Judicial Heart

by ExoriosGhoul

What would happen if Ryu ended up saving Bell while on her way to visit the grave on the 18th floor? How would this change effect the future of the series? This is something I hope to explore with you all. Some important things to note prior, Bell is a year older and has a stronger sense of Justice. Some characters will act slightly different.

4. Chapter 4 Interlude: Loki Familia

Hey everyone, just wanted to say thanks for checking out the chapter. This one follows the Loki Familia and shows some minor tweaks to the characters. Let me know your thoughts.

Word Count: 19,306

Chapter 4 Interlude: Loki Familia

"Are you sure about that? That seems a little risky?" Riveria asked quietly as Finn signed a piece of paper, then pulled another from the small pile.

"I am I have a good feeling about it, tell me something, Riveria." Finn paused for a second, as Riveria raised one of her eyebrows. "What happened several days ago? I noticed that you've been avoiding the subject when others asked you."

'Not this again…' Riveria sighed and placed a finger to her temple, "Which day are you asking about specifically? Several things have happened recently."

A soft knocking could be heard at the door, "You can enter." Finn responded immediately.

Without wasting a second, four people channeled into Finn's office. 'Aiz, Lefiya, Tiona and Tione. What could they want at this time?' Riveria silently asked, even as she felt a slight relief for the distraction.

"What are you all doing here this early?" Finn asked as he glanced at the clock, it read 9:36.

Tione was the first to start speaking, "Captain! We wanted to go into the dungeon, in order to gather funds for the sword that Aiz broke during Monsterphilia."

Finn leaned back in his chair and looked up towards the ceiling for a second. "Very well."

Tione's eyes brightened, "Captain… would you by chance be interested in coming with us?"

Riveria could see a small blush on her cheeks, she silently sighed inward. Finn leaned forward and thought for a moment, "You know what? Sure, I've been thinking about going into the dungeon soon." He glanced over towards Riveria, "And how about you? Would you be coming with us?"

Riveria looked into Finn's eyes, 'Looks like I don't really have an option.' She put a small smile on her face, "Sure, I… guess I'll come." Out of the corner of Riveria's eyes, she saw Lefiya's expression brighten slightly. "Galuf won't be happy, but I'm fine with that."

Finn chuckled a bit, "Right." He glanced at everyone gathered in the office. "Meet at Babel at noon."

Tiona cheered, and wrapped an arm around Aiz's, "Right! Let's go get our weapons and supplies!" Aiz looked slightly uncomfortable, but she nodded.

"Lefiya…" Lefiya, who was about to turn and leave with the two, looked back at Riveria. "You and I are going to the witch's shop, I should have my staff repaired by now, and it's good for you to know where it is."

Lefiya slumped, "Yes… Lady Riveria." Riveria felt an eyebrow twitch at the use of a title.

"Tione, let's go look for some simple quests that we could finish while we are down there. As the goal is to make money, it could be useful to take a look." Finn commented as he stood "Go ahead the two of you, we'll meet you at the gate." Finn gave a small smile, Tione looked like she wanted to pounce on Finn.

Instead, Tione bowed, "Of course Captain. Let's go, Lefiya."

It took a few seconds for the room to be completely silent. "Riveria… We'll finish our talk later. For now, keep an eye out for anything." He glanced down at his thumb, "I have a feeling this will be an interesting dive."

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"Lady Riveria…" Lefiya spoke quietly as the pair passed through an alley.

Riveria's eyebrow twitched again, "Lefiya, please don't use my title… I don't deserve it anymore. But what's on your mind?"

Lefiya shook her head, "I'm sorry. I can't do that." Riveria sighed at another failed attempt, "Lady Riveria… why are you taking me to the witch? I know where she is, probably better than the back of my hand at this point."

Riveria reached out and patted Lefiya on the head as they walked, causing Lefiya to blush slightly at the contact. "Is it wrong to want to spend time with my pupil? I know the majority of the time we spend together is you learning how to use your spells better. But…" Riveria shrugged, and had a subtle smile on her face as she turned right to see a small building with a sign attached to it. Moss grew up the walls, hiding the majority of the detailing that existed on the structure.

"But… Am I really worth that time commitment? All I do is freeze up, and I just…" Riveria noted the pain in Lefiya's voice.

So Riveria ruffled her hair again, causing her long orange ponytail to swish back and forth. "Ah! Lady… Riveria!" Lefiya released a loud complaint, her voice unsteady due to the forced movement.

Riveria couldn't help but smile slightly, "I think so. That's enough of a reason for me, you have a gift. It'll just take time for you to overcome your hesitancy."

Without waiting for a response, Riveria knocked twice and then opened the door, revealing a small cluttered-looking shop. Shelves filled with hundreds of books littered the walls, a few had glass covers to keep them safer. In the center of the building were standing displays, with numerous items with a hefty price tag right next to them. Riveria walked in and looked towards the back, where an older form was hunched over a cauldron stirring it slowly.

"Lenoa we're coming in." Riveria loudly spoke, drawing the attention of the shop's owner.

"Ah, you came Riveria. Heh…heh." Lenoa cackled slightly, their witch hat bobbing with the motion. "Oh and what do we have here? You brought that little girl with you today as well."

Riveria nodded, "That's right, sorry for being out of touch recently. Have you managed to finish the repairs?" She walked towards Lenoa slowly, skirting around the displays but taking a brief glance at the items.

'Ring with a spell stone. One hundred and twenty-five thousand valis.' Riveria silently read, 'An expensive replacement for a wand or staff. Impractical, but I could see it being useful in some specific situations. Maybe for magic, you don't directly aim. Or… maybe for a buffing magic?'

"I have, I have. It must have been one hell of an expedition. For you to shatter four in such a short period of time. You need to be more careful with these, they are rare. Only…" Riveria nodded along, mostly ignoring Lenoa's ranting.

"I know Lenoa, trust me. They are put to good use, one of the main reasons we survived it." Riveria commented as she picked up the staff from Lenoa's outstretched hand.

The staff was made of Mythril and Holysite, with immaculate craftsmanship. Nine spell stones sat at the top, Riveria remembered when Loki had nearly bankrupted the Familia to commission it to be created.

"Is this… a Grimoire!?" Lefiya half shouted through the shop looking at a tomb encased in a crystal case.

Lenoa grinned, "That it is. Although, I suppose for the two of you. Something like that would be useless, Nine-hells and Thousand Elf. As you both know more than four spells."

Riveria grimaced looking at its price, "Don't tell me you made that Lenoa?" She would've bought it, just so Loki Familia could have it but it was so expensive. '130,400,000 valis.' Riveria read the price tag again.

Lenoa shook her head, "Oh I couldn't dream of making something like that. No, I got it from a friend in Altena who… owed me a favor." Lenoa cackled again. Then glanced at Lefiya and held out a bony finger and pointed at her, "You know, many in Altena have their eye on the both of you."

Lefiya shivered, "Even me…"

Lenoa nodded, "Of course, you especially, with your Alias being Thousand Elf. Many are keeping an extremely close eye on you."

Riveria sighed as Lefiya took a step back, "Lenoa, stop with the unnecessary threats. Lefiya, just ignore them its about time we get to Babel."

Lenoa cackled again as Lefiya breathed a sigh of relief. "I await your next visit," Lenoa muttered as Riveria half dragged Lefiya from the store.

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They were halfway to Babel when Lefiya broke the silence that had grown, "She… was joking right?"

Riveria paused mid-step and stopped, "I… really wish your Alias would've been something different. Curse Loki, for forcing that Alias." She turned her eyes towards Lefiya, "No, she's not. Loki has received many requests for you and me to travel to Altena. Many different people, probably a hundred in the last year alone."

Lefiya looked downward, "Why… am I…"

Riveria smiled, a soft almost motherly smile. "You don't have to worry about that. I don't know what they would want with you, but I won't allow that. I doubt it will be good."

Riveria watched as Lefiya glanced upwards, her blue eyes seeming to tremble slightly, "Lady… Riveria… I…" Lefiya bowed her head slightly as they continued walking.

"It's alright Lefiya. You have nothing to worry about." Riveria spoke with absolute certainty, 'If it came down to it… I would go, who knows what they would want from Lefiya.' Her mind was made up on the decision and nothing would change it.

She stared upwards towards Babel, which stood tall in the distance, a permanent beacon through the city.

X

Aiz shifted uncomfortably as she waited, Amid was stretching her full height and using a step stool to reach a small crate of potions. "Do… you by chance…"

Amid shook her head as her fingertips touched the crate, "No… I'm… used… to this…" She managed as she pulled the crate from the shelf. With a sigh, she placed the crate onto the counter, removed a couple of high potions from it, and replaced them with mind potions. Both Aiz and Tiona looked and watched Amid.

"Please don't stare at me with such worried-looking faces. I might look like this, but I am older than the two of you." Amid muttered before sliding the crate forward.

Aiz looked downward at the woman, she was several inches shorter than them. "Very… well."

Amid looked down at the crate, and Tiona reached out and patted Amid's head. "Please don't pat my head." Tiona chuckled lightly and did so a couple more times before stopping.

"Fiiine." Tiona spoke as she picked up the small crate of potions. "Well, we're heading to the dungeon, probably at least floor 30, need anything?"

Amid bowed, "If you find any white leaves, I'll pay for them when you return."

Tiona smiled, "No problem. Come on Aiz, I'm sure the others are waiting for us."

Amid let the tiniest of smiles show, "I'll be waiting, please be careful down there."

"Right Aiz, so anything else before we head to the tower?" Tiona asked, glancing upwards with a wide smile on her face, as they left the store.

Aiz thought for a moment, 'Weapons, potions, supplies…' Then Aiz shook her head, "No… Finn and Tione should be looking… for quests."

Tiona rolled on her bare feet, "Ah man! I'm so excited! I'll race you there!" With that declaration, Tiona took off in a sprint.

Aiz held out a hand quietly for a second before she started running after the too-energetic amazon.

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Aiz stood outside the tower and waited, she had spotted Finn and Tione looking at the quest board seemingly discussing one quest in particular.

Aiz glanced up to see where the sun was located, it was high in the sky. 'Where are they?' An ounce of worry entered her mind, despite knowing that almost nothing could harm Riveria on the surface.

"Aiz!" A cheerful shout echoed slightly. She glanced down to see Lefiya jogging towards her, the long orange ponytail fluttering as she did.

She breathed out a silent sigh, "Lefiya…" Riveria approached at a slower, more comfortable pace. "Riveria. We also went and got a couple of High potions and mind potions." She spoke in a matter-of-fact tone.

Riveria gave her a small smile, "Smart thinking. Never can be too careful." Riveria seemed to glance around, "I see Finn and Tione are quest searching. Let's go take a look."

Aiz followed Riveria with her gaze at first but followed there shortly after. Tiona and Lefiya were discussing something but Aiz ignored it and focused on her goal. 'It should be spawning soon… maybe that…'

X

Lefiya flinched as a minotaur swung its landform at her, her chanting froze as a lance of whirling wind flew past her destroying the monster in a single hit. The stone was shattered with deadly efficiency.

Aiz looked at Lefiya, nodded, then jumped towards the next one, she crossed nearly forty feet in that single leap and stabbed her rapier into its chest. A loud snapping sound echoed through the cavernous walls, as it turned to ash instantly.

Lefiya sighed, found a target, and managed to finish her chant. Rays of light lanced towards the minotaur destroying the entire upper half of the monster. Despite being a level 3, she was incapable of acting when rushed by a large monster like that.

Inadequacy filled Lefiya's mind as she glanced around looking at the members of their mini expedition. Her idol Aiz was already moving deeper into the dungeon, Riveria approached her, "Are you alright, Lefiya?"

Lefiya hesitated, but nodded. "Yes… Lady Riveria."

Tiona cheered in the background, "That was amazing! Ulga is better than ever!"

Riveria looked at her, "I know it's not easy, but you need to show more guts. You have a bad habit of panicking when a monster grows close." Riveria placed a finger on her chin for a second. "How about this, after the next expedition I can help train you more in concurrent casting. While not the perfect solution, it might help you avoid monsters getting too close while you chant."

