Chapter 5: introspection

Summary:

"Come along everyone, we need to report about the expedition and then the executives need to discuss things with our Goddess." Finn, no mercy in his tone as they dragged a wailing and nails dragging across the floor Loki

Notes:

(See the end of the chapter for notes.)

Chapter Text

After having finished reporting to the guild about their most recent expedition, Finn, Riveria, Gareth and Loki now stood in their office. Displeased with their goddess about their newest member a timid Loki glanced around at her Familia warily.

"So Goddess... Mind explaining to us just what the hell you were thinking?" An even toned Finn said.

"Look..Look, you were all gone and I was bored! ok!? Then I-" Loki whined before being interrupted.

"YOU WERE BORED!? SO YOU RECRUITED WITHOUT our help?" A furious Riveria said. Menacingly towering over the now cowering Loki.

"Dang it you whimpy limp armed Elf let her finish" Gareth harrumphed.

"Shut it your uncouth, dirty dwarf. Loki has always been a bit much but this is too-"

"ENOUGH!" Finn spoke over them. Raising his voice yet not enough to be yelling. "Loki, why?" He continued.

"Look, I'll be honest at first it was boredom, then it was cause the kid is a friggen chick magnet. I mean did you see how Tione and Tiona were already all over him? I figured with him by my side I could easily have a little fun. No harm no foul, sides I got him set up with some armor and a party to protect him." Loki, who had gone a bit more pale at the displeased looks given to her when she explained the situation.

"That's not everything though, The kid is more than he seems." Loki continued even at the unbelieving stares given to her by the executives.

"explain" Finn said, hands steepled in front of himself as he stared at the goddess.

"Ok so I found out more about him, and Finn you wouldn't believe the skill this kid has. It's called Luck of the March hare, I've never seen anything like it before. I'm pretty sure other Familia's would kill to have him on their roster."

The three executives glanced at one another. Loki was many things, often frivolous or silly. Yet even she wouldn't lie about the skills of her Familia. Especially if the boy had something she had never seen before.

Riveria who look was still filled with distain "So what exactly is the skill your talking about? What's so great about it?"

"Look basically he's lucky about everything!" Loki said excitedly

"What's so great about that?" Grumbled Gareth. Finn who continued to stare deeply at Loki waited.

"You don't get it! He has increased experience gain, increased drops, increased probability, increased chance at learning other skills. Like this kid has been an adventurer for two days and already he had a few stats in the one hundreds. TWO days! Think about that, you said he went up against a minotaur? When was the last time that a Level one could ever hope to survive for even a few seconds versus one? Not to mention Bell was able to hold it off for a few minutes. After two days, I'm honestly both terrified and scared to check his stats after the results of today. This kid may just have a growth rate higher than any adventurer who came before him."

"What!?" Gareth and Riveria said in union before glaring at each other. Putting aside the incredible factor of increased drops and probability. Which already would of made his skill one of the most sought after in Orario. Adding increased experience gain and learning new skills? All three executives looked at one another. Loki was right, this skill was simply unheard of. Who knew that the rabbit like boy they had saved in the dungeon. A new member of their Familia, was someone hiding such an incredible skill.

Finn though could tell something else was up. Loki's shifty eyes had more about them, then just a nervousness about Riveria's punishment. There was something else about this boy. Something almost as startling...

"I see... So you found someone special. Yet something tell's me there is more to this story Loki. What else is there about this Bell?" Finn asked, not once flinching or acting out of place about the news.

"Well Uh-It's-that.. Well ok, so he may or may not be related to Zeus." Loki admitted.

Finn, who for the first time had his eyes going wide. Just what the hell was Loki thinking, Zeus and his Familia used to be the strongest in all of Orario. Oh sure his Wife Hera was almost every bit his equal, but it was pretty much without question that the Zeus Familia was considered the top. Much like how the Freya Familia was currently, though Finn hoped not for much longer. Still it was no surprise that the Loki Familia had taken over a large section of their power after their defeat by the One Eyed Black Dragon.

