Bell walked to Airmids clinic with a cloak in his hand. Ardee was getting discharged today, and Bell, being the gentleman he is, was going to walk her home.

His mind wandered back to a few nights ago, when he beat a man to death. He found it strange how he didn't feel anything. He didn't feel sad or regretful, but he thought he'd feel a little sad for killing someone.

He also didn't mean to kill Tammuz either. It was just that, in his anger, he didn't stop. Maybe he didn't feel bad because he tried to hurt Astraea.

Or maybe he has already steeled his heart against killing someone. That was the whole reason he was here. To kill the last of his family and end this dark age.

What makes it sadder to Bell is that the man died for petty jealousy. Such a stupid way for one to die. Ishtar didn't arrange for Tammuz to do what he did.

Bell had a hard time believing her. But when her heart rate didn't increase, he knew she was telling the truth. Hearts beat faster when one lies.

He opened the door to the clinic and waved at the receptionist. He had been here enough times to know the blonde-haired woman's name was Martha.

She waved back, and Bell continued his walk to Ardee's room. The reason he had a cloak in his hand was because he knew how Ardee felt about people seeing her burns. So he grabbed a poncho so she could cover them if she so chooses.

Bell kept a smile on his face as he flung her door open. He was happy his friend was getting released.

"Hey Ardee, you excited to get re-

Bell froze and was still as a statue as Ardee looked at him with her eyes wide. Bell had walked in on her, putting her shirt on.

"My bad, I should've knocked," He said, turning around. However, because of his six eyes, that image is burned into his brain. But one thing he also saw was the burns that covered her arms.

If only he had been a little faster.

"I-it's ok," Ardee stuttered out.

The two were silent for a moment before Ardee spoke up.

"Are my burns that bad?" Ardee sadly asked.

"No, they're not. You just don't have a shirt on, and I want to give you your privacy. I could never be disgusted looking at you. We're best friends, after all," Bell calmly stated.

Ardee was quiet as she took in Bell's words of kindness. But she wanted to make sure he was being honest.

"Can you look at me?" She quietly asked.

"Are you sure? You don't have a shirt on," Bell calmly asked. He wasn't going to ask like some nervous child. Not when his friend needed his support right now.

"I am. I want you to see me. That way, I won't feel ugly if I'm around you. I know my burns are nasty, and I know people won't want to look at me. But if it's you, I don't mind," Ardee stated.

"Alright. If that's what you want."

Bell took off his glasses and slowly turned around. Once he did, he saw Ardee's bare chest along with the burn marks covering her upper body. A half circle was on her throat, and she was having trouble keeping eye contact with Bell.

"See, you look beautiful," Bell softly said.

Ardee slightly blushed. "You're just saying that to make me feel better," she mumbled.

"Ardee, you know my eyes are different than everyone else's, but did I ever tell you how?"

"You can see better than everyone, and if your eyes aren't covered, you get a headache."

"Yes, but I can also see things others can't. I could tell you how many strands of hair you have on your head. But since I can see things in such detail, I can see every atom of your burn wounds, and I'm not disgusted in the least."

Ardee looked away and sniffled, feeling tears sting her eyes.

"Now, can you put a shirt on, please? You don't want to walk outside flashing everyone," Bepl lightly joked.

Ardee sniffled again, giggling a little.

"Heh, get a good look while you can."

"Trust me, I have"

Ardee giggled once again before putting a blue shirt on. Bell handed her the poncho he was holding, and Ardee looked at it, confused.

"Well, I know you feel a little self-conscious about yourself right now, so I brought this in case you wanted to cover up. If not, I can shred it."

Ardee grabbed it and put it on. The poncho covering her upper body.

"You're very sweet. Anyone tell you that?" she said.

Bell chuckled. "I think you're the first."

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Bell and Ardee walked the streets of Orario as Bell escorted her back home.

"So how was Iska able to convince you into a haircut?" Ardee asked.

"Astraea's been helping me with being touched by people. It's going slow, but I don't have flashbacks to nearly dying when I get touched now. I just feel really uncomfortable," Bell explained.

"Aw, well, that's nice. So I'm guessing it went well in the pleasure district?"

