The Labyrinth City of Orario, a place known by many for many things. The center of the world, the home of the Dungeon and a place many come to fulfill their wildest dreams. Here is where many Gods reside, and with them, their Familia. The people who receive their divine blessing. Like people, Gods of many types call this city home, but the strongest of them all were those of Zeus and Hera. The latter having the strongest adventurer in the city at level 9 and the former being right next to them being level 8. That much was common for anyone in the city, but what wasn't was two in particular from the Hera Familia.
???: Sister, I think we both knew that was my slice of cake.
???: M-Meteria...
Right now, a girl no older than 12 in a wheelchair was currently glaring at her older sister who was kneeling on the ground with her head down. Her long silver hair was trembling along with the rest of her body.
Meteria: Alfia...
Alfia: I-I'm s-sorry, I didn't mean to-
Meteria: DIDN'T MEAN TO?! DO YOU KNOW HOW LONG I WAS LOOKING FORWARD TO EATING THAT?! YOU'RE TELLING ME IT WAS AN ACCIDENT?!
Alfia wasn't thinking that straight early in the morning and had accidently eaten a food her sister had been excited on having today. She now resigned herself to her fate and stared back at death itself.
Meteria: Well?!
Alfia: I-I'll go buy you another one! Please just don't be angry!!
She quickly left her room and went out to find another at a nearby cake shop. Only a few minutes passed when she had returned with a new cake for her.
Alfia: Hah... I'm back...
Meteria looked back at her sister and saw she had indeed brought back a cake for her.
Meteria: Thank you, sister!
She hugged her and took half of it while Alfia took the other half with her before leaving.
Alfia: I will be going down to the Dungeon later.
Meteria: Be safe!
The two waved goodbye to each other before the door closed and it was just Meteria now.
Meteria: *Sigh* That was close, good thing she didn't notice you.
Suddenly a boy around 13 years of age appeared from under the bed next to her.
Meteria: If she saw you, Silv, she would've started screaming.
Silver: Yeah, but that wouldn't have been as bad as dealing with you when you're angry. I mean, that had to be a slip up of the ages because what kind of person thinks they can eat your food and get away with it?
They both laughed while he helped her back into her bed. The boy next to her was Silver Cranel, a member of the famous Zeus Familia. A member of one of the strongest in the city he may have been, but the boy was just a level 1 supporter. Nothing really stood out; he had brown hair but the most unique quality of his appearance were his pair of red eyes. Meteria and Alfia were special cases in the Hera Familia as the older twin possessed great talent. Hera wanted to recruit her into her Familia, but Alfia demanded she take her sister as well and give her a falna. That was because both sisters were sick with a crippling illness that slowly weakened them over time. In Meteria's case, she had it much worse to the point that she couldn't walk and had to stay in bed most of the time yet her cheerful attitude made her loved by all in her Familia even going as far as being Hera's favorite child. That being said, being bedridden constantly would get boring, until he saw a strange young boy with the God Zeus who she had seen from time to time when the two Familias conversed. She met with him while they were alone and thanks to her personality, they became quick friends. That was almost 2 years ago and they've met in secret often. Many times Silver would tell her of his life as an adventurer. She felt bad about how he was treated as a supporter, but the man was cowardly and had trouble fighting even the weakest of monsters. They both share the rank of weakest in their Familias for different reasons but that similarity only brought them closer together. Overtime, their time spent together made something in them click and they felt a pull to the other. One day, Alfia had caught the boy and Meteria together and had chased him away much to her sister's displeasure. She didn't like the idea of a boy trying to hit on her sister but Meteria tried to tell her it wasn't like that. From then on, they had to be more careful as even Hera had a great distaste for the boy trying to take away her precious child. Zeus on the other hand was proud of his favorite boy. After having picked him up from the streets and raising him, he trained the boy personally in the art of women, but the boy had other plans that didn't involve that. Still, being the child of Zeus alone was enough to make him disliked by the Hera Familia for that alone. Back in the present, Silver was going on about what happened to him the last few days he was gone.
Meteria: Wow, you made it to floor 13?!
Silver: Not really, I just picked up everyone's things while they fought the monsters. You know I'm not cut out for that.
