Heyo new chapter is here haha, honestly didnt expect this fanfic to get a lot of attention when I wrote this, but seeing how many people are following and favourite this, gave me motivation to complete chapter 2 haha
Anyways this chapter is basically is about the day that orario disappeared and would also explain why Bell was not inside of orario when it happend
So yeah, hopefully you guys enjoy and as always im open for suggestions and comments especially in my grammar and spelling that need improving.
hehe thanks!
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10 years ago
1 Day before the Event
It began like any normal day in Orario, the city of adventurers, the streets were bustling with vendors selling a variety of goods, adventurers running and walking to and from the dungeon. People eating in restaurants or ordering food or simple chit chat from one person to another.
Even female adventurers chasing after a pervert God who tried peeking at them in the bath house can also be considered normal in Orario
…okay perhaps the chase of a pervert God should not be considered normal in any circumstances
Nevertheless it shows how active and lively the city is, and within the crowd of bustling people a certain white hair boy that can be mistaken as a rabbit can be seen walking through, it was Bell Cranel
He was walking back with a backpack on his back after buying some needed supplies from the open market. Though it is quite evident that he would already be noticed by the public with his iconic look.
"Would you look at that, if it isn't the boy who fought the Minatour! Take some fruit, it's on the house HAHA!" a fruit vendor with a hearty voice and laugh tossed two of his fruit to Bell, who was able to catch it on time
"Thank you!" Bell responded back to the fruit seller with a smile
This was a scene that was happening repeatedly ever since Bell had arrived at the open market this morning, as multiple vendors would either offer huge discounts or free goods to the white rabbit.
Of course being the kind boy he is, he couldn't accept all of this goodwill even if it was in his favor, so he declined most of the free offers and discounts and accepted only those that consist of either food or small trinkets that shouldn't cost the vendors too much.
"Hey minotaur fighter! Come to my stall I can give you a 30% percent discount if you buy my goods!" a miscellaneous goods vendor shouting to Bell, trying to incite him to purchase his goods with a discount.
"Haha maybe next time!" Bell shouted back to the vendor with a smile, continuing to walk until a small girl called out to him, which made him stop.
"Hey mister, is the big scary cow-head monster thing going to attack again?" asked the small girl with a slight scared voice
Bell turned to the small girl with a small chuckle, crouching down to the girl's height, placing his hand on her head and rubbing it "Don't worry if that mean cow-head comes out, I will fight it again with all my might" Bell said with a confident and reassuring smile, causing the small girl to feel relief.
As he stood up and gave the little girl the other fruit that he got from the fruit vendor, causing the little girl to smile even more. She bowed and thanked him before walking away
Bell nodded in satisfaction with that small interaction and began walking once again, continuing on getting offers from various vendors for free food to discounts of different goods.
Bell thought to himself "To think everyone's attitude would change this drastically after that event" while finally getting a bite of the other fruit that he got.
It was a few days after the whole Xeno incident and his battle against his rival Asterius, his Familia's reputation which was rock-bottom because he was shielding Weine from the public was able to shoot straight back up after his fight.
He was glad that everything was back to normal, especially with his familia's reputation. In fact he is pretty sure that their reputation has grown even further than previously.
Finishing the fruit that he had gotten, Bell continued on his way, until he was called out by a familiar adventurer
"Well Well if it ain't the Little Rookie, ah wait, I should refer you as Rabbit Foot right? haha" the man with his arms crossed said with a laugh
"Ah Mord!" Bell said in surprise, as he didn't think that he would meet Mord and his friends.
But what caught his attention was Mords' referral to his new alias. "Ah that's right, my Alias was changed recently" Bell thought
After Bell's battle against Asterius, Bell was able to level up to level 4 causing a need to change his alias once again.
Granted it was a much better alias than Little Rookie, but why does it have to be related to rabbits again? He mentally sighed at this, but did not show it on his face.
With a slight smile Bell greeted Mord "Mord It's been a while though I did not expect to see you here at this time"
Mord explained while raising an eyebrow "Ah, so you're wondering why I'm here huh, well isn't it obvious that I came here to buy some supplies like anyone else?" thinking that himself being here wasn't so strange
This caused Bell to be slightly embarrassed with his question, realizing that Mord was right, with that he now looked for an excuse to use to get out of the embarrassing moment he created. .
"Ah right sorry, it's just been quite hectic lately haha" Bell explained with a laugh, trying to move on from the slightly embarrassing moment he had.
Mord nodded to Bell's explanation "Yeah I can see that, one minute you're getting glares from people, the next you're getting songs of praises from them" Mord said, understanding what Bell meant.
"Plus with that epic fight that you had with the minotaur, even though you lost to it, seeing you fight with passion has pretty much inspired everyone who saw it including me! HAHA" Mord said with a loud laugh and smile having both his hands on his waist
"Haha thanks" Bell said with a smile and thought "That's right, even though I lost to you Asterius, the next time we fight it will be my victory" slightly clutching his hand into a fist with determination to get stronger.
"Well anyways would love to chat with you about your fight, but I gotta go and meet up with my buddys at the dungeon entrance" Mord said with a smile as he walked passed Bell, before he got too far he placed his hand on Bell's shoulder and with a smile and a thumbs up said he said "Also congrats on your level up kid! Ya deserved it!"
