The Fallen Argonaut
Rated; M (Blood/Gore)
Disclaimer; I do not own Danmachi or anything created by the author Fujino Ōmori, all rights go to him. This chapter may also include dark themes such as rape, torture, extreme gore, and suffering.
Authors: Eli-er01 & ViceroyChalister
Patreon: Elier01
Summary: The will of a hero is strong, yet unwavering but all good things must come to an end, even at the cost of one's Heroic Will. Imprisoned and blamed for a crime he hadn't committed, Bell seeks a way out of his predicament so that he can live without fear of being hunted by the people he once looked up to.
A/N: At the end of the chapter is some important information and changes.
69: Encroachment
=An unknown field=
Blood rain filled the sky, dirt and ash gripping Kaius by the throat making it difficult to breathe. The mist around the area clogged his throat as the men and women ran around him in a flurry of panic.
Between it all, the bodies, limbs, and the like strewn about, swords and arrows embedded in the ground.
The only way to describe it all was chaos… true chaos—their greatest weapons, their trump cards nowhere to be seen, left behind for their protection.
A thunderous roar of a shout was heard yet it was level and laced with a sickening coldness, the icy tone of it freezing his blood solid.
"C̴͔͂ȍ̸͓͝ṃ̷̙͆e̴̡̩̾̾,̶̻̓̂ ̶̧̥̌f̴̼̩̂̓i̴͔̒̄g̸͇̭̊h̷͔͝t̶̤̀ͅ,̸͚̈́ ̸̻͗̌d̵̾̀͜ͅi̵̭̅̆ê̴̯͐…̶͇̃" The words made no sense to him, yet it did. The message in its tone is sent clearly through the intention itself.
Slowly, Kaius began heeding it without any control of his actions as he turned to see a figure surrounded by flames, the heat of them distorting its shape, seemingly human yet not, horns protruding from the head, fear flowing through his blood in waves he hadn't felt since watching Alfia render an entire lower region in the dungeon in nothing but ash.
Seeing the figure pulling a body by the leg through the fire, he couldn't help but notice that it looked familiar. Looking up and watching as its eyes bore through him as if he was an inconsequential existence, yet they looked at him as if he was the only existence of reality that mattered at that moment.
He felt his heart pumping, hard, like honey thick in his veins, Kaius stood to face it, and for the split moment before it lunged, he knew that the only viable option was to run… but it was too late.
The lunge passed in not even a blur. Almost as if his mind couldn't process the information fast enough to realize that his view was spinning, his headless body within his eyesight.
When his head made contact with the ashen dirt, his eyes shook, feeling his head slowly burn as his brain began to run out of oxygen.
The figure walked up to his corpse, his flames burning the rest of his comrades around him as they all fell one by one, each one whimpering and crying as their lives were snuffed.
The last thing he saw before everything was consumed by the void, were blood-red eyes and snow-white hair.
Shooting out of his bed, gasping and sputtering in a desperate attempt to gulp up the precious oxygen in the air, Kaius shook as he internally cursed himself.
"What was that?" He whispered. He'd not had nightmares in… decades. Not since Zald and Alfia died…
Thinking back to the dream. The hopelessness of it, the pitiful state of his people as they ran for their lives in a battle they had no chance of winning…
"It was just like the fight with the dragon…" He muttered as he questioned his own sanity and safety.
There was only one plausible explanation for this sudden dream… and he did not like it one bit.
Not. One. Bit.
=West of Orario, 5AM=
The crackling of the fire reverberated through Bell's eardrums in a soothing tone, mixing with the soft chirping of birds of the early morning.
For the past three hours since waking up, he'd been brainstorming exactly how he'd go about his plan while tinkering with a necklace he'd taken from one of the Empire's soldiers. He knew the goal and targets alias alongside a hint of where, but he had no clue as to when, the who, or the how. He knew that disguising himself would be difficult due to his powerful presence, but doable with some modified trinkets made with mystery.
A ring or necklace would do the trick, but the issue as had been before he'd returned to Orario prevailed,
Freya.
She was a conundrum. For one, he felt like he'd made some ground with her last time they spoke, but he did not know how to go about it. She'd notice quite quickly if he was back. After all, she can spot his soul from miles away due to how unique it is, at least according to her.
There were a few ways he'd been brainstorming on how he could do this, but they all came with major drawbacks which he'd much rather avoid.
Grunting softly to himself as his chin went up to the half-lit sky, a few stars and constellations still visible to his naked eye.
Constellations like Orion, which was the symbol of the hunter, and the other half of Artemis as some would say. He smiled softly at the thought of the blue-haired goddess. He knew she was doing good rebuilding what had occurred in Anfesera, and he hoped he would get the chance to visit soon, even if for a short time.
His eyes drifted from the constellation after a moment, locking onto the next one, which only served to form a frown on his face.
Draco…the constellation of the dragons and its meaning stemming in its base from destruction and chaos. It was seen as both a symbol and reminder of the ultimate and largest strife of the lower world with the forces of chaos born from the dungeon.
At least from the beliefs of the people. The god never really comments on it and simply smiles like a parent would a child daydreaming.
The only other constellation in the sky, visible at the moment, that being the constellation Andromeda. The first thought on his mind as he thought on it, was of Asfi and the former country of Andromeda, but that is not where the meaning is about.
Andromeda stands for the chained maiden and symbolizes loneliness and captivity. In a way, it reminds him of Freya… well partly true with the maiden part. She was unmarried, though far from innocent and young.
Though… Perhaps…?
Bell pondered, back straightening as his mind raced. Freya had promised to try to change… and he knew that meant he had to give her a chance to do so as well. To prove her conviction.
Maybe a clandestine approach wasn't the most useful in this specific circumstance, but instead a more direct one.
Slowly an idea began to form, causing him to smile slightly as the pieces began falling into place within his head. He eventually began to quietly pack up, putting the necklace on around his neck.
He knew what he was planning to do to be risky, but it was the best idea he could come up with.
"Time to pay a visit to Orario" Bell sighed.
=Orario, Roof or Babel, 6AM=
Ais' hair blew wind as she looked out to the horizon, a melancholic look in her eyes as she felt simultaneously felt at home, and lost far from it at the same time.
It was rare for her ever to go up here, though not hard given her natural affinity for air and movement within its domain. She was able to count the number of times she'd been here on her two hands, and it was dangerously close to being only one.
She honestly prefers to train, or be with her familia… but in moments like these… when she feels particularly down, this is her one and only escape.
The wind calms her down, and the sight and smell satisfy something deep in her soul, a craving that is like a tiny itch in the deepest depths of it.
