Author's note:
Hello again!
This chapter is a little shorter than usual. Getting back down to a more manageable length honestly, and has *gasp* no combat!
I think that's a first? I'll be back next time to stir up more drama!
Later!
Chapter 23: New Home, New Members, New Issues
Zeus' Memories
"I'll show you…"
Zeus wasn't sure if he was supposed to hear Hermes' words or not. Either way, it didn't matter. Life in Orario was over. The city that he'd spent almost a thousand years in, fostering relationships with children, building heroes, had come to a swift and sudden end.
The last of the three god monsters had proven to be too much. The One-eyed dragon was gone, and with it every single member of his familia but one.
Slightly shaking his head, Zeus turned away from Orario and toward the horizon. The flattish land with no notable features or landmarks. To most deities, Zeus was sure that it would look boring and uneventful. Away from the hustle and bustle of the children and the entertainment that they brought.
Readjusting his pack, Zeus was confident that Hermes saw him like that. An old man leaving behind the excitement of Orario for a disgraceful exile. Done with his life on gekkai.
However, as he took his first stride away from the city, Zeus felt the old thrill of excitement reawaken within in. He was an immortal. It had been hundreds of years since he had gotten to explore at his leisure. He just needed to make sure to return to Orario in a couple of years or so. No doubt things would get interesting by then and Zeus would want a first-class ticket.
"…Tsk."
Stopping at the noise, Zeus turned to see the departing back of Hermes, the god that he'd called friend all these years, slumped in disappointment. Thinking on his strategy, Zeus could only shake his head sadly.
"You still haven't figured it out, have you?"
The inaudible words never reached the fading god. But Zeus was confident now. Too many times had he seen great heroes rise and fall. A near uncountable number over a millennia. None of them were enough, however. The One-eyed dragon had shown that.
The problem was that each one had been sculpted by a god or goddess to be a hero. They were fabricated and molded. This world needed a true hero. One that broke free of even the gods' whims.
Even if Hermes succeeded in capturing Bell in his plans and molding him, his schemes will fail with the boy. The only way for the true hero will emerge is by beating everyone's expectations, even the gods.
Wishing the boy the best, Zeus continued on his journey. He had many places to see before returning.
Bell:
"There it is… The White tower once more."
"White tower?" Lili mumbled in confusion, "it's just the tower of Babel."
"Sorry," I apologized, flashing her a quick smile. "It just reminds me of some of the stories I've heard."
"How so?" Lili inevitably pried. I could never be sure whether it was because she was interested in what I had to say or was just being polite.
"Like I said… Just a story I'd heard from my old god…" Trailing off, I glance quickly to the side and see that Lili had completely faced me and is watching with interest. Sighing, I scratch my head and continue. "One day, shortly after the god's had descended, when they were building the final Tower of Babel, the gods thought there should be murals painted on the side, murals of…"
"Murals of themselves?" Lili snickered.
"Exactly," I answer with a weak smile. "So, the builders painted the stone they used white to provide a better canvas. It took a lot of work apparently. However, once the tower was painted white, the gods got together to see who would get painted where and…"
"They argued endlessly?"
"Yeah… After three days of no progress, Ouranos told them to stuff the idea."
"So, the tower stayed white…"
"Can you imagine if there were pictures of gods' arrogant faces on it though?" I chuckle with some forced brevity.
"If that were the case, I imagine there would be no end to the vandalism." Lili laughed back.
"True! The city would be stuck in an endless war of protecting their god's picture and attacking the others."
"What a nightmare…" Lili shuddered. "I think the story is a good example of the two sides of the deities however."
"What do you mean?" I ask curiously as we begin the trek down into the city. Without a good way of transporting things, I was dragging a small cart behind me that Lili and I had thrown our meager belongings into. Most of the weight came from my father's sword and the rather sizable purse that Lili possessed. I never had gotten a straight answer from her on how she got it.
"It demonstrates how much the gods have to offer this world," Lili answered, "without them, the tower would never have been completed."
"And the other?"
"That their internal bickering could have thrown the world into chaos, rendering the good that they did in establishing the tower moot."
"Do you think child me was supposed to pick up on those meanings?" I tease lightly. Internally however, I agree. These capricious beings gave humanity a way to fight back. To vanquish the monstrous horde that sought to exterminate them. Alternatively, they also tore it apart. Thousands of deities walked the lower world, each one carrying out their own lives and seeking fulfillment from the children that lived here. Too often they butted heads, throwing familia against familia, costing lives, to sate their own thirst for enjoyment.
"Maybe not," Lili conceding, bringing my thoughts back on track. "But I think its an interesting dynamic that's been established. Can't live without the gods, and sometimes it feels like you can't live with them either."
"You really are way smarter than me, you know that?"
"I know Master Bell."
Despite the imperious sniff, I think I catch just a hint of a smile before she turns her head away from me. Carrying on silently, we join the queue approaching Orario.
Kirito:
Pacing nervously from side to side, I waited for them to arrive. The two that could confirm whether or not I was actually doing the right thing. As much as I had tried to shake off Hestia's allegation earlier, I simply couldn't.
Your skill manipulates their feelings.
Again and again, I had thought myself past it only for that cursed line to pry its way back into my thoughts. The girls didn't understand why I had been so cold today, so distant. Each interaction muted behind a frozen smile of indecision.
"Kirito?"
With the muffled cry coming from the other side of the door, my reckoning was here. "Come in," calling back, the door opened to admit a rather timid looking Rain and Philia. That I had anticipated, but there was also a strange… excitement within them? It was hard to tell, but the furtive glances they shared back and forth seemed to indicate I was on the right track.
"S-so… Why did you umm…"
As Philia trailed off, Rain finished her sentence, "Call us to your room so late?"
"I, well, I have to ask you question…" This time my voice failed as I scratched my head in confusion. It would be so awkward. I had to know, but still. It was embarrassing.
"Oh!" Philia yelped, her face going increasingly scarlet, reaching fever levels of heat. I wanted to throw in a cook an omelet on her forehead joke, but now didn't seem to be the time. "Y-you should know that w-while I do u-umm like you obviously… I'm just a little scared…"
Perhaps sensing my confusion, Rain cuts her off with a sharp elbow. "I don't think that's the question…"
"…" Staring at each other awkwardly, I blink my eyes in confusion. I have no idea what Philia was talking about. "This is a little hard to ask, and, more than a little embarrassing…"
Trialing off, I end up scratching my head again to buy time as the girls share an even longer look than before. Taking a deep breath, I shoot the words out in a rush before the nerves could affect me further.
"I want to know if you had feelings for me before I hit level two!" Standing straight backed, I felt like a man that had just been sentenced to death. Their words right here and now could cause irreparable damage to not only our relationship but my relationship with single person here. I'd never be able to tell who liked me for me, and who was being manipulated by my advanced ability.
Breaking out into giggles, the two girls looked at each other. They must have considered it a joke, but as they take in my posture the laughter fades quickly.
"And… it is important that you get a serious answer?" Rain asked hesitantly.
"Yes, extremely."
Pursing her lips, Rain looked down in thought while Philia's eyes began tracking around the room. As silence lapsed, I found myself shifting from side to side.
"You're right," Rain mumbled eventually, "This is embarrassing. But… If you really must know… then of course I will tell you."
Flashing me that bright idol smile of hers, I returned my best one possible. Little more than a flash of teeth, I hoped it was enough.
"Yes," Rain said, staring me straight in the eyes. "If you had asked me out before that fight with the infant dragon, I would have said yes."
