Chapter 10:

The memory was a familiar one. Mikoto was in her fifth month of training. Every day, she felt her muscles burn, and her eyes blurred from the dust and the blood that would accumulate. She was sitting in her bunkroom, which she shared with a dozen other competitors, and she looked up past the iron bars of her window. She would see the sun, and she would look at the birds flying around the city. This deep in the heart of the city, the most common birds were crows. They often feasted upon the flesh of those gladiators who had died in battle.

Mikoto was so jealous of those birds, those damn scruffy crows, that she would stare at them all day until they left. One day, Lord Horus noticed as he toured the bunks.

"Ah yes, I guess I should apologize for all the birds," said the God.

Mikoto whirled to find him squinting at the figures in flight. His different coloured eyes studied the movements of their wings.

"What do you mean, Lord Horus?"

Horus brought his hands to his hips, "Birds fall within my domain as a sacred animal. Mostly falcons, but on the whole, many birds will flock to my aura. I've been told that all their cawing disturbs the sleep of many competitors. For that, I apologize."

The girl shook her head, her long hair swaying, "They do not bother me with their noise; they bother me with their taunting."

"Taunting?"

Mikoto nodded, "Yes, they taunt me with their freedom. With their ability to go wherever they please, without a care in the world."

"Didn't you ask Nike to take you in? To train you?" asked Horus, confusion written on his face.

"Yes, because I have to get stronger," replied Mikoto, "Not because I want to, but I have to. To save everyone."

The two stared at the birds in silence.

Mikoto awoke then, the smell of her favourite tea wafting into her nostrils. She sat up to find Haruhime pouring a cup.

"Lady Haruhime? How long have you been awake?"

The renard turned to smile at her childhood friend. She knelt down, offering the cup of tea.

"Not too long. I have had just enough time to brew you a pot of tea with some added ingredients from Master Urashima's garden," replied Haruhime, "This tea should help keep you relaxed."

Mikoto gladly took the cup. That memory had awoken something in her; it resonated with Hestia's message from yesterday, that she was allowed to use her new magic. Her excitement was making her jittery, and being jittery would not do today of all days. So, she took the tea, hoping it would calm her. Haruhime informed her that the others were waiting for them downstairs, so Mikoto geared up and made her way to her Familia.

In the dining room, she found the others already eating and enjoying each other's company. She smiled, watching them. Her reasons for half a year of hell were sitting in front of her. She would grow as strong as she needed to protect these people. When everyone saw her, they smiled, and she joined them for breakfast.

After they ate, they made their way to the Colosseum. Today, everyone would be sitting in the Loki Familia executive box, even Elwin. Apparently, he had made his peace with what was happening. Mikoto walked at the back of the group; Ryuu stood with her, giving some last-minute tips.

"Remember, ignore all their taunts. Don't let them bait you," said the elf.

Mikoto nodded, "Of course."

"Also, be careful of the sun and the sand. I would not put it past these people to try and blind you," continued Ryuu; this went on for a while, the elf not letting her apprentice get a word in edgewise. The older-sister tone that Ryuu adopted helped to distract Mikoto from her worries. Forget Baldr Familia; she had a much more significant challenge ahead of her.

When it came time to part ways, everyone wished her luck. Haruhime made a point of securing her sash once more, being the last to say goodbye. Then, Mikoto started making her way to the waiting room. Before she could, though, she felt a hand on her shoulder. She turned to find Aisha Belka smiling at her.

"Lady Aisha? What can I do for you?"

Aisha brought her other hand over and now held both of Mikoto's shoulders in her grip, "Here to wish you luck and to tell you that I believe in you."

Mikoto was so used to sarcasm and criticism from the amazon that the sincere words took a minute to register. The young samurai's cheeks heated up.

"Lady Aisha! I am from a rival Familia! Also, as you should know, there is no chance I can beat Lady Lulune! She is a level three!" Mikoto sighed, "And I am just a weak level two."

Aisha snorted, "Please, you almost beat a level three before, don't you remember?"

At the look of confusion on Mikoto's face, Aisha shook her head derisively, "Remember, when you fought on the bridge to save that stupid fox princess? How you almost knocked Samira out? What level was she?"

At Aisha's words, Mikoto almost decided to hope, but then she shook her head, letting reality set back in. "That was different! Lady Haruhime's life was in danger! I had to keep fighting!"

Aisha's face contorted into disgust, "What's the difference? Do you think Freya is just going to let you live? Do you think she's just going to let my little sister keep having feelings for Bell Cranel?" Aisha poked Mikoto in the chest, "You told me once that you would protect Haruhime whenever Bell Cranel couldn't. Was that a lie?"

"No!"

"Are you going to abandon her?"

"I would die for her!"

At some point, Mikoto's rage overtook her. Her face was inches away from the amazon's, her fists curled at her side. It took five seconds of silence before Mikoto remembered that she was talking to a level four adventurer. She reeled back, her eyes wide.

Aisha nodded, "Good. When I entrusted that renard to Bell Cranel, I was putting her in your care as well," Aisha made a dismissive gesture, "If you bring that same fire into the arena, you'll be fine."