She was no fool, she knew that the part of her that's a spirit desires to be up here, to embrace the domain of the sky and wind- but her human side keeps it at bay, allowing her to stay grounded.
But when that side becomes unbearable, like fifteen years ago during the times she just wanted to be alone with no one finding her… or now, this place soothed her.
As for the reason, both occasions that saw the most times she visited the top of Babel Tower had one thing in common.
Bell Cranel
Sometimes, Ais wished she didn't have these feelings for him. Her life would be so much simpler that way. She wouldn't have to feel this pain, this worry whenever he goes and does what he does.
The pain of seeing him with another woman. The worry for him as he continues to get into dangerous and life-threatening scenarios, even for their levels… and the loneliness when he goes on his own.
Finn had done everything he could and kept her updated. He'd even tried to get Hermes Familia to find out anything they could, but it was all for naught.
Bell, like fifteen years ago disappeared like a ghost with only traces of his presence that led nowhere.
She wanted so badly to go after him, find him, and help him in any way she could. She knew he was hurting, even if it was for another woman, not that she had anything against Elora. She honestly liked the Elf, but that did not remove the pain of knowing that she was married to the man Ais loves.
Sadly, due to her duties as an executive in this time of preparations for war, she'd been constantly pushed around virtually every inch of Orario to gather supplies and oversee transactions (She did not know why she had to, she hated it), but finally she had time on her hands between everything to take a breather.
(Though she refuses to admit it, she had intentionally dived into the preparations to escape from the pain.)
There was nothing else she could do. She'd exhausted all her channels, and she was unable to leave, not when they were closing in on the time they were heading out to their fronts.
Closing her eyes and taking a deep breath, she tapped into that spirit part of her and allowed the human senses to be sidelined for a moment.
The feeling of the wind amplified, sensing the direction, speed, and any change down to the tiniest particle.
Along with it came voices, tiny specks of conversation carried along the wind, hitting her at once as the calm morning buzz of the city echoed around her. Deeper in she could hear animals outside the city, the ruffling of leaves, and even the noise of the grasshoppers.
A smile grazed her lips as she dug even deeper, going further as the noises disappeared and all she could feel was the wind. Then eventually, she hit what she was searching for, the sensation of the source of her power, or at least a connection of the most primal nature.
There was no noise, no emotions. Nothing, just the sensation of its existence… her existence. It was how she knew she was alive, and the reason for her rush…
"Mom…" She muttered, almost silently as she cut the connection and reopened her eyes, her golden irises glowing a swirling mixture of green and gold for a split second before reverting back to their natural hue.
Taking a deep breath and wiping her eyes from the tears that had welled, she looked back out at the horizon.
They would mobilize within a few days. Finn didn't want everyone to know just yet, she didn't know why, but she knew if there was one thing she should trust him with. It was with the intricate planning.
Turning her gaze down, she opened the palm of her hand.
For so long had she followed the path of vengeance, rushing to try to save her mother from that monstrosity, but…
'In my haste for power… I may have destroyed my one chance at succeeding' she thought bitterly, but having the black flame leashed for so long had allowed her to develop more, and finally come to a conclusion on what she wanted… really wanted, and what her mother would want for her.
To be happy.
She would still try to save her mother… but she had survived this long, for one thousand years… and deep down she knew that she would wait more if it meant Ais go to live happily.
So, she wouldn't prioritize saving her, over living her own life… and building a life for herself.
Closing her fist, she felt her resolve strengthen, despite knowing that it would be difficult, with its ups and downs… but she would do it.
To do that, she knew one thing she had to do…
To protect and help those closest to her, and she would be damned if she failed at that task.
=The Empire, Ptytas Virsuje, Palace de Liodis=
The morning within the Palace was like any other, with a grand view of the sunrise illuminating the grand city of the empire. It's crown jewel, it's people preparing for the usual morning fuss.
The Emperor of the empire, Edan de Liodis feasted on the finest cut steak the empire, the world, could offer as he savored its melting texture on his tongue as it entered his mouth.
On the grand table of the dining room, sat his wife, Laurentia de Liodis, his daughter, Priscilla de Liodis, and his heir Antonio de Liodis.
The only sound within the room was the clattering of cutlery as they ate their meal in silence, Edan thinking upon the news he'd received from Kaius, though from the reports, just barely.
It appeared that their incursion within Rakia had been… completed. Kaius and the first legion had stormed and successfully seized the capital of Rakia, essentially usurping the entire country under the Empire's banner.
Normally, that was cause for a small celebration of yet another victory in the name of the empire. One that should have meant the cementation of the eventual fall of Orario.
But their… plan, had gone awry on a single step.
Edan was well aware of the existence of the nephew of Silence. A woman who had without intention halted every major advance of the empire before the fall of the Zeus and Hera familia by her mere existence alone alongside Zald.
There was a name they had for them… Terata.
Monsters
They had watched as they killed the two great creatures born from the dungeon, beings said to be unstoppable… at least by normal mortals.
Unnatural.
But everyone… isn't natural. The emperor knew this all too well.
And with time, one by one, they all died, either by their own follies and actions or by the blades of the Empire when no questions would be asked.
Melty Zahra, the captain of the Osiris Familia… the Medjay of it, was slain this way. Weakened by the Zeus and Hera familia over four decades ago gave them an opening… one he took in his youth, and resulted in the removal of one of the level 7's of the time.
Of course, the rest of the world still does not know of her fate as Osiris had been returned to his rightful place in Gekai, rendering her fate 'unknown' to the guild.
That had been their last real victory against the unnaturals, as the only remaining ones were either too well known, or too monstrous.
Then the quests had been called… and in one fell swoop, every single one of the monsters was gone, barring the monsters, who followed a bit over half a decade later, leaving only one, new unnatural in Orario.
It was acceptable… and it had remained like that for eight years, and that boy nephew of that Terata had gone to Orario, growing stronger at such a pace that the entire palace had almost gone into an uproar.
Kaius had been furious when he'd heard that the boy had reached level three, just a single month after the last one.
They couldn't allow that to continue, for another Terata to rise… but their hands were tied. Orario was a no-go zone for anyone in the empire with a status. The gods that were with them were blacklisted and some even had bounties on them.
Nakul's spies weren't specialized in combat and given their intel on how the boy had a knack for it, picking it up faster than normal, that wasn't an option.
Then… then she had come, furious and vengeful, seeking the very boy they wanted to remove…
As it's been since time immemorial and further than that, common goals would always bring together uncommon allies, especially those who have common enemies.
The boy had been weak at the time, but now… he'd become a major issue. Bell Cranel, has become as strong as he is famous, and now he's been enraged beyond belief, filled by that rage he's now focused it upon the empire and its forces.