Meteria: Come on, you aren't like they say you are. I heard from some people that they saw you on Floor 1 hunting goblins by yourself.
The boy blushed fiercely and snapped his head to her.
Silver: H-How do you know that?!
Meteria: Aw, no need to hide it from me, I know you're working hard too!
Silver: U-Uh, I gotta go, bye!
She waved back with a bright smile on her face as he left through her window. Sometime after, Hera had come in with some other members wheeling a cart with her.
Meteria: Lady Hera!
Hera: Hello, my girl. How are you feeling?
Meteria: The same as usual, I guess, and you all?
Hera Maid A: Both of us are doing well.
Hera Maid B: A good morning to you, Lady Meteria.
They both bowed to her while she just smiled at them.
Hera: It's time for your medicine.
This immediately made the girl frown. While it helped, it only prolonged the inevitable along with fact that it tasted awful.
Meteria: *Pout*
Hera: You ladies can handle this.
Hera Maids: Yes.
One of the maids went to her side while the other grabbed the liquid medicine and poured it onto a spoon. When she got close to the girl's mouth, Meteria's face turned blue in fear and disgust and she clamped her lips shut.
Hera Maid A: Please don't make this more difficult. Stop acting like a child.
Meteria: *Shaking her head* Mm-mm!
The sighed and looked to the other maid. They both nodded and went with their back up plan.
Hera Maid B: Coochie coochie coo!
Meteria: PFFT!! HAHAHAHA- mmph!
The maid next to her quickly tickled her sides making Meteria laugh and open her mouth for the other maid to give her the medicine.
Hera: A job well done, you two.
Hera Maids: Thank you, Lady Hera.
Meteria: Bleugh...
Hera: Sorry, sweetie, but this is for your own health and well-being.
Meteria: Couldn't you at least make it go down easier?
Hera: I'm sorry, the doctor says it won't work like that.
The girl frowned and wished the boy was here to comfort her.
With Silver...
???: Come on, we don't have all day, man!
Silver: Shut it, Brioche! I got around a dozen monster corpses to dig through here!
Brioche: HAHA! Yeah yeah! I just wanna call it a day soon and go back up. It's been a long one.
Silver: You can say that again.
Currently the boy with in the dungeon collecting stones. With him was his friend, Brioche. The boy was one of light brown hair and blue eyes in a mediocre set of armor. He wasn't in the same Familia as Silver, but the two were good friends being around the same age. Right now, they were on Floor 6 and were taking a rest after having cleared some of that and the floors prior. The party was just the two of them, but they had been adventuring together for around a year and they made a good team.
Brioche: So, what's with you today? You seemed kinda on edge since we met at the fountain.
Silver: I-It's nothing!!
He blushed remembering Meteria's encouragement. The brown haired boy looked at his face and an amused smirk rose on his.
Brioche: Oh, I see, it's about that Hera girl you like.
Silver: Sh-Shut up! *Blushing*
Brioche laughed as he finished collecting the stones. The two headed back up and he brought up another thing.
Brioche: So, do you want me to help you with fighting?
Silver: Huh? Where'd that come from?
Brioche: Don't play dumb, I know you secretly go to Floor 1 on your days off to try and practice.
The boy tried to deny it, but his friend had already called his bluff.
Silver: Okay, fine, I did! What does it matter?!
Brioche: While I can only guess, it was strange seeing you work so hard. I mean, much more than usual. Is it about that girl too?
Silver: *Blushing* N-no! I just- *sigh* I just feel ashamed to be part of my Familia. We're neck and neck with Hera yet here I am struggling on Floor 1 after being an adventurer for a year. I know my old man and Captain say it shouldn't bother me, but still.
Brioche: I guess I can see where you're coming from. Still, it isn't so bad being a supporter. I mean, you've got a lot of useful skills most aren't willing to learn. Hell, you've taught me a lot about being a supporter and I thought it was an easy job.
Silver: On the surface it is, but I see your point.
Brioche: Yeah, it isn't a bad thing to want to improve, but don't dismiss the skills you have right now.
He tapped his shoulder with his fist and smiled.
Brioche: You don't have to go it alone, not when you have me. If you want help, all you gotta do is ask.
Silver looked at his friend and smiled.
