Familia Myth: Heroes

by BChuggs

The gears of Fate, the threads of destiny, have shifted with incredible force. This alteration would be a cascade of events that will undoubtedly shape the future of mortals and deities, but more so onto the Heroes that have yet to touch or glimpse at their Fate. Until it is altered or twisted by their choices or unbendable forces... their world.

2. Chapter One: Tragedy

Familia Myth: Heroes

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Rated: Mature

Summary: The gears of Fate, the threads of destiny, have shifted with incredible force. This alteration would be a cascade of events that will undoubtedly shape the future of mortals and deities, but more so onto the Heroes that have yet to touch or glimpse at their Fate. Until it is altered or twisted by their choices or unbendable forces... their world.

---

Chapter One: Tragedy

---

A sense of dread that seems never to fade, death lingering in the air; they were similar conclusions.

Dried and fresh blood raining bodies— even after overcoming the grueling adversity. The unmistakable presence of death looming over everything and anyone.

Such encounters, experiencing them nearly continuously through decades and centuries, are familiar to the army adventurers.

Few have crushed that feeling of dread and persevered forward without wavering.

Their determination was as fierce as their skills with their weapons. Their souls burned bright, yearning to accomplish their wishes with their allies and solitude.

The view was almost admiring, brilliant colors flickering endlessly towards white and gold. Cores came together, assembling a beautiful panorama in the eyes of divinities only enormous factions such as theirs can form.

"…"

Yet—

As It waited for the nuisance feeling around its neck to vanish, it commenced to the fleck of light amongst the singed field, paying no heed to the final whispers of life from the earth where the talons of despair touched.

It was as if it toyed with them like puppets. Playing with their fears, scars, and screams to its content.

It would exploit the vulnerabilities they were never aware of in their entire lives and shove them down their throats, choking them on acid and blaze.

The final words from the two factions were shunned; their breaths only added more harmony with the rattles of demise and moans of anguish.

When the orb of agony crossed with the lifeless body of an adult, a young man's whole face quivering while emitting the death rattle— the fleck of light was found.

Yet...merely a brush of black and vermilion engulfed what was the brilliant colors flickering ever so closely to gold and white.

---

The feeling of dread hit me once I noticed the abrupt cease of movement from the old man.

The world around me changed once I saw his stare; alarm, panic, and regret seeping through the old man's entire figure. Once, a kettle full of boiled water, the geezer suddenly dropped it and stared at his trembling hands.

Once I noticed the complete silence from the other side of the camp— one conclusion came to mind.

The dots connected rapidly in our predicament and, more importantly, the other's predicament.

That's when we heard it— felt it.

The ground beneath our feet convulsed with great force, sending shockwaves rippling through the earth.

Had I not taken any heed to the sudden disappearance of the puffs of white up above in the acres of red and white, the timing in saving my eardrums would have been too late. Standing a few steps before me, the puddle of spilled water drawing a line from each other, the geezer quickly followed suit. Most likely reacting to his own survival instincts.

The air was filled with a deafening roar that could crush any mortal's being, bones, or organs. Leaving no doubt as to its overwhelming might. Everything and everyone within range quivered from the violent force.

"This... is... nothing... to... monster..!"

A particular creature came to mind, and comparing their bellowing was absurd comparison.

No doubt, had the two creatures crossed with each other before one met its demise— the true victor would be the latter.

The moment seemed indefinite. The senses were gone, but I glimpsed how much my hands trembled, not from how much force I was putting into saving my hearing and body but from how overpowering the roar was. Sooner than later, I knew I would fall, and there seemed to be nothing that could prevent it.

My voices within my head cried; I could not let my hands waver despite the hazard I was in. One spare space from my ear to the world would be over.

My promise to her would mean nothing.

My commitment to her would lose all its value and significance if I allowed it to be swallowed here.

I didn't realize the powering weight evaporated and how uncontrollable my body was until a pair of hands grasped my right shoulder.

Before I could even hit the ground, my deity caught me despite her figure trembling much more violently than mine. When my gaze met hers— this foolish, utter trash of a deity— without hesitation, I shoved her away from me.

I didn't care for the look she gave or the ones behind me.

At that very moment, I realized the danger we were in.

"...Damn you, gods."

...Rather, it is the danger he is in.

---

The moment the young woman in black clothing disappeared from the gods' sight, the man in black armor followed behind without a second delay. He swiftly strapped his greatsword on his back and hastened to catch up to the young woman.

As the woman did, he ignored the geezer and woman, not even sparing a glance or words of assurance; his alarmed sanity and assistance were needed for something more crucial.

It wasn't as if he didn't want to, at least not the distraught woman.

"Ghhhh!"

He gritted his teeth and quelled his groan. As he pushed his body at a speed only one could hope to achieve, muscles burning with exertion— his body and mind enduring and experiencing years of battle in and out of the dungeon— he felt his body aching in pain.

The bane in his body was still too fresh, albeit he had not been an active adventurer for several months.

Only a year has passed since the Behemoth was taken down...

Running at the utmost velocity during this period, only a few individuals worldwide could capture a glimpse— even if it may be a blur to their eyes— of Gekai's mightiest adventurers. Anything within their course wouldn't even be considered an obstacle; they would eradicate it in seconds had one appear.

And half a year has passed since you took down the Leviathan.

Nevertheless, both are at the same level and have separate yet similar reasons for being so debilitated— their curses. They can't participate with their comrades despite the feat they are emanating...

His gaze fixated on the adventurer ahead of him.

"Ghhhh!"

Albeit having a moment's headstart before him, with how much farther she was disappearing from his vision, the belief— realistically to become true— of her reaching the battleground before he could cause him to feel as if everything he'd done to gain his strength and status was for naught. He couldn't shrug off the voices of disesteem and distress.

...Can her resolve be superior to mine?!

Many would think her thoughts would be to save her familia from whatever tragedy was occurring on the other side of the mountain. However, the man behind her, much older than her, was well aware of her reasons.

Initially, neither pensioned adventurer was considered to accompany them. Each received lectures from their patron deity and advisors; even their closest allies were persistent about them remaining behind.

It took more than a few light spars from his captain to convince them, though with the acceptance of him not taking a role in the primary battle— much to his displeasure since it was one of the crucial reasons he wanted to accompany.

For the young woman, no one was aware, including the goddess. The trial given to her— there was none.

Like the man, she traveled with her familia but was not offered a role in the quest. She was to stay— ordered— at camp despite how much she opposed the mandate.

Over several months, the rival factions embarked on a journey towards the northern part of the world, past the vast country. They made their way through sprawling landscapes and cities. As they traversed through the quest, they began to take notice of the young woman's nightly routine and peculiar behaviors. It wasn't long before word of her sudden changes in demeanor spread throughout the entire Zeus and Hera Familia, and soon everyone was talking about her...

---

"Oi!"

"..."

"Listen! We don't know each other, but if we're going in there without ideas to counter that varmint, it's better to say something than to stay silent!"

They were the halfway point of the colossal mountain. With each step, they drew closer to their destination. In a few more minutes of sprinting at maximum velocity, their banes being the only thing holding them back from advancing further, they would finally reach the field.

However, both adventurers had significantly distinct priorities. One was focused solely on one individual's health, and nothing else came to mind. At the same time, the other was concerned about protecting his entire familia, including the other faction— their allies.

Their differing mindset, something the man was well aware of, meant they were putting themselves in great danger. They were practically walking into death's door with open arms.

A plan must be discussed among them to come close to prevailing their objective, even if it comes to pieces in mere seconds. Otherwise, they're setting themselves up for failure and appalling demises, and everything they worked for— their achievements serving a pinnacle of society crushing great adversities, such as their factions being the most prolonged and active familias in history— will be destroyed.

"So..!" He was close to gaining her pace, "Do you have any ideas how we could—"

However, before he could finish the words, his senses of an impending strike alarmed him. He noticed sooner than anyone else from Zeus and Hera's familia would.

Once she came to a sudden halt, the young woman swiftly spun her body towards the older man. Her heterochromia gaze fixated on the human.

His body shivered, body coming to a halt.

It was a stare that could pierce through steel and make even the bravest of souls tremble in fear.

At this very moment, precious seconds were being squandered due to a man expressing his stress and bitterness despite feeling nearly the same; for her, this man was more bothersome than any monster or god she had ever encountered.

You impudent... Troublesome bastards... Insignificant human... Waste of soul...

Curses! Damn, you..! Damn, you all..!

Her mind was filled with an overwhelming number of thoughts, each one causing her more distress and discomfort. She desperately wished to mute them all, but it seemed impossible, especially in this dilemma.

...She could only quiet them with two specific purifies.

She's gone. But... he... Ghhhh!!

Once neatly styled, her grey hair ran wild and stood on end and swished in every direction imaginable.

Witnessing it firsthand, it was virtually clear to the man that the magic emanating from her status left no doubt in his mind how much superior she was in magic to him, despite the very element in his status far surpassing that of his vice-captain.

If it were you here, she wouldn't have hesitated for a moment in killing you... But...

Her exposed different-colored eyes, grey and acid green, were holding back tears, likely due to the emotions she had to tolerate over the several months regarding that individual's welfare.

He didn't know if it was because of his luck or the woman's empathy, but he could sense her movements wavering.

Nevertheless, what carried her vexation was not only the scorn stare set on his grey eyes, no doubt grazing deep into his soul even when she didn't have the capability or skill to do so, he could see her gnawing her teeth rather fiercely moments before the spell was released.

"Gospel."

However, those hopeful thoughts of her seeming to console herself died.

"Damn it!"

Without a second to delay, or else he would suffer an injury that wouldn't be healed immediately, he grabbed his greatsword and plunged his weapon to the ground.

Utilizing the robust steel made by the smithing god Goibniu, he made sure the flat side soon to be hit by a decisive impact was positioned right with the handle of the greatsword and shrunk as much of his body as he could.

His weapon, Grattor, is colossal compared to him, yet a slight margin can easily cause him to suffer.

Once he felt the powerful impact behind Grattor, the earth beneath him convulsing as if he were in an earthquake, all thoughts of her as an ally evaporated. It jolted him to his bones and intestines, almost as if the deafening bellowing from before was a mere shadow of power compared to what he was tolerating.

It certainly didn't work in his favor that the bane in his body further aided the young woman's spell.

His survival instincts screamed, the voices in his head shouting, his mind awash with distress and terror.

The voices in his head grew louder and more insistent, his sanity urging him to see the woman as an enemy, a threat that must be vanquished at all costs.

Now... even I... think... you can't... take... this head... on... captain..!

Hera's boasting... is no... lie!!

The magic she unleashed from her own and personal years of ventures and immense perseverance is living proof of her formidable prowess.

