In the audience, Bell and his friends did their best to support Mikoto as she would need all the defense she could get for what was coming next. The screen lit up and showed Bell standing in front of the church with his salamander wool cloak.
Bell: I'm heading off now.
Hestia: Yup. Although, that robe of salamander wool is rather flashy in my opinion.
Bell: I have to be prepared for the Middle Floors. Miss Eina is super serious about these sort of things.
Hestia: Well, if it comes from your advisor, then Idon't have to worry so much. Also, don't push yourself too hard just because you're a level 2.
Bell: Understood. *Smiling* I'm off, Goddess!
After that, he ran off. Hestia kept her gaze to where he ran and had a look of worry on her face. The screen then shifted to show Hestia in her work clothes in front of Babel. As she was going in, she over heard Take speaking with his Familia.
Take: Remember, coming back safe is your top priority.
His Familia: Right!
Take: And Mikoto, keep yourself under control. No need to over exert yourself because of your level up.
Mikoto: *Nods*
Ouka: Thank you, my Lord.
In the audience...
Haruhime: *Smiling* How nice. Both of them care so much about us. Hm?
She turned and saw that her and Take's Familias were trembling in their seats.
Haruhime: Oh...
She remembered what Bell and the others had told her before, and now she grew nervous to the fates of her Far East friends. Meanwhile, the others enjoyed the warm atmosphere of both Take and Hestia being proper gods.
Back on screen...
Hestia: Take!
Take: Ah, Hestia!
Hestia: Are they your children?
Take: That they are.
Hestia: Are they going to the Middle Floors?
Take: Yeah. Isn't your boy going down as well?
Hestia: Yup, he just started today. *Worried* He left pretty early.
The god saw the worried expression on his friends face and did his best to help her.
Take: Worrying isn't going to help. You should have faith in your son to return.
Hestia: Hm.
*Rumble*
She looked to her feet and felt the ground shake a bit.
Hestia: An earthquake?
Take: Yeah, we've been having a lot lately.
Hestia: They also seem to be lasting longer. (Just be safe, Bell.)
The screen zoomed out to show Hermes watching Hestia from above with Asfi.
In the audience...
Hestia: So, you were spying on us that early, Hermes?
Hermes: L-Look, I was just doing my job!
Meteria: You just better not have sent my son to do anything dangerous.
Hermes then began to sweat along with the others.
Hera: Oh heavens, what did he do?
Rolan: Not important right now.
Back on screen, it showed Bell and his party fighting of some hellhounds. Welf cut one down and saw another about to spit fire at him. He raised his arm, thinking he needed his spell, but Lili hit its eye with an arrow that gave Welf the window he needed to attack and kill it.
Bell: Woah!
Lili: Haha.
Welf: Alright, not bad for our first Middle Floor fight.
Bell: Yeah, it wasn't too hard.
In the audience...
Alise: Bad choice of words.
Astraea: I also feel this will take a bad turn. The looks they had earlier made me nervous enough.
Artemis: Tell me you didn't jinx yourself.
Bell and Elpis looked away from her which made her more anxious. Those like Ryuu and Ais were curious about how Bell and the others would end up in Rivira.
With Argo...
Argo: Who wants to bet they jinx themselves?
Yuri: I'll take that.
Galmus: You're on!
Feena: I don't think we should be bet on your next life's life.
Orna: Feena, just don't. You know how they are.
Feena: *Sigh*
With Bell...
Bell: Oh gods, we're getting closer.
Lili: You reap what you so, but...
Welf: We won't forget you. *Praying*
Mikoto: (HELP ME!!!) *Scared*
Back on screen...
Bell: Those fire attacks were pretty easy to manage.
Lili: *Picking up a magic stone* We should find a more open area to fight. It won't be good for us if we're surrounded here.
*kyuu*
Lili: Huh? *Turning*
She turned after hearing a strange noise. As she did, she saw three Almiraj rabbit next to them.
Lili: They look just like you.
Welf: Little Bells.
Bell: They do not, and they are Almiraj!!!
In the audience...
Meteria: Aw, they look so cute! I wish we could have one of those.
Rolan: We do, his name is Bell Cranel.
Bell: I am not a rabbit!!!
Bete: Yeah, you're a little late for that.
Bell: Come on. *Disappointed*
Lili: He isn't wrong. Our Captain could secretly be one of those bunnies.
Bell: Please guys?
Welf: You want a carrot? *Teasing*
Bell: *Groans*
His Familia then started laughing.
Zald: Cheer up, the mood could use some lightening.
Bell: But why at my expense?
Alfia: Endure it. This will build character.
Zeus: And women! Girls love rabbits- ugh!!
