Chapter 61:

Royman sat in his office, writing memo after memo. Each one of them was a safeguard and backup plan. He couldn't do what the adventurers were doing without a falna, but he could do his part to keep this city safe. And with the full backing of Ouranos, there was nothing he couldn't sign into existence. While some might be wary of such power falling into the hands of the Guild's pig, those who knew him understood that the power was safe with him. Royman Mardeel was many things, including greedy and a fence sitter, but he cared about this city in a way few could understand.

"Everything is out, sir."

Royman looked up to find Eina Tulle, his second-in-command, standing at the doorway. The half-elf looked as tired as he felt. But it was understandable. If Royman cared about the city above all else, Eina Tulle had the same passion for its people. Although both would probably loathe admitting it, they made a good team.

Royman nodded. He could feel himself sweating through his clothes. Especially since today was the day that Loki Familia went out on their expedition. There was a plan at play, but Fels had decided it was best for them not to know.

"Well done, Tulle," he replied. "Now, go spend some downtime with Frot. There's not much else to do anyway."

"Actually, sir," continued Eina. "Rose told me she saw people from Freya Familia flipping some switches with the speaker system. It's about to happen."

Royman nodded. He then plastered a piece of paper onto the back of his door. It was a simple note, just a logical reminder that would help him when needed. Even as he did so, he could hear Freya's voice over the loudspeakers.

"My darling subjects, listen to my voice."

Then there was a wave of silver.

With the Sister:

Outside the city walls, it was like watching a great dome go out over the city. Iris watched it happen and could already feel how wrong it was. She was sitting some miles away, away from everything but the most prying eyes. The rest of Hecate Familia was with her, scattered across the hills. Finally, there was the contingent from Hermes Familia. When Asfi had joined them, Perseus had just looked down her glasses.

"One of our own is in the city," she had said. "Aisha Belka is stubborn, a pain in the ass, and one of the worst teammates I have ever met. But she is one of US." Asfi gave them a bittersweet smile. "Even if Hermes Familia is nothing but a group of thieves, we're thieves that stick together." She looked over at one of her Familia. "Besides, that one seems to think everything will turn out anyway."

Lulune grunted. "Unlike most of you, I've fought one of those punks from Hestia Familia."

When Lulune went quiet, Iris poked her shoulder.

"And what the Hell does that mean?"

Lulune kept her eyes on the city and the silver dome overtaking it.

"When I fought the Black Crow, there was an intensity there. Whenever I thought I had beaten her down, she stood back up. Over and over again, she came at me. It was relentless and kind of terrifying. Some would call her and her Familia heroes, and they were, but there's something else to it. Every one of those bastards is just crazy enough…just ferocious enough…to be a monster." Lulune nodded. "They'll be ok."

Iris frowned. "I mean, even before we get there, Uncle Jack is in there…somewhere. Same with the two from the Far East."

"Three," commented Morgan. "There are three people from the Far East. One of them was just really good at hiding."

Iris nodded. "Ok, so three weird badasses from the Far East are also in the city." She looked at Hecate. "When are we going in?"

"Soon," replied the Goddess. "We must give enough time to Freya's strongest to be otherwise occupied. And then we can go and fight." She shrugged. "My children are wonderful and gifted, but Orario's adventurers are just too strong with that damn Dungeon backing them up."

Iris nodded. "Ok, but I'm only gonna wait so long before I charge in."

The elusive Vice-Captain of Hecate Familia snorted from behind his mask.

"Trust me, we know."

Iris took a second to examine the many members of Hecate Familia. There was Morgan, the Captain, her husband, the mysterious Shade Walker, real name Marcel, and the half-elf's mother, Lira. They were definitely the ones in charge, but there were others too. The one Iris had talked to the most was Libby, the Amazon mage. Her two best friends, Archimedes and Elwin, were in the city and directly in Freya's line of sight.

"Still, we should wait. We'll be at our most effective when we're the most chaotic," finished Morgan.

With the Family:

Lili sat up, holding her head in her palms. Her headache was pounding, and it was almost impossible to focus on anything except trying to keep her sanity. She remembered the sound of Freya's voice, and then she remembered passing out on the floor. By the look of the elf pulling herself up, it seemed that something similar had happened to Ryuu. There was knocking at the door to Lili's office.