Closing my eyes, a flood of relief passed through me. So, it was true. The girls could actually like me without my skill. Trying to only see the positive for now, I turn to Philia.
"Umm…" she murmured uncomfortably, displeased with going second. "I really looked up to you, but at that time… I was also jealous of how you treated Rain. I probably would have thought it was a joke if you asked me out, but I think, I as well, liked you during that time."
"Thank you two… Thank you so much…"
"I mean, obviously," Rain added with a roll of her eyes, "I like you a lot more now. Perhaps enough to get ideas should you call me to your room in the dead of night…"
"Ideas?" Tilting my head at her it finally clicks. "Ah, sorry about this all. I'm sure you're still tired and would like to get to sleep."
"Idiot…"
"Did you say something Phili… Ah!"
Breaking off my words, I backpedal rapidly as Rain starts to stride confidently toward me. Legs hitting the bed, I fall backwards upon it.
"Hehe… If you weren't so dense, I'd have said that was intentional."
"D-dense?"
Not bothering to reply, Rain continued until she was standing right at the edge of the bed, her legs on either side of mine. Slowly, with increasing intent, her upper body began to tilt. With a soft thump her hands landed on either side of my head, her head suspended a foot above mine.
Gulping, I was beginning to understand the intentions Rain had spoken of earlier as I stare up at her. I often forgot because of much time I spend with her, but Rain was a gorgeous girl. Her straight red hair formed a shimmering curtain around us as it fell down around her. It matched perfectly with the striking pair of ruby irises, also shimmering with excitement and energy. The path from her eyes led down to nose, not a blemish to seen on the petite feature. Her lips were glistening, their vibrant red glow only second to her hair and eyes. Forcing my eyes to move off them, I caught a glimpse, and from that my eyes gravitated down. The loose shirt that Rain was wearing hung low, the loose neckline revealing a tantalizing view.
"Are you looking at things you shouldn't be?" Rain asked, her voice taking on a mature tone.
The playful words dried my mouth out as I forced my eyes back to hers. "U-umm…"
"Hmm… Are you ready for your punishment then?"
"P-punishment!?" Squeaking, I didn't know what to do. Rain's mature mannerisms made me feel like a child. I didn't know where to look, or what to do with my body. I wanted to reach up and touch her, but a strange force kept me at bay. An aura coming off of Rain that told me this was her stage. I wasn't supposed to try and usurp her.
"That's right," Rain agreed, her eyes sparkling mischievously. Leaning down, she rested her mouth beside my ear. "I will make sure you are punished thoroughly…"
"Rain!" Philia interrupted, shattering the tension between us. "Y-you aren't seriously going to umm…"
Rolling her eyes, Rain turned to one side, falling beside me on the bed so that she could glare at Philia. "D-don't ask me that so seriously!" Rain fired back, her mature persona fading in an instant. "You made it so much more awkward…"
"Oh, uh, my bad…" Philia says, not sounding very apologetic.
Examining her, she seems to be shuffling awkwardly in place, except… She's getting closer? "Did you… Want to join?"
"K-Kirito!" Philia gapes, her voice pitched unnaturally high. "T-that's so sudden… but if you insist…"
"…" Staying silent, I merely blink as the remaining distance between her and the bed shrinks in an instant. Wasting no time, she throws herself down on my other side, effectively trapping my second arm.
"Hehe," Rain giggles, drawing some enjoyment from Philia's actions. "It seems that we've trapped you again."
"So you have," I agree with a gracious nod. Despite the strange beginning, I can feel the excitement rising within me. A tangible desire to deepen my relationship with these two beautiful women that have graced me with their presence and affection. "I believe I was due for a punishment."
"Mhmm…" Rain muttered, her head drifting closer and closer. Just as I tense up in anticipation of contact, she stops, her eyes encompassing my entire vision. "Now, what to do with you."
"Hehe, I have some ideas," Philia murmured into my ear on the side. Jumping slightly, I try to turn my head to see her, but Rain's hand is on my cheek, stopping me. As Philia's hot breath caressed my ear, the lightest of touches as her lips brushed along the skin, it grew harder to contain my movement. My breaths came heavier, almost panting as my body commanded me to do something. To touch something.
"Hmm?" Rain murmured, pressing her forehead against mine, her lips staying a tantalizingly close distance away. "Are you already struggling for freedom?"
As she spoke, Rain laid her other hand on my chest, tracking it slowly downwards through my thin shirt. The sensation felt both amazing and tortuous at the same time. While it carried through the shirt, I wanted direct contact. To be able to feel her supple caress.
"Don't tease him too badly," Philia chided her. "After all, he still needs to be punished."
"!?" Gasping in shock, the sound involuntarily escaped as I felt my ear being nibbled on. The strange and new sensation was pleasant in an odd way as I felt Philia's mouth open and close around it, playing around with the motions.
"Don't you want to do something?" Rain asked in that sultry tone of hers. "To take what's yours? What we are… giving you?"
Truly looking into her mesmerizing eyes, I finally saw what I had been missing. A fear and excitement swirled together into one determined bundle. Perhaps as I called them here to get the truth, Rain was searching for the truth about something else.
"What are you afraid of?"
The words slipped out. An accident. A moment of bravery brought on by the situation that we found ourselves in.
"That you don't truly love me." The answer came. Straight and honest as our gazes stayed connected. "That you merely offered the harem option so that the one's you don't really like aren't upset."
The nibbling on my ear had stopped a while ago. I could feel Philia's gaze as it seared into me. The same worries infected her as Rain.
"So… My punishment is because… I wasn't convincing enough?" Struggling to keep my words level. I force my face to stay neutral.
"O-one of them…" Rain answers in confusion at my strange, nearly off topic reply.
"…Then I guess…" Breaking off, I let myself smile at her. "That I need to be more convincing."
Before she can react, I whip the arm up that's beneath her and grab the back of her head. Moving my head forward, I finally find her mouth. The exotic taste is amazing. Holding her there, I don't let her leave, even as time stretches on. Her body is rigid in surprise, neither trying to retreat nor lean into the contact further.
"Better?" I ask as I stop the contact for a brief second."
"U-uh…"
"I-I think you broke her…" Philia murmurs, a hint of longing and a touch of fear in her voice.
"Then it's a good thing I have someone else in the meantime, isn't it?" I tease Philia, turning my head towards her.
"Huh? But Um…!"
The rest of Philia's words are lost as I push my mouth to hers, bringing her into a deep kiss identical to the one I'd given Rain. However, I realized as I began, exactly how different it could be. The general moist feeling was the same, but that is where the differences ended. Shape, texture, taste, all were slightly different, giving the kiss its own unique spin.
Backing out of it, I waited to see if Philia would react in the same way as Rain. Looking at her though, I found none of the stunned confusion that Rain had presented. Only a hunger in her eyes. A hunger I recognized in myself. A desire for more.
Turning my body slightly more toward her, Philia waited a tenth of a second before throwing herself on top of me with all the power of a level two adventurer.
This time the kiss was even deeper, more passionate. A deep moan came from Philia as her mouth opened for me. Taking my time in exploring it thoroughly I wrapped my arm around her lower back, dragging her even closer toward me. The more I touched her, the more the desire to keep touching her rose.
"O-oh… It seems I missed quite a bit…" Rain chuckled drily, coming to. "You two make quite the pair."
Unable to keep going any longer, I separated from Philia, panting, as she lowered her head to my shoulder. Looking back at Rain, I try to send her an assuring smile. "I kissed you first, you know."