Had he been in a calmer state of mind— his sanity and logic wrangling with one another— the man would have already ended his enchantment and thrown back just as much pressure on the young woman.

It wasn't until the man began coughing violently that the magic seemed to dissipate, however.

His arms felt heavy, Grattor adding more weight, and as he lifted himself off the ground, he noticed the numbing ringing from his ear. His body felt a sense of uneasiness.

After a few moments of confusion, he grasped his bearing once more. His coughing gradually subsided.

As his head rose, his gaze wandering at the surroundings, he quickly noticed why the spell had ceased.

He witnessed the young woman holding her mouth with her gloved hands.

Her figure trembled, and as the seconds passed, the lower part of her chest shook overwhelmingly. Her eyes widened before she began salivating red.

"—!"

Then came the unpleasant sight and sound no one within Zeus and Hera's Familia would want to see.

The man looked away, his face wincing in empathy for the young woman and his nuisance. The bane in his body was kicking the immunities his status held. His unoccupied hand, the other having its grip on Grattor, rose to the right side of his upper body as if to remove the discomfort by applying gentle pressure.

The tension in his body when the curse flares would mostly come from his right side beside his lower chest, where one of his destroyed organs and impaired bones was.

There was only so much the blessing of Zeus could do against the everlasting curse of a monster.

"...As well as Hera's."

---

"...Ha... Ha... Haaaaa..."

I wish there were a method to cure this irritable curse. But even the top healers in Orario, Altena, and Camelot cannot.

This is a vexation I was born with; we were born with...

Yet, you had it so much more complex than I did.

...This pain is nothing compared to yours.

My frequent coughs and tears are a mere mockery when compared to the depth of your misery. I notice every blood and tear you try to mask, a cruel reminder that our curses are vastly dissimilar.

Your desire to escape from it is palpable, even when you put on that dumb facade in the presence of the useless goddess and mindless members of our familia.

I will evermore carry my disgust to the gods for how they cursed you. Not us, but you.

You practically have episodes in front of me while I only shake and only shake when I try to comfort and soothe your pain.

...Yet, sister, throughout all our horrid moments created by this nuisance coursing our veins and ichor...

You still had the will to bring joy in this cruel world.

Your strength is nothing like the others.

You are weak, foolish, dumb, and useless. You can only leave your room with my help.

...But despite it all, when it hurts the most, painfully, you always hold that radiance.

You bring tranquility and translucence to anyone in your presence. You're innocent and pure-hearted, defined only with happiness and kindness, a soul who should have never been taken away from this world when needed the most.

You're someone I want to make happy...even if I must commit horrors.

I love you, Meteria.

I love you, foolish, weakling little sister of mine.

"Ahhhhhh... ahhhhh..." The feeling of nausea eases. Though my throat pangs and the taste on my tongue is bitter.

I shakely wipe the blood and acid off my face. My eyes shut as I did not care what look the bothersome man gave me.

May it be of empathy, sorrow, or anger. I care not.

"We... are not... allies..."

"..."

My throat pangs even worse as I utter. However, despite wasting as much time as he was, I wanted to clarify things.

"...never will... and I never hope..!

"Curse you... and Zeus Familia!!"

---

Albeit the sickened young woman hurled and vomited with disturbing amount of blood nearly moments ago. She managed her capability to speak; her tone emitted viciousness and hate.

"..."

The early middle-aged man could only look at her with a grim expression. A response back from him would only infuriate her further, likely to cause her to retaliate with her magic, which could result in her vomiting with blood even more.

"..."

"..."

Both adventurers noticed it.

Their environs' air whispered with an eerie gust. A haunting feeling crawling their minds.

It was suffocating.

The distant sound of battle had died, stamping an almost palpable stillness. The soil beneath them had stopped its gentle convulsion, but the remnants of the tremors still lingered.

The forest that once offered a serene and idyllic escape for picnics and leisurely strolls had undergone a drastic transformation of sentiment. The tranquil lakes and lush young meadows that once added to its peaceful aura were now disturbed, marred by the intrusion of unknown forces.

Devoid of the serenity and calm it once exuded, the once peaceful atmosphere had been shattered, and the forest was now a shadow of its former self.

At a farther distance in the forest, the air was heavy with the scent of smoke and blood, and a connotation of death hung like a shroud over the once-peaceful terrain.

Adding logic and verities together— both adventurers knew immediately what had ensued.

Their familias had...

"Oi..!"

"..."

"...You can't possibly still want to search for—"

The man quickly fell silent when she turned her head and opened her eyelids.

Though it took some effort to stand back on her two legs, her figure trembling from her affliction, she turned her back on the early middle-aged man and continued her pursuit.

She looked at him behind her grey hair, her eyes being the only thing he could see, with a fire in her gaze.

Determination.

"Leave... me... be..." Her voice was hoarse, but the man's hearing was returning, and he could faintly detect what she was muttering through the fading ringing, "I... will... find him..."

A pathetic resolution.

Regardless, the man would have followed behind her. His pace would have been the same as hers.

He was fully aware of the destination ahead of him, however.

He knew that what awaited him would evermore mar his sanity and soul. It's a burden he would not want to shoulder if knowledge comes to chew him.

...Unless I want my heart to be stabbed pathetically, there is no point in me going where she's headed.

You guys...all of you... You're...

The man exhaled a deep breath.

He closed his solemn gaze, locking all emotions yearning to burst out— anger, frustration, sadness, and shame.

He stood there, still and silent, as whispers of death filled his recovered hearing.

Nevertheless, as he silenced all intensifying voices in his headspace, he felt another wave of pain pierce his body, explicitly more on the right side of his upper body, signaling the beginning of yet another flare-up from the bane. Tormenting him.

Albeit the agony he was experiencing, he refused to let it show on his figure, determined to remain strong and resilient in the face of his distress and shame.

"There's only one thing to do."

He hoisted Grattor out of the earth with a small effort and secured it firmly on his back. The weight of the greatsword was a constant reminder of the might he honed and how soon it would deplete in the years to come.

Once he reached the camp, he would likely deliver the evident news to his deity and Hera.

"..."

Howbeit, as he trudged through the eerie forest towards the camp, his thoughts wandered to the thought of wielding the weapon again...

...I can't dungeon explore, not like this. And not without all of you.

The handle of his greatsword would grow cold and heavy in his palm.

The forest's silence was only broken by his heavy footsteps and the rustling of dead leaves under his boots. The feel of restlessness evermore on his shoulders.

But… I can at least try to do some things.

Whatever or whenever it would be— he knew that Fate held the ultimate answer to when and how he would need to use it again.

---

Upon entering his office, one would immediately notice how elegant the room was, almost as straightened as that of a guild advisor.

The room was well-lit; the sun was the only light source via the glass blocks. A carved and chic desk occupied part of the room with three lofty shelves filled with books, all collected and arranged by the individual in the room.

Neatly stacked, the desk was adorned with various papers, each meticulously organized and placed on the other. Only half were processed, and those documents were on the floor beside the individual's seat.

The quill was sharp and gently used by his child-like hands. The inkwell was still full at the corner of his reach. The inner corners of the small receptacle distinguished the amount used.

The aura surrounding him, his appearance, which many would presume to be their first thought once they examine him, was a sense of professionalism. One look at the office makes it evident to anyone that the room's owner is a person of great attention to information and detail.

Besides his breathing, his chest rising and falling, the only sound source was the quill being used. The wielder's hands maneuvered the ink on the tip with gentle strokes and swift motions.

This report should be the last of them.

Once he noticed he was coming to an end on the piece of parchment, he eventually stopped his writing and set the quill aside once he bathed the tip of it in water next to the container of ink.

The parchment he was delivered as a reply was not long enough to accommodate a complete and detailed report, so he was compelled to alter the direction of calligraphy. Albeit the hassle and exhaustion anyone would feel after writing nearly the whole day, morning till afternoon. He was swift to produce the best feasible output.

"I wonder..?" One hand rested on his cheek while the other drummed a melody in the back of his mind on the desk's surface. "Why would Hermes familia need information from us about this? Isn't it available at the guild?"

"...Heh, I'm sure he just wants to be updated on anything he and his familia missed."

"Hmm? Loki, when did you enter?"

The captain of Loki familia was so engrossed in his writing that he didn't notice his patron deity enter.

Loki was sitting on the floor cross-legged with a book in her hands.

The book is bound in old leather and adorned with intricate patterns on the front cover and back. Of all of them, the one in her hands captured her attention from his vast knowledge.

Is this new?

She held it in her hands with care, turning the pages slowly as she read the calligraphy, scanning each line with much less focus than the captain of her familia.

With every step... one must...

Handle... when... faults...

Hmm...

Albeit her efforts to read the next page, she found herself succumbing to boredom. The words on the page seemed to blur together, quickly lacking any semblance of interest to her.

Loki merely read the first two pages before daydreaming from her spot.

She stared into the distance, gazing idly at the stacked pages on the chic desk, immersed in her thoughts. It wasn't until she heard the pallum voice his thoughts that she was snapped out of her drowsiness. She'd almost fallen into a deep slumber in her children's office.

Had that happened, she would have earned herself an earful from Riveria.

"...I don't know... an hour or two? Three, maybe." She rose from the spot she accustomed herself to and shelved the book in her hands where it was previously settled in. "Look... I'm tired, sleepy from updating y'all's status."

Loki yawned as she stretched her tiny, petite body, attempting to wake her limbs from how long she sat there.

"Oi, Finn... How much m-more... until you're satisfied?"

"Well," he peeked at the stacked papers next to his seat and the ones atop the desk. "I can finish these before tomorrow's announcement..."

He glimpsed towards the clock, which was placed adjacent to the door. Both can hear the rhythmic ticking of the seconds as they pass by.

His gaze shifted to Loki. A faint chuckle escaped him. "...but knowing you," Finn said, still chuckling, "that's not something you'll wait around for."

"Come ooooooooooooon!! Ya has been in here since mornin'!"

It wasn't an exaggeration. Finn's behavior caused concern among his companions.

The moment Finn woke, he skipped breakfast. Later on, it was noticed he had also skipped lunch.

And now dinner had just started.

Finn may have a moderately robust appetite like some of his fellow companions, but he always tries to join the middle and low-tier adventurers for meals.

While they would think he's forcing himself to participate with them, Finn instead relishes the opportunity to engage in lively conversation with them. He is always willing to offer any insights into their queries.

From the moment Finn became a member of Loki's Familia and interacted with its members as it grew, he could not be dismissed easily as he progressed with his experience.

Finn's exceptional strength despite being a pallum— a race shunned by the majority of the world— his explicit knowledge of things, such as the dungeon, set him apart from others, and he carried himself with a confidence and poise that commanded respect even from adventurers outside their familia.

