It is Wrong to be the Warrior Captain in the Dungeon?

by oblivon2991

Thank you for reading my fanfic!

My mother language is not English, so please be patient about the grammatical issues.

I don't own the Overlord(オーバーロードŌbārōdo?) novel or anime series created by Kugane Maruyama.

I don't own Dungeon ni Deai wo Motomeru no wa Machigatteiru Darou ka novel, and anime series, written by Fujino Ōmori.

Thank you!

Please enjoy the story!


Chapter 6: A Quartet of Goddesses and the Warrior (part 1)

Flabbergasted, shocked, filled with the dread of recognition, the petite goddess was like a fish, opening and closing her mouth seeing this person before her.

"That's… That's…!"

At first, seeing him, she was not sure, but now, seeing him in all his manly glory, she was sure!

"IT IS HIM! HOW IT IS POSSIBLE BELL-KUN ENCOUNTERED HIM!?"

Considering the size of the city, considering Bell most of the day dwelled the dungeon — challenging both himself and that horrible place — the chance the two actually meeting, and Bell inviting this man was absurdly low, in so much, even without her godly power — her Arcana to help her calculate the possibility — the "young" goddess knew the exact chance.

"It is actually zero!"

"By the way, Bell-kun, is she a member of your familia? Where is that goddess you spoke about? I would like to thank her for her hospitality."

"But she is…" Bell's and the stranger's words dissolved in the background for long moments, Hestia's brain started to rack and grind ever intensely, trying to puzzle together how such thing can happen, completely ignoring the man's mistake for a moment.

True, in this metal armor — which was even according to her was low quality — it was challenging to recognize him at first. Yet, because the man lacked the head protection, she could explicitly say, this was the same man she met and woke up from his slumber with her "heavenly fist of judgment"!

Yes! It cannot be denied! His appearance was unique, even in the city filled with all kind of people, coming from all around the world, she recognized his face.

Not his black eyes which stared in her soul, not his hair, not his well-tanned skin, not even his face that was unique! Separately, they looked quite every day. But the mix of all of this that made this man look exceptional, and at the same time handsome.

"Not speaking the feeling I receive from him… Yes! It cannot be denied!"

Loli with big boobs shuddered, feeling the same strange, uneasy feeling from the man she felt back then. It was not fear, or anything alike, but the feeling this man doesn't belong here, like a person who came very-very far away, originated from elsewhere than this world of children.

"Eh, is something wrong?" Gazef asked, somewhat confused why Hestia staring him so long, starting to feel uneasy.

"YOU ARE THAT GUY!" suddenly, she pointed at Zeff, managing to puzzle everything together.

"Eh?!" and Bell can only back, frightened by the reaction of his goddess. If he didn't know her better, he might think she is angry at this man.

"Guy?" Gazef blinked, confused by the girl's reaction and the name she came up to him.

"The one I met yesterday. The same one who collapsed before my stand!" Hestia bit her finger, looking somewhat frustrated, almost pulling the long raven locks hung on the side of her head.

"Ah! That!" Gazef hit his palm. Now he clearly remembered her!

True, he only saw her face for a short period of time; still, he can hardly forget her face and beauty. He was sure; every normal man would be the same.

"Thank you once more taking care of me!" suddenly one moment to other, he bowed once more, making Hestia and Bell back surprised.

"Eh!?"

"Thank you for taking care of me!" his words honest, Hestia felt not an inch of sarcasm or second thought behind them.

"H-He collapsed? He was the one goddess?! What he is speaking about?!" Bell looked at between the two, remembering the "accident" Hestia spoke about after she refreshed his status. The horrible method she used to wake up the man.

"Well…" Hestia's eyes slowly slid on the side, like she would want to avoid speaking about the topic. She was not amused at all! "He might be the one…" even her tone was flat as she muttered.

"Oh!" Bell just blinked, measuring Gazef once more with all the curiosity he could muster.

Even hearing this from his deity, the boy was hardly able to imagine a man like him collapses just like that!

But remembering how he acted, protecting the innocent with his last strength, fighting off a terrible monster, he could accept that picture — collapsing before a food stand, crushed by his inability to chose a dressing? Absurd!

"I couldn't even follow his movement most of the time; there is no way he collapsed just like that! Something happened that exhausted him…"

Indeed, the battle between Bete and Zeff was fierce, even legendary for the boy's inexperienced eyes. Bell could only glimpse as the two stopped from time to time, glaring at each other. Before blurring again, leaving craters each time they clashed.

Being this happened after he escaped from the dungeon — chased out by the terrible Minotaur — it is most likely he came from the lower floors, exhausted from the long journey and the terrible creatures resides there.

"That means…!?" realization dawned on his mind! Yes! Bell started to realize; maybe it was because of him, the man collapsed, using the last remains of his strength to save him from the dread!

Coming back from his momentary contemplation, and realization, the boy saw the man, and the goddess still staring each other. Only a few seconds passed, but it all started to turn awkward.

"Ye-Yeah… let's go inside. So we can talk more comfortably…"

For long moments, Hestia said nothing, only "glaring" at him, making Gazef feel uncomfortable.

"Only if the lady allows it, of course…" he added in the end sweating, making the goddess shrug, huffing away one of her raven "tail" from her face.

"Hmph! Whatever!"

"Thi-This way…" and thus, Bell led the duo, taking the lead, smiling weirdly. Only hoping he can diffuse the situation — Whatever other matter happened between the two.

And thus, the boy led the two deeper inside the secret room. Offering Gazef a seat, and just now, Hestia and the mysterious man sat on each other side in the only couch of the room. For most, the atmosphere may seem uncomfortably silent and awkward

"Hmm, how cozy…"

Looking around, the walls cracked in several places, the plaster missing in patches, revealing the bricks underneath.

The furniture was old and worn, patched several times already. Only several magic stone fueled lamps provided the necessary light in the small room.

