Another three months went by, and Bell was now halfway down with his year. He himself had already grown even stronger than before. He spent this time practicing with his fire magic, and he now has the same level of control of it as his lightning magic. In this time, the remnants of Evilus had not made any signs of movement which was worrying Ouranos. Bell didn't have any major missions, so he would go fetch materials for Fels every now and then. The Xenos also grew in strength to around half the level they were currently at.
Back on the surface, everything was business as usual. Adventurers did their jobs in the dungeon and nothing really changed. With Bell's friends, they had been able to readjust their lives without the boy. Though, those closest to him will always hold on to the belief that he was still alive. Mostly just Ais and Alfia as the girl was as stubborn as they came. Speaking of Ais, the Loki Familia would have some news coming to them soon. That being in the form of their captain. The short prum was walking back to his home after having a discussion in the guild.
Finn: (Another expedition?! Only a month to prepare too. This is too weird!)
He shook his head as he approached the gates to his home. The guards saw him and immediately opened the gates. Finn thanked them before finding all the people he was looking for. He only needed around 10 minutes before everyone necessary was his office with him, those being: Loki, Gareth, Riveria, Ais and Raul.
Loki: Aigth, we're here. So, what's on your mind?
Finn: We've received direct orders from Royman. Our familia is to make a trip down to floor 62, and we have a month to prepare.
Everyone was shocked to hear that they needed to go on an expedition out of the blue.
Riveria: What?! They can't just spring this on us!
Raul: I agree, this doesn't seem right!
Finn: It came from the head of the guild himself, so we don't have any room for arguments. I will announce this to everyone during dinner tonight.
Everyone nodded at this.
Gareth: Hey, it's not so bad, the three of us could use a good boost before we get to level 7.
Loki: He's got a point. You three are pretty much the main muscle of our Familia.
Riveria: We still have people like Ais and Raul. Both are capable adventurers with much room to grow.
Raul: That's very flattering.
Finn: Don't sell yourself short, I'm having you succeed me for a reason.
Raul: I'm still not sure what you see in me, captain.
Finn: Come now, you're a second class and you act as support for us when we travel to the deep floors. Not many can be as flexible as you.
Gareth: He's not wrong lad. Our Familia is in good hand when we retire.
Riveria: Don't even think about it. We have plenty of work to do, so don't go around planning your retirement so soon.
Gareth: Ha! You wish!
The dwarf soon stood up while Finn and Riveria smiled knowing what he was going to do.
Gareth: Alright, bring it in everyone.
One by one, each of them placed their fist in a circle as their further rallied their spirits. They concluded the meeting and prepared to go their separate ways until this evening.
Finn: Loki, we should go see Lady Hephaestus and see if she can lend us some help.
Loki: Sure!
Riveria was thinking about what to do until she felt Ais pulling her robe.
Riveria: Yes?
Ais: Let's go visit Lady Astraea.
Riveria: You want to ask Alise for more training?
The girl lowered her gaze a bit before looking back.
Ais: Well yeah, but I want to see if they want to come join us.
Riveria: Hmm.
Ais would ask to go to Stardust Garden frequently. As a result, she grew closer with everyone there. The elf pondered the girl's request.
Riveria: (We shouldn't ask for so many of them. There are only seven of them left since the incident. Not just that, but they are the main police force in the city so at most we should only take two with us.)
After more thought, she turned back to Ais with a small smile.
Riveria: Sure, we can go there. I have something to talk about with Astraea anyway, so you can train with the others there.
Ais had a small smile on her face and she quickly brought the elf into a hug.
Ais: Thanks, Riveria.
Riveria: Don't mention it, Ais. Let's be off.
Ais: Right!
As the final two in the room, they closed the door and made their way to the Astraea residence. Riveria and Ais arrived at the main gates where they saw Hera near it.
Riveria: Lady Hera?
Hera: Riveria and Ais? The usual I presume?
Riveria: For Ais, yes. I have some business with Lady Astraea.
Hera: Ok, come on then.
The two thanked her as they went inside. There they saw everyone getting ready for training and patrol.
Alise: Alright, Kaguya, Neze and Lyra are on duty this time.