Hope filled Lefiya's mind and she bowed, her larger backpack sliding forward a bit. "I would appreciate that Lady Riveria!"

Riveria sighed and muttered something about titles. Turned to look at the rest of the party. "We need to hurry, it looks like Aiz is already past the next bend."

Lefiya nodded as she stood straight, "Right!"

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Floor 18 was just as beautiful as Lefiya remembered, the bright light shining from the crystal roof. The massive forest reminded her of Wishe Forest, her home forest. With a handful of massive trees that she could imagine small communities of elves forming around.

"Shame the Goliath wasn't there this time," Tiona spoke in a cheerful voice despite her obvious disappointment.

The moment everyone was standing on the grassy plane before the forest. "Right, for now, we are going to go to Rivira and rent rooms for the night. I know it's expensive, but I would rather not use up our limited supplies now."

Tione looked at him, "Right!"

Lefiya sighed, 'She really is always attached to Finn if possible.'

Without any hesitation, the party made their way towards the small village on floor 18.

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Chaos… that would be the word Lefiya would use to describe the situation around them. People were running all over the place, a complete and drastic change since the last time she was there.

The worst of the chaos was focused around the inn they had been planning to stay at. Probably forty people were gathered huddled around the small entrance.

"Murder? How is that possible… without…" Lefiya picked up a snippet of conversation but it was lost in the deluge of shouts and conversations.

She glanced around and everyone's expression was far more serious, 'Even Tiona is serious right now…' Lefiya thought. But she glanced towards Aiz, she had her hand on the hilt of her rapier, eyes sharp in obvious anger.

Finn looked at the mass of people, "You're not going to be able to get through that."

Finn turned and faced the group, "Everyone just wait here for me. Alright, I'll be back in a few minutes."

Without waiting for a response, Finn got down and started crawling through the mass of people. Using his small frame to his advantage he quickly disappeared from sight.

Tione tried to follow after him and quickly failed. The amount of people was just too much for her. Lefiya saw anger in Tione's expression and instinctively took a step back.

A moment later the ground cracked as Tione stomped the ground in anger. "Get! Out! Of! My! Way!" She shouted at full volume.

The crowd went silent and started shuffling to the side, squeezing themselves close allowing for a narrow path to be made. Lefiya realized that Finn had just made it to the other side, as he stood up and sighed. "Well… I guess come along then."

X

Aiz smelled it immediately, the second she entered the inn. That tangy iron smell of blood was so pungent she could have sworn she could see the odor trails in the air.

Everyone was on guard already, but now they felt the danger that emerged from the situation they were in. Aiz glanced around and could tell there was almost nobody inside the inn beside the party.

"Who the hell is making all the racket during the investigation?" A large man exited one room, the back corner room. Aiz knew who it was, Bors a man with short-cropped black hair and an eyepatch over one of his eyes.

"Loki… Familia…" Bors muttered as he glanced at the party. "You all know this area is off-limits right?"

Finn nodded, "We figured, but thought we would check things out. As we were planning on staying here for the night."

Bors sighed and rubbed at the stubble growing on his chin, "Very well. Suppose we could use your assistance. Here follow me."

The party followed as he entered the room. The first thing Aiz noticed as she entered was how pungent the smell was in this room in particular. The second was the corpse on the ground, wearing nothing but his underwear. The head was pasted across the floor, 'Looks like a great force crushed it…'

A heavy set of plate armor was piled lazily next to the bed, the bed looked neatly made. The only other oddity was a backpack thrown against the wall, it had been torn open as if something didn't have the patience to search through it properly.

Aiz heard a gasp of dismay as Lefiya looked into the room. But she didn't falter as she followed Tiona into the room. 'She's an adventurer, she's seen worse.' A memory flashed before her eyes, the city burning.

Aiz shook her head and focused on the now, she could dwell on the past later. "Details?" Finn asked as he looked around, as a Palum she knew Finn's eyes were fantastic.

Bors scratched his chin, "Viri over there signed a pair into the room and they rented out the entire inn." He glanced off to Viri who was sitting on the bed opposite of the gore. "Why don't you explain everything that you saw?"

Viri shivered slightly, his black hair sporting a set of tiger-like ears shook slightly. "Right… Last night, a pair of adventurers entered the inn and requested to rent out the entire place. I didn't really care as they handed a very heavy pouch of crystals over as payment." Viri looked at the corpse, "A man and a woman, I figured they were going to go at it. So I gave them a little space. The man was wearing that armor, and the woman was wearing a dark robe that covered the entirety of her body. Well… it didn't hide their curves, but it didn't show anything at all, and she kept a hood covering her face the entire time."

Finn scratched his chin, "Bors, has anybody seen this woman before? Or might have seen someone leave the inn early?"

Bors shook his head, "As of right now no. I have some people asking around about it though, but that will take time."

"Bors! I got it!" A younger adventurer was running with a bottle followed closely by a short animal person.

Bors looked at the young adventurer, "Good go ahead and apply the status thief. That way we can at least know who died."

Aiz narrowed her eyes, but Lefiya was the one to speak. "A status thief…"

Riveria sighed, "It's a highly… questionable item, it forces an adventurers back to be revealed without permission from their deity."

The party looked and watched as the small animal person removed the lid and let a single drop of the viscus ruby liquid fall onto the back of the corpse.

Writing appeared, as did the gods' symbol. "Ah, it's in hieroglyphs, you can read them right?" Bors complains quietly.

Riveria knelt next to the figure and started reading, as did Aiz.

Riveria was quicker to read it and started speaking about her findings. "His name is Hasharna Dorlia, their god is Ganesha."

"Wait! Did you say Ganesha?! Like the current head of one of the major Familia in Orario!" The animal person bellowed.

But Bors took a step back, "Wait Wait Wait! What did you say! Hasharna! He's a level 4!? How…"

Finn glanced around once more, "Bors, has anything been moved since you all found the body? There are no signs of fighting, or entering the bed."

"Most likely the one who did this is at the very least level 4…" Finn glanced at his hand, absolutely confident in his assessment.

Aiz decided to speak up, "Most likely at least a level 5, much like most of us… or possibly even stronger."

Finn glanced around the room, "From what's here, I can probably make a reasonable guess about what happened in here."

Finn glanced around, "Bors, have someone seal the exits from the town. I have a feeling that they are still in the area. At least that's what my intuition says."

Bors paused before looking at the animal person and the younger one. "You two, go make sure this is done, under no reason will anybody be allowed to leave!"

Without any hesitation the pair took off running, Finn glanced back at Bors and Viri, "Right. So this is what I think happened."

Finn Looked up and started, "So, Hasharna was seduced by someone. They rented out the room and judging by how the armor and clothes were just piled there, they were in a hurry to get started. They were about to get started when the lady probably asked him a question."

Finn stood and walked over towards the backpack that was thrown against the wall. With due care he pulled out a piece of paper that was visible but covered in blood, leaving less than half legible. "Something along the lines of, 'What was your quest?' Or some such."

Finn glanced at the quest paper over, "All that is readable Is '30th Floor… Retrieve… by yourself… keep it a secret…' So…" Finn placed the paperback, "She wanted to know what his mission was. He probably didn't say anything about it, and she got angry." Finn stood and pointed his spear at the corpse's neck, Aiz looked it over and saw the damage there was different.

Finn continued, "She probably broke his neck with her bare hands as they were probably already embracing each other. She then scoured his possessions for whatever the 'item' might have been."

Tione continued when Finn took a breath, "She couldn't find whatever they were looking for and in a fit of frustration smashed his head in despite him already being dead."

Finn snapped his fingers and nodded, "Judging by the state of that pack I would say she was in a real hurry." Finn sighed, "So in short, Hasharna took a quest to retrieve some item the culprit wanted, he didn't seem to have it on him so they made a mess."

Fin stood, "Alright, Aiz, Riveria, and Lefiya go outside and find a vantage point. Look for anyone that could be wearing a cloak like that, and keep an eye out for anyone acting especially strange or far too calm."

Finn gave his order, "Tione and Tiona, we are going to try to gather everyone in the center of town. Everyone, head out!"

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Aiz stood on the tallest crystal in the city of Rivera, and every adventurer was gathered in the center of the small town. Dozens of people stood idly, Aiz could tell the majority were level-two adventurers. She glanced over to see Riveria standing on the roof nearby, ears twitching. 'She's trying to listen to as much as possible…'

Aiz scanned the area again, and she could see Lefiya. She was perched on a large tree on the outskirts of the town, she was tapping her foot against the tree. 'She's nervous? If our opponent is at least level 5…' She nodded to herself as if making a decision.

Finn's voice echoed through the small town, "Everyone, as you all know by now, there has been a murder and we of Loki Familia are investigating it!"

Finn glanced over and nodded to someone Aiz couldn't see. After a few seconds, two people brought out the body although, fully clothed. A collective gasp could be heard as the brutality of it was revealed.

Aiz started scanning more carefully searching for anyone acting strangely compared to the majority of people. 'Three aren't moving in any way and two took a very obvious step back.'

"Unfortunately! Due to the situation at hand and from reports, they were killed by a female! As much as I would rather avoid it, we don't have much of a choice!" Finn seemed to sigh, but nodded and continued, "We will be forced to do a check of all female adventurers here…" He waved to his left and then to his right. "Tione and Tiona here will be checking you. So if the female adventurers split into two groups, I would rather get this over with quickly!"

The crowd didn't look happy about this declaration, but slowly the crowd started moving. The male adventurers stood as if waiting for what was expected of them. "Everyone else remaining! Please, remain patient!"

Finn glanced over to the twins and nodded, whispering something. The twins nodded and separated into separate areas.

'Any time now…' Aiz thought frustratedly, she didn't really care about this. This wasn't the purpose of their dive.

Aiz noticed a female taking a step back, it was a dark-skinned chienthrope with black hair. The moment they thought they weren't being observed they took off running.

Aiz didn't hesitate, as the chienthrope moved much faster than Aiz thought they would. 'They're… scared?' The sound of wood moving filtered through the air, and Aiz saw the orange ponytail of Lefiya moving as well.

X

Riveria watched, she had noticed the chienthrope acting strangely. Clutching a bag tightly to their chest, 'Is that…' Riveria couldn't be certain but she thought it was a member of Hermes Familia.

After the declaration of the search, they took off. 'That…' She noticed the two people she cared about the most taking off after them. Riveria sighed and was about to jump when she noticed something else, an extremely heavily armored individual walking away from the crowd, in the same direction as they were moving. 'That's not good…'

So Riveria waved a signal to Finn, to keep him informed that nobody was on watch now and she jumped leaving a small indent in the roof of the building.

Riveria wasn't an expert in moving quietly, but she trusted her higher-leveled abilities. She had been following them for nearly half a mile. Only once the armored individual looked in her direction, almost seemed to be sniffing then continued following the trio.

'Not good. If they are a beast person they already know I'm following them. But they look completely composed about the idea… why? They should now my capabilities… unless…' Riveria felt the ground crack beneath her. Her instincts took over and she dived out of the way.

A large monster snaked out of the ground, Riveria grimaced. 'What…' The head of the monster opened revealing an almost flower-like pattern with a large bulb in the center, a vine-like tendril launched at her.

Riveria's eyes widened, but she slammed her staff into it, forcing it to divert sharply. 'Level 4?' Riveria's hand shook from the vibrations through her staff. 'Hard.' She got moving, she calmed her mind, and started chanting. "Harbinger of the end, white snow."

The flower monster's attention seemed to be drawn to her, a whipping sound caused Riveria to leap. As a handful of tendrils launched at her. "Blow with the wind before twilight."

Riveria ran and moved in closer, using her level six strength she slammed the but of her staff into the main stock of the flower monster. It bounced off with a loud clang. 'Such tough skin…'

The flower monster roared as it bent forward from the impact, Riveria blinked and the monster's body was moving towards her, the bulb-like shape opening to reveal teeth. Riveria knew her brute strength wasn't enough.

She bent backwards, as the monster missed her by inches.

Pain arched through her legs, she glanced down quickly and saw the tendrils piercing her right thigh and wrappings around the same leg using the wound as an anchor.

"Closing light, The freezing land. Blizzard, the three severe winters…" She forced herself to chant faster, the main body was launching towards her again.