Blushing, Rain averted her gaze. "I guess… I'm not quite as good at this as I thought I was going to be."
"You didn't feel it?" Philia asked in confusion, turning her head the other direction so that she could stare at Rain wonderingly. Her dirty blond hair tickling my chin as she did so. "That… heat."
The word caused Rain's face to explode in colour as she shifted uncomfortably under Philia's scrutiny. "O-of course I did! It was just umm… I guess when K-Kirito kissed me… I f-finally understood…" Trialing off at the end, Rain's words were barely audible.
"What's that you understood?" Philia asked teasingly, not letting her friend off easy.
"That I love him." Rain answered honestly, meeting my gaze again with a happy smile. "And that he loves me to. Even if he has other girls… He loves me…" One lone tear of joy trickled its way down Rain's cheek. Unable to let it fall, I lifted a hand, wiping the water away.
"Yes, I know that…" Philia grumbled her body beginning to shift on top of me. "But how did you stop this heat from controlling you? Even now…"
Turning back to Philia as the words cut off, I found her eyes locked upon me. The desire from earlier still present in her eyes. If anything, it burned even brighter, slight pants escaping her.
"O-Oh?" Rain muttered as she examined Philia's posture. "Maybe it's because your time of the month is coming soon?"
Philia didn't seem to care for Rain's explanation as she exploded forward back into a deep kiss. Overwhelmed by the ferocity, I could only accept her ministrations as she wrapped her arms around my head. Her legs doing the same near my midsection, forcing me to arc my back on the bed.
"Phil…Mff!" Words getting cut off partway through, I was unable to finish as my tongue's motion was disrupted, another pressing against it. Stunned by the novel, strangely invasive and exciting sensation, I didn't resist as Philia began to explore my mouth. Her insistent tongue lapping circles inside it.
"Oh my…" Rain murmured, as shocked as I was. "I should have let you lead from the beginning…"
"Bang!"
"Uff!"
"Silica!"
"…" Suddenly Philia stopped as quickly as she had started, jumping to her feet and whirling around as all three of us focused on the door.
"Is someone there?" I called out tentatively, pretty sure I knew exactly which two voices I had heard.
With a slow creak, the door opened, two bent-over forms poking their heads through the crack that had emerged.
"Leafa and Silica," Philia mused, shaking her head at them. "Look, Kirito only has one body. You'll get a turn tomorrow, or maybe the day after."
"Eep!" Silica squeaked her head disappearing as her face went scarlet.
"S-so you were planning on! On, umm, Uh, you know…" Unable to spit out the words, Leafa's head also began to retract form around the door if not very slowly. Just as I thought it was about to, the entire door flew open, revealing a panting Silica still sitting there listening intently. Standing up, Leafa was just as red at this point, but thrust her finger dramatically toward Philia. "Y-you can't just decide this my yourself. W-we need to talk about this sort of stuff! As a… As a…" Failing a second time to get the words out, Leafa let her hand fall to her side, swaying in place.
"She's right," Rain agreed, clearly figuring things out faster than I could. "We can't throw ourselves on Kirito without a consensus on how to proceed."
"…I see," Philia confirmed after a pause. "So…?"
"Umm, I guess this is goodnight." Rain agreed. Leaning down, she pecked me quickly on the lips, the chaste action so different from the one that I had forced upon her bare minutes earlier.
"A goodnight kiss?" Philia murmurs, sounding mildly impressed. Moving as if to follow Rain's actions, Philia suddenly pauses. "A-actually, I don't trust myself right now. Goodnight!" Throwing the word out behind her, Philia fled form the room, pulling Rain and Leafa with her.
"Goodnight…" I whispered back, the word heard by no one as the four girls vanished from the room in the blink of an eye. Wherever they were headed, it seemed they were going together.
"What a day…" Laying my head on the bed, I felt the awakened energy inside me slowly begin to subside. Despite what I had to admit was a disappointing end, the revelations of the day were certainly not all bad.
Only one real thorn was left in my side that had to addressed, Hestia. The two of us had thrown curveball after curveball at each other these past two days. I had made peace with both Yui and my advanced ability. Now I just had to see if she'd be able to make peace with my harem.
Lili:
"Are you sure of this?" Bell asked hesitantly for what must have been the fifth time since we entered the city.
Sighing, I stop and turn to face him. "I explained what they're like. You agreed with me. Did your decision change?"
"…No," Bell answered abashed after a moment's pause. "I guess I'm just hesitant to drop in on a familia I don't know and ask permission to join."
Supressing my desire to roll my eyes at him, I nod in fake sympathy. "Yes, just imagine if you, with no real combat experience, or talents began walking around the city knocking on doors. I imagine they'd all turn you away."
"…Was that a joke? I could prove my talents enough to get into most mid level familias."
Smirking at Bell, I shake my head as some of his confidence comes back. "Remember that. You can and will be helpful to the familia, and… If you really want… We can find a different familia."
"No," Bell assures me with a tight smile. "I know how eager you are to see some of your friends again. Besides, starting at the bottom… Doesn't it have a nice ring to it?"
"I hope you meant starting at the bottom together," I correct Bell's statement with a tight glare and a cocked hip.
Smiling widely back at me, he saw through the false anger easily. "Well, let's not keep them waiting."
"They aren't expecting us, but su…" Trailing off, I found my way blocked by an angry prum, his arms crossed as he glared at us. Behind him was a group of people, adventurers by the looks of it, whispering to each other, smiles and laughter passing between them. Pursing my lips, I don't like the appearance of this. This person is clearly being goaded on by their friends.
"Y-you two looking to join an adventuring familia?" The Prum asks, hands on his hips, pushing out his chest. The stance lacks the intimidation that it is supposed to convey.
"What's it to you?" Bell asks with a frown. "You're holding up the street."
"You don't recognize the Apollo familia emblem?" The Prum continues, an emotion I can't quite place shifting in his eyes. "We are a medium-sized familia in town that can go toe-to-toe with the best of them. Anyone worth his salt and looking to make a name in Orario should know who we are."
"…" I have no answer to the Prum's words. It is clear now that he is looking for a fight. Or, more accurately, the people behind the Prum, coaxing him forward want him to fight.
"Sorry," Bell denies him, stepping up beside me. "But any familia where its members roam the streets like thugs is one I want nothing to do with."
Oh Bell. You sweet idiot.
The Prum had spoken truly now that I examined their gear a little closer. Each and every one of them bore an emblazoned bow and arrow in front of the sun. The mark of Apollo, one of the stronger adventuring familias. I remembered stealing from one of their parties back in my dark days.
As Bell challenged the Prum, the boy took a step backwards, despite the fact that he should be an adventurer. Perhaps a new one however if he was this easily intimidated.
"You going to take that Luan?"
"Yeah, show this punk the might of Apollo familia!"
Both of the statements had snickers tagged on. Narrowing my eyes at them, their eyes contained a sadistic gleam as they watched to see how the fight would devolve.
"Look, you don't have to do this!" I tell the Prum in a low voice slotting myself between Bell and him. "Those guys back there aren't your friends."
"Shut up!" The prum growled back at me. "My familia is just… they're…"
"Come on, Luan!"
"Stop talking and fight!"
"Don't…" I warn him one last time. My pleas fall on deaf hears as his face contorts in anger. "Enough!"
"Gah!" Collapsing to the ground, I bring a hand to my aching my cheek. Glaring up at the prum, I can't believe it. He just back-handed me!
This is why I hate adventurers!
