Is It Wrong to Aspire to be an Arknight Picking Up Girls in a Dungeon?

by F-14 Tomcat Lover

In one world, Bell was a rookie who had never held a blade before. In this one, he has learned from a Knight who taught him well. Follow Bell as he strives to be a Knight worthy of his beloved blonde Pegasus. The one who beat Freya to Bell. And I don't mean Ais, but Margaret Nearl, the Radiant Knight of Kazimeirz! Danmachi x Arknights. To the Guest who said it, here you go.

3. Chapter 3

Is It Wrong to Aspire to be an Arknight Picking Up Girls in a Dungeon?

Chapter Three

Arking through the Beginning

XXXX

Her ears twitch at hearing the truth. Long has she sought the truth. The knowledge of what happened. To see the matter concluded with finality.

But with a heavy sigh, she stills finds it hard to accept. The death of her granddaughters. Although a rumor ran about that perhaps one of them still yet lived. A difficult matter in her opinion. One she did not think likely given the heavy weight of truth about their affliction she had spent so much time searching for a cure.

And yet… She hopes that it is truth.

Eying the black crystals embedded in her arm. She had been most fortunate that it hadn't been present in her daughter and granddaughters. And yet, it still troubled her that both could live so fortunate where others could not.

Not out of spite or jealousy, but rather that she had released them to live a better life. One better than those infected. To be free at least to roam and live as normal lives as they could muster.

As she sat, mindful of her tail, one of her attendants kneels at her side.

"We found a new lead," the woman speaks to her lady, "One appears to yet live, the other appears to not be as deceased as claimed, and the child of the latter is as healthy and hale as any should be while the offspring of the former are appearing to be so."

She turns her yellowish-green eyes to the attendant, "I was not informed either had wed."

"Because neither had done so officially or at all," the attendant explains, "The younger did wed in secret a while the elder has appeared to merely had a tryst."

"Tell me more," her protector and friend lets out a soft hiss as he coils about his mistress, curious as well.

XXXX

Bell Cranel always knew there would be something about his life the moment he pulled his beloved wife from the River Parn years ago that would be anything but average.

Becoming a hero of Gael at age 12 and then being made a Free Knight and even marrying a ten year older Free Knight at age 13 definitely stood up there. The fact that she was of a famed and illustrious noble house of Kazimeirz actually made it more stunning. As was the fact that she had been a famous Knight in her own right, a heroine by which her people aspired to become.

Then she was exiled, unofficially.

Officially, Margaret Nearl had been sent on a quest to kill a legendary monster. One few expected her to achieve the feat. That was the whole point. She was meant to fail. Even die.

The latter almost happened, had Bell not found her on the River Parn's edge and pulled her out of the water and tried to drag her back to his village on his own. Fortunately, that was when his worried grandfather, Phil Cranel found them with a search party when Bell turned up late and unaccounted for.

As for the Monster in question. Well, several Familias confirmed it had gone into hiding. Margaret had nearly killed the massive creature solo in return during their battle. A feat that quickly would have earned her fame for the near success, let alone the glory and honor that would have been her's and her house had she succeeded.

The years that followed saw Bell and Margaret grow close. Until the day they were wedded. And Bell will never forget the way Margaret's face lit up as the priest pronounced them as Bell and Margaret Cranel.

And during those initial years… Saw Margaret learn to sleep with another body beside her own. One that grew over time and secretly started to observe her train and learn her combat style. One she caught and tried to discourage.

Even his own grandfather had responded to Bell once saying he wanted to be a hero with the words:

'So, you want to be a hero, kid? Well whop-de-do. Do you know how many blockheads end up on the chopping block of fate? I don't want that for you. As that's pain for which there ain't no ointment. And I will not hear of any excuses like Old Eustace. I will not be having you jump into that fray. Therefore, my answer is two words…'

And as Phil Cranel was about to say what those two words were…

…a bolt of lightning abruptly came out of the sky and smashed into a branding iron that had been on a crate right next to Phil Cranel and somehow transferred the power into the old man who looked a little bit… overdone, including coughing some ash that had been the piece of tall grass hanging from the corner of his lips he had been chewing on.

'Oh… kay…'

And once Phil started to train his grandson and Margaret failed to discourage Bell and accepted him as a student, did Bell start to learn and prove he had what it took to become a hero.

Phil found himself engaging in training his grandson and teaching him all of the rules. Rules like Rule 95: Concentrate.

And after what most of the village had found hilarious, Phil had immediately remembered to also tell Bell about Rule 96: Aim!

Bell still wonders how his grandfather was able to move his Little Phil up so quickly to avoid losing it. Still a funny image and memory of him against that tree with all the knives he had given Bell to throw at targets embedded around him.

Of course, Margaret had made the ideal example that Phil could point his grandson to. What makes a hero in a world where being a hero is a dying art?

Like painting a masterpiece. It's a work of heart. It took more than sinew. It came down to what was in you. To push the envelope and keep climbing that uphill slope.

And how he had pushed and climbed.

When Gael had needed a hero to defend the people from all manner of threats and dangers, Bell had answered the call. Alone, so young, and yet he had gone out and fought. Not always alone. Finding allies here and there.

They were brief moments of companionship during that lonely one year of fighting, but what they accomplished together echoed throughout the land.

But not now.

Bell is joined by others. His Familia may be small, but there is no longer loneliness. While he will miss both his wife and grandfather, he knows at least he won't travel alone.

"Oh who am I kidding?" Bell sighs as he leans back in the pool of hot water, savoring the feel of the natural hot springs bath, though he does accidentally brush up against the sleeping Line Arshe.

The dark-haired girl doesn't respond. Instead, she just continues to sleep. Bell smiles anyways, knowing she's just exhausted. And not just her alone as he sees Elfy Coulette also dozing away.

It doesn't surprise Bell one bit. Given how grueling the mission they accepted at the Guild had been.

What they had received from their Guild Advisor, Eina Tulle, was a quest to get some valuable herbs with a relatively good market value. Although getting to them had been half the issue. Their location being less than ideal, but a fire had devastated a more convenient source of the same herbs.

The latter had been in a sheltered field near a farming town. Every time this year, the locals would go out and carefully collect a certain amount. By collecting only so much, they allowed the herbs to actually grow in size, volume, and potency.

And that was the big thing. Their potency wasn't just in medicine and cooking, but in alchemy and magic as well. They were very useful for making potions as well. Often eliminating or reducing the taste of some rather, quite literally, hard to swallow potions.

The more common Stamina Potions that Adventurers and Supporters would favor, as Bell had been explained to by Naza Erisu their ally in the Miach Familia, had a rather terrible banana flavoring that was hard to swallow. Some people didn't mind banana flavors, there is a large enough market for banana drinks and candy, but most others did not. Especially as depending on several factors, the taste did change and it either got surprisingly better, to a point, or it got worse and people were more likely to vomit it or choke on the potions in question.

From what Bell learned the town in question was named Wheatland and is the namesake of the area as well. It got its name from the fact that wheat grew extremely well in the region. The farmers, though, grew other crops, but none grew as well as wheat. On the other hand, saying the other crops didn't grow as well as wheat was a bit misleading.

Like his home village of Dromore and its surrounding lands, despite being mountainous, Killary County nestled up in the Mreelrea Mountains had bountiful harvests of very good to high quality. Dromore Village being known for both its drinks and apples in particular.

And waters that are so clear, that it was like dancing among the stars during a night swim.

Something he and Margaret both personally enjoyed.

Even now, Bell wonders what caused the fire. The townsfolk were really careful as the herbs were vital to their economy. The town actually has several of each potion makers, apothecaries, ateliers, and so on so forth that benefit from the herbs. As well as a small, but well respected and known college which produces very well trained and educated magic users, alchemists, healers, pharmacists, and more.

Fortunately, the fire, while damaging, was not as destructive as it could have been. As such, the locals can recover after a couple of seasons. But they do need an immediate top of their stocks during said time and access to a new source.

Hence why they are relaxing in this other town in Wheatland on the edge of a nameless mountain range. Well, locals just call them the Snows-Upon-Mountains as they are surprisingly covered in snow nearly all year and get even fresh snow in the summer of all times.

Others call them the Wheatland Mountains despite not actually being in Wheatland itself.

The region beyond is a Dwarf region. A sizeable mountainous region, but it also had good valleys and plentiful waterways. Mostly populated by Dwarves, but there are some Pallum settlements in the region as well. The region is known as Thim Kuldir and Bell isn't familiar with it at all other than a name and some basic information he either read on a map and in a book or picked up from the locals and some traveling merchants.

'No matter,' Bell thinks before he blinks suddenly as Line now leans against him, still asleep.

Bell, though, only smiles at her. But he does struggle to keep his eyes from seeing more than he should.

Another nearby set of mountains had been their objective. Nestled in Wheatland's domain, the mountains in question are called the Wood Crowns Mountains. The name saying it all due to some strange fluke in geography and nature that covered the tops of the mountains in forests.

The mountains' sides by contrast are pretty much rocky and barren. Where they are not, they are actually grass covered. Some trees do dot the sides, but not all that much and appear to be the result of past settlements rather than anything else. Ruins cover the flanks of the mountains as well. From isolated structures of forgotten use to small to mid size clusters of what had been villages and towns.

There's even a fortress near the entrance to a valley. Which has recently been reoccupied by one of Wheatland's militias as a base of operations to combat bandits and Monsters. In addition, it also serves as a base for climbers and researchers heading up into the Wood Crowns Mountains.

Many of the ruins date back before the region had been overrun by Monsters coming out of the Dungeon of Orario many centuries ago. That was back when it was called the Hellmouth and had just abruptly appeared. That time was indeed a dark time of a struggle to merely survive before the Hellmouth had been covered over and sealed, creating said Dungeon.

As such, researchers are still finding things that existed all those centuries, literally over 3,000 years ago.

Like the new equipment they now had. Spoils from their success of climbing up the mountain to access one of the internal valleys and retrieve some of the herbs.

Passing through the old fortress being brought back to life, they had seen open air markets nestled near to enclosed military checkpoints. The militia had restored several towers and built more of their own while creating new barricades to define and defend their new fort within the fortress. Meanwhile, the merchants had turned former parade grounds and training halls into markets and storehouses. A former barracks and attached armory had even become a small research facility to study what was brought back.

Aside from other facilities turned into different uses, some maintained their original uses after being restored. Like one barracks that had mostly collapsed, but had been repaired enough to become a cheap tavern and inn.

They only had enough money to get one room. But each room came complete with a bath and shower and a latrine just down the hall. While shared, it was better than a bucket.

Now they had enough to stay in this hot springs town called Ever Steams and they could afford a one room building with its own toilet and hot springs bath within a small perimeter wall.

Really meant for one person or a couple, it now had all four of them. Though it is worth it as it affords them both privacy and a chance to relax in a way that not even as members of the famous Loki Familia had provided for his three female companions.

And speaking of the three, Bell notes that Elfy is leaning and may actually slide directly into the water.

With a smile full of mirth, Bell shakes his head and gently turns around as he pulls Line into his arms and once he has her back up against his chest, Bell kicks off the submerged treated wooden planks to gently swim across the bath with the experienced Magic Healer in his arms.

Bell is long practiced with his taller, and long missed, wife. Additionally, Line doesn't have a tail or ears atop her head. Which makes it easier for Bell to get them across the nearly four meder wide eight meder long bath with a depth of two and a half meders and then settling them in with Line against Bell's left and Elfy now propped up on his right.

Anakitty Autumn, also known as Aki, only favors him with a soft smile from where she actually sits on the edge of the pool lightly dabbing at her forehead with a towel.

The Felyne female has just finished tending to her tail. Though Bell is nearly seeing everything, he doesn't stress everything given that she's sitting to Elfy's right. Not that it probably matters at this point.

Aki actually hates wearing clothing to bed. She'd tolerate a top that could reach down to her thighs, but no longer. Mostly on account of her tail. Something Bell is aware of with most tailed races, given that Margaret was notably uncomfortable in anything that was not specifically designed for her tail in mind.

Which naturally led to her sleeping naked on occasion. Though, that became a regular occurrence after they married. So it likely didn't count anymore.

His village might look like that type where men and women only had sex to have children, but no one said anything about making babies being easy or quick. One of the reasons his grandfather loved the village. Aside from a couple of nearby establishments for rather privy 'get togethers' as he put it.

Margaret used to always give him a death glare when he came back smelling of those establishments. First when Bell was too young and then again when the two of them were married. At one point, Margret had exploded on him reminding Phil Cranel of Bell's late aunt which surprised the pair.