It was evident this place earned a renovation a long time ago, yet, somehow, it gave the feeling of a proper home. For Gazef, it meant much! Back then, he adored even his small cantonment near the barracks. It was not much, but it was his home. If it were luxurious, it wouldn't feel like home at all. He despised unnecessary pageantry, after all.

"…"

Glancing at his side, the small girl was still silent, squirming uneasily. Her legs squeezed together, hands strictly placed on her thigh, her face lowered, her short bangs even shadowing her eyes.

"Thank you once more for your generosity! It means much to me."

"I-Its nothing…" the girl shuttered; it was evident! Out of some reason, she was nervous. Though Gazef was still unable to figure out why, but somehow, he felt the girl was worried.

As a man who led people before, as the warrior captain of the kingdom and a mercenary, one can pick up a few skills. Necessary skills to lead the people and filter out problems inside the group.

One cannot hope to win a war alone, after all!

To win, one must needs companions they can trust and rely on in battle.

Wars fought in groups, after all. Units! Each unit has its own leader. One! Not two, or three, but one! With various section leaders inside the group under the said leader.

The task of this leader to find the rotten apples, or the faults, recognize the problem inside of the unit, then solve them before it can affect the whole unit. If they fail, the group will work faulty, with lesser efficiency. And when that happens, then the existence of the entire unit is at stake. One flawed member can cause the death of everyone around! In war, it was critical to keep this in mind.

"Still, I digress, thanking you, in both case."

"Both?" Hestia — the first time they sat down — turned to Gazef, blinking.

"Yes. First, in the street when you give me food. Then now, as you allowed me to stay here."

"As said, it is nothing. It is the least I help someone in need. Yet…"

"Yet?" Gazef raised his brow questioning, curious what the goddess meant with that word.

"What do you want? I hope you are not planning anything against my Bell-kun! Or else!" with a resolute gaze, Hestia glared at Gazef — she was cute in a way, almost like a mascot.

"Excuse me?" and Gazef watched her confused, completely stunned about what the short woman wants.

"Bell-kun is very naïve. As you may recognize…"

"Yes. I recognized." Honestly, it was not that hard to recognize. The boy basically invited him willingly, a complete stranger man he only saw once in his life — Only passing in that chasm. If this not hinted naivety and the excessive trust in people, then nothing.

"If you try anything with my child!" her brow narrowed strict, looking quite menacing. "I will never forgive you! Bear my word! Do not irk the wrath of the goddess, or my heavenly fist of judgment strikes you down — once again." she added in the end.

For a long moment, the former warrior captain just blinked, staring her surprised, and her glare never faltered for a moment. Even against a towering man like he was, she backed not a moment.

"Hahahahaha!" and in the next moment, Gazef laughed at his heart content. He can't help it. But being the girl still referred herself as a goddess, and the fact, being so small she even tried to intimidate him, filled him with some solemn amusement.

"What's so funny!?" the goddess shouted, pouting, she looked extra cute.

"Ah! Please forgive me." the man wiped away a small tear of joy, snickering one last time. "It is just... your reaction; I expected different."

"Different?" she blinked, finding the man strange.

"I meant, your reaction. I expected different. You must really love Bell-kun."

"Well…" she started to blush intensively, turning her head away, somewhat angry. "Of course! He is my child! Of course, I love him!"

"Hmm, I see…" though, Gazef still found it strange the girl called the boy as "her child," he said nothing. Asking her age would be inappropriate. He learned it first hand when he was younger and inexperienced, earning a hard slap from a female.

"That's good…" he hummed with closed eyes, feeling the sudden phantom pain remembering the case.

"YOU JERK!" 'SLAP! "YOU CANNOT ASK A LADY HER AGE!"

He had no idea why the female mercenary acted like that back then, but now, being more experienced, he knows precisely why.

"Females were always sensitive about their age. Better not ask them."

"So, you are the one who saved Bell-kun?" playing with her fingers, the goddess looked down, being quite embarrassed about her reaction, and her sudden revelation.

"Ah, that. Yes, you may call it like that. But it was only natural, helping who needs it."

Hearing this, Hestia just sighed. Great, he found a second Bell. She can only hope this man was not as naïve as her beloved child.

"Thank you…"

"You welcome…" Gazef smiled, and in the next moment, the boy with white hair and strange red eyes appeared behind the door, carrying several cups of steaming tea, and the potato croquettes remained from last night.

"Ah, Zeff-san, I see you already found the common voice with a goddess!" placing down the tray, Bell beamed, looking very happy about it.

"We just started to converse…" and thus, he didn't even mention up the "goddess" part. If she wanted to be called like that, he would play along. It is not like if he gets hurt if he does so and pretends a little bit.

"I definitely don't want to look ungrateful…"

In his eyes, the girl still looked like a child, and very few can win a debate against a headstrong teen of her age.

"So, your name is Zeff…?" asked Hestia in the next moment, grabbing a nature Jagamarukun, hinting it with some salt.

"It seems so." Gazef smiled, earning a quiet snort from Hestia. The man not even suspected, but he dodged a bullet not introducing personally, else, the goddess most likely right away recognized the fake name.

"And you are?"

"I am Hestia, goddess Hestia. You can call me Lady Hestia if you wish!" she puffed her chest proud, looking quite huffish. Seeing this, Bell could only sweatdrop, a little bit ashamed how Hestia acted.

"Ah, Goddess…"

"Then, "goddess" Hestia." he played along. "Please forgive me not introducing before." Gazef can't help it, but still, find it amusing this small girl calls herself a goddess.

Maybe for appearance, she was one — as most men would imagine a goddess like her judging her appearance — yet, for him, she was not very god-like.

"It is no problem…" she stuffed down the last bite, drinking some tea. "Ah! Bell-kun! Your tea is the best!"

"It is nothing, goddess. It is just a simple tea. With some added sugar, of course…"

Sugar was not an expensive flavoring, but thanks to their miserable monetary state, they can hardly allow buying even that much.

