Bell leaned back in his chair outside the Wishe Cafe. While it was a predominately elven cafe it still accepted other guests who chose to dine there.
He sat at one of the tables outside enjoying a nice fall breeze. It was currently October and the Autumn air was blowing in.
Bell turned his head and watched as people passed by. He looked toward the sun and saw it was around noon. Ganesha should be here soon.
As if on cue he heard a man's voice behind him.
"I Am Ganesha! It is good to finally meet you young Bell." The god said. He wore his normal elephant mask as he sat across from Bell.
Shakti was with him as she was escorting her god to this meeting. Bell gave her a small wave which she returned.
"You sure took a while to meet me. Monsterphelia happened six months ago now." Ganesha joked.
Bell smiled and chuckled. "Yeah sorry about that. Kind of got really busy restarting a familia and all."
Ganesha held his hands up. "Completely understandable, you know part of me is glad the Astraea familia is back. Those kids were true paragons of Justice back in the day."
"So I've heard, but I'll try my best to honor what they held dear." Bell declared. His smile was still prevalent as it was a happy and warm atmosphere.
Ganesha clapped and rubbed his hands together. "Well, you're telling the truth so that's good to hear. Now let's get down to business, Astraea says you're ready to call in your favor?" He asked.
Bell nodded. "That's correct, as you know recently the Astraea familia has acquired the old Apollo familia manor."
Ganesha nodded. "That I do, I was wondering what Astraea would do with such a property. Considering she already has the Stardust Garden."
"Well, we did some thinking about it last night and have decided to turn it into an orphanage. Now I still have to find staff for the place but I was hoping to call in my favor for you to turn it into a guard house as well." Bell explained.
Ganesha seemed to know where he was going with this. "And take advantage of the tax break that guard houses are afforded. Isn't that correct?"
Bell chuckled. "Yes, that's one of the reasons. But another is because most of the kids will be from Daedalus Street. Judging on their living conditions they'll most likely turn to a life of crime. I was thinking that maybe having some of your familia there as role models might help steer them away from that path."
"And in turn join my familia if they so choose. Is that what you were going for young Bell?" The god asked.
Bell nodded again. "Well yes, obviously it will be their choice. But maybe, just maybe the guards there will be their influence for joining. This city could always use more defenders."
"This isn't going to be a training camp is it?" Shakti nervously asked. By all intents and purposes, it did.
Bell quickly shook his head. "Gods no, the way I was raised was I always had a choice in what I did. No matter what I had a choice. I simply want to give those kids the same choice. Whether they want to join the Ganesha familia or not will be entirely up to them. But they'll also have to be around 16-17 to join too."
"I agree with that. I will not send children into the dungeon. But I do agree with them having the choice of joining or not. I will not force them to join but I won't deny the help if they do." Ganesha declared.
"So we're in agreement then?" Bell asked. His hopes were up considering the positive atmosphere.
"Why of course young Bell. Even if I didn't owe you a favor I would still agree to this. I'm the god of the masses after all. If I can make sure these children will have a good upbringing I will do everything in my power to do so."
Bell stood up and stuck his hand out to Ganesha. The god took it and the two shook hands. "Thank you for agreeing to this. I hope to see the fruits of our labor soon." Bell said.
"As do I young Bell. Now I would like some breakfast! I've heard their cherry pie is to die for!" Ganesha stated.
Shakti sighed while Bell pushed his chair back in.
"Oh, you're not staying?" The god asked.
Bell shook his head. "Sorry, I've got to run. Have a lot of work I need to do today."
Ganesha nodded "Ah well that's too bad. Good luck in your endeavors young Bell. And let me know when you're ready to open the new orphanage."
Bell gave him a small bow. "I will, but I really have to be going now."
With their goodbyes said Bell started jogging down the street on his way to the Stardust Garden. Once out of sight, Ganesha gestured to the seat across from him.
Shakti got the message and took it. Once sitting across from her god he spoke.
"So that's the famous Alexiares? Huh not a bad kid, he reminds me of someone." Ganesha knowingly glanced at Shakti who turned her gaze to the street.
"When he doesn't act like a cocky know it all idiot, yeah. But those times are few and far between." Shakti said.
"Are we sure, from what I've heard he's done nothing but help people. Even your old friend the Gale Wind. It's a shame she left the city though."
