What is Justice?

by Goofy ahh writer

The last Great Quest was a fiasco. Zeus and Hera were ruined and exiled from the dungeon city of Orario, also know as the labyrinth city. Luke Adria, an elf outcast; shunned by his own race, lost everything that fateful day. Now he must decide his path forward, while living amongst the only family he had left.

6. The Orphanage's Visit

AN: Here's to you guys, enjoy the chapter.

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Forgiveness is not something that is given lightly.

It's a sign of letting go of someone's wrong doings or past mistakes that ended up hurting you. It freed not only the culprit from anger and resentment in their hearts, but the victim as well.

It was a gesture that was given by a kind and stronger person.

As some may say, all truly strong people are kind… or something along those lines. After all, forgiving and being a better person was undoubtedly harder than harboring bitterness and hatred inside your soul.

It was easy to hate.

Letting go of it?... Not so much.

Given that, a person that sought for a forgiving outcome for any past quarrel needed to fight and battle for it - though not by the blade, but by genuine regret for its actions.

It needed to be earned.

It was necessary to throw your pride and your ego aside to be worthy of such a thing. No matter how embarrassing or humiliating pleading for forgiveness was, that person needs to swallow its pride and just do it!

Only then the regretful was fit to be forgiven and worthy of leniency.

…

That's why Luke was currently kneeling directly on the ground and bowing, prostrating himself while touching his head to the floor, performing a dogeza that would be fitting of great praise by gods and far easterners alike.

Both would agree that the move was close to perfection in regards to showcasing one's remorse.

It was the ultimate "I'm sorry" move… Or so the elf had heard.

It was worth the shot either way.

"I'm a piss-poor excuse for a friend! I'm the worst scumbag in the face of this world and deserve to rot in the deepest of hells!" Luke proclaimed loudly, his forehead glued to the cobblestone pavement in the Central Park.

The gentle - and unfortunate - target of his cringe worthy, public demonstration waved her arms frantically in front of her face. Said face that was redder than a tomato.

"Do-Don't say that! P-Please stop, y-you are making a scene."

Maryuu looked awkwardly at the bystanders and random pedestrians that were currently eyeing in amusement the unusual sight near one of the plaza's many wooden benches.

"I can't! I failed you and didn't uphold my part of the promise… Please forgive my transgression!" The elf pleaded further.

"What is that? Lover 's quarrel?"

"It seems like it."

"~Oooh, I'd like to witness some drama before diving into the dungeon."

A few of the spectators' voices could be heard near them, which embarrassed Maryuu even further.

"L-Luke, cut it out! This is embarrassing… you look like a dunderhead in front of everyone!"

"What kind of insult is that? I didn't know you were like, five…" Luke said, he still had his head facing the ground.

"You are the one acting like a child! Get up already, don't you see you are making a fool of yourself!" Maryuu raised her voice - a rare occurrence indeed - as she was losing her cool.

"Oh damn! Oh damn, get him!"

"Ata girl! Don't let him go scot free!"

"Yeah, don't give in so easily!"

Three cat persons preached in the background, getting an annoyed grunt from the girl. "You see!"

"I do, but that's a small price to pay for salvation. I'll shame myself publicly if that's what it takes for you to forgive me." Luke stated matter of factly, not even an ounce of jesting slipped through his tongue - even if deep down it was just pure tomfoolery on his part.

"Fine, Fine… I forgive you, now you don't need to do this anymore."

Once her words registered inside his pointy ears, Luke lifted his head up. A small sly smile adorned his face.

Using both of his hands, the elf lifted his body from the dirt, launching it in the air as he casually performed a frontal summersault - testament to his excellency in dexterity and agility .

The elf soared high and fast through the air, while nimbly maneuvering his body before he landed perfectly in the opposite direction Maryuu was facing - all while the healer tried to follow his path with her eyes, much to her difficulty.

"I'm wholeheartedly grateful for it, mylady." Luke gracefully bowed as he opened his left arm wide and placed his right one over his heart.

The girl looked confused at the sudden change of demeanor of the elf.

Luke straightened himself, extending a hand to her. "Shall we go then, darling?" He said in an elegant tone, flashing her a warm smile.

"That's my boy!"

"Show them how it's done, tiger!"

"Ahhhh, the blossoming of youthful love… That's what the power of youth is all about!"

A few of the male adventurers standing around the plaza cried out. The last one had caught Luke's attention.

A tanned man with a bowl cut and wearing a green jumpsuit and matching vest, was giving him a thumbs up, while sporting a white-toothed grin that seemed to flash brightly in the sun.

'Huh? …what a strange guy.'

"C-Can we go now?" The elf's partner asked, her cheeks red in embarrassment of this whole circus - and also because of him calling her darling, though she would never voice that out loud.

His gentle smile widened.

"As you wish, sweetheart." He gestured towards the direction of the East Main that led towards Daedalus Street and their final destination, the orphanage.

"You-…" Maryuu began to punch his back repeatedly - although it didn't hurt him one bit - and got a lighthearted chuckle out of him.

"Ok, ok, sorry I'll stop. Don't get me wrong, I'm just trying to lift everyone's spirits and give them a good laugh. Just take a look around us."

Doing as she was told, she began to understand why her partner had done such an embarrassing display in the rather busy plaza. The crowd that stopped to see the unusual commotion Luke created all wore smiles and upbeat expressions on their faces.

A far cry from the frowns, downcast and uncaring demeanors most people displayed as the girl awaited the elf's arrival in one of the Central Park's benches.

"Sometimes a good laugh can make someone's day, especially in these dark times around the city… A clown had changed the world for better lifetimes ago, inspiring people through a time even worse than this, a time where monsters dominated the surface."

Luke pointed his thumb at himself.

"As long as this one can bring a smile to people's faces, then that's good to me." He explained in an honest tone.

And honest he was. The elf didn't act like a silly clown that often, but he liked to brighten the mood. What better way to do that than by goofing around?

It sure as hell worked way better than being serious and stern all the time.

In a way, he and Alise were very similar in that regard.

The two tried to stay away from negativity and be positive about life - something that's not simple for anyone to follow. In particular with everything that's been happening in Orario for the past years, this became an extremely arduous task.

Even then, the pair were almost perfect when it came to cutting through tension with a forwards, brash and lighthearted attitude.

'Laughter is the best medicine! Especially coming from a beautiful maiden like myself!'

That would be the redheaded captain's take on the matter as she puffed her chest out - or something along those lines.

More often than she would be correct, even more so given the lack of hope and happiness most citizens showed each passing day - although, not the extent it was back when he returned to the Dungeon City.

But that clown act of his was a sparse occurrence.

He liked to joke around and tease his friends, but most of the time he had a nonchalant approach to things in his everyday life, mostly so he developed a better grasp of his emotions - crucial in a battle, as his teachers would say - and also so he wouldn't stress himself with more trivial matters of his everyday life. He also had a serious side if the situation called for it.

Getting under someone's skin and teasing them was a habit he picked up with his hellish training with Zald and Alfia . Most of the time he ended up beaten to a pulp and absolutely demolished by them, so the only way he could even the field of play was by probing them with quips and jokes…even if he suffered the consequences for it - especially by Alfia's hand.

Furthermore, stressing and angering your opponent was a good way to force a slip up of his part. It was a great tactic to disrupt their concentration - if done right - and explore any openings that appeared out of it.

The elf chuckled mentally, thinking about his teacher's short temper and painful Gospel punches as he practiced that tactic on her.

He was grateful for everything they did for him. The only reason he had a good head over his shoulders after everything that transpired when they failed to kill the Black Dragon, was because of their lessons and teachings.

He became the person he was today thanks to his family.

…

'Sigh …I really miss them… I hope they are doing fine wherever they are.'

Their student thought somberly, recalling all the good moments they spent together as family after his parents demise and the banishment that followed it.

Luke stole a glance towards the girl near him after reviving those fond memories, before he started gesturing around the Central Park.

"It seems to be working at least." The elf added further as the adventurers and civilians spectating his little show began to wander off, certainly getting back to their previous activities. Most of them openly displayed a renowned good and lighter mood by his shameless, idiotic show, momentarily forgetting any trouble that weighed inside their minds.

It certainly gave them hope of a happy, peaceful and normal life in Orario, despite Evilus' constant terror that plagued it.

A terror that the elf and his companions were fighting to put an end to.

Maryuu's soft giggle took him out of his thoughts.

He glanced at her.

"You are all smiles while talking about lifting everyone's spirits. It's good to see you smile so much like this, especially when helping people!" The healer flashed him a warm smile of her own as she leaned forwards a bit, making a cute pose while holding the basket containing the food she'd prepared.

The image of the kind, altruistic form of Bell's mother took Maryuu's place for a moment in Luke's vision, making him freeze, before his eyes became a combination of melancholy and tenderness the more he stared at the figure in front of him.

'Don't cry because it ended, smile because it happened.'

Meteria's parting words echoed inside his head, bringing him way back.

