Chapter 16:

He remembered the meeting clearly. He was called by his Goddess, and Lady Hecate told him that they would be going for a trip to the edge of the city. The group included him, his mother, Lady Hecate, and the Familia Captain, Morgana. At the edge of Carien, they went into a dingy inn. Morgana spoke to the innkeeper, who directed them upstairs.

Mama led him to a room at the end of the hallway and knocked three times. When the door opened, an elf was standing in the doorframe. The lanky body looked over them, his eyes focusing on the littlest member. He crouched down as if to say hello. Then he studied the little boy, paying extra attention to his bright green hair.

Elwin was unbelievably confused at that moment. While his hair did seem to get him some attention, it was always in a passing way. People wanted to touch and feel it, not stare and study. Eventually, the elf in front of him stood back up and returned to the room. When he slammed the door in their faces, Morgana rolled her eyes. Elwin knew that look. Nothing ever good came from Morgana having that look.

He watched in anticipation as Morgana walked up to the door, as casual as could be, and flicked it with her finger. The response was that the wooden door went flying off its hinges. Morgana then strolled inside, speaking as she went.

"Come to me, blade of my lover. Give me the strength to protect and destroy. I summon thee, blade of the King: Excalibur," chanted the Captain of Hecate Familia. In response, her magic lit up, and a tremendous ethereal blade phased into existence.

Morgana swung this great blade in a slow arc, using it to deflect the arrows and magic that had been aimed at where they entered. Lady Hecate and Elwin's Mama followed the Captain inside, so he did too. He wasn't going to be scared! Besides, all the men back at the Familia home said it was the guy's duty to protect girls!

"Really now, is that any way to treat the people that you invited?" asked Lady Hecate. Her white toga dress cascaded to the floor, and her golden wrist bangles jingled as she swung her arms.

Trusting in her Captain to keep her safe, the Goddess strutted to the middle of the room, as proud as a peacock. She placed her hands on her hips and asked, "Alright, which one of you is the deadbeat asshole?"

The temperature in the room dropped as the assembled elven guards all struggled to contain their rage. Their icy glares would have killed any normal person. Alas, these were members of Hecate Familia; Being crazy was what they did best.

"Well?" asked Morgana, "Lady Hecate asked a question."

While the inn was at the edge of town, it was still on the higher end of classiness. This meant that there were a series of rooms connected together. From one of the side rooms, out strode a man that even little Elwin knew had to be someone incredibly important. The stranger's posture was like that of Hecate and the other Deities Elwin had seen around the Familia home and halls. The thing that most caught Elwin's eye, though, was that this man had jade green hair.

As if pulled by a divine force, Elwin stepped forward and asked, "Papa?"

At the word, the regal stranger sneered. His face twisted into a smirk as he replied, "Yes, I suppose I would be your…Papa."

The last word had been spat out in disgust.

"Watch your words, elf-boy," commented Morgana, her blade resting on her shoulder.

At that, the other elves in the room turned their bows and staves on her. The Captain of Hecate Familia didn't care, though. She was watching her fellow Familia members. Her voice was confident, but her eyes seemed worried; they darted between Elwin and his mother.

"And you will watch your tone," growled out the strange elf man, "I am Larfal Ljos Alf, king of the high elves, do you understand?"

"I am so sorry about her, Larfal," came the timid reply of Elwin's mother, Lira. She had straight brown hair, a gentle face, and piercing blue eyes.

"You will address me as Your Grace, woman," was Larfal's reply.

At Lira's shocked face, Elwin frowned. No one made Mama cry! He made to step forward and speak, but Lira pulled him back. She wrapped her arms around his shoulders and held him close. Her whole body was shaking.

"Well then," said Hecate, her voice like a melody, "What is it that you wanted King Larfal?"

Those who knew Hecate would understand the mocking tone that her voice had taken. However, the proud and arrogant elves just smiled.

"The boy must go into hiding. He is to hide his identity and renounce all claims to royalty," replied Larfal.

"Renouncing royalty is easy enough, but hiding his identity? How easy do you think that'll be? Most of Hecate Familia already knows, along with the city," said Morgana, "What's the point in trying to hide it?"

Larfal narrowed his eyes at Elwin, "What I did was a mistake. While I will be merciful and grant the child life, I will not let him parade his bastard status."

"He's your son Larfal!" screamed Lira, "He's not a mistake; he's your son!"

"That's King Larfal, wench," said an elf, "Speak like that again, and we will be forced to remove your tongue."