My anger at the boy is quickly forgotten about as Bell takes another step forward. That black anger that I've felt from him before, rages to life, generating a terrible aura around him. "You have three seconds to beg for forgiveness…"
"Huh? I-I'm not scared of you… Y-you don't even have a falna."
I should probably tell Bell not to hurt the boy, but I feel a certain vindictive anger rising within me. That after all the times adventurers slapped me to ground like worthless garbage, I finally found one that would fight for me. That one saw me as worthwhile.
"One… Two…"
"Get him, Luan!"
"H-here I come!"
Announcing his intentions before striking, the Prum ran awkwardly at Bell, his fist drawn back, but the form was sloppy. The prum was either extremely unexperienced with hand-to-hand combat or the nerves were getting to him.
"…fine." I barely caught the word from Bell. His body twisted as Prum approached, Head and torso going down to the side, while his leg came up behind him. Using the Prum's momentum against him, Bell's heel collided solidly with his face.
Letting out a sickening crunch, the body collapsed to the ground, unmoving. There was an eerie silence hanging over the street, none of the passerby's or the boy's familia members said anything.
Unconcerned for the stir his decisive victory had garnered, Bell walked over to me and lent a hand. "Sorry about that. I should have stopped him sooner."
"No," I deny, taking the offer. "I got careless. Besides, I've been hit harder."
Bell's eyes narrow and I can sense the anger within him rising a little higher as he digests the meaning of my words. Thankfully, he lets it go for the moment.
"Shall we continue on?"
Nodding, Bell takes back up the cart and navigates around the prum's still unmoving body. I squash the instinct within me that tells me to check on him. He is his familia's duty to clean up now. Luckily, none of the other four move to stop us as we depart. They are all stunned, looking at their teammate's prone form.
"This incident may follow us," I warn Bell in a low voice once I'm sure we are past them.
Frowning, he looks at me. "What do you mean? I'm sure that their familia must be known around Orario as troublemakers if they act like that."
Wincing at the boy's words, I try and remember the Orario that the boy remembered. One where it was literally impossible to be a successful criminal due to the large number of adventurers that were so insanely strong it was hard to fathom that they were an existence like you.
"Bell, they weren't lying. Apollo familia is large and wields quite a bit of power. They certainly aren't at the top, but their rank rose substantially after the fall."
As usual, the reminder of the event sent a scowl across Bell's face. "I see. So they can act like this because no one actively patrols and enforces order in the city?"
"Ganesha familia try," I assure him, "however, in a city this big, it's hard to do much of anything. Especially when most of the troublemakers are people that fight for a living."
"That's a good point," Bell sighs wearily. "I guess I never quite realized what the effect would be on the world. I was trapped in my own little bubble, feeling sorry for myself…"
Laying a comforting hand on his arm, I show him a small smile. "It's not your fault, now come on. There's a familia I have to introduce you to." Walking the final few blocks, I blink in confusion as the church finally comes into view. Its surrounded by six or so burly men with ripped muscles, wandering around shirtless while building equipment surrounds the property. Looking at the church, I barely recognise it. The entire roof has been stripped off. Most of the walls as well are getting torn down and replaced by something sturdier. It seemed like the crews were systematically replacing the entire thing without doing a full demolition and rebuild.
"What's going on here?" Bell asked from beside me, staring at the building project in awe.
"Oh, are you two acquainted with Hestia familia?" One of them asks, noticing our interest.
"That's right…" I confirm with a nod. Closing the distance to the man, I realize that he is one of deusdia. Bowing somewhat deeply, I identify myself. "Yes, we are friends of Hestia familia, recently returned to Orario. What's happening here?"
The God snorted turning back to the church. His silver hair flowed down to the middle of his back in bunches, his face lined with marks that made him look old, despite the gods never aging.
"Hestia hired my familia, Goibniu, to fix her home. Should have examined the building before accepting for the price that I did. She just wanted holes patched and a livable two floors built into the upper area."
Tsking, the god shook his head as he examined the building.
"As we got working, we came to realize this place was one good storm from completely collapsing. Obviously, I couldn't accept that happening and having my familia's skills ridiculed as sloppy craftsmanship. So now we are forced to completely rebuild the thing, all without getting additional money. She really got me good…"
"I-I'm sorry to hear that Lord Goibniu, do you know where…"
"Sorry to hear that?" He interrupted with a snort. "You're friends, aren't you? Should be happy for her good luck."
"…I suppose so…" I agree weakly, unsure of how to deal with the brusque god. "Do you know where they are staying while you do this?"
"Nope." He replied, muttering under his breath as he glared at the church. Or ex-church I suppose.
"Does she have any friends?" Bell asked, approaching. "Someone you got to know while you were here?"
Thinking it over, I came upon the most likely answer. "Let's go." Pausing, I bow once more to Goibniu, "thank you for you time." While I get only a snort in return, I hope I've eased his anger at Hestia familia. I'd like to minimize my future familia's enemies for as long as possible.
Hestia:
Running a brush through Yui's hair, I found a new joy in life. While the task had always seemed mundane and a waste of time before, it now brightened an otherwise dark day.
"Stupid Kirito… Stupid harem… Stupid ability…"
"Are you fighting with Papa?" Yui asked suddenly.
Hand freezing midstroke, I could have sworn that the words were inaudible. Mumbles only I could hear. "Haha… Uhh… We just have differing opinions on his recent decision."
"You mean how Papa is trying to give me multiple mamas?"
"Uhh…" Freezing again, I had no response for the girl's too accurate response. How am I supposed to explain the concept to a child? Actually… "H-how do you know that?"
"…?" Titling her head, Yui turned around so that she could look at me, a quizzical expression on her innocent face. "They feel the same way as you when they look at Papa. Except your feelings are a little… Muddier? I think? Are you finished with my hair?"
"…Yes," ending the conversation with a sigh, I gesture at the door. Bouncing to her feet, Yui scampers out the door with all the energy only a child can produce. Laying down on the bed where I was brushing her hair, Yui's words haunt my thoughts. "Muddy, huh?"
It was a fair assessment. Things with Kirito had started off so simple. Just the two of us trying to rise up to become a notable familia in Orario. How long has it been since that was a possibility? When Leafa and Silica joined?
No, that dream died long before then, back when Kirito formed a party with all of those girls. It was likely that by the time I realized it was a dream we shared; it was already dead.
"Every adventurer needs a party… But why is it always girls!?"
Grumping at the ceiling, I keep frowning as no answer comes to me. Every way I looked at the situation, the outcome seemed inevitable. That there was no happy ending for me. If Kirito rejected every girl and chose me, then he'd tear apart every bond and friendship our familia had, including the ones inside it. If I asked to join to his harem… No, that was impossible. Besides, Kirito's ultimate goal was to return to his world. If he did that, then I'd be alone again.
"Goddess?" Kirito's voice was accompanied by a knocking sound on the doorframe.
"W-what is it!?" Still mired in ridiculous thoughts, I shoot to my feet. I can't let Kirito see me pouting as I mope about the room.
"There are some things that we need to talk to about."
"Is… Is that so?" I reply, still trying to buy time. For what, I don't know.
"…Yes, it is." Comes Kirito's eventual reply. "May I come in?"
Biting my lip, I scan the room for something important looking to do. A good distraction that allows me to take on an imperious mood. Spying a large book I haven't yet started, borrowed from my favorite library, I sit at the desk and cross my legs.
"Yes, I already said that you could." Speaking somewhat loudly, I try to convey some irritation in my words while masking my discomfort and the small lie.
"…Of course. My apologies for missing that." Kirito's reply sounds stiff and uncertain as he opens the door and enters. "…Forgive me for intruding."