…

'...I wanted you to be able to raise your child and stay beside us. To see Bell grow and live a happy life you so much deserved for all the kindness you bestowed on everyone, despite how unjust the world had been to you your whole life… Yet, all of it - stolen away by crippling sickness and power hungry backstabbers.'

Sometimes it pained his heart how much Maryuu reminded him of Bell's mother.

Luke closed his mismatched eyes. Once he opened them, she was gone. The only one that stood in front of him was his companion, who looked curiously at his sudden silence.

He smiled brightly at her.

"The feeling is mutual. A genuine smile is contagious, so I can't really help myself… Enough chit chat though, we are already tardy as it is, aren't we?" The adventurer brought back the original motive of their meeting in the city's center.

And also to get himself out of those somber thoughts. There's no reason to delve in the past, not right now.

"~Well, we wouldn't be if someone wasn't so late in the first place." The girl said in a clearly teasing tone.

"Oh, come on! Me prostrating at your feet in public wasn't enough? What more would you want from me, darling?... ~Perhaps you want me to repay you with something more intima–" A sharp glare from her advised him to not finish that line.

He raised both of his hands in a placating gesture.

"I yield… I took it too far, sorry. It won't happen again. "

"Sigh… It's alright, I'm not mad at you. Come on, we'll talk along the way."

Heeding her words, the two members of Astraea Familia headed towards the beginning of the East Main Street.

The two remained in a comfortable silence for a couple of minutes as they walked around the, not so crowded street.

That is until Maryuu took the initiative and broke it.

"How did you get late in the first place? Don't tell me you exaggerated down there and put yourself at risk!"

"I may act like a dumb clown sometimes but I'm not a buffoon… No, something else came up." He dropped the jesting and relaxed tone, taking a serious turn. Luke exhaled through his nose before recapitulating the events that led to his tardiness.

"Everything was going according to what I planned for the day. I descended to the 15th floor, gained excelia and honed my skills. Everything was a-okay… until it wasn't."

Maryuu played close attention to his words, sensing no playfulness in them.

"A stumbled upon an unfortunate party that got ambushed by a Infant Dragon and various types of monsters on the 12th floor. While I promptly intervened to try and save any lucky survivor… No one was left alive. The only thing that I could do was retrieve the only body that was whole."

The girl's gaze became downcast hearing about his encounter, looking at her feet as they walked.

"Perhaps if I arrived a couple of minutes earlier… Maybe I could-."

"Don't say it!" She cut him off abruptly, gaining a bemused look from the elf. "You have no blame for their horrible fates! Every adventurer knows what they are signing up to once they choose this career. So don't go carrying this burden on your shoulders!"

"I know… But it doesn't take away the fact that I could have prevented their deaths. I'm not blaming myself for it. I only wished I was there in time to save them, but… that's life, I guess. People live and people die, we can't control when or where it happens." He spoke honestly.

"True. I just don't want you to carry any unnecessary weight in your conscience… We already have enough to worry about as it is. Sadly, we can't save everyone, Luke." Her tone showed her worry as clear as the current past noon sun.

"Thanks, and don't worry I won't." The adventurer flashed her a reassuring smile, tilting his head to the side with his eyes closed as he made a V with his middle and pointing fingers.

"Oh! and I also had a meeting with a certain stubborn little girl that almost got herself killed down there!"

"What?"

"Yeah, she tried to face off against killer ants without anything but her own hands. I couldn't stand aside and watch her die, so after I intervened and saved her, I dragged her to the surface - despite her protests."

"But what was a child doing in the dungeon?"

"She escaped from her guardians. The girl was obsessed with getting stronger and snuck up on them to slay monsters without any supervision or restraint."

Maryuu wore a sour expression on her face.

"Who would be so careless with such a child… Good grief, that's unbelievable."

"Indeed. They were a bunch of incompetent fools, who didn't keep a close eye on the problem child. Sigh… Such a sorry excuse for caretakers."

"Agreed. But, who were they? From what Familia was she?"

"Loki Familia. Scoff … I know, right? Who could have thought." He answered nonchalantly, enacting a surprised gasp from her. "Loki Familia!?"

"Yep. The one and only. These geniuses were bright enough to leave her unchecked, even though they knew about her-"

That was the moment.

The moment when he saw it.

Right on his peripheral vision, at the corner of his right eye. Something he thought he would never see in his lifetime. A dream, one that was passing through the same street he was.

The image that carried all the hope he held inside the depths of his being, for as long as he knew himself as a person.

Something he dreamed all his life. Something his parents always told him he would find someday. One thing he lounges for with all his soul. Someone that would understand him better than anyone was capable of.

An equal.

Not as a friend or family, who respected and loved each other. People he bonded with and cherished.

No.

An equal that truly felt and sympathies with his struggles and exclusions that started since he was born. A person that suffered the same discriminations and loathing as he did.

Someone that fully understood him.

An accursed.

He couldn't believe his own eyes. They were surely playing tricks on him, it was simply impossible to be.

Just as he conversed with Maryuu, he saw the right side of the figure that petrified him on the spot.

Pointy ears, black hair and… and a rubbelite eye - the one he could see at least.

No, it can't be.

It was too good to be true. There was no way this was real, he must be dreaming or seeing things.

Has he finally found someone like him? Tarnished like him?

He acted on impulse, without a second thought.

Quickly stopping mid conversation, the onyx haired elf dashed to the other side of the street, dancing between a few flocks of bystanders.

"W-What is going on!? Luke!"

He barely registered the frantic voice of his friend. Right now, the only thing that mattered to him was to reach that elfess, nothing else passed through his mind at that moment.

"Watch it!"

"Are you insane!?"

"A pickpocketing!?"

The people called out to him as he swiftly and precisely maneuvered around them, trying to get to his equal across the busier part of the street.

Moving as fast as his legs could carry him, he used all his power as a high level 3 to pursue his similar.

He couldn't let this chance go away.

"Wait!" Luke screamed at the top of his lungs as he approached the lone, white dressed, young elfess and adventurer - judging by her equipment. Reacting on instinct, she turned towards the sound.

Directly towards him.

An excited expression was on full display on his face. It only grew as he anxiously watched her turn towards him as he neared her. Taking the last steps before standing right in front of her, the bright flame hope that burned inside him was put out by a bone chilling blizzard.

A pair of red eyes…

.

She wasn't an accursed.

.

She wasn't his equal.

.

He was still the only one…

.

"Heek! "

Standing right across from her, the young girl let out a girly scream, taken back with the sudden approach from the stranger.

"W-What do you w-want!?"

Luke eyed her with dejection, avoiding looking at her face. The same face that put an end to his longing desire for her to be the one.

"Sorry for startling you… I have mistaken you for someone else, my apologies."

His voice carried the squashed hopes inside his heart.

"Mistaken?... Wait you are a-."

Sixth sense flared inside his head, prompting him into a fight or flight mode.

The elf barely had time to sway his head back, just enough for the sharp dagger to graze his nose, drawing blood, instead of lodging itself in the side of his head.

Acting on reflex, he grabbed the same dagger by the hand guard, stopping her in mid flight. His combat instincts kicked in as he deflected two more throwable knives coming right at his midsection, one after the other in quick succession.

Testament to his formidable agility and dexterity, he returned the dagger back to the sender, precisely embedding it deep in her hand, making her scream in pain as she was about to launch another dagger aimed at him.

Luke wore a serious face as his sharp eyes analyzed the situation he got himself into.

'Two elfesses… Adventures, going by their gear. No more additional threats, given that the people near them were backing off and none was showing signs of interfering.'

'It's just them and he… or perhaps not.'

Despite focusing on the pair that attacked him he kept his guard up, maintaining the black haired elfess he'd approached in his peripheral vision. He couldn't assume she isn't with them or that she won't join the fighting against him.

They wouldn't make an attempt on his life for no good reason. Given their elven nature, it was most likely because of his appearance… Unless they were part of Evilus.

These wretched cultists didn't need a reason to hurt someone.

"Bastard! Get away from our friend, you filthy scum!"

'Bullseye!'

The one besides the wounded attacker charged at him, sword drawn.

Luke placed a hand on Nightingale, drawing her in the blink of an eye. He awaited the assaulting elfess in a defensive stance, his eyes trained on the duo's every move.

Before the looming fighting would begin, the black haired elfess stepped forwards.

"Stop!" She jumped in front of her companion's trajectory, forcing her to an abrupt halt of her attack.

"F-Filvis! What are you doing!?"

Said girl placed both of her arms towards the two would-be combatants. The bystanders in the vicinity began to run away from the possible quarrel, clearing the area around the source of the commotion.

"There's no need for fighting!"

"What are you talking about? The accursed tried to grab you, didn't you see how he jumped you!? He even struck my hand! " Her injured friend rebbuted, holding her bloody hand at her side, the point of the dagger's blade coming through the other side of it.

"You are the one that attacked me, you cunt!" Luke bit back, a trail of blood flowed from the cut in the base of his nose as he glared at the culprit.

"Shut your mouth, you aberration! You shouldn't even be alive to begin with. Everything you touch will end up dead, you curse!"