Hestia nodded sighing. "So, Zeff-kun, where did you meet Bell?"

"Well, first down in that catacomb, he was the one who saved me." Bell was the one who first spoke, describing the situation.

"It was nothing, really."

"Hmm, I see…" Hestia hummed. Once she already thanked this man his help, but it was only appropriate to do so again. "Once more, I thank you for saving my Bell."

"As said, it is only natural." and Gazef smiled once more, nodding humbly.

"Tch!" of course, this earned a small unrecognizable snort from the lady's part.

That damn smile, Hestia was unable to find anything that may give a reason to hate this man! Or anything that may force him to reveal his real intentions! It was honestly annoying!

"I know something is not right with him! I just feel it! Yet, I can't make him show his real face! Just what are you up to!?"

"If I may ask?"

"Yes?"

"So, are you really a goddess?" Gazef asked. He can't help it, but he wanted to know how the girl will react. Even a serious man like him can have his own little fun. No?

"Of course, I am! Don't you see?" Hestia was honestly offended by this accusation! How a mortal can't recognize a divine being like herself! Their powerful aura betrayed their presence! It was honestly scandalous him not recognizing her right away!

"Please forgive me saying this, but you don't look like one."

"Pfft!" Hestia right away spat her tea, looking at the man with disbelief.

"EH!?" and Bell can only gape, hearing the man saying such a thing.

"Zeff-san…" only muttering, watching the man with trembling eyes. "You really?" he can only gulp nervously.

"What did you said!? I am a goddess!" she stood up completely appalled. There is no way a mortal can't recognize a goddess!

"As said… you don't look like one." and Gazef confirmed what he said, looking more convinced with his opinion than ever before, still offering a small smile.

Definitely, in his eyes, a god would react otherwise.

"And what do you think, how a god looks like?"

"Hmm, let's see…" caressing his chin, he recalled the legend and tales of his people.

"They are beings of great power. Able to scorch whole countries and split oceans under mere moments. Some of them even reaching the size of the mountain. Skin impenetrable…" and thus, Gazef listed a few things he heard about the Six Great Gods, the Greed kings, and several other deities across their history and legends, making both Hestia and Bell just blink for long moments. You didn't have to ask; this earned not the intended effect.

"Fuhahahahahahaha! Tha-That's good!" and Hestia can't help but wipe a tear, finding all this description strangely fitting, but at the same time, amusingly inaccurate considering their current state.

"Eh…!?" Bell was still flustered, imagining the gods like that.

Meeting a few of them since coming to the city, he can hardly imagine them anything else than humanoid beings. Only differing by their godly power from humans and everyone else down there.

"You really imagine us like that?"

"Well…" Gazef scratched his face smiling bitterly. "Something like that, the one I meet previous gave that impression…" and indeed, the thing Ainz accomplished may fit the category Gazef just described. Even if the terrible overlord was not a god, his power mirrored the description he gave.

"Ah, so it is that…" still a little bit chuckling, now, the goddess found this child amusing.

"It is true, up above, many of us look different. There is even a few who looks like you described."

"Eh? Really!?" Bell was flabbergasted, hearing this the first time. Until now, he thought the gods always look like their earthly self — not the way Gazef described them. A world collapsed in him.

"Yes, Bell-kun. I didn't mention it?" Bell just shook his head, looking his goddess completely disturbed, and the said being could only blink clueless.

"Well…" Hestia placed her finger on her lips, completely innocent, looking up quite contemplating. "Most of us looks different up there. Only taking our current, humanoid form to fit better in this world."

"Then, that means…" Bell can't help it, but can't imagine Hestia as a different person.

"NO! NO!" the goddess denied immediately. "I STILL LOOK THE SAME!"

"Hah! Thank Kami-sama…" And the boy just sighed relieved, he doesn't want to imagine her differently.

"Although, it is strange that "person" spoke about this. We usually not bother to mention It." under "that person" Hestia referred to Gazef's so-called god/goddess. Albeit, she thought it was that person Gazef mentioned, in truth, it was a different story.

Albeit, the gods, had the strange ability to tell apart lies from the truth, Gazef until now didn't really tell a single lie. And unfortunately, the effectiveness of this ability also dependent on the context and what the target believed as truth.

In the current case, Gazef still though Ainz as some kind of terrible magic caster, comparable to a deity. Thus, he fit the category. And being Hestia considered the "mentioned person" as Gazef's possible deity, the misunderstanding of the two cannot be broader.

"Something like that…" the man scratched his face sheepish. He hated misdirecting people, but intending to keep his low profile; he needed to sacrifice this much from his dignity.

"It seems so…"

"Ah, I see…" Hestia nodded, understanding his confusion. Even her, as a goddess, she don't know everything about this world, and the children who are inhabiting it. And as such, she can't expect an unreasonable thing from this child.

"May I ask who that individual is?"

"Who?"

"Of course, your god."

"Well…" remembering Misha's warning, it would be the best not saying anything. Yet, now he was questioned, he needed to come up with something. "He would like to remain anonymous."

"Hmm? Anonymous? I see…" just now Hestia squinted her eyes. Her senses are pinging, yet, can't decide this was the truth, or lie. "It must be a half-truth… he is covering something." There were many gods down there already, each differing from each other. There may be one who would like to remain unknown before others; she can't tell.

"Well, if you don't want to tell, then don't! Humph!" suddenly, she turned her head away, looking quite huffish. Gazef, of course, understands not her reaction, as she said nothing which would refer to such behavior.

"Go-Goddess…" Bell just sweatdropped, seeing the questionable behavior of his deity.

"Did I said something wrong?" and poor Gazef could only watch her uneasy, seeing this reaction.

"Ah! It is nothing! By the way! Mr. Zeff was amazing back then!"

"Back then?" for this, Zeff raised his brow, suddenly unable to recall what the boy's referring to.

This sentence, of course, raised the attention even the goddess, turning back her head inquired.

