Danmachi Emerald Version

Chapter 2

Grand Day Eve 2


A/N:

Narration

"Dialogue"

Monologue

*sfx*


2.1. All Set.

Loki Familia Manor, second floor, early morning.

"Preparation all set," I mumble as I look at the plan we prepare for today. As the executives will be busy participating in several Pre-Grand day events, it is up to us second-class adventurers of the Loki Familia to shoulder the burden of making sure everything goes well. For a while now, we were given several tasks by Finn and Loki regarding our plan for Grand day eve. We also designated special calls to a specific individual that only we know to prevent information leakage.

From monitoring Code Alpha, stationing adventurers near Code ROMEO'S escape route, the vetting, preparation, and accommodation of some hired help brought by Loki for the occasion, how to deal with Code Bravo, and the first aids that will be provided after the exhibition match.

"Haaaaaah... I hope everything goes according to plan," I sigh as I look outside the window with a troubled expression. Whenever this period comes every year, we always prepare based on the circumstances, and time and time again, most if not all of our plans failed due to unexpected things like that stall and the regular occurrence at the arena. Honestly, just thinking about today's events is giving me a nervous breakdown.

creak*

Just as I am scratching my head in frustration, the door opened and the rest of the substitute leaders came in; Aki, Alicia, and Lefiya.

"All reserve is now on standby to cut off any escape route ROMEO could think of," Aki replied while she look at Lefiya's annoyed look. While Alicia feels the same, she is doing a better job of hiding her displeasure.

"Do you have anything to say?" I asked. Lefiya is an elf so it is natural for her to be like this considering who we prepare this for.

"Uhm... Raul," Lefiya began as she look at me straight in the eyes. "Don't you think the preparation is a bit of an overkill?"

"A little," I replied honestly. "But orders are orders," as much as I want to ignore all of this, this is a serious direct order from Loki.

"We already set the plan in motion," Aki said to divert the topic. "Is there anything you need from us?

"Just a quick inquiry," I replied as I swallow my saliva nervously. "D-did they make a booth again in the commercial district?"

Aki knowing what I meant gave me a wry smile. Lefiya who was also victimized last year trembles in fear.

"Yes," Aki replied flatly.

"Just how far are they from here?" I asked further.

"At a relatively far and safe distance," Aki said with a smile. "I already get goosebumps after getting reports that they are building their stall yesterday so I already order to survey the multiple escape routes that we will use."

"Good," I replied with a relieved sigh as I drop onto the couch. "With our escape route ready, the only thing left are those two. Hopefully, ROMEO cooperates."

"I don't think Lady- err ROMEO would go that far," Lefiya rebutted.

"I think so too but well you know..." Aki trails off as she recalls a certain incident that shocked the whole resident of the manor. The very High Elf that they knew that does not drink alcohol is seen next to an empty wine bottle. It happened after it was announced that she will be participating as a contestant. They might not know the full context but the subleaders link the two together. IF she is being forced to participate and has no other means to refuse then the chance of her escaping becomes a reality.

"Code ALPHA already escaped to the dungeon. The personnel we assigned to assist her and remind her of the time already lose sight of Alpha so it's a failed mission already. Which now leaves us with the two special people of interest left. Code BRAVO if he misbehaves before the start of the match which is already a herculean task and if ROMEO tries to escape.

"Let's not forget that Loki won't let us hear the end of it if Lady Ri- err ROMEO escapes" Alicia contemplates as she remembers Loki's threat that there's special punishment for them if Romeo escapes.

"That's why I want you all to remain vigilant," I said seriously as I slap my cheeks repetitively. "Lefiya, Alicia," I turned my head to them "I know it will be difficult to confront ROMEO so I want the both of you to keep watch on our route. Make sure that they won't be able to figure out that we have one prepared. It would be difficult if they suddenly appear along our route and drag us back to the commercial district.

Even though we are from one of the strongest familia in Orario and can now be considered second-class adventurers that can venture past the 30th floor of the dungeon, I still could not believe it when we got dragged away like helpless kids to the tiger's den by five seemingly harmless waitresses. While four of the damsels especially the elf could muscle their way to force us back to their stall, especially the level three and lower, the most seemingly harmless of the five, the gray-haired vixen has a way with words. I don't know what she did but before we realize it we are already in front of hades' gate.

I pause for a bit and breath heavily for a few seconds.

"Let's do this!" I exclaim loud enough for them to hear me but not loud enough to be heard outside this room.

"Roger," they all replied before quickly leaving the room.

"Raul," the last to leave was Aki and before she shut the door close, she took a pause and call my name. "We'll wait for you in the exhibit."

"Thanks,"


2.2. Exhibit

Grand Day, a joyous festivity where we all can relax and unwind. On the contrary, the Grand Day Eve celebration is anything but relaxing. While I have faint memories of what happened last year due to 'that', this year, however, I plan to enjoy it as much as I can.

The Grand Day eve festivities involve exhibits to showcase several artworks and replicas of the period before the arrival of the gods, the exhibition match to showcase the talents of adventurers grown inside the dungeon city, and another monster taming competition that was canceled due to the previous monsterphilia commotion, and lastly, the beauty pageant that Loki is gunning to win.

Because there are many works involved in the exhibition match and pageant, outside of the substitute leaders that monitor if all are going smoothly, we are separated into two shifts. Those that will prepare for the match can take a break in the afternoon and those of us that will assist in the pageant has a break this morning. I as a substitute leader have a break in between the early morning preparations, the match, and the fashion show. which makes it possible for me to walk around the exhibit before going to the coliseum as backup and part of our first aid team.

Last year, I made the mistake of wandering into the commercial district and falling prey to that stall. I don't know what I ate but what I know is that whatever that is, it is so potent that I was in a coma for almost two days and By the time I woke up, the festival already ended.