"What do you even mean by that? I haven't done anything wrong!" He questioned, perplexed at the senseless hatred they felt towards him.

"Your kind brings nothing but death and destruction wherever you go. Foul beings that are better off dead…I'm actually horrified that you hadn't been put down once you were born." The wounded elfess explained, clutching her hand.

"If you touch our friend, we'll have your head, you shameful, disgraceful existence to our kind!" The swordswoman butted in, baring her teeth at Luke.

"Pure and simple baseless superstition…" He mumbled under his breath, showing a cold gaze on his heterochromatic eyes.

'That's… Pathetic.'

"Luke!" Maryuu finally catched up to him after avoiding the ones that had blocked her path in the street, in an attempt to flee from the upcoming struggle and preserve their well being. After all, fights in the middle of the street were a fairly common sight - even if things were slowly getting better.

"What were you thinking! You could- Oh heavens, you are hurt!" Without hesitation, the girl snatched the medical purse she always carried on her. As she pulled out a potion, Luke placed a hand on top of her own who held the vial.

"This is just a flesh wound, there's no need to waste a healing potion on it." He only gave her an acknowledged nod as he glanced her way, before resting his gaze on his aggressors again, focused on the development of the situation.

If not, he would have seen the small blush that painted Maryuu's cheeks as she stared at his gloved hand resting tenderly on top of her own.

"Kela! Jyrne! Even though I understand where you are coming from, that's no reason to attack him unnoticed. That was a simple misunderstanding, one that he was even apologizing for before you two struck! Besides catching me by surprise, not one moment did he try to grab me!"

The elfess identified as Filvis berated her Familia members and friends.

"But he's-."

"That's the end of it!" She cut her injured friend - Kela - off.

"Are you really defending an accursed!? That thing out of everyone!?" Jyrne asked indignantly. Filvis glared at her.

"Where's your elven pride? You are in the wrong on this, it's appropriate to apologize for your misguided actions - no matter who they are!"

"To the likes of him? No chance." Kela nodded resolutely, unflinching on their loathing of the scorned, fellow elf.

"How can this be? I'm younger than you two but you are the ones acting like children! He's part of the Astraea Familia. Think about the consequences it could bring to ours for attacking one of their members!" Filvis screamed in frustration. She took a deep breath to calm her nerves, before turning towards the boy that caused all this trouble in the first place.

"I deeply apologize for their transgressions. I hope you can forgive them… Luke, wasn't it?" She asked for forgiveness in a rigid bow, only lifting her head to see his confirmation of his name.

"Yes, Miss Filvis. I'm Luke Adria, pleased to meet you, though I suppose you already know me… I don't think there's a elf in Orario that doesn't - not in the way I wanted though. Infamy is a bitch." He spoke drily.

His mismatched gaze fell on her two companions.

"Your friends need to learn some proper manners though. Chuckle... As far as I know, throwing daggers at people doesn't work well as a proper greeting." He spoke casually, the previous tension now almost entirely gone from his body.

He kept a cool and composed attitude despite the fight that almost escalated not even a minute before… and also despite the emotional turmoil that tormented his mind after the unexpected revelation about the roots of the hatred they cultivated against him.

"Indeed. I promptly apologize on their behalf."

"It's all good. As long as they don't try to kill me or threaten my friends I'm satisfied."

The aforementioned instigators barred their teeth at him, but kept their mouths shut - predicting another harsh reprimand from Filvis otherwise.

Maryuu stood up abruptly, glaring furiously at the elves that attacked her companion.

"What's the deal with you two!? Attacking someone like that; in the middle of the street no less. What if you got an unsuspecting innocent caught in your reckless stunt!?"

"Silence, insolent girl! A puny human as yourself has no say in the matter, so keep your dirty mouth shut, or else I'll shut it myself-"

CLANK

The condescending elf was cut off by a loud sound of metal hitting the cobblestone pavement, right at her blind spot behind her. She almost got whiplash with how fast her head turned towards the sound, sword at the ready.

The sharp end of a black blade froze her on the stop.

Her surprised gaze was met by a cold glare from a pair of rubbelite and aqua-blue eyes, respectively, as they stared down at her.

She didn't see him move, having let her guard down for a few moments - an opportunity he capitalized on.

"Like I said… I don't care about any of the bullshit you throw my way, but if you threaten my friend or anyone I know… I'll make you regret leaving your home forest. Are we clear?" He spoke in an ice cold tone.

She gulped a lump in her throat, staring fearfully at the intensity of his sharp gaze.

The elfess nodded nervously in compliance.

"Wise choice." Luke took the blade away from the swordswoman's neck. He glanced at both her injured companion and the red eyed elfess he'd approached earlier.

"I dislike doing this kind of thing, really… but when my companion's safety is on the line, I'll be able to endure it. So take that as a warning!" He stated seriously. "Besides, I'm almost certain we can get a hefty fee from your familia after the stunt you tried to pull on me… I'll have to confirm it with Rose later."

'And also to exchange these magic stones and drop items… Yikes, what tardiness does to a man.'

The hard to please werewolf that worked at the guild would probably give him an earful for not going there right after exiting the dungeon. While his red-headed advisor seemed disinterested and tried to maintain a strictly professional relation with him, Luke knew she cared deeply about his safety and of other adventurers under her guidance.

Rose Fannet was tough to deal with sometimes, but in time, you can break through her ice cold heart and actually get to know her better. Although that was a difficult thing to accomplish - especially if you are an adventurer.

She was particularly colder and kept her distance when dealing with adventurers, her attitude changing slightly for better when interacting with the guild staff, deities and citizens alike. As Luke stayed under her tutelage since he became a proper adventurer, and observed her mannerisms, he was able to link two and two together.

That and some of her colleagues spilled the beans to him, only confirming his suspicions.

She kept her distance so when they'll inevitably die down there in the dungeon, it won't hurt her so much… Something she probably learned the hard way.

It was not hard to see why his advisor acted the way she did regarding her profession.

Luke saw it with his own eyes, not too long ago on the 12th floor…

'But I'm getting out of track…' He got out of his thoughts, eyeing the two furious colleagues of Filvis.

The wounded elfess snarled at him. "You also attacked us and made threats on top of it! You have no moral high ground to your claim."

He lifted two fingers at her.

"First: self-defense. Plus, threatening retaliation after being threatened myself, doesn't hold the same weight as an unprovoked attack." He lowered his middle finger.

"Second: As upholders of order and justice in the name of the goddess of justice herself, in these delicate times around the city. I'm fairly confident that my familia has a better leverage with the guild than you do - unless you are part of either Loki or Freya Familia, which I doubt is the case. You can't strike against one of Orario' s police forces and expect no consequences whatsoever, can you?" He lowered his index finger and his hand in sequence.

While the two aggressors struggled to find a plausible argument against the points he brought up, Filvis cleared her throat.

"While you may be on your right to do that, there's no need to take things this far. I guarantee you that these two will suffer the adequate punishments for their transgressions once I inform our captain of what transpired."

"Oh, and who's Familia that captain would be?"

"Dionysus Familia."

"...The god of wine-making. Interesting. "

Luke knew a bit about a great deal of deities, whether they already descended from heaven or not - and even more so when talking about the gods from Olympus and their relatives.

All thanks to Zeus and Hera's stories told to him throughout the years.

Hephaestus, the smithing goddess.

Artemis, the chaste huntress.

Hestia, the virgin goddess of hearth.

Aphrodite, the stunning goddess of love…

Wait.

Now that he thought about it, Zeus told him almost exclusively about goddesses, hasn't he?

Ahhhh, that old, perverted geezer.

…

Back to Dionysus!

The god that produced the best wine amongst all deities, at least according to Zeus… Luke doesn't recall anything particularly bad about him.

He was told he was well spoken, mannered and gentle with others. The marks of a charismatic and likable bloke. However, he does remember Zeus and Hera telling him about the strange attitude he'd assume sometimes. From the top of his head, he can point out the time the wine god acted like a crazy maniac so he could have one of the 12 seats in Olympus. The madman only returned to his normal self after he'd received what he wanted from Hestia, who stepped down from her own seat.

Strange to say the least, but nothing too worrisome.

Luke had no reason to harm the image and the finances of a familia belonging to a god that, for the most part, was dignified and cared about people, because of a few of his children's dumb mistakes.

He liked deities that weren't frivolous, scummy and uncaring - like most were.

"Hmmm… Okay then! As long as you give me your word on it, it's all water under the bridge. Also, we can't afford to be caught up in this any more. We've got places to be, don't we Maryuu?"

The girl perked up, not expecting to be called upon the conversation. "Y-Yeah, we do!"

The onyx haired elfess nodded resolutely. "I'm thankful. I assure you this won't happen again, I promise it in Lord Dionysus' name!"

The elf with the same hair color as her nodded back.

"Now that this is dealt with, we shall take our leave, we're already late as it is. Again, pardon me for disturbing you in the first place, miss Filvis. Have a good day, you and your companions."

He looked to the side, behind the elfess, being met with deep scowls from her friends.