Phil Cranel admitted that the woman took the passing of Bell's mother hard, but she had her own situation as well. One that she was adamant that Bell should never have to worry about. She had left them, left Bell, to protect him. He told here it wasn't some kind of trouble, but she believed she had to go and protect Bell against.

His grandfather could be tight lipped when he wanted to be. As such, it had been quite the surprised when the man announced he was moving out. Reassuring the surprised pair that he had a place already and that he could enjoy himself to his heart's content. In more ways than one, no less.

But that also left the small homestead house to the pair. He told them to fill it full of happiness. And if they needed help with watching the future children, to not hesitate to call him. Especially if they just wanted a night to themselves.

Margaret had taken the opportunity to do things she and Bell hadn't been able to do before. Which had left the pair sleeping at night naked, well… When they actually did sleep at night!

Sometimes it was during the morning or in the early afternoon they would finish. Then rest for the rest of the day, through the night, and awaken the next day.

Bell had really loved it when his wife would welcome him home wearing only an apron. His grandfather had gotten her to say the line about dinner, bath, or her.

More than a few times, Bell surprised her with pairing either dinner or a bath with her.

But that was the joy of living as a married couple without anyone else around. They could even spend the whole day naked in their own home. They were also sufficiently far enough away from other residents, unsurprising given how wide the village was, that they occasionally even stepped outside without their clothes.

Daring, but exciting, too.

And that leads to the now, since Anakitty and Bell share a bed, he often sleeps next to her naked body. Which, on more occasions than should be happening, often ends up pressed against or sleeping partially aside Bell's body. To which Bell would naturally hold her close in companionable rest like he always held Margaret.

Mindful of the tail, but accepting of how close she wanted to be.

The older females, both Anakitty and Margaret as Bell has since learned, like to hug things in their sleep which explains some of the incidents over the years with Margaret and more recently with Anakitty. The other reason is that she feels comfortable with Bell. Something that is surprising to them both.

While many Animal-type Humans have long pushed past their 'Beastman' ways to embrace living like other people, it wasn't the same for all across these races. Such as those whose ancestral instincts are not… Bell doesn't want to say tame as he feels that would be demeaning.

Anakitty has since found it strange how comfortable around Bell she has quickly become. Bell has come to suspect that he might have that effect on the females of races like her own. Margaret had been quick to come around to him. Lord Miach had pointed out that in less than a week of knowing him, Naza had started treating Bell like a kid brother. The Guild's famously cool Rose Fenette, a Werewolf woman, would actually give Bell the time of day.

The list of such persons actually went on. Like the two Cats of the Hostess of Fertility. Along with some of their coworkers, like May who took a quick shine to Bell.

Then again, Bell had always had a thing with animals. Though his relationship with dogs tended to be a bit odd. Probably something to do with his 'rabbit-like' appearance. Often to his own mortification when it involved girls and women.

Naza was not the only one to tease him. Rose did so as well. As well as other Dog and Wolf-type Humans.

"Thinking about the recent job?" Aki inquires with a knowing, but soft smile. "Or perhaps about something else?"

"Yeah," Bell does not quite admit to either as they both can hear a soft melody being played by a local band not too far away in the square that the majority of inns in Ever Steam radiate out from.

Giggling lightly to herself before stretching and inadvertently giving Bell quite the view and eyeful of herself, Aki thinks back over the same mission.

"Simply get up, get some herbs, and get back down all the while charting a path," the Felyne checks her tail which she had previously finished giving it a thorough detailed cleaning, "Bandits and Monsters to be expected and likely encountered. Another job if not for being our first outside of Orario, but something that is like getting things down in the Dungeon."

"Instead," Bell picks up with a smile, noting that Aki is sliding to join them in the water.

The woman lets out a soft sigh of fulfillment as she settles onto the wooden bench beneath them. The water instantly removing her fatigue. But also inviting her to doze off like the other two girls in their Familia.

Bell's is just lucky the bathing wear they have is up to the task. Though, given how rare it is for anyone of Aki's level to be out in this region, her bathing wear wasn't exactly a great fit. The woman though simply just went without the top, but she did manage to do something about the bottoms.

Sleeping at night is one thing. Awake during the day is another.

Especially considering there is Elfy and Line. Just because they were all friends and female, didn't mean they were that they weren't… embarrassed to see certain parts of each other's anatomy. There are some things in life that people simply didn't do.

And admittedly, Bell would admit, unless they were very daring.

Bell really misses his wife. And he can only hope that she is safe. He doesn't doubt her strength after all. Just the trust she can put in those around them. A feeling she had shared with him before leaving to return to her homeland.

Thankfully, Aki is there to unknowingly help Bell avoid thinking on that topic any further.

"A simple run that became a lot more complex," Anakitty is just thankful she had joined the Hestia Familia and that surprises her, but she now feels like an Adventurer rather than a mere miner or hunter.

"Thanks for that by the way," Bell speaks up suddenly and Aki looks over to him slightly confused, "Your quick block saved my arm," Bell holds up his now weeks old healed left arm, "I had forgotten I didn't have my shield anymore. That would have been at best the loss of an arm and at worst my life itself."

Nodding Anakitty remembers the Monster they ran into. One she cannot name, but Elfy and Line had sketched it after Anakitty had killed it.

It was some kind of Troll Monster. Being green furred with light brown skin underneath. It had large hands and sharpened nails, almost claws really. Its eyes had been a sharp cyan. Definitely not one that any of the former Loki Familia members had seen before. But it had been dangerous. Very dangerous.

It had blunted attacks by both Bell and Elfy and had enough intelligence to try and get at Line, who is actually the weakest of them all. It had been seriously fast. Bell had had trouble reacting to it and Efly and Line were so much worse off.

Only Anakitty had been able to keep pace. And match it.

Or rather she surpassed it. Being a Level 4 Adventurer came with perks and one has always been being able to discern Monsters. If one remembers to keep themselves alert for small details and tells, so to speak.

From what she had seen, it was easily a threat to anyone who wasn't a Second Class Adventurer or at least a very high Third Class Adventurer. Bell not counting as he had made it a regular habit to defeat Monsters many times his own strength.

That Monster had not been one of them.

"It was surprising given that Monster was too powerful for one living outside the Dungeon," Aki admits, still somewhat surprised by the discovery, "If I were not with you, the three of you would have died for sure."

A rather unenjoyable and bitter pill to swallow. But Bell swallows that sour thought all the same. It is the truth and knowing it, allows him to understand the true dangers and to grow to meet them the next time such a situation arises.

Anakitty also doesn't look pleased with the thought herself. If anything, her frighten look to her two longtime friends tells how scared she had been. The threat they had run into should not have been outside of Orario's Dungeon. And yet…

They found it by sheer chance.

"At least the others we ran into were much weaker," Elfy adds as she yawns as she sits up and stretches causing her to pop some kinks in her back.

Letting out a slight moan, the brunette settles back in, but wraps her arms around both Bell and Aki's arms and gently scoots herself closer to Bell while gently pulling the Felyne female with her.

"El…fy…" Bell blushes as his arm is right against her left breast and she ensures his hand is resting on her thigh.

Giggling, Elfy smiles at Bell, "I'm clothed, Bell," she teases him, though, her top just barely covered her breasts, "And if I didn't want you touching me there," referring to where his hand is resting on her thigh, very close to that one place all women are protective of, even if it was clothed over with more respectable bottoms, "I wouldn't be so close," then she settles her head onto his shoulder again, gently trying to get Anakitty to move around and settle herself on Bell's lap, something the older woman is quick to realize and shakes her head at.

"No, Elfy," Anakitty blushes, as her arm and hand are no different from Bell's arm and hand, only on the right side of Elfy.

"Afraid you'll be unfaithful to Raul?" Elfy sighs as she doesn't force the issue, "We both know you were never this comfortable around him, were you?"

With a sigh from herself, "I will not deny that," Aki sighs again, but also gets comfortable, resting against Elfy at the very least, "Raul's indecisiveness is a major issue. I trust him, though, to eventually grow into a leader, but…"

"But," Elfy continues on as Anakitty trails off, "Your racial instincts are finding Bell more fitting for yourself. Yet the humanized part of your mind and your own choices in life are telling you not to get closer to Bell. Except your heart is now coming to the fore because you do want to start a relationship with the hope it will grow into a happy life together."

Looking at her friend, Anakitty can only admit one thing, "I keep forgetting how perspective you can be, Elfy. One of the traits you clearly picked up from Riveria, though, you already had it, you just needed it to be grown with the right care and guidance."

Elfy only smiles softly, Anakitty feeling like the girl is much more mature than herself. Especially with her long chestnut locks up and tied off. Elfy no longer cuts the Gal appearance, but a more motherly and experienced look. Perhaps that's why she gets along so well with Goddess Hestia.

Both Lady Hestia and Elfy look and act like young girls, but then they can suddenly switch things up and reveal a side of them that is very… maternal Bell still can't find another word to otherwise describe them.

For Goddess, he could understand. Aki and Line, too. Goddess Hestia of the Hearth is all about the family, home, and the hearth plus she is the Goddess to represent the State. So, she can be a maternal mother, a wonderful cook, a wondrous homemaker, an astute Stateswoman, and a beacon in the night. It can be jarring when she switches between the two.

Elfy shockingly can be very much the same. It had totally dumbfounded her sisters and friends that Riveria Ljos Alf, her adoptive mother, had been teaching her matters of the State and requisite knowledge expected of nobility and royalty in roles of leadership and maintenance. Elfy had been more or less learning to one day takeover the Loki Executive position of Gareth Landrock when the time was to come.

Bell only smiles as the pair are clearly getting closer. Perhaps it had been because they were part of such a large Familia previously. Now that they are part of a smaller Familia, they are able to interact far more often. The evidence of how much closer they have gotten.

Though, he now suspects, just like Goddess, Elfy could sense his internal turmoil and has intentionally steered things onto their present course.

"Now," Elfy begins, looking a little mischievous and setting warning alarms off in both Bell and Anakitty's heads before she abruptly giggles and continues on, "We completed the mission, though, the amount of powerful Monsters we fought was surprising."

Both sigh at her antics as Line continues to sleep on Bell's shoulder, though, she does shift in her sleep and soon Bell finds his other arm firmly trapped between her clothed breasts and his hand in a place that makes his face so red with only the cloth of her bottoms preventing more, Anakitty has to be released by Elfy so she can swim around both to Line and gently guide the girl from making Bell's predicament worse.

Though both young women have a laugh at Bell's expense as the boy groans and slightly slides deeper into the water to make bubbles with his mouth and hide some of his mortification as well.

While Line had a far better bathing outfit on, it did little to hide what is hidden beneath it. Especially as Bell is already aware of what's under it. Though that still doesn't change things, especially as he doesn't have Line's permission to be that close to her.

His own bathing shorts suddenly feel a bit too tight. That ain't good. Especially as there is no where to go and deal with it or any means to just avoid being seen.

"The song they're now playing," Elfy closes her eyes and listens in, "Sounds like something I would hear in the Education District back in Orario. Near the small cafes and outdoor shops. Piano, string, wind, it is so soft and gentle, I could unwind and relax to a cup of tea or coffee. Depending on the time of year."

"Yes," Anakitty had gone to the Education District on official business before. Surprisingly, the music always was soft and gentle melodies designed to relax the students after a stressful day of education or during their down time between classes.

"I'm jealous," Bell admits, thankful for the distraction, as he never had such a formal education. Not that the local witch had ever let them not know their letters and numbers. For someone, and an Elfess no less, who studied a lot in hexes and curses, she was surprisingly tender and loving and cared to ensure the children of the village all had the ability to read and write as well and do so at the intermediate level.

A lot of kids who passed her courses ended up getting good jobs throughout the county. A few were even directly hired to help manage the county under the lord of the region himself.

And then, after the war, a lot of them got into decent work for merchants, government offices, and more.

Education really is a key to getting places. The better the education, the better the chances. Though, under the False King, that faker had reduced the number of available educated positions so as to control the kingdom better. But the Queen and her new husband, the King Consort, had reversed that and Gael has been seeing an increase in wealth as well.

After all, things are getting done and when done right the first time, it may have meant more work, but it was more work with better benefits and pay and a few extra hands to get people home quickly.

"But back to business, unfortunately," Anakitty smiles with a look that with time, Bell might get his shot at an education in the Education District.

Bell smiles thankful.

And with that, the three discuss the mission.

It was simple enough. Go up into the Wood Crowns Mountains and find a valley with a particular herb in it. Retrieve a designated amount and return back down to meet with their contact in the old fortress. All the while, they were requested to chart a path that would be easier than the previously taken paths that avoided the Monsters and bandits, but were their own risks from start to finish.