Hera punched him in the head before coughing into her hand.
Hera: Well, I, for one, would never mistake my boy for one of those rabbits.
AN: NOT IF I HAVE ANYTHING TO SAY ABOUT IT!!
Finn: To be fair, Bell Cranel isn't alone in that regard. Some of his children do bear resemblances to him. White hair and red eyes and such.
Riveria: Some more that others.
Bete: Except Ais' girl. She looks more like a rabbit than any of them-
Crash*
In the blink of any eye, Bete was punched into the nearest wall as Ariel kept her gaze to the ground and hid her eyes beneath her bangs.
Tiona: Holy crap, what was that for?!
Karmi: You pressed the rabbit button. You shouldn't a did that.
Riveria: The what?
Celdia: Sorry. Our sister doesn't like being compared to a rabbit, so don't do that.
Ariel: *Mumbling* I'm not a rabbit...
Finn: *Sweating* Well, we will keep that in mind from now on.
They got back in their seats, pulled Bete out of the wall and calmed themselves before returning their attention to the screen.
Back in screen...
The monsters then pulled axes out and jumped to attack.
Welf: Bell looks a little angry.
Lili: You wanna calm down your friends?
Bell: We aren't related!!!
In the audience...
Meteria: *Paling* Okay, let's tame first, then keep them.
Rolan: We did that already. His name is Bell Cranel.
Back on screen...
The screen shifted to Hermes showing his gay off.
AN: Take 2
The screen shifted to Hermes eating a popsicle as Asfi uselessly tried to reason with him.
Asfi: I hope you know that people are beginning to spread negative rumors about that Little Rookie. Some say he killed a minotaur alone and with magic. Others say the Loki Familia left it for him.
Hermes: Even with a falna, it's rather unbelievable he leveled up that easily.
Asfi: They've even gone as far as suspecting he lied about how long it took. No one is willing to humor the idea that he did it faster than the Sword Princess.
Hermes: So sensitive. Still, hearing all this just makes me more excited to meet the boy.
Asfi: What are you trying to do? Why are you interested in him?
Hermes: Aw, are you being jealous?
Asfi: What?! I just don't want to get into any trouble! Can't you just think about my position for once?!
Hermes: *Patting her head* We all appreciate your work, Asfi. You're the best leader we could've asked for. Even I depend on you.
Asfi: Uh, yeah...
The screen changed and now Hermes was in front of the Hostess.
Chloe: Hello- hm? Lord Hermes, nya?
Hermes: Hello, Chloe and Syr.
The screen changed to show Take's Familia running from a group of monsters with an injured Chigusa.
Back in the audience...
Hestia: Wow, is that what happened, Mikoto?
Mikoto: *Nodding* Yes, we were overwhelmed and had to retreat.
Meteria: At least they made it out, right?
Rolan: (You won't be saying that for long.)
Back on screen, Mikoto saw Almiraj gaining on them, so she quickly dealt with them before Ouka called out to her.
Ouka: Mikoto, stay with the group!
Mikoto: I'm coming!
She caught up and they kept running.
Ouka: Look, I'm not going to lose anyone during our first trip down here, so you'll have to excuse me.
Mikoto: It's fine. We all have to stuck together.
As they neared another opening, they spotted more hellhounds after them. Ouka proposed they try hiding in there before the screen changed to show Bell and his party in battle. The three were surrounded and getting worn down.
Welf: Damn, there's no end to them!
Lili: Quit your whining. You're wasting your energy.
Bell: (This is crazy! They're so much stronger and they're so many of them!)
In the audience, many friends who weren't there were worried for him.
Haruhime: I know you all made it out safe, but it still hurts to watch.
Bell: I know, I'm sorry.
Zald: Rather bold of you to take on the Middle Floors with only 3 of you. Even Bell is still the only level 2 in the party.
Alfia: I'm still waiting for that time you're worried about.
Bell: I-It won't be as bad as you think.
Artemis: Does it have something to do with that other party?
Bell said nothing as they kept watching.
Back on screen...
Ouka and the others came and saw Bell's party in the middle of battle.
Mikoto: Sir Ouka, they're catching up to us! We need to come up with a new strategy!
Ouka kept his gaze on Bell. Before he said a word, many had connected the dots at what was going to happen.
Artemis: They aren't thinking of doing that, right?
Alise: It's a desperate situation, but it's still unacceptable. *Upset*
Astraea: Anything to say for them, Takemikazuchi?
Take: I was disappointed with them, but also happy they were able to make up for their actions.
Bell: Yeah, they did and we're allies now.
With Loki...
Ais was grumbling at seeing Bell about to be pass paraded.
