Is it 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!
"…" the man sat before a table, glaring at the book before him, only time to time slurping his drink.
He was quite handsome — according to most local girls at least — not childishly handsome, but a type who experienced many battles, and was quite a veteran when it came to the dungeon dwelling — in other words, an athletic soldier type.
With the small, well-trimmed beard settling on his chin, sunbathed handsome face — which signed his southern heritage — muscled build and eyes like a sword, he excluded the aura of a mighty warrior.
Many amazons passing by whispered, with a few of them even trying to steal a glance of his bottom — before hurrying away, chuckling mischievously. Most men, however, had a different interest as they are trying to find out who he was — trying to find more information about the competition.
An endeavor they failed to do so miserably, I might say.
"Is it him?"
"Yeah, he resembles the description."
"Just who is this guy? Anyone know which familia he belongs to?"
Only around two days passed, but already news spread about the man — the one who occupied the seat in his lonesome solitude, sharing drinks no one but with himself.
Wild guesses! Where had he come from?
Which familia did he belong to?
What is his level?
What does he want?
Maybe, has a lover?
Yes, even such frivolous things came up in the minds of the passing girls.
A few people managed to take courage and shared a drink with him, but no one managed to get much information out of him.
Only his name, the fact he was an adventurer, and that he was not planning to remain in the city for long. That's it!
Aside from these few scraps, no one managed to get much more!
"Quiet! He will hear us!" the man, of course, heard the people, but gave them no heed, leaning above the simple book the small goddess lended him.
"Here is the next round, Nya!" In the next moment, the voice of one of the waitress hit his ears.
"Thank you." Zeff nodded solemn, continuing to stare the page, only subtly glancing to the side as the maid bowed.
"If you need anything more, notify us, Nya!~" Anya smiled mischievous, revealing one of her sharp canines.
"In that case, I have a request."
"…" the maid leaned closer, moving her cat ears inquisitively.
"Please, can you tell your elf friend that staring at others that intently is rude?" Gazef subtly pointed towards a certain elf who also served the guests around.
"Fufufufufufu! Of course! Anya will tell her! Nya!~" Anya stuck her tongue playfully, returning to her work.
"Just what I needed, more attention," Gazef muttered as the maid left. He was used to getting attention thanks to his Warrior Captain status — it was part of his life. Yet, to whisper behind his back? Moreover, being stared at continuously so intently? He found it quite rude.
"No matter." pulling out a small envelope with a symbol of a jester, he offered a grimace, remembering its contents.
"Just what I needed. That boy really messed up my incognito." rather saying, he should have moved out the moment that noisy band arrived. Albeit, he knows very well, fights not accidentally come to fruition, they need a minimum of two sides to participate — as, with the exception of the mentally ill, one can hardly fight themselves.
But it could not be helped. As a simple human, he could hardly change the past, or affect it in any way. He could only decide what to do now and strive to save the situation.
Downing his drink, Gazef then stood up, putting the amount — plus some tip — before Mia, and subsequently left the bar. The towering dwarf woman directed a naughty look at her elf waitress in the next moment.
"Well, it seems he recognized you. I told you, didn't I?" the sturdy dwarf woman gave a devilish smile, earning an almost visible shrug from the elf.
"Hmph! Not bad from a human." Ryu commented with an untraceable blush on her face, passing towards the kitchen, ignoring the boss lady's comment with her elvish huffishness.
"Aye! Aye! Zeff-san is truly a heartbreaker." Mia could only chuckle, recognizing that "small blush" Ryu offered. It is not an everyday thing the crafty elf was exposed so easily.
…
"Haah!" Being his goddess was still away, Bell was forced to fetch himself alone. It was not easy. No, one may say, it was hard. It almost edged the state of miserable!
"I really miss her…"
Delving in the dungeon day after day. Surviving just to return to the humble home to eat the modest meal his goddess can offer?
Considering things — and the stories his grandfather once told him — he expected his adventurer life to be different.
Mighty men and women, delving the dungeon, going on an adventure, earning riches and fame! Heroes, popular with everyone — mostly with girls.
Yes, that was Bell's goal too! That was what his grandfather told him about adventurer life.
Still, considering that goal, Bell had a long way to go until he managed to get even near it.
Not as he wanted to complain, at least his goddess cared about him.
"What did grandfather say?" he asked himself, muttering as he walked through the main road of Orario.
It only took him a moment until he remembered.
According to his grandfather, an adventurer is not a real adventurer until they save at least one girl from a terrible monster. Moreover, an adventurer will never be legendary until they create at least one harem. Considering things, he was really far away from even being considered a true adventurer.
"Guh!"
If all of this was true, becoming an adventurer was farther than ever. One may say, he was one girl deficit to even start his career.
Running away from stronger monsters or even getting rid of small ones? He will manage somehow. That's how adventuring worked! One risks their life for rewards, running away from stronger creatures to try again when one is stronger!
He can always live to try again tomorrow, no? After all, if one dies, they can hardly try the next day. No?
"That what goddess always says…" yeah, both she and Eina urged him to run away and not risk fighting stronger monsters. Anyone with a little bit brain knows this!
But to scream and cry when the girl appears? More so, whilst covered in blood and urine? How did that look? It ruined his chance ever to get a girl!
"Ah! Goddess…" even his spirit started to deflate remembering it.
He pictured the figure who saved him, remembering the blank expression of the girl who had arrived after him. The situation was worse than he first realized.
Sitting on the ground, covered in blood, looking up at the towering form of the man, Bell realized how far he was from his ultimate goal — becoming a proper adventurer, just like the ones his grandfather spoke about.
"Maybe I should ask Mr. Zeff to train me?" That was also an option, after all, the man did show him a few tricks that morning. Still, to ask him to train him, to take him as his pupil, to spend his time on someone like him? It would be too much to ask.
"Haah!" Bell sighed, disappointed, knowing a man like him will not likely take a boy like him under his wing.
"But what did I expect?" he could only smile bitterly, even that few tricks he showed him had been too much of a kindness.
He had a weak body, no special qualities that would qualify him to anything else than being a hindrance — no skill, nor special talent. He was no one!
"No! I can't think like this!" he perked up, stopping for a moment and hitting his face with both hands. "My Goddess believes in me! I can't just let her down! I need to do my best!"
He nodded firmly; Bell made his decision! His goddess trust's him, so he as well had to believe in himself! He will give it his all!
Also, it will not hurt asking. The maximum Zeff will say he willing not to train him. His pride already crushed — two times — the third time hopefully will be just a breeze compared to that.
"Yet, as I got to know Mr. Zeff, I have hope he at least will consider it before saying no." that was his only hope.
Yes! The man was honorable — at least, that's how he knows him. He will surely consider it, stating it gently, even if he refuses.
Breathing deep, Bell continued his way, heading towards the dungeon. Today, he will work extra hard to earn his coin and the chance to be trained!
…
Meanwhile, on the other part of the city, Zeff arrived at his destination.
"Hmm, so this is it?" As he looked up from the map, a strange structure came before his view.
It was a huge building, built on a small area of land. Multiple tall towers overlap and support each other, with the middle tower being the tallest.
If he wants to compare it to something, it would be a chateau's a few nobles owned in the kingdom.
Too fancy for his taste, he might add. But it cannot be helped; he was a simple soldier man, not raised as a noble but as a commoner. He most likely will never understand the fancy style of these people.
"The Twilight Manor, eh? Let's get this over with." after all, he doesn't want to make them wait in any way.
They managed to deliver this invitation to him — a goddess herself signing the letter.
The least is that he listens what they intended to say, maximum he will say "no" if he doesn't like the deal and that's it! But to not even show up? That's just rude.
According to the information Misha shared, the Loki familia is one of the most influential familia in the whole of Orario. Being rude and offending them was not his intention, even he suspected he might need their help later.
Only the fool cuts ties after all. Alas, that's what his king always said when they visited the Empire in diplomatic meetings. Personally, he would rather ignore that murderer that became their new emperor a few years back.
"Many say, in his way to become emperor, he shed so much blood it can paint the streets of Arvintar completely red…" alas, that people say about Emperor Jircniv Rune Farlord El Nix, the Emperor of Baharuth Empire. Whatever was the case, he was a brutal and ruthless opponent, not scared to use an unsightly method to eliminate his political enemies.
The methods he used were far from honorable. Not speaking the number of people he killed. It justly earned him the name; "Bloody Emperor."
"Well, let's get this over with…" dismissing the memory, he walked forward, the guards standing before the entrance raised their hands.
"Halt! What business you come here for?"
"Have an invitation." he showed the letter Loki left behind, after giving it a quick read, the guard hummed. "Follow me; I will lead you to the goddess."
Nodding, Gazef followed behind the man, carrying the crest of the Loki familia.
Whatever was the reason they choose their crest to be a jester, they must have a good idea for it.
Usually, noble and royal crests referred to their family's early accomplishments or the area where they came from, what their profession was previous, what was their family's role in the country. Or even all of these combined.
For a family to willing to take the crest of a jester? It was very bizarre for Gazef.
"I have seen many weird heraldries under my long years of service, but a Jester? Weird!" He just can't imagine what it referred to. The nobles of the kingdom most likely simply would laugh or ridicule it.
"Please wait here, I'll call for Loki-sama."
"Certainly." Gazef hummed, and the man left, leaving him in a luxurious looking meeting room.
The living room of this place was first grade; it was evident from the first look. Only in the royal estate he saw so nicely arranged and furnitured room.
"Should I sit down?" no, that would be inappropriate.
To actually dirty that high-grade furniture with his tarnished armor and clothes? It will surely offend his host. Being this person said to be a goddess, she surely will act like most high-noble of his kingdom — at minimum.
"Considering the style of the letter, and the way all this place presented, surely, I need to consider my words carefully."
Most nobles in the kingdom were huffish and easily offended. Called out by a simple commoner — even if it was him — they considered it as a grave offense.