Bell replied with a smile "Thanks! and good luck to you guys" with that Mord smiles and lets go of Bell's shoulder as both of them walk away separately.
But before Bell could even get far, he was once again called out by two familiar female faces.
"Ah! Bell! Good Morning!" Said the one with light hair gray and eyes wearing a green waitress uniform in a cheerful voice while waving her hand and smiling.
"Good Morning Cranel-san" Said the elf with green hair and sky blue eyes wearing the same uniform, in a calm but happy tone voice with a smile.
Bell recognizes both of the waitresses and with a smile he replies to both of their greetings with his own "Syr and Ryu Good Morning!" waving to the two of them while walking towards them.
Arriving in front of the two waitresses the three of them began having some casual talk, though it was mostly Syr asking Bell about what he has done over the past few days and his morning.
With Ryuu mediating the talk, making sure that her friend doesn't ask questions that may be rude in her opinion and asking for clarification on both Bell's and Syr's responses.
"Hey Bell, are you going to visit us at the Hostess of fertility tonight?" Syr asked Bell as she hasn't seen the white rabbit lately due to the monster incident that has happened with his Familia. But considering that his familia is now doing better, and news of his level up reached her ears, she is wondering if his familia will eat at the Hostess.
"Maybe next time, as I have to get back home and get ready for a quest" Bell explained with a slight smile to Syr, with the latter giving out a cute pout in dissatisfaction
"Quest?" hearing that, Ryuu's interest piqued and decided to ask Bell about the type of quest that he is doing, knowing that the guild should be providing his Familia a Guild Quest in the dungeon with his recent level sooner or later.
"Quest? Are you talking about the Guild Expedition Quest for the Dungeon?" she asked with clarification, which Bell responded with moving his head side to side
"Nope, this is a more like a escort request outside of Orario" Bell explained to Ryuu, with the latter nodding her head, understanding his explanation
But this news caught someone else surprised
"Ehhhhh!" Syr replied to Bell's explanation in shock "So does that mean that you're leaving Orario right now?"
Bell answered to Syr's question with a bit of nervousness in his voice "uhhh yeah…but don't worry it's only for 3 Days" hoping this clarification would satisfy Syr
However this did not satisfy the light gray waitress at all "Even so! I haven't seen you lately and now you're telling me that you will be gone for 3 days!" complaining to Bell with him scratching his cheeks with nervous laughter to Syr's reaction as he doesn't know what else to say to her.
With that she looked at the boy straight to his eye "Then at least let me cook your lunch before you leave!" she said with determination as she turned a full 180 degrees and was about to run back to the Hostess to start cooking Bell's lunch for his trip
But she was stopped by her friend Ryuu who gently grabbed her shoulders and explained in a calm voice "Syr, Remember that Mama Mia sent us out to buy vegetables from the open market" reminding Syr about why they came here in the first place.
"But-"Syr tried reasoning with Ryuu to no avail as the elven waitress just shook her head side to side. "I'm sorry Syr, usually I would help you in this situation, but Mama Mia threatened me with an entire month of bathroom duties if I let you slack off or worse…cook" Ryuu thought as she is looking at her pouting friend
After all, the reason why they were buying vegetables right now was mainly because Syr wasted their entire stock trying to practice her cooking skills, which in the end didn't really result in anything edible.
Unless black ash can be considered edible food?
After that interaction, both waitresses and the white rabbit said their farewells albeit with one of them still pouting as they left.
With that interaction over Bell was once again on the move
For about 2 minutes
"Aaaarrgooonaauut!" a tanned petite woman who was practically screaming in a cheerful voice to the young boy as she was waving excitedly while steadily jogging towards him. Following behind her was a woman with golden hair and eyes.
Bell easily recognizes the two as members part of the prestige Loki familia who he interacted with quite often.
"Ah Tiona, Ais!" Bell exclaimed probably for the third time this morning alone
"Heyo Argonaut! How are You!" Tiona said with an energetic voice, showing a big smile to Bell as she stopped in front of the boy
"Bell, Good Morning" Ais said in a calm but happy voice, as she is also showing a small smile with her usual stoic expression to the boy
Bell responded with his own smile and greeted the two Loki Familia Members "Good Morning and I'm doing fine haha" with a small laugh.
"Congratulations to your Level Up Argonaut!" Said the Amazoness as she used both hands to give two thumbs up with a big smile for the boy's progress "Hey hey do you want to try having a light spar with me later on the walls" she asked with a smile as she is curious on how strong he is now compared to before.
Ais nodded to Tiona's suggestion as even though they did fight each other during the monster incident she was still interested in seeing how far the boy had come.
Hearing that suggestion Bell let out a smile and chuckled a bit, considering that these two have helped him train when he was only a level 1 and 2 newbie. Perhaps sparring against two level 6's can greatly improve his capabilities and provide him with useful insights as a level 4.
Unfortunately he can't do that right now as he has other matters to attend to.
Bell told Tiona and Ais "Sorry I can't do that right now maybe next time as I have to get back home to prepare for a quest" he explained
"Booo" Tiona complained, putting both of her arms behind her head, as she really wanted to have a spar with the white rabbit. As for Ais she simply tilted her head and asked "Quest? Like an official guild expedition quest?"
