Waking up, Silver and Meteria went to meet up and give the news of their level ups. They may not have been too surprised, but they were very much happy for the other as it was a major step forward for the both of them.
Silver: Looks like we got the same ability.
Meteria: Yeah, but look at yours. Two new skills and they look powerful.
Silver: Dad told me about them last night. Today would probably be the best time to get used to this. Master warned me that it would be awkward to control our bodies after leveling up.
Meteria: Hehe. I almost ripped my sheets and blanket when I woke up.
He looks at her bed and saw that there were some tears in the fabrics.
Silver: Well, hopefully we get good nicknames at the Denatus this week.
Meteria: Me too. Maybe-
Slam*
The door opened and Alfia came into the room.
Alfia: Meteria, I almost forgot to tell you that-
She stopped when she saw the boy in there as well. She felt her anger rise as she got ready to blast him out the window.
Silver: [Uh-oh.]
Jupiter: [Remember, we have a secret technique for situations like this! The one your Dad taught you all those years ago!]
Silver: [You're right!] U-Uh, I'll see you later, Meteria!
He jumped out the window and ran before either of the girls could say anything. Alfia grumbled in anger while Meteria sighed in disappointment.
Meteria: Aw, why'd you do that again?
Alfia: You know that scum isn't allowed here. All those Zeus trash are the same.
Meteria: He's not as bad as you think he is. Why do you have to be so mean to him?
Alfia: I don't have to keep telling you why. I'm only here to tell you that Hera wants you and me with June to help adjust to our level ups.
Meteria: Oh yeah, how bad is it, usually?
Alfia: It can be awkward. You just need time and practice. Just get yourself ready.
Meteria: Okay.
With Silver...
He was running to safety which would be anyone she was not. That turned out to be the bakery his friend talked about a lot. Since he didn't eat yet, he figured he'd go in and have something. Inside, he saw Brioche and Whitney inside, sharing food. They turned to him when they heard the bell ring from the door opening.
Brioche: Silver?
Silver: *Panting slightly* He-Hey...
Whitney: You look like you ran a lap around the city.
Silver: I might have had to if I wanted to stay alive.
Brioche: Alfia?
Silver: *Nods* Alfia.
Brioche: Figures. Well, I'm glad to see you here for breakfast, but I regret to inform you that we'll be taking today off. Nory spoke with me earlier and said something came up, so she wouldn't be here. I told Cester about it and we thought a day or two to rest would be fine after what happened.
Silver: Is she alright?
Brioche: Yeah, a friend of hers is a little sick, so she's lending them a hand. She'd be busy the whole day and Cester decided to do some reading at the library.
Silver: I guess I'll train at home.
Brioche: Oh yeah, you probably leveled up, didn't you?
Silver: Yeah, me and Meteria.
Whitney: Congratulations!
Brioche: Yeah. Both of you are Level 2 now.
Silver: Thanks, both of you. We'll be working on getting used to our new power.
Brioche: Oh, how is that, by the way?
Silver: It feels really weird. A small price to pay though. I just need some practice.
They all talked some more while Whitney came with some food for everyone. They were also curious about the name Silver would get.
With Meteria...
The girl was in her battle gear that was loaned to her since her old one was worn from her tussle yesterday. Alfia was also there with her, but chose to keep her usual attire. June stood across from them in battle armor that resembled her usual maid attire. She was feeling better after taking the day off to shake off her hangover, with Zald's intervention.
June: I want the both of you to attack me.
Meteria: Um, are you sure we have to use real weapons?
June: You'll gain more excelia with this level of experience. I also have Hilda on standby to heal you.
Hilda was an elf of Hera Familia as well as one of the main healers. She was Level 4, had pale green hair and blue eyes and had a light red robe. Her Familia had full confidence in her abilities. She simple stood off to the side and watched the training session. There was no need for her until someone got too hurt.
June: Now then, you may begin whenever you're ready.
The two girls nodded at each other before going to engage the woman. Since she was a few levels ahead of them, she didn't have much trouble brushing off their attacks. She wanted them to be on the offensive and move around more to get more accustomed to their enhanced strength. June suspected it wouldn't take long for the two to get used to their level ups. She was correct as Alfia had it under control within the hour and Meteria just behind her as usual. The two girls were only sweating a little bit by the time the maid was finished.
June: Good, you two have adjusted quite nicely. Now that that's been taken care of, why don't we get some more serious training in?