"Don't be so formal. You may sit on the bed if you wish." Waving a hand in its general direction, I flip a page from the book. I have no idea what's written there, but my mannerisms seem to be slowly cracking the shell that Kirito prepared before coming here.
"I would appreciate it if you would stop reading for a minute goddess," Kirito requests, staying standing.
Letting his request hover between us for a minute, I release a large sigh before acquiescing. "Well?"
"I wanted to inform you that I've reached a decision after digesting the information you gave me yesterday."
Information?
Eyes widening, I finally remember what I said about the girls only liking him because of his ability. Shifting uncomfortably in my chair, I don't know where to look without the book.
When I didn't reply, Kirito kept going. "Rain and Philia both confirmed that they liked me before I developed the ability. I'm not sure yet what it means for the others, but I'm going to keep pursuing this path."
"Haha… Uh, that's nice…" Close to panicking, I have no idea what's coming out of my mouth. I can't believe I'd forgotten I said something that important!
"That's… nice?"
"W-what I mean is that, it's good that people like you!"
"…Goddess?"
"Haha…" Starting to enter full-blown panic mode, I've resolved nothing in the time I've bought. Kirito is not going to be happy when he realizes that truth.
"Is there something you aren't telling me?"
"L-look, Kirito. My goal was never to make you give up on the path you've chosen! I just wanted to confirm that you were committed to it. I mean, a harem… Can you really make multiple women feel desired and satisfied? Most men can't even succeed with one!
"…It will be hard."
"T-that's all I wanted to confirm, you know that, right?"
"Did you lie to me about my ability's effect?"
"Uh…" Freezing up, I can feel Kirito's gaze piercing through to my soul. The chilly beam is full of distrust. "It wasn't a total lie…"
As the truth comes out, Kirito's eyes narrow further. Taking another step forward, he asks the logical follow-up. "What does it do then?"
Gulping at the poorly contained anger, I play with the discarded book, wishing that I hadn't closed it. This is going far worse than how I had hoped it would. Even that wasn't good.
"W-well… Its name tells you everything that you need to know about it really. It enhances the aura you give off."
"Meaning?"
Tsking, I look away, searching for any escape. Unfortunately, there still is none as Kirito's hard eyes penetrate me. "That the energy you emit, or the type of aura you give off resonates more easily with others…"
"Huh?"
Sighing at the predictable answer, I finally manage to meet Kirito's eyes as the heat in them dies slightly. "Us gods, our job in heaven was to judge the souls of the departed. Some deities were fickle, condemning or saving souls based solely on a particular view, or one event in the mortal's life. However, most of them judged based on the final aura that the soul gave off. A total summary of the emotions and presence of the soul. This told us whether they were a good leader, whether people feared them or loved them. We knew if the person loved others deeply or only built superficial relationships."
The long-winded rant about godly duties was clearly outside Kirito's expectation as his eyes started to blur over, the information going over his head.
"What I'm trying to say, is that this ability lets you not only emit a stronger aura than the normal person can, you can more easily pick up on others and resonate with them."
"This resonance means…"
"That you understand them," I summarize quickly pursing my lips. "It makes them feel understood."
"So, you weren't really lying…" Kirito breathed.
"Huh?" This time it was my turn to mutter in confusion. I don't know how Kirito arrived at that conclusion from my words.
"I can more easily understand how others are feeling and therefore get them to like me quicker." Kirito summarized beginning to pace. "Even if it isn't quite as bad as I had feared, it does still present some problems… Did I corrupt my relationship with my sister using this?"
"Kirito, please stop…" Standing up, I couldn't bear the pain on his face as he considered the implications of this all. "I told you to get this ability because it enhances your potential in the dungeon tenfold. It may, and possibly already has, saved your life by allowing you to inspire those with you. However, I can tell you right now, you can't use it to 'corrupt' people or whatever you said."
Taking a deep breath, I tried to analyze my thoughts as I continued.
"If you were to emit a hateful aura, or a lustful one, other people would pick up on that. You can easily ruin relationships with it as easily as you can forge them. All you have done is increased the speed at which you were able to understand your sister's feelings. The same for all of the other girls."
Blinking, Kirito didn't say anything for a long minute. "Goddess…" The tortured word felt like a nail to my heart. "Why didn't you just tell me? Why…"
Bowing my head, I have no reply. All the jealousy that I had felt over the months now feels so childish. The pain that I caused Kirito by lying to him about his ability is abundantly clear in his voice. How many times would I do this before I learnt?
Deities are immortal, and thus, never change.
I can only hope the adage is wrong. That I can change for Kirito. To become a goddess that is worthy of having him. A goddess that can properly look out for his needs and desires.
"Thank you for your time…"
Saying nothing else, Kirito left the room. Glancing once more at his departing form, the confidence from when he entered is gone. Now, only sadness and disappointment cloaked him.
"Why am I such an idiot…" Collapsing on the bed, I let my eyes close, knowing that no sleep would come to my tortured mind.
Lili:
"Excuse me, Miss Nazha." Interrupting the busy shopkeeper, I barely recognized the place from the one time I had been here with Silica. The main difference being, there were other customers. It no longer left like a store on its last legs pathetically struggling to get by.
"Is that…" The Chienthrope girl paused with a tilt of her head. "Lili, correct? Didn't you leave Orario."
"I did," I confirm with a slight bow of my head. "I would once again like to thank you for your assistance in the accomplishment of my goal."
"So formal…" The girl blinked back. "It was nothing. Kirito takes care of my familia, so of course I'll help out his friends."
"Well, it meant a lot to me!" I assure her, nodding quickly. "I was looking for Goddess Hestia, do you know where she is?"
"Of course," Nazha assures me. "The whole familia is staying at our place until their house is renovated… Which is where I imagine you just came from?"
"Yes. Thank you, but um… Would you be willing to tell me where your house is?"
The question creates an awkward silence between us. It's highly improper to invite another familia inside one's house. The number of potential secrets can learn, or information for blackmail is countless. Maybe more pressing is that it reveals the location and potential entrances a rival familia can take to attack a familia when they are at their most vulnerable.
"You are planning on joining Hestia familia?"
"…Yes," I confirm Nazha's question. I assume it's the only way that she'll tell me the answer.
"Who is the boy with you?"
Blinking in surprise, I'm shocked she knew that. I'd left Bell with the cart outside so I could get directions. That meant even while working and dealing with customers, Nazha had been able to watch the outside of her store and notice our approach.
"…Just a boy I found outside the city. He's looking for a familia to join as well."
"…I see."
As the tension builds between us, I can sense the doubt in her gaze. But Bell's background isn't mine to tell. Certainly not in the middle of a public store.
"I'll write some instructions down. It's in one of the outer districts."
With Nazha turning to return behind the counter, I heard the entrance bell ring, signifying new customers. Instinctively, I look there, seeing who had entered the store.
"!?"
"Lili!"
"Silica…" Breathing her name in surprise, I'm barely able to set my feet before the catgirl crashes into me.
"Never mind then," Nazha laughs. "They'll show you the way."
"It's great to see you!" Silica assures me. "But what are you doing back so soon? I thought you were going to roam the world for awhile, see what's out there."
"I guess…" I answer with a shrug and a smile once I'm finally released. "I realized that everything I want in life is in this city."
At my words, Silica doesn't look as happy as I expected her to. Instead, she turns to the girl with her that had been awkwardly waiting her turn to say hello, Leafa.
"It's good to see you Lili…" Leafa agrees, her voice hesitant, "maybe we can talk about this outside."