Before Mikoto could respond, Aisha left and blended into the crowd. Misha Frot appeared then, herding Mikoto into the waiting room with the other contestants. In this tournament, there were five Familias everyone was watching for. Takemikazuchi was undoubtedly an underdog, but the preliminaries proved that his adventurers were well trained. Loki Familia was obvious, and so was Baldr Familia, to a lesser extent. Hestia Familia attracted the most attention, obviously. And those in the know would bet on Hermes Familia.

These were the adventurers that Mikoto evaluated when she walked into the room. The adventurer from her former familia would pose little issue; she already knew how they fought. Baldr's children were liable to over-extend and over-exert in their obsession to please Freya. Loki's child would be difficult since they were trained by the Braver, who was no fool. The one Mikoto really focused on, though, was Lulune, the insurmountable wall. Mikoto noted the dog girl's laid-back attitude, how she wore her usual adventurer attire, not combat armour. She was confident in her status, bringing her victory. Mikoto also noticed that her weapons only consisted of just two daggers, probably of high quality.

Before the first fight began, the rest of Hestia Familia gathered to watch. Ryuu sat with Bell in the corner, Lily and Hestia joining her. This left little room for the Sword Princess, who pouted. Next to her was Lefiya, who looked at Riveria trying to talk to Elwin. The half-elf's responses were short and stammered. It was strange though, instead of being angry, like he was before, he seemed like he was trying to please Lady Riveria, just like any other elf. To Lefiya, this behaviour was very not-Elwin. Everyone was chatting and being sociable, even Bete. The lone exception was the Braver. He was busy looking at his thumb, deep in thought.

"Finn, what's got you so troubled?" asked Gareth.

"My thumb is aching, Gareth. Something's up," Finn looked around the arena, "also, there's something that's been on my mind."

Gareth's eyebrow quirked.

"If Hermes Familia wins, then his secret is discovered. It doesn't matter how much he's paid the Guild; everyone will know, and there will be consequences," Finn looked to Bell, studying the young adventurer, "I have a suspicion, and if I'm right, things are about to get very interesting."

Loki sniggered from behind, "Oh, so you realized it too?"

The Goddess's face was turned up in an arrogant smirk.

Finn nodded. However, he needed confirmation. So, he walked over to Hestia, trying to act casual, and asked, "I was curious about Mikoto's chances might be. Thought I would try and figure it out for myself. What's her status like these days?"

Hestia tilted her head, "I mean, C's and B's right now, why?"

"So, she'd be near the top of the level two's?" asked Tiona, "That's amazing!" Then the amazon frowned, "Still though she's up against a level three…"

Finn smiled, "True enough. However, you've beaten those odds before, haven't you, Bell?"

Bell nodded; his eyes focused on the stadium. As captain, it was his job to support Mikoto as much as possible.

"Yeah but, all of Bell's stats were S Rank. Not to mention a couple other things…" replied Hestia, trailing off.

"What is Mister Finn getting at?" asked Lily. The prum had been bouncing in her seat all day, excited to use her new status as soon as possible. However, whenever Finn spoke, Lily had to listen. He was as crafty as Hermes.

Finn kept smiling, "I'm just trying to see what Mikoto's odds are," Finn raised his hand, thumb pointed up, "My thumb says that things are going to be very interesting," Finn's grin turned sincere, "But only if a miracle occurs."

Everyone stared at Finn, not understanding his overly cryptic words. Everyone except Loki, who gave an all-knowing grin, and Lily, who was quick to put together what he meant. Her eyes almost popped out of her sockets. If Mikoto could do what Bell did, would the same thing happen?

Down in the arena, the first combatants appeared. By some twist of fate, the first bout was to be Mikoto versus the vice-captain of Baldr Familia, a man of fair complexion, named Hring.

"If he's the vice-captain, where's the captain?" asked Urashima, the gears in his brain turning.

Gareth nodded, "He's going to be fighting tomorrow for a spot in the level three tournament," Gareth levelled a look at Urashima, "Which means he'll be your main competition."

Urashima nodded while Otohime snorted, "Like any dopy level three fanatic could beat my Ura."

Back in the arena, Mikoto sized up her opponent. He wielded two single-bladed axes. He wore furs and leather armour. He looked to be a speedy type, probably a berserker. He would use quick but powerful attacks to devastate his opponents. His axes would cut into the enemy's defences and slash them to ribbons.

Now that her enemy stood before her, Mikoto was calm. This was not Lulune; this was not the challenge of the day. To her, Hring was just a minor obstacle on a path for a greater goal.

"Now, detach your emotions," came the voice of Nike, "Leave all uncertainty, doubt, and humanity outside the ring."

Mikoto breathed, her eyes closed. She heard the voice of her father over the loudspeaker.

"This first bout promises to be a spectacular one, folks! Both of these competitors have proven that they stand at the top of Orario's level two food chain!"

"Quite right, Lord Takemikazuchi! I'm almost sad that such a spectacular fight is the first one of the day!" replied Ibri.

Hermes chuckled, "Yes, well, I'm certain this will be the longest fight of the day!"

Amused at his own joke, Hermes laughed. Those who understood scowled. The God of Travellers was oh so confident that his illegal adventurer would win in what would be minutes.