Nonetheless, Finn did not look down upon his companions. He treated them fairly— a rarity among all adventurers, no matter what deity they were affiliated with.

With his role as their captain and level as a first-tier adventurer, Finn is highly respected by them for his thoughtful, approachable demeanor and willingness to assist among his familia whenever possible.

This time, he sighed, gazing at the pile of paperwork. "Alright, alright."

Any hint of drowsiness on her face completely vanished as she watched Finn stand from his seat and step away from his work.

With a victorious expression, Loki exclaimed, "Finally!!" as she celebrated her triumph over Finn's knowing persistence.

Her win came effortlessly, something many in the familia would hardly believe since it takes more than a few words to make the captain leave his office on such occasions.

The pallum in presence chuckled further, amused by his goddess' sudden behavior. Not too long ago, she seemed as if she was about to fall asleep again— had he brushed her off when she made herself present.

"Show me yer back!" In the back of pockets of her shorts, Loki pulled out a sharp needle that could easily pierce the skin. "Then go downstairs with the others; they're waitin' for their captain to eat with 'em!"

Finn heaved as he obliged his goddess' request.

Instead of completely removing his shirt, he raised the back high enough that his neck was visible. If he tugged the shirt any more, then he would be shirtless.

"Okay, here we— aaaaaaaaaand the migraine is hittin' me again... Shit."

Upon hearing the goddess's words, he couldn't suppress the small, worried sigh escaping him. He quickly recollected why Loki was in such a state.

No doubt was in his mind that once she was finished updating his status, she would doze off the second she touched her mattress. Surrendering to warmth and comfort.

...That is if she doesn't fall asleep in the halls first. Oh boy.

As Loki ran her fingers over Finn's back, her gaze fixated on the intricate hieroglyphs; as fatigued as she was from updating all of her children's statuses once finished with Finn's, she could feel the unveiled inscription dance on her fingertips.

Each symbol seemed to come alive under her touch, pulsing and altering with the power of divinity that only she could brush.

Like all gods who descended into the mortal world, sealed from using their powers, the only thing most comparative to using arcanum was the blood ritual between mortal and god.

She traced the lines with a sense of deep knowing, accustomed to since her familia has established.

Hmm.

Her fingertips continued moving along the pattern, and her gaze shifted to the sudden jump at the particular parameter.

A sense of wonder overtook her. She marveled at how much it had increased since the last time she had checked.

A small smile formed on her lips, a knowing smirk that spoke of her satisfaction and covetousness.

The look on her face will be priceless! Especially yours, riiiiiiiight... Now!

---

At first, experiencing a status update can be a peculiar sensation one may not easily get used to. The sensations come with it are diverse, ranging from burning or stinging to cold or soothing.

There is so much more to it; it can't be described in short terms.

Although they have been a part of the Loki Familia longer, I am used to this more than Noir, Dain, and Bara.

I don't feel those weird sensations they describe as "alien."

That particular feeling only occurs when Loki is up to something or when the possibility of a level-up is near.

The hypothesis I've gathered, or rather, assembled, is that the more frequently one receives status updates, the less those particular ones experience.

Hence, the body needs time to adjust to the new feeling of power.

That explicitly applies to those who ascend in their falna, too.

"—!"

That very sensation..!

My mind is playing tricks on me, or my thoughts have come to life.

It's a feeling that can't be described.

The sensation my whole body is undergoing is becoming more pronounced by the second, and it's beginning to fade away as it suddenly comes rushing.

The twisted feeling my body was experiencing, more so on my back, it's as if...

"L-Loki..."

"Yes?" Her tone conveys amusement.

"...did you..?"

What my body underwent was undoubtedly a finalized update to the previous parameters. As I said to myself earlier, the "alien" feeling is something I'm accustomed to.

However, this is the first time I've felt otherworldly and tense with the status. It is exhilarating and unnerving at the same time.

My mind and body were not prepared for this sudden input of excelia.

My body struggled to move; my tongue couldn't convey the words I wanted to emit.

It was then that she stepped forward, closer to my back. The texture of a piece of parchment firmly placed on my back replaced her breathing on my neck and downward.

For a moment, she stood there, humming a melody I would never know what it was related to, until she reached out and tugged my shirt down for me. Sealing the falna.

It was then that my body could move again. I never noticed my breathing had come to a halt until I tried to get a grip on my hands and feet.

Aware of what comes next and aware that what transpired can't be undone— can never be undone unless the moment before can be, whether it would be by the god or mortal— I simply try to get a bearing of my body as I look at her. My eyes narrowed as she sauntered her way into my front view.

Seeing as I couldn't stand up, she kneeled and revealed the last piece of parchment she had on her.

The hieroglyphs on the parchment are ones I need help comprehending thoroughly. Only the gods can understand what each letter means.

However, any adventurer with status can understand what it means when the status numbers and the single letters on the parameter it's set with are revamped and how only one number is notably equal to the rest. More prominent and more potent than it was before.

My grudge and harbored emotions will be expressed towards Loki's decision...

However, this can't be overlooked by the wish to alter the goddess' weak decision.

"Level... up," I murmured to myself.

My ears are filled with her cackling with mirth. Her voice echoed throughout the office.

Loki will never understand the amount of pride I carry for achieving this jump in excelia, especially in an era like ours. But she seemed as delighted as I noticed the smirk on her lips. Her eyes even shone with a knowing glint.

"Let me be the first to introduce ya' into the world of first-class adventurers. Captain, Finn Deimne."

The challenges and labors I've endured have proven worthy once more.

---

After taking a moment to savor the rich aroma of the wine, the alluring and elegant goddess delicately lifted the glass to her lips and took a slow sip, allowing the smooth liquid to glide down her throat.

As she lowered the glass, a tedious expression washed over her face, and she let out a weary sigh after inhaling deeply. The wine was a welcome respite for the goddess, who had been busy tending to her divine duties as head goddess of Freya Familia.

"Hmm... Such... boredom."

"...Milady?"

In the dimly lit personal chambers, the sunset being the light source, seeping through a wide glass window of Folkvangr, only a few in the familia were permitted to stay with Lady Freya's.

...To stay and stand by the goddess was a different story.

Among the presence of the goddess, one of them spoke in a soft and nearly quiet tone, expressing genuine concern for the well-being of her divine mistress.

Sitting on a chic, throne-like chair, the goddess appeared lost in her thoughts. Her eyes closed, and her lips moved ever so slightly.

Albeit the silence in the room, the murmurs that escaped her lips were too faded to be heard, even with the level four status. Leaving the expressed healer to wonder if she should walk up to her instead.

Tch. Why do you do this to yourself, milady? You don't need to update everyone's status.

Although concerned about more than ten steps to cross each other, one of the three mortals in their deity's chambers merely rolled her eyes at the goddess and at the concern her comrade conveyed.

Freya can fool many within the familia, simply blinding them with her voice and trancing them with her presence. However, like the other two in the chambers, she knew her divine mistress's lethargy.

Before they had caught on, she was the first to notice.

She saw through the goddess's mask, flashing a smile when a parameter seemed to jump in number or letter when updating the status. Her finger would remain slightly idle on the hieroglyphs she was revamping until suddenly, she fell into a daze.

"Milady."

"Milady."

"Freya."

"Ah! Forgive me, child; I was daydreaming again."

"N-Nonsense, milady! I w-will leave at once to not further a-annoy you!"

"Hmm."

It would occur more often as the day passed and as the next member exited and entered her chambers.

Only when one of the three would speak out of their position— the three taking turns when it seems to occur once more— confusing the individuals receiving their status updates would they alert the goddess out of her reverie or daydreams.

Nonetheless, the words the healer expressed seemed to have been listened to by the stillness of the air. The chambers had fallen into a deep silence again. And their breathing could not be picked up.

The only source of sound would be the divine mistress, who swirled her empty glass before taking a last sip of wine.

Her presence is of reverential attention. All eyes were fixed on her or closed, waiting for the following words to come out of her mouth, whether an order or an errand.

Freya's attention was drawn away from her headspace when a sudden knock reverberated. The noise source was a pair of large imposing doors that guarded the entrance to her private chambers.

Drifting herself to reality without having to be snapped out of her daydreaming. For once, and surprising her three children, the goddess, once more, spoke out of her thoughts.

Freya wondered who was seeking her at this hour of the day. Soon, the sun would no longer be visible once it passed beyond Orario's walls.

"Come in," she said as she gave the empty wine glass to the man beside her.

One of her hands innately went up to rest on her cheek as the other fell to her lap. She felt the coolness of her skin against her palm, provoking her to quirk a brow at herself.

Has it indeed been that long?

A smile, genuine or not, her children couldn't tell, arose on Freya's lips when she recognized who the voice was before examining them with the sunset glow.

The almost translucent-skinned elf kneeled with his head down, silently hailing his goddess's existence before uttering, "Milady."

"Hedin," Freya voiced his name with a trace of joy. Likely delighted that she found a source to rid her lethargy. "In this time of day? Tehehe, you have me bewildered, my elf.

"Which is why I must ask, how come you haven't come to me this morning? Certainly, you haven't forgotten what today is, right?"

He straightened his back, lifted his head, and his coral gaze crossed with her purple orbs.

Once the enchanting voice of his divine mistress fell silent, Hedin slowly rose from his kneeling position and stood upright before her.

He felt awed as he witnessed the breathtaking view before him. It was a sight that would captivate not only the members of Freya Familia but any living mortal and god fortunate enough to witness it.

The radiant horizon behind her cast a warm glimmer, illuminating her regal figure. Her delicate features made her appear even more stunning than usual.

It was a view that was indeed a sight to behold that left him feeling humbled. And grateful for serving the divine mistress.

As soon as her voice quieted and it seemed she awaited his response, he spoke. "I apologize for my pest judgment, milady. It happened to recall to me that the last time I received a status update, it wasn't to my satisfaction."

While she listened to Hedin's words attentively, it bothered her that she couldn't see him directly. Unlike him, who had a stunning view.

The horizon reflected on his glasses from the window behind her. Thus, she couldn't witness his lour towards the man beside her, though momentarily.

So, to compensate for it, she gazed at the core and found herself in a short bliss, sighing at the sight, at the color of his core Hedin embodied in the eyes of the goddess of beauty.

"To meet my satisfaction and principally for your happiness in your conquest, milady, I considered it best to dive deep into the dungeon."

"Oho," Freya's voice rose, her eyes widening slightly. "Did you pass the lower floors? If I remember... Even with a status such as Ottar's, wouldn't it still be a hassle for you or Allen to return to the surface in time? That is, you reached the beginning deep floors."