As Misha read the letter to him, he realized, the one who wrote it most likely was very sophisticated and learned.
Even the writing style referred to that. Of course, he was not versed in the writing of this country, but those characters looked really fancy, only nobles and high-class people write that way.
"Still, I am curious what kind of person this god will be." until now, he didn't meet any of the so-called gods. People all around speaking about them all the time. Saying they are walking amongst them, interacting freely!
Yet, strangely, he didn't meet one, just some kids who are impersonating them. Was it offensive for them? He didn't know if that would be the case, only that, in his home, it was highly inappropriate impersonating gods.
Children get scolded, adults even get a prison sentence if they cause public disorder and disrespect the temple and the gods.
'Step! Step! Step!' "Hmm, what's this scent?" in the next moment, a familiar voice hit Gazef's ears, entering the room. "It is familiar, where did I…?"
"Oh! Hello"
Bete stopped for a moment, spotting Gazef standing in the meeting room of their estate.
"What the hell you are doing here!?" Bete looked angry and pissed, pointing at the man who took care of him so severely two nights ago.
"Hmm, of course, I come with your goddess invitation." he waved the letter in the air. "You can call me Zeff, by the way. It is nice to meet you, Mr…" Gazef offered his hand, yet, Bete simply ignored it.
"Tch, not your problem! Get a hell out 'ere, or I'll beat ya up!" it seems, the werewolf didn't learn a thing, still glared at the man with all his hate.
Yet, Gazef somehow understands him. The boy is impulsive, just like him in his youth.
"I see, it seems, your pride still hurt after that night. But it cannot be helped. Next time, please do not provoke a fight. I detest meaningless violence."
"Or what!?"
"Or it will not end well for you, young man. I am not a fan of meaningless violence, but I protect myself if necessary." Gazef's sharp eyes squinted, signs he is ready to protect himself if necessary.
"Who do you call a young man!?"
"Hmm, aren't you pretty young? I would say, around seventeen." Gazef inspected once more the "young man." Indeed, he looked weird in a way with that silverfish hair, wolf ears, and tail. Still, a young person nonetheless.
"Almost like a humanoid werewolf…" he pondered on it. Such beasts were vicious and dangerous beyond measure.
Their strength said to be even greater than of a demi-human of the same level, faster and more agile. Not speaking a scratch can infect and turn others into their fellows, and their only weak points were silver, magic weapons, and different herbs with anti-lycanthropy traits.
Against such a monstrous opponent, a simple human could hardly defend — without specialized methods, at least.
"I heard there are units specialized hunting werewolves in the Theocracy and Argland Council State. They must be pretty thought able to do that." adventurers can hunt werewolves, of course. But to encounter them randomly? People who not carry at least some silvered weapons — or alchemical silver — will have a hard time to survive.
"I am 22, dammit!"
"Oh! Please excuse me then." Gazef scratched his face a little bit confused. "You look younger, that's all."
"Tch! Whatever…" Bete pocketed his hand, looking away huffish.
"If you want, I can tell you the reason why you lost."
"I don't need your damn help!"
"Ok…" seriously? What's his problem? He only wants to help!
"…"
For the next few awkward seconds, the two just blankly stared at each other. A battle of minds concluded, a struggle that will ultimately decide which one should leave. Yet, before the mighty battle could reach its peak, a third voice disturbed this battle of minds!
"Oiii!"
Looking towards the door, the same red-haired "kid" entered. On her side, three people. A blonde kid, a stout dwarf, and a green-haired strict elf.
The three surrounding the red-haired one felt like strong individuals.
"[Possibility Sense]!" after a quick measurement, Gazef was unsure if he can win if all three attacks him at once. They were quite strong, using the adventurer guild's ranking system, Orichalcum, or Adamantite — the latter is more likely. He may need to use unsightly means to stand a chance.
"Well, the winner is a winner, no matter the methods they utilize." That was true, even if it was against honor, the conquered can hardly complain once the conquerors took over.
"Winners write the history, with the blood of the conquered."
As he often heard under his days as a mercenary.
"They were right, of course. Still, that's is war, and combat for life…" in simple duels, it was best to keep the etiquette, or the other party will lose their respect towards you.
"Ah! Ya are finally here! You made me wait! Ya know how long I ago left that invitation?" the "girl?" in the middle complained, looking dissatisfied.
"You visited the guild only a day ago…" commented the green-haired elf, earning a shrug from the goddess.
"That's not the point, Mama! You know well! Knowing who left the message, he should have hurried here right away."
"Tch! Stop calling me that."
"Or what?" she offered a wide grin, enjoying the tick of the noble elf.
"Are they?" Gazef was confused, unable to conclude what's happening before his eyes.
"Haah! Just leave them to it, they will soon stop." commented the blonde one, the dwarf only nodded, sighing tiredly.
"Umu! Just as he said."
"Oi! Oi! Don't be so grouchy, or wrinkles will appear under your eyes."
"Hmph! Whatever, either way, we should address this "problem" first." the elf glanced towards Gazef, measuring him strictly.
In all honestly, he met a few elves under his life — mostly under his years of a mercenary.
But how this she-elf watched him? Honestly, Zeff felt uncomfortable. Her eyes made him remember the high nobles who looked down on him — and everyone else in a grand total.
"Great, now I am a problem." if he were sensitive, he would be offended called as such.
"Oh! Yes! That's right!" red-haired hit her palm with her fist. "Let's get into it! Why not we sit down? Bete, what are you doin' here? Come to catch up with your friend?~" the "female" smirked, it seems, she was the cheeky one in the group.
"Tch! Nothing! It doesn't matter! Next time I will defeat him. Stupid guy protecting stupid weaklings…" With hands in pockets, mumbling, the werewolf youth left bitter and grumbling, leaving the small group behind.
"That little defeat must really offend him."
"Noi! Noi! Don't even bother with him. He will be over it sooner or later. Someone needed to give him a good beating, he started to get annoying." the red-haired smirked, laughing her heart content.
"I see…"
"Well then, let's take a seat. Mama! Can we have some of your tea and cakes?"
"Tch! Fine!" the elf ticked once more, leaving to prepare some munch and drink. It was evident she disliked called that way.
With that, Loki and her two remained attaché sat down, waiting for Gazef.
"Aren't ya seating?"
"Please excuse me, but my clothes and armor are a little bit dirty for that: I don't want to ruin the furniture."
"Hahahaha! Shy, aren't ya?"
"At least he considers the state of the furniture, not like others." the elf arriving back nodded, appreciating, giving a sharp gaze to her goddess and the dwarf sitting.
"I don't know what you are speaking about!" the redhead just glanced away, almost like she would be offended by such accusations.
"Well said." the dwarf gave a small, yet still naughty smile to the elf lady, earning an offended huff.
"Hmph!"
"…" Gazef can only watch them with a bitter smile. "They are really a lively bunch." just watching those three made him remember his men: a lively bunch, good people. Always planning something. Gambling, playing, and training! Whatever they decided to do with their free time.
Nonetheless, he was proud of them, all of them! Thought, he never mentioned openly, it was the case.
"It is almost like they are best friends…" indeed, only best friends act like that, and laugh in the end.
'Boink!'
"Augh! Hey!?" suddenly, the blond kid stood up, bonking the head of the three.
"We have a guest, please, moderate yourself…" this earned a huff from all three.
Nonetheless, the dwarf chuckled entertained, the elf lady turned her head away huffish, the red-haired girl shrugged annoyed. All three had a somewhat different reaction.
"Ok! Ok! I will behave! Treating your goddess this way…" Loki mumbled, earning another sight from the short boy.
"Haah! Please, forgive them. They are… sometimes hard to bear."
"No problem. I also know a few people acting like this…" thought, he didn't want to sound rude, the one in the middle still took offense — or it seemed like.
"Oi! Are you saying, am I like a child?"
"Please forgive me. I never intended to be rude. I meant it otherwise…" the redhead leaned forward, squinting her already closed eyes harder, almost like she wants to skewer Zeff with her mere glare.
Her companions just watched her uneasy, hating when the goddess do such thing with the newcomers.
"What are you doing?" the elf with the green hair raised her brow regal.
"Suu! Can't see it!? I am trying to exert some pressure!" shooing away the spoilsport attitude of her children; the goddess continued her stare.
"Is she…?"
"Just ignore her. She will stop, eventually."
"If you say so."
"Hmm…" and the stare continued, continuing several more minutes without anyone saying anything. Gazef just stood, motionless, almost going that far to slow his breathing.
"Join my Familia!" and in the end, she managed to come up with only that? Moreover, pointing at him? This girl was confusing.
"Excuse you?"
"I am confident!" she stood up, smirking and leaning forward. "Join my Familia! What do you say?" and she offered her hand.
Seriously! What's her problem?
Not even introducing, then coming again with this Familia nonsense? These people just confusing.
"Mmmm… I came here to meet Lady Loki. Is she here somewhere? I received this letter. It is stated she wants to speak with me."
"Standing just before you! Nice to meetcha!" the "boobless" girl raised her hand, smirking wild.
"Ummm. Is she serious?" Gazef really started to have enough! Not only they waste his time, now want to play with him too? Don't joke with him! He had better things to do! In fact! He planned to visit the blacksmith today! He had no time to waste!
"Yes! I am! I am Loki! Or, you can call me Lady Loki! Whichever earns your fancy!"
"Umm… Please, just tell if that "goddess" is not present. I will come back later then…" what this sassy lost child thinking anyway?
Is she impersonating a god? It was profoundly offensive for most. If she is not careful, she might get beaten up!
"Oi! I am telling you the truth! I am Loki!"
"Is she serious?" Looking at the other three in the room, they can only sight.
"Unfortunately… yes." answered the blonde. He didn't blame Zeff; if he met Loki the first time, he as well would have the same expression and thinking.
"Ugh…!" this hit Gazef hard. "Excuse me. I need to sit down for a moment." be it real or not; this revelation was indeed hard to digest.