"I'm coming in."

Otohime pushed herself in, Urashima right behind. Both of them were wearing their armour and had many weapons stowed away.

"So, it looks like the Goddess Blood worked," said the ex-Princess.

The Goddess Blood being a creation of the great Fels. The skeleton had poured all his knowledge and skill into this creation's inception. It was possibly the most challenging thing he's ever had to make, even rivalling that of the Philosopher's Stone. After all, countering the Charm of the Divine was no simple task, especially for one as powerful as Freya. Honestly, it had taken the blood of Hestia, one of the chief Virgin Goddesses, to give him the push he needed. Still, though, he had surpassed all expectations, even if the vaccine wasn't perfect.

Lili nodded, rubbing her head. "And as we thought, you and Mister Urashima seem to resist the charm better."

Urashima held his head. "Not by much; I've still got a horrible headache." He looked over at Oto. "How are you doing so well?"

She smiled. "Our skill is based on my thoughts of you. So, I just keep thinking about how much I love you to make everything better." Her smile turned bitter. "There is still some pain, though." She let her head fall onto Ura's shoulder. "But our love will conquer all!"

He used one metal arm to pull her down and gently kiss the crown of her head.

"I'm sure that it will. But this isn't my greatest worry right now. I'm more worried about Bell, Hestia, Elwin, and the others," said the Living Weapon. "We know where they're supposed to be, but that doesn't mean it's where they are."

Ryuu nodded. "And we all have to make sure not to get captured. This Goddess Blood is strong but likely will not hold up against Freya's full power." Ryuu glanced at her tactical superior. "What is the next part of the plan?"

Lili's mouth turned into a thin line. "Lady Haruhime and Miss Mikoto should be getting lost in the streets by the abandoned church. Master Bell should be safe up in the skies with Miss Weine." She looked over at Ryuu. "Your next move is to rendezvous with Mister Elwin and Mister Welf on the Street of Smiths." Then she looked to Oto and Ura. "Finally, you two will remain here and keep Lili safe."

"And what about Goddess Hestia?" asked Ryuu, already pulling on her hood.

"Already in position," replied Lili. "She is as safe as she can be. Besides, Hestia is not the target. Master Bell is the main target, so we must leave him alone." At the many frowns, Lili sighed. "We are severely outmatched and outnumbered. This is our only chance. Master Bell must draw as many of the enemy as he can."

Oto's eyes darted to the doors that led outside. "What do we do about Loki Familia? Did they all get the Goddess Blood?"

Lili nodded. "But we should not ask too much of the ones still here. They do not bare the Falna of a Virgin Goddess, so they should be in even more pain than we are. I want them to focus specifically on shoring up our defences." Lili sighed. "For now, our best is Aki and the High Novice."

"Where's Loki?" asked Otohime.

Lili shrugged. "All Mister Finn said was that she was in position for her part. We can't afford to focus on that right now." She looked between the members of her Familia. "Be careful, watch out for each other and…."

Otohime raised an eyebrow.

"And what?"

The Dauntless looked away, cheeks going cherry red.

"…Lili already said this to the others, but Lili loves you all. You are Lili's family, and Lili would not trade any of you for any money. You are Lili's greatest treasure. Please, do not make Lili lose another family." Her tiny hands tightened into fists. Tears were falling now, and not just from her. "Please."

Oto spoke next. "You all know about my family. Mama was good, and Ura is my heart, but I love you all too. And if any of you die, I'll hunt your spirit down myself."

Ura snorted. "When I joined this Familia, it was just to follow the Princess. My history with my family made it hard to trust people. All I could think about was keeping her safe. But then I got to know you all and realized that you all…." He stopped, searching for the words. He looked at his metal arms. "I am not a full man." Oto grabbed his hand and squeezed. "But when I am with you all…I feel whole. For the first time in a long time, I feel human again."

There was a moment of quiet before they looked to their Vice-Captain. Ryuu stood there, her piercing sky-blue eyes taking in the others, every detail of them.