"I have, milady," Hedin confirmed her assumption.

"Nonetheless, by sweet fortunate, undoubtedly by your grace, I have found a troublesome quest even for our meathead."

Tehehe! Really now? What would it be? Right, Ottar.

Freya glanced at the adventurer beside her, catching how his core flickered when Hedin mentioned the alias he finds irritating to be called by. It was a fleeting moment only she could see.

---

Whenever the goddess felt hungry, whoever the servant was attending her would bring her food— carefully selected according to her preferences.

Whether in her heavenly abode of Folkvangr or the magnificent tower in Babel. It could be something from the cafeteria or a special dish their divine mistress desired elsewhere.

"My, my!" She giggled, finding the current situation curiously amusing.

It was a rare occurrence for Freya to dine with her loyal followers. Any of her followers.

Yet, when such a momentous occasion arose, gracing them merely with her presence, her children were filled with overwhelming gratitude and happiness.

Standing by the goddess's side was already a rugged cliff to climb; however, such was so when being close to the goddess.

Only when such guerdons were bestowed upon them would be when their falnas be altered and reviewed by their divine mistress.

Those events only occur every few months.

It was a rule legislated by the guild that any second-class adventurer and higher would be to file their status on a piece of paper or parchment and transmit it to the guild.

It is a vexing process for every deity and mortal with a blessing in Orario since it requires revealing their children's level— vital information any god or mortal can utilize for endeavors— the gods and mortals were given no choice but to obey the authority.

Howbeit, if every mortal with a blessing raided the guild with their might, utilizing every piece of information submitted to the guild to overthrow their rivals and hindrances and succeed— inevitably, their raid would be ceased by the twin horizons; the steadfast, primary backers of the guild— no doubt, in a fraction of a moment.

So, to alleviate and avoid such inoperable collisions among the adventurers, deities, and citizens, it was permissible that when the details come through, they would only be of the level of the person's blessing rather than their parameter's numbers and letters.

While their level may be something anyone can take advantage of, such as conflicts between one higher than the other— any skills, magic, and parameter numbers were at least concealed from potential, lurking adversary familias.

"Aye! I sat here first! Go bug off somewhere else, will ya!"

"Oi! Oi! Oi! Oi!! Step aside! I'm a higher level here!"

"I'm going to fuckin' kill you if you don't stop eating in my spot."

"Wasn't I the one who beat in a duel? Shall I do it again in front of Lady Freya?"

The whole familia was about to fight— which was inevitable when it came to attaining their divine mistress' attention to themselves— their weapons on hand and magic seconds from being cast, when—

"—Soldiers of lightning."

—A brief but powerful incantation was spoken aloud in the cafeteria, causing the sound to reverberate and echo through the entire space rather than hit targets— although the elf preferred it.

The goddess was nearby, however.

The words were intonated swiftly, filling the room with palpable energy.

Adjusting his lenses with a flick of his finger, the servants who prepped the meal silently thanked him and sighed as he gazed at the familia scornfully.

The source of the spell was the elf, who walked with a tray of food in hand; followed behind him were the executives and first-class members of Freya familia.

"We are her followers."

"We will walk behind her till the end."

"Whatever order she lays."

"We must fulfill."

""""To reach such wishes, however, you must behave appropriately, especially in the presence of milady.""""

The voices that could be heard were so similar it was nearly impossible to distinguish between them.

They spoke in unison as if they were just one person, and there was no hint of any emotion in their tone. It was monotone. Had they worn their sand-colored helmets, it would have been more challenging to figure out their feelings, but none wore their helmets, and it was unmistakable that they were just as irritated as the white elf.

—Along with the dark elf.

His voice was usually— oddly— timid and timorous; it emanated hostility and offense for his goddess: "To present such in front of thy queen merits cessation from thy thread of life."

While there would be a few who had the brass and courage to voice their opinions towards the executives, uttering a mere sentence before being dragged into an unbendable contest of life and death, they fell silent.

Rethinking their earlier choices and actions, every follower of Freya familia who was part of the ceased brawls held their heads down.

They dared not look in Freya's direction.

Fearing they might, they would be shown a countenance nearly everyone in Freya familia horrors of.

Disappointment.

"…"

Howbeit, rather than a look of disappointment, it was one of a child who had her toy snatched from her.

"Hedin! You quenched a spark in their souls!" Freya pouted and gazed at Hedin and the others with an imitative tear in her eye.

"...As much as I dislike to see an expression like that, milady. It would have gotten out of hand, even for me. As they are, it was best to kick them in their weakest."

"Hmm. I suppose..."

Freya sat at a long dining table to herself, her posture slightly upright, her body leaning on the side. Her regal figure befits her status as a goddess of beauty.

Expressing her boredom through an exasperated sigh, Freya's gaze wandered off to her children, who ate their food off their trays silently and surprisingly deftly.

Her slender, delicate hand held the silver fork, and she absently picked at the food on her plate. Even though her servants had prepared the meal with great care and thought, she could not fully appreciate it. Likely due to it growing cold in the course of the ruckus.

Had a sketcher drawn her at that moment, the portrait would undoubtedly be analogous to that of a child who had lost interest in her surroundings, her gaze unfocused on her children's cores.

Freya noticed the distinct sound of clinking against the polished marble surface, albeit her attention was taken by her thoughts.

It was the sound of the executives taking their seats, each carefully placing their plate and mug on the table before settling in with their divine mistress.

Naturally, Freya glanced at her most substantial followers and noted each of them praying silently. Undoubtedly, for the gratitude they were gifted to be able to dine with her.

As her gaze stayed on each of them momentarily, she noted what she didn't notice earlier.

"...Oh?"

There were two empty seats on each side of the long dining table she and her followers were sharing, notably the chairs closest to her.

While the other executives seemed focused on themselves, Freya wondered why the seats were unoccupied.

Albeit her newfound curiosity, nobody seemed to be acknowledging the absence of two individuals who were supposed to sit there; even the servants appeared to be minding their duties.

It looked to her that Hedin and the others were paying no heed to it— almost as if those two individuals never existed— as they started chewing down their meals quietly to avoid aggravating Freya.

Were they running late? Had they attended to another matter? Or were they simply not in a state of hunger yet?

She scanned the cafeteria to see if she had somehow missed noticing them.

Once it was palpable that they weren't in the room, thoughts began to fill the goddess of beauty's headspace as she gazed upon a particular seat more than the others.

"...Allen, I can somewhat understand... But you... I can't imagine figuring it out... Ott—"

Freya mumbled quietly, her voice comparable to a mouse's, when the sudden doors opening took her and everyone else in the cafeteria's attention.

It wasn't because of how harshly they were opened or how the sudden impact caused the servants to spill beverages on the floor as they were about to refill any empty cups, but who was present.

And if the executives weren't the ones shocked, then undoubtedly the rest of the followers, along with their goddess.

The demi-human Boaz breathed heavily; his attire was tattered, and wounds were visible on his colossal figure. One of the swords he would carry in his arsenal seemed to be not with him as the other, his knuckles turning white from how hard he clutched the handle, appeared to have been chipped off on the rough edges.

The mortal before Freya familia was none other than the very individual the goddess of beauty wondered about.

As Freya was about to utter a greet and question, her lips parting, she paused.

The Boaz's rust-colored eyes scanned the entire cafeteria until he finally found who was responsible for his state; fixated and flaring, his gaze locked onto the elf.

"Hedin."

"Silence." With his eyes closed and his unoccupied hand grasping a nearby serviette to clean any grime near his mouth, Hedin quickly retorted and silenced the captain of Freya familia. "We here in this table understood you would make your way here. But did you have to do it in such a manner?

"If so, the name Demi Yimir has granted us certainly fits you well— meathead."

Hedin's words had the effect of a spark, igniting a cold flame in Ottar, who became visibly incensed with how his hand began to bulge, as noted by the onlooking followers and servants.

Few could even hear something akin to a beast's growl from the Boaz...

"…"

Nonetheless, as furious as the adventurer and loyal follower was, Hedin's words had two effects on him.

Ottar's gaze darted from Hedin to his goddess, who looked at him with an expression he couldn't make out.

"…"

Ottar's heart pounded from growing fatigue, but he felt his chest more clearly as he observed his divine mistress' facade. He was unsure whether his actions had provoked her ire or left her exasperated.

Her eyes, devoid of emotion, offered no indication of her current mood. And her lips, tightly pursed, gave no hint of a smile or a frown. It left Ottar wondering whether he had overstepped his boundaries or failed to meet her expectations as a captain.

This is one of the moments where Ottar didn't know what to do.

"…Excu—"

Alas, as a prolonged silence followed the elf's words, the adventurer was about to express his shame for disturbing the goddess and those present eating and serving.

Not even a single word was able to be said from Ottar when—

"Did you perhaps become blind sparring with the filthy feline, meathead?"

"Has the meathead become disabled?"

"Where has your dignity gone to, meathead?"

"How long will you stand there with a tail between your legs, meathead?"

""""When will you leave the premises and let Lady Freya be in peace, meathead?""""

"Is it a possibility we ought to toss the rubbish ourselves? Hmm. Meathead?"

—He was suddenly interrupted by the present executives expressing their intent to throw him out of Freya familia.

"……"

While the Boaz was deeply contemplating himself in his headspace, a bombardment of voices speaking all at once. The tension from earlier returned, if not more palpable than before.

"…Entertain me, child."

Ottar, Hedin, and the others failed to detect an unmistakable smirk and glint on the goddess of beauty's facade.

Gone was the boredom, and instead was a rising thrill she rarely felt despite having her own citadel familia and being a resident goddess of Orario.

"Show me," Freya's eyes shone, "that color again, my champion."

If he wasn't furious enough—

"Oi! We haven't finished our duel, you fuckin' dumbass!! Come here and fight me, meathead!"

—then Allen's voice was the hammer breaking Ottar's thin ice.

In a matter of seconds, to Freya's joy and the servants' disappointment and fury— they were the ones who would be stuck staying up all night— Freya familia, or rather the first-class adventurers, confined themselves to a balance of life and death as they battled their frustrations and desires out...

"Haaaa! I am blessed with wonderful children."

...All while the goddess of beauty watches in complete euphoria.

---

A gentle and cheerful giggle escaped her as a delightful memory from a few days prior floated back into her thoughts. Filling her mind with a warm and pleasant sensation.

Haaa! It is such a sight to see their souls shine in such seconds.

"…Milady." The Boaz beside her beckoned her to come out of her head with his voice.

"A-Ah," Freya quickly fixed herself, slowly realizing she had delved deep into her head again. "Forgive me, Hedin. Did you say something?"