Silver: Thanks.
Brioche nodded and the made their way to the guild to cash in their stones.
Brioche: See you tomorrow.
Silver: Right.
They bumped fists and went their separate ways. He arrived back to his home of Olympus which was a massive plot of land that was shared between the two Familias. One one side was Hera's and the other was Zeus. Normally she would've rather died than agree to this, but she had lost a bet against her husband and had to put her girls at risk to the old man. Back with Silver, he had arrived and made his way inside.
Zeus: Silver, my boy!!
Silver: Ah, what the hell?!
Zeus: Oh, don't be like that with your father! Come, the ladies won't peep on themselves.
Silver: Sorry, I'm beat today, maybe another time.
Zeus: Boo... *Thumbs down*
The boy didn't budge eventually making Zeus sigh.
Zeus: Well, at least come with me for a status update. The last one was over a month ago so now is as good a time as any.
Silver: Alright.
They went to the boy's room and performed the ritual.
Silver Cranel
Zeus Familia
Level 1
Str H-133 - H-142
Vit H-189 - G-203
Dex H-148 - H-155
Agl G-296 - F-302
Mag I-0 lol
Zeus: All done!
The boy took the sheet from him and looked at the difference. A sigh escaped from his lips at the meager abilities he had. A whole year of adventuring and his best was a single stat at F rank.
Zeus: Boy, you don't have to sound so disappointed by this. It's good to see this when most of your time is spent supporting. All you need is some experience I know you can carve up those upper floors.
The God knew how depressed his son was as of recently. Even when peeping was his hobby, he tried many things to get his spirits up so seeing the boy try to smile back hurt a bit.
Silver: Thanks, Dad.
Zeus nodded as the two left. It was almost evening and Silver once again went to sneak to Meteria's for a bit. He arrived at her window and performed the secret password only they knew.
knock*knock*knock*
She opened the window as was delighted to see the boy there waited for her.
Meteria: Quick, come in!
The boy jumped in and closed the window behind him before Meteria wheeled herself back inside.
Meteria: Nice to see you again. How was the dungeon today?
Silver: Same as always...
Even she noticed his depressed attitude and part of her felt the pain too.
Meteria: (There's got to be someway to help him...)
A lightbulb lit in her head as she slapped her cheeks.
Meteria: Okay! Silver, I have a fun plan for us tonight!
Silver: Huh? What?
Meteria: We're having hard sex tonight!Make sure I can't walk tomorrow!
AN: Too early!!! Also, you can't walk in general!!
Take 2
Meteria: You're taking me outside so we can enjoy the night together!
Silver: Wait, hang on!
Meteria: Nope, I've decided!
The boy tried to calm her down, but her mind was made up. He carried her in her wheelchair out of her room and they snuck out of the estate to the darkened streets of the city. While crime was still a possibility, it was a rarity as the Ganesha Familia often had people patrolling the streets even this late. The two walked around the empty streets for a while until they came across a place that girl loved to visit with her sister.
Meteria: Good, we're here!
They arrived at a church that was closed. The girl enjoyed coming here to relax and was happy to have her friend join her.
Silver: So this is that church you always talked about?
Meteria: Yup, pretty right?
The boy had to admit, it did look good on the inside. It was small and the pews could use some attention, but it had an appeal to it.
Meteria: Silver, I can see from your face that something has been bothering you.
The boy looked ashamed and finally told her about his doubts.
Silver: I just wish I was more. My cowardice, my weakness, I hate it all! I feel like I'm sullying my Familia's name just by being part of it!
Meteria: ...it back.
She spoke too softly for him to hear.
Silver: Huh?
Meteria: I said to take that back!!
The boy flinched back.
Meteria: Stop talking about yourself like that! I hate it when you're being so negative all the time! Why can't you- *cough*
Silver: Meteria!!
He rushed to her and saw some blood leaking from her mouth. He took a handkerchief and wiped it off as she continued.
Meteria: You aren't sullying you Familia and you aren't as weak as you think you are. I just wish you could see it.
Alfia: You wish?
The two turned and saw the silver haired girl leaning by the door frame with an irritated look on her face.
Meteria: S-Sister?! Why are you here?!
