The air in the dimly lit Dungeon was thick with tension, the only sound the low, guttural growls echoing off the stone walls. The group stood back-to-back in a tight circle, their eyes scanning the shadows as the black-furred Hellhounds prowled around them. These beasts were unlike the ordinary ones they'd encountered before—sleek and muscular, their glowing crimson eyes gleamed with malice, and the faint flicker of dark fire danced at the edges of their jaws.
"These aren't normal Hellhounds," Lili said, her voice calm but laced with unease. She raised her small wrist crossbow, already loaded with a bolt. "Their movements… they're smarter, more coordinated."
"Doesn't matter how smart they are," Welf grunted, gripping his massive greatsword with both hands. "They'll still fall like the others."
"Stay sharp," Mikoto said, her hand resting on the hilt of her katana, her posture poised and ready. Her sharp eyes followed the closest Hellhound as it circled, waiting for it to make the first move.
Leo stood at the front of the group, his fists clenched and his eyes blazing with determination. His bandaged shoulder was a reminder of their past battles, but he didn't let it slow him down. "Stick to the plan," he said, his voice steady. "Bell and I will draw their attention. Welf, stay on my flank and cover any openings. Mikoto, watch our sides. Lili, you call the shots."
Bell, holding his twin daggers in a low stance, nodded. "Got it, big brother."
The Hellhounds seemed to understand the threat before them, snarling as they crouched low, their muscles coiled like springs. Then, without warning, the pack lunged.
One Hellhound leapt straight at Leo, its jaws snapping open as it released a torrent of black flames. Leo stepped forward, raising his arm to shield his face as the flames washed over him, the heat scorching his skin. But the Salamander wool lining his gear absorbed most of the fire's fury, allowing him to lunge forward.
"Not so tough!" he roared, slamming his lightning-charged fist into the Hellhound's snout. The crackle of electricity spread through the beast's body, sending it sprawling backward with a yelp.
On the opposite side of the circle, another Hellhound lunged at Bell. The younger Cranel's crimson eyes sharpened as he sidestepped the attack with incredible speed, his daggers flashing in a flurry of strikes. He slashed at the beast's legs, forcing it to stumble before flipping backward to avoid its retaliatory swipe.
"Bell, two more on your left!" Lili shouted, firing a bolt from her crossbow. The projectile buried itself in one Hellhound's flank, distracting it long enough for Bell to dart forward and finish it with a precise stab to its throat.
"Thanks, Lili!" Bell called, spinning around to face the next one.
Meanwhile, Mikoto moved with the fluid grace of a trained warrior, her katana gleaming as she slashed through another Hellhound's leaping attack. The beast howled as the blade cut deep, but Mikoto didn't stop, pivoting to deflect the flames of another Hellhound with the flat of her blade.
"Leo, three coming in from your side!" she called out, her voice steady even as she parried another strike.
"Got it!" Leo replied, gritting his teeth. He moved to intercept the incoming beasts, planting his feet firmly as the first Hellhound lunged. He caught it midair with a powerful uppercut, the force of his punch sending it crashing into the stone wall. Another Hellhound snapped at his side, its fangs grazing his arm, but Leo ignored the pain, grabbing it by the scruff of its neck and slamming it into the ground.
"Stay down!" he growled, delivering a lightning-infused stomp that left the creature lifeless.
The third Hellhound circled back toward Welf, who planted his feet and swung his greatsword in a wide arc. The blade connected with the beast's side, sending it skidding across the floor with a pitiful whimper.
"Nice one, Welf!" Leo said, throwing him a grin as he dodged another blast of flames.
"I'll take compliments when we're not about to be roasted!" Welf shot back, bringing his sword up to block another Hellhound's leap.
Lili continued firing precise bolts from the safety of the center, each shot finding its mark. She kept her eyes moving, tracking the Hellhounds' movements and calling out warnings to the others.
"Mikoto, on your right!"
Mikoto ducked just in time, slashing upward with her katana and slicing through the Hellhound's throat in one clean motion.
"Leo, two more heading for Bell!"
Leo glanced back to see the incoming Hellhounds and sprang into action. He intercepted one with a flying punch, his fist colliding with its skull and sending it crashing to the ground. The other managed to get close to Bell, its fangs aiming for his leg, but Leo grabbed its tail and yanked it back, hurling it away.
"You good, Bell?" Leo asked, his breathing heavy.
Bell nodded, wiping sweat from his brow. "Yeah. Let's finish this!"
The brothers moved in sync, their strikes complementing each other as they cut down the remaining Hellhounds. Bell's speed and precision created openings for Leo's devastating punches, the two of them working together to keep the beasts off balance.
Finally, as the last Hellhound fell with a strangled yelp, the group stood in the aftermath of the battle, their breaths heavy and their bodies aching.
Leo leaned against a nearby wall, wiping blood and soot from his face. "Everyone okay?" he asked, his voice rough but concerned.
"I'll live," Welf said, using his sword as a crutch. "Those things hit harder than they look."
Lili nodded, reloading her crossbow. "We're fine, thanks to you."
Mikoto sheathed her katana, her expression calm but focused. "That was well-coordinated. But if these irregular Hellhounds are appearing here, we may face worse further down."
Bell walked over to Leo, his crimson eyes filled with gratitude. "Thanks for covering me back there."
Leo ruffled Bell's hair, a small grin on his face despite his exhaustion. "That's what big brothers are for."
As the group collected themselves and prepared to move forward, Leo glanced at the fallen Hellhounds and clenched his fists. The Dungeon wasn't pulling any punches, but neither would they.
"Let's keep moving," he said, his voice steady. "We've got this."
The bar hummed with the lively chatter of adventurers fresh from the Dungeon, their voices blending with the clink of tankards and the occasional burst of laughter. At one table, Leo, Bell, Lili, and Welf sat together, their weariness from the day's dive into the Dungeon replaced with the warmth of camaraderie and celebration.
Leo raised his tankard with a broad grin, his amber eyes gleaming under the dim light of the tavern. "Cheers!"
"Cheers!" the others echoed, their tankards meeting his with satisfying clanks.
Leo tilted his head back and took a hearty swig of his ale, savoring the slight burn as it slid down his throat. He let out a contented sigh, leaning back in his chair. "Man… ale sure is good," he said absentmindedly, the cheer in his voice drawing a mix of smiles and raised eyebrows.
Bell, sitting beside him, glanced at his brother with a worried expression. "Are you sure that's a good idea, Leo? I mean… we are still a little young to start drinking."
Leo chuckled, setting his tankard down with a satisfying thunk. "That's true. We're only fifteen. But I think it's fine every once in a while, right? After all, we're celebrating! Welf reached Level 2!" He threw his free arm around Welf's shoulders with a grin. "That's more than enough reason to enjoy a drink with my family!"
Bell's worried look melted into a soft smile, and he nodded. "Yeah, you're right," he said, taking a cautious sip of his juice.
Welf scratched the back of his head with a sheepish grin, his cheeks tinged slightly red. "Level 2, huh… Still feels kind of surreal," he admitted.
