Bell sat in his office filling out tax forms and other sorts of paperwork. This was one of the downsides of being a captain.

Paperwork.

Bell's office had a red carpet with two bookshelves behind him and two chairs in front of his desk. Off to his left was a couch pressed against the wall, and it was the same on the right.

A small coffee table sat in the middle of the two couches where drinks and or papers could be placed.

It was a nice and quiet place where Bell could seclude himself to after dungeon diving for the day. There was still the paperwork, however.

"I hate taxes." Bell thought as he placed another form in the completion file.

A knock on his door grabbed his attention. It was soft and gentle, so Bell deduced that the person was in no rush.

"Come in." He said.

The door opened, and Astraea walked in with a smile on her face. She closed the door behind her and sat down across from Bell.

"So, how are you liking the office?" She asked.

Bell placed his pencil down and leaned back in his chair.

"I'm liking it, feels nice and homie in here. More like another room than an office." He answered.

"I'm glad you're enjoying it. How goes the dreaded paperwork?" She teased.

"I'm about to burn it. I mean, seriously, why is there so many taxes? Oh, and don't even get me started on incident reports."

"Seems like you're filling into the role quite nicely." Astraea teased.

Bell rolled his eyes. "So what is it I can help you with?"

"Well, I just wanted to tell you your little callout on the guild worked. Ouranus has agreed to meet with me."

Bell quirked an eyebrow and nodded. "That's good, we're one step closer to getting rid of Ryu's bounty. Do you think he'll listen to your plea?"

Astraea shook her head. "I'm not sure. He seemed to not want to talk with me when I requested a meeting. Whether it was him or the guild, I'm not sure."

"Hmm, do you think I'll have to bust out the I have information you don't card?" Bell asked.

"I don't know, Bell. Let me talk with him first. Maybe there's still some goodwill from before I left and Ryu went on her rampage."

Bell frowned. "Alright, try your best, and if it fails, let me know. I'll try and figure something out."

"You know, it's kind of admirable you're willing to go against the gods to help Ryu. Something you want to tell me, Bell?"

Bell chuckled. "What, I can't help a familia member?"

"You can, but I just didn't expect you to go this far for her."

"She's my friend. Of course, I'd go this far for her. Besides, it also makes sense logic-wise to clear the name of our only level four."

"Another fair point."

"So when do you meet with him?" Bell asked.

"Next week, so I have that long to prepare a case for Ryu."

"Well, good luck. I know you'll do well."

Astraea smiled as she stood up. "Thanks, Bell, I'll get out of your hair and let you finish your work."

"If you smell smoke. Don't pay attention to it."

Astraea giggled as she left the office. Leaving Bell to lean back in his chair and close his eyes. He let out a sigh as he looked at the ceiling.

"Just a little bit longer, Ryu. Hang on just a little bit longer."

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Bell walked down the busy streets of Orario. Night had fallen, and the bars and taverns were full of patrons. Music played from some of the bars, adding a bit of excitement to the establishment.

But Bell didn't care much for any of those establishments. He was on his way to the Hostess. It was already back open for business as Mia had easily replaced all the furniture Bell broke.

But the boy still felt bad for practically destroying her restaurant in his fight with the mercenaries. It had been a little around two weeks since then.

But it felt longer to Bell.

He could see the lights on in the Hostess. Cheers and conversations reached his ears. Bell entered the restaurant and made his way to the bar.

Mia saw him come in and smirked at him. "Took you long enough to come back. Was starting to think you were hiding from me."

Bell took a seat at the bar across from Mia. "No, I've just been busy. You know, getting out of the hospital and dealing with a new familia member and all."

"You got a new recruit?" Mia asked.

Bell nodded. "Yup, her name is Emma. Nice girl, bubbly personality."

"Well, that's nice, now about your payment."

Bell rolled his eyes and placed the pouch of Valis on the counter.

"Only 15k for the moment, as that's all I have on me right now."

Mia took the pouch and pocketed it. "Alright, you're paid off."

Bell quirked an eyebrow. "Ryu said I owed you a lot."

Mia shrugged. "Eh, I decided to be lenient since you did nearly die. Can't be too cold-hearted."

Bell chuckled. "How kind of you."

"So this new Emma girl. What's her reason for coming here?"

