AN: Before the chapter starts, I want to apologize by saying that I'm taking back a previous statement where I said I'd try to add my own original characters derived from mythology. As I was making the plot for the future, the connections just fit when I thought about adding these characters, so I'll be throwing in some semi-familiar faces.
Two months passed and along with them was absolute hell for Silver. Mostly because Alfia was a relentless force of annoyance he would've done anything to get rid of. Also, she would berate him when Meteria wasn't around which made things even harder for him only. In that time, Brioche rose to Level 2 and Nory and Cester were let in on everyone's plan to raise their stats to the max. Both of them were closing in on their max stats with Nory at around B for every Stat and Cester at A and S. They tried looking for any feats that could help them level up whenever they wanted, but they had no luck with that.
As they grew stronger, they also progressed deeper into the Dungeon. They managed to reach Floor 18 a few times with their new Level 2s and Level 3. Alfia was content to let them do the work while she handled any stronger monsters or whatever put Meteria in danger. The result of this was also visits to the Guild library to do research on thr floors and the monsters dwelling in them. It was there that they met a nice Guild employee named Swen who helped them whenever they came to read up on the Dungeon.
AN: Spelled Swen, but the W is a V like in Ais' last name.
He is a brown haired Chienthrope with red eyes and a bit older than everyone. He came off somewhat cold at first, but he admitted he acts like that because everyone takes his job seriously. A few outings for lunch with everyone helped him relax a bit. He became much calmer and more friendly, though still has his strict protocol for his job.
As of now, everyone was at a table going over their plan for the next big dive. Mini expeditions they set for themselves as Meteria calls them.
Brioche: Let's plan and see the fastest and safest trip to Floor 18. We've got several quests in progress that require monster drops from the Middle Floors, so we need to use Floor 18 to rest before heading back up.
Meteria: Mmm, and our normal path is no good, huh?
Silver: Not really. For what we're doing now, it's best that we don't have too many fights before we reach the safe zone.
Nory: We also don't want to burn through our supplies. I'll try to be quick in picking up my arrows.
Cester: All we need is a route that will give us more advantage than disadvantage. Likely, somewhere not too open or narrow.
As they talked between them, a pile of books was slammed next to them.
Nory: Woah!
Swen: Apologies. I've acquired the books you asked for. The first two should be several maps about the floors and the last two are more detailed breakdowns of the monsters. I'm not sure how much you know already, but these might be of use.
Nory: No, I think they'll be fine.
Swen: That's good.
He left then to their research while they worked out a solution.
In another place...
Alecto: Good, both of you are here.
With them was a two people, male and female, who they called for a special mission.
Apate: You were called here for a critical mission. The both of your are to join in the ranks of the Zeus and Hera Familias. From there, you will feed us any information you can while subtly disrupting them from the inside.
Alecto: This is important to our plans. Do not fail us.
Both: As you wish, Lady Alecto and Lady Apate.
The two left and prepared for the infiltration.
Alecto: The Zeus and Hera Familia entrance exams are coming soon. This is a prime opportunity we can't afford to miss.
Apate: That will be up to them. If they aren't up to the task, then they're as good as dead.
Timeskip...
Several days later, the entrance exams to Zeus and Hera had begun. People from across the lands would crowd the gates of Olympus Manor in hopes of joining the Familias.
Adventurer A: Finally, it's time!
Adventurer B: I wonder who will get chosen this time?
Adventurer C: Obviously, it'll be me!
Adventurer D: Please, let this work this time!
They swarmed the gates while the guards did their best to calm them before they would be let in to take their tests. Meanwhile, a few figures stood in the shadows and watched it all.
Freya: *Biting a handkerchief* It's not fair!
Mia: Do we have to do this everytime they open? It's nothing different each time.
The goddess ignored her while grumbling in jealousy. Meanwhile, Ottar was looking to sneak inside and challenge their members before Mia spotted him.
Mia: Oh no you don't!
She grabbed him and hung him over her shoulder.
Ottar: Why?
Mia: The hell do you mean why?
Ottar: I must face one of them.
Mia: What you must do is sit tight there while we wait for Freya to get depressed enough to leave.
Soon enough, that did happen when the size of the crowd somehow doubled. Freya tearfully dragged her feet back to her home while the dwarf sighed that they were able to leave.
With Silver, his party had finished their quests successfully. A few trips were required as they wanted the delivery times to be spaced out a bit per the request of the client. They got their reward in the end and took today off as their Familias would be quite busy.
By the windows of the main building...