Shakti turned her gaze to Ganesha who looked at her with a knowing smile. "You forget I've had multiple interactions with him. He's a cocky know it all brat. But that doesn't mean he's a bad person. If he got rid of that cockiness I'd like him a lot more."
Ganesha merely laughed. "Oh, I don't know Shakti. He is giving up that massive mansion to help a bunch of kids he doesn't know. I think that speaks more about his character than him being able to annoy you."
Shakti leaned her chin in her hand and looked out at the street again. She watches as passerby's wave to her or talked about the Gale Wind and how her bounty is now null and void.
One thing she liked about Bell was his loyalty to Ryu. Even if he was an annoying prick about it he never sold her out. Such a trait was admirable to Shakti.
"Maybe you're right. Still doesn't change the fact that he's annoying." Shakti elaborated.
Ganesha let out a hearty chuckle. "Chalk that up to him being young. Children that age think they're invincible."
"He's been to the hospital at least two times proving otherwise." Shakti pointed out.
Ganesha just laughed again. "Well let's hope he remembers those and won't need another reminder."
Shakti prayed it would turn out that way. It would be a shame for someone as promising as him to die so young.
Images of her younger sister plagued her mind before she shook them away.
"He's not her." Shakti thought to herself.
"Alright, enough talk about Bell. I want to try some of that cherry pie! You want some?"
Shakti shook her head. "I'm not hungry Lord Ganesha."
Ganesha shrugged. "Suit yourself, more for me then." He chuckled.
He knew when Shakti got in a mood like this it was best to give her space. Though he had himself to blame for putting her in said mood.
"Sorry for bringing it up. But I know you see the similarities as well." Ganesha thought to himself.
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Bell jogged down the street making his way back home. He needed to grab his new recruits and Ryu to reregister them at the guild.
He mentally groaned remembering they were technically married now. Bell had thought of passing them off as half-siblings but unfortunately, biology didn't work like that.
Bell was a full human and Ryu was a full elf. If they were to pass off as half-siblings one of them would need to be a half-elf. They also looked nothing alike so that would make it harder as well.
Her being his adoptive sister wouldn't work well either because she was in the city long before him and younger than her was then when Bell first arrived. She also acted exactly like an elf that grew up in the forest so that was out of the question as well.
He opened the door to his home and found Ryu, Daphne, and Cassandra waiting for him in the living room.
Welf was currently with Hephaestus learning how to carve more runes. While Emma, Karen, and Lili were training in the backyard and getting used to their new level-ups.
"Alright, you three ready?" Bell asked entering the living room.
He noticed that Ryu seemed nervous while Daphne and Cassandra were just lazing about. Cassandra was reading a book about fairy tales while Daphne stared at the ceiling.
"We're ready," Daphne answered. She looked back at the ground while Cassandra closed her book.
Bell looked to Ryu who nodded but didn't speak. Both were clearly nervous about what this would bring. But Bell was trying his best to keep his voice steady.
"A-Alright let's go then," Bell said. He turned on his heel and walked back to the front door with his three companions following him.
After exiting they walked down the street in a tense silence. Tense for Ryu and Bell of course. Daphne and Cassandra just saw this as a normal day.
They of course knew of the plan for Ryu's new identity. It being the way to get her back into the familia. So it made sense that she and Bell were a tiny bit nervous about how this looked.
They soon arrived at the guild and Bell quickly made his way over to Eina. The half-elf smiled at him but noticed Bell looking a little worried.
"Is everything alright Bell? You look nervous." She pointed out.
Bell quickly shook his head. "Y-yeah I'm fine, hey can we get a private room by chance?"
Eina quirked an eyebrow before looking behind him. She saw the three ladies before turning back to Bell.
"Uh sure...please follow me," Eina replied. She stepped away from her desk and proceeded to lead Bell and his companions to a back room.
She had the foresight to grab some registration papers before she made her way to the door. After a simple opening and closing the group filtered inside and took their seats on the couch.
Eina sat opposite of them and placed the papers along with a few pens on the table. "Well, it seems like you have some new members. I'll need their names, levels, ages, and familia but you already know that."
The three girls started writing down their information while Bell cleared his throat. "I have some other information as well."
Eina quirked an eyebrow. "Oh, and what cools that be?" She asked.