Alfia: Lady Hera noticed you were gone so I came looking for you. What do I find but you here in this church and with "him" of all people.
She scowled at Silver who tried to appear smaller.
Alfia: Look, just come back with me; Lady Hera is worried about you.
Meteria: But I want to stay here a bit longer.
Alfia: No, you need you rest. As for you, I said before to stay away from my sister!
She glared at him and took a step forward before a voice stopped her.
???: Well, what do we have here?
Entering the church was a group of thugs, but what concerned Alfia was that they all were level 2 like her. With three of them, she would have trouble fighting them and protecting her sister.
Thug A: Having the Young Prodigy and another little beauty is quite the haul, right boys?
They laugh as Alfia drew her sword.
Alfia: Back off!
Thug A: Woah, careful! You could hurt someone with that.
The kids started sweating as the three got closer before a loud voice boomed from behind them.
???: Dynamic Entry!!!
Kick*
Thug: Gwua!!!
Out of nowhere, on of the thugs was knocked unconscious by a new face: a half-elf girl with blonde hair and red eyes covered by a cloak.
punch*jab*
After that, she quickly dealt with the other two before puffing her chest out.
Mysterious Girl: Three down!
Then, a human boy with the same colored hair and eyes came running through the door.
Mysterious Boy: Damn it!! That wasn't part of the plan!!
Mysterious Girl: But they were in trouble!
Mysterious Boy: Ok, look, just let me handle this while you dispose of them.
She pouted and nodded before grabbing the three unconscious thugs and tossing them to some alley. She came back to see Alfia, Meteria and Silver all looking at them with wide eyes. The boy looked at the girls which put Alfia at guard, but she quivered slightly as she could tell the boy was much stronger.
Mysterious Boy: You two wouldn't happen to be Alfia and Meteria, would you?
Meteria had a worried look while Alfia remained silent.
Mysterious Boy: Look, we aren't here to hurt you so you can calm down. Alfia, I'd like to speak with you privately, if you don't mind.
Alfia: And leave my sister behind?!
Mysterious Girl: We swear we won't hurt her. Besides, she has him with her.
Alfia: That isn't reassuring.
Silver: Hey!
Mysterious Boy: Look, just come with me. We can get this over with quicker if you just cooperate.
Alfia was reluctant to comply. The last thing she wanted was to put her sister at risk, but these two did save them. She turned to Silver with a grimace.
Alfia: This is the one time I'm trusting you with her, so don't screw it up!
The boy nodded and Alfia left with the other boy leaving him and Meteria with the girl who looked back the two.
Mysterious Girl: Man, she really needs to loosen up.
Silver: Um, not to be rude, but who are you and what do you want with us?
Mysterious Girl: Oh, right. Well, you could say we have business with the girls.
Meteria: With me and my sister?
Mysterious Girl: Yup.
Meanwhile, Alfia and the boy just stood and watched. The girl in the cloak got a dangerous look in her eye which put both Alfia and Silver on guard.
Mysterious Girl: Sorry about this, I promise I'll be quick.
A white fire engulfed her left hand and Alfia was about to rush to her sister's aid before the boy grabbed her arm.
Alfia: Gh!! Let go!! *Turning to them* Meteria!!
Try as she might, she couldn't break out of his hold. A great fear took hold of her and tears began to leak from her eyes before she made another plea.
Alfia: Silver!!
Silver then readied his sword to defend her from the girl. He went for an overhead swing, but the girl easily deflected it and knocked him away before a heavy wind magic held him to the ground.
Silver: Gh!! Damn!
Alfia: No!! Meteria!!
Her sister just looked back and smiled softly.
Meteria: It'll be fine, so don't make that face.
Alfia: No...
The cloaked girl was now face to face with her and reach out her hand towards Meteria's chest.
Mysterious Girl: Vesta
The white fire grew and formed into a ball before it engulfed the girl in it.
Alfia: NO!!!
Silver: Meteria!!
The orb of fire burned for a few seconds before dying out showing Meteria looking perfectly fine.
Mysterious Girl: And we're all done.
She had a bright smile on her face after finishing her spell. Meteria had a look of astonishment on her face while Silver rushed to her after being freed from the wind spell.
Silver: Meteria!!
Meteria: Hey, it's ok, I'm ok, Silv.
