In case I haven't said this before there will be LN spoilers. Read at your own risk.

Welf walked into Hephaestus's office. His mind was already made up as he shut the door behind him. Hephaestus looked up from her paperwork and smiled at Welf.

"How can I help you Welf?" She asked setting her pen down.

Welf stared at his goddess's face and found it beautiful. Everything about it seemed radiant to him. Which made what he was about to do that much harder for him.

He took a deep breath before speaking. "Lady Hephaestus, I would like to transfer over to the Astraea familia."

Hephaestus sat up straighter as Welf began to explain why he wanted to join.

"I want to help them out in their war game. Also, they're my party and it would make sense for me to be there as well. Plus I'm their smith so it would also be easier for me to be with my clientele at all times to fix their equipment when needed-

Welf kept bringing up more reasons as to why he wanted to join the Astraea familia. But Hephaestus didn't listen, she just sat there frozen. Her thoughts ran wild.

"He wants to leave me? Does he think I'm ugly? Or maybe my boobs are too small and he likes them bigger. Has he fallen for Astraea? What does she have that I don't? Or maybe he swings the other way? Has that been the truth the whole time? No, no that's not true! Oh did I do something wrong? Was it too much dancing from a few nights ago?"

More and more deprecating thoughts entered her mind while Welf kept explaining his reasoning. He wasn't aware of the inner turmoil going on inside her head.

"-So that's why I want to join them. Also instead of a hundred vs four, it'll be a hundred vs five. Not good odds but better than before." Welf finished.

Hephaestus snapped out of her thoughts and gazed at Welf. He stood there in silence awaiting her response.

"And you've made up your mind?" Hephaestus asked.

"Yes, goddess. I-I want to help my friends."

Hephaestus let a small smile grace her lips. Welf had been alone for so long after arriving in Orario. But now he had friends. Friends he wanted to protect. She couldn't fault him for that.

"Very well I approve of your transfer to the Astraea familia. Just be sure to give me a good show alright."

Hephaestus was sad to see him go. But his reason for leaving was a noble one. She would just have to get used to not seeing him around as much.

"Oh and one more thing. I know this might be selfish of me to ask. But can you still teach me that runecraft? I want to get better at it."

Hephaestus didn't even hesitate to answer. "Of course. Just come by whenever you're able."

Welf smiled before leaving her office. Once gone Hephaestus let out a sad sigh. She pinched the bridge of her nose and looked down at her desk.

"Good luck in your endeavors Welf. I hope you'll still have time for me." She thought.

Welf meanwhile walked down the hallway and exited Babel Tower. He already knew his destination.

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A few days had passed since Apollo's ball and the Astraea familia was at their table eating breakfast. The room was silent as everyone was dealing with the fact they had a wargame coming up.

Karen and Lili were told about the war game the night after. They worriedly looked at Bell who told them everything would be fine. They wanted to believe him truly. But the numbers disadvantage worried them greatly.

However, their silent breakfast was interrupted by a knock on the door.

"I'll get it," Bell said standing up.

He walked over to the front door and opened it seeing Welf standing there.

"Oh, what's up Welf? Come on in we're having breakfast. You hungry?" Bell asked.

Welf shook his head as he entered. "No, I already ate but thanks for the offer. Say is it alright if I can speak with you and Astraea?" He asked.

Bell nodded. "Yeah sure, is everything alright?"

"Everything's fine. There's just something I need to speak with you two about."

Bell scratched his head. "Uh alright. Let me go grab her and we can talk in my office."

Welf nodded and Bell headed back to the dining room and grabbed Astraea. The three then went to Bell's office and all took their seats.

"Alright, what is it you want to talk about Welf?" Bell asked.

Welf cleared his throat as he looked at both Astraea and Bell. "I would like to transfer over to the Astraea familia."

Bell and Astraea immediately sat up straighter. Welf nervously gulped awaiting their answer.

"Is Hephaestus ok with you transferring?" Astraea asked.

Welf nodded. "She is. I asked her if I could transfer before I came here."

"I see. What do you think Bell?"

Bell shrugged. "I say let him join. I know him and I trust him. The others like him and he's our smith so it makes sense to keep him around. Also, he'll be another body to have during the war game."