Even if it's only been Kaius' legion that had been sent officially to secure Rakia, with the main force of legions on their way, they'd at least be bolstered by their numbers to push the fight against Orario.
But with the fall of one-third of their level 6 forces, their chances of success had dwindled significantly.
Well, that did not mean their chances were non-existent. They may not have the levels, but they had the artifacts of old to aid them, even if some they had to restrain themselves to use due to their… danger.
Kaius had warned him of the Sword of Oath, and he'd rightfully listened. He internally shuddered at the thought of falling victim to the same fate that befell Cormac.
On the other hand, artifacts such as the Veil of Obscurity, or the Orb of Avarice were more than usable.
All of them were specialized for separate tasks, and with them, it would be possible to level the playing field.
Thankfully, the arrival of his legions to aid the first legion would occur within mere days.
As Edan finished his meal, he elegantly set his cutlery down as he inspected his family finishing their own meals, all of them with identical expressions on their face.
Soon… they'd achieve their long-standing goal, and finally, the world would be restored to its natural order.
=Orario=
As Bell stood on top of one of the towers on the western wall of Orario, he took a deep breath as he stared out into the city.
Taking a deep breath to calm himself, hoping it would at least help with his presence, his eyes narrowed as he looked up at Babel tower, a figure atop the large tower, just sitting there.
He frowned before shaking his head. It didn't matter at the moment, right now, he had his destination. With a step, he dropped down to ground level as he began to maneuver around the backstreets of the city, a hood over his head to at least attempt to hide his identity.
It was strange, to once more feel almost like a fugitive walking on straws. The slightest motion of a person who seemed to look in his direction set him off.
It didn't matter that it happened multiple times, each and every one of them was nerve-wracking.
Sighing out, Bell figured it was better to focus on how he was going to go about finding this 'Epsilon' in the first place.
He had a general plan on how to stay hidden, even if it meant revealing himself to a certain goddess, but after that, he didn't have much of a plan.
It had never been his strong suit, no matter how hard he tried. At every turn, it had always been other people who had made the plans.
Finn made the plans in the Knossos, and Asuka with some help from Takara had made the plans in the Far East. Elora had made the plans down in the dungeon…
Every time, he had always followed through, and simply punched a hole in the enemy lines with almost no plan in his mind.
The closest he had come to actually planning anything was when he threw around orders in the heat of the battle… but that was different from trying to make plans in advance… he didn't know how people would respond to his actions… and staying hidden at the same time…
He felt like ripping his hair out. He was so in over his head with this… but what else was he supposed to do? He couldn't just run around and ambush convoys forever! He needed an in to their operations to make progress on his goal.
Silently grumbling to himself he bumped his shoulder against someone as whoever it was grunted in response.
"Sorry! I'm in a hurry!" Bell glanced back at the back of the black-haired cat girl. Shaking his head, he continued on his path, crossing the southern main street, he arrived on the side wall of Folkvangr.
Leaping onto the roof, he could idly hear the clashing of swords, which wasn't surprising given the location, but with extreme caution, as he calmed himself completely, he crossed the gap, landing quietly on the tiled roof of the mansion.
As quietly as he could, he slowly crept up to one of the large windows before glancing back at the courtyard by the fountain, two-level fours clashing blades, none the wiser to his presence.
Forcing it open as quietly as he could, he almost cringed as he both felt and heard the locking mechanism break under the pressure before stepping a foot inside the room.
It seemed like a lounge of sorts as he snuck to the door and closed his eyes. Satisfied that he sensed no one outside, he walked out and through the hallways, trying to find his way to Freya's personal quarters.
Finding her window would have been preferential… but someone walking around aimlessly on the roof would be too noticeable.
Where Archian Manor was built in a manner that made it easily traversable, this place resembled the structure of the Twilight Manor much more. It was easy to get around to where one wanted to go when someone guided them, but when alone, it was like a complete maze.
It didn't help that every hallway looked nearly identical, with next to no distinguishing features.
As he turned a corner, his back went rigid as he heard footsteps approaching, with a burst of speed, he shot to one of the doors before quickly entering as quietly as he could watch the speed he was going.
For a long moment, he stood there, listening and trying to sense if whoever it had been had noticed anything before he glanced over his shoulder, blinking as he was met with three pedestals with plaques in front of them.
Bell frowned, this seemed quite odd, a great sword, a staff, and… a necklace? Approaching the left one containing a staff, the weapon is seemingly made from an extremely pure form of Mythril. Just looking at it gave him an idea of how expensive the equipment was… though for a mage, probably priceless.
He was no expert, but it looked to be in similar strength to Riveria's staff… no… maybe stronger. It was hard to tell with these things. Pulling his eyes away from the staff, he slowly read the title of the plaque as Bell blinked.
'The Empress', Arya Ataraxia, Captain of the Hera Familia.
Bell almost instinctively took a step back as he read it in equal accounts of shock and confusion.
He knew for a fact that the Empress died during the battle with the One-Eyed Black Dragon, so how did Freya get her hands on this?
Moving back to where he was, he took a step closer and inspected the staff more thoroughly. When he really looked, he could see cracks and damages on it that had been attempted to be repaired.
The most telling detail that he was honestly a bit embarrassed to admit that he didn't notice, was that two of the ten treasure magic stone holders at the top of the staff were broken and three more stones were cracked.
Whatever happened during that battle had done a number on the weapon… maybe that's how Freya got her hand on this. They sent someone to look through the battlefield…
Probably to kill any potential survivors.
He almost instinctually growled at that but calmed himself before moving on to the sword at the center, the great sword's black and red color reminding him of his own armor with the gold highlights that accentuated it. The weapon had scratches all over it, clearly having taken a beating, but it was not broken, unlike the staff.
This one looked ready for battle, its edge glinting from its sharpness, almost as if calling for anyone to put it to good use.
If the first weapon was of the Hera familia… then was this…?
He read the plaque before a scowl formed on his features.
Zald, Monster of the Zeus Familia
Looking back at the sword, he couldn't help but wonder what the man would have thought of his weapon being put on a display like this… like a trophy.
Humiliating
That was the first word that popped into his skull before he glanced at the necklace. He had a bad feeling about it, The green gem with silver-colored metal on the edges holding it in place, that looked to be Mithril.
Slowly moving towards the plaque underneath, his heart hammered until those words registered in his mind.
Alfia, Monster of the Hera Familia.
For a split moment, he saw red, his hands squeezing tightly, his eyes narrowing as they glowed red, the mist from scourge exploding around the room as he felt unbridled rage at the audacity of attempting to put his own aunt in a display, even if it was just an accessory.
It was despicable…
'And I have held civil conversations with these people' He thought as he heard the door open.