Kaguya: Understood.
Neze: We should go then.
They were about to leave when they heard Hera announce visitors.
Hera: Hey!! We have company!!
Everyone in the room turned and saw two familiar faces.
Alise: Ais!!
The redhead ran to hug the little girl who quickly returned it.
Riveria: Pardon the intrusion.
Ryuu: It's no bother, Lady Riveria.
Kaguya: It's a pleasure as always. Unfortunately, the three of us have to be off now.
Riveria: I see, be safe out there.
Lyra: You know we will.
Neze: We'll be back everyone!
The three left and Alise got to business.
Alise: So, shall we get started?
Ais nodded and everyone went to the training grounds in the back. Alise and Ais had their fight while Ryuu, Iska and Ardi had their own free for all. The sound of battle took over the house as Riveris went back inside to see Zeus, Hera and Astraea eating.
Astraea: So, Hers tells me you wanted to speak with me?
Riveria: I do. As of recently, my familia has been ordered on another expedition in the dungeon. I was wondering if any of your children wanted to join us.
The brown haired goddess thought to herself on her proposition.
Astraea: I wouldn't mind, but my familia is already spread thin.
Riveria: I understand that, which is why I will agree to a maximum of two.
Astraea: If that's the case, I will see if anyone is interested.
Riveria: You have my thanks.
The elf was glad this worked out, but she let a thoughtful look slip which they caught on to.
Hera: Are you sure there isn't more to this?
Riveria: What?
Zeus: You seem to have much on your mind.
Hera: Is it really about the expedition?
Riveria: *Sigh* It is. Actually we got news of it from Finn earlier today. Something like this was sprung on us out of nowhere. We only have a month to prepare.
Astraea: That is unusual.
Zeus: Perhaps there was a disturbance in the lower levels that the guild wishes you to investigate?
Riveria: Maybe.
They had a moment of silence before Hera broke it.
Hera: There's no point in dwelling on it. You may as well make the most of out this month.
Riveria: Yeah, that sounds like the best course of action. Thank you for your time, everyone.
Astraea: It's fine, you bringing Ais here has done wonders for everyone.
Riveria: I like to think it's done a lot for her as well..In Another Place...A fat elf could been seen sitting in front of a table across from another robed figure. This location was remote enough that no one would be able to find it easily. The two looked to be having a meeting of sorts.
???: Royman, I hope that you've set the Loki Familia in motion.
Royman: I'm asking you to be patient. It's been more difficult to keep this relation under wraps.
Evilus Grunt: I'm not here for your excuses. I'm here on behalf of Lord Thanatos to learn of the progress our plan has gone through.
Royman: It would have been far easier if those monsters from the Zeus Familiar hadn't shown up. Ever since they arrived, the Loki Familia has grown tremendously is strength.
Evilus Grunt: Which is why we now need to deal with them. Evilus itself is in no condition to do this, but we can hopefully lead them to their doom in the deep floors.
Royman: This isn't likely to work. I tried to do as was asked, but I still needed to sound at least a little reasonable. Floor 62 is as far as I can manage with them.
Evilus Grunt: It should be more than enough. They have no idea what's down there.
Royman: We just have to pray this works
Evilus Grunt: With the Astraea Familia greatly crippled, Orario will be in prime condition for us if this succeeds.
Royman: That is the current status of the Loki Familia. I will bring you the updates in time, likely a month.
Evilus Grunt: Good, I will be off then.
And they left with the robed figure informed his god about what he learned.
Thanatos: Interesting. So they're taking the bait after all.
Evilus Grunt: Everything is going according to plan.
Thanatos: At the very least, we were able to flood the 61st and 62nd floor with our monsters. They should be able to deal with them along with the natural monsters on that floor.
Evilus Grunt: Pardon my thought, but would it not be better to launch a pincer attack there?
Thanatos: No, there's a chance that those monsters from Zeus and Hers could appear. Nothing on that floor would be able to beat them along with the force of the Loki Familia. It's best that we make this look like an accident, then once they're weakened, we can strike them down once and for all.
Evilus Grunt: Understood.