"My name is Alf. Wynn Fimbulvetr!" Riveria shouted, the air grew cold, and the ice lanced outward. The plant-like monster froze and after a second shattered. A tiny stone fell to the ground. She looked at it, "Just like… those caterpillars from… last expedition."

She picked it up and threw it into a small pouch, she glanced at her thigh and got moving as she chanted a healing spell.

"What's going on?" She quietly asked but got moving again.

X

Lefiya was running, she was running short of breath but she continued to follow the chienthrope. They looked back at her, and obvious fear was etched into their brown eyes. 'No… we're missing something aren't we.'

Aiz, her gold hair fluttering cut them off forcing them to come to a stop. 'Very nice work!' Lefiya mentally cheered.

The chienthrope collapsed to the ground, "No… please… I don't…" They were shaking as if cold.

Aiz approached the shaking chienthrope, "We should take them back to the captain."

The chienthrope's expression grew even more panicked, "No if you do I'll probably be next!" They kneeled and placed their head on the ground. "Please! Please! Please! Don't… I don't want to die!"

Lefiya glanced at Aiz, "Aiz… why don't we at least hear them out. We still are missing a lot of pieces."

Aiz nodded after a second but remained silent, her sword still drawn just in case. "What's your name, level and Familia?" Lefiya asked politely, trying to calm down the panicked adventurer. 'Maybe asking questions unrelated at first will help calm them a little.' She hoped at least.

The person froze for a second, "Lulune… level 2, Hermes Familia…"

Lefiya held out a hand, "Why don't we go somewhere more quiet, if we are going to talk I would rather not have people eavesdropping." She gave a small calm smile.

Lulune hesitated but nodded, "Not… like I have… much choice at this point." Using Lefiya's hand they stood, clutching the bag close to their body.

Lefiya paused, "Aiz do you know a quiet area around here?"

Aiz nodded and started moving.

X

Aiz stood guard as Lulune collapsed onto a rock, "We can talk here. We can listen to what you have to say."

Lulune nodded, "Yes…" To Aiz, they looked mentally exhausted, they had heavy bags under their eyes like they hadn't slept in a few days, but they could keep up physically pretty easily.

Lefiya looked between the two of them, "Why did you run from the village?"

Lulune looked downward, "Because… I thought I would get killed…"

"Why would you think that?" Lefiya asked in a low and calm voice.

Lulune opened their mouth to speak, but Aiz had something to ask first. "Is that… Do you have Hasharna's belongings?"

Lulune nodded after a second, "It's… not like what you're thinking… I didn't… steal anything."

"Why do you have Hasharna's belongings?" Lefiya pushed, the pitch of her voice was an octave higher than before.

Lulune sighed, glanced up then back to the ground. "I… I accepted a request. The request was to retrieve something from the contact in the town, and bring it back to the client."

Lulune took a deep breath, "I was told the client would be at the bar, wearing full armor and they would have what I needed to get. After giving the password, I got the item…"

"To… divide the jobs, and hire separately…" Lefiya spoke as if thinking out loud.

"Who was your employer?" Aiz decided to ask directly, she never cared for beating around the bush.

Lulune shook her head, "I… don't know." Then their eyes widened, "It's true! About two weeks ago, I was approached in an alley suddenly, they were wearing a fully black cloak and I couldn't tell if they were male or female. I refused at first, because… well how crazy it sounded. But they gave a massive down payment, with the promise of more after the mission was completed."

Lefiya gasped, "Wait… wouldn't it be dangerous for you to come down here alone as a level 2? Even seasoned level 2's have problems alone."

"I… was told to hide my rank up by Hermes… I'm actually level 3…" Lulune shied away a bit.

'Hiding your rank?' Aiz thought, she focused her hearing but it was silent still.

Lefiya sighed, "Aiz… I think we should go to the captain with all this."

"No!" Lulune shouted, their panic returning quickly. "I… can't I'm scared to go where people are! The person who killed Hasharna is probably still there!" Lulune was taking deep breaths at this point. "If word gets out that I have his stuff… I…" Their black-gloved hands were on either side of their head.

Aiz took a step forward, "Would you give me what you have?"

Lulune hesitated but reached into their bag. "I… was told not to investigate or show the object to anyone but…"

They pulled out a small wrapped orb, the orb was just slightly too large to fit in one hand comfortably. When they handed over the orb, the wrapping slid off the top revealing what it was.

"What… in the world is that?" Lefiya asked, taking a step backward.

'Is it a drop item from those new species? Or perhaps…' Aiz thought as she looked at the orb, it was a clear green. Inside looked like a fetus, with long green hair and a small tail.

Dizziness washed over Aiz, 'What… is this feeling?' Aiz looked more intensely at the fetus-looking thing inside.

The eyes opened slightly, and she could've sworn it smiled. For the briefest of seconds, she swore she could hear a little voice inside her head… "Y…ou…"

The dizziness grew to be too great, and Aiz dropped the orb collapsing to one knee forcing Lefiya to catch the orb, "Aiz! What happened? How are you feeling?"

Aiz shook her head, "I'm… alright."

"I knew this was a bad idea!" Lulune half shouted, taking a step back.

X

Lefiya glanced at the orb, 'Even if I hold this… nothing happened. Is it because of my race or… either way I don't think I should let Aiz handle this.' Lefiya turned and looked at the two, "I'll hold onto it and bring it to the captain. Surely he would know what to do."

She tucked it into her pouch as Aiz managed to stand again, she looked a little shaky. "Sorry… Lefiya."

Lefiya shook her head, "You don't have to apologize. This… this is something I can manage." She nodded, 'I can do this much… at least… that way… I won't be useless.'

Lefiya took a breath, "Well, I'm heading off."

A distant explosion filled the air. "What!" Lefiya gasped, as Aiz lept to the tallest tree to get a look.

Lefiya followed and gasped. Dozens of plant-like monsters could be seen in the distance. "Those are…" she remembered the couple they had defeated during Monsterphilia. "We have to do something!"

X

Finn flinched as, despite his best interest, a line of girls had formed in front of him to be checked. 'Why…' He could feel Tione's glare watching him and the closest female.

"I'm ready… to be checked…" The girl blushed lightly, she was a human with black hair, she moved an inch closer.

Cracks

Finn could hear the sound of the dungeon cracking as if spawning monsters, ''No… that should be…'

Finn grabbed the girl and pulled her to the side. "Eep!" She cried in surprise.

A vine-like tendril lanced at where she had been not a half second prior.

All around, dozens of flower-like monsters were growing from the ground, "Tiona Tiona! We are under attack!" He shouted, channeling his voice and making use of Command Howl skill.

They both instantly reacted and drew their weapons. "Everyone level 2 or lower, get to safety! There are too many to protect you!"

Finn stood and twirled his spear, he dashed bisecting the closest one in a single blow. 'Level 4? Not good. Where are they? We need them.' He took a deep breath, looked towards the sky, and shouted again, "Riveria get back here, Rivera is under attack!" With his level, his skill should cover a large swath of area.

He lowered himself in a combat stance as Tiona cleaved through one with her Ulga. Tione cut the tendrils that were launched at her with a bit of force. 'Time to get moving.' Finn focused and launched himself.

"Protect as many as you can!" Finn shouted, severing the tendril that wrapped around another female adventurer's waist, he didn't have time to do more than that.

Fifteen launched towards him, and he flipped backward, slapping three out of the way, and avoiding the rest. 'There are far too many to be a natural event.'

A quick thrust with his spear bisected a tendril that launched toward him while he was unstable. 'They must've been born on a different floor and brought here. A distraction?' He looked around at the panicking adventurers, "You all! For defensive groups! Don't try to stand alone against these monsters!"

Finn noticed the air growing cold, 'There you are.'

A giant wave of ice flowed over the ground, enrapturing half of the monsters in one go. "Good work!" He spared a glance over at the twins, he let a smile show as he watched Tiona cleave three apart in a second, while Tione caught the falling adventurer that had been in the monster's bulb-like jaw.

'Keep going. I need a vantage point.' Finn started moving, jumping from building to building he managed to leap with his enhanced strength to the top of the cliff that loomed over the town.

He gazed downward and he felt his eyes widen, 'Over a hundred… the killer has to be a tamer.' He glanced around to see Riveria's long emerald green hair rushing towards him.

"Tiona and Tione have dealt with the majority inside the town, and so far only one casualty." Riveria stood next to him and waited.

"Riveria, think you could manage to eliminate all of them?" Finn asked as he looked downward at the mass of monsters climbing the elevated perch of the town.

Riveria looked downward and thought for a second. "I can."

X

Lefiya watched as Aiz cut down a dozen monsters, each identical to what they fought during Monsterphilia. 'I see. They can burrow, that's how they got to the surface. Are they after…' A new one erupted from the ground next to Lefiya, she tried to jump back but she felt a tendril wrap around her waist.

Then the pressure released suddenly, "Thank you Aiz!"

"More are coming from the south!" Lulune shouted and nearly backed into Lefiya.

"Lefiya, get back to the field. I'll take care of this." Aiz ordered as she landed in front of Lulune.

"Right!" Lefiya shouted, grabbed Lulune's hand, and started pulling her.

Aiz dashed off towards the mass of monsters, leaving a small crater in the ground. "The… sword princess took off! Are you sure!" Lulune's voice sounded panicked.

"I am." Lefiya nodded with absolute faith in Aiz, so she followed her order and started moving.

Lefiya's mind raced as they ran, the sound of carnage echoing off the stone walls and trees of the small path they ran down.

'The enemy's strength is at least level 3, Lulune and I wouldn't be able to do much regardless. If I start chanting they would be attracted to me, drawing them away from Aiz. If we stay, we would only be in her way.' Lefiya had to leap over a root that sat in the middle of the path. She clenched her jaw and started running faster.

She nodded as she formed a plan, 'What I should be doing is taking Lulune and the jewel to where Finn and Riveria are! Is… all I can do right now?'

A pillar of light could be seen in the distance, followed by a wave of a slight chill. 'Riveria!' Lefiya's hopes grew as she continued moving.

A figure stood there, clad in heavy black armor and a large dark sword on their back hip. Lefiya was forced to stop moving, 'Danger.' That was the first thought that crossed her mind.

They slowly walked towards Lefiya and Lulune, Lefiya could see the face of a male with bandages covering one of their eyes, the other looked vacant.

Lefiya took an instinctive step backward letting go of Lulune's hand, she held out her staff. "Stop right there!" She focused her mind and prepared to start chanting.

Lefiya blinked, and the armored figure was less than a foot from her with a hand rushing towards her. She tried to take a step backward but was far too slow, pain could be felt.

She was lifted by her neck, she couldn't breathe. "Take that!" Lulune shouted as they jumped with a dagger in hand. It was falling towards the armored figure who just raised a fist and punched Lulune sending them flying through the air. Lulune groaned in pain as a crystal stopped their movement, leaving heavy cracks in the structure.

'Aiz… Rive…ria.' Her mind called out to the two people she trusted most. Her vision bruised as she was held there two feet off the ground.

She clenched a fist and swung it at the arm holding her, she felt the skin on her knuckles rupture and started bleeding. But she didn't move in the slightest, 'Too… strong.'

Just as the last portion of her vision started to black out, the sound of crashing could be heard. The pressure was released in a single moment, and Lefiya dropped to the ground. Her neck burned, but she took great gasps of air. She glanced around to see Aiz standing over her defensively.

The armored figure was fifteen feet away, their helmet gone. "Lefiya! Are you alright?!" Aiz shouted, Lefiya could hear the slight worry in her voice.

Lefiya tried to speak, but it was an impossible task for a second. Coughing racked her chest as she took in the sweet air. "Ye… yes." She managed after a second.

Aiz nodded and took a step forward, "And are you the one who killed Hasharna?" Lefiya could feel the frustration radiating off of Aiz.

"And what if I was?" The armored figure responded, but their voice didn't match the face… a face that was torn apart. A female voice was what came out of the voice. There was a slight cheerfulness to the voice despite the situation.

"A female voice! But aren't you a male?" Lefiya shouted as she stood and took a step backward.