Bell shook a little as he remembered the two amazons after him.

"Let's just say I did well but got more than I bargained for," Bell nervously said.

Ardee tilted her head in confusion.

"What do you mean? Wasn't your goal to free all the slaves?" Ardee asked.

"Yeah, and I succeeded. But now I can't really leave the house as I have two horny amazons after me now," Bell groaned.

"Oh, you poor boy. Having two women that constantly keep in shape and want to have sex with you. Whatever will you do?" Ardee faked concern.

"Ok, when you put it like that, you make it sound not as bad," Bell muttered.

"Oh, don't worry. Knowing you, you'll somehow find a way out," Ardee giggled.

"Well, I am good at running."

Ardee giggled again, and the two continued their walk. After a few more minutes, they arrived at Ganesha's home, and Bell walked her inside.

"Ah, Ardee, good to see you back," Ganesha warmly greeted. Behind him was Haruhime.

"Hi, Lord Ganesha!!" Ardee cheerfully greeted, running and hugging her god.

Ganesha hugged her back and picked her off the ground. The area around Bell disappeared, and all he saw was white.

"Uncle Zald!!" A child, Bell shouted.

He ran and jumped into his uncle's arms, the man's large frame covering his body.

"Oh, you've gotten so big, Bell. Oh, look at these muscles. You'll be big and strong like me one day."

Bell giggled and felt someone ruffle his hair.

"You're being noisy, Bell settle down. We were only gone for a couple of days," Alfia lightly scolded.

"But that was a couple of days too long," Bell pouted.

Alfia gave Bell a soft smile before taking him out of Zald's arms.

"You're right, but now we have time to be with each other."

Alfia carried Bell away, and Zald followed.

"Bell, Bell"

Bell blinked and looked around. Ardee, Ganesha, and Haruhime were all staring worriedly at him.

"You alright lad?" Ganesha asked.

Bell slowly nodded his head. "Yeah, I'm fine. Just zoned out, is all."

Ardee looked worriedly at Bell as she didn't believe him. But she knew he didn't like to talk about what bothered him, even if they had only known each other briefly.

Haruhime just kept quiet and was hoping she wouldn't be noticed. It was better this way. Even if it was lonely.

"Oh, Ardee, this is Haruhime. I have a feeling the two of you will get along well. She'll be your new roommate," Ganesha said.

Bell blinked, and Ardee was already in front of Haruhime.

"How the-

"Oh my gods, you're so pretty. Oh, I've never seen a renard before. Oh, I bet we'll be the best of friends. Say, so you like hero stories."

Haruhime stuttered as Ardee dragged her away, talking her ear off.

"Well, it's nice to see she hasn't changed much. I'm guessing you gave her the poncho?" Ganesha asked.

Bell nodded. "Yeah, I know how she feels about those scars. So, it was something I gave for her to cover up with. I know all too well about having scars you're not proud of."

"Right, well, thanks for saving her lad. If it weren't for you, this world would've lost a beautiful soul."

"Just fixing my mistake. Nothing more, nothing less."

"This isn't your mistake. You're only a child. You shouldn't have to deal with this. No one should. The world is an evil place, and this would've happened eventually. So stop blaming yourself for something you can't control," Ganesha scolded.

Bell lightly chuckled. "You really are a god of the masses."

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Bell was walking home to the Stardust Garden. His thoughts were all over the place with Ganesha's words and his memories of a simpler time.

Where did it all go wrong? Did they not love him anymore? That had to be it. Why else would they try to kill him? But they were his family, and he loved them. So why wasn't it the same?

Bell shook his head and sighed.

"Some many questions and no answers. Heh, well, no use thinking about it. A what if can be your biggest enemy in the field," Bell thought.

"Besides, be happy. You freed Haruhime and everyone else from sex slavery. Ardee's back home and out of the hospital. You saw your first pair of tits, so that was pretty cool. So yeah, think of the happier things."

Bell arrived back home and headed to his room. He greeted Celty, who was going to take a bath.

"Afternoon Celty"

"Oh, afternoon Bell"

Bell walked past her, and Celty called out.

"Oh, Kaguya's in your room, so be careful."