"You can try," replied Morgana, stepping in front of her Familia, "Let me make this clear to all of you. I am Morgana Le Fey, Captain of Hecate Familia. Outside the Dungeon City, I am the strongest mage in the world. Even then, the only one I know to be stronger than I is your daughter, King Larfal. Make a move towards my Familia, and that same daughter will become an orphan. This, I promise."

Her voice was steel, and her eyes were blazing. She gave off the aura of a killer. The elf guards stepped back in fear.

"Remember, you have no jurisdiction here, and you have no falna to back up your demands," said Hecate, "You have no power in these negotiations. You understand this, yes?"

Larfal frowned, "Now listen, you will do as I say, or I will put out a bounty to all elves in this world. And they will listen because I am King!"

Morgana snorted, "You're a pathetic little man, is what you are. No man who has to say he is a king is worthy of the title. Now tell your little followers to stand down. Their threatening behaviour is annoying me."

Larfal opened his mouth to rebut, but it was Hecate who spoke next.

Hecate shook her head, "Honestly, you children and your behaviour. It is all so strange to me. That said, we will agree to your terms. The boy renounces his claim to royalty and will henceforth hide his identity," Hecate smiled, "As long as he is part of MY Familia, this will be so."

The groups split then. The elves made to return home, and Hecate Familia went back to their headquarters. Elwin grew up with a leather cap on his head and in a house full of love from his mother and Familia. Flashforward and members of Hestia Familia arrived from the Dungeon City. Then, Elwin left Hecate Familia, and the deal was null and void.

Elwin remembered these events and so many others. They became what he focused on, sitting crossed-legged in the courtyard of the Twilight Manor.

"These memories will be painful, but if you can work through them and find a way to balance them, your mind will clear," said Riveria, standing behind him, "I know that they hurt," she squeezed his shoulder, "Please, try to work through them. From pain, we can find strength." Riveria paced around the courtyard, "This is how mages train. We meditate to strengthen our minds and find our inner balance."

In the lead up to the expedition, she had formally begun his training. She had actually been very insistent about it. Apparently, he wasn't allowed to die since they had only just met. At first, Elwin was excited. Not only was he getting to spend time with his sister, but he was going to be trained by THE Nine Hells, the greatest mage in Orario, and probably the world. Unfortunately, the reality was not what he had been expecting.

The studying was constant; from sunup to sundown, he would meditate, read old books, and go over magical theory. This wasn't bad training, per se; it was just incredibly different from what he used to do. As a member of Hecate Familia, Morgana had made him practice sparring for days. Not only combat training but magical duels versus his fellow Familia members. It was a blended approach to training back home. Since they only had weak aboveground monsters, sparring between mages was essential for growth.

Apparently, remembering how he used to train was the wrong way to meditate because he was smacked over the head by Riveria and her staff. As he grabbed the back of his head in pain, tinkling laughter rang out behind him. He turned to glare at his accomplice.

For whatever strange reason, Otohime had invited herself along to the training today. It had been a day since the night of drinking, and now that the Princess was among the people, she had decided that the next best step was to visit Loki Familia. Her visit had been met by the regular members' apprehension, but Finn had nodded and given her permission to wait. For what, only Otohime and Finn seemed to know.

"Don't you have somewhere else to be?" asked Elwin for the tenth time.

Otohime pursed her lips and then shook her head, "Not yet. Apparently, I have a couple more hours of waiting to do."

Riveria smacked him over the head again, "Stop getting so distracted!"

Elwin pointed at Otohime, "Why don't you tell her that?"

Riveria frowned but looked amused, "She's not the one getting trained. Now, get backed to meditation. You must conquer your insecurities," at Elwin's huff of indignation, Riveria's eyes narrowed, "Oh, and do you have a different idea?"

Elwin took the opportunity, hoping to his feet in excitement, "Yes! Let me duel! Find me a training partner!"

There was only one week till the expedition began. Hestia Familia had to time their departure just right so that both Goliath and Amphisbaena would be active and able for a takedown. They also had to spend time aboveground investigating what this new mission from the Guild was. The only details they had so far were that there was a disturbance to investigate on the thirtieth floor and that the new Xenos faction might be involved. So, Ryuu and some of the others were spending time hunting down rumours. Not the commander, though. Lili was at the Twilight Manor today. She was busy spending time training with the Braver. Elwin had been hoping to spot Lefiya, but apparently, she had her own studying to do in the library. When Elwin asked if they could train together, Riveria replied that they had no time for flirting. So, they trained separately.