"Sure…" Confused about the reaction I'm getting; all I can do is follow and hope they'll be less vague. "Now, what's with that reaction."
"I'll be direct," Leafa says, taking over for Silica. "Did you come back for Kirito?"
"Kirito?" Saying the name quizzically, I break out into a huge smile. "No, while I'm grateful for what he did to me, I'm not here to steal your man from you."
The girls share identical deep sighs of relief. Frowning in confusion, I have to wonder.
"Why were you so worried?"
"That's…"
"…Complicated." Silica finishes. "Let's just…"
As Silica trails off her sentence, I turn and follow her gaze. The reason is clear. Bell is approaching in a straight line, Leading the cart behind him. I would call him paranoid for never leaving it unguarded for even a second, but in Orario, that's the right choice.
Both Leafa and Silica tense up as an unknown male approaches them, their hands going instinctively to their weapons. "It's alright. Hey Bell, this is Silica and Leafa, whom I told you about."
"It's nice to meet the two of you. I look forward to learning from you."
"Learning?"
"Wait…"
"Lili didn't tell you?" Bell asked in confusion.
"I was waiting for a better time!" I tell him in mock anger. "Besides, they were acting weird about other things."
"Oh, sorry for interrupting," Bell apologized, scratching his head awkwardly. "But as we will be a familia soon…"
"HUH!?"
"Calm down you two," rolling my eyes at the girls, I can't believe how theatrical they're being. "Hestia said I could join if I want. One more shouldn't be a problem. Although, if she does turn Bell away, I'm following him."
"S-sorry!" Silica replied instantly. Perhaps abashed at her outburst.
"I just didn't expect our familia would double in a couple of days…"
"Double?" I ask Leafa's strange words. "Counting Hestia, aren't we going from four to six members?"
"Haha… not quite."
"We ran into a strange girl in the dungeon," Silica explains. "Turns out she is part of our familia as well as a young girl that Hestia picked up."
"Oh…" Blinking, I'm not exactly pleased at the news. Shooting Bell a sidelong glance, I hope he isn't getting too many ideas. New girls for him to woe.
"Oh," Leafa chuckles. "I see how things are."
"W-wait!" I plead with her. "I-it's not! I mean, what about you and Kirito? Why were you acting so strange earlier?"
"Should I give you some space?" Bell asks awkwardly.
"N-no!" Silica denies him with a smile. "W-we are perfectly fine!"
"…If you say so."
Together, our strange procession of four people began to head toward the Miach familia house. Conversations started and halted quickly. While they wouldn't say, it was easy to tell that something was upsetting Silica and Leafa, something to do with Kirito. This in turn was making Bell feel like a fourth wheel on the group. A bad introduction of the new member.
Still, I'm confident that Bell will get along well with them. They were able to get someone like me to open up. A person that is naturally friendly should be no issue at all.
Eventually we enter a fairly rundown part of town. The surrounding buildings must have been expensive and rich when they were built. Now though, their age was showing and the section was falling into disrepair. Leafa led us into a building that was the pinnacle of that description. The outside was crumbling stone that looked ready to give away any second. The size of the building was formidable, however.
Inside was a completely different story. It was filled with magic stone lamps giving the inside a sunny, warm feeling. A perfect place for a familia home. Already we could hear laughter and smell cooking from the kitchen. Gesturing at Bell, I indicate that he should leave the cart in the entryway. If Hestia grants us permission to stay, we will unpack then.
Unable to resist, my stomach gurgles from the long break since our paltry breakfast this morning. We had passed by all of the food stalls without buying anything.
"Come," Silica gestures, "It's just about lunch time!"
"Lunch?" I ask in disbelief. Noon passed by more than a couple hours ago.
Silica shrugs in answer. "We've been pretty lazy these past few days. Had a bad time in the dungeon."
Leafa only nods in answer, the same sorrow in her eyes. With the mood now completely dead, I follow them to the adjacent kitchen where Rain and Philia move about cooking. Their moods are the opposite of Leafa and Silica's. Each one is wearing a half smile, their eyes shimmering with the glee of a maiden in love.
With that thought, it all clicks, they must have been asked out by Kirito and accepted, which is why Leafa and Silica are upset. Wait.
Mind grinding to a halt, my theory falls apart. It isn't possible that they both started dating the boy. So… they each found their own partner?
"Oh, Lili!" Philia greets me with a tone matching her expression. It's so happy I start feeling awkward. Like I've intruded some private moment.
"It's great to see you again!" Rain concurs with Philia. Putting down her spoon, Rain runs around the kitchen island and wraps me in a hug.
"Eep!" Unsure what to do, I stand awkwardly until I'm released. I barely talked to the girl last time I was here. There was really only that one day in the dungeon where we were attacked.
"And who is this?" Rain asks as she finally sees Bell.
"Bell Cranel," he introduces himself politely, bowing deeply. "Thank you for welcoming me into your home."
Rain blinked a couple times at the new person, but it did nothing to dampen her mood as the smile quickly returned. "My name is Rain, second in command of Miach familia. Any friend of Lili's is welcome here. Please, take a seat."
"Right…" Giving me a sideways look, I can only shrug in reply to Bell's question. The reason behind the giddy girls will make itself clear soon enough I'm sure.
"Lunch will be ready soon!" Philia assures us as we take out places at the table. Somehow, Bell found his way into a corner seat beside me. Is he possibly scared of meeting new people?
Chuckling silently at the thought, his face doesn't give any of the indecision away. Only a peaceful, patient exterior.
"So, let's hear your story," Silica begins eagerly. "You only left a couple of weeks ago, after all. What happened?"
"Well, Bell happened." I begin awkwardly, unsure where to start.
This gets a snort out of the boy. "More like you happened. I'd either be dead or planting right now if it wasn't for you."
Sticking my tongue out at him, I turn back to Silica and Leafa, who were now watching eagerly, knowing smiles touching their mouths. Part of me wants to rush through the tale of my adventurers in what should have been a peaceful farming village, but I remember that sad aura from before. It seems like they could use a distraction.
Pulling together my meager storytelling abilities, I try to make the story sound as epic as possible, going to an innocent village to live with a mysterious boy that somehow knew the god Hermes. By leaving out almost every detail of Bell's background I did my best to make him as mysterious as possible. Not like that needed much help considering the fighting prowess I regaled them with, finishing with the last showdown against the powerful, never before seen, beast.
"Amazing…" Silica whispered, giving Bell a much closer look. "If that's true I'm sure you could get into almost any familia in town!"
"You exaggerate," Bell murmurs in reply, his cheeks burning from embarrassment. "I wouldn't have won without Lili's help."
"My help?" I tease back. "I remember showing up as an emotional wreck only for you to save me twice."
"My my, quite the hero you landed, Lili." Rain laughs bringing to food to the table.
"Indeed," Philia agrees with a knowing smile. "Now you've dragged him back to Orario so that he can't run away once you're in the same familia."
"T-that's not it…" I try to protest, but the girls have me figured out. Bowing my head to escape their eyes, I can't help but wonder what Bell thinks. Tilting my head that way, I stare at him from the corner of my eye.
Scratching his head, Bell simply looks lost at the words. His eyes flit around the room in clear uncomfortableness. I feel a mixture of relief and guilt at his innocent expression. He must have expected a wildly different atmosphere. Something akin to the Soma familia one, no doubt.
"Well, eat up!" Rain insists, "I'll go call everyone else."