Meteria: Wow, just look at all of them! I can't even begin to count them all!
Alfia: Don't bother. Expect most of them to leave here before sundown.
Meteria: *In shock* Really?
Io: Yeah, that's the sad truth. Most of the ones leaving are the ones who give up during the test. The others are the ones who fail the interview.
Callisto: They still keep it as a safety check. No telling who we're letting in even if they are promising adventurers. Most of the time, they're transferring from other Familias which makes it more dangerous.
Meteria: What exactly were the tests?
Callisto: Oh yeah, you and your sister got exempted from them. Basically, you have to pass a physical exam that tests your abilities. They're scaled based on your level, so being a higher level doesn't give you an advantage. After that is an interview with our Goddess and then we all decide who stays.
Alfia: How hard is the physical test?
Callisto: All the examinees fight one of our executives, or a set amount depends on how many we get. There's an hour time limit, but they can drop put whenever they want. It's handled the same with Zeus' Familia, so genders don't matter all that much. Keeps things simple.
Europa: Usually it is kept hard enough that most, if not all, drop out before the hour is up. After that, half of what's left gets rejected by Lady Hera before what remains becomes part of the Familia.
Callisto: We'll just have to wait and see how this plays out. The first test starts soon, so you should get to the training field if you want to watch.
Meteria: Okay! Let's go, sister!
Alfia: Hey, we don't have to rush!
She dragged her to the higher floor to watch from above. There, they saw hundreds of adventurers waiting for the test to begin. This was a similar case with Zeus. He and Silver were watching their applicants from their home. In the fields, Chiron and Zald were in their assigned groups for the test.
Alexander: This is about the time when everyone bets how many get it. I'm gonna say around five.
Maxim: Then I'll say four.
Alexander: Sly bastard. *Smirking*
Maxim laughed at his prank while everyone got ready for the tests to begin. They were all curious about how many would join, but their questions would be answered by the end of the day.
Timeskip several hours...
The tests and interviews concluded and both gods were impressed by the showings of the younger generation. Zeus was now busy welcoming four new members to his Familia. One was a tall young man with green hair and gold eyes. He wore light armor and clothing along with a spear on his back. Another was a man with short, dark blue hair and indigo eyes. He too carried a spear but held a short sword at his side. Another was a human man with light green hair and blue eyes who occasionally stole glances to the first man there. Last was another human male with blonde hair and hazel eyes. All four were well built and in their early to mid-teens. Zeus was quite pleased by how they performed.
Zeus: You young boys did very well to get this far. I am proud to welcome you all to the Zeus Familia.
All: Yes, Lord Zeus.
Zeus: Now, you've all had a long day. Chiron should have shown you where the lockers and showers are. You should go and clean yourselves up before making yourselves at home.
With that, they nodded and thanked him before leaving. Now in the lockers, they all took a quick shower before getting ready to clothe themselves. That didn't mean one of them wasn't trying to make friends. The man with light green hair was looking to make friends with the other green-head. Meanwhile, he and the one with blue hair were complementing the other's skills.
Blue-hair: You weren't half bad out there.
Green-hair: Same to you. Doesn't mean you're better than me, though.
Blue-hair: We'll see. What's your name?
Green-hair: I think you should go first.
Hector: Fine, I'm Hector.
Achilles: Achilles. A pleasure to beat you.
Hector: I'm sorry, beat? I don't recall losing to you.
Achilles: Not yet. You'll soon see whose the best here because I see you'll make the perfect rival for me. *Smirking*
Hector: Hmph! We'll see whose superior to whom.
They locked gazes with sparks clashing between them before Hector broke away to leave. Meanwhile, the other green-head made his move and walked towards him.
Patroclus: (Alright, Patroclus, you can do this! You can make that handsome man your friend. All you have to do is make a good first impression and greet him politely.) Nice cock. (DAMN IT!!!)
Achilles: Thanks.
Patroclus: ...(roll with it.) So, you were amazing out there. You were holding your own really well against that adventurer.
Achilles: Well, I'm not named after a great hero for nothing. You did pretty good yourself. You only got knocked off your feet instead of through a wall like the others.
Patroclus: Ahaha, well, I guess I got lucky.
Achilles: We'll see about that. The same goes for you as well.
He spoke to the other person there with them.
Achilles: Let's all do our best.
Blonde: Of course. Sorry, I'm still feeling a little sore after the test.
Achilles: Most people would after getting this far. I'm Achilles, by the way.
Treiy: Treiy. A pleasure to meet you both. I hope we can work well together in the future.