"I peeled it off." The female in armor reached up and grasped at the torn skin. "I peeled off the skin of his face, and now I'm wearing it. I would never have in the past, but it's necessary… now."

They pulled the sword out and cut off some of the armor's straps letting pieces fall to the ground. "Did you know… if you apply the body fluids from the Poison Varmis onto someone's skin… you can prevent it from decaying."

The figure cracked their neck, and looked at Aiz, "That feels better, it was so tight and uncomfortable. I couldn't breathe properly in that armor." They stood there, the only armor was on their arms and shins.

They were wearing what looked like an amazon's garb, with their stomach fully exposed. The only things that were covered in the light brown clothing were their chest and the portion between their legs.

Lefiya felt nauseous, "Then… that face… its Hasharna…" Her nausea forced her to take a step back. 'How could… someone do that.'

"Now. You will give me that seed." They launched towards Aiz. "Let us see how strong you've gotten."

Lefiya watched as Aiz shifted her sword and forced the attacker's weapon off to the side. 'Let us see how strong you've gotten. Does that mean they know Aiz? And 'Us' Seems…'

X

Aiz had enough, she retaliated swinging with most of her strength, but it was caught by the sword of her opponent.

They pressed blades for a second, until with great speed the figure leaned back and sent a kick at Aiz's face.

She ducked it by leaning backwards leaving her in a vulnerable position. She could see the blade descending on her.

Aiz pushed off the ground hard enough to rotate her body, a few snicks could be heard as a few strands of hair were cut. The sword missed Aiz by inches, she responded by standing straight and taking a quick jab with her rapier.

It was blocked, 'Faster.' Aiz thrust again and again, but each was blocked by the figure. 'Faster. I need to be faster. I need to be stronger.' Aiz's mind raced as she dodged three slashes from her opponent.

Their blades collided again, launching the other several feet away. 'She's… strong. How could there… be an adventurer this strong that I never heard of before.' Aiz's silently questioned.

"To liberate and fire this ray of light the holy bow thou become an expert." Aiz heard the chanting behind her, she nodded and charged at her opponent.

Five clashes of their blades caused the ground beneath them to crack. 'Faster Lefiya.' Aiz felt the pressure from the attacks starting to push her back slightly.

"The archer Fairie snipe this arrow to pierce the target!" Lefiya chanted, Aiz had seen that spell being used a number of times.

She slashed with all her might, which had been effortlessly blocked. Forcing her to leap backward slightly. "Arcus Ray!"

A wave of light passed by Aiz, 'A single shot of magic, that follows the target. It'll have to hit.'

The figure watched the attack approach, she held out a hand and the magic hit it. "What! Stopping it head-on!" Lefiya shouted in disbelief.

The female slapped the magic aside, sending it flying towards near Lefiya. "Kyaa!" Lefiya shouted as the explosion threw her to the ground.

"Lefi…" A sword flew towards her, cutting off her concerned shout.

On instinct, she moved backward a step and leaned backward avoiding the strike by an inch. 'I don't want to use this…' A heavy downward strike was aimed to cleave her in half. 'But I don't have a choice…'

"Tempest," Aiz shouted, a wave of wind washed over her. It deflected the attack and launched her opponent away, slamming into a wall.

Aiz stood there watching as the wind faded after a second.

Laughter, "To think… I would find two things I want at once." Her opponent was laughing, "So that's right. That wind, You must be tied to Aria."

A shiver ran through Aiz's spine, she noticed her hands were shaking slightly. 'How… why does she know…? Only four people know that… there's… no way anybody else would… know that. Just who… is she.'

The figure stood, and the skin mask was gone. In the place was a younger female with short bright red hair, the only mare in that red hair was a couple of patches of deep black hair. A set of brilliant green eyes, with flecks of red mixed in.

'Join… us… Aria… you… it's… your right as queen.' A voice echoed through Aiz's head.

The sound of something cracking, she glanced over to see Lefiya standing, her pouch town and the gem lying on the ground. The fetus-like shape inside had wide malevolent eyes trained on focused on her.

Aiz took a step backward, 'No. Shut up!' She shouted, drowning out the little voice. The fetus narrowed its eyes.

'Very well…' The gem-like structure snapped, and in the blink of an eye, it had already crossed half of the distance to Aiz.

'A single leap?' Aiz was forced to lean her head to the side as the fetus-like creature barely missed her.

It ended up hitting one of the dead plant-like monsters. Aiz watched in horror as if morphed and embedded into the monster, the wounds started rapidly healing. "What."

"All of this for nothing…" The redhead sighed.

The monster stood and with a tendril lashed out destroying a large chunk of stone from the surrounding area.

'Shit!' Aiz glanced over towards the distraction, rocks were falling straight towards Lefiya and Lulune. "Tempest!" She shouted, she focused her magic into purely enhancing her speed.

She dashed, with greater speed than normal. 'Not fast enough.' She took a breath already prepared, "Tempest!"

She moved faster, despite the pain. She grabbed the pair and dashed outside of the debris area. 'That Jewel took over the man-eating plant?!' Aiz glanced over towards the monster again, her eyes widened as she witnessed its tendrils attacking and absorbing the previously dead monsters. Dozens were absorbed in seconds.

'It's taking over the others as well!' She continued running at her wind-enhanced speed. 'That monster… it's just like…'

X

Riveria glanced over, she took a deep breath as the frost cleared, the majority of the monsters were dead and only a few stragglers remained.

"You all better take at least one of them. If you run, I'll kill you!" Bors' voice was loud over the remaining battlefield.

Riveria sighed and ran closer. "For a moment I was wondering what was going to happen to us. But it looks like we managed to hold them off." Bors commented as he dodged a strike from the last man-eating plant.

'Yeah… mostly thanks to Tiona and Tione.' Riveria mentally commented as the last monster was speared by three adventurers.

"What are you just standing around for!" Bors yelled at an adventurer who was just staring off into the distance, their mouth was wide open. The person just pointed, and Bors took an unconscious step backward. "What is that!"

Tiona looked over towards the monster standing tall in the distance. "It's similar to…"

"That's the monster from floor 50…" Tione commented, continuing her sister's statement.

Riveria watched the monster, a plant-like monster of colossal size. A human-like top with vine-like arms extending, long vine-like hair, and a flat mask-like shape covering its face.

"There aren't any more monsters targeting people around here right?" Tiona asked as she started moving closer to the edge of the town.

"We saved the people around here and sent them to the center of the town. Let's head there as well." Tione commented as she started running.

Riveria stood there, 'So much for an easy money-gathering expedition.'

Finn stood next to her with Bors after a second. "It's heading this way," Finn commented, his keen Palum eyes probably picking up something Riveria couldn't.

Riveria raised an eyebrow and rubbed her temple for a second. "I really wonder where it came from… but destroying it should be our first priority."

Finn nodded, "Yeah, you're correct."

Bors looked like he was freaking out. "What the hell, you guys!? How can you stay so calm!?"

Riveria ignored Bors. 'Wind?' Riveria could hear the sound of wind. 'Aiz.'

Aiz leaped over the wall that surrounded the town, "Riveria! Take care of Lefiya!" Aiz was carrying two figures, one was Lefiya and the other was the dark-skinned chienthrope.

Without any hesitation or waiting for a response, she dropped the two off and started running again. "Aiz!" Lefiya shouted.

'What's going on?' She started moving towards her pupil, 'Aiz…' Lefiya's clothes looked slightly singed, but there wasn't any real damage that would require healing.

"I'm borrowing this," Riveria commented as she passed another elf and her way to Lefiya. She grabbed the bow and a handful of arrows they held.

"Oh. Sure." The elf commented, but Riveria kept moving.

"Lefiya are you alright?" Riveria spoke as she reached her side. Lefiya nodded, "Tie that rope to this arrow."

"Lady Riveria?" Lefiya seemed to question but did as she was told. "All done."

Riveria nodded. "Good." She took aim at the massive monster, 'It's following Aiz. Or more likely her magic.' Finn started running, a small grin on his face.

She took a breath and pulled back hard in the bow, pushing it to its limit. As she exhaled she let the arrow loose, as it launched through the air Finn grabbed the rope and held on as it pulled him towards the monster.

Green blood splashed, as the arrow connected then Riveria watched as Finn let the rope go and slashed with his spear. Shredding off one of the vine-like arms.

"Those guys…" Riveria heard Bors mutter despite the newly created distance between them. "Something is wrong with their heads!"

Riveria grinned and focused on the monster again, she looked over towards Lefiya and nodded. "Go ahead." And she moved farther away, running as she started chanting. A massive emerald-green magic circle could be seen under her feet. "The high and proud archers of the forest. Come forth and answer with your bows and arrows to the predator that advances."

"You have no defenders. Are you crazy!?" Bors shouted at Riveria.

Riveria ignored it and noticed the monster turn towards her, 'Good.' What looked like a hundred vines arced and lanced in her direction. She picked up her speed to avoid the attack. 'Now Lefiya.'

Riveria knew how these creatures worked now. The highest concentration of magic would draw its attention. The monster looked uneasy. 'Your uneasy feeling. You can't help but retaliate against the strongest magical surge.' Riveria paused her chanting, 'You realized… but it's too late.' The monster glanced over towards the other magic surge.

"Falling like rain, burn the savage tribe." Lefiya chanted.

Finn's voice could be heard clearly despite the distance. "Everyone retreat! This is going to be a big one!"

"Fusillade Fallarica!" Lefiya's voice could be heard as she shouted the name of the spell.

X

Tiona charged, a gleeful smile on her face as she swung Ulga. In a single powerful strike, she severed a large tendril that the massive monster was controlling.

Vibrations from the hardened skin shot through her hands, but the small pain from that was easily dealt with.

Tiona looked up and could see a larger tendril falling to pulverize her, so she tensed and braced her body. She slanted Ulga slightly to the right.

The tendril hit with massive force sending a shockwave down her hands and into the ground, making a slight crater. The tendril glanced off Ulga slamming into the ground.

"Owee" She complained lightly, but took the opening to slam Ulga down into the larger tendril splitting it open.

"It's a lot stronger than before… and it's still moving after I cut it." Tiona shook her hands trying to get the shock of pain from blocking the attack out of her system.

Tione dashed passed her with her twin kukri knives, "Isn't that obvious!" She flipped the weapons over and stabbed downward into the tendril.

Tiona glanced upwards and saw Finn flying through the air, severing the entire vine-like arm. "Wow. I wish I could've done that."

An explosion could be heard or more accurately the sound of a massive impact.

Tiona looked and could see Aiz fighting an unknown figure with red hair. "Aiz!" Tiona rushed but was blocked by another plant monster. "Get out of my way!" With a single slash of her Ulga, the monster was bisected.

Tiona started moving, but Finn's voice rang clearly. "Everyone retreat! This is going to be a big one!"

Tiona glanced towards the direction Aiz went and was torn. "What are you doing! We need to get out of here!" Tione pulled at Tiona who resisted for a second then stopped resisting allowing herself to be pulled away.

"What about Aiz?!" Tiona asked in a half-shout as she started running.

"We both know she can handle herself. Besides, we cannot ignore the captain's orders, he knows what he is doing!" Tione snapped back, but Tiona wasn't so sure about that.

X

Aiz glanced around, she noticed the giant plant monster had stopped following her, she took a breath and deactivated her magic. She looked towards the fighting. 'Everyone must have started fighting. I will too…' She drew her sword mid-thought.

Pressure.

Aiz glanced back and instinctively raised her sword to block the black sword wielded by the red and black-haired adventurer.

"You're mine!" Her opponent voiced, swinging twice more forcing Aiz to take three steps back. "I can't go home like this. You're coming with me."

"Tempest." Aiz activated her magic again, then jumped backward avoiding another swing.

Her enemy didn't let up, in fact, the attack only seemed to increase in pressure. Aiz tried retaliating but failed as her thrust was parried. A heavy fist slammed into Aiz's face, launching her backward into a crystal shattering it.

'Her skill is keeping pacing Aerial… no, on the contrary, I'm being pushed back far too much.' Aiz picked herself up from the shattered crystal, those thoughts racing through her mind.

She could hear Finn's order, but she ignored it. She was in no position to follow them right now.