"Haah! Serve yourself." Taking a seat, he stared at the girl for a long moment. "For serious?"
"Yup!" then, Loki blinked. "What!? You seriously didn't know!?"
"Well, you don't seem like a goddess at all…" he deadpanned, his looks giving it all; he really didn't believe she is a goddess. In fact, even now, he had a hard time accepting it.
"Wh-What!? Be-Because of my breast!?" she hugged herself almost disgusted. "I let you know! That is only fat! That's not what makes a goddess!" now, Loki offered a crying expression, even her tears poured from her eyes.
"Please forgive me. I didn't intend to offend you in any way." most women with "less than adequate" size tend to take offense whenever this topic came by. It was better to avoid it altogether.
What was more confusing, how the hell she came to that conclusion? Gazef was clueless.
"I didn't even point it out…"
Not as it mattered, women tend to come conclusions confusing even for the wisest men. It is better just to apologize and proceed. It is simply not worth the energy to take offense or elaborate further on the topic.
"Just ignore her… instead, let us introduce. I am Finn Deimne, the Captain of the Loki Familia. They are my companions, Gareth Landrock and Larfal Ljos Alf, my vice-captain."
The two nodded but said nothing more.
"I see. You may call me Zeff." Gazef stood up and bowed.
"No need to be so ceremonial, heh! Lad!" Gareth chuckled. "Just be at ease."
"As you wish…"
"Heh, said to you. He seems to be a nice guy." Gareth pointed it out, grinning, glancing at Riveria.
"Never said otherwise…" and the noble lady shrugged.
"So, you are really their Captain? Please forgive me for saying this, but you look fairly young to be Captain."
Finn just smiled, completely understanding Gazef's remark. "Ah! I see. It is not a problem. I might look young, but I am actually over 40."
Gazef just blinked, completely caught off guard. "Seriously?"
"Hahahahaha! That's the truth! Our Captain remains handsome no matter the age, maybe being a Pallum has something to do with that."
"Certainly…" Riveria answered, however, she looked like she cares not at all.
"Hmm, I see…" The warrior captain can only hum. Misha thought directly not spoke about the different races inhabiting this place, yet, most were familiar for Gazef, finding similarities between them, and the ones of his home.
"This Finn… must be a Halfling."
Though he can't help but inquire subtly, he didn't want to stumble in a social blunder and gravely offend someone.
Yes, considering how many different people, races, religions, and customs exist in the world, one needed to consider how they act, else they might bring war on their nation by accidentally offending some prominent figure just visited their country.
This was extra true for the nobles, royalties, and local authorities who directly served the government. Their accidental blunder might bring serious consequences.
Sighing, Gazef turned his attention to the redhead in the middle, inspecting her for a moment.
For appearance, she was nothing noteworthy.
A brat with strangely squinted eyes and revealing clothes. But her presence! That was entirely another thing! She felt akin to a divine caster, yet, somewhat different. He can't really say what way, she was just different in feel.
"So, you say… you are Loki. A goddess?"
"Yes! Is that hard to believe!?" the said to be goddess squirmed her nose, an almost angry expression on her face.
"Well… please, excuse me for saying this. But you do not look like a god."
"What!? What's not godly about me!?" the "goddess" straightened herself, crossing her arms and puffing her cheek cutely offended.
"…" Gazef remained silent, only answering: "Everything?"
"Haah!? Then how a god looks according to you!?"
"Well…" and thus, Gazef listed a few things, mostly from the legends of his people.
"Ah… how strange."
"Is that…?"
"Are you drunk?" the three officials of the Loki Familia watched this man like he would be drunk, or at least hit his head very hard. Albeit, Loki had a different reaction.
"Hahahahahahaha! Ar-Are you serious!?" Loki wiped her eyes, basically rolling on the ground.
"Well, yes… that's how a god should look."
"Well, damn! You have a bizarre imagination." Gareth laughed as well, Riveria just sighed, Finn smiled uneasily.
"Is that so?"
"Fufufufu…" Loki took the seat once more, folding her fingers. "Oh! Indeed, our looks back where we came from really varied. Honestly, I didn't expect from a mortal to know about us so much. Your god really has a big mouth." stating, she thought Gazef has a chief deity he served.
How else could he have beaten Bete with such ease? There was no other explanation. There was no way a simple mortal without a blessing can beat a first-class adventurer! Thus, she came to that conclusion.
Oh! If she could use her divine abilities down there, the truth would come to light in no time.
"Seriously!?" all three turned to the goddess, all offering a wide eye. Loki never spoke about their original home, how should they know about such thing?
"Indeed. It is not widely known among mortals. But we gods really took different forms than our current selves. In truth, we only took humanoid forms to better blend among you, children."
Indeed, if they would take their original form, and not seal their powers away, their mere presence would be enough to squatter every simple mortal around, their acts and battles bring cataclysm to their world.
"Damn! You never mentioned this."
"Never asked." Loki stuck her tongue, looking quite impish. In the next moment, she turned towards Gazef once more. "So, you know much about me. But I know almost nothing about you!" pulling out a bottle filled with wine, she grinned.
"Let's change that!" wine usually changed the opinion of mortals — and most often to gods who enjoyed earthly delights — she was sure it would make this man speak too.
Of course, Gazef felt, this can only end badly for him.
"Unfortunately, I already drank my share today."
"Naah! Are you refusing a goddess? Come on! Don't be a spoilsport!" Loki offered the bottle once more.
Gazef lowered his head, thinking hard.
There was no clear evidence this girl before Gazef was really a goddess, only the words of the four before him. Yet, if she indeed a goddess, offending her would be a grave sin, which may even earn him death.
"Not speaking the strange feeling I get from her…" the strange feeling Hestia, Toth, and that mysterious girl — Freya — gave him. Yes! Almost like a priest or a paladin, just a lot brighter! More divine.
"Oi! Oi! You give me an awfully strange look! You scare me!"
"Let's say, I believe you…" Gazef lowered his head, taking seats once more. "What's your offer then? Why do you invite me?"
"Are you deaf or what!?" Loki shouted, hitting her legs, angry. "Join my Familia! That's why!"
"Hmm, I refuse!"
"What!?" Loki shouted, completely caught off guard — almost flipping down from the couch! This man barely considered what she said. Right away, refused her offer!? Scandalous!
"Why!?"
"Please forgive me, but as I heard, you questioned my adviser. No?"
"Yes! And what of it!?"
"As you know, I already have someone I serve."
"And?"
"One cannot align with two sides. That would be treason."
This man?! He really ticked her fancy! She will get him no matter what! If for nothing else, just to boast before Freya and the other gods! If nothing else, to show him, she gets what she wants!
"Then just leave that other guy!" Loki scoffed. "What he can give, I can't? Come on! You can live in this nice building! You can have anything being part one of the largest and most legendary Familia in all Orario! Fame! Wealth! Weapons! Armor! Anything! Isn't that what you want? Hell! You can adventure your heart content and gain the chance to grow!"
The dwarf and the Pallum captain sweated hearing Loki's description. Their Familia might be significant; they can accept the fact they were strong.
Yet, in truth, they sorely lack compared to the past's biggest Familias. They need to work a lot more to reach the level of the Zeus and the Hera Familia. Not speaking the "King" as an obstacle was still before them before they can genuinely start their path.
They had a lot to do.
"Simply, I don't plan to remain here long, after my business concluded, I leave to find my way back home."
"So, you don't know where you came from?"
"…" Gazef lowered his head, with closed eyes a sour expression drawn on his face.
"Ah! So that's the case! I see. In that case…" Loki clapped her hand, grinning. "You have no reason to refuse me. Join!"
She had no idea how someone can be so lost they don't even know where they came from? Not as it mattered now. What mattered to acquire this new piece!
"As said, my loyalty binds me. I can't just leave it behind."
"Ughhh! Why are you so stubborn!?" like children who can't get the toy she wanted, she started to sulk.
"I still don't understand what I gain from this." Gazef crossed his arms above his chest.
He heard what Misha said. The adventurers gain power through Falna and adventuring, exposing themselves to danger or achieving something great. Yet, it binds them to an unknown entity.
If it comes to that, growth can be achieved through hard training and risking one's life — without binding oneself to some unknown entity. One needed no god to earn more power, just dedication, and resolve.
"Haah!? Aren't you listening? We are one of the most prominent Familia in all Orario! You can get everything you want!"
"And what's in this to you?"
"I gain you!" Loki smirked once more! Like a predatory animal, measured the man, pointing at him with both her indexes.
"That's it?"
"That's it!" she chuckled. "You know, with you beating Bete that way, you caused quite a ruckus in this town. One can say… you are quite famous now. A mysterious adventurer, no one know where he came from, nor which Familia he belongs. Just appearing out of nowhere, beating one of the strongest in the city."
"He was that strong?" Gazef starched his face confused; silence descended on the room.
"Ye-Yeah… he was one of our top adventurers." Finn muttered, Gareth laughed nervously, Riveria's eyes widened for a moment, just to return their normal state in the next.
This man was dangerous! Is he speaking about it so casually? It was definitely the case.
"What?" Gazef was confused,
"So you say…" Loki breathed deep. "You don't consider him strong?"
"Hmm, I would not say that more like too hot-headed. His moves are easily predictive. It was evident he was not accustomed to fighting with human opponents. His slashes too wide and brutish, more adequate to fight off monsters several sizes of him. All in all, more muscle than brain."
"I-I see…"
"Still, his physical strength is quite considerable. If not using Martial Arts, he might be caught me off guard."
"Martial, what?" Loki blinked, confused. "What's those?"
"Techniques hailed from far east… I see so that's why they looked that strange." Riveria muttered, remembering the things she read about them. "I heard masters of such arts can even turn their opponent strength against them. Easily defeating enemies several sizes bigger and stronger than them. They not to be underestimated."
"Oh!" Gareth hit his palm. "I see! That explains things!"