"Huh?"

"You know! When you saved me from the Minotaur. And when you defeated that Loki familia member this night. You were amazing, Mr. Zeff! Like a hero from the stories!" the crimson eyes of Bell shone once more, looking at Gazef like some otherworldly hero, like a paragon!

"Ah, it was nothing much. I just protected myself." and Gazef could only starch his face embarrassed. He never considered this accomplishment as anything impressive.

"Loki familia member!?" Hestia almost screamed, watching her only familia member strict, she expected an answer from Bell. "Bell-kun, what happened?! I thought you went to have dinner and not brawling!"

"Ah… yes…" and the boy could only look away embarrassed, playing with his indexes. "In the Hostess of Fertility, there was a little accident."

"Accident!?" and she immediately switched into protective mode! Searching any injury on the boy left and right — almost like she teleported, inspecting him from tip to toe.

"Are you alright!? Injured? Hurt? Damn that Loki! If I meet her once again!" she shook her small fist, looking quite menacing. Whoever that Loki was, he/she must receive chills at this moment.

"No-Nothing happened! Nothing! I am fine!"

"Bell-kun! What happened?" now Bell looked away, seriously ashamed, but before he could answer, Gazef took the word from his mouth.

"It was my fault."

"What!?"

"It was basically my fault; I should be more considerate with my words. I should have solved the problem in a more "careful" way. Please forgive me." and thus, he bowed his head, taking the blame.

"Bu-But Mr. Zeff! You only protected yourself!"

"What!? What happened?!" now, the little goddess looked extra pissed. Not only Bell almost died in that chasm a few days ago, but now, also went against the members of Loki familia. This child was nothing but trouble!

"Well…" Bell gulped deep.

"As said, it was only my fault; I should have handled the situation better."

"What have you done?!"

That glare made even Gazef back for a moment, feeling a strange kind of rising divinity around the small woman. Even he, the famous warrior captain of the kingdom, felt afraid for a moment.

"Khm!" but in the end, he managed to collect himself and answer. "A lively group entered the establishment where young Bell, and I consumed our meals. It was a rowdy bunch. As it came to light from their conversation, they celebrated something…" and thus, he explained, using the best to give a uniformized report, like he always did under his years of a soldier.

"Their return from the 59th floor!" Bell added in the end,

Even him, as the lowest-ranked from the adventurers, heard about the accomplishment. Basically, everyone knows about the achievement of the Loki familia in the town.

'Grinding!'

Suddenly, a grinding sound came from Hestia, making Bell afraid as she ground her teeth and offered her unamused expression, even one of her eyes started to tick.

"Well… as said. Finishing my meal, I was on to leave the establishment, with the clear goal to find a place to sleep for that night." Gazef continued, trying to filter out the woman grinding noises, and the killer gaze the two received.

"Unfortunately, when I was on to leave, one of them recognized me, instigating me to participate in their disorderly behavior."

"Disorderly behavior…?" Hestia raised her brow, and right away, Bell looked away. Indeed, it was because of him Zeff forced to protect himself.

"One of them instigated me to participate in a "mocking game." Instigating to shame a person who was clearly not the fault. Of course, I refused, pointing out it was basically their fault. The instigator didn't like my refusal, of course…"

"Zeff-san…" Bell muttered, remembering all too clear.

"I tried to leave, of course, disregarding his threat, just to be assaulted from behind. And after that, the rest is history."

Gazef shrugged, still remembering their fight.

"History?"

"Zeff-san fought with the Loki familia member…" Bell muttered his hand curling in a fist on his lap, filled with anger, remembering his shame, and helplessness.

"Which one?" it was not an accidental question. Loki's was a huge familia, with members scaling from the lowest level 1 to the highest level 6 members.

"Hmm… As I recall, he called himself Bete Loga." after a momentary consideration, Gazef answered.

"Ah... poor boy." and Hestia sighed, shaking her head, regretting right away, she reprimed them so hard.

She heard about those children from Hephaestus, and of course, from Loki. That flat desk never ceased to boast with her children's accomplishments, and how many members she has compared to her. Rambling long how Bete can outrun everyone and able to keep up even with the strongest.

"Don't worry about it. Losing against one of the highest is no shame." she patted Zeff's shoulder, smiling sympathetically. "I thank you for standing up with that adventurer and protecting Bell. Even if you lost."

"Goddess…"

"What? Bell-kun! I try to cheer Zeff-san up, don't interrupt me!"

"But goddess…" Bell gulped for a moment. "…he won!"

"Eh…?!" suddenly, Hestia's face started to glitch, her neck tilted suddenly, giving away a 'crack' like sound, her closed eyes continuously twitching.

"Eh, Bell-kun, I didn't hear you right…Come again. You said he won. But that cannot be, yes?"

"He won, goddess. In fact," Bell pushed his fingers together shy. "Bete was unable to stand up for a while after he defeated him."

"You give me too much credit, Bell-kun, it was not that impressive. Just a little warm-up!"

"A warm-up? Heh…" her eyes still twitching, hearing this from the man.

"How can you say something like that!? Mr. Zeff! He was one of the strongest of the whole city! And you won! Please, don't be so modest! You earned the recognition!"

"Really?" Gazef just watched Bell, who nodded obliging — and was somehow surprised hearing this the first time.

"That guy… was not that impressive combat skill-wise, and his speed also left things desired. It is like he didn't even know Martial Arts. I didn't saw him activate one."

Maybe it was out of pride Bete refused to use any Martial Art, perhaps he didn't know one. Gazef had no idea. Still, in defeat, people usually throw away their pride and use techniques to win their fights. And as a high-level individual, Bete should already know a few techniques.

No matter how one refuses to learn them, people always pick up at least a few under their training.

"This place is weird! Like I am in a completely different world." Gazef slowly started to suspect; he is very far away from his home.

"Ye-Yes…" it was strange for even Bell that Zeff not heard about Bete.