Patroclus: Yes, of course and I'm Patroclus.
Achilles: Well, I'm about done here. I'll be on my way.
With that, the three newbies left and Zeus was happy to announce the new Level 2s who just joined his Familia. Meanwhile, the new members of Hera Familia were talking among themselves as well. They all were humans. The first was a woman with long, dark brown, almost black, hair with blue eyes. She wore a simple light beige shirt and a darker brown skirt that was short enough that she could fight well, but long enough to cover herself. Another was a blonde girl with blue eyes. Her clothed were only slightly worn, but likely because of the test she had taken. Last was a girl with auburn colored hair and dark purple eyes. The blonde was the main one starting the conversations.
Blonde: Well, I'm totally beat now. That woman was merciless.
Dark Brown: I'll say. That was harder than I could've imagined.
Auburn: Just be glad it's over. At the very least, since are part of the same Familia now we should exchange names. I can go first. I'm Helen Menelea.
Barba: Barba Heinz. Barba will do, though. Nice to meet you, girls. *Smiling*
Briseis: Briseis Dameia. Let's all work hard from now on.
They smiled confidently before exiting the bath rooms. After the examinations were out of the way, the two Familias held their own celebrations to welcome the two new members who were all at an impressive level 2. They now sat at their own tables and had small talks about themselves.
Patroclus: So, why did you all come to Orario?
Achilles: That's an easy one. To be one of the greatest adventurers ever. Fighting and defeating powerful monsters and even saving beautiful girls.
Hector: I see why Zeus accepted you.
Achilles: And he was right to.
Hector: Well, I came from a city rather far from here. My family had been struggling financially, so I came here to help them along with trying to look for someone.
Patroclus: A friend of yours?
Hector: Not quite.
Treiy: Well, if you don't mind, I'll take my turn. You see, my family is one of nobles in this city. They happen to own many organizations that help support the lively hoods of the civilians in Orario. I decided to use my talents in combat to help support their cause.
Achilles: Looks like we'll be relying on you to help us with getting to know the city more.
Treiy: My pleasure!
Patroclus: Since I'm last, I came here to make a new life for myself. My family and I... aren't in the best of relationships right now.
Achilles: Really?
Hector: I'm sorry to hear that.
Patroclus: Thanks, guys.
Achilles: Well, one thing I'd like to know is how you got your name. *Pointing to Hector*
He shrugged his shoulders at Achilles.
Hector: I'm in the same boat as you. My family admired another hero and that's where my name came from. Still, I'll show them who lives up to it better among us.
Achilles smirked and held his and out to him.
Achilles: To a glorious and honorable fight.
Hector smiled and took it.
Hector: May the best win.
Treiy smiled at their friendly rivalry being born until he heard sniffling next to him.
Treiy: Are you crying?
Patroclus: *Sniffle* There's just so much beauty in the world.
With the Hera Familia, Meteria had already greeted the new members with Barba becoming quick friends due to her cheery attitude. She admitted she ran away from home, similar to Helen who left for private reasons, but was determined to make a better life for herself in Orario. Helen felt the same and Briseis was just ambitious and wanted to live this new life she set out for herself. In another place, a purple orb glowed as a voice was heard from the other side.
???: Lady Alecto, the infiltration was a success. I will inform you of any major moves when I can. Over and out.
The orb then dimmed before cracking and popping as Alecto grinned evilly.
Alecto: Just what I wanted to hear.
She played with her fingers and put some thoughts together in her head before calling out to her children.
Alecto: Oh, Dina, Vena?
The two girls, a light elf and dark elf, entered the room.
Alecto: The first phase was a success. Now, we need to make sure preparations on our end make steady progress. Tell the others to speed things up a bit. A few broken bodies won't hurt us that bad.
She smiled as the two giggled before nodding and leaving her. As they did, Apate came in from another door.
Alecto: Success. You?
Apate: The same. My son has gotten inside and now we must only wait for the proper moment to strike.
Alecto: It would be better if we had more information from the inside team. Oh well. Hopefully Osiris makes good progress with his Familia's research. I can't wait to see how Orario reacts to what we have in store!
Apate: And what of our other project? The back up in case things go south for us?
Alecto: Don't worry. I've have already asked Ikelos and his Familia has agreed on the condition we supply them with proper funding. Not a big deal if you ask me. We do have a lot on projects in the works, so we might have to organize them better. Besides, Rudra said he would try to have some of his boys sneak into Zeus' place as well.
Apate: I have doubts that's going to work.