Mikoto ignored that, though. The only thing that mattered was the enemy standing in front of her. She heard Lord Ganesha ring the gong, and then her opponent was upon her. She drew her katana.

For his part, Hring was ready to end this fight, just as the Goddess demanded. Freya had made it very clear that no child of Hestia Familia was to win. To appease his Goddess, he would destroy this little girl. He spun past the samurai from the Far East, his axes whistling as they moved in a tight circle. The girl's braid bounced as he passed, caught in his backdraft. He heard blood drop to the ground. With a satisfied smirk, he looked at his axes, sure he had made a great slashing hit.

Except, there was no blood on his axes. Still, though, blood fell. Hring felt something warm at his throat. When he touched it, his hand came away red. He turned to look at the girl, her blade now sporting a red line that dripped onto the sand.

"I must apologize," she said, "I almost took your head then. Thankfully, I was able to remember that death would mean disqualification."

Her eyes raged, and her tone was icy.

Deep in Hring's mind, his obsession with Goddess Freya wavered, and a kernel of fear took root. He watched the girl wipe the blood away on her pant leg.

"Now then, let me finish this."

She was on him then, like thunder. Each movement bore the full weight of her strength. Hring tried to keep up, but his axes hit nothing but air. This woman wasn't an adventurer; she was a shadow. As he tried to bring an axe from left to right, she ducked, and Hring doubled over in pain. Embedded in his abdomen was an assassin's knife.

A certain black cat waitress saw this from the stands and started to jump with joy. Her fellow waitresses joined her in cheering on their pupil.

As soon as he doubled over, he felt the girl grab his head and crash it into her knee. Once, twice, three times, and Hring was left dazed and howling in pain. He raised a hand and felt the malformed features of his nose. As he tried to regain his senses, a knuckled glove bearing metal spikes crashed into his temple. His mind went blank, and he felt himself falling to the ground. His last thought was how displeased Goddess Freya was going to be.

Mikoto watched her opponent crumple to the ground, unconscious. With a certain detachment, she removed her knife from his muscles. In her head, Horus cheered her on for her brutality. Nike said that she showed great finesse.

The crowd took a minute to process what had just happened. The vice-captain of Baldr Familia, who was about to join Freya Familia, had been utterly destroyed. He had not landed a single hit on his opponent. Hestia Familia had crushed Baldr Familia this round.

As Mikoto was making her way back into the waiting area, she saw that the next match was Lulune versus Asuka, from Takemikazuchi Familia. She turned to the Guild rep bringing her back inside, and asked if there was somewhere she could watch the match. The Guild rep seemed confused for a second but said it would be ok. Mikoto was led to a low area just above the arena's main floor but just below the stands. All around her, Guild employees bustled around to make sure everything ran smoothly.

As the rep stood with her, the Guild employee asked, "Did you really almost cut his head off?"

Mikoto shook her head, "No, it was a ploy to get him off balance."

Mikoto said no more as she took up position to watch her opponents. While she studied the dog-girl, another memory from her time with Nike resurfaced.

Mikoto was in the first month of her training. She had been fighting monsters, but she was informed that her next fight would be against real people. When she made her anxieties about killing known, Nike nodded and told Mikoto that killing only happened at the highest levels or for gladiators that were convicts. There were special rules in place for those executions.

However, Mikoto still had special training to undergo to ensure that she was at peak efficiency. Nike covered a variety of topics, but the most important was about one's strengths.

"Mikoto, you have good inner technique, but you need to get better at watching your opponents," said Nike, for the fifth time.

"I have been trying Lady Nike," said Mikoto, hanging her head, "But it seems I have reached my limit."

That got the girl a smack over the head, "No such thing. You just need to keep your eyes open. Watch how they move. Do they favour their left foot, a certain weapon? Are they fighting for money? Glory? Power? All of these are things you can study. As that pompous bitch Athena would say, knowledge is power."

They went at it again, and eventually, Mikoto learned how to study her opponents.

Now, she utilized that skill. She watched the acrobatic tricks that the dog-girl used in combat. She studied how Lulune got up-close and personal in her combat style. Mikoto analyzed every detail that her opponent put on display. When Lulune inevitably won, Mikoto returned to the waiting room.

Up in the stands, the conversation was relaxed. In all honesty, now that Baldr's adventurer had been eliminated, there was little reason to stress. In the end, there would be Hestia Familia versus Hermes Familia or Loki Familia versus Hermes Familia. When the first set of matches ended, Tiona and Otohime offered to buy lunch and bring it to everyone, instead of them all dispersing to the numerous stalls outside.

Finn took this chance to try talking with the prum girl, "So, Arde, any chance that you have reconsidered my proposal?"

Lily felt an ominous glare on her back. She suspected it was Tione. The prum girl shook her head, "No, Mister Finn, Lily has no interest in marrying you. Lily still thinks that Mister Finn should let his heart decide who he marries."

"I wholeheartedly agree!" added Tione.

Finn gave the two of them a rueful grin, "You both know why I can't do that; I need to create an heir that can save my people."

Lily shook her head, "If finding the perfect heir is what Mister Finn is after, why not just adopt a pallum orphan?"