Aiz slammed her sword in a counterattack as the black blade was thrust towards her. Then pain, and Aiz was launched backwards again, "Tempest." She chanted, forcing more mind and energy into the spell resting her momentum.

The adventurer stood with a leg raised, recovering from a kick. "That's some useful wind you got from Aria." The person spoke casually but readied her sword again.

Aiz panted, using her magic so much was starting to drain her a bit. "How… how do you know that name!?"

The person took a step forward, "Who knows."

Aiz took a step backward, 'This person is strong… stronger than me.' Aiz forced herself to stop from taking another step back. 'Aria…' Aiz readied her sword again, 'Weak… I'm so weak.'

"Tempest." She whispered again, feeling the drain increase and the wind that wrapped around her increase in speed.

She dashed towards the enemy, leaped left before they could act, and then as they processed what was happening. 'Everything. I'm putting everything into this.' She swung her blade with all her might.

The enemy ducked underneath the strike with ease. "You know. I always thought sorta looked like a doll, and now I know why."

Aiz was in a vulnerable position and she couldn't dodge in time. The figure planted their foot into the ground and swung their sword with even more ferocity.

Aiz brought up her sword defensively, but she was too slow. The brute force of the attack broke through her defense and sent her flying, she felt her back hit the ground and then bounce two… three times. The sound of breaking metal entering and exiting her mind.

Aiz was stunned and in pain. It felt like her right arm was broken, but she knew it wasn't. The sword fell from her numbed arm. She watched as the figure approached the broken hilt of their weapon thrown to the side, 'My… body won't move. Move. Move. Move.' She kept telling herself but to no avail.

Her enemy raised a fist, "You're finally finished." She swung downward.

'Move!' Aiz thought desperately but she couldn't.

X

Riveria watched as her apprentice's spell tore through the colossal monster. The rain of fire and light pierced through the creature's body. Still, it didn't put down the monster as it continued to charge after Riveria burst of magic.

"Harbinger of the end, with the snow white twilight." Riveria chanted, as she started moving towards the lake in the distance. It took a second for Riveria to notice it wasn't chasing her. 'No. It's… running away. And I just happened to be in its path.'

Riveria grimaced, 'Can't let that abomination escape.' So she kept in front of it as much as possible, her raw level 6 stats doing most of the work. "With the light that fades, freeze the earth.'

The monster took a panicked swing at her, but it had no grace and Riveria was easily able to avoid it. "A blizzard like the three severe winters, my name is Alf."

The monster got to the lake, "Wynn Fimbulvetr!" Riveria shouted, pouring more mind into the spell. A great cascade of ice emerged from the tip of her staff. The lower half of the monster froze instantly, arresting its movement.

The monster grinned, then tore its lower half off and lept above the lake. Riveria's eyes widened in surprise, but she could already see it starting to regenerate slowly.

"Oh no you don't!" A shout could be heard.

'Good, the twins are there.' Riveria thought as she got moving again.

"You go left!" Tione shouted, brandishing her twin kukri.

"I got it!" Tiona responded twirling her Ulga in the air.

They both lept at the airborne monster. Riveria watched as they managed to cut deeply into the monster, ripping it to shreds. "We won't let you run!" They both shouted, before slashing again.

The monster's body went limp and then turned to ash, as the twins fell into the lake. "Good." Riveria let out a breath.

Riveria could still hear the sound of combat, so she got moving.

.

.

.

Riveria witnessed a sight that caused her blood to boil, a female adventurer kicked Aiz sending her flying. But she wasn't in range to do anything yet, so she pushed off the rock she had been perched on, shattering it.

'They are too close together and moving too fast to use magic safely.' She could see Finn rushing from the other side, their eyes met and Finn nodded.

Riveria dashed, pushing her Agility to its limit. A heavy strike sent Aiz flying and rebounding off the ground. 'Faster!'

A fist was raised, Riveria pulled out her staff and slammed it into the ground between the two. Finn thrust his spear between them as well, blocking the heavy strike. Riveria could feel the weight of the single punch through the two weapons. 'Strong.' Riveria thought.

"What!" The figure voiced in surprise.

"Sorry to interfere. But we won't forgive you…" Finn started speaking.

Riveria knew what he was going to say, so she finished the statement. "For laying a hand on our Aiz."

Riveria despite feeling the strength in the blow wasn't concerned, Finn shifted his hand causing the opponent to leap backwards. Finn didn't hesitate and charged after her, stabbing with the point of his spear forcing her to jerk to the side.

She swung an armour-clad fist but was forced to abort the attack. The butt of the spear whipped towards her face, missing her by an inch. "Hmm…" Finn murmured.

Riveria kneeled over her daughter assessing her injuries. 'Let's see… doesn't look like anything major, mostly bruises.' Aiz seemed to ignore Riveria's watchful eye. 'No, her eyes are locked onto the fight.'

"Aiz!" A voice called out, Riveria glanced over and breathed a sigh of relief. Her apprentice was rushing over to them.

"Lefiya! Treat her." Riveria stood and dashed towards the pair that was fighting.

Riveria watched a furious series of blows, but couldn't help but smile. Finn ducked underneath the blows, taking advantage of his small size, the butt of his spear whipped around again, scoring a small cut on the person's right arm.

"So, you are the tamer commanding the monsters?" Finn asked a casual tone in his voice.

"Are you so confident that you can talk while fighting?" The red-haired tamer asked, in a neutral tone.

"More than you should be," Finn responded by whipping his spear towards the tamer, which she dodged.

But Finn didn't let up, every attack that at the tamer worked as two. She avoided the tip, but had to make a jerky dodge as the butt whipped around.

X

Aiz watched, completely ignoring Lefiya's fussing around her, 'Amazing… So that's the difference between…'

Aiz watched the two exchange a dozen strikes, Finn avoiding every attack using either his small size or the leverage of his spear.

Finn smacked the flat of the spear across the tamer's face, causing them to flinch for the first time.

Anger could be seen on the tamer's face.

"You're just running around, don't be so cocky!" The tamer roared and stomped on the ground shattering the entire area around the both of them.

"Now!" The tamer threw a strong punch as Finn was stuck in the air due to the sudden shift in the ground.

Finn thrust the but of his spear into the half-solid ground and pushed contorting his body. The heavy fist hit the haft of his spear, snapping it.

Finn pulled the half spear that remained and slashed downward using the momentum to his advantage.

Crimson blood lashed out from the open chest wound. Finn was falling, out of options. "You little!" Both fists flew at Finn.

Riveria, using that moment to jump in, using the base of her staff as a bludgeoning weapon, hit the off foot of the tamer. The tamer's foot slid back as a result, causing her to miss Finn as she slipped.

Finn landed and swung a fist, connecting with the jaw of the tamer.

A loud crack could be heard as the tamer was sent flying, bouncing several times until they collided with a stone formation that crumbled on them.

Finn stood straight and looked at his hand, "Finn?" Riveria asked at his reaction.

Finn shook his head, "I broke my finger."

Riveria seemed surprised, but she didn't say anything. "You reached a high level five? No… a high level 6 judging by that blow." The tamer pulled themselves out of the rubble.

"I'm at a disadvantage, considering that you both are always on the same level." The tamer leapt backwards away from the group of adventurers.

'No!' Aiz thought forcing herself to stand, despite the small pain that lingered.

The pair of level 6 adventurers watched in silence, "Tempest!" Aiz roared, launching herself towards the retreating tamer.

"Aiz wait!" Riveria shouted, but Aiz ignored her. Lefiya shouted something as well, but she was ignored as well.

'I wasn't able to ask. I have to know! How does she know of Aria?' Aiz thought, leaping with her enhanced speed, the wind whipping around her violently.

Aiz reached out a hand desperately, the tamer glanced back at her, shook her head in disappointment, and then leapt off the cliff and into the lake below.

Anger filled Aiz for a second. 'Why… why am I so weak.'

X

Lefiya watched Aiz run after using her magic, 'I hadn't been able to treat Aiz yet.' She thought as picked up Aiz's fallen sword, and she chased after her, but she was left behind as Finn and Riveria dashed after Aiz.

Shame.

That was the first emotion that went through her mind, shame that she could not do anything to help. Shame, that she had to be constantly protected even as her teacher and princess to the high elves used herself as a distraction.

Lefiya saw Aiz standing there on the edge of the cliff. Both fists clenched in frustration, Lefiya had a bad feeling.

X

.

.

.

Riveria despite her best efforts couldn't get Aiz to open up, it was like talking to a rock. But still, she watched after her daughter, it had been six days since the event in Rivira.

They returned to the surface, reported the incident to Loki and get a new weapon for Finn then dove back down.

They had arrived on the thirty-seventh floor, the White Palace in less than three full days, wind whipped around her daughter as she lashed out at the monsters that swarmed around her.

Leaving almost nothing for the others to fight, Aiz had a hunger in her eyes. One that Riveria hadn't seen in a couple of years. 'Not good. She's reverting to how she was as a child. The constant desire to grow stronger, no… desire is not the right word, a need would be more accurate.'

Riveria resolved herself to sit down with her daughter and find out what happened. "Lefiya." She spoke quietly, causing the elf to jump in surprise.

Both were standing in the back line simply watching the carnage. "Y… yes?"

Riveria glanced at the elf who looked… scared she thought. "Do you have any idea what might have caused this?"

She heard Tiona complain in the distance, as Aiz lashed out at a monster before she could.

Finn stood between the two groups, ready for anything.

Tione chuckled at the display of annoyance her twin displayed.

Lefiya shook her head, "I… don't. While they were fighting… they talked a bit but my ears were ringing from the explosion… after my magic was deflected back at me."

Riveria understood and nodded, putting on a false smile. "I understand, don't worry about it." She placed her free hand on top of Lefiya's head.

The sound of something flying through the air.

Riveria knew what it was, she twisted and used her staff to block the spine that was aimed at her apprentice. Lefiya jumped in surprise, despite knowing what it was as well.

Riveria twisted and hit the spine, as it started falling to the ground, with her staff batting it back towards the monster that launched it. The sound of a body crumpling, revealed that she hit the mark.

Her attention returned to her daughter. "Aiz…"

X

'Not enough… not enough… this is not nearly enough!' Aiz thought as she easily tore through the monsters. The wind that wrapped around her deflecting any blood away from her.

Her anger was building at her weakness. She took a deep breath, doing her best to not lash out at her allies that were around her.

She glanced around, there were no more monsters to fight. So she dismissed her magic and continued marching forward.

"We're taking a break!" Finn ordered, Aiz clenched her fist but stopped. She went to the closest wall and slumped down to the ground.

X

Riveria watched her daughter as she curled into a ball against the wall. "Have you tried talking to her at all Riveria? She shouldn't be like that, after a single encounter."

Riveria sighed and nodded, "I have tried… it was no use. She wouldn't open up and the only thing she would say is 'There's nothing wrong.'."

Finn sighed, "Well, it seems like there wouldn't be any point in scolding her either… what to do…" He scratched the back of his head and tapped the floor with his new spear a couple of times.

Riveria took a step forward, to try again but stopped as Tiona flopped to the ground next to her. "Aiz, you haven't eaten anything during the break. Are you alright? I still have a bit left over if you want."

Aiz shook her head slightly, "Thank you Tiona… but I'm fine." Aiz tightened herself into a smaller ball.

"Umm… Lady Riveria." Riveria watched as Lefiya slowly approached.

"What is it, Lefiya?" She tried to ask kindly, but she was too distracted with the state that Aiz was in.

Lefiya shifted, poking her staff into the ground slightly. "Do… Do you think Aiz will be alright?"

Riveria thought for a moment, "In situations like this… she should start calming down after she gets extremely hungry. After she starts to show signs, try feeding her without any delay. She might calm down." Riveria was half joking, but she watched a deep blush wash over Lefiya's face.

"Try… feeding her… but…" Lefiya started stammering, but she bowed. "Y… yes! With all my strength, I will get my heart read!"

Riveria sighed slightly, "Sure…" She knew about Lefiya's infatuation, but she really didn't care. She sighed and rubbed at her temples, "Finn…"

Riveria didn't get a chance to speak properly, Aiz had just dashed at full speed towards a hoard of Spartoi.