Bell proceeds to give the same explanation as he did with the Hostess waitresses that he talked to a few minutes ago.
"Ohhh so you will be gone for 3 days because of a bodyguard request?" Tiona clarifies with her own understanding of Bell's explanation, which he nodded to confirm that she is correct.
Ais on the other hand kept quiet with her stoic expression as both Bell and Tiona continued to talk to each other "So Bell will be gone for 3 days…it's only for a short time but…why do I feel really sad about it?" as she questions her current mood
When Bell told her that he will be gone for 3 days she suddenly felt a wave of sadness in her heart. She herself doesn't understand why she feels like that as it should only be a short time, seeing a mini-version of her sitting cross legged with a hard thinking face.
She thought "Was it because I fought Bell during the monster incident? No that can't be it, we have already talked about it and made up on the wall" she dismissed her first thought as she remembers her talk with Bell on that day.
"Is it because I haven't seen him lately? Maybe, this is the first time in a while that I've talked to Bell after the incident" Ais thought as she recalled that she had not seen the white rabbit for a while. As she continues to ponder about her sudden emotions regarding this situation, something that Bell said caught her attention
"Well I better get going now, can't keep my familia waiting for me haha" Bell said with a laugh
"Ah" Ais thought as she was shocked to realize that she has done nothing but think during the entire time that Bell and Tiona were talking, and was not able to participate in their conversation.
This made her mini version of herself about to cry as they did not talk to Bell at all when he was here right in front of them.
"Alright! but it's a promise that we can have a spar when you get back okay!" Tiona said with expectation in her voice as she smiles in front of the boy
Bell replied to the amazoness request with a smile "Of course!" giving Ais the hint that they were talking mainly talking about scheduling a sparring match when he gets back.
"Hey Ais you got anything to say to Argonaut before he goes" Tiona asked Aiz as she pointed to Bell who in turned looked at Ais with some anticipation of what she will say to him
Soon both her and the mini version were racking their brains together to come up with something to say to Bell, before finally coming up with something.
She looked at Bell "Be safe and good luck with your quest" she said with a genuine smile that can be seen by both Tiona and Bell, with the latter having his cheeks flushed red
With that smile pointing towards him Bell could only reply with a smile and a laugh "y-ye-yeah umm thank you for umm t-that hahaha" the boy continued to blush while stuttering his words.
After this interaction both parties said their farewells and separated soon after in opposite directions, with Ais and Tiona having smiles on their faces after their short interaction with the white rabbit.
As for the white rabbit himself, well he couldn't stop grinning to himself after seeing that smile that Ais has given him, being glad that he was able to meet her here.
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Several Minutes of walking, Bell can finally see his destination: it was his familia's home, The Hearth Mansion. "Phew finally made it back" Bell mutters to himself as he walks towards the two large doors before stopping in front and knocking on it.
Knock Knock
Not even a minute passed as he hears someone on the other side opening the doors, revealing a beautiful golden haired Renard wearing maid clothes.
"Ah! Bell-sama Welcome Back!" Said the golden haired Renard maid as she lets out a smile while opening the door to let the boy in, looking closely it can be seen that Renard's tail is wagging happily.
Bell replies to the Renard Maid "I'm back Haruhime" with a smile as he comes through the open door "Is Kami-sama and the others in the living room?" asked Bell as he heard the doors closing behind him looking back at his friend.
Haruhime nodded her head while smiling "Yes they are all just waiting in the living room" explaining where the others are.
With that confirmation Bell nodded his head to Haruhime's reply, as both of them started walking towards the living room of the mansion.
Several seconds of walking, Bell and Haruhime can see the living room, he can see several within the room, recognizing all of them Bell lets out a smile.
Soon the living room occupants noticed his arrival, as each of them started to get up from each of their places.
One of the occupants of the room started running towards him with great speed opening her arms and shouting "BELLLL-KUUN YOUR BACKK!" as she tackles him with a hug with full force
"Gah!" Bell felt the hug with full force of the charge but didn't resist it, causing him to stagger backwards a bit but was able to keep standing upward as he showed a slight pained smile to the woman.
"I'm back Kami-sama" Bell said said to the woman, as it is his Goddess of the familia: Hestia
Hestia continues to cling to Bell with a hug as the Boy just looks at her with a slight smile at his Goddess behavior, though this was cut short as another occupant of the room calls out to his Goddess.
"Geez, Hestia-sama, Bell-sama was only gone for an hour or so, is there really a need to be this clingy in the morning?" said the Prum occupant of the room as she walked towards the duo while looking at the Goddess with a tired look.
She then looked at Bell and with a refreshing smile as she said "Welcome Back Bell-sama!"
Bell with a smile "I'm Back Lili" replied back to his supporter of the familia
The remaining last two occupants of the room also arrived in front of Bell as both of them gave him their own greetings.
"Bell-dono,Welcome Back" said the black haired female occupant with a smile
"Hey man, Welcome Back! I'm assuming that your shopping went well?" said the red haired man with a smile and wave as he asked a question to Bell.
"I'm back Mikoto, Welf and yup I got everything I needed" Bell replied with a smile as he greets the last two occupants of the room. With this, the entirety of the Hestia familia has gathered and greeted their captain .
