Chapter 3 - Secrets Revealed
As Bell led Peter through the bustling streets of Orario, Peter couldn't help but marvel at the sights and sounds of this vibrant city. Colorful banners fluttered in the breeze, while street vendors called out to passersby, hawking their wares with infectious enthusiasm. The air was alive with the hum of conversation and the distant sound of bells chiming from nearby towers.
Bell walked with purpose, weaving through the throngs of people with practiced ease. He glanced back at Peter occasionally, flashing a bright smile as he eagerly shared tidbits about the city and its inhabitants.
"Orario is a melting pot of cultures and races," Bell explained, gesturing to the diverse crowd around them. "People from all over come here seeking adventure and fortune in the dungeon."
Peter assumed that Orario was the name of the city, rather than the country.
As they walked, Bell pointed out various landmarks and points of interest, his enthusiasm infectious. Peter couldn't help but be drawn into the boy's excitement, despite his own lingering doubts and uncertainties.
Eventually, they arrived at their destination: the Pantheon, the main building of the Guild.
"Welcome to the guild," Bell proclaimed, his eyes gleaming with enthusiasm. "This is the heart of adventurers' endeavors in Orario. Here, adventurers must register before delving into the dungeon, exchange crystals, and trade drop items from monsters." His voice took on a tone of respect as he continued, "The guild also offers the invaluable service of providing advisors to guide new adventurers on their quests, ensuring they navigate the dangers of the dungeon safely."
Peter followed Bell inside, marveling at the organized chaos of the Guild's interior. Its wide space was bustling with activity, with counters for adventurers to talk with their advisors and an exchange area where goods were traded. Bell was helpfully pointing out and explaining everything. Peter noticed small meeting boxes where adventurers could converse privately with their advisors, ensuring confidentiality. The library area caught his eye, hinting at the wealth of knowledge contained within the Guild's walls.
Finally, they approached a desk where a slim, graceful figure sat, engrossed in her work. Her pointed ears and emerald eyes marked her as a Half Elf, and Peter couldn't help but notice the beauty that radiated from her despite her serious demeanor.
"Hey, Eina!" Bell's voice echoed cheerfully through the hall as he approached her desk. Eina glanced up from her paperwork, her expression shifting from concentration to surprise as she noticed Bell's companion. "Bell, who's this?" she inquired, her tone soft but curious.
"This is Peter," Bell introduced him with a wide grin. "He's new to Orario, and I thought he could benefit from meeting you."
Eina's gaze swept over Peter, assessing him with a keen eye. Peter couldn't help but feel a sense of scrutiny under her emerald gaze, as if she could see straight through him. He shifted slightly under her penetrating stare, feeling slightly uncomfortable.
"Nice to meet you, Peter," Eina greeted him politely, her voice carrying a hint of warmth beneath its calm exterior. "I'm Eina Tulle, Bell's advisor here at the Guild."
"Likewise," Peter replied, offering a friendly smile in return.
Bell chimed in. "Eina's been a huge help to me since I started adventuring."
Eina's serious demeanor softened ever so slightly at Bell's words, a faint hint of a smile tugging at the corners of her lips. "I'm glad to hear that," she replied, her tone gentle. "Advising adventurers is my responsibility, and I take it very seriously."
Bell said confidently, "Peter will join my familia." His words hung in the air, laden with anticipation and expectation. Peter caught a subtle shift in Eina's expression, a fleeting frown crossing her features before she swiftly composed herself, offering a congratulatory smile.
"Congratulations, Peter," Eina chimed in, her tone warm and genuine as she extended her well wishes. However, Peter felt the need to clarify, turning to Bell with a measured tone, "But I haven't decided yet. I've only committed to meet Hestia before making a decision."
The buoyant anticipation in Bell's eyes dimmed instantly, replaced by a crestfallen look that mirrored the expression of a child who had just been denied their favorite treat.
Eina's response was measured and diplomatic, her words carrying a sense of wisdom and experience. "There are indeed many fine Familias in Orario," she began, her voice calm and reassuring. "It's important to take your time to research them and then choose the one which suits you the most."