The four had started out originally from Orario to meet with their contact in the old fortress. A trip of nearly four days on foot. But Bell had bumped into a merchant heading in their direction. The merchant happened to be an old acquaintance of his grandfather and so Bell happened to know the merchant in question.

The woman was more than glad to give them a lift provided they could also add a little extra security to her caravan. There had been increased bandit activity and she was worried she didn't have enough guards. No one was accepting her request in the Guild, but since it was convenient for both, Bell had gone back and gotten the request authorized for the Hestia Familia on top of their already existing request.

Then they had set out as part of the escort. The three female Adventurers of the Hestia Familia were surprised to see not horses or mules or even oxen, but a type of domesticated Monster called a Trhinonoscous.

A three horned mammal beast with hardened skin and a body similar to a turtle without a shell, but legs more like some kind of land dragon. The smaller versions that were more benign towards people. At least until they were either very hungry or made very angry. Though in the former case, they would normally only attack people when quite literally starving to death and the latter case was a case of someone getting what they deserved.

Something that surprised the three long-time residents of Orario. Benign dragons. Though Bell was quick to clear that up as there were two groups. One being just unusually large lizards with various temperaments, usually of a leave alone temperament and the other of actual Dragons ranging from Wyverns to actual Dragons that have been domesticated or were just small wild creatures who didn't do much and were generally of very mild temperament.

In any event, the Trhinonoscous proved to be very fast. A four day trip reduced to one. The trip had been anything but uneventful.

Sometime after midday, they were attacked by the first band of bandits. Surprisingly, this group was a so-called band of pirates who had never been to sea, looked nearly the same, and had similar names. A bunch of brothers, and possibly cousins, who went around calling themselves pirates despite not one being remotely aware of a bath.

And an easy win for the four Adventurers. Even Line was able to knock out four of the dufuses. The four who likely had the highest IQ out of the lot. Which wasn't saying a whole lot. And wasn't a whole lot.

Not even ten minutes later, a patrol tracking the idiots arrived. It had taken less time to defeat them. Then again, the whole lot were Unblessed. Had it been regular guards, the fight would have still been going on. Thus, the arrival of the patrol tracking the 'pirates' would have arrived to support and capture them anyways.

Once that excitement, for what it was anyways, had passed, they were on the move again.

But it was that night that some real bandits had struck.

And then tried to flee when one recognized Bell as the White Rabbit of Dromore.

Bell had been wondering where this particular group of bandits had fled to. He had destroyed their main force back in Gael during the civil war. But one group had managed to escape and elude capture until they disappeared. It had vexed Bell as he figured, rightly so, that they would go off to cause trouble elsewhere.

Which they had been doing.

Formerly of the destroyed Craggy Cliffs Bandit Brigade, these survivors of that group called themselves the Grassland Wind Bandit Brigade now.

Or they had.

Now the whole group is sitting in one of the Guild's finest jails under armed guard by a detachment of the Ganesha Familia itself. Not that there was any worry of them escaping any time soon. Bell had seen to that.

One escape from him was more than one too many times.

According to Line, they would recover in about two to three months. It was their own fault from trying to escape Bell a second time. He chased them down and beat them hard.

A good lesson, though, for Bell to be more moderate in how hard he hit Unblessed in the future. The poor boy was embarrassed to have beaten them that badly. He was usually better than that. Truly a noteworthy statement of not knowing one's own strength.

The next day they arrived in the trading town of Blue Flow, named after the Blue Flow River. The four all agreed it was such a generic name, yet the river really was a river of flowing blue water. So, who were they to comment?

Moving along, they learned from the local Guild branch where next they had to go. The old fortress. The place still didn't have a name and was pretty much called The Old Fortress. Previously it had been the Old Fortress Ruins. Elfy openly asked what was up with the naming conventions.

Arriving at The Old Fortress, they soon met their contact. A Felyne woman named Sasha Smythe. Unlike Anakitty, and most Felynes found in Orario, this one was clearly not a House Cat subspecies. Sasha Smythe is a Cougar subspecies.

And she knows of Aki's family, the Autumns, but respectfully didn't say anything beyond knowing Aki's history.

Largely because she could tell that Anakitty Autumn is writing her own story. Which is something that Sasha could get behind.

During their time in The Old Fortress, they had had some trouble. Honestly, not their own fault. Such as when Line went to get some details from the research facility and accidentally ended negotiations between some researchers and some potential backers from the Magic City of Altina.

Line had just been asking for directions to another researcher, a Human named James Smythe, and Sasha's husband no less, and one of the magic users recognized her from the Loki Familia.

Exactly why he would have known who she is can wait until they get back to Orario. The fact remains, he recognized her and that broke off talks. Because they would have nothing to do with a place involved with Riveria Ljos Alf and her ilk, as they put it.

Bell had arrived not long after and managed to talk the understandably upset researchers down. They were irate, again understandably, but agreed that Line did no wrong. Collectively they had lost their tempers because of how long they had worked to get a research grant. Fortunately, Bell happened to know of a college in Gael that would more than happily provide them funding if they could provide tangible results from their work.

Line didn't mention that the same results could also get Orario's Education District to provide support as well. Not out of spite, but because Bell had indicated for her to say nothing. Elfy had already told him of the interest of some academics from the Education District interested in the local ruins. The less they knew, the better the price they could later negotiate and the less they would ask of them.

The researchers agreed and Bell tacked their request on with the Guild confirming it.

Eina is so going to ream him when they got back.

And that wasn't the end.

There was a mishap with Elfy involving a market stall. In regards to some gems that weren't the quality claimed and some plants were also not the ones being advertised. Which not only angered the stall owner, but also revealed the Lupo woman had been swindled herself.

Fortunately for her, the items in question to make up for her losses were in the Wood Crowns Mountains. Since it was in the same area they were heading, they got the Guild to officially recognize it as well. Adding to their tasks and making Bell know he was going to get a long lecture from Eina.

Next it was Anakitty who accidentally got them a request by the Fortress Watch Patrol Militia of Wheatland to gather information on bandits and Monsters. Anakitty had simply gone to get information at Bell's request. Instead, she ended up with a request from the militia instead.

The militia provided what information they had. But also admitted they were not up to date. They also wanted an access road to reach an old watch tower to assess it for future considerations of use or demolition as it was a potential hazard. Thus, they got the Guild branch to confirm their request and Anakitty had ended up reporting it to Bell.

Meanwhile, Bell had found an old man. An old Dwarf named Shamrock. He couldn't remember his own name, but he did remember he wanted to restore an old canal.

Unfortunately, he could never figure out why the water wasn't coming down to refill the canal. He tried his best. His last attempt years prior had nearly killed him not just falling off a cliff, but in another attempt that same year, he reported a powerful Monster. One that was very quick and Shamrock had seen kill bandits and other Monsters with absurd ease before it chased him off another cliff leaving him too injured to mount another attempt or even work on the canal ever again.

Bell was concerned after Shamrock told him about the Monster. Which had translated for Shamrock into going up and discovering the reason why the water didn't flow into the old canal. And Bell didn't have the heart to tell him no and helped the old Dwarf set up a request.

Once together, they had headed up the mountain using a copy of an old map that the militia had discovered and copied themselves. In theory, it should take them up some old roadways. Sasha, though, told them to just use the old path that had been put in by some researchers years ago.

When they asked how long The Old Fortress had been abandoned, Sasha said it was off and on, but mostly abandoned or just plain abandoned until the militia moved in.

And with that, they took the old path, which was a water bucket on a rope and pulley system that brought down water. Apparently it was built by some farmers to irrigate some crops in an attempt to settle the site decades ago. Monsters had put paid to that idea, but then researchers used what was left to get up and down, improving the system to be a lift, until Monsters chased them off as well.

With dubious looks, they rode the system up. Bell was the last by mistake and so he rode up trying to keep his face straight and avoid looking straight up. Only after getting to the top did he learn that Elfy had bought shorts for the one woman and two girls to wear for such an event.

Bell grumbled for the next twenty minutes while the ladies had a laugh at his expense.

But on they went. Using the map to find their way around. They discovered forgotten ruins, some previously unknown flora and fauna in the region. And where some bandits had set up their base inside some old ruins.

Keyword: had.

The four found the bandits dead. A long time dead. Their remains were literally just bones and what was left of their clothing was naught but unidentifiable rags.

When they investigated, it had been rather clear that Monsters had surprised and overwhelmed them. The evidence being clear and self-reporting. As well as that the bandits had been relaxing when the attack came given that their drink cups and food plates remained where they had been dropped. The cooking pots, on the other hand, had been pulled down and torn apart.

Bell even noticed one skeletal hand still had a spoon in its grip. The rest of the body was missing, but the arm was there. Guy probably never knew what severed his arm and likely ate him in one go.

As they were searching, Anakitty's ears had twitched and that had been their only warning to prepare.

And prepare they did.

Bell and Anakitty anchored the two points forward and staggered. Elfy right behind them, centered to their line. Behind Elfy was Line.

The four took advantage of a section of ruins that still provided a strong roof and walls. Though they cantered out, they protected their flanks nonetheless. With a roof over Line's head and enough clearing for Elfy to use her Fire Magicks, they were solidly placed.

Very solidly as the Monsters didn't attempt to attack them in that position.

For a spell they waited. Anakitty could hear and see the Monsters and described them to Bell. She had never seen the type nor had the two girls behind them. But Bell had seen a couple before and knew the type.

Hard Bladetors.

They got the name from their hard heads which they used to ram or hammer things. And the blade that ran the full length of their snorts to their foreheads.

Other than that, they were a bipedal Lizard Monster species. One could call them the missing link between some Lizard Monster types and Lizardmen. They had a pair of extended arms with three fingers covered in claws that nearly reached the base of the fingers and extended out again that same length. Two eyes slightly forward on the side of their heads to allow them enhanced forward vision.

They were fast, able to keep pace with a horse even. And could jump long distances, though, due to their weight it wasn't as far it could be. But again, that same weight allowed them to crush a man in full armor.

And that head of theirs could be rammed into solid structures, like the walls they were sheltering behind.

Though, the walls are too thick for them. Plus the ground around them is too open. They could attack from directly behind, but Elfy had noted too many big trees in the way. Which made their position more ideal.

No, the real problem is that these Monsters had decent intelligence. Enough brain matter dedicated to actual thought processing that they could communicate and plan in a matter more complex than typical for Monsters. And the patience to wait the four out as they studied how the four had known they were there and had taken the best defensible location and arrangement.

Elfy asked if she should just see about burning a couple out of hiding.

Bell had agreed and the girl had been surprised by how much power she had actually built up during her exercises in such a short amount of time.

She incinerated where several were hiding, exposing a ruined building they hadn't noticed before. The trees simply disappeared in the flames and the Monsters, having enough time and warning to know they were dead, screamed in pain before quickly falling silent.

Since these Monsters were unusual in which they didn't turn to Black Ash when their Magic Stones were destroyed, some didn't even have detectable Magic Stones!, their burned carcasses had hit the ground, burned heavily to the point they shrank a little and were sending up enough smoke to qualify as a signal.

The remaining Monsters had backed up, but a few had been hotheaded and attacked.

Six in all charged them and Elfy managed to roast, literally, four of them but the last pair were cut down by Anakitty and Bell.

There had been about twenty-three at the start. That was quickly reduced to thirteen. But as both sides waited, more had shown up until Bell figured the whole pack was here. Which given they typically operated in packs of some fifty or sixty, that meant they taken out a fifth of their number.

When the rest remained hidden, the four made a plan and Anakitty had gone out, looking to secure an exit route. That's when the Felyne spotted the leader looking at her from behind some branches and leaves, cold and calculating.

Bell saw Anakitty freeze and didn't hesitate to order Efly to light up the bushes and trees to Aki's right even as the woman herself had turned to the threat materializing on her left.

The young Fire Mage's quick reflexes and high power allowed her to incinerate another group of eight as Aki cut down two more before using her enhanced speed of a Level 4 to get back to her group with others chasing after her.

In the end, the fight had evolved into a running game of tactics. Bell leading against the Hard Bladetor Matriarch as the race was always led by the most powerful female. It was two steps forward, one step back for both, but Bell kept his party unharmed for the most part.

Though they had lost their shelter as the Hard Bladetors had found a big enough opening in the trees to ram the heck out of the back wall, breaking through and endangering Line.

But Bell had taken advantage to have Elfy simply use the new hole to aim a streamer of her Fire Magic and the brunette had set the forest behind them completely ablaze with flames so hot, that the fire simply killed everything behind them.

Aki had finally located the leader and killed her with a downward slash that cut the snout off before decapitating the Monster as well. The Matriarch never realized that Anakitty's sword was made to cut through far more sterner stuff.

