Chapter 5 – The Irregularity Magnets

The following two days, as Nuri avoided the dungeon in order to ease the worries of Astraea, Eina and Ardee. Instead he opted to go and train with the blue haired girl, who completely pummelled Nuri. Within a few hours, Nuri had been knocked out at least a dozen times and Ardee had the time of her life giving Nuri lap pillows whenever he was knocked out.

Though it also seemed clear to him that Ardee worried a lot as she didn't hold back on the training, going at it until he couldn't stand up. This intense training that went on for two days and greatly benefitted Nuri. After telling Astraea, she updated his falna daily, seeing incredible surges in his status. Bell on the other hand had been busy with Hephaestus and couldn't attend the training session.

After the two days of hellish training with Ardee, Nuri and Bell were given the green light by Astraea to go back into the dungeon again. However, their armour was not ready yet, even so the two had been itching to dive into the abyss.

Finding whatever was left, Bell equipped his old armour, the one received by the people of their village which consisted of a metal plate. Nuri's armour, on the other hand, had been shattered during the training and had no choice but to go without. The thought that they were only going down to floor five also reassured Nuri that it wouldn't be a problem.

Welf couldn't come as he was obviously working on the armour for the two. Naaza too had informed them that she couldn't come as she had to work at the Blue Pharmacy for the day, so the two were left to head down alone.

The day before, they had reported to Eina who very hesitantly gave them the permission to go down to the fifth floor after their God had allowed them to dive deeper. Bell was able to fight against the silverback for a long period of time before getting assistance from Welf, and Nuri had downed one on his own, so there was no reason to say no.

After a long lecture she finally conceded and let the two to go down, though she was still worried and it seemed to them that she acted like an overprotective older sister. She kept repeating her motto, 'adventurer should not go on adventures.' Highlighting that they should be careful.

'but who wouldn't?'

Thought Nuri, the one without the armour, as he entered the dungeon. Goes without saying, that he had not told anyone, after all, if Eina or Astraea heard about that, they would rip him apart for being irresponsible, which was not wrong he rightly recognised.

.

The two headed down into the dungeon, both eager to return as they hadn't been down there for a few days. Bell imagined that next time he would be down in the dungeon, it would be with Nuri, Naaza and Welf. It was a little disappointing that fate had denied him such an experience, but he couldn't do anything about it. As he walked down the corridors of the first floor Bell remembered that Nuri had went out the day before, after returning from his training with Ardee.

"Oh yea, onii-sama, where did you go yesterday after training?"

Asked curious Bell.

"Ah, I went to a tailor."

Answered Nuri, as he cut down monsters left and right.

"A tailor? What for? Clothes?"

Inquired Bell.

"Yes, Welf showed me the design of the new armour and had a tailor make me matching clothes based on Welf's requirements. After making me try a few things he let me go, so I don't really know what the ordered clothes will look like. But he looked really excited and giddy about it. Seems he is very passionate about this project, or so I heard from Tsubaki."

The two cut down the group of monsters in their way, slowly and silently making their way deeper.

"… You know Bell, we don't really have much when it comes to clothes. We've been wearing the same clothes since the day we arrived and the only other things we have to wear are an identical looking set of clothes and our pyjama."

Nuri started pointing out their lack of clothes while still slaying monsters without mercy, turning to look at Bell as he finished gathering the items dropped by the monsters he had put an end to.

"We should also go visit Goibniu, to maintain our weapons and inform him that we have the weapons."

Bell nodded in agreement.

"Could he upgrade our weapons?"

Bell asked enthusiastically.

"Yes, he might be able to. Though I don't understand how he'd go about doing that. Then again, smithing was your thing Bell. I was more for alchemy. Do you still remember how to use a forge?"

"Of course, Hephaestus-sama taught me for a long time. What about you onii-sama?"

"I know how to make potions yes, but I still haven't tried making magic items since I don't have the mystery developmental ability. Haa, I remember when we first made potions, while I had a thing for healing potions you only managed to make the most horrible of poisons."

Bell pouted cutely before retorting.

"As much as you had a thing for healing potions you also made a number of dangerous explosives."

Nuri didn't know how to respond and only looked away at the answer, admitting to his habit after not finding a good counter.

"Maybe, that might have happened."

.

The two proceeded with ease through the first three floors, keeping in mind Eina's teachings as well as their previous dungeon raids. They had learnt a lot about the monsters, making it much easier to deal with them. Keeping check of the surroundings: shadows, corners and ceilings, for ambushes, they proceeded at a steady speed.

The two thought of Naaza and Welf as they saw small to big parties of fresh rookies. They ventured carefully, checking the surroundings for any monsters and always stayed close together. Passing by the groups of rookies on the first three floors they eventually reached the big cubic room with the crevice where the battle of their lives had taken place a couple of days before.

The Guild had sent a recovery team to retrieve the bodies of those who died, but the signs of the battle were still evident as broken gear still laid around. The two stood there, memories of the battle playing in their head again. The reminiscence of the battle used to be a scary memory, but they had gotten over it now. With weapons in hand and spirits renewed they marched forward.

'The silverback spawns on the eleventh to twelfth floor, an unfortunate accident. An irregularity as Eina had called it.'

Bell was initially worried but reassured himself as he remembered what Eina told them.

'We shouldn't have too many problems here if we could hold ourselves against monsters from the twelfth floor. Though we did get lucky in the fight. I just hope that it doesn't happen again and it's not like it's a common occurrence, right?'

As they went down, they noticed that the dungeon changed. Before the floor and walls were greenish with blue crystals providing light, differently from previous floors, the fifth floor had brown stone walls and floor with green crystals providing light.

The two continued carving a path forward, with Bell using his knives to paralyze, freeze and burn the monsters, making it easier to kill them. Effects which were greatly amplified through the efforts of Hephaestus. Which contributed to their progress as even without a supporter to pick up the magic stones they were managing to continue at a steady speed.

As they continued, they noticed something suspicious. And that was the stares. The stares of other medium to large sized parties of rookies, who were having difficulties with small mobs of monsters, while the two managed without much difficulty to take care of the fairly big mobs of monsters in front of them. After continuing their slaughter, the two started to feel quite unnerved by the incredulous looks.

Before things escalated the two headed down deeper and deeper into the fifth floor expecting the other adventurers not to follow. What they didn't know is that this was leading them into their next adventure. A dangerous one where their courage and skills would be put to the test again and their limits pushed over the top.

"Umm, onii-sama? Isn't it …"

"Too quiet?"

"Yes?"

"I know Bell. Let's be careful."

Nuri and Bell kept moving looking around, wary that the surrounding dungeon was completely silent. Last time it happened it resulted in a silverback attacking them. Not knowing what to expect, the two raised their weapons and tightened the grip on the hilts, ready for the worst possible outcome.

Soon the ground started to shake, the two exchanged looks then returned their eyes in the direction of the source of the trembling. Weapons ready for whatever monster was supposed to appear. The rumbling sound drew closer and soon became distinguishable. There were two sounds that Nuri and Bell could make out, the shouts of adventurers and stomps of what seemed to be … hooves? What monster had hooves?

"R-run, run away!"

A group of three adventurers who looked beat up, bloody and with broken equipment ran past them. Nuri saw that they had thrown down whatever equipment they had left as if it was of no use. The two rabbits slightly lowered their weapons as they tracked the fleeing adventurers with their eyes.

'What caused them to ditc-'

His thoughts were interrupted as the heavy sound of hooves crashing against the stony floor caused the two to turn and look at what had caused the noise. A charging figure came into view, big hooved feet covered in fur, a huge muscly body and a bull head hidden under a thick hide. Boy was Bell wrong about not meeting another irregularity.

"?!"

The monster that appeared in front of them was a big minotaurus, with blood red eyes and a thirst for blood. Nuri stared at it and his expression turned annoyed.

'Are you kidding me? Not again.'

Bell saw the monster and his eyes widened to an impossible degree as he questioned the presence of the bull monster on the current floor, gently cursing himself for his naivety.

'Why is a minotaurus here?!'

They were infamous monsters amongst adventurers, having the highest number of kills of people in the dungeon. Right now, the situation couldn't be worse, the two were new and had recently met two silverbacks on the fourth floor, a monster which spawns in between the eleventh and twelfth floor. Now after having recovered from the first irregularity, they faced another one right as they got back in, it was just one after the other, how was their luck so impossibly bad?

Knowing the difference in strength Nuri turned and started to run, minotaurus' were around level two monster and belonged to the middle floors. There was no way for them fight it but he soon had to skid to a stop when he realised that Bell wasn't by him. So the elder sibling turned around to see Bell readying to fight.

'Really?'

Nuri watched Bell glaring at the monster that towered over him.

'If I run would I still be worthy of being a hero?'

Bell was an innocent and kind soul but he was also persistent and foolish. Nuri knew he wanted to be a hero and that he wanted to be equals to the others of the Familia current and previous alike. He totally understood Bell, he too wanted to be a member worthy of the Astraea Familia and show that he is strong enough to be a hero, just as they had promised to Zeus and Astraea.

This might not be a much to a first class adventurer, but it was to them. Despite it being a huge step towards their heroic path, probably too big for them, Nuri considered the option of fighting it. He knew fully well that if he didn't die to the minotaurus he would surely die to Eina or Astraea. His options were narrowed down to one as his thinking time cut short. The monster roared furiously and looked at Bell.

'Oh to hell with it.'

Forgetting about everything else he rushed back.

'How could I even run and leave him there?'

As he looked at the minotaurus though, Nuri had some doubts whether or not they could win.

'There is a thin line between stupidity and bravery, and I really don't know which one of the two Bell trends towards.'

He looked at the minotaurus, that had turned its back as it directed its focus on Bell, and sighed.

'Bell, you are rubbing off on me, and that really isn't good.'

With one final sigh and a steeled resolve to defeat the minotaurus he raised his blade. He was about to attack the minotaurus from behind aiming straight at its chest, but another roar caught his attention interrupting his attack. The sound of two pair of hooves approaching alarmed the older rabbit.

'What? Ok, this might be worse than I initially thought.'

Intruding on their meeting were two minotaurus'. Having come from the left, there now was a minotaurus on Bell, one behind Nuri and one in front of Nuri. One of which was using a terraform weapon, a huge rock axe that was probably taken from the tenth floor. Now Nuri found himself pinched between two bull monsters.

Even if he wanted to run he'd have to take one down to clear out a path for him to escape, not that it was an option as it would mean to abandon Bell. That and thinking about it clearly, escaping would result in some unknowing low levelled adventurer running into the terrifying monster.

With no options left, Nuri charged at the one in front of him and began slashing at its arms. All the while, the one behind then closed in on the rabbit with its fists. Nuri was having trouble but managed to keep fighting on the defensive relying on his speed to dodge and reaction time to parry and deflect whenever he could, never attempting to block the blow of the monster as it would definitely overpower him.

The minotaurus was far stronger and resistant to physical attacks than Nuri, but not faster. The rabbit was just fast enough to keep fighting the two at the same time, but he wouldn't last too long. Ever since the two minotaurus' had joined the fray, the danger had multiplied by several levels.

'Why did I think it was a good idea not to bring armour, oh I'm so dumb. Always expect the unexpected was what Zald said. Haa, I never learn the lessons the easy way, do I?'

Meanwhile, Bell prepared to take on the minotaurus in front of him as he saw his brother getting sandwiched in his attempt to help him. The minotaurus charged with a blood chilling roar. The bunny barely dodged, but unluckily for him, he wasn't fast enough to react.

The tip of the horn pierced through his shirt missing his body, but dragging him as the cloth got stuck on the horn. The next instant Bell found himself sprawled over the ground, his body ached from being launched just that once … indeed … facing the minotaurus was a mistake.

'I had barely survived the silverback, what was I thinking?'

Unlike with the silverback, the fear struck him differently. He felt absolutely terrified … powerless … helpless.

'Is this what Naaza felt like?'

Bell had to wonder, his shirt shredded by the sharp horn of the monster, the white haired adventurer wishing to never be on the end of the horns himself. He barely managed roll to the side in time as the minotaurus brought down its foot to the ground.

'How could Naaza have overcome this fear?'

The minotaurus now made him doubt about being an adventurer.

"Uwooohh!"

The monster roared and charged with its horns, Bell not being able to dodge, raised his arms to brace himself just in time but it was fruitless as the force was beyond anything he could withstand. He got slammed into the wall with unbelievable strength. Bell however didn't relent and flung himself to the side avoiding just in time a fist from the level two monster. Unfortunately he had dropped his knives as he focused on dodging again, the situation only growing worse by the second.

'Oh no.'

His face went pale as the hand of the minotaurus grabbed his right leg. Soon enough he was flung around and into the ground. His head hit the floor as the monster then grabbed his skull and dragged him across the wall, painting a line of blood on the wall. Bell fell unconscious from the pain but soon woke up again as he felt a fresh wave of pain surge as he was slammed into the ground.

"I'm sorry grandpa, Kami-sama, Nuri."

But the rabbit wasn't ready to give up, for he had promised them and he was not someone who broke promises. That's when he remembered what Nuri had told him during one of the previous days as they were home, resting under the orders of their Goddess.

'Bell, your knives should have a special ability where you can recall them. Do try it if you get the occasion.'

Thing that was confirmed by Hephaestus herself.

'Yes, Nuri is right. Your knives will fly back to you if you call them, it is an innate ability of the weapons. The ability was based off the skill that your brother has.'

'But onii-sama developed the skill while fighting with the silverbacks.'

'True, but the actual skill already existed and is common amongst the integrity knights that you met in Centoria. Of course, the difference is that you can only do it with the knives while Nuri can move right about any object or weapon with it. But he is right. You should test it out when you get the chance, it might be a life saver.'

Bell looked at the knives and willed them to come to him. As he did the knives instantly started floating and flew back. With Bell's desire to live breaking through a new limit and his will stronger than steel, the blades flew back with enough strength to dig into the biceps of the muscly monster. As he kept his mind focused on making the knives return to him, the two blades didn't allow themselves to be stopped by the flesh of the monster and penetrated all the way through, severing both arms. The beast howled in pain at the loss of its arms before Bell then used all of his remaining force to punch the head of the monster, hitting it square on the jaw, causing it to take a few steps back.

.

'This could be a problem.'

Nuri had slashed at the monsters but his attacks were just barely cutting into the flesh of the monster. He was about to try using a breathing technique when he was interrupted by the sound of the wall cracking, he looked and saw the terrible situation which Bell found himself in.

The distraction caused Nuri to not notice the movement of the axe which the minotaurus wielded as it slashed diagonally. Nuri jumped back too late and the axe cut across his chest and shoulder, Nuri grit his teeth but didn't allow himself to be fazed by the pain, now concentrated on defeating them.

He quickly glanced over to Bell then looked back at the minotaurus' just as the one with the axe in hand dashed forwards. Nuri stepped sideways, letting the strike of the axe sail by. Nuri then inhaled deeply before bringing down the blade in the form of a water breathing technique. Nuri's eyes widened in shock as the blade stopped, getting stuck in the arm of the monster.

Using all his strength, Nuri broke the blade free of the arm and jumped back with a back flip to avoid the fist of the monster, before landing and skidding to a stop. The older rabbit watched the arm of the monster, noticing that he only managed to cut halfway through the bone before being stopped. He couldn't help but be surprised, despite strengthening himself using the total breathing concentration as well as a powerful water style form, he still couldn't cut through the monster.

'This is going to be a problem.'

Luckily for Nuri, the monster had dropped the axe after screaming in pain and had grown enraged. Letting its anger guide it, the minotaurus charged forwards again. Nuri wanted to dodge when an idea came to him.

'Why bother try to put in the strength to cut the monster when the monster can provide the force needed for you?'

The bull monster launched a punch straight at Nuri's face, but he didn't dodge, only bringing the blade in between with the edge pointed at the monster. As the fist drew closer, the blade stayed still, allowing the minotaurus' strength to slice his own fist open in half down to its shoulder. One half going right, the other going left. The monster staggered and roared in pain.

Nuri used the chance and spun himself in place, using the sixth form of the water breathing style to gain momentum before landing the blade into the waist of the monster. The blade sliced into the monster and stopped as it hit the spine of the minotaurus. The white haired adventurer then pulled the sword towards him and out of the monster. The bull fell to the ground, where Nuri left it to its fate. Bleeding out from the deep cut in its waist, as he had not the time to finish it off.

He barely had the time to bring his blade up and brace before a punch slammed into his sword. He was once again surprised by how the far eastern technique that enhanced his strength wasn't enough to block the blow that sent him flying. Nuri landed on his feet and skidded to stop, threatening to fall as he was forced to lean back with his body. Only regaining his balance as brought his sword forwards and his foot back to sustain his new centre of mass.

'Okay, this is seriously a problem now.'

Whilst one of the minotaurus' died Nuri was quickly running out of strength and was soon going to get too tired to keep on fighting. That's when he saw Bell injuring the minotaurus on his side. Cutting off his arms, which bought more time for Nuri. The elder sibling turned back to the minotaurus growling at him when a familiar long knife flew in its left eye. Knowing where it came from, Nuri didn't waste the opening provided from Bell.

The humanoid rabbit ran towards the monster, getting close to it. The monster saw the rabbit charging and attempted to impale him using its horns. The white haired rabbit dodged just in time before pointing the sword towards the neck of the monster. With all his strength he rammed the blade into the throat of the minotaurus. Albeit it had a thick hide, it was much thinner around its neck and Nuri successfully pierced through.

The last living monster one raised its hoof on Bell fully intending to finish off the adventurer. That, however, was not to be as Nuri quickly used a vorpal strike, a light effect courtesy of his skill and the previously mentioned integrity knights, aiming it at the head of the monster.

The blade glowed red and launched a beam, hitting its right horn. The monster, stuttered and dazed by the beam that smacked its head and focus away from Bell, shook his head. With the attack interrupted Nuri grabbed the terraform axe and launched it the monster hitting the right ankle. Despite having both hooves on the solid ground, the confusion from the previous attack caused it to lose balance and fall to its knee.

He lowered himself into a new stance and breathed in sharply, unleashing the first form of the lightning breathing style, he flashed forwards covering the distance between him and the bull in mere seconds. The attack barely slashed a quarter of the way into the monster's neck, but it had caused the monster to stammer in surprise.

Nuri then switched back to the water style and use the third form again, cutting from quarter way to halfway into the neck. Seeing as it was not enough, he did something he had never done and switched to a third style, a style which he had used only once before.

He breathed in deeply, his body heating up rapidly as he used the second form of the sun breathing style. The water surrounding the blade suddenly exploded into fierce blue flames. Forcing his body to spin horizontally, the flaming sword was into the already half cut neck.

The move formed a slanted blazing circle drawn by the flaring azure fire that followed the blade of the rabbit. The final attack aimed at the tall target that was the monster's neck finally and successfully slashed through the monster, terminating the fight.

As he thought it was over, he spotted the glint of a blade appearing from behind the falling corpse. He barely spotted it in time, giving him only the time to raise his sword. The power behind it was leagues above that of the minotaurus' and it sent him flying across the room, landing on the rough floor of the dungeon with his back.

Thinking it was an attack by another adventurer he didn't hesitate to counterattack, preparing to unleash another form of the sun breathing style. Though it would lack the usual power as his body was spent and exhausted, more strain than what he should be able to endure rabbit racked his structure, only moving through his sheer will as he yet again broke through his limits, forcing his body to go beyond its capabilities. Luckily the fight never broke out as someone stopped the attacker.

"Ais! Stop! What the hell are you doing?! That's an adventurer that you are attacking. You're meant to kill the minotaurus' not other adventurers!"

Someone further behind shouted at the attacker. The adventurer who had attacked him had no idea and shamefully retracted the blade. She felt bad about accidentally attacking the poor rabbit who faced a monster he was not ready for, all due to the results of their own actions.

"How could I make such a mistake?"

Nuri heard the whisper of a girl as they approached him, a golden haired girl, she looked to be around his age, golden amber eyes, wielding a rapier like sword. She had a light silver armour which covered her upper body, wearing a white dress and tall blue boots.

He easily recognised her, as she was one of the most popular figures in all of Orario, being known as the Kenki, the sword princess Ais Wallenstein, a level five executive of the Loki Familia. The other one was also a famous figure or notorious depending on whose point of view you were to see it from. Said person was a grey haired werewolf wearing metal greaves and a simple ash and black outfit. Known as Vanargand, Bete Loga, another level five executive of the Loki Familia.

"You alive? I have to admit, you're not bad kid, not bad at all. You weren't some of those weaklings calling themselves adventurers who just run away. You actually stood your ground and even defeated the minotaurus! Not one but three! I'm guessing you are around mid-level two? You even survived an attack from Ais, that is definitely praise worthy."

Bete grinned, he was beyond interested in the white haired adventurer after the events. He really wanted to go on but seeing as he paid little attention he restrained himself, not that he could blame him. His brother was bleeding out. Nuri didn't correct his assumption of being a level two either as he truly was too worried for Bell and hadn't really register what he said.

But he was mildly surprised by the werewolf. From what he had heard from Astraea, he was an 'ass' who insulted lower class adventurers, telling them that they should quit being adventurers. So this behaviour was quite confusing to Nuri. Ais meanwhile, tried to find a moment to enter in the conversation but it was as if she didn't exist to the two.

"Take these."

Bete then walked to Nuri and handed him a couple of high potions. Nuri quickly took them and chugged one down, using the other two on Bell.

"You should quickly take him to the surface."

"Thank you for your help."

Nuri then picked up Bell and started running back the way they had come from.

"No problem. See you around!"

Bete shouted as he failed to contain his laughter, he was too excited by the circumstances. He hoped to meet them again in the future. Ais on the other hand, still looked troubled, she wanted to apologize for attacking him and for letting the minotaurus' reach this floor. The monsters had severely injured his brother and that was their fault. She never had a chance though. Bete just interrupted her, never leaving a chance for her to speak, and when he was done the boy was gone in record speed before she could say anything.

"Damn! Did you see him fight the minotaurus? Man I only saw the end as we got close, but I was surprised. That was quite the show he put on for a rookie. Come on Ais, let's report back."

She kept looking at the direction of the boy who just ran back up with Bell on his back.

"If you want to talk to him, I am pretty sure we'll meet him again."

He said weirdly happily and headed back, Ais following soon after.

.

As Nuri arrived on the surface with Bell on his shoulders, he was spotted by Naaza who happened to be on her way back from handing in a quest at the Guild. She called over Nuri and suggested to treat both him and Bell back at the Blue pharmacy, to which he agreed. As of right now he truly needed to avoid being spotted by Eina lest he really wanted to die.

Soon after Bell woke up, exhausted but very much alive. The injuries had been healed up but the spots were still sore as the wounds had been very serious. Bell tried to remember, but he only recalled a red light striking the minotaurus' head before passing out. Looking around he noticed that he wasn't in the dungeon, the wooden ceiling and the bed were enough to prove that.

"You're finally awake."

Looking around he found Miach speaking with a soft tone which allowed Bell to relax. He turned his head to look at Miach entering the room with a wide smile.

"I'm glad you're safe, when Nuri brought you in, you were in a terrible shape."

He looked at the blue haired God.

"Miach-sama? Does that mean I'm in the Blue pharmacy? Is onii-sama fine?"

Bell asked worriedly. Miach though put him at ease by nodding as he confirmed the elder bunnies' safe state.

"Awake at last."

Bell turned and saw a shirtless Nuri come in. He sat on the side of the bed as Bell noticed the injuries that riddled his body. He had a bandage around his head, where he had smashed his head against his sword in an attempt to block the minotaurus' hit. His whole torso had been bandaged up as a large cut travelled from his left shoulder to the right side of his hip. His arms too seemed to have fractured after he overused the breathing styles and the stress was too much for the bones to bare.

"Naaza happened to be at the Guild when you and Nuri came out of the dungeon, she spotted you and decided to take the two of you here to get you treated."

Miach finished just as Naaza entered. Bell smiled sheepishly at the chienthrope, as she sat next to him.

"Are you okay?"

Bell nodded and thanked her for her help during Miach did a last check up before being assured enough to leave them.

"I'll leave you in Naaza's care."

Miach spoke with a smile and happily went back to the front to deal with the customers. The two then turned their attention to Naaza as she shuffled before she leapt forward and caught them in a tight embrace.

"You two just became my friends and this is already the second time that you get nearly killed."

Hearing the sniffles of Naaza, the two knew she must've been very worried. To see Bell return in such a state with Nuri barely able to walk had definitely frightened her.

"We're sorry."

The two smiled softly and returned the embrace of Naaza.

"We should have been more careful on the fifth floor."

Naaza pulled away, wiping away her tears.

"Yes, you should have been. You two were on your own. And you Nuri!"

Nuri yelped, feeling a strange sense of déjà vu at the situation he found himself in.

"You're not even wearing armour, why is that?"

Nuri paled, he had completely forgotten about that and she probably wouldn't buy it if he told her that it was destroyed in the battle. He hesitated for a moment, but he knew that there was no point in lying to Naaza.

"I thought it would be fine without armour until the fifth floor, I didn't want to use the one from the village because it's a gift, I want to cherish it and I didn't really have anything else."

The larger rabbit spoke near silently, to which Naaza sighed before lightly chopping him on the head.

"What even happened? Surely you weren't reduced in this state by a couple of monster from the fifth floor."

As she questioned the motive behind their state the two proceeded to explain. As they described the even that unfolded, her eyes widened in complete and utter shock.

"A second irregularity and three minotaurus'? And you took them down? Why didn't you run? No never mind that, why would you two ever run?"

She sighed again, still incredulous of the whole situation. With this she was set, she was sure that the two were the friends she needed in order for her to heal. No matter what, they kept smiling and they prevailed against all challenges.

More than anything, she admired their kind, generous yet rash nature. It gave her a feeling that pushed her to keep them safe both as a friend but also as an older sister. Like Welf she experienced an urge to protect the two. Though it would probably end up the other way … like Welf. Just like Welf.

.

At the Twilight Manor the gates opened, welcoming the return of the joint expedition. Like usual Loki tried her luck and jumped on the girls to grope them. She even dared to go after the girls from the Ganesha and Astraea Familia though as usual she didn't get to grope anyone. Well anyone other than Lefiya, who hadn't dodged in time as the Goddess latched herself to the poor elf before lewdly groping the girl.

Whilst everyone was distracted by the act of perversion of the scarlet haired Goddess, Alise and Kaguya spotted the elegant figure of Astraea. They noticed her unusually bright smile but disregarded it as the Goddess simply being happy. With the returning expedition, a celebration was thrown at the Twilight Manor, to congratulate the adventurers for their hard work.

As the night proceeded Astraea went up to her captain and vice-captain, who were talking to a jade haired elf and a blonde pallum as well as Loki herself. Seeing the Goddess of justice the pallum and the elf bowed to her.

"Astraea-sama, we apologise for Loki's idea of throwing a party without her telling you."

"It's fine Finn. You and Riveria don't need to worry about it. Loki has always been like this. All last minute."

"Hey Straea, don't go saying bad things about me to my children."

The walnut haired Goddess then turned to the two girls of her Familia.

"If you'll excuse me I'll be borrowing my captains for a bit."

"Sure, I'll be having fun with my ais-tan."

Riveria rolled her eyes before chasing after the perverted Goddess followed by Finn. The red haired captain and the black haired second in command then turned to the Goddess.

"Alise, you and Kaguya need to come find me at our original Familia home tomorrow morning."

"Eh? Okay."

The red haired captain nodded while the black haired one looked at the Goddess worriedly.

"More importantly Astraea-sama, I heard from the Guild that you left the city a couple of days ago."

"That I did."

"But if Lyra was still hospitalized who accompanied you? Please don't tell me that you went alone, you know how dangerous it is for you."

"Don't worry Kaguya, I wasn't alone, I was escorted by a pair of reliable rabbits."

"Reliable … rabbits?"

"Oh! Yes, Lyra told us about that. You two were saved by a couple of bunnies weren't you Astraea-sama?"

"Yes, those very bunnies. Since Lyra couldn't move around I asked them to accompany me while she was hospitalized."

"It seems like we owe them a big one."

Astraea nodded in agreement with the raven haired vice-captain.

"So, how were the deep floors?"

"It was super-duper exciting!"

The Goddess giggled at the cheerful reaction of her scarlet haired captain.

"Speaking of the dungeon."

Kaguya started speaking.

"We had a bit of a situation on the upper floors."

Astraea got curious and glanced at Kaguya, for some reason she could already tell where this was going.

"You mean the minotaurus?"

She had heard at the Guild that a few minotaurus had escaped and had to be chased down. Though the most surprising thing for her was that Bete arrived with a happy grin, his tail wagging slightly, instead of the usual grumpy attitude. The Goddess could only imagine what made the lousy werewolf so happy.

"Quite right, a group of three minotaurus' made their way up to the fifth floor."

Astraea's eyes widened, remembering that Nuri and Bell were meant to go to the fifth floor today. Now she realised why she had a bad feeling after she had heard of the irregularity appearing. She had to recognize that the dungeon just didn't seem to like the two bunnies.

"When Ais arrived there was a severely injured white haired adventurer who managed to stand his ground even though he was just level one."

The Goddess' heart clenched, calming herself as she knew the two were alive since she didn't feel any connections getting cut.

'Two silverbacks a few days ago and three minotaurus' today?'

"What happened?"

She asked, hoping that he was alright but also wondering what the other rabbit was doing while this happened, usually he'd always be around his little brother.

"Ais was wanted to intervene but apparently another white haired adventurer was with him, seemed to be a level two by the way Bete and Ais described the way he took care of the three minotaurus'."

Astraea's eyes widened, her head snapping towards the far eastern girl as she described the events. She knew that Nuri was just level one and that fact had blown her away.

'He took down three minotaurus'?'

She had never expected him to be able to best one even after having gained those new skills, but not only he defeated a minotaurus but three?

'Those rabbits never stop amazing me.'

The two were truly something else.

"Last thing we know is that the brother, I'm guessing, rushed him up to get treatment."

The Goddess turned her back to them and gave a small sigh of relief, which they noticed.

"You really care a lot about them don't you Astraea-sama?"

"Yes, they saved my life and they have quite a lovable personality."

Kaguya then remembered the deity's request.

"Astraea-sama? Why are we going to the old building?"

"Hehe, to meet those very rabbits. They don't have a place to stay, so I'm letting them stay there. Also I hope you two can instruct them."

"If that's your wish Astraea-sama, then there is no problem. But is it okay for us to train them? Won't their God say something about this?"

"Whose going to complain? I'm their Goddess after all."

"I see. So they are memb- Astraea-sama? Lyra said the rabbits are boys."

"Yes, so?"

Alise and Kaguya stood there looking at the blinking Goddess shocked.

"What?!"

Astraea covered her mouth as she giggled, the sight would have been mesmerizing if not for the shock.

"Surprised?"

"More than surprised. I never expected Astraea-sama to accept two boys into the Familia."

"Well actually it was me that invited them to join the Familia. Either way they are now part of the Familia, but I wish to keep it a secret from everyone until they reach level three, it's not safe for them otherwise."

The two girls nodded.

"We understand. Evilus has yet to be eradicated, by revealing their identity we'd only put them in danger."

"Yes, that's right. But what about you two? Are you two fine with it? I said I wouldn't allow men in my Familia but went ahead and invited a pair of boys."

"The rule was there mainly because Astraea-sama was uncomfortable with men. We personally are fine with it. Besides, if Astraea-sama had offered them to join it means they meet even your strict standards. I'm sure no one will have a problem with it. Except … maybe Ryuu. But if it's meant to be kept a secret then it should be fine. I don't suppose you'll tell anyone other than the two of us and Lyra."

"That's right. Thank you for accommodating my selfishness."

The girls smiled and continued to enjoy the party, while also looking forwards to meet their new Familia members.

.

Bell and Nuri arrived home late, knowing that their Goddess wouldn't be there due to the Familia returning from the expedition. She had told them that she wouldn't be able to come back for a few days to celebrate the expedition, meaning no updates for a while.

That and the two had to take another day off per orders of Naaza, a few more for Bell given his worse condition. Since they couldn't go to the dungeon tomorrow, they decided to go visit Welf and get their armour as it should be completed by now.

Back with the minotaurus' Bell had literally been a step away from the gate of death, which resulted in Nuri losing focus as the desperation to save Bell overtook him. That had nearly got him killed as well and he realized he needed to better control his emotions. As soon as they arrived home Bell placed the equipment, now ruined, on a table while Nuri laid the sword to rest on a table. The two didn't bother changing and went to their beds, falling asleep exhausted.

.

The next morning Bell woke up feeling sore from the fight with the level two monsters. Sore but with renewed energy. He got out of bed before getting cleaned and changing into a fresh set of clothes. He decided he'd head out and run a few laps around the district while Nuri went to the Guild to report to Eina, but … chance was that he wouldn't be coming back.

The day before they hadn't returned to the Guild to report to her, which must have worried her a lot. Then there is the whole episode with the minotaurus' which will probably be the death of the rabbit who went to report. By now Nuri was probably already having Eina screaming at him for that.

Locking the door behind him, Bell took in a deep breath of fresh air. He soon started his jogging, heading down towards the walls of the city. It was unfortunate as just a few minutes later a group of four women arrived at the door of the house.

Astraea took out her keys and unlocked the door to the house, before stepping in. She wanted to scold the two of them properly, as they clearly didn't understand that they were meant to come back alive, not half-dead nor dead.

However, her frown intensified as she opened the doors to the bedrooms of the two bunnies, just to see that neither of them were present. Looking around it seemed like they hadn't expected her since no notes were found.

"Well, this is not how I expected things to go."

The three girls behind the Goddess giggled seeing the mildly annoyed face of Astraea.

"I hope they're not in the dungeon."

"I'm sure that as reckless as they are, they know when to take a rest, Astraea-sama."

The Goddess sighed hoped that was really the case.

"Let's go to the Guild, hopefully they're there."

.

The girls entered the Guild which had a weird atmosphere enveloping it. It was silent, completely silent, to the exception of one voice that was shouting. Walking past the corner they found two cloaked figures sat on the ground seiza style as they received the harsh scolding of Eina.

Bell had done his laps and entered just as Nuri finished the report. During the whole explanation Eina hadn't said a word, nor could Nuri see her face. Then Bell appeared and confirmed everything. The two brightly smiled at her, but the advisor only responded with a tremble, she started to shake and soon after her anger exploded.

"What were you thinking?! Are you asking for a death warranty?! Bell, you're not meant to fight against a minotaurus! Why did you not run?! Was it a dream that pushed you like that again! Next time you'll be laid to dream forever, you idiot! You're level one! Honestly, I wouldn't have believed that you two managed to kill three of them had Vanargand not come here to personally testify to your story!"

Astraea, Alise and Kaguya watched from a distance as the two rabbits looked down in shame.

"Nuri! You! What is wrong with you?! You're his brother, why didn't you stop him?! Not only that, you thought to hell with it and joined him?! To hell with your idiocy and give it a rest! You're meant to stop him, not join him!"

"But … Eina, it was kind of hard with two minotaurus' sandwiching me. Even if I wanted to help Bell and run, I couldn't. If you can't be-"

Nuri spoke in a quiet voice which went silent as a glare from the advisor sent chills down his back.

"Huh? Mister, you dare talk back? Even think about pulling off a joke now?"

Nuri nearly jumped in place when he felt her cold stare and just as quietly as before he replied.

"No ma'am."

"Good, now however, it seems like you two haven't learnt anything from my lessons."

The faces of the two rabbits paled. Luckily Astraea stopped Eina, after having had enough fun watching the two little rabbits regret their decision.

"Eina, I'd say that's enough for this time."

The advisor's face went from distrustful and enraged to surprised and bright really quickly as she heard the voice of the Goddess.

"Astraea-sama, what may I welcome you here for?"

The Goddess looked around and saw the many people that had gathered around.

"This isn't a show everyone, off to your own business."

No one in the crowd dared to disobey the Star Goddess and they quickly dispersed.

"Anyways Eina. I'd like to speak to Nuri and Bell in private. Could you provide us a room?"

"Of course."

The Guild advisor nodded and lead her to a room. Astraea entered the room followed by her captain, vice-captain and top executive member. As Nuri and Bell were about to enter Eina stopped them.

"You two. If I catch a whiff of any more of your idi-"

""You won't!""

The two of them were quick to reply, to which Eina only stared at for a few moments before groaning unsatisfyingly as she left them to the Goddess. The two wiped away a drop of sweat and sighed in relief, closing the door behind them before they took a seat across the three ladies.

"So, Bell, Nuri I heard of a pair of white haired adventurers fighting against three level two monster."

Bell and Nuri couldn't stand the pressure of the Goddess' stare and looked away, knowing what crime they were guilty of.

"I hope that Eina's lecture made you learn what you should and what you shouldn't be doing."

The two nodded.

"We're sorry Astraea."

"What were you two fools thinking anyway?"

"I'm sorry Kami-sama. I decided to fight instead of running, forcing onii-sama to stay behind with me."

The Goddess sighed with a shake of her head.

"So these are the rabbits, Astraea-sama?"

Bell looked up at the unknown voice of a girl with dark yet vibrant mulberry purple eyes who walked in next to a green eyed girl who seemed to be enjoying the sight as well as Lyra who waved at them.

"Yes, him and his brother."

Bell nervously looked at them, he thought he would have had more time to prepare himself to be presented to the other Familia members. Astraea then raised her hand to present them.

"This is Nuri Cranel and this is Bell Cranel. Bell, Nuri these are Alise Lovell the Scarlet Harnel, captain of the Astraea Familia and Gojouno Kaguya, also known as Yamato Rindou and the vice-captain of the Familia. And obviously Lyra, hopefully you haven't forgotten her."

"Nice to meet you."

Nuri and Bell bowed slightly at the sight of the two level six and level five adventurers. Alise giggled excitedly, extending her hand to shake theirs, Kaguya too extended her hand with a smile.

"Thank you for saving and protecting both Astraea-sama and Lyra."

"We just happened to be passing by that time. We just did what anyone would have done. Or should have done."

Astraea smiled hearing Nuri speak.

"Yes should do but not many do. You stand out because you decided to help despite not knowing who I was nor expecting any reward. You did it out of kindness and not many can do that."

"That's right, that's why we're really grateful. Besides, if something were to happen to Astraea we might had lost our falna on the fiftieth floor of the dungeon … well that'd be pretty bad."

"That … certainly would be bad."

Bell and Nuri nodded, surprised at the floor they had reached.

"So thank you again. You saved not only Astraea-sama, but us as well."

"Well how could we not save our captain, even though we weren't members then."

Alise giggled lightly to herself when Kaguya spoke as well, voicing her approval.

"I can see why Astraea-sama decided to invite you to the Familia now. Me and Alise looked forwards to working with the two of you."

The two bowed and greeted their new captain and vice-captain. Lyra was the next to spoke as she made herself known, feeling as if she had been forgotten by everyone else.

"Hey don't forget about me."

The people in the room all giggled and chuckled at the pink haired pallum.

"By the way I heard about your stunt with the minotaurus'."

At the mention of that topic Alise and Kaguya turned to the pair of siblings, interested in hearing the story and how it unfolded.

"Sweet, if you're already level two then hopefully it won't be too long before you reach level three."

Lyra frowned and looked curiously at the Goddess sat beside herself.

"Astraea-sama, I was kinda wondering about that. Isn't our Familia the first they joined?"

Astraea nodded.

"Officially, it is."

The three girls looked at the sustainer of justice in the city.

"What?"

"The two of them are level one. Having received their falna for the first time just around a week ago."

Their heads all snapped towards the two boys, staring at them incredulously, who nodded to confirm her words. The girls were amazed at the prospect of the two adventurers, who despite being less than a few weeks old adventurers, they had managed to stop and kill three minotaurus'.

"Huh, well that was unexpected. Have to say though, Ais' description was on point."

"Ais? Oh yeah. Well, that was a fun encounter She almost cut me in half."

Nuri laughed it off as the others stared at him confused and shocked.

"What do you mean?"

Nuri then proceeded to explain how he had first met the blonde knight. Hearing about the encounter the girls only sighed and face palmed.

"That's our airheaded princess for you. Forgive her, she's always been a bit like that."

Nuri only laughed it off as if it wasn't that much of a deal, leaving the girls to seriously wander if he was okay. A sense of worry formed at the seemingly nonchalant and careless rabbit though they knew that they couldn't do much about it.

"Well at least you two are safe."

"We have to thank Miach for that. Naaza and Miach have checked us very thoroughly. Without his help we wouldn't be healed by now."

"Either way, now you know why I want to keep them a secret for now. I simply thought of informing you two as you are the captain and vice-captain. Well, that and I knew that Alise would sulk otherwise."

"I would not!"

With a blush and a pout the red haired girl protested which drew laughs out of everyone in the room.

"Anyways you don't have to worry Astraea-sama. You can rest assure as the captain I'll make sure that this remains a secret."

"But how are they going to learn? You know, stuff like tactics and stuff regarding the dungeon?"

"There is no need to worry about that. Eina will teach them about the dungeon. As for the rest, I believe they are already quite knowledgeable and Bell can learn from Nuri. If they do need anything they can always ask you or someone from the Loki Familia. I'm sure Finn wouldn't mind helping them."

"I suppose taking down silverbacks and minotaurus' does show their competence."

"Umm Astraea? There is something that I wished to ask about."

"Umm, what is it Nuri?"

"It's about our training."

"Isn't Ardee helping you with that?"

The girls of the Astraea Familia couldn't help but be interested hearing that.

"You know Ardee?"

"Yes, we've met her when we first arrived. But it's not about Ardee. I-I know you don't like Freya. But … I was wondering if you would be fine if we trained with Ottar?"

The Goddess looked Nuri in the eyes before sighing.

"Are you sure? Freya isn't someone you should involve yourself with. And do you have a meeting scheduled with Ottar?"

"No, we just occasionally met in the dungeon and he helped us. We simply wanted to ask him next time we met him."

"Umm, well … alright. But if anything happens come to me immediately."

"We know."

Kaguya meanwhile was still thinking about what she had discovered about the rabbits. They were apparently just a few weeks in and they were already able to take down level two monsters. This was getting more and more incredulous by the second. However, that also brought a smile to her face, they were surely going to become formidable allies.

'And they're cute too. How perfect.'

"How is their status?"

The pink haired pallum curiously questioned Astraea, who turned to the rabbits with a smile.

"Why not update it now. It's been a while."

Astraea patted the spot on the sofa next to her. The two siblings understood the signal but Bell nervously shifted in place as their eyes wondered to the three members of the Familia.

"Unless you don't want to, they are the only people allowed to see your falna."

"It's not that Astraea-sama. It's that its really embarrassing to have girls stare at me while I remove my shirt."

Alise, Kaguya and Lyra giggled and snickered cutely at Bell's adorable reaction.

"Don't worry Bell, we'll turn around~"

With that the three girls turned around as the two bunnies removed their shirts and one at the time, they sat down looking away from Astraea so she could update their blessing. Despite knowing that the three girls were turned away, Bell still felt his face turn red in embarrassment.

"Hmm, yet again you break my expectations."

The Goddess spoke with a smile, not surprised anymore at the two rabbits completely going against all known rules and logic.

"Nuri you have yet a new skill."

Luckily the Guild rooms came with paper to transfer the status onto it. It was common for this to happen after all. Astraea copied it down and traced her finger over the new skill.

"A skill with an incredibly powerful effect which has never been seen before. With how many you have now, it makes me wonder how many skills you will have by the time you become level four."

'It's not his first skill?'

The three girls who were still turned around couldn't help but wonder.

"Really?"

Nuri turned around and noticed that though Astraea smiled, there was worry hidden behind her happiness. He understood that, new skills didn't appear everyday and a skill was often enough to warrant a Wargame. Like usual the excitable Alise, she snatched the parchments before the Goddess could give it to Nuri and Bell.

However, Alise's excited smile dropped and a look of shock took over. Her words died in her mouth at the shocking stats of a few weeks old adventurer. The two had a range of powerful and unique skills in their arsenal and it also seemed that they were developing a magic spell. Hands trembling and eyes wide, Alise couldn't believe what she saw. Never before had she seen something like this. Going back to the spell section her brow scrunched up. Weird, she never saw something like that happening.

Bell Cranel

Age: 14

Familia: Astraea

Race: Human

Alias: None

Level: 1

Strength: G242 – G283

Endurance: G293 – F329

Dexterity: H199 – G275

Agility: G298 – F267

Magic: I0 – I0

Skill:

๔̶̨͈͎̋̀͝เש̷̢̳̰̏͂͠เ̵̢̛̩̝̘̰͐ภ̵̠̭̘̻̈́є̴̵̢͖̺̪̄͑͑͗͂͘๔̵̝̹̖̪͕̓г̴̡̡̣̿̕ค̵̲̈͠ﻮ̴̫͐͑̌̓̏͝๏̷͇̞̀̐̒̂͝ภ̵̴͔̻͚̘̩̰̹̍́̾̿̈̀̽̕๒̷̼̿̿̈́͜ɭ̷͉̘͖̤̿͜๏๏̷̤̬̮̬̒๔เ̵̧̘̰̮͊͂̐̚ภ̵͎̻̹̗̠̀́̔̕є– -_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-

Gloriosum Liaris Freese – Increased growth. Growth related to the user's feelings, stronger feelings, faster growth, renders immune to charm. Effects are exponentially increased based on how dangerous the situation is or the desire to protect someone arises. (active)

Codex Of The Guardian – Increases stats of the user when protecting someone. The more the user is injured while protecting someone and the more people he is protecting, the higher the increase.

Magic:

Cha_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_

Nuri Celestea Cranel

Age: 16

Familia: Astraea

Race: Human

Alias: None

Level: 1

Strength: F367 – E421

Endurance: G262 – F313

Dexterity: F310 – F388

Agility: G275 – F325

Magic: I88 – H144

Skill:

๔̶̨͈͎̋̀͝เש̷̢̳̰̏͂͠เ̵̢̛̩̝̘̰͐ภ̵̠̭̘̻̈́є̴̵̢͖̺̪̄͑͑͗͂͘๔̵̝̹̖̪͕̓г̴̡̡̣̿̕ค̵̲̈͠ﻮ̴̫͐͑̌̓̏͝๏̷͇̞̀̐̒̂͝ภ̵̴͔̻͚̘̩̰̹̍́̾̿̈̀̽̕๒̷̼̿̿̈́͜ɭ̷͉̘͖̤̿͜๏๏̷̤̬̮̬̒๔เ̵̧̘̰̮͊͂̐̚ภ̵͎̻̹̗̠̀́̔̕є– -_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-

Gloriosum Liaris Freese – Increased growth. Growth related to the user's feelings, stronger feelings, faster growth, renders immune to charm. Effects are exponentially increased based on how dangerous the situation is or the desire to protect someone arises. (active)

Argonaut – A heroic strike, an attack that charges up with time, white and blue sparkles appear when active, the longer it charges the stronger the power. Current charge time: 3 minutes. Concurrent Chanting: Not Achieved

Incarnate Arms – Ability to move weapons or objects by sheer will at the cost of mind.

Divine Star Blade – Passive skill that allows the user to be able to use light effects, breathing styles and infuse magic in the blade.

Grand Leviathan Breath – The power of the leviathan that has been received by the user condenses in a breath that surrounds and envelops the user. It will grant power and raise the level of the user by a level. It lasts five minutes and can only empower the user

Magic:

Ext-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_

'There is no way these two are only around two weeks old adventurers!'

Alise's eyes as she read his new skill.

'Power of the Leviathan? Level boost?! This is huge!'

Alise started wondering what the connection with the Leviathan was but the moment she saw that he can boost his own level, she immediately ignored and focused on the skills overpowered effect. The Goddess in the meantime looked at the skill with a worried look.

Astraea was well aware of their ties to the Great Familias and once she saw the skill and its name, it made her sure of one thing. The two of them were present when the Familia fought against the two monsters. Somehow it also meant that the ruler of the sea had left behind a skill, which Nuri had gained. This posed a question.

'Will Bell develop a skill based on the Behemoth?'

The Goddess decided to give up on thinking what might happen since the two just defied all possibilities. Her expression then turned serious, her eyes focusing on Bell and Nuri as they had received the status sheet from Alise in the meantime.

"I know you two are aware and I've already told you. But, I'd like to remind you two that it is of critical importance that you never reveal any of this to anyone. Understood?"

The strict tone made it obvious that she was both serious and worried. In the small time that she had spent with the two of them, she had become very fond of the two. Living with the two of them had been a completely different experience for her. It was calm and relaxing.

Life with just Bell and Nuri had been short but very fulfilling. She felt as if experiencing how it was to be like if they were a small family living their own life. It was simple but more than the Goddess could have asked for.

It was something that Astraea didn't want to let go of. The two boys were unlike anyone she had met before and she vowed to make sure they'd survive and live a long life. As long as a human could get. She could go on and describe everything she felt for hours but decided to leave it at that for now. Instead, she needed to make sure the two wouldn't do something of reckless for a while, if only to ease her heart.

"Now you two will obviously be taking another break. Surely you wouldn't be as cruel as to make me worry more, right?"

Astraea put on her hurt expression as her eyes teared and her mouth was covered by her hand to hide the sigh that was about to escape her lips.

"Okay, okay. Me and Bell need to look around for a few things anyways. Like meet Naaza, get our armour and also I need to investigate something. All in all, we should stay out for two maybe three days."

This allowed the Goddess to let her heart rest for a while.

'At least they'll be busy for those two to three days.'

"Good, now let's go home and rest. You two need it after yesterday. Alise, Kaguya, Lyra. For today I'll stay at the old Familia home with them. You three head back to the manor, okay?"

"Alright. You two take care of yourselves!"

The two waved at the three girls before following Astraea back home. The smile on their faces made Astraea smile herself. She couldn't help herself, their joy was just infectious. It was something she vowed to protect.

~To Be Continued