"Once upon a time, I was in a Familia of heroes. They were the greatest people I ever knew, champions of justice by every definition of the word. When they passed away, I never thought I would see their like again." Then the elf smiled, and everyone felt their hearts soar. She was beautiful. "I have only said this to Bell, but you are all worth my respect. And every day, I thank you for allowing me to earn my place among you." She turned back towards the window. "I have found another Familia of heroes." She looked back, and they drew strength from the glint in her eye. "And we will not lose." She nodded. "Now go, and if we all survive, I might just sing a song."

Otohime laughed. "Now, that's something I want to hear!"

The remaining members of Hestia Familia scattered to the winds. But every single one of them carried a piece of the other. They were separate but not alone.

With the Lovers:

In another part of the city, right before the silver light had hit them, Mikoto had pushed her and Haruhime into an alleyway. They had fallen on top of each other in front of some crates, momentarily passing out from Freya's spell. When Mikoto awoke, Haruhime was beneath, her face flush. The renard was smiling and gave her partner a peck on the lips.

"Are you ok, or are you under her spell?" asked the Enchantenko.

Mikoto smiled and gave the renard a kiss back.

"My head is pounding, and I can feel her presence in my mind, but I will never fall with you by my side," replied the Black Crow.

The two pulled each other back to their feet. Since they all knew that today was the day they had put on their armour and battle robes. Haruhime wore her priest robes, while Mikoto wore plate and chainmail. They were both armed, Mikoto with her blades and Haruhime with her magic staff. The renard's staff was new and had been acquired back in the Far East. It bore magic moonstone crystals on the top and was made with the sacred Sakura wood of her homeland. The Staff of Tsukuyomi was named after the Goddess who helped raise Haruhime's partner. It had been valued at over one hundred sixty million valis, but they had gotten it as a gift from Lady Amaterasu.

"What is the plan now?" asked Haruhime.

Mikoto brushed the dust off her clothing before facing her partner.

"Lady Lili told us to keep away and buy as much time as possible. We must split Lady Freya's forces and misdirect where we can," said the Black Crow. "Especially since we are now being held hostage within the city." She reached out and took Haruhime's hand. "And you alone can change the tide of battle. So, we must keep you safe and away from Freya."

"And you will do that?" responded the renard. "Will you be my protector and saviour?"

Mikoto nodded, her face serious. "No one will take you from me. And I will always stand with you."

Haruhime's ears twitched, her face turning slightly red. Her tail swept back and forth slowly.

"Will you stand with me till death do us part?"

Mikoto turned red as well, her face a light pink. Finally, she nodded once. It was firm and resolute.

"I will stand with you till death do us part." The samurai surveyed the alley, looking back out into the street. "The people do not look like they are hunting us, but I do not want to risk being in the streets. We need to go deeper into the back avenues of the city." She sighed. "We are not in Daedalus, but if we go a little bit farther from here, we will enter the ruins of the Pleasure District." Mikoto looked back to Haruhime. "Would you be able to help us navigate?"

Haruhime nodded. "Yes, as long as they have not gotten too far on the reconstruction efforts."

Mikoto nodded, and the two of them took off. They both held out hope that the Guild hadn't figured out what to do with the ruins of the Pleasure District. While there were many in the city, mainly the men, who wanted it repaired and restored to its former glory. However, the Guild was hesitant because of how strong Ishtar Familia grew without Guild supervision and the dangers that the Familia had posed to the rest of the city. That push and pull had created a massive stalemate in the city. The only thing that everyone could agree on was to clear the rubble of the most wrecked buildings.

The two were running through back alleys when Mikoto started to feel the presence of others. Instead of saying anything, she scooped Haruhime up in her arms. She picked up speed, and the two of them were practically sprinting past dilapidated buildings. Mikoto could tell that they crossed into the district.

"We need to find a building to hide in?" she asked.

Haruhime tried to look around as they ran. Finally, she pointed at one building that looked better than most.

"Over there!"

Mikoto pivoted on one foot. She pushed, practically throwing herself towards the wreckage of the building. It was one of the former themed brothels of the district, modelled after the classical architecture of the Far East. The two threw themselves through a window. And all around the building, shadows gathered.

With the Searchers:

In a different part of the city, Elwin had met with Welf. The two of them had stopped by the shop of the old renard lady, grabbing cloaks of invisibility and other magical items. When the charm hit, they had managed to stash themselves away in a shadowed corner. Afterwards, they both managed to come to and keep moving. With Filvis keeping an eye out with her spirit body, the two navigated the street of Orario. They only had one destination in mind.