While the Loki and Freya Familia had by no means caused the great deity and his Ilk to fall. They had done nothing to protect them either, letting the Familia disband. Sending Hera back to the realm of gods. They had assumed Zeus went with her, once they realized that no one would help them. Finn who at the time had just taken over as the Captain of the Loki familia had made the decision to abandon them. It would create a vacuum allowing them to easily fill in the void and increase their renown and power.

It hadn't been pretty, especially considering they had once been allies. Finn could still remember the betrayal on their faces when the remnants of the Familia left the city. Few of them as it was, still Finn had a dream and this had been something needed to be done to meet that dream. Regardless of how bitter it felt, and now he had a Familia member who was some sort of relation to Zeus? Damn it.

"Loki What exactly were you thinking? You know what happened to Zeus. What if this boy finds out the truth?."

"Look, he doesn't even know who his grandfather was. Hephaestus and I figured it out after talking to him. For what ever reason the old pervert had not told him the truth. As far as Bell knows his grandfather is dead. Though I highly doubt it." Loki exclaimed.

"Sides, the boy doesn't have a mean bone in his body. I'm telling you Finn this boy is going to be a treasure trove for us. Just think about the possibilities of what his growth could mean. Think of how handy his luck could be on expeditions." Loki grinned greedily.

Musing to himself he realized that Loki was right. Deciding to table that conversation for another time, truthfully he hopped it never would come up. It wasn't an easy thing to talk about, heck some had even left the Freya Familia and theirs over the situation. The refusal to help former allies not sitting well with them. Still, the boy certainly showed promise.

"What's done is done" Finn said, glancing over at Gareth and Riveria.

"Riveria I want you to test the boy once he's healed. Give him the ropes and the new adventurer training. It's important that Bell doesn't embarrass us, or get in over his head." Finn commanded.

"Gareth you and I will observe but not intervene at the moment. Let Bell become use to being a member of the Familia. We will most likely need you to keep a leash on Bete. Knowing him he's going to do far more harm them good towards Bell. Then get him set up with any equipment he needs. Nothing too extreme as just like any member he needs to earn his worth." Riveria and Gareth Nodded at his words.

Thinking more about it, it was obvious to Finn he couldn't bring Bell on expeditions as he was now. Especially him being only level one. Maybe if he was a magic caster of some sort, but even then they had waited till Lefyia was level three for a reason. He could simply be killed by the smallest of the things. Far to dangerous for him to be in that situation. No he needed experience and he would only get that in the early floors of the dungeon. Though maybe he should look at Bells party members. It would be wise to know what skills they had and what weaknesses they had. He would need to ensure that they didn't lose Bell.

Still time to address the elephant in the room, shaking his head wearily at his goddess foolishness he spoke.

"Loki, you put us in charge of recruitment since in your own words, you claimed it was beneath you. While I cannot command you since you are our goddess, I will ask that in the future you consult with us going forward on anyone you hope to bring into this Familia. Bell was lucky to be alive and while it was a truly unique circumstance. The dungeon is not kind, it's important that we set up any member for success." Finn said towards his Goddess.

Riveria and Gareth nodding along to his words. They had seen countless deaths in their time as adventurers and it was never an easy thing. Worse yet when it was a Familia member, especially a death that was easily preventable. Riveria though still looking fiercely at Loki, waited for Finn to finish. Until Loki interrupted him.

"Righto Finn! So can we go party at Mia's?" Loki said wistfully. After all she wanted to see her Ais, and the other beautiful members of her Familia. Hoping to escape before getting in any sort of trouble.

"Before that Loki, I do think some punishment is warranted for your brashness. Riveria? I trust you can handle it?" Finn said rising from his seated position. He couldn't command his goddess, but he did need to keep her in line every now and then. Walking with Gareth to the front door, igoring Loki's pitiful wails for help and that she was sorry.

Loki who had thought she was home free started to tremble uncontrollably as she felt a terrible shadow fall upon her. Shaking she glanced to her right to see the Nine Hells Elf approaching her.

Well FUCK.