Not caring in the slightest, he shot towards whoever it was, his fist smashing into the person's chest, sending them careening backward into the wall, completely punching through it as they leveled layer after layer before flying out of the building.
Bell stood there for a moment, shaking as scourge continued to bombard anyone who tried to respond to the sudden chaos Bell turned around, walking up to the display holding Alfia and Zards possessions before smashing them without hesitation.
With care, he picked up Alfia's necklace, holding it in his hand softly as his eyes softened.
Eventually, though, he had to move one and placed it in his pouch, picking up Zards weapon as he walked out once more.
Stomping over to the edge, he looked down on the ground a small trench of pavement where whoever he had launched had been-
Out of sheer instinct, his arm moved upwards right as a massive blade clashed down with his own greatsword as Bell's arms flinched slightly from the force as he frowned, meeting the brown eyes of a Boaz he was all too familiar with.
"Ottar…" Bell grits out, eyes narrowing once more as the Boaz frowns.
"Cranel… you are trespassing." That was all he said. Bell almost rolled his eyes as the stray thought of how he was of few words flew through his mind before the two dislodged their sword before they began clashing their blades.
As the two clashed, Bell couldn't help but analyze the giant of a man. It was clear he had more experience than anyone else he'd fought apart from Kaius, but he felt… slow?
Don't get him wrong, he wasn't weak, it was just… timing the blocks was easy, the issue was that his defense was in a single word.
Perfect.
Experimentally twisting the blade sideways as Ottar's blade swung down hard in order to open up a chance at a parry, the giant Boaz instead twisted his own stance to offset his own momentum, keeping him standing firmly and breaking apart any chance he had.
For a split moment, the image of Ottar changed to that of Asterius before reversing.
It was similar… the way nothing truly got through but…
With a burst of speed, Bell zoomed forward, smashing his blade upwards, the change from the connecting with Ottar's own great words reverberating and echoing around them as the force combined from his strength and speed sending Ottar's arm upwards as momentarily he seemed baffled before schooling his features.
Clenching his fist, Bell sent a hard punch into his opponent's abdomen, feeling a bone break in response as the boaz's foot slammed into the ground as he screamed out.
For a moment, he thought it was out of pain, but right before he looked up, a fist flew down towards him as he quickly moved his arms up, sword blocking the blow.
The resulting shock bent Bell's knees as the floor caved in, the two-level eights plummeting to the ground floor as they twisted their positioning right on time to land.
As the two looked at one another for a long moment, it took a moment for Bell to react to the spear that was sent flying in his direction as his hand thrust forward, narrowly gripping the shaft of the weapon, stopping it an inch from his eyes.
"Allen, stop!" Ottar ordered to no avail as the cat man sprinted straight towards Bell. His hands forward, as he leaped towards him, bending around to send a roundhouse kick.
To Bell, he couldn't help but internally sigh as he swiftly swatted the kick upwards before sending his own into the man's back, sending him flying through a far-off wall.
Letting his leg land softly on the ground, he looked around, inspecting his surroundings. Humans, Pallums, Dwarfs, Beastkin…
There were a lot… and glancing back at Ottar, he noticed that Hognar, Hedin, and the Gulliver brothers were there as well.
Closing his eyes and taking a deep breath, Bell forced himself to calm down as he clutched the sword in his hand.
"Ottar…" Bell uttered, not breaking off as he tried to formulate words.
"Cranel… I will say this one more time. You are trespassing." Bell almost saw red once more as his scourge momentarily surged before being reigned in, causing many of the second class and under to fall to their knees by sheer intensity.
"How dare you… put them on display." Bell hissed out, glaring daggers at the Boaz.
"Them…?" Ottar asked slowly before glancing at the sword.
"Do you know who this belonged to? Be careful what you answer, or I might just burn this entire familia to the ground!" Bell's shout echoed around them despite the enormous hole in the roof.
"I believe… those aren't trophies, Bell-kun." Bell instantly whirled around to the stairs, the silver hair of the goddess of beauty waving around as she slowly traveled down the steps, her eyes locked with Bell's own.
"Explain."
"As much as I hate Hera and Zeus and want everything they had touched gone… Putting mortals on display is a bit too… much, even for me." She answered back. "I believe that sword you are holding belonged to 'Gluttony'. Ottar retrieved it after defeating him, not as a trophy, but as a memorabilia." She finished before turning her gaze towards Ottar.
"Ottar, how many of these items do you have?"
"Three in total, M'lady. The staff of the Empress, Sword of the gluttony, and a piece of the Silence's anti-magic dress." He answered immediately.
"Do you… even know who the 'Silence' is to me?" Bell asked loudly, not caring in the slightest at the moment as the Boaz shook his head.
"She is Alfia, my blood-related aunt, making this-!" He held the necklace up "The only piece of her left in the world for me!" He could see the widening of the Boaz's eyes, even hear the slight hitch in Freya's breath coupled with the gasps that spread around.
"You're…"
"Yes, I never knew her… but she was one of the only two blood relatives in the world that I had when I was born, so that display… is the biggest insult against my blood you could have made," Bell growled as Allen finally managed to limp back to where Ottar and the other executives stood.
"If that is so… I owe you mine, and my familia's deepest apologies, Bell-kun." Bell blinked as he turned around, eyes widening as he saw Freya bow softly to him, head down. Within a moment, every head around the room did the same, as Bell spun, speechless.
"While I want to destroy anything they had their hand in, if what you said adds up, then your mother's name was Meteria, a non-combatant of the Hera Familia… and I cannot seek the destruction of someone that I consider a personal friend… even if you may not feel the same."
For a long moment, Bell stared. He didn't move an inch, not even a muscle as he gauged her words as her head had raised and looked at his own. He honestly didn't know what to think.
Now that he'd calmed down considerably and was able to properly think, he felt a hint of panic and disappointment in himself. He'd come here, hoping to be at least somewhat silent to seek Freya's aid… but he'd ended up blowing holes in the building, and if he had to guess, alerting the whole city that something was amiss here.
'So much for that plan…' Bell thought bitterly as he mentally slapped himself.
"Freya… while I may not consider you a friend yet… and it might take even longer after this. I should apologize too. I did wreck your home…" Bell said, and as if the world was laughing at him, a piece of the roof fell down right at that moment as it crashed to the floor.
"Do not worry, I'd have been surprised if we wouldn't have had to repair another part of the house by the end of the week." She answered back, smiling softly as she looked up at the hole. "Though this is a bit more than usual."
"Anyhow, I must ask, what brings you here? Last I heard, you'd gone out on your own with no way of contact, and we both know that you did not come here to simply say hello." She asked as she walked closer to him. One of the Gulliver brothers made a move to walk closer, but Freya glared at him, freezing him in place.
