Outside of the Guild Hall, Axton leaned against the stones, waiting for Bell's business to be done inside. There were multiple reasons he wished to speak to him. Such reasons included what Ais wanted to speak to him about, the other was for Axton to offer his guidance. Sure, Eina knows what she was doing but trial by fire was one of the best ways to learn. Holding yourself back does nothing to help you.

The Dungeon was like a forge. The fires of the Dungeon walls are the monsters. The Adventures brave enough to face that fire are the tools or weapons being forged. Either they come out victorious, to be dunked in water to cool off, or break off and perish then and there. Many adventurers failed this task. Many of them have died and Axton witnessed a few of those deaths firsthand.

The first time, he vomited. He was only seven. That was a taste of what the world was offering and at the time, it was up to him to figure himself out. Otherwise, he could have ended up with a broken blade.

Ais.

Oh boy, Ais…

She was a different breed of ambition. She would train all day, stress herself in the Dungeon, sneak into the Dungeon, and then come back because he had to drag her out. Axton was sure that he'd been over this many times before.

However, there was one time that it got hairy, almost costing them their lives. A derisive smile came to his face. This would be the kind of memory that he would go back to. Goodness, it's been a long time. I just hope that he doesn't do the same things I've done.

Guardian, only reacting to the owner, sent calming waves to Axton's mind. Releasing a breath he didn't know he was holding, he shook his head. "A-Axton?"

Hearing that voice made the Prince look up to see Bell looking at him with open concern. "What's up?"

"N-Nothing, you just…looked a little lost?" he said more as a question rather than a statement. Bell reached up and scratched his cheek, "That…and you wanted to speak to me?"

Shifting himself off the wall, he glanced at the two party members that followed him out of the Guild, "Yes, and I think this might benefit the three of you. Are you up for walking and talking? People are uhm, how should I put this nicely…uh, invasive and don't know the meaning of privacy?"

He didn't even need to look to feel people look away and go on about their business. Axton allowed himself a smug smirk. Welf raised an eyebrow but chuckled all the while, "That's pretty scary."

"People know not to mess with adventurers above level four as they can and will kick some serious booty if threatened or stalked. None take too kindly to it, even me at points. So, you in?"

Lili was the first to say, "I go where Master Bell goes."

Welf quickly echoed that sentiment, "Getting tips from a first-class? That would be beneficial."

Axton turned to the rabbit, "Two to one, Bell. Looks like you're being dragged into it. Come on, I know a few places where we can talk undisturbed." The Sword Prince then entered the busy streets of Orario with a trio of newbie adventurers—in terms of experience—in tow. "I want to break the ice with you since you all seem…unsettled," Axton mentioned sheepishly. The light chuckle accompanied by the shrug would be comical anywhere else. "So, and you don't have to answer, what's the lowest floor you've been on so far? Aside from the eighteenth, since that was a situation outside of your control. Let me word this better: what floor are you most comfortable on?"

"Fifteenth," was Bell's eventual response.

"And you've gotten over your…hesitancy with Minotaurs?" Axton asked as they entered a building that seemed to be in the middle of the street. They weren't that far from the church where Bell lived so this took him by surprise. It looked to be some type of dive bar, come for a quick drink, stay and chat, then move on with your night.

"Where are we, Master Axton?" Lili asked. Axton visibly recoiled from the term but said nothing.

His response was, "A dive bar, which works as a meeting point. The owner owes me a few things for saving their life…amongst other things."

"Sounds shady," Welf joked.

"It really isn't. You just need a place to talk without going to the RLD, this is it," Axton gestured to the walls. They were a pale gray with no decoration on them. It was bland. It sent shivers down the young adventurers' spines. Axton remained unaffected.

"Where did you find a place like this?"

His voice was unexpectedly cold, "The Dark Age."

Lili and Welf immediately closed their mouths as they finally seemed to realize that Axton could have been present during that time of Orario's recent history. Bell, however, remained ignorant of this fact, "The Dark Age?"

Axton shook his head and smirked at the young rabbit, "Ask me another time, Bell. For now, the booth is waiting."

"But…we never paid?" Welf asked, confused.