"I would like to report four level-ups in my familia. I have leveled up to level three and Emma, Karen, and Lili have leveled up to level two." Bell said.
Eina's mouth opened and closed like a fish. Her brain lagged at the words that were just said. "F-four level ups. In the span of three months!" Eina yelled.
Bell nodded. "Yes, that's correct. Oh, and I also need to post a recruiting ad for an orphanage I'm about to open."
Eina took off her glasses and pinched the bridge of her nose. It was then the girls handed their papers back to her.
To keep herself busy as she processed everything she had just heard. Eina neatly put the papers on top of each. Before her eyes were drawn to Ryu's paper.
Specifically her last name. "Bell...Ryu has the same last name as you."
Bell nodded. "I know, she's my wife." He declared.
Ryu's face exploded into a scarlet red while Eina's cheeks were dusted pink. "I-I see...congratulations on your marriage."
"Thank you, it was a small ceremony but enjoyable," Bell replied. His smile portrayed none of the embarrassment he was feeling.
Daphne and Cassandra wanted nothing more than to leave but were stuck here for the time being.
It was such an awkward atmosphere.
"Well, then all the paperwork should be in order. Question, however, since your w-wife is a level four. Does this mean she'll take over as captain from now on?" Eina asked.
Bell and Ryu both looked at each other. Bell shrugged and Ryu had a confused look on her face.
"Uh, we're not sure. We'd have to talk to Astraea about that." Bell answered. However part of him wondered if he was still the captain now that Ryu was back.
Eina nodded. "Ok, well once you know please tell me so I can update the paperwork if needed."
"Oh and one more thing Eina. The ad for the orphanage isn't an ad to join the Astraea familia. Can you make sure that part is on there? Oh and that Astraea will be doing the interviews for those positions as well." Bell asked.
Eina nodded. "Yes, I'll make sure that's on there. Now is there anything else you need?"
Bell looked at his companions before shaking his head. "No, I think we're good Eina. Thanks for your help."
Eina smiled and bowed. "It's not a problem. The guild is here to always help adventurers."
With their meeting done they exited the private room and walked back outside. The group bid Eina goodbye as she began to update the paperwork of the Astraea familia.
Once they had left the guild and were nearly home Bell's facade cracked. His face turned red and he buried it in his hands.
"Oh gods that was so embarrassing. I can't believe I declared that so boldly out loud." He groaned. Ryu was still blushing as well since she and Bell were technically married.
"Yeah, you really said it with your chest huh playboy." Daphne pointed out.
"Please don't call me that." Bell pleaded.
"Hey, those are just the rumors going around. A familia of mostly women that up until now you had all to yourself. Everyone just assumed you were a playboy." Daphne explained.
Bell just groaned again. "Ugh, this is the first time I'm hearing about this. Man I hate that rumor, debases my whole character off an assumption."
"I-if it makes you feel any better. I never believed in those rumors." Cassandra said. Bell could recognize her timid voice from anywhere.
Bell took his hands away and smiled. "Thank you, Cassandra. Now let's hurry home, there's still something I need to do."
With some Bell's embarrassment out of the way it only took the group a few more minutes before they reached home.
However, something felt off.
Bell could sense people inside. Strong people. The others could sense it too. Bell placed his hand on his sword and turned to the others.
"Ryu and I will hold off whoever's here. Priority one is getting Astraea out of here and as far away as you can. After that, we can see to the status of the others." Bell ordered.
The three women nodded as Cassandra held her staff in nervousness. Her hands trembled as she knew she wouldn't be much use in a close-quarters fight.
Daphne on the other hand took a deep breath and held her rapier tight. She wouldn't be doing any of the fighting but it was good to have it in her hands just in case.
Ryu and Bell were ready for a fight. The thought of their potential imminent deaths didn't scare them. Not one bit, all they cared for was getting Astraea out of there.
Bell placed his hand on the door. He gently opened it and snuck inside. They had the element of surprise right now and it would be foolish to waste it.
He signaled for Daphne and Cassandra to take their right and go down the hall to space them out. The two did so and Bell and Ryu made their way closer to the living room.
When Bell was able to peek inside he sighed in annoyance before sheathing his sword. "Wish you told me you were coming Braver. I almost came in here and attacked you."
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Finn turned his head and looked into the hallway where Bell was standing. Accompanying him was Rivieria who sat on the couch next to him.