Astraea nodded and looked toward Welf. He fidgeted in his seat slightly under her gaze. Nervous that she wouldn't accept him.

"Well if everyone else here likes you and trusts you I see no reason not to allow you to join. Take off your shirt and I'll give you my falna." Astraea ordered.

Welf Crozzo

Hephaestus familia- Astraea Familia

Level 2

Strength- D650

Endurance- E550

Dexterity- E520

Agility- F400

Magic- F420

Skills:

Crozzo Blood- Gives the user an unnaturally high resistance to fire damage and allows them to create magical swords without the miracle creation skill of the falna.

Ignis Vulcanis- Increases the quality of items forged by the user and grants them the ability to add runes into their crafts. Fire-based weaponry forged by the user are more powerful based on the users dedication.

Development Abilities:

Blacksmith

Magic:

Will-O-Wisp

Astraea copied the status down on a piece of paper and handed it to Welf. He looked at the paper and nodded seeing his transfer was completed.

"Hey Welf, when did Hephaestus update your Falna?" Bell asked.

"At the end of every month. That way we could have enough excila to see a change in our stats." Welf explained.

"Ah ok, so that's why they're so low." Bell nodded.

"Yeah, but your hell training is still helping me grow at an alarming rate. But we also haven't been in the dungeon in a while."

"We got sidetracked," Bell added.

Welf chuckled. "That we did. So what's the plan for the wargame?"

"Nothing yet. I have to wait and see what it's going to be. Meeting for it should be today." Bell said looking to Astraea.

The goddess nodded. "Yes, it's in Babel. We're going there to discuss the terms and conditions of the wargame and also to choose the game it will be."

"So until then, I can't really come up with a plan you know," Bell said.

Welf nodded. "Yeah, I gotcha. Well, whatever's needed know I'm here till help."

"And I thank you for that. Now come with me so I can show you to your room."

Astraea stood up and Welf followed her. The two left Bell's office leaving him to lean back and think.

"I wonder what the gods will pick? Whatever it is their numbers will be a problem so I need to come up with a way to deal with that."

Bell let out another sigh as he closed his eyes. "All there is to do now is wait patiently."

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Astraea sat at the table in the middle of the floor of the gods. Apollo sat across from her a smug and lecherous smirk on his face. Hermes stood in the middle and clapped his hands together.

"Alright, I now call this emergency Denatus to order. Everyone, please calm down so we can discuss the details of this wargame." Hermes said.

The gods and goddesses quieted down as Apollo and Astraea stared each other down. Apollo's fingers clacked into the table while Astraea remained calm and cold.

"Alright, I'll make this brief. Just hand over the record holder and all this will go away. You obviously can't win and no one will be able to support you since you accepted the wargame." Apollo goaded.

Astraea took a calming breath as she leaned forward. "The record holder has a name and it is Bell. I will not give him to you nor will I surrender." She firmly replied.

Apollo smiled in glee as he leaned back in his seat. "Very well then, I will still be lenient with the terms of your loss. I will still take this Bell and a one million valis compensation for dragging this out. You may keep the rest of your familia, your property, and your wealth. Of course, this is all out of respect for what you did for this city of course."

Astraea hummed and didn't respond. Hermes looked over at the goddess of justice.

"Your terms Astraea?" Hermes asked.

"I'll let you know when the wargame is over," Astraea responded.

Hermes nodded then gestured to the floor. "Very well. I now open the floor to any and all ideas for the wargame."

Immediately the chamber filled with dozens of voices all with their own ideas.

"Capture the flag!"

"Hunt the god!"

"Maze runner!"

More and more suggestions kept coming out with no one being able to agree on a single game. Leading Hermes to clap his hands together once more to get everyone's attention.

"Alright since we all can't come to a consensus we'll have to settle this another way. All of you write down your ideas and we'll put them in a box."

The gods grumbled as pencil and paper were passed out. Hermes then went around with a box and let the gods deposit their slip of paper inside it. Once he had grabbed every slip of paper he shook the box as he made his way back.

Hermes then set the box on the table and stuck his hand into it. "And the wargame shall be?"

His hand came out of the box holding a folded slip of paper. He opened it and turned his hands to show everyone.

"It's a siege battle!" He announced.

The room exploded into cheers as Apollo gleefully smirked. He had the numbers and could easily hold the castle walls. He knew beating Astraea would be easy. She only had four members while he had a hundred.