"There is nothing of me to pardon. It is nothing of importance." The elf spoke with a tranquil and measured tone. Unlike the others, he wasn't bothered at all by his goddess' daydreaming.

If anything, my status update only adds more displeasing to her… Such insolence I bring to you, milady.

For a second, Freya's eyes widened. Her gaze scanned the room to see the others' reactions.

She could feel her heartbeat unpleasantly, a sentiment of embarrassment coursing through her being.

While it may be a moment for them, perhaps even for a few seconds, to her, it felt more prolonged than ever.

Sometimes, she doesn't mind it; she rarely has essential tasks.

But this was one of the many moments of today she disliked it.

"If you say so. Again, forgive me."

Her face soon relaxed, though she was berating herself behind her facade for acting so immaturely as a goddess, especially when she had few of her most loyal children around her.

She breathed calmly and quietly, trying to regain her senses and maturity and focus on the task.

"Well then, tell me." Freya leaned in, her hands now on her lap. "What of that quest caused you to accept it?"

Her focus was now entirely on the elf before her.

"How long would you like me to speak?"

"It doesn't matter. We have all night if that is what you wish. Tehehe!"

"…Very well then."

Once it seemed Freya wouldn't speak and await his response, Hedin quickly recollected every vital encounter and began telling his tale of his small yet crucial venture to elevate his falna.

Subsequently, at a much farther distance from Folkvangr, a particular goddess of mischief was greedily boasting to her children of a certain pallum's superb accomplishment.

---

The sky gradually became a canvas of cool, velvety blue hues that seemed to stretch on endlessly. The sun slowly descended behind the towering walls of Orario.

From any vantage point atop Babel Tower, it was admiring. Leaving anyone who wasn't accustomed to it as any ordinary day transfixed with wonder as they gazed out at the endless expanse of the sky.

Although the day was near its end, mostly adventurers and locals, the streets of Orario continued to teem with life.

Any children who roamed in the street, whether with family or amongst themselves, had long gone to their dwellings. Leaving the roads to the adults.

Merchants, tradespeople, food vendors, and others alike had begun to pack up their wares. Most faces were weary but content after a day of hard work, and they were ready to slumber and prepare themselves for the subsequent sales of tomorrow.

At times of the horizon's descent or ascend, footsteps and soft chatter filled most of the air. The occasional clinking of armor, weapons, valis, and magic stones was more audible than anything else.

The atmosphere was calm, and a sense of safety permeated the city. This sentiment came from the knowledge that the people of Orario shared— that this was a place where everyone could feel at home and begin a small or grand journey.

"Anything popped up?" a voice spoke, her charge emanating in her soft yet authoritarian tone. "My words may offend, but I want to ensure the city is safeguarded and nothing alarming is rambling about before I send most of you home."

As the woman approached one of the many on the evening parties, most likely mirroring hers, she could see the tiredness on their faces.

This night was one of the many nights they had not been accustomed to yet.

...Since Hera Familia and Zeus' departure towards the north, our primary task has been to watch over the city.

Taking on the weight of the responsibility they left behind has been a daunting challenge, to say the least.

Eager to show their respect— instead, finally get some rest— they quickened their pace when they heard their captain's voice, seeing her a couple buildings ahead.

Reaching her proximity, eyes closed for a moment, they stood at attention and saluted her crisply. Their postures upright and almost noble.

"……"

In turn, she returned their salute, scanning the group with a sharp gaze. It was a moment after an exchange of silence that, with a tap of her boot, they all went at ease.

They nodded to her words, each ready to respond to their captain's inquiry.

"The western, eastern, and northern parties have nothing to report as well," one of them said.

"I see," she replied. "Anything from the guild? Did they report anything at this time?"

One of them nodded, easing everyone's stress regarding overnight patrols. "Zero, and I am guaranteed with myself that nothing will be reported as the night goes."

"No districts don't have anything to complain about either."

Great. The overnight groups will have everything in control here.

Even as the sun dipped below Orario's towering walls and horizon, casting long shadows across the landscape, there were times when a sudden disturbance would arise and demand immediate attention.

Although infrequent, these premature tasks, if any, would be ready to be responded to at a moment's notice, no other than them.

Indeed, their allies are great, if not the most trusting aid any familia could count on; however, she and her deity and few in the familia rigidly remind themselves that they, too, also have their own duties to fulfill in service of Orario and of their deity's justice. Therefore, they cannot continually depend on their allies to bear every task that comes their way, either with them or not, in such times as the moon rises.

It's essential for both to strike a balance between utilizing their allies' aid and taking personal responsibility for their own familia obligations.

Her eyes were sharp and attentive, and her arms crossed over the other. "I want to know if each orphanage received their fair share of magic stones," she asked.

A quick chorus of "yes" assured her that every manse had received their rightful allocation.

Like papers being finalized, her attention shifted to the following matter.

She leaned on her side, her expression reflecting a hint of concern. "What of the pharmacies? Did they get their paid substances for their potions and related items? Did..."

She found her words coming to a short halt. Her thoughts were interrupted by a memory of a report that the guild dispatched a few days prior concerning a deity and his tariffs.

"...And also," she resumed, paying no heed to the looks of confusion from the party before her, "did Dian Cecht finally insert his familia's tax files? From what we were told, it is long overdue for them."

They each nodded in response to her query, to her surprise and ease.

She couldn't help but let out a small chuckle of relief, though she restrained herself from grinning too widely.

No abrupt problems.

Quests from the guild were either being revised or settled.

Familias were behaving appropriately— or rather, they weren't getting at each other's necks in the middle of the day and causing problems for everyone.

Overdue surcharges are being taken care of without intervention.

Rightful allotments were transported safely.

And atop it all, no traveler of today has alarmed us. Each newcomer and guest has been processed with little to no problems.

She and her deity knew that almost every overlooked task and patrol, such as tonight, was only possible via their familia.

Whenever the other two factions can't do it, they take whatever is left behind if the other two following them do not pick it up.

Indeed, they don't have more members than the two most potent familias in the world— and they lack the same level of experience and strength.

Likewise, Loki and Freya's Familia have members who possess the power to effortlessly defeat armies and explore as low as the lower floors of the dungeon without a party.

Although the Hephaestus Familia is widely known for its smithing creations, not only did they have enough members to trek the dungeon— though most of them are level one and two— but they also had a member of their own who had accomplished reaching a first-class status before she did.

Then, their allies, who were all second-class adventurers like her, also had their own preeminent members.

Even so—

Whatever strength we lack is compensated by the number of members of the Ganesha Familia.

—Their large numbers and support make them essential when protection is absent in the city.

"...That is about everything then," she expressed, her arms gradually coming to her sides as the party finished recounting tasks she was unaware of.

"You all may go home. I will be right behind after I check with the guild again."

As swiftly as before, they stood at attention momentarily before easing themselves as they began walking separate paths.

After some time walking, her mind was consistently on alert of the surroundings to be of someone's assistance at a moment's notice; when she arrived at the guild and requested anything new of late, she was again reassured of her responsibilities when the guild workers responded with frivolity.

"You need to get some rest, Ankusha. You are collected, but you must also be mindful of yourself," one of the guild workers said.

Walking out of the guild with content and relaxed shoulders, she began to stroll alone until she reached Ganesha Familia manor.

Once she arrives at her destination, her voice convinced herself that she would converse with her deity regarding matters they could start inquiring about the following week after she sends the overnight groups to patrol Orario.

...Hmm.

Her walk slowly came to a stop.

"As long as we keep a cool head and fight with our monster-like status, there's no way we'll lose!"

An exasperated sigh came from the second-class adventurer, a belief unexpectedly breaking her facade and all thoughts.

She stood on an empty road, magic stone lanterns lighting her path.

The globe of fire that hung in the sky, illuminating the world with its fierce radiance, gradually gazed away to a gentler light that trickled through the clouds like molten silver. Though not as brilliant as its predecessor, the glow was enough to prevent the lands from being swallowed by shadows.

The sun descended nearly an hour before she arrived at the guild.

The moon began its stately ascent, unhurriedly rising higher and higher until, eventually, it would reach its full, majestic height, which very few mortals wish to grasp.

It has passed, if not already, over a year since their departure... His departure.

Several months even.

"……"

Again, the loyal and gentle voice of a man she held in the highest esteem echoed in her mind, recalling the last time they had conversed.

"Look, your sister is concerned for you as you're worried for me... And I know you'll hate me for saying this, but I want you to know it, okay.

"No matter the outcomes... Everything will turn out just fine...

"For now... Hahaha!! Like that red-haired friend of Ardee's said. Learn to relax more, and you'll stay cool. Better than those kooks in Freya and Soma, for sure.

"Be the calm and collected person you are, Shakti!!"

She fervently beseeched the powers above for his safekeeping and the conquest with his family.

…Everything will turn out okay, as you said, right..? Charlie…

---

The Behemoth, a predominant creature of earth, was a formidable obstacle that had to be conquered to bring stability and further steps to peace to the lands of Gekai. The world of mortals.

To conquer and vanquish the Behemoth, a creature that can effortlessly cause tremors with its bellowing— roaming outside the dungeon for centuries since Albert Waldstein's Grand Quest was discontinued— was an arduous and daring quest that demanded the bravest and mightiest warriors step forward.

Emerging alive from the intense and grueling battle was immediately considered an incredible achievement. An impressive feat in its own right.

Crippled or more, those who lived to tell their share of the adventure— their names and deeds were whispered in awe and reverence for years to come when proof of their victory was shown to the world.

Zeus Familia— one of the most potent factions in the world with a comprehensive range of members— executed what many untitled heroes who fell before its presence couldn't.

The finishing blow was accomplished by a man who managed to bite into its flesh and vigorously dig his power and wits; however, it was with the help of the entire familia and the allies they had requested that further aided the man's accomplishment.

In vise versa, one of the Grand Quests wouldn't have been vanquished without the other.

The months, if not years, of effort and struggles Zeus Familia persevered did not go in vain.

A moment of pure ecstasy reverberated worldwide, bringing together joy and tranquility.

"Did you hear!"

"What did you say?!"

"Don't you dare lie to me!! That isn't a funny joke."

"This explains everything... Everything."

"B-But how?!"

"Those earthquakes... Could it be..?"

"Champions!"

"Not only Zeus' children but these adventurers, too!!"

"So close!"

"The Grand Quests. They're..!"

Their triumph stirred the world in rapture.

They, the Zeus Familia, moved by their influence and might, were why every untainted soul in the world had been so thriving and uplifted.

...The same goes for their sole trusting, reliant ally. Hera Familia.

Nearly six months after Zeus' children's victory over the land of sand in the east, Hera's children soon began a course of action with the next grueling Grand Quest the world awaited to be conquered.