This year, however, I... no we plan to enjoy it to the best of our abilities starting by evading the first landmine the Grand Day Eve has to offer. The stall that should not be named. For that, we circumvent the commercial district and prepare multiple alternative routes in case we meet with those four. They are all five in their group but the last one is pretty much a game over to even bother fighting back.

This year for sure, I was planning to enjoy my break.

With Ms. Ais if possible. With Ms. Ais if possible.

I repeat it again and again as if saying a prayer to the heavens knowing how low the chance is for Ms. Ais to return from the dungeon.

I want to spend this small period of rest with Ms. Ais and yet.

"Look Ms. Lefiya! They even made a portrait when Princess Ariadne rescued Argonaught from the minotaur,"

That rabbit err that boy said as he look at the artwork that depicts the hero Argonaut's famous scene. A hero that is known as a joke and a clown in a period of darkness that I doubt if he really did exist if his story was not told by the famous poet Wishe.

Right now, instead of Miss Ais, I am touring the exhibit with this child and members of his party minus the one from the Freya familia.

I plan to tour it with Aki and the others but I got separated from them and ended up meeting with his group.

"I still can't get it as to why you like that legend," I said in a tired tone as I take a closer look at the replica of the dress the princess wears in the portrait.

"Hmmm... I bet Ms. Ais would look good wearing this," I mumble as I got lost in my thoughts as I imagine how the scene would play out.


inside an underground labyrinth, A princess with long golden flowing hair and eyes as blue as the seas stood in front of a man, her rescuer, on his knees. While she wears a simple white one-piece cloth worn by sacrifice to the mad bull with golden ornaments on her neck, wrist, and ankles that depict her status as royalty. She is somehow wielding a sword with gold and diamond ornaments. And is depicted defending her rescuer from the bull she was made to be as an offering.

"Don't worry, I'm here for you," the princess said.

The more I imagine the scene, the more the image of Ms. Ais came to replace the image of Princess Ariadne in the portrait, and behind her is... NOOOOOOOOOOOO.

"T-thank you," the man replied, and yet for some reason he looks like that damn elf fetishist rabbit!


Why?! Why even in my fantasies that you are there to ruin it all?!

"Nonononono!" I mumble again and again until I felt a tug on my side.

"Eh?" I unconsciously blurted out as I look at the individual that is tugging my sleeve. From what I recall, she is the pallum that acts as the supporter of his party.

"Are you alright, Ms. Lefiya?"

"Ah! Sorry about that," I said in an embarrassed tone. "I was just in deep thought on what would be running on Princess Ariadne's mind when she did that.

"Ah... I see," The pallum replied as she look at where the rest of the party is right now. They are now standing in front of the armor and gown worn by the God Zeus and the Goddess Hera when they came down from the heavens. "I-it's better if we move along before we lost them."

"Thank you," I said as I follow behind. "Eh?" For a brief period, I thought I saw Raul and Aki alone together near some of Fianna's exhibits. Unless Line and Elfy also got separated from them, that should not be them. But before I got a better look, several passersby block my view and by the time I got another clear view of that area, they are no longer in there.

"Ms. Lefiya!" I turned around and see him smiling at me as he wave his hand.

"Coming!" I replied as I noticed they are now being accompanied by Lord Hermes and the captain of his familia, Perseus.

Looking back at it,

This was not the ideal tour I had in my mind but it was not that bad. Compared to what I am about to experience in the coliseum and the unexpected late dungeon exploration, this tour is the most normal and relaxing.


2.3. Or so I am told

Commercial district

Grand Day, one of Orario's important festivals next to The Goddess Festival. To capitalize on the festivities, it became almost a tradition to us at the hostess of fertility to put out a stand and sell Behemoth-themed food... or so I am told.

Last year we sold Behemoth pasta along with other things that put us in trouble with the Ganesha Familia. While I had an inkling of how the pasta turned dark, the sauce that we used had ingredients and procedures that remain unknown to us outside of Anya and Syr. All I'm told is that it is not squid ink and it came from a faraway land.

This year, we prepared high-protein Behemoth-themed foods. Or so I'm told. The Behemoth Rice Bowl consists of cooked white rice that is sauteed first before steaming and is seasoned with lots and lots and did I say lots of black pepper with black as coal patty smothered in the very same black sauce used last year, Behemoth tea that is not made from black tea leaves or used any form of dye. Just don't ask how it turned black. Only Syr and Chloe knew how it is made. And lastly Behemoth cookies. While the previous ones are edible to some extent even when they were made with Syr's assistance. The cookies are 100 percent made by Syr. And while Syr is a dear friend of mine, just the idea of eating her food made me shiver for more than one reason.

Right now we are in the commercial district trying to sell all of our behemoth-themed food or face Mama Mia's wrath if we don't earn a profit. Of all the foods that we have in the stall, only the cookies remained untouched for obvious reasons. As if the adventurer's survival instinct instantly kicks in whenever we present them the bag of cookies.

"Come back here you coward nya!"

As if to bring me back to reality, I heard Anya's loud voice as a potential vict-err customer ran away again from our stall.

"Seriously, nya!" Anya fumed. "How are we going to sell out all of these?" Anya crosses her arm and looks at the pile of bags of behemoth cookies. If it was last year, she could just chase that poor individual back here by force but we got a warning from the Ganesha Familia that we can't do that anymore.

"Now, now Anya," a fellow waitress, Lunor approached Anya and gently tap her shoulder. "This is just like fishing," with a mischievous smile Lunor whispers something to her ears before doing a fist bump. "You need to get their attention first before nabbing them out of the water."

"Nyahaha! I like that!" Anya laughs loudly. "Let's lure them with words and our appeal," Anya's right hand is all close save from her thumb and made you're dead hand gesture. "then make sure there's no escape path! Nyahahahaha!"

