Danmachi Emerald Version

Chapter 5

Pass Parade 2: Interlude

A/N:

Narration

"Talk"

Monologue

*sfx*

It was past noon. Right after a certain rabbit got beaten to a pulp by a certain loli goddess, at a certain cafe's VIP room.

"My my, is this a regular thing now, Loki?" the hooded figure who exudes pheromone asked as soon as she enters the room.

"I'm just bored, " the other person replied whimsically as she signal the hooded figure to take a sit. "And who else is best to talk gossip than another goddess who has a lot of free time in her hands."

"Hmmm~" the Hooded goddess that is Freya hummed as she waits for Loki's follow up.

"I'll take that as a yes then, " the goddess of mischief said before ordering raising her hand, calling a waiter. "Waiter, a drink for two!"

"Do you expect me to pay for that?" Freya asked, remembering their previous rendezvous.

"Nah, actually, I'm on a good mood thanks to a certain bimbo earlier so I'll pay." Loki replied.

"So it'll be about that, I see..." Freya replied while still having that standard seductive smile plastered on her face. Normally, Loki would be disturb by this but she let's it go for the time being.

"Yes and no. But we can start with that."

"Very well, go on, "

"First, a fair warning. Do that again and they'll likely catch onto your little project."

The that Loki is referring to was Freya's earlier action towards the Apollo's Familia.

It's one thing when one god visit another God's familia. The other gods will see it as one doing business to another. Loki did it when she ask for Hephaestus' aid for her campaign. Freya on the other hand had all of her familiar executive surrounds Apollo's base. A clear sign of strong arming Apollo.

Though others we're dumbfounded over this, Loki had an initial understanding to her action. She also investigate a certain rumor spreading and it leads her to members of Apollo's familiar. Rumor that any level one that defeats the little rookie will quickly level up.

"Just a little correction there, Loki, " Freya replied calmly. "I didn't do that entirely for his sake."

Loki upon hearing this smirks followed by raising an eye brow as if saying I don't believe you.

"Frankly, I expect you to do worst if it happen to you."

"W-what now?" Loki asked, dumbfounded.

"A foolish child of mine tested that rumor as well."

"Heh! I'd say you put 'em to it to investigate that rumor."

"That's besides the point. The fact that my child was injured from the ambush planned by Apollo remained true. Apollo wants to make sure he didn't leave Orario by sending a some of his members to ambush him. My child was accompanying Little Rookie when that happened so I just used that incident as a trigger and leverage to put a stop on that foolish rumor."

"Guess you have a point, " Loki contemplates as she remember her anger when her children were injured during monsterphilia "If it happen to my children, I might have used my arcanum right to Apollo's face."

"See, "

"But yer getting a little aggressive and it'll be a problem. It'll be a matter of time before the likes of Ishtar caught on to this."

"You have to thank Nine Hell's advice for that."

upon hearing her child's name, Loki did a spit take as she look at the goddess' face devoid of lies.

"I originally plan to stay in the shadows and when he is ripe enough, steal him from Hestia. Nine Hell's reasoning struck a chord so here I am.

"W-when?! how?! I mean what the heck!"

This time around, It was Freya's turn to smirk at Loki's obliviousness on the matter.

"I'll leave the specifics to your child but the question of when. I can answer that. It was during the incident at the ninth floor." Freya explain as she took a small sip on her drink. "Loki, at that point, your child knows more of my actions that you. Quite surprising really."

"Damn!"

Loki curses her current situation.

But why won't mama... wait... don't tell me...

It then remind Loki that she had been evading the high elf when she inform her of the anomaly of monsterphilia. It's possible she continue looking at that issue which leads her to learn the connection of the rabbit and this horny goddess.

Damn it!

"Haaaaaah... ok ya got me there." Loki calm down as she slouch at her sit. Who knew she would be this exhausted over such discussion. "But seriously, what's so special about that rabbit?"

"In due time you'll know, " Freya said with an excited voice. "In due time."