Determined, eager, and overall riled up by their ally's feat— Zeus Familia practically boasting their achievement rightfully— in their eyes at least— Hera Familia trekked the country by heading south, where the terminus of their Grand Quest was located.

Similarly, a decisive strike was landed by someone who, instead of biting the creature's flesh and using the open wound as their upper advantage, coursed her way atop the monster— though in the course of action, her bane was her greatest adversary, and poured all her power into the creature's backbone. Crippling it, then landing the final strikes upon every newfound wound of the Leviathan's— more so on the spots where the scales were utterly torn apart, and flesh was revealed to the world.

Likewise, her efforts and struggles in slaying the monster were aided by the help of the entire familia and the allies they had requested.

Vise versa, exactly to Zeus' Familia circumstances, one of the Grand Quests wouldn't have been vanquished without the other.

It goes without saying that their victory had brought a wave of peace and happiness worldwide, just like their allies had done before.

"...Our children are doing it."

"Hahaha! Yes, they certainly are."

Together, with their children's monster-like status, Zeus and Hera knew their familias stood as symbols of hope, strength, and prosperity for all who dared to dream of a brighter future...

Though only for a short time— a validity, all members and partners of Zeus and Hera Familia, along with the two Olympian deities, would blatantly laugh had they been told what awaited them on the Final Grand Quest.

It was an utterly twisted Fate— an unavoidable future engulfed with pain and nightmare, which both sides and the world were unaware of.

---

"H-Hey!"

The Ganesha's Familia estate was enveloped in serene silence. The halls were empty, and the only noise that could be heard was the snores from a few individuals.

Howbeit—

"O-Oi. What's going—"

"Wake up! Wake up!"

"Nghhh... Let a person sleep will y—"

"IT'S URGENT!! WAKE UP, DAMN IT!!"

"H-Huh?!"

"W-Woah!"

"What the..."

"Get up! Please, everyone!!"

—The peaceful slumber only lasted a few hours. The sleep many deserved and earned was abruptly interrupted by an increasing sound of alarmed voices and footsteps that echoed through the halls and corridors of the estate.

The ones who had woken up sooner than those forcefully dragged out of their mattresses due to the noise, and primarily their adventurer instincts spiraling them into action, joined the few overnight groups in their efforts. Jointly, they did their best to wake all individuals in their corridors.

At first, they all thought this was some sort of twisted joke— a stunt that would result in unbendable punishments. They quickly questioned themselves as to why they followed these orders when they weren't even coming from a top position such as their captain.

You can't pretend those faces aren't real...

Their inquiries were partially answered as quickly as they surfaced when they noticed how the overnight group that had initiated this had tormented, almost shell-shocked expressions.

Virtually, the whole manor of Ganesha Familia had woken up in a matter of minutes.

Amidst all the confusion and uncertainty, they were caught off guard by some hushed whispers circulating amongst the overnight group.

The words caused them to pause and listen intently, momentarily freezing from their spot once they heard it again.

Realizing the gravity of the situation, they quickly made their way out of the building, their footsteps echoing loudly against the walls, hurriedly approaching the source of urgency.

They were driven by a sense of duty but more so of proof.

Many of them thought to themselves...

There's no way, right? There's just absolutely... no...

Noting how quiet it had gotten in the vicinity, she realized that everyone had already left and gone outside, where countless citizens, adventurers, and deities were.

"H-Hey! Don't tell me I need to kick down the door and drag you out?!" She called out, her voice echoing down the empty hallway.

She paused, listening for any response or a hint of noise, but her heightened senses detected nothing from the other side of the door.

Her hands balled into fists, her knuckles slowly turning white.

Frustration etched across her face as she raised her voice even higher.

"Shakti!" she called out to her older sister again, accompanied by her balled fists knocking on the door. "P-Please, wake up!! I will kick down this door if you don't get out now!!"

"..."

"Ugh!" she ignored the protesting voices in her head, taking a couple steps back until her back touched the wall.

She had already come to terms with herself regarding her approach.

You asked for it!

With her surge of energy and backed emotions, her gaze fixed intently on the door before her, she took steps forward.

"Hya!"

She swiftly coiled her body, and in one fluid motion, she lifted her leg and kicked the door near the handle, sending the wooden entry off its hinges from the wall.

The door splintered into countless pieces, scattering across the floor in all directions. Utilizing the status' strength parameters.

Had her patron deity witnessed what she committed, he would have paled and taken cover for what was about to come. Both were aware of Shakti's sleep aggression.

"Come on," the young girl, aware of the room's layout, cautiously approached her sister amidst the dark.

As she walked, she carefully navigated around the shadiness and the splintered wood on the floor until her knee bumped into something hard, which she immediately recognized as a wooden part of the bed frame.

In a hushed voice, again though in her proximity, she called out her sister's name, "Shakti," hoping that her voice would carry and that she could locate her sister.

Crouching down, she felt around in the darkness and eventually touched a shape that she could assume was her sister's arm.

"……"

I'm right here in front of you!

She was still asleep and didn't respond to her gentle touch, so once more, she beckoned her, this time a tad louder; her tone was too gentle. "...Sister... wake up."

"……"

"...Please... you h-have to wake up..."

"...Ngh."

Eventually, the older sister stirred and groaned, slowly emerging from her deep slumber as her younger sibling shook her arm and beckoned her.

"...Everyone in Orario is scared right now... I-I'm so scared..."

"...A-Ardee..?"

"...I-I think... I-I think Charlie and the others... S-Shakti I—"

Her sister's voice roused her from her sleep, but Shakti swiftly arose from her bed when her ears detected her younger sibling's anxiety and fear.

She held Ardee by grasping her shoulders, who jolted from her older sibling's sudden touch and wake.

Ardee went over the boundaries to get her sister out of her deep drowse, and here Shakti was, fully awake and collected.

She knew her older sibling's gaze sharpened when she asked, "What is going on?"

"……"

Ardee hesitated for a moment, but Shakti persisted, "Ardee."

Now, it was the older sister's to beckon her sibling out of her daze.

However, unlike her, it was only momentarily before she responded in a tone that not even a level-one status could catch.

"O-Outside... Zeus and H-Hera... outside..."

"—!"

When Shakti heard those names from her sister, she felt an odd pang in her chest, a sharp anxiety rising.

It was as if a heavy blanket of snow had suddenly fallen on her shoulders, making breathing hard.

She and Ardee did not notice that their breaths hitched.

It was a second after that Shakti whispered, her voice barely above a whisper, "Outside? As in..."

Her sister's wavering reply only added to her growing sense of dread. "Arcane mirror... T-They said—"

Shakti's mind raced as she tried to process the information.

Instead of relying on her sister, allies, acquaintances, or even Ganesha, her patron deity, she wanted her suspicions confirmed by the two Olympian gods; Therefore—

"No matter the outcomes... Everything will turn out just fine..."

Fine. Everything. Is. Fine.

—She took her sister's hand and led them outside, away from the empty Ganesha manor, to hear and witness the unimaginable.

---

...What am I supposed to say?

I was at a loss for words and struggled to formulate a reaction. My fingers twitched as I wavered to summon a trick we gods exploit without breaking the laws of heaven and earth, at least to a certain extent.

I was staring into the darkness, my eyes closed.

The tent I was in was almost empty, unused even.

The objects here were the only hints anyone would get to who this once belonged to.

A stack of books lay on the ground beside me, comprising a cutoff ring in front of me.

Each one is well-worn and has been worked on countless times, from how much it's been written and crossed.

Despite being on my knees, I lost count of how many I had written, revised, and rewritten, but they rose almost as high as I was.

So, if someone were to ask, "How much?" I honestly wouldn't know how to answer.

Disorderly jumbled together— reminded of my organization— several parchments lay scattered near one side of the line books, each filled with a wealth of my knowledge and stories waiting to be told— a certitude nearly all mortals were unaware of, almost fibbed to by the world and witness.

It was as if worlds lay hidden within each one, drastically different or a parallel of those closest to it, waiting to be discovered.

"Ahhh... Haaa..."

I didn't even realize I had been holding my breath as I exhaled deeply. The tension seemingly unyielding, refusing to dissipate any time soon.

Despite the constant denial and uncertainty— I still am rejecting it; I know it with how my tongue throbbed from my teeth biting down on it. Hera's and my fears had been confirmed— proved hours prior.

The moment Zard uttered, his voice and gaze voided of expression, the information hit us straightforwardly and rashly, as if Anubis' scepter pierced us.

...The weight of that knowledge felt heavy on my shoulders and mind, almost as if a steel yoke were squeezing my neck, pressing down with an immense force. I felt like I was choking.

The realization of the situation was overwhelming, and I couldn't help feeling powerless and sorrow rising in me again.

"...Come on," I conveyed myself in a hushed whisper.

I felt them shut themselves from the world just as I tried to open my eyes.

My mind was blank, but not completely.

...No. Get... Ghhh..!

A cacophony of voices that weren't my own flooded my mind, each distinct and desperate.

One voice tremblingly implored, his skin and body slivered, unjustly exposed for the eye to glimpse, "Z-Zeus... help... t-them..."

While another expressed his confusion via his last moments of breath, intestines finally wriggling out of the mortal body, "W... why?"

There was also a voice filled with uncertainty, though aware of his circumstance from his twisted bones and wounds, "Arms... b-blind..?"

Half his body may have been contorted, but he crawled with the littlest strength and searched for someone I knew was gone; "W-Where's... brother...?"

"Mmmhh!!!"

"Ack!! I-I... can't... s-saying?!"

"I-It's no... monster..!"

"D... Devil..."

Their haunting voices were filled with pain, misery, and confusion.

A... And...

"I... don't... live... anymore..!"

Their blood... was on my hands... Countless pails of it smeared upon my body— no doubt just as much as hers.

Just as much as that nightmarish terror incarnate.

"Ghhhh!"

Opening my eyes, I groggily stood up, my knees buckling from the looming anguish, and stepped out of his tent.

While failing to erase those thoughts and sentiments, I attempt to breathe fresh air.

As I stood there, the sense of shame and guilt increased tenfold.

Gazing upon a field of tents from where I stood, the landscape was clasped by a dreadful and abnormal quietness.

Several of these tents were now unoccupied and deserted, and very few canopies were lit with magic stone lamps as a light source.

The sun had descended hours before I was here, and the moon was now on its uprise.

I had hoped that being in the shelter behind me— meant for someone more influential and innocent than me, would give me comfort or solace...

Instead, it amplified my feelings of turmoil.

"...Protect him, will you? All of you..."

I shuddered as that person's gentle voice— gentle as a flower's petal— and peaceful facade, expressed with the rarest of kindness, crossed my mind, the memory surfacing in white and red.