That brought the conversation to a halt. Really, Lily had just been rolling with the conversation. She had always assumed that Finn Diemne, the Braver, the most extraordinary mind in Orario, had a reason for not adopting. Then she saw the dumbfounded look on Finn's face. Lily's eyes bulged.

"Has Mister Finn really not considered just adopting an orphan?" asked the prum. When Finn shook his head, Lily nearly tore her hair out, "All you men are just the same! The only thing you could think about is finding a wife to bed! Mister Finn was probably going to search for a harem of prums, wasn't he?"

The Braver blushed then, and Loki Familia's top brass started laughing their hearts out. Even Riveria was laughing at her Captain's predicament. The only one smiling was Tione.

"Well, Captain! I'd be willing to adopt if you are!" declared the amazon. She then spoke at length about how wonderful it would be to save prum children from the streets. In her heart, Tione really did believe this. If she could, Tione would adopt every orphan in Orario. She would become a mother to all of them and give them the loving family she never had.

"Yes…well…ummm…I am looking for a very specific…" Finn's argument died on his tongue as Lily's eyes hardened.

"Is Mister Finn saying that orphans are not already brave? That we do not suffer enough hardship as it is?"

At that moment, too many children were caught up in dark memories. Some had lost their parents: Bete, Lily, Finn, and Ais. Those whose parents had abandoned and disowned them: Urashima, Otohime, Welf, and Haruhime. And then some had never met their parents: Tiona, Tione, Elwin and Bell. Hestia and Loki looked on; melancholy plastered to their faces. They could do nothing to ease the pain in their children's hearts; they barely even understood this pain as Goddesses. Ryuu, Riveria, and Lefiya also struggled to reach out. They had all willingly left their families behind, and as far as they knew, their parents were still around.

Finn smiled then, though it was filled with sadness, "You are right, Liliruca; any orphan would have the courage I need. We're all examples of that, aren't we?"

With that settled, those in the box all gained a newfound respect for each other. They returned their attention to the tournament when they heard that the quarterfinals were about to begin.

First up to bat was Mikoto versus some Freya flunkie.

The samurai made sure to check that all her weapons were in place, including Takemikazuchi's knife in Haruhime's sash, before studying her opponent. When the gong rang, the two combatants came together.

Her opponent wielded a spear, and Mikoto responded in kind. While her opponent was capable, they relied too much on thrusting motions. They were obviously used to fighting monsters. Mikoto was no monster, though.

On one thrust that was extended just a little too far, Mikoto grabbed the spear. She yanked her opponent off-balance before jamming her own rod into her opponent's foot, pointy end first. The samurai then snatched her opposition's weapon and used it to deliver a quick series of blows. She wielded the spear like a staff, whirling it this way and that.

Mikoto's opponent was forced to endure the barrage as her foot was pinned to the ground. Unfortunately, Mikoto hit her a little too hard at one point. The force of the impact knocked the spear in her foot loose from the ground, allowing the flunkie to free herself. As soon as she got her bearings, though, her body had been nailed with a collection of blood-onyx kunai. Mikoto finished off her stumbling foe with a powerful kick to the head.

Again, the Colosseum erupted in cheers for the ex-gladiator. Mikoto didn't hear them though, she was too preoccupied with retrieving her weapons from her fallen foe. Next came the battles for Loki Familia and Hermes Familia, both proving their skill. Mikoto also watched them both, studying their skills.

Again, the words of her trainer, Lady Nike, came through.

"Why do I devote so much time to studying strengths, Lady Nike? Wouldn't I be using my time better to study their weaknesses?" asked Mikoto.

Also in attendance was Lord Horus, who snorted. He looked to Nike for approval before giving his explanation, "Strengths are weaknesses, little girl. Too often, they are relied on, and then they become a crutch. It is too easy to turn one's strength into a weakness."

Lord Horus had begun to hold Mikoto in contempt due to her refusal to kill. Nike did not like his tone of voice, but she agreed with God, known as the 'Avenger.'

"If you study your opponent's strengths, you can turn them into weaknesses," Nike smiled in her memory, "And if you can do that, then you can change the game entirely."

So Mikoto watched her opponents from the sidelines. Many Guild employees stared at her as they passed. Eventually, Misha Frot informed her that it was time for the semifinals.

When she entered the arena, her opponent held their great battle-axe aloft. His muscles bulged, and he declared, "I shall win today, Yamato Mikoto! Then, Lady Freya will give me her glory!"

He levelled his axe at his opponent, "I am Drudge, now prepare to feel fear."

What a silly man, thought the young woman. Mikoto had not stopped being afraid for over a year now. She lived in constant fear that Freya and her subordinates would hunt her down and destroy everything she held dear. She was afraid that Bell would be turned into some cruel puppet that danced to the whims of a Goddess. Fear had become her closest companion.

When the gong rang, Mikoto did not wait for her opponent to strike. The samurai rushed forward, her sword drawn. Drudge missed his first attack, his great cumbersome axe getting caught in the ground. As Mikoto passed, he wailed in pain. The samurai had used her drawn sword to leave a long gash along her opponent's side. Once upon a time, the sight of another's blood would have disturbed her. Those days were long gone.

