Hey everyone, I just wanted to let you all know that the next chapter won't be an interlude! Haza. Also, I have about five more chapters written at the moment, and after those release, I will most likely slow down the release of chapters. To a more, when I finish them. Either way, I hope you all enjoy this chapter and have a good day/night whatever it is for you. -EG
Word Count: 10,153
Interlude 3
With everyone gathered, Welf took the lead in place of Bell. He felt woefully inadequate to take his place as a temporary Familia captain. Still, he knew that this was how Bell felt every time he would inspire his allies. He learned all he could from Eina during the several days before the mini expedition.
Fortunately, Cassandra, Daphne, Ouka and Chigusa had all joined the small expedition. Aisha was nowhere to be found, and he doubted they could afford her help anyways even if it would be heavily discounted thanks to Haruhime.
Still, they had all the supplies they would need for a week and a half dive. Lili, Haruhime, and Chigusa all held bags full of supplies. It kind of made him feel awkward that the three females were carrying everything, but this was the nature of their situation.
Welf sighed, as he caught wind of the fresh food in the stalls as the party traveled through one of the main streets. Thanks to Bell, the Hestia Familia has gained much attention. But without him it felt like they were a bunch of nobody's. Welf hoped to rectify that eventually, but at the moment it didn't matter.
He mentally went over the checklist of weapons the party had. 'Lili and Haruhime are holding my normal magic swords for emergency use only. I have the new model, which I don't plan on using. Besides that, we have several normal weapons of good quality. Most made by me, as a result each night when we rest, I can more easily sharpen and repair them. We have a small forge and anvil, and more than enough rations. A few tents that will allow us to rest on floor 18 between dives.'
Welf nodded, they had been prepared as much as possible. Still, he was worried, the last expedition had been the exact same. We had over prepared for what we expected to need, and things still went downhill sharply. He knew it was unreasonable to expect something like that to happen again, but still it nagged at him in the back of his mind.
He focused his attention as they went down the massive number of stairs that lead to the dungeon below. He would place his trust in Lili to give better commands as she had a natural ability to pick up the details that he knew he would miss.
Despite the rocky start he had with Takemikazuchi Familia, he had grown to trust them. 'I suppose the last expedition helped massively with that.' His mind wondered.
He looked over to Mikoto. "Mikoto keep your guard up and Skill active. I doubt many monsters will attack us until we get to the middle floors, but still. I would rather be careful."
Mikoto nodded, "Understood Welf-sama."
He winced at the use of an honorific, but he knew better than to ask her to stop. It was part of the culture she was raised with; it was as much a part of her as his spirit blood was with him. So, he would just let it be.
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The 18th floor never ceased to amaze Welf, it always felt like he had stepped into another world. Fortunately, the Goliath on floor 17 had already been taken care of, so the expedition had passed through easily enough. There had been a few scratches and bruises but no actual injuries. Cassandra had taken care of those discomforts with minimal mind usage.
He stopped and looked at everyone, "Right, we made good time getting here, as much as I would like to continue pushing on. I say we stop and set up camp now, what does everyone else think?" He did his best to project his voice so everyone in the relatively small group could hear.
It took a minute for everyone to make their opinion, but most agreed that waiting until they were fully rested would be the best option.
So, in the matter of an hour four tents were propped up and a small fire was started in the clearing. Welf quickly went through everyone's weapons just to be sure but found them all still perfectly sharp.
He glanced over and saw Haruhime pouring some water into a pot, she seemed completely distracted in her own little world. He smiled a bit and looked around to everyone else. Mikoto was happily chatting to Ouka and Chigusa, Lili was talking to Daphne while Cassandra was at her side like normal.
His mind wondered as he sat back and leaned into one of the many surrounding trees. 'I wonder if they are alright?' This has been a constant thorn in his mind ever sense Hestia broke down. He was fairly confident it was the same for every member of the Hestia Familia.
He believed Hestia when she said the connection had been restored, but a part of him… well just couldn't accept it. He sighed and stood, "No use dwelling on it."
He moved over to Haruhime, "Any way I can help out?" He did his best to smile.
Haruhime jumped, with her tail standing straight. After a moment she turned to face him and gave a small bow, "Sorry… um sure can you grab the dried vegetables from the supplies?"
Welf nodded, he just wanted to keep himself busy. "Sure, no problem."
X
Haruhime watched Welf move towards the supplies. 'Welf-sama is doing everything to stay busy. It must be because of Master Bell's sudden loss of connection.'
She looked up towards the crystal that sparkled like a million diamonds, 'I hope they are safe… I understand how Welf-sama feels. If I could… I would probably up and leave to make sure myself. But I can't. I'm just going to have to trust Goddess Hestia.'
She looked down to where the pot of water was, 'Stew… Well, it might not be the best flavor wise, but the ingredients are easier to transport.' She moved to see Welf returning, "Why don't you go ahead and start cutting those into smaller chunks, feel free to put them into the water when you're done with that." Haruhime spoke softly as she retrieved the small knife that was amongst the cooking supplies.
Welf gave a small chuckle, then nodded. "Alright."
X
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Welf had just finished the last sip of the broth that was left in his bowl. Despite his clumsiness when cutting the vegetables, it turned out alright. He sighed looking up towards the crystals, all the light had faded and now it was like they were camping outside the city walls.
He heard a set of steps behind him, Cassandra approached nervously, "Um… Welf…"
He glanced at the girl, "Yeah, what's up?" He noticed that she had been sweating, 'Wasn't she taking a nap? I… swear I remember seeing her sleeping.'
Cassandra twitched and stumbled nearly tripping onto him. But she managed to catch herself with her staff. "Welf… be cautious of the ice."
Welf raised an eyebrow, "Right? I'll do my best to remember that. Might I ask why?"
Cassandra looked at her feet, as her deep blue hair covered her face, this made it hard to guess what she was thinking. "I… I had a dream… I know it sounds unreasonable, but please be careful."
He stood and patted her lowered head, "Alright… I take your word about that. Do you have any specifics?"