Like his fellow familia members, Bete as well was known in many countries around the globe, known as a fierce fighter. Even he, as a simple farmboy, Bell heard about him.

"Well, his strength and speed might be impressive. But he lacks control and experience. He definitely not used to fight against humanoid opponents!"

"What did you just said!?" Hestia asked, still freaked out, and not yet fully recognized what Zeff said.

"That, he lacked coordination, finesse, and technique. He was easy to imbalance and lacked the cold head needed for battle. He just attacked, using brute force. No finesse or planning. Against a simple monster, this might work, against an opponent who able higher thinking and planning, not so much."

"I need a drink…" Hestia now really started to sulk, hearing all of this was overwhelming, falling on the couch tired, almost like melting slid down to the ground.

"There, there, goddess, I was almost the same when I first saw him…" Bell tried to console her, but it helped not, Hestia was still a little bit dazed.

"Wait a minute!" in the next moment; she regained her bearing, jumping up. "So you say, you defeated Bete Loga… That, Bete Loga?!"

"It seems so…"

"In open combat?"

"Well…"

"You should have seen it, goddess! I couldn't see anything! Mr. Zeff and his opponent just blurred continuously! Leaving craters on the street! And in the next moment, Boom! With just one strike he sent him flying, collapsing a wall on him! Poor guy can't even get up for long!" Bell snickered, he can't hold it anymore. It was shameful, but he enjoyed seeing his bully beaten like that.

"It was just satisfying…"

"You really overestimate me, Bell-kun. It was nothing impressive, but the result of planning and coordination. Anyone with little effort, training and thinking can do it."

"Ah, again, so humble…" Bell just muttered, not even daring to say it out loud.

"So you say…" Hestia's mouth twitched, curling into a grin. "Fuhahahaha! I can't believe it! Her face must be! Pffft! Hahahahahaha!"

For a moment, Gazef and Bell just stared at each other, unable to understand what made the goddess laugh so hard, she literally rolled on the ground, grabbing her flat stomach.

"Say! What kind of face did she make when her precious trophy defeated? Is she cried? Wailed in agony?" biting her lower lip, with a grin, she wanted to hear it all, hear about how her nemesis reacted!

"Well…" Gazef started to feel uneasy; this woman most likely really hated that "she" reacting this way. Whoever that person was. He felt uneasy, even thinking about what kind of enmity stood between the sides.

"I had no idea. I don't know how "she" looks."

"Red hair, fox-like face, no boobs, no ass, looks like a desk, still nothing?"

"Hmm…" Gazef pondered for a moment, caressing his stubbled chin. "I might saw something alike. But maybe it was another person."

"Believe me; you will recognize her once you see her. She cannot be mixed with anyone!" still smiling smug, Hestia could barely hold her laugh, her face basically trembled. She almost called her Arcana to get control of herself.

"Oh!"

"B-By the way, Mr. Zeff, where did you came from?"

Bell suddenly took the word from his goddess's mouth, wanting the divert the topic from this embarrassing accident.

"Well, of course, from far away…" he chuckled, making both Hestia and Bell look flat.

"More precisely?"

"Well, the problem, I don't know where is "there," and how far my home is?"

"Ho-How this is possible!?" Bell gasped in horror. Now this, even Hestia was curious. One can't lose their home, can they? Then how this Zeff does not know where it is.

"Yeah! How that's possible?" she asked flat, with a little bit disbelief.

"Honestly? One day I headed to my destination, fighting a terrible "monster." Then the next I know, I woke up, I am in a completely different place. My gear mostly stolen, surrounded by a bunch of monsters."

"That's horrible! Wh-What kind of monster capable of defeating Mr. Zeff! It must be horribly strong!"

"Yeah, you can say that he was inhuman." Gazef only chuckled bitterly on the irony of this sentence, remembering the power difference between him and Ainz.

Bell, of course, reacted this way, trying to suffocate his tears, but no Hestia, her expression just turned stern, hiding her mouth behind her folded fingers. "Is that so?" she really looked like a typical cliché movie villain now.

"Yes, very much so…"

Hestia felt no lie from the man, as in truth, he only said the truth, little bit twisted, but still the truth.

"Did you know who was it?"

"Who?"

"The people who stole your gear?" asked Bell a little bit worried.

"Unfortunately, no, when I woke up, almost all my gear already gone, only surrounded by monsters. After defeating them, I decided to ask around, coming in contact with several people. This led me to this city as the most likely place where I can find some help to recover my stolen belongings and find my way home."

"Then, in the dungeon?" Bell asked in disbelief, still unable to figure out what Gazef did in the dungeon that time.

"Hmm. I heard it offers some challenge, so I wanted to try myself out. Hahahaha!"

His little joke made both Bell and Hestia fell out from their seats, looking sweatdropped and uneasy.

"Zeff-san. The dungeon is dangerous. You can't just…"

"So this is why you collapsed before my stand?! Are you stupid, or what?" Hestia pointed it out slightly angry. Not only this man collapsed before her "shop," he even did so out of his own irresponsibility.

"True, I didn't eat properly for a few days when I reached that point." Gazef fondled his stubble, thinking. "Maybe because of that. I was so overwhelmed I lost my sense and collapsed."

"Really?"

"Really. Either way. Thank you for your hospitality, my lady!" he bowed once more.

"Tch! It is nothing; it is only natural we help out who's in need."

It was sour saying it out loud, but seeing Bell's hopeful expression made all worth. On the second note, this was also a chance to sleep together with Bell. If this stranger sleeps here, she can tell Bell to sleep in one bed with her, so their guest can take the couch.

"My plan is perfect!" Her devious grin was entirely visible, making even Bell afraid for a moment.

"Go-Goddess…"

"As I said, it is no bother. We can share a bed with Bell-kun, you can have the couch."

"Thank you, but I wouldn't want to intrude more than necessary. I will be fine on the ground."

"Damn you! Just accept it!" she forced a smile, grinding her mental teeth loud.