"I doubt it, *slurp*" Loki replied lazily while drinking her glass in a rude and classless manner.

"Say... do you want to know the secret of his fast level up?" a single statement. That single statement is probably the questions the gods have RIGHT after denanthus. It quickly alerted Loki. The fact that the guild has yet to release a report over his level up, something they did with Ais before, just adds fuel to the gods never ending search for entertainment.

"Sure, as long as it's free, I don't mind."

"If we leave him and his unknown skills aside, there's two secret for his quick growth than can be replicated."

Not knowing how to react over this revelation, Loki decide to shut her mouth and let the stalker made her report and knowing Freya, she is likely to use that special item in her possession just to stalk the white rabbit while he is in the dungeon. So it is natural for her to know a thing or two of his exploit."

"But what would you like to know first? The good one or the bad one?'

Good? Bad? I don't like this...

"Gimme the bad first, "

Loki replied following the saying of saving the best for last. and hoping it is not related to her initial suspicion of the rabbit's level up.

Seeing her like this, Freya can't held but be amused.

"Before his level up, not counting of his supporter, " Freya began as she traced the edge of her cup. "He's been solo playing up to the tenth floor."

"Yer joking right?" Loki asked. She has been in this business as long as the goddess in front of her and had seen adventurers come and go. Even her Ais took months before reaching the ninth floor all by herself. Considering that the Little rookie hasn't been an adventurer for two months spoke volume of the absurdities of his feat.

"No. Factor in the Silverback he defeated during monsterphilia and the minotaur back then." Freya continued as she recall each of his fights fondly. "I'm sure even you would figure out as to why the guild had been silent over this."

"True...It is like telling adventurers to go die, " Loki trail off as she remember her very own child that is obsess in getting strong. This information will likely drive Ais to be more reckless than before. "But even if he has an absurd unknown skill, that should not be enough... wait... pheiphei?"

Freya just smile to her inquiry.

"Ahahahahahaha! No wonder that midget is working at her shop."

"Loki, don't let your animosity cloud your mind, " Freya said. "Hephaestus is not the kind of blacksmith that would not consider the negative effect of over dependence to a strong weapon.

From what I see, the black knife is indeed a durandal but it is not that powerful to kill the silverback nor the Minotaur in one hit. It's not a powerful beatstick but an indestructible tool for survival."

"M'kay so what's the good info then?"

"Before we go there, Loki"

"What?"

"Do you know your children's activities before the expedition?"

"..."

Loki first pause, digesting the question thrown to her before paling like a ghost.

"Nononononononononononono... How is this even good?!" Loki exclaim as she realize the implications of Freya's question.

Which is during their prep time, Ais did something behind their backs to an adventurer of a different familia. Riveria learn of this so she strike a deal to the opposite party. Said deal involves taking care of the fake elf in return to Ais' proposal. A bona fide quid pro quo. which means that Ais is likely to personally asked to train that white haired adventurer and not the other way around.

"Fufufufu. 12 noes eh? And Loki you never ask if the information is good for you." Freya muses. "My criteria is on a general scale. His earlier exploits is a bad one compared to your doll seemingly developing some interest in him to the point that she herself propose to train him."

"Ais like that kid?" Loki verified just to be sure she didn't hear right. "Also The venom on your voice makes it sounds like yer jealous."

"I am jealous." Freya admitted. "Jealous enough to sent some of my kids to harass them."

Upon hearing this, Loki grips her glass tightly but not to the point of breaking it

"Yer lucky Ais wasn't injured over this or it'll be war,"

"I know," Freya replied calmly. "My goal was just to roughplay and see the development of her training. Training that was also supervised by Nine Hell mind you."

Hmmm...this piece of information...

Loki though as she consider how it will be use for her advantage.

If the rabbit fell for Ais, that would deal a major blow to that bimbo and shorty. But it will make me look like I owe shorty in this one. Something she will gloat for the rest of her life. Two pros and one con. Make that a tie. Two pros and two cons. The second is that Ais is mine to begin with so that's a no.