Chloe who is preparing a bag of Behemoth cookies smiles mischievously as she knew what the two are up to. "Come now Ryuu, don't just stand there and help us!" she looks my way before looking at the new customer Sry is trying to dupe. The female adventurer with shoulder-length pink hair, and pink eyes, wears a red and pink top and a red skirt. On her waist are two short daggers. From the looks of it, she is a new adventurer that started a while back. Otherwise, it would be highly impossible to make her come to our booth.

"Welcome to the Hostess of Fertility's booth," Anya, Chloe, and Lunor happily said in unison as Syr guided the new customer near our stall.

"We have various Behemoth theme foods for you to choose from," Syr said as she hand her a bag of our behemoth cookies. " You like cookies, right? Then you will surely like these behemoth cookies."

"They are high in protein... Or so I'm told," I added as Chloe and Anya made sure the new customer can't easily escape.

"High in protein?" the customer looks at the bag full of black cookies skeptically. Well, I can't blame her as even I would be skeptical about how the cookies look.

"Yup, and they are absolutely delicious as well," Syr replied with a smile as the rest starts to form a circle around our new naive customer that is until-

"Oi, Emma!" a voice called and a hand reached unto Emma and pulled her out before the barricade was fully set.

Looking at the saving hand, we saw Iris, a cow demi-human with long brown hair. We know her to a degree last year as she works part-time in the pub from time to time while looking for a familia to join.

"It's been a while," Iris said as she gave us a light bow before looking at the adventurer named Emma. "Seriously! I told you not to wander off like that since you get lost easily."

"Hehehe," Emma laughs meekly, scratching the back of her head as she looks at us. To be exact, to the bag of cookies on Syr's hand "Uhm-"

But before she could say a word, "Sorry but we have no money to pay... for those," Iris said nervously as she pause for a bit and look at the merchandise that we are trying to sell her companion. Seeing her complexion goes pale is enough for us to know what is the thoughts running around in her head considering her past experience a year prior during Grand Day as well.

"But-" Emma tries to reason out.

"We better get going," Iris said as she is trying to avert our gaze. "Uhm... see you next time." before dashing out of the commercial district while dragging Emma along with her.

As I watched them flee, I saw Syr wave at us as she try to get a new customer once more while Anya crosses her arm in annoyance.

"If only white hair is here nya," Anya said as her eyes are fixated on the untouched bag of cookies. "If he's here, we can just dump all of Syrchama's cookies to him."

"I don't think it will be good for Mr. Cranel," I said as I took the bag of cookies from Anya and returned it under the counter of our booth.

"Don't lie Ryuu," Lunor commented as she rest her elbow on Anya's shoulder. "Aren't you relieved as well to find out that there is someone that can eat all of Syr's cooking with no issue."

"... this is high in protein... Or so I'm told," I have nothing to refute their claim so I replied to them with that line that was given to me while avoiding their accusing stares which cause the pair to giggle.

"Hey, in coming, nya" As the three of us are chatting, we heard Chloe give us the signal to go back to our stations.

"Oooh!" Anya and Lunor said in unison as I saw the two give an impish grin to the person Syr manage to bring.

If I remember correctly, he is the one that plotted Goddess Hestia's kidnapping a while back.

"Welcome to the Hostess of Fertility's booth," They all said with the most beautiful of smiles. "We have several Behemoth-themed foods for you to choose from."

And so once more, we greeted our new customers with the hope of them buying from our stall. Rinse and repeat until we emptied all our stocks.

"They are high in protein... or so I'm told,"


2.4. Royman's request

Colesium.

Before the exhibition match began, all competitors were gathered by the elf Guild Master Royman.

"Listen, this is a very important event." Royman began as he look at us as if we are a bunch of troubled children. "Several dignitaries are watching so I want all of you to behave."

Every year, during the pre-grand day festivities, Orario always held an exhibition match to showcase the strength of adventurers that are raised inside the dungeon city. In a way, this is also to garner potential clients that would hire our service. And every year, we always tend to go overboard.

"I understand what you mean but you know how adventurers are," I replied as I take a side glance at our very own werewolf, Bete, who is rearing to go and tear to pieces the adventurer on my other side. Orario's current strongest adventurer, Ottar.

"Braver, Andromeda," Royman look at me and the person standing behind before taking a side glance at Ganesha Familia's captain, Shakti. "Please treat this as a guild request. Work with Shakti and try to subdue those that go out of line.

"I'll try but I'm not making any promises," I said in a carefree manner. While I have my responsibilities as a captain of my Familia, I am still an adventurer to my core and there is no assurance that I will be able to maintain a level head inside the arena once the fight starts.

"Today is the day you die," Bete spat.

"..." the king did not respond to Bete which further infuriates him and instead look my way. "Finn, remember what I said before,"

"Oi, where do you think you're going?" Bete yelled at Ottarl and yet he continue to ignore him until he reach the end of the room and rest his back on the wall while waiting for the official start of the match, showing no sign of interest in him. Angered over this, he tries to attack Ottarl but was quickly stopped by Gareth. As he continues to struggle, all participants look at them as they start to distance themselves from him. "Old man, get out of my way if you know what's best for you!"

"You fool!" Gareth yelled. Not only is he restraining Bete but he is also keeping watch on the subjugation group they prepare for the occasion. "Do you want to start a riot here?!"

"Shut up!" Bete roared back. "If any of you want to fight me then I'll give you one!"

Knowing him, he already noticed several non-participants and familiar scents gathered outside the room. His words are merely aimed at them than at Gareth.

"Bete, make any more scenes and I will be forced to withdraw your participation," It's getting too hot in here when the main competition has yet begun so it's better to pour some cold water for the time being.

*tsk*

Bete clicks his tongue in irritation as he walks towards the wall to cool off. For someone like him, the best form of ultimatum is to bar him from fighting. And luckily it works before they took action.

"Oh! Thank you braver," Royman sighs a breath of relief after my warning manages to silence Bete but it's too early for him to do that.