"But Zeff-san! You cannot possibly!"

"It is fine! It is really no bother."

"O-Ok then…" Bell looked away shuttering; he cannot possibly want to force his savior to do things he wants not.

"Dammit!" And Hestia can only swear, losing this perfect chance to sleep with her children. Unfortunately, if she insists any more, it will be suspicious for both men before her.

"Well then, it is decided. One more question remained! You said you lost your way, and most likely not find your way back for a while!"

"Well, something like that… what of it?"

Hestia stood up, taking a big breath. She cannot possibly lose this chance. Even if this was a risky gamble, she can't let anyone stole this man, who was potentially was a level 5, or level 6. She felt she would gain a new family member this night!

"He said he came to the city recently. Then he is not aware all that bureaucratic play going on there between the different gods. It is better if I pull him into my familia early, then worry about the rest later. Right! He was not entirely honest with me, but who don't have a few secrets? Even gods have them! In time, he will share!"

"Khm! Would you like to join my familia?" she offered her hand, offering her brightest, friendliest smile she can muster.

"What?" and the man could only raise his brow, slightly confused by the offer.

"Look, I understand you have a god who already gives their blessing to you." or so, she assumed Gazef has a god.

"But it might take some time you found what you are looking for and find your way back. Until then, let me take care of you, offer a place to stay. In return, saving Bell-kun."

Her smile angelic, now she really looked like a true goddess, even mesmerizing Gazef's heart for a moment. Just to in the next moment, right away, his mental defenses click in place, resisting the urge. Making himself remember, he is not here to join anyone. But to recover what he lost, and return to the kingdom.

"I am sorry I can't do it…"

"Wha-what!?" it came so sudden, he refused her right away! The man took not even a moment to consider her offer. It made Hestia neck crack as she suddenly tilted her head.

"Come again…"

"I am sorry, my lady. But I am not here to join anyone. After I recovered my equipment, I will head home. Sorry, it must be this way."

"Bu-But still! Without your Falna updated! You can't hope…!" she tried to reason with the thing which was the most important to all adventurers — updating their Falna. Unfortunately for her, Gazef had no Falna.

"I will solve it, don't worry about me, my Lady. As always, I will manage…"

"A-Arre you sure…?" her mouth trembled, trying to use her puppy eye technique. It made the man's face tremble for a moment before Bell's voice made his attention turn.

"Mr. Zeff!" Bell looked slightly afraid. "If you don't update your Falna every once a while you will have no chance against higher-level opponents! You can't proceed deeper in the dungeon! Please consider Goddess' offer! Please…"

And Gazef can only smile gently, seeing the boy almost tearful eyes.

Bell was too good for this world. Poor lad didn't even know; Gazef didn't have Falna from the beginning, everything he has thanks to his training, and the people helped him under his journey.

"I am sure, Bell-kun. But thank you for your offer…"

"Still, if you change your mind…" Hestia said it quiet, hoping the man will change his mind.

"I will let you know, my lady!" bowing his head, Hestia shrugged, slightly disappointed about his decision. "Dammit!" she can only bite her lip angry and somewhat frustrated.

Unfortunately, she knew well enough; she can't do anything about this now. And even when her Arcana intact and unsealed, she was never a goddess who abused it without reason, less controlling people's decision and free will, or forcing them into her Familia.

"Sorry, if you wish, I can leave." Gazef was slightly regretful not playing the game of the little girl. But even if for playing, it would mean he leaves the people of the kingdom behind. And even if for playing, he wouldn't do that. Not ever.

"No, it is nothing…" Hestia defended, waving her hands apologizing. "I wouldn't send you away because of your decision. It is just…" She sighed sadly. "It will be hard for you to stay afloat without a deity who update your Falna. Please consider it! You don't need to leave your own god for me; this can be a temporary change. As I heard, many do it if they travel far from their home."

At least, she heard so from her friend. In truth, she knows not if it's true or not, but she trusted enough Hephaestus to trust her tales, and doubt her not.

If she manages to convince this man now, maybe a permanent "conversion"— as the change from one familia to other called — become possible in the future. With that, she would gain a strong member, a person who can genuinely help Bell becoming stronger and keep him safe.

"I will manage it. Thank you." he refused the offer right away, making Hestia deflate under a moment.

"Ri-Right…"

"Still. If you or young Bell needs some help, just say, and I will do what I can."

"I appreciate it."

And thus, the pact was made between the sides, chatting a few more minutes about the town, how people live there, about Bell and Hestia, and how they found each other. After this, the sides slowly prepared to sleep, Gazef removing his armor, seating on the ground, inspecting his bracers, those fell apart in the meantime.

"Misha will be not amused…"

Ignoring this, he decided he will take care of it tomorrow, hugging his wrapped sword close, the man closed his eyes, and since a few days, drifted in dreamland, now, truly!

Maybe he was unaware, but for a long time, Hestia watched him from her bed, staring not just him, but his sword.

"What a strange guy…" she muttered in the end, deciding to sleep.


Scene Change: In the Next Morning:

The morning came faster than expected, and from early morning a lone figure can be seen before the dilapidated temple, doing strange exercises, almost like training.

"Huff! Huff! Huff!"

Gazef, like usual, got up when the sun started to rise. His inner clock was precise, leaving the temple for some fresh air, and to finish his usual training routine he did every morning since he became a soldier.

"Hah!" with each stroke, his sword cut the air, vibrating the wind around him, several shockwaves released, shaking the leaves of the nearby bushes and trees. The temple was well hidden in an abandoned area; not many know this place, less walked around here. Second, to the walls, this was a perfect spot to train if you don't want to get disturbed.

"One hundred more!" Gazef slightly sweated, he had done this for hours, starting his exercise with stretching, then running around on the walls, making his way back here, then doing sword swings and similar exercises, just like he did so every day in his life.

"Amazing!" he heard awe-inspired gasp behind his back, turning around.