"You'll have to ask her. Not my business to tell."

Mia shrugged. "Alright, I will. Just bring her by sometime."

"I will, she needs to taste the excellent food this place serves."

Mia smiled as Anya's voice rang out through the pub.

"The big reservation is here, nya."

Bell turned around, and instantly, his mood changed to indifference and annoyance. He rolled his eyes and turned back around as the Loki familia entered the tavern. Something which Mia noticed but didn't say anything to.

The familia quickly took their seats, with Bell paying them no mind. Even if everyone else in the tavern was.

Mia again picked up on this and could tell Bell's mood dropped the second the Loki familia was mentioned. So she grabbed a mug and filled it with ale before sliding it over to him.

He quirked an eyebrow. "Mia, I just gave you all the money I had."

"Yeah, well, you've had a lot on your plate these last two weeks. It's on the house, but don't go expecting this to be normal."

Bell chuckled as he took a sip. "Thanks, Mia, oh, and what's this I hear about you hiring those two?"

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The Loki familia sat at their table, eyeing Bell from the bar. Loki glared at his neck, jealous that he broke her Ais's record.

"That's him, right? Alexiares?" Tiona, the amazon asked.

"Yup, that's the new record holder." Her twin sister Tione answered.

"Pssh, three months, no way that kid didn't cheat." Bete snarled. He was a werewolf who viewed strength as everything.

"Hmmph, he's still not as good as Ms Ais." Lefiya sneered. Her worldview revolved around the woman she sat next to.

"Alright, enough out of all of you! He's part of the Astraea familia, show some respect. If not to him, then the sacrifice his goddess made in the defense of this city." Gareth ordered.

Bete clicked his tongue and looked away from the dwarf while Lefiya blushed in embarrassment and shame. Tiona and Tione just kept their gazes on him as Bell drank his ale.

Ais, however, hadn't said a word as she stared at Bell with wonder. How did he get strong so quickly? It was something she was dying to know.

"Ais, everything alright?" Rivieria asked. She was a high elf and regarded as the Nine Hells.

"How'd he level up so fast?" She asked.

"That's something you'd have to ask him," Rivieria answered.

"Oh no, Ais! You aren't even to approach him!" Loki protested.

Ais didn't seem to hear her goddess as she still looked at the back of Bell's head. Said boy could feel all of their stares and wanted nothing more than to leave.

"Nya Bell's back!" Anya cheered, approaching him.

But he couldn't just yet. "Hi, Anya, I'm only here to pay off Mia."

"Nya, the tyrant got you!"

"I'm right here, cat!" Mia growled.

Bell chuckled. "It's alright, Anya, Mia was lenient. She just took all the money I had on me."

Anya nodded. "Nya, I see, I see."

"Get back to work, cat!"

"Nya!"

Anya quickly scurried off while Bell just laughed.

"Anya's a nice girl, Bell. Treat her well." Mia warned.

"Huh?"

"You heard me."

"Uh, ok."

Bell then finished his ale and stood up. Mia's warning ran through his mind as he made his way to the exit. But stopped briefly when he was next to the Loki familia table.

He turned to face them, with the familia all looking at him in confusion.

"Next time you gossip about someone. Make sure you're quiet. I heard every word each of you said."

He didn't wait for any response as he walked out the door.

Gareth sighed and shook his head.

"Nice going, dumbasses," Gareth muttered.

"Hey, we didn't say anything bad!" Tione protested.

"Yeah," Tiona added.

Gareth didn't respond, burying his head in his hands.

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A few days passed with Bell and his party going into the dungeon. Each day, they kept going deeper and deeper until reaching the entrance to the middle floors.

They hadn't gone down then yet. Mostly because Bell needed time to educate Emma on what to expect down there. He did the same with Welf as well, causing the blacksmith's head to spin.

But right now, Bell's party wasn't in the dungeon. They were back in the Stardust Garden. Getting their statuses updated by Astraea as they prepared to head to the middle floors.

Emma Flores

Astraea familia

Level 1

Strength- I0-G302

Endurance- I0-F400

Dexterity- I0-G320

Agility- I0-F470

Magic- I0-I0

Skills:

Rein Amur

Liliruca Arde

Astraea familia

Level 1

Strength-H120-E510

Endurance- H110-D600

Dexterity- I90-F410

Agility- I75-F415

Magic- I100-I100

Skills:

Artel Assist

"These jumps are just like Bell's. Bell, what are you doing to these poor girls!" Astraea demanded.