"You deserve it, Welf," Lili said, glancing up from her plate. "As a master blacksmith from the Hephaistos Familia, the value of what you make will go up, too."
Welf gave her a nod, raising his tankard in acknowledgment. "That's true. Now I definitely can't afford to mess up and make anything that would embarrass my goddess!"
Leo tilted his head, looking at Welf curiously. "Cut yourself short much? For a Level 1 blacksmith, the gear you made was already top-tier."
The compliment made Welf sit up straighter, puffing his chest out with a proud grin. "Well, when you put it that way…"
While the group laughed, Lili's gaze drifted down to her plate. She poked at her food with her fork, her expression shifting to something more somber. "But this means our party is breaking up, right?"
Her words caused Bell's eyes to widen as he turned to her with a startled expression. Even Leo's grin faded as he sat up straighter, exchanging a glance with Welf.
"You were only going into the Dungeon to rank up and get the Forge ability," Lili continued, her voice quiet and tinged with melancholy. "There's no reason for you to stay with us now."
A heavy silence hung over the table for a moment.
Welf chuckled lightly, breaking the tension. He glanced at Bell and Leo, noticing the worried look in Bell's eyes. "Stop looking like a pet rabbit someone just abandoned," Welf said, pointing his fork at the brothers. A large piece of sausage dangled from the end of it as he continued. "I'm not going to ditch you guys just because I hit Level 2."
He took a big bite from his fork, speaking around the mouthful. "Don't worry, we'll stick together. I'm not going anywhere."
Bell's expression softened into a relieved smile, and Leo's lips tugged upward as the cheerful atmosphere returned to the table.
A few moments of companionable silence passed as they enjoyed their food and drink.
"It would've been nice if Mikoto came along, too," Welf said suddenly, frowning. "We're not exactly strangers anymore."
Leo shrugged, leaning back in his chair and crossing his arms. "She had something to take care of. She apologized a few times for missing out."
Lili looked up, a small smile tugging at the corners of her mouth. "She probably wanted to give us some privacy since she's from a different Familia."
"So are we," Welf pointed out, glancing between Lili and the brothers.
Bell nodded. "That's true. None of us are from the same Familia."
Leo glanced around the table, his grin returning as he took in his companions. For a brief moment, the weight of the Dungeon and the challenges ahead faded, replaced by the warmth of shared triumphs.
But as his gaze shifted beyond Welf, his smile faltered. Across the bar, a small group of adventurers sat at another table, their eyes trained on Leo and his party. One of them—a short, wiry man with a smug grin—leaned back in his chair, his arms crossed as he openly stared.
Leo's expression hardened. His senses sharpened, every fiber of his being alert as he made a mental note to keep an eye on them.
"Leo?" Bell asked, noticing his brother's shift in demeanor.
Leo blinked and shook his head, forcing a small smile as he turned back to the table. "Nothing," he said, brushing it off. But his mind was already racing, his instincts telling him that the peace they'd found tonight might not last much longer.
The lively chatter of the bar had become a comforting backdrop as Bell, Leo, Lili, and Welf shared in their small celebration. Lili cradled her tankard with both hands, her fingers tracing its rim as she took a small sip of her juice. Her gaze shifted toward Bell, curiosity lighting up her features.
"Bell, is it time for you to rank up again?" she asked, tilting her head.
Bell, in the middle of tearing into a piece of bread, paused and shook his head, swallowing before he answered. "Not yet," he admitted. "My ability scores have gone up a lot since we got back from the 18th floor, though."
"What about you, Leo?" Lili asked, turning her attention toward their leader.
Leo shrugged, draping an arm around Bell with an easy grin. "Not too sure," he said. "I haven't had Hestia check my status since we got back from the 18th floor. My ability scores are a little higher than Bell's, but I think I still need that extra push to hit Level 3, ya know?"
Welf let out an exaggerated groan, running a hand through his hair. "Give me a break! I just caught up to you two. I can't have you sailing on to Level 3 and leaving me behind already!"
Leo chuckled, opening his mouth to reply when his attention was drawn to movement at the edge of his vision. His gaze shifted past Welf, landing on a small-statured man rising from his seat. The man's smug grin and deliberate steps toward their table sent a spark of annoyance flickering in Leo's chest.
Leo's arm slipped from Bell's shoulder as his expression hardened, his amber eyes narrowing as he tracked the man's slow approach.
"I think it's only a matter of time," Lili said with a smirk, completely unaware of the tension brewing nearby.
"Quiet," Welf retorted in mock annoyance, prompting laughter from Lili and Bell.
But their banter faded into the background of Leo's mind. The man's footsteps grew louder, and Leo could feel the arrogant aura radiating off him.
"Level 3?!" the man called out loudly, his voice cutting through the bar like a dagger.
"Huh?" Welf turned, his brows furrowing as he took in the sight of the small, wiry man strutting toward them.
The bar quieted, all eyes turning toward the confrontation. Bell and Lili followed Welf's gaze, their expressions shifting from confusion to unease as the man stopped a few feet away from their table.
"I don't know if they call you the Record Holder or whatever," the man sneered, his voice dripping with condescension, "but you shouldn't go around conning people."
Leo's jaw clenched, his brows knitting together as the man continued.
"A rabbit who's fast at running and nothing else. And as for you," the man added, turning his sharp gaze toward Leo, "all I've heard about you is how you ride your brother's coattails. A so-called 'Twin Guardian' who lets the monsters hit him because he can't fight back. Honestly, I'd be too embarrassed to leave my home."
Low chuckles rippled through the bar. Leo's grip on his tankard tightened, the wood creaking ominously under the pressure.
"Sheesh…" Welf muttered, clearly annoyed as he leaned back in his seat.
"Just ignore him, Leo, Bell," Lili advised, her tone serious but calm.
Bell glanced down at his plate, a mix of embarrassment and frustration twisting his expression. "Oh… right," he murmured, trying to brush it off.
But the man wasn't finished. His voice grew louder, dripping with mockery.
"Look at your little band of misfits!" he declared, gesturing grandly at their table. "A blacksmith who couldn't craft a decent blade if his life depended on it, a shrimp of a supporter, and a pair of brothers who think they're better than they are. Honestly, you're all perfect for each other!"
Bell's hands clenched into fists, and Leo could feel his anger bubbling just beneath the surface.
The man smirked as he began circling their table, his voice dropping to a venomous tone. "And your Familia? Hah. A disgrace. Led by a failure of a goddess with nothing to her name but enormous boobs. Honestly, you should all be ashamed."
The insult hit its mark. Bell growled low in his throat, his crimson eyes blazing with fury as he slammed his hands onto the table. His tankard tipped over, spilling its contents onto the floor.
"Take that back!" Bell shouted, his voice trembling with rage.
Leo's expression was no less fierce, his knuckles white as he gripped his tankard, the wood groaning under the strain.