"Hmmm! That still not explains the weird buzz I felt when you activated those things! Your body just glowed! And you became faster! It was like the whole world bent to your will! Is that normal?"
Clueless, Loki turned towards her children; they can only shake their heads and shrug.
"Well, it came with the activation of the technique. So, yes. That's normal. I suppose…"
Of course, the two sides spoke about two completely different things. Inevitably, this will lead to a quite misunderstanding later.
"Damn! This world more and more fun!" Loki threw herself back on the couch, laughing wild for a few seconds. Then, after a moment of sight, the goddess leaned forward.
"I want you! Join my Familia!"
"No…"
"Ughhh! Why!? You are so stubborn!" she grumbled, throwing herself to ground for a moment. "What about a bet? I beat you, you join! You beat me; I owe you! You can't lose!" her words honeyed, befit to the goddess of trickery.
"I still don't see… what I gain? Also, you barely know me. How do you know I don't come and harm your "Familia"?"
"Well…" she glanced at the side; her always squinted eyes opening for a moment, offering an impish light. "Let's just say; I have a nose and eyes for talent and trustworthy people. As for what you gain? Aside from the mentioned things. I suspect, you recognized already. The people watch you in a different light. Wherever you go, they tend to recognize you."
"Recognized…" Gazef nodded. Indeed, since he came back, he gains more and more attention. Whenever he does something or simply walks down the street, people tend to recognize him.
"You know, we gods created Familias out of different reasons. Some just want monetary background for their hobbies. Some want to compete with each other. Some want to collect talented and bright souls. Etcetera, etcetera. Not one of us the same."
"And you…?"
"Let's just say; I have my reasons," Loki told him mysteriously. "But back to the topic. With you defeating Bete that night, that way…"
As she said this, Gazef can't help but feel; this can't end well for him.
"…You basically became like a fresh, delicious steak in the meat market. Freshly cooked, royally seasoned, and smelling like no other meat nearby. Basically, your state of being will incite those carnivores to get a piece from you. And believe me, they are like rich spoiled brats, doing everything to get what they want."
"I see..." Aren't that makes her the same? He wanted to ask. But he was sure she would take offense on such a statement.
"From now on, whatever you do, people will recognize it. News will spread like wildfire. Other gods and goddesses will hunt you, desperately want to claim you in their collection. Hell, some of them even willing to go that far to send their members after you, beat you up, then force you into their Familia if it's necessary."
"Are you serious?" He looked at Loki's aides, sincerely hoping the woman was just joking.
"Well, yeah… unfortunately, there are cases for that." Finn scratched his face nervous, remembering a few cases when even their own Familia resorted for such methods to "convince" a few members to join.
Glancing at Gareth, and Riveria, they as well nodded.
"Yup! That's the case." Gareth commented.
"Hmm…" If this is true, he was indeed in a bad situation. Just what he needed! Unknown people will attack him, tracking him wherever he goes.
"Shit! This is almost like home…" back in the Kingdom; he can at least count on his men. Even if the nobles schemed against him and his King, there were people he can count on. Here, literally, no one can help him. No one he can call for help or turn to if the need calls for it.
"I see, I made you think. So, what do you say?" Loki leaned forward, expecting the new "member's" definite answer.
"Hmm… Even if that's the case. How should I trust you? You were telling me all of this, but you won't tell me your reason." indeed, this girl… wherever it was true or not what she said about being a goddess. She acted like a typical high noble, all scheming, hiding their reason behind honeyed words.
Gazef didn't like this! Not at all! He didn't trust her!
"Guhhhh! Why can't you just accept it and join!? That's it! I challenge you!" and with this one reaction, the carefully built picture of a schemer collapsed. Now she just acted like a spoiled brat.
"Excuse me? You do what?" This was madness! Why she can't just leave him alone!?
"Yup! You heard it right! You against my Captain, Finn!" Loki grinned, pointing the boy on her side.
"Eh!? Loki? I don't think that's the best…"
"Sush! Don't speak nonsense! You defeat him, he joins, and that's it!" Loki was quite determined to get through with her plan. It was evident from that expression on her face — similar he only saw when he saw Climb training.
"I have to refuse the challenge."
"Are you a coward, or what!?"
"There is nothing cowardly refusing a duel where one's loyalty is at stake," Gazef answered according to his firm belief.
If this "Loki" had challenged his king's honor or his loyalty to him, he would have answered without question. But being the stake was his change of allegiance; unfortunately, he had to refuse this challenge.
According to his possibility sense, even with all his training, there is a chance this little guy might defeat him. One slip or blunder, and he might lose his freedom — and possibly chained forever to her service.
"Even if the chance is minimal, I can't risk…"
He wanted to return home as soon he collected all the necessary items; he rather not chained himself to this city and its people. He already risked big-time entrusting the guild with the burden of the investigation.
"Yet, unfortunately, I am but one man. I can't search for everything…" not speaking about his utter unfamiliarity of the land.
"Coward…" Loki deadpanned, looking unamused, pouting like a kid who's parents refused to buy her a toy.
"I am sorry you think that way." Great, now Gazef felt himself bad. Why was his heart so soft? He never understands. "Of course, my services open if you want to hire me."
"Hire you?" Loki raised her brow. "Interesting, please specify."
"You can hire my services as a mercenary of the sort. I heard from my advisor; the guild often offers a reward for specific tasks. Being in my stay, I work there as a so-called "free contractor," I offer my services anyone willing to pay."
"For what?"
"As an escort, or monster exterminator of short. As an adventurer. You hire me; I accompany your group in dangerous missions down in those chasms. For a price, I even offer training services."
"Hmm… join me!"
"Still no…"
"Ugh!" Loki flipped over, Gazef refused her so suddenly.
"Dammit! There is no way for you to be convinced?"
"Unfortunately, no, my loyalty lies elsewhere." her constant try was quite cute if he had to be honest with himself.
"Guuuh! Why are you so stubborn?!" Loki despaired, and Riveria can't help but pat her back.
"Heh, it cannot be helped then." Gareth chuckled.
From the start, he somehow felt this conversation would end unsatisfactorily for Loki. Yet, as usual, it was entertaining just listening to it.
"Please forgive her behavior…" Even Finn lowered his head. Sometimes, their goddess acted like a kid. Not a behavior one might expect from a deity, who was not less but the owner one of the most renowned Familia of all Orario.
"Guuuh! I will not give up! Just state your price!" she hit the table, making the neatly placed — yet still mostly untouched — tea and cakes jump.
The hell she will let such a specimen go waste and rot in the hands of different Familias. And most importantly, whatever it takes, she will not allow Freya to claim and rot him like the rest of her Peerage!
"Fufufufufu…" yet, her insisting behavior brought a different result. Seeing the man chuckle made the until now confident goddess raise a brow and back away.
"Wh-What's so funny!?" laughing at her so sudden? Now Loki was offended. More so, surprised! Should she be afraid? What is this man planning?
"Please forgive me, but I expected something different."
"Oh! And how so?" she was clueless. What did this man expect!?
"Judging from the writing in the letter, I expected you to be different."
What about her writing? Is she write a letter? When? It was some time she wrote a letter! She didn't remember it at all! Maybe she drunk too much Soma and wrote it while drunk!? Yes! That was most likely the case? Why that damn Soma had to make such addictive wine!?
"The writing in the letter was finely done; each word was chosen to fit the situation, the letters draw finely. Only nobles I know write with such fancy characters and formulate their sentences that way."
"Ohhh!" Most people were surprised, yet, for Riveria, it was apparent why it was that way.
"Or, it is that it was not you who wrote the letter?"
After her momentary surprised expression, her foxy grin returned. "Hehe! I thought you never recognized, yet you did! Congratulations!" gently, Loki clapped her hand. "Very clever. Not many recognize it, but it is actually Mama who writes my letters."
Being the only other female in the room was the green-haired stern-looking elf, he guessed it was a nickname for her being stoic and bossy.
"I see…" if that was the case, it was understandable. Even nobles employed scribes to write their letters, only dictating it then using their seal and signature. For a god, it was natural they act that way.
"Tell me something, at least…"
"Yes?"
"Gareth, Riveria, Finn… tell me, what do you hear? What language is he speaking?"
"Common, I guess… Why?" Gareth answered first, and the other two nodded.
"Yes, I also heard it that way," Finn spoke up, a confused expression on his face.
"For me, he is speaking perfect elven. I was also surprised at first…" Riveria added, earning a look from her companions.
"Oi! And why didn't you mentioned that!?" Gareth asked, almost offended. This granny sometimes really gets on his nerves with her elven fanciness and all.
"It was pleasing to my ear hearing it after so long. Also, Finn speaks elven, and as usual, I thought you just nod along."
"Grrr…" Gareth only ground his teeth, trying to come up with a comeback.
"Hmm…"
"Loki?" Meanwhile, Loki leaned forward, watching the man contemplating.
"That's strange… because his mouth moves completely differently. Like he would speak a completely foreign language I never heard before."
Gareth and Riveria stopped their little prattle, looking dumbfounded at their goddess.
"That's… impossible."
"Yet, that's the truth." Loki hit the table with both hands, leaning closer in an instant. "Tell… what game you play!? Are you a fellow god trying to blend among the children!? What sick game are you playing? Answer me, dammit!"
Her eyes slightly opened, offering a dangerous light.
"I don't know what you are speaking about. Aren't it is natural to understand each other, no matter the language? I mean, spoken language translates automatically. Ever since… well, for a very long time."
"No…"
"Nope…"
"Never heard about such thing…" one after another, the three mortals around Loki gave their answers, deadpanning.
"According to our best knowledge, only gods capable of that."
"Oh, I see…" this was confusing for Gazef.
Where he came from, spoken language automatically translates. Maybe it was different here? It was confusing, but considering it was a different continent, it was understandable.
"According to the legends, someone long time ago fed the people some kind of "translation cognac," ever since spoken language automatically translates…"
"Well, Lady Loki, I assure you, my humble being is far from a god. I am just a simple warrior searching his lost items. Seeking his way home."