"Throwing them into the deep end and seeing if they can swim," Bell answered.

The two were currently in Bell's office with the girls waiting outside. Bell had his shirt off, and his back was facing Astraea as she dropped her blood on his back.

His falna opened, and Astraea's eyes widened once more.

Bell Cranel

Astraea familia

Level 2

Strength- I0- D610

Endurance- I0- C700

Dexterity- I0-D620

Agility- I0- C750

Magic- I0- E500

Skills:

Jigen-Ryū

Spirit Eidolon: %*#!

Heroic Vengeance

Development Ability: Luck

Magic:

Satanas Verion: Gospel, Lugio

Astraea blinked in shock as she copied Bell's stats down. Her hands shaking slightly as the full reality of the Hostess incident came crashing back down on her.

She handed him the paper, and once he glanced at it, he let out a sigh.

"Wow, nearly die, and this is my reward. How pyrrhic." He muttered.

"Bell, how are you able to do this with the falna? It shouldn't work like this." Astraea said.

"My Grandpa told me that killing people was a quick way to level up. He referred to the death matches in Telskyura as an example. Two warriors fighting for their lives, pushing themselves to their absolute limits. I guess I just did the same at the Hostess. Except I was outnumbered and outclassed."

Astraea placed her hand on Bell's bare shoulder. She could feel the muscles underneath her hand as she provided comfort to her child.

"Bell, it's ok to not be ok. You know that right."

Bell turned to face her. "Oh, I'm fine, Astraea, I've accepted that killing is now a part of me now. But I had no choice in the matter. So I did what I had to do to defend myself."

Astraea patted him on the back as she let go. "I know, Bell. I know."

The boy stood up and put his shirt back on. He walked behind his desk and opened a drawer where he kept a box of matches.

He grabbed one before flicking it and lighting it ablaze. He brought the flame to his status sheet before burning it.

He then threw it in the trashcan and watched as it burned to ash. Only to hear a knock on his door a few seconds later.

"Come in," Bell said.

Emma opened the door and peeked her head in. "Someone's here to see you, Lady Astraea."

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Bell and Astraea followed Emma into the living room. Inside it was a girl with black eyes and long black hair with part of it braided. She wore a dark and light purple outfit consisting of a top, skirt, gloves, breastplate, leggings, and shoes. She kept her rapier in a purple sheath on the left side of her waist.

When she saw Astraea and Bell enter, she gave them a curtsy.

"Lady Astraea." She greeted.

Astraea gave the girl a gentle smile. "Hello, how can I help you today."

The girl stood up straight and looked Astraea in the eyes. "My name is Karen Morris, and I would like to join your familia."

Astraea blinked in shock while Bell let out a small laugh. He was glad he met Welf because Karen barely had any armor protecting her.

"Alright, Karen, what made you decide to want to join my familia?" Astraea asked.

She gestured for Karen to sit down, and the girl did so. With Astraea taking a seat across from her. Bell stood behind his goddess, with Emma standing on the other side as well.

"I am a noble from a country far from Orario. When I was young, an adventurer helped me, and that inspired me to become one. So I joined the Dia familia and traveled with her for two years before we arrived here. When we entered the city, I heard stories of your familia being brought back, and when I asked Lady Dia about you, she said you were kind and liked to help people. I want to help people just like that adventurer did to me."

Astraea nodded as she listened to Karen's story. Digesting the information Karen gave out. She wasn't lying, and Astraea could sense a good heart in this girl.

She looked at Bell and gave him a nod of approval. Seeing his Goddess approve of Karen, Bell grabbed Emma and exited the room.

"Well Karen, welcome to my familia. I'd love to have you join us."

Karen's face brightened slightly as a small smile graced her lips. "Thank you, lady Astraea."

Karen then took off her chestplate and shirt, showing her back to Astraea. Astraea pricked her finger with the dagger she carried and allowed a drop to fall on her back.

Astraea then began imprinting her falna on Karen's back.

Karen Morris

Astraea familia

Level 1

Strength- G300

Endurance- H250

Dexterity- G320

Agility- F420

Magic- I0-I0

Skills:

Never Retreat: Strengthens the user's status as long as she fights one-on-one.