The two were looking at the boy whose posture showed he was ready for a fight. Sitting across from the two was Lili. Her posture showed a clear uncomfortableness.
"I do apologize for just popping by. But I had some things I needed to talk about." Finn apologized.
Bell scoffed and rolled his eyes. "Yeah, well normally when people make a house call they let the person know beforehand."
He made his way to Lili and sat next to her. Placing his hand on her shoulder to help comfort her. Lili seemed to relax slightly while doing so.
Ryu and the others then walked in. Finn and Riviera took notice of them. The prum paid them no mind but Riveria kept her eyes on Ryu.
"So to what do I owe the pleasure then?" Bell asked. Keeping Lili close to him to make her feel safer.
"Well, I'm here on two orders of business. One with Lili here, and the other with you." Finn said. Lili seemed to jump slightly hearing her name.
Bell paid Finn no mind and instead turned his attention to Lili. "Hey Lili, why don't you go find Astraea? I think she's gardening in the backyard. Why don't you go and help her."
Lili nodded and quickly made her way to the hallway. Bell signaled with his eyes for the other three to follow her.
Daphne and Cassandra did so but Ryu stayed in the living room. Once she was sure the trio of girls was gone she made her way to Bell's side and took a seat.
After everything he did for her, she wasn't going to leave him.
Bell was a little surprised by this but kept his cool. Finn and Riveria kept their attention on the two of them now.
It was just the four of them alone in the living room.
"So what did you want with Lili?" Bell asked. He leaned back and crossed his arms to show he wasn't scared of these two.
"I believe that's between me and her. You have no business in her affairs." Finn calmly answered. Riveria just rolled her eyes.
"Alright if you're going to play like that I'll just ask her and find out anyway. And you're right her business isn't my business. But when I come home to unexpected visitors and my friend nervous and uncomfortable. That's when it becomes my business." Bell told him. His voice was firm and strong.
Ryu hadn't really seen this side of Bell before. A calm yet confident leader. It remained her of Alise.
"And you're well within your rights to do so. But I'm not here to argue with you. It would defeat the entire point of me coming here."
"So why are you here?" Bell asked. He wanted this meeting to be over with. He really did not care much for the Loki familia.
Finn cleared his throat and sat up straighter. "What I'm about to say doesn't leave this room. And I want the Gale Wind out of this room before I say anything."
Ryu seemed to flinch a little but Bell remained calm. He took Ryu's hand into his causing the elf to blush.
"Gale Wind? You must be mistaken, Braver. This here is my wife." Bell calmly said. His eyes not portraying any of what he truly felt.
Because right now he wanted to stab himself in the foot for how cringy he sounded.
The news of Bell being married surprised the two first-class adventurers. But Riveria knew that this was the Gale Wind. She had met her when she first started adventuring.
Finn didn't believe him either. "Well, congratulations on your ceremony. But this is still something I would like to talk with you about."
"Anything you have to say to me you can say to my Vice Captain as well. We're the leaders of this familia and we need to be in the know to make decisions." Bell responded. Ryu felt thankful that Bell was sticking up for her.
Finn just sighed in annoyance and rolled his eyes. "Fine, but make sure your "wife" keeps calm when she hears this."
"She will, now out with it," Bell said.
"Evilus is still around and kicking and we're planning a raid into the headquarters," Finn said slightly agitated.
Bell felt Ryu grip his hand tightly. But other than that she showed no outward reaction. Finn seemed angry that he didn't get a reaction from her but continued on anyway.
"As it stands right now we don't have enough manpower to win in a raid. We'd be stretched too thin and the enemy would easily break our ranks. As it stands we need help and you're one of the ones we have to turn to." Finn explained.
Bell sat there and digested the information. Evilus was still around. They had a base in the city and the Loki familia was going to raid it.
Bell looked over to Ryu. His hand still in hers, the look in her eye wanted nothing more than to do this. To make sure she wiped Evilus out for good this time.
But he had people other than Ryu to think about in this familia. "I'd have to talk to Astraea about this. When's the raid taking place?"
"A month from now, if we don't have your answer in two weeks we'll assume you're not coming," Finn answered.
Bell merely nodded and stood up. "Very well, you can see yourselves out while I take this news to Astraea."