A human who deserved everything yet was cursed by an escapable Fate bestowed upon labor. White symbolizes the woman's innocence and unblemished soul.

And red upon...

"...I pray that he and other children grow up in a world where the young aren't required to fend for themselves..."

Her words were tinged with optimism and longing. Like very few in my faction, she desired a better future for the rising generation.

"...At the very least, I want him to live happily. Without a thing to fear, a life full of endless wonders..."

The memory continues while I can see the field of several lifeless tents.

It continuously reminded me of our lives cruel, unpredicted validity and the woman's hope for a better tomorrow...

Which was once infectious to me.

In my remembrance, the woman is smiling at hope in her arms, just as innocent and pure as she is. A soul that has yet to evolve and encounter his world.

"...As selfish as I am, I really want you to live in an isolated world where you won't ever get hurt... Feel pain like me and my sister did..."

I remember her cries that moment... No doubt the executives in that room left from the emotions and affection she emitted; I believe a few shed their own tears.

Like her passion for her life, her heart was fierce with love.

It is a rare love that not even the goddesses of beauty and alike are familiar with. Very few, in fact.

Few gods could understand, but one god could comprehend and relate to the woman's ambition; she was in heaven, possibly heeding her responsibilities.

Her wish...

...Your wish.

"...I pray... that you grow up... and love... like I love my life... the things you do... And that... y...you..."

Her final words reverberate in my mind and ears, and I can feel my body beginning to convulse with guilt that cannot be shut out.

My teeth gnash against each other, causing a grating sound to resonate in my head.

"—!"

Suddenly, I become aware of a strange sensation flowing from my fists. I wasn't even aware I had clenched them.

Glancing down, I notice that my knuckles have turned an ominous shade of white, and the bones in my fingers feel like they are about to snap.

I could barely open my strained hand as I slowly unclenched my fist and opened the palm, turning it over to examine the damage.

"..."

Ichor flowed freely. The nails, despite them being trimmed, had cut open my hand.

My mind had yet to register the pain, but with the wind picking up at night, I felt a cooling sensation rather than a piercing one.

"What the..?" I halted my body's movements.

I thought of trolling for a source to heal my wound, but it became insignificant quickly.

Had the tent behind me not had its own vantage point, primarily so the individual could see where the stars gleamed beautifully, I wouldn't have caught a subtle movement from one of the canopies below this hill. It came from one that wasn't lit with a light source.

Then another, and another. This time, one with a light source, though they're, whoever they are, dragging the lit magic stone lamp with them.

More and more came out of their shelters.

It seemed, in my eyes at least, that they were grouping together in the middle of the camp, and few helped the ones who could barely make their way despite their excruciating injuries.

"...If only Zard was here. Just what are y'all do—"

"...I'm right here, dumbass."

"Ahhh?!"

I jump from surprise, more spooked, hearing the gruff and tired voice beside me.

How long was he standing there? I mean, if not his face, his eyes showed the irritation.

Long time, presumably.

Instead of asking him my initial inquiry, I collected myself, pointed toward the evident occurrence I noticed, and questioned him, "What's going on? They're supposed to be resting."

"..."

"Zard?"

"...I don't know."

"Eh?" confusion was on my face, and my throat emitted a disorderly sound I could not intentionally imitate.

He stepped forward, almost standing by my side. His eyes wandered over the scenery, his irritation fading and superseding more of a stoic facade.

His voice exhausted, Zard spoke his belief, glancing my way as he said before returning his gaze to the reserved field of adventurers.

"I think they're trying to rest together."

"...Really?"

"Yeah."

"...Zeus Familia... Hera Familia... sleeping together? Zard—"

"I know. But that's the only guess popping up."

That assumption doesn't feel right; it pangs my head a little.

The thought of my members and Hera's devotees resting on the same ground near each other was an issue she and I needed to solve.

Without some chains, Heimdall had gifted from a time I no longer can remember, and the banners Hera's familia rarely used, along with more items marking the territory to which turf would belong, this expedition would have failed the moment they tried to get their first sleep.

Still, some issues needed solving.

Ensuring privacy, finding a site for solitude, figuring out how to obtain sustenance, and much more.

Simply put, our factions are too big... And once, they were just as mighty.

I paused as I was about to express my disbelief at Zard's words, my words quickly dying in my throat.

While it is hard for the ordinary person, me as the deity I am, and Zard with his colossal power, we can see perfectly fine if we squint and focus enough.

The magic stone lamps few had taken with them were set in spots where the area wouldn't be too dark and would provide enough light to illuminate them all.

Once that was settled before exchanging words from the seems of it with their lips moving, they...

"..."

"I guess I was right," Zard said. Almost chuckling?

I cannot peel my eyes away to see his expression. My gaze remains fixed on the view.

They're resting together, my voice says internally.

A few huddled so closely that they could hold each other's hands if they chose to.

If Hera were here, she would cry her heart out. Even an idiot like me can understand why the very few rescued adventurers had come to such purpose.

"They're scared," I say to no one, thoughts expressed freely.

"We weren't there, and they rejected a status update from you and Hera," Zard's words reverberate with me, my ears focused on his voice while my eyes are on sight.

"That mon..." He paused, likely berating himself for nearly uttering such drivel terms.

I know I would.

"...That devil incarnate. It put fear into us that now we can't even sleep without being so frightened of it coming back to finish the deed."

I remain silent, noting how few trembled in fear as they mustered themselves to slumber, even with comrades in arms nearby.

"No doubt it shares a resemblance with the Behemoth and Leviathan... but even so, we conquered those two creatures...

"Our friends and allies, the voices of the hurt moved us even when we didn't want to take on the Grand Quests at first.

"So tell me, Zeus..."

His beckoning was what made me shift my gaze.

His eyes were cold, yet there were hints of remorse and guilt for his companions as he stood there, gaze hollowing my core.

There was nothing you could have done, so I tried to speak, but my voice didn't sound.

"What did Albert Waldstein have that we didn't?"

I knew the answer— something akin to it, at the very least.

"..."

But the words did not want to come out.

No doubt I looked like a fool from Zard's viewpoint, my face etched with wearyness and guilt.

An uncomfortable silence enveloped us as I attempted to speak, though my body betrayed my will.

"You—"

"I—"

It wasn't me or Zard who looked away, him ready to lash out with both his fists bulging— and me, inclined to receive it as one of my punishments yet to be assembled; however—

"On the calm lake... In the cold breeze..."

—a chorus of voices coming together rose up down the hill, soft and soothing yet shattered all at once, which caused us to turn our gazes to the field of dead canopies.

"Wanna go back to my sweet home..."

...I am aware of this melody. This song.

This invocation.

"Landscape of the past... the air of the Earth... It's not natural anymore... Hmmm..."

This prayer has been passed down and shared in the mortal world. The connotations behind it were endless.

"I could use some sleep... Hide my small hope... Oooh..."

I feel that same sensation from earlier on my other hand; undoubtedly, my ichor slipping from my hand.

"Miss our sweet home... Can we go back... with you... Hmmm..."

This tormented feeling in my chest, the panging in my head...

I haven't felt this since—

I cannot utter his name. I no longer have that right anymore.

Like the mortals here, it is— again— my fault for leading them to the misery I cannot save them from.

I failed to fulfill my responsibility as their dependent god.

My fault.

My fault.

My fault.

My fault.

My fault.

My fault.

My fault.

My fault.

My fault.

My fault.

My fault.

My fault.

"Oi! You're—"

Before I knew it, my palms had come clasping together, my ichor smearing over my face and attire.

I ignored the impulse to clean it off, to present myself more appropriately.

Within moments, gradually understanding what my body— my core— was doing before my thoughts could register, I felt the knowing electricity pour out from my body, scorching the dirt beneath me and the air around me and nearly sending the canopy behind me, flying from the raw output of arcanum.

I felt my wounds mend, my skin connecting again like the joint threads of red from heaven at a speed not even someone like Zard could glimpse.

Once I knew what I was doing, I ensured they understood the perilous Fate that awaited them— and the consequence that would come if they did not prepare and take heed of my warning.

Amidst my whole focus centered on this forewarning—

"Even the peaceful sky... And singing birds... That was a given in those days...

"I've been tryna... Fill all this emptiness... But my heart is still so dark..."

—I can faintly hear those desolated prayers from unfortunate mortals.

"Ghhh!"

The panging in my chest and head tenfold when the sound of hope, love, and life echoed in my ears— the memory of him cooing and giggling in my arms.

I cannot tell you the endless stories of heroes anymore... Show the countless beauty ahead... Nor can I watch you grow up as a student, adventurer, warrior, leader, or hero if you wish...

When the arcane mirror reflected me— a deity who failed to protect his mortals and destroyed dreams that had yet to come because of my nature— I did not hesitate to utter my words.

...But I the very least, I can damn well prepare your generation for the Fate befallen upon your world.

---

"...We have failed..."

Zeus' voice resounded throughout the vast expanse of Gekai, reaching every corner of the land and oceans.

From the lowliest mortals to the desirous of deities, from villages filled with life to inadequate, liberated cities and manipulation, from the countries countless were known of to those undiscovered, no one could escape the sound that filled the air.

Only those who desired Fate to crumble the world into complete ruin remained unchanged by his words, ignoring the portent message of a deity who partook in Fate himself.

Otherwise, they have frozen, awakened from slumber and daze, focused on his every word.

Then, there was the dungeon— the origin of the unknown and where the demons lurked in the shadows...

"...The monster was perfectly described as the previous era depicted it. A demon of terror that looms over the lands freely, obliteration and destruction following behind its path..."

His words carried a weight that could not be ignored, conveying validity the mortal world wasn't truly free from the thriving nightmares that deserted the dungeon.

"...No longer are their souls with me, nor would they return. The adventurers you look up to. Depend on when such crises emerge— again, they are gone..."

He wasn't hesitant, straightforwardly flooding the world with a harshly spoken missive even as the listeners he couldn't see trembled and opposed the reality.

...Few had the will to stay silent and heed the almighty Olympian god's words, and even fewer came to terms with it.

Nonetheless, few mortals loathed the verity of it throughout their entire being.

The gods who were used to seeing the god of lightning with an infamy perspective— his reputation widely known through his depraved stunts— were stunned and perturbed, to say the least.

His expression resembled one of a past master, a general, conveying a sense of authority and command over the situation.

An expression he has not displayed openly since his firstborn's end.

"...From Argonaut's era to Albert Waldstein's period, a hero has yet to take the mantle to free your world from the blight. And still, there has yet to be a mortal who defies Fate and destiny with his judgment, words, efforts, and overall existence..."