"And who exactly would you be training with?" asked Riveria.

"I don't know! There must some level three mage that I can spar with! Aren't you lot supposed to be the strongest Familia in the city?" responded Elwin.

"I'll train with Lord Elwin!"

Alicia came running out, apparently having hidden under a doorway. She had prepared for this, apparently, because she already had her training equipment at the ready.

When she pulled up to the siblings, she flashed a smile, "If that would be ok with you, Lady Riveria?"

"Well…that is…I don't mind," replied Riveria, obviously feeling awkward. Wasn't this a faux-pas since Lefiya wasn't around?

"Aren't you a level four, though?" asked Otohime.

Alicia fluttered her eyes, "But Lord Elwin is so strong! I'm sure that with his skill and talent, it'll be a fair match-up!"

"I'm game if she is?" responded Elwin, totally oblivious.

Riveria sighed but nodded. She stepped back to give the two young folk some room.

Alicia's face lit up, "Well, then, shall we?" She had a coy smile, "Promise you won't be too rough with me?"

"But then, how would we train?" asked Elwin.

From her spot on the side, Otohime shook her head, "If my Ura was as dense as you are…."

Elwin did not hear that, though. He was too busy preparing for the fight to listen. He didn't know what kind of magic Alicia used, but he knew that she was a level four mage that could chant concurrently. Not to mention that his current spells weren't the usual kind of combat magic…

Standing at opposite ends of the garden, with Riveria in the middle, the two-faced off. Riveria glanced back and forth before nodding.

"No lasting injuries, no aiming for vital areas, and no holding grudges," said Riveria; she raised her hand. After a moment of silence, she dropped it.

Elwin moved first, charging forward, "Give me strength, charging Bull. Make me the one who charges forward to protect my allies. I summon thee: Golden Bull, Datauri!"

His magic flared, and a red glow overcame Elwin's body. When he reached Alicia, his left hook caught her unaware in the shoulder. She was too busy staring at Elwin's face to notice his fist, and she went flying backwards.

Riveria cocked an eyebrow, and Otohime explained, "His spell Datauri grants him the Fist Fighter development ability and grants him a boost to his strength and endurance. Turns him into a front-line fighter."

She stood to the side, watching the two go at it. Whenever Alicia started to chant, Elwin restarted his assault, throwing the elf off her game. Alicia was knocked off her feet with quick jabs to her stomach and a hook to one of her legs. The elf girl fell face-first to the dirt, and Elwin restrained her arms.

"That was almost…too easy?" commented Elwin as he stood up.

Alicia had barely struggled in the fight, aiming to fall over. Now, she squirmed in ecstatic silence as Elwin pinned her to the ground.

"What in the world is going on?"

Finally done with her training, Lefiya came to see how Elwin was doing. The little elf came running outside to the sight of Elwin kneeling over Alicia's body. Alicia flashed a victorious grin, "Just some light sparring. Why, is there something wrong, Lefiya?"

Lefiya started stammering, unable to comprehend. The only problem was that as soon as he saw Lefiya, Elwin popped up, a massive smile on his face. The weight on Alicia's body vanished, and Elwin was soon bounding over the grass like an idiot.

"Lefiya! Did you finish studying? Do you want to spar, or maybe it's time to grab some lunch?" asked Elwin, looking to Riveria.

As Alicia looked confused, Riveria tried to surpass her laughter. The royal elf nodded and said, "Yes, I believe now is the perfect time for a break."

Alicia made to get up and forcefully join the happy couple, and interrupt their apparent attempt at a date, but Otohime got in her way.

The former Princess had a sickly smile as she said, "Excuse me, Miss Alicia, I couldn't help but notice that you need some help with your hand-to-hand combat. Perhaps I could be of assistance?"

Alicia opened her mouth to refuse, but then her leader stepped forward.

Riveria nodded along, "Yes, I think that could be useful."

The high-elf strode forward, staff in hand, "Alicia, I didn't think that you needed that much work. Usually, you are much more competent than that. Are you perhaps having a bad day?"

Alicia looked between the two, her face going red from guilt, "I…perhaps I could use some assistance?"

Meanwhile, Lefiya and Elwin were making their way to the Loki Familia dining hall. They grabbed lunch, accidentally reaching for the same cookie at one point, and sat down across from each other.

"So, did you enjoy sparring with Alicia?" asked Lefiya, trying to be inconspicuous.

Elwin's nose scrunched, "Honestly? I expected more. It was like she was trying to lose, really kind of disgraceful. She's not even close to you."