Bell lightly chuckled. What is this woman planning now?

"Alright, thanks for the warning Celty. Enjoy your bath."

Celty entered the bathroom, and Bell arrived at his room. He saw the door cracked and Kaguya's heat signature behind his door.

"Kaguya, you know I can see you, right?" Bell asked.

"Oh, stop being a prude and come inside."

"Phrasing," Bell said, opening the door.

When he did, he stopped in his place and lowered his glasses. Kaguya was standing next to his bed in a maid outfit. However, this maid outfit was missing the entirety of its chest covering. Meaning Kaguya was flashing Bell and was not bothered by it in the slightest.

"You know I would be surprised if Celty didn't warn me about you planning something," Bell said, walking into his room.

"Oh really, and after I spent so long finding an outfit like this." Kaguya pouted.

"Better luck next time."

"Oh well, do you at least like the outfit?"

"Yes, you have been very blessed in the chest department."

"Oh well, at least you're honest."

"Yes, now, is there anything else I can do for you?" Bell asked.

"Hmm, not really. I wasn't able to surprise you, so it looks like I have to try again."

"Do you really want to sleep with me that much?" Bell asked.

"Well, that's only part of it. I enjoy this little game we play. Gives me something else to think about other than this dark age," Kaguya explained.

"Wait, so you actually want to sleep with me?"

"Yes, you think I was doing this because I didn't. Wait, did you think I was joking this whole time?"

"I ever say you have nice breasts."

"Don't change the subject. Don't tell me you're that dense."

"I refuse to answer these questions," Bell said, turning his head away.

"Oh gods, I have my work cut out for me. Looks like I'll have to up my game," Kaguya muttered, pinching the bridge of her nose.

"How are you gonna up this?" Bell asked, pointing to her outfit.

Kaguya gave him a perverted smirk. "Oh, trust me, dear boy. This is one of the more innocent things I can do."

"Well, now I'm curious."

"Don't worry, dear boy. You'll see more in the coming days. Anyway, later," Kaguya cooed, waving goodbye.

"I can hear the old man cheering for me now," Bell chuckled.

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"This can all be over if you just talk. It's not that hard," Shakti said.

Valletta sat in her chair, panting. She didn't know how long it had been since she was captured. But she knew no one was coming for her.

"F-fine, I'll talk," Valletta wheezed.

"Finally," Shakti said, dragging a chair over. She sat it in front of Valletta's and listened.

"I don't know much as I'm kept out of the loop. I'm apparently not useful enough to join in on the bigwigs meetings. But I did overhear gluttony and silence talking."

"And what did they say?"

"They were talking about that white-haired kid. The one with the glasses. I didn't hear much, but they know him somehow. Like he's someone important to them."

Shakti nodded as she digested the information.

"And what's Evilus's goal in all this? What do you plan for?"

"To bring about a new age. That's all I was told."

"Why"

"Because Orario is weak. Eventually, it will fall, and the world will be plunged into darkness."

"And where is your base?"

"In Knossos, you'll need a key to get inside."

Shakti nodded and got up from her chair. She walked over to the table and picked up a knife.

"Is that all?"

"Yeah, that's all I got. So get it over with already," Valletta muttered.

Shakti sighed and walked back to Valletta, and the pink-haired woman began to panic. Shakti grabbed her hair and pulled her head back before slowly slitting Valletta's throat.

Just like her sister, Shakti watched as Valletta tried to breathe but failed as her throat was open. But unlike her sister, Shakti would use a potion on Valletta.

After a minute, Valletta stopped moving, and her eyes looked without seeing. Shakti stood up and washed the blood off her hands before leaving the hideout.

She needed to talk to Ganesha about this.

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"Bell dinner time," Astraea yelled down the hall.

Bell set his book down and got up from his bed. He stretched a little before walking out into the hallway. He reached the dining room and saw most of the familia gathered.

He took his seat next to Iska, who rested her chin on her hand.

"Oh yeah, some of my finest work yet," she said, referring to his hair.

"Toot your own horn much."

"Well, what can I say? I'm a very talented individual when it comes to fashion and looks, and you will be my masterpiece."

"Uh huh," Bell nodded.