Indeed, no unusual and noteworthy was among them despite heaven having sent a handful of essential souls who've— and have yet— displayed remarkable deeds in their lives; those souls are scattered across the world.

And in the prominent factions of Zeus and Hera, complete with the mightiest adventurers with feats deemed supremely valiant.

Even then, there wasn't a mortal who rebelled against such odds, trials, and tribulations as the heroes of the past.

Otherwise...

"...Whether for selfish desires or of generosity, it is possible to overcome the chains bound in this world..."

Zeus' closest allies and friends noted how his voice wavered in his following words, though barely.

One, in particular, questioned whether the god was about to cry, but it was hard to discern much detail due to the visible aura and lightning emanating from his odd divine form.

Most likely, he was restraining himself from unleashing his wrath upon the world and the monster who etched the world into such tragedy.

"...Regardless of how mighty they seem— your actions, too, can be twisted. If not by your own hands, then by the judgments around you. Please, be careful..."

---

...And, there's that.

As Zeus breathed a deep sigh, his chest heaved with an unbearable weight of bitter emotions and guilt.

This feeling will cling to him until his last breath, whether he meets his end in Tenkai or Gekai.

Zeus swore the world had gone quiet after his statement and forewarning, signaling to every soul the gravity of what was to come.

The prayers he heard had gone quiet, and the hill below was challenging to detect a sign of wake.

One of his responsibilities, having concluded, is for Zeus to trudge back into the tent behind him as he snaps his fingers, lightning subduing into the air as if the divine power he released had never transpired.

Utilizing the prowess of the arcane mirror, he made his message repeat tenfold.

At the very least, until sunrise.

Upon entering, his dark blue eyes were immediately drawn to the striking goddess before him.

Her piercing gaze met his from the side, and for a moment, he was captivated by her beauty despite the makeup making her appear as a mess.

How long did you cry..?

After a short silence, their eyes shifted to the empty crib near one corner of the canopy.

Draped in a veil that obscured most of it from view, with the magic stone lamp being set dimly and the silence shrouded in their environment, it felt as though they were attending a funeral...

There was just a missing piece for it to be complete.

The goddess beckoned her beloved's name with a voice that quivered with heartbreak as if the mere utterance of the name had drained her of all the strength she had left.

"Zeus..."

When the god of lightning responded with a simple yet awkward "Yeah?" that hung in the air, she fell silent and hesitated to touch the cradle before her.

Her hand hovered over it slightly as if drawn to the object despite her reluctance.

She felt ashamed to connect with anything associated with whom this crib belonged, the whole tent she and her beloved were in.

Her eyes were cast downward, avoiding any contact with his items.

Her core ached with the weight of her emotions, and like her beloved, she knew that she would carry this burden with her for a long time, perhaps till her last breath even.

Her core betrayed the internal damnation she found suitable for someone like herself as she finally spoke for what seemed an eternity.

"...do you think Meteria will ever forgive me? W...Will h-he..!"

Zeus closed his eyes, a pained expression etched on his facade. His hands balled into fists again, displaying the anger and frustration lingering on him.

If any outsider or visitor had come into the tent, they would choke from the uneasy and uncomfortable wrap between the Olympian gods.

For a moment, she considered exiting the canopy, running deep into the forest, and crying her heart out where no one— but herself— would judge her as she feared his response; his gruff voice was more melancholic and profound when he spoke, however.

"Forgiveness is difficult to come to terms with, even for us deities..."

The one thing she felt besides her turmoil was a sense of surprise. Zeus spoke in a language only a handful of divine beings could utter.

"...But if there's one thing I've learned not only since I emerged in Tenkai but in my time here in the mortal world, it's that time has a way of healing wounds," he said as he slowly intruded the goddess's proximity.

"..."

"...If you don't comprehend what I'm saying, Hera. Please, look at me."

"Z-Zeus," she found herself at a loss for words, his hand grasping her chin and forcefully making her meet his gaze.

While his voice was low and severe, his face showed otherwise. Soft and gentle.

The look he was giving was one of a lover reassuring his partner of their torments.

"Perhaps one day, when we meet her again, Meteria will find it in her to forgive you," he said, his voice assured and measured. "And as for him... Until then, all we can do is be better than before."

"Haaa..."

Overcome by emotions she thought she had subdued before reaching here, Hera fell to her knees and leaned into Zeus's embrace.

Her voice—

"HAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!"

—Was the only sound that could be heard from their entirety.

"..."

"...Protect him, will you? All of you..."

And once she fell into a deep slumber, one from which she would not be easily woken, the deity who held her silently expressed his tears through an onslaught of self-abasements.

---

Authors Note:

Hahaha! You thought this was going to be left? Well, this update is here to prove wrong.

If it wasn't clear enough, this story here will be more of a serious one than one of fun. So if that's a complaint... uhhh... Sorry?!

This chapter is what, I like to think, and believe that this was some type of circumstance Orario was in before and after the big news came out.

Ah. The misery and sympathy I have for these characters is overwhelming. Rightfully so.

Saddened that this isn't the end of the pain for few of these characters.

Ah. Dear woman who wanted to be mother while at the same time loathes to be mentioned old, your misery has yet to come!! The same goes with you early middle-aged man!

Hahaha!

Believe me or not, but this chapter was not meant to be released this late. Intentionally and initially it was supposed to be on the same date of last month, but things can really come and bite you when it comes to such matters!

Ughh!!

My mans Finn and Hedin receiving their big status updates!! If it is already told how they achieved it, then please remember this is Fanfiction! Okay? Okay.

And I hoped that y'all enjoyed the little Omake insert of the chapter. I had fun writing that bit. Hahahaha! There is more to come in between these chapters. And maybe a chapter of its own. Just depends on you guys if y'all want it.

Oof to the people like Shakti who waited for certain individuals in Zeus and Hera familia return. She wasn't the only one.

I hope no further torments as they try to accept and settle the new situation not only the world is in but primary for them— Orario.

For the world on the other hand, that is a completely different situation than Orario and their adventurers and familias. Overall the city and its surrounding.

Their impact will be known and expressed thoroughly via characters like Jeanne, Bell, Arthur, (spoiler alert, further character appearances), Artemis (Danmachi), Atalanta, Ishtar (Fate), and much more once they make their appearance in the future.

Half by Fate characters and the rest by Danmachi's.

I'll also say this. While this is extending their characters a bit much, I am sorry if it is not to your liking.

Again, I have dreamed and wondered if a crossover similar like this, so I plan on writing it.

Besides, the one writer who did manage to do a crossover like this deleted their account. I'm forever saddened that I won't be able to read such works anymore...

Oh, if you know who Charlie was supposed to be... Um... Don't worry but worry, you feel me..? No... Hahahaha..!

Just keep reading, I suppose.

I found his character funny in the game. Yes, game.

If you don't know who I am referring to, then it's best for me and you to just wait when the time comes.

Usually when I write these I be listening to music. With the prologue, the lyrics from "Away" perfectly resonated with me on how that chapter's theme and sentiment.

For this, I'm having difficulty figuring out what song resonates with this chapter. Hurts me head a little.

Although, around the end the one song that kind of resonated with this chapter and me was, "The Path (A New Beginning)" by Gustavo Santaolalla.

The song the remnants of Zeus and Hera members were vocalizing, if you know it I would say you probably have good taste… but I don't know if y'all dislike it.

Anyways, on with the reviews!

Dasgun: j0

...I'm glad you commented! Better than zero reviews.

Shigeraki: Im here for Arthur so I'll wait till i get to see him. But so far the quality is goid

Thank You! King Arthur, not Artoria, will be shown not in the next chapter and not too soon. It'll probably be near the end of the Orario's all out wargames which was concluded in the light novel volume 18 of Danmachi.

And if you keep up with Danmachi as I do, then I'd bet you have a feeling how I'm going to go forward with Arthur's character. I am interested in what you guys think. Your theories and suggestions.

kamol: So many fate garbage fic smh. Lmao what's this summary "Heros aren't made bahhhh" ok dude

Hahaha! If you disliked this, then I suggest the fanfics from the previous Authors note.

Other than that, thanks for the review. Real shit g!

RabbitHaremLover24: Welcome back, it's certainly been a long time hasn't it? Managed to read the first chapter of the Dragon Hero remake and I certainly enjoyed the first chapter especially from Aria's POV as well as the insight of the Black Dragon's carnage upon the surface and Aria's capture. Ais was obviously sent to the future, and now Aria will meet the source of the light which is more than likely my boi. :) Wonderful start to this remake and I certainly look forward to the next one. :) As for pairing I of course vote BellxAisJeanne for this one. ;3 I do hope we get the updates for White Death as well, I've been awaiting that story to be updated for a long time now. Lol. :) That aside wonderful chapter and I eagerly await the next one. :) Keep safe and take care. :)

Yes. Indeed it feels a long time hasn't it? I am grateful for your reviews, positives, and the negatives if it ever comes. POV will be presented more with characters I feel like I can flow with.

And yes, the source of light is our best man.

Oh boy for those who haven't read Dragon Hero, as they do not know what's to come with Bell's origin story here. It might throw people off and even cause them to leave this Fanfic in the gutter, but eh. I don't care. I enjoy writing, and this is story is one of my ways to express it.

Guest: Not a Meme:So many promising Fate fics, let's hope this one is one who makes it.

Yes. Let's hope I make it. If the writers block are as easy to overcome as the mini ones I had this month, it'll be worth while for me.

Sagittipotenta: If you're gonna do a prologue chapter like this, I'd prefer you wait until you have a chapter 2 and post both at once. I guess it's establishing the main villain but doing that usually happens in finished books where readers don't have to figure out if a story is good enough to subscribe to

Yes, it is establishing the main villain.

initially I was going to release Prologue and Chapter one together, but chapter one got corrupted. And I hated seeing that prologue was ready but not out, so I just said fuck it and release the story with just the prologue.

Though this chapter barely does anything to continue what I left off in the previous. Which is, yes, I intended.

We'll pick up the previous chapter's cliffhanger on a future chapter. Not the next one I can say the least if you're wondering.

But! If you guys are interested in chapters being released together then let me know.

nickoo.cp: Update the history please

The update is here g!

Well then, I hope you all enjoyed. If not, again please check out the Fanfics I mentioned in the previous Authors note. I think they'll be more interesting to read than this could be, at least currently.

I enjoy reading reviews. Hateful. Thoughtful. And the appreciative. So please, don't hesitate to say what you guys think of.

Stay safe everyone, and have a wonderful day!

Until next time!

Also, if there are error formats, please let me know! If I do not do any updates than know it is purposely meant to be for your guys hypothesis!

The same goes with information and the systems of the both verses, Fate and Danmachi, that has yet been introduced and altered!