Astraea inwardly smirked as she knew a situation like this was exactly what Bell needed.

"Well, I of course will hold the castle. Your familia-

"My familia shall hold the castle," Astraea said cutting Apollo off.

The room was filled with silence and confusion. Why would Astraea want a siege where her familia was its defender? She didn't even have enough members to hold a single wall let alone all of them.

Apollo was flabbergasted. "W-What? Astraea surely you jest? There's no way you can hold that castle!"

"Oh don't tell me you're sacred Apollo? Taking a castle held by only a few people shouldn't be that hard for you should it?" Astraea mockingly asked.

Apollo grit his teeth in anger while Freya. Who had been quietly sitting in the audience smiled? Astraea seemed to have found some of her spine from the last Denatus.

"Fine have it your way! Just don't be mad once we storm the walls and win!" Apollo yelled.

"Oh come on Apollo dear. You won't let Astraea and her little familia prepare a little bit beforehand?" Freya cooed.

Apollo turned his gaze to Freya and rolled his eyes. "And just how would a tiny familia like hers prepare to hold an entire castle?" He sneered.

"Oh, there are many ways a smaller force can defend such a place. Don't make this wargame too boring for me now ok." Freya cooed.

Apollo groaned in annoyance at Freya's request.

"More like a demand." He thought.

"Fine, she has two weeks to prepare whatever meager defenses she wants before we roll through them like a hurricane. Two weeks and no more!" Apollo declared.

"That shall be enough time." Astraea agreed.

Hermes seeing both sides having come to a consensus smiled and raised his hands. "Both sides have come to a consensus! I now call this emergency Denatus to an end!"

The amphitheater filled with cheers as Astraea gracefully stood up and left. She made it to the elevator and pressed the button for the ground floor. Once the doors closed she let out a breath and her hands started shaking.

"Almost lost it in there." She thought.

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"You're having us do a siege?!" Lili yelled.

"Pardon me if this is rude Lady Astraea. But the five of us can't hold a castle. There's simply too much ground to cover." Karen cordially said.

"Oh, this seems really bad," Emma muttered, her knee bouncing.

Welf remained silent as he looked at Bell. The boy was deep in thought as his chin rested in his hand. Astraea didn't answer the girl's concerns. Instead, she turned to Bell with a smile on her face.

"I assume this arrangement works for you?" Astraea asked.

Bell snapped out of his focus and nodded. "It does. I already have a few ideas to help secure our victory."

"And what are these plans, Master Bell?" Lili asked.

"Traps mostly. But I do have some other ideas. However, I must go to the library to see if they'll work."

Bell stood up and walked to the front door. He opened it and exited the Stardust Garden while the rest of the familia minus Astraea looked confused.

"Uh, what is Bell doing?" Welf asked.

"You heard him. He's getting books." Astraea cheekily replied.

"Yeah but why?" Emma asked.

"Emma you should know by now that Master Bell likes to think outside the box." Lili pointed.

"I guess." Emma shrugged. "But that still doesn't explain why he needs to go to the library."

"We'll just have to wait and see," Astraea responded.

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A couple of days later two carts were packed full of supplies that the Astraea familia would use during the Wargame. One cart was full of food and the other was filled with building materials and Welf's forge equipment.

The carts waited outside the Stardust Garden as the Astraea familia said their goodbyes. They had to make the journey to Shreme castle ruins to prepare for the inevitable Apollo familia attack.

Astraea hugged Bell tightly before she pulled back. "I trust you to win Bell. I believe in you."

Bell smiled. "Thank you for your trust, and don't worry. After these two weeks are over we'll come back victors."

Astraea gave him another hug and the two stood there for a moment. After it was over Astraea pulled back and went over to her other familia members.

Bell turned around and saw Anya standing behind him. She smiled at him and wrapped her arms around his waist. Bell patted her on the back as she rubbed her cheek against him.

"You better win." She muttered.

"I will. But give me a kiss for good luck?" He asked.

Anya smiled as Bell leaned down and captured her lips with his own. The two stood there, lips locked while everyone else looked away. Except for Syr of course. She gave tiny little claps.

Once the two were done they pulled back both with a smile on their faces. Anya stepped back and spoke.