He hugged her tight while she pat his back to comfort him. With Alfia, the boy still had not let go of her arm.
Alfia: Will you let go?! I have to check on my sister!!
Mysterious Boy: You can see from here that she's fine, and we still have to do you.
Alfia: Me?
He raised his right hand and it too was engulfed in a white fire. Alfia had seen what happened to her sister and saw she was indeed fine so far. The two had kept their promise and up to now no one was hurt. She looked back at the boy and sighed.
Alfia: Fine, just get it over with.
The boy nodded and did his part.
Mysterious Boy: Vesta
Just like her sister, the girl was surrounded by a white fire orb that also died out after a few seconds. After the flames died out, Alfia looked at her hands and body realizing something felt different.
Alfia: What happened? What did you do to us?
Mysterious Boy: Your disease, it's one plagued by you and your sister, correct?
Alfia nodded.
Mysterious Boy: It also weakens your bodies. Not only that, but it's incurable.
Again, she nodded.
Mysterious Boy: We are aware of that fact. While it may be true, a cure isn't the only means of treating you two.
Alfia: What?
Mysterious Boy: Well, what if instead one used magic to burn your ailment away? It wouldn't matter if it can't be cured because it's magic.
Alfia: So that white fire?
The boy nodded.
Mysterious Boy: Your disease have been eradicated from your bodies. That includes your sister as well.
Alfia: My sister? Is that true?! Will she be able to live a normal life?!
Mysterious Boy: Hard to say what "normal" is, but in her condition it could take years.
Alfia felt her heart sink a bit when she heard Meteria would still be stuck in bed, but at least they're better.
The boy then reached into his cloak to pull out a jar containing strange orbs. They were light blue in color and looked almost twice as large as peas. Alfia was on guard once more, but the boy put up his hand to say it was fine.
Mysterious Boy: These are special medicines used to treat weakened bodies after recovering from a fatal illness. You need to take one everyday for the next three months for your body to fully recover.
Alfia took the jar and felt the amount of weight it had in her hands. Her new future and her sister's was right in front of them.
Alfia: I don't mean to sound ungrateful, but why are you doing this? What do you hope to gain by helping us?
Mysterious Boy: ... *Sigh* I can't say right now, but you'll find out someday. I've done what I needed, so once she's finished we'll be taking our leave.
With the girl...
Mysterious Girl: And that about covers what just happened.
Meteria: Incredible!! I've never felt this light before!!
Meteria was ecstatic at this new feeling and Silver was at a loss for words.
Mysterious Girl: Stay with me. So, your disease is gone, but the damage is still there. Which is why...
She took out a case from her cloak containing three different colored pills and handed it to her. There was blue, red and green.
Mysterious Girl: Just take one each a day after eating and you'll be all set after three months or so.
She flashed a smile at Meteria who was looking at her with tears and then Silver.
Meteria: Did you hear that?! We'll be able to walk together soon!!
Silver: *Crying* I know, and I'm so happy for you.
They embraced each other while she smiled at them.
Mysterious Girl: Oh, one more thing.
They looked back only to find the girl had put a sword at the boy's neck, startling the two.
Alfia: (Do it!!)
Mysterious Girl: If you plan to stay as weak as you are, then by all means, don't change. However, if she means as much to you as I think, then I hope you do your best to become stronger.
Silver: What?! Of course I'm going to change!! I'll become strong enough to make the old man and her proud of me, just wait!!
He panted and the half-elf put her sword away with an amused smile.
Mysterious: Yeah, I didn't need an answer from you but she looks happy about it.
He turned back to see her with her face totally red.
Meteria: Y-You know I always believed in you, but it makes me happy to hear that from you.
Silver: I promise I'll do my best for you.
Once more she threw her arms around him causing him to blush more.
Mysterious Girl: Well, I'm done with my part. We'll be on our way now.
Meteria: Wait!
The girl turned around.
Meteria: I'll never be able to repay you two for your kindness. Please, at least tell me your name!
She giggled and put her finger to her lips before winking at them.
Mysterious Girl: Sorry~.
She walked to where the boy was waiting. They nodded and waved goodbye to the three before vanishing.
Meteria: Sister, let's go tell everyone!!