After several minutes have passed, the familia begins sitting down on the couch and chairs as they all help assess the supplies that would be needed during Bell's first Escort Quest, with Haruhime pouring drinks for everyone.
In fact this is the first time that the Hestia familia would be doing a quest outside of Orario with just a single member to do the quest, and it's their captain that is assigned to it.
Usually for an Escort Quest, the Familia would send one of their members or Familia executives to complete it, and not the captain of the familia as they have duties that they most attend to in Orario.
Sitting on the right side of Bell, Hestia was complaining *Grumbling* "Why do we have to do this! were only a small Familia to begin with!" Hestia said as she pointed out the size of the Familia.
On the left side of Bell, Lli was also complaining *Grumbling* "I agree with Hestia-sama! They should have assigned this quest to a Familia that has more members! plus it was just Bell-sama that was assigned to do this quest! Why not the rest of us!" Lili pointint out as many inconsistencies regarding the Guild's decision for their Familia
The Prum and the Goddess duo continue complaining about the Guild's decision as the rest of the Familia watch with a sweat-drop and a small smile, while Bell begins packing up all of his needed supplies for the trip.
Welf tried explaining to the duo about the Guild's decision of selecting Bell for this Escort Quest "Well I do agree with you guys about the Guild selecting our Familia is strange, but considering the person who needs to be escorted…I think it's reasonable on why they selected Bell for this" after saying this he earned to two heated glares telling him to be quiet.
As the red haired blacksmith raised his hands in defense against the two glares from the Lili and Hestia, the other members, Mikoto and Haruhime decided to step in to back up Welf.
"Umm well I may not be well versed in this, But considering our overall strength I think it makes sense that they only selected Bell for this" Haruhime said as she carefully picked her words, though on a closer look it can be seen that her tail is drooping down a bit.
Mikoto nodded her head and said "The Guild is also offering quite a hefty reward as well if Bell-dono accomplishes this quest" pointing out the reward that would be given.
Prompting Bell himself to speak "Kami-sama, Lili, I understand your worries regarding this, but this is an opportunity that can't be missed, I would love if you guys can come with me, but I think it's better if you guys stay here and protect kami-sama while I'm gone" he explained to his Familia
"Besides it's only for 3 days, it's a short time and with the reward that they are offering, I think it's a good deal" Bell tries to reason with his Goddess and friend as he explains his thoughts regarding the quest, as he finishes double checking his supplies.
Both Hestia and Lili understand what Bell and the other members of the Familia are saying, as their points are valid since not only is the quest duration short but the reward is quite hefty too.
Even if Bell is not here, they should still be able to operate properly even if they can't go down to the lower floors to farm temporarily.
However this does not answer the single question that still lingers on all of the members of the Hestia Familia, of all Familias located in Orario. Why were they the ones chosen for this escort quest?
With that question still lingering about, Hestia was about to continue her complaints "Still, what is the guild thinking assi-" but before she can finish her sentence.
Knock Knock
The door was knocked
"Ah" all of the Hestia Familia exclaimed
Bell, being the first one to stand up among his familia picked up his backpack on the table "Looks like She's here" he said, which prompted the rest of the familia to stand and follow Bell to the door.
Arriving at the door Bell opens it to reveal a beautiful woman with long silver hair and purple eyes, that can be described as an elaborate doll standing in front of it and far behind her at the gate entrance, a carriage can be seen waiting.
Seeing the door opened the woman bowed her head and greeted them "Good Day to you Hestia-sama, Bell-san and the rest of the Hestia Familia"
"Ah Good Day to you Amid-san" Bell greeting the woman with a small smile as he also bows his head.
The one that requires an escort is none other than Airmid Teasanare otherwise known as Dea Saint of the Dian Cecht Familia. One of the most well-known and powerful healers of all of Orario.
Explaining the reason why Bell was the only one from his familia was chosen for this Escort Quest. Losing her will have an effect on the overall strength of Orario, thus highlighting the importance of selecting a strong and capable bodyguard.
Before heading to the carriage, Hestia asked Bell, Welf, Mikoto and Haruhime to go ahead first as She and Lili wish to talk to Airmind in regards to some matters.
Bell and Haurhie nodded to Hestia's request while Welf and Mikoto let out a tired sigh knowing what the overprotective duo will ask, though they do understand the purpose of it, and decided to let it be.
Seeing the group leave, Lili then started to ask Airmid if she knew the reason why the Guild has chosen their Familia for this Escort Quest
"Amid-san, do you perhaps know the reason why the Guild has assigned our Familia and more specifically Bell-sama to escort you?" Lili asked, trying to find the reason behind this decision of the Guild.
Hestia nodded her head agreeing with the Prum and complained "Yeah! My Bell-kun only leveled up recently! So why does he have to be the one to do this quest! Shouldn't the Guild have picked from a larger Familia, like Ganesha or that flat-chest Loki!"
Hearing the complaints from the Goddess and Prum Airmid lightly coughed and explained "To be honest, I'm also unsure on the reason why they have picked the Hestia Familia for this Escort Quest, as usually it would be assigned to larger Familias" pointing out that she too is confused with the assignment
Hearing that, Lili glances at Hestia to see if Airmind was telling the truth, to which Hestia did a small nod to confirm that she is telling the truth.