--

Meanwhile at the Hostess of Fertility the Loki Familia was enjoying themselves with a hearty celebration. Cheering happily with good food and a happy enjoyment shared between them all. Well except for a disgruntled werewolf who was grumbling to himself amidst the group.

Tsk, he hated the fact that the stupid rabbit boy was apart of his Familia. Grrr.. What a loser that guy was, a total armature barely knew anything about the dungeon. It was obvious to Bete's trained eyes once looking at the ragtag group together. Didn't those idiots realize that weaklings just get eaten by the dungeon? those three fools were not going to last a month. Getting demolished like he was by a shitty minotaur. God Bete hated weaklings, Ever since... Well it's best not to think about it. Shaking his head ignoring the hole in his heart and the dead weight that settled in his stomach.

God he just wished that they could force the weaklings out of the dungeon. Their pathetic faces and even worse whining about this and that. It truly frustrated him to no end, that people who had no business being in the dungeon at the first place. It's like they were trying to die. Bete seated was fuming at the turn of events, especially having a new level one joining his Famila when they should instead be celebrating their success. Angrily muttering to himself he was seated with Ais, Tione and Tiona and was lost in his contemplation as Loki, Gareth, Riveria and Finn entered.

He and the group had been drinking somewhat freely. Bete more that most, Zeroing in on the group as they joined the table he couldn't help himself. He had to say something, didn't his opinion count for anything?

"Geeze Loki, why did you have to add that Rabbit boy to our Familia? He's such a weakling. Is he really going to be bringing anything of value?" Bete grumbled to Loki, Slamming back his beer scowling at his short haired goddess.

"Losers like him are going to drag down the Familia. Isn't it best if your just drop him? Boot his ass out and give him to one of the other mid level Familia's in the city" He continued, scowl filling his features.

"Bete! You leave Bell alone! He was doing his best" Tiona exclaimed angrily. She had grown to adore the guy, he was cute. Super fun to talk too, and simply adorable, especially the way he would blush from time to time when talking to her and her sister. Sides it was obvious from what they saw he was special. Stupid Bete wouldn't know amazing if it kicked him in the face. Glaring back at the fierce wolf, she refused to let him chase Bell out.

"Yeah right flat chest. Rabbit boy isn't even going to make it to level two. I give him two weeks before he's dead in the dungeon. Right Ais? He's basically so pathetic." The werewolf said looking towards Ais. Who at this stared at him blankly, Tilting her head to one side she just stared back at him. Silence following in his proclamations wake. Thought it wasn't long before someone grabbed the wolf by his shoulder forcibly turning him around.

"You Motherfucker, what did you say to my sister?" an angry Tione said arm holding Bete. Her other fist crashing into the table, barely not breaking it. But only because Mia used the finest and strongest woods in her furniture.

"You wanna fucking die? Who are you too talk to my sister like that? Careful I don't skin you into a new rug you fleabag." She raged on, veins visable on her forehead and cheek. Tione did have one hell of a temper, try as she might to hide it.

"Huh? You wanna go Ama-tits?" Bete sneered. He wasn't scared of Tione, at least he could put up a fair fight against her. Until an angry Tiona stood as well ready to back her sister up.

silence reigned as the first class adventurers stood up, anger obvious on their faces as they stared each other down. At least until Mia, came around the corner knuckles cracking. Finn who knew just how Mia could get decided to intervene. At least until Loki of all people, who may or may not of had a hand print shaped mark on her face. Beat him to it.

"Bete, enough, I brought him to the Familia and I will not have you here you questioning me. Riveria Gareth, you know what to do." And just like that in seconds Bete was tied up above the table. Cloth shoved into his mouth as he struggled to no avail. Bete was strong, but he could not compete with Gareth. That was the gap between level six and level five.

"Fucking prick" Tione said under her breath. A little red faced at the way she acted in front of Finn. He may of rejected her, but she still had trouble not being embarrassed when her anger got the best of her. Which... was pretty often. Still she had surprised even herself at her reaction. Sure she was angry that he insulted Tiona, but she was just as mad at him talking about Bell. Strange, she didn't really know why she had gotten attached to him as well. She wasn't like Tiona who was fickle about things.