Finn: Looks like my thumb was right. That, and the boy did tell us.
Tione: We get to see how it went down, so that's cool.
Raul: I still feel bad about what happened to them.
Mikoto, Ouka and Chigusa lowered their heads in shame as it played out before them.
Ouka: Looks like we're going to have to run past them.
Mikoto: What?! But they're in just as much trouble as us!
Ouka: I'm not going to concern myself with strangers when my own Familia is at the same risk!
His while party was conflicted with the decision. Dishonorable as it was, they didn't know those people and the life of their comrade was important.
Ouka: You can lecture me later!
They all started running while the screen went back to Bell fighting. Just as they finished the monsters they were dealing with, Take's Familia ran past them and Lili spoke up.
Lili: Uh-oh, not good! We have more incoming!
All three turned to the corridor the other party left from and heard the snarling of the hellhounds.
Lili: We've been pass paraded!
Welf: Oh come on!
Lili: *Pointing to another passage* Over there! We need to retreat!
The screen showed the monsters chasing Bell and his group, but it also showed how Mikoto and the others with her were spared as none were chasing them. Though, the girl had a look of regret and guilt on her face as she ran.
Back in the audience...
Many looked at the three with anger and disappointment for the actions they took.
Ouka: *Sigh* I-
Crash*
He barely got a word out before Alfia smashed him into the wall.
Alfia: Silence. None of you get room to speak after what you did. *Furious*
Bell: Wait, just listen! It wasn't entirely their fault!
Hera: Wasn't it?! They pass paraded you even though they knew of the consequences it would have on you!
Bell: Yes, but they didn't have much of a choice!
Lili: While I was upset at what they did, Sir Ouka's logic was correct. We had no interactions up to that point and they had an injured party member. We were all panicking and we couldn't have been able to think straight. He had the mind of a Captain and he did what he needed for his Familia.
Bell: Yeah, so just go easy on them.
Zeus: The boy has a point. We don't have to agree with his decisions, but he was making them with his comrades in mind.
Meteria: *Upset* I still think a punishment is in order. You know, to make sure nothing like this happens again. *Smiling darkly*
Haruhime: Um, I don't think-
Welf: *Shaking his head* Don't.
Meteria: Seeing as how Miss Chigusa was a victim and that one is out of commission...
She turned and saw Rolan busy healing the man in the wall.
Meteria: It looks like Mikoto will be the lucky winner.
Bell: Mom, you seriously don't have to-
He was cut short when Mikoto laid her hand on him.
Mikoto: No, she is correct. This is the time for me to make up for the mistake we made.
Bell: But you already did!
Zeus: She did?
Bell: Yeah, after what happened-
Rolan: Now now, no need to spoil anything. If Mikoto wants to atone for those sins, then that's her choice to make. An honorable warrior like her would never go back on that choice.
Mikoto: Yes, I will take on whatever punishment you wish.
Meteria: Good, now what to do. We still have that ice bath and the tickling chair.
Being the hot bath lover she is, Mikoto grew very nervous at the former. Alfia noticed this and told her sister.
Alfia: Looks like the ice bath it is.
Now the samurai was panicking. She knew she couldn't go back on her word, but having an ice bath goes against much of what she is.
Bell: I think that is a little too harsh.
Alfia: Oh?
Welf: She does enjoy hot baths, but Mikoto was totally against pass parading us. When we met with them again, she begged for forgiveness the most.
Lili: Lili feels it would be unfair to her especially after everything she's done for us.
Hestia: Sorry to ask you to lighten it, but we don't want our member to suffer unfairly.
The two thought about their words while Mikoto was relieved by her Familia's defense of her.
Zald: They bring up good points. It didn't look like she had rook to argue and she has indeed done a lot to make it up to them. It should be clear enough with her being in Bell's Familia instead of her old one.
Meteria: Hm, I guess that's true. Fine, then we won't do that. The chair should be fine.
Artemis: At least you can't get hurt in it.
Riveria: (Speak for yourself.)
Mikoto: I will accept that.
Bell: Are you sure?
Welf: No one is forcing you to.
Alfia: I am.
Mikoto: Yes, well, appeasing their anger before Sir Ouka wakes up will be better for all of us. Besides, it can't be that bad.
5 minutes later...
Mikoto: OKAY! IT'S BAD! HAHAHAHA! IT'S VERY BAD!! LET ME OUT!!! HAHAHA!
She was struggling widly while Rolan had everyone else's attention.
Rolan: Okay, since they won't be back on screen for a while, we can leave her there for a bit while we watch.
Mikoto: NOHOHOHOHO!!!
Hestia Familia: *Praying* (We will remember your sacrifice.)