"So, Bell-kun. What is it that I can do for you?" She asked slowly, her smile widening as she awaited his response.
"I wanted to ask for a favor." His response sent her for a loop before she broke out into giggles, her hand flying to her mouth as her smile was wide, and she squinted her eyes.
"A favor… of course, but I'd rather assist you as I owe you for our talk. As I imagine you might know. I do not like to owe others." She told him honestly as Bell looked at her for a long moment before nodding.
"Okay."
"Splendid, now let us head upstairs while my children begin… mend the damages." Groans were collectively heard from some of the children as Freya seemed to internally cackle as she walked back up the stairs, Bell following shortly behind with Ottar trailing a bit further back.
As they maneuvered around the hallways, they eventually arrived in the same room where he'd had his talk with Freya the last time he had been here. The place was much tidier, to the point of almost sparkling as she walked over to a table, pouring two glasses of her favorite red wine, holding it out to Bell as he quirked his eyebrow, though not rejecting the offer.
Taking a seat as he took a sip, he momentarily inspected the drink in surprise as the taste was sweet but not overly so… almost perfect.
"It's a surprisingly pleasant, flavour, is it not? I find it perfectly stimulating for my palette." Freya chimed in, twirling her own glass before taking a sip herself.
"Now, what does the 'Phantom' need from me?" She asked, eyes sharpening slightly as she spoke the words, pressing her silent question through the surface one as Bell's eyes instantly lost all emotion.
"Freya, I am here for your help, not for you to question me." He spoke evenly, words laced with a silent warning as she seemed to take it in stride, not even seemingly intimidated, but instead amused.
"I am merely confused. I understand as to why you left, but not why you did it the way you did. You left your family to prepare for a war you should have been privy to, and most of all, left your children to mourn without their Father." As she spoke, Freya's demeanor slowly grew more and more serious.
"You are one to talk…" He hissed out "The goddess that lets her children imprison her in a gilded cage, and takes whatever she wants no matter the consequences." He continued, spitting every word like venom as his frustration cascaded. "You never take other's emotions into account. You never have-"
"You're right, I never did. At least not consciously, or to the point that I cared enough to notice." Freya cut him off. "But I have tried since our talk to change. Did you not notice earlier? I have made it clear for my children, that I will not tolerate them trying to make decisions for me or to interrupt my own choices for what they believe is the correct one. Grer tried to do so, but he knows the consequences if he had done it." Her words were spoken in a low tone, seriousness with no hint of flirtatiousness to the point that for a split moment, Bell wondered if he was speaking to Freya or some doppelganger.
"I am trying to change, to be better… and it is exhausting… but as you have told me to do. I am trying to push through… so why are you doing the opposite of what you have told me? From what I have found out, have you not done this once before?"
Bell blinked, his body going rigid as he stared at her in shock, which morphed slowly into suspicion, then anger.
"How…" He hissed out, scourge leaking out of him as she didn't waver for a moment.
"You gave us the final piece. You mentioned her name. Adrienne. Not your daughter, but the girl you had to watch die. Your words, not mine. With a bit of inquiry and help from Hermes, we managed to find out that you disappeared for days looking for her, worrying everyone who cared for you. That did not end well… so why do you think this will?"
Bell swore he would kill that perverted god, turn his insides to his outsides, but he slowly took deep breaths before glaring at Freya.
"I did not come here to argue on ethics with you of all people. Now will you help me or not? I'd rather not waste my time."
…
Freya sighed out before nodding. It was clear that he wasn't really hearing what she was saying, only looking at the surface and not actually taking in the words.
Oh well, she'd tried at least.
"Yes, I will. I owe you after all. What is it that you need?"
"There is a spy within Loki Familia. Here, this letter is all the information I have on them. It's not much, but it gives a starting point on to where to find them." Bell handed her the letter he'd confiscated, reading through it slowly and methodically before she hummed.
"That is concerning, and valuable information… but there is not much to go off of. The Loki Familia had hundreds of lower-ranked adventurers. Finding the spy amongst them would be difficult. Loki and I could comb through the back-"
"No, do not tell the Loki Familia." He told her sharply as Freya blinked. "I'd rather they not know I am here, and if the spy catches wind that something is suspected, they will either bury themselves deeper or flee before we have a chance to locate them."
Freya's lips pursed for a moment before she nodded.
"As you wish, that will only complicate things further. What of Hermes? He can be resourceful and reliable in information gathering such as this." She asked as Bell pondered the suggestion. As much as he was pissed off at the god at the moment, he could not completely forsake the possibility of utilizing his help. His familia was effective, that was a fact, and once they had a contract, they did not breach it, or leak information, no matter what.
After all, doing such would hurt their reputation almost irreparably as the greatest and most reliable information-gathering familia in the world.
"Fine, Hermes can help, but I do not want him to know it is me this information is for. Freya… I need this person alive." He told her as she nodded.
"Good… now I have somewhere to be," Bell said as he stood up, putting his glass down, still half full of wine. "I'll be back in a few days." He said before walking out the door. "Oh, and remember. Make sure no one knows I am here… or there will be hell to pay."
With those words, the door closed behind him as Freya's eyes fell down to the twirling liquid in her glass, pondering as to what she was supposed to think.
His soul… its glow had dimmed…
It was being tainted…
And she did not like it… not one bit.
=North-West of Orario=
The sun peeked through the gaps between the leaves, illuminating the greenery in a natural spectacle of beauty as Ryuu sat on the thick branch of the tree, her sword, Alf's Lumina sitting in her lap as she traced her fingers across it.
It had been a gift from Astraea, to her as she'd leveled up to level 4. She'd had this sword by her side ever since, never leaving her side in any battle or travel.
It had been the representation of Justice for her for a long time, until she'd tainted it with enough blood to drown it completely.
She had believed that had made her a monster… but she'd never expected that innocent boy she had met all that time ago to be capable of doing what she'd witnessed. Of slaughtering people like that with no hesitation, but she could not get the image of how he'd snapped that soldier's neck… how his eyes had been filled with such darkness… such vengeance and hatred…
And guilt.
She had failed to notice at the time, but as she'd played the memory on repeat time and time again, she'd realized that the emotion in his eyes had reflected that as well.
That was why she'd felt so conflicted now, sitting her. It had been like looking into a mirror to the past, to those days she'd assassinated and slaughtered the Rudra familia like common rats, using any and every strategy, no matter how dishonorable.
Because even then, when she'd succumbed to her hatred and vengeance, she'd felt guilt… and seeing the same expression she remembered herself had back then had been almost too much…
Especially given that if he had fallen that deep into that path already, there was little that words could to do stop him… and with the raw power he held, she was honestly baffled as to whether anything could stop him.