He waited patiently, as she fidgeted. It sounded like nonsense, but she remembered her forcing him to make the goliath cloak into a scarf for Bell. Which according to Bell had saved his life. After a few seconds she shook her head, "Sorry… I don't. I… don't get specifics, it always seems like a jumbled set of events that make no sense until the events begin to occur."
Still Well smiled at her, "Well either way I appreciate it. According to what I heard, the scarf you forced me to make had saved Bell's life. So, I'll try to remember your warning."
Cassandra looked up towards him, a slight blush on her face. "Just like him… you believe me?"
Welf sighed, "I'm not sure, but what I do know is what I've seen." With that, he turned his attention away from the shy girl and went to clean out his bowl for later use. 'Ice huh, the only thing ice related I can think of is the magic blade Lili is holding.' He ignored his trepidation; he knew she would know when to use it if it was necessary.
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Welf shoulder his great sword, he shifted to the front of the formation with Ouka. Chigusa was behind them with Lili and Haruhime standing next to Mikoto in the center, followed by Cassandra and Daphne pulling up the rear.
They moved down the staircase with relative ease. Floor 19 was sitting at the base of the stairs. Gradually the stone gave way to wooden walls. With only ten steps until the base, all the normal light was gone. In its place was a soft blue glow that began to radiate from patches of moss.
He took the final step onto the flat wooden floor. He looked around and something bugged him. According to the recent lesson he had with Eina, there was supposed to be a single corridor with four offshoots and the corridor turning right.
He glanced around, 'Six… no seven offshoots and the corridor bend to the left.' He stopped in his tracks, forcing everyone to stop as well.
Ouka looked at him, "Smith?"
Welf ignored him, "Lili, come here real quick." He ordered not taking his eyes off the abnormal hallway.
Lili shuffled up to stand next to him. "What's wrong Welf?"
Welf turned to glance at the tiny supporter, "Do you remember how many passages Eina said there was?"
Lili nodded, her hood shifting slightly as she seemed to be looking around. "I… do… she said four," but she shook her head. "I'm seeing nine though."
Welf gasped, "Glad we have your eyes, I only spotted seven."
Finally, everyone bundled closer, "What are you talking about? Are we going to get moving?" Daphne asked from the rear of the party.
Welf looked over to her. "This isn't right. The dungeon has changed from what our newest Familia member knew. She was a former guild employee, so there is no reason for her to be wrong."
He glanced around and could see the face of comprehension on everyone's face. Mikoto spoke up, "Do you think it's because of what happened last time?"
Welf shook his head, "That's hard to say. If anything had changed, I would've expected floor 24, as that was the one that collapsed." He looked carefully and noticed the wood had a subtle blue tent to it. "Mikoto look for danger."
As he spoke, he held his sword in a ready position. "Everyone be ready for anything. I have a bad feeling."
Mikoto moved closer to get as much potential range as possible. "Welf-sama I'm sensing several monsters, a pair of bugbears, ten lizardmen and a Vouivre."
Welf groaned and tightened his grip on the hilt of his sword. "Alright Lili, keep track of where we are going and try to make a map. We'll have to let the guild know about this when we return."
Welf took a few steps forward, something was bothering him. 'Didn't Bell and Ryu travel down to floor 20 when they returned from their mission. Surely, they would've noticed this drastic change. Bell took a very similar lesson we took when he was preparing. No, something must've changed recently that would've caused this change.'
Welf shook his head, 'No I need to focus on what is happening right now.' With his head clearer but still slightly clouded with suspicion, he took the closest tunnel. It went left, "The walls are narrower as well…" he muttered.
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Fortunately, at least the monsters haven't changed. They had just eliminated a group of Gun Libellula, they had caught them by surprise thanks to Mikoto's skill, but it hadn't been a quiet fight.
Welf took a heavy breath… he had only just noticed the change. It should've been obvious; he could see his breath, but it was such a mundane change that nobody had taken notice of it.
He let out a very heavy breath, seeing the nearly invisible fog that left his mouth. "Is it just me or is it growing colder?"
Ouka shifted and rubbed his arms, "Now that you mention it… we probably didn't notice thanks to the changes in our bodies that Falna brings."
Chigusa shivered a bit, and Haruhime seemed to be doing the worst. "Do… you want to head back. It might be best to have a stronger Familia explore." Welf ask softly, he noticed the air was growing colder by the second.
Before anybody could answer, Daphne yelled, "Watch out Something is coming!"
Welf turned with his sword raised, he managed to lower it as a frozen feather launched out towards him. 'Ice?' Then he remembered what Cassandra had warned him. In the distance he could see a flying figure, it looked like a Firebird, but it was blue and instead of fire there were several crystalline feathers resting among its wings.
The impact on his sword wasn't particularly forceful, but out of the corner of his eye he could see a thin layer of ice leaking from the tip of the feather. It had been embedded less than a centimeter. The feather also had a snowflake pattern at the end of it.
Lili was the first to act, "Chigusa shield." Chigusa acted immediately, giving the high-quality shield to Ouka who stood at the front of their formation.
Five more feathers were launched with a single beat of its wings. Four landed into the shield and one managed to soar past them no hitting anyone but the wall.
The Frozen Bird started flying closer, "Using my sword!" Welf roared as he unsheathed it. The party was scattered, giving the bird an inability to target several people at once.
Welf swung his sword as Ouka rotated behind him swapping back to his axe, as a tsunami of fire raged outwards. He didn't want to use it, but he felt the situation demanded a quick ending. The Frozen Bird barely had any time to act as the sudden furious response flew towards it.
It covered its body with its wings, as they shifted into a red hue of crystal. Daphne had started chanting her spell. "Haruhime start casting your magic on Welf, Ouka, Mikoto and Daphne." Lili ordered, giving a quick command.
Without any hesitation, she started her own chant as a handful of tails began to sprout from behind her. With her entire focus consumed by the task of her chant she was temporarily taken out of the fight.