After all, no mortal can lie to a God
With that confirmation, both the God and Prum let out a mental sigh, seeing that Airmind holds no useful information or clues about the decision that the Guild made.
Hestia then thanked Airimind for staying behind to answer the question, where the latter simply smiled and nodded her head telling the duo that it is no problem. With the conversation finished the three of them left the entrance and started walking towards the carriage.
After several seconds of walking, Airmind, Hestia and Lili arrived at the carriage outside of the Hearth Mansion. Seeing Bell and the rest of the Hestia Familia members waiting for the three of them to arrive.
Airmind walks towards Bell to talk to him and confirm if the He understands the context of the Escort Quest as the rest of Familia watch on and smile at their captain.
Hestia on the other hand couldn't stop thinking about the Guild's decision "This is still super suspicious,maybe the Guild has high expectations for Bell?" Hestia thought
As she continues thinking she soon had a revelation "In fact…why the hell do I feel that damn Hermes had something to do with this" remembering the annoying God, Hestia clutches her fist with a tick mark on her head.
Soon she clutched her fist even harder as she realize the possibility of his involvement is not low "I swear if that orange haired clown had something to do with this, I would do another dropkick at that bastard the next time I see him" Hestia thought as more tick marks are shown on her head
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GUILD HEADQUARTERS BASEMENT
-ROOM OF PRAYER-
"ACHOO! ACHOO!" an orange haired man with a feathered hat sneezed twice inside a large dark room lit with numerous torches.
*sniff* "heh guess someone is talking about me, it's difficult being so popular" said the orange haired man looking smugly at himself
"Ummm Lord Hermes, I'm pretty sure in Far East beliefs, sneezing twice would usually mean that they are talking ill of you" said the black hooded figure behind him pointing out his misconception
Hermes looked at the black hooded figure and exclaimed in surprise "Eh seriously?"
"Enough" said the figure sitting down on a throne in the middle of the room, causing Hermes and the black hooded individual to look at the seated figure.
The figure then looked at the black hooded individual and asked "I assume that everything went according to plan regarding Bell Cranel's assignment Fels?"
The black hooded figure known as Fels nodded his head "Yes Oranous-sama Bell should be leaving Orario before lunch to carry out his Escort Quest of Dea Saint" as he confirms the assignment
Hearing the confirmation Hermes lets out a joyous laugh "HA HA! So it seems everything is going to plan with Bell" he said showing a smile
Oranous also nodded to the confirmation "Good with this Bell Cranel should be able to take a good break as you suggested Hermes" as he looks at Hermes with the latter putting his hand on his chin as he nodded in satisfaction
Hermes then smirked "and with a great beauty to boot as well! Ha Ha the boy will have a good time!" he said with a laugh
The reason why Bell Cranel was selected to be the one to do the Escort Quest of Dea Saint was the suggestion of the messenger God Hermes and Fels manipulation within the shadows of the Guild.
After the whole Xeno incident, Hermes met up with Oranous and Fels beneath the Guild to discuss his next plan with the two, specifically involving Bell Cranel and the next step in simulating his growth into a Hero.
The Messenger God himself was surprised about Bell's growth during the fight against the minotaur to the point that Bell had overcome Hermes' original plan
It was after this that Hermes asked Oranous to keep Bell and the rest of the Hestia Familia away from the upcoming attack on Knossos.
The battle between the Loki Familia and its allies against the radical group Evilus led by the figure known as Enyo who wishes to destroy the city.
Seeing that another brutal confrontation may come to the white rabbit, Hermes wants to prevent Bell from joining the fray, at least for now.
So the Messenger God had come up with a suggestion, which was to send the Hestia familia into an Expedition Quest inside the dungeon before the battle of Knossos begins. This way it would prevent Bell from participating and give him time to grow even further.
However, seeing the white rabbit's abnormal luck first hand, Hermes believes that there is a high chance that something will happen during the Expedition Quest, though he believes that whatever abnormality may happen it will make Bell even stronger.
Though he does feel sorry for the white rabbit, as the boy keeps on encountering new difficulties and challenges without rest. So this led to a small deviation to Hermes original suggestion, that is to send Bell to do an Escort Quest outside of Orario before sending him and his Familia to the Expedition Quest.
Giving Bell at least a small break before he continues with his adventures.
Though Hermes wanted to send out the entire Hestia Familia to do the Escort Quest, there was a likelihood that it would gather unwanted attention. Thus by only sending out Bell to do this quest, should not gather any suspicion.
Hermes had also instructed Asfi and the rest of his Familia to watch over the Hestia Familia during Bell's absence to ensure their safety in secret.
Oranous looked satisfied with the current arrangement "With this we have lifted a burden on Bell Cranel, and gave him a suitable reward for all of his hard work with the Xenos" he explained with Fels nodding his head in agreement to the God's statement
The old God thought to himself about his decision "Although I was hesitant in ordering Airmid Teasanare to be sent out, as there is a high likelihood that the Loki Familia would ask for her assistance during the knossos raid, but seeing how it would begin in 15 days it should be no issue"
The old God knew that the Loki Familia would be contacting their allies before the raid, considering that the Loki Familia had also made a deal with the Xenos to participate in the raid albeit in secret.