"Are you suuuure…?" Loki pulled out the last part, ever inquiring as she leaned closer.
"Fufufu… no matter how flattering to be compared to a god, that's the truth. I am just a humble human."
"Damn! You speak truthfully!" biting her lower lip, the goddess' senses sensed no lie. Hell! He spoke, not one lie under all of this conversation. Half-truths? Maybe. But lies? Not one!
This man!? He can either hide his lies well — in so much it can deceive a god's automatic lie detector — or, he spoke truthfully. Either way, she wants him more and more!
"That's what I said… so, you say, it is unusual here?"
"The hell it is!" Loki was utterly flabbergasted; only gods should have that skill!
"In that case, your confusion is understandable. You see, where I came from, it is a completely natural ability, possessed by everyone."
"You come from a weird place…"
"Most likely…" Gazef chuckled. If it's true, and it is not normal to understand and speak every language automatically, he indeed a strange specimen here.
"Where the hell you came from!?"
"Let's just say, most likely from very far, and leave it like that…" even he doesn't know where Ainz "transported" him. It was a completely different environment and situation, one he never experienced before.
"Hmmm…" Loki hummed deep, considering what the man said. Yet, before she could ask more, the man stood up.
"I am sorry, but I need to go. I have several more things I need to take care of today."
"Hmm, I see…" it cannot be helped; she had nothing more in her pocket now. If she tries to force this Zeff figure to join — sending the three to restrain him — that would most likely end with the destruction of this room.
Moreover, seeing what he had done with Bete under a short time, it might come he beat her three best fighters, following up with the annihilation of her Familia.
Moreover, if it comes to the unlikely scenario this man is level 7 like Ottar, it would be really unfavorable for her and her children to go against him unprepared.
As her first plan failed, she needs to come up with a contingency plan. Hell! In the worst case, a method to eliminate him!
"I wanted to use Finn to test his strength." It would have been only a friendly match, yet, he refused.
"Well played, well played…" as the goddess of trickery, she would even applaud him. Unfortunately, she was too deep in her thoughts.
Is he know about her intentions and decided to outwit her not playing along? Or was it blind luck? She just can't decide.
"Just what are you planning?"
If he would somehow manage to beat Finn, and the unlikely circumstance come true, at least she could depict some tactic to acquire him. Hell, with Gareth, Riveria, or even Ais around, they could inspect his fighting style and prepare some counter measurements if it comes to that.
Once, they saw him fighting, but judging from the weapons he wears on his back, he might specialize in fighting with swords, and not specialized to use his fists as he did so against Bete.
It was utterly flabbergasting to imagine, yet, maybe it was the truth. If that's the case, they need to prepare for everything. Basically, they know nothing about how he really fights! Yet, he already experienced the best one of their members can offer. They were at a disadvantage here!
"Maybe, I should sway him with favors? Hire him then slowly make him join?" she was unsure what to do.
Considering her profession of the goddess of trickery — schemes, and several more things — it was a scary concept.
"Loki… LOKI!" 'BOOP!'
"AUGH! What's that for!?" suddenly, someone bopped her head hard.
"You spaced out again. He left…"
"Wha-What!? I just wanted…! Guhhhh!" Loki's face went from pale to straight red under a few short seconds. She was angry, even furious! And most of all embarrassed, she was outwitted that easily!
And when she comes up with her contingency plan! He just leaves!? She was not pleased in the slightest! That was an understatement. "Why didn't you notified me?!"
"Haah! We tried, but you just didn't respond. We excused him. He said if we want to reach him, notify the guild, or his advisor." Finn answered. Sometimes Loki really scares him when she does this.
"Oh! Right!" quipped the goddess. "So, what do you think, guys?"
"Mysterious…" muttered Riveria. "But he didn't have a slight accent; it was pleasing to hear some elvish speak after such a long time."
"Honestly, we know nothing more than before," Gareth added, sighing low. "Aside from the thing, he possesses the same multilingual skill as other gods — which can be a development skill as we know it."
"Hmm, possibly…" muttered Loki, somehow agreeing with Gareth's words.
There were many skills. Some innate, people born with it, materializing when one reaches the greater height or with divine help — aka Falna — other skills developed through training and hardship.
Either way, even the gods don't know about every hidden skill. Some overlaps exist in skills, yet, knowing all of them is like precisely divining every possible scenario that can happen in this world. Even for gods, it was impossible!
"Finn?" Loki raised her brow, finding it strange how the usually talkative Pallum remained silent. Leaning over his fist, a contemplating expression on his face. "What do you think?"
"His expression. He is searching for something…"
"But what?"
"I don't know… but his expression, it strangely resembles mine, before finding my goal."
"Are you saying…?"
"I am not sure. We need to investigate further."
"Could you defeat him?"
"I am not sure… from what I saw, there might be a chance he can defeat me. Maybe all of us." a Grimm expression moved on the faces. Even considering the option was dreadful, yet, after what they saw, it was entirely a possibility.
"It is clear; he held back when he fought Bete."
"Also, he most likely not a brawler, but a swordsman — judging the swords on his back, and the armor he wore." after Riveria, Gareth spoke, concluding things.
"So, what do you say, Loki? How do you want to proceed?"
Loki lowered her head, remaining silent for a few seconds. Then, in the next moment, raised it, an even broader smile on her face. "We hire him, of course!" a full, foxy grin curled on her face, coming up with the perfect plan to catch her new prey.
Thus, the goddess' course of action decided. Gods save the Warrior Captain!
Scene Change:
Running! Running! They died! She left them behind!
Why!? Why is everything falling apart around her?
"I am… sorry…!" she failed them! She left them behind!
"Go! Save yourself!" she heard their voice clearly! "Live! You need to live! Remember us!"
She saw their form holding back that many beasts!
She saw them failing!
She saw them struggling meaningless!
"I am sorry! I am sorry! Sorry! Sorry!" she ran away like a coward! She abandoned her companions!
"Ugggh!" barely left; she heard their struggle and death throe. She left them to die! They didn't last a minute.
"I will die! I will die! I will die!" countless enemies behind her. Massive orcs, ants, and many more! She doesn't know! Her eyes closed!
"Ugh!" Her leg injured! One of the beasts bit her! She can't die down there! She needs to go! She needs to push, or her friends died in vain!
"Go! Go! Go! Go! I can't die!" she doesn't know how long she ran; everything was blurry. All her body full of injures, barely dragging herself.
Collapsing, the girl gave up!
"So, this is it… huh?" the monsters gathered. She felt their stench, their closeness!
A lesser army was on her tail, and they caught up with her. She doesn't care anymore. She was too tired. Injured, she can't possibly escape.
"I am… sorry…" the girl muttered one last time… her last breaths.
She never imagined they would be so sour. Then! 'Crash!' it was like the sky cracked in two, and there was silence for a few seconds.
Then the ground trembled, but she can't move! She was too exhausted.
"GAGGGHHHHH!" the monsters screamed, it was like their last attempt to grab on their life, squishing wet sounds all around, something hard-hitting the ground, splattering things around.
Then silence again!
"COME ON!"
A man is shouting, taunting the monsters! Like a wild animal, his blurry form lunging forward, clashing with the enemy.
Then blade clashing, slicing — screaming! For how long, she didn't remember. She only remembers a shadow, a person, a guardian angel who came to save her.
To avenge her fallen comrades? She was not sure; she only saw an outline, a blur of an armored figure.
"Thank… you…" that was the last thing the girl remembered before everything went dark.
…
"Guuuh!" her whole body throbbed, she felt like she was trampled over by horses.
Is she alive? According to the deduction, pain means she is alive. The gods surely not play an evil scheme where — even in the underworld — there is pain. That would be too cruel.
Still, maybe it would be better if she died!
"Guuhh…" opening her eyes, the sudden light made her vision blur; only a few seconds later, it was cleared.
"Where am I?" she asked groggily, turning her head.
It looked like some kind of sickbay, not far from her rows beds, some of them filled with injured adventurers.
"I see, you are awake…" in the next moment, the voice of a male came from her side, wearing what looked like a typical guild uniform.
"Am I… dead?" judging from the pain, she was not. She asked nonetheless, better asking than sorry later.
"No, you are not. Albeit, you were close to it. A few minutes later, and we wouldn't have been able to save your life."
"I see…" the girl remained silent for a few minutes, contemplating her state of being.
"Are my companions…?" it was foolish to ask! She was well aware! Yet, she can't help but hope, at least one of them to get away in time. Hoping, some of them are still alive!
"Hmm, I am not aware of your companions. An adventurer brought you back, is this a chance he was the one?"
"What did he look like?" she really hoped! Prayed, one of them managed to get away, then grab her on their way out!
Albeit, as her last blurry memories implied, it was someone entirely else.
"A man with tanned skin and black eyes like a sword. His armor was pretty weathered; also, his sword was broken."
Lowering her head, she pondered. No, the description of the appearance was too vague. There are several people with such an occurrence.
"I am sorry I didn't remember such a person. Maybe, if you tell me his name."
"Hmm, unfortunately, I do not know. I only saw that man passing. If you want, I can ask my colleague who spoke to him."
"That would be good…" she nodded. She had no idea who saved her, but she needs to say her thanks. That was the least she could do!
"But first, what's your name and which Familia do you belong to?"
"Nicci Machus, Hermes Familia."
"I see, I will make sure to notify Lord Hermes about your state of being, until then. Please stay patient and rest."
"Right…" she sighed, she can't do anything more, just mourn the fact her friends are no more.
"Please accept my condolences…" the guild employee lowered his head.
"…" the girl just remained silent, leaning her head back to her pillow. The guild employee can only sight, seeing such cases day by day.
Sometimes, Eina is right; adventurers should not adventure.
Scene Change: Babel:
The tower of Babel was just as expansive inside as it looked from outside.
With its towering form and almost uncountable levels, it was a sight to behold!