Was this all pointless?
Could she truly not help him at all?
The questions kept coming, multiplying wildly as she had no answers… but a large part of her wanted to deny it all, to keep trying, to keep fighting to get through to him, no matter the consequences.
Bell was her friend, someone she'd grown to care for deeply, and seeing him go down this path was tearing at her own heart and conscience.
But that did not resolve the fact that she did not know what to do.
As her mind wandered, a small bird landed at the tip of the sword, chirping as it looked at Ryuu, its head tilting from side to side as the Elf's eyes snapped to it, staring into its black eyes.
Slowly, she reached forward, careful to not scare it before it started to nibble at her finger, chirping as it did so.
The soft smile that slowly spread was impossible to suppress. Even for elves, who were naturally attuned to nature, moments like these were rare, because in the end, to the animals, Elves, just like Humans, Dwarves, or any other mortal species, were their predators.
But some always abstained from the norm, and approached them, even if they were incredibly rare… but sometimes, such actions paid off.
A soft spark of determination filled her at the thought.
"Ein'cin…" She whispered, thanking the bird in her native tongue before it softly flapped its wings to fly away. As if understanding her, it chirped before disappearing into the sky.
That's right… perhaps it was pointless, but she couldn't give up. Gripping her sword, she held it up into the air. She would try… no matter what.
=Orario, Traveler's Inn=
Hermes sat by his desk, hands underneath his chin as she pondered. Over the past few weeks, events had spiraled out of control, and thus, their business had boomed. Information had become such a valuable commodity in the face of war as important as the one they were facing… and thus his Familia had been stretched thin… and with this latest request from Freya, the second one in the span of under a month much to his utter shock, not even a single member of his familia was home at the moment.
It was weird, being so unprotected, but there was not much he could do. Loki Familia, Freya Familia, and many others from outside the Orario, interested in the brewing war were all customers, paying a premium for any and all information they could gather.
But the request they received from Freya that Asfi had personally taken as her job alongside Aisha and Laurier had been strange. He'd understood her request for information on Bell-Kun's actions in the Far East, but to request detailed background information of every single lower ranked member of the Loki Familia.
She'd assured him with a binding contract that she would not misuse the information that may cause chaos and strife within Orario and outside of it. A precaution that had been necessary given the circumstances at the moment.
But that did not alleviate his intrigue and curiosity. Why was she so interested now, out of all times for such information? Would she not rather want to find Bell-kun?
Not that he didn't have people searching for him already, but the request was just… off.
"Hmm…" He hummed.
It was too strange, too out of character for her. Freya was without a goddess that followed her whims… but this…?
No, something was strange, and there was this nagging feeling that there was something there.
Getting up and moving walking over to the window, he looked out to the setting sun, knowing that his children who were still in the city would return soon.
He needed to know… and he'd do whatever he had to, to find out what Freya was hiding, even if it was a bit risky.
Oh well, when had that ever stopped him?
=Archian Manor, 1AM=
The room was silent, the night having drowned out all noise around the large mansions and its halls. Bache slept in her room as the children did the same.
Walking through the house once more, Bell felt his heartache and crash against the constraints of his chest, seemingly wanting to burst and escape as he slowly walked towards the room he could feel her presence from.
He'd debated ever since he'd left Folkvangr whether to visit or not… all logic told him not to, that it was too risky… but his heart, no matter how hard he tried to bury it, fought back with more vigor than his determination could.
And thus, here he was, now standing outside the door, his senses picking up her labored breathing.
With a shaking hand, he slowly opened the door, walking inside tentatively before he laid eyes on her. The moment he did, his world seemed to fall in on itself once more as he struggled to breathe, struggled to move…
It was like he'd been buried in the thickest quicksand with no status, the sand invading his own lugs as well.
But despite that, his body moved on its own, closing the door softly as he walked up to the bed, his fingers softly touching hers.
"E-Elora…" He whispered, voice cracking as he sat down next to her, pushing a strand of her hair out of her face.
She simply looked as if she was asleep, no pain, no suffering… but there was no smile, just a line where her lips were.
It felt wrong, was wrong… she should be smiling, talking, and laughing. He wanted so desperately to see those beautiful amber eyes of hers… to hear that sweet voice that soothed his heart.
He missed her so much.
God… he…
Tears fell as a sob forced its way through his throat, unable to suppress or control it as more and more pressed through.
In an attempt to hide the noise, he pressed his head against her shoulder, hand intertwining with hers as he carefully squeezed, a silent hope to receive anything in return, but nothing came.
It was silent… no noise apart from his sobs mixed with her slow, labored breathing and pulse.
God, being here only hurts more… but he couldn't bring himself to leave. Breathing in her smell once more was intoxicating, to feel her presence, even if it was not in the way he wanted was partly soothing and torturous.
Lifting his head as he finally calmed down, he looked down at her softly, the back of his finger softly caressing her cheek as he put on a smile.
"I promise… I'll make them pay… every single one of them."
"Dad…?" Bell froze, turning slowly to look at the door, eyes wide as Aralaya stood there in her nightdress, eyes heavy with sleep, as she seemed to debate whether she was hallucinating or not.
His mouth moved like a fish as his eyes darted to the window, pondering for a moment if he should just run for it… but before he could do anything, Aralaya had zoomed towards him, practically crashing against his chest without a word, hugging him tightly.
His arms froze as he raised them, body going rigid as she refused to let go, nuzzling against his chest as he slowly allowed himself to return the affection, wrapping his arms around her as she combed one of his hands through her locks.
"Hey… Aralaya. What are you doing here?" He asked, the question being met with mumbled words against his chest. It took a moment before she looked up enough to free her mouth, her red eyes meeting his own.
"Can't sleep… nightmares." She told him as his throat clogged and his breath hitched. Aralya had nightmares… and he wasn't here for her when she needed him.
As if he needed any more reason to feel guilty… to feel like a complete piece of shit… but he couldn't- no, wouldn't give up on making sure the ones guilty paid for what they had done.
…
But that didn't mean he couldn't be there for her now… at least tonight.
"Oh, Sunshine… about what?" He whispered to her, soothingly massaging her hair. As she slowly whispered out an answer.
"Mom… and you… You… died… and I… I couldn't do anything." Her words were heartbreaking, spoken as if the dream had haunted her for a while. Bell got down onto his knees, his eyes meeting hers as she looked straight into his own, still in disbelief that he was there.
"I'm sorry…" He whispered before kissing the temple of her head. "But you're strong Aralaya, so can you do something for me?" He asked as she slowly nodded.
"Can you stay strong for me… until I return?" He asked, her eyes widening in fear as she instantly shook her head.
