In the next several minutes after his encounter with the silverback, Bell worriedly brought Hestia into his arms after she fell unconscious. Desperate for help, he looked around for anyone who would be able to assist. Fortunately, he ran into Syr and she led him into the Hostess to allow Hestia to rest. For a well-established business like theirs, it was an honor to assist a goddess in need. Even more so for a valued customer such as Bell.

And so, the hours of the day passed and Bell stayed by Hestia's side in case she woke up. While that happened, things were lively in the Loki Familia home. Well, this was true for much of Daedalus Street for those who saw what happened, but that news quickly spread amongst the adventurers within Twilight Manor. That being Bell's spectacular feat against a silverback.

Loki Member A: Do you really believe that happened?

He asked his friend with a questioning look. A rookie wouldn't be able to handle a monster from that deep in the Dungeon, much less beat one. His friend, however, had differing opinions.

Loki Member B: I don't know. There were plenty of witnesses who saw the fight, even from our own Familia.

Loki Member A: But it doesn't make sense!

He racked his brain trying to process how such a thing was possible. Several other conversations went about the same way. Those who were nearby trusted it while those who weren't highly doubted such a thing happened. One couldn't blame them as it defied most logic.

Of course, one was very adamant about its truth.

Esmeralda: What do you mean? Of course it's true! I saw it with my own eyes!

She puffed her chest out and smirked confidently while telling her story. In the room, Tiona and Tione leaned forward from the couch they were sitting on while Ais and Cerina kept close to their sister. The twins were very shocked to say the least.

Tiona: Aw! No way! We really missed something that cool?!

Tione: Damn! If those plant things didn't sprout out of the ground, we could've seen it too!

Esmeralda: *Curious* What now?

That's where Ais and Cerina came in to fill their sister in on what she missed. Their group had run into strange plant-like creatures while rescuing civilians. They were far more powerful than they expected, so Ais and the twins ended up having to distract the plants while Lefiya and Cerina prepared their spells.

Tiona: And Lefiya almost got tagged by one of their vines.

Esmeralda: *Rushing to Lefiya* Are you ok?! Did they hurt you?!

She slammed her hands onto the elf's shoulders and looked at her with wide, worried eyes.

Lefiya: *Startled* I-I'm fine! Miss Cerina helped me and we were able to take out all of them.

The red-head amazon sighed in relief that all went well.

Meanwhile, with Lefiya...

Lefiya: *Lesbian x3* (Oh~ Sh-She touched me with her p-powerful hands... I can never wash this dress again after today!)

She caressed the spot Esmeralda touched with a dreamy smile while the others help catch the amazon up with what happened on their end.

Cerina: And that's about it. Now, can you tell us more about the rookie who beat the silverback?

Esmeralda: Oh yeah! It was that Bell guy you two talk about!

Cerina: *Spit take* Bell?!

Ais: *Worried* Is he ok?

Esmeralda: *Smirking* Yup! He was in pretty good shape after he won! I gotta say, I haven't seen a fight that exciting in a while!

Ais smiled after hearing he was alright and Cerina let out a sigh of relief while holding her chest.

Esmeralda: Although, his goddess did pass out after everything settled down. The poor thing was probably exhausted after everything that happened.

Ais: I couldn't blame her. This year's event was weird with all the monsters that got loose.

Cerina: Yeah.

Esmeralda: Well, all's well that ends well. Hopefully she gets better soon. I'd like to get my turn with him too.

Cerina's face flushed from that.

Cerina: *Blushing* Would you watch your wording?!

Esmeralda: *Snort* Nah, I'm good. Anyway, I gotta blow off some of this steam. Tiona. Tione. you up for a few rounds?

Tiona: Count me in!

Tione: *Smiling* Alright.

As the three left, only Ais and Cerina, Lefiya if you count her while she's stuck in her daydream, were in the room.

Cerina: (I'm still curious about how he was able to do that. Maybe I'll go visit him and ask once his goddess recovers?)

The half-elf decided to go with that plan while Ais wondered what she was thinking.

Later that night...

Bell sat along the stairs to let Hestia rest. After several hours, she was still fast asleep. This had him very worried. That's when Syr passed by to see how he was doing.