As Eina's words settled in, Peter couldn't help but notice the subtle shift in Bell's demeanor. The vibrant enthusiasm that had defined him moments ago now seemed muted, overshadowed by a sense of betrayal and disappointment. It was as if someone had kicked his beloved puppy, leaving him momentarily deflated and disheartened.
Peter found himself in a dilemma. Truth be told, he didn't have the time or resources to research Familias. Moreover, he didn't possess a single coin of whatever currency this world used. Bell's story about being rejected by multiple Familias before being taken in by Hestia intrigued Peter, but he still struggled to grasp the concept of what a Familia truly entailed. Yet, he realized that giving the impression of having multiple choices might be to his advantage, even if he didn't fully understand the dynamics of joining one.
Bell suddenly asked Eina, "I was rescued from a Minotaur by a very beautiful woman with long golden-blonde hair, gold eyes, and a slender body. She cut down the Minotaur in half with a single strike of her sword," he described with awe. "Can you please tell me who she is?"
Eina's reaction was swift, her brows furrowing with concern. "How did that come about?" she inquired sharply, her tone laced with a hint of anger.
Bell's response came with a hesitant stutter. "Well, you see, I... um..." He faltered, realizing the weight of his confession. "I encountered a Minotaur on the fifth floor," he admitted, his voice tinged with meekness.
Eina's eyes widened in shock and disbelief. "The fifth floor?" she repeated incredulously, her tone laced with disbelief. "Bell, you know you're not authorized to venture that deep into the dungeon without permission!"
Bell's cheeks flushed with embarrassment. "But Minotaurs aren't supposed to be on the fifth floor," he protested weakly.
As Bell attempted to defend himself, Eina's glasses caught the light, casting an ominous glow that seemed to magnify her radiating anger. Bell visibly wilted under her glare, and even Peter, who had faced the wrath of Thanos the mad Titan, felt a shiver of trepidation.
In that moment, Peter resolved that if a dungeon adviser was compulsory, he'd prefer someone else.
Eina sighed, her frustration evident. "That's beside the point, Bell!" she chided sharply, her voice laced with anger. "You should know better than to take such risks!"
She turned her attention to Peter, her expression softening. "I'm sorry you had to witness this, Peter. Bell's reckless behavior can be quite concerning at times."
Peter nodded, understanding Eina's concerns. "It's alright," he assured her with a reassuring smile.
Bell's shoulders slumped in defeat as he recounted his encounter with the mysterious girl who had rescued him from the Minotaur. "She was amazing, Eina," he recounted eagerly, his eyes shining with admiration. "Please tell me who she is."
Eina's expression softened as she listened to Bell's description of the woman who had saved him. Her mind quickly connected the dots, realizing exactly who Bell was talking about.
"Bell," Eina began carefully, "the woman you encountered, she sounds like Ais Wallenstein."
Bell's eyes widened in awe. "Ais Wallenstein? The sword princess?"
Eina nodded gravely. "Yes, Bell. Ais is one of the strongest adventurers in Orario, and she's known for her exceptional skills in battle. But she's also notoriously selective about who she associates with. I have heard that she has rejected countless courtship requests."
Bell's eyes sparkled with curiosity as he leaned in, his voice filled with eagerness. "Eina, do you happen to know what kind of food Ais Wallenstein likes to eat? Or maybe her favorite color?"
Bell's rapid-fire questions were cut short by her firm interruption. "Bell, the guild has no business delving into personal matters or disclosing such information," she stated firmly, her tone leaving no room for argument. "And besides, you two are from different Familias. Inter-Familia relations aren't exactly common."
Bell's expression morphed from anticipation to disappointment so quickly that Peter couldn't help but stifle a chuckle. The image of Bell's crestfallen face was almost comical, as if someone had just dashed all his hopes and dreams in one swift motion.
Peter couldn't help but find the situation amusing. However, beneath the amusement, he couldn't shake off his confusion about the intricate dynamics of Familias and their members.
"I... I understand, Eina," Bell replied, his tone subdued. "I'm sorry for asking."
Eina offered him a reassuring smile. "It's alright, Bell. Just remember to focus on your own journey as an adventurer. Familia dynamics can be complex, but your primary goal should always be to grow stronger and protect those you care about."
Bell's shoulders slumped slightly, but a determined glint flickered in his eyes. "I will, Eina. Thank you for your guidance."