The Prince's smirk widened, "Perks of being first-class plus a bit of the former reason. I don't often use this but the door is 'always open' per se. They entered the room and the door shut. "These curtains are enchanted with 'Mystery' so these are soundproof. How do I know this? I sent my magic at about half-strength…no one heard it. That being said, I want to make this quick so you all can go on with your days."

Bell went first, "Why are you interested?"

Astute, Axton thought with glee in his eyes. That would save him one of these days. Maybe not now, but one day in the future. "Well, I would be lying if I said I wasn't. Your level-up has caused a stir in Orario." Bell looked guilty for that but Axton assured him that he wasn't. "For context, Ais took a year to level from one to two. It took thirteen months. You did it in one-twelfth of that time. Whatever it was, your status doesn't lie. My congratulations to you."

"Heh, t-thanks," he said, not looking him in the eye.

"That's why we're interested."

Before he could elaborate, Lili jumped the gun, "Are you trying to offer him a spot in your Familia?!"

The Sword Prince glowered at her, "Watch your tone with me…"

The look he gave her was enough to pacify her and Lili looked away.

The boy shifted into a more comfortable position, leaning back, "I want to give you tips for going into the upper and middle floors. I did say that this would concern your adventuring career going forward. Bell, you have to understand this. Gaining excelia is not easy. It's taken me eight years, almost, to get to level six." Welf and Lili already knew this information but Axton was pleased that Bell was paying attention. "With growth like yours, I suspect that you'll make it here in a year or so. Welf, how long were you level one?" he asked the redheaded smith.

"Four years…no one wanted to party with me because of…"

"Magic swords, Tsubaki complained enough and I was half-tempted to turn that eyepatch into a muzzle…" Axton groaned with a smile. "But Bell, do you see my point? More than half the adventurers in Orario are level one. Less than one hundred are above level four, and the number diminishes significantly with each increase in rank."

"I understand. So..my growth is abnormal?"

"Very much so," Axton confirmed. "The lower you go in the Dungeon, the faster and tougher monsters come crawling out of the woodwork. Minotaurs and Goliath will be the least of your worries." Seeing the looks he was getting, he switched topics, "Now Lili, feel free to stop me on any of these questions if you do not wish to answer."

The Pallum looked at him with scrutinizing eyes, "Go on…"

The cautious one, Axton thought, was probably the one who would keep Bell out of trouble. "Do you realize how important a Supporter is to a Dungeon Party? Let alone an Expedition?"

Lili's look to Axton was one of anger, disbelief, and somehow shock, "W-What?"

"Do you honestly think that Expeditions are easy?" Axton inquired, a lazy smile on his face but that was to hide the images currently flooding his mind. "Considering how you saw me coming up from the Dungeon half-dead…"

That reminder made all of them wince.

"My point is, without a reliable supporter, Expeditions or Dungeon dives cannot progress. Finn is my Captain yet I rarely see him in the vanguard, do you know why Lili?"

"Lili fails to see the point you are trying to make, Master Axton," the Pallum replied, still recovering from her emotional turmoil.

He clicked his tongue, "Because Finn is the one directing us, strategizing, giving those who tunnel vision a better view. He tells us where to go, what to do, and how to do it if possible. You know, with your demeanor, you probably could give him a run for his money. I see those calculating eyes of yours, and that will prove useful on the middle floors. Would it be possible for you to read up on the middle floors, knowing what monsters spawn, what they drop, and what their abilities are? That way y-"

"Can form a proper plan of attack!" Lili exclaimed brightly. Axton grinned at seeing her get his point.

"That and keep yourselves alive. Welf, have you thought about some lightweight armor, something to wear under your tunic?" Axton turned to the smith. "You're just as important in the vanguard. Bell cannot do everything."

The smith hummed before replying, "Not really, the last time I used armor…ugh, my back was out of commission for four days."

"Hmm, I didn't like wearing armor either when I was a kid because I thought it would get in my way…but armor has saved my limbs more times than I would like to admit aloud," Axton laughed. Seriously, the Dungeon can and will find out—only if one cares to fuck around. "Consider it in the future, something like chainmail, hell it might even raise your strength by a few extra points, considering the extra weight."

"I'll put it on the back burner," Welf conceded. "Might help. Any tips for my weapon?"