"Bye-bye Kela, Jyrne! ~ Hope you have a nice ass chat with your captain." Luke said in a sing-song voice, aggravating their anger even further as he gave his back to them.

Maryuu promptly walked beside him as they left the pair of fuming elves and the rubbelite eyed one. The latter sighed in exasperation, before tending to her friend's wound.

Her curious eyes remained on the tarnished until he disappeared amongst the crowd, further down the street.

...

Deep down, the reason she hadn't mistreated him wasn't mainly because she cared about the consequences of doing so…

But also because she understood him.

Despite lacking one blue iris like the one he had, some elves from Ashenia Forest still despised her existence and avoided her like she was a plague. That minority would curse her mere presence, arguing with the ones that didn't see her as one of the accursed, and even going as far as attempting against her life one time. That view against her wasn't true with the large majority of her kind, who still treated her like one of their own.

Yet, Filvis had a slight taste of what it was like to be excluded; shunned and hated by her own race. Having experienced those harrowing events herself, she could only ponder what Luke passed throughout his whole life…

"Come on, take it out slowly. That damned abomination deserves to die for doing this– Ahhhhhh!" Filvis swiftly and without a warning pulled the dagger out of her hand.

"Argh. What was that for!?"

"I would hurt more if I took it out slowly, wouldn't it?" She explained calmly. In truth, it may or not be a punishment for her friend cursing at the fellow elf she had attacked prior.

…

As they were a considerable distance away from the previous spot, Luke placed a hand on his nose.

"Tsk…" He clicked his tongue, eyeing the blood that now stained his glove.

"Here, let me see it." His friend spoke up, drawing his gaze and making the elf stop in his steps as she set the basket she carried in the ground at her side.

The girl gently cleaned his face from any remains of blood with a tissue. Luke watched in silence as he let her work on his small cut. After cleaning the wound and the area around it, the healer pulled out a band-aid from her medical purse.

"There you go! Much better." She placed said band-aid over his cut. The elf dragged his index finger over it, giving her a grateful smile.

"Thanks… Do you think it will scar? I heard that the girls love that kind of thing."

"Don't be silly, where have you heard that from?" Maryuu gave him a little laugh as she inquired.

Luke sagged his shoulder slightly and let out a long sigh, remembering from whom he heard that.

…

'You see, kid. Women love a gruff and strong man. ~They melt when they see sculptured abs full of scars from previous battles. I recommend you get a lot of those over your muscles!"

'Why are you talking about that?'

'Because I want you to be successful with them, why else would I do that? When you settle in Orario, I want you to form your own harem! One that will include women from all the races. Pallums, Animal people, elves, you name it!'

'And why do you think I would do that!?'

'What are you talking about, kid!? Aren't you a man–'

CLANK

'You perverted bastard! Leave the child alone and stop trying to teach him your lecherous ways!

'Ow, ow, ow… Come on, honey. Luke is old enough already and will be going to the center of the world. Let him live his life to its fullest with all the women he wants-'

CLANK

'Shut your trap! How many times I'll have to teach you this lesson, old man!? He's not going to end up like you, reprobate!'

'Argh, fine, fine… Geez'

…

Ahhh… Sometimes he really missed Zeus and Hera bickering. These two were truly one of a kind.

Luke gave Maryuu a strained smile. "Someone that would certainly be used as a bad example or an idol, depending on the person… Don't ask me why, please. I don't want to go down that rabbit hole."

"Oookay then… We should hurry now though, there's quite a bit of traveling before we get to the orphanage."

"Sure we do, mylady." Luke walked forward, leaving a groaning Maryuu behind as she quickly scooped the basket back in her hands before going after him, pouting all the way.

.

---

.

She was a perceptive person.

Ever since she knew herself as a person, Maryuu paid a great deal of attention to those besides her, more so than she let on.

Living in an orphanage, where everyone residing there was your family, ingrained that trait into her. They may not be your blood family, but they were family nonetheless. And so, she cared deeply for everyone that lived alongside her through all those difficult years in her

childhood. Being one of the oldest children there, she took upon herself to be the pillar the younger ones could rely upon.

That new, self imposed obligation required a keen eye for any struggle her brothers and sisters were internalizing, bottling it all up instead of seeking for support.

A task Maryuu became proficient at.

She lost count of how many times she helped everyone around the orphanage with their personal problems and insecurities.

That specific trait she acquired along those years, was the main reason she noticed Luke's current distraught state.

He hid it really well, but she saw how his eyes showed a downcast light whenever he thought she wasn't looking. Not only that, but he was a tad bit quieter than normal. He still kept his laid back and nonchalant persona, jesting and playing with her as they were closing in on Daedalus Street.

However, the girl saw through his act that everything was 'fine' and cut right towards the dilemma that weighted on his mind - even if he tried to hide it behind a casual laugh.

The longer intervals of silence as they walked before he spoke again. The slight somber glimmer in his eyes. She caught all of it.

He was distressed by something and was bottling it up to himself.

Before they were at the entrance to Daedalus Street, Maryuu decided to take action.

"There's something troubling your mind, isn't it? You know you can talk to me whenever you need. It's not healthy to keep these kinds of things to yourself, you know!?"

Luke gave her a sideways glance as they walked.

"I have no idea what you are talking about, darling."

"Don't play dumb, I can see how you are acting different than usual. Is it related to those elves that hurt you?"

…

Luke let out a big breath through his nose, before looking forwards again. "Yes, it is."

"Then, will you tell me exactly what is troubling you?"

"There's no hiding anything from you, is it there?" A small smile crept itself to his face as he looked at her again.

"Sigh… I'm just getting tired of the constant harassment from my own race. I know you are well aware of my standing with most of them. I can count the number of elves that actually treat me like a person on one hand…"

She did. Frankly, it was hard not to. Every elf they passed through the streets struck him with hateful glares and expressions of disgust. The rare exception of that vast majority only eyed him in curiosity and perplexity.

He had told her about his story with the elven kind. The loathing and persecution he suffered from them because of his exotic appearance. The unjust exclusion and forced isolation targeted at him by his own kin.

It was a sad state of affairs.

One that she hated the toll she knew it took upon her close friend. Even if he tried to shrug it off.

"Yes, I'm well aware of it… But don't stop it, say it all. I'm here for you." She flashed him a soothing smile to get her message across. His own smile turned into a more reserved one as he thought about what troubled his mind.

"I can't say it doesn't hurt being scorned and made a pariah by my own kind… But that previous encounter showed it to my face that this doesn't only affect me, but those close to me as well. Even if I distaste the treatment I receive from them, I've grown mostly used to dealing with it."

His gaze met hers, a fond look filled his eyes.

"What I fear is that something bad might happen to you and everyone I know because of it… I can't guarantee that other elves won't try and do something to you guys in an attempt to affect me. I can't forgive myself if something like that ever happened…"

He clenched his fist, his gloves materials straining under the pressure.

Maryuu gently placed her delicate hands on top of his own.

"I'm flattered that you care so much for all of us, but worrying about what could or couldn't happen in the future will do nothing but keep you down and stressed all your life." She gave his tense hand a gentle squeeze.

"Whatever happens, happens. We can't control what will happen or when, we can only do our best to reach a desired outcome. You know that as adventurers, our life expectancy is not high - even more so with those despicables Evilus tormenting the city." Her features became sour at the mention of the foul cult.

"I know, but I can't help but worry… I don't want to lose anyone, especially if I am to blame for it." His eyes fell on the cobblestone path, concern clear as day on his face.

Maryuu twisted on her heels, stopping right in front of him and bringing him to a halt. His mismatched gaze had gone from her feet to her face.

He was met with a playful flick on his forehead.

"Don't worry so much about us, we can take care of ourselves you know? Instead of trying to carry everything on your back, why don't we share this weight together, as a Familia? We also worry about your well being, Luke."

"Chuckle… You sound just like someone I once knew."

His eyes looked at her in sweet tenderness, although… They didn't seem to be looking at her, but through her.

No.

Not past her, but at someone else entirely.

"Oh, and who is that?"

"Someone that I wholeheartedly miss…" As he blinked, his eyes finally focused on her, not on that someone. "You got your point across, so don't worry. I'll try not to pressure myself, but I won't promise anything. My familia is the dearest thing to me now, and a thing I'll do everything to protect."

Maryuu rolled her eyes at his response. "You can be really stubborn sometimes, really."

"Thank you. I take that as a compliment, but shouldn't we continue? We are almost at Daedalus Street."

"Curse you, using a good excuse to run away from this conversation. I'll have the other girls talk to you about that, so you are no in the clear yet, you hear me!" She pouted, while harmlessly hitting his arm with her free hand that wasn't carrying the basket.

The elf only snickered at her shenanigans as they resumed their path.

After a couple of minutes further into the main street, the duo veered off from the main road and entered a side street. Walking through the narrow alleyways and other side streets, the couple reached one specific road, the one that was the entrance to the well known Daedalus Street.

Built by an architect said to have gone insane and remodeled the neighborhood many times over, it's a residential area with absolutely no sense of order or direction. With its stone buildings and stairwells and winding roads going up and down with no rhyme or reason, it's easy to understand why this place has been called Orario's "Second Dungeon."