Back on screen...
Bell and his party were running away. They arrived on a bridge before Bell turned back.
Bell: Keep going!
He turned to launch a firebolt spell while covered the bridge in fire and slowed the monsters down for a moment. More rushed out from the smoke and jumped over him.
Bell: Look out!
Welf: Hyaah! *Slashes one*
Another jumped onto Lili's bag and hung there before Bell was able to kill it.
Lili: Haah...
Bell: You ok?
Lili: I'll be fine.
Bell: What about you, Welf?
Welf: Y-Yeah. *Clutching his arm*
They barely got a chance to catch their breaths as they heard more growling behind them.
Lili: More of them?
Welf: It's not just them. *Looking in front*
They heard more monster noises as red eyes peered back at them.
Bell: We're surrounded.
Welf: Why do these Middle Floor monsters catch up to us to easily?
Lili: That's just how these floors work.
Bell clenched the knife in his hand as he recalled Ryuu's words to him the night before.
Ryuu: Mr. Cranel, the Dungeon is cruel. It wears away at you bit by bit until you start to falter. Once you've reached your limit, there's no rethinking your plan. That's when it truly strikes.
As she spoke, it showed Bell and the others struggling while they were surrounded. In the audience, their worry grew more. Some cried out in fear when something happened to them. Almost as loud as Mikoto laughing before Rolan put up a silencing ward around her. On screen, the ceiling began cracking as red eyes peered from above.
Bell: No... it's still not over?!
*Crash*
It collapsed on top of them and Bell was looking to see what happened.
In the audience...
Argo and his friends had hardened faces at seeing how much harsher the Dungeon was to this point. Ilia gasped after seeing the ceiling fall and Epimetheus wondered how they were going to make it out.
On screen...
Bell picked himself up from the ground and went to Welf who was groaning in pain. When he got there, he saw Welf's leg was stuck under a boulder and likely broken. He also saw Lili stuck under one herself before looking up and seeing more hellhounds above them, about to attack.
In the audience...
Meteria: Bell!
Bete: Idiot! Don't just stand there!
Hestia: Oh no!
Welf: Ah, that part sucked a lot.
Lili: Well, it never got any better from there.
Hera: What?!
Back on screen...
Lili: It's over...
Welf: Urgh... (He won't make it.)
It fired at Bell as he stood there and realized where he was.
Bell: (This is... The Middle Floors.)
It changed to now show Orario during the day. Hestia was running frantically to the guild and asked Eina about Bell.
In the audience...
They all were worried at the situation the three found themselves in. Bell was trying to calm his family with help from Lili. Welf got dragged to the side by a worried Hephaestus.
Welf: H-Hey, I'll be fine. All of us are gonna make it out, so please just calm down.
Tsubaki: Welfie is right.
Hephaestus: *Still worried* I-I just... I'm having a hard time watching it.
Welf: Not like you're alone. That may not have killed me, but the hurt leg sucked a lot.
Tsubaki: We can definitely see that. You guys found yourselves in quite the pickle, eh.
Welf: At least it got better once we arrived on Floor 18.
With Bell...
Meteria was holding Bell as tight as she could in her chest while the boy tried to free himself. The entire time she yelled in worry at what she was seeing.
Bell: MMM! LHT GHHH!
Meteria: My sweet baby boy!!! *Holding tighter*
With Loki...
Gareth: Unlucky as it looks, those youngins bit off a little more than they could chew.
Finn: As sad as it is to say, I agree. At least we know how it all ends.
Bete: I got some of my own curiosities for when this blows over.
Line: Those being?
Tione: *Putting a hand over his mouth* Yeah, let's wait for that.
Raul: Those will probably have to wait until they get to Floor 18.
Tione: We also don't want to kill the rabbit.
Ais was doing her best to be strong. Having her parents here as well as knowing what happens after was a big help. Still, it didn't make watching easier. The kids were grimacing at watching what happened to their family. Argo's group was in shock at how intense the fighting was.
Back on screen...
Eina: He what?! That's horrible! He's still down there?!
Hestia: Probably. I mean, he hasn't been here.
Eina: No, we would've seen him.
She asked Misha and the others and the agreed that no one saw him come back up.
Hestia: In that case, I'll have a quest to go and find them!
Eina nodded and began putting paper work together before Hestia heard footsteps behind her.
Take: Hestia!
She turned and saw him with two of his kids.
Hestia: Take?
In the audience...
Meteria: Thank goodness a quest was put up.
Eina: Unfortunately, no one really takes those quests out of the kindness in their hearts unless they know the people in it or the pay is good.
Alfia: People did take it, right?