The man flinched at Bell's outburst but quickly recovered, chuckling nervously as he remembered the backup sitting at his table. "Oh, you're mad because I'm right, huh? Tell the truth—you're embarrassed to be the child of that tiny goddess, aren't you? And as for you," he added, pointing at Leo, "I bet you hate being compared to your brother. He makes you look even more pathetic than you already are!"
Bell shot to his feet, his muscles coiling as if he were ready to lunge at the man. But before he could move, Welf acted. With a casual flick of his wrist, he flung his mug across the room.
The heavy wood tankard slammed into the man's face with a dull thud, sending him sprawling onto the floor. Blood trickled from his nose as he groaned in pain, clutching his face.
"Whoops," Welf said, his tone dripping with mock innocence as he extended his arm, mimicking the motion of the throw. "My hand slipped."
The man's companions shot to their feet, their chairs clattering as they glared daggers at Welf.
"You bastard!" one of them shouted.
"Damn it!" another growled.
Leo stood slowly, the scraping of his chair against the floor unnaturally loud in the tense silence. He cracked his knuckles, his expression cold and unreadable as he stepped forward. Beside him, Welf rose with a smirk, clearly itching for a fight.
Bell clenched his fists, his face hardening as his earlier anger reignited. The insult to his Familia—and especially his goddess—still burned in his mind.
"This is the problem with adventurers," Lili said dryly, leaning back in her chair with a small, exasperated smirk.
The three attackers charged at Leo, Bell, and Welf with rage burning in their eyes. Their pride as members of the Apollo Familia had been bruised, and they were determined to make the group pay.
The first attacker rushed at Welf, swinging wildly. Welf sidestepped the punch and countered with a powerful hook to the man's jaw, sending him sprawling. With surprising agility, Welf grabbed the dazed man by the collar, lifted him over his shoulders with a grunt, and hurled him into the wall. The impact shook the wooden beams, and the attacker slumped to the ground unconscious.
Bell danced around the second attacker, his quick footwork making him a blur. The man threw punch after punch, but none connected. Bell ducked low, spinning on his heel and sweeping his opponent's legs out from under him. As the man hit the ground with a thud, Bell moved back, allowing Leo to finish the job.
Leo stepped forward, his foot swinging in a sharp arc. His kick connected with the man's face, the force sending him skidding across the floor and into the same wall Welf's opponent had collided with.
The final attacker let out a roar and barreled toward Leo. His fists were clenched, his intentions clear. But Leo remained calm, sidestepping the charge with practiced ease. He parried the man's wild swing, then countered with a single devastating punch to the face. The man crumpled instantly, collapsing in a heap.
Welf straightened, his chest heaving as he scanned the room for any more threats. He raised his fists, his sharp blue eyes glaring at the stunned crowd.
"Who else wants some?!" Welf bellowed, his voice echoing through the now-silent bar.
"I do…"
The deep, calm voice cut through the tension like a blade.
All eyes turned toward the auburn-haired man still seated at the Apollo Familia's table. He had been watching the fight with a neutral expression, but now he slowly stood, his lanky frame almost casual as he rose to his full height.
Unlike the others, there was no anger or recklessness in his demeanor. He moved with an eerie confidence, his sharp features void of emotion as he turned his gaze toward Welf.
Before anyone could react, he disappeared in a blur of motion, faster than anyone in the room could track.
In an instant, he was standing in front of Welf.
Welf's eyes widened in shock as the man flexed his fingers, keeping his palm open. He barely had time to raise his arms in defense before the man's palm slammed into his chest with incredible force.
The impact sent Welf flying backward, his body crashing into a decorative vase near the door. The vase shattered into pieces as Welf slumped to the ground, coughing and clutching his ribs.
"Welf!" Bell cried out, his voice filled with alarm.
Leo instinctively stepped in front of his brother, but once again, the man moved with blinding speed. Before Leo could react, the auburn-haired man appeared in front of Bell instead.
Bell turned, his crimson eyes wide with shock, just as a vicious haymaker struck him across the face. The force of the blow sent Bell stumbling, but the man didn't stop. He unleashed a flurry of lightning-fast punches, each one connecting with brutal precision.
Blood dripped from Bell's nose and mouth as the man grabbed him by the throat, lifting him effortlessly off the ground. Bell gasped and clawed at the man's hand, his legs kicking as he struggled to breathe.
"Bell!" Lili screamed, scrambling to her feet.
The man's calm voice cut through the panic. "Is that all you've got, Little Rookie? I've barely even started."
A murmur rippled through the bar as the onlookers began to recognize him.
"He's with the Apollo Familia!" someone shouted.
"That's Phoebus Apollo's captain… Hyakinthos!" another adventurer added, their voice tinged with fear.
Leo's teeth clenched as he stepped forward, his hands balled into fists. Without a word, he grabbed Hyakinthos's arm, his grip tightening with all the strength he could muster.
Hyakinthos's head snapped toward Leo, his sharp eyes narrowing as he felt the pressure. For the first time, a flicker of discomfort crossed his face, though he quickly masked it.
"Let go of my brother," Leo growled, his voice low and dangerous. His amber eyes glowed faintly with fury, and his teeth sharpened, resembling those of a predator. An oppressive aura radiated from him, filling the room with a suffocating weight.
The patrons of the bar froze, many of them trembling under the intensity of Leo's presence.
"I-Isn't Hyakinthos… Level 3?!" someone stammered, their voice barely above a whisper.
Hyakinthos smirked, tightening his grip on Bell's throat despite the pain in his wrist. "Hurting my companions comes at a high price," he said coldly. "And the Little Rookie here is going to pay it."
Bell gasped, his struggles growing weaker as his vision blurred.
Leo's eyes narrowed further. He adjusted his grip, his fingers pressing into Hyakinthos's wrist at just the right angle. The pressure forced Hyakinthos's fingers to slacken, and Bell dropped to the ground, coughing violently as he gulped down air.
Before Leo and Hyakinthos could exchange another blow, a stool flew across the room and shattered against the wall.
"Enough."
The low, growling voice came from Bete, who had been sitting at the bar with an annoyed scowl. The werewolf turned, his golden eyes glaring directly at Hyakinthos.
"All of you wimps need to shut the hell up," Bete said, his tone dripping with disdain. He stood from his seat, his presence alone enough to draw the attention of the entire room.
Hyakinthos stared at Bete, his expression unreadable. After a tense moment, he scoffed and turned toward the door. "You've ruined my mood. Let's go," he said, motioning for his Familia members to follow.
Leo's fists remained clenched as he watched the Apollo Familia leave, his eyes burning with fury. The suffocating tension in the bar began to ease, but the unease in his chest only grew.
Bete approached their table, glancing down at Bell with a neutral expression. "Don't be so damned cocky," he said quietly before turning and walking back to his seat.
Leo knelt beside Bell, his voice low as he asked, "Are you okay?"
Lili and Welf joined them, concern etched on their faces.
"What the hell was that about?" Welf muttered, shaking his head as he cradled his injured ribs.