This place was more akin to a giant maze than a residential district.

The pair walked forwards, entering the madman's project.

As soon as they set foot in the poorest section of the city, Luke's eyes scanned the area around them, maintaining his guard up for any possible danger they may encounter. Maryuu on the other hand, guided them through the confusing and seemingly senseless pathways.

The only reason she confidently took charge and precisely navigated them in the narrow alleyways, was for her familiarity with this exact same path.

Living most of her life in the slums, getting used to the misleading and puzzling nature of the architecture the district was built upon, it was only natural that it would be ingrained into her how to find her way around.

Strolling through her home place, a somber glimmer overtook her features.

The situation around Orario has been dire ever since Zeus and Hera were defeated by the Black Dragon. The evil cult, Evilus, took the window of opportunity and set their reign of terror and despair in the city.

Criminal activities reached heights never seen before. More and more, shady and I'll intentioned people were filling the streets. The Guild and the adventurers that acted as security forces trying to maintain order were pushed to their very limits.

The life for the regular citizen of Orario was becoming unbearable - although it was being remedied in the past years, now being way better than a couple of years back.

If it was difficult for the common folk, just imagine how bad it was for these poor souls in Daedalus Street.

The starving beggars, the abandoned children that had nothing to their name and nowhere to go. The crooks that eyed anyone that posses anything of value, crooks those that some were purely scummy people, while others were simply desperate fathers trying to make ends meet and feed their family.

More so, the security forces rarely patrolled this part of town, giving priority to other more important sections, while neglecting the residents of Daedalus Street.

Crime rate here multiplied when compared to the rest of the city. And so, the already low quality of living in the poorest district, became a hellish experience for its inhabitants in the past 6 years of Evilus' aggression against The Center of The World.

It was a sad sight to witness. The forlorn gaze her companion showed at the situation, told her the sentiment was mutual.

...

The previous light mood between the two Astraea's followers was killed by the suffering and inhumane conditions these people lived in. None of them saw fit to try and jest, seeing how these outcasts were at the mercy of Evilus and bandits alike, left to fend off for themselves by the guild officials.

As they walked further into Daedalus Street, they came upon a… strange sight, to say the least.

"Put down your valis, filthy with the prints of covetous fingers, and go!"

A old woman who had long unkempt white hair wore rags that couldn't be called a robe, proclaimed loudly to a bunch of people who reverenced her figure.

"Relieve yourself of the want for excess in your heart! Only in poverty can your soul be cleansed!" The old woman opened her arms wide as she finished her preaching.

"Hail Penia!"

"Please accept this wretched pittance I've hoarded from myself!"

"I'll do everything for Lady Penia's wisdom."

The fanatical followers handed various riches in their possession. Valis, small jewelry, even some food.

Luke eyed the scene in a mix of amusement and disdain.

While normally he would have found the absurd sight hilarious, the horrible state the whole area found itself in put a sour taste on his humor. Besides, he recognized the vagrant looking woman.

Penia, the personification of poverty.

From the stories Hera told him, nobody liked that goddess up there in heaven or in the lower world - not only because of her weird personality, but also because she stole their goods from them.

Penia was a laughing stock in Heaven. The only deity that didn't pick on her and held some respect to her person seemed to be Hestia.

In fact, he has heard a lot of good things from her through their tales.

'I wonder If she has descended from heaven already. Zeus said his sister rarely left her temple and he doubted she would ever come to the Lower World.'

By his words, she seemed to hold little interest in being entertained by the mortals and their stories, being satisfied in watching over them from up there.

Shame, he would have liked to talk to her personally.

The pair of adventurers walked in the opposite direction of the creepy poverty goddess, avoiding drawing her attention to the both of them.

Luke scoffed as he gave her a last glance before they entered another alleyway.

"Weirdo…" He mumbled over his breath. Maryuu looked at him sideways as they walked.

"That's Penia, she's the goddess of poverty. She's quite famous around here. From what I've heard, she has been living around Daedalus Street for centuries. Her fame or Infamy to some, grew to a point that she became known as 'The Lord of Daedalus Street' - even if she's a goddess. I don't know why they didn't call her 'Queen of Daedalus Street' or something like that…" The girl placed her index finger on her cheek, pondering about the reason why.

Given her 'unattractive' appearance and persona, to say the least, it wasn't that difficult to see why.

"I already know who that was. I'm more shocked that some lunatics actually follow her views."

"There's crazy people everywhere, I'm not surprised that she has found followers, especially in Daedalus Street. People here tend to be ignorant and uneducated. Weak minds that are easy prey to indoctrination, even by seemingly absurd ideals and faiths ."

"What also irks me is that she's taking advantage of these people, tricking them into serving her and living off their devotion to her."

"That may be true, however she also helps around here. A part of her offerings are destined to the poorest folk that live in the district and some of the orphanages as well. She may look like a crazy woman, but she actually cares about the poor."

Now that actually caught him off guard.

"That's unexpected… Don't judge a book by its cover, huh? This seems to be one of the cases where the saying holds true."

"Indeed, most people from the outside don't know about that and think she's just another frivolous deity exploiting the mortals. People in general are too quick to judge sometimes."

True that. Even Luke wasn't innocent of that judgment, but sometimes the first impression is the one that stays and more often than not he's mostly correct about them or at least partially.

A quietness filled the air between them as they were getting closer to the orphanage, step by step, turn by turn. Up and down, left and right, and forwards through so many streets.

Luke kept a keen eye on the red arrows - called ariadne - at the corner of every street, memorizing them so he can better locate himself in case anything happens or whenever he enters Daedalus Street again.

The couple reached the front of a specific building.

'A church?...'

They were currently at the heart of Daedalus Street. The church was built out of wood, and it was quite big. There's an open courtyard in front of it with a broken fountain that doesn't spray water anymore. The buildings around the church encompass it on the remaining sides.

As the two approached the entrance of the worn down building, he got a better look at it.

There are several broken glass windows at the top of the outside walls. The old structure gave the impression it was abandoned for a long time, and the grime on the stonewall only reinforced that thought.

"Is this the right place?" He looked questioningly at his guide. The girl nodded in confirmation.

"Yes, this is the one… I've lived my entire childhood here. I hold many sweet memories of my old home." The elf saw her staring fondly at the rundown church, surely remembering the good moments she shared with her brothers and sisters in the orphanage.

Luke watched in silence, letting her indulge in nostalgia. A couple of seconds passed before she stepped forwards, right towards the orphanage's entrance door as her companion trailed after her. Maryuu opened the wooden door calmly, this was her home after all.

Sure, it looks big from the front, but the real surprise is how deep it goes from the inside.

The main chamber has to be at least ten meters across, and the walls to left and right are lined with doors that lead to other rooms. There's an altar all the way at the back. The tile under at our feet has so many cracks that wild grass is threatening to reclaim the floor. The ceiling is high too, just like the exterior looked like.

Several long wooden pews are stacked on top of one another nearby.

'A tiny fort?'

The back-and-forth pattern of the pile of pews makes it look like a small castle in Luke's eyes.

His red and blue eyes scanned the place, seeing no one in plain view. However, he doesn't even need his precognitive skill to know they are being watched.

Adventurers who've spent enough time in the Dungeon have sharpened this sense to the point where they can recognize this feeling very quickly. The lurking monsters that you don't see in the darkness can be your undoing when you explore that mortal trap.

His body reacts to the sensation of being watched before any noises reach his pointy ears - although he seems as calm as ever, not giving in to his instinct.

His gaze landed on a worned out sheet on the floor, hidden between two wooden pews. He feints ignorance as he passes by it. Once his back was exposed to it, they attacked.

"Ahhhh!"

"Take this!"

A pair of small figures jumped from below the sheet, using the pew as leverage as they targeted Luke's blind spot.

Or so they thought.

The adventurer casually sidestepped their assault, extending both of his arms as he catched the aggressors by the neck collar of their shirts.

"Argh! Let go of me, evil doer!"

"We won't let you hurt our Ane-san!"

Luke stared at the pair with a plain face.

"Hey Maryuu, look what I've found." He lifted them high as he showcased the kids he captured for her to see. Both boys squearmed, trying to break free of his grasp, to no avail.

"Mylo, Reis! What are you two doing!?"

"*Squirm*… We-We are protecting you from him, Ane-san."

"Yeah! We'll save you from this stranger!"

At that proclamation, one of the kids brought his fingers to his mouth, letting out a sharp whistle that was heard throughout the entire church.

"Everyone, assemble!"

On cue, the various doors around the main hall busted open, as an army of orphans charged right out of them, ready for war.

"Get him!" One the boy's held by the elf pointed directly at him. He repeated the gesture, pointing at his face.

"...Me?"

The battalion of children gave him an answer in the form of a collective assault, going right at his person.

Seeing no more room for diplomacy, Luke chose to face this ordeal head on.

The first wave tried to tackle him, meeting only empty air as he nimbly evaded their paths. He had to safely drop one of the kids so he could have a free hand to grab the inconsequential orphans, before they either landed face first in the ground or hit their heads in one of the pews.