Meteria: Please say so!
Rolan: They did. There were quite a few of them on the team. You'll see who they were soon.
The screen changed again and they saw Welf groaning in pain as Bell helped him with his injured leg.
Bell: How's your leg doing?
Welf: Ugh, still hurts bad. I gotta say, we're pretty lucky. We ended up going down 2 floors trying to get back up. *Sarcastic*
Off screen...
Meteria: THEY FELL TWO FLOORS?!
Rolan: The collapse did more damage then they initially thought.
Meteria: How are they going to get back up now?!
Alfia: Prum, I'm assuming you had no intention to go back up after this.
Lili: Y-Yes, that's right.
Meteria: You what?!
Alfia: Sister, you'll see why soon.
Back on screen...
Lili: It caved in on us so fast. We got lucky making it out in one piece.
Bell: This salamander wool saved me from those hellhounds too.
Welf: You're advisor is pretty sharp about these things.
Bell: She sure is. !! *Turning the corner*
Lili: Again?
Bell: Deadend.
His face grew more worried and then the sounds of more monsters was heard around them.
Welf: *Smiles* Bell, listen to me. If things get too hairy, you have to leave me behind.
Bell: What?! Are you crazy?! What are you talking about?!
Welf: You don't need to lie to me. You can admit I'mjust dead weight now. All I'll do is slow you down from here on.
Bell: Welf, you're hurt! That's no excuse to just leave you to die!
Welf: There's no other way.
Off screen, Hephaestus was now scolding Welf for his suggestion.
Hephaestus: *Angry* How dare you even consider that!
Welf: W-Wait, please! I was just looking out for my team!
Hephaestus: And what about you?! What were you planning to do if they left you?!
He couldn't find an answer to that. Not one she would be satisfied with. He lowered his head shamefully at worrying her like that until he felt arms wrap around him.
Welf: Lady Hephaestus?
Hephaestus: Please, don't give your life up like that... please, Welf.
Welf: *Rubbing her back* Okay.
Back on screen...
Lili: Hold on. There might be a way for all of us to make it if we can make it to Floor 18.
Bell: That doesn't make any sense!
Welf: The monsters will get stronger the further down we go.
Lili: Just listen, that Floor is a safe zone. Monsters won't spawn there. We can find a way to heal there and maybe even tag along with a stronger party looking to go back to the surface. Our odd would be looking better than what they are right now.
Bell: That sounds good, but how would we get there?
Lili: We can use those pits.
She pointed to some openings in the ground near them.
Lili: It'll be a lot faster to go straight down than looking for the stairs.
Welf: Then, what about the Floor Boss right before it?
Lili: Goliath. The Loki Familia should have taken care of it. If we take it's spawn time into account, we should barely make it.
Welf: Do you even hear yourself?
Lili: Look, we're put of options. This is all we can do now.
In the audience, many were at a loss for words after hearing her. The plan she put together there was the best their party could have in that situation.
Meteria: *Upset* I see why you would suggest that, but it still doesn't make me happy to see you go through all that danger.
Zald: I'm afraid that's the life of an adventurer.
He was quickly shut up by a glare from her.
Alfia: I'm impressed you could formulate a plan like that. You have my praise.
Lili: *Bowing* Thank you very much! (Score one Lili!!!)
Zeus: This adventure won't be an easy one. Let's see how it unfolds.
Back on screen...
Lili: Master Bell, as party leader, this is your call.
Bell: Me?
Welf: Go on. We trust you.
Lili: Mhm. *Nods*
He thought about it for only a moment before he came to his decision.
Bell: We're going!
In the audience...
Mikoto: As expected of him.
Haruhime: Master Bell is too kind to risk anyone dying. He'd do whatever it takes if it means we all get to come out alive.
Bell: Hehe, that's just me.
Hera: And we're proud of that.
Zeus: You've grown well, my boy!
Artemis: That's another thing I love about you. *Hugs him*
Bell: Thanks.
The screen changed to the abandoned church and showed Take apologizing with his Familia.
Take: Forgive me. *Bowing*
Miach: So they lured a bunch of monsters towards Bell and his party?
Take: Even taking their situation into account, it was unacceptable.
His Familia looked to the ground in shame. Mikoto in particular looked very guilty of it. Only when Hestia spoke did she raise her head.
Hestia: I won't hate you for what you did, but if Bell doesn't come back, the blame will be on your heads forever.
The sun then shone through the stain glass window as the held her hand out to them.
Hestia: Please, will you help me bring them back home?
They could only stare in awe before they got on their knees and agreed.
Hephaestus: Don't time shit to the clouds you pretentious whore!
Take 2
Take's Familia: Yes, Goddess!