Leo glanced at the door, his jaw tight. "That guy… he's trouble. This isn't over. Not by a long shot."
The next day arrived far too quickly.
After the brawl with the Apollo Familia and the scolding they received from Hestia, both Leo and Bell were still nursing sore bodies and lingering frustrations. Their goddess had chastised them, telling them to "laugh it off next time instead of getting hurt," but Leo doubted he'd ever be able to simply brush aside an insult to his family.
Now, the two brothers sat across from their advisor, Eina, in a private room at the Guild. The half-elf woman's sharp green eyes flicked between them, her fingers intertwined as she leaned forward slightly.
"You got into a fight with the Apollo Familia?" Her voice was calm, but the underlying authority in her tone sent a shiver down Bell's spine.
His crimson eyes dropped to the table. "Yeah, we did."
Leo, however, met her gaze head-on. His mind replayed Hyakinthos's movements, his speed, the sheer power in his strikes. Leo knew strength when he saw it, and it was clear—Hyakinthos was on a different level. If he wanted to match that, he'd have to push himself beyond his current limits.
"Our goddess scolded us," Bell added, his voice barely above a whisper.
Eina exhaled through her nose, her expression softening just a fraction. "Then there's no reason for me to pester you about it." She folded her hands on the table. "But as your advisor, that wasn't something I wanted to hear."
"I'm sorry, Eina," Bell said, bowing his head slightly.
Leo gave a small, apologetic smile. "I'm sorry, too. For the trouble this might bring."
Eina shook her head, her features relaxing slightly. "What's done is done. There's no changing the past now. But listen to me—be careful from now on. Battles between Familias don't just stop at one scuffle. These kinds of conflicts can turn Orario into a war zone."
Leo and Bell stood as she did, both letting that warning sink in.
The last thing either of them wanted was to drag innocent people into their fights.
Eina led them out of the private room, her usual warm smile returning as she shut the door behind her. "For now, you two are planning to explore the Thirteenth Floor?"
Leo crossed his arms and nodded. "That's right. We're taking things at a steady pace—studying each monster, making sure we know what we're up against before moving forward."
Eina seemed satisfied with that answer and nodded. "I see. That's a good approach. Stay safe, both of you." With that, she excused herself, returning to her guild duties.
Leo turned to his brother and immediately noticed Bell's troubled expression. His shoulders were tense, his gaze distant, as if replaying the scolding over and over in his head.
Leo sighed, crossing his arms. "Cheer up, Bell. Getting scolded happens every once in a while. It's not the end of the world."
Bell exhaled slowly, nodding. "You're probably right… I just hate it. It reminds me of Grandpa's scoldings."
Leo let out a small chuckle, shaking his head. "You're kidding, right? That softie never actually scolded us. If anything, he spoiled us rotten. I don't remember a single time he ever yelled at either of us."
A bittersweet smile tugged at his lips as the memories surfaced—warm nights by the fire, stories of heroes, laughter and kindness.
Before Bell could respond, the sound of light footsteps approaching from behind caught their attention.
Leo was the first to turn, his sharp gaze locking onto two female adventurers standing before them. One had short, auburn hair cut into a pixie style, her eyes cool and assessing. The other had long, flowing midnight-blue hair, her expression more hesitant, as if she wished she were anywhere but here.
"You're Leo and Bell Cranel, right?" the auburn-haired girl asked.
Leo straightened slightly, his expression serious. "That's us. Can we help you?"
The auburn-haired girl—Daphne, as they soon learned—reached into the breast pocket of her jacket, pulling out an envelope with an ominous red wax seal.
"Give this to your goddess."
Leo extended his hand and took the letter, flipping it over to examine the insignia stamped into the wax. His brows furrowed at the sight of the Apollo Familia's crest.
Bell stiffened beside him, his eyes widening in alarm.
"I am Daphne. This is Cassandra," the girl introduced herself and her companion. Leo nodded, his grip tightening slightly on the envelope.
"As you've probably guessed," Daphne continued, "we're from the Apollo Familia."
Cassandra shifted uneasily but nodded. "It's an invitation to a banquet Lord Apollo is hosting. You two don't have to come, but—"
Before she could finish, Daphne lightly chopped the top of her head. "We've done our job," she said, already turning on her heel. "That's all there is to it."
The twins watched as the two women walked away.
Just as they rounded the corner, Daphne hesitated, glancing back over her shoulder. Her sharp eyes lingered on them for a moment before she spoke, her voice quiet.
"…You have my condolences."
With that, she disappeared around the bend, Cassandra following closely behind.
Leo's fingers curled around the letter, his jaw clenching.
Bell stood frozen, his wide-eyed gaze flicking from the envelope to Leo.
"I have a bad feeling about this, Bell," Leo muttered, his voice low.
Bell swallowed hard, nodding. "…Me too."
Leo and Bell stepped through the doors of their Familia home, the heavy weight of the sealed letter still lingering in their minds. The red wax seal of the Apollo Familia had been enough to put both brothers on edge, but now, standing before their goddess, the tension was palpable.
Hestia sat at the table, her small fingers delicately holding the envelope as she turned it over in her hands. Her usually bright expression was dimmed by an obvious sense of unease. With a sigh, she reached for a letter opener and sliced cleanly through the wax seal, pulling out the neatly folded parchment inside.
The room was quiet as she scanned the contents.
"I can't believe that the Apollo Familia invited us now, of all times," Hestia muttered, her voice laced with irritation. She clicked her tongue in frustration. "We can't just ignore it, can we?"
Bell, who had been anxious from the moment they received the letter, swallowed hard. "Is it… a Banquet of the Gods?" he asked hesitantly.
Hestia sighed, setting the letter down on the table. "Yeah. And one that's a little different than usual."
Leo, who had been leaning against the wall with his arms crossed, narrowed his eyes. "Different how?"
Hestia didn't answer immediately. Her gaze lingered on the parchment, her usual carefree demeanor replaced with something somber. The room felt heavier as she hesitated, a rare sight from their goddess.
"Apollo and I…" she started, her voice quieter now, "had some history back in Heaven."
That was enough to make both twins stiffen.
"But…" she continued, quickly shaking off whatever thoughts plagued her mind, "that's not important now!"
With a sudden burst of energy, she jumped to her feet, flashing a bright, almost forced smile. "All right! I'll just invite Take and Miach, and we'll all go together—Bell, Leo, the whole Familia!"
Bell blinked, startled by the sudden shift in her mood. "All of us?" he repeated, glancing toward Leo.
Leo met his gaze with a shrug, though his amber eyes remained sharp with suspicion.
Hestia placed her hands on her hips, puffing up her chest. "That's right! If Apollo wants to play games, then we'll show up as a family! He won't be able to pull any tricks if we go in prepared."
But despite her confident words, Leo couldn't shake the bad feeling in his gut.
Apollo didn't seem like the type to issue invitations out of courtesy. There was something more behind this.
-XXXX-
Night had fallen, and the grand halls of Apollo's estate were already bustling with activity. Attendees arrived in ornate carriages, stepping out in dazzling attire as they made their way into the lavishly decorated venue.