The girls looked at each other and then back to her.
Meteria: I'm not against that. I'd like to raise my stats some more before I go to the Dungeon anyway.
Alfia: I may as well join my sister as well. I hardly get to do it much anyway.
June: *Smiling* Alright then. Let's begin right away.
They would continue this for a while. Alfia tried to hit her with her sword and Meteria with her axe, but the maid was much too quick for them at the moment. Now though, she would be fighting back and the girls would be accumulating injuries. Alfia and Meteria tried making use of their magic, but that would only delay the inevitable. After a few hours, June concluded their training while they panted on the ground, exhausted.
June: Yes, very good. You two are growing just as the Lady would like from you. You can go wash yourselves. You'll be ready to return to your Dungeon duties tomorrow.
Meteria: Ow... thank you for you guidance again.
June: You're very welcome.
The two dragged themselves to the bath and got to refreshing themselves after a hard day.
Meteria: I can't wait to go back to the Dungeon!
Alfia was deep in thought about her sister and what had to be done in regards to that boy.
Meanwhile, Silver also had his own troubles. Those being Chiron guiding him with his training. He had the boy attack him empty-handed and it wasn't long before he adapted to his level up as well. Although it took a few bruises too.
Chiron: Good. That should do it.
Silver: I'm gonna feel that in the morning.
Jupiter: [Hey, you put up a better fight this time. I wonder how different the Dungeon is gonna be with your fresh level ups?]
Silver: [I guess we'll see.]
The next day...
Silver and Meteria arrived to the usual meeting place where everyone was waiting for them.
Silver: Hey!
Brioche: Hey, guys!
Nory: Sorry about before. Congratulations on your level ups!
Meteria: Don't worry about it. Are you feeling fine, though?
Nory: Yup, never better!
Cester: The meeting is only a few days away now.
Silver: Yeah, but at this point, my God will choose just about any name for me. I'll just focus on my own growth and hope I can get a better one if this one ends up being bad.
Brioche: So, are we ready?
Just as they were about to leave, a voice stopped them in their tracks.
???: Hold it!
They turned and Silver and Meteria saw the familiar face of Alfia walking towards them.
Meteria: Sister? What are you doing here? This isn't like you to see us off.
Alfia: Because I'm not. I've decided that in order to safeguard you properly, I'll be joining your party.
Meteria: What?!
Silver: (Oh no...)
Jupiter: [OH YEAH!]
Brioche: The Young Prodigy is coming with us?
Nory: She's Level 3, right? *Whispering*
Cester: *Nods*
Alfia: I can hear you. *Annoyed*
Nory: Eep!
Meteria: I'm glad to have you with us, but please try to play nice.
Alfia: I'm simply here to help look after you. No doubt he's a liability to your safety. *Looking to Silver*
Brioche saw the boy was getting annoyed by her and did what he could to change the subject away from him.
Brioche: Alright, let's settle down. Now that she's here with us, we may as well try to get along.
They spent the next several minutes introducing themselves before making their way down the Dungeon.
Timeskip several days...
The next several days were hell for Silver. Now that Alfia was a part of their party, he had to hear her anger filled voice the entire time they were in the Dungeon. Any time he made a mistake or someone got hurt, she turned on him. Meteria did what she could to stop her, but it only worked around half the time. Now, it was time for the Denatus. Zeus and Hera took their seats among the other gods in the room.
Hera: Now that everyone of importance is in attendance, let us begin this Denatus.
Loki: Wait!
She slammed through the doors and panted on her knees, interrupting Hera.
Loki: Thanks for starting without us!
Hera: Us?
Behind Loki, Freya was also walking in, though, there were small signs of fatigue since she also made a hasty journey here knowing who would be in charge again.
Hera: Oh dear, I guess I forgot about you again.
The two angrily growled before finding seats for themselves. Meanwhile, Hera went about going over the normal stuff that they would normally discuss first. Mostly boring things like gossip about other gods or Evilus activity. They aren't much of a threat with Zeus and Hera around, though, they are a thorn in their side that throbs once in a while.
Hera: I understand several of your children have been assaulted by them, but you may take comfort in knowing several of ours have raided more of their bases and detained more of their members.
The gods of the smaller Familias clapped for her since they requested many others to avenge their children from the attacks in the Dungeon.
Hera: Alright, you all have been very patient. As thanks, we can now move on to the fun part.