X

Lefiya felt nervous, she could feel the tips of her ears burning as she approached Aiz and Tiona, 'Right! You can do this!'

"I wonder if there are any… wait… Aiz?" Tiona was speaking to Aiz, who was curled into a ball seeming to ignore her.

"Aiz?" Tiona spoke a bit louder, "Aiz can you hear me?"

Aiz seemed to startle a bit, "What…?" Her voice sounded weak, even more emotionless than normal.

Lefiya took a few steps closer, digging into the pouch at her right side, "We already beat up bunches of monsters. We've saved plenty of money right?" Tiona had a cheerful attitude, half rocking back and forth.

Aiz looked at her knee pads again. "Is… that so."

Tiona nodded, a wide smile on her face. "If we turn in everything we'll be at what three hundred million!? Hey Lefiya! About how much are we at right now?!"

Lefiya panicked at the sudden question, slipping her hand out of her pouch on her right, and reaching towards her left. "G…give me a second." Her face was flushed, but she reached in and felt the hard flat object that was held there.

She pulled it out and looked at her notebook. After a moment, she opened and looked at the rough calculations she had put there before they started to rest. "After… what we exchanged at Rivira… we are almost at one hundred million valis!..."

Tiona bumped her own head and stuck out her tongue. "Looks like I was a little off. But it's still plenty for what we need right?" Aiz was unresponsive, so she continued, "Yeah… so don't you think it's nearly time to start heading back?"

Tiona bumped her shoulder against Aiz's, who didn't respond.

The clacking sound of hundreds of bones could be heard, and Lefiya turned rapidly to look at the source. "Tempest…" Lefiya heard, and then a great gust of wind nearly knocked her off her feet.

Lefiya watched Aiz dash faster than she could react properly, "Aiz…" She held out a hand. Then she heard the patting of bare feet.

Tiona sighed as she stood next to her, "Just take the hint already!"

"Of course… there would be monsters…" Lefiya sighed, a slight feeling of dejection filling her. Her long ears droop a bit.

Lefiya started moving to help Aiz but stopped after a few steps. Aiz had already crossed the entire distance to the monsters in a brief moment. Slashing wildly, shattering the skulls of the skeleton-like monsters.

Lefiya watched in amazement as the wind wrapped around Aiz and lashed out at the monsters, destroying many… many more. 'That's what… thirty in a few seconds…' Lefiya once again felt useless, but still she had a role to play and started running towards her idol.

X

'That's right… we only came here for money. Not to grow stronger… Why… am I so…' Aiz felt the wind, destroying the dozens of skeletons. An image of that red-haired tamer flashed through her mind. 'Why… why… why… why am I so weak… If I was stronger… maybe I could have forced the information from her.'

Aiz slashed, cleaving through the bone like paper. 'Aria… mother… I…' She took a breath, half the skeletons were destroyed disappointingly easily, 'Please… please… please don't let me stain my memories… that warm smile… she was like a warm embracing wind… I wanted to become like her… now look at me.'

Aiz noticed only a couple of skeletons were still standing, without wasting any time she dashed towards them. 'Look at what I'm driven by… at this point.' The image of the white-haired rookie flashed through her mind, 'I… we should apologize to him at some point… after causing him such pain…' She shook her head, and the image of her mother overlapped with her vision as the last monster fell.

Her mother turned and started walking away, Aiz held out a hand. 'Wait… please… please don't go… don't leave me alone again…'

She stood there silently, her head pointing to the ground, an ugly half-broken skull staring back at her… accusing her. 'Thousand… tens of thousands… millions of monsters I've destroyed… Weak…' during the last expedition, despite how hard she tried… despite everything… she only gained sixteen points on her stats.

She knew that was actually really good for her, Riveria only gained six points in the expedition… Aiz sighed, 'It's not enough… I'm not going to be enough. Three years… three years have passed since I hit level 5. Is this my limit… the height of my capabilities? Why… can't I get stronger… Why Am I Weak!'

She glanced around and remembered something, 'Right… it's time isn't it. My goal for coming down here…'

Aiz started walking back to the party, she walked right past Lefiya and Tiona who had approached her. "Please… take care of the rest."

After a moment, she stood in front of Riveria and Finn. "Finn… Riveria. I have a favor to ask."

X

Riveria watched and listened to her daughter. "What would that request be?" Riveria asked, but she already knew what to expect.

"Please… I… would like to stay behind. You don't need to worry about leaving supplies for me either. I… don't want to cause anyone else problems."

'There it is.' Riveria thought as she listened to her daughter's request. She had fully expected this, but it still hurt to hear it. She could Aiz's hollow eyes. Riveria opened her mouth to give her opinion, but it was cut off by a loud shout from Tiona.

"Hey wait! There's no way we can leave you here by yourself." Tiona's voice echoed off the walls as she ran towards the three of them.

Tione was right behind their sister, "That's right! Even if monsters here are low leveled, being alone this deep is dangerous!"

Riveria glanced at Finn, and closed her eyes for a moment. Opened them and stated her opinion. "I would like to support this request of hers. Can you consider her request, Finn?"

"Riveria!" Tiona shouted in surprise.

Finn placed a hand on his chin, clearly uncertain. "Hmmm…"

"You know as well as I that she rarely asks for anything selfish, especially recently, so please grant this request." Riveria pushed just a little harder.

Finn sighed, "Riveria, I am responsible for looking out for the entire party. I can't make decisions based just on parental feelings." Finn tapped the but of his spear onto the ground.

Riveria sighed, "I'll be staying back as well."

Finn smirked, "Alright sure. I'll allow that, but on one condition."

Riveria had a terrible feeling about this but sighed and nodded. "And what would that condition be?" The moment those words left her, she knew what the condition would be.

Finn looked up at Riveria, his face completely serious. "When the two of you get back, we will continue our conversation from before."

Riveria was about to argue, but Finn continued before Riveria could speak. "Listen, that is the only condition I have. I understand you have some hesitation, but if it's something that will or could affect us. I have to know."

Tione butted in, "What is this conversation about?"

Riveria sighed, "Fine… I'll agree to that. But if anything negative happens from that…" Riveria gripped her staff tighter, she had to take a deep breath to try to calm herself. "It's nothing Tione, Finn is just needlessly nosy."

Finn nodded and tapped his spear a few times. "Very well." His eyes were narrowed for a second.

"Wait! You're supposed to persuade Aiz not to!" Tiona shouted, her hands clutched at her waist.

"It's unlikely anything bad will happen if Riveria stays here, and I don't have a bad feeling about this. Honestly, I'm more worried about us." Finn sighed, gave a wide stretch, then looked at Riveria nodding to the side, so they could be alone for a moment

Lefiya walked towards Aiz, a look of sadness on her face. "Wait… Aiz… you're staying back here?'

Aiz nodded, "Yes… I'm sorry for being selfish." As she spoke she lowered her head a little.

Riveria moved further away with Finn to speak alone, 'Is… she feeling shame? Hmmm…'

"Riveria." Finn started after they were a little distance away. This tore Riveria from her inspection.

"Uh… well… uhm…" Lefiya murmured before she nodded. "Then… I will stay behind as well. Please… please let me stay and support you. I swear I won't be a burden."

Tiona smiled, "Ah! Then I'll stay back too! It's simple!" Her voice was loud and distracted Finn for a moment.

Tione sighed, "We don't have enough supplies. We only have enough for two people, even if we split all the food and water." Tione sighed and crossed her arms under her chest.

Finn sighed and focused on Riveria, "What is the true purpose behind supporting Aiz? Surely it's not just because of your emotions."

Riveria watched Tiona complaining in the distance but tuned her out to focus on the conversation. "Are you unable to understand that?" Riveria sighed, "Fine. Despite you basically blackmailing me."

Finn narrowed his eyes but remained silent. "Her hunger to grow stronger has reignited… not as much as when she was a child… but it is there again. If we were to stop her today… it's just delaying the inevitable. She'll act out eventually, and if she is going to explode I would rather be there to support her. Plus… if she gets what she wants… I might be able to pry what actually happened to reignite her thirst to grow stronger."

Finn tapped his chin a few times, "I understand… Well, I'll leave it in your hands. I don't think that tamer will make another appearance. But be careful just in case." Finn took a step back towards the bickering rest of the party. "I'll be leaving all of our mind potions with you. As you are the one permitting her reckless behavior, you will have to take full responsibility for her. Is that clear?"

Riveria closed her eyes, "I understand." She wasn't in the mood to say anything more. 'Between the forced condition, and having to keep an eye on Aiz…' She rubbed her head as she felt a small headache blossom.

"Good." Finn spoke and started making his way towards the rest of the party. Riveria watched for a second before following.

"It's not fair." Tiona quietly complained.

"Hmm… I… am sorry." Aiz responded, but she looked very uncomfortable.

Thump.

Tiona approached and flicked Aiz on the forehead. "We're even now. Just… stay safe yeah. I'll be waiting for you on the surface with those snacks you love." Tiona winked then shifted her Ulga to rest her hands behind her head.

"Alright, everyone. Let's get moving!" Finn ordered, and everyone that was leaving snapped to attention.

Lefiya looked dejected to Riveria, "Um… Aiz." Lefiya whispered, but Riveria was just barely able to hear.

Aiz tilted her head, "Yes…"

Lefiya approached hesitated for a second. Then gave Aiz a small hug. "Stay safe… I… don't want anything to happen to you."

Aiz paused, before seemingly patting Lefiya on the back of the head. "I… don't think Riveria… will let anything happen. You don't have to worry."

Finn, Tiona, and Tione were already leaving, nearing the tunnel they took to enter the area. "Come on Lefiya," Finn shouted.

Lefiya jumped and pulled away, she started running to catch up to the leaving party. "Lefiya." Riveria spoke as she started to pass her. Lefiya stopped and looked at Riveria, she could almost imagine a small question mark forming above Lefiya's head.

Riveria placed a hand on Lefiya's head. "You don't have to worry. So long as I'm around nothing will happen to her."

Lefiya hesitated but smiled after a moment. She gave Riveria a small hug, "Thank you… Riveria…" Lefiya blushed a tiny bit before running after the party.

Riveria was stunned for a moment. 'No… title…' She couldn't help the small smile that appeared on her face.

But now, she was alone with her daughter, so she turned to face Aiz. "Thank you, Riveria… sorry."

Riveria smiled slightly, "I'm just hoping this will be the only time we do this." Riveria sighed, "Now… try not to strain yourself too much. I… know why you wanted to stay."

Aiz flinched, "How… when."

Riveria shook her head, "It's a reckless plan… but I realized what it was the moment you asked to stay alone." She felt her mood drop, "I've been with you for nearly ten years at this point. I raised you with a tiny bit of help from the others. I would be disappointed in myself if I couldn't realize this much at least."

Riveria took a breath, "Are you sure about this Aiz? To fight the floor boss… it's going to be hard with just the two of us. But you want to do it alone… or am I wrong?"

Aiz hesitated but nodded. "I… need to grow stronger. That tamer… just made it more evident."

Riveria sighed, but she knew what to expect. "Fine, but I won't hesitate to intervene if things go wrong. Am I clear?" Aiz looked blankly for a second but nodded.

Riveria glanced around, 'It'll probably be here soon if I remember correctly.' She focused on Aiz. "I'll start off by casting my support magic. Then depending on how things go, I will swap over to offense."

Aiz looked like she wanted to argue, but after a second she nodded. "Good. Now, try to get some rest until it appears." Riveria smiled and then patted her daughter on the head.

Aiz looked at her for a long moment, nodded, then quickly walked over to the bone-white walls of the area known as 'White Palace'.

Riveria silently looked at the center of the room, 'How are we going to make this work? Will doing this even help calm her desire to grow strong if it works… or will it only reinforce it.' Riveria watched the many tunnels that led into the White Palace, 'Nothing… it's too quiet.'

Riveria sighed and walked towards Aiz, who had slid down and sat with her back against the wall. She pulled her knees to her chest and placed her chin against them.

Riveria kept standing, her racing mind wouldn't let her be in a relaxed position at the moment. 'What do I know about her status recently? I know she is not happy with her growth recently.' Riveria closed her eyes and tried to focus and remember if Loki had said anything about the subject recently.