Noblesse Oblige: Strengthens the user's strength and agility when attacking an opponent she's facing directly.

"Pretty decent stats you have here, Karen," Astraea said, sealing her falna.

"Thank you, Lady Astraea. I worked hard with my rapier to get to where I am today."

"Well, that's good, but just to let you know, Bell is going to educate you on the dungeon as well as get you more equipment."

Karen looked down at her chestplate and then back to Astraea.

"Is my equipment not good enough?"

Astraea gave her a strained smile. "He'll have a few words about your chestplate."

Astraea called Bell in, and the boy walked back in. He had been waiting behind the wall in case Karen tried anything.

"Nice to meet you, Karen. Name's Bell, and I'll be your captain. Don't worry about your new equipment. I have a contract with a smith that'll make new armor for you."

"Nice to meet you as well, Bell. But I like my armor."

"And you're allowed to like it. But Karen, that barely protects any of your vitals. The only vitals it protects are your heart and maybe your lungs."

Karen took a look at her chestplate and frowned. That armor was a gift from her father. Which she found odd as her father didn't seem to care much for her.

She did remember he seemed oddly excited when she said she was going adventuring.

"Oh, well, can I still keep it?" Karen asked.

"Of course. I'm not here to take it away only get your better gear."

Karen nodded and grabbed her chestplate. "Then I assume you'll need my measurements?"

Bell nodded.

"I'll get them for you so you can pass them off to your smith."

"Thank you, oh and Karen, tomorrow we'll begin your lessons on the dungeon. I want to get you up to speed before we go to the middle floors."

"I'll be there," Karen said.

Astraea smiled at Bell's leadership once again. It seemed to come naturally to him. She was glad she made the right choice.

"Alright, Karen, if you'll follow me. I'll show you to your room." Astraea added.

Karen nodded and followed Astraea. As they walked the halls, Karen noticed names on doors. Yet the people that once occupied them didn't seem to be here.

"You're probably wondering where everyone else is?" Astraea asked.

"Yes, ma'am. If you don't mind, may I ask where they are?"

Astraea let out a deep sigh before speaking. "They died a few years ago. Before that, this city was experiencing a time called the Dark Age. My familia was on the front lines fighting for justice. But one day, they were caught in an ambush while in the dungeon and were wiped out. There was only one survivor."

Karen felt a small sadness fill her body as her new goddess explained what happened.

"I'm, I'm so sorry for your loss. What happened to the last one?" Karen asked

"She did some things that brought this city out of the Dark Age. But in the end, she was punished for her actions. Karen, I need you to promise me you won't tell anyone she's here."

"Wait, the last member still lives here?!"

"Karen, promise me you'll keep your mouth shut."

Karen gulped at the goddess's tone. It was filled with authority. Karen felt her heart beginning to race.

"I-I promise. I won't tell anyone she's here. You have my word."

Astraea hummed as Karen was telling the truth. She turned back around and looked at the nervous girl.

"Thank you for keeping a secret. But yes, my other child lives here. You'll see her from time to time, and she'll treat you nicely. But remember not to tell anyone where she is. Or else some bad people will come and try to hurt her. It's already happened once before."

Karen shakily nodded her head. Her mind running wild with thoughts on how she could help clear this person's name. This could be the first step in her journey to help people.

"Her secret's safe with me," Karen stated.

A warm smile spread on Astraea's face as she landed at Nezhe's room. She took the name tag off the door and handed it to her.

"This room belonged to a girl who was very much like you. Always wanting to help others, first one into a dangerous situation. That's what you can be one day."

Karen looked at the name tag. "I won't let you down, Lady Astraea. I promise."

"Good, now get yourself settled in. You have a lot of studying tomorrow."

Karen nodded, and Astraea left her alone in the hallway. She looked at the name-tag held in her hands. Gripping it a little bit tighter.

"I'll live up to your example. That I promise."

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Another week passed with Bell educating his students in the dungeon. As well as training Emma and sparring with Karen.

Currently, Bell was training with both of them at the same time. Their synergy had more to be desired, however.

Bell dodged a thrust from Karen's rapier and paired a slash from Emma's Gekka. He sidestepped a punch for Karen and grabbed her fist.