Children and their disregard for their own well being, a classic.

It was quite a scene indeed, seeing the level 3 dodging the tackles while quick and precisely grabbing the kids mid-air, before setting them on the ground.

Maryuu watched in shock as the children were relentlessly charging her friend, getting too paralyzed with the unexpected development to take action.

As the attackers piled up on him, Luke was forced to retreat, lest they end up injuring themselves in this 'battle'. The elf jumped high in the air, elegantly landing on top of their pew castle in the middle of the room.

Unable to reach their target the children stopped their offensive - for now.

"Coward! Get down here and face us like a man!"

"How come? I'm an elf, not a human. Why don't you come up here and fight like an elf, huh?"

"Damn you-"

The single boy he held in his left hand started to try and kick, punch and even bite the elf in retaliation.

Maryuu finally got out of her stupor, approaching her little brothers and sisters.

"Stop this instant!" She spoke firm and loudly, getting the attention of everyone involved in this debacle. The children and her companion looked at the girl in shock and curiosity respectively, as veins popped in her forehead.

"But Ane-san, he's-"

"No buts! What went through your heads to pull something like this!? You could have ended up hurting yourselves in this stunt!"

The children averted their gazes, fearing Maryuu's furious reprimand. The aforementioned girl pointed her finger at her fellow familia member.

"And you! Put him down right now!"

…

...

"...Ok."

Luke simply let go of the kid, letting gravity do its thing. The boy screamed in surprise as he began to fall freely, right towards the hard ground. Before he could hit the wooden tile a hand snatched his collar again, the same one that dropped him beforehand. No one was able to track his movement, not even his companion.

"A-Are you insane!? I-I could have died!"

"Hey, I was just following orders. She told me to let you go and I did. If you want to blame anyone, then blame her, not me."

"You-"

Before Maryuu could voice her indignation at the elf's shenanigans, the door behind the altar opened brusquely.

"What's happening!? Is everything-"

A woman rushed out of the door, a concerned expression plastered on her face upon hearing the commotion. The words got stuck on her tongue once her eyes landed in the rather crowded hall. The worry slowly vanished from her face, being replaced with a tender look that focused entirely on Maryuu.

"Oh my, I see." The mature woman made her way towards the person targeted by her affectionate gaze.

She seemed to be in her mid-to-late forties, the age showing by the few wrinkles in her face. She has long black hair, but it was tied up on the top of her head. She's on the thin side, making her facial features a little more pronounced.

As the woman approached his friend, the girl closed the gap, meeting her halfway. The two shared a tight embrace in each others' arms.

"Welcome back, Maryuu. We've missed you."

"Me too, mother."

Luke and the children watched the wholesome reunion in silence, no one wanting to interrupt it - especially considering the likely, harsh consequences of doing so. The adventurer still held the kid by the hem of his shirt, as they observed the scene.

The elf and orphans alike, forgot the harmless, childish hostility from before, as they quietly awaited at the sidelines.

Once the two separated from their embrace, they turned towards the others present at the hall, who stared at them with excited gazes - except Luke, whose eyes showed curiosity more than anything.

"And who would that be? A friend of yours?"

"Yes, he's a fellow member of Astraea Familia. He kindly escorted me here today."

Luke sat the kid currently in his grasp on the ground, giving him a pat on the head before heading in the caretaker's direction.

"Good evening, ma'am. I'm Luke Adria, pleased to meet you. Am I correct to assume you are the head caretaker of the orphanage?" The adventurer bowed respectfully, spreading his arms out. His favorite introduction gesture in fact.

"Pleased to, I'm Maria Martel and yes, I'm the one responsible for the orphanage."

"If that's the case…"

In a lightning fast move, Luke planted his forehead and knees on the floor. The ultimate apologizing technique, the renowned dogeza, was utilized once more.

"I'm deeply sorry for holding Maryuu for so long. The blame for our tardiness falls squarely upon my shoulders, and I'll compensate you accordingly!"

Maria struggled to find words to his sudden apologizing gesture, stunned with the strange and unexpected far eastern costume.

Maryuu on the other hand, groaned in frustration as she smacked her own forehead.

"In Astraea's name, can we not do this again!?"

"Unfortunately, no. It's absolutely necessary that she grants me her pardon, otherwise I couldn't face myself in the mirror again." He stated matter of factly. Even though his tone was dead serious, Maryuu knew it was pure jesting on his part.

The children were as confused as their caretaker, who frantically asked the elf to stand up. A request he stubbornly ignored, only making the woman even more confused and embarrassed as she waved her hands in a placating manner.

The healer only shook her head from side to side, as a small smile crawled up to her lips. She may get irritated with some of his antics, but they always put a smile on her face in the end.

Yet, she still needed to save Mother Maria from his clown act and explain everything afterwards, lest her mother and the children as well, get the wrong idea about all of it.

---

.

"Everyone line up! Form a single file to get your delicious sandwiches and wait for your turn. Hurry up, or else you will be left with nothing, come on now!"

The children hastily formed a row at Luke's command, as they excitedly took turns in receiving the delicious food their big sister brought to them.

20 or so orphans from the most varied races filled up the church's cafeteria, taking seats as they began to savor the food. One after the other, they were handed their lunch by the elf, their big sister and mother Maria as well. Once all were treated with Maryuu's homemade lunch, the trio of caretakers - at least for the day - took their own lunch at the table. Luke also took the opportunity to have some small talk and get to know Maria better.

"So, this really is an orphanage… Kind of difficult to tell from the exterior alone."

Sure, the walls and pillars are showing their age. There are cracks all over the place. But the use of magic-stone lamps and half-melted candlesticks is enough proof that there are people living here. However, that could only be attested from the inside, as from the outside, this was just an abandoned church left to rot and be consumed by the unforgiveness of time - like all things.

"Indeed. Fortunately, the church still remains strong despite its age and worned state. We've been living here for a long time… Ever since I adopted the first lost child I found wandering through Daedalus Street." The woman smiled at him tenderly, as if he was an old friend. Her soft gaze was focused on Maryuu as she stated the last part - something the elf caught on.

"Wait, Maryuu is the one?"

"Yes, I am."

"Well, that clarifies the Ane-san thing. But why did you start this orphanage in the first place? Forgive me, but you don't seem to possess any hefty amount of cash or hint of being part of some program to help the orphans in this district. Those kinds of things are extremely rare around here, especially nowadays… Correct me if I'm wrong, but the only thing that comes to mind is that perhaps, you love children wholeheartedly."

"You are spot on in your assumptions. These children are like sons and daughters to me, and I'll do anything to help them." She looked fondly at the kids that chatted happily with one another at the tables, enjoying the afternoon lunch.

"While we don't receive any financial support from an official program by the guild or any other entity, we are still able to live by with the generosity of a few familias that help us. With their aid, I'm able to guarantee that these children have the bare minimum to live a dignified life."

Mother Maria's eyes became somber as she seemed to be troubled by something, choosing her next words.

"That and… That and various of my oldest children had chosen the path of an adventurer. Every month they pass by to lend some of their hard earned valis to help their brothers and sisters. Despite my pleas, they still remain in this dangerous career… including her of course." She looked inquisitively at Maryuu, who didn't run away from her gaze.

"And I won't back down. You guys need all the help you can get, and I'll gladly risk myself to help my family have something to eat every-single-day!"

"Sigh… There's no point arguing over this, is there?"

"No, of course not."

Luke watched from the sideline as the two avoided an argument about his friend's risky profession - one that they probably had countless times before.

He understood both sides. The oldest orphans wanted to make some quick and possible, big sum of cash to help their home strive to be the tender place they always loved. What better way to accomplish that than becoming an adventurer?

Mother Maria also had a point. As the one that raised them all their lives, caring, loving and protecting them from the loneliness and dangers of the streets; she cared deeply for each and everyone of them. So, for them to choose a path that would most likely end up in their deaths sooner or later, it broke her heart to no end. No mother would like to receive the news that their children died in the dungeon or simply never heard about them no more - becoming just another adventurer that turned into a statistic, amongst the many that had before them.

The elf cleared his throat, breaking the tension between the mother and daughter.

"Getting back on track. How did you start all this?"

The somber gaze of the caretaker was jumbled in with a nostalgic one.

"... It takes me way back then. I met a certain adventurer in the past. In my younger days, I fell in love with the kind soul he was, how despite living a difficult life he was compassionate and caring with everyone. Even though I was just an ordinary city girl, he accepted my feelings. I never joined a familia, choosing to live a calm life in the city, despite my significant other risking his life daily exploring the dungeon. It was like a dream come true, everything seemed promising. We even looked forward to having a child of our own and forming a family. But then… "

Luke already knew the words that would come out of her mouth.

"... He never returned. I never knew what happened to him down there. The only thing I was certain of, was that he would never come back to my arms. I was desolated, wandering about as day after day passed bye. I lost my footing after that day, the dream of having a family alongside him mercilessly crushed by his life choices…. When I thought I had nothing to live for anymore, I met her for the first time."