Welf glanced around, taking note of the size of the room. 'A fifty by thirty rectangle. The roof is fifteen feet high, which is good.' As he thought he was already moving, the bird screeched outwards. A few crystal feathers snapped off, but it was otherwise unharmed.
It shifted back to its blue coloring as it flew directly towards Welf. He raised his weapon into a defensive posture, but he didn't stop moving. He needed to buy space and draw its attention away from Haruhime, Lili and Cassandra.
With him moving far deeper into the room, it was forced to swoop back around towards him. It flapped its wings sending a handful of feathers towards him. He swung his magic sword, sending another wave of fire towards the bird. He felt the sharp draw on his mental resources, but he ignored it. His eyes widened as one of the feathers pierced through the roaring inferno.
With the full extent of his Agility and Dexterity stats he rolled away from the feathers. He failed, a single one pieced into his left bicep. The impact location almost immediately went numb from the cold; he could feel the frost slowly spreading.
Cursing to himself he pulled the feather out with a gloved hand, the numbness stopped spreading but didn't fade.
He sheathed his magic sword as it seemed to be useless. A roar drew his attention, as Ouka chopped heavily into the back of the bird, he could see ice spreading onto the axe. Still a blue liquid oozed out of a cut. Each drop left a patch of pure blue ice. 'What is this thing?' He asked himself. Pulling his great sword from his back.
Chigusa launched three arrows at the bird, one hit its wing digging in deeply, another missed and the last one bit into the back of the bird.
Lili shouted more orders even as all this happened. "Mikoto start chanting and try to finish before Haruhime, and make it as condensed as possible. Daphne, provide backup with hit and run tactics. Cassandra, see if you can heal Welf. I don't like the sight of that spreading ice."
Daphne got moving now enhanced by her magic, her level 3 status pushed her movements to greater speeds than before. In a second, she was next to the frozen bird with her Fencer Laureate. With a quick thrust it slid in three inches before abruptly stopping. Wanting to do as much damage as possible, Daphne pulled downward with the edge of the weapon causing a bloody gash along Its body.
Welf jumped back and held his great sword at shoulder level, in the bird's moment of distracted pain he raised his sword and brought it down. With surprising agility, the frozen bird rotated mid-air causing the weapon to barely nick its feathers.
The bird shot up, launching a dozen feathers at Daphne. She shot to the side, knocking two then five to the side until one connected with her calf.
Daphne gasped as the frost began to creep over her leg. It only managed to spread three inches before it was pulled out, with a handful of frosty ichor clinging to the tip.
The bird shifted between the three front fighters; it flew up to the highest point it could. It let a mighty roar as two dozen feathers flew out split between the three.
Welf was forced to use his great sword as a shield as he rotated his body to get as much coverage as possible. He felt the cold radiating off his sword, he also felt three points of impact on his body. One on his hand, and two on his stomach.
He immediately dropped his sword and pulled the one sticking out his hand. The skin was a bright red. 'Frostbite?' He thought, noticing the damage.
He pulled out the two from his chest, which fortunately didn't pass completely through his battle garb.
Daphne managed to avoid all of the new barrage, she knew how fast they moved and was able to knock aside any that would've hit her.
Ouka shifted his axe out from over his face with three projecting from it, and two were stuck into his forearm. After a grunt he pulled them out as the splotches of frostbite spread several inches.
With the bird having just launched its attack, a purple glow surrounded it both above it and below it as a spectral sword began to emerge downward. It did its best to avoid the unknown danger, but it failed as half of its body was pummeled by the increasing gravity.
In the blink of an eye four tails shot out from Haruhime as she slumped a bit. Still, she stood tall and got moving to a more defensible location making sure she kept the goliath cloak between her and the bird the entire time.
Welf felt renewed strength enter his body, as the usual disorientation from a boost in level took over for a moment.
The gravity increased in intensity with the boost that Mikoto got, Ouka brandished his weapon and took a mighty swing of his axe. It dug deep into the bird, but it wasn't enough to cause major damage.
As Ouka leaped back as the bird glanced at him, Daphne shot in with a thrust from her weapon. It dug in deeper than before but nowhere deep enough to land a killing blow.
Cassandra finished her spell as a wave of healing pulsed out in an area just large enough to affect everyone.
Welf felt the numbness fade but saw the discoloration didn't fade.
With that wave of healing, the bird looked out at Cassandra, with its head outside of the gravity field. It opened its beak and let out a shriek as a large cone of ice erupted outwards.
Cassandra froze seeing the wave of frost, as Daphne acted with her enhanced Agility and being level boosted, she pulled Cassandra out of the area for the frost. The temperature dropped an additional dozen degrees, now everyone's breath could be seen.
Welf took the opportunity to pull out his magic sword with a single hand and swung it, the bird didn't seem to have time to react as its beak was just starting to close.
The wave of fire caused the frosty temperature to skyrocket, as a wing of the bird was destroyed by the blast. 'Is it still not down!?' Welf thought, seeing the bird struggle and gradually begin to stand in Mikoto's spell.
With a shout Mikoto's spell broke, Welf could see that her fingertips had streams of blood leaking out of them.
Welf sheathed the magic sword and jumped forward with his great sword in both hands, his slab of sharpened metal flew through the air with all the force he could muster.
The frozen bird glared at him and opened his beak, but Ouka would let it. He swung his axe in a downward slash connecting with the back of the head of the bird as Welf's swing connected where the head connected with the neck.
With a sickening crunch, the weight of both attacks caused the head to be crushed and severed. Thick blue ichor rushed out from the wound coating Welf's arm and leaving a massive pool underneath it.
Everyone just stood and looked at what they had defeated. More than a minute passed, everyone knew it was reckless as the dungeon could easily send more monsters as they stood in a stupor. Even knowing that, they all stared dumbly at the headless bird.
Lili was the first to start acting, she pulled out a long knife. One much longer than the one she normally used to gather stones; it was specifically used to gather the stones for those that might have dangerous blood.
It took a minute, as Lili grunted. "The stone isn't in the normal location, if it was an enhanced or an offshoot of a Firebird then the stone should be in the same location."