"No… please don't leave… I can't-" She stopped, breath hitching as tears welled in her eyes, causing Bell to panic slightly, pushing her against his chest as he shushed her.
"Shh, it's alright, I don't want to leave either but… I have to. I have to make sure that bastard pays… and once I do, I'll return to you all as the first thing I do… I promise." His pledge seemed to alleviate her fears slightly as she calmed down enough to not cry, but she still looked so scared.
Something that Bell hated… so much. He didn't want to hurt her… not his children… never his children. But that part of him that burned to see the light of Kaius' life drain from him under his own hand was too tempting… too soothing as it kept whispering to him in the back of his head.
That Black Flame.
"Dad…" She whispered as he snapped his attention back to her.
"Yes, Sunshine?"
"You know… right? That we are going to war in two weeks?" She asked as Bell slowly nodded.
"I know… can… can I ask where you all are going to be?" His question was asked tentatively, he wanted so desperately to know where they were going to be… so that he could at least keep an eye on them.
He could not bear to lose them too.
"We aren't together… me and Jannor are by the Garos Canyon… and Bache and Adrienne are split up in the plains by the southern border and Andros forest by the Eastern border." She answered as Bell nodded and smiled in appreciation, though internally, he was worried. He'd wanted them to be together… so that they'd protect each other. But this… it only scared him.
Eventually, though, Aralaya turned and crawled into the bed next to Elora, curling up to her mother's side as Bell's eyes widened as he realized that the reason she had come here was partly because of the nightmares… but also to be with her mother…
To be close to her.
God, his heart ached even more than before. Seeing his daughter look so lost… so… scared was a pain he was unfamiliar with. He'd never seen her like that… the closest he had was…
Back in the dungeon, when he'd first woken up in the glacier zone. That relief from her fear had hinted at how she'd felt.
Closing his eyes, he sat back down next to her putting his hand over hers as the girl immediately grabbed hold of it, holding it tightly.
"I'll stay here… okay. I'm here." He whispered. He wanted so badly to make sure she felt safe… protected. Even if he had to leave, he could at least do this for her… for Elora.
A small part of him wished he could see the others… but he knew if he did that… then he'd be unable to leave. So for the next hours, he simply sat there, letting his daughter slowly fall asleep, and when he finally was satisfied that she wasn't having a nightmare, he carefully pulled out of her grip before leaving… but not before taking one last look at her.
With a conflicted smile, he left, heading out to get some sleep himself.
=Twilight Manor=
Finn stared down at his breakfast, deep in contemplation as to the events of the day before. Something had occurred at Folkvangr, but Freya and Ottar had simply waved off whatever it was as 'Minor Internal Strife'.
Now Finn didn't fancy himself a narcissist, but he knew that he was far above average in the intelligence department, even for a prum, and he did not see himself as a fool… and something in his gut told him that what they had told him was complete and utter crap.
There was no way such a commotion had been simply some minor internal strife in the familia, judging by the damages alone. From what he could gather from the short view he had when visiting, a large portion of the roof of the building had caved in alongside multiple walls and supporting beams.
That was not something you'd consider some 'minor' whatsoever. That kind of damage to a structure reinforced with Adamantite (Yes, Adamantite, what would you expect from Freya Familia?) would take at least two level 6s to cause such damage before it could be mitigated.
In other words, it had to have been between the Gulliver brothers, Allen, Hogni, Hedin, Ottar, Belilli, or Van as the highest leveled people in the familia (Excluding a few fresher levels 6's). And as far as he could tell… when he'd been there, every single one of their level 6s and above were all unharmed and with no visible fatigue whatsoever.
Sure, potions and healing magic would do the job, he'd seen how the Freya familia trains… and how they handle the injuries they gain… or rather, how they simply ignore them unless they receive close to lethal or crippling wounds.
So no, he was not buying their excuse. Something else occurred, and Freya wanted it kept within their familia.
He sighed audibly and suppressed a groan before taking a bite of his bacon.
"Something the matter, Finn?" His eyes perked up at Riveria's voice as she approached him, sitting down next to him with her own food as she gave him a curious look.
"Freya familia had an 'altercation' yesterday." He answered as she nodded.
"Yes, I heard about it, though the details were very sparse. Most anyone said was that there was a hole in the building." Riveria listed the information she knew. It was not as if she had been looking for it, but when you are in charge of handling the procurement of all potions and having to deal with misbehaving children, you tend to overhear that kind of thing.
"Change that to a caved-in roof and broken walls mixed with an added sparkle of broken support beams." Finn sassed as Riveria's lips curved into a small smile, amused at his humor.
"Oh? That seems a bit excessive, aren't their walls reinforced with Adamantite?" She asked as he nodded with a tired look in his eyes.
"Yes, and I do not buy their explanation of what occurred. Supposedly, the damage was incurred from some 'Minor Internal Strife'." He finger-quoted the words as Riveria let out a small snort, shaking her head in slight disbelief.
"Oh, I see… that… that was a poorly made-up excuse. In other words, something else occurred which they do not want to be known outside their familia." Riveria reasoned as he nodded.
"Indeed, and it is just that I do not need the secrecy now that we are just a few days away from marching to our respective fronts, I am to write the notice today along with my usual paperwork... It's giving me a headache." Riveria hummed as she ate, not envying him in the slightest.
"Perhaps we shouldn't pry into what occurred. It may be familia business." Riviera suggested as Finn could only hum. His curiosity was his personal curse, and he knew it could easily land him in trouble. Digging up familia business that rightfully should stay in the familia it is meant for, was something that was heavily frowned upon to the point that it was an unwritten law.
"Maybe…" He answered slowly, his voice low to match his uncertainty before Riveria seemed to perk up. Glancing in the direction she was looking in, he spotted Ais walking into the dining room, sitting down next to Fiona and Tiona.
Like Riveria and Gareth, he had been worried about her since Bell's disappearance. She by far wasn't as bad as she could be. She wasn't running into the dungeon as if she had a death wish, but her demeanor had taken a big hit, and has somewhat reverted to a workaholic in a different sense, practically throwing herself at her duties.
In a manner, it was similar to what he had observed with the Themis Familia, particularly Cerberus, who had been helping every day from dawn to dusk with barely any rest.
It had helped with the preparations, sure, but it was concerning nonetheless.
"She seems… different." Riveria commented as Finn frowned, truly inspecting her before he spotted it. The look in her eye… the determination there… it was stronge- no, hardened.
A soft smile made its way onto Finn's lips as he closed his eyes with a relieved sigh. Perhaps not everything was making it difficult for him. Some things, seemed to resolve themselves, which he was immensely thankful for.