With her death, the small handful of Hard Bladetors tried to escape. Keyword was tried. Both Bell and Anakitty had run down the survivors who couldn't flee quickly enough due to the fires Elfy had started.

That said, during their clean up after the battle, they found several Hard Bladetors still alive and Line happened to remember that some of the researchers had wanted living specimens. The two most gone were killed instantly to put them out of their misery. The remaining four were bundled up tightly and sent back down the bucket system they used to get up with a, half jokingly, note to handle with care.

The militiamen on guard at the bottom were startled by the delivery. Plus the most intact dead with Hard Bladetors eggs the four had found in the nearby nests that hadn't been accidentally crushed in the fighting. They had even sent a partial map of the area with the locations of the dead Hard Bladetors if the researchers wanted the bodies.

Of course, being normal people Unblessed, the militiamen sent in a request for help to the local Guild Branch office. Immediately, a portion of the small detachment of Ganesha Familia Adventurers and Supporters on rotation had gone out and helped carry the finds back.

For the researchers, they finally had living Hard Bladetors and the support of the Ganesha Familia to keep them locked up. The detachment leader even sent back a request for Tamers to be sent to Blue Flow to join them at The Old Fortress and help keep them corralled and possibly tame the newborns.

Lord Ganesha's shout of 'I am Ganesha!' could be literally across all of Orario and into Melen as well.

And during their clean up, the size of the ruins became much more apparent. Along with Elfy accidentally blasting away the vegetation and soil covering one of the old roadways heading back down the mountain. That would make getting up and down a whole lot easier for people once they knew the rest of the route.

But one thing definitely stood out.

Line herself wasn't enough in the Support Role. Especially as she is also their Healer. Therefore, Bell decided then and there that they were going to hire a dedicated Supporter in the future. Things had gotten too close if the missing cloth from Line's left sleeve, the back of her shirt, and the chunk torn out of her Support Bag were any indications.

While she had been closer to death on a few occasions down in the Dungeon of Orario, this had been a surprise for Line. Especially as she had to use her staff as a blunt weapon to protect herself one too many times as they fought across the ruins, looking for better defensible locations.

Still, they had come out on top and found treasures both forgotten and left by the long dead bandits.

Such as the Magic Rings that would enhance Elfy and Line's Magicks and increase their pools of energy. Line even got a new set of clothes as her skirt had been torn revealing the matching color shorts Elfy had gotten her. Despite the quality of the clothing, Line being a Level 2 Blessed, the Hard Bladetors had proven more than able to tear her clothing.

Actually none of them escaped without some kind of damage to their clothes. Line just had it worse. Unsurprisingly, Anakitty had been just fine. Nothing that a specialized needle and some of the highly specialized thread wouldn't fix and she had both in a sewing kit back in their chapel they called home.

Still their armor had also worked, but now they found a decent suit of armor that was Aki's size and had been designed for a Felyne. It was clearly looted by the bandits and the design happened to be female. The quality and markings showed it had been a Hephaestus product.

Probably stolen during shipment to the Sword City if the quality of it was anything to go by. Still, Aki only collected it to see if it would actually work for her as being a Level 4 had its disadvantages in armor and clothing shopping.

Elfy had found some ancient magic texts that she could not make heads or tails of. Bell could make out a little to know they were from a time when some Elves were said to have horns and antlers on their heads. Otherwise he couldn't read it, neither could Line and Anakitty was not the type to learn such ancient writing to begin with, but the researchers likely could and possibly Riveria Ljos Alf.

The Fire Mage became giddy with the thought of giving her mother something nice to have. Line nodded as she had pocketed a few magical items she found that she knew would make Riveria happy as well. Anakitty just smiled with Bell as the two girls thought of how to present their gifts to their adoptive mother who was only that because they were not blood related.

To say nothing of the items they had claimed for their sisters and friends back in the Loki Familia.

Even Bell had pocketed a few items for presents to those he knows and Anakitty had even done a bit of collecting for the same reasons as well.

After exploring and mapping the ruins a little more, the four sat down to Hard Bladetor meat.

Bell swore by the meat. He read in a book published by a Dwarf, Human, Pallum, and an Elf that Hard Bladetor meat with the right seasonings was quite good and settled well in the belly. The Monsters proving to be somewhat fatty and oil filled, but once the oil was drained and the meat treated properly, they were surprisingly edible and delicious.

Though, the overdone ones that Elfy had flashed fried and burned heavily were also good. Just a bit harder to chew and swallow. But otherwise they were surprisingly still edible as Efly had actually caused the oil in their flesh to keep cooking, maintaining the quality of the meat.

Which was so good, Aki had almost curled up and slept like a cat after having her fill.

The three managed to keep the young woman awake, alert, and on the move. Such as following the other direction of the ancient road, stopping every so often to dig up a spot and confirm they were on the right track. Which surprised them when they started to have to dig more than two meders down to find it at one point.

They logged the information as the four believed the researchers would love to know that the road was buried so deep. It meant that the mountains had changed over the many centuries that have passed.

Which was not long after they ran into the Troll-like Monster and Bell nearly lost his arm forgetting he didn't have a shield anymore.

After that excitement, they ran into a few more weaker versions and cut their way through them easily. Literally in Aki's case. Which allowed them to find and explore more ruins and find some more ancient items including a necklace that when Anakitty put it on, she felt a surge of power in her body.

Line and Elfy both had begun to suspect that Monsters were not rare in the past, just that the Hellmouth had literally let loose upon the world Monsters of such power that no one at the time could defend against them.

Scary thought for sure. But the researchers would likely figure that out. Thus, the four went along and reached the ancient watchtower.

After clearing it of some Insect Monsters, namely a number of Spider-types that were of typical versions and exploded into Black Ash when killed with finality, they found that the ancient tower was so solidly constructed that it was firmly holding. It was also far more younger than other ruins were as they found a dedication plaque indicating that it was built during the Great Rebellion to observe the Hellmouth and provide warning to one of the locations digging for the materials that would eventually form the seal of land over the Hellmouth and create Babel Tower forever entombing the Orario Dungeon.

With that found bit of history found and being an excitable piece of conversation, the four moved on.

When they next stopped to dig for any roadway, Bell accidentally broke through a cavern top and fell eight meders down.

Fortunately, he had a rope around him and that arrested his fall briefly, but the girls had to release the rope or risk burning their hands and being of no use to Bell.

Bell at least hit water, thanked his Goddess for her Falna, and was able to swim to a bank. Once a new rope could be tossed to him, Bell headed back up and the four called it a day. They retreated back to the tower and fortified themselves inside one of the lower floor rooms. Then they got some sleep after eating well, with Anakitty promptly and surprisingly stripping completely naked without hesitation and curling up against Bell with the biggest smile on her face before she fell right to sleep.

Both Elfy and Line had sat in their places, shocked before looking down at their food and wondering if there was something in it that affected Felynes.

Or if there had been something unique in their traveling drink because that blush on Aki's cheeks was definitely not from embarrassment and had been growing as they were enjoying their meal.

As for the boy, he ended up sleeping in his shorts next to the woman with a face definitely red from blushing so hard, the two girls wondered if he had enough blood for the rest of his body. The boy had even made some sounds that were barely identifiable as shocked squawking. And of course, he tried to escape, but the Cat Woman had jumped him good and ensured that he wouldn't be escaping. At all.

As for Anakitty, who even now, a couple days later, is still embarrassed by how she just randomly did that and she still couldn't believe she did that. When she had woken up the next day, it was to both a pounding headache that took Line the better part of the morning to fully reduce to something of an annoyance and absolute, pure, and unbridled mortification. The Black Cat of the group had only made her own headache worse with a combination of her own shocked screaming, how quickly she shot up as well as how high, and how, in a strange turn of events for Bell, they had to go looking for her before finding her bemoaning what happened and crying from the amount of pain the hangover was leaving her in.

Not that Elfy or Line were much better. Both had determined they were only marginally better and Bell was completely unaffected. Due to the influence of whatever was in the drinks and food, the girls hadn't been quite in their own normal state of mind either. Such as neither wanting to get their clothes dirty had hung their clothes up as they slept, which was normal, until Elfy actually giving her sister and Bell both a gentle kiss on the cheek before going to bed between Bell and Line, making sure the three of them were as close as possible.

Elfy is absolutely shameless about that even now.

But she had told Bell her point as well. That despite how short of a time they had spent together, she wants to try and see if they can join their paths into one.

That being said, at the time, she had just been wearing only her panties and nothing else. So she had gotten particularly close to Bell, making sure he couldn't escape. At some point at night, her last article of clothing had come off and Bell was left flanked by two very naked females, and again, Elfy is actually not too worried about it.

Quite the opposite, given what happened.

When the four woke up in the morning, somehow Line had ended up on top of Bell. Like with Elfy and Anakitty both holding an arm each, Line had been holding herself around Bell's neck. Her arms wrapped around to keep her stable atop him. Like Bell, she had gone to sleep at least respectfully clothed, though, she was using an old shirt and shorts combo she had brought along, but at some point, she had ended up just as naked as the other two.

When the four woke up, it was also to find Bell's shorts had been taken off. Given that Bell likely wouldn't have been able to do so himself, that left them and of them, only Line hadn't been holding an arm all night long. Horrified and mortified, Line made the other three swear to never make mention of that moment ever again. Unless she herself brought it up or permitted it. Which she said was likely to be never.

Anakitty had agreed. As long as they didn't bring up her embarrassing state as well. She didn't want people to think she was like that for one thing. But the other had been for various other, though, understandable reasons. Some of them being racial, others just something every female who wakes up in that predicament essentially wanted to be forever a secret.

Elfy, surprisingly, after her initial surprise, didn't seem as concern. She did calm her sister, friend, and captain down by pointing out how frequently they saw one another in their Familia Home. That Aki slept naked and pressed up against Bell every night there and that she and Line dressed down as they slept and that Bell knew that and had seen them as such.

The other three were still embarrassed and while Elfy did have a good amount of self-consciousness about being naked and sleeping naked like she did with Bell, she was more curious as to what brought on the state that they found themselves in.

As it would later turn out, after she had spoken with some of the local Militia about it, that there was a local herb with a strong appearance similar to another herb used in making some of the local drinks and bread.

Fortunately, they had a means to test for it and Elfy still had some of the bread they used. It tested positive when inspected for the herb. The herb was predominately used on livestock for breeding purposes. On people, the effect was still there and it was popular for recreational intercourse. Access and availability was strictly limited on the other hand to prevent misuse.

The herb was widespread and it actually had a complimentary taste making it actually decent as a food ingredient. The effect could be neutralized with fermentation which enhanced the taste.

Otherwise, it could be used right away, though, if mixed with certain other items, it produced an uncontrollable urge to be sexual. The officer speaking with Elfy had mentioned that a large slave market in Gael had stocks of the ingredient on hand. Which apparently only sealed the fate of the survivors, especially when speaking of who raided the place.

Elfy didn't mention that person was her Captain Bell Cranel. Bell also didn't need to know about the guys currently sitting in local prisons who had supplied that very same slave market he had destroyed over a year and some months ago. Naturally, it had been Bell's raid that had led to the evidence being recovered, followed, and resulting in the criminals' arrests.

Nope, Elfy had decided. Bell didn't need to know. After all, she knew that what he did there, stills haunts him in some way even now. Bell had lost all of his composure and simply been wrath, vengeance, and even hate given form and cursed to slaughter all the villains it came across. But she still told Anakitty and Line and the three agreed to inform Lady Hestia upon their return to Orario.

Of course, back to the point, after such a morning, Bell needed some alone time. It was not something that both Elfy and Line would acknowledge had happened, but Aki had gone with Bell and revealed one of her 'talents' she had been actually educated in before she left her family. A requirement of the Autumn females Aki had disdainfully said and with a note of surprising sadness.

Fortunately, for her, Bell said he hoped it would be a one time thing unless they married because he could never think so little of her. She is not only beautiful and talented in many disciplines and forms, but her heart is true and honest. Any man would be lucky to have her as a wife. To live out their days with her and no doubt raise a family together with. One full of joy and warmth that he knows Anakitty has inside of her, despite her other talents that had previously benefited the Loki Familia.

The woman had actually nearly cried in joy as she had smiled and thanked Bell. Later, when she was confident she didn't have anything left on or in her mouth, she had given Bell a peck on the cheek for his respect towards her and his honest words that she hadn't realized brought a level of relief to her.

Bell still hasn't mentioned that Ankitty swayed her hips and waved her tail for the rest of the day when he was behind her and they weren't fighting Monsters or even the odd wild animal or wild animals.

They finally did run into some bandits who weren't dead. They had found six camps in all. With nothing but dead bandits. Then on lucky number seven, that time they finally found them alive and the bandits came for them and those they didn't kill, Bell interrogated.