Filler God A: Finally!
Filler God B: You know what time it is?!
Everyone: THE NAMING CEREMONY!!!
Many gods jumped for joy while the ones actually participating dreaded the coming minutes. They were right, as their children were given nicknames that made them convulsed in pain from how awful they were.
Hera: Set's child, who leveled up, will now be known as "Raging Scorching Sands."
Set: DAMN IT!!!
Hera: Now that the regular bullying of Set is out of the way, let's get to the rest of you. *Looking to the other Gods*
The other Gods: DAMN IT!!!
One by one, the gods were humiliated by each other until Zeus and Hera remained. Since they didn't want to be destroyed in a potential Wargame, they saw fit to support either one of them and hope they win the debate on the name.
Hera: I am not calling my Captain "Busty Empress" after she leveled up!
Zeus: But it's perfect for her!
The gods and mortals alike were going crazy over the news of the recent Zeus and Hera expedition. Both Familias made history both in the Dungeon and as adventurers. The Guild already had their hands full when they posted the announcement of Maxim going to Level 8 and Callisto moving up to Level 9, the highest anyone has ever gone to this point.
Loki: (Grr... I'm sick of this crap! At this point, I'd give anything to knock them off their high horse.)
Freya: (I'll get you one day, you bitch! This will never end between us until I say so!)
Zeus: *Sigh* Fine. Should we just keep her name then?
Hera: I prefer that than anything you have to offer. At least I gave your children worthy names.
Zald's new name became "Gluttony" and Alexander became "The Great" which Hera regretted after seeing Zeus face when she said it. Maxim's name would also remain the same as both of them agreed that it would be in good taste to at least name their champions at the same time. Plus, their children enjoyed their current names anyway.
Hera: Last on your side would be that disgusting boy you call your son.
Zeus: Ha! Well he reached Level 2 same as your daughter.
Hera: Don't lump my sweet little girl with the likes of him! I have half a mind to name him "Little Shit" right now!
Zeus: *Gasps* You wouldn't dare.
Hera: It is tempting, but I'll find a more suitable name for him. How about "Striker?"
Zeus: Really?
He was stunned she wasn't going for something more insulting given how she detests him.
Hera: Would you prefer Packmule? I can think of worse, but I'll let you have it if you give my girls fitting ones as well.
Zeus: A fair deal. My boy will make peace with a name like that. Let's see... how about "Chroma" for the eldest "White Princess" for the youngest?
Hera: Why those?
Zeus: Well, the eldest is always so intense, usually when someone of disinterest to her is involved. The youngest is your favorite, so I thought it was fitting.
The goddess was slightly shocked that he gave it a shot like that. She was expecting something more perverted.
Zeus: (I can save the better names for when they develop more anyway.)
Hera asked for a majority opinion and most agreed to the names listed. Only a few remained from other Familias, but now the ceremony was over when those were done and everyone was on their way out.
Zeus: Are they preparing the hall again?
Hera: Yes, we must celebrate the level ups and the new names for everyone. It's only proper.
Zeus: Fair enough.
Meanwhile, in another place...
The dimly lit room held the two founding gods of the Evilus organization. This group, bent on Orario's destruction, was being thwarted left and right by the Zeus and Hera Familias to the point that the strongest and founding gods, Alecto and Apate, were conversing as to how they would deal with them.
Alecto: I've decided on a plan to deal with those two once and for all.
She was a tall goddess with long black hair and purple eyes. She wore a crown of horns on her head and a robe the same color as her hair that covered much of her body.
Apate: Go on. Those two must be dealt with if we want to make any headway.
Apate was a smaller by just a few inches. Alecto was just over 6 feet while she was shy a few inches. She had red hair and pale white skin. She preferred to keep herself cloaked in the same black robes as the other members, but had some embroidery that differed from the standard attire.
Alecto: Some of our craftsmen have made a breakthrough. Look at this. *Holding a gemstone to her*
Apate: Is that?
Alecto: A special gem that they created that allows a child to lie to a God.
She held the dark blue stone and smiled darkly.
Alecto: With this, we can infiltrate the ranks of Zeus and Hera and poison them from the inside.
Apate: To be safe, it would be wise if we sent a child to each. This is something we can't afford to rush.
Alecto: I know and I have already found myself the perfect child to infiltrate Zeus' Familia.
Apate: *Smirking* I have a few that come to mind. I will inquire more about this later.