Finn and Riveria stood up and made their way to the front door. After hearing it shut Bell sat back down and groaned.
"Man, I do not like those people." He said. His fingers pinching the bridge of his nose.
"Why not, if I recall you haven't had many encounters with them," Ryu asked. Her blush having gone now.
"Personal reasons, but that smug prick made Lili feel uncomfortable and I'm gonna find out why," Bell growled.
"What about the raid? Now that it's confirmed that Evilus is still around we have a duty to stop them." Ryu pointed out.
"I know, and we'll talk to Astraea about it together. But right now we need to up the training of the familia to get them ready. As it stands right now there's a huge chance they'll be slaughtered. You and I both know how ruthless these people can be." Bell told her.
As Ryu looked into his eyes all she could see from Bell was concern for the others. Ryu would never tell this to anyone but seeing that fear in Bell's eyes made her want to follow him into the depths of hell.
Because she knew he would keep her safe. Even if she was a level higher than him.
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Karen laid in her room looking at her status sheet with a smile on her face.
Karen Morris
Astraea familia
Level 2
Strength- I0
Endurance- I0
Dexterity- I0
Agility- I0
Magic- I0
Skills:
Never Retreat: Strengthens the user's status as long as she fights one-on-one.
Noblesse Oblige: Strengthens the user's strength and agility when attacking an opponent she's facing directly.
Dog fight- Raise all stats when fighting one opponent or more.
Deathguard- Death can never be brought into one single strike. For healing massively increases when one is in a critical state. Allowing one to temporarily fight after receiving a killing blow.
Karen sighed in worry when reading her last skill though. Such a thing seemed ominous for some reason.
But it was a skill to cheat death all the same. So it made her a little happy. She really wanted to tell Lefiya about this but hadn't had the opportunity to see her yet.
Karen's smile brightened thinking of Lefiya. Her long flowing orange hair and her dark blue eyes. Her ability to seamlessly use magic as if it was as simple as breathing.
Karen's feet started kicking back and forth imagining what it would be like to fight by Lefiya's side. Her as the frontline while Lefiya used her magic in the back.
With Bell leading them to victory over and over again. Every fight he'd be there leading them to victory. Making sure they all got back safe.
Such was a life she dreamed of.
A knock on her door broke her out of her thoughts. Karen shook her head before standing up and walking to the door.
When it opened she was met with Bell standing on the other side. His face was hard and serious. Meaning something important was about to happen.
"Be the in living room in five minutes, familia meeting." He ordered.
Karen nodded. "Ok, I'll be there."
Bell gave her a pat on the shoulder and made his way further down the hall. Karen shut her door behind her and made her way to the living room.
Wondering all the while at what the meeting will be about.
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Welf wiped the sweat off his brow and looked over to Hephaestus. She was examining the piece of armor he had just made.
A simple greave with a durability enhancement.
She smiled as she turned it in her hand. "Not bad Welf, not bad. Your rune really brings out the strength normal steel can have."
Welf blushed and rubbed the back of his head. "Thank you Lady Hephaestus."
The goddess set the greave down and looked at the clock. "Oh, it's getting late. Dinner time should be starting for you soon right?"
Welf sighed and nodded before he stood up. "Yeah, it should. But I'd rather stay here with you making things."
Hephaestus just smiled and rubbed his shoulder. "That's nice to hear but you should take a break. You worked hard in the war game. I'm proud of you."
Welf couldn't meet her gaze and turned his head. "O-oh um…thank you Lady Hephaestus. That um…means a lot to me."
Hephaestus smiled enjoying his reaction before pulling away. She moved to the exit of the private forge before Welf called out to her again.
"Lady Hephaestus, one day I promise I'll make something worthy of you! And then I'll make you my wife!" He declared.
The goddess nearly broke out into a scarlet red blush. Such a declaration took her by complete surprise.
"W-Welf? Where is that courage coming from?" The goddess asked not turning around.
Welf approached her and put his hands on her shoulders. He turned her around to look at her in the face.
"Because I missed you. During the war game, you were all I could think about. You and winning that war game was all that was on my mind."
"B-But Welf, you've already said this once. Why again?" The goddess asked fighting down her blush.
"Because in this new familia. Where I'm a keeper of the peace instead of just a blacksmith. I could die at any moment, and I don't want to leave behind any regrets!"