"Look, Bell is now a member of our Familia. As such we will treat him with the same respect we share with every member. He's one of us." Riveria said to the surrounding group members. Ensuring that Bete heard her as well while struggling.

"Sounds good to us!" Tiona said wrapping her arm around Tione and pulling her in close. No aware of her sisters internal confusion about the situation.

"we already see him as such! Hey hey Riveria can we help you train and test him?" Tiona said jumping up and down excitedly holding Tione closely.

"We totally wanna help right Tione? He was so cool being a level one and all trying so hard to fight that minotaur! Plus he likes the same stories we do! So cool!!!" She continued on excitedly.

Riveria not sure how to respond, gazed at the Amazonian sisters. Sure Tiona was one that often would make rash decisions, yet she normally wasn't one to ask for things like this. Both Amazons respected strength usually and didn't normally bother with people of lower levels. Especially Tione who had feelings for Finn. Gazing over at Tione, Riveria silently seemed to ask "You want to help? or is this just Tiona".

Shrugging Tione nodded, hell her sister liked him most certainly. He seemed like a good guy, and he was pretty adorable if she had to admit. Slight blush now showing on her cheeks as she thought about Bell. Part of the reason she liked Finn so much was his strength. But also the fact that he was friggen sooo cute. Not that she would ever admit that out loud, and Bell certainly had cuteness in spades.

"That would certainly be appreciated, Once Bell is healed and given the go ahead to resume his adventuring I was planning on testing him anyways." Riveria said.

"Though originally I was going to ask for Ais's help." Riveria said while glancing at Ais. She was worried about her and the singlemindedness that she had for defeating and killing monsters. Not to mention the fact that Ais could use some sort of friendship outside of the executive group. She didn't seem to do much besides train or go into the dungeon. Even her being here at the hostess was fairly unusual.

"Hmmmmmm" Ais said with no obvious enthusiasm or emotion. Ais didn't really care one way or another, she didn't mind helping out when needed. Though if she was being honest she did prefer to focus on her own growth. She was frustrated she had been level five for so long. Not able to break into level six no matter how hard she pushed herself. She knew even with her status not being updated she was still not there. Just how long was it going to take her to be level six. Just how long would she have to struggle through until she was able to face the creature she heated.

"Tione, did they say when the boy was going to be done healing? I wanted to take a look at his gear. No Loki Familia is going to be running around in rags.' Gareth said rumbling in his normal deep baritone.

"well They said Bell had a few broken bones and his ribs were badly damaged. Honestly he's lucky to be alive all things considered. Yet with Riveria's healing and the Dian Cechts care he should be up and ready to go within two or three days." Tione replied.

A Loud CLANG, brought the Familia out of their musings. Searching around the room, until they noticed a silver haired young woman had spilled a tray of food and drinks everywhere.

"B-Bell is injured? what happened?" a stunned Syr said, She hadn't spent much time with the boy. Yet she had grown rather fond of him in the short time she knew him. Bell had a warmth to his personality that just sort of drew people to him. So hearing that he almost died was a major shock to Syr. She had been worried all day when he failed to return to the hostess. Constantly her eyes darting to the doors as new people entered. Hoping to see him, yet slowly her worry had increased as the night progressed.

Ryuu, who happened to see Syr in distress came over to check on things. It's pretty unusual for any of the hostess staff to drop anything. So she wanted to see what was wrong. Soon enough the whole group even Mia as gruff as she was seemed interested. Taking a break from cooking to clean the bar counter closest to them. They waited to hear more.

Loki taking pity on them explained everything that happened. From him exploring into the dungeon and having a unlucky run in with the minotaur. How Tione and Tiona saved him from certain death. Though he had grave injuries. As well the aftermath of the event, where he was currently healing and resting. She did still feel bad about the situation. Finn, Riveria and Gareth had been right. She should of given them time to go into depth on how the dungeon works. Eina at the guild was great and really helpful. But first hand experience was just in a whole other level. Especially compared to knowing things from a text book. She should of kept him in the manor, until they had arrived back.