And by happy fortunes, the Ganesha Familia detachment had decided to track the four. They arrived when the four were debating what to do with the bandits. With the Ganesha's help, they were able to storm the bandits stronghold and rescue several hostages and a dozen prisoners recently taken from an ambushed caravan.

The victory allowed them to get a bonus. The plants and gems that Elfy needed to find were both present. The bandits had some idea of their worth and had collected the plants from a previously unknown small valley nearby and the gems they had mined in their very hideout which was in a cavern.

Bell had even found several maps of the surrounding areas. With copies made, the Ganesha Familia members took the rescuees, bandits, and the more important items they could carry back to The Old Fortress while leaving a guard notified of the true dangers to keep watch until the militia could assemble a team to come back up with them to help remove everything.

Meanwhile the Hestia Familia had headed back to the hole they had made. With a longer rope and some lanterns, Bell was lowered down. This time, he could see what was in the hole. Much to his surprise, it was a collapsing reservoir.

Built long ago, some of the architectural elements could be seen. Including a control station that was still barely identifiable and functional. Bell was able to determine that the controls led to the canals in The Old Fortress and in the surrounding locations.

Tracing the one he needed, Bell tied off a support line and the girls descended and together they explored.

And killed some kind of Kraken-like Monster. Which swiped its tentacles where the girls did not want them to be swiped. Elfy and Anakitty had turned that Monster into their lunch. Literally.

Aki especially looked happy.

In the end, they figured out how to complete Shamrock's request. Most importantly, they could see their efforts and that additional canals were being filled. The water flowed freely and the four continued on.

After all that, they finally reached where they needed to head. The herbs were in precisely good shape. Though, to their surprise, they were in better shape than they would told to expect. More than that, there were far more of them they could actually safely pick and so they had.

With that done and their exploration and mapping completed, as well as a decent gauge of the Monsters, the Hestia Familia had headed back down the mountain, taking a route of an old road they found and soon, after letting the militia know where they were and some Dwarves getting to work, a new easier road up the Wood Crowns Mountains was now available.

The assessment of danger and the new maps also meant what the militia leaders wanted, they got and that meant they could better plan and prepare. Already plans were in the works to request a larger, more specialized Familia to conduct more mapping operations and Monster clearance. The Hestia Familia had done their job extremely well, that they were joyously and generously rewarded for their efforts. In fact, it was better and so the Militia leaders had even paid out a bonus, including a new shield for Bell. Smaller than what he was used to using, it was still good as Bell was a naturally quick and agile fighter.

With the money and the treasure they had recovered and turned in as well as meeting all of their quests, the Hestia Familia received a large payout. Most of it was automatically slated for delivery to the Forum, the Guild Headquarters in Orario, as their payout would then be divided and the records notarized. More than that, Goddess Hestia would get an assessment and would have the gains delivered to her Familia account or their base.

Or held onto given that their base was a bit small right now.

"Still," Line smiles after she finishes stretching and continues smiling at Bell's embarrassment as Elfy hangs off him with a big smile on her face even as Aki is showing how proud she is of them all, "We had enough on hand afterwards to rent this nice little place for ourselves. Good food, warmth, a good bed, and a lovely hot springs bath for us each to finally relax."

"You got that right, Line!" Elfy chirps in even as she presses her breasts more to the back of Bell's head, and accidentally no less in this case as she's just so excited, "We never had this kind of adventuring in the Loki Familia! I can't wait to tell Ais, Lefiya, Tiona, and Tione! They're going to be so jealous! Oh and Misha, too! I bet I'll have lots of stories in the future to tell!"

Despite being extremely embarrassed, Bell cannot find it himself to say anything to the excited girl using him as a ledge to stand up tall. Indeed, the success they had been expecting had been smashed right through. They had achieved a shocking level of success on their first foray.

And while it may not always be so or as great with failure to be expected, their success thus far is incredible.

"This did, indeed, feel more like an adventure," Aki agrees as she dabs at the corner of temple as she leans back, her hair is up in fanning somewhat out behind on her on the stone walkways around their bathing pool, "We even got to eat well, surprisingly."

The three snort as Anakitty has a skewer in her hand with some of their remaining 'kraken meat' on it.

They had eaten quite a bit and carried what they could back down the mountain. The cat in the Felyne had clearly gotten out and she has been enjoying the meat.

The three younger members share a laugh and a head shake at their elder's cat-like attitude. Since Line woke up midway through their discussion and Elfy went for some food and drink, things have been lively among the quartet. Especially as the catchy tunes that drift on the wind that adds to their lively atmosphere and help them unwind completely, enjoying a peace that they had so valiantly won through success.

Though, perhaps it is also how small their Familia is. It allows them more contact with one another. More to know. To learn about each other. And to connect in ways they didn't think would occur before.

And it made Bell smile in a way he hadn't in a while.

Despite the antics and the fact he was a nearly naked young man among three nearly naked young women, Bell enjoys the tea that they had purchased previously. He enjoys the peaceful atmosphere. The warmth that is brought together by their small Familia.

In time, they will become a larger Familia. Or at least he and Goddess Hestia will have a larger Familia. If the three with him should return to their own. To their friends and family in that of the Loki Familia.

"I think," Elfy suddenly says as she sits down, but then presses herself up against Bell's back, "that I'm going to stay in the Hestia Familia for a while beyond when it no longer needs us."

The other three are surprised by her words. Very much taken aback by them.

Sudden as it is, Elfy smiles warmly, "Don't get me wrong," she sees the other pair of women still looking at her in some surprise while sensing Bell looking up from below her, "But while I enjoyed the Loki Familia, I do not really think it is for me. Too large and set in a way that I cannot hope to grow beyond what I already have."

Silence follows that statement. There isn't much to say to it. Because in truth, it probably is very accurate. The Loki Familia's large size did mean new members often had trouble growing into their potential. Even long time members have been struggling.

Anakitty finishes some of the meat and swallows before adding, "Perhaps that's for the best for us all."

Bell blinks at Anakitty's response. Elfy only smiles softly. Then Line speaks up.

"We can grow faster in the Hestia Familia," the young woman dabs at her forehead even as she too enjoys the tea and some of the roasted Monster meat, "By the time we would return, we will be out of step with our friends. Even if we work with them, the difference will make things difficult. We may be permanently of the Hestia Familia now and forever more."

Pressing her cheek against Bell's own, Elfy smiles, "Plus, we're with a young man who has seen a lot about us," then she giggles, the vibration transferring through their physical contact, "But I haven't seen myself with any boy or man before. So… Bell… Like I said, if I didn't want you to touch me like that, I wouldn't be guiding you. Um… Please give it some thought. I would at least see if it is possible."

Bell is surprised by her confession. Yet… He could hear both Margaret and his grandfather tell him to always be mindful of a maiden's heart. Especially when things are quick.

Unlike his long relationship with the Nearl Scion, Bell has only known Elfy for a few weeks. But that doesn't stop him from considering the possibility.

"My wife said for me to take a Human wife as well," Bell mentions as he admits to that one part, "A just in case to ensure my Human lineage," but he carefully and gently takes hold of and moves Elfy to rest on his lap before gently just holding her close and lightly kissing her on the cheek, "My grandfather told me growing up to aim for a harem. Between the two of them, I do not know what to think and yet still, I find myself enjoying your company Elfy."

"Bell…" the brunette young woman, little more than a teenage girl and yet as an Adventurer in a world where Monsters existed and Deities had descended to live amongst the population of Mortals, she grew up fast in her own right.

Full of story, energy, and gossip she may be, with a look of a Gal and the life excitement of her age, Elfy could not use her hands to count the number of people she has seen die or have found the remains of.

The number exceeds her fingers and toes by leaps and bounds. How close to death has she come? More than she can call safe. Her mind may still be that of a teenage girl, but her maturity is that of a woman older still.

And Bell?

He knows his ledger is full of blood. That he had killed more than beast and Monster. In war and in duty to his country. By his own hands, he had shed a river of blood and drowned villains within his own two hands.

In point of fact, one slaver did get drowned in the blood of his own victims by Bell's hands. One of those who specialized in turning living people into inanimate objects. Bell had plunged the man's head into the blood of many victims and held it there until he died.

Yet Bell felt no remorse for his actions. Only prayers that the victims did not curse him for using their blood to exact punishment on such a murder. It was vigilantism at its most logical conclusion. A court should have decided his fate. A jury of peers. A trial to find the full measure of his guilt.

But such was the False King's corruption. Such was the potential for more victims. To take such action.

And yet Bell knew that at that moment, he only wanted the man to pay his penance. To know his victims' suffering.

It may have been justifiable, but murder is still murder.

The Queen of Gael had Bell's lord create Bell to be a Free Knight, but before that, Bell had to earn the right to live himself.

And Bell had passed.

As the Queen said it herself, Bell had the strength to be gentle. Something his grandfather often said as well. Something Margaret had picked up as well.

To have the strength to be gentle.

Anyone can have overwhelming strength to decide fate itself. But to have that strength to be gentle? That is a far taller order and a difficult journey to achieve that one can only know when they have stared that which is cruel in the eye and never blinked.

"If you will have me at your side, Elfy, let us find out together if our paths are meant to be one," Bell finally says with that soft smile that he unknowingly has that sets women's hearts to race because he is not only adorable in his natural appearance, but handsome to the point that women find themselves blushing at his mere look.

Elfy just smiles, though, happy as she not only nods, she replies as well, "Yes. Let's find out together if our paths are meant to be one."

"Um…" Anakitty blushes and is about to say something more when her face goes rigid and her ears twitch, "Bandits!" She shouts instead and begins to climb from the pool of hot springs water, not caring that Bell can see everything with her rear towards him as she gets up, but Line is right next to her and is unknowingly also flashing Bell and Elfy as her ill-fitted bottoms fall off.

Not that the pair notice or care as Bell helps Elfy up before pulling himself up with a practice he had almost forgotten he had.

The four quickly towel off and begin to dress. Grabbing armor, equipment, and weapons. Bell fitting the new small shield he now has on his left arm.

Something that feels quite natural. To have a shield once more. He then reaches for one of his prizes from their adventure into the mountains and clasps his fingers around a Kazimeirz Battle Axe.

He's unsure of how this weapon came to be so far from its home. More to the point, it has the sigil of the Nearl House in its shaft. Bell remembers that Margaret telling him of the disappearance of her parents long ago. He suspects that it either belonged to a bannerman of their House or perhaps, given its distinct grip for a male, it might have belonged to Margaret's late father.

Or perhaps it was lost before their time. Who is to say for now. But Bell had immediately cared for it and tenderly so.

And now he shall carry it into battle to be the defender of those who cannot defend themselves.

"We're ready, Bell," Anakitty reports as Bell looks to her, for once wearing a helmet, a prize in and of itself from their adventure that neatly fits her ears and guards her head from harm.

It is opened face, but with a small guard down the middle. Clearly designed for a woman. It had the motifs of large cats across its surface and a protrusion in the back in which Elfy and Line had placed a magical plume they had recovered that would grant some benefits to the Felyne in battle.

Bell nods as he sees the other pair are ready. Line is dressed in the recovered clothing. Combined with a headband with an enlarged piece on the front and two trailing charms, she cuts the image of an ancient Priestess ready to heal and provide support.

Elfy by contrast has a simple shawl added to her wardrobe and a hood. Both are made of Monster materials from long ago and with the pendant now set just below her neck, her magic will get a boost as will her ability to more finely control it. Other than that, she looks the part of a Mage.

Both, like Bell and Aki are clad in armor as well. To show they are ready for battle. While not fully covered, let alone protected, for them, the first and best line of defense is the pair clad in far more proper armor as the frontline fighters. Aki strikes the appearance of a Soldier ready to defend her homeland and Bell at least looks like a Squire beginning his path to Knighthood.

With a nod, "Let's go and keep the hearth burning hot."

"A warm hearth is a beacon for all who are weary."

Their small Goddess had been embarrassed when the four had come up with such relations of words. To create phrases and sayings based on their diminutive Goddess' elements. Though, surprised and embarrassed, Lady Hestia had cried tears of joy as it felt like for her that she would truly have a Familia to call home herself.

With that said, the four headed out, but not before Bell had to say one more thing.

"The bell rings of danger, so the state shall answer!"

The alarm bells are in fact ringing loud and clear. Someone had managed to reach them and start ringing them. Loud do they proclaim of the attack.

And in the distance, fires are lit as the lord of the region and the leaders of the towns and villages gather to defend. The Militia respond, grabbing their weapons and securing their gates as people seek refuge inside their walls. Soldiers of the lord man their ramparts as others ride out on horses or march on foot.