Syr: Bell, is she awake?

Bell: No, still out cold. Today really took a toll on her.

The girl looked down in guilt when he said that.

Syr: It's my fault. If I hadn't forgotten my wallet, you two wouldn't have gotten into this mess. I'm sorry.

Bell: Damn right, dumb bitch!

Take 2

Bell: No! Please don't think it's your fault! This was all just a big accident! If anything, I should thank you and Mama Mia for helping us!

Syr: *Smiling* Well, I guess you're right. At least this way I can pay you back. Your goddess is free to take all the time she needs.

Bell: *Bowing* Thank you.

Syr: Oh, I better get back to work. I hope she gets better soon!

She ran off and Bell decided to go in and check one more time. When he opened the door and peered into the candle-lit room, he saw Hestia sitting upright in her bed. His eyes widened and he rushed over to her.

Bell: Goddess!

Hestia: Bell!

He hugged her tightly which she gladly returned.

Bell: Thank the gods! I was so worried you wouldn't wake up!

Hestia: Ehehe... Sorry about that.

After calming him down, Bell decided to ask her about the sword that had yet to leave his hands all day.

Bell: Goddess, can I ask you about this sword?

Hestia: Sure. What about it?

Bell: Where'd you get it? Also, is that signature really who I think it is?

He glanced to the part of the blade when a name was inscribed: Hephaestus. Hestia nodded to confirm his suspicions.

Hestia: Yup! The one and only!

Bell: *Shocked* HUH?! But aren't her works like super expensive?! How did you even get this?!

Hestia: *Smiling* Well, you wanted to get stronger and I wanted to help you. You're always risking your life by going to the Dungeon, so let me do this much for you, okay?

Bell was already brought to tears at her kindness.

Hestia: Remember, I'll always be your goddess, alright?

Bell: *Hic* Right!

They stayed there until the next morning. Once that arrived, they thanked everyone there for their hospitality before returning home. Now that they were all settled down, Bell decided to inspect his sword more.

Bell: I guess I don't need those other ones for the Dungeon anymore. This thing cut through that monster like butter.

Hestia: *Giggle* That's a work from Hephaestus for ya! She delivers on whatever you ask of her!

Bell: *Admiring the sword* So, what exactly did you have to give for this?

Hestia: *Sweating* Th-That's not important. Shouldn't you be breaking it in properly in the Dungeon?

Bell: Ah! You're right! I better go!

He went to gear himself up before leaving for the Dungeon. After a quick shower, Hestia did the same and headed for work.

Meanwhile, with the Loki Familia...

Ais had paid a visit to Goibnu once more to see if her sword was ready. It was, and she happily returned the loaner back to him in more of less the same condition it was in. The blonde thanked the gods it hadn't broken in the time she had it and even Goibnu was surprised.

Goibnu: Your Familia has a knack for breaking things. I'm surprised this came back to me in with the blade still attached to the handle.

Ais: Mm. Thank you again.

The god nodded and she was on her way.

Returning home, she sat in the dining room to eat breakfast and wait for everyone else. After everyone came down and grabbed food, they discussed their plan for the day.

Lefiya: What's everyone's plan for today?

Ais: I'm going to go down to the Dungeon.

Lefiya: By yourself?

Ais: *Nods* Mm. I need to make some money to pay for Lord Goibnu's work on my sword.

Tiona: Oh! If that's the case, can I tag along? I need some money for my new Urga too!

Ais: Sure.

Lefiya: Th-Then, I'll go as well!

Esmeralda: Hey, don't leave me out of the fun!

Cerina: I guess I'll join too.

Esmeralda: Eh? Why?

Cerina: *Puffing her chest out* As the oldest sister, I need to make sure my younger siblings don't cause any trouble.

Tick marks appeared on the heads of Ais and Esmeralda.

Esmeralda: *Annoyed* You're oldest by two seconds!

Celdia: *Gloating* Hmph! My point still stands!

Tiona: Agh! Whatever! Tione, you in?

Tione: I'll be staying here. The Captain might need me.

Esmeralda: *Shrugs* I guess it's just us then.