"What do you mean?" asked Lefiya.

"I mean, I'd prefer to spar with someone who'd fight back, you know? Someone with some energy."

Lefiya felt extremely pleased at that moment.

"How's your prep for the expedition going?" asked Elwin.

Lefiya pondered the question for a second, "I believe it is going well. We're supposed to be heading to your home for planning starting tomorrow. Apparently, your Commander wants to talk about how to use me?"

Elwin sighed, "Allow me to apologize in advance. Lili can be…intense about strategy. Really, she's just trying to make sure we all have the best chance of survival. She cares, so just make sure to keep that in mind."

Lefiya tilted her head, "Is she really that bad?"

"She can be. She might come off as insulting or aggressive, but she's just trying to acquire as much information as possible, I swear. Really, she's a good person," answered Elwin.

"Well, now you're making me nervous…."

Elwin reached out to grab a hand, "No need to worry. I'll be there if anything happens."

Lefiya looked around, hoping not to see anyone stare, "You really are quite affectionate for an elf, aren't you?"

Elwin shrugged, "Half-elf, remember? Also raised by humans," Elwin looked away, "Do you not like it?"

"No, no! I do!" responded Lefiya, "I'm just not used to it…the last person I was close to was…not one for physical contact…."

Just like the night at the bar, Elwin noticed the melancholy on Lefiya's face. He didn't want to push…but she always seemed so sad in these moments. He traced circles on the back of her hand with his thumb, trying to offer some form of comfort. The two of them promptly finished their lunch and walked back to the yard to resume their training.

They came back outside to find a crowd waiting in the yard.

"Oh no…she didn't…" muttered Elwin, "Please… don't tell me…."

Lefiya gasped, "You mean Lady Otohime?"

Elwin shook his head, "No, it's worse… she's doing that stupid dance of hers…."

Pushing their way to the front, they were met with Otohime standing in front of a pair of second-class adventurers. In her hands was the wooden pole that Finn liked to use for sparring. At some undetermined motion, the other level four's (Narvi and Cruz) sprang into an attack.

What Lefiya saw next was grace in motion. Otohime moved this way and that, her feet sliding on the ground. Her pole spun as it deflected attacks from the other adventurers. Then, she let the blade Narvi was using slide along its edge until Otohime was in kicking range. Two high kicks later, and the red-haired adventurer was sent flying.

"She seems extra strong today," commented Riveria, who had walked up to join the pair.

Elwin rolled his eyes, "It's her stupid skill: Sunshine, it gives a minor status boost when she's standing in direct sunlight."

Lefiya chuckled, "It sounds like you are quite familiar with Lady Otohime's fighting style. Have you, perhaps, lost to her before?"

Elwin turned red.

Riveria joined in on the laughter then. The three elves were so busy laughing that they didn't notice Otohime drop the pole. The former princess opened her hands and began using open palm attacks. She grabbed a punch from Cruz and twisted the arm till the dog man bent backwards in pain. Then, she threw him into the wall. Next, Otohime slid along the grass to catch another punch from behind. She pulled Narvi in close and then elbowed her in the stomach. Otohime then flipped the girl over her shoulder and into the dirt.

Left leg swinging up next, blocking a haymaker from Cruz. He grabbed her leg to throw her, except when she got close, Otohime swung her other leg up to. Then, she squeezed his head between her thighs and somersaulted forward. The resounding pull brought the large adventurer to the ground. He was down for the count.

Otohime considered her handiwork and nodded, seemingly pleased with the results. Then, she noticed the crowd that had formed and waved.

"Would anyone else like to spar?"

The collective adventurers of Loki Familia all took a step back. Otohime pouted in response.

"Just why exactly are you here again?" asked Elwin.

"I'm waiting for someone!" responded Otohime.

"What in the world are you two doing?" shouted Lili, who had come outside. The little prum was fuming, and her hands had curled into fists.

The two pointed at each other, "They started it!"

"Lili doesn't care who started it! Stop beating up our allies!" Lili narrowed her eyes, "Besides, Lili thought that Lady Otohime couldn't fight with hand-to-hand combat."

Otohime rolled her eyes, "Not with monsters! I can't do the same throws and grabs with those things!" Otohime shook her head, "Honestly, Commander, isn't it your job to know how I fight?"

Elwin also took a step back because he had just seen something truly idiotic. Lili jumped forward and pulled Otohime to the ground by her ear lobe. The level four adventurer had been caught off guard, unfortunately.

"OW OW OW OW!"

"Would Lady Otohime like to repeat herself?"