But among those caught up in the initial attack is one who can withstand the attack.

One with training and the status of elite proven by her deeds. The young Guardswoman, Leia, now battles the bandits beside a trio of friends who were journeying to Orario to try and find both a Familia and medicine for two of them.

As such, the four slow the initial attack. The bandits prove to be unusually well coordinated and armed and armor. Wearing black and orange clothes with faceless masks, they wield mostly swords and some have shields. There are others who are taller and heavier built, clad in tans and blacks with red goggles over their eyes and in hand they have massive axes that shatter and break things down, but who fall as easily to Leia's halberd as their smaller counterparts.

Fortunately she is not alone as the young woman of the trio lets her shield stop another sword from reaching a mother and child.

"Go! I've got them!" The young woman is barely a teen herself and yet the mother can only see strength and determination as she nods and takes her small child to flee past the magic user in the group as he fires off a pair of rapid blasts of magic.

"Merry, they're pushing!" shouts the boy with a crossbow even as he hits one of the larger enemies in the shoulder, right between his shoulder and neck guard which he noticed to not be tied directly together, leaving a gap just wide enough for him to fire into.

"I can see that Adnachiel!" The young woman still holds her position, pushing back even as Leia charges in and with a single swing sends four enemies flying back.

"Do not think you shall pass so long as I stand before you!" Leia spins her halberd to deflect one of the bigger opponent's attacks before launching her halberd right through his goggles and slicing away to the left.

It is a brutal kill, but the enemy is too heavily armored otherwise. And the rest are too many.

The small town watch and its companion militia guard are simply too overwhelmed. They are used to fighting bandits, beasts, and the odd Monster, but this is something completely different. This is an organized attack by someone other than bandits.

Spinning her weapon once more with a flourish as much as to be rid of her most recent kill's blood and brain matter, Leia twirls slightly with her weapon to keep it balanced and aimed straight towards her enemy.

"I am Guardswoman Leia of the Pontifica Cohors Lanteran!" she shouts to let the attackers know what they're up against, "I dare you to try and defile that which I protect! Success shall only be over the bodies of your comrades and failure will be the forfeiture of your lives!"

Adnachiel makes an audible sound after Leia's declaration, now recognizing her signature weapon and uniform of the Cohors. The young Lanterano Sankta is relieved to know they have such a powerful ally on their side. Especially one to be so mighty.

"Which Cohors is that one again?" his friend Steward asks, taking a quick glance at Adnachiel.

"His Holiness' personal guards!" Adnachiel blurts out the oversimplification.

Leia wants to correct the young man behind her. But decides not to. Not now anyways. If their opponents are unaware of her actual standing and the true organization arrangement of the Cohors, then they might believe they are truly up against a powerful opponent. Perhaps too powerful for them to continue this battle that would make them retreat.

But it still has an effect.

Clearly some know the Cohors and it is clear they are also unaware of its organizational make-up. As such, a number back up, visibly nervous at the thought of just facing one of their elite. A fact that is very much true as Leia is confident she is worth at least a good twenty or more of them.

And unlike her, they have to split their attention between her and the other three.

"Blessed are the Saints and His Holiness, Mortal Servants of the Heavenly Creators above," Adnachiel speaks in prayer, giving his thanks for Leia being there in this time of need.

Still, there is some daring among the enemy. As two of the large ones and four of their smaller comrades suddenly break ranks and charge for Leia directly.

"She's still one woman!" one shouts before a black and white blur suddenly appears before them and all six are sent flying back, crashing into the ranks of their own comrades as broken metal from weapons and armor interlaced with blood dances in the air like leaves upon the wind made visible before falling to the ground.

"But she stands not alone!" a male voice shouts as a young Squire slides to a stop beside his comrade, a Felyne woman of dark hair and fur clad in black and white gamberson and armor, before standing tall, a battle ax held forward, "I am Bell Cranel! Captain of the Hestia Familia and Free Knight of Gael! I dare you who attack this place to consider this warning as your last chance to leave with your lives and find a path more noble and honest!"

Leia gapes visibly at the fact that her assignment now stands right before her!

This makes things easier. Still, she'll need to come up with some excuse to join them back to Orario and then get into their Familia. Already she is making plans to be just truthful to their Goddess.

After all, you cannot lie to a Deity.

And yet still, the young man before her is clearly ready for a battle that he must be accustomed to. His voice betrays his youth, but his stance is that of a veteran. This battle is just another of the many he has seen in his life.

If she is honest with herself, that actually stings. He's so young and yet so experienced already. That should not be the case. He should be just an ordinary boy tripping over himself about a girl he likes and worried about his grades in class and what he and his friends should be doing after class.

Not clad in armor and holding a battle ax like a veteran Knight.

It's a bitter draught in and of itself for her to taste.

"Sounds like the Heavens answered our prayers," Steward smiles as another Mage stands next to him, he's exhausted despite having fought before to put food on his table. He had not faced any such pressure until this day. And he's feeling as exhausted as he fears he looks.

"Allow me to help as well," a soft voice behind him before healing magic passes over him, Adnachiel, and Merry.

Glancing back, Steward sees that it is a pair of girls behind them. One appears to be an Herbalist or Apothecary while the other looks like some kind of armored Priestess. The former is a Vulpo girl with reddish brown hair and fur while the latter is a dark haired Human girl in white with some purple.

They are both casting healing magic that Steward can feel tending to his wounds and restoring his energy. As such, he can feel the chill of his Ice Magicks in his hands restore as Merry gets her shield back up and readies her bladed tonfa even as Adnachiel brings his crossbow back up, loaded and ready.

And they are not alone as the surviving guards and militia find their strength returned and their wounds healed enough to let them fight once more.

"Last warning," Steward looks to the Human male who has to be younger than himself, "Leave this place in peace or leave this world in pieces."

"Like I'd believe a runt is a Free Knight!" one man shouts as he charges, swinging his shield up before him as he attacks with his sword held wide out.

"In the name of Goddess Hestia!" the boy, Bell Cranel, shouts as he countercharges.

The two meet and quickly exchange attacks. But it is obvious immediately that Bell Cranel had not been boasting.

His orange and black clad opponent smashes his shield up against the young man's shield. Both shields create a shrieking noise as metal grinds against metal.

The attacker swings his sword. It isn't a bad attack as the man proves he is no amateur. But neither is he very experienced as his two attacks are quickly thwarted by the battle ax before the Free Knight turned Adventurer leaps back, throwing his opponent off balance and forward.

"Sonova-"

The attacker never finishes his curse as the battle ax sweeps in and first his sword arm and then his head are removed from his body.

Which seems to be the key to energizing the other attackers. They all let loose with battle cries before charging.

"Keep the Hearth heated!" the Felyne woman shouts as she abruptly charges forward, kicking off and crossing the distance inhumanly fast and just as impossibly quick she begins to cut down enemies.

"Master of the Flames, Lend your Power to alight the Darkness, that by your Legion of that giveth Life and taketh Life, to shed Light deep in the Shadows, to Purify that Taint that must be burned: Legios Firaga!"

The purple clad Mage unleashes a torrent of high end Fire Magicks. Entire sections of the enemy are blown away. Flames trapped them from moving freely, forcing them to attack right into those that hold the frontline. Spear, Sword, and Ax to be met before the wall of Shields.

Merry deflects an attack with her shield before driving her tonfa into the jaw of her opponent. The sound of bone breaking is mixed with the very audible sound of a neck being snapped. The attacker falls limp, his head not landing correctly to show that he is dead by a broken neck. Though, given how deformed his mask is now, he could have just as easily died by having his broken jaw sent into his brain.

Leia shot forward once she heard their battle call. Her halberd swung through the air with surprising grace and skill as it knocks aside weapons and shields or even persons.

Such as one of the orange and black clad attackers that had managed to get his shield up and dig his feet in and brace for the impact. Instead of being jarred or even rocked, he had been thrown off his feet and sent flying a good half dozen meders by the Guardswoman's blow.

He survived. More or less just shaken and bruised, but he is clearly out of the fight for the moment as he gets the air back in his lungs. And get his senses reset as he is leaning to and fro like he had been knocked senseless. Which makes sense in its own right given he just went flying so far and rolled a bit more.

But others were not so fortunate.

The Pontifica Cohors Lateran Halberd is a truly well made weapon. It easily cuts through the Guardswoman's opponents. Severing limbs or cutting through enemies, either outright killing them or leaving them to die from fatal wounds.

Unusually, Adnachiel notices, Guardswoman Leia fights with more technical skill, precision, and agility than the famed strength, endurance, and talent of her Cohors. But despite that, her own strength is undeniable and the way she fought made her harder to hit. Which in this battle of numbers, that is actually more advantageous than being able to take a hit.

More Fire Magic shoots out showing the brunette girl is very well disciplined in her art. In fact, she appears to be very unusually quick and accurate with it. He doesn't know her name, but she's casting faster and more powerfully than anyone Steward had ever seen.

Behind them, the pair of Healers keep the wounded alive and those still good to fight in the fight. It's clear the dark haired Human girl knows her Healing Magicks. She gets looks of awe from the other Healer for casting complex Magicks. Though she also knows how to use Healing Potions and the quality is of such that none of those present have seen such before.

But the leader and the Felyne are taking the brunt, easing Leia's burden enough that she can actively ensure that whoever gets past them, doesn't get much further. That also allows the Guardswoman to occasionally aid the guardsmen and militiamen. Her added strength and discipline putting more steel into their backs and renewing their breath with vigor.

"IT'S THE ALXA!" one of the attackers abruptly shouts as he points his sword at the Black Cat among their opponents.

The one that is ripping their attack apart practically single handedly!

None of their heavy hitters are surviving even a few moments against her. Her blade cuts through with speed that produces flashes of light. Her opponents falling dead or dying all around her. No amount of shield and armor to protect them and no weapon able to withstand her.

"The Alxa?!" another shouts as he steps back in fear, real genuine fear, "She was said to have killed over a thousand Rakian soldiers in less than ten minutes!"

Spinning with a grace that makes her appear more the dancer than the fighter, Anakitty turns to face the next group that is backing up in fear. For here they are facing a Second Class Adventurer of Orario itself. Well above all the typical Level 1s and Level 2s and the odd rare Level 3.

Instead, they face a Level 4.

"Loki's Black Cat of Misfortune," one woman mutters in fear as she begins to lose her nerve, "The ill omen of many foolish to cross the Trickster Goddess they say."

"Bell… Cra…nel… Oh sh-" another man begins but is interrupted.

"It's the White Rabbit of Dromore!" another woman shouts from the back ranks, "One of the Three Great Heroes of the Gael Civil War! The boy who dethroned the False King!"

Now others begin to back up with those fighting the locals also disengaging and pulling back very hurriedly. Whatever confidence and courage they had previously, now gone. So fearful of the pair, that they are even withdrawing from fighting the others present. Backing up hurriedly, some even running away in a panic.

Those closest to Bell trip over one another to either back up away from him or to run to the rear of the ranks, almost resulting in a general rout. They all know the stories. No one had failed to hear of the boy who massacred an entire Slave Market single handedly and one of the largest on the Continent no less!

To say nothing of hunting Monsters that parties of grown men feared to pursue. Or of how he had terrorized bandits in their own territories. How even Knights humbled knelt before the boy.

Swinging his ax around to hold in a ready stance with his shield up, Bell appears ready to charge.

"Run!" one of the bigger opponents shouts as it appears that a general rout is about to ensure.

It is one thing for them to fight the local forces. Another to fight some soldiers and knights. It is very much something else altogether to fight Adventurers. And finally, it is absolute suicide to fight someone who as a boy had wiped out Monsters and criminal organizations, dethrone a ruling monarch, and gain fame a leading hero in a civil war.

So, with that in mind, the attackers begin to breakdown and flee, barely staying together and with something approaching cohesion among them.

"Stand your ground or I'll kill you myself," the cold words echo over the panicked men and women as they freeze and feel the fear the young man approaching instills in them.

Behind him and fanning out are those similarly garbed, but in either white or darker shades of their colors. Red has replaced orange in some cases, but most are in white.

"Master… Mephisto…" one of the larger attackers is shaking badly as he steps back in fear, "We…we…we… we're sorry!" the man gets out as his panic threatens to drop him where he stands.

"Oh I know you are," the young Liberi male responds as he looks at Bell directly, "Your reputation proceeds you White Rabbit. I must thank you for what you have done for our Infected brethren in Gael. You spared their lives and gave them access to Healing Potions that have allowed them some small measure of a normal life. It is surprising to come from one who had never encountered an Infected before."

