well the question now is did anyone else give them a falna. If they have no one else other than Thanatos or Dionysus, then we may be in luck"

Riveria "That appears to be a risk we are going to have to take"

Loki "We now have a lot to do. Riveria, you and I have to talk to Ganesha to take care of Ryuu's situation. Finn and Gareth, take Ryuu, Lefiya and Filvis with you to Folkvangr. Update them on what Ryuu said and do some planning for the mission. Ryuu, sorry, but you need to be in this meeting."

Ryuu "I understand. I will not allow my personal feelings from getting in the way of the familia's good", earning a thumbs up from a winking Loki going for the cute look.

- At Ganesha Home -

Loki and Riveria went to talk to Ganesha. After bonking Ganesha on the head for too many "I am Ganesha"' declarations, Loki got Ganesha's support for Ryuu's reinstatement. They would go to the guild the next day to talk to Ouranos.

- At the Folkvangr -

Finn, Gareth, Filvis, Lefiya and Ryuu met with Freya, Ottar, Bell and Ais. Finn explained what happened with Astraea, and Freya agreed that the mission needs to start soon. Tentatively, they would head into the dungeon in 3 days. Freya then told them about Haruhime's level up, and that their success may hinge on her super-secret boosting ability.

Finn also got Freya to agree to go with them to see Ouranos the next day. Ryuu was extremely appreciative of Freya's support. As Ais showed everyone her new room, Freya eyed Ryuu to stay behind with her.

Freya "Ryuu, do not be concerned, but may I ask why you did not want to join my familia?"

Ryuu "Lady Freya, please do not take offense, but I just know Loki's members better"

Freya smiled "But there is something you are not telling me"

Embarrassed Ryuu "Yes, there is a small personal matter."

Smiling Freya "You can tell me. I am good with secrets"

Unable to looking Freya in the eye, tomato red Ryuu "There are 2 people I am trying to avoid"

Smiling Freya "Really, I did not think anyone in my familia would have offended you. Did something happen on the trip?"

Forced into a corner, defeated Ryuu confessed for the 2nd time in the same day "No. I am in love with Bell Cranel and it hurts to see him with Ais everyday"

Victorious Freya "I thought so. Well your secret is safe with me. I hope you would not mind if I ask for a favor from you some time?"

Ryuu bowed "Lady Freya, I would be honor to assist you if I can" ...

- At the Hostess -

That night at the hostess. Bell, Ais, Freya, Lili, Haruhime and Welf went for dinner, though Bell and Ais were helping out in their maid uniforms before and after dinner. Loki was also there with her members, and Lefiya, Filvis, Tiona and Tione also continued to help.

Seeing that the regular crew is back, Mia gather the new crew and the old crew to have a talk. She also asked Freya and Loki to join in.

Mia "I want to thank everyone for your help. I dont know what I would have without your help. I would like to offer all of you a free celebration dinner every month.", which led to a lot of cheers.

Mia "There is also a little favor I would like to ask. Due to the celebrity of your group, business has been wonderfully great. I am worried that business would collapse when you go back to adventuring..."

Bell "Oh, we are not great, but I would be happy to help once in a while."

Ais "Me too!"

Tiona, Tione, Lefiya, Filvis "You can count on us also"

Freya "Well, we could slowly reduce their presence over time. Lili, would you be willing to help using your special power?"

Lili "Lili will be happy to help.", quickly changing into Bell and then soon into Ais.

As Ais, Lili then gave Loki a little kiss on the cheek, making Loki go into orbit with happiness.

As they attended to Loki, Mia "Well thank you for your support of the Hostess"

Happy Loki "Well it is our favorite restaurant and we want you to live and prosper!"

After the chat, everyone carried away their drunks, and went to bed early with the mission coming really soon.

- The Next Day -

Loki, Freya and Finn went to see Ouranos. When the guards put up some resistance, Freya smiled at them.

Ouranos "Well, what is happening, Freya and Loki?"

Loki "Are you aware there could be many more creatures?"

Ouranos "I had the concern but looks like you are confirming it"

Loki "It appears that many former members of the Astraea familia were turned into creatures. We do not know how powerful they are. We will be deep into the dungeon to try to destroy the floors that they are using to incubate jewel fetus"

Ouranos "That is good"

Loki "We need your help. The Gale is a former member of the Astraea familia and we need her help in dealing with the creatures. I have given her my falna. Could you assist at the guild with her record?"

Ouranos "Consider it done. The Xenos would like to help in these matters. Fels will coordinate with your group. I believe Asterius may be interested in a rematch with Bell"

Freya "That would be great. I think Bell needs a great battle to level up. Could you arrange for something soon on the 5th floor?"

Ouranos "Fel will be in touch with you soon"