"No!"

"Would Lady Otohime like to apologize to Lili?"

"Yes! I'm sorry, Commander!"

Lili let go, "Good, now start heading home!"

Otohime shook her head, "I can't!"

"Why not?" shouted Lili.

"I'm waiting for someone!"

"Who?"

Otohime almost responded, then she spotted a figure.

"For her!" Otohime pointed out into the crowd.

Everyone turned to find Ais Wallenstein with a look of confusion on her face.

"Hello, Sword Princess!" shouted the Dragon Princess, "I have come to talk about how you almost killed me last week!"

The response was dead silence from Loki Familia. Ais seemed to have accepted her fate, and she strode forward to receive punishment.

"OI! What do you think you're doing, you raging dumbass!" said Elwin.

"Lili must agree! Now is neither the time nor place for petty revenge!"

When the two of them tried to grab the Princess, she slipped around and away from their grasping hands. She walked out to meet the Sword Princess halfway. Lefiya almost moved to defend her idol, but she found Riveria's staff blocking her path. Before she could speak, the high elf held a finger to her lips. Up in the executive's office, Finn, Loki, and Gareth all watched on.

When the two Princesses were close, Otohime raised a hand. Ais closed her eyes, ready to be punched. A moment passed, then another, and then another. Eventually, Ais opened her eyes to find Otohime's hand on her shoulder. The Far-Eastern girl smiled.

"Thank you for staying your blade!"

Now, Ais was lost, "But…I almost killed you!"

Otohime removed her hand from Ais's shoulder and made a tutting motion with her finger.

"Ohoho, but you didn't!" Otohime booped Ais on the nose, "You listened to my Captain, and you didn't cut my head off, which is good because I can't very well flirt with Ura without a pretty face now, can I?"

Elwin felt a headache start to come on, "I swear…this girl…I just can't…."

"Lili has to agree, Mister Elwin…our Princess is something else…."

Meanwhile, Ais felt that someone was being mean to her. So, the Sword Princess pouted, "I mean it, though. I almost killed you, and that's wrong."

Otohime shook her head, "No, you almost killed a monster, remember? Unless you somehow knew that I was the dragon creature?"

Ais kept pouting, "Still though…"

Otohime leaned forward, "Ahhh…so, you are still feeling tremendous guilt then? Perhaps you desire a punishment?"

Ais nodded.

"My oh my, how interesting," Otohime tapped her chin in thought, "What to do, though?" She turned to the assembled adventurers, "Any suggestions?"

At the assembled silence, Riveria stepped forward, "How about a promise to protect you and your Familia no matter what on the upcoming expedition?"

The high elf had caught on rather quickly to what Otohime was planning. Even if it seemed a little heavy-handed…

"Ahhh! A most wonderful suggestion, Lady Riveria!" decreed Otohime, nodding along like the royalty she had been. Otohime looked back at Ais, "Well then, how does that sound? To repay me for almost chopping off my head, you shall have to defend me and my Familia with all your might during this expedition!"

To cap off her words, Otohime patted the top-tier adventurer on the head.

However, Ais was completely serious when she nodded. The Sword Princess took this as a solemn vow and replied, "I swear I will."

In this one moment, Otohime had won over almost all of Loki Familia. Of course, this large Familia of adventurers had been there to hear, and in some cases, see Otohime's tragic magic. They had looked on with looks of trepidation and disgust. In this exchange, though, when she showed kindness, compassion, and forgiveness to her would-be executioner, they felt their hearts melt. Many of them were shamed for thinking so poorly of her.

Elwin and Lili watched on, looks of disbelief plastered on their faces.

"I hate how good she is at that…" said the half-elf.

Lili nodded, "It is disturbing to think that she of all people was almost crowned empress…."

They both shivered at the thought.

Otohime then looked between the battered adventurers she had sparred with, and the still perplexed Ais Wallenstein and nodded.

"Now, I must depart! For my work is finished!"

She then began to leave before Elwin shouted after her, "You didn't do anything!"

Otohime chose to ignore him, feeling as if she had actually accomplished a great deal. Lili looked to the sky and realized that it was about to start raining. She turned to Elwin.

"Lili believes it is for the best for us to head home now."

Elwin nodded and said his goodbyes to Lefiya and Riveria. He also gave Riveria a hug in front of her Familia, flaunting his close relationship as her little brother. Many Familia members, including their Goddess, were insanely jealous at Elwin's opportunity.

"Goodbye, Lord Elwin!"