The god had one of his kids try to infiltrate the store room and steal what he could. The hard part was getting inside, so he hid inside a storage crate that looked to be left outside. The guards on duty that night would see it and put it with the others.
That same night...
The guards who switched to the next shift arrived in front of the room where they saw a crate in the distance.
Zeus Member A: How'd we lose one? I thought we already put them all inside?
He turned to his partner who looked confused as well.
Zeus Member A: We should probably put this with the others.
They looked at each other to see what was the best course of action.
Zeus Member B: Nah.
They threw the box in some back alley before returning to their post. Inside the box, the Evilus member cursed the two for their laziness.
Over the next several days, the newbies fit themselves into their own parties in the Familia. Helen found others to join with while Barba had accepted Meteria's invitation. Alfia was fine since she was going to stay in the sidelines and guard Meteria. Silver and the others were surprised by the new addition, but she eventually fit herself in and got along with the others. Hector and Achilles were originally going to form separate parties, but somehow, they ended up being in the same along with Patroclus, Briseis and a few others they befriended. The excitement of the exams came and went and soon life hit a normal tempo again for everyone.
Now, Silver's party was in the Dungeon once more with their new member with them. Though, she's been with them nearly a week now and has gotten used to their schedule. They were all resting on Floor 15 before they got ready to go deeper.
Brioche: Think we can handle the next few floors? Most of us are Level 2 now.
Cester: Perhaps we can. Unfortunately, only Nory and I are slowing you down.
Barba: Hey, that's not true.
Meteria: Yeah, you two are great teammates.
Silver: You two will get your time soon enough. I mean, both of you are nearly at the end.
Nory: Ehehe, hopefully that comes soon. I don't wanna lag behind for too long.
Brioche: Then, let's be off.
Normalcy returned and everyone steadily grew. Within the next month, Nory and Cester had finally reached their quota and rose to Level 2 as well. Although, one group was having a few complications as usual.
Achilles: Alright! Now we settle the score!
Treiy: You've said this the last 20 times before. Can one of you at least win?
Hector: Gladly.
Patroclus: *Faceplam* Oh, here we go...
On certain days, the two would make time to fight each other to determine who was the superior one. As much as Achilles believed it was him, Hector always gave him a run for his money. As a result, every bout they've had up to this point had been a draw. Treiy and Patroclus had been witnesses for each one and grew weary of their stagnant results.
Treiy: It's sad we had to take today off, but that's what happens when we have two Captains in the party.
Patroclus: At least I get to see Achilles fight again.
The two men drew their training swords and prepared for another duel. Once more, Achilles made the first move which Hector fended off. A slash and a parry. Dodge his kick and keep him in sight. The green-head was nimble, so Hector could never afford to let him out of sight. This back and forth went on until he found his opening as he blocked another attack.
Hector: (There!)
He went in and attacked while Achilles was unbalanced and managed a cut on his cheek. Though, Achilles only smirked when Hector felt a similar feeling on his shoulder. He turned and saw a wound of his own.
Achilles: Try to keep up!
Hector: Alright, you...
By the time they finished, to neither Treiy nor Patroclus' surprise, it was another draw.
Treiy: Who could've seen that coming? *Sarcastic*
Patroclus: I'll go get the first aid.
With Silver's party...
They were all eating lunch together on their day off with some company with them.
Nory: Nice of you to join us, Swen.
Swen: You people are the closest thing I have to a social life.
Nory: Aw, you can just say we're your friends.
Swen: Maybe later.
Barba: Aren't you two cozy? *Teasing*
Nory turned to her, only to see that she was looking at Brioche and Whitney, who came along as well.
Whitney: Hey, no teasing my boyfriend. Only I get to do that.
Meteria: Come on, just leave them alone. *Smiling*
Barba: Oh fine, but that does bring up an interesting topic. Do any of you guys have a person in mind for a partner?
Meteria: Hm?
Alfia didn't like where this was going.
Nory: Um, I don't think so.
Swen: I've never been one to dwell on those kinds of thoughts.
Cester: Unfortunately, neither have I.
Barba: What? Seriously? I get those two, but you, Cester?
The elf looked at her strangely.
Cester: What? My race is rather selective when it comes to romantic partners. We fall in love once and live a long time, so I'm in no rush to find someone.
Barba smirked at this before posing seductively for him.
Barba: You know, I could fill that spot if you asked nicely.
Cester: D-Don't make jokes like that.
Barba: *Slapping the table* Hahaha! Relax, I'm just playing. How about you, Alfia?
Alfia: No. I'd never lower myself to a man.