The grunt left as Thanatos waited for his plan to unfold. .With Ouranos...The old god sat on his throne and saw Bell walk in the room.
Bell: You wanted to see me?
Ouranos: Yes, I have a new mission for you.
Bell: New mission?
This left the boy concerned since it's been some time since the god had a mission for him.
Ouranos: There is something on my mind and I would like you to check it out for me.
Bell: Okay, but what is it?
Ouranos: Recently, the one who heads the guild in my stead has ordered the Loki Familia on an expedition without my knowing. I want you to join them in case something bad happens. I updated your status yesterday and from the looks of it you should be able to handle the same amount as most level 5s.
Bell: Right. Wait, what about my voice? Ais and the others might catch me if I talk.
Ouranos: Worry not, I've had Fels craft something for that occasion.
The god took an orb and called him in. Fels then came out of his workshop.
Fels: Perfect timing, I've finished making what you asked.
The robed figure brought out the boy's armor and a new mask for him.
Fels: The repairs to your armor have finished and I made you this new mask.
Bell took the black mask and looked at it. The design seemed simple and it also fit his face well.
Bell: What makes it different from my old one?
Fels: I've made it so it changes your voice.
Bell tested it by speaking with it on. When he did, his voice sounded much deeper than usual.
Fels: Now, you should be able to be played off as a prum.
Bell took the mask off and smiled at him.
Bell: Thank you, this is just what I needed!
Ouranos: The expedition will be in a month, do what you need to prepare.
Bell: I will!
Bell left along with Fels for the Xenos village. With his friends' safety in play, Bell needed to be at his best for this.
A few days later, Loki entered the chamber of Ouranos along with her captain to inform him of their final lineup.
Loki: That should be everyone from my Familia. Then there's Tsubaki and some more smiths from Hephaestus. Astraea was able to lend me two of her kids, her captain and one of her executives.
Ouranos didn't like that idea all too much.
Ouranos: Why did she put her captain in your ranks? Surely she is aware of what she is sacrificing.
Loki: She is, and trust me I wasn't entirely on board either. In the end, it wasn't our choice but hers. The child wanted to come along and use this to grow stronger. Astraea said she was one feat away from level 5 and becoming a genuine first class adventurer.
Ouranos: I see. That makes sense.
Loki: Besides, she's still got five other members along with Zeus and Hera's kids so the city is in good hands.
The brought the old god some relief. He could only hope that everyone would grow from this.
Finn: That should account for everyone. We have three weeks left to prepare before we go down.
Ouranos: Good, but I must warn you of something beforehand. Make sure only the top members of your Familia know this because I don't want anyone to become suspicious.
This made the two gain a sharp look.
Loki: That means you knew about it too.
Ouranos: Yes, this wasn't a request of mine. This could all very well be a trap.
Finn: Still, it makes no sense. Evilus is gone, so what could this be?
Ouranos: Whatever it is, my head has something to do with it so I'm having someone keep an eye on him.
Loki: You don't think there are some remnants of Evilus out there, right?
Finn: My thumb has been hurting wherever I thought about this. The ones we eliminated were indeed executives, but we never saw the true leader of the group. He could still be out there plotting against us.
Loki: Then you better be on guard down there.
Finn: Right.
Ouranos: That would be the best course of action. As such, I will also be lending you someone during your dive.
This caused the two to look at Ouranos in confusion. Loki had never even heard of him having members aside from the guild employees.
Loki: What do you mean?
Ouranos: I mean someone from my Familia. He will join you during your expedition and I assure you that he will be of great help.
Finn: We meant no offense to you, we just weren't aware you hand Familia members.
Ouranos: It's fine, I just wished to inform you of this ahead of time.
Loki: Well, if it's an extra hand from you I won't turn it down. Thanks for the extra help.
Ouranos: You're welcome. I believe our business is here is done now. Be safe Braver.
Finn: We will do our best, Lord Ouranos.
With that, the two left and spread the information to Gareth and Riveria. It came as a shock to them as well when they heard Ouranos was lending them help.
Gareth: I wonder what this person has in store for us?