"Wait until we go into the arena. You can let loose to your heart's content." Bete's eyes lightened with excitement as Royman fell to his knees. Sorry, Royman but this is the best way to deal with Bete and with this, it should be enough to hold him at bay for the time being.

"Haaaaah," Royman facepalms as he walks toward Shakti. "You're my only hope there."

"I'll do the best of my abilities but even I would not be enough if any of them fight one another," she said as she look at the king, Bete, Gareth, myself, and probably the most eager to fight amongst us, Ais. Despite her silent demeanor over the whole incident, her thirst for battle is greater than any of us.

Her demeanor might fool newcomers but those who knew of Ais knew this is the calm before the storm.

And while it is a good thing that she is mellow recently, Ais is still like a bomb waiting to explode.


It wasn't long enough after Royman made his reminder that the competition starts. And once the signal to start the battle began, the adventurers throw caution to the wind, attack one another and fight to their hearts' content. Members of rival familia start attacking one another and Bete instantly goes to Ottar who is in the middle of the arena. Waiting to see any challenger that wishes to test him.

As they exchange blows, it was clear that he wasn't enough to push him to the corner so Gareth and I also temporarily joined the fray and It doesn't take long before Ais joins too.

While only a few adventurers dared to attack the King, those who thirst for power, to exceed their limits assault the king savagely. And the blows we exchange shook the arena.

The fierce fight we have on him continues for a bit until an accident happens in which Ottarl threw me off the ground and I came crashing with Gareth. After a few exchanges of insults at one another over this incident, he and I began to fight. Sure it is petty but some old competitive spirits were still there so we decided to let loose with one another.

"Kyaaa!"

"Aaaaaaaah!"

It was then that an unexpected incident happened.

"Ooooh what do we have year?" the host said in delight as he stood out from his chair with one hand pointed to the two additional participants that unluckily fell to this mock battle.

"Looks like Thousand Elf and Little Rookie decide to crash the party!"

The crowd goes wild as their cheering gets louder. While that was happening, some low-level participants divert their attention and tried to get their hands on Bell and Lefiya.

*whistle*

Gareth lay down his axe as he whistled in amazement. The two of us quickly stop fighting to watch the two while repelling some adventurers that dared attack us to take advantage of the situation.

"They're pretty much in synch with one another," Gareth guffaw as he put on an arm lock an adventurer that tried charging at him from behind. "Guess having Ais as a tutor ain't that bad after all."

"True," I said as I watch Bell Cranel defend Lefiya as she finish her chant. For the short period, the two are able to work in sync with one another. I just hope we can replicate this with the rest of our members.

"Gareth, I'll be going," I said as I took my spear, rest it on my shoulder, crack my fist, and walks slowly towards their direction.

"Where do you think you're going?" Gareth placed a hand on my shoulder strong enough to hold me in my place.

"Trying to sate my curiosity."

"Oi! don't tell me you're gonna take your resentment on him after she rejected you."

"Come now, Gareth," I said as calmly as I can. To begin with, I was not outright rejected yet. It also means that I still have my chance but this is an opportunity I can't miss as well. To fight the reckless adventurer that lit the fire in all of us. To see his brilliance and promise that can only be understood after exchanging a few blows. "I'm not that petty to do that."

"Really now?" Gareth asks with a raised eyebrow as if to say he does not believe the words I just uttered. While he did let go of me, it is clear that he is ready to act if I suddenly charge at Bell.

"But I do have a request for you," I said as Gareth put into an arm lock an adventurer that dared attack us.

"And that would be?"

"Compared to fighting Ottar, where I have a higher chance to lose control of myself, I want you to make sure our fight will not get interrupted."

"You know it would make you look like you're bullying him."

"Doesn't matter," I said seriously as I cast my eyes on Bell.

Heeh~

I muse internally as he looks my way.

Interesting. I said to myself. While he is fending off some assailant while Lefiya counters with her staff, he quickly looks my way as if to know I am staring at him. He has a keen sense for someone who hasn't been an adventurer for long. It might still be rough around the edges but there is something in there.

"Come," After Gareth cleared the adventurers attacking them in one fell swoop, they noticed me looking at them. In response to the two of them looking back at me with Lefiya more in disbelief that I would do this. I shifted my body sidewards, raise my free hand towards them and wave back my hand as if telling them to come and fight me.

"Oooooooohhhh!" The crowd goes wild. Even adventurers that were busy fighting stopped. Especially Ais.

"I-Is the Braver calling out to Thousand Elf and Little Rookie?!"

Riveria will definitely scold me for this and if I get overboard, I might get Ais's attention.

Either way, he and I are bound to fight. One way or another.

Suffice it to say, outside of the two falling into the arena, the same outcome still came. The adventurers fights and shook the arena and the dignitaries all fell unconscious with some having foam burst out of their mouths and Royman calling off the competition.


2.5. High Elf's woe and the betrayal of...

Twilight Manor, early morning.

"Hmmmm..." Despite sleeping in late, I manage to wake up early. And I mean too early as the sun has yet to rise. And yet, as I look at my side, I saw Loki with her wide mischievous grin sitting beside my bed.

I don't know how long she's been there but It was enough to make me feel seek so I said. "I think I'm feeling under the weather cough," I fake a cough as I tuck my blanket and turn my back on her.

That's right. I need a loooong sleep. If possible a whole day's worth.

"Not on my watch ya won't!" Loki yelled as she grab the blanket covering us and throw it to the ground.

"Kyaaa!" Elli who was sleeping beside me let out a yelp in surprise as Loki's action woke her up.

"Loki, that thing won't start till late afternoon," I grumble as I glared at our oh-so-benevolent goddess. "Let me sleep."

"Ya can sleep once they arrive," Loki replied with a smile as she walks towards my window and open the curtains.

"Just what are you up to?" I asked as I began to question what this goddess is thinking.