Barba: Ouch. That's a little harsh.
Meteria: Hehe. Sorry, about her.
Barba: Ah, don't sweat it. So, how about you?
Meteria: *Blush* H-Huh?
The blonde got a look in her eyes when Meteria reacted like that while Alfia grew more angry.
Barba: Hoho? By that reaction, me thinks you have a boy in mind. *Smirking*
Meteria: N-N-No, I d-don't...
Brioche: That wasn't very convincing.
Whitney: Anything you want to say Meteria?
Barba: Or to someone?
Meteria: *Blushing* U-U-Uh...
She glanced a bit to Silver before looking away, embarrassed. This was something Barba noticed.
Barba: (Ladies and Gentlemen, we have our winner.) Fine, we'll skip you for now.
The girl sighed in relief, though, her sister was nearing her breaking point.
Barba: What about you, little man? Any girl here catch your eye?
Silver: H-Hey!
Jupiter: [DAMN! SHE'S CALLING YOU OUT!]
Silver: [Be quiet!]
Barba: Any day now? *Smirking*
The boy was caught in a tight squeeze and Meteria was waiting for what he would say.
Silver: (I can't just say it here! Alfia's there! Dad, what do I do?!)
Zeus: [RRRRRROMANCE!!!]
Silver: [Damn you! Jupiter, please, you're my last hope!]
Jupiter: [RRRRRRROMANCE!!!]
Silver: [I'm gonna kill you...]
Meanwhile, on the outside they all watched him have a mental crisis which was amusing to all of them. One of them didn't find it funny in the least though.
Silver: (Gah! Fine! Deep end it is!) Um, actually I...
He still had trouble finding the words, though he kept his gaze locked with Meteria's as the two stared with flushed faces. Barba and the others watched with amusement. All but Alfia, who could hold back no longer and finally snapped as she lashed out at the boy.
Alfia: BE A MAN GOD DAMN IT!!! FUCK ME IN MY ASS!!!
Take 2
Alfia: ALRIGHT, THAT'S ENOUGH!
Barba: Huh?
The silver-haired girl got between her sister and the boy before glaring at him.
Alfia: (Know your place, cretin.)
Jupiter: (Curses! Foiled again!)
Barba: Aw, what'd you do that for? It was just getting good!
Alfia: My sister won't be getting with anyone without my passing of them first and I refuse to pass anyone!
Barba: Sheesh. You sound like a mother.
Alfia: *Angry* What was that?!
Barba: *Scared* Nothing!
Alfia: Anyway, we've stayed long enough. Meteria, we should be off so we don't miss our lessons.
Meteria: Aw, but-
Alfia: No buts.
She dragged the girl away while Meteria tried to say goodbye to everyone. Meanwhile, Silver just had a blank face as he sat.
Brioche: You good, man?
Silver: Surprisingly, yeah. I didn't get yelled at for an hour this time. Still hurt a bit though.
Barba: Still, I can see you two like each other. All you have to do is get past her. Or, you could even add her to your collection.
Silver: I'll pass.
Jupiter: [You fool!]
Silver: [No, it'll never work out.]
Jupiter: [It would just be very difficult. A girl like her will be one of the greatest treasures you could have. You just need to melt that cold heart of hers with your charm.]
Silver: [I doubt that's worth my life and a half.]
Jupiter: [You don't get it! Every man's dream is to have a tsundere as part of their harem-]
Silver: (Spirit off.)
Jupiter: [You can silence me, but you can't silence the truth- *Muted]
Silver: (Much better.)
Barba: So, what now?
Brioche: I've actually been thinking. Let's try for Floor 20 on our next dive.
AN: And that's a wrap for this one. I do apologize again, but I'm gonna be going back on what I said before. Really, Achilles was my only concern because of a certain existing story that everyone probably knows and loves. As such, I'll be twisting the personality a bit as well as borrowing appearances, but only for him. After that, all the other new characters just came in and the plot I had laid out fell into place nicely. Patroclus is more of a source of innuendos and inside jokes. If that author, for some reason, happens to be reading this, sorry. Also, I hope nobody is too offended with any implications made with Patroclus. I have nothing against those people and will try to keep the jokes tame. Things are spicing up even more, so stay tuned. Although, if you haven't seen already, I'm going to be slowing down the story uploads since Evilus is making important plays and the Astraea Record light novels are being released monthly up to December, I'm going to slow down for my safety as more Evilus lore drops.
Anyway, thanks again for reading. I hope you enjoyed and I will see you in the next one.