"I expect to see you back here in two weeks a winner." She said.

Bell smiled and chuckled before turning around and getting on the cart. Welf followed suit after saying goodbye to Hephaestus and Tsubaki before hopping onto Bell's cart.

Once Astraea said goodbye to the girls they hopped on the cart full of food and were ready to leave.

"Oh Welf, read this while we travel," Bell said reaching under the seat for a book. He handed it to Welf and the smith quirked an eyebrow as he read the title.

Building a catapult for a siege

"Very on the nose. So is this what you went to the library for?" Welf asked as Bell made the horses go forward.

"Yup. I couldn't make much sense of the book but I'm hoping you can. You know, you being a blacksmith and all."

"Bell I'm not an engineer." Welf pointed out.

"Welf you can make weapons and armor from practically nothing. I'm fully confident you can build a catapult."

Welf sighed as the cart exited Orario's northern gate. He opened the book and began reading the schematics of the catapult trying to make some sense of this foreign weapon.

"Wait so your plan is to build a catapult? Is that what all that building material is for?" Welf asked.

"Well, you can make things blow up with your self-destruct rune. So I was thinking we either grab some things or you make them. Then we launch them at the Apollo familia, and well, kaboom."

Welf's eyes widened in horror as he slowly turned to look at Bell. The boy kept his eyes on the road as he continued driving.

"Tha-that's what you've thought of?" Welf stuttered.

"That and ditches with spike traps in them. I was also thinking you draw self-destruct runes on one of the walls so when they breach it we blow it up and drop it on them. That's all I've really thought of for now."

Welf was slightly trembling as Bell mentioned all these things like they were nothing more than a shopping list.

"Remind me not to get on your bad side," Welf muttered.

"Why I only know your weakness and your mannerisms." Bell bluntly stated.

Welf gulped and looked at Bell with a hint of fear in his eyes. Bell seeing this busted out laughing nearly losing control of the carriage.

"I'm just messing with you Welf. We're friends and we're guys. Petty drama won't break us apart." Bell chuckled.

Welf let out a smile of his own. "Yeah, I guess you're right. So how many people do you think your plan will take out?"

Bell was silent for a minute as he did the numbers in his head. "Hmm, it depends on how many the artillery barrage takes out. But my guess is anywhere from 85-90 percent of their forces before they reach us."

Welf whistled. "Quite the advantage this gives us."

Bell smiled. "That's why Astraea has us defending. She knew I'd come up with something."

"You two seem really close." Welf pointed out.

Bell's smile grew wider. "We are, you seem close with your goddess as well. How'd she take you leaving?"

"Pretty well. She understood that by all logical sense me being with you guys would work out better."

"And the weddings still on?"

"Ye-wait a minute."

"Almost gotcha."

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After a few days of traveling the group reached Shreme castle. It was a simple castle with four walls and a keep. The highest point in the castle was a giant tower with provided a sight line for miles.

It used to be a bandit hideout before the Ganesha familia arrived and threw them out. Making it the perfect place for a war game and the perfect place to defend.

"I still don't understand why Lady Astraea has us defending. Even with Bell's plan, we're still at a massive disadvantage." Emma complained.

"It's because we control the battlefield, Emma. They have to come to us leaving us ample opportunity to set traps and thin their numbers while we remain safe." Karen explained.

Since she had a noble background Karen learned all about siege warfare and the advantages both sides had in said conflict.

"Although I recommend that we also set the spike traps to self-destruct to really put a damper on the Apollo familia's morale," Karen added.

Lili looked at Karen absolutely terrified. "Lili is really glad she's your friend."

Karen looked at the prum confused while Bell and Welf had started unloading the building materials.

"So were you able to make any sense of that book?" Bell asked setting down an arm full of wood.

Welf grabbed another pile of wood and unloaded it. "Somewhat, I think I have the frame down. Now it's the firing mechanism I need to figure out."

Bell grabbed Welf's anvil and unloaded it. "Well, we still have a week and a half. I think we start working on it while the girls dig the trenches."

"What about the wall?" Welf asked.

Bell handed Welf a plank of wood with a rope tied around it. "Carve the runes all over the wall. Then make me a knife that'll activate the runes."

Welf set the plank down. "Alright sounds good. Now what do we do?"