"That…I don't have good experience with it. Tiona wields her Urga like a whirlwind…Tiona uses a pair of kukri if she's not using her fists. Bete uses his legs and a mix of martial arts…but I would suggest not throwing your weight around. Try to find your center of gravity, become a sort of wall…maybe Gareth can assist…I'll ask him for some advice, which he probably won't give me until he figures out why I'm asking. Ahhh, the things I do for people," Axton clicked his tongue whilst he thought aloud. Welf didn't seem upset at this and accepted it.

"What about me?"

"To put it bluntly, Bell?" A nod from the bunny. "Your lack of experience plus your growth will get you killed."

The boy recoiled like he was struck in the chest. "W-What?"

Axton glanced at the two beside him and motioned for them to step outside. This was something for him to hear and him alone. They did so, not without wishing him luck. "Now. I say this because it will happen if you push forward without considering your party, familia, and yourself. You may be a level two but the lower levels of the middle floors will eat you alive. I say this not to demoralize you. I want you to rise up. Not many adventurers have pure intentions. I myself am not one of those."

"But-"

"Don't interrupt, Bell. It's true. One day, you might figure it out but for now, that's my secret," Axton held up a hand to quell his retort. "You need to learn your instincts, your body, and your mind. I am willing to help you, regardless of what either of our patrons say. I want to help you."

Bell's eyes and mind could not believe what they were seeing and hearing. He knew Axton just wished to talk to him about his adventuring but to be offered by one of Loki Familia's executives, the Sword Prince, to be trained and mentored was an opportunity many would kill for. War Games were out of the question. Bell knew that it was his own volition that he was offering, so he never asked if there was an ulterior motive to it.

The boy finally found his voice, "You mean it? B-But why me?"

Axton sighed, "I don't want a potential ally to be killed prematurely. You have the skill, drive, and willpower to do so much for Orario. I imagine that you've made waves in Orario already, starting with this level up. Maybe it's a little selfish on my end but my point stands. You will be going somewhere, Bell Cranel, I just hope that it isn't Tenkai." Then, he smirked, "Oh, and Ais will be happy to join me."

"M-Miss Ais?!" he exclaimed as his face exploded into a blush.

Yep, those two will be perfect. I know I said I wouldn't force them into a relationship but honestly? Screw that, I'm all for wingmanning for Bell. Besides, he's already got my approval. "Well, Ais would be interested to see what I'm doing. If she finds out, she'll want to help. However, unlike her, I can actually hold back my strength to a certain degree. I can't hold it back to being a high level one but more along the lines of an experienced level two. So, in terms of training, it will be manageable."

Bell looked indecisive but he knew that if he wanted to reach his goal, to be on even footing with the Sword Princess, he would have to take this opportunity. Bell didn't have a good read on people so trying to search his face was pointless. Axton, meanwhile, brought Welf and Lili back in and explained the situation, if only for Lili's sake.

Lili spoke up, "Lili thinks you should take Master Axton up on his offer. He may not offer it again."

"False," Axton quipped. "I also need to get going, this took a little longer than I thought, can we meet up close to Babel in about a day or two, provided I don't get pulled along for something crazy?"

Bell looked into Axton's gold-onyx eyes and the latter was more than pleased with that look and tried to not let it show he was grinning. "I accept your offer, Axton," he said with a small bow.

Axton patted his shoulder, "Good. The training will start next Sunday, meet in the usual spot. Welf, Lili, if you want to spontaneously 'show up' you are welcome to. I'll just have to make sure Auntie doesn't get upset."

"Auntie?" a question echoed by the trio.

"Shakti. I call her Auntie, part of the Dark Age thing," Axton waved off their question like it was an everyday thing.

Welf grinned, "You got quite the history for being an adventurer for what, eight years?"

Axton heaved a sigh, heavier than the rest, "You don't have the slightest clue."

"One more thing, Axton. I hear you and a certain elf are a thing now, is that right?" Welf had a teasing look on his face while Bell looked like he'd seen a scandal happening before his very eyes. Lili just raised both of her brows.

Axton looked away with a flush and that giddy giggle that he was known for, "MMaaaayyybbee? Look, it happened yesterday, last night. Orario can find something else to dote on besides my love life."