"che, I knew that boy was going to get in over his head. Well regardless every adventurer goes through something like this. Facing something they are not ready for. The boy seemed to be made of stern stuff so i'm sure he'll recover just fine. Sry-Ryuu Back to work! Nothing we can do from here anyways. I'll give ya the morning off tomorrow to make sure the runt is fine." Mia complained, shaking her head at the situation. Though it was obvious to the Loki familia and staff that she cared. Especially since giving the two girls the morning off was pretty rare. Slowly the hussle and bussle of the restaurant returned around the group as the other members of the Hostess went about their jobs. At least all of them except Syr who was still a bit shocked about everything.

"Come now Syr, They said Bell was ok. Like Mia said we can see him in the morning" Ryuu admonished gently pulling Syr to the back of the restaurant. It wouldn't do anyone any good to have a dazed syr wandering around as she was. Better to get her off to the side, though Ryuu was a bit worried about him as well. The boy had been so nice and it was obvious that Syr had feelings for him.

Loki who was looking at the frowning faces of her Familia, the angry werewolf tied above them. Decided that it was time to actually celebrate what her Familia had done. Enough of feeling down and sorry about things and on to the party. Sides she thought sneakily to herself. The woman of her Familia who got drunk might be an easier target. Grinning she raised her glass into the air. Clearing he throat she spoke loud and clear.

"Now everyone, enough doom and gloom! this is a celebration on a successful and safe expedition! Everyone raise your glasses! To the Loki Familia! drinks are on me!" Loki said boldly to the roaring cheer of the room. Adventurers cheering from various different Familia's Loki smiled to herself. For once not thinking lecherous thoughts. They had done great all things considered and any delve into the dungeon that deep, with zero losses? That was a major win in her book.

Cheers being heard all around the group as the Restaurant partied into the night.

--

A few days later Bell returned to the Twilight Manor. Surprised at just how much more lively the place was with all the returning members. He had spent almost the entire morning introducing himself to the amused expression of Loki. even If Loki did try to cop a feel on all the female members while Bell distracted them. Much to his embarrassment and Loki's unashamed daring. Still it was good to meet them rest of them as they were his Familia now.

Bell did think it was a little intimidating though. He was most likely the only level one in the entire manor. Most of the familia and even support members were high level two's even three's. So he felt a little lacking regardless of the praise that Loki heaped on him.

speaking of Loki she was being a little much he thought. Constantly all over him, not any where near as bad as she was with the females. Thankfully he thought, wiping the sweat off his brow just thinking about it. Still more than anything it was his fault for not being better prepared. He had almost lost his whole party during that fiasco. He wasn't stupid and he knew just how badly out matched he was vs the foe he fought. After all the minotaur was a level two monster, well stronger than any level one should be. He had treated the dungeon as if almost a game.

It's not that he didn't take it seriously, of course he did. Yet he'd be lying if the thought of his own failure had crossed his mind. That and thinking that he and people he cared about could be snuffed out just like that. It was been a sobering situation. Making he very much aware of just how mortal he was. Just how easily the dungeon could swallow them whole.

Still he couldn't help but be excited, with the members back from their expedition. Chances are he could get some high quality training. Tione and Tiona were amazing having visited him together twice in the last three days he had been healing. Tiona excitingly telling him that she was going to help with Riveria's training, Tione smiling as they talked. If he had one small regret is he had hoped to be close to both sisters. Especially since they, in his mind anyways. Were the most beautiful, powerful, amazing women he had ever seen. He wished he could be like them and so listened to them with rapt attention.

Tiona he could talk all day long with about heroes and the stories they knew. Sharing them back and forth, That's not to say that Tione was cold or anything of the sort. Mostly just that he could almost feel if she was holding herself back slightly. She had a air to her that seemed calm and almost regal, yet Bell couldn't put his finger on it. It just seemed like it was almost as mask, and she seemed to hold him at a bigger distance then Tiona did.