As Rain darts out of the room, Philia begins serving, taking ladles of the soup and distributing it to people. All the while, that glee in her eyes remains unchanged.
Deciding that's enough about Bell and me, I turn it to her. "Did something good happen around here Philia? You seem quite happy."
The girl blushes in reply, sending a quick glance toward Silica and Leafa. "Umm, it's hard to explain, but…Kirito and I are dating now!"
"…Congratulations," I reply after a brief pause. The words didn't cause any noticeable wince or glare from the other two. I have to assume she's telling the truth. But then… "And why is Rain so happy?"
"Well…" Pausing in the distribution, Philia takes a deep breath before staring straight at me. "Because she's dating Kirito as well."
"Oh. I see."
Yes, that makes sense. So I was right.
"Wait a second!" Exploding from my chair, I gape at the girl. "Y-you mean he… That Kirito… the shy looking guy… E-established a… a ha… a har…"
"A harem…" Bell finished for me. Staring off in the distance his eyes were unfocused. "It's definitely not unheard of. Typically, Amazon sisters will share a strong male in the hopes that the children will be powerful."
"Wow, you seem quite knowledgeable," Leafa pries.
Bell winces, perhaps wishing he hadn't said anything. After all, he was trying to become an adventurer as a new person. Not the ghost of his lost familia. "I knew someone that knew a person with a harem is all."
"How did that turn out for them?" Silica asked interested. Now all three remaining girls were staring intently at Bell, demanding an answer.
"Honestly?" He answers slowly, scratching his head again while trying to avoid the triple piercing stares, "not good. One of the women got jealous that the guy wasn't paying enough attention to her. So, she began slowly killing off the members of the harem one by one in the dungeon. In the end, the man realized what she'd done and confronted her about it. The last few remaining members of the harem attacked and were killed before him as he watched the loves of his life rip each other to pieces. The one doing the killing died at the end from her injuries. In his grief, the man killed himself."
Bell's story sent a shiver down my spine. Huddling in on myself, I turned to the bowl of warm soup, hoping its homey aroma would drive away the piercing chill.
"Was the one girl that much stronger than the others?" Leafa muttered in confusion. "It sounds like there were a lot of them."
Bell only shrugged in reply. "I was pretty young when I heard this, so I don't remember everything, however… Something about this girl was really only recruited due to her physical prowess, not from any attachment that the man felt."
"Scary…" Philia muttered. Then, with a teasing smile growing on her face, she elbows Leafa beside her. "Better watch out and make sure you don't get too far ahead of me, eh?"
"Stuff it!" Leafa complains, blushing. "I'd never do something like that."
"We're here!" Returning with a call, Rain led a whole troupe of people to the table. Nodding politely at Yuna and Nautilus, she was followed by two girls of wildly different proportions walking close together. The shorter one, who resembled a child seemed to be telling the older one something who was hanging unto her every word. Examining the tall one, it was a struggle not to cross my arms. As a fellow woman, she made me feel… inadequate.
Bell!
Whipping around to the boy, I find his face as red as I thought it may be. Elbowing him sharply in the ribs, I feel no sympathy, none at all, at the pained whimper he emits.
Ignoring his groans as Bell falls over the table clutching his side, I wait for introductions. "Ah, of course. Lili, Bell, this is Strea and Yui, recent additions to Hestia familia."
"It's a pleasure to meet the two of you," the young one introduced herself with a polite curtsy. "Please call me Yui."
"Ehh!?" The older one shouted, interrupting Yui's introduction. "Cuuuute!"
Feeling a horrible premonition, there's nothing I can do as the girl dashes past me to where Bell is just recovering.
"Eep!"
Letting out a screech, Bell is ripped away from the table and into…
"Gah!" emitting a strange gurgling noise, I go rigid with disbelief. Bell has been abducted into a world from which there is no return. His face is now soundly buried deep inside the endless cleavage of this Strea girl.
"He's like a little bunny!" Strea squealed, obviously pleased her new toy. "Aww, he blushes just like Kirito!"
"Grrr…" Growling at her, there's nothing I can do to compete. Bell has been stolen and abused. His precious innocence no more. "Get out of there Bell!"
"Lili…" The boy responds weakly, his words muffled by the masses of flesh surrounding him, "I can die happy now."
"…"
"That is enough little sister!' Yui spoke up, disappointment in her voice. "Can't you see you are upsetting them?"
"Eh?" Strea muttered, clearly displeasured, "but the boy said that he was happy!"
"He doesn't know what he's saying," Yui replies coldly with an imperious sniff. It's hard not to gape at the girl and how differently she is acting now toward Strea compared to when she was introducing herself. Also… little sister? Maybe Yui only looks like she is eight. But what race does that make her?
Discarding the thoughts, I rush to Bell's side as he collapses to the ground, released from the bodice chasm. Back against the wall, Bell's eyes are unfocused, a small trickle of drool running down his cheek.
"Bell, Bell!" Shaking his body, he slowly comes to.
"Lili… Am I alive?"
"…Yes?"
"Ah, how unfortunate. I have seen both Heaven and hell, Urgh!"
Glaring at him, the end of his words was cut off by my swift fist to his stomach. "What was that master Bell? I couldn't quite hear you."
"…Thank you for rescuing me."
"Much better!" I compliment him with a pat on his head. "For awhile there I was concerned you may be a man that runs around seducing every woman he finds."
"…Ha… Never."
"Goo…"
Cutting off the word, I feel the entire atmosphere of the room change as another figure enters. Dressed all in black once again, I recognize the boy from the siege on Soma familia, Kirito.
"Oh, we made some soup Kirito! Please try some."
"I'm going to check on the house's progress…" Growling out the reply, Kirito stomped through the room without even a glance. Even as he passed by me, mere feet away, I didn't get the impression he noticed, or cared.
"Oh… Umm, have fun…"
The boy's back finally paused as he was about to leave the room. "Thank you for cooking for us. I'll be sure to have some when I return."
With Kirito coming and leaving, the two girls that put the time in to cook, release massive sighs and slump to the table.
"They fought again, huh?"
"Yes…"
Standing up, I return to the table. "Is something… wrong?"
"Isn't it obvious?" Rain sighs, "Hestia's upset that Kirito is dating people."
Processing the information, I try to figure it out based on the short amount of time that I spent with her. "Because she likes Kirito?"
"It could be," Philia agrees. Her eyes pass over Silica and Leafa who have been eating silently, not participating any longer. "Also, Hestia told Kirito some… interesting information yesterday. We still don't know the truth of it all."
Sighing, I dig back into my soup. It really is very good. "I certainly didn't expect this much drama. But I'm sure it will…" Looking around the room, I notice an abnormality. "Where did Bell go?"
Bell:
Apologizing silently to Lili for sneaking away, I walk the empty halls of the home. It was clearly built to house far more people than Miach familia currently has. The name rings softly in the back of my head. I believe that at one time they were competing with Dian Cecht familia for the best potion selling familia in Orario. I wonder what happened that led to their collapse.
As soon as I exit the main gathering areas, the lack of occupancy becomes apparent. No magic stone lanterns light these hallways, the continual replacement too much money and effort for a small group. Dust clinging to numerous places, building up in the corners. While some efforts have been made to keep it reasonably tidy, it once again, is simply far too much space for the number of people.
Finding my way back to more populated areas, I ascend a staircase to where I believe the sleeping rooms are. This should be where the goddess Hestia is. Maybe I should wait for Lili to introduce us, but I want to know what my goddess-to-be really is like. Also, I would prefer to join the familia off my own merit rather than because a friend got me access.