She felt relieved to hear they would help her. Back in the audience, Bell's family was calming down seeing that. Take was relieved to see that they were willing to let his Familia regain their honor. That and Mikoto was finally let free. Feeling quite tired, she rested on Take as the next scene played out.
Hephaestus: Sorry, but Iwon't of much help this time. My higher level member are with the Loki Familia right now.
Take: I can lend Ouka and Mikoto. Chigusa could work as a support, but the others would just slow you down.
Said others lowered their heads in shame at not being able to make up for their Familia's mistake.
Take: Three would likely not be enough.
In the audience...
Zeus: He makes a fair point. Getting down to where Bell and the others are at is going to be difficult with only them.
Bell: Well, it wasn't just them.
Back on screen, they all heard a voice they hadn't heard from in a while.
Hermes: I can lend a hand, Hestia.
Hestia: Hermes?
The messenger god walked in with Asfi next to him. The others were surprised he even showed up.
Take: What are you doing here? Didn't you have a trip?
Hermes: I heard a dear friend needed help so Irushed over here. Chech this out. *Holds a paper out* A search request.
Hephaestus: You expect us to believe that? You two had nothing to do with each other since arriving to the Lower World.
Miach: She brings up a good point. I can't really see you as a friend of hers.
Hermes: Come on. Aren't you guys being a little harsh? I did come here to help and save Bell. *Wraps his arm around Asfi* So I've let Asfi here join the rescue team.
Asfi: Huh?! *Disbelief*
Hermes: She's the best I can offer and a good addition to our cause.
Asfi: *Sigh*
Take: Well, what do you say?
Hestia: I want to save Bell and the others more than anything, so I'll take all the help I can get. I accept you offer, Hermes.
Hermes: We won't disappoint! *Smiling*
Back in the audience...
Hera: Say, how strong is she, Hermes?
Hermes: Asfi here is level 4 and quite the figure in Orario.
Zeus: Ho. She's a great addition to the rescue team, among other things. *Pervy gaze*
Hera: Oh no you don't! *Grabs a broom*
Zeus: W-Wait, not the broom!
Bash* *Bash* *Snap*
A piece of it broke off after the third hit and Zeus sat in his chair with three bumps on his head.
Hera: That'll teach you to behave.
Bell: *Sweatdrop* (Ouch!)
Back on screen...
As the others set up the plan, Asfi and Hermes separated themselves to discuss a different matter.
Hermes: What's wrong?
Asfi: When you said "we", Ihope that didn't imply you were going to the Dungeon with us.
Hermes: Correct, I'm coming too.
Asfi: Ah- no! Gods aren't allowed there!
In the audience...
Ouranos: Why must you feel the need to make things more complicated, Hermes?
Hermes: Hey, I'm just doing a job. Can't you cut me some slack?
Argo: Question. Why aren't gods allowed down there?
Rolan: Put simply, the Dungeon despises the gods.
Ouranos: Correct. Our divine power can cause calamities which is why it is prohibited for us to venture down there.
Some paid attention to those words. People like Finn felt foreshadowing that was yet to come. Then again, Finn felt a particularly strong throbbing in his thumb at those words.
Argo: I see.
Feena: What would happen if a god were to be killed down there?
Many looked uncomfortable at the question. Rolan had to step in again.
Rolan: That is rather complicated to answer. While I can't say anything right now without spoiling events of the future compared to what we're watching, all I can say it that no god has died down there before to their knowledge. I'll give a better answer as we progress.
Back on screen..
Hermes: Nobody has to know about this. Just make sure everything runs smoothly and it'll work out.
In the audience...
Lili: Flawless plan. No one will find out about it.
Hermes: You say that like it's my fault.
Hestia felt as arrow pierce her at the words "my fault." (They don't need to know about that right now. I don't need to end up like Mikoto.)
She looked to her Familia member and saw she finally looked back to normal.
Asfi: *Sigh* This was your plan from the beginning.
Hermes: *Patting her head* Hahaha! Just focus on protecting us.
Hestia: I'm going too!
This startled the two when she come from nowhere.
Hermes: Gods aren't allowed in the Dungeon, Hestia. Don't be silly!
Hestia: Just keep it secret then.
Hermes: Uh...
Hestia: I'm going to save Bell too. I don't like having to leave it to someone else. I'll be joining as well.
Hermes: *Sigh*
Hephaestus: Hestia?
Take: Sorry, this was because of us.
Hestia: Oh, just drop it. *Smiling* He isn't dead, not yet.
The screen showed the three making steady progress down the dungeon.
Hestia: I can still feel my blessing on him.
She held on to hope as Hephaestus asked her something.