She stared at her daughter sitting across from her with a warm smile.

"An abandoned child, no older than 4 years old, left to her own fate in a dark alley. Once my eyes met the scared and lonely ones of her, I knew what I had to do. Maryuu was only the

first I took under my care, as after that day I promised to myself I would help these children I need in any way I could."

The passion in her voice and determined glint in her eyes were proof of how serious her goal was.

"Orphans and abandoned children are a common sight around Orario, and even more so around Daedalus Street. After all, this is Orario. Many adventurers lose their lives in the Dungeon, leaving widows and children behind. The ones unlucky enough to not be allowed into a deceased adventurer's former familia, as well as the parents who can't handle the responsibility, often resort to abandoning their offspring in this slum."

The elf eyes sharpened at the information.

It's impossible to know how many children have been born among the adventurers residing in Orario, but there are definitely a lot of them. And it's not a guarantee that they have parents who have sworn to spend their lives together and work toward a common future as family. In fact, many babies are the product of single nights of passion or the result of working in the Pleasure Quarter. That and poverty was another factor to take into consideration.

"In summary: There are many reasons why some parents might abandon their children, no matter how immoral it may be." He spoke up, as the woman nodded.

"Unfortunately, yes. That's a sad reality around the city, one that I'm doing my best to solve, no matter how little effect I might have in the bigger scope of things."

"That's really admirable, ma'am."

"Please, call me Mother Maria or just Maria, whoever you prefer."

"Ok then, Just Maria."

…

…

…

"That was a horrendous one, my bad…"

The mature woman blinked, taking a second to process what he just said, meanwhile Luke kept a straight face while looking apologetic at her.

Maria finally let out a brief burst of laughter at his piss poor joke.

"You are an odd one, you know that? Not many people use small quips and jests to lighten the mood, especially nowadays… You are just like he was back then, always trying to cheer everyone up, even at his own expense; the corny jokes also are almost the same….Thanks for bringing me those sweet memories back." She wiped a tear from her eye as she eyed him gratefully.

"Even if that wasn't really my intention, you're welcome. But back to what you were saying…."

"Oh, of course. Despite the tight situation we find ourselves in and having to struggle to move day by day, we are still living a happy life."

That was as clear as the blue sky. The children didn't show an ounce of sadness or remorse in spite of the conditions they were being raised in . They laughed, played and dreamed like any other children would.

That fact brought a smile to Luke's face.

For him, no matter the condition, where they resided or how bad things seemed to be; as long as he had a roof over his head, friends to share his day with and a warm bed, then there was nothing more he could ask for. He understands their happiness, even with the harsh, impoverished reality they lived in.

"It's obvious we would be. We have each other and Mother Maria, what else could we need? I'm sure many would envy what we have here." Maryuu's statement broke his line of thought.

"I concur. There many children out there that are neglected by their own parents…" Luke stared in silent anger at the wooden table.

"Every child deserves good parents, but not every parent deserves a child of their own."

The other two occupants of the table hummed in agreement.

"But onto better things. From now on, I'll donate a share of my weekly earnings to your orphanage."

His friend smiled brightly at his side, something that the caretaker imitated with an grateful gaze.

"While any help is welcomed with open arms, I don't want you to feel pressured into lending us a helping hand."

"Nonsense! I'm doing this of my own free will. Places like this restore my faith in society and its people's decency. Besides, l'm certain that Maryuu and you as well l would appreciate another head helping around with the children." The elf smiled at both "I'll talk with Lady Astraea to see if Maryuu and I can have our day off on the same day. I'm sure the children would love that-"

The adventurer stopped mid sentence, feeling something pulling slightly at his cloak.

"M-Mister… are you really an adventurer?" A young elfess asked meekly, shyness oozing out of her posture.

The elf eyed her in a junction of surprise and perplexity, momentarily caught off guard that a little elf approached him without any kind of hostility. His confusion was flattened once he promptly remembered where they were.

She wasn't raised by other elves. Thus, she hadn't learned to despise him, like most of his race does. This girl was one of the rare exceptions of the elven kind that he could safely interact with.

Logically this warmed his heart, and reminded him that not every elf was the same. Luke flashed her a sly smile, while giving her a gentle pat on top of her long, soft brown hair.

"But of course! Why do you ask? Have I got my first fan already?"

"N-No, I-I only wanted to ask you…" The little girl gathered her courage, looking expectantly at the adventurer.

"C-Can I be an adventurer, just like you?"

Luke froze at her honest question, a question that no doubt came from the depths of her dreamy, youthful heart. Maryuu also looked surprised at the sudden inquiry, but what caught Luke's attention was Mother Maria's reaction.

The woman was horrified at the girl's desire… and he knew why.

Just like everyone else, Luke was more than aware of the high mortality rate of an adventurer, being an adventurer himself…there was no need to discuss that with anyone else.

Except a certain naive elf who looked at him with her eyes full of hope.

"Of course you can! I'm adept that everyone can become a proper adventurer if they put the work into it."

The caretaker's concerned gaze widened at his positive response. She opened her mouth to protest in rightful indignation, but the elf beat her to it.

"But why do you want to be an adventurer, sweetie?"

The little one looked anywhere but at him, fumbling shyly with her fingers. The adventurer patiently awaited her answer, no pressuring her in any way.

The girl finally gathered her courage and looked him in the eyes, a fierce glint of determination filled her chestnut eyes.

"I-I want to help Mother Maria and everyone else! I'll do anything to earn the money that we need to live without worrying about food or anything else anymore!"

Most of the cafeteria stopped what they were currently doing, observing with curiosity as their sister proclaimed loudly.

…

"Well, that's a really good reason. However, are you sure that's the only way to achieve that goal?"

"W-What do you mean?..."

"It means exactly what I said. Don't you think that there are better and safer ways to help those dear to you?"

It was the young elfess' turn to be surprised at his question. The orphan stood in silent contemplation, puzzled by his line of thinking.

"Let's do this then. Tell me more about you. Your name, likes, dislikes, hobbies, goals and dreams for the future. Things like that."

The girl perked up at his inquiry, hastily organizing her thoughts and trying to quell her nervousness.

"My name is Gelia….I-I like to read, I guess?... N-No, that's not it. I enjoy studying and learning new things!... I also d-don't like bullies and mean people… My goal I've already told you, mister."

Luke nodded, patting the seat beside him. She got the message as she took that same wooden seat. The adventurer turned towards her, lifting his index finger, and gaining the whole attention of her expectant gaze.

"If you are enthusiastic when it comes to learning, then why don't you join the School District?"

"...The School District?"

"Yep, the famous school on top of the retired battleship. The best place in the whole world to learn. A place where you can specialize yourself in virtually anything you can think of. If you crave for knowledge in a certain area and want to become a renowned professional of the same, then that's the right place to go! Some professions pay a considerable amount to the ones that work on said areas… Being an adventurer is not the only thing that gives you some good money, you know?"

The girl's enthusiasm rose to new heights at his explanation, no doubt dreaming about the possibilities she could pursue while having her tuition in the, arguably, best school one could enter.

The energetic response slowly dwindled, as a somber and hopeless aura overtook her features.

"...There's no way I'll ever have the condition to join it... We barely have any spare money for anything." She uttered weakly, dejected.

As something struck her forehead, the young child lifted her head as she clutched the area she was hit.

"Don't be such a downer. You don't know what will happen in the future until you try it out. Besides… I've got a proposition for you that might deal with that." Luke said after flicking her forehead lightly.

"... Really?"

"100%, although you'll have to do something in exchange."

"Anything!"

"You sure, it won't be easy."

"I am!"

The child's shyness was completely absent, her tenacity and determination overwhelming her timid nature. That only showed Luke he was doing the right thing with this.

He smiled brightly at her, closing his eyes into a tender eye-smile before the big, generous offer that would change her life.

"Then I'll pay for your education there. It certainly won't be cheap, but I'm confident I'll have more than enough savings to cover it all until you are ready and old enough to apply to it."

The elfess busted into a bumbling mess, trying to comprehend what he just said.

"However, you'll have to study really hard so you can be prepared for when-" The sudden embrace he received from the girl made his next words die in his throat.

"I will! Thank you, thank you, thankyouthank youthankyouthankyouthankyouthankyou…" Her grateful words became an incoherent mess as she dampened his cloak with her happy tears. Luke patted her head as she hugged him even tighter.

Seeing the orphan's resolve, the will to strive for something better for those she loved. He wouldn't regret his decision, not in a million years.

Giving hope to a child - or anyone in general - was one thing that would soften his heart without fail. Just like his loved ones helped him through some bad times and gave him a good prospect for a better future, he sought to do the same for others as well.

Mother Maria's past indignation turned into a silent euphoria, and a thankful look at her daughter's friend as she eyed the wholesome scene. Maryuu eyed the onyx haired elf with a soft gaze, touched by his unexpected move.

After that and some more conversation with the aspiring student of the renowned School District; the ice was completely broken between him and the orphans.

The kids that were a bit apprehensive of talking with their Ane-san's companion, now were almost fighting for the attention of the laid back adventurer as they sat around his table. He could get a better look at them as they talked over each, eagerly trying to interact with him.

Their ages spanned from young brats no older than 5 or 6, to some that were entering puberty already.

The age difference made for some interesting questions coming from the bunch.

"Tell us more about the dungeon!"

"Can I see your swords!?"

"What kind of magic do you have?"

"I've heard that Astraea's beauty rivals that of a beauty goddess, is it really that much?"

"Is it true that Loki is as flat as a board?"

Luke snickered at the last question, lifting a finger to his lips afterwards. The children seemed to understand his gesture and quieted down.

"One at the time please. I can't answer all of you simultaneously…actually, I could. Although it would come out as a jumbled gibberish if I talk that fast. But enough of that! Who's going first?"

Everyone raised their hands.

'... Should have expected that, honestly.'

"Okay then, I'll choose. You there, chientrope boy!"

"What is the worst part about being an adventurer?"

"Fearing not only your death, but of your comrades as well… I'm not going to sugarcoat it for you, kids. Adventuring is a nasty business, not a glorious and honorable career. Always remember that if you want to trail that path in life."

Luke answered in all honesty. A clear attempt to get through their young minds what being an adventurer could lead to.

Choices have consequences. That's a universal truth everyone should learn, especially immature, impressionable kids. They could learn that lesson the easy or hard way. Luke preferred if it was the former, rather than the cruel latter.

The children wore varied reactions to the harsh truth he told them. Some were shocked and horrified. Some seemed to have already known about the gruesome nature of an adventurer lifestyle. While others were split between the two.

The enthusiasm they showed previously dwindled slightly at the heavy topic the question went to.

That wouldn't remain like that, not if Luke had anything to say about it. And he did.

"Cheer up people. Dwelling on that right now will do no good, but keep this as a reminder to yourselves about what you really want to do in your lives!"

He seemed to get the message across as the thick air around the table died down. Another one raised his hand.

"What's the best part of being an adventurer?"

Woosh

"Doing things like this."

The human boy jumped in surprise as he heard the elf's voice right next to his ear. The adventurer had moved faster than they could follow as he seemed to disappear before their very eyes, suddenly going from one end of the table to the other.

The children wore aghast and awestruck faces at the speed he possessed. Luke patted the boy's shoulder as he calmed down from the sudden startle.

"Ok, next!"

A werewolf girl, no older than 6 raised her hand energetically.

"What's your favorite dish?"

"I've got many, but one that stands out above the others is a simple, well seasoned stew with various types of vegetables and greens with chicken meat. I'm not into luxurious or too refined dishes, even if I make and savor them from time to time. Next!"

A cat girl besides the werewolf that made the last question lifted her hand. Luke gestured for her to proceed.

"What is your favorite color?"

The elf pointed at his rubbelite and azure iris, while bending forwards slightly. Satisfying her curiosity without saying a word, the cat girl nodded satisfied.

"Next one!"

A half-elf boy stepped up.

"Will you come back again, or is this a one time thing?"

"What? Already looking forward to me getting out of your sights? You guys are heartless, you know… I'm doing my best here to entertain you lot." Luke vented, wiping a fake tear from his eye.

The younger ones were troubled by his overreaction, fearing they pushed him away. The older ones, in contrast, gave him an unimpressed look, easily catching his jesting.

The elf's demeanor made a sudden 360, as he stood straight and chuckled at the younglings' worried faces.

"Don't fret, I'll be back. In fact, this will become a weekly occurrence from now on - as long as nothing serious thwarts my visit, of course… Moving on."

The youngsters were torn between pouting and being in delight at the news. Right after, one of the older ones lifted her hand. The elf gave the teen amazoness a nod, signaling for her to go ahead.

"Are you Ane-san's boyfriend?"

…

…

…

"...eh?"

Luke simply stared at the girl that voiced her question, his expression a junction of blankness and confusion.

'...Did I hear that wrong?'

"Yeah, I was curious about that as well. So tell us, are you two a thing?"

The rascals broke into a series of nods, hums and yeps of agreement.

'That solves my doubt…'

"Hold your horses. Where did you lot even get that idea from? We are only friends and work colleagues…. Nothing more, nothing less."

"But why not though? She's good looking and you two seem so close to each other, we thought she had finally settled and got herself a boyfriend."

The amazon's brothers and sisters nodded along with her line of thought.

'... How did we go from the dangers of being an adventurer and mundane questions about my person, to me and Maryuu being a couple!?'

Luke thought as he dragged a hand across his face, pondering how to get himself out of this hole he dug himself in.

"You have to admit it, she's a good catch!"

One of the kid's remarks made him lift his mismatched eyes towards him. Looking at the orphan's toothy grin, he stole a glance to his side. At the other side of the cafeteria, Mother Maria and Maryuu were having a pleasant conversation between them.

As if by pure chance, the healer seemed to have felt his gaze on her. The corners of the orphanage's older sister figure lips curled up, as she closed her eyes in a cute eye-smile while waving at him and the children as well.

'...Yes, indeed. Perhaps they are right on their claim… wait, what!?'

The elf averted his eyes away from her, almost getting whiplash from how fast he cracked his neck in the opposite direction.

His cheeks and the tip of his pointy ears were beet red, embarrassed of the territory where his mind strayed to. The children busted into a harmonious laughing fit at his expense, seeing they succeed in getting a reaction out of the collected adventurer.

Luke shook his head from side to side and gave himself two simultaneous slaps on his cheeks, getting his fluster under control.

Now that he was more composed, his eyes had gained a mischievous glimmer as they fell on the snickering rascals.

"Okay then, you guys have doomed yourselves to harrowing fate. Having now foolishly summoned the tickling monster rex, you snot nosed brats have a 15 seconds upstart before he - or should I say, me - hunt you down and tickle you until you piss your pants."

The funny faces were replaced by confused ones.

"One."

"Two."

"Three."

That confusion was quickly turned into playful despair as the elf began the countdown for the hunt to begin. He lifted his black hood over his head, giving him an more ominous look, and taking the role of the tickle monster to the next level.

The children began to scramble, pushing each other as they ran away from the creature as fast as they could. Giggles and laughter could be heard echoing in and out of the cafeteria as they ran.

'This is where the fun begins.'

Luke continued the countdown as they fled and hid themselves all throughout the church. While others were running as if their lives depended on it, the young elfess he made a promise today, stood at the cafeteria's doorway. A content expression graced her features, one that Luke returned in kind as he lifted his hood a little to show her.

"Time's ticking!" He promptly reminded her. Gelia giggled before running through the door.

After the time was up, the children would regret dearly the moment they decided to tease the adventurer and break his composure.

.

---

.

AN: Uff, another chapter done. I originally planed to include three more events in it, but ultimately decided against it. I came to the conclusion that it would break the flow and take the focus off from the visit to Maria's orphanage.

Speaking of which, this event will have some interesting ramifications in the story. Not only to Luke's development, but also with a certain silver haired waitress that will volunteer herself there in the future.

Also, the deal with Maryuu.

She's the side character I chose to give more depth and development, seeing it was basically non existent in the original material. Plus, her similarities with Meteria and her getting close to Luke, is for some interesting interactions.

Furthermore, is she a secondary ship? Just a love interest that can or can not be corresponded? A good friend?

Who knows? Only my deranged mind has the answer.

A young Filvis also made her appearance. I have some ideas for her character that I'll explore as the story goes. Especially the nightmare on floor 27.

To spike your curiosity, next chapter will present the events I originally planned to cover on this one. Including a meeting with a certain prum from Soma Familia. Luke's level up party at the hostess, and the introduction of a despicable dwarf that is present in Episode Ryuu.

One last thing. I've narrowed - but not settled in any... yet - the pairings to the followings in no particular order:

Luke: Ryuu, Filvis or Riveria.

Bell: Haruhime or Tiona.

Ryuu and Filvis are a mix of wish fulfillment and interesting concepts and dynamics they add to the story. Both can add to the plot and I want both to have a more happy ending or at least, a more happy time.

The Riveria one is almost nailed to a T by the reader Albeon, in his review. Although I disagree that Luke would be accepted if he entered a relationship with her, much to the contrary, the hatred against him by his race would only increase tenfold. I don't see them giving up on their views of him just because a rebellious princess chose him as her partner. I also partially disagree on how he thinks most interactions between Luke and Ryuu would play out, trust me. As Dutch Van der Linde would say, "I have a plan. You just have to trust me."

Tiona or Haruhime for Bell is mostly because they are almost never done, despite the good chemistry they would have.

As always, thank you all for the support and feedback you guys give me, they really inspire me to keep going with this fic and put my ideas and changes into words. This fic has passed 100 favorites and follows, really, I never thought it would hit that mark and I'm flattered that so many people enjoy my work.

Feel free to give your thoughts and opinions in the reviews. My PM is always open if you guys want to contact me directly.

Oh, almost forgot. There's a AI art of Luke as my profile picture. It came out better than I expected, honestly.

See you, space cowboy.