At Alicia's goodbye, Elwin turned to wave. Then he waved at Lefiya.

"Bye, Lefiya! I'll miss you!"

Lefiya's heart melted, and she shot a triumphant grin at her fellow lovestruck elf. Alicia glared at Elwin's back and decided to not respond.

"I'll miss you too!" replied Lefiya.

A couple days later, and it was Loki Familia's turn to visit Hestia Familia. They had been let into the manor by Haruhime and were now waiting in the lounge area. Ais had been hoping to see Bell, but apparently, he was out shopping with Mikoto for supplies and equipment. Ais felt sad then, like the whole trip here was suddenly without meaning.

Then, Liliruca Arde walked in, papers in hand. She sat in front of the two top-tier adventurers and proceeded to make some notes in a journal. After a minute, she looked up.

"For Miss Lefiya, I already have ideas for your position in the party. You are easily the strongest mage we have, but Lili must ask, what is the nature of your skills and magic?"

Under Lili's intense stare, Lefiya started to sweat. This conversation was like when Finn used to interrogate her and prepare for their expeditions.

"Well…I can use any elf magic that I know the chant of, and I can keep one spell I chanted in reserve," began Lefiya. In response, Lili took more notes.

"And…I have skills that make my magic more powerful…offensively that is…."

Lili nodded along and then smiled at the two of them, "This is wonderful! With Miss Lefiya's powerful magic at our disposal, Lili will be able to design a plan to annihilate Lili's enemies!"

Lili seemed a little TOO excited with that statement. Again, Lefiya could only be reminded of the way Finn's eyes would sparkle when he found a new ability to abuse in the Dungeon.

Then, Lili turned to look at Ais, and her gaze sharpened.

"And what about you, Miss Wallenstein? What can you do that's so special?"

Lili's tone dripped with hostility. Lefiya wanted to defend her fellow Familia member, but Lady Riveria had told her not to intervene, no matter what. Apparently, this was something Ais had to deal with on her own.

Thankfully, Ais was a little too airheaded to pick up on Lili's hostile tone. The Sword Princess calmly replied, "I am good at using my sword. Finn usually has me in the vanguard because I'm very fast, especially with my wind enchantment."

Lili then asked a couple more questions about Ais's wind magic and then made a couple more notes. Afterwards, she looked at the two top-tier adventurers.

"For now, Lili is thinking that Miss Lefiya will go near the middle of the formation, in front of the Supporters. Meanwhile, Miss Wallenstein will be the rearguard.

Now, Ais was used to being in the reserve forces. Finn often kept her there in case of emergencies or to let the younger Familia members train. However, she had never, EVER, been assigned to the rearguard. Her obvious discomfort must have shown on her face because Lili arched a brow. The prum sat back in her seat, her blouse creasing around her.

"Lili isn't here to do the same thing as the Braver. Lili is the Dauntless, which means she has her own ways and reasons. Which means the rearguard for the Sword Princess," the prum huffed when she finished.

The hostility in her tone was so apparent that even Ais clued into it. Ais tilted her head, "Do you hate me?"

Lili looked Ais in the eye as she replied, "Lili doesn't like you because Master Bell is too kind. Lili hasn't forgiven you because her Familia already has. Lili is going to make it very clear; Lili is incredibly angry at the Sword Princess. Lili is willing to work with Miss Ais for the sake of her Familia and the alliance, but Lili will not be Miss Ais's friend. Do we understand each other?"

Ais nodded, not shocked at all. Honestly, she was happy that someone in Hestia Familia was angry at her. So, she nodded to Lili.

"I understand. I will go to the rearguard then, and I will protect you all. I will earn your forgiveness," replied Ais.

Lili shook her head, "It's too late for forgiveness. Instead, work to earn Lili's trust."

Ais nodded again.

After watching awkwardly, in silence, Lefiya raised her hand, "So…is there anything else we can do to help?"

Lili nodded, "Yes, Lili wants to hear your accounts first-hand of floors twenty-nine to thirty-four. Miss Aisha and Miss Ryuu have told me what they remembered, but it has been a bit of time since their own adventures."

Even though all of the last expedition party had been down to the thirty-seventh floor, they didn't have any time to take in the sights. Since they were so focused on finding Master Bell and Miss Ryuu, the Xenos led them faster than they thought possible. Same with the journey back up to the surface. They all had vague memories, but it had been a long year away...

Lefiya nodded along, "Well…those floors are known as the Great Desert. Starting on the twenty-eighth floor is a humid swamp-like area. It is known as the river delta because the area is fed by the Water Capital."