Elwin was going to find his best friend, Archimedes, and Welf was going to help him. However, it was only the two of them and Filvis since everyone else was busy. Mikoto was protecting Haruhime. Urashima, Otohime, and Lili were protecting the house, and Bell was hiding. Now, they had an idea about where he was being kept. The only problem was that their suspicion was taking them to the heart of the enemy territory, Folkvangr. It was the stronghold of Freya Familia and the last place they should be going to. Especially since it would be crawling with the enemy.

Instead, it should be crawling with the enemy. But most of the enemy were now in the city. They were hunting Hestia Familia and preparing to attack their home. So, the estate would be mostly empty. At least, that was the plan. There was no telling what kind of traps Freya, and more importantly Hedin, had left for them. It was like Lili had told them; the elf was more brilliant than them. He had more experience with these things and had been planning for an attack longer than they had. Hedin's wisdom was so vast that he could even rival the Braver.

But, for all his cunning and guile, Lili knew the truth. There was always someone above you, someone more intelligent than you. And there was always someone right below you, nipping at your heels. Remembering that fact, and knowing where you stood, was the most crucial part of never under or overestimating your enemies. Now, Lili didn't know Hedin or anyone in Freya Familia, but she knew adventurers. She knew how arrogant and self-absorbed they could be. Which was why she knew that the Familia home would be empty.

Elwin and Welf trusted their commander, so they crept closer and closer to Folkvangr. They were hidden by their magic cloaks, but that wouldn't stop a good adventurer from sensing them.

"Do we know where we're supposed to be looking?" asked Welf.

The smith held Hii Tatsumaki lightly in one hand. His eyes were darting up and down the street.

"I imagine they're keeping my friend locked away in the basement somewhere, so that's where we'll start. Now, how long are we supposed to wait again?" replied Elwin.

His long green hair was tied back in a ponytail, and both hands were curled around his staff. It was a gift from Riveria, made from the wood of the royal elf tree. She had not informed their father of why she needed the wood. Capped on either end was the metal of a shooting star. It was a battle staff, more suited for someone like Elwin, who wove combat and magic together, over someone like Riveria, who was pure magic.

"We're supposed to wait for some kind of signal, right?" asked Welf. "But also… can't Filvis check it out?"

"She is," replied Elwin.

As if on cue, the ghostly spirit drifted down next to her partner. She looked as stoic as usual, with her long black hair floating behind her.

"There's nothing strange going on, and it's a token force of guards left," she explained. "I didn't take the time to look for your best friend, though."

Elwin smirked. "No need to worry, Filvis, you're my best friend too!"

Filvis rolled her eyes but smiled all the same. "I think the two of you should be ok to go inside now. Or, at the very least, you can start making your way." She frowned. "But I don't like how empty it feels."

Elwin nodded. He looked over at Welf, who had raised an eyebrow.

"Filvis says we're all clear to go on in," he replied, waving a hand in her direction. "But she doesn't like the empty feeling. Probably a trap, right?"

Welf nodded. "Definitely a trap, but we also don't have much choice, do we?"

Elwin shook his head. "One of my best friends is being held captive. I'm rescuing him no matter what. And I won't offend our friendship and give you a chance to leave. Besides, we're holding an ace up our sleeve, aren't we?"

Welf snorted. "Sure, let's call it that."

The two of them nodded, but there was a grim resolution to it. The fact that the home was empty also meant that the entirety of Freya Familia was out hunting and attacking their friends. Hearthfire Mansion would be under siege, and Bell was probably in the middle of the greatest manhunt the world had ever seen.

The two adventurers used their levels to quickly jump and clear the wall. They had picked a spot relatively close to the estate's borders, so they spent only a little time running over an open field.

"Bust through the window, and then we make our way downstairs," said Welf. "Filvis, find us a way down. Don't worry about the leftover house guards; I'll take care of them."

Elwin nodded. "Can do. I'll keep a spell at the ready."

Welf looked over, curious. "What kind of spells are we even working with right now?"

The half-elf counted them off on his fingers.