"Ya don't need to be suspicious bout it," Loki said with a wave of her hand as if saying it's noting to worry about. "I hired professionals for this occasion." she turned her head towards the drowsy Elly. "No offense fake-elf but yer skills is not enough if I want to win this."

"Loki, is there really a point to all this?"

"Of course!" Loki exclaims as she first bumps the air. "I'll be showing Oraio my collection of beautiful ladies! They need to be picture perfect."

"You already have a lot of them participating, there's really no point of me joining in."

"Stop yer nonsense!" Loki countered back. "Yer my ace in the hole. It'll be a sure win if Ya participate and those fools would regret saying that all I have are quantity over quality."

Haaaaaah so this is the root of the issue.

I sigh internally while I ponder on who would make such a comment just to rile her the most likely candidate would be Lady Hestia. knowing how volatile the relationship of the two is, but the usual insult Loki has for Lady Hestia we're missing. The same can be said with Hermes or even Lady Freya. Either way, this will be one long day. I'm sure of it.

"I doubt they will arrive any time soon," while Elly picks up the blanket, I stood up and walk towards the open window. "so I suggest you get out of my room so that I can rest peacefully." I look down as I contemplate in jumping out of here to escape but knowing Loki, it is likely she set this up to further tempt me to escape and have more ammunition to use. I am pretty sure Raul and the others are already stationed around the manor in case I try to escape.

There is still an option of blowing this whole place up. I thought as I shook my head before I close the window and look at Elly who is watching us nervously.

"Y-yes, Lady Riveria?"

"You're free for the day," I said as I returned to my bed. I'm sure she has plans with Bell and the others so it's better to dismiss her early so she can make her own preparation for the festival.

Around nine in the morning, right after the festivities started, I heard a knock on my door coming from Loki. This pretty much tells me that the professionals that she hired to cater to us have already arrived.

From Tiona, Tione, Line, Elfy, and myself, are treated with facials, massages, the makeup applied to our faces, and the polish on our nails. Even the food that is given to us thoroughly checks that I am having a deja vu over all of this. While it is not exactly to the extent that I was treated before back in the forest of Alfheim, the level of care given to us is at the bare minimum.

While Alicia, Aki, and Leyfiya were tasked by Loki to do backstage work, they were also treated the same way. Looking at Loki's grin tells me she plans to coerce them as a last-minute participant. Which makes Loki more aggravated after seeing Lefiya's looks and condition an hour before the pageant starts.

From what I am told, she and Bell got pushed into the arena and some adventurers began to see them as easy fodder. There's also the slim chance that those that attack them still believe the rumor that started the rabbit hunt. What's worse than fending them off is Finn openly challenging them, him, to a fight. The fight gets out of hand and made Ais of all people divert her focus from Ottar to Finn.

I just hope her attachment to him won't be a problem in the near future.

I thought as I reassess Bell's effect on her psyche. This further strengthens my fear that Ais learning of Bell's affection for me would be a bad thing for her mental development.


Time flies by and right now I am inside a carriage Loki prepared. Unlike the regular contestant that she prepared for the occasion, Loki decide to make a last contestant entry after all participants were introduced. In this way, she would like to create an impact by having a grand entrance. Which is why a carriage was prepared. A carriage that is driven by Raul with Alicia acting as my personal valet.

...

I look outside the carriage and saw several adventurers hiding in plain sight.

Haaaaah... Loki really wants me to participate in this.

"Lady Riveria, there's the signal,"

as I contemplate how I would do once I reached the stage, I heard Alicia's voice. In no time, the carriage began to move gently.

"A carriage?"

"I wonder who it is?"

Our carriage stops in front of the sea of people watching the pageant as all wait in anticipation for the reveal of Loki's last participant.

"What?"

"I expect too much,"

When they saw Alicia come down wearing a tuxedo, I almost hear some sighs in disappointment but after she pave way for my descent, all are stunned and silent for a few seconds.

"What do we have here," with the word for the God Hermes who is acting as the host, all came back to their senses as they open the path for us to walk towards the stage.

Looking at the stage I saw Loki's victorious grin. Behind her are all of the contestants for the pageant. I saw Tiona and Tione. Aki is there wearing a regal gown reminiscent of Queen Alkittiene from Fianna's story. I guess Loki forced her in Lefiya's stead. Lady Hephaestos with a fitted red gown, Mikoto and Chigusa, if I remember correctly, from the Takemikazuchi familia and Amid.

Hm?

From the corner of my eye as I am about to reach the stage, I saw him, Bell Cranel, looking at me intensely. On his left is the God Ganesha and sitting beside him is Rose, a guild employee who also serves as my adviser. The more I examine where they all sat, it looks like they will be the judge for this pageant.

This is not good,

I said to myself as I saw Rose notice how Bell look at me before giving me a knowing grin.

"Now that's quite an entrance if I say so myself," the God Hermes said.

"Why of course!" Loki replied proudly. "Hehe~ With the elves on my side victory is mine."

I really don't care so hurry up and finish this already.

"Not so fast there Loki,"

As I am trying to empty my mind to make the flow of time seems faster than it actually is, I heard the voice of the God Dionysus as he emerge from the backstage.

"Oh Dionysus, is this the reason you left as a judge?" Hermes asked. He looks at him first before looking back to the audience. "Looks like Nine Hell is not our last surprise entry for the night, everyone!" As the crowd cheered, I contemplate the context of the two deity's conversations. From what I can tell, it seems like Lord Dionysus is part of the judge but decided to leave and ask Rose or probably Bell as a substitute. As the current judge consists of Rose, a guild employee, the god Ganesha, and Bell. I find it more likely that Bell is the one that replaces Lord Dionysus' place.

Please stop that Rose,

I thought when our eyes met. Outside of her teasing grin, I saw her open two hands for a brief second. Her left has two fingers raised and her right has one finger raised as if to say that two of the judge are already in my favor as Rose takes a side glance over to Bell as if saying his vote for me is already secured.