Eventually the stone rolled out turning the body to ash, everyone stared at the stone in silence, instead of the deep purple color it was instead an ice blue. "That's… not right." Welf whispered the obvious statement.
He winced, feeling the pain beginning to return from where he had been injected with the frost from its feather. "That's not the only thing." Lili very gingerly picked up an item that was left behind in the ashes.
It was a pristine blue feather, one that had snowflake-like patterns running down each bristle. It glowed a soft blue in the dimly illuminated room.
Ouka fell to one knee, Cassandra rushed over and started casting her healing magic. After a moment, a wave of healing light washed throughout and infused every member of the party.
This time the pain didn't fade from Welf, "We… might need to make a trip back to the surface. The… healing isn't helping."
With a struggle he removed the glove, his hand was now starting to fade from the crimson to a pale coloration. Welf had a bad feeling, "Right. Everyone get ready, we're going to make a hasty journey back up to the surface."
Everyone nodded, they took three dozen steps when Daphne collapsed, as the frost that encroached the joint of her knee, she was unable to walk. "Shit." She muttered sitting on the ground.
Cassandra eased her way over to her friend, "Daphne. Let me help you." She held out a hand for Daphne to take.
Daphne seemed embarrassed but accepted being hauled up back to her feet. "Here. I might not have the highest strength score. But I'm level three, I can carry you."
Cassandra shifted, leaned down and lifted Daphne, she was extra careful with Daphne's leg who let out an ignored protest.
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The journey back to the surface was a rushed one, Welf could no longer feel his hand and arm. Glancing over to Ouka and Daphne, he knew they were in similar boats. "I know your members of Miach Familia, but the Dian Cecht Hospital is closer." Welf ordered moving down the main street towards the hospital.
The others followed his order without complaint, the building was magnificent made of white stone. But Welf ignored that, he threw the doors open. Amid looked at him and raised a single eyebrow. "Yes? Please don't tell me Bell did something irresponsible again."
Welf shook his head and showed her his hand, "These two." he waved over to Ouka who was staggering a bit, and Daphne who was still being carried. "We encountered… a new monster, it seems to have started to freeze us from the impact point."
Amid immediately jumped into action. "Right, follow me to the back room, all three of you. The rest of you wait out here until I have a chance to inspect them." Amid moved over and halfway forced Daphne out of Cassandra's arms.
Cassandra spoke up, "Miss… Amid. Just so you know… my healing magic didn't do anything."
Amid narrowed her eyes and nodded, "Thank you for letting me know."
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Welf staggered onto the bed with Daphne on a separate bed to his left and Ouka to his right. As they moved the short distance down the hall, he gave a brief description of their encounter and its abilities. Focusing mostly on its spreading ice and Icy blood.
She nodded, absorbing each detail, she shouted down one of the halls when they saw another member of the Dian Cecht Familia. "Bring warm water to room four immediately."
She turned to Welf, "This is similar to frostbite, but how it seems to spread is worrying." Without missing a step, she went to a cabinet held within and pulled out a few magic stone implements.
Welf, looked at them, "Lili… our supporter has a drop item from the creature. If that would help at all."
Amid shifted, placing a stone onto Daphne's leg. It glowed a soft red, "That depends, let me do what I can now, and we'll see about that in a bit."
She held out a towel as the other Familia Member, a human with short cropped brown hair, brought in a tank of warm water. "Take this and dampen it in the water. Then rub it softly onto his forearm to try to warm it up. It seems like spreading frostbite." She nodded and focused her attention to Welf, whose hand was starting to turn a shade of purple.
Welf looked over to Daphne, he could see she was sweating and grimacing. But her condition wasn't worsening, he breathed a sigh of relief at that, at least. 'Whatever that stone is, it seems to be helping. Even if it's only preventing it from getting worse.'
Still, he focused on his hand; it was his livelihood. It's what let him pursue his passion. But he knew that rushing Amid would do nothing. So, he contented himself with waiting.
X
Hestia had been working her normal post, it had been a quiet day. When a person in a uniform rushed in and quickly handed her a notice, she recognized the uniform and gave a soft. "Thank you." As the person ran off.
She opened it and recognized Amid's handwriting; it was a short notice claiming that the expedition party had returned abruptly, and three members of the party were under her care.
She groaned, "I can't just leave…"
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It had taken half an hour until someone showed up to release her, she didn't even change as she rushed to the Dian Cecht Hospital.
She threw the door open and saw many members of the Familia and others that joined them for the expedition. She wheezed out great gasps of air, Miach was the one to approach. "Hestia, easy… they are being treated now. Amid has assured us that the worst is past."
Hestia sighed through her panting. "Wh… what happened…?" She managed, through great breaths.
Lili moved closer, "Goddess, Lili will explain if you don't mind going to a separate area.
Hestia looked between her and the door where they were being treated. With a reluctant nod, Lili guided her to a more secure area.
It was a simple story, but grand in its simplicity. "Lili is planning on writing a full report to the guild. I'm sure they already know… but still."
Hestia sighed, "First the enhanced Hellhound, then the Fire Dungeon Lizard that Eina encountered, and now this. Just what is happening to the dungeon?" She collapsed onto a small bench that stood against one of the pristine white walls.
Hestia noticed Lili flinch a bit. "Wait, Eina had encountered something similar?"
Hestia nodded, "A bit after you all left, she entered the dungeon and went down to the fifth floor. There she found one, she described it as a miniature infant dragon. Fortunately, she didn't get too injured, and what injuries she did have was healed by one of Loki's Children." Her heart finally seemed to return to its normal rhythm.
Lili just stood there in silence for a long period of time. "What's wrong?"
Lili shook her head, "I… I just have a feeling the dungeon is changing… because of all the damage that happened during our expedition. An abnormally early floor boss, the change in layout of floor 19. The radical increase in monster type… it can't be a coincidence, could it?"
Hestia sat in silence; she was lost in her own thoughts. "Well… tomorrow I'll see if I can talk with Ouranos. Besides this, how did everything else go?"