"Ah! Young Bell! You are awake this early?"

"I used to head in the dungeon this time around. But you, Mr. Zeff? What are you doing this early?"

"My training. I used to do it each day, a few hours of training each morning, then one hour before going to sleep. Unfortunately, in recent days, I missed a few times. I am on to catch up with them once more."

Unfortunately, this was the sad truth, he cannot do it since he arrived, and he already missed it greatly, his day was not the same without a little bit of training.

"A-A few hours!?" Bell looked terrified, even raising his arm horrified. True, he dwells the dungeon for a long time almost every day — virtually from morning to late afternoon — but he usually always make a break every one or two hours to eat and rest.

To actually someone train from several hours in the morning then go to adventure? It was absurd! According to Eina, one should not exhaust themselves with additional training before descending in the dungeon, or they will be too exhausted to get back.

"Hmm, yes." Gazef hummed. "I assume, you are heading down there now."

"Ah! Yes! You also, Mr. Zeff?"

"I have a few things to take care of first. But later, maybe."

"Ah! I see…" Bell looked away somewhat red, thinking he should as well consider training in the morning, maybe then he wouldn't be so weak if he did so from the beginning.

"Your friend?"

"Friend?"

"That small girl." Gazef pointed it out, and Bell right away recognized.

"Oh! You mean goddess?" Gazef raised his brow; little bit disturbed that even the boy calls that girl like that. "He must really like to play along with her." or the girl deceived him from the beginning.

Either way, it was not his business; he was not a person who judged unknown people according to their odd habits; thus, he commented it not.

"If you call her like that, then yes."

"Ah! She used to start her work later. Usually around nine o'clock!"

"So she is not adventuring?" it was not surprising, she looked quite soft. Monsters in that place would right away tear her apart. Even mages who adventure has some muscle on them. The constant traveling and mana consumption makes them pick up some even if they not training physically at all, but burning mana continuously.

"Ah! She is not! But she does what she can to help us out, even taking a job to help with the costs. Of course, once our monetary state turns better, I will ask her to stop. A goddess working will not do after all!"

"Hmm, I see…" Gazef smiled, this kid has a too good heart for this world, maybe for the city too.

"I have a hundred more strikes before finishing and do the draining stretching. Care to join me? I am sure it will do some good before entering the dungeon. Going into a fight without warming up usually comes with injury or muscle damage."

"Ah! Can I?" his eyes shone, grasping on the chance right away!

"Of course!" And Gazef just chuckled seeing the youth's enthusiasm. "You use a dagger, no? Come, I show you an effective exercise."

"Yes!"

And then, Gazef and Bell trained a small amount, the former warrior captain giving a few tips to the boy how to use a weapon more effectively, what stance he should take facing an opponent. It was only around half an hour, but Bell learned much under a short time.


Scene Change: The guild:

Meanwhile, in the guild, a particular advisor rested her head on her desk.

"Huuuuh!" Towering above her multiple piles of papers, the girl with pink hair and guild uniform groaned, even watching the pack of papers before her filled her with exhaustion.

"Why there is so much!?" she only arrived around an hour ago, but she was already exhausted. Finding a big pile of papers every day on her desk was not a pleasant surprise and was honestly discouraging.

Of course, it was not that she receive this much paperwork every day; she just pushes most of it to the next day, doing so almost every day. It became more and more as the days passed, until several piles of towering papers took up nearly every place on her desk, making it look messy.

"Hah! Let's start again!"

Taking a big breath, she took another form, starting to skim it through, urging herself not to give up, get rid of it all as soon as possible.

Working, working, and working, minutes passed, but she honestly felt they were like hours. Time crawled like a snail.

"Why this is so boring?"

"Misha?" however, in the next moment, a familiar sound hit her ears. "Are you here?"

Looking around, the half-elf Eina looked around, adjusting her glasses. Glancing on the station of her workmate, she only saw several big piles of papers.

"Misha?" she raised her brow, suspecting her human friend behind those paper towers.

"I am here!" and the girl revealed, walking out from behind his paper filled table.

"Your table is messy again…"

"Ah, yes… Sorry about it. I may owe a little paperwork."

"I see that…" and Eina just pushed up her spectacles on her nose, looking extra strict from the light reflecting on her lenses. "You should not neglect your paperwork, Misha. It is just as important as advising. It is part of the process!"

"I will not! I will not! Please forgive me! I was just swamped advising adventurers in the recent days!"

Eina was scary; it was undeniable. Even most of the men who tried to propose her scared away by her "evil" teacher like stare — merely saying: "No…" and breaking their spirit just like that.

"Hmm, in that case, ok, but try to catch up with it. We don't want another inspection, do We?" Misha shuddered, watching Eina with slight fear.

"O-Of course! I do my best!"

"Hmm…" and Eina nodded approving.

"A-Anything else I can do for you, Eina?" 'Gulp!'

"Ah, yes!" she nodded, recovering a file under her arm. "There are two things actually."

"Ye-Yes…?"

"First thing first. Read this…" handing the file to her, Misha skimmed it through. It was about a fight before the Hostess of Fertility, happened last night, a damage report to be precise.

"Destroyed street, damaged buildings, a collapsed wall. Who the hell did this?"

It was nothing unusual at first sight. A few adventurers used to brawl when they are drunk or have a severe enmity against each other, but the report described serious property damage. Just two adventurers could hardly do this, yet, reading further. Skimming through the description of the participants, Misha started to get a horrible feeling about this.

It spoke about two people who fought.

"An unknown man with tanned skin, dark brown hair, and black eyes. Armored, with two sheathed weapon on his back."

Until now, it was nothing strange, as many adventurers had the same characteristic, strangely, even her new client after gearing up. What came after this made her eyes widen thought.

"Fought against Bete Loga, aka "Fenrir," and…" she gulped, her eyes ticking, cannot believe what she just read. "AND WON!?" she roared flabbergasted.