With a nod of acknowledgment, Eina returned to her paperwork
As Bell pulled Peter away from the counter, Peter couldn't help but feel a pang of disappointment. He had been itching to ask Eina a few more questions about Familias and his options, but before he could even open his mouth, his stomach betrayed him with a loud, rumbling protest. When was the last time he had eaten? He honestly couldn't remember amidst all the chaos that had unfolded since he decided to try to save the villains from other dimensions. Perhaps it had been a good forty eight hours since his last meal.
Bell's laughter echoed through the guild hall, drawing the attention of nearby adventurers. "Looks like someone's hungry!" he exclaimed with a grin, clapping Peter on the back. "Don't worry, Peter. We'll visit my goddess after this, and I'll make sure you get something to eat."
Peter nodded eagerly, his stomach growling in agreement. "Sounds good to me," he replied, trying to ignore the amused glances from the other adventurers. "I could definitely use a good meal right about now."
Bell stopped at the guild's exchange counter to trade in his dungeon "loot" before they departed. Among his collections were only a handful of small crystals, hardly the impressive haul one might hope for from a dungeon delve. As the receptionist counted out the coins, Peter overheard her mention the sum of 1600 Valis. He had no idea how much it was, but judging from Bell's crestfallen expression, it was clear that the reward fell short of his expectations.
Observing Bell's disappointment, Peter couldn't help but muse that perhaps his encounter with the minotaur had played a role in limiting his ability to collect more substantial rewards that day.
As they made their way out of the guild hall, Peter couldn't help but wonder what kind of culinary delights awaited him at Bell's goddess's place. Hopefully, it would be worth the wait, and his grumbling stomach would finally find some peace.
Peter couldn't believe his eyes as. What in the world was happening? Bell's goddess, Hestia, wasn't overseeing some grand temple or regal ceremony. No, she was working at a humble potato snack stand called Jagamarukun. And to top it off, a customer was actually petting her head as if she were some kind of adorable pet!
Hestia, despite her divine status, looked surprisingly ordinary – if not for her radiant beauty. She was petite with a youthful appearance, her blue eyes sparkling with warmth. Her mid-thigh length black hair was tied into twin-tails, cascading down to her mid-thighs in a playful fashion. Standing at a mere four and a half feet, her small frame accentuated her ample bosom.
Her attire, while simple, was undeniably cute. She wore a white mini dress adorned with a blue ribbon around her neck, emphasizing her slender figure. Another ribbon was tied under her breasts, looping around her arms in a charming manner.
Bell instructed Peter to wait on the sidewalk while he approached the Jagamarukun stand, speaking to his goddess in whispers. Peter observed as Bell pointed in his direction, prompting Goddess Hestia to glance over at him. With curiosity piqued, Peter watched as Bell emptied his entire purse of coins into Hestia's hands before returning with a handful of Jagamarukun snacks.
Peter felt flustered witnessing this interaction. The goddess, whom he had imagined to be a divine figure of power and majesty, was simply a minimum wage worker at a fast-food stand. And here was Bell, purchasing food from the very same stand.
When Bell approached him and offered the snacks, Peter hesitated for a moment before accepting one. As he took a bite, he was pleasantly surprised by the taste. Unable to resist, he found himself gobbling up one snack after the other, barely able to contain himself.
After a moment, Peter politely suggested that Bell join him in eating, but Bell declined, insisting that he wasn't hungry. However, he offered the remaining snacks to Peter, his eyes conveying a sense of understanding.
As Peter polished off the last of the snacks, a pang of disappointment hit him. Despite indulging in the potato treats, his stomach still grumbled with hunger. Two days of deprivation couldn't be easily satisfied by such small portions, but Peter put on a facade of contentment, offering a grateful nod to Bell.
Bell, ever observant but saying nothing, simply nodded back, his expression thoughtful. It seemed he might have picked up on Peter's underlying hunger, but he didn't voice any concern.
With a gentle smile, Bell then relayed the goddess's instructions. They were to wait at a nearby bookstore until she joined them.
As Bell and Peter stepped into the bookstore, they were greeted by the familiar scent of old paper and ink that permeated the air. The space was illuminated by the soft glow of lanterns hanging from the ceiling, casting a warm ambiance over the shelves packed with books of all shapes and sizes.