Standing just outside, Bell tugged at the sleeve of his suit, his expression uncertain as he inspected himself for what felt like the hundredth time. The crisp black suit fit him well, accented by a white bow tie and gloves, but wearing something so formal felt strange.
Leo smirked at his brother's fidgeting. He, on the other hand, had embraced the extravagance of the occasion. His attire—The Regal Predator—was a bold mix of black and gold, giving him a presence that stood out even among the noble-like adventurers around them.
"Bell, your bow tie is crooked," Leo remarked as he stepped forward and straightened it.
Bell chuckled nervously. "Thanks, Leo… You know I'm not really one to wear stuff like this."
Leo grinned, clapping him on the shoulder. "Me either. But grandpa made sure I knew how to dress accordingly—he always said a man should look good for the ladies."
Bell let out an amused chuckle. "Of course he did…"
Leo took a step back, giving his brother a once-over before nodding in satisfaction. "You look good, little brother. But what about me? Black and gold—overkill?"
"You both look great!"
The twins turned to see Hestia approaching, a radiant smile on her face. She wore a stunning purple dress that draped elegantly around her small frame, making her look every bit the divine being she was.
"You don't need to be embarrassed," Hestia added cheerfully.
"I-I see…" Bell muttered, still fidgeting under the weight of the situation.
Leo, meanwhile, nodded and straightened up, adopting a more serious expression. "Thank you, Lady Hestia."
Hestia's eyes gleamed mischievously as she tapped a finger against her chin. "Apollo insisted that I bring at least one child from my Familia. Maybe he's not so bad… every once in a while."
Leo's eyes narrowed slightly. He wasn't buying it.
Before he could comment, the sound of approaching footsteps drew their attention. Turning toward the source, Leo recognized the two figures immediately and allowed a small smile to form.
Miach approached with his usual warm and easy-going expression, dressed in a refined, yet simple, dark blue ensemble. Beside him was his sole Familia member, Naza, a Chienthrope whose ears twitched slightly as she bowed toward Hestia.
"Thanks so much, Hestia. You arranged the carriage and even got the clothes for us," Miach said gratefully.
"What? I'm just doing this to help Naza out. She needs some luxury in her life once in a while, right?" Hestia replied with a teasing grin.
Naza, still bowing, smiled softly. "Thank you, Lady Hestia."
Leo took a step forward and dipped his head in greeting. "You both look great—especially you, Naza. You look beautiful."
Miach smiled at the compliment, while Naza's ears twitched, her cheeks taking on a light shade of pink. "Ah… T-Thank you, Sir Leo…" she mumbled shyly.
As the group gathered, Hestia scanned the crowd. "Takemikazuchi's group should be arriving soon."
Sure enough, before long, a familiar voice called out to them.
"Oh! Hestia, Miach! And Leo, Bell, and Naza!"
Hermes strode toward them, arms spread wide, his usual mischievous grin in place. Asfi followed behind him, looking as exasperated as ever. Alongside them was Takemikazuchi, who looked less than pleased with his current company, and Mikoto, dressed elegantly in a deep violet kimono.
Hestia raised a curious brow. "You're as loud as ever, Hermes. But I'm surprised to see you with Take."
Takemikazuchi crossed his arms with an annoyed huff. "We're not together because I want to be."
Hermes let out a chuckle before throwing an arm around Takemikazuchi's shoulders. "Aw, don't be that way! We both worked together to save Bell and Leo, didn't we?"
Takemikazuchi's brow twitched. "Get off me!" he snapped, shoving Hermes away.
With a practiced ease, Hermes suddenly appeared in front of Leo, Bell, and Naza, giving them an appraising look. "Well, well! Mikoto looks wonderful, but so do you three!" Then, with a dramatic flourish, he stepped aside and gestured toward Asfi. "But check this!"
The group's eyes landed on Asfi, who stood stiffly, her face already beginning to redden.
"My Asfi's looking pretty good tonight, huh?" Hermes boasted, his smile widening.
Asfi, her entire face turning crimson, turned away in frustration. "S-Stop it, Hermes. I'll hit you, I mean it."
Leo, understanding how much effort women put into nights like this, nodded in agreement. "Asfi, Mikoto—you both look lovely tonight."
Both women's blushes deepened, Mikoto lowering her gaze as she fumbled for a response. "T-Thank you, Sir L-Leo…" she murmured.
Asfi crossed her arms and averted her eyes, visibly flustered.
Hermes, never one to miss an opportunity, sidled up next to her and whispered playfully, "You're cute when you blush, Asfi."
That was the last straw.
Without hesitation, Asfi's elbow shot forward with deadly precision, slamming into Hermes's ribs. The force of the blow sent him flying across the banquet hall, crashing into an ornately decorated table. Dishes and glasses clattered to the floor as startled guests gasped in shock.
A beat of silence followed.
Then, Takemikazuchi sighed, rubbing his temple. "He had that coming."
Leo let out a short chuckle, shaking his head. "Yep."
Hestia sighed but couldn't suppress her smile. "He never learns."
Meanwhile, Hermes groaned from the pile of shattered glass and spilled wine. "W-Worth it…"
With that, the night was only just beginning.
The hum of conversation and the clinking of glasses filled the grand hall of Apollo's estate, but a single voice silenced them all.
"Everyone, thank you for coming!"
The rich, velvety tone echoed from the regal staircase above. Leo instinctively looked up, his sharp gaze locking onto the man standing at the top.
Apollo.
With bright orange hair and a golden laurel crown resting atop his head, the god of the sun wore an extravagant white suit with a red cape draped over his right shoulder. His expression was one of effortless charm and self-indulgent satisfaction, basking in the attention of his guests.
From the floor, Hermes smirked, picking stray spaghetti noodles from his hair after his less-than-graceful crash landing. "Looks like the host has arrived," he mused.
Bell, standing beside Leo, swallowed hard. "So that's Apollo?"
Mikoto approached them, keeping her gaze on the god. "Yes, so it seems."
Leo's eyes darkened as he noticed three familiar figures standing behind Apollo. Daphne and Cassandra flanked him, but it was the third figure that made Leo's blood boil.
Hyakinthos.
The Apollo Familia captain stood tall, his expression unreadable, but Leo could still feel the arrogance radiating off of him. His grip tightened at his side.
Apollo spread his arms, his voice dripping with amusement. "Tonight, I decided to hold a slightly different banquet than usual. Are you enjoying it? Dressing up the children you love so much and bringing them to the banquet like this is quite the change of pace, isn't it?"
His words carried an undercurrent of something else—something that made Leo's skin crawl.
A few gods chuckled, others cheered.
"Good job, Apollo!"
"Brilliant!"
Apollo smiled, relishing the praise before continuing. "I'm happy to see so many of my fellow gods and goddesses here with their children. Tonight will be a night of new meetings. I just have a feeling."
His golden eyes flicked toward Leo and Bell.