That got a rowdy laugh from Welf. Bell was chuckling lightly at the turn of events. Lili just rolled her eyes, muttering 'boys' under her breath.

Once the meeting was done, Axton went his separate way before finding Dino and Jericho out and about. The two were like older brothers to Axton. "Yo, Dino, Jericho!"

The raccoon and the dark elf turned to see their resident Prince, "And where the hell have you been for the last three hours, huh?" Dino asked with a grin.

"Chit-chatting, this and that," Axton evaded, "So when are you going to teach me Dark Elf romance etiquette?"

Jericho piped up, "You did say you were. Actually, you almost demanded that he does, even though Lady Riveria had filled his head with the proper procedure. Want to help with some shopping? Since the girls aren't here, we got voluntold by Finn to go to the market."

"Got nothing but time," Axton replied.

Dino took a closer look at the younger man. He can't be called a boy, not after the Dark Age and recent events. Truthfully, the dark elf was worried about him, not that he had fully expressed it. Since they joined the Familia, Dino and Jericho felt like it was their job, their role to be that brotherly figure to as many people as they could.

Growing up together, and relying on each other was only one such circumstance. Tiona and Tione have expressed this to them. They are sisters to each other and try to extend that…well, Tiona does. Tione just gets mad anytime someone makes a move on Finn.

Jericho preferred to be subtle in his methods, being the sly man he was. Dino, ironic to his magic, was as bright as the Sun. "How are you feeling?"

Axton only looked confused at this, "I'm doing alright. Why?"

Dino clasped his shoulder, watching for his reaction. The blond didn't tense. Dino smiled, "Looks like you aren't as jumpy as before."

"Oh…you meant that…yeah, that's because I trust you both," he replied like it was the easiest thing in the world. To Axton, it was. Jericho's tail twitched and his eyes locked onto him.

Dino wasn't fully convinced, "Are you sure? You haven't been in the Dungeon since the Expedition. Aren't you at least a bit nervous?"

"I am," Axton said, not surprising the duo. "I am more nervous running into that woman…" That got a shiver to run down his spine. His eyes started to look like glass.

The elder two frowned at this. The last time he ran into her, well, it ended with a sword stabbed through his abdomen. However, Axton and Ais—Sword Royalty—are stronger than before. If she came, they would respond. "We'll back you up if it comes to th-"

"Not happening," Axton cut them out. "Listen, I get it, Jericho. She was able to best us both and left a mark. She will gun for us again." His words were filled with certainty, as if he knew it would happen. A matter of when, not if. "Can we…not talk about this?"

Dino frowned, his elf ears twitching, "One last question: What do you think the Dungeon will do when we step into it again, rather, what do you think it will do when you step into it?"

"...react accordingly," he trailed off. "Let's finish this shopping, shall we? Do we need seafood or vegetables first?"

Neither Dino nor Jericho wanted the conversation to end but with how Axton seemed evasive to them meant that he was still processing. At least his haphephobia symptoms seem to have diluted some. At first, he didn't like anyone touching him, not even Ais. Then, he started allowing her to, as long as she let him know. It seemed that allowing a guy to touch him was okay but…

"Stop digging into it, Dino," Jericho warned his blood brother softly. "The kid has been through a lot before we ever joined. There's not much we can do besides support him."

Dino sighed, running a hand through his messy hair, "I know…"

Axton then turned with a devious smirk, "So, how's it going with Alicia?"

Dino rounded on him, "Listen here, you little shit."

The 'little shit' whistled innocently, "Sorry not sorry. Honestly, now that I've confessed, I feel like a weight has been lifted off my shoulders. You know, when you got poisoned, she was actually worried about you. That, and she gave me a genuine smile. So, my advice to you, big brother Dino, is to ask her out."

The dark elf groaned at getting love advice from someone younger than him, "The repercussions of that are far more complex than you will ever realize."

"Prove me wrong then," Axton challenged as they perused the market, grabbing vegetables, courtesy of Demeter Familia. Some peppers, onions, tomatoes, carrots, broccoli, potatoes, and many others. Thankfully, or maybe not, Demeter herself was there today.