Although it was built on the top of the most likely most dangerous place in the world, people casually walked its circular hallways, lived there, shops, and businesses operated without hindrance. Hell! Many gods even inhabited and lived on the top floors!
Anyone who can rent a room here already considered the cream of the world, the ones who can even buy an establishment in the tower was even higher.
"Hmm, so this is it…" reaching higher and higher climbing the staircases, Gazef was more and more astonished with this place.
The outside of the place was already pretty remarkable; the inside was even more lustrous.
"According to Misha, the first twenty floors are filled with Familia business, facilities, and money exchanges…"
Above that, the most prominent gods owned rooms or suites.
"I don't know what kind of tremendous effort it takes to raise this place, but it must be befitting to a god…"
Gods raised this place according to the tales. Yet, after meeting Loki — a supposed god — Gazef was not so convinced they can do such a thing. Or at least, he was at first.
"From her words, at first, one might suspect she is just a clueless child. But I wonder? Is she a schemer?" Yes, looking it that way, not many would believe about certain people that they are schemers, yet, several noble utilized this tactic in the past.
Feigning clumsiness and cluelessness, and working in the background, gaining an advantage while their enemies were busy dealing with the apparent problems?
Indeed, that was an excellent tactic to deceive people. Hell! He even encountered several assassins playing old or lost people just to gain an edge over him.
"In times, they almost got me." Only out of luck he is still alive today.
Around Loki, there was a strange presence, a presence similar he felt around the other tree, but that's it!
Honestly, Gazef was confused about what to think after all this happened.
"That means Lady Hestia, Toth, and that strange woman I meet in the slums was also a god?" that was also an option. Either way, he will ask about it. But before that, he needs to take care of a few things first.
…
Walking forward a few minutes, Gazef was clueless about which store to choose. He wanted some quality armor and weapon for himself. The ones he wore was on the verge to fall apart, his simple sword broken, basically useless.
"I should have asked Misha to show me around here…" but it was too late to ask, and he was too prideful to give up just like that!
"Nonetheless, the basic equipment the guild offered is really is subpar…" albeit, they lasted more he hoped they do — and actually bore more punishment he initially expected — their quality was still low.
In conventional war — for an average soldier, or even on the first few floors — they would suffice. But against monsters of the lower levels? They most likely will not suffice — at least in the long term.
"Monsters exist with stone-like or metallic skin, or possessing natural weapons that can tear through simple metal armor like paper."
If that's the case, simple armor and weapons will not suffice, one needs specialized equipment to manage and actually have a chance.
Martial Arts can transform armor and weapons to act like magical equipment, but continuous use heavily strained and endangered the user's life.
Collapsing in the middle of the battle because of overuse was a big no-no in Gazef's book — also a foolish thing if you asked him.
"Hmm…" looking at the side, these shops offered quite a quality wares.
Weapons of all kind! Armors, made from different metals lined up behind the glass — strangely, no metal bars before the shop window.
"In the kingdom, the thugs would have long ago broken the glass and taken everything away…" often, not even the enchanted windows held them back, they just hit it until the enchantment wore off, then took everything.
"Hell! There was even a case of a street fight going over to rob a shop that offered magical items. A band belongs to an unknown street band trying to rob it…"
It was quite a foolish endeavor if you asked him. That shop was under the control of the Magician's Guild. Also, many traces lead it has connections with the Eight Fingers.
In the time his men arrived on the scene, the whole thing turned into a three-way street fight between the guards of the store, the arriving Eight Finger enforcers, and the actual band trying to steal magical items.
It was quite laughable, but it was that way.
"Well, now or never!" he walked quite a time, inspecting many stores along the way.
Albeit, he can't yet read the numbers on the price tags; he was aware, the longer and more characters written under an item, the more expensive it is!
It was the same back in the kingdom, and he was damn sure it was the same here. Either way, he was sure he couldn't buy things showcased in the window, but one can always ask for lower priced items in the shop.
"In the Kingdom and the countries around, blacksmiths usually displayed their best works to attract wealthy customers. One needed to ask for lower priced items. I hope it is the same here…" either way, he can't proceed if he doesn't even ask. Asking never hurts, as the saying goes.
As he entered the shop, he recognized right away the adventurers looking for armors and weapons, the human shopkeeper watching them bored, leaning against his palm.
"Excuse me?"
"Huh?"
The man had a blank expression; it was evident he was pretty much too tired to be bothered by customers.
"I want to replace my equipment. Can you show me your wares?"
"What's your budget?" he asked immediately, measuring Gazef from tip to toe. "Not too much, as I see your equipment."
Gazef squinted his eyes; he didn't like the attitude of this person, not at all!
Albeit, he was not the one to judge people. He knows well how weathered his equipment was after his trip down there. He himself would as well made the same conclusion as the man
"Let's just say… I have plenty." recovering a stuffed bag full of coins; he pushed it forward.
"How much the ones cost in the shop window?"
"Millions…" answered the shopkeeper as he inspected the bag, raising his brow, seeing the amount it contained.
"I see…"
Gazef's eyes darkened immediately. The equipment he saw there was indeed high quality, and albeit he earned plenty under his expedition down there. After exchanging the stones and monster parts, there is no way he can pay for such expensive stuff.
"I still need to think about the living and the expenses of my investigation, not speaking about maintenance cost and other things."
He not likely can repeat this kind of expedition every day. Not only would it be too dangerous, but it is time-consuming. Also, possibly exhausting and expensive — if he considered equipment maintenance cost.
"If I can just return to the floor I finished…" just now, he cursed he was not talented in magic. If he were only able to teleport, he could simply place an anchor where he finished his exploration, teleport out, then teleport back when he was rested and prepared again.
"It would definitely make my life easier…" but alas, he was just as good in magic as a simple peasant, his only choice was to take the journey down every time, or join a group who goes on an expedition — just as Misha told him.
"Is there any equipment around my price range?"
"Well…" the shopkeeper scratched his head. "Yes, there is. Equipment showcased in the window and the main showroom usually made by smiths with quite a reputation, and actually priced according. But if you have eyes for equipment, I recommend you choose something from the back rows. You may find quite pieces there for a reasonably low price."
"If there are good ones there, why not keep them there? Why not showcase them in the main showroom?"
The shopkeeper shrugged.
"As said, showcased, you will only find the best. Smiths, who only started, or not yet gained a reputation, can only dump their equipment in the backrooms. Alas, if they want to earn something, the only way is to earn recognition by contracting famous adventurers and advertise their work through them."
It is how it worked here. Just as for adventurers, just as for smiths — or every other profession. Joining a big Familia not automatically meant you would be famous, you needed to work your way up from the bottom!
"In that case, I make my way there…" grabbing his purse, Gazef headed in the backrooms.
Several other adventurers browsed there, measuring and looking the available weapons and armors, ignoring them, he also started to look around.
Quite an amount of wares dumped there; most were neatly placed on the shelves, some were simply dumped in the corner. Nonetheless, Gazef took his time to inspect them thoroughly.
One can find real treasures amongst the trash, and albeit he found mostly average items, there were even a few that really piqued his interest.
"Interesting…" the sword he held just now was a real work of art, laying in a box thrown in the darkest corner.
It actually looked quite heavy compared to a simple long sword — with a wide blade — yet, it was remarkably well balanced, possessing an elegant, yet robust style — still lighter than it initially seemed.
"Hmm!" making a few swings, trying the metal, he was satisfied with this one!
If someone wanted to remain alive in his profession, they needed to learn one or two things about armors, weapons, and even metals: how to recognize them, their weak points. Hell, how to maintain them!
"I remember, in the early years, I didn't even have money to maintain my gear..." the local smith showed him first how to hammer out the dents, and sharpen his weapons, since then, he had plenty of time to practice.
Inspecting the blade further, it had several engravings on it, made with great care — Usually, he cared not if his weapons had fancy carvings or not, but the style was somewhat mesmerizing.
"I wonder if these are runes or…" or magical engravings, or served another purpose? He does not yet know. But his instinct as a warrior told him this weapon would fit him well!
"G.G…" he recognized the symbols etched on the lower part of the blade; it was two letters. "Most likely, the creator left their mark?"
Indeed, it is best to look out for further items from this person. Now, as he knows the style, he most likely can easily recognize additional pieces.
…
Some time passed, but Gazef managed to collect a few pieces of equipment befit to his taste.
"Let's hope; they are fit to my budget…" if he needs to spend a little bit more for a reasonably priced — still quality gear — then so be it. One can't be so stingy about buying adequate equipment. Not once it saved his life on the battlefield. If it comes to that, he will ask for a discount or installment!
"Here the ones I choose!" being he had no other choice, he grabbed a wooden box and filled it.
"Let's see…" the shopkeeper started to inspect the price tags.
"Do your shop do fitting?"
"Yes, but that's cost extra."
"Very well…"
The man raised the first piece to inspect the price tag, but as he did so, his eyes squinted angrily. Seeing him, Gazef just can't decide if he was angry or frustrated.
"Is something wrong?"
"Nothing…" the man turned his head sourly. "It will be forty-nine thousand Valis… in a grand total."
Gazef raised his brow but nonetheless paid the price.
"May I inquire where I can find the creator?"
"Why do you care?"
"Let's just say, I am interested in his work…"
"I see… still, I advise against it. That person is a troublemaker."
"Please specify…"
"Haah! You see… Her works maybe first grade, still, hardly anyone can manage to get along with her. She easily gets offended and then, she just screams without listening reason. A brat who doesn't know her place in the world. Not speaking, her ideas are crazy, completely going against everything metalworking and smithing stands for…!?" the last part the shopkeeper only muttered, looking away like he recalled a lousy memory.
"Hmm, interesting," Gazef muttered. "If you may tell me where she lives…"
"I have no idea!" the shopkeeper shoot him down right away. "Maybe the outskirts of the city? As I last heard at least. Once a week, she shows up, screams with me, and with others to buy her works, then leaves. Stupid brat…" like last time, the owner once more muttered dissatisfied.