Lili nodded along, "But then, it changes, right?"

"The Dungeon actively tries to kill you," replied Ais, "The Desert Dwelling, based solely on its environment, is the most dangerous set of floors in the Dungeon."

"How so?"

The three turned to find Urashima standing in the doorway. The young ninja bodyguard walked over, taking a seat next to Lili, arms crossed over his chest. He also glared at the Sword Princess.

"Don't be rude, you dummy!" Finished Otohime, who came running in after him. She swatted Urashima over the head, "Me and Miss Wallenstein have already patched things, haven't we?"

Ais nodded, allowing herself a small smile, "Yes, with my promise to protect all of you."

"You see," added Otohime, facing Urashima, "So, you need to calm down. If I'm ok, you're ok, got that?"

Urashima shook his head, "She almost killed you. I'll work with her, but I'm not forgiving her."

When Otohime opened her mouth to respond, Urashima cut her off, "If I was the one that was almost executed, how would you have reacted."

That stopped Otohime's argument. She sat there blankly before shaking her head, "Ok, I understand. I'm sorry."

Urashima rolled his eyes but placed a gentle kiss on her forehead. Then, he turned to Ais and Lefiya, "So, what is this about a desert?"

Lefiya was too embarrassed by the show of affection to explain, so the task fell to the ordinarily quiet Ais.

"The twenty-ninth floor is connected to the twenty-eighth, which means that there is a river running through the middle of the floor. You follow the river from one end to another," began Ais.

"But where's the desert?" asked Otohime, clueless as ever.

"The floor is a desert," answered Ais, "It's all open, no maze or labyrinth, just desert. Which is what makes it so dangerous. The open floor is scorching, which means that you can die of dehydration."

"But there's a river?" asked Urashima.

Ais shook her head, "The river is filled with monsters. You only refill your water when you have to. Also, there are powerful sandstorms. If you aren't careful, they'll blow you away to the edge of the desert. You'll get lost, which means that you'll die."

Lefiya nodded, "Lady Riveria says that it won't be the monsters that kill you in the desert. It's the dehydration, starvation, and heatstroke that can kill you."

"But the monsters are still dangerous," added Ais, "They pop up from the sand, and they surprise you in the night. They'll try and attack your supplies too."

"And that's what the twenty-ninth is like?" asked Otohime.

Lili answered that question, "No, that's what every floor is like. You follow the river from floor to floor…until you can't, correct?"

Lefiya nodded, "Floor thirty-three, the most dangerous floor. There is no river to follow, only desert. There is a path, formed by years of adventurers, but it isn't perfect."

"But there is nothing but desert?" asked Lili.

Ais seemed to consider the question but then shook her head, "No, there are oases and ruins. The oases are like rest points. Monsters don't go near them, but they are not mapped."

"And the ruins?"

Ais looked Lili down, "They are often filled with rare resources and materials," when she saw Lili's eyes glow with greed, the Sword Princess frowned, "It's too dangerous. There are almost no adventurers who make it back from the ruins. Even Finn doesn't search for them."

Lili considered Ais's words. She hated the Sword Princess, but she also understood that there was no one that knew the Dungeon better than her. The prum nodded, "Understood, we will not actively search for the ruins then."

"Are these ruins not mapped?" asked Otohime.

Lefiya shook her head, "No, again, so few adventurers return. The only well-mapped areas are the riverbanks and the path on floor thirty-three."

Lili nodded along, "This all fits with what Miss Ryuu and Miss Aisha have told Lili."

"Excuse me, I also have a question," began Lefiya, "What is our schedule like?"

Lili nodded, looking through a sheaf of papers. She pulled out one and began reading, "The first day, Lili plans for us to defeat Goliath, stop in Riviria for lunch, and then continue to floor twenty-four and rest for the day. For day two, we will be heading into the Water Capital to fight Amphisbaena. Then, we return to floor twenty-four. Lili wants us to be as well-rested as possible before we begin the rest of our journey. Then, we begin our march to floor thirty-four."

Ais nodded, "How long to floor thirty-floor?"

Lili shrugged, "While our overall party strength is more than enough, this will be many of them's first time that deep in the Dungeon. Lili does not want to rush it."

Ais nodded again, "You're smart, like Finn."

Lili blushed at the compliment and had to actively remind herself that she was angry at the Sword Princess.

"What about the mission?" asked Lefiya.

"The one on floor thirty?" responded Lili.