Defeating Bete was hardly possible. Not for an individual who lower level than Bete himself, not for those who are but the cream of the level 6 adventurers of the city or even a massive numerical superiority facing against the famous member of Loki familia, with no less than many levels 5 in their ranks. Or even the "King" himself facing Bete in a battle. It was utterly absurd hearing someone defeated him one day to another. Moreover, people can't say for sure who was that individual.

"Wh-Who was that?" trembling, her neck turned. From the description, the person who defeated Fenrir resembled her new client. But that cannot be! Yes? Without Falna to support growth, such power is not possible!

"Ah, yes…" Eina hummed, placing her hand on her chin. "This is the second thing. Lady Loki is awaiting you in one of our meeting rooms. She said she wants to speak with the consultant of the adventurer named Zeff."

"Ah! Ah!" Misha started to shutter, her worst nightmare coming to life. Even her neck began to crack. 'Crack!' with a loud noise on top of that! Just tilting her head sudden gave that sound.

"Do you know anything about this? Misha? The two things connected?" her colleague asked, suspicious, guessing the actual happenings.

"Ah! Hahahaha! I need to go! I can't make Lady Loki wait!"

"Misha!" Eina's stern voice stopped the girl, making her turn back as he was to leave their shared workplace.

"Ye-Yes…?"

"Please, don't do anything reckless. If there is a problem…"

"Umu! Don't worry." she smiled, glad to have such good friends.

"Take care…" Eina's expression softened, watching worried as her friend left the room, heading towards the meeting chamber Loki already awaited her.

"Yo! It is about time!" And Like always, Loki smirked, on her side Aiz, sitting in silence, grinning at Misha as the girl entered the room.

"Ah, Lady Loki, and the famous Sword Princess, Aiz Wallenstein, what can I do for you two?" Misha tried to keep her calm, but she just can't her face still trembled. She really hoped the two things had nothing to do with each other.

"Oh! Don't be so nervous!" Loki smirked, leaning forward, folding her fingers under her chin.

"We are only here for a friendly chat. And for some, information." her always closed eyes opened slightly, making Misha more nervous than she supposed so. "Don't be nervous."

"Ah-Ah! Yes! Right!" she can't help, but still tremble slightly, fearing the thing she feared come to life.

"Now then. Tell me; you are the consultant of the adventurer named Zeff?"

"Is he did something wrong? Is my client did something wrong?" she shuttered, the faint hope Zeff did nothing still lingered in her soul.

"Of course not!" Loki waved away even the assumption with a light-hearted wave, still smiling uncaring before her eyes. "I just want to know the man who defeated my Fenrir. I am kinda interested in recruiting him."

"Ah! Ah!" and Misha's worst fears confirmed, her new client more than he looks. "How could we missed this?" she bit her lips, already seeing the other gods lining up before her, and Zeff's door, trying to recruit him — with cheap tricks or force if it's necessary.

"Please start everything from the beginning."

And thus, Loki urged her. A slight light is appearing in Aiz's until now empty eyes. How will Misha answer, you will know later.

"Dammit, Zeff! Just who are you!?"

"A-Aren't you two want some tea? It may take a while…"

"Nope… just start speaking."

And just like that, Loki spoiled her chance to get out there, find out something. The pressure was immense.


Scene Change: Somewhere in the City:

Maybe she didn't even suspect, but on the other part of the city, the mentioned man headed towards his destination.

"Achoo!"

The man sneezed, looking up somewhat uneasy. "Hmm, I don't feel sick, maybe someone mentioned my name."

Walking forward, he can only wonder who that was. Maybe it was Brain, or even Climb, one of his survivor soldiers, or even his King? Or even perhaps, Ainz Ooal Gown? Unfortunately, he had not the faintest idea who would mention his name. And it was just merely stupid thinking about it.

"Ah, maybe it's nothing."

He decided, it is nothing, merely continuing his way.

Almost an hour passed since he and young Bell parted ways, finishing their morning exercise. From what he saw, the boy has no talent, but he is an enthusiastic and hard worker. Two positive quality that will lead to a bright figure if he continues training relentlessly.

Of course, this was only the first time he saw him train and instructed the youth — only around a half an hour — maybe later he will find something that worth building on. From one brief exercise, even Gazef — who trained many soldiers in his life — could hardly say if there is a hidden potential in someone.

After several days, maybe, after just half an hour stretching and instructing, not likely. Even he, the former warrior captain can't do that.

"Where is that shop…" watching the map, then looking up at the street sign, he hummed. "Ah! This way!"

Walking down the street, a few more minutes, and he found the place he was looking for. It was in a heavily dilapidated part of the city; he even needed to walk through the red-lamp district to reach it without a roundabout.

"Ah, so this is it? Hmm…" standing before an old building, well hidden in an alley, almost blending amidst the buildings strictly built near it.

Usually, one could not find this establishment without a guide to point the way. As it was quite old and dilapidated, with even its name sign heavily worn. Its windows covered by rusted metal bars, behind it different books and maps showcased, just like the building itself, dusty and old, located in the worst part of the city, it was the epithet of a rundown store.

"Secrets of Toth… huh?" Gazef watched the symbols Misha scrabbled on a paper, comparing it with the worn name table above the entrance and his translation written near Misha's own.

"It took longer finding it than I expected" the man sighed somewhat disappointed, folding the city map in his hand.

"At least I found it, finally…" and thus, Gazef opened the door, finally reaching the insides of the building.

"Hello? Anyone there?" His heavy steps resounded in the dusty insides. What he will find, you will know from the next chapter.


A/N:

Well, this is part 1 of the double chapter, hopefully, you enjoyed it hat much as will enjoy part 2.

I actually cut this chapter at two because of its sheer size, and to be more digestible. Enjoy it your heart content, tell me your opinion.

I originally planned it shorter, but you know how it is with writing XD

Your fingers just go and go, and in the end, you recognize you typed around 20k once more XD

RnR!

Read and Review!