The moment their gazes met, Bell felt his heart briefly stop. There was something predatory in Apollo's stare—like he was appraising them, deciding something.
Leo, however, did not flinch. Instead, he returned the god's gaze with a glare that was sharp, unwavering.
Apollo's smile widened at the defiance.
"Now, the night is long! Everyone, have a good time!" Apollo declared, prompting another wave of applause before the hall returned to its lively state.
Hestia, somehow having snuck off during the speech, was now at the food table, gleefully stuffing her face with the most expensive delicacies she could find.
Takemikazuchi and Miach, meanwhile, had been whisked away to mingle with other deities, leaving the twins momentarily to themselves.
Standing near one of the lavish food tables, Bell's eyes kept drifting back to Apollo, who was now surrounded by a cluster of beautiful women—goddesses and adventurers alike.
"Want to talk to Apollo?"
Hermes's voice came from beside them, making his presence known as he joined the twins.
Leo remained silent, his jaw tight as he kept his gaze locked on the sun god.
"No," Bell finally answered. "I thought my goddess, Leo, and I should introduce ourselves."
Hermes hummed in amusement. "I've known Apollo since our time in Heaven. He's an interesting guy—always got some love affair going on. Right, Hestia?"
The three turned to find Hestia still devouring a plate of food, her cheeks puffed out as she chewed.
"Don't ask me!" she snapped, clearly irritated just by the mention of Apollo's name.
Hermes chuckled at her reaction before his expression darkened slightly.
"But… he's also very spiteful," he added, his tone unusually serious.
Bell blinked in confusion. "What does that mean?"
Leo, however, felt his stomach sink.
Before Hermes could answer, a hush fell over the banquet hall. Gasps and murmurs rippled through the crowd, drawing everyone's attention to the entrance.
Leo, Bell, and Hermes turned just in time to see her.
Freya.
She entered with effortless grace, lightly holding onto the arm of her most trusted warrior, Ottar. Her silver hair cascaded over her shoulders, shimmering under the ballroom's lights. Her violet eyes held an intoxicating allure, and with every step she took, the air itself seemed to grow heavier.
It was as if time had momentarily stopped, the very presence of the Goddess of Beauty stealing the breath of every man and woman in the room.
Hermes smirked. "Well, there's another big name."
Bell, still caught off guard, turned to Hermes. "Who's that?"
"You two have heard of her, right? Freya of the Freya Familia," Hermes explained casually.
Bell's eyes widened slightly. He had heard the name before, in passing from other adventurers and even at the Hostess of Fertility. But he had never seen her.
Leo also felt the weight of her presence. Unlike the others in the room, though, he didn't feel entranced—just… wary.
Before he could dwell on it, a sudden weight landed on Bell's back.
"Don't look at her, Bell!"
Hestia had launched herself onto Bell's back, wrapping her small arms around his head in an attempt to block his vision.
Bell flailed slightly. "H-Hestia?! What are you doing?!"
"You too, Leo!" Hestia turned her frantic eyes on the older twin, her expression dead serious.
Leo frowned. "Why?"
"When children like you look at the Goddess of Beauty, you fall under her spell immediately!" Hestia declared.
Leo turned his gaze back toward Freya, who was slowly making her way further into the banquet hall.
He didn't feel any different.
But as he looked around, he noticed the subtle shifts in expression. Men and women alike—seasoned adventurers, even some gods—blushed faintly, their eyes darting away as if afraid to stare too long. Even Mikoto, Naza, and Asfi weren't immune, their faces slightly pink as they tried to compose themselves.
Ottar came to a stop, standing still as Freya's violet gaze slowly swept the room.
And then—
She met eyes with Leo and Bell.
Hestia tensed. "Oh no…"
A warm, knowing smile graced Freya's lips as she began to approach them.
Leo straightened slightly, his body instinctively tensing.
Bell, still struggling under Hestia's grasp, stopped moving entirely.
Freya's presence drew closer, her gaze never breaking away.
"It's been so long, Hestia," Freya said with a soft smile, her sultry voice carrying effortlessly over the murmurs of the banquet. She stopped directly in front of Leo, Bell, and Hestia, her enchanting violet eyes sweeping across the three of them with a calculating gleam.
Nearby, Miach and Takemikazuchi stood with their respective Familia members, quietly observing the encounter. Freya turned her attention toward them with the same effortless grace.
"Miach, Takemikazuchi," she greeted smoothly. "You as well? Have you been well?"
Takemikazuchi, already affected by her charm, swallowed thickly. "H-Hi…" he stammered, his usual composed demeanor cracking under her presence.
Miach, on the other hand, managed a calm smile, though the slight stiffness in his expression betrayed his internal struggle. "You're as beautiful as ever tonight, Lady Freya," he said, keeping his voice steady.
That was a mistake.
Mikoto and Naza, standing dutifully beside their gods, did not appreciate that. With practiced precision, both women simultaneously pinched their gods hard on the back, making Takemikazuchi flinch and Miach wince slightly.
Freya, paying them no mind, stepped closer to the twin brothers.
Without hesitation, she raised her delicate hands, placing one against Bell's cheek and the other against Leo's. The sudden, intimate touch made Bell's entire body freeze, his face going crimson as his breath hitched.
Leo, however, simply looked at her curiously, his golden eyes studying the goddess before him.
"Will you give me sweet dreams tonight?" Freya asked sweetly, her voice dripping with honeyed temptation.
Bell's entire brain shut down.
"I-I—"
"He will not!"
Hestia's voice cut through the moment like a blade as she forcefully shoved herself between Freya and the twins, breaking the physical contact in an instant. She turned her furious glare on Bell first.
"Why are you blushing, Bell?! She goes after every man she sees! She'd devour a kid like you in an instant!"
Freya let out a soft, amused hum before shifting her focus to Leo, who had remained silent during the exchange.
Her fingers gently cupped his face once more, tilting it slightly as she peered into his golden-amber eyes. "What about you?" she purred, her voice a whisper of silk. "Will you give me sweet dreams tonight?"
This time, she made sure to let her charm seep into her gaze, her irises glowing with a deep, entrancing pink.
Leo felt it—something foreign, something invasive—attempting to weave its way into his thoughts, his emotions.
And then, deep within him, the Lion growled.
A surge of primal fury coursed through his veins, a powerful resistance pushing back against the goddess's charm. A deep, guttural warning rumbled within the depths of his soul.
Leo's lips curved into a small, polite smile as he gently removed her hands from his face.
"It's a pleasure to meet you, Lady Freya," he said smoothly. "But don't you think we should get to know each other first before you ask something like that?"
A stunned silence followed.
For the first time in a long time, Freya actually blinked in surprise. Her eyes widened just a fraction before a slow, pleased smile spread across her lips.
"You're right," she admitted, her tone laced with amusement. "Please forgive my forwardness."
She took a step back, folding her hands together. "As disappointing as this is," she sighed, glancing toward Hestia, "it seems I've made your goddess rather angry with me. I'll be going now."