But so much had happened recently, picking out specific ones was hard as random stray thoughts invaded. She gave a silent sigh, 'I can't remember at the moment… Am I just too tired… or… do I just not care enough to force the memory to stick?'

Riveria glanced at Aiz, who had her eyes closed soft breaths escaping from her. A warm feeling filled her, like a parent being proud of a child. 'I… have to protect them. I… can't at this rate. That tamer… the Freya Familia… the dungeon. So many things that could cause problems… and yet.'

Riveria sighed and watched the room carefully. It was still empty, she had fully expected… something… anything to attack them. But no, 'This… is unlike the dungeon… what's going on?'

Riveria stopped and considered how much time had passed since the floor boss was last taken out. 'No… it's been three months…'

Crack!

It sounded like the world was cracking in half, Aiz was instantly standing up next to Riveria. She didn't even notice Aiz stand, a single black finger broke through the ground.

Aiz began to rush towards the center of the room, "Remember Riveria…" She whispered as she ran.

Crack!

Eight more black fingers tore through the ground, and the crack that had formed in the center of the room began to widen.

No widen wasn't exactly correct. It looked like the dungeon was being forced apart by massive black skeletal hands.

Riveria looked around, and hundreds of smaller cracks started to form. 'Udaeus, the Skeleton Lord.' Riveria remembered its name and the title adventurers had given it.

"I'll distract the Spartoi, focus on the boss!" Riveria shouted as she started moving. Hundreds of small skeletal hands punched through the walls and ground.

Aiz didn't respond, but the dungeon seemed to groan as its stoney flesh was torn apart. The hole in the center grew wider, and two massive black skeletal arms emerged on either side. The palms pushed onto the dungeon, dragging the rest of the torso to the surface.

Wind started whipping around the lone figure charging towards the boss. Before it had even been fully birthed, Aiz struck the wrist of the left arm.

A loud clattering could be heard, but Riveria was half-focused on the closest Spartoi soldier as it rushed at her. A single swing with the but of her staff shattered the arms and the magic stone that kept the creature moving.

An explosion shook the room.

Riveria glanced over, 'Not good.' Aiz was sent flying, her wind slowing her momentum.

X

Aiz charged, she focused purely on the boss. She trusted that Riveria would handle the basic monsters. Her sword vibrated strongly as it connected with the bone of the monster.

Udaeus roared, and swung a massive fist as its torso escaped the dungeon.

Aiz with the aid of her wind, ducked underneath the fist. She glared up at the monster, it was massive.

Udaeus towered over Aiz, it was a pure black skeleton with spines peppered around its body. Horns emerged from the skull as a great demon might have.

The other fist swung and barely managed to clip Aiz, that tiny impact sent her flying, but her wind stopped her flight. The left arm slammed onto the ground, and Aiz started moving.

Black lances, missed Aiz by less than a foot. 'Not enough. More…' Aiz took a breath, "Aerial!" She shouted, running right past all the Spartoi that were forming in her path.

Aiz charged, her sword sung as she swung the blade. The sound of metal striking stone echoed through the hall, as she collided with the ribcage of the monster, its giant magic stone just out of reach.

Aiz dashed around the monster, leaped into the air "Aerial!" She shouted again, sending more power into the spell. With the aid of the wind, she shot like a ballista connecting with the shoulder joint of the giant skeleton lord.

The joint was disconnected and the arm was sent soaring, destroying dozens of Spartoi as it landed. Aiz glanced over as the room's temperature dropped a few degrees. Waves of ice lashed out towards the hundreds of Spartoi, causing the magic stones to shatter.

Udaeus roared again and did something unexpected. It grasped something that had started to poke out of the ground. 'A… sword. Escape.' Aiz focused on running faster, her wind drained her but enhanced her speed.

Light flashed behind her, as Udaeus swung its mighty sword. Aiz dashed to the side…

Pain erupted through Aiz, 'So much… even though… I avoided a… direct hit.'

She coughed, "Aiz!" Riveria's voice was close.

Aiz forced herself to stand, the bones in her body hurt. But they weren't broken. She held out her sword as if to challenge the boss.

"What… is this? All the Spartoi, all the bone lances… everything was destroyed in that swing." Riveria spoke in shock, "Aiz…."

"Don't interfere!" Aiz shouted, that shout causing her to cough.

"Don't be ridiculous! What are you going to do against that!" Riveria shouted back.

Aiz watched as the skeleton lord thrust the tip of the sword into the ground, and in less than a second hundreds of Spartoi started to rise again, ever loyal to their king.

"What! Do you expect me to just stand here and watch you die!" Riveria continued, as she held out her staff to prepare herself.

Aiz stood tall, "Please… just don't." Aiz took a breath, "Tempest!"

She charged again, not waiting for Riveria's response. Her wind carved through hoards of Spartoi, 'Weak… I'm Weak… Despite everything… I'm so weak.' Her body burned through the use of Ariel.

'When did I decide that was enough… When was being weak acceptable? Suddenly being defeated by someone I never heard of… How… how could I forgive myself for being weak?' Shards of Spartoi bone passed through her wind, leaving small cuts on her exposed skin.

'I was about to… let my one desire… become a forgotten memory…' Aiz cleaved a tunnel straight through the Spartoi.

The black sword raised again. 'That arm is fast…' Dizziness and pain lashed out. 'Wha…'

The sword started to descend, 'No… I can't react…' Her entire body felt numb, 'My body… couldn't handle the continuous use of Ariel!' She mentally screamed.

The black skull almost seemed disappointed despite no change in expression.

"Aiz!" Riveria shouted as the sword connected.

Aiz felt like a doll thrown around by a child, every bone in her body felt like shattering as she lay there in a growing pool of blood.

'I want to become stronger. But I can't… I can't grow stronger.' She watched as Spartoi approached to destroy the one who would be foolish enough to challenge their king.

'I can't move… No! I have to get up… get up… get… up.' Her vision faded, as waves of pain overwrote her will. 'Where… why… am I… here… how… stupid.'

…

"You're weak." A voice caused her to open her eyes. She could see the red-haired tamer standing in front of her. "You had such potential, but now it's all wasted."

"Why… why are you here? Where's Udaeus?" Aiz couldn't move, her body felt frozen and was unresponsive.

"Look at what your weakness caused." The red-haired tamer snapped her fingers and several of those plant monsters rose into her line of sight.

Bodies.

There were bodies clasped in their massive jaws.

Tione had a spike-like appendage pierced through her heart. Blood leaked freely and fed the dungeon, the hollow eyes of a dead person staring accusingly.

Tiona was clasped in the jaws, her arm missing and her right leg barely dangling by the skin. Her torso was half dissolved by the acid inside the plant monster. Again, the eyes stared at her.

Riveria the vast majority of her long emerald hair was gone, melted away. Her throat had been slit, with her famous staff still clutched in her hand. A soft smile showed, and the staff fell freely from her hand.

A scream tore through the air. "Oh… looks like that one is still alive. Seems she is more stubborn to live than the others." The tamer spoke, as if uninterested.

Lefiya's face was scrunched up in pain, her eyes were already melted by the acid of the plant-like monster. Her left leg was completely gone, Aiz could see it in the mouth of another monster not far away. Her clothes had been melted away, leaving her skin to freely blister and bubble.

Again she screamed, the tamer waved her hand and the monster spat her out. Lefiya landed right in front of Aiz. Her body was completely exposed, as she whimpered in pain. "This is because you're weak." The tamer approached and drew her sword.

Lefiya seemed to be mouthing something, the same few words over and over again. Aiz was too stunned to understand what she was trying to say.

Aiz tried to crawl forward but only managed to shift her left hand forward enough to touch Lefiya's remaining hand. "It's useless." The tamer spoke and raised her sword for a downward stab.

Aiz blinked and the sword was moving, but Aiz couldn't act in time. The sword pierced through Lefiya's chest, and the sound of bone snapping could be heard. Lefiya screamed again, but this time she spat up blood.

"Lef…iya." Aiz managed to force out, 'I had promised to protect and help her…' Aiz remembered the promise she made during their last expedition.

"Why… would this…" Aiz managed, watching Lefiya's blood move towards her.

The red-haired tamer pulled the sword out and kicked Lefiya's body to Aiz's left. "This is happening because you are weak. You already knew that, but you did nothing to change."

"Just laying there on the ground, defeated like the waste of space that you are." The tamer continued, "You… really are such a disappointment. Never achieving anything."

"You're an eyesore." She continued, and Aiz managed to move an inch closer. "Look at you laying there like a rock, you couldn't do anything to stop this. And now you're crawling towards me after I defeated you."

"I will…" Aiz whispered out, she felt Lefiya's body twitch beside her. 'She's… still alive I have to…'

"You can't win." A voice whispered right into Aiz's ear, the voice sounded small and child-like. Aiz flinched and looked at the owner of the voice.

Fear.

Fear shot through Aiz at what she saw, an amalgamation of many different versions of her was crawling towards her. Her legs shot with pain as it touched them.

'This is…' Aiz thought.

"It's impossible." "It Hurts." "I'm scared." "I want to run away." "I don't want to die." "I can't make my dream come true." "Someone please save me…" "Father… Mother…" The many faces spoke all in unison, an echoing chorus of madness rattled through Aiz.

The entire time, the amalgamation crawled over her, consuming her. She couldn't feel her legs anymore.

The tamer approached, "Really… is she really still alive?"

'Lefiya…' Aiz's mind raced as she was consumed. Only a single small window let her see the world around her.

The figure approached and raised her sword again. This time aimed at Lefiya's head, '...no…' Aiz managed despite her entire mind and body feeling numb.

'As many times as it takes. I will protect you.' Aiz remembered the words she had so recklessly spoken before.

'Those words… those which only the strong should use. Being so powerless… I deserve to lose everything.' Aiz's mind felt like it was collapsing.

"Aiz…" Lefiya croaked out, her vocal cords shot and damaged by the acid.

'I'm going to lose everything again.' Aiz thought as she stared at the point of the sword that hovered over Lefiya's head.

The sword descended, 'No.' Aiz thought, thrusting out her hand. Managing to catch the blade before it pierced Lefiya's forehead. "This… I won't let you. I won't let you do it!" Aiz screamed, her hand bleeding freely as her palm was sliced by the edge of the sword, forcing herself to stand, even as the amalgamation continued to devour her.

"I will never lose something ever again." She shouted standing to her full height. "If I'm weak… if I have reached my ceiling. I will force through that, and shatter my weak self! Then! I will become much stronger!"

She slashed her sword and blinked.

…

Aiz was surrounded by Spartoi, that fell to her blade. Relief washed over her, as the pain faded greatly. 'Udaeus!' She thought, catching a glimpse of the floor boss watching his army work.

'That… dream just now. I lost consciousness for a moment.' Aiz glanced down, noticing the magic that weaved around her. 'This is… Riveria's Veils Breath.'

She glanced over towards Riveria, "At least accept this much." Riveria spoke, just barely loud enough for her to be heard. She muttered something else, but Aiz didn't hear it.

'Once again… I will swing with all my might. I will exhaust my remaining strength. Please… just a little more.' Aiz took a breath, and cleared her mind. "Tempest."

'I will overcome my enemy and grow stronger.' Aiz started moving, "AERIAL!" She shouted, pouring more and more into the spell.

The wind whipping around felt like a hurricane, destroying dozens of Spartoi that charged at her. She held her sword up and slashed from fifteen feet away, as the wind followed the trajectory of the sword.

The wind was deflected by Udaeus' sword, Ais approached taking another swing. 'Faster more. Faster more. Faster more!' She chanted mentally, swinging her blade as fast as she could manage.

"AERIAL!" Aiz shouted, her thin blade vibrating with the intensity of the wind.

Vibration wracked her hand, she winced but swung again despite the monster's sword slapping hers away.

"AERIAL!" Ten times she swung with the newest output, her body groaned at the effort but she didn't care. She felt a small trickle of blood leaking from the corner of her mouth.

'Stronger stronger stronger stronger stronger stronger!' Was all that consumed her mind. 'I have to grow stronger! In order to reach further heights! To make my wish come true! In order to protect those that care for me!'