Lili sighed, "Not great, we didn't get much in the way of drops, and seeing how this happened on our first day down on those floors… well suffice to say that we didn't get a lot of stones. Maybe in total, half of what we need before splitting it." Lili shook her head, "I… just don't see how we are going to afford this. We would barely have enough if we drained every last Valis from our savings."
Hestia nodded and leaned back further against the wall. "I… know…"
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Hestia sat with everyone for hours. Amid had assured them several times that they would be fine and to please stop crowding up her halls. Eventually, slowly but surely people began to trickle away. First was Miach, just due to the location Cassandra left with him, in order to escort him home as you never know for sure what could happen.
Lili was the next; with Chigusa, Haruhime and Mikoto. They had to turn in the few stones and items they did gather, and Lili had to file a report. Although, they all looked extremely reluctant to Hestia.
Takemikazuchi was the last one to leave. "Hestia…" He said solemnly.
Hestia looked up to God who had been standing the entire time, "It's alright Take. Go inform your other children what happened. I'll let you know if anything changes."
Takemikazuchi stiffened but gave a deep bow. "Hestia… my apologies. Please do." Takemikazuchi stood up straight once more and started making his way down the hall. Hestia watched him turn to face the hospital door for a few seconds before slumping his shoulder and leaving completely.
There Hestia sat alone, she appreciated that everyone stayed for as long as they did. As she watched the door, she couldn't help but wonder, 'I hope Eina is doing alright. I know she'll feel guilty despite it being impossible to have known ' She sighed, and shifted uncomfortably and did her best to wait patiently.
X
Eina shifted as her mind snapped back to consciousness. She felt her head resting against something soft. She glanced upward to see the Emerald haired princess looking up towards the clear blue sky.
She jolted up, her head burned from the mind down she had experienced. "Riv… Riveria. I'm sorry… I should've had better control."
Riveria glanced downward towards her, Eina knew she probably had a small blush. Still Riveria smiled softly. "Don't be ridiculous Eina, you're only level one. Learning to concurrent cast is normally something that would begin at level 2, maybe even three depending on the person. Most never develop the ability."
Eina sighed, "Maybe… but still. I need to, I cannot afford to be standing like a statue."
Eina fidgeted, she had been practicing for hours and hours. All she could manage was walking, jogging or running was no good, and trying while getting attacked was an absolute negative. "What's wrong Eina? You seem nervous." Riveria spoke as she held out another blue potion. It would be the fifth mind potion she had taken today. Riveria had paid for them, but only bought the weaker quality.
Eina shifted her eyes from the potion, to Riveria, then to the stone wall they stood on. "Several things, why are we up here and are you sure you can spare the time when I'm sure you're busy?"
Riveria chuckled lightly, "I don't mind doing this Eina, although when Ryu returns, she would likely be a better teacher for this subject. As for why we're up here there are two reasons." She held up a single finger, "First, it's an isolated spot so if you do manage to shoot out your magic, you'll have time to guide it without causing any problems."
Eina nodded, "Makes sense." Riveria's eyebrow twitched.
She held up a second finger, "I think it's humorous."
Eina raised an eyebrow, "How would being up here be humorous?"
Riveria shook her head, "I suppose you wouldn't know, Aiz trained Bell to fight up here."
Eina shifted, uncorking the potion and downing it. Even as the acrid flavor ran down her throat, she could feel the pain in her head begin to trickle away. Coughing at the taste, she sighed and placed the empty vial to the side. "I suppose that makes sense, well maybe knowing that can bring me some good luck."
Eina glanced back towards the sky she guessed she had about two hours until the sun began to set. Gathering her energy she stood. "Right, let's try again."
She took a breath and focused, she held her wand out and she started walking as she began to chant. She took a few steps and tried to jog, but it felt like her head was starting to be torn apart from focusing on the several aspects that required her attention. Making sure she didn't trip, focusing on the incantation, focusing on how much mind she was channeling, how fast she was moving. All of these things caused her magic to lash outward, it caused an Ignis Fatuus. It felt like her skin was damaged from within as a small explosion surrounded her.
Her mind shut down from the strain of the magic and the pain that was caused by the explosion.
X
Riveria watched, as her best friend's daughter stood and started chanting. As she got moving, she could feel and see the magic growing unstable, she prepared by casting her healing magic as she stood. A second after the explosion happened a wave of healing washed over Eina.
Riveria sighed, moved and picked up Eina's limp body. Just as she had half-jokingly told Aiz, she sat on the stone wall and placed Eina's head onto her lap. There had been several more reasons she had decided to help Eina, first she needed a break from all the work she had to do on a regular basis. Second, seeing her work hard brought back memories of watching Eina's mother work, although the situations are different. Third, was that a small part of her was afraid to let Eina be an adventurer, she didn't believe that she had what it took but she had been proven wrong when she watched Bell.
She slowly stroked the soft brown hair, 'Still… I can't watch over her forever. If she is insistent on being an adventurer at least.' She looked over to where her Familia home was located, 'Should I offer advice despite her telling me that she wanted to figure it out. She is focusing too much, if she can manage to move without thinking about it that would greatly improve her chances. But that's easier said than done.'
Riveria silently watched the birds in the sky fly free, free from the shackles of responsibility. A tiny part of her was jealous. She shook her head, 'I have chosen this path when I decided to ask for Loki's Blessing. Even if it had been necessary.'
She sighed, if there was one thing she wanted it was freedom. Freedom from the responsibility of being a vice-captain, freedom from the responsibility that her bloodline brought. As she ran her fingers through Eina's hair, she realized something. Moments like this, make me feel like I have freedom to act how I want, and not how I should. I've only ever been able to act freely around Aina, and now Eina.' A small smile grew on her lips. 'Maybe… just maybe I understand how Aiz felt, even if she mostly wanted to know how he grew stronger so quickly. But I know there is more to it even if she doesn't say so.'