Seeing her like this, Freya had an idea as to what is going on in Loki's mind,

"Now that we got that off the table, why don't we go straight to business, "

"Very well. Since you already gimme your share, it's 'bout time for me to return the favor." Loki said as she finally sat properly. resting her elbows on the table and clasping both of her hand and place her chin in between them "How would ya smuggle a monster off the dungeon without using the entrance if Babel?"

"... are you sure it's fine to just tell me that?" Freya asked seriously. "Won't Ouranos and the rest be mad that you leak a vital information?"

Though Freya for most of the time like to stay at her suite, she made it a point to be updated to some of the thing going on in Orario ever since the incident at Monsterphilia. A reason as to why she is aware of Loki, Hermes and Dionysus action to an extent.

"Call it as insurance," Loki replied grimly. "I don't doubt that old coot but my gut tells me to be wary of Hermes and Dionysus."

"And you're not worried about me?"

"Yer more straightforward than 'em, " Loki replied with a wave of her hand. "At the end of the day, yer a boob fer brain scheming type. I'd rather deal with that than their crap. Especially Hermes."

"Hermes? Why him?"

"Ya forgot how loyal he is to that old perv Zeus?"

"Loki," Freya began as she look at her with pity and mockery. "Don't tell me you still hold a grudge on Zeus for that?"

"Of course I will!" Loki exclaim, violently standing up causing her chair to craash to the floor. "That ol' fool! Who does he think he is saying I'm not worth peeping!" raising her right fist into the air as if she is raising the aforementioned Zeus to the air.

"Do you really wany to know?" Freya as she crossed her arms to emphasize the assets that Loki lacks. Said action made Loki took one step back and stare at the Goddess of Beauty with scorn. "And to begin with, for most of the time, you dressed like a male. Can you blame him for that?"

"My clothes preference is not the issue here!"

"Are you sure you're alright?"

The very same time when two individual are in a heated discussion at a certain cafe, at the Hostess of Fertility, The elf Ryuu asked after seeing Bell's swollen cheeks and scratches over his right eye.

"Ehehe...It's nothing, Ms. Ryuu." Bell replied with awkward chuckle as he scratches the back of his head.

I can't tell Ms. Ryuu that Goddess did this earlier right after catching me in the act of trying to sniff Ms. Riveria's robe.

Knowing now that elves look up to high elves. Something that the wild forest fairy drilled in to him. Bell decided not to discuss the issue further to not bring the wrath of the beautiful maid elf on him.

"Ms. Ryuu, sorry for taking your time in your busy work," I began as I took a small gulp from the drinks given to me by Ms. Syr. A drink that I didn't order and a drink that I will likely pay.

Following Lily's advice and Welf's insistence, I went to see Ms Ryuu to inquire about the Crozzo blood line. Right now we are seated at a table near Mama Mia's counter and Ms. Ryuu is seated right across me.

"Do not worry, Mr. Cranel," Ryuu replied as she move her eyes towards Mama Mia's location. "I already talk to Mama Mia and she is fine with it as long as you will order and not cause a commotion."

"Okay," I replied as I began to formulate my question and think of a way to deliver it that would not anger Ms. Ryuu. "Uhm... Ms. Ryuu, do you know of the Crozzo bloodline?"

Upon hearing that name, I saw Ms. Ryuu's eyes widen is shock for a second before returning to her normal expression.

"The Crozzo name, to the majority of the elves is considered a taboo."

"Can you explain why?"

"Very well," Ryuu began.

"Mr. Cranel, have you heard of the existence of the Crozzo's Magic sword?" Ryuu asked as I answered with a nod.

I did hear a little about it from Lily.

"The magic swords made by the Crozzo's are ten times more powerful than your regular magic swords." Ryuu continue. "Just imagine if all of Orario have their hands on them."

"Wait... don't tell me..."