"I see, thank you. In that case, that's all." it was a good idea asking the shopkeeper about items of lesser price.
If one doesn't ask, one can't earn! That what his father always said.
In this case, he found real treasures amongst the averageness.
He can't buy the expensive items in the window — yet — but he can always search for cheaper but still quality items made by less known smiths.
As he suspected, those items most likely only that expensive because their creator is famous. Their quality might be high, but most of the time, they not worth the price displayed on the tag. Overpriced, many may say.
"Grandfather worked for a merchant for a time, he taught me one or two things about his profession…" one can say, if he didn't become mercenary, he most likely went for being a merchant.
"Sure…" the shopkeeper muttered half-hearted, returning to serve another customer.
Being he earned plenty under his "small expedition," he had enough to get laid for a few days, and actually start his investigation.
According to Misha, if he wants to get to know more about lost weapons and armors, he needs to inquire about them in smith Familias who usually keep tracking their wares, and who they sold it — keeping a close tab about their regular customers.
Albeit he was certain items like the royal treasures will not likely pop up in legal channels, he can always ask about them from professionals.
People who most likely know who to ask if they want to know more about lost armors or weapons — or in this case, rare curiosities one can hardly find elsewhere.
After all, the best place to start is the direct source, no?
"I already asked the guild to look for them, but I can't help but feel something not right with that place. They hide something." in that case, he will also start his own investigation and compare the results.
After asking a few more info, and fitted his armor, he headed out. Seeking those in this tower who might serve with more information related to missing items.
…
Her office was located on the third floor of a weapon shop! The very irritated red-haired goddess sitting behind her table, watched her petite friend prostrating herself before her desk.
"How long do you plan to do that?" clothed in her Familia's uniform, Hephaestus asked, frustrated, watching the motionless petite goddess before her desk.
"…" No answer came, since yesterday, she held this pose.
Wallowing following her around wherever she goes, like a mealworm, not raising her head, just sobbing: "Please! I do anything!" dragging herself behind Hephaestus' back.
It was honestly embarrassing! She even followed her to her suite, spending the night in that position!
She wanted to ignore Hestia! She gave so many things to her! She owed her big time! Hell! She even lent her a place to live! And she had the nerve to ask more!?
She had enough of her!
"Pretty, please…?"
"Tch!" she doing it again!
She looked up only slightly, trying her puppy eyes technique! Hestia was well aware her friend was weak against it!
"…" Hephaestus sighed hard! No! She can't give in! If she does so, her friend will never learn the meaning of responsibility! She will never be independent!
"I will never ask anything ever again! Please! It is for my children!"
Her wallowing words echoed in her mind!
"You said this many times before. My answer is… NO! I will not lend a single Valis to you anymore!
"Pretty please?"
"No! Now then! Please, leave so that I can concentrate on my paperwork."
It doesn't matter Hestia was silent — most of the time — her presence was still unnerving! Hephaestus can't possibly concentrate on her paperwork while she was around!
"…" Once more, Hestia remained silent. The smith goddess was on a point where she thought her friend do this intentionally, just to tick her off!
No! There is no way! The hell she will allow that! Her will is iron! She will not break!
For an entire day — That's how long Hestia had kept her head down, plastered to the floorboards.
On the night of Celebration, Hestia had asked her to have her Familia make a weapon for one of her members — Hephaistos dismissed her request immediately.
Even though she didn't brag about it, the smiths of Hephaestus Familia were known as the best in the business. She had a reputation to uphold. Run-of-the-mill adventurers and Familias didn't have the resources to buy her weapons!
To have her smiths make a weapon just for a friend was out of the question! It would be too much to ask her children to spare their sweat and blood just for a children's selfish request!
Hephaestus had told Hestia many times to come back with money if she wants custom order. However, Hestia hadn't given up and kept asking. Every time she asked her, her head went lower and lower. She was persistent since the Celebration, and Hephaestus started to reach her limit.
Hell! Even when she woke up, she almost fell over because of her — finding her prostrating on the side of her bed.
Still, the smith goddess was honestly surprised she managed to hold out so long. She thought her friend would give up after just a few hours then leave her. But here she is! More than a day passed, but she is still there!
She must really want that thing!
'Knock! Knock!'
"Come in!" despite Hestia's remarkable resolve, Hephaestus really hoped someone would come and take her away!
"Goddess, a man would like to speak with you."
"I see. Custom order? Another one wants to join?" she asked the obvious choices. Why does anyone want to speak with her otherwise? Or, this person is from the guild? No, her member would have mentioned that.
"No, he said he would like to ask about certain unique items. He gave the description, but I can't really place them; maybe you can help him."
"Hmm…" Glancing at Hestia, she remained motionless, yet, somehow Hephaistus felt the petite goddess is listening. "Send him in. At least I get some breathing room from her…"
The Familia member nodded, and soon, an armored man entered the office.
"Lady Hephaestus, I assume." he bowed respectful — at least he gives the proper respect befit to a goddess.
"Indeed…" raised her brow the red-haired beauty, inspecting the man from tip to toe.
"Thank you for receiving me despite your busy schedule. I am Zeff, an adventurer who not long ago arrived in the city."
Hearing the voice and the name of the man, the lump of flesh on the ground trembled for a moment — it is him! What's he is doing here!?
"It is not a problem; I wanted some fresh air anyway…" giving a glare to Hestia, Gazef also recognized her.
"Lady Hestia?" he can only blink, seeing the Familiar white dress, and small curled form of the girl.
"…" no answer came, the goddess of Heart tried to play the invisible. She wanted to disappear in shame!
It was usual in the throne room to peasants prostrate themselves before the king. But between beings who called themselves "gods"? It was unheard! Even absurd! In the legends about the gods, no such scene existed!
"Yet, both gave away the same feeling like that Loki figure…" that meant both were goddesses. It was a confusing scene!
"It is surprising how well they can blend with simple people." if not for their unique presence, he would have mistaken them with normal humans. Beautiful, still, ordinary humans.
"Just ignore her."
"Very well…"
Nonetheless, the prostrating goddess unnerved Gazef. Still, it was not his place to question the customs of these people. He will just proceed with his business and go on his way. He was sure she has her reason to be that way.
"So, how can I help you?" Hephaestus leaned forward, crossing her fingers before her mouth. She right away recognized this man was different than the rest.
Not only because of the strange, "alien" feeling he gave away, but because of the fact, he didn't even flinch looking at her — or the patch covering half of her face.
He just… ignored it!
It was strange, but nowadays, she found it peculiar someone not pointing her "crippled" state out — even unintentionally.
"As I heard, smith familias keep close tabs about their customers, and unique items made by them — or appearing in the surrounding region."
"Hmm, you can say that. What manner of items do you seek? Aren't it would be better to ask the guild to investigate it?"
"I already asked them, but I also like to start my own investigation. Better safe than sorry."
"I see." she hummed. She found such dedication commendable. "Very well. Let's hear it, and I see what I can do. Though, I promise nothing."
"Thank you…" and thus, Gazef started to list the items, describing them the best he can.
"Hmm… I see."
"So?"
"They are not familiar at all." answered the goddess straight to the point.
"I see…" Gazef lowered his head; it seems he is no closer to his goal than before.
"If you allow me to ask. Why are you seeking them? Isn't it would be easier to buy a new set? Any smith Familia takes custom orders; according to your description, most likely, they can replicate them easily."
"It is not that, Lady Hephaestus. It is…" he took a deep breath, looking down. "It is complex…"
"Are they that important to you?"
"Yes!"
"If you worry about secrecy, don't, my lips are sealed. I will not tell anyone, and I assume…" she glanced behind Gazef. "…Hestia is the same!"
Subtly, the prostrating goddess nodded.
"Very well…" after sighing, Gazef started his explanation. Somehow he felt, he can trust this being before him. At least, trust her better than that Loki figure. "Each piece is a treasure that belongs to my kingdom. Specially enchanted, it cannot be replicated. Their worth inestimable."
"What are they capable of if I may inquire?"
"An armor capable of protecting from deadly blows both physical and magical, made from adamantine. A gauntlet is capable of providing endless stamina. A…"
"You know such items cannot exist." Hephaestus cut his words immediately, raising her brow curiously.
"Excuse me?"
"How much you know about simple and magic items?"
"I have my fair share of knowledge, but I came from a far place. If you may explain how things here, I can make the comparison."
"Let me explain then…" Hephaestus stood up, removing a short sword from the nearby cabinet, inspecting the peerless blade for a moment.
"While most items don't require any special abilities to create, there are items that require specialized skills to make them. As an example, normal smiths can create equipment without any problems, but those who have the Blacksmith development ability can smith more complex and powerful equipment. Craftsmen such as pharmacists and smiths are likely to gain development abilities to help their trade, which in turn can bring them better success."
"I see, so it is like a talent…" Gazef murmured.
"You can say that." Albeit, the things Gazef and Hephaestus thought "talent" was not exactly the same.
"Special items known as magic items and curse weapons require the creator to have the Mystery development ability; also, certain magic items such as Grimoires need another skill, in this case, Mage. Only with this… "Talent" one can create magic weapons or Grimoires."
"Your point?"
"Mortals have never made enchanted armors you spoke about, only weapons; not speaking, it is unheard they provide an endless amount of stamina and the like. They break after a few uses."
"Yet, ever since the kingdom possesses them, they are like that — they require no recharge or maintenance."
"I want to believe your words. Truly! It would revolutionize item manufacturing. Yet, the fact is… According to my best knowledge, only gods capable of making magic items that never break or offering an infinite amount of stamina. That means you both convinced yourself about this, and believe it wholeheartedly, or you indeed tell the truth."
"I tell the truth! I assure you! I have no reason to lie!" Gazef's expression was resolute. He had no intention to lie, especially when he was the person who required help.