Twenty minutes passed, and Riveria slipped her hand into her robe and pulled out another vial. Within a few seconds, Eina's eyes snapped open as she apologized again. She held out the vial, with a small smile ever present on her lips.
X
Hestia jumped awake as a small hand shook her. "Lady Hestia." It was Amid, the silver hair tied back purple eyes squinted. "Lady Hestia, the patients are free for visitation. I'll send notice to Lord Miach and Lord Takemikazuchi."
All the weariness that Hestia felt vanished in a single heartbeat. Jumping to her feet she looked up at the healer, who was just taller than she was, and gave a small bow. "Thank you, Amid. This is the second time you have treated one of my children."
Amid simply sighed, "Think nothing of it. It's my job after all." With that comment, the Silver haired healer turned and started to make her way to the front desk.
After a second of watching the human leave, she quickly moved down to the door she knew the three were laying and resting. A singular second of hesitation passed until she put a smile on her face and swiftly slid the door open.
What she saw brought her both pain and relief. Ouka and Welf had their arms bandaged, while Daphne had her leg bandages from the mid thigh down. With a hint of forced enthusiasm she spoke, "How are the three of you doing?"
"Terrible." They all spoke in unison.
Hestia gave a false chuckle, "Sorry I'm the only one here. Everyone had been waiting but had obligations, with turning in stones and drops and other such things." She took a few steps and stood at the end of the bed that her temporary captain laid in. "I've already been told by Lili what happened, sounds like quite the discovery especially if the guild somehow doesn't know about it."
Welf glanced over, had his hand and sighed, "Probably. Shame I won't be able to work for a bit."
Hestia did her best to keep her appearance bright and bubble, "I suppose that means you can now take a break. You need one. Maybe visit Hephaestus. She asks me about your progress every time I see her." Which was far more than she wanted considering that normally it was because she did something wrong working in her shop.
Welf blushed slightly, "Perhaps I should…"
Hestia wanted to tease him but restrained herself. "Well did Amid say when you would be free to go?"
Welf nodded and glanced over the others, "Yeah, she said we can leave in the morning. Only because she wants us to wait here due to it being an injury inflicted by an unknown."
Welf placed his good hand on a small wooden box that sat next to him. "Here, take a look at this."
He was holding out the small box to her, so she opened it. She gasped when she noticed the contents. "It's beautiful. Is It from that monster?" There was a moderately small bluish stone and a crystalline feather with a snowflake pattern.
She noticed that depending on how she either looked at it or tilted the box, the color would shift in hue. Even changing to a tint of red. "It is,"
Welf's voice broke her out of her fascination. She gently touched the stone; it gave off a soft soothing chill. Instinctually she retracted her hand and snapped the box shut with a shiver. "R… Right. I'll need to… talk to someone about this. Anyways, do you want me to let Hephaestus know?"
It took Welf a few seconds to respond, he simply shook his head. "No… I'll do it."
Hestia gave a gentle reassuring smile, "She'll like that."
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.
The remaining hours flew by for Hestia as she kept an eye out on the bed bound children. Takemikazuchi and Miach visited, as well as a handful from the expedition. Hestia had asked to see if Mikoto could go out and find Eina using her skill, but she wanted her back in an hour regardless of the result.
Mikoto left in a flash, she returned almost an hour later with an exhausted looking Eina in tow. "Wh… what happened?" She managed through a heavy panting.
Hestia glanced over towards Mikoto, "You didn't tell her?"
Mikoto shifted slightly but had a serious look on her face. "No goddess, Lady Riveria was with her. I didn't think you would want this to get out yet."
Hestia nodded, "I understand. Right, let me know if I leave out any details."
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Eina stood in silence with her eyes closed, for so long that she looked to be asleep until she released a long sigh. "Right… with my experience and what happened during the expedition. Shouldn't you want everyone to know? So why hide it?"
Hestia sighed, "I do want everyone to know, but I need to talk to the old man first." Hestia glanced around at everyone, "Right, now that there are more people here. I'm going to go visit Ouranos."
Mikoto gave a small bowl, "Do you want one of us to accompany you?"
"No…" She answered, but immediately retracted her statement. "Actually yes, having someone there to explain from their perspective would be useful. Lili, come with me." She turned to Mikoto, "Do you mind staying here with Haruhime?" When she shook her head in the negative, Hestia continued. "Eina… would you come with me as well? I know you probably don't, but you had your own unique experience, and it would be useful to have your experience to add to it. It might just be a coincidence, but I doubt it."
She could see the hesitation in Eina's expression, but after a second Eina nodded, "I'll go as well."
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Hestia stood in the guild hall with Lili and Eina. With the formal request to meet with Ouranos. Hestia noticed the strange looks that Eina was receiving and in return how she would periodically shift in obvious discomfort.
She looked at the various guild staff, 'I… can't let her be the focus of their attention if she's so uncomfortable.'
The moment the thought raced through her mind, she inhaled sharply. With as force as her small frame could muster, she shouted, as if to act like an impatient child. "Ouranos, we don't have all day!"
The entire guild flinched as her voice echoed off the walls, all the members focused on her as she puffed out her chest. 'Good.' She gave a self-satisfied smile, as she heard steps racing towards them.
She heard Eina grimace as a short overweight elf approached and stopped just before her. "Lady Hestia, please I beg you to keep your voice down. Lord Ouranos is in another meeting."
She caught how the fat elf's eyes shifted from her to Eina. His eyes narrowed, "Miss Eina. I'm… happy you found another profession so quickly."
Hestia gritted her teeth, as a soft voice emerged from Eina who stood behind her. "That's right Royman."
Hestia sighed inwardly, 'You're not helping.' She silently thought. "Royman was it? I appreciate you… giving Eina the opportunity. She has proven quite the asset; with a bit of time she could shine brightly."
Hestia shifted as Royman glared at her despite his expression seeming unchanged. The fat elf opened his mouth but was cut off as another voice rose over the field of onlookers. "Lady Hestia, you and your companions are free to join Lord Ouranos. Please… follow me."