While it's true that his affection for me might dictate his choice, it is not like I am the only one that he knows that is participating. He will surely take their feelings into consideration. Not that I would mind it if he did not pick me.

"Lefiya, you traitor!"

As I am thinking of this, I hear Loki's loud yell. Looking back at the entrance to the backstage I saw Lefiya dragging her elf friend Filvis out.

"Oh my... look who the cat err elf drags out," Lord Hermes said "Not only Nine Hell but Banshee is also here everyone!"

"Wooooooooooooooooooo!" the crowd cheered as Filvis who is now standing beside me fidgets.

"Mou! Lefiya!" Filvis squirms and looks at Lefiya as she gave her a thumbs up.

"The regal appearance of Nine Hell is sure to behold," Dionysus said as he walked toward the host, Hermes. "But don't you think this gap moe of Filvis is something else? The beauty of the usually stern Filvis acting all shy." Lord Hermes nods in agreement as I heard Loki gnash her teeth.

It didn't take long before the crowd is split in two. Those who are in favor of me and those who are in favor of Filvis. With his paling complexion, it is clear that he really is considering his answer as picking me or Filvis would guarantee that the losing side will maul him for his choice.

"Oh my, am I late for the party?"

But before Bell could cast his vote, we heard an alluring voice coming from the backstage.

"Oi! bimbo, just what do ya think yer doin' in here?"

The first to react over the Goddess Freya was Loki.

"Come now, Loki," Freya replied as she look at the crowd. "It can't be a beauty pageant without the presence of the goddess of beauty right?"

"YES LADY FREYA!" The crowd replied in unison including the very host.

"No objection here," Freya added as she smirks at Loki.

"Grrr... Damn it!" I hear Loki curse beneath her breath.

"I guess it is time to know who the most's the fairest of them all," Lord Hermes began enthusiastically. "So who do you think is the most beautiful of them all?"

"LADY FREYAAAAAA!"

Well looks like this is a done deal already. I thought as I waited for the inevitable judgment.

"Wait for a second Hermes,"

And yet for some reason, it was not Loki that interject but Lady Freya instead.

"Ugh... I don't like where this is going,"

I mumble as I noticed the goddess looking at us.

"Geh! So ya want to rub it in? Is that what ya want?"

"It's not them to decide who wins right?" Freya asks as she cast her gaze upon the judge's table.

"Ah! You're right," Hermes replied as he lowers his hat in embarrassment.

"Cut yer crap!" Loki refuted. "They're the same!"

Eh?

Upon looking at the judges, while the god Ganesha is acting like the rest, I noticed Rose is trying to fight off the natural pheromone of the goddess of beauty like us who are on the stage but Bell seems unaffected by it. While he looks at her like the rest, there's no sign of the goddess' charm on him.

"Now then, who do you think is the most beautiful of them all?" Freya said with an intoxicating voice as she wink at the judges to deal the final blow.

"Lady Freya!" Lord Ganesha and Rose said in unison.

"Oh my," once more, Bell didn't seem affected. I saw him look at the goddess but his reaction is different from the rest. He shook his head, and look at me before staring back at the goddess of beauty. This is something that Lord Hermes also noticed. "With the majority vote in Lady Freya's favor, the winner is-"

"Hermes," once more, Lady Freya cuts in his proclamation. She really wants to hear Bell's vote. "Don't you think it is best to hear all of their decision first?"

"Oi brat, stop wasting time and finish this already," Loki said in an annoyed tone. Just like Lord Hermes, Loki also noticed that he is not charmed and since Lady Freya already got two votes already, his vote would only serve to finally end this sham of a contest.

"Uhm... well..." Bell began like last time. The only difference here is that there's no angry mob at the moment to rip him apart and the winner is already set into stone. All that remains is to get all the judge's opinions.

"All of the contestants are really beautiful but I think..."

I don't remember much of what happened when I heard his answer. My mind blacked out for a bit until I heard the loud cheering of the crowd and Hermes announcing the victor via unanimous decision.

"Woooooooooo!"

...

I lost... I expect this already after she came into the scene but a part of me feels frustrated. And to rub insult to injury, Lady Freya looks at me and Loki with a victorious smile.

"It's my win this time," Lady Freya declared to us, to me, as she seems to glow and radiate her charm more than usual.

I don't like this...

I already accept the inevitable loss but seeing her smile like this, a fulfilled smile like that of a young maiden in love, a very beautiful smile that surpasses her regular smile, irks me somehow.


2.6. Dungeon Date...?


"Haaaaaah... haaaaaaah... haaaaaah,"

I hold on to my knees for support as I try to catch my breath. After the disastrous pageant that ended in a riot after Lady Loki egged on Lady Freya over her win.

From what I heard from Lord Hermes during the riot as he stood beside me, he begged Lady Freya to participate in the competition as a last resort to pacify the crowd. I think it was when I saw them procrastinating in front o the goddess when I paid my visit. As her title suggest, all fall heads over heel for her once she made her entrance, and the quarrel on who should win instantly went away.

But Lady Loki can't accept the outcome and asks the judges to exclude her from the vote so Lady Freya responds in kind by removing the charm she inflicted on the masses. It's when all hell breaks lose once more. The goddess left gracefully as everyone began to riot. A riot that was quickly suppressed by the timely intervention of the Ganesha familia with some help from the Loki familia.

While I am grateful it did not escalate further thanks to their appearance, they, Lord Hermes, or even Ms. Shakti just watch over the corner as Goddess and Ms. Lily, and even Ms. Alicia chewed me out over my participation as a judge over the pageant. And while I look at them and plead for them to help me, others evade my look but Ms. Shakti look at me and shook her head as if to say that they have no authority to deal with a familia's internal affair.

I wanted to say Lily and Ms. Alicia aren't part of our familia but Ms. Shakti already left.