"Sorrow begets sorrow," Bell responds, "But there is no eye for an eye, but an eye for more sorrow. Reunion, I have heard of your name on the wind. As had my late grandfather and Margaret. She is sympathetic, you understand. She's known several Knights who became Infected and yet they remained cherished friends, brethren in arms, and allies until their deaths."

"The Radiant Knight I assume you mean," Mephisto nods at hearing the name, "The second of the Three Great Heroes, the third being your own grandfather, Phil Cranel. A formidable man felled by a Monster unusual in its strength and might they say."

"Probably true," Bell nods, the pain of the loss still heavy in his heart, "But my Familia just slew a Monster that put even a Level 4 on alert. Such powerful Monsters still yet wander beyond the Labyrinth of Orario. Dangerous as can be imagined and even more so. Only a fool would mistake otherwise."

"Yes," Mephisto nods, understanding, "I've encountered such a Monster once, not long ago, fortunately, myself and my allies with me at the time were sufficient, though three were still killed. One bitten half while still alive. It was all I could do to make her passing comfortable so she would stop screaming and rattling the rest of us."

"A fear we always carry into the Dungeon," Bell nods before raising his ax to Mephisto, "But it does not explain what you are doing here. Why do you attack these people? What harm have they done to you and yours?"

The two stare one another down. Bell clad in dirty steel colored armor over a dirty white gamberson with a dirty steel colored shield and an ax of black metal and white inlaids with steel colored edges covered in dirt and blood while his opponent was dressed in a white double breasted tunic, shorts, high socks, and had an orange armband on his left arm holding an unusually shaped Magic Staff in his right hand. Like Bell he had white hair, but whereas Bell's hair had a silver color to it depending on the light and angle, it is clear that Mephisto is a dirty gray as his clothing also appears to be bordering on dirty gray.

Looking at the two, it isn't hard to imagine Bell not covered in dirt from the fight standing opposite, pristine in his colors to the dirty gray of his opponent. A contrast between the two. The two boys are total contrasts if one thinks about it. A Knight vs a Mage is one argument, but their appearances also show a difference.

Opposites it also appears in tempers and manners. How would they best be described? It is hard to know. Hard to imagine.

Then Bell swiftly turns, cutting through the first arrow that arrives, releasing the magic within it in an explosion but getting his shield up to deflect the next arrow that also explodes, throwing Bell back.

"Enemy archers!" a shout goes up even as Bell rolls with the force of the explosion and manages to get his feet back beneath himself, though, he skips twice backwards trying to regain his actual footing before sliding to a stop, his damaged shield up and ready.

The three sent at Anakitty were also defeated as the young woman deftly dodges them, but still cuts them down. Each explodes and yet she dodges the explosions. The arrows were little more than an old drill exercise with Riveria Ljos Alf, the famous Nine Hell and Vice Captain of the Loki Familia.

"Provide the shield!" Line shouts as she completes the spell and casts a Protection Spell across her allies and Familia, "That will help!"

She hopes.

"No need for that," a woman's voice suddenly responds next to her as she feels the edge of a knife against her shoulder, "And no need to worry. I'd rather not have your mother chasing me all across Creation."

The woman has white hair with ahego that are red black with two ahego reaching down to frame her face. Her clothes consist of a gray shirt with some chainmail underneath, a black skirt, gray stockings with leg guards, and black boots and vest. All trimmed in red.

Slowly the woman walks around Line, Anakitty, coiling for the strike.

"Relax Alxa," the woman slowly withdraws her knife from Line's shoulder and holsters it before clapping her hands together, "Alright everyone, collect our wounded and dead, we are leaving. Mephisto!" she suddenly shouts and the boy yelps, "Do not think you're escaping the lecture you're going to get when we return. You were given strict orders. Very strict. Expect her to have a long word with you."

"Tch!" Mephisto all but spits out the sound, "Did you rat me out? Surprising for a mercenary like you."

Surprisingly, the woman let's that backtalk slide over like water over a duck's back. Though she does walk over to Mephisto. And once there-

"Ow," Bell winces at the brutal punch the boy received from the older woman.

"Right now," the woman grabs Mephisto by his hair and pulls him to face her, "I outrank you. So, do as I say and Faust won't have to beg for you to be spared," the woman says before releasing the boy and turning to walk away only to stop and turn back to Mephisto.

"Again," she adds before again turning and continuing her walk to Bell of all people.

Stopping before the boy, she looks him over. There is some surprise in her face as she looks at him. But she then smiles before reaching up and slapping Bell on both of his upper arms. Which surprises the boy when he feels the power behind each.

"You look like your mother, Bell Cranel of Dromore village," she surprises Bell with that single statement, "I met your mother Meteria long before you were born," the unknown woman actually smiles at him warmly, but her face is close to Bell's own, hiding it even as her eyes partially glaze in memory of those times before returning to normal, "I don't think Old Man Phil was ever told this, but you were named for your aunt's magic. The unique sound it made when she would cast it. I wonder if you will surpass her? It would be interesting to see. Especially given her reputation."

Leaning in closer, "You still have kin left and they are looking for you," she whispers softly into his ear, "You are also not as alone as you believe. And she is fighting strong, alive, but may soon need to flee. Make a name for yourself so she can find her way to you."

With those words she turns to leave before Bell can say anything, shocked as he is to finally learn the origin of his name, that he still has family in the world, and that something may yet endanger Margaret. Though that leaves him wondering who this woman is. And how did she know something so personal. So personal that his grandfather probably didn't know it.

And before he could ask who she is, she nods and abruptly vanishes in smoke she creates with grenades which quickly covers and masks the attackers of Reunion who vanish under its protective cover.

No one moved. Everyone stands at the ready. But as the smoke finally dissipates, only the approaching members of the Ganesha Familia and local allied forces can be seen. The forces of Reunion are gone. Simply gone.

But the evidence of their attack remains.

Blood, broken metal, torn cloth, and abandoned bits and pieces as well as the trampled earth.

"Hestia Familia assemble!" Bell calls out as he turns and walks back to check on their allies to make sure they are well as well, "I want a status report!"

Line unsurprisingly collapses to her knees, holding her staff as she breathes hard. The Vulpo next to her is already kneeling beside her, gently rubbing circles on her back as Elfy bounds over, dropping her staff next to herself as she falls on her knees to frantically check her sister for any harm.

Getting into step with Bell, Aki only sighs as the pair walk to the girls.

"I'm unharmed," she looks herself over just in case, "Just some scratches on the armor. Just a few. You?" she looks over Bell.

"Some bumps and bruises," he responds, checking himself over and nodding, "Maybe some scrapes from those exploding arrows. We'll talk more later in private," Bell adds, knowing that Anakitty knows he was spoken to in a low tone.

If she didn't hear what was said, she'll know soon enough. Which is a frightening thought. Because if Aki didn't hear anything, then the woman has experience in how good a Level 4 Felyne's hearing is.

And that doesn't bode well.

Not at all.

The pair stop before their two Familia Mages. Both are holding one another, in tears. The fear of being taken briefly captive is clear on Line's face and in her demeanor just as is Elfy's absolute panic and terror of her sister being in such danger.

Elfy had confided in Bell, Riveria, Anakitty, and both Goddesses Loki and Hestia that she had a terrible nightmare of Line being murdered by a particularly bloodthirsty and crazed leader of Evilus.

The evil Archanea.

It had been both Miss Naza and God Miach that got her to open up. Afterwards, she felt better and Riveria assured her that she and the other Loki Executives would do a city wide sweep for any Evilus cells. Hopefully they would have news when the four returned.

"Forgive me for intruding," Leia approaches the pair, "Aside from the obvious, are you well?"

Anakitty nods. As well as could be as she kneels down and gently pats both girls on the head before gently taking them in arm to rest against her. Both calm down at the gentle and soothing sounds and motions the Felyne makes. Like any housecat that actually cares for its person going to them during time of distress to calm them.

"My thanks," Bell nods to the Liberi woman, "Are the five of you okay, um I caught the names Leia and Merry, but I didn't catch the rest."

"I am Merry right here," the young woman, if not an older teen like Sword Princess Ais Wallenstein or even older than Ais, but younger than Anakitty bounces with a little energy, though she does look a little beat up from the fighting and her shield is absolutely covered in scratches from all of the blocking she's done, "I'm a Perro by the way, and these are my friends Adnachiel and Steward, a Human and Vulpo respectfully!"

"Greetings," the Fox of the three friends politely bows, "You saved our lives and we are grateful."

"Both a Guardswoman of the Pontifica Cohors Lateran and a Familia of a Goddess," Adnachiel brings his hands together in pray before kneeling most respectfully, "The Fates Above have blessed us this day, my gratitude that we see one more day alive and well."

Both are little roughed up. But they are otherwise well. The three friends share white hair and fur. Their clothing also had purple trimming among them. Otherwise they were diverse in blue, yellow, and green.

Merry had the heaviest armor among them. Protected by a simple chest plate over scalemail. Her arms enjoyed the scalemail sleeves to her wrists, where she clearly tied it off with some forearm guards. Her shoulders also had some simple plate to protect them. Her legs were protected only up to the knees, leaving her thighs exposed except for the length of her scalemail skirt she also wore.

She wore gambeson under armor, but even so, it looked to be ill fitting, perhaps too small. The same with the rest of her armor. Bell could easily make out her bust, hips, and waist as the armor was too close to form fitting. That left little play for both growth and protection.

The two males were dressed in long legs and shirts. Some light scalemail could be seen under the cloaks they also wore. Adnachiel also had a small chest protector with a throat guard to protect himself from his own crossbow and a quiver of crossbow bolts strapped to the small of his back at an angle to allow easy access and over one right shoulder to double up his count.

Both also wore light helmets that were just barely better than simple skull caps while Merry wore a simple sallet helmet with a face guard meant for a Human that she cut holes in for her ears.

Which might explain the armor she wore, too. It might have been for a Human Male. Except for the chest piece. It is clear that was for a female if the single piece protrusion is any indication. Though she did have a neck guard like Bell wears.

By contrast, under her traveling cloak, Leia is wearing a light plate armor set that is properly fitting complete with gambeson and is in the same design style and class as what Bell is wearing and favors when not in a complete suit of armor.

Her helmet reflects the design choices of her parent military body as well. A burgonet, similar to the morion. A bit lighter with more variation on design. Leia's helmet had a wider opening for improved vision, though the cheek guards are extended, but thinner.

The group look to the second Vulpo, the Fox People of the Vulpo are somewhat different from the typical Renard. Bell forgets the details, but if his memory is right, it had something to do with how their magic worked. Oh and blood purity if he recalls that tidbit correctly.

Like he actually cares about that.

"Um… Hi," the girl flushes but Merry just pats her on the back and gives her a thankful smile to which the girl responds before speaking again, "My name is Adelaide and I'm an Herbalist studying to become an Apothecary. I happen to be in town and decided to lend my aid when the attack came."

"You're unharmed, I hope?" Bell inquires with some concern.

"I am shaken by that woman's sudden appearance, but otherwise unharmed," Adelaide smiles a little weakly, "I didn't expect that to happen or any of the fighting for that matter."

Bell nods and looks over to see the Ganesha members and others have the wounded and situation in hand as one of their number approaches.

"I need to go speak with the Ganesha Familia," Bell nods as he steps away.

"I'll come as well," Leia joins him, "I am heading to Orario on assignment and would like to discuss travel there."

"Of course," Bell agrees as the two approach the Ganesha woman.

Back with the group Anakitty smiles as both Elfy and Line finally calm down. They hiccup a little. But they are better and begin to stand up, if a little shakily.

"Um…" Steward looks a little worried, "Are you two going to be alright?"

"We'll bounce back," Line assures the young man, "We've been through worse."

Elfy then adds on, "We were originally part of the Loki Familia and so have braved great danger, though, usually with one of the Executives near to cover us if things go wrong and a lot more members as well. We're still adjusting."

"Huh?" Merry intelligently replies in some confusion.

"The three of us transferred from the Loki Familia, one of the two strongest Familias in Orario itself," Anakitty smiles as she explains, "The Hestia Familia was only Bell at the time, but after a certain embarrassing incident involving Minotaurs, we volunteered to join the Hestia Familia until it could grow its numbers."

"Oh!" Merry responds, getting it while Adnachiel and Steward sigh.

Their friend can be smart, but also a little too quick to grasp things. Or a little too slow if she isn't paying attention or didn't know anything.

"I see," Adelaine finds herself impressed, "Does that explain why you were able to move so fast and use such powerful magicks?"

"Yes and no," Elfy responds, holding her right arm up with a finger pointed to the sky and the opposite hand under her right elbow, essentially adopting the classic Lecture Pose, "Aki is a Level 4 Adventurer having been part of the Loki Familia for years. Myself and Line are only Level 2. But the Loki Familia is full of highly trained and skilled individuals, though most are female because Goddess Loki is just like that."