She noticed the patch of blond hair and made her way over. She tapped him on the shoulder, "Mister Wallenstein?"

The instinctual reaction to tense at her touch was there but he held it off, "Lady Demeter, didn't expect to see you out and about today? What's the occasion?"

"My curiosity, Prince. I'm wondering why the usual members of your familia aren't shopping."

"Familia Business, Lady Demeter," he replied easily. "Hey Jericho, you got everything?"

A second later, "How the hell can they tell the difference between heads of lettuce? They all look the same!"

"They're labeled, Jericho! How can you mess that up?"

The raccoon deflated next to him, "Oh…"

"Not to worry, my friend."

Demeter giggled, "I see." She folded her arms behind her back, accenting her large chest whether it was on purpose or not was up for debate. "You don't seem to struggle with this as I expected."

"Riveria often took Ais and me around with her. Learning the market and all of its pathways was essential in case I needed to shake pursuers," Axton stated, making Demeter pause. Other elves in the vicinity now glared at Axton for referring to their Princess so casually. "I love the fact that all the elves in the area are upset but can't do anything because I can and will defend myself. Riveria had practically raised me from when I was six. Cool your jets," he mumbled under his breath.

"Ara, I often forget that you're only sixteen…" she said sadly.

Axton huffed, "And age won't stop me, excuse me, but I do know when to take breaks," he said as he moved around her and grabbed the last item on the list.

Demeter watched the young man with serious eyes. So young, yet so much had happened to him. His exploits are known. Maybe not to the degree of other first-class adventurers but from what Demeter had gathered, he had met both of the people responsible for the attack in Orario.

"Lady Demeter, please don't look at me with those eyes," Axton requested, not even turning around to look at her. "Stop living in the past and look toward the future. For me? It's these ingredients in something delicious and then in my stomach."

The Goddess of Harvest and Agriculture sighed, "You're right. Now, anything else I can help you with?"

"A bag maybe?"

She laughed, "Let's see if I got something for you."

Dino came back looking sheepish, "You guys done yet?"

"Did you even help?" Axton asked.

"Nope," Jericho immediately sold him out, his tail swaying in victory.

Needless to say, they verbally ripped into him, with Demeter watching with a pleasing smile.

She thinks he'll be just fine. As he was leaving she forgot to ask him about the rumors surrounding his love life! Next time.

Ais found it odd how no one knew about the Violas. Even giving them a description of what the monsters looked like gave them no leads. That was the confusing part though. If there was a sighting of these monsters in Melen—which brought the ladies of Loki Familia here in the first place—then how come they don't know what they're talking about?

The Sword Princess didn't like it. Lefiya was even less pleased. She found herself thinking of what her future sister-in-law was saying. He's been hurt worse in the Dark Age? I wasn't in Orario at the time…but he was…yet how can he still smile as easily as he does? The young maiden was worried for her fiancé—and wow, what a blush that brought—and how she would ask.

Ais said not to but Lefiya was curious to know. We all know what curiosity does to people. That was one puddle that turns into the ocean real quick.

The pair returned to the fishing district and found both Tiona and Tione eating fish they bought from Njord Familia. This familia's job was to fish, obviously. They provided Orario with the majority, if not all of their imported seafood.

Tione was talking to Rod, the Captain of Njord Familia, about mundane topics until one of the other fishermen came back, "Cap, we've heard some trouble by the docks, one of our groups got tangled with those Amazons."

Tione didn't need to hear more as she dashed off, causing Ais and Lefiya to follow. "Go ahead, Miss Ais. I will catch up. You may need to help Miss Tione."

Ais looked back at the elf, hesitation visible in her eyes for a split second before the blonde beauty dashed off with all of her level six speed. She could not be late again. Never again.

Lefiya rushed along with her staff in hand, "I wonder if Axton is having the time of his life. We still need to discuss our courtship…"

Tione took the scene in with a glance. Argana was holding up a fisherman by the throat. His eyes were wide and his face red. She could easily snap his neck with her grip. Her being level six was not something to fuck around with. Argana was asking the man what she wanted with him. "Why did you bump into me?" Her Koine was slow but accurate.