Hestia looked over to see a relatively tall dog person, with brown hair. "Thank you."
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As they moved down the staircase that she knew led to Ouranos' throne, she glanced over to see Eina with a slightly dejected look, her short, pointed ears seeming to shift slightly downward. "Eina, don't worry about it. You'll get the hang of it."
On their trip to the Guild Eina had informed both Lili and Hestia what she had been doing. 'I know you will, you are so much smarter than you realize.' Hestia thought giving her silent honest thoughts on the half-elf.
Eina's head shifted upward, "Maybe… it just… feels impossible at the moment. Then you gave open praise like that… well it just felt wrong, like you were lying."
Hestia sighed, "In that you are so much like Bell. Always thinking down on yourself, not seeing what others see."
They reached the final step down before Eina could respond. A deep booming voice echoed through the underground chamber. "Hestia, I really wish you wouldn't cause such a scene."
Hestia pouted but nodded her head. "I understand Ouranos, but I… had my reasons."
The unmoving figure looked at her, "Well might as well join in on this meeting, as it was almost done."
Another god was standing at the base of the throne, one with orange hair and a feathered cap. "Hermes." Hestia growled.
Hermes only chuckled, "Listen Hestia, I know our last interaction wasn't the most… positive but remember I did lend Aisha to your first expedition."
Hestia narrowed her eyes but remained silent. As the deep voice of the Sky God echoed over the room. "Hermes, once you finish another scout give me an update, from what you've detailed… well it's an unpleasant matter."
Hermes took his feather cap off and gave a small bow tucking it into his chest as he bent. Once he was standing tall again, he spoke. "Of course, Ouranos, now shall I take my leave?"
Ouranos nodded, and Hermes left taking the same set of stairs Hestia had entered from. When he got closer, Hestia noticed that he seemed to be exhausted or at least stressed about something.
After she heard the god take a few steps upward she approached and smiled lightly, "Sorry about earlier again Ouranos." She waved over towards Eina, "As she was a former guild member, she had a lot of eyes on her."
Ouranos looked at the half-elf, in her adventurer gear with the exception of her armor. "Tulle, right?"
Eina took a step forward, "That's correct Lord Ouranos. I'm surprised you know my name."
Ouranos shifts his eye just slightly. "Tulle are happy?"
Eina bowed a bit, "I am, more than I expected. I'm gaining new experiences, I'm able to interact freely with those that I had kept at a distance due to working at the guild. So, I would say I am."
Ouranos shifted his attention back to Hestia, "Now, before I ask why you're here. Hermes is out investigating the Familia that Cranel and Lion had brought to our attention. It hasn't been easy and one of his children died in the investigation."
Hestia glanced back to where Hermes had already made his exit. "I'm sorry to hear that. I… had a feeling similar recently, I was lucky that It had been restored."
Ouranos' eye seemed to twitch slightly, "Right, now to move on to why you are here."
Hestia nodded, "Right, well we had a mini expedition to gather money, and things went pretty bad. The 19th floor has changed layout, Lili here can testify to what I say. They also encountered a new species of monster, one that had more potential danger then normal. Not to mention Eina." Hestia waved over to her child, "Encountered an irregular or a new species depending on how you look at it. Eina, why don't you explain as it happened first."
Eina bowed and seemed to let her voice echo in the silent chamber. "As you wish."
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It took a bit over an hour for all the stories to be told. Ouranos had remained silent the entire time. Just watching and listening. "I see, thank you for bringing this information to me. I'll let you know if I find anything. But for now, go rest. I'm sure I will need to call you all soon."
Hestia didn't like the sound of that but didn't argue. "As you wish." Her children gave a pair of bows and followed her out of the sky-gods chambers.
X
It had been almost a full day, but Welf was released. His hand still felt frozen, but he was assured that it would fully recover so long as he didn't use it much. He let out a sad sigh, "Well guess that means no smithing for a bit."
He was currently walking down one of the main paths that webbed out from the center of the city. Hundreds, no thousands of people were all jostling and moving up and down the street, the pale paving stones gave firm footing. But still Welf was cautious, he was carrying a small box in his good hand.
"Hephaestus…" He muttered, as a young child ran past him. He couldn't help but give an exhausted smile, "I really am hopeless."
Still, he continued to move, the Hephaestus Familia home was only a few minutes away, so taking the opportunity to gather his thoughts he decided on his plan.
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He had been waiting for almost half an hour when, when Hephaestus walked into the waiting hall, several of her Familia members had come and gone. "Welfy, please come in. It's been a while." She spoke quickly, but there was a small smile on her face.
He stood and moved quickly into her office. They were alone in the room. So, he didn't bother being formal as he stood.
Hephaestus with what seemed to Welf, very seductive steps around her desk and sat in her chair. "Please Welfy sit, you look exhausted."
Welf couldn't help but chuckle, "It has been a long pair of days." Still, he sat; with a noticeable clack he placed the small box on her desk.
Hephaestus raised the eyebrow of her uncovered eye, "Seems like it." She paused and let out a breath, "Now, to what do I owe this visit?"
Welf could see the glimmer of hope in his eye. "Well, first I simply missed seeing you. Like you said, it's been a little while."
Hephaestus waved a black gloved hand over her face, "I know you're not lying, but that isn't the main reason you came."
Welf couldn't help but nod, "True, but it was a main reason." He paused for a second, "We encountered something the other day. The dungeon is changing, and I wanted to potentially sell you a drop item that I had never heard of." He waved up his hand to show how it was tightly wrapped.
Hephaestus smiled and sighed, "So you need money. Did Hestia put you up to this?"
Welf shook his head, "No… I'm here of my own fruition. But you're correct, we had a goal that we are short of achieving. I was given the drop item to do with as I please."
Hephaestus' eye narrowed, "I see." She muttered and remained silent for a minute. "Welfy… why do you need this money?"
Her red eye burned into him, while she waited. He couldn't help but sigh, "To help Bell. Well, as I told you before, our expedition ended in failure. But it was worse than I expected, I can't go into detail as I don't even know them myself. He has refused to tell anybody what happened, not even Goddess Hestia."