Riveria: Coming from Lord Ouranos himself, we can trust that this person can handle themselves. Now, onto more important matters.
Gareth: Right, he mentioned this being some kinda trap.
Finn: It was just a hunch, but seeing as my thumb agreed with him, I believe it's much more than that. Regardless, we must use this opportunity to strengthen ourselves. We're still a long way from surpassing Zeus and Hera.
Riveria: If not for that, then we should aim to be above Freya.
Loki: I'm all for that! I won't let that nympho get ahead of me!
Finn: Then we're all in agreement. Also, we mustn't let this leak out.
Gareth: I got it, lips are sealed.
Riveria: Good, then we're done here. We still have many preparations to make so let's get back to work.
Everyone in that room left to resume their preparations...
With the Astraea Familia...Alise could be seen being clobbered by Alfia once more. The silver haired woman had begun to show pity for the redhead. At first, she blamed Alise for Bell's death, the time they spent training show that the girl was suffering just as much, or even more than she was. Alise was the one who was there. As the leader of that group, held the most guilt of not only losing Bell, but her entire Familia. Alfia remembered the fire in her eyes when Astraea asked who wanted to join the Loki Familia..Flashback...Astraea: And that's what Riveria said to me. So, who wants to join them? I'll allow two of you to go.
The girls looked at each other to see who wanted to join. All of them were surprised when their captain raised her hand.
Alise: I'll go.
Lyra: You? Is that really a good idea?
Astraea: She has a point. You are the captain and leaving the others without you might not be the best idea.
They tried to dissuade her, but she made up her mind.
Alise: Please... let me go with them.
Neze: Captain?
Alise: Everything that's happened, our sisters, Bell, it was my fault. I should've been stronger for them.
She began to tear up as her Familia listened to her berate herself.
Alise: If I go down there with them, there's a chance i could rise to level 5.
Ardi: Alise, I get you want to grow stronger, but you shouldn't place all the blame on yourself.
Iska: She's right, it wasn't your fault.
Alise: Yes it was!! It was my weakness! It was my incompetence as a captain that killed them!! I have to make up for it somehow!!
Astraea watched on with tears as her child carried this blame.
Astraea: Alise... (You've still carried this guilt? All this time since it happened?)
Ryuu: If that's the case, then I will go as well.
Everyone turned to face the elf in shock.
Ardi: Really now, you too?!
Ryuu: You said it yourself, Lady Astraea. I'm not far off from level 5 as well, so I should take this chance as well.
Kaguya: As much as I'd like to have someone accompany our idiot captain, this clumsy elf would have been my last choice.
Ryuu: You take that back!!
Kaguya: I think not.
Hera and Zeus were watching from the dining room. Hera gained an amused look in her eyes and approached Kaguya.
Kaguya: Lady Hera?
The goddess whispered something in the woman's ear. When she finished, Kaguya soon gained a smile in her face before turning back to Ryuu.
Kaguya: On second thought, you should join Alise.
This confused the elf as she wondered why her friend did a complete 180.
Ryuu: What?
Neze: Why the sudden change?
Kaguya: I'll tell you about it later, fufufu...
She laughed to herself as Ryuu felt slightly uncomfortable at what Hera said to her.
Astraea: If that's that, then I'll approve of you two joining them.
Alise and Ryuu: Thank you, Goddess!!.End of Flashback...Alfia was brought back to reality when she heard two loud thumps. One from hitting Alise on the head and the other from her falling onto the ground, unconscious.
Alfia: I guess that's it for today.
She carried her like a sack of potatoes and threw her onto her bed. Then, before they knew it, the three weeks came and went, and the expedition was now upon them.
AN: And cut. Will Bell be able to protect his friends without them knowing he is alive, or will them fall to the trap Thanatos had laid out for them? You'll have to see next time.
Yeah, I thought I had this part uploaded, but for some reason it wasn't. I ended up being logged on to my account on the website, so I couldn't see that this part wasn't uploaded for everyone else to see, my bad. The last few days have been spentgetting the first parts of the new story set in place.
Thanks for reading this chapter. I hope you enjoyed. Feel free to leave a star and a comment and I'll see you in the next one.