Alfia: Yes, I think that would be best. *Turns to Silver* And you... thank you for at least trying to help her.
Silver was silent for a moment before answering back.
Silver: It's fine, but I don't need you to tell me to protect her.
Alfia: That doesn't mean I'm happy about you. I'm always watching you, so don't try anything funny.
The boy nodded.
Meteria: We should probably be heading back. We'll go on our own so you can save yourself.
Silver: If that's fine with you.
Meteria: Yeah, don't worry! I'll see you next time!!
He nodded and the three walked back before splitting off about halfway there. Upon arriving at the gates they were swarmed by Hera and many other adventurers. The Goddess' face was covered in war paint and it looked like she had a merchant carriage run her over.
Hera: Meteria!! Alfia!!
Meteria: Goddess!
Everyone sighed in relief to see the two girls safe.
Hera: Thank goodness you two are alright. When Alfia didn't come back I feared the worst. Come inside now.
As they made their way inside, one of them asked about the strange containers they were holding.
Meteria: Oh, these are to help with our diseases.
Everyone: WHAAAT?!
Hera Member A: What do you mean?
Alfia: It's a long story.Hera: I can sense that this is true. So you two are really free from your illnesses?
Meteria: Yup, I can't wait to start walking!
Alfia: Be patient, they said it would take us three months to make a full recovery.
Meteria: Aw, don't be a party pooper. In three months I'll get to be an adventurer with you.
That made many cry out I'm outrage.
Alfia: Like hell you will!!
Hera: I'm not allowing my precious child to throw their life away. Please, you don't have to live that kind of life.
Meteria: No, I'm not throwing this chance away! I've had to live as the weakest member here for as long as I've been here! I want to start pulling my own weight and contributing to the Familia like everyone else!
Alfia: No one is asking that of you. You don't have to force this decision.
Everyone nodded in agreement, but the girl wasn't having it.
Meteria: Sorry, but my mind is made up.
Hera: There's really no other way?
Meteria: Sorry Goddess, I want to make you proud with the freedom I'll have.
Hera hugged her in tears, crying with pride of how much spirit her child still has after everything she's been through.
Hera: Well, we still have three months. Alfia, I'm making you take it easy for the duration of that time. That is a divine order.
Alfia: Yes, Goddess.
Hera: Meteria, once those three months pass, we will take you and your sister for an examination to make sure both of you are fully recovered.
Meteria: Okay!
Hera: Come everyone, tonight we celebrate!!
That night the Hera Familia was in high spirits after hearing g of Meteria's new road to recovery.
With Silver...
The boy entered his room to change clothes before going down to the dining area for some food. There he found Zeus at an empty table.
Zeus: So, you're back.
Silver: Dad?
Zeus: You look like you've lived a whole week in a few hours. What happened to you? Was your first time with the girl that amazing?
Silver: *Blushing* That didn't happen!! It's just, I don't know if can tell you this right now.
Zeus: Alright. If it's with her and Hera, I'm sure the woman will let us in on it soon. Anyway, it's late and you should get some rest.
Silver: Right, good night, Dad.
Zeus: Good night.
And so, the day ended along with what the three knew about themselves. Life in Orario would change forever now that the Young Prodigy was unchained and that her younger sister was free from her illness. A young man would also rise above himself and become something greater. After today, time for the world itself would begin moving forward.
In some desolate wasteland...
Mysterious Girl: So, that was a job well done if I do say so myself.
Mysterious Boy: I still wish you were less laid back about things.
Mysterious Girl: Come on bro, you know you enjoy this me.
The boy smiled.
Mysterious Boy: Yeah, you're right.
The girl pulled a strange black dagger from her hand that glowed a dim blue before fading.
Mysterious Girl: We should be heading back now, Al. Everyone is probably worried about us.
Mysterious Boy: Yeah.
With one swing, the girl opened a rift that the two stepped into before it closed behind them.
AN: And that's the first chapter of this story. I made some changes from the trailer and I'm winging some details I'm not sure about. I've left some hints about the future of this story, but they'll show themselves soon enough.
As always I hoped you enjoyed this. Thanks again for reading and for your continued support of my work. Leave your thoughts and I'll see you in the next one.