Hephaestus: Hestia, when you find Welf, I need you to give him something.
Hestia: Sure!
Outside the church...
Hermes: Asfi, think you can protect me and Hestia?
Asfi: I'm afraid Ican't make any guarantees.
Hermes: Well, that's no good. Guess we'll have to go with Plan B.
An image of Ryuu working in the pub was shown as they talked about their problem. In the audience, all the attention now focused on the elf who tried to hide herself.
Alise: Hoho? More screentime for our little sister?
Kaguya: You just can't escape from him, can you? *Smirking*
Lyra: I wonder what you'll do when you get there?
Ryuu was blushing again at their antics again.
Rolan: If you're finished teasing Ryuu...
Alise, Kaguya and Lyra: NEVER!!!
Rolan: This next scene will be of great interest.
They turned their heads to the screen and saw Bell's party once again. They were all out of breath, but Bell and Welf looked to be choking on air.
Welf: Please, can't you do something about that smell? *Gagging*
Lili: *Irritated* Oh, will you shut it?! *Waving the smelly bag in front of them* How do you think it is for me, who's holding it?!
She angrily waved it in their faces as they begged for mercy. In the audience, some laughed and/or had smiles at the comic relief.
Lili: This is the last lifeline we have left. The awful stench should keep the monsters away for a while.
Welf: I get that, but ugh...
Bell: We gotta suck it up.
Suddenly, they heard a noise and saw a hellhound next to them. Welf got loose and held his hand out as it prepared its fire breath.
Welf: I got it. Burn out, illegal works Will O' Wisp!
Waves of air flew out of his hand and into the monster. When it did, the monster bloated before exploding in a wave of fire that leaked out of the corridor it was in. Those in the audienc who never saw it before were amazed at the spell.
Alfia: So, it causes Ignus Fatus? Interesting.
Meteria: That's an amazing spell you have, Welf!
Welf: At the time, I didn't know how I'd use it. Now I know how to make use of it.
Zald: It's something useful to have in a pinch.
Other people there gave their praises to the man.
Back on screen...
Lili: That spell uses the targets magic against them to make them self destruct.
Welf: Yeah, came in handy now.
Bell: You gonna be ok? That was far from the first time you've used it.
Welf: Don't you worry. *Smiles* I'll be fine.
Bell still looked worried. The screen changed again to show Freya in her room.
Freya: What's going on it that head of yours? Oh well. Just remember, I'm the only one that gets to toy with him.
Many in the audience felt anger again at the goddess' words.
Meanwhile...
Mia: What in the fuck is that?!
Freya had finished baking what she calls, "brownies" and Mia did not see that.
Freya: The brownies you told me to make. The chocolate frosting is on top.
Mia: I could literally pull the same looking thing out of a dog's ass and put them side by side and you couldn't tell the difference!
Freya: But the smell-
Mia: BOTH SMELL BAD BECAUSE YOU BURNED IT!!! MAKE ANOTHER ONE!!!
Freya: HIII!!! *Jolt*
She ran off as Mia fought off another stroke.
Mia: Thank the gods this is the last one. Hopefully I didn't miss anything good.
Back in the theater...
The screen showed the Dungeon rumbling as Lili came to a halt.
Bell: Lili?
Lili: No more stink...
There was stomping followed by a familiar growl in front of them.
Welf: Seriously? *Annoyed* What the hell?!
Minotaur: *ROOOOOAAAAR*
Meteria couldn't voice her worry before Bell on screen rushed to face it.
Bell: HAAAA!
He jumped out of the way of one of its blows before bouncing off a wall and slicing its arm off. It howled in pain, but Bell was far from finished. He jumped back and forth, cutting up its chest each time. Everyone was amazed at how Bell was handling it.
Mikoto: Amazing...
Zeus: *Cheering* Keep pushing, Bell!
On screen, Bell scowled as two more appeared with the first one. A cloud of dust blocked their view as Bell picked up one of their weapons from the ground.
Welf: Damn...
The three towered over him while Bell charged Argonaut again. The axe glowed white before Bell struck back. A massive shockwave followed and the monsters were nowhere in sight as the dust cleared. The weapon also disintegrated as Bell stood in victory. Welf watched in awe before smiling.
Welf: Looks like they weren't kidding when they said he beat a minotaur at only level 1.
Back in the audience, the boy was recieving praises for his feat just now.
Finm: Very impressive. Defeating three of them that easily as a fresh level 2 is remarkable.
Riveria: It goes to show how much he's improved.
Ais mentally congratulated him.
Albert: Wow, that was something else.
Aria: Impressive, right?
Albert: He's grown a lot in such a short time.