"Face it, Bell. Since you let her cut your hair, she's got her claws into you now," Lyra joked.

"Yay, lucky me," Bell sarcastically said.

The group was interrupted as there was a knock on their door.

"Better hide, Bell. Looks like the amazons found ya," Alise teased.

Bell scurried into the kitchen as Alise walked to the door. The rest of the girls giggled while Bell hid. He promptly gave them the finger as they didn't have to deal with horny amazons after them 24/7.

Alise opened the door with a carefree smile on her face, seeing Argana and Bache at the door.

"Oh, hello, you must be Argana and Bache. Bell has said so much about you," Alise greeted.

"Is he here?" Argana asked, peering over Alise's shoulder while Bache remained quiet.

"Oh no, I'm sorry. Bell likes to be alone most of the time, as it makes him mysterious. He likes to brood a lot as well," Alise said.

"Brood? I don't brood," Bell thought.

"Oh well, do you know which way he went?" Bache asked.

"He went that way," Alise said, pointing in a random direction.

The two didn't thank Alise and ran in the direction she pointed. Alise shut the door and walked back to the dinner table, a triumphant smirk on her face.

"You can come out now, Bell," Alise called.

Bell walked out from the kitchen and stared at Alise.

"Brooding? Really?"

"What? I wasn't lying." Alise shrugged.

"I don't brood"

Bell sat back in his chair and started eating.

"Aw, you're pouting how adorable," Kaguya teased.

"I'm not, and don't you even start."

The group laughed at him while Bell looked away.

"Alright, girls, settle down and let Bell brood." Astraea giggled.

Everyone settled down as Astraea cleared her throat.

"Alright, in other news, the guild wants us to head to the 30th floor to investigate the Rudra familia and their activities on that floor. As you're all aware, they're a part of Evilus and deal with supplying them with blaze rocks. The guild believes that they're camped out somewhere on that floor. Any questions?" Astraea said.

"How many are we expecting, and how strong are they believed to be?" Alise asked.

"They're comprised of second-class adventurers but no first-class. Their guild records show their numbers to be about 20, but they aren't reliable in that regard."

"So when do we leave? Nezhe asked.

"You leave in two days. So it'll be enough time to get the supplies needed to make the trip."

"We going in alone, or are we joining forces with anyone?" Bell asked.

"No other familia will be joining us, but Gareth from the Loki familia has volunteered to join us."

"Any reason as to why?" Ryu asked.

"Something about wanting to get away from the shorty and old hag. So his presence will be a big help. Also, you're free to ask any of your friends in other familia's for help as well."

"Wait, why is Gareth coming with us? How does he know about this mini-expedition?" Bell asked.

"I went and asked the Loki familia for help. Loki declined and said she had other matters to deal with. When I asked if anyone would like to volunteer, Gareth accepted the offer," Astraea explained.

Bell clicked his tongue. "I expected nothing less."

The familia glanced at him, feeling as if there was something more to this than he was saying. But they knew better than to try and get Bell to talk about himself.

"So, going down into the dungeon. Excited for you first time, Bell?" Lyra asked, leaning forward.

"Yeah, it seems interesting. Can't wait to punt a goblin."

Lyra chuckled and went back to eating her food. The rest of the familia did as well, and after they were done, everyone decided to call it a night. They had a big day tomorrow preparing for their mission.

Oh, what the mission would entail.

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"Set that charge there."

"I'm working, I'm working."

"Hurry, we needed this done yesterday."

Two men watched as many others set blaze rocks around the floor.

"You think you'll be ready?"

"Yeah, we will. The guild get our whereabouts?"

"They did. The Astraea familia will be here in two days."

"Good, we'll bury them and be one step closer to our goal of destroying Orario."

"Good. I'm heading back. Be sure not to fail."

"Yes, sir"

The other man walked away while the first one had a wicked smile.

"Once we take down these girls, Orario will be weaker than ever."

Well, this took a while to come out, and the reason why was because I've been busy and haven't felt like writing. I should have some free time soon, and I also had another idea, so I might write another story.

I kinda don't want to, as I already have a bunch I'm working on, so I'll try and stop myself. Also this chapter feels mid to me

Anyway later.