Bell looked up into the sky and saw the sun shining brightly. "Well, we get to work. We have a week and a half to get everything ready. Our victory all comes down to you in the end. So no pressure." Bell joked.

"Lucky me." Welf sighed.

The group then began to work on their fortifications. The girls dug holes all around the outside of the castle and putting spikes into them.

Then covered them with dirt and leaves to hide the spike pits. They didn't go with Karen's idea of making them self-destruct as even that scared Bell a little.

Welf and Bell began work on the catapult starting with the frame while Welf learned how the firing mechanism worked.

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Astraea sat in the Stardust Garden with Artemis. The goddess had come over to give her friend company. She was unaware of the fact Ryu was still in the house, however.

"So your kids are off to a war game. Are you worried?" Artemis asked. She had a cup of tea sitting on the table next to her.

Astraea shook her head. "No not really. I know Bell has probably already thought of ways to win. They might be pretty brutal, however."

Artemis quirked an eyebrow. "Brutal? Isn't he supposed to be a paragon of justice?" She asked.

Astraea cringed slightly. "Uh, Bell always toes the line between justice and brutality. But he knows when to stop."

Artemis hummed and took a sip of her tea. "So he holds nothing back when he fights? Is that what you're saying?"

Astraea sighed. "Yes, he doesn't. I didn't see this first hand but when the Soma familia attacked me Bell flew into a rage. Broke my dining room table in the fight."

"Soma did what?!" Artemis yelled. The teacup she was holding shattered in her grip. Anger coursing through her veins.

"His familia attacked me because we were hiding Lili away from them. They attacked Bell in the street as well but he fought them off." Astraea had her hand raised to calm her friend down.

"But they still attacked you!"

"And Bell took care of it. He stormed the compound, rescued Lili and arrested the entire familia, and made Soma turn himself in." Astraea calmly and quickly explained.

"So everything's alright now and I don't need to destroy him?" Artemis asked.

Astraea let out a small giggle. "Yes, besides Dionysus took over Soma's wine production. There's talk of him expanding his business into other things as well."

Artemis calmed down a little and relaxed in her chair. "Good. Good. Oh dang it I didn't mean to break the glass!"

Astraea laughed as she stood up. "It's alright Artemis. Come on let's clean it up."

The other goddess stood up and the two walked into the kitchen. Both were waiting for the war game to start. Both were nervous yet excited at the same time.

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Freya sat upon her throne at the top of Babel Tower. She gazed upon the many souls in Orario and none really caught her interest. She missed the pure white one that she was able to gaze upon.

Its radiant beauty made her feel things she never felt before. Plus things she liked to feel.

Freya let out a sigh as her head rested on her hand. She wanted to see what her Odr was doing right now. To see how he prepared to hold back Apollo's forces. But alas she couldn't as she was banned from using her divine mirror for the time being.

No information about the wargame preparations could be leaked after all.

Freya had been watching him for almost six months now. She of course had taken a step back ever since the incident with Canoe and Ged. She had felt so bad for causing him to do that.

Then felt fear as he went on a rampage against the Soma familia. She had Ottar on standby to go and save Bell if needed.

But to her surprise, he did quite nicely. Winning against the captain because the vain and cocky idiot killed himself.

But she was also surprised once more when Bell got the fastest level up in history. It only took him three months and Freya was very impressed by that.

Then a few days after that fought against 20 Evilus members who intended to harm Ryu and Anya. Two people she cared deeply for. With Ryu being Syr's best friend and Anya being her wayward child.

Freya saw the aftermath of that fight. Her heart filled with fear seeing all that blood coming out of him. She was afraid he was going to die for a while.

But like a miracle, Bell pulled through and only had a few scars from the harrowing experience. Freya remembered the nights she spent in his hospital room while no one was there and he was asleep.

Even after she had taken a step back her eyes never left him. Always watching over him yet kept her hands off.

That was why Ottar no longer trained Bell. Though she wondered how well he'd do against him now that he leveled up.

A knock on her door broke Freya out of her thoughts. She sat up straighter and turned her head toward the door.

"Come in." Her soft and velvety voice called out.

The door opened and her handmaiden Horn walked in.

Horn was dressed in a black dress that covered everything. She had long gray hair that covered half her face leaving only one eye for her to be able to see with.