So I did the most logical thing I can do in that matter. And that is to run away as fast as I could.

which now leads me to where I am right now, near the fountain.

"Haaaaaaah... haaaaaah... haaaaah..."

"Is that you, Bell?"

I pant once more until I heard a voice that called my name that almost made my heart leap out of my throat.

Standing beside the fountain was none other than Ms. Riveria wearing the same gown she wore in the pageant.

"Mi-Ms. Riveria?" I replied in shock. but considering how vacant the spot where I am standing right now, that should be enough clues for me to see that the crowd was purposely leaving the area vacant. but I was busy running away that I didn't notice her.

"Go-good evening," I stutter as I try to evade my eyes over her curious look. The guilt that I have over the previous incident is still fresh in my mind so I can't easily look her straight in the eye. "S-so what are you doing here?"

"You do know it's bad manners to not look at someone when they are talking to you,"

Ms. Riveria said sternly which made me swallow my saliva.

"Uh... er... I... uhm..."

As I look at her, my eyes start to wander all over the place as I record the very image of Ms. Riveria's white gown that perfectly draws her curves in my heart and mind. She is this close to me compared to earlier that I find it more difficult to know where to look or even form a sentence.

"It-It's... I don't know... err... where to... well... look..."

"sigh, very well," Ms. Riveria seems to have gotten tired of my foolishness as she gently turn her back to me. "You have your knife with you right?" she asks all of a sudden as I reach for the handle of my knife placed on my right thigh.

"y-yes,"

"In that case let's go,"

eh?

Go? go where?

"I am going to the dungeon but Lefiya is taking too long," Ms. Riveria said as if to answer my mental inquiry. "So I want you to come with me in her stead."

Eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeh?!

I mentally yelled as I cover my mouth to prevent any outbursts. Is-isn't this like an invitation to a date?

As my heart starts to beat harder, I saw Ms. Riveria starts moving toward the dungeon. This in turn made me realize that if I don't make a move, she will definitely leave without me.

Ms. Lefiya and Ms. Alicia will definitely get mad if they hear about this but...

As I saw the back of the person I yearned for getting further by the second, I throw away all of my initial fear as I began to run and chase after Ms. Riveria.


Dungeon, 10th floor

It didn't take long before we reach the 10th floor of the dungeon and we didn't share a conversation or two outside of battle. I was nervous about how I would approach the issue and Ms. Riveria doesn't seem a bit interested in making small talk.

That is until we reach the 10th floor. For the time being, we took a breather before venturing further into the dungeon and I manage to muster all the courage I had in me to start a conversation.

"Uhm, Ms. Riveria, about earlier-" I began. While I believe my judgment is not entirely wrong as Lady Freya is truly the most beautiful of them all and that most of the competitors' beauty is damped by their reluctance to participate especially Ms. Riveria and Ms. Filvis.

"You don't need to," Ms. Riveria stops me before I can even try to defend myself. Hearing her say this made my heart sink further.

"I believe you made a sound judgment on your part,"

Ms. Riveria suddenly said which took me by surprise as I look at her standing in front of me.

"She is the Goddess of Beauty after all," she pause for a bit and took a side glance at me. "If she... if it was just the rest, who would you pick?"

Hmmm... while it's true that I was not able to voice my opinion back then if I am to be given a second chance even if the other side will maul me to death, my answer would be...

"Ms. Riveria," I said seriously. "Between you two, I believe Ms. Riveria stand out the most and is the fairest of the competitor.

"I see,"

*doki*

For a brief moment, I thought I saw Ms. Riveria smile gently which made my heart skip a beat more than ever. Her gentle and contended smile could definitely

compete with Lady Freya's smile when she declare her win against Lady Loki. That I am certain of.

"Let's go then," Ms. Riveria began as she starts to move forward once more.

"Y-es-Aaaaaaah!" I replied as I took one step forward but my mind and body has yet to recover from seeing Ms. Riveria's lovely smile and I lost balance and was about to fall. Ms. Riveria who heard me quickly turned around to catch my fall but-

"NOT ON OUR WATCH YOU WON'T!"

Ms. Lefiya and Lily in elven form kick me away from Ms. Riveria so hard that I flew a few feet away.

"Whew, Good thing we arrive in time," Ms. Lefiya said as she sigh in relief.

"Indeed," Lily added.

"No you haven't," Ms. Riveria replied angrily as she strike her wand to their heads.

"OUCH!" Ms. Lefiya and Lily cry and wince in pain.

"Can you stand?" Ms. Riveria approach me and offer a hand. I hesitate for a bit but she quickly grabs my hand and helps me stand. Ms. Lefiya wants to refute but she was stopped when Ms. Riveria glared at her.

From there, we continue to venture into the dungeon with Lily acting as our supporter.

Unlike before, I manage to have a decent conversation with Ms. Riveria under the watchful eyes of Ms. Lefiya and Lily. Also, it seems like Ms. Lefiya is trying to distance 'Elly' from me for some reason.

The discussion we had was related to the event in the arena, my fascination with Dungeon Oratoria, and even my grandfather. She even asked what my grandfather looks like and if I ever saw a copy of Dungeon Oratoria in our old house whenever Grandpa made me picture books based on the story of Dungeon Oratoria.

And lastly, as we stepped into the 13th floor,

"What kind of adventurer do you want to be, Bell,"

It was out of nowhere but Ms. Riveria suddenly asked me that question that leave me speechless.

My initial reason for being an adventurer is impurely brought by the influence of my grandfather, while it now changes to being an adventurer that can fight side by side with Ms. Riveria, I still haven't fully decided on the kind of adventurer I want to be. I've fought many adventurers including Ms. Ais and Mr. Finn. I've seen how others fight like the king, Ms. Alicia, and Ms. Ryuu, and learn how the common party structure from Ms. Eina. Tanks, healers, attackers, mages, and supporters.