"Sign of the Crab, the Twins, and the Lion," he replied. "Definitely a mixed bag. But it'll do in a pinch, don't you think?"

Welf nodded.

"Happy to see you enjoying yourself, but we should get moving," said Filvis. "I don't know how much time we're going to have here."

Elwin nodded, and the two living people got to work. They cleared the ground floor and started going through the rest of the castle. Filvis guided them, pushing her incorporeal body through the walls. Unsurprisingly, all the guards they ran into were unconscious on the ground. It seemed that they had a guardian angel at their backs.

"Man, his place gives me the creeps," said Elwin. "Even with all the fancy decorations, it doesn't feel like a home, you know what I mean?"

Welf nodded. "Even if our place is mostly empty, I like it more."

"I found the way downstairs," said Filvis, floating through a wall.

"Awesome, then lead the way, bestie!" said Elwin.

Filvis didn't respond, but she was smiling even more than before. The two of them had grown incredibly close in the past months. It was strange to say, but Filvis had grown quite fond of him. Which meant that she was absolutely terrified for him right now. While Elwin's second soul was able to beat back Freya's charm easily enough right now, there was no saying what would happen under a direct assault.

The three members of Hestia Familia took the stairs down to the basement. However, the place looked more like a dungeon. There were cells and chains. And the place looked used. The whole mood of the room was quite terrifying.

"Any idea where he is?" asked Elwin.

Filvis said nothing, and neither did Welf. But a familiar voice rang out from the dark.

"There's a locked door at the end of the hall and a light at the bottom."

Out of the shadows walked a resolute elf. Her face was severe, and her sky-blue eyes were piercing. There was something fierce and protective about her, but it was understandable. And it was why they loved their Vice Captain.

"Thanks a ton, boss," said Elwin. "Makes you wonder why we're even here."

Ryuu smiled. "Because I wouldn't be able to do this alone. And I need you to convince your friend to come with us."

Welf chuckled. "Yeah, if anything, I'm the useless one here."

Ryuu shook her head. "I can't get through the door. So, you better get to work and break through the lock."

The smith nodded. He stepped forward and got to work on the door. While lockpicking was not his specialty, these things were still made of metal. They were mechanisms like anything else. And anything that was made could be unmade. So, Welf set to work.

"This might take some time," he said.

Ryuu frowned. "We don't have much time. Our Familia is under attack right now, and Goddess Hestia can only be in hiding for so long."

"I know!"

"Filvis, could you head up top and keep an eye out for anyone?" asked Elwin.

The ghost nodded. She drifted upwards, going right through the ceiling. Elwin moved to stand by the stairs while Ryuu stood by Welf. The time began to pass, and it was slow and painful.

With the Father and Daughter:

Meanwhile, in Daedalus Street, Bell and Weine sat in the shadows of an alley. They barely had time to set themselves down before the silver wave had washed over the city. Thankfully, the two of them were ok. Bell was ok because of both Liaris and the Goddess Blood. However, looking over at Weine, he found the dragon smiling at him. The Goddess Blood worked, even with the Xenos.

"Did I do good, Bell?" she had asked.

Bell nodded and patted her on the head. "That was perfect, Weine! You did amazingly! You really saved my life there."

That seemed to make Weine happy.

"But now I need you to get back to Grosbor and let the Goddess know what's happening," he said. "I'll be ok from here."

The vouivre frowned. "Are you sure about that, Bell? I don't like leaving you alone." She looked back towards the city. "It smells dangerous."

"That's why you need to go see Goddess Hestia and let her know what's happening," said Bell. "When she knows what's happening, we can move to the next phase."

Weine didn't seem happy about it, but she took off anyway. Bell knew that she would be safe. After all, she wasn't Freya Familia's target. And with Bell sitting here in this maze of a district, there was no way they would let him get away.

Already, Bell could feel the growing number of eyes on him. The more he stood there, the more adversaries there were. So, the March Hare took off running. He knew that he couldn't just get away. Otherwise, they would leave to attack the Mansion. But he couldn't let them catch him. None of his pursuers felt like first-tier adventurers, but there were still many of them. And numbers could wear him down if he wasn't careful. Thankfully for Bell, this was Daedalus Street. He knew where he was going.