Her face was etched into a permanent scowl but lit up whenever she was with Freya. Horn's alias was nameless as those who met her seemed to not remember much about her. Also because she was a little introverted.

"You called for me lady Freya?" Horn asked.

Freya's smile brightened as she ushered Horn forward. Her attendant did so and walked to Freya's side. Once she arrived Freya took the girl's hand causing Horn to blush.

"Tell me Horn, you've spent time a lot around Bell. How do you think this war game will go?" Freya asked.

Horn's blush went away and the scowl returned. "He's smart but full of himself. He thinks having an optimistic attitude will see him through any situation as long as he doesn't falter."

"And how will that translate to Apollo and the war game?" Freya playfully asked. She knew of Horn's dislike towards Bell. It was very amusing watching it.

"He'll do something we aren't expecting and everyone will be amazed and he'll get more famous afterwards. Then all I'll hear was how cool and amazing he was during the war game." Horn growled.

Freya let out a delighted sigh. "Yes, I am looking forward to that. I want to see how high he can climb and how bright he can shine."

Horn remained silent but the scowl on her face as she thought of Bell remained. She hated having to interact with the boy as Syr.

Taking Freya's attention and making her fall in love with him. Horn, as well as the rest of her familia, had to watch as she acted like a schoolgirl chasing after the boy.

A boy who didn't even seem to care for her existence. Didn't even seem to notice all Freya had done for him. How dare he not appreciate the love Freya gave him!

Horn thought maybe she should show him Freya's love. The love he so dangerously ignored like the ignorant swine he was.

Yes, that's right. Horn would show him all that he was missing out on herself.

"Horn. You wouldn't happen to be thinking of something naughty? Are you?" Freya cooed.

Horn blushed at the sensual tone of voice and quickly shook her head. "No Lady Freya! I was just thinking he needs to accept your love!" Horn stammered.

Freya giggled as she stood up. Her finger stroked Horn's chin causing the woman to go weak in the knees. Freya approached her window and looked out in the direction of where Shreme Castle was located.

Although Freya couldn't see the castle from Orario she knew her Odr had arrived safely. Now all she had to do was wait just a little longer to see him in action once more.

Oh, how she would love the show.

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The moon shone brightly in the sky as Bell and Welf were at the north wall where the gate lay. Surrounding Shreme castle were jagged rocks and hills making attack from that direction difficult.

Bell predicted that the Apollo familia would focus their forces on the north wall as they expected a quick and easy victory.

However, that doesn't mean the other walls aren't laid with traps. The girls had spent all day rigging the other walls with spike pits and left the north one relatively safe for now. Except for outside of course.

Welf and Bell had also been hard at work as well. When they weren't working on the catapult the two were rigging the wall to explode.

Well, Welf did all of the work while Bell lowered him down using the plank with the rope attached to it. Then after Welf got tired of carving runes into a wall he'd make weapons to shoot out of the catapult.

At the end of the day, the familia was exhausted and gathered around a campfire for dinner.

"Hah, that was so much work!" Emma groaned. Lili handed her a bowl of stew which the girl happily took.

"Yes, it was. But the more prepared we are the harder it will be for the Apollo familia to win." Karen said. She blew on the soup Lili gave her to cool it down.

"Lili thinks Master Bell and Master Welf have the easy job," Lili grumbled.

Bell chuckled as Lili handed him his bowl. "That's because we do. Although Welf and I have the frame done we just need the firing mechanism and of course the giant bowl."

"Yeah, the frame is easy. Everything else not so much." Welf groaned. He thanked Lili for handing him the bowl and began to eat.

"Perhaps I can help you make sense of it? I was taught a little bit about siege warfare growing up." Karen offered.

Bell and Welf looked at each other before they both shrugged.

"That's fine, you and I will switch places tomorrow," Bell said.

The group then ate in relative peace. Passing the time with small talk and jokes. Really coming together as a familia, and that made Bell happy.

Well, look what's come back. Anyway, I took a little break from this story because I was burnt out. I mean I uploaded like 10 chapters within a month and like five after that. But not that big of a deal.

Anyway with the wargame on the horizon Bell and his familia have their work cut out for them. But they should pull through.

Considering that Bell, Welf and Karen are making a makeshift howitzer if you think about it.