Drudge gave in to anger then, his fighting becoming wild and erratic. This made him easy to dodge. As casual as she pleased, Mikoto stepped out of the way of each attack. After five swings, she countered. Her blade cut a diagonal across Drudge's chest. She then headbutted the brute before delivering a quick kick to a soft spot between his legs. When he doubled over, Mikoto forced him to the ground. He submitted soon afterwards.

All this left was Loki Familia versus Hermes Familia. As usual, Mikoto watched, and just as predicted, Lulune Louie won another bout. This was not an insult to Loki Familia. Their fighter had put up a great effort, but this was just too large an obstacle to overcome.

Up in the stands, Finn sighed at his Familia's loss. That was two times now that they had failed. He was about to join the others leaving to give their sympathies when Lily stepped in his path.

"Lily has something she would like to talk to Mister Finn about."

A little while later, it was time. Down in the arena, as the sun set, everyone watched as Lulune and Mikoto took up positions across from each other.

"This is it, folks. The moment we have all been waiting for. Who will win, the warrior returned home, or the adventurer with overwhelming might?" asked Ibri, his voice low in respect.

The moment of contemplation was broken when Hermes smiled, "Well, I'm going to have to put my money on my darling Lulune, of course!"

Takemikazuchi scowled in his commentator spot. This was hardly a fair fight.

"I have to wonder if she'll be ok," commented Tione.

"Tsk, all this'll prove is that the weak should stay weak. She ain't strong enough to be a hero," replied Bete. All Hestia Familia scowled then, except for Bell. His eyes were trained on the scene below him.

Slowly, not looking anyone in the eye, he replied, "That's not what my grandfather told me. He always said," the boy paused to take a deep breath, "'If anyone has the right to be called a hero, it's not the one who took up the blade. It's not the one who raised his shield, nor the one who healed the wounded. The only one who truly risks their life may be called a hero. Protect your friends,'" Bell blushed then, glancing at Ais, "' save the girl and face danger. It doesn't matter if you fall. No, that's just fine. Cry your heart out over it,'" Bell smiled, "' Within the defeated, a victor waits to emerge. Stay true to your wishes. Cry out your desires. And if you do, that's what will make you the coolest hero! Let your longings burn! Scream out your wishes!'"

At some point, Bell had started crying. He missed his grandfather so much. Hestia pulled him into a hug and stroked his hair.

Somewhere in the back of Loki's mind, a memory was tickled.

The rest of the adventurers, though, deep down, felt something stir from Bell's speech. The call had been issued, and they would answer. And deep down inside, they knew Mikoto would answer it too. That's just what heroes did.

When the gong rang, Lulune rushed in, hoping to end this battle quickly. Mikoto knew this though, she had watched Lulune fight all day. Lulune was impatient, eager to get a quick win and make a quick buck.

When Lulune jumped at Mikoto, the dog girl's status was too much to handle. Mikoto was forced to take the hit, her arm raised to brace herself. The samurai had brought a knife up to defend. Even then, though, she was sent tumbling to the dirt. Lulune smiled then, but only for a second. Then she staggered and looked down. There was blood coming from the back of her foot.

Mikoto stood up, brushing some dirt off her armour, "The muscles of the leg are the strongest but the most temperamental. In the legend of the hero Achilles, his ankle is pierced, and he dies. For that story, the muscles at the back of the foot were named after him."

"What in the world!" screamed Ibri. Orario cried out in confusion, and Mikoto's friends cheered her on.

Then everyone heard Takemikazuchi laugh, "She cut his Achille's Tendon. It's a delicate muscle in the leg. When opened, it makes the leg very difficult to walk on."

Mikoto smiled then, her plan a success. She only had a second, though, as Lulune started to attack again. The hesitancy and limp caused by Lulune's cut tendon only gave Mikoto an extra second of an opening, if that.

That was Mikoto's plan, though. She would take any advantage, no matter how minuscule. Any way she could shift the balance to her favour, even if it was just by a millimetre.

Also, with that extra second, Mikoto was able to bring her head out of the way of Lulune's fist. Her katana in one hand, and a long knife in the other, Mikoto weaved this way and that, just barely staying out of the dog girl's reach. For any blow that seemed unavoidable, Mikoto used her blades to redirect it. However, it seemed like Lulune had been studying Mikoto as well. On one such redirection, Lulune used part of one hand to grip Mikoto's blade. At that point, Mikoto had to choose, be yanked off balance or let go of her katana.

Mikoto jumped back then, losing her primary weapon. She pulled out the other assassin's knife she kept on hand.

"I have to admit, cutting my tendon was smart," said Lulune, who casually inspected Mikoto's blade, as if they weren't in a grudge match in front of the whole city, "That said, it won't be enough."

Lulune threw the blade into the crowd, effectively removing it from the fight. Then she was rushing Mikoto again. It was dagger against dagger at that point. Lulune couldn't risk losing her other leg tendon, and Mikoto could barely keep up.

She was able to keep up, though. Lulune's skill and speed were nothing in comparison to Tione's. Mikoto's weeks of training were paying off.

"Hey! When's she going to use that new magic of hers?" asked Tiona.

At that sentence, Lily rounded on her Goddess, "You gave her permission?"

Hestia waved it off, too busy watching the fight.