Hephaestus felt her heart racing as Welf held her. His big strong hands on her shoulder felt wonderful. And she wondered what could happen between the two of them once he reached his goal.
But one thing was bugging her. "But my eye…how could you love someone who's disfigured?"
Without a word, Welf reached and flipped her eyepatch up. What met him was a hideous scar on her face. Her eyeball had been cut in half and the area surrounding it had been burned black.
Hephaestus was about to punch Welf for doing that before the boy spoke. "Meh, you're still beautiful."
He then flipped the eyepatch back down and stepped back. Hephaestus had to hold back her tears as she shakily pointed to the door.
"Go get dinner, and I'll see you tomorrow." She told him.
Welf smiled and walked out of her forge before heading home. Once the goddess was sure he was gone she put her gloved hand to her mouth and started crying.
But these weren't tears of sadness. No these were tears of pure and unadulterated joy.
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Lili sat on a bench in the backyard of the Stardust Garden. Her earlier conversation with Finn making her shiver in disgust.
Whether he noticed her discomfort or not didn't seem to bother him. He just kept going on and on. Had Bell not shown up she didn't know what would've happened.
"Hey, you doing ok?" Bell asked. Lili perked her head up as Bell took a seat next to her.
"I'll be fine Master Bell," Lili answered.
"Do you want a hug?" Bell asked. Lili looked up at him and slowly nodded. Bell pulled her into his side and rubbed comforting circles on her shoulder.
"So what did he talk to you about? I don't think I've seen you like that since Soma." Bell asked.
Lili was quiet for a second as she processed her thoughts. "He asked me to marry him."
Lili immediately felt Bell's grip on her tighten before loosening. "Ah, so that's what happened. So what'd you tell him?"
"I-I wasn't able to answer. You arrived home before I could." Lili took a deep breath trying to calm her nerves.
"You gonna tell him no?" Bell asked.
Lili nodded. "Yes, I don't…I don't want to be his wife. Or anyone's wife for that matter. I just want to be Lili. I want to be the Lili that goes on adventures with her friends. Is that a bad thing to want?"
Bell shook his head. "No, it's not. If you don't want to fall in love with anyone that's ok. If you do that's ok as well. Just do what you want to do, you have that choice now."
Lili smiled. "This isn't getting you any brownie points, Master Bell. Lili will never fall in love with you!"
Bell laughed at ruffled her hair. "And I won't fall for you either. I think we work better as friends. What do you think?"
Lili nodded and hummed. "Lili agrees friends is all we'll ever be! But thanks for the talk. It really helped."
Bell stood up with a smile still on his face. "You're welcome Lili, and don't worry too much about blondie. I'll make sure he gets the message. Now come on we have a familia meeting."
Lili nodded and hopped off the bench. She followed Bell back inside the house and the two made their way to the living room.
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The atmosphere inside the living room of the Stardust Garden was tense. No one said a word as they waited for Bell to arrive.
It only took him a few minutes but he arrived with Lili in tow. She went and took her seat with Karen and Emma. Welf sat in a chair by himself and Daphne and Cassandra sat next to each other.
Ryu and Astraea were standing in front of the group and Bell took his place in between them. Seeing as he had everyone's attention he cleared his throat and spoke.
"Alright I know you all want to eat dinner but this announcement is important. Actually, there's a few things I need to say but I want your full attention." He began.
The familia all straightened their posture and focused on their captain. The atmosphere got more tense as Bell gestured to Ryu.
"Starting now Ryu is Vice Captain. The three of us talked it over and both Astraea and Ryu agreed that she would work better as Vice Captain. Mainly being I've been your captain long enough that a sudden shift could mess up our cohesion. However, that does not mean Ryu is lesser than me. You listen to her no matter what because she's trying to keep you alive."
The group let out hums and nods of agreement. Leading Bell to continue his speech.
"Also Ryu has just reached Level five but you're to keep that a secret. She'll be our trump card for what's to come. Afterwards is when we'll report her level up."
Emma raised her hand and Bell called on her. "You're talking as if something dangerous is about to happen. Is that the reason why you called this meeting?"
Bell nodded. "It is, now from this moment on, I don't want any questions asked. Once I'm done talking is when you can ask them. Am I understood?"
Again the group let out sounds of agreement and Bell sighed. He took a deep breath before nodding.