Other fishermen watching the scene were helpless because they couldn't extract the woman's hand from this grip. They explained that he bumped into her because he thought she was beautiful.

"In my country, bumping shoulders means a fight to the death," Argana said plainly. "Any last words?"

"Not if I have anything to say about it!" Tione shouted as she shoved Argana away. "What the hell is wrong with you?!"

"Ah, so you're still alive," she said plainly.

There weren't many words exchanged as they began to fight vehemently. Tione would get one good hit for every three that Argana landed. Neither gave the other quarter. To them, they were embracing the traditions of their homeland. Where they fought, bled, healed, and did it all over again.

This was the Amazonian way and that will never change.

"Don't you regret it? Killing her? Killing Seldas, hmm?" Argana taunted as she pressed Tione's defense. "Look at you, you've fallen from our ways, protecting this girl."

Indeed, Tione was protecting a girl who could not leave quickly enough. "Shut up." Her anger was getting to the breaking point. With increased anger comes lessened rationale.

"Alright you two, break it up!"

Argana and Tione paused to see Kali and Loki, their respective patrons, stopping them. "Now now, children, this isn't any way to cooperate."

"She's causing a sc-"

"Tione, I get it," Loki said. "Right now, we have to worry about everyone else, okay? Kali, you need to control your Familia. You are not in your country, neither am I for that matter, but this," she gestured to the roughed-up docks, "This is not how this should have gone."

"Lighten up, Trickster, hehe," Kali giggled. "No harm was permanently done. Now come come, girls, we need to go."

Argana sneered at Tione, "This is not over, Tione. We will finish this."

Tione spat some blood that trickled from her mouth, "Yeah, we will."

Loki just hoped that everything with Riveria went well. She could use some good news…and some Soma.

Elsewhere in Melen, Kali entered a hotel.

The Goddess of Telskyura immediately honed in on the stairs to the second floor. Kali noted that the staff seemed on edge. As they should be.

It's not every day that a Goddess of Beauty leaves Orario for business. Sitting on the balcony was none other than Ishtar, the Goddess who runs the Red Light District in Orario. "So, you finally decided to visit?"

The tone suggested she was less than pleased. Kali only snickered, "It takes a while to travel, and using my Arcanum was out of the question. So, this letter…you wanted an alliance to take down Freya?"

Ishtar's eyes flared, even as she smoked out of her pipe, "Yes, that whore needs to learn that I am better."

"Tsk tsk, a Goddess' jealousy is legendary but it can consume you. How do you plan on overthrowing her when she has the Warlord? Even the Trickster's brats need their top three to fight him."

"I care not for Loki's Familia," she breathed out a puff of smoke in response. "I care about showing her who she is messing with." A nasty grin that made her look seductive appeared on Ishtar's face, "I have a trump card in mind."

Kali looked over to see a beast person wrapped in a cloak. The only features that she saw were blonde hair and green eyes before a woman, known as Aisha Belka, stepped into Kali's line of sight. "About my reward, no gold but a fight between my two Captains and Loki's Amazon brats. They have…what do you say…some unfinished business. Think you can help with that?"

A puff of smoke, "Gladly."

Lefiya thought she was a decent judge of character. Really, she was. However, this time proved to say that she was not at all and that apparently, deities can hide their divinity if they know how.

So, imagine her surprise when Kali appears in front of her and has her Familia subdue her group, and then Bache spoke up in Koine, "You and the Prince… what are you to him?"

Lefiya clammed up. She said the first thing on her mind, completely forgetting one crucial fact. "He's no one special to me."

"Liar~"

She could not lie to a God or Goddess under any circumstance.

"So, what is this Sword Prince to you?"

Lefiya closed her mouth and said nothing. Bache looked like she wanted to punch her, to interrogate her. Kali was almost inclined to let her. However, the Goddess' intuition kicked up, "He's special to you? Close friend? Childhood friend? Boyfriend? Oh, maybe fiancé?" Lefiya's vision wavered, she looked away and Bache, despite her demeanor, was faintly surprised.

But…Amazons don't care for prior arrangements. They will find men that satisfy them, and they will breed them to create strong bloodlines. Even if they have to tie them down and ride them like bulls. Aphrodisiacs were not off the table. In fact, they would force-feed them to ensure vitality and fertility.