Attackers usually are the ones that attack the enemy and gather the enemy's attention while the Tanks defend the party from unavoidable attacks, the healer uses items or magic to heal injuries, the mage can either perform offensive, defensive, or support spells, and supporters that assist adventurers by carrying weapons and supplies during an exploration. While the party structure is not absolute, it is still helpful generally, especially to new adventurers.

I want to fight alongside Ms. Riveria. By logic, being a pure attacker should be my aim but I am also interested in magic as the image of how Ms. Ryuu fought is still clear in my mind.

"I... I am still not sure myself," I answered honestly.

"Seriously!" Ms. Lefiya said in irritation. "You're a level two now so it's better to have a clear goal in mind otherwise you will be wasting your time as an adventurer."

"I want to be like the heroes in the story that fight their opponent with a sword but casting magic is also cool," I said enthusiastically. "And it looks cooler if you can do it while attacking your opponent!"

"So you want to be like that masked elf?" Lefiya asked as she recall how Ms. Ryuu fought.

"You mean Ms. Ryuu?" I asked absentmindedly until I saw Ms. Riveria raise an eyebrow.

Crap! It was then that I remembered that Ms. Ryuu is still a fugitive with a reward on her head so it's likely that Ms. Riveria knew her name and alias as the Gale.

"But don't you think it's cool?" I said as I try to change the course of the conversation. "Fighting while chanting a spell. Even Ms. Alicia is doing that."

"I get where you're going but attacking and using concurrent casting is a pipe dream for you considering you have a no-trigger magic," Ms. Lefiya replied.

"Ahahahaha..." I laugh dryly over her statement as I scratch the back of my head. "If only I can acquire such magic with my status."

"Naturally developing magic is already difficult, Master Bell," Elly said as she cautiously look at how Ms. Lefiya would act.

"Indeed, magics are learned after you encounter certain triggers for it to manifest. Unless you have tons of money to buy a grimoire, then learning magic is only a dream," Ms. Lefiya said seriously. "I also met several individuals back when I am studying that really wish to learn magic but couldn't no matter how hard they study."

I frown upon hearing that. While it is true that I am fortunate to learn magic from the grimoire that was accidentally lent to me, I haven't learned any magic since then.

"While it is difficult to learn magic from your status," Ms. Riveria who was keenly listening to us said as she plant her staff on the ground. "It's not impossible to use magic without falna."

I raised my head and look at Ms. Riveria in disbelief that is until

"Don't forget Bell, magic was used even before the gods' descent," Ms. Riveria added as I remember all of the stories my grandfather told me. "But of course, those Spells are weaker compared to the ones brought upon by our status."

"Uhm... Ms. Riveria, where are you going on with this?" Lefiya asked.

"In the next fight, I want you to hold off the enemy," With a smile, Ms. Riveira looks at Ms. Lefiya before nodding her head. Ms. Lefiya who quickly understands what she wants quickly readies herself as we once more continue venturing to the 13th floor.

It doesn't take long before we encountered some monsters. As per Ms. Riveria's instruction, we did not defeat the enemies but rather hold them back. It was then that I heard her begin to chant her magic. A very unfamiliar chant.

"...Respond to the contract,

flame of earth.

Follow my order

and destroy my enemies...

Flare Burn!"

Compared to the magic she used before, this one has a longer chant was too long and the power of the Flare burn pales in comparison to the spells I've seen cast by Ms. Riveira, Ms. Ryuu, and Ms. Lefiya. While all enemies are defeated, it is still comparatively weak.

"I can give you some pointers on how we elves learn and prepare ourselves so that we can chant our spell successfully," Ms. Riveria said after seeing that there's no enemy in sight. "While there's no guarantee that you will learn other magic from it, you can use it as a reference on how you can develop yourself."

Hearing her say this quickly uplift my spirits as the idea of a private session with Ms. Riveria enters my mind.

"I'd better think twice if I were you," It was then when I heard Ms. Lefiya whisper behind me as if she is hiding from Ms. Riveria. "Lady Riveria can be quite merciless when she is teaching someone." While I initially thought Ms. Lefiya only said this to keep me away from Ms. Riveria, the severity of her tone made me realize that she is speaking from experience. This made me look at Lily who was tutored by Ms. Riveria before and I saw her shiver for a bit before shaking her head as if telling me that she's not going to say anything even if I ask her on a later date.

While my first Grand Day Eve was full of ups and down, all in all, I really enjoyed myself and I can't help but be excited for when Grand Day actually comes.


Grand Day

*swoosh*

"kyaaaa!"

*crash*

This was supposed to be a happy occasion.

I said to myself as I look at the wreckage being done in Orario right now.

Yesterday we had lots of fun. From the exhibit, seeing Ms. Riveria in an elegant one-piece gown, and while the exhibition match was chaotic, it was exhilarating to fight an adventurer like Mr. Finn. And... and... I even got a chance to go adventuring into the dungeon late at night with Ms. Riveria.

And yet right now, all the happy noises are now replaced by screams of fear and confusion

Right now, the entire dungeon city is being destroyed by several unknown black vortexes.

"Just what is going in here?" I ask myself as I stood in confusion outside of our familia's base.


Aaaaaaand Cut!

And with this, the chapter came to a close.

Unlike the Pre-Grand Day of Danmemo, the events are told from multiple points of view and act as a mini SS as well. While originally, there will be a point of view from Shakti, I decided to scrap her part seeing how long the current chapter is.

I also revised the order of events for the exhibition match and the pageant as I find it difficult to include Riveria's white gown outfit challenge scenario if it happened right after the match.

With how the 5th Aniv story goes, can't help but include tidbits of that here as well.

As I am not fond of making non-disposable OC and having them take a center role, Emma and Iris, like Karen are characters that exist within the danmachi media with Emma making a cameo appearance in the Orion movie. In that media, they belong to one familiar but in this story, Karen entered the Freya familia instead.

For the review, likes, and follow, thanks!