Others gave their thoughts on the matter.
Ilia: He looked amazing there, right?
Epimetheus: Mm. *Nods*
The children celebrated the victory before they all saw Bell fall to his knees on screen.
Lili: Master Bell! Are you ok?!
He was panting, tired as they looked forward at their goal which was still a ways away. The screen changed again to show Hestia and the rescue team about to embark.
Meteria: Please let them make it in time. *Praying*
On screen...
Hestia: Right, are we ready?
Everyone: Yes!
Hestia: Then let's not waste anytime.
The tiny goddess was about to start before Mikoto spoke.
Mikoto: Wait, someone's coming.
Ryuu then arrived in her usual outfit to hide her identity.
Hestia: What's she doing here?
Hermes: Oh, she's with us. She'll be providing help to the operation as well.
In the audience...
Meteria: Anything else you want to say, sister? *Smirking*
Alfia: *Sigh* Fine, go on.
Meteria then went to the elf and grabbed both of her hands which shocked her.
Ryuu: Wha-
Meteria: You'll be just great! You're just the woman Bell needs next to him in his life.
Ryuu: *Blushing* I-I-I...
Meteria: Bell, you agree, don't you?
Bell: Mom! *Blushing*
Hera: Meteria, what about sweet Haruhime? She's clearly shown her wife material as well with that Wiene girl.
Haruhime then blushed too.
Zeus: She makes a fair point until you realize both are essentially maids. They're a perfect fit for Bell.
Bell: Grandpa, you can't- (Actually, he isn't wrong.)
Zeus: Besides, both are blonde, just the way my boy likes them. *Smiling*
Bell: Stop it!! *Embarrassed*
The other blonde was pouting at not being in the conversation with the other two.
Ais: Mom, how do I become a maid?
Aria: *Giggles* I'll tell you later.
Back on screen...
Hestia: Got it. Now then, let's go!
The screen blacked out after they began their own march down.
Meteria: Oh, come on!
Zeus: That's just mean.
Tiona: Yeah, we wanna see what happens next!
Rolan: Yes yes, I'll have it set up now.
Around two minutes passed and nothing happened.
Rolan: Strange, that shouldn't be.
Bell: Something wrong?
Rolan: It appears an issue has risen up. Everytime I try to start it, the language starts to one I don't understand.
Video: Bideo desu!
Rolan: It's going to take some time to fix, so you'll have to wait for a bit.
Bete: Then what the hell are we supposed to do now?
Rolan: Hm, well, this is a good opportunity to do that thing I wanted.
Bell: What was it?
Rolan: That thought I had about you fighting the children there. I figured you would be interested in seeing Orario's next generation of adventurers after Bell.
Finn: That does sound interesting.
Alise: I still don't know how I feel about fighting a bunch of kids.
Astraea: I'm with Alise on this one. Even if you say they are strong, I still feel it's in poor taste.
Several others nodded in agreement as the children wondered what was wrong, save the older ones. Rolan went into a thinking pose before another idea came to mind.
Rolan: Well, if you don't want to face them, then what if they fought each other?
Everyone: Huh?
Rolan: *To the kids* What do you all think?
Alise(Emb): I'm game!
Masako: Me as well.
Celdia: I will go.
Ariel: Me too!
Karmi: Heck yeah! Time to throw down!
Ardi: I don't mind.
Albert(Emb): I might as well join. Wallace?
Wallace: Hard pass. I'm not in the mood to get clobbered.
Several of the younger siblings also passed, expect Eileen and Haruka.
Rolan: So, I have Albert, Alise, Ardi, Masako, Ariel, Celdia, Karmi, Eileen and Haruka. Still an odd number, but I guess I'll exempt Albert from the first fight.
Hera: Now hang on, that seems a little unfair-
Alise(Emb): Fair enough.
Masako: Thank the gods.
Celdia: We'll get a chance to do something before getting knocked out.
Albert(Emb): H-Hey, I'm not that bad, right?
They sweated a bit and looked to the side.
Albert(Emb): Ariel?
Ariel: *Whistling*
Ardi: No offense.
The boy dropped to his knees in despair before Rolan got to work.
Rolan: I'll put the brackets together soon. In the meantime, let's all break for lunch.
No one was against that. As Rolan fixed his projector, the others enjoyed their meals while the kids got ready for their matches. Everyone was excited for this whether they admitted it or not. All that was left was the brackets Rolan would put together.
AN: So, I've been busy with real life. That'sreally all I've got to say for taking so long. We've got a special one coming up then the story continues.
Thanks again for reading and I hope you enjoyed. Feel free to let me know what you thought and I'll see you in the next one.