Lefiya nodded, and the prum sighed, "We are not sure. Goddess Hestia has been trying to learn more, but it is hard to learn anything. We do know that we'll be able to learn more once we're down there."

"From who?" asked Ais.

Lili fidgeted in her seat before she replied, "We will be working with the Xenos."

Silence filled the room before Ais let out a sigh of relief, "Good, I need to apologize to them too."

Lili blinked, then nodded, "Ok, so after going to floor thirty-four, we stay there for a week. Just long enough to gather the required materials on the safe floor. Then, we make our way home as quickly as possible."

"Sounds good," said Lefiya, "Anything you need from us specifically?"

Lili shook her head, "Bring your own weapons and armour, but Hestia Familia will be providing the undine clothe and other basic requirements. Mister Welf will be in charge of equipment repairs during the trip."

Ais made an "ooohhh" sound. The idea of having an in-Familia smith come along to fix their weapons and equipment was a novel idea to the top-tier adventurer. She looked forward to the opportunities this would bring.

The small group then spent a couple more hours going over battle plans and strategies. Even though Ais didn't want to be the rearguard, this was her position. So, she familiarized herself with who she would be protecting. She didn't really know anyone in Hestia Familia, except for Bell, not to mention that she would be protecting members of Miach Familia, Takemikazuchi Familia, and a member of Hermes Familia. This was her duty, though, and Ais Wallenstein was nothing if not dutiful. She was so enraptured in her studies that she didn't notice that others had come to join her.

"Ummm, excuse me, Ais," a finger poked her in the shoulder. She jolted out of intense focus to find Bell standing in front of her. Without her own realization, her lips quirked up into a smile.

"Bell, it is good to see you," said Ais.

Bell nodded, also smiling, "It's good to see you too. Will you be staying here for dinner?"

At his question, Ais looked to Lefiya. She wanted to stay for dinner, but there might be trouble later. However, Lefiya was happily talking to Elwin, and when she heard Bell's offer for dinner, she nodded.

"Well then, Bell Cranel, I think we will be joining you for dinner," the little elf pointed a finger at him, "but no funny business, you understand? I will be watching closely to make sure that you don't make any moves on Miss Ais!"

Elwin snorted, "Making a move? What kind of move?"

Lefiya cheeks grew a dusted pink, "You know! A move! He could try and wrap his arm around her shoulder or something!"

"What, like this?" replied Elwin, who proceeded to wrap an arm around Lefiya's shoulder, drawing her in tight.

"Yes!" screamed Lefiya, who looked uncomfortable. She did not push herself away, though.

Elwin laughed, and soon he and Lefiya fell into light bickering.

Ais turned back to Bell, "Yes, we will be staying for dinner."

Both girls seemed too excited to worry about what their Familia might say. So, they would stay for dinner, have some fun, and then go home. Really, it was all in the name of becoming a better, more cohesive team. At least, that was their reasoning.

When Mikoto and Haruhime, who were cooking that day, called for dinner, everyone started making their way to the dining room. Before Ais could enter, though, she felt someone tug on her arm. She turned to find Elwin standing there, awkwardly. He jerked his head off to the side and walked away. Ais followed.

"Is something wrong?" she asked.

Elwin rubbed the back of his head, "I was just kind of curious…I see Lefiya get really sad sometimes because of this person she thinks of. Is she ok? I know it might be private, but," Elwin looked to the dining hall, "I just worry about her."

Ais looked away, "Lefiya's not like me; she's very innocent and kind. So, when something bad happens, or she loses someone, it hits her harder than most."

Ais turned her head away, "That's all I want to say."

"Thank you," replied Elwin. The young half-elf offered his hand to shake, and Ais took it gladly.

"If you want to know more…maybe ask Lefiya or Riveria," Ais looked up, "Riveria usually knows what to do about these things."

The two joined in for dinner.

With that, preparations for Hestia Familia's big expedition was just about finished.

And there's another one. This Author's note might be a bit longer, because I wanted to lay out what is going to happen moving forward for this fic, thematically. This arc is going to focus primarily on the elves as well as the bond between Ais and Bell. This arc is all about trust and forgiveness, and the dangers of the Dungeon. Also, I wanted to lay out some of my ideas about Bell, Danmachi, and everything else moving forward. This arc marks a major point for breaking down the harem. I am going to be having characters go off in different directions, trying to present these characters in a new way. I am also going to spend a fair amount of time getting into the head of the boy known as Bell Cranel. I hope you've all been enjoying the story so far, and will continue to enjoy it! All reviews are welcome! Thanks!