He threw her at Emma, and the girl didn't have time to dodge before Karen slammed into her. Both fell to the ground, their weapons landing by their sides.

"You ok, Karen?" Emma groaned.

"I'm ok, how are you feeling? I landed on top of you?"

"I'd feel peachy if you'd get off."

Karen pushed herself off Emma and helped her up. Bell stood there resting his Xhipos on his shoulder.

"Well, your teamwork leaves more to be desired. But practice makes perfect. But we've been at it for a while, so let's take a five-minute break."

Both girls walked over to Lili, who held out water-skins for the both of them. They chugged down the water before stopping and placing the cap back on.

"Emma, you figure out how that new skill of yours works?" Bell asked.

Emma shook her head. "No, I have no idea how to use it. It's not like it came with any instructions."

"Hmm, alright, well, if you need help coming up with ideas, let me know. Karen, you're aware your skills won't be much use in the dungeon, right?"

Karen nodded. "I know, but I won't slow any of you down. I'll pull my weight."

"Good, but make sure to pace yourself as well. You have nothing to prove to any of us. End of the day, all that matters is getting back home alive. Right Lili?"

Lili gave him a thumbs up. "Right, Master Bell."

"Take it from Lili. She's been in the dungeon longer than I have."

The two girls looked to the prum, who sat off to the side. Emma was still shocked at how well Lili could carry her giant backpack plus her armor and still fight pretty well.

"Alright, you two back to work. I may be going easy on you, but the middle floors won't."

Emma and Karen unsheathed their weapons and looked at each other. No words were said, but a plan was formed in their heads.

They charged at Bell, each charging at a different side. Emma at his left and Karen at his right. Bell focused his attention on Emma and easily parried Gekka.

Bell spun on his heel and dodged Karen's thrust. She twisted her wrist and thrusted again, but Bell easily parried.

Emma was on his right this time. Crouching down and thrusting her other sword at Bell's stomach.

His reaction was fast, and his blade slammed into hers, causing it to hit the ground. He raised his foot and kicked her down.

But Karen moved behind him while he was focused on Emma. Her thrust aimed at his back.

Bell jumped over Emma and landed safely behind her, but Karen tripped over Emma, causing her to face plant into the ground.

Bell rested his Xhipos on his shoulder again. "You did a lot better that time. I could feel the hint of synergy between you two. However, you keep attacking on your own. Not leaving an opening for each of you to attack together. That's something you need to work on if both of you are going to work well as a team."

Emma helped Karen up, and the two panted. Meanwhile, Bell hadn't even broken a sweat. Such was the difference in their levels and training.

"Alright, let's run it again," Bell said.

No more words were said as the two girls ran forward once more.

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Astraea walked down the deep and dimly lit halls located behind the guild. Her footsteps echoing through the hallway as she drew closer and closer to her destination.

A pit of unease and nervousness filled her stomach as she readied herself to make a case for Ryu.

Astraea reached the giant doors that led to Ouranus's throne room. The room where he prayed for the dungeon every minute of every day to keep the monsters at bay. Sitting upon his golden heavenly throne.

"Enter." She heard a voice command.

Astraea pushed the door open, entering a chamber also dimly lit by torches. Stairs led up to the golden throne where the old god Ouranus sat. One of the first gods to come down from the heavens.

Most of his body was covered by a black cloak with his hood brought over his head. He had long white hair that reached down to his shoulders and blue eyes. With a stoic expression on his face.

Astraea gave him a curtsy as she entered. "My lord."

"Astraea, while I am pleased you have returned. I must say your new child causes much uproar." The old god said.

"Forgive him, he's…passionate would be the right word."

"And has his passion been passed onto you? Is that why you've been trying to speak with me."

"I wouldn't say his passion has spread to me. If anything, I believe he's more passionate than I am regarding this matter."

"And what matter would that be?"

Astraea gulped as she prepared herself. "The matter is in regards to the Gale Wind. I want to talk about her bounty."

The old god remained silent on his throne. "Very well, you may proceed."

"My lord, I do not agree with the bounty you have imposed upon her. She ended the Dark Age after the rest of the familia was wiped out in an ambush. Her actions assured this city could sleep soundly at night without the fear of their house being destroyed or their loved ones killed."