A kindly old man stood behind the counter, his weathered hands moving with practiced precision as he sorted through stacks of parchment and scrolls. When Bell and Peter entered, he glanced up with a warm smile, his eyes crinkling at the corners in a silent welcome. Peter couldn't help but notice the familiarity in Bell's nod, suggesting that he was acquainted with the old man in the cozy bookstore.
Peter's attention was immediately drawn to the rows of books lining the shelves, each one a window into a different world. As he perused the titles, he inferred that these books were produced using advanced methods, either by printing press or some magical equivalent. The strange world continued to intrigue him.
Bell took the lead, his eyes scanning the shelves until he located his prize. With a triumphant grin, he plucked out a thick tome titled "Dungeon Oratoria."
"This is my absolute favorite," Bell exclaimed, his voice brimming with enthusiasm as he flipped through the pages. "And look, there are multiple volumes! Each one holds the legends of extraordinary adventurers who fought against monsters without the blessings of the Gods. It's a glimpse into a time before the gods descended, when mortals stood tall against the darkness."
Peter took the book from Bell and flipped through the pages nonchalantly. As he considered Bell's words about the extraordinary adventurers who fought against monsters without the blessings of the Gods, he couldn't help but wonder: Did the gods' blessings bestow superpowers upon their chosen heroes? And did these blessings tie into the intricate dynamics of Familias?
Top of Form
Bell's unwavering enthusiasm filled the air as he delved into the tales woven within the pages of "Dungeon Oratoria." With animated gestures and fervor in his voice, he recounted the exploits of legendary figures like Argonaut and Albert.
Peter couldn't help but be amused by Bell's boundless enthusiasm and reverence for these legendary heroes, finding it endearing how deeply Bell was immersed in the tales of heroism.
In particular, Bell regaled Peter with the epic saga of Albert, detailing the valiant confrontation between the fearless hero and the dreaded Black Dragon. Against insurmountable odds, Albert managed to repel the legendary beast, inflicting a grievous wound to its eye and compelling it to flee from Orario. However, Albert's bravery came at a great cost, as he ultimately met his demise in the heroic battle.
Just as the narrative reached its zenith, Hestia's arrival at the bookstore interrupted their conversation, drawing their attention to her. Her eyes twinkled with familiarity as she exchanged pleasantries with the shopkeeper, a clear indication of their camaraderie.
Hestia beckoned Peter and Bell to follow her as she ascended the creaky stairs. As they trailed behind her, Bell leaned in and whispered to Peter, "She gave me falna up here." Peter stifled a chuckle at Bell's innocence. He had no clue what falna was, but judging by Bell's expression, it seemed like a big deal.
The idea of receiving something important in a musty old shop didn't exactly inspire confidence in Hestia's familia. Bell's knack for recruitment was about as effective as a fish trying to climb a tree. If Peter had any other option, he'd be sprinting out of here faster than a marathon runner on rocket skates.
In the warmth of the quaint bookstore, Hestia, with her childlike demeanor and jet-black hair framing her face, exuded an aura of youthful enthusiasm. As she sat opposite Peter and Bell, her vibrant energy filled the room, blending seamlessly with the scent of aged parchment and ink.
With a sparkle of excitement in her dark eyes, Hestia leaned in, her enthusiasm palpable as she addressed Peter. "So, Bell mentioned you're considering joining our familia," she began, her voice laced with anticipation at the prospect of expanding her familia.
Peter maintained a facade of nonchalance, masking the myriad thoughts swirling in his mind. "I'm merely exploring my options," he replied casually, though inwardly he couldn't shake the feeling of being caught in Hestia's penetrating gaze.
Undeterred by Peter's vague response, Hestia's playful smile persisted as she continued her line of questioning. "And where do you hail from?" she inquired, her gaze unwavering.
Peter hesitated, grappling with the urge to divulge his true origins while simultaneously guarding his secrets. "A village far west of here," he finally offered, his tone guarded yet evasive.
Hestia's expression subtly shifted at Peter's response, a glimmer of curiosity flickering in her eyes. She gestured for Bell to wait downstairs, leaving them alone to converse.