Alecto: Until next time.
Both of them: Down with Orario. Embrace chaos.
They left the chamber and went about their business.
With Hera, she and her Familia was finishing the preparations for the joint celebration of their Familias' level ups and new names. Meteria and Alfia were lending hands with setting the tables for everyone. The Zeus Familia was handling the food since Zald offered to do the cooking this time. They came into the hall one after the other, dropping food onto the tables for everyone to grab later.
Callisto: *Mouth watering* It's almost time...
Europa: I'm curious what names Lady Hera picked for everyone.
Callisto: I still hope I can talk to her about mine.
Io: You don't like it?
Callisto: No, I do. It makes me feel special.
Europa: Of course it does.
Meteria: *Excited* Sister, what about ours?!
Alfia: We'll just have to wait. With any luck, you'll have one befitting you.
Meteria: Oh, I can't wait!
Alfia: *Smiling* Be patient, sister.
Later that night, the rest of the Zeus Familia came into the massive hall and took their seats as well. Silver came and took a table with Zeus. Meteria tried to invite him to hers, but Hera and Alfia forbid it as did many of the others with them.
Zald: So, the kid is Level 2 now?
Zeus: Haha! My boy will be one of the greats in the future! Watch and see!
Alexander: Well, Chiron can vouch that he's been working hard.
Chiron: He has. A shame he has to play the role of supporter, otherwise he would be even better off.
Silver: It's fine. Most aren't willing to pick up the role anyway. I can defend myself and support my party fine, so I'm just that flexible.
Chiron: Speaking of, I heard your party expanded recently.
Silver: Yup. It used to be just me and my friend for a long time. Then Meteria joined along with two others. One is a nice Chienthrope girl who is part of Hermes' Familia.
Zeus: Hermes?
Silver: We were surprised when we heard it too, but apparently he asked her to join when he visited her village and saw her skills with a bow. The other is an elf from Dionysus Familia. He's actually a lot nicer than most elves.
Alexander: Good to know you're with people you can count on. Individuals can be made stronger when they work with their allies.
Silver: If only that were the case.
He had a sunken look as he recalled events from the past.
Flashback...
Alfia stayed away from the main fight and watched the party do their work. At the first fight, she saw many flaws in their fighting styles that annoyed her just from looking, so she kept her eyes closed. She could sense if monsters got too close and simply blew them away with her magic. This time, she was giving Silver another lecture when he let himself and Meteria take an unnecessary hit that staggered them backwards before Cester and Nory could kill the monster from a distance.
Alfia: What was that? Why didn't you just dodge out of the way?! Your idiotic combat style is just a detrement to yourself and to Meteria since she always supports you!
Silver: I-
Alfia: No, I don't care! You're still far from being close to good enough! I've had enough of this mediocrity for one day! Meteria, we're going back! You've been down here long enough!
Meteria: Uh, okay.
They all made their way back up with the boy was seething.
Silver: [That was the only big attack we took the entire time we were down here! She thinks she has the right to lecture me about being mediocre?! She can go screw herself!]
Jupiter: [You good, man?]
Silver: [I'll be fine when she finally shuts up and leave me alone.]
End of Flashback...
Chiron: Well, that must be hard.
Zeus: True, but having both beauties in the party should be a wonderful time.
Silver: (It isn't.)
He could recall the times she critiqued his fighting or how slow he was at collecting stones. Really, any excuse she could find to ridicule hum which Meteria was barely able to control.
Everyone's attention was brought to Hera when she hit her glass with a fork.
Hera: Alright, let's move on to the main event for the night. As you know, Two of my main executives have reached new levels. First, Io.
She woman managed a nervous smile as everyone clapped for her.
Hera: Not only has he reached Level 7, her alias has changed from Deadeye to Eagle Eye.
Io: Thank you, Goddess. *Bowing*
The clapping resumed before she took her seat again and relaxed.
Callisto: Hey, you could be more thrilled about it.
Io: Sorry, I'm just happier about the Level up rather than the alias.
Europa: Well, our Captain is next in line.
Callisto: Hehehe. *Grinning*
Hera: There is also your very own Captain who made history once again being the first to ever reach Level 9.
The cheers grew louder as they looked at the woman who thanked everyone for their love.
Callisto: Thank you! Thank you! The name's Calli and I'll be here all week! *Bowing Theatrically*
Hera: Sorry dear, but we couldn't get a good name for you.