"That she does." Finn murmured before taking the last bite of his breakfast before finishing. Getting up onto his feet with a resigned sigh at the thought of the work that was waiting for him, he smiled softly at Riveria.
"I should head off before the paperwork starts overflowing." He half-joked. Seriously, that desk of his could fill with paper faster than the dungeon spawns monsters at times. It was honestly terrifying.
With a short exchange of farewells, Finn left the dining hall, and resigned for the day's paperwork.
…
Well, on the bright side, a few days from now he won't have to do much of it for a while… on the negative, the reason couldn't be worse.
Oh well, nothing he could do about it now, and instead there was, well… work for him.
Joy.
=Archian Manor=
With a sound that resonated around the entire room, Aralaya slammed her knee into the training dummy after hours of training as a crack was heard, caused by the head of the dummy cracking and splintering into thousands of small pieces.
Carefully wiping sweat from her face, the half-elf glanced around the room, a hint of satisfaction showing on her face at the mass of broken dummies meant for second-class adventurers.
Last night had been a boon for her, more so than she'd ever thought. Even if she was heartbroken to find that he was gone once more, getting the chance to hug her father again, to feel his presence and warmth was… it was what she'd truly needed.
Even if she was still mad at him for leaving, at the time, she didn't have the heart, or was in the mood to yell and scream. All she wanted was the comfort.
Those nightmares had really torn at her psyche more than she'd thought.
It was a bit embarrassing, but as Auntie Bache had told her. Nightmares are normal for mortals, even though she had them. The difference is whether we let the fear caused by them control us.
She'd somewhat failed at that, but by the splinter-filled ground around her, her performance was better than it had been since they began.
"Thanks… dad…" She whispered softly with a tiny smile, her red eyes gleaming in the soft light from the magic stone laps embedded in the ceiling.
"Woah… what happened here?" A voice cut in as Aralaya looked up, meeting the gaze of Adrienne.
"Do you have a vendetta against the dummies or what?" The girl asked, a grin on her face, though Aralaya could tell in an instant that it was put on, not quite reaching her eyes.
"No, I just felt a lot better today." And it was the truth. Adrienne on the other hand, the answer only served to confuse the amazoness even further. Better? Didn't she have regular nightmares…?
"Really? That's good to hear but… I hoped to get some training in…" Adrienne rubbed her chin as she looked around "So… can we clean this up?" Aralaya blinked with a short nod.
"Yeah, that is fine… though shouldn't you rest? You've been training every ounce of free time you have. Your body needs rest you know."
The words from the half-elf were met with an emotionless stare as the amazon seemed to close herself off.
"No… I need to get stronger. I can't stay the way I am." She said, walking up to some of the splinters on the ground before starting to pick them up.
"That is okay, but you won't get anywhere if your body is too tired to learn! You know what Dad always used to say! Rest is as impor-"
"Don't mention him… Just… don't."
"What- why…? Si-"
"I said don't! I don't want to hear his name…" Adrienne growled in a low tone, sending a warning glare at Aralaya who stared at her in shock.
"You don't mean that…" She gasped out before Adrienne nodded.
"I do… now are you going to help or not?"
Honestly- Aralya did nothing but stare, mouth moving but nothing coming out as she tried to formulate words and thoughts as they failed her.
Adrienne can't be serious. Their father may have left to seek vengeance on those responsible for their mother's coma, something that had hurt them all and tarnished the image they had of him… but he was still their father.
Still, the man who raised them… loved them.
But seeing the anger and rage on Adrienne's face, something she now realized she'd kept in, hidden behind her smile… a facade. She knew that it was better to let her calm down at the moment… but this wasn't done.
She couldn't let her grow to hate their father. She just… just had to do something.
She didn't know what… but she knew one thing for certain… that she would do something.
With that, she leaned down, grabbed as many splinters as she could carry, and helped clean up. Once they were done discarding everything alongside putting away the large piece of pure adamantium she'd used to help train her strength, and then the room was ready.
Heading up, she headed straight for the library, figuring Erebus would be there. Entering the large open room, it felt a bit bizarre seeing so many shelves empty, even if that was caused majorly by her.
Her room had effectively become the de-facto library at the moment with her incessant studying between her training and duties for preparations.
Taking a look around, she eventually found him sitting in a corner, near the most filled part of the library.
'A letter' She thought as she noticed the opened envelope on the table as Erebus had a grim expression on his face before putting it down. Seemingly not noticing her, he leaned his head back with a deep sigh.
"What now…?" He murmured before she stepped forward, clearing her throat softly as the god's eyes slowly looked at her.
"Aralaya. Here to update your status?" He asked as she nodded.
"Yes, I feel like this time might do it." She answered with a smile as she turned her back to him, unstrapping the back of her dress just enough to give access to her back.
Running through their usual business, Erebus started updating her status after drawing some blood.
As the light and numbers shifted slightly, the god let a soft genuine smile take form as he nodded in satisfaction.
"You're right, your basic abilities are maxed… so I'm guessing you want to level up?" Despite asking, he'd already begun the process, already knowing what her answer would be.
"Yes… as for the development ability…"
"Right, your choices are between Spirit healing, Treatment, and Thermal Resistance." He said as she fell quiet
"Quite the variety." He commented at the end before looking over her shoulder. "You should know what they do, so which do you want?" He asked as she seemed to think about it.
Good
Better make sure you choose right, so you don't end up regretting your choice. She had to think from two separate perspectives at the moment. The here and now, and the future. In the short term, she was going to war, so thermal resistance might not be a very good choice compared to treatment or spirit healing which would empower her healing magic and passively regenerate her mind respectively.
In the long term, any choice was viable… but without a doubt-
"Not thermal resistance…" Aralaya spoke, voicing the god's thoughts for him as he nodded in agreement, though softly enough for her not to notice. He wanted her to make the choice after all.
This was her story after all. Her soul. He only helped shape it, but he had no right to decide how… it was her duty to shape it to her desires.
"Treatment is tempting… my healing magic is already so helpful but…" She whispered before looking back at Erebus, a choice clearly made from the glint in her eyes.
"Pick Spirit healing. That is my choice." Without hesitation, Erebus got to work, pushing the letter next to her level up a slot after molding the development ability into her falna.
As he watched the rest of her basic abilities tick down rapidly as they reset, he couldn't help but find it satisfying.
Moments after it finished, he pushed her status back onto her back before copying it onto a parchment which she took no time hungrily devouring with her eyes.
Name: Aralaya Cranel
Lv 3 - 4
Status:
{STR} S-998 - 999 - I-0
{VIT} S-999 - I-0
{DEX} S-997 - S-999 - I-0
{AGI} S-999 - I-0
{MAG} S-999 - I-0
Magic:
Balