"I hate this body. It refuses to die, even now."

Coughing erupted in the darkness as a woman with a disheveled appearance lay crumpled against the wall of the Dungeon lost amidst the Deep Floors, waiting to die whether it be her illness that took her life or Monsters, she didn't care. Far above, the fires of war would be turning to embers as the Dungeon repaired itself to fill the hole that she had been cast down while she waited for the end.

But in the time it took for her body to finally give out, all she had was time to think, and think about her failures in life the ones she regretted the most at the forefront of her mind. To protect Meteria, to save her sister, in being there for her only living relative, the boy that didn't even know she existed.

How selfish could she be?

Meteria would be ashamed that she hadn't been there for her son. How could she meet her sister in death when she hadn't done the one thing Materia would have wanted her to do? Instead, Alfia had let Zeus take the boy. She physically cringed at the thought. Over the course of her life, she had seen just how some Gods treated humans as toys of fate in some 'grand' plan. In the last seven years, she could only think that by leaving Bell in Zeus's hands, she'd just given the Gods another toy to play with.

She hated herself because of the choice she had made. Despite her less than maternal instincts, her raising Bell would have been better than leaving him in the hands of a God. His future, was her fault because she hadn't stepped into her sister's shoes to raise him.

It's why she had agreed to this horrendous plan with Zald and Erebus, to force Orario to produce a Hero, so that Bell didn't have to become one, so he didn't have to wield a blade and dive into the nightmare that was the Dungeon. But lying here in the cold depths of the Dungeon, the doubt still existed, would Orario produce the hero the world needed?

Had she and Zald done the right thing, had they managed to inspire the adventures to grow stronger?

Hearing movement, Alfia sat back against the cool wall of the Dungeon, she wouldn't fight the monsters, she didn't want to. She just wanted to die. If she lived, it would only be until her sickness took her, even if by some chance she made it to that faraway village where her nephew lived. Just how long would she live before inevitably her life would be taken by the illness? It was best that he not know of her existence.

"So why..." Raising a hand to her chest, feeling her heartthrob. "Why do I regret this the most?" The crunch of the soil underneath the unmistakable sound of claws. Resting her head back, opening her neck to her would-be attacker so that it would be a quicker death, she waited...

and waited...

and waited...

"Monster of Talent." Alfia's head snapped down as her title was spoken and her eyes opened revealing her mismatched colored eyes of green and grey as they stared at the hooded figure kneeling before her, beside the figure was a crimson-scaled Lizardman and a grey Gargoyle both who seemed to be wary, the Gargoyle more so while the Lizardman seemed curious. "I am Fels, I serve Lord Ouranos. Today is not the day of your death."

Fels reached out, offering his gloved hand to her... and... with thoughts of a boy she didn't know plaguing her mind, she reached out and took the hand that was offering a chance to change that.

- Seven Years Later -

The walls of Orario had been in view for the past day upon her journey. The sheer number of people heading into the city was just the same as she remembered, the line stretching far from the Gate. Everybody wants to get into Labrinth City, the chance for adventure and prosperity in the Dungeon, walking the same streets with deities, fighting monsters, earning riches and fame.

The stories of Orario spread across the world, no matter how far she went, she couldn't escape them.

The city was just too loud.

Alfia hadn't stepped foot in the city since she had left seven years ago after being saved by Fels, the ancient Sage, and the enhanced monster species, the Xenos, that had pulled her from the Dungeon with thoughts of her sister's child on her mind.

Despite it all, she hadn't gone to him. To where Zeus had raised him far away from this wretched city in the countryside, no, she hadn't gone to live with them or to help raise him. Instead, she opted to not interfere.

She wasn't ready when he was born and she wasn't ready seven years ago when she had been pulled from the depths of the dungeon where she had intended to die. Even now, as she approached the City where the boy had started to make a name for himself, she didn't think she was ready, she was even nervous just at the thought of seeing him.

The only reason she was here, was to check up on him, not speak with him only to observe.

In her travels to Orario, Alfia had heard some tales of a white-haired boy with crimson eyes, the so-called Little Rookie, his title given by the gods who so aptly named him to be.

A letter from Hermes, the only one other than Ouranus and his underlings that knew she was still alive. He'd sent her a letter out of nowhere, having obviously been keeping track of her throughout the years, she wasn't surprised by the god doing so, but she had been surprised Hermes had reached out to her. What he had written, was all about the boy.

To learn that he had grown up in her absence. To find that Zeus had all but abandoned him, faking his death leaving the boy alone in this world. For the tiny boy, she had only ever seen twice in her life, once as a baby and the other as a child seven years ago, to head to Orario and flourish in the Dungeon like no other before him. For him to reach Level 2 in just over a month, even back in her days living in Orario was unheard of, and where most of the Adventurers today would never even advance above Level 1.

She had to see it for herself, to see him. Hermes letter had cemented her decision in coming to the city above the Dungeon. Perhaps he had become the Hero Zald and Erebus had sacrificed everything for. Was this Zeus' plan all along?

The city gates came closer as the line moved forward. She would enter the city quietly, lest she drew too much attention to herself. Even after so much time had passed, there would still be those that remembered her, and what she had done. She wouldn't be received favorably by those she once stood against.

Not that Alfia believed that those she had once stood against had reached her level. With her illness long since behind her, she was at the pinnacle of her strength, the same as when she stood against the Leviathan, more so now that she wasn't held back by her sickness. What had once been an incurable disease had been cured in the Spring of Life in a small country named Beltane, where she had spent many years recovering.

In her time away from the city, her fear had been realized. Erebus' plan had failed, Orario hadn't produced the Heroes it so desperately needed. The Familia of today still only stood in the shadows of the Familia of the past. True, Orario had become stronger after what they had done, but it still couldn't stand to match up against the Black Dragon. There was still no Hero that would rise up to quell the darkness.

Had she died that day in the Deep Floors, she would have died for nothing, as Zald had. But perhaps it might still be for the best had she died that day, along with all her regrets.

The Ganesha Familia members were standing at the Gates as the city guard, checking everyone's papers and welcoming them into the city. She knew all too well just how lenient the city was on letting people into its walls, after all a majority of the Adventures were criminals, at least in her time. The guild took all willing to fight in the depths below the city, and in truth, a criminal without a Falna, or a freshly given one, wouldn't stand against the seasoned Adventures.

It's letting people, or more so Adventures, out of the city that caused the most trouble. Once you had joined a Familia and registered with the Guild, it was much harder to leave the city than to enter it. The guild didn't like losing its meat shields from the monsters below its feet after all.

She wouldn't have a problem entering, but when she left it would be considerably more difficult.

Despite wearing a heavy cloak with a hood that did well in hiding her face, the guard simply asked for her documents which had been forged by Hermes or one of his Familia members and sent with the letter she had received from him. She didn't know if he was asking her to come to Orario or if he expected her to, but they came in handy regardless. She'd make it a point not to see the shrewd God, lest he decide to ask her for a favor in return.

The Guard, clearly lacking in any perception ability, handed her papers back and wished her well and a welcome to the city of Adventures. Just like that, she was back in the detestable city she so loathed. The streets were overcrowded with people and gods going about, the city was much more vibrant and prosperous than the last time she had been here. Last time there was a lot of fire if she remembered correctly. Erebus had really played on the Evil God title in what he had the city endure.

The problem was now, in this overly populated city, how was she to find her sister's son? Hermes letter didn't mention anything other than the boy's progress. No name to the Familia he was with, nothing. No doubt a ploy for her to go and see him and to reveal that she was in the city, who knows what the God had in mind. The less attention she brought to herself the better. There was only one surefire way to find out any details, and that was to head directly to the Guild.

Despite her roughly concealed appearance, she wasn't drawing attention to herself. It seemed like Orario was getting ready for a War Game to pay too much attention to her, the streets were a buzz with the news as if a festival was about to happen. This city treated war like it was a game, even calling itself such. In the past, when two Familia fought, it shook the very foundations of the city before undoubtedly a power struggle would fill its place, how easy it was for them to turn such bloodshed into a joyful festivity.

The Hestia Familia going against the Apollo Familia. She didn't listen to much for the details, only coming to learn that Apollo had taken an interest in a child of Hestia's, a recently descended Goddess, and sort to take the child from her. Other than that, Alfia wasn't interested. She came here with a purpose, not to delve into the gossip of this city. She knew of Apollo's mannerisms, Hera had mentioned it once.

The God didn't dare lay his eyes on the children of Hera, back then at the time Apollo was new to the lower world and only had a small Familia which grew rather quickly.

Despite the bustle of the city, Alfia kept her head down as she made her way towards the guild, the center of Orario, the enormous tower of Babel stretching far into the sky above. Walking towards the guild, she reluctantly raised a hand pulling back her hood slightly so that she could get a better idea of who to speak with. And of course, the guild was in a bigger uproar than the streets outside. Dealing with the daily adventures and their problems while also trying to process everything with the War Game, no doubt the staff struggled to juggle everything.

Out of the corner of her vision she thought for a moment she saw the shadow of Fels looming but when she glanced over, there was no sign of the immortal sage. No doubt her presence had been noticed, despite her attempt not to be. It was certainly going to be difficult to leave the city if Ouranus decided that she was too valuable to simply leave. Walking through the crowds of Adventurers, she approached the smallest line before one of the guild staff that was moving rather quickly.

Only a short time passed before she was standing next in line for the counter, she didn't recognize the half-elf that seemed more troubled than others so she didn't suspect that the half-elf knew of her, no doubt the half-elf was trying to keep herself occupied but her troubles were not Alfia's and not something for herself to worry about.

"Next." The adventurer before her hurried off as Alfia stepped forward, removing her hood fully letting her silver hair cascade down her back as the half-elf glanced up behind her glasses. "How can I help you?" She questioned, while no doubt she was trying to be friendly, it was clear her worries were taking most of her concentration.

"I'm looking for someone, an adventurer. I'd just like to know which Familia he is in and where I can find them." Alfia stated as the less information the guild had to give out the more cooperative they would be. The half-elf frowned slightly pushing her glasses up as she took in the appearance of the woman. "I'm a relative of his." She spoke openly, the first time she had ever outwardly spoken about her connection to the boy, but she'd rather not have the half-elf start making inquiries about her.

"I think we can manage that much, any information about the adventurer will help." The half-elf explained.

"His name is Bell Cranel." Instantly Alfia saw their recognition in the half-elf's eyes, she knew him, that was clear as day, and the moment she mentioned his name there was an instant withdrawal. No, there was clear caution on the woman's face now, she didn't just know him, she was familiar and seemed to be protective of him. "Is there a problem?" Alfia questioned, she didn't want there to be but it was clear this woman was hesitant in asking, perhaps she should seek out another employee of the guild.

"No." The half-elf shook her head. "I was just surprised, Bell has only ever mentioned one relative." She began to say.

"His Grandfather." Alfia revealed as the half-elf nodded, if it looked to her that Alfia knew more it would be easier to convince her.

"Yes. I'm Eina Tulle, his Dungeon Advisor, we're acquainted somewhat." That explains the caution then, no doubt the young woman was looking out for him. After all, the boy himself didn't know her existence, which she had wanted to keep it that way for some time until she was ready, but now that this half-elf knew, it was bound to come out to him now.

Alfia's gut once more twisted in a knot of uncertainty, she still didn't feel ready for this. It was going to change both his life and hers moving forward and she didn't know what to do. Had she waited too long, how would he react to finding out he still had a relative that had refused to be in his life?

"Did you come to cheer Bell on for the War Game?" She inquired causing Alfia to blink her eyes open, the first time she had opened them since entering the city as she stared across the counter at the half-elf. But it was clear by the surprise on Alfia's face that she was unaware of the circumstances. "Bell is in the Hestia Familia which is going up against the Apollo Familia." Eina explained. "Somethings happened just a few days ago and Apollo now intends to take Bell from Goddess Hestia in the War Game."

"I see." Alfia sighed heavily as she shut her eyes, calming herself. It didn't seem like Hermes had planned for her to be present during this time considering the timeframe that his letter had been sent, but she wouldn't put it past Hermes to have orchestrated this entire thing. "Where might I find the Hestia Familia?" She inquired only for a frown to come to Eina's face, did she still intend on not telling her?

"Well you see, before Hestia actually agreed to the War Game, the Apollo Familia attacked, chasing them throughout the city and destroying their home. Due to the extensive work for the War Game, we've held off on getting Hestia's new base of operations until everything has been settled." Alfia frowned slightly, she had no leads on where the Hestia Familia might be held up. "Bell hasn't even been back to the Guild since the War Game was officially agreed upon." Eina sighed heavily, clearly worried.

"I can offer you the address to their last home in hopes they might be somewhere nearby, or perhaps someone might know where to find Goddess Hestia." Eina suggested. "I'm sorry I couldn't be more help."

"The address will have to do." Alfia stated getting a nod from Eina as she quickly started to write down on a sheet of paper before handing it over to Alfia. "It was an old abandoned church in Old Town." Eina stated. "From what I hear, members of the Apollo Familia hit it with magic spells so I wouldn't expect much."

"Thank you for your help." Alfia stated, pulling her hood up over her head once more as she turned, leaving the counter, it was clear to her that the half-elf wanted to know more about how she was related but Alfia had no intention of revealing that to anyone before she told him herself. Stepping back out of the guild she sighed, she should have paid more attention to the rumors of the war game going around and she might have not needed to go to the Guild at all.

Glancing down at the address Alfia headed towards where Old Town now sat, the still ruined part of the city that was still a sign of what had happened in the past. It wasn't far from here. Once more she set off, hopefully, there might be something she could go off of at the ruined church.

It truly wasn't hard to find, there was still slight traces of magic in the air. Alfia stood in the street, having removed her hood as she stood before the now ruined church. The rubble itself hadn't fully settled, it looked as though someone might have been trying to dig through the wreckage, perhaps members of the Hestia Familia looking for lost belongings now buried. Alfia had to wonder why they had taken up an abandoned church of all places for their Familia home, but it wasn't her place to pry.

All she could do was sigh, feeling the presence coming up from behind before standing next to her.

"I wouldn't have expected the Astrea Familia to simply let something like this happen within the city." Alfia stated.

"It's been a long time, and a lot has changed." Hermes stated as he reached up taking his hat from his head. "There is no Astrea Familia, the remnants of Evilus sought to that." The God stated but saw no reaction in the woman. "I honestly didn't expect you." Hermes admitted. "But I'm glad you came." He added as she tilted her head.

"Why?" She questioned. "I only came to see that he was well, nothing more."

"Perhaps it's fate then." Hermes shrugged. "The War Game..."

"I'm aware of it." Alfia stated. "I have no intention to interfere." She added.

"That's a but of a cruel fate for the boy, don't you think? Leaving him in the hands of such a degenerate God?" Hermes questioned. "Apollo is intending to take the boy, he's very serious about those that catch his eye."

"You think the Hestia Familia will lose?" Alfia questioned.

"The Hestia Familia is young... a Familia of one." Alfia's eyes shot wide open as she turned to face him, she seemed to be learning a lot today. "I have a hunch that the friends he has made will bring up that number to four, including Bell, for the War Game but Apollo over the years has grown his Familia. Four against over a hundred?" Hermes shook his head. "I don't like those odds."

"I'm not a part of the Hestia Familia, nor do I intend to be just for his sake." Alfia stated, although the thought crossed her mind, but considering her Level, she didn't intend to draw Orario's attention to such a small Familia, it would put him at risk, and those of the Loki and Freya Familia wouldn't remain silent about her presence.

"Then it's a good thing that I had Apollo agree to a term of aide for Hestia." Hermes smiled softly. "Although, he all but shot me in the foot with his rebuttal." Alfia sent him a questioning glance. "Hestia is allowed outside assistance, however, it can only be one person and only from a Familia from outside of Orario."

"How petty can a God be?"

"I've yet to discover that myself." Hermes chuckled. "But don't we both know someone who's not a part of a Familia inside of Orario?" Alfia clicked her teeth in annoyance.

"I'm sure you have some plan in mind." Alfia stated.

"If you know someone better, I'm all ears." Hermes shrugged, of course, he had someone in mind for his plan, but this would cause so much more trouble in the long run and he couldn't help but be intrigued by the future entertainment that it would bring to the city. Asfi was going to chew him out for this but it would assure Bell's victory. "I leave the decision up to you, but we don't have a lot of time before the War Game starts."

Hermes took in the rather stoic woman, just standing in her presence made him nervous. It wasn't often he stood beside a Level 7. Silence filled the air between them for quite some time that it was making Hermes even more nervous, he couldn't get a read on her at all. Then without a word, she turned and began walking away.

"Where do I find Hestia." She stated making the grin explode across Hermes' face. The God did his best to hide his sheer excitement but there was no way she didn't pick up on it.

"If you would follow me."

Nobody, absolutely nobody, was ready for the unexpected arrival of the Incarnation of Talent. Orario might just get it's second Level 7 adventurer, and it was all because of Bell. The things that boy could learn from such a talented woman such as Alfia was immeasurable. That boy's life was about to change and it was going to affect the entire world.