With Hestia's gaze fixed upon him, Peter felt a sense of vulnerability wash over him, as if she could see through every layer of his being.
"It seems you're not aware," she began, her voice gentle yet firm, "Gods can tell when mortals are lying to them." Her words about the gods' ability to detect lies lingered in the air, casting a weight upon his conscience. Peter's heart skipped a beat at her words, realizing the futility of attempting to deceive a deity. With a heavy sigh, he relented, his defenses crumbling under her penetrating gaze.
"I am from a different universe," he confessed, the words tumbling from his lips with a mixture of apprehension and relief. "I arrived in this universe today itself. I must confess I don't know much about your world."
As the truth spilled forth, Peter felt a weight lift from his shoulders, a sense of liberation washing over him. It felt good to finally unburden himself, to share his secret with someone who might understand, even if only partially.
As Peter's confession hung in the air, Hestia's demeanor shifted, her youthful facade giving way to a solemn gravity. With each passing moment, she seemed to age before his eyes, her presence now bearing the weight of millennia-old wisdom.
"How did you come into our world?" she inquired, her voice steady despite the underlying concern.
Peter hesitated for a moment, carefully weighing his words before responding. "The sorcerer supreme from my world sent me here," he explained, his tone cautious yet forthcoming.
Hestia's brow furrowed slightly at his revelation, her expression betraying a mix of curiosity and apprehension. "Why?" she pressed, her gaze piercing as she searched for answers.
Peter couldn't help but wonder at her sudden change in demeanor. While she didn't appear surprised by his admission, there was an unmistakable unease in her demeanor. "A spell cast on me had gone awry," he recounted, choosing his words carefully. "It was threatening to damage the multiverse. The sorcerer supreme sent me here to prevent it."
A heavy sigh escaped Hestia's lips, her features drawn with concern. "Peter, you must never reveal that you are from another universe," she cautioned, her voice tinged with solemnity. "The gods of this universe forbade traveling between dimensions thousands of years ago."
As Hestia spoke, Peter's mind raced with a flurry of thoughts and emotions. He pondered the weight of her words, realizing the magnitude of the secret he now carried.
Hestia leaned forward, her eyes fixed intently on Peter. "Tell me more about your world," she urged, her voice gentle yet insistent. "About events leading upto your coming to this universe."
Peter took a moment to gather his thoughts, contemplating how best to describe his world to someone who had likely never encountered anything like it. "In my world," he began, "we possess advanced technology beyond anything you might imagine. We have machines that can fly through the sky, devices that allow us to communicate instantaneously across vast distances, and towering structures that pierce the clouds."
He described the wonders of his world, from towering skyscrapers that reached toward the heavens to bustling cities alive with energy and innovation. "We've unlocked the secrets of the atom, harnessing its power to fuel our cities and propel our machines," Peter explained, his words tinged with pride for the achievements of his world.
"But with great power comes great responsibility," he continued solemnly. "For all our advancements, we've also faced our fair share of challenges. Our world is plagued by conflict, both within and without. Nations vie for dominance, ideologies clash, and threats loom on the horizon."
As he spoke, Hestia listened intently, absorbing every detail of Peter's account. She seemed fascinated by the technological marvels of his world, her eyes alight with curiosity.
As he spoke, Hestia's expression shifted from curiosity to solemn contemplation. She listened intently, absorbing every detail of Peter's account. "And this sorcerer supreme," she mused, her voice thoughtful, "what manner of power did they possess?"
Peter described the sorcerer supreme's mastery of arcane magic with a sense of reverence in his voice. "His magic was unparalleled," he explained. "He wielded forces beyond comprehension, dedicating himself to safeguarding our world from the encroaching forces of chaos."
Nodding thoughtfully, Hestia's gaze seemed to reflect the weight of ancient knowledge. "But tell me, Peter, why did the sorcerer supreme choose to send you here?"
Peter hesitated, his mind engulfed by the memory of his departure from his world. "A spell he cast on me went awry," he confessed, his words laden with the burden of remorse. "It posed a grave threat to the very fabric of the multiverse, placing countless lives in peril. The skies themselves began to tear apart, casting a shadow of chaos over reality. The sorcerer supreme had no choice but to send me away to another universe to avert the catastrophe. I don't believe he intended to send me specifically to this universe. His aim was to transport me to a realm where no other version of myself existed."