And just like that, she turned with effortless grace, her silver hair cascading behind her as she walked away. Ottar followed beside her, his hulking form casting an imposing shadow over the banquet.
Hestia huffed, puffing up her cheeks before crossing her arms. "Hmph! Good riddance!"
Before the moment could settle, a familiar voice called out from behind them.
"There you are, shrimp."
The twins turned to see none other than Loki, sauntering toward them with her signature grin. She was dressed in a sharp red suit, the black bow tie neatly in place. Walking beside her was Ais Wallenstein, draped in a breathtaking mint-green dress with elegant black gloves that ran up to her elbows. A single emerald pendant rested against her collarbone, accentuating the golden hues of her eyes.
Bell's breath caught in his throat.
"Ais…" he whispered, his face turning a shade of red that rivaled an apple.
Leo smirked, instantly recognizing his brother's reaction. He leaned in slightly and nudged Bell's ribs with his elbow, giving him a knowing look.
Bell's face only grew hotter.
"When did you get here?" Hestia questioned Loki, frowning slightly. "You're so plain-looking, I didn't hear a sound when you came in!"
Loki twitched, instantly firing back. "Shut up, dork! If you've got a problem, take it up with that slut Freya! She stole Ais-y Puu's and my big entrance!"
Hestia and Loki immediately launched into a heated back-and-forth, their usual bickering filling the air.
Meanwhile, Bell and Ais had yet to take their eyes off each other, a quiet tension forming between them.
Leo, sensing he was about to become an unintentional third wheel, placed a firm hand on Bell's shoulder and gave him a reassuring nod.
"I'll be around," Leo said, stepping back with a small smirk. "You two have fun."
Bell's eyes darted to him in mild panic, but before he could protest, Leo had already disappeared into the mingling crowd.
The cool night air brushed against Leo's skin as he leaned against the balcony railing, watching the lively banquet unfold inside the ballroom. Laughter, clinking glasses, and the gentle hum of string instruments filled the grand hall, creating an atmosphere of elegance and celebration.
A small smile tugged at Leo's lips as his gaze settled on Bell. He was talking with Ais, an unmistakable blush dusting his cheeks. Seeing his brother happy, seeing him confident, eased Leo's worries. He didn't need to stand guard tonight—at least, not against him.
Hyakinthos had left after Apollo's grand announcement, and without that thorn in his side, Bell was free to enjoy the night.
But just as Leo let himself relax, a faint sound caught his attention.
From the corner of his eye, down below the balcony, a figure stood beneath a lone streetlamp.
Speak of the devil…
Hyakinthos.
Leo's body tensed, golden eyes narrowing as he watched the Apollo Familia captain standing rigid, speaking in hushed tones with another man who had just emerged from the darkness.
A man with glasses and dark, slicked-back hair.
The moment Leo laid eyes on him, a wave of unease settled in his gut.
Something about this man felt off.
They spoke in whispers, their faces unreadable, and no matter how hard Leo strained his ears, he couldn't make out a single word.
Then, as if sensing something, Hyakinthos abruptly turned and looked directly toward the balcony.
Leo didn't flinch.
Instead, his hand casually lifted his glass of wine as he turned slightly, pretending to engage in conversation.
Just in time.
"There you are," Hermes greeted, appearing beside him with an easygoing smile.
Leo subtly exhaled, forcing his body to relax as he turned toward the god. "Hermes."
The god leaned against the railing beside him, tilting his head in amusement. "You seem a little stiff. What, were you spying on a cute girl?" He glanced over the railing, scanning the area for any hidden beauty Leo might have been eyeing.
Leo's gaze flickered back toward where Hyakinthos had been.
Gone.
The man with glasses was also nowhere in sight.
"…No," Leo finally answered, masking his unease. "I've seen quite a few cute girls tonight. Like Asfi, for example."
Hermes chuckled, nodding knowingly. "Ah, good taste. She is quite the woman."
Leo smirked but said nothing.
After a brief moment of silence, Hermes tapped his fingers against the stone railing. "This is a good chance. Why don't we have a chat?"
Leo gave him a side glance before nodding. "Alright."
The god led Leo over to a nearby bench, the two of them taking a seat as they listened to the muffled laughter and music from inside. The night sky stretched endlessly above them, a sea of glittering stars casting a gentle glow over Orario.
Hermes leaned back, hands folded behind his head. "Why did you become an adventurer?"
Leo smiled at the question.
"My grandfather," he said, his voice carrying a fond warmth. "The man who raised me and Bell. He would always tell us that Orario was a place where we could find anything—wealth, adventure, beautiful women. He told us to find a pretty goddess and join her Familia."
Hermes let out a low chuckle. "That does sound like something a wise old man would say."
Leo nodded, his expression shifting slightly.
"But more than that… he always told Bell he could become a hero. That he had the heart for it."
Hermes listened quietly as Leo continued.
"But for me? He said a hero always needs a guardian—someone who will stand by their side through thick and thin, no matter what." Leo's amber eyes softened, reflecting the stars above. "He wanted us to be good people… to do good in this world. And I just hope… I'm living up to that dream."
A rare, genuine smile crossed Hermes's lips as he observed the boy beside him. "You really are a funny person, Leo."
Leo raised a brow. "How so?"
"You carry yourself like a fighter, but you think like a protector." Hermes turned his head toward the ballroom, eyes finding Bell. "And speaking of that hero you're guarding…"
Leo followed his gaze—
And his smirk returned.
On the ballroom floor, Bell was leading Ais in a dance, his movements still slightly stiff but filled with a genuine kind of wonder. His face was flushed, but there was no fear—only excitement.
"By the way," Hermes mused, "you're not going to dance?"
Leo hummed. "I was thinking about asking Mikoto, but she's dancing with her god."
His gaze drifted toward the dance floor, where Takemikazuchi was leading Mikoto in a waltz. The samurai girl's cheeks were tinged pink, but she followed her god's lead with practiced grace.
"So, you need a dance partner, huh?" Hermes rubbed his chin in thought before snapping his fingers. "Why don't you dance with Asfi?"
Leo chuckled, amused. "That might be difficult to pull off."
Hermes raised an eyebrow. "Oh? Why's that?"
Leo subtly pointed toward the other side of the ballroom.
Hermes followed his finger—
And promptly winced.
Asfi was currently holding a thrashing Loki and Hestia by the scruffs of their collars as the two goddesses screamed at each other, spewing a string of insults and unpleasantries loud enough to make the guests stare.
"…Damn it. I forgot about that," Hermes muttered. "Sorry, Leo."
Leo waved him off with a smirk before turning his gaze back toward Bell and Ais.
"Don't worry about it. Seeing him smile like that… that's enough for me."
Hermes looked at Leo carefully.
"You really care for Bell, don't you?"
Leo exhaled through his nose and leaned forward, resting his forearms on his knees. "More than anything," he admitted, his voice steady. "He's all I've ever had. And as long as I'm breathing, I'll make sure he keeps smiling… even if I lose mine along the way."