With the raid itself beginning in 15 days Oranous saw no issue in sending Airmid Teasanare with Bell Cranel outside of Orario as it should only be 3 Days of absence in the city. By then Airmid Teasanare should be back and still have plenty of time to prepare while Bell Cranel and His Familia can be sent out for a Expedition Quest before the raid can begin.
Seeing that there is nothing else to talk about as the plan for Bell Cranel is set in motion and other related matters, Oranous was about to tell Hermes that he should leave….until he felt a strange energy
"Hmm?" Oranous paused himself as he felt some form of energy that just appeared for a brief moment before disappearing "was that..Acranum?" the old God thought but isn't sure as it was only for a brief moment.
He then looked at Hermes who was talking to Fels with the latter showing signs of annoyance to the orange haired God, but seeing that Hermes and Fels had not stopped talking to each other when the energy appeared would either mean that only He had felt it or that it was only his imagination.
Though the old God knew that it was not his imagination as he has seen many things during his time. But with the amount of activities that need his attention, Oranous decided to put it behind him for later and would ask Fels to help him investigate after all of this is over.
x-x-x-x-x-x-x
OUTSIDE OF HEARTH MANSION
Bell began hugging his familia members before he leaves "Bye you guys" he said after finishing his hugs to each of his friends
Haruhime with a smile "Farewell Bell-sama please be safe on your journey" said to Bell with the latter nodding his head towards her.
Mikoto then told Bell "Bell-dono make sure that you won't get into any trouble while your there" slightly chuckling to herself
Welf then asked "Hey also while you're there can you bring us back some souvenirs from your trip!" which Bell gave a thumbs up to the red hair blacksmith request.
"Bell-sama, make sure that you wont hit on any girls while you're there!" Lili told Bell in a loud voice, which caused the white rabbit to blush in embarrassment
"LILI!" Bell exclaimed with a blush as he looks towards the Prum
Hestia then added to what Lili had said "Yeah, especially with Airmind!" with a louder voice which caused the boy to blush even more
"KAMI-SAMA!" Bell exclaimed again but with a redder blush as he looked towards his Goddess.
Seeing the Hestia Familia's interaction with their captain, Airmind lets out a small smile as she silently chuckles to herself
With that small interaction finished, both Airmid and Bell boarded on the carriage and with a final wave of goodbye from Bell to his Familia the carriage departed from the Hearth Mansion
In the carriage both sat in silence making it quite awkward between the two. Bell was trying to think of something to say to alleviate the current situation. However before Bell can say something, Airmind beats him to it.
Airmind looks at Bell "You have a good Familia you know that right?" she said looking at Bell with a smile.
Seeing that Bell also let out a smile "Yeah I know and I'm grateful for that" as remembers all of their adventurers together
The two were able to create a conversation within the carriage, as the two continued to talk to each other Bell noticed that they are now exiting Orario
Pausing his conversation with Airmind, Bell opens the carriage window to look outside to see that he is going farther away from Orario
Forming a sad smile Bell mutters to himself "Farewell Orario, I will Return Soon" as he looks at Orario getting farther away. After which he gets back inside as he closes the window to continue his conversation with Airmind.
However what Bell and Airmind didn't know at that time
No, perhaps the whole world
That on the Next Day
Gods all over the world felt a strange energy emitted like a ripple
And on that day
Orario Disappeared
x-x-x-x-x-x-x
The next day, everything was normal in Orario as vendors continued to sell their goods and adventurers entering and exiting the dungeon. However something abnormal has happened as before lunch time, the residents of Orario began to notice it
Fog
Fog was forming inside and outside of Orario, which was strange considering the time and weather but was dismissed as something temporary as it was nothing new in Orario.
Although Familias like Ganesha, Freya and Loki stayed alert regarding the sudden changes, especially the Loki Familia as they were worried that the fog might be some form of diversion or preemptive strike from Evilus.
Soon the fog became heavier to the point where the street lights of Orario had to be turned on to allow the residents to see. But this did not give comfort to any of the residents as it was obvious that something was not right.
GUILD HEADQUARTERS BASEMENT
-ROOM OF PRAYER-
Oranous is showing a concerned look regarding the sudden change of events that are happening around Orario.
The fact that this strange Fog appeared after the Dea Saint left yesterday worried the old God, as if this was an attack by Evilus, casualties would be much larger than previous attacks.
However something else has also made the old God concerned as he looks towards Fels "Are there still no response from the Xenos, Fels?" he asked towards the old sage
Fels shooks his head side to side "I'm afraid not Lord Oranous, no matter how many times I tried calling, the Xenos are not responding to any of it" said Fels with a concerned voice
Usually Fels would contact the Xenos with the Occulus to hear daily reports regarding the Xenos food situation, location, accidents and even if they found a new member. But this time there was no response from the Xenos.
This greatly concerned both Oranous and Fels worried that the Xenos may have been attacked, thus Oranous was about to instruct Fels to go to the last location that the Xenos were staying.
Oranous looked at Fels and ordered "Fels immediately head to the la-" but before he could finish his sentence.
SNAP
Oranous eyes opened widely and a sense of dread could be felt from the old God, which caused Fels to look concerned and asked "Lord Oranous are you alright?"
The old God looked at Fels with an expression full of worry, confusion and dread and told him "The dungeon…its connection…it's been severed…I can no longer feel it" he said with a shock voice
GUILD HEADQUARTERS
-DUNGEON ENTRANCE-
In the guild, panic and concern can be seen as adventurers that arrived are asking for any information regarding the sudden Fog that popped out of nowhere
Eina Tulle one of the many receptionist and the personal advisor of Bell Cranel is seen trying to answer an adventurer's question regarding the Fog
"I hope nothing bad happened to Bell" Eina thought as she hoped that the boy was not involved in any danger that may be related to the fog outside of Orario.
Until suddenly adventurers began pouring out from the Dungeon Entrance one after the other running towards the exit of the Guild, causing confusion from both Guild personnel and adventurers that had just arrived.
One of the adventurers that poured out from the Dungeon Entrance soon shouted towards the Guild personnel and the adventurers that just arrived "WE HAVE AN EMERGENCY!"
This caused everyone to look at that adventurer that shouted with concern as they waited for what was to come from that adventurer mouth.
Seeing that his shout was able to gather everyone's attention inside the guild towards him, the adventurer then shouted "THE 6TH FLOOR ENTRANCE, IT DISAPPEARED!" as loud as he can.
This caused the adventurers that arrived to be shocked, some demanded towards the adventurer that shouted if he was telling the truth, while others began talking to the ones that exited the dungeon entrance to see if they would also say the same thing
Some even went inside the dungeon to confirm if it was the truth with their own eyes.
However, seeing that everyone that exited the dungeon was saying the same thing, most adventurers that arrived immediately left to report to their Familia captain and their patron Gods.
Seeing the panic and confusion all over the Guild, Eina could only mutter to herself "What on earth is happening" as she is concerned with not only the strange fog but also the sudden disconnection of the dungeon
x-x-x-x-x-x
Soon news began to spread within fog filled city of Orario regarding the disappearance of the 6th floor entrance which caused shocked and confusion by those who heard it
Concern was growing regarding how the 6th floor entrance could disappear and about the adventurers that went inside and beyond the 6th floor and what had happened to them.
Soon the Gods who had their adventurers that went inside the dungeon to the deeper floors can feel their connection with them growing weaker until it disappeared. Causing stress and anguish of those Gods who truly cared for their Familia
News regarding the disappearance continues to spread until every Familia inside of Orario has practically heard it, causing great confusion and concern.
TWILIGHT MANOR
In the home base of the Loki Familia, the captain Finn Deimne and the two top executives of the familia Riveria Ljos Alf and Gareth Landrock are currently discussing about the sudden changes that are happening rapidly inside of Orario with the other Executives of the Familia and their patron Goddess.
Loki their Patron God said "Welp aint this damn great, first this strange Fog popped out of nowhere and now access to the deeper floors has been cut hahh" she sighed in frustration as she has no clue on what is now going on anymore
Riveria the High Elf looked at the Prum captain with concern and asked "Do you think that Evilus has something to do with the Fog and the 6th floor entrance disappearance?" she asked, thinking that Evilus may have something to do with it.
Finn with a thoughtful face trying to analyze all of the information that he had received, could only shake his head side to side "If it was just the Fog perhaps, but with the disappearance of the 6th floor entrance I don't think so" he said
"Tch" an angry grunt from the room can be heard which came from the Werewolf known as Bete Loga "Why the hell not Finn! This is practically screaming that they are the ones behind it!" he shouted, which gained a glare from an Amazoness
"Oi! ya better shut up ya stupid Werewolf and respect the captain's words!" said Tione Hiryute as she glares at the Werewolf
Bete then reacted to the Amazoness harsh words with his own "Hah! What was that ya stupid brute!" as he glares at her which prompted the Amazon to intensify her own
CLAP
Seeing the two about to fight Finn clapped his hands to get their attention "Calm down, the reason why I say that this may not be Evilus doing is because it does not fit to any of their known strategies" he explained
The executives in the room looked confuse to his words so Finn explained it in more detail "What I mean is that if Evilus was behind it, should've they have already released numerous monsters from the dungeon instead of making the 6th floor entrance disappear" he pointed it out as this does not match to any known tactic that Evilus has made before
"Aye" the Dwarf Gareth nodding his head in agreement "If this was done by Evilus there would have been already attacks using the Fog as cover as well" he said as he stroke his beard
Hearing that, the other executives also started to agree as there had been no reports regarding any attacks from when the Fog appeared and no reports of any monster roaming around after the 6th floor disappeared.
"Then what should we do?" asked Ais as she looked to her captain waiting for orders
Finn closed his eyes and thought for a moment before saying "For now, order all Familia members to fall back to base and have them all stay inside also inform them to be alert for any new changes" he instructed to the rest of the executives
With that, the executives left the room to carry out Finn's order leaving behind Loki and the two top executives.
Loki spoked and asked her first child "So what do you think is going on Finn?" she asked seriously as she looked at the captain of her Familia.
Finn looked at his at his Goddess seriously and replied "To be honest Loki I am unsure but I do know one thing" he said as he looks at his throbbing thumb "something is going to happen soon" which worried the two top executives and their Goddess
TOP OF BABEL
A beautiful woman with long silver hair, silver eyes can be seen standing over her chair looking down, though she cannot see anything because of the Fog
It was Freya, the Goddess of Beauty and War and the Patron God of the Freya Familia who has the only Level 7 in Orario. But currently the Goddess of Beauty is looking confused and perplexed about the information that she has received
"This Fog is already strange as is, but with the 6th floor entrance disappearing something must be going on…but both are definitely related somehow" Freya thought as she continues looking down
"Lady Freya" a man behind her, he was a tall and heavily muscular Boaz with eyes and hair having the color of rustic brown
Freya turned backed to face the man "Yes Ottar" she said as she looked towards her strongest child known as the king
The king bowed his head deeply towards his Goddess "Lady Freya, please stay inside until the situation outside is resolves" he asked respectively
Seeing her Child's actions Freya couldn't help but let out a small chuckle and agrees to the request "hehe do not worry Ottar, even I can understand that this situation is abnormal and dangerous" she said trying to ease her Child's worries
The Boaz nodded his head and said "Thank you Lady Freya" he then proceed to stand still within the room as he had nothing else to say
Freya did not find this strange as this is usually how he acts with her. She then looked outside again showing a concerned look as she thought of a certain white haired boy.
"My Odr, I hope that you are alright, how I wish that I can follow you in your journey" she thought while yearning for the white rabbit as she recalled how the boy would be gone for a few days when she was disguised.
She really wanted to cook for the boy before he left, she also wanted to follow him in secret to see where he is going. Unfortunately with her recent actions there is a high likelihood that the Guild would take notice and her Familia would probably not even let her try.
With that she relented and decided not to follow the boy.
Freya then continued looking onwards as she continued to see the heavy Fog that filled the streets and with her instinct as also the Goddess of War she thought "Something big is coming" .
STREETS OF ORARIO
On the streets of Orario, it can be seen that it is almost practically empty at this point as residents went back home to seek shelter due to the heavy Fog.
The Guild has also announced to all residents to stay indoors until the situation is resolved.
With multiple members of the Ganesha Familia running around to enforce security due to the sudden change in the city.
On the walls the Ganesha Familia captain Shakti can be seen giving out orders to other familia members
She barks out several orders "Form teams and increase the patrols around the walls and make sure that all the gates are closed shut!" she shouted to her other familia members
"YES CAPTAIN!" the Ganesha Members shouted as they all follow her orders and left in teams to accomplish them
Seeing the Familia members moving Shakti looks towards the outside and furrows her eyebrows as she mutters "Even outside is filled with the Fog, I can barely see anything" clutching her fist, as she mentally prepares herself for the worse that may come.
INSIDE THE HEARTH MANSION
Within the hearth mansion it can be seen that all of the members of the Hestia Familia and Hestia herself were gathered in the living room with all of them concern on what is going on inside the city
News regarding the Fog and the disappearance of the 6th floor entrance has worried the Familia in regards to the Xenos that are located in the lower levels
Haruhime is especially concerned for Weine as she practically sees her as her own child
But what concerned the Familia the most, is in regards to the safety of their captain. Since they also heard that outside of Orario was the same thing inside, where visibility is almost zero.
Welf looked at the familia seriously and said "Do you think that Bell is alright?" he asked towards the others
This made Lili respond to Welf's question "He has to be, after all he is a level 4 so there should not be any major threats to him" she said as she pointed out Bell's strength.
This gained a nod in agreement with all members including their Goddess, but it did not ease their concerns and worries.
They were unsure why, but perhaps it's by instinct that they felt the Fog to be eerie and strange which greatly concerned them.
Hestia thought to herself "Bell Please be alright" only being able to clutch her hands and hope that her first child would be alright during his journey
x-x-x-x-x-x-x
Soon around 2 hours have passed in regards to the formation of the strange Fog and the disappearance of the 6th floor entrance in the dungeon
It was noticed that the Fog was starting to disappear slowly which greatly gave the residents Both Mortals and Gods some comfort
Though they are still concerned with the 6th floor entrance mysteriously disappearing, the Strange Fog disappearing should at least alleviate one of their worries.
The Fog began to quickly dissipate inside and outside of Orario allowing the people to see outside once again
On the walls, Shakti release a relief sigh as nothing bad has happened during those 2 hours, so she was about to order her Familia members to return and create a report based on this whole incident so that they can investigate it
But before she can say anything to her Familia members, something has caught her attention in the disappearing fog in the distance as she realized that something was there
On a closer inspection she noticed that it was something…enormous and that it practically surrounds the entire city.
Soon the complete disappearance of the Fog revealed it as clear as day
Herself and her Familia members can only stare in shock as they are seeing something impossible right in front of their eyes
Shakti can only stare at it as she mutters "How can this be" shocked in what they are seeing
Inside the city
Seeing that the Fog has almost completely vanished, residents of Orario began going outside once again to talk to their friends and neighbors about what is going on and the theories that they might have regarding the sudden events
However before anyone can say anything, everyone was once again shocked to see something familiar and yet unfamiliar at the same time
It was a Wall
One that is twice as large as Orario walls and that it has now surrounded the entire city
What the people of Orario did not realize by then
Was that they have been gone for 10 years
And now they have returned