He paused, realizing the absurdity of trying to explain the complexities of his situation to Hestia. "But, uh, that's a long story," he added hastily, deciding it was best to omit the whole Spider-Man saga for the time being. After all, it didn't seem particularly relevant to this world.
Once Peter finished speaking, Hestia leaned forward, her expression a mix of sorrow and reverence. "In our world, there existed a god named Janus," she began, her voice carrying the weight of millennia-old history. "He possessed the rare ability to open gateways to other dimensions, and he reveled in the exploration of the vast multiverse."
A somber tone crept into her voice as she continued, recounting the events that led to the gods' decree against interdimensional travel. "One fateful day, Janus opened a gateway to a realm of unspeakable horror," she explained, her words heavy with the memory of ancient strife. "A monstrous entity seized the opportunity, extending its tentacles through the portal to keep it open. From that abyssal realm poured forth creatures of unimaginable terror, threatening the heaven with annihilation."
Peter listened intently as Hestia painted a vivid picture of the chaos and destruction wrought by the invading monsters. "A brutal war ensued between the gods and these formidable creatures," she continued, her voice filled with solemnity. "Many valiant gods sacrificed their lives in the conflict."
Hestia paused, her gaze drifting to a distant memory. "Some gods, driven by valor and determination, ventured into the heart of the abyss," she recounted, her voice tinged with sorrow. "There, they confronted the monstrous entity holding the portal open, engaging in a fierce battle that sent ripples through the very fabric of our existence. In the end, they emerged victorious, but their triumph came at a great cost."
A solemn air enveloped them as Hestia continued. "Their victory meant the closing of the portal while they were still on the other side," she explained, her words heavy with the weight of ancient sacrifice. "They could never return, forever trapped in that nightmarish realm, their deeds lost to the annals of time."
A heavy silence settled between them as Hestia concluded her tale. "In the aftermath of that devastating conflict, the elder gods decreed a ban on traveling to other universes," she declared, her voice carrying the weight of ancient wisdom. "They sealed Janus's power as punishment for his recklessness, forever closing the door to other realms, ensuring that such folly would never again endanger our world."
A heavy silence settled between them as Hestia concluded her tale. Peter mulled over the weighty implications of her words, his mind racing with the newfound knowledge of the gods' history and the dangers that lay ahead.
Hestia's tone grew more serious as she continued, her eyes conveying the gravity of her words. "Peter, if other gods come to know that you are from another world, they might seek to destroy you. You must be very careful," she warned, her voice laced with concern. "The gods' ability to detect lies is not infallible. You can get away by giving half-truths. When someone asks you where you are from, just give the name of the place you used to stay and say it's far, far away."
Peter nodded in understanding, grateful for Hestia's guidance and assistance. Her wisdom offered him a glimmer of hope amidst the uncertainty of his situation. As she proposed a test, he braced himself for the interrogation.
"Where are you from?" Hestia inquired, her gaze steady.
"I am from New York," Peter replied without missing a beat, "It's far away from here."
Hestia listened intently before responding, "I couldn't detect a lie, but this 'New York' is a strange name. Gods might get interested and question you further. Can you be more vague?"
Peter considered her advice for a moment before offering an amended response. "I am from an island called Long Island. It's really far from here," he stated, his tone carefully neutral.
Hestia's expression softened into a smile of approval. "It's perfect. I couldn't detect any lie," she confirmed.
Hestia's guidance was clear and direct. "Try to avoid talking about your past entirely if possible," she advised, her tone carrying a note of urgency. Peter nodded, acknowledging the importance of her counsel.
Once the moment passed, Hestia shifted the conversation back to the matter at hand. "Now, are you going to join my familia?" she inquired, her smile warm and welcoming.
"Yes," Peter replied without hesitation, feeling a sense of certainty in his decision. He felt that he could trust Hestia completely.
However, his confidence was swiftly replaced by bewilderment when Hestia uttered her unexpected command. "Now, strip," she instructed, her tone leaving no room for argument.
Peter's eyes widened in surprise, his mind racing to comprehend her request. "Huh?" he stammered, caught off guard by the sudden turn of events.