"Earlier today we had some visitors. It was the Captain and Vice Captain of the Loki familia. They came to us asking for help in a raid against Evilus. They have a base in the city and the Loki familia can't cover all the ground they need to. Now they'll probably ask other familia's for help as well, but it's been decided by Ryu, Astraea, and I that we're participating. However, we've also decided that this is a volunteer mission only. So if you don't want to join in on this I won't blame you. We're going into the unknown and it's filled with danger. So if you're volunteering raise your hand so we know how best to prepare."
There was silence for a moment as everyone processed what Bell had said. But after that process was done Lili raised her hand. Followed by Welf then Emma, Karen, Daphne, and Lastly Cassandra.
Bell turned to Ryu and smiled. "Looks like we have a full house."
"It seems we do. But since you're all agreeing to join just know you're going to be put in a strict training regime. Evilus won't hesitate to kill you so I'm going to make you unafraid of death. Training starts tomorrow at the crack of dawn. Be ready."
The collective of people gulped at her cold words. But steeled their resolve and were ready to ride to the occasion.
"Alright now with that out of the I have one more thing to say. There's a chance you may have to kill someone. If you don't think you can do that you can back out at any time and you won't be judged. Now go get ready for dinner and enjoy your last night of peace." Bell ordered.
With the meeting over everyone who was sitting stood up and made their way to the dining room. All except for Emma who nervously made her way to Bell.
The boy felt her tug on his sleeve and he turned to face her. The room had grown nearly empty, only Bell, Ryu, Emma, and Astraea remained.
"Bell…is there a possibility that Evilus could have my sister?" She timidly asked. Because if they did then there was a good chance she was already dead.
Bell gently took her hand into his. His gaze softened as Emma's eyes seemed to tear up at the thought of her sister dead.
"There is, but if they do we'll find her and rescue her. I promise we will ok." Bell told her.
Emma sniffled and wiped her eyes with her sleeve. "Ok…I believe you. I'm going to go get dinner now."
Bell patted her on the shoulder. "You go do that now. We'll be there in a bit."
Emma nodded and left the living room. Leaving the three head figures of the Astraea familia to discuss amongst themselves.
"Bell, if they have her then there's a good chance-
"I know, but Emma needs hope she's alive or else she'll break down. We can't have something like that. Not now." Bell told Ryu.
Astraea remained silent as she looked at the two. She didn't like that they were taking part in this raid but knew they were going to help anyway.
Ryu because she wants to rid the city of Evilus once and for all. And Bell wants to become a hero.
"I think we shouldn't talk about the raid anymore tonight. Let's just have a nice dinner to celebrate the winning of the war game. That way it'll take everyone's mind off it."
Bell nodded. "I agree, I'll go invite Anya over so she can celebrate with us as well."
"We'll save her a plate," Astraea said.
Bell bid them goodbye before running out the door. Ryu and Astraea then went into the kitchen to help with dinner preparations.
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"The Gale Winds bounty has been annulled. No doubt because of that boy."
"He needs to die! He's been a thorn in our side for too long now!"
"I agree, first the vat production then the mercenaries added in with a source of our income. The Gale Wind is the final straw!"
A masked man held up his hand signaling for silence. "The Loki familia's raid will take place within a month. They will ask the Astraea familia for help and when they agree is when we'll kill Bell Cranel."
"You mean-
"Yes once the raid takes place Bell Cranel will have a kill-on-sight order along with the Gale Wind. Heh, it's almost funny, the wine is now ready and he'll be dead within a month."
"Oh, I can't wait for that little bastard to die. But the pink-haired girl I want captured. She's to be taken alive no matter what."
"Very well that can be arranged. Thanatos I want you to get the twins out of storage. They'll be needed for what's to come."
"As you wish. Oh, I can't wait to see the havoc they will cause."
"All in good time. For now, we must get ready for the imminent raid. And the death of Bell Cranel."
Well, Bell has a hit out on him. Welf is a mega Chad. Lili doesn't like Finn and Karen is crushing over Lefiya.
All in all another busywork chapter as the title implies. Anyway, I hope you all enjoyed as the Knossos raid draws ever closer. Wonder how that will go?
Oh and maybe Karen's dream could hint to something else who knows? Anyway, I'll catch y'all later.