Somehow, this Hephaestus looked trustable enough to bestow her such secret. He doesn't know why, his instinct just told him he could trust her and the little goddess behind him. At least enough to share this amount.
"Yes, indeed. You speak the truth, at least, you are truly convinced about your own truth." yes, aside his name, this man told not a single lie. At least, he wholeheartedly believed what he just told her.
"Thus, I tend to believe you." Hephaestus turned back to Gazef, taking a seat once more.
"I help you find these items, but in exchange, I as well require something."
"Tell your price."
"If they truly exist, once recovered, I want to inspect these items thoroughly, find out if they made by one of us, or somewhere else, where mortals reached the level to make such items." the fires of passion lit in Hephaestus uncovered eye.
If what this man said is true, then she has a new goal to pursue! Not using her godly power, but reaching a greater height in this mortal shell! As an artist and a smith, there is no higher goal than this!
"That's… manageable. Of course, only at a level which will not damage them."
"Naturally!" Hephaestus smirked. "Tell, where you came from, enchanted armor pieces and such items are common? Are they need some specific skill to make?"
"I would not say common, more like rare. They are quite expensive to make due to the material requirement, not speaking the service cost of the mage who enchant them is tremendous." in truth, most of the item's cost comes from the materials needed to make them.
"I see…"
"As for the skill requirement. Unfortunately, I do not know how they had been made. I only know the more powerful a magic item, the more powerful and knowledgeable person need to enchant it. The more expensive it is." True, people may exist with talent that can reduce the material requirement or even the cost, but most mages able to make simple items. At least, according to Gazef's best knowledge.
"Fascinating!" she leaned back in her seat. "You must have came from really far. I would not mind further discussing this topic."
"Naturally…"
Hephaestus remained silent for a moment, turning her attention to the strange, wrapped rod peeked out behind Gazef's back.
"Well, since you entered my room, I feel a strange presence from that wrapped sword on your back. Is that... such item?"
"Is that obvious?"
"More like, I have a strange feeling whenever I look at it. It is… I would call it instinct."
"I see…"
"May I…?" her face went red right away, turning her head away. "Khm! Of course, only if you willing to show me. I am not forcing you. I am just curious as a smith. That's all!" Hephaistus doesn't know what get her! She blushed like a young damsel.
"Dammit! Control yourself!" it was so long time she felt so excited!
"Well, if you promise you won't tell anyone about it, I can show you."
"Naturally!" despite trying to be collected, a small smile still present on her face. She felt like a little girl who is on to unwrap her present finally after waiting so long!
"Let's see…"
Removing the sword from his back, Gazef carefully unwrapped it, presenting it before Hephaistus.
"Ohhh!" her eyes wide, shone in adoration like she found something refreshing after a long time.
"The color of the blade, the texture, and this power!" Pulling her finger across the body of the sword, Hephaestus recognized right away!
No! No mortal can make such blade! The material it was made from definitely not normal! The enchantment it carried triggered her sense of danger! Indeed, it was a weapon that can possibly even injure the astral form of a god! Hell! Her instinct screamed not to cut her hand, or it may cause permanent damage!
Hestia also stood up, sneaking closer. She had a bad feeling about this blade, her whole body just shriveled.
"Tell, what it is capable of?"
"Well, it's sharpness unmatched; it can cleave through even adamantine like paper, as well can ignore magical barriers and defense." this insisting woman… honestly, she somewhat scared Gazef offering that mad "glare." He can't help but oblige her request.
"I hope it will not backfire later…" he can only hope so.
"I see…" hummed Hephaestus contemplating. "…How much use it takes to break it?"
"Hmm… Ever since it is in possession of the kingdom, it required no maintenance." hell, whenever someone tried to sharpen it, the sharpening stone instantly sliced to two! It even cut diamonds! Many soldiers injured or lost their hands when they slipped.
"…" Hephaestus' eyes wide, slip down on her seat. "You say… it never breaks?!"
"!" even Hestia's tails shoot up for a moment.
"That's what I said…"
Like an addict, Hephaestus almost drooled on the blade as she stood up once more, then, in the next moment, she caught her head back to Gazef. "I give you five… no! Ten million Valis for it!"
"Te-Ten million!?" Hestia almost fainted, hearing the exact amount. I-Is that freakish blade worth that much!?
She had to beg for a damn knife for her Bell, and her friend instantly betrays her!? More so, offering her services to someone else? It felt like a knife in her back!
"Guh!"
"Sorry, it belongs to the kingdom; it is not merchantable."
"Twenty! And I make a weapon for you personally! Hell! A whole set of armor!" Hephaestus raised the bar higher.
Armors and weapons made by her or her best smiths cost millions of Valis! Only the most prominent adventurers wear them all around the world. If this not convinces him, then nothing!
"Still no… I am sorry!"
"Thirty million! And lifelong maintenance for all of your equipment, armor, and weapons." Hephaestus raised the bar once again! Everyone has a price; she will find it, no matter what!
'Sniff! Sniff!'
Hestia wanted to faint! Thi-Thirty million!? This was too much! She will die here and now!
"Still no…"
"Haah!" Hephaestus collapsed on her seat, Hestia sneaked closer to Zeff. Puppy eye technique armed, tears prepared. "You are absolute cannot be convinced? Fifty million!"
"Sorry, but no…"
The goddess simply lowered her head. She wanted that weapon!
It called for her!
She wanted to dissect it!
She wanted to inspect its every cubic centimeter!
It was an alien! It was well made, in so much, even she, as the goddess of smithing was impressed!
In fact — without her godly powers — she was sure, she or any other smith god wouldn't be able to replicate it! Nor any mortal if it come to that, no matter how skilled they were.
"Please! Buy a weapon for my Bell!" in the next moment, Hestia sneaked closer, grabbing Zeff's arm, pushing it between her orbs. Her eyes tearful, looking up at the man like a puppy! "Or at least lend me some money!"
"Ugh!" Gazef can't help but look away, sweating. The way Hestia whimpered like an injured doggie was almost too much. "I am sorry, I just bought new equipment for myself. I have not much money left."
"Bu-But… surely, if you sell that sword, you can buy something! Please! I pay it back! I-I just! My Bell will die without a proper weapon!"
"I am sorry, but even if I would be willing, the weapon is not mine."
"So, you stole it?" Hephaestus raised her brow. She didn't assume Zeff would be a thief; she needed to ask nonetheless. Better safe than sorry, she always told herself.
"Of course not!" Gazef gritted his teeth. He would never do that! Even someone considering was a grave offense.
"Then…?"
"Let's just say; I was beaten miserably, then found myself far from my home, most of the artifacts entrusted to me are gone! Only this sword is remaining! Is that enough answer for you?" they needed not to know about the amulet in his neck.
"!"
Hestia paled right away.
This guy, according to Bell, beat Bete Loga, one of the fastest and strongest level 5 in the whole city! Doing so with little difficulty?! And he was beaten miserably? Just what kind of monster he fought!?
"Wha-What kind of monster can beat you?" Hestia had to ask — true only muttering.
Albeit considering things, she doesn't want to know! Yet her curiosity overcame her.
Gazef clenched his fist, gritted his teeth. "Let's just say, after what he had done — how many he killed under just a few seconds; I would rather consider him a god than any of you." Ainz even told him this sword could even kill him, yet, also mentioned it is a low-grade item in his eyes.
"Does that make him a being above gods?" Gazef doesn't know; he was only sure the man was true monster humanity can't face.
"…"
Hephaestus squinted her eyes, watching Gazef serious.
"It was… that bad?" Hestia muttered, asking scared.
"Worse…" he lowered his head. "Please forgive me; I don't wish to speak about it."
"I understand…" Hephaestus nodded. She felt the man's words were full of pain and regret. She knows too well how it feels; she wishes not to tear up wounds.
"If there is nothing more, I have a few more things I need to take care of."
"Umu, that's fine. Where can we reach you if we find anything?"
"Through the guild. Just leave a message in my advisor, Misha Flott, and she will notify me once I make my report to her."
"As you wish…" packing the sword, bowing to both goddesses, Gazef left, leaving the two of them alone.
"Hestia…"
"Ye-Yes?"
"How strong he is? You were astounded hearing he was beaten."
"We-Well… according to Bell, he beat Bete Loga quite easily, leaving him with a broken nose."
For a moment, Hephaestus' eyes widened, then squinted them angry.
"Are you serious!?" She heard something similar happened recently under their usual dinner with her familia, but she thought the children just exaggerate. Children tend to do that to weave entertaining stories.
"Ye-yes! Why would I lie?!"
"I see…" Bete Loga, according to her best knowledge, was one of the strongest level 5 in the city; if he beat him easily, that means he is above level 5!
"Just what kind of monster can beat such person?" she muttered.
She only knows a few people and monsters who are capable of such a thing.
But judging how he called his opponent — a god — it might be something much worse!
"Even worse than the One-Eyed Dragon?" even the presumption was dreadful.
"No matter! I can only benefit from this deal. Inspecting those items and learning about them in itself is a great boon!" she only needs to ask a few people, order her familia to keep their eyes open, that's it! Maybe exchange a few letters. Nothing that can't be done under a few minutes.
"He-Hephaistos…" Hestia tugger her uniform.
"Hmm?"
"Please! Can you make Bell a weapon? Pretty please!"
"Guh!" and she starts again! Just what she needed!
"Why can't you leave me alone?"
With that, Hestia continued to beg — for the misery of the smith goddess Hephaestus.
A/N:
Well, that's for now. I hope it was bearable! :P
Sorry for the long wait! As usual, things come by in the meantime.
Gazef opened up a little bit in this chapter. Is his trust misplaced in the gods? Will they betray him once they know his origin and full story?
You will know it eventually!
In the next chapter: Trouble in Monsterphelia!
What adventure awaits the good Warrior Captain?
Find out next time!
Until then!
Stay safe! Sail safe! Good night! Good day! Eat vegetables and fruits! Stay away from Corona!
RnR!
Read and Review!
If you have questions, send PM!