"Right. The Militaristic Kingdom of Rakia under the rule of the God Ares uses the magic swords made by the Crozzo as they wage war left and right to increase their territory. The power of the swords leaves barren wastelands on their wake and it is strong enough to achieve victory without any form of strategy.

It destroyed and burn many cities and forests. Forest where elves live. Because of it, the elves carry deep hatred towards that kind magic sword and the family that made them."

"... Are you one of them, Ms. Ryuu?" I asked nervously.

"No, not to its full extent," Ryuu replied. "That was after all a thing in the past and that the Crozzo had long fallen from grace in Rakia. It was said that due to the wanton destruction brought by those Magic swords, the spirits take back the blessing pass to them from the first Crozzo making them unable to create a magic sword ever again."

"I see..."

Ms. Ryuu's answer takes me by surprise and at the same time, it made me feel relieved. Relief that such an issue would not affect my friendship with both Ms. Ryuu and Welf.

"Then can you tell me why you ask me of this, Mr. Cranel?"

It is now my turn to answer her question.

"Actually, a blacksmith from the Hephaestus familia joined my party. His name is Welf. Welf Crozzo.

"I see..." Ryuu murmur. "Mr. Cranel,"

"Yes?"

"Do you trust him?" Ms Ryuu asked as her pair of beautiful blue eyes look at me with a hint of worry. "I am not doubting your judgement but you need to consider the pros and cons of getting involve with another famila members."

"Yes, I trust Welf with my life." Bell replied honestly which made the elven maid breath a sight of relief. "I doubt there will be any conflict between our familia. Goddess and Lady Hephaestus are on friendly terms."

"That's good to hear."

"Even though Goddess owed a lot of money from Lady Hephaestus..." Bell said meekly and more to himself.

Upon hearing this, Ryuu can only smile at him wryly.

"So that's the reason as to why she is working at her shop" Ryuu replied as she recall that she once saw Bell's goddess handing fliers for Hephaestus shop.

"Yes," Bell chuckle dryly which leads for he elf to response as-

"In that case, if you ever lack money, Syr and I can ask Mama Mia to let you work here part time."

"Thanks! That'll be a huge help!" Bell replied happily as he once again grab the hands of the beautiful elf that in turn made the said elf blush much to the shock of the rest of the maids minus Syr. They after all knows how delicate Ryuu is on that matter. Heck even some of the customers ran out of the establishment in fear of being caught in between the crossfire.

As I open my eyes, I found myself resting on a trunk of tree in a certain forest I've visited once while a grown Ais sleeps peacefully on my lap. I smile at the scene ad put my right hand to her head and pats it.

"Miss Riveria!" a certain voice called my name.

Looking at the source of the voice, I saw him. Right now he is probably in his thirties as I saw him with his white messy hair, ruby red eyes. He ran towards me with a joyful expression while holding a basket full of foods taken from the forest.

"I'm back!"

This must be a...

As I thought of that, I regain my consciousnesses and found myself inside my tent at the 50th floor. Looking around, I saw Ais sleeping beside me while holding my right hand.

"A dream..." I mumble as silent as possible so that I would not wake Ais.

A dream of the future where I took Ais with me and venture around the world.

sigh*

Upon realizing the meaning of her dream, the high elf sigh heavily as she massage her temple.

After getting kicked out of the pub for some unknown reason, I went to Babel where Welf waited for me.

"Yo! Thanks for coming," Welf greeted me as soon as I arrive.

"Sorry if I'm a bit late... hmmm?" Bell said as he noticed Welf's look.

"Are you ok?"

The smith worriedly asked. The source of his worry is likely the same as Ms. Ryuu earlier. My swelling face and scratch marks on my eye that I didn't have earlier when we part ways.

"I'm fine..." Bell chuckle dryly. His nervous reaction was enough for the smith to drop the issue all together.

"Let's go then, "

From there, he lead me to his forge.

Aaaaaaaaaaaaand Cut.

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