"AERIAL!" She shouted again, her blade deflected the giant black sword of Udaeus. 'Now!' She thrust her blade, and the monster with unnatural speed pulled its sword close.

The sound of snapping stone and metal echoed through the White Palace.

The black blade of Udaeus' broken sword flew through the air, 'I missed it!'

Lightning is what it felt like to Aiz. Lightning tore through her nervous system, through every muscle fiber in her body. Her blood boiled causing her to retch, ruby liquid splashed onto the floor. 'The… Feedback from overusing Aerial…'

Aiz felt like collapsing in the aftermath, forced to use the tip of her sword as a crutch. She glared at the floor boss, "Not yet… I'm not done yet."

"Aiz!" A voice could be heard, but she couldn't focus enough to recognize it.

'Compared to that pain… this is nothing.' She remembered the dream she had, the carnage and corpses of those that cared for her.

She stood tall, sending waves of pain through her. Udaeus raised its fist and started moving. 'One more… just a little more.'

Aiz forced her body to leap backward "LIL RAFAGA!" Aiz shouted launching herself towards the fist, all of the tempest-like wind focused towards the tip of her sword.

'WIND… WIND WAKE UP! WAKE UP AERIAL!' Aiz screamed until her throat felt coated in blood.

Her sword collided with Udaeus' fist, and the sound of shattering bone followed. Aiz was sent flying backward from the force of the impact.

Pain.

Physical pain, unlike almost anything she has ever felt lashed through her arm as she landed on her side. She slid and bounced twice, tearing portions of her outfit.

She glanced at the source of the pain, her right hand was mangled. Every finger was bent in the wrong direction, 'I broke my left arm and right foot…' She wheezed out a breath, 'Broken ribs… and my right hand.'

She braced herself, 'Only one option… I can still fight.'

"Tempest…" She forced out, she wrapped the wind around her right hand, snapping thing fingers around the hilt of her sword.

"Aahhh!" She screamed out in reflex, 'Good…' With the strength of her core she forced herself into a sitting position despite the pain from her broken ribs.

She thrust her sword into the ground, using it as a stick to allow herself to stand. 'I want to… need to grow stronger.'

She glanced at Udaeus, the boss looked pathetic, both arms were gone half the skull was gone. The majority of the ribs that protected its core were gone, and the core was cracked but still whole.

Slowly, she limped towards the boss, covering the twenty feet. Udaeus didn't, or more accurately couldn't act in response. All the Spartoi were gone, dead from the violence of her wind and Riveria's magic.

"You're… done." Aiz managed, as she stabbed her sword into the crystal core shattering it.

In a single puff, the entire monster vanished in a cloud of ash.

Aiz staggered and collapsed. But she didn't hit the ground, she looked around her vision was blurry, Riveria caught her and slowly lowered her to the ground.

"Aiz…" Riveria whispered.

X

Riveria couldn't believe what she had seen, Aiz had done it. But she knew she couldn't wait, she ran at the maximum speed she could manage.

She managed to catch Aiz, and slowly lowered her daughter to the ground, placing her head on her lap.

"Aiz…" She whispered a small smile showed on Aiz's face.

She pulled out three potions from her robe, one high-grade healing potion which she poured into Aiz's mouth.

She pulled out the two mind potions that had been left in her care, and she started chanting Van Alheim. Pouring everything she could into the magic.

Great waves of healing washed over her daughter, and the sound of bones snapping and popping back into place could be heard. But she didn't care at that moment, she downed a Mind potion and cast it again then another potion and another casting.

'Aiz… she's asleep… but alive.' Relief washed over Riveria, and she couldn't prevent the tears from forming in her eyes. 'Aiz…' She couldn't describe the amount of relief she felt, it felt like she had taken something to induce the sensation.

An hour passed, as Aiz rested. Riveria kept a constant eye out for anything that would dare approach her and her daughter, but there was nothing. It was quiet.

Aiz groaned and tried to sit up. But Riveria placed a hand over her chest, "Easy there, just keep lying down for now."

Aiz seemed to give up and lying back down, she glanced up towards Riveria. Her golden eyes seemed to glimmer. "Riveria…" She whispered.

"You did it…" Riveria whispered back, she was angry at the recklessness, angry at herself for allowing it to happen. But all of that washed away, as a small almost imperceptible smile showed on Aiz's face.

"I'm sorry…" Aiz whispered, and Riveria could see the sincerity in her eyes.

Riveria didn't respond immediately, she wanted to wait until they got back to the 18th floor to question her, but she couldn't hold back her question. "Aiz… did something happen?" It was a simple question, but she knew the answer probably wouldn't be.

"That… person… that red-haired tamer… she knew who my mother was. Or… at least knew there was some connection to Aria." Aiz whispered, seeming to not have the energy to speak any louder.

Riveria sat there shocked for a moment. 'Aria…' She took a moment to calm her mind. 'If that's the case… how though?'

Riveria focused on her daughter, "Aiz…"

"Yes…" Aiz murmured, as she closed her eyes again.

"Can you not… rely on me more?" Riveria paused but continued, "You… know you're not alone anymore right? Tiona… Lefiya… I… we all consider you family. You aren't alone anymore, please… just don't forget that." Riveria lowered a hand and slowly rubbed the top of Aiz's head as she laid on her lap.

Aiz nodded, but seemed to drift off to sleep again.

.

.

.

Riveria stood another hour later, Aiz was able to move easily enough, but when prodded she claimed she just felt very sore and tired. 'As expected, magic can heal your wounds… but it can't eliminate the strain you felt.' Riveria thought as she glanced around.

The only thing that remained in the field of gray dust was a large shard of Udaeus' sword. It was nearly as tall as Riveria was, so she grabbed it with her left arm and held it close to her side.

Aiz complained that she could carry it, but Riveria refused. "No, I'll carry it. I don't mind. Besides, you're sore from all that and should have an easier time as we ascend." Riveria said that, but it still felt a bit awkward to carry.

Aiz seemed to sigh, but relent. "Alright…" She spoke in her usual monotone.

The floors flow by easily, the majority of the monsters were no threat to the duo, and the few that could pose a threat were absent.

.

.

.

Riveria stared up at the crystal-filled sky on floor 18, as it twinkled like the real sky. But not the sky over Orario, despite the city's efforts, Orario's sky was still polluted with light. Mainly from the hundreds of thousands of street lamps and the Red Light District, which would shine like daytime even on the darkest of nights.

No for a moment, she remembered the sky over the home she had abandoned, the clear sight of the stars that shone overhead always fascinated her.

Riveria could hear Aiz lightly snoring not ten feet away from her, curled under one of the trees on the floor. While they were both eager to return to the surface, Riveria insisted that Aiz rest even if only for an hour or so. Truth be told, her head burned from all the mind she had spent healing her reckless daughter.

'Why… Did I allow her to do that solo? Sure it worked out in the end… but shouldn't I have been more insistent? Maybe…' She closed her mind and let her head rest against the trunk of a tree she was leaning against.

'Maybe…' She had found a shred of an idea deep in her heart but didn't want to admit it to herself, but she already knew the answer. 'I'm afraid that if I push too hard… she'll no longer see me as her mother or… she'll grow to despise my intervention…'

Riveria silently sighed, she let her mind wander as rest wouldn't find her. 'Despite how much I did when she was a child to try to help her… the cause of the positive change in her is thanks to those her own age.'

She let a small smile show on her face as the images of Lefiya, Tiona, and Tione. Even to a lesser degree Aki and Raul. 'They've done so much for her, more than they and even myself have really realized.'

Riveria let time flow as she remembered many things around her time raising Aiz. Until another face entered into her mind, 'Gale… Ryu… What really happened that led to your current self?' She could remember a scene she had witnessed when Alise had dragged Ryu around to shop for a gift for Goddess Astraea's anniversary of descending to Genkai.

That memory made Riveria smile, but the known fate soured her enjoyment of the memory. 'She must've been… what 15 at that point.' She sighed again, 'What am I going to tell Finn… that…' A brief bit of anger entered into her mind as she remembered how she had basically been blackmailed into revealing Ryu to him in the future.

'How long can I put off telling him? I know he said he wanted to continue the conversation later… but how much later? How much time will I have to think of a plan, now that Aiz is safe?' Riveria thought of how Ryu had asked her to help save that novice, 'I wonder how he is doing…'

She heard Aiz stirring, and forced her eyes open, abandoning the thoughts that plagued her mind. "How are you feeling Aiz?" Riveria asked softly, as she stared up to the starry-like ceiling.

Aiz groaned slightly, "Better…" Then sat up and stretched.

"If you want, I'm sure they won't mind us staying the night here and returning in the morning." Riveria offered, despite her own wishes to return to her comfortable bed.

Aiz shook her head and stood, "No. I think it would be best to return as soon as possible now that we've rested a bit." Aiz reached out and rolled her left arm in the socket, then nodded in satisfaction.

Riveria with no other real option stood, dusted herself off, and readied herself to continue. "I suppose so. But Aiz… was it really necessary to give Bors the shard of that sword?"

Aiz flinched and paused, "I… couldn't say no when he asked like that."

Riveria sighed and remembered, 'He had basically gotten on his hands and knees begging for it.'

Aiz took a step towards the tunnel to the 17th floor, "He said he had always wanted to be a blacksmith… and even had a good amount of practice…"

Riveria shook her head and let a small smile show, "Well… I suppose it doesn't matter."

.

.

.

The ascent was easy, truthful Riveria betted that she could've done it in her sleep. They had just arrived on floor 6 when the first change was evident, there were no monsters that Riveria could sense, no sound of shuffling monsters in the distance avoiding high-level adventurers.

Riveria paused for a moment, catching Aiz's attention. "What's wrong?" She asked quietly, placing a hand on her sword just in case.

Riveria looked around, "It's too quiet."

The sound of dungeon walls breaking could be heard, revealing the birth of a new monster. Riveria breathed a sigh of relief, "Right… maybe I'm just a bit paranoid. Let's keep going."

Another minute passed as they heard the screeching sound of a claw striking metal wafted through the air. Riveria paused and started moving faster, 'Hopefully, nobody is injured.'

What she saw when she rounded the corner forced her to act without thinking.

She swung her staff like a bat, obliterating the war shadow that had been attacking an unconscious adventurer. Their body was peppered with cuts, but the armor on their left forearm had a strong scratch stretching the length. A black blade, still radiating heat clutched in his right hand.

'That must've been what the screeching sound was.' Riveria thought, and then they noticed the most defining feature of the adventurer. Snow white hair, 'It's him…' She glanced around quickly seeing the dozens of burn and crumpled stone walls that surrounded her, and an idea of what happened blossomed into her mind.

She sighed and leaned down to check just in case, "He's still breathing." A quick check of his pockets revealed a potion, she opened it and poured it over the boy's body. She would've used her magic to heal him, but he needs to learn from his mistake. 'Maybe the loss of that potion, and barely surviving will help him learn that lesson.'

Riveria glanced around again seeing what looked like thirty monster cores lying around. She sighed, "Aiz, why don't you go ahead and start gathering these stones for him? He's suffering from a mind down, and I don't want to just leave him here to die."

Aiz nodded and started to collect the stones, "Really though… what would she think if she knew you were down here in this situation."

Riveria resigned herself to a long wait, and more hours away from her bed. But she knew, the moment Bell woke up she was planning on having a very stern conversation about his recklessness.

---

Review Responses:

leonroyce: Thanks, hope you enjoy it.

codywhite162: Glad to hear it, hope you enjoyed this one as well.

Blazeburn006 aka Fatthumb006: I originally wanted to have it during the chapter before, but I completely spaced it at that time. While similar, the main difference is that Freya showed up first and had to wait on Loki. She would've offered more information, but time ran out because of how late they were. I don't have much to say as the majority of what you said is true or accurate. Thank you for reading it.

pix25: Thanks.

meth0d: I appreciate it.

Dman4869: A new chapter, while not as massive. Syr/Freya learning will be interesting, and Hestia working more as a mother figure is something I wish was canon.

InsaneMakaioshin: Sorry to tell you, but the pairings have been decided and is listed in the chapter.

Whoopthereitis541: Thanks.

Chaos Snow Kitsune: Well hopefully you continue to enjoy it.