With the Goddess:

Around the city, Freya watched these fitful stories. She watched the desperate acts of Hestia Familia. And it was commendable in a way. Their struggle was endearing, but in the same way that it was adorable to watch a pet try and act like a human. Freya was still the master here. And she would bring these animals to heel.

Behind her were the gathered executives of Freya Familia, the most powerful adventurers in the city. Many had protested, wanting to be part of the battle from the get-go. However, Freya had held off on such a move for the moment. Now, though, things looked ripe to begin.

"Allen," she said. "Go alert our newest member. Her prey is waiting for her in her old home."

There was the barest rustling as Allen vanished.

"Hedin, Hegni, go check in at our dear home." The Goddess waved a hand. "I'd hate for our guests to feel like we weren't being hospitable."

The two elven kings bowed low before making their exit.

"My Bringar, bring the Living Weapon to me. I will make an example with him." She held up a finger. "And tell Mia to begin her assault."

The prums left, their armour clanking as they moved.

"And me, Lady Freya?"

The Goddess turned to her champion.

"I will allow my other children to hunt down my Odr. But you may start making your way there if you wish."

Ottar bowed. "I will go, Lady Freya, but only observe."

The Goddess nodded. "Intervene when you see fit, my champion."

His pounding steps signalled his departure.

The Goddess looked down on her Garden.

With the Braver:

Below the great city lay the Dungeon. And on its eighteenth floor sat the deceptively relaxed members of Loki Familia. They had made their way here in record timing and now sat on the grass. Everyone seemed happy to take a moment to relax, save one, that is.

"Finn."

Ais had been saying her Captain's name every minute for the past hour. And every minute, the pallum would shake his head.

"Not yet."

So, the Sword Princess would frown. Her hands hung at her side, where her fingernails dug into her palms from stress. She didn't like the idea of Bell and the others fighting alone right now.

"The time isn't right," said Riveria from the side. "If we go up too early, then we won't be able to make the moves we need to."

Gareth nodded while stroking his beard. "It's a thing of timing, lass. We just gotta trust the Braver and the Dauntless. I'm sure that they'll carry us through. Besides, you have to remember that it won't just be Freya Familia. The whole city is on her side now. Ganesha and Hephaestus Familia didn't have time to take the Goddess Blood like we did. That's a lot of people standing against us."

From where he sat, Finn stared at his thumb. Conventional wisdom said that Freya's charm was holding the city, hostage. But something didn't feel right. For starters, no one had seen Hermes in months now. And Aisha knew nothing. Even Lulune had practically disappeared after the Sun Seekers War. Even if only fools hoped for miracles, something told Finn that it would be ok to feel optimistic. Just as he was about to voice this opinion to his Familia, multiple thumps were heard on the grass.

The Braver smiled. He looked up to find the unconscious bodies of three members of Freya Familia. They were not well-known members, maybe level two at best. But with the other five that they had tracked down, it meant that they were all probably accounted for.

"We got them, just like you asked," said Tione.

Finn stood up, giving her hand a squeeze as he did so.

"That was well done of you," he replied. "Any trouble?"

"Tsk, not with weaklings like that," said Bete. "Now, can we get going or what?"

"…not to sound rude like Mister Bete…but I would like to get moving," commented Lefiya.

From how her fingers drummed along her staff, it was easy to see that she was barely better than Ais.

Finn nodded. "I think you're right. Gareth, send the signal to the rest of the Familia. It's time we got on the move." He looked back to his executives. "Does everyone know where they're going when we get topside?"

Riveria nodded. "Lefiya and I will go to Folkvangr. I will protect my little brother and the others."

Gareth patted his belly. "I'll take the twins to the Hearthfire Mansion with the rest of this lot. We'll give Aki and Raul the reinforcements they need."

Bete clicked his teeth. "I find the renard and her girlfriend."

Finn looked over. "And what about us, Ais?"

The Kenki nodded, sword drawn.

"We find Bell."

The Braver nodded, meeting her steely gaze.

"We find Bell."

With the Mages:

Outside the city, Hecate stood up.

"Yes, I think it's time."

The members of Hecate and Hermes Familia gathered their weapons. Iris practically made a divot with how fast she stood.

"I'm coming, brother."