It's not long before I find it. An ajar door, with the cool yellow light of a lantern peaking out. Taking a breath to settle my nerves, I knock loudly but not rudely. "Goddess Hestia? I wish to speak with you."
"Eh?" A feminine voice shouts from within. "Who is there!?"
Ah, right.
Having a stranger announce themselves by knocking on your bedroom door must be a strange occurrence. "I am a friend of Lililuca Arde's. She brought me here so that I may talk to you about potentially joining your familia."
"Huh?" A moment later, the door swung open, a small goddess on the other side. Small except… Blushing, I instinctively avert my eyes away from her revealing outfit. Not only are her entire legs bare, her enormous chest is almost entirely visible as a strained white smock attempts to keep it in place.
"I-it's a pleasure to meet you."
"You as well…" Hestia murmurs with an appraising gaze. "You're a cutie as well… Earnest red eyes and beautiful white hair… Hehe, you're perfect to make Kirito jealous!"
"S-sorry?" I stutter in reply. "I didn't catch much of that. What were you saying?"
"I said of course you can join! After all, that Lili girl has some high standards. If you've passed hers then there is no reason for me to turn you down."
"That is… polite of you to say," I respond, wondering what I'm doing. "However, I would prefer a proper examination. I'd like to get into your familia based on my own qualifications."
"…Oh," Hestia replied awkwardly. "Uh… Well… You see the thing is… The only examination is whether you can get me to yes! So, congratulations! You passed!"
"…" Blinking, I wasn't sure if I could accept her words at face value. The giant thumbs up sign seemed innocent enough. However, could it really be so easy? No test on monsters in the dungeon? Or evaluation of medicinal knowledge? Knowing which plants in the dungeon are poisonous, which you can eat? A personality test to see if you would get along with the rest of the familia was my lowest expectation.
"Umm," Hestia trialed off, "do you want to do the initiation right now? Then we can go down at introduce you to everyone?"
"…Yes?" Answering hesitantly, I follow the goddess into the room. It looks fairly barren, some clothes and hygiene products tossed into a corner. Not too surprising considering that this is a borrowed space. The bed itself is fairly luxurious, not the highest quality available, but the price to fill a building with them would be extravagant. Going through the mechanical motions that I used to watch the members of my last familia do, I pull off my shirt and lay on the bed.
"Oh?" Hestia murmurs open seeing me. "You certainly know what to do."
"Of course." I answer dully. "Everyone knows where the falna is inscribed."
It's happening.
The room and situation surrounding it fades away from my mind. Only that singular thought remains, a prominent spike that inhabits all of my thoughts.
I'm doing it. I'm becoming an adventurer. One of the thousands of idiots that venture into the dungeon day after day seeking fast riches or glory or women.
However, my reasons are different. I don't plan on going into the dungeon in order to gain material wealth or praise. A sole purpose fuels my desire to enter. A need to eradicate every single monster from the dungeon. Then, from the above world as well. Any that had dared to escape before the lids were properly established.
As this desire burned its way back through me, I felt a single drop of Hestia's ichor strike my back. It was time.
"Congratulations Bell," Hestia murmured softly. "You already have a skill."
Taking the sheet, I skip over the top part that was filled exactly as I expected it to be and focus on the skill slot. Reading it, a small smile touches my lips. This will help.
Bell Cranel
Level One
Strength: I 0 Defense: I 0 Utility: I 0 Agility: I 0 Magic: I 0
Magic: ( )
Skills:
Lia? Frie$? (Dark Desire) – A strong desire increases rate of growth. The stronger the desire, the stronger the growth.
"Hey, Bell…" Hestia asks slowly as I continue to stare at my status. "That skill is… Well it's a little… strange."
"Indeed," I agree. "No adventurer has ever possessed a skill that allowed for quicker level ups."
"…That's not what I meant."
"If only I had gotten magic as well," I mutter to myself. Hestia's words are unimportant right now. If I figure out how to best utilize this skill, there's no telling how much time I can save in exacting my goals. The record to hit level two is a year, or it was until these people form another world smashed it. I wonder if this skill will let me keep up with them.
"I… I guess that's everything," Hestia sighs. "Shall we go downstairs?"
"Yes," I agree standing up. Tomorrow will be fun.
Kirito:
Sighing, I entered back through the Miach familia door long after the sun had set. My restless feet had carried me across the city. I visited first the house but was quickly waved away by the workers that didn't want me interfering with their work. Afterword, I'd seen Syr for a bit. It was only after I'd eaten at her place that I realized I'd forgotten about the soup that Rain and Philia made. They had been so eager for me to try it as well…
Unable to face them, I went to the guild and talked to Eina. Too cowardly to tell her about the events in my life, we simply talked about the next area of floors, the colossal tree labyrinth. Just hearing about the section of floors was hard to believe. A singular tree that stretched from the eighteenth down the twenty-fifth, the area itself encompassing the nineteenth to twenty-fourth floors. Shaking my head, I head for the kitchen. Walking through the area, I see one last bowl of soup left out, covered with my name in front of it. Unable to bear the sight of it, I take it to the magic stone stove. Placing the bowl on it, I begin to heat it a little. Only enough to make it edible.
"There you are, I wanted to talk to you."
Turning around, I blink at a new person. No, wait, I think he may have been here when I stormed out earlier. Was Lili here again as well?
"Who are you?"
"My name is Bell Cranel. A new adventurer in your familia."
"Oh…" Blinking I don't know what to say. "Welcome, I guess. I suppose you want uh, training?"
"No," Bell denies with a shake of his head. "I simply wanted to inform you of my plans going forward."
"A-alright." Taking the soup off, I sit at the table and wave for Bell to join me.
Remaining standing, he frowns at me for awhile before speaking. "Lili and I will form a two-person unit and begin exploring the upper floors of the dungeon. Lili, using personal funds has requested to buy my gear for me. I will pay her back so as to not inconvenience her. I hope you find with situation acceptable."
Overwhelmed a little by the matter-of-fact speech, I sit there trying to comprehend the information he had provided. "L-look, there's no reason to be so formal. There aren't that many of us, so finances aren't that much of a thing right now."
"…I see." Bell replied. For some reason, I got the feeling that the boy was disappointed in me. "Can I speak frankly?"
Waving him on, I get the uncomfortable feeling that I won't like what he was to say.
"I don't like the position you've put this familia in."
Narrowing my eyes at him, I want to shout back that this wasn't my fault. It was Hestia's. Getting the impression that he wasn't finished, I hold my tongue, waiting for the words that I had permitted.
"You have formed a harem across two familias currently, and if the rumours are true, are trying to extend into others. Familial bounds exist for a reason. Ignoring that, this decision has caused a rift between the familia's goddess and its captain. If you aren't careful, you may be responsible for the collapse of this familia."
"…Why'd you join if you believe that?"
"I joined because Lili likes you people. It feels like a family in here. That's an important thing to have. I hope you don't ruin it."
"That's enough," I spit at the boy, unable to contain the emotions that had been building all day. "You know nothing of what's happening in here. You know nothing of the decisions that led to this point. I see that condemnation in your eyes but know this, I've done my best for this familia and always will!"
"Fine," Bell replied flatly. "Just stay out of my way."
With the boy's back disappearing around the corner I sink back into my chair. The anger that rose fades away just as quickly. It was like I could feel our dissonant outlooks rubbing against each other, causing immediate friction.
"Advances relationships, huh?" Hestia's words from this morning fill my mind. I can make people like me faster or hate me faster. For the first time, I think I just did the latter.
This could be an issue.