Callisto: *Waving it off with a smile* No worries!
Hera: Ahem! There are quite a few more to go through. Saya, the Ox Twins and many more have gone up to Level 4.
The ones who leveled up were celebrated by their peers.
Hera: And of course, we have the youngest set of twins. Our own Alfia and Meteria have risen to Level 3 and 2 respectively. Their names are now Chroma and the White Princess.
The noise before could never be compared to the noise when the two were called on. Meteria had many fans on her own Familia with how loved she was by the others. She gave a cheerful smile to everyone and Alfia was indifferent as usual.
Hera Member A: Hard to believe she used to be stuck in bed all the time.
Hera Member B: Yes, truly a gift from the gods.
Callisto went to Meteria and ruffled the girl's hair.
Callisto: This is another step for you, girl. You're moving up in the world just like your sister.
Meteria: Hehe! Hopefully I get as good as her someday.
Alfia felt a pang of guilt when she said that, but also felt happy for her sister's progress.
Hera: Of course, this wasn't our victory alone. We have our Zeus brothers to thank for helping to shoulder our burdens. As such, they have also grown as mighty as we have.
Zeus: Thanks you, my dear. I may as well start big with my own Captain. Maxim here is now a Level 8 and his alias will also remain the same.
The man thanked his brothers and sisters for their applause.
Maxim: I'm not bothered by that, Lord Zeus. I find my current alias to be perfectly fine.
Zeus: That's a relief. Anyway, there is also Alexander and Zald. Both of them have risen to Level 7 and have had their names changed to The Great and Gluttony.
Many cheers rang out for the two since this was a major milestone. Io was quiet about her applause and Callisto was very much the opposite.
Callisto: *Whistling loudly* YEAH! THAT'S THE WAY, XANXAN!!
With the men...
Zald: I think mine is fitting. *Smirking*
Alexander: I wonder how Lord Zeus got away with mine?
Chiron: Best not to dwell on it too much.
Zeus mentioned the dozens of others who rose up as well. Many promising Level 4s and 5s which bolstered their power further.
Zeus: Last but not least is my own boy, Silver. After a long struggle as a supporter, he's broken through his limits at last and become a Level 2.
Most in his Famila were surprised. They knew he could be cowardly at time which did help with his and his party's survivability. However, to hear he had ascended to Level 2, no matter how meager it appeared to be, was a shock to them.
Silver smiled when he heard Meteria's cheers, but kept his gaze on his food when he felt Alfia's glare on his back.
Silver: [I don't think I'll ever get used to this.]
Jupiter: [Well, you don't have much of a choice. She'll be stuck with you from now on. Lucky bastard.]
The boy didn't hear the last part as he groaned to himself. The party went on like normal as everyone drank themselves into oblivion once again. Like last time, both Familias were out of commission the next day. They seem to not have learned their lesson in not drinking hundreds of mugs of alcohol in one sitting. Now events played out similarly to before.
Callisto: *Suffering* Pain...
With Zald...
Zald: No means no, June.
June said nothing and simply bit her lip at allowing such a travesty to happen again.
Zald: Do I have to sleep with you again to stop you from overworking yourself?
June: Why do you have to say it like that?! *Blushing*
Zald: The better question is why I don't hear a no from you. *Smirking*
Her face was still flushed, but she was now figuring out how to slip away from him. Though, all her efforts would be useless since he snuck behind her and grappled her back to her bed.
June: Unhand me!
Zald: (How did this happen again?) Sure. Let's talk about last night.
June: Uh...
Flashback...
June: *After a sip of wine* Hehehe. This seat is the best~
Drunk once more, she sat on his lap as he tried to pry the woman off him. June herself let her hair down and took her glasses off.
Zald: Why did you do this again?! Get off me!
June: *Flailing her arms and legs* No~ this is June's seat!
End of Flasback...
She blushed more as she recalled a memory of the previous night even more embarrassing than the previous party.
Zald: I thought so.
With Silver, he woke up like normal. After eating breakfast and greeting Chiron who was being the smarter man again, he met with everyone in his party to begin exploring once more. The hands of time would be moving faster soon and the boy would need to be ready to face the trials ahead of him.
AN: I'm keeping this one short because I only needed the Denatus and some smaller parts to show off the level ups to the other characters. Things are gonna pick up next chapter, so be ready.
As always, thanks for ready and I hope you enjoyed. I'll see you in the next one!