"But the means she did it were unbecoming of a paragon of justice like herself."

"My lord, pardon the way I say this, but we were at war. She was angry about what happened to her friends and took her anger out on those responsible."

"But she also killed those who did deals with Evilus. Innocent merchants who didn't have any idea of who they sold to."

"My lord, I'm in agreement with Bell here. Do we really know how innocent those merchants were, or are we just saying innocents because they were not adventurers?"

Ouranus was silent for a minute before speaking again. "While your words do have some modicum of wisdom to them. It doesn't change the fact of what the Gale Wind did. I am sorry, but I cannot revoke her bounty."

Astraea let out a disappointed sigh. "I understand, but I know how this world works. Which is why Bell is willing to make a deal with you."

Ouranus quirked an eyebrow. "And what kind of deal could a brand new level two make with me?"

"If I may approach you to pass along a note, my lord?"

"Granted."

Astraea approached Ouranus's throne, reaching into her sleeve to pull out the letter. Once she arrived at the top of the stairs, she handed him the letter and made her way back down.

Ouranus opened the letter and began reading it. His face not showing a hint of emotion.

Hello Ouranus

I'm assuming if you're reading this, then you have refused to revoke the bounty status on my friend. Which is kind of sad considering all the good she did for this city, but I digress.

Since you have refused to get rid of her bounty, I'm willing to make a deal. Information on the dungeon, stuff your books don't even mention, and maybe more if you agree to meet with me to further discuss this.

Astraea can attest to the information I have as something you'd be rather interested in. If you choose not to believe her or me, then you will lose out on this information.

But something tells me your curiosity on what I know will help sway your decision.

See you soon

Bell Cranel

Ouranus placed the letter on his lap and looked back down at Astraea, who patiently waited at the bottom of the stairs.

"What does the boy know of the dungeon?"

"More than what any of us know. He has information pertaining all the way down to floor 71."

Ouranus's eyes widened slightly, but Astraea didn't notice. "So this child of yours knows things not even I or the guild are aware of. Was he related to Zeus and Hera in any way?"

Astraea gulped as she answered. "Yes, he told me his Grandpa was an ex-member of the Zeus familia. He said his Grandpa taught him everything about the dungeon."

"I see, and is the boy telling the truth? Or is this a bluff to try and force my hand?"

"I swear on my divine blood, Bell is telling the truth."

Ouranus was slightly shocked at Astraea's declaration. A god swearing on their blood was seen as sacred between them. It was meant to show that one could be sworn to secrecy. Or if it was the truth they promised to tell.

"Very well, Astraea, you are dismissed. I must think on the information I have been provided before I make a decision. I will inform you when I do."

Astraea gave another curtsy. "Thank you, my lord."

She then left Ouranus's chamber. Feeling guilty for putting some of Bell's past on blast. She hoped he wouldn't be mad.

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Bell and his party stood at the entrance to floor 13. Staring into an abyss that only held more dangers once they entered.

"Alright, well, there's five of us and a lot of them. We've got this." Bell joked.

"Your pep talk skills need some work." Welf chuckled.

"We'll be fine, I haven't spent the past week and a half drilling all that information into your brains for us to fail. I have full confidence in your capabilities."

"There's the pep talk," Lili said.

Bell rolled his eyes as he looked at Karen and Emma. Karen was dressed in a silver plate armor, much like her old chestplate. But this time, it covered all her vitals plus her limbs.

"Remember, you two stay close and don't get too far away from us. The middle floors are completely different from the upper floors. Stick close to me, and you'll be fine. That goes for all of you."

"Got it, Bell!" Emma cheered.

"I shall remain close by," Karen added.

"Alright, come on, let's get going. Maybe I'll level up from this!" Welf laughed.

"Alright, you heard him. Everyone make sure your salamander will is secured, and let's get going." Bell ordered.

Everyone did one last check of their red cloak meant to protect them against fire-based attacks. Once their final checks were done, they began their descent into the 13th floor.

Unknowing of the horrors that awaited them.

Well, another chapter comes and goes with the Astraea familia getting a new member. Mia giving some words to Bell, and him having a less-than-stellar first meeting with the Loki familia. Ryu is one step closer to her bounty being gone, and the group has made their way down to the middle floors.

Anyway, I hope you enjoyed this chapter, and I'll see you later.