Hermes's smile faltered slightly.
He had seen countless adventurers pass through Orario—some bright, some ambitious, some selfish, some foolish.
But Leo…
There was something deeper to him.
Something dangerous in how much he valued his brother's happiness over his own.
Hermes masked his thoughts with a grin. "That's a noble way to live," he said.
Leo scoffed, leaning back against the bench. "I don't know about noble. It's just how I am."
After another moment, Leo stretched his arms and stood. "I should go back inside."
Hermes waved him off. "Enjoy the rest of the night."
Leo made his way toward the ballroom once more.
As he reached one of the banquet tables, he watched the others dancing—
Naza with Miach.
Takemikazuchi with Mikoto.
Bell with Ais.
Leo smiled.
Even if he was the only one without a dance partner tonight…
Seeing Bell smile like that was more than enough.
Leo swirled the wine in his glass, leaning against the table as the music inside reached its final notes. The waltzing pairs slowly parted, the men bowing politely to their partners. A satisfied smile tugged at Leo's lips as he watched Bell and Ais, still lingering on the dance floor, hands entwined.
For the first time in a long while, Bell looked truly happy.
Good, Leo thought. Let him have this moment.
Then, the air shifted.
A prickling sensation crawled up Leo's spine, an unseen weight pressing against his chest. The dim hum of chatter dulled, and an unnatural silence spread through the ballroom like ripples in still water.
Leo's golden eyes flicked toward the grand staircase.
There he is…
Apollo descended with theatrical grace, his golden hair catching the candlelight, his crimson cape trailing behind him like a king surveying his court. Every step was deliberate, the red carpet muffling his footsteps.
Daphne and Cassandra flanked him, their expressions grim, as if already anticipating the events to come.
Leo's jaw tightened.
The air was heavy with something wrong.
Then—
A spotlight flickered on.
Its beam snapped directly onto the dance floor—onto Bell and Ais.
Bell tensed, his fingers reflexively squeezing Ais's hand as the oppressive feeling in the air grew thicker.
Leo didn't hesitate.
His body moved on instinct, stepping in front of his brother like a shield, muscles tensed like coiled steel. Ais glanced at him but remained silent, her warrior's intuition telling her to stay ready.
Apollo descended the last step, his boots clicking against the marble. His smirk widened as he took in the sight before him—his gaze flicking between the Cranel brothers with predatory amusement.
Leo's hands clenched into fists at his sides.
Bell swallowed hard, the god's presence suffocating.
A familiar voice cut through the tension.
"Bell! Leo!"
Hestia pushed through the murmuring crowd, positioning herself in front of her Familia. She spread her arms, her small frame standing firm like an unshakable wall between them and Apollo.
Apollo's smirk didn't falter. If anything, it grew.
"Hello, Hestia," he greeted, his voice dripping with honeyed mockery. "I hear my children had some trouble with yours the other day."
Hestia stiffened, biting her lip. "O-Oh, sorry about that…"
Apollo chuckled. "Oh no, dear Hestia. Sorry won't do."
His gaze turned sharp, his golden eyes gleaming with something twisted.
"My children were badly hurt by yours," he continued, faux sympathy lacing his words. "I want sufficient compensation."
Hestia bristled. "What do you mean? Bell came home hurt, too! It wasn't just our fault!"
Apollo let out an amused hum before dramatically extending a hand behind him.
"Can you say that after you see this?"
Another spotlight flared to life.
A familiar, pathetic figure stumbled into the light—wrapped in bandages, leaning heavily on a crutch, wincing as if every step was agony.
"It hurts! It hurts so much!" the small man wailed, his voice quivering in exaggerated pain.
Bell's mouth parted in shock.
Leo saw red.
You lying little shit.
His fingers dug into his palms, nails cutting into skin. He forced himself to take a slow breath, his rage simmering beneath the surface.
"Bell, Leo… did you really…?" Hestia turned, uncertainty flickering in her blue eyes.
"We did not!" Bell immediately denied, shaking his head furiously. "We did not!"
Leo let out a low, venomous growl. "This is a setup. That bastard's lying through his damn teeth."
Apollo chuckled, his smirk widening as he clasped his hands behind his back.
"Oh? But I've been told you threw the first punch, Leo." His gaze locked onto the elder Cranel twin. "And I have witnesses."
Another spotlight.
This time, on the three men Welf, Bell, and Leo had flattened in the bar fight.
Leo's lips curled back in disgust.
Miach exhaled sharply beside them. "They were set up."
Hestia clenched her fists, her patience wearing thin. "I don't have time for this farce. Let's go, Leo, Bell."
She turned on her heel, ready to leave—
But Apollo's voice stopped her in her tracks.
"Oh… so you refuse to admit your guilt, Hestia?"
She froze.
Leo could hear the smirk in his voice.
The god of the sun raised his arms wide, his voice booming across the hall.
"Fine then! The Apollo Familia challenges you to a War Game!"
The room erupted.
Gasps. Whispers. Excited murmurs.
Hestia's face turned ashen. "No…"
"Yes! A War Game!" someone cheered.
"Apollo is brutal!" another whispered in awe.
"I actually want to see this!" a noblewoman giggled excitedly.
Apollo turned back to them, his golden eyes gleaming with malice.
"If I win…" he said, his words slow, deliberate, savoring each syllable.
He turned to Bell.
"I'm taking Bell Cranel into my Familia."
Bell's breath hitched.
"And as for him—"
Apollo's gaze slid to Leo.
A slow, wicked smile spread across his lips.
"I want him executed."
Silence.
Pure, suffocating silence.
Bell's heart pounded in his chest.
No. No. No.
Taken.
Ripped from his Familia. Forced under Apollo's rule.
And his brother—
Dead.
Bell's breathing became ragged. His vision blurred.
Then—
A hand clamped onto his shoulder.
Firm. Strong. Unyielding.
Bell turned.
Leo stood still as stone, his expression unreadable—
Until Bell looked into his eyes.
They burned.
His pupils shrank into slits.
The crimson glow spread, deep and foreboding, flickering like embers in the wind.
His chest rose and fell in slow, measured breaths, as if restraining something primal.
And then—
He stepped forward.
The crowd stilled.
Apollo Familia members flinched.
Leo's voice was low, dark, and laced with something inhuman.
"You better make sure you kill me first."
His lips pulled back into a sharp, wolfish grin.
"Because if you don't…"
A heavy pressure filled the room, thick and suffocating—like the weight of a beast coiled, waiting to pounce.
Leo exhaled slowly, his voice splitting into two—
One his own.
The other—something else.
"Every single person in your Familia will die…"
His fangs glinted.
"Violently."
A wave of dread shot through the Apollo Familia.
Daphne stiffened.
Cassandra trembled.
Hyakinthos hesitated.
Even the spectators felt it—the heavy, suffocating aura that clung to Leo like the presence of a predator.
Apollo?
He shivered.
"Oh my…" the god purred, licking his lips. "I knew I wanted you dead for a reason."