As she said that, Finn and Riveria overheard as they walked in as well.

Finn: Sounds interesting. What are you all up to?

Cerina: We were planning on going down to the Dungeon. Would you like to join us?

Finn: Hm...

He looked to Riveria, who gave a small smile, and then back to them.

Finn: *Smiling* Why not. I could go for a relaxing stroll.

Tione: What a coincidence! I was thinking the exact same thing~

Tiona sighed before all of them made their way down to the Dungeon. Once down there, they easily tore through all the monsters in the Upper and Middle Floors.

Poof*

Tiona: Hm... This was supposed to be Urga's first taste of monster blood. These guys are too weak though.

Finn: Well, it can't be helped. Let's make our way to Rivira. *Holds up a bag full of magic stones* We need these turned in as well.

They all agreed and headed for the safety zone on Floor 18. Upon arriving, they noticed there was something unsettling about the atmosphere. The streets were unusually empty and quiet.

Riveria: Something feels off here.

Cerina: But what?

Finn: Hmm...

As the prum thought to himself, Bors came out of a shop and made contact with the group.

Bors: The Loki Familia? Ugh, not now...

He groaned as they would be another headache for the one-eyed man.

Finn: Everything ok?

Bors: ... There's been a murder.

They all gasped at the horrific news. Bors led them to the inn where the incident took place and they were horrified to see the scene of the crime. On the floor, a man lay in his own pool of blood with a cloth to cover his smashed head.

Lefiya: *Gag* Oh gods...

Esmeralda: Shoulda tech'd.

Take 2

Esmeralda: Ouch.

Finn: Do we have a suspect?

Bors: It was a girl. She was with him the night they checked in.

They asked the inn keeper if he knew anything, but it was no use. The man was covered completely in armor so they had no way to identify him.

Finn: So we don't even know the victim's identity?

Bors: Nope. His face got smashed in pretty bad. It's the whole reason I had to go out and get this.

From inside his vest, he pulled out a container with a red liquid inside. Cerina glanced at it and immediately knew what it was.

Cerina: Status thief?

Bors: You know what this is? Hmph, then you know what's has to happen.

Riveria: You plan to bypass the security of his status. I don't think desecrating a corpse calls for praise.

Bors: Playing the normal way isn't going to cut it here.

Here opened the container and dropped a tiny amount onto the back of the corpse. Soon, the person's status appeared for everyone to see. What they saw was an elephant emblem to signify the Familia.

Bors: Can you read it, elf?

Riveria: I can. *Steps closer* His name is Hashana Dorlia. He's from the Ganesha Familia... and a Level 4!

Bors: *Shocked* Level 4?! It can't be! This looks like he could barely fight back!

Inn Keeper: Wait! The person he was with was a woman and everyone here is basically an Upper Class adventurer!

Bors: Suspicious of you all to arrive at this time.

Inn Keeper: Yeah! One of you could've easily seduced him to make him drop his guard!

Bors: So, which one of you was it?!

They asked around and looked at all of them before stopping at Tiona.

Bors: Well... maybe not her.

Inn Keeper: Not a chance.

Tiona: *Emotional damage* WHERE'D YOU GET THAT IDEA FROM?!!

Their last stop was Tione which was a mistake. Suspecting her resulting in Tione and Esmeralda having to hold her back from smashing their faces in.

Finn: Yeah, as you see, none of the girls here have that capability.

Bors: Then the real culprit is still close by. From the looks of the belongings, there's signs of it being investigated but maybe they didn't find what they were looking for.

Finn: In that case, allow us to assist you. We can gather everyone in town and get this ordeal settled.

Bors: *Nods* Mm. Let's go.

AN: That's about where I'm cutting this off. So, sorry for the long delays. School is unforgiving with free time. At least things get more interesting as we arrive to the showdown with a certain redhead. I wonder how she'll do when it's 1vs3? In any case, that will have to wait until next chapter.

On another note, I'm going to be shortening these chapters to allow for slightly quicker updates. I'm weighing my options so this is going to be a trial run for the time being.

Thanks for understanding. As always, feel free to let me know your thoughts in the reviews. I'll see you all in the next chapter!