A silent and tense atmosphere engulfed the room as the Loki Familia, the current strongest of Orario stared at the young white-haired teenager who suddenly appeared in front of their two-story building, and even the people knew that trespassing in their home would be considered dangerous to do. However, an unknown individual is casually sitting near the window without anyone even noticing he has snuck in.
Before anyone could say a word, the white-haired boy suddenly realized something and looked at his sides before awkwardly scratching his neck.
"Oh hehe, my apologies for sitting at someone else's window." He then stood up from where he was sitting and formally bowed in apology. "I'm even surprised I managed to jump here, luckily one of the windows was opened, hehe."
This time, Loki points at the white-haired boy in anger. "What are you even doing here at our manor?!" she screamed.
Bell was not bothered by the red-hair goddess and only let out a hum. "Well, I'm here to warn you about revealing 'that' secret we agreed to never reveal it."
Loki and Finn were shocked at the boy finding out their plan, they only planned to talk about the seal and not the Order itself but getting caught by one of the commanders of the Order this early was surprising to them.
"But how," Finn asked wanting to know what tricks the young commander used to get the information so quickly.
Bell only let out a smile and closed his right eye. "It's a secret~ but like I said during the meeting I'll be monitoring all of you."
Finn was dissatisfied with the answer seeing that the young boy was good at maintaining a poker face and signaling him that he would not reveal any secret to them. Nonetheless, they were not the only three who were in the room. His eyes shifted to the rest who were in the room who were still confused. No matter what the young commander does, the secret will be revealed to them right here right now, so the blond captain was waiting for one of them to speak.
"You're…that boy I saved from the Minotaur."
Everyone looked at the blond-haired girl who just spoke as she recognized Bell from the Minotaur incident. Bell slightly blushed a little upon being recognized by the girl but still maintained his expression and just simply smiled.
"Thank you very much for saving me, I would have been in trouble if the Minotaur managed to hit me."
The boy bowed again at the blond girl with gratitude for saving him from that monster. Unfortunately, after he was finished bowing another question was asked by a certain bubbly Amazon making Finn want to see how the boy would answer.
"I have a question, what is this all about a secret between you and the captain?"
"Well, it's classified information that no one, even executives of the Familia aren't allowed to know. The information is only allowed to the people who were in the meeting and if any of the information is leaked in public or any other means will have dire consequences." He explained making everyone who did not know more curious about the secret. "So if those are still curious, I advise you to stop right now to prevent any trouble between me and your Familia."
It did satisfy the Amazons and returned from her seat. However, a certain gray-haired wolf was not happy at the boy's last statement and was pissed at someone giving orders to them, especially a weak-looking person like the boy.
"Who do you think you are ordering us around ha!?" the beastman walked closer to the boy who only stared at the wolf with confusion and maintained his expression. "Trash like you have no place ordering us around."
Finn had expected this to happen and wanted to see how the boy would react. Currently, Bell was still maintaining his expression and tilting his head.
"How rude, is that how you greet someone you just met?"
"A trash like you who needed a girl to save your ass from a weak monster and order us around ha, what you going to do ha? If we managed to know a secret? Going to cry like a coward, hahaha!" the wolf pointed at the boy's chest and pushed him.
The blond captain noticed a small twitch from the boy's expression and looked at his goddess who was smiling, hoping the young commander get beat up by Bete who was now breaking off the boundaries and taking it too far. Some tried to stop the wolf but were prevented by Finn who only shook his head wanting to see the outcome and determine the boy's capability.
"I assure you, I'm not ordering you guys around, I'm giving you guys a warning to prevent the information from getting leaked to prevent any panic," Bell said but a twitch of anger was now visible in his smile.
"Do you think I'll believe that?!" Bete then holds Bell's shirt and lifts him from the ground.
An intense pressure spread to the room as Bete lifted Bell from the floor. Loki on the other hand was enjoying the show seeing Hestia's child was about to get beat up by hers. However, the three executives of the Familia noticed the shift in the young commander's aura. They felt the change in the air around the boy when he was lifted by Bete and were curious and worried about what was about to happen.
"Oh~," Bell exclaimed with a wide smile that showed his teeth. "Little puppy can think it can bark around me ha?" he then grabbed the wolf's hand.
Before Bete could say anything, Bell instantly slammed the beastman to the floor while grabbing his hand with his. Bete tried to shake off but was unfortunately unable and was surprised at the boy's grip.
"Let's serve this as a warning for ignoring my warnings." He then grabs Bete's hair and before the wolf can protest, he slams the wolf's head to the wooden floor making a dent and knocking him out while blood dripped from his forehead.
Finn and the others were surprised at the outcome and were slightly cautious about the boy.
'I think it's best to not cross the line with the Order.' Finn thought as he stared at the boy who was uninjured and was standing up.
"Where was I? " Asked no one before snapping his fingers and looking at Finn and the others who were on alert at him. "Right, if you guys ever find out about the secret and are lucky enough not to spread it."
He slowly walked in the direction of the blond girl who was high alert to him but was surprised at what he did. He leaned to the girl close enough that they could kiss and lifted her chin.
"I hope you will not get angry, Little Princesa ~," he said with a smile making everyone surprised and making the blond girl feel something in her heart.
"Why you!" Loki was angry at what the boy did and was about to attack him but suddenly disappeared and was now at the window.
"I love to stay in chat, but I'll see you around, little trickster~," he said waving his hand and winking at Loki before jumping off.
This time everyone excluding the unconscious Bete and the clueless blond girl were shocked to see someone just flirt with their goddess.
As Bell landed safely on the ground, he quickly ran off to the nearby alleyway ignoring the gazes from the manor and screams of surprise that erupted in the room where he had jumped off. Right now he was leaning at a wall while his eyes were closed and a smile still plastered on his face.
His smile soon faltered as an intense red blush was now visible on his face, he could feel his chest pounding rapidly as he remembered what he had done.
"Why did I do that? Why did I do that?" he raffled his head remembering getting closer to the blond girl and leaning at her as if he was about to kiss her.
He remembered every bit of it, the girl's golden eyes, her long golden hair, and the emotionless expression that gave her a cute vibe to Bell's eyes. This made him blush more in embarrassment. However, what he remembered next made him panic as if he had done something bad as he had just flirted with a goddess…again.
With those thoughts in mind, he instinctively slaps both of his cheeks leaving a red mark. "Bad Bell, focus on the mission, remember what aun- I mean Mother Alfia said."
He then takes deep breaths as he calms himself from the embarrassing moment he did. Little by little his beating heart calmed down and relaxed for a little bit.
For a few moments, he was on the floor and watched the midnight moon glowing in the sky as he closed his eyes once more.
"Well, no one other than the Loki Familia said anything yet tonight," He said as open his eyes and stood up. "What a day, never expect this to happen in just one night." Bell then remembers all of what happened today and lets out a tired sigh.
Leaving the alleyway, he slowly walks in the direction of the inn they are staying at as he enjoys the quiet moment while he walks. Unfortunately for him, his quiet time soon came to an end as felt the gaze stalking him from the top of Babel.
Stopping his pace for a moment, he turned his head to the large tower and stared for a moment while a scowl was now visible on his face.
At the top of Babel, the goddess of beauty watched the white-haired boy intrigued at his unique shifting soul. From the start, he saw what the boy did back in the manor and was so surprised at how the boy's soul shifted upon being lifted by that wolf. It was like the boy was a different person before returning to normal once more.
"Oh, my~." She cooed as she stared at the boy who was now staring at her from a far distance. "I see you noticed, little rabbit."
The boy did not move for a moment and only just stared at the tower. He already knows from the start he is being stared at and it bothers him knowing who it was. However, despite his annoyance he could not help but give another warning to the troublesome goddess stalking him.
The young commander only mouths something making Freya surprised and more intrigued by the boy before he continues his path.
"Fu~fu~, I see." She giggled seeing the boy walking off through the street. "Tell me Ottar, if you ever fight that boy? Will you win?" She then turned to the large figure who stood motionless at her side.
"The boy is an unknown variable, it is hard to determine his strength. However, if you want me to fight the boy I would gladly do it."
"Haha, Forget what I said, for now, let's just watch what he'll do." She said smiling feeling the boy's presence would change Orario.
Back to Bell, after warning Freya, he safely returned to the inn where they were staying but upon entering the building, he was surprised at the two familiar newcomers. There he saw an old bearded man with an eye patch and a young man with long silver hair that reached his waist while wearing a similar commander uniform who was beside the old man.
Lord Odin…and Commander Siegfried? Why are you guys doing here?"
The young man named Siegfried looked at the surprised boy with a smile. "Oh, Bell good to see you, little guy, how have you been?"
"I'm good sir but why are you guys here?"
"Well…"
Before the man could say something the old man who he was with suddenly screamed.
"Of all the things you could do, you disguise yourself as your brother for two years and never report he was missing!?"
Bell was now more confused by Odin's angered scream as he looked at the girl who was sitting on her knees while asking for forgiveness while Hestia was with Hermes watching the situation.
"I'm so sorry! I-I was about to report it to you but…" the mysterious girl said.
"Wait I'm confused right now, who's the girl, and where is Jason?" Bell asks still not knowing the identity of 'Jason'.
Odin only massaged his head and pointed to the girl. "The 'Jason' you're looking for is this girl, her name is Jean, the real Jason's younger sister."
"Eh?"
Bell was still confused but Hestia cleared it up for him.
"Apparently Jean here dressed up as his Brother to cover up the fact that her Brother Disappeared." She explained.
"Really?" Bell asked in surprise as he stared at the girl who had disguised herself.
Hestia only nodded in confirmation.
"Again, I'm very sorry for what I did, I should've said it two years ago, but during that time I thought nothing of it thinking it was one of his usual hobbies and never expected him to be missing for this long," Jean said bowing.
Odin seeing this only let out a sigh. "It is all right, you should stood up first young Jean." He ordered making the girl follow his command. "However, seeing that your brother has been missing for two years without us even notice is a problem. I did not sense any of my children's Falnas being cut off for the past two years so it's safe to say your brother is still alive. I'll send someone to investigate and look for your brother."
"T-Thank you, Lord Odin." Jean was thankful for her god's assurance that they would look for her missing sibling. But her gratitude soon disappeared when Odin spoke once more.
"However, because of your current situation and deceiving us about your identity, another punishment is needed." The old god stated making Jean gulp in nervousness. "Jean Clouse, as punishment for your trickery, you are hereby banished from my Familia and will be stripped of my Falna. As if today you are no longer a member of the Odin Familia."
Everyone was surprised except Siegfried who only sighed knowing the reason.
"Hey wait-" Bell was about to protest at the punishment being too much, but was cut off by Siegfried who only gestured to be quiet and wait for what would happen.
"After all, it is not my right anymore to be called your god as I failed to see one of my children's sudden absence," Odin added making everyone more confused except Siegfried who only smiled. "And it's better for you to grow not by our side, but with her." He then pointed to Hestia.
Hestia was now confused about what the old god was suggesting but lucky for her Siegfried explained the reason.
"You see Lord Odin has a good in people's talent and seeing you right now made him sure that this is the best for you to grow."
"Wait does that mean…" Jean asks having a feeling about what Siegfried is saying.
"Yes, to let you grow stronger than before it is best you join Hestia and her Familia in their current mission."
This time Hestia was both confused and excited seeing the possibility that someone would join them in the Familia. Bell on the other hand, just realized what the old god just did and made him deadpan for making a very dramatic scene of just letting one of his children grow stronger, but he was grateful to see a new possible member.
"It's your choice Jean if you want to join us or not," Bell said assuring the girl.
The girl fiddled her thumbs for a moment before smiling and bowing. "Please let me join the Hestia Familia."
With that statement, the old god smiled while everyone especially Hestia cheered in happiness.
While Hestia, Odin, and Jean were preparing the exchange of Falnas in another room. Siegfried and Bell were talking at a table catching up on recent events. Siegfried was like a big brother to Bell, remembering their time together when the boy was young alongside his family.
Their talk soon changed to a more serious one as Siegfried gave Bell a piece of paper.
"What's this?"
"Well because you guys are now stationed here, it will be best for you to investigate the Familias listed in that paper."
"Is there any reason?"
"Evilus."
With that word, Bell was now serious and listened to what Siegfried was about to say.
"We heard reports of recent activities coming from Orario, bad ones, illegal goods, and monsters from the dungeon were going in and out. I suspected that it was the work of the remains of Evilus. I don't know what they are planning but if it connects to them it may lead to the Dark Age once again." Siegfried explained.
Bell kept his expression but was surprised by the possibility of Evilus returning. "So what we do for now?"
"Investigate and report any suspicious activities from those Familias, but don't hesitate to attack if they retaliate."
Bell then looks at the paper and reads the list he needs to investigate.
List of possible affiliations of Evilus, investigate and report findings immediately:
1. Soma Familia
2. Ishtar Familia
3. Ikelos Familia
4. Thanatos Familia
5. Dionysus Familia
"It will be done," Bell said as he took a sip of his coffee.
Siegfried nodded before returning to their conversation of recent events.
"So any news about my uncle and where they are currently right now?" Bell asks wanting to know the whereabouts of his family who also left for a mission.
The silver-haired man thinks for a moment before answering Bell. "Your family is currently investigating an ancient ruin that was built before the age of gods alongside the goddess Artemis and her Familia. Information from old records indicates that something ancient is sealed in there and was now getting weak."
"I hope they're okay."
"Have faith Bell, after all, three of the remaining members of your grandmother and grandfather are there anyways."
"Maybe you're right."
Somewhere near a ruin.
A group of people were setting up camps near the forest, while four individuals were talking.
"Let me repeat the plan, Lady Artemis and her Familia will stay here at camp to stay guard for any monsters, and the three of us will investigate inside the ruin to see what's inside, any other questions." Said a black-haired man who wore an explorer outfit and a pair of goggles atop his head, his red eyes pointing to a drown-up picture of the ruin.
"Are you sure you don't need our help going inside the ruin?" Asked a blue-haired woman.
"Unfortunately, your Familia's current levels are still low and may cause some problems, the three of us should go in first." He pointed to himself and two others beside him. This earns a nod to the blue-haired woman.
After finishing the plans the three left the camp to walk to the temple.
"Are you sure about this, Flint?" asked a large man who was wearing black armor and carrying a large sword.
"Like I said Zald, I don't want to risk any life for something unknown." Said the man named Flint. "And besides my instincts keep telling me something ominous inside that temple that can risk their lives.
Zald only nodded at his statement. "How about you Alfia, sense anything?" he then looked at a silver-haired woman with her eyes closed walking beside them while wearing a gothic dress.
"…" The woman named Alfia was silent for a moment before answering. "Nothing strange yet, but I do feel some magic energy inside, although it's getting weaker."
Flint then looks at the entrance of the ruin his red eyes slightly glowing. A few seconds later a loud tired sigh came out from his mouth before massaging his eyes as they returned to normal.
"I think it will take a while to finish this mission." He said in a tired tone.
A/N: COMMENT, REVIEW, AND FOLLOW