"This pretty little elf has a fiancé at such a young age!" Kali exclaimed in exuberant joy. "Ah…young mortal love. I guess I should congratulate you since I've heard quite a few rumors about this boy, being one of the eligible bachelors in Orario…but that information was five or so months old. Too bad that my Captain has other plans, so you'll need to come with us. I need you to tell me all you can about Tione and Tiona Hiryute. Spare no details and don't lie to me…otherwise…"

Bache cracked her knuckles and neck to emphasize her point.

Axton…please, Lefiya pleaded mentally as she whimpered. She knew that she would not survive and she only thought about how that would hurt Axton. Please help. Little did she know, Loki had sent Anakitty back to Orario to deliver a message because of something that she found.

Ais would become aware of Lefiya's capture and the only thing she had said was this. "Uh oh."

When prompted as to why, she only responded with, "Windy. Lane."

It was safe to say that everyone winced at that.

Once Axton returned to Twilight Manor with Dino and Jericho—who continued to embarrass him about Lefiya amongst other things—in tow with their large amount of groceries, as Demeter Familia offered to help them take it back since they purchased a lot of them, Axton was greeted by Finn.

"The rumor mill has been busy," his Captain said.

"Oh?"

"Everyone seems to be wondering why you are so interested in the Record Holder, Bell Cranel?" Finn inquired, his child-like appearance doing numbers to Axton's resolve. It was almost like a five-year-old was asking him.

Axton, however, shrugged, "I have an interest in him, as Ais does. You saw it, I saw it. He will go far but…"

"But…" Finn smiled, egging the boy on.

The Sword Prince sighed, "Can't tell you yet. Nothing is finalized. I just wish people would mind their own damn business."

"It's Orario, Axton," Finn said gently, guiding the boy away so he could have this conversation in private. "Nothing stays your business when you are who you are. Everyone is chomping at the bit, as the saying goes, for information about you."

The blond groaned, "Which makes everything I do thirty times more difficult."

"I will not lie and say I am not interested in Bell Cranel as well but you seem to have a more personal stake in his growth. Considering the fact at the time of the ninth-floor incident, I noticed Royalty's fighting style in his as he battled the Minotaur."

Axton eyed his Captain critically, "Is that against the rules?"

"Technically, no," Finn said, "the truth is, I am concerned neither you nor Ais told us."

"He's in Hestia Familia. I believe that's reason enough to not say anything. Loki overreacts when it comes to her for something only women compare."

"Not entirely true," the Pallum countered. "What did you talk about? I would like to know, so that way when Loki chews you out, I can lighten the blow."

The blond swordsman sighed, seeing no logical point in lying to his Captain, "I offered to train him and his party because…well, you see his growth, right?"

Finn hummed, his thumb was not acting up but it did tingle at the mention of Bell Cranel's growth. "Are you thinking of monitoring it?"

Axton narrowed his eyes, "No. I want him to succeed. Finn, his lack of experience will get him killed. For some reason, I don't want that to happen and before you ask, I'm not going to ask him to convert. One, that's mean. Two, he most likely won't leave Lady Hestia. Three, he's naive. His party members know the last point but isn't that our job as first-class to help assist the less experienced ones?"

There were parts of this conversation that Axton wishes to avoid and so far, Finn has not stepped on one of those proverbial mines.

"We also have a duty to our Familia. That comes first and you know that."

Axton sighed, this one tired. He's heard this line plenty of times. "Orario would be further untied if we-"

"Hold that thought," Finn said with his hand raised, just as Anakitty burst through the doors.

"We need you in Melen!"

Axton rolled his neck, pleased that the conversation ended. He was getting uncomfortable with it. "Say less. Let me armor up. Captain, do you want me to advance ahead with Bete? Scout and all that?"

"No, we all go together. Aki! Explain everything to me as quickly as possible. Loki Familia, level three or up, prepare to go to Melen!"

Safe to say, the men were hyped for some action. Without the ladies' home, it was a bit dull.

...

Oh hi, I got nothing to say this time. So, hope you enjoyed this. I said 'fuck it' we're going through SO6...for the next chapter. This training thing Axton has will take place later.