Line shakes her head, "Forgive my sister, she means well."

"Hey!" Elfy responds with a little push, "When we get back, I'm dumping you straight into the bath!"

"You wouldn't dare," Line shoots back.

"I did it to Lefiya!" Elfy responds, "Remember, back on the Eighteenth Floor? About six months ago."

Line giggles at that, remembering the incident. Lefiya had just finished undressing when Elfy suddenly grabbed her, lifted her up, and then carried her to the water's edge before dropping her straight into the water.

The Wishe Elf had come up coughing and sputtering before attempting to chase Elfy around the forest. Both of them running naked and right into a less than amused Riveria.

Fortunately, no males saw them. But they both had a lecture that day. Still, they were surprised as well when Riveria undressed and actually joined them. Her excuse was to keep an eye on the two of them.

But really, it was a good excuse to spend time with the six of them. Ais, Elfy, Lefiya, Line, Tiona and Tione. Her six precious daughters who she had lovingly raised. Though some of her mother could have been a lot less strict, but Riveria appears to be just that way. It didn't harm them, except maybe Ais and according to rumor it was because she said something that angered Riveria back before they all gathered together.

"Lefiya?" Merry blinks, curious about the name.

"Lefiya Verdis," Aki supplies to the four, "Also known as the Thousand Elf due to her potential to quickly learn and then use different magic, especially Elf Magic, the apprentice of the Loki Familia Vice Captain, Riveria Ljos Alf also known as Nine Hell."

"The Riveria Ljos Alf that has the Magic City plotting her demise almost daily or just plain going on about how she cheats or-" Steward is abruptly stopped by Merry's hand over his mouth.

"Probably the very same," Anakitty is absolutely amused by the Vulpo's words as her friends giggle away, "They apparently know Line and Elfy by appearance as Line encountered some at The Old Fortress and they were less than pleased to see her. To put it mildly."

Line sighs at that memory.

"Wow, talk about sore losers or something," Merry flatly states and the other three nod in agreement.

Then she remembers something. Something rather important. The very reason they were in this hot springs town.

"Oh right!" Merry immediately grabs Anakitty's hands in her own, "Please tell us if you know of a Familia or if your Familia is recruiting!"

"Huh?" the Black Cat blinks in confusion even as her ears straighten back up after flattening themselves against her head given how loud the young woman in front of her was yelling."

"They may not look it," Merry continues on, "But both Adnachiel and Steward are really, really sick! We're hoping to join a Familia, mostly one that deals in medicine, so that we can work for the treatment they need! But we'll take any Familia as long as we can get paid and use it to treat them!"

Both males begin coughing as they toe the earth and find other things interesting. Though Merry isn't lying. There are better ways to ask for help.

"The Miach Familia is a Familia that is both currently recruiting and very low on members right now," Line speaks up, gaining attention of those present, "You'll have to speak with the Familia Captain and Lord Miach directly, but he is a very kind and caring God dedicated to creating medicines to help the sick and treat any illness while being loyal to his Familia."

"It's just on hard times right now," Elfy suddenly adds in, "It had a bad expedition a while back and only one member remained and that is the current Captain," Elfy shrugs, "That said, it would be a good place for you as the Dian Cecht Familia is very large and always very busy. Plus, Naza is very good at making medicines, so if you can get what she needs, she can fashion it."

"Really?!" Merry looks very relieved and like she might collapse right then and there, "We'll take a look!"

"And get looked at," Adnachiel shrugs, knowing they had little to lose and a lot to gain.

"Does that include Apothecary?" Adelaide suddenly asks, looking curious.

"Their Familia Home, the base of a Familia, is called the Blue Pharmacy and yes, they do do apothecary," Line smiles, "I'm actually learning more about medicines and potions under Miss Naza as the Loki Familia is allied with the Hestia, Miach, and Takemikazuchi Familias. I'm certain the four of you could get into one of our Familias."

Rather than jumping for joy, hollering about success, Merry instead buckles at her knees and Aki has to catch her before she falls.

But the clear relief and tears of joy on her face are evidence of how she feels about finally having good news about getting her friends help. That clear hope had finally appeared before her after so long.

Meanwhile, Bell and Leia had finished speaking with the Ganesha section leader and the woman had headed off to discuss things with her fellow officers within their detachment.

With that done, both found a place to sit down and speak. Leia secretly using this moment to get a gauge of Bell Cranel.

Which, right now, is him settling his helmet heavily on the table they had sat down. The weight of the fight is still on his shoulders and has yet to leave. Revealing how exhausted he is, though, she isn't much better and is barely upright herself, thanks in no small part to the wall she is using to keep straight.

After rubbing his eyes, Bell looks at Leia, "You said you are on assignment?"

Leia nods before she speaks, "I've been tasked with joining a Familia, preferably a small one, to better understand Familias and how they and their Deities interact. We also need to update our documentation on which Deities are still in Orario. I have other tasks, but those are the ones I can reveal right now."

Bell nods before yawning and pulling up his canteen to have a drink of water. It is something that Leia copies as she is also feeling tired and thirsty. As though it may not seem like it, they had been fighting for quite a bit and then standing at the ready for anything for a while more.

"I can get you in, which is actually pretty easy to do," Bell knows it is just a case of showing up and passing the inspection, but he might be able to get her through, "Do you have any documents that could make that easier? Something official about your mission?"

"I have something, yes," just not on her went unsaid. Which makes sense. They were in a battle, not a diplomatic meeting.

"The Guild is where we'll have to go first," in reality, Bell didn't know, but he is erring on the side of caution, "Then a meeting can be arranged with any Deity or you can be provided with a list and their base locations to go and see them. That's the best."

"Thank you," Leia thinks he might be lying a little, but in the same way she would do so in such a case.

But that didn't mean she would quit. Her mission required her to get close. She had been granted leeway. Especially as it is well known among the church leadership one could not lie to a Deity. Not being entirely truthful is another thing.

Though, how much should she tell Goddess Hestia does trouble her as she needs to keep certain secrets after all.

Like that unacceptable addition that isn't quite an order nor a sponsored one.

"At least I don't have to worry about one thing for the next couple of days," Bell suddenly says and Leia blinks.

"What would that be?" the Liberi is curious.

Bell gives her a somewhat mirthful look before he speaks, "Those two old women that have been hassling us for being, and I quote, 'A boy older than seven living with three unwed girls!'"

Leia can only groan as she had actually heard about that. She didn't think it was the Hestia Familia! Of all the Familias. The Hestia is unexpected, but they do have costs to consider.

XXXX

At that same moment, in Orario, a woman with pink hair and a torn magenta shirt and black leggings pulls herself up and out of a hidden passageway before slamming the cover close behind her.

With a grunt of pain, she uses a spear as a crutch as she begins to slowly hobble down the back alley she found herself in. She is heading for a hidden safehouse not too close, but not too far either. Once there, an assigned Healer can help her with her wounds and injuries long enough to get back to their main base to rest and fully recover.

"Damn you, Braver," she growls beneath her breath as she hobbles away, "How did you figure it out? How did you know?"

The dreaded woman known as the Archenea continues her hobbling. Because if she stops for a moment, the Braver will find her. And in her state right now, if it isn't the Braver, it would be one of his subordinates and she'd still be dead.

Plus… That damn Gale has been hanging around the area for the last couple of days.

If the Braver or his people do not find her, the Gale most certainly will.

XXXX

A/N:

Okay, aside from the obvious server issue that's kept us all hampered, I actually had RL. And Writer's Block. And the loss of actually wanting to type for a while.

Fortunately, I got this done. At long last. It took so long. But now it is finished. This chapter!

I ended up spending the last couple of weeks going back and forth, adding, removing, changing, and altering aspects. I wanted to cram as much as I could into this one chapter, as it will be pivotal for the story going forward.

Yes, I'm establishing that Anakitty and Elfy could become involved with Bell down the road. Line is an open discussion. Some may feel I'm going a bit over the top, but I'm trying to imagine how considerably different the world of Danmachi would be compared to our own.

Such as sensibilities, beliefs, cultural elements, and elements such as Racial Traits, Instincts, etc. We don't have anything unique here like what can be found in the races of Danmachi. So, I want to build and explore such elements.

Also, I wanted to fine tune some of the characters. Such as Elfy being a Gal, but having a personality similar to Hestia that is hidden behind what most people see. The Anime really did Hestia dirty in that regard, severely playing up her childish antics, but underplaying her actual personality.

I blame the Japanese obsession for Committees and keeping things short. It is obvious how popular Danmachi is. They don't need to keep playing things so short and should invest in greater efforts to expand the number of episodes to keep pace with the Novels and give the characters more time to show their development.

Anyways, personal rants aside, I'm also aiming to expand on Bell having some issues. Remember, he went from a 12-year-old boy to a 13-year-old Knight. And married no less.

He's still a 14-year-old kid despite everything. He's still going to be somewhat childish, but he's going to be far more mature. He's just seen a bit too much and experienced it as well. Faster than he should have. His ability to process and handle it are not up to par. Hence why Elfy is keeping a secret from him.

But she also cares and isn't kidding about how her life hadn't included thinking of having a boyfriend.

Though there are two reasons for that. The first is her childish carefree life of being a Gal. The other is the fact she knows her life expectancy is not promised to reach the point of starting a family. Heck, she knows she's lucky to come back up after every trip into the Dungeon.

In canon, Bell is also called the Vorpal. A Monster deeper down with a history of catching even experienced and well prepared Adventurers off guard and killing them. That should tell you what Elfy thinks of her lifespan.

She doesn't have to take a wrong step or be caught off guard. She can just be killed no matter what. And she knows it.

So, she feels like she might have a chance with Bell. For as short or long as it may be. Thus, she approaches, even going further faster. Yet, she also doesn't want to fully commit over the same reasons that causes her to decide to be quick in the first place.

What does that do to a person? How can young people react to it? What is the difference between a child and an adult?

Applying what we know for logic, can work for a degree. But logic is dictated by experience and development. Here we see a completely different development with associated experience.

Each and every element has a longer term impact. From Elfy and Bell's developing relationship to Anakitty getting comfortable enough with Bell to potentially start a relationship. Other elements is the appearance of characters, such as the four newly introduced characters from Arknights.

Truthfully, I hadn't planned on their introduction right now or at all for some time. Myrrh was definitely planned. But Cardigan, Steward, and Adnachiel weren't so much planned. They just appeared.

But it felt right. Especially as they stay closely in canon for themselves. They are joining the Miach Familia, based out of the Blue Pharmacy. And they were originally operators for Rhodes Island Pharmaceutical Company.

The names for Plume, Cardigan, and Myrrh are their actual names. Leia, Merry, and Adelein. Their other names are their operator callsigns.

As for the structure of this story… Well… I found either I did it this way or I would have to try and put a full on arc spanning two days into several chapters. If this doesn't go down well, I'll see about doing that as a companion piece. Might actually do that. But it is up in the air.

More importantly, I'm coming off some serious Writer's Block, a Busy Real Life, and that heatwave that felt like I was going to sleep like a cat in the winter next to a warm stove. It was so dang hot and dry where I am, that even the most energetic coworkers I have were yawning and wanting to get home quick to take a nap.

But, as for the ending, yeah. The scene about Elfy having a nightmare about Line being killed by Evilus is a nod to the fact she was killed by Evilus in canon. Though DanMemo had her survive, if barely, because she somehow has enough popularity to be kept alive. That or Omori actually reconsidered killing her off.

And yes, in the future, Mephisto will be a nemesis for Bell. The two opposites in how the not so favorite pink haired psycho is a pain in the rear for Finn. Something he can handle, but would be just as happy as not to have to deal with the psycho.

For now, Reunion is not a threat to Orario and has no plans to assail the city. So, they're going to be more or less quiet henceforth. On the other hand, W will take the time to go and visit Bell.

What's her history? Similar, yet there are differences. But W is on Bell's side ultimately in the end.

Things will move forward and to be frank, part of this chapter being as it is, is because I want to keep the six week mark where Bell levels up to Level 2 setting a record. Thus, another reason for this chapter being structured as it is. Hopefully, though, the additions I put in to expand the world will help offset some issues.

I'll be picking up with the Hestia Familia's return in the next chapter. Which will see Plume become a member of the Hestia Familia and Cardigan, Adnechiel, Steward, and Myrrh becoming members of the Miach Familia.

Of course, and naturally, Bell's fear that Eina is going to ream him is going to come true.

Meanwhile, just as Elfy predicted, her sisters and friends are going to be jealous she went on an actual adventure.

Until then, see you guys next time.