Well, he did just meet them, so it's not like he could expect them to like him as much as he liked them. He didn't save them from almost certain death, he also certainly did not show off his cool side. Still he hoped to continue to grow closer with them. He wished that of all the members of the Loki Familia, but with those two the most. He was excited about the training that he been mentioned by Tiona. She had been almost unable to contain her excitement about the situation. Telling him about all the things they were going to be doing, at least until Tione had reproached her saying that she should behave. Riveria was the one who would be leading his development after all. Tiona had pouted a bit about the situation before getting excited again

Thinking more to himself as he and Loki traveled through. Regardless of what they said about his fight, he knew that he was sloppy. He had almost no real training, hoping to learn in his trials in the dungeon. He knew now that might not cut it, and because of what he had seen from his Familia he had a burning passion in him. A desire to be worthy of the Loki Familia, a desire to be a hero. A desire to be able to stand shoulder to shoulder with the two women who had his admiration.

It didn't take long before Loki and Bell stood before his room. Curiously Bell looked around so more, as it was in a different spot then before. He had been on a lower floor, yet looking around he saw things were far nicer then he was use to. Not that his old rooms were shabby or anything, just that this was obviously a step above.

Loki noticing Bell's wondering looks around decided to clue him in a little bit.

"Bell you've been moved up to the executive floor. In fact your actually in between Tione and Tiona. They specifically asked for you to be placed her after Finn made the decision for you to be closer to the executives.

"Goddess? Are you guys sure I should be here? I-I Don't want to be a bother" Bell stammered nervously.

"look Bell, Finn and Riveria make all the decisions when it comes to the rooms up on this level. They specifically decided for you to be up here. So no worries!" Loki replied smacking Bell heartily on the back at his nervous chatter. This kid was such a dork, she thought warmly.

"Now Bell, it's time to update your stats ok? Gonna want to see how you grew and developed. I know last time I didn't let you see your stats, but when I show them to you we need to be very careful. Never expose your back or let people see them. Alright? Now lie down while we take a look." Ensuring Bell took things seriously she lead him over to the bed.

And so Bell laying down, shirt off he found himself surrounded by the familiar blue glow of his deities power.

Bell Cranel

STR-F-250

VIT-E-300

DEX-F-200

AGI-F-205

MAG-I-0

SKILL: Luck of the March Hare. Bell has greatly increased luck, gaining increased Experience, Growth, Monster drops, and Probability. This skill is effected by each increased level. This skill also gives Bell an increased chance to learn new skills at a greatly increased pace.

SKILL: Heracles Laborous. Bell gains increased stats when facing a herculean foe. Depending if the labor he has gone through is Heroic enough or not. Bell may gain the increased stats permanently. This effect can be effected by his will to succeed and by his desire.

What the fuck... What is this kid.

These skill and stat gains are off the charts. Never before has anyone ever grown at the rate this boy has. Yet a cold dread filled her too, this Heracles Laborous. On the surface the skill screams overpowered. Yet a herculean foe? what did that mean? was it simply someone stronger than him? Somehow she doubted that was the case. Was is someone who out classed him like the minotaur did? Fear filling her at the thought of Bell facing similar such foes. The risks the skill entailed were enormous if it was. What good was facing a foe like that, if the stats gained were not enough to offset the sure power difference? Dying wouldn't increase his strength, and facing a foe like Bell did would certainly mean death if he was alone. Dumb luck could only get you so far, and sooner or later if Bell fought things so out of his weight class. No one would be around to save him.

Should she tell the boy? She didn't tell him his skills previously due to just how wanted he would be over the luck skill. Worried that he would accidentally tell someone or that he would be kidnapped or captured. This added on top? If he knew about it would he try and meet the requirements and get himself killed? UGH! She didn't know what to do. She needed to tell Finn...

Bell once again completely unaware of the Dilemma his goddess was facing, sat humming happily to himself. Excited to see how he was doing, and hopeful about the next coming days.

Notes:

Works been super busy these last few weeks which has made it challenging to write, sorry for the delays. The bold command also seems to be broken on the bottom. No matter how I try and format it for Bell stats the Bold command refusing to do anything but bold the one part. Not sure why and too tired to spend any more time on it! Sorry bout that.