Hephaestus sat there quietly, Welf noticing the slight tightness in her gloves like they were being clenched. So, he continued, "From what she has said, when she updated his status, he was a fresh level 4. But with everything that happened, he was capable of leveling immediately but didn't, the glimpses she saw through that process were filled with darkness and pain."
Hephaestus' eye widened almost comically, "Didn't he level immediately before the expedition? To level in a week… what… could've happened."
Welf shook his head, "That's what everyone wants to know, the only one that does is his companion."
Still, she sighed again, "That child… what does it have to do with needing money?"
Welf gulped, as he could only tell what he had been told, "Well, two things. We were hoping to rent out the Hostess for a night. Having nobody not involved in the expedition there, including our most recent member. His companion suggested it, as Bell had been visiting there since he started adventuring and he should be more comfortable there than at our current home. I suspect this might be true to how we won it."
Hephaestus sighed, "That's going to be a lot of money. You keep saying 'companion', just who is it?"
Welf silently debated telling her what was happening, but he couldn't. Even if everything would get out eventually. So, he lowered his head, "I'm sorry Hephaestus, I cannot answer that question." He sighed, "I want to tell you, but I can't. I'm not bound by any promise, but it wouldn't be right."
Hephaestus sighed, "It's fine, honestly it was more just a curiosity. I suppose we should just get back to the topic at hand."
Hephaestus deflated a tiny bit, but she waved him to continue. "As I was saying, we are short, due to this recent encounter. So, I offer this drop item, first known of its kind to you."
He opened the box and turned it to face the goddess. He knew smiths were always looking to experiment with new materials, truth be told he wanted to be doing the exact same. If his hand hadn't been injured, he probably would.
He could see the subtle blue coloring reflecting off her brilliant red eyes. "Welf… what did this drop from?" Hephaestus asked as she gingerly picked it up and looked it over.
Welf smiled, "We are calling it a Frozen Bird, it seems to be a cousin of the Fire Bird. When it launches its feathers at you, the feather seems to have some ability that causes the ice to spread and causes severe frostbite over time." He waved his hand as an example.
Hephaestus seemed to be focusing solely on the single feather drop item. "Fascinating. How much do you need?"
Welf hesitated, but sighed and would willingly accept whatever would happen next. "We originally needed 750,000, but with what we've gathered, and the new members helped. About 425,000 Valis."
Hephaestus raised an eyebrow, "Is that all? Well alright give me a moment, but you've mentioned 'New Member' several times. Who are they, if you don't mind me asking?"
Welf shook his head, again he hesitated but this time he figured it would be alright. "Eina Tulle, she's a half-elf and the former guild advisor for Bell. Although he doesn't know yet, and before you ask how he wouldn't know. Bell is currently out of the city. We are expecting him to return soon." He focused his attention on the single exposed eye, "Please… don't tell anyone the information I've told you."
Hephaestus chuckled and gave a small playful smile. "Thanks for the info, don't worry I won't tell anyone." With that statement Hephaestus stood and took the box with the feather in it. "I'll be right back." She moved around the desk and trailed a hand up Welf's arm causing him to shiver and blush slightly. This caused Hephaestus to chuckle.
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She returned a handful of minutes later and placed the same box down with a heavy thud. "Here you go."
Welf looked down at the box and lifted it with his good hand. "Thank you again Hephaestus, I appreciate this."
She chuckled, "Think nothing of it, besides it's not too often that you get to work with a new monster drop."
He went to turn but noticed her looking at him still, he matched her gaze and held it for several seconds, "Well I should get going."
With an effort of extreme will, he took his leave. After exiting their Familia Home, a thought went through his head. 'I didn't even check the contents of the box. Oh l, well lady Hestia and I trust her.'
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He decided to check the contents of the box after he returned to the Hearth Manor. When he opened, his eyes widened as a smile spread across his face. Sure, there was a small pile of Valis as well as a note to transfer more funds into Hestia Familia's account.
But there was also a folded piece of paper with the feather in the fold. Emotions swelled in him, he carefully picked up the letter and read through the letter. He felt a few tears well and began to fall.
…
Welfy,
While I want to be the one to investigate the new drop item, your reasoning for wanting to sell is honorable. But I trust you not to abuse this favor. Honestly, I'm hesitant to even write this. Regardless, keep me updated on your progress. I'm proud of how far you've come since you joined Hestia Familia.
Yours, Hephaestus
P.S. We should go out to get something to eat sometime. xoxo
…
Tears of pride, it really felt like he was making progress towards his goal. 'I… want to be a worthy enough smith for her.' This praise he received only ignited the flame to burn inside even brighter.
X
Ouranos sat in the chamber alone, with the exception of Fels. The old god sighed, "Fels, did you get all that?"
The form of Fels seemed To appear out of the darkness like a silent whisper. "I did, Lord Ouranos."
Ouranos tapped a finger on his throne. "What are your thoughts? I haven't felt any drastic changes in the dungeon."
Fels shook his head, "I don't know. They believe the dungeon is evolving after the extreme damage. That it's spawning new and more dangerous monsters in response. We can't know for sure until someone looks it over."
Ouranos glanced down at the ground, with the dungeon concealed below it. "Then there is the matter of a severed child in Hestia. Have you kept an eye on the Hestia Familia in general?"
Fels' hood bobbed as he seemed to nod, "I have. All the members besides Bell Cranel are accounted for. Do you think that he died, but was brought back?"
Ouranos nodded in response, "I do. I expect we'll learn more once he returns."
Review Responses:
meth0d: Well next chapter will return to them, and that was a point for the interludes to help build characters and tell stories of what's happening while Bell isn't with the group.
Blazeburn006: I really did enjoy writing the interactions for Eina and Riveria, yes including her scolding. I understand the complaint with the loose lips, but It's Eina speaking to Riveria, and she already has a lot on her mind. Also, this reminds me I need to let you have a response to your Ch2 of JH Review.
pix25: Thanks