Mikoto had just lost another knife, Lulune breaking it between her own blades. Mikoto dropped the jagged hilt then. She went to grab another blade when Lulune jumped her. The dog-girl tackled the samurai, pinning her to the ground. She then began pounding on Mikoto with her fists.

Mikoto did what she could to move her head and dodge the worst of it. With one hand, she grappled with Lulune, while the other reached into her sash. After multiple beatings to Mikoto's chest, Lulune wrenched her hands away. She brought her fists together to bring down a great hammering blow. She was going to finish this match.

In her arrogance, Lulune asked, "Any last words?"

Mikoto then proceeded to spit blood at her opponent's face.

There was a pause when Lulune flinched in disgust. That was the moment Mikoto needed. She drew Chizan from the folds of Haruhime's sash and jammed it into Lulune's side with all her might. Her opponent's skin was extremely durable, but thankfully the skill of the Goibnu Familia pushed through. A burst of blood erupted, and the blade bit down; it sank halfway into Lulune's body.

As Lulune reeled back in pain, pressing down on the wound, Mikoto made her escape. The samurai's footing was unsteady then, and for a bit, she saw black spots. However, she controlled her breathing, and her vision normalized. Thankfully, Lulune was too preoccupied with her stab wound to notice.

"It seems Lulune is facing quite the challenge this time around!" said Ibri.

"Yes," added Takemikazuchi, "I imagine she is considering many options right now. Does she endure the pain and try to finish the fight quickly, or does she risk removing the blade and bleeding out? Quite the challenging position, wouldn't you say Hermes?"

"Hmm, sorry, did you say something?" Hermes sounded bored in his response. Either he had absolute faith in his child, or he just did not care about the outcome.

Lulune chose to leave the blade, not wanting to risk all the blood loss. Internally, Mikoto smiled at the development. However, she was in her own predicament. She only had one knife, a spear, some kunai, and her brawling gloves. She needed to either make more weapons or limit her opponent's options.

No time for decision making though, her opponent was upon her. Mikoto brought out her spear then and discarded her last knife. She displayed flawless technique as she spun the polearm. Her months of training beforehand saved her life. Before, her two styles of fighting were conflicted. She was either too feral, like a gladiator, or too honourable, like a samurai. Neither of those was right though, Mikoto was a guardian. Her mind and body fought with one goal, to protect her family, even if it killed her.

The spear's longer reach gave Mikoto some breathing room, but she walked a fine line now. If she over-extended herself, she would lose the spear. If she kept the spear in the same spot for more than a second, she would lose it. Thankfully though, Lulune had learned her own lesson.

Lulune was used to easy fights. That's what came of lying about your status. She wasn't used to her opponents fighting back so well. Twice now, Mikoto had dealt Lulune a severe blow. It was time for Lulune to start taking the fight seriously.

Lulune started employing her acrobatic skills then. Using her good foot to get off the ground, she used the momentum to swing her injured foot like a club. Mikoto was being backed into a corner, caged by her opponent's overwhelming might.

Thankfully, cages no longer held her down.

"I humbly preach to you, my benevolent War God, who is kind and merciful," began Mikoto.

"It seems that Yamato Mikoto is about to try and use her magic!" cried out Ibri, "Her gravity magic is potent, but what use will it be in such close quarters?"

Takemikazuchi was confused though, these were not the words of Mikoto's gravity magic.

"Deliver me from the incessant battle. Give me the grace to be free of my chains," continued Mikoto, "Free me from the shackles that bound me to this mortal earth."

Lulune dove in then, not intent on letting Mikoto cast her spell. She kneed Mikoto in the chest, but Mikoto bore with the pain, reminded of her time battling Ishtar Familia.

"Save me from horror and strife; give me the strength to escape the cage of war!"

Lulune continued to bring her knee up to Mikoto's chest, "Why won't you just go down!"

"Give me the freedom to join you in the heavens!"

At that moment, Mikoto used every ounce of strength she had to punch Lulune with her gauntleted fist. However, she didn't bother trying to beat the tough level three skin. Instead, she hit the top of the dagger that Lulune had left embedded in her own abdomen. Mikoto's gauntleted fist drove Chizan down to its hilt. As Lulune let go, shrieking in pain, Mikoto finished her chant.

"Kuro Kara!"

In a brief moment after Lulune had been punched, two things occurred. First, both her feet had left the ground, as she had jumped from the pain. Second, a great gust of wind sent her flying. She landed in a heap on the floor at the other side of the arena.

As the dog-girl picked herself up from the ground, a hush fell over the whole arena.

"She's beautiful," said Tiona.

Mikoto stood, hair blowing in the wind. Behind her unfurled a pair of ethereal black wings. Mikoto's magic had transformed the girl into an angel of annihilation. Those that witnessed her transformation would say that her grace rivalled that of the Goddess of Beauty.

Taking off, Mikoto flapped her great wings. She zoomed across the arena floor, feet skimming the ground. Her speed had shot up, transforming her into a bird of prey, diving after her quarry. She slammed into Lulune and lifted the dog-girl off her feet. Mikoto used the momentum to throw her opponent the rest of the way, using a modified version of the Full Moon Throw. Her opponent slammed into the wall of the arena, cracks spidering out behind her.

Mikoto's breath was haggard now. Her wings, while beautiful and powerful, were a massive drain on her mind. She had maybe a couple minutes before she would have to cancel the spell and resume fighting normally. This was compiled with the excruciating pain she had to endure. Blood dripped from her forehead, and one of her hands was barely able to hold a blade.

With her spear still in hand, Mikoto began a series of sweeping arcs. With her wings, she was able to keep Lulune at a distance. When Lulune tried to use her usual acrobatic flair, Mikoto flapped her wings. The resulting gust blew the dog-girl away.

"Again, we see Mikoto limiting the options of her opponent's techniques. Although, she doesn't seem to be targeting Lulune directly," commented Takemikazuchi.

Indeed, Mikoto's blows were not aimed at Lulune's torso or any critical spots. Instead, she seemed to be aiming at her arms and wrists. Finally, Mikoto saw an opportunity. She used the tip of her spear to work its way into one of Lulune's hands. She then twisted the pole and sent one of Lulune's daggers flying. The cost was that Mikoto lost her spear. Lulune had grabbed and tossed the weapon away. All Mikoto had left was some kunai. Meanwhile, Lulune was stuck with one blade.

Mikoto used the last of her kunai to make a couple of well-timed shots. Years of practice with Takemikazuchi had given her a precise aim with the little knives, and Lulune was slower than expected. The compounded leg and stab wounds had dulled her senses. The first kunai missed, the second skimmed Lulune's hand, but Mikoto's last kunai hit its mark. The blade smacked Lulune's hand. The throw was not strong enough to pierce the skin, but it was enough to knock Lulune's second dagger out of her hands.

Now neither of them held any weapons, but Lulune decided that enough was enough. The game was over. With her hands free, she jumped at Mikoto. The samurai tried to fly away, but Lulune was able to grab the tip of one wing. With her enhanced strength, she yanked Mikoto to the ground. She brought both hands to bear on the magic wing, and she swung Mikoto around in circles. The force of the pull and tear made Mikoto howl in pain. Eventually, Lulune let go, and the momentum sent Mikoto flying into the arena wall. Her magic wings disappeared. She fell to the ground and slumped over.

Lulune's breathing was shot. The pain from her wounds was unbearable. If the fight had gone on for much longer, she would have fallen. She smiled then and shouted her victory.

The arena cheered at their declaration of the winner. There were pockets of silence, though. A group of waitress warriors sat in shock. Takemikazuchi Familia hung their heads in grief. And in the Loki Familia Executive Box, everyone sat, the depression sinking in. She had been so close.

Everyone except a blonde renard, who smiled, her hope unshaken.

"This fight is not over."

Down in the pit, Mikoto grappled with consciousness. She saw visions. She saw a boy with white hair chasing an impossible dream.

'I want to be strong, like him.'

She saw a beautiful elf risk it all for people she did not know. Her arms began to move.

'I want to protect people the way she did.'

She saw the person closest to her heart, protecting a monster dragon girl. Her legs twitched.

'I want to guard those that I love, just like my childhood friend.'

"I want to be…a hero," whispered the girl. Her mind fought on, and her body answered its call. Though the sound was not really there, Mikoto would swear that at that moment…she heard a ringing bell.

Yamato Mikoto stood. Her legs were shaking, and she had no feeling in her left arm. She felt blood flowing over one eye. Her mind was clear though, she was not done.

The arena let out a collective gasp then. All around Orario, people held their breath as they watched the no-name level two stand her ground.

Takemikazuchi grinned, for he had been blessed with a wonderful daughter.

And Lulune stared, her body filling with fear. She took an involuntary step backwards, pain shooting up her leg from her injured tendon. Lulune watched her opponent look her in the eyes; Mikoto's gaze was as cold as steel.

"This chick, she's a monster," said Lulune to herself. It just wasn't fair; this was supposed to be an easy opportunity for some valis and a level up! No one had said that a monster was competing.

"Why won't you stay down!" cried out Lulune.

A wave of confusion passed over Mikoto's face as if the option never entered her mind.

Then she charged.

Her body screamed from the over-exertion. Her muscles burned. This was it, one final move. Lulune stood her ground, confident that she had the upper hand. After all, neither of them was armed. She prepared to block a blow to her head, certain that was where the attack was coming from. Except Mikoto aimed low.

Lulune had forgotten; there was still one weapon left to use; the knife Lulune had left buried in her side. With a sickening pop and a burst of blood, Mikoto withdrew Chizan from its sheath of flesh.

The absolute pain of having the blade removed made Lulune's head swim. In a millisecond of an opening, Mikoto brought the knife down at the point where the neck and the shoulders meet. Using both hands, she stabbed down. Blood exploded, and Mikoto felt a buzz go up her arms when she hit the collarbone. The blade sank, though, burying itself down inside the level three adventurer.

There was a terrifying moment of silence as people watched Lulune sway back and forth. The pupils of her eyes changed, and eventually, she looked at the adventurer standing in front of her. The dog-girl shook her head, tired, and let herself fall back to the dirt. As she fell, she whispered that she was done trying to find easy battles. Her body crashed to the ground, and the silence over Orario held.

Mikoto doubled over in wheezing breaths. She watched and waited for any signs of stirring. Eventually, the voice of Ibri Achaa rang out.

"People of Orario! Yamato Mikoto wins!"

The girl relaxed then and drifted off to sleep. Her body fell to the ground.

When she awoke, the first thing she saw was that she was not on the arena's main floor. Mikoto realized that she had been brought inside the Colosseum as she looked at the brick walls off to the side. The magic stones' lighting was bright, but Mikoto rationalized she must be in a bed, for she felt something soft underneath her head.

Why were the pillows so warm, though?

Mikoto looked up and found Haruhime's tear-stained face smiling down at her. Mikoto sat up then, her face a deep crimson. Before she could cry out in surprise, though, her head swam. Thankfully, Ryuu caught her before she fell.

"Take it easy, Mikoto. You won; it's over," said the elf.

"Yes, but Lady Haruhime!"

Hestia chuckled off to the side, "Haruhime was very incessant about this. She said that her hero deserved a special reward." Hestia looked deep in thought, "Actually, it was Wallenwhatisit that suggested the lap pillow.

Haruhime and Bell were both a scarlet red.

Hestia clapped her hands, "Never mind that, though! Time for your last status update!"

With Ryuu's support, Hestia was able to take a look at Mikoto's back. Mikoto took the time to realize that everyone from her Familia was in attendance, along with the Guild worker Eina, who held the coveted level-up orb.

Apparently, something happened, though, because Urashima eye's narrowed.

"Is there something wrong, Lady Hestia?" asked the bodyguard.

"Oh…ummm…how do I say this?" The Goddesses voice was shaky, "Well, I guess…congratulations on levelling-up Mikoto."

"I have yet to swallow the orb, Goddess Hestia," replied Mikoto.

It was Lily who spoke next, "What Goddess Hestia is saying, Miss Mikoto is that your defeat of the level three Lulune has qualified you to advance to level three, on your own," Lily nodded, "It seems that Mister Finn's theory was right."

Mikoto sat in dumb silence for a while. Then she said, "Wait, but does that mean…"

Welf continued, "If she levelled up now and then took the orb…"

"She would become a level four," finished Elwin.

They all looked to Eina for confirmation. The ex-receptionist was in shock, but eventually, she nodded. In the end, these orbs were one size fits all. At her confirmation, everyone smiled.

Before Hestia Familia could erupt in congratulations, their Goddess regained control.

"Ok, so you have two options for level three. There's swordsman, and something called weapons expert."

It was Otohime of all people who recognized the second ability. The princess smiled, "I know that one! It was quite common amongst the weapon masters back home! It helps you become more powerful with all sorts of weapons!"

"She's right. I believe that there is a similar ability called Hunter?" continued Urashima, "They are essentially the same, except for weapons instead of monsters. As Lady Mikoto continues to use a certain weapon, she will become more proficient and do more damage with the weapon."

"Then let's choose that one!" declared Hestia. At Mikoto's agreement, the decision was settled, and Mikoto became a level three adventurer.

Then, Eina stepped forward and offered Mikoto her prize for victory. Mikoto swallowed the orb and felt the pain of pleasure course through her. She almost fainted again.

Hestia proceeded to finalize the second level-up, picking the swordsman ability, and then it was done. That said, Mikoto still had to be supported by Ryuu and Welf to make her way home. The Dea Saint had stopped by and told her that she could not do any adventuring for a week. When asked what she wanted to do next, Mikoto responded, "I would like to take a hot bath, please."

In another part of the city, a certain God of travellers ran into a Goddess of tricksters.

"You wanted this to happen, didn't you?" asked Loki.

Hermes smiled, "Why, Loki, whatever do you mean?"

Loki scowled, "Cut the shit. You knew that if Lulune was caught, you'd be in big trouble. You were banking on Hestia's girl winning. She's probably a level four now."

"Is she? Well, good for young Mikoto then!" declared Hermes, who pantomimed a round of applause.

"Why? What do you gain?"

Hermes smirked, "Let's just say I'm fulfilling a favour for an old friend."

The God tried to walk away, but Loki had one more question, "The boy, who is he, Hermes?"

Hermes paused, but he did not answer. Instead, he began walking again, leaving Loki in silence.

With that, the third day came to a close.

Character Profile:

Yamato Mikoto:

Level Four

Status:

Strength: I 0 Defense: I 0 Dexterity: I 0 Agility: I 0 Magic: I 0

Abnormal Resistance: G

Weapons Expert:I

Swordsman: I

Magic:

Futsunomitama: Heavy gravity magic that crushes a given area.

Kuro Kara: Gives the user a set of magical wings. Actively drains mind until dispelled.

Skill:

Yatanokurogarasu: Enemy search within effect range also reveals hidden enemies. Effect is exclusive for monsters and only works on monsters that the user has encountered before. Active Trigger

Yatanoshirogarasu: Familia member search within effect range. Only works on those in the same Familia. Active Trigger

If y'all, you can scream bullshit all you like on this chapter. I'd get it, I would understand that it might seem a little bullshit, but I wanted to give the girl the big W. This is still the longest chapter written for this fic by this point, and one of my personal favourites. I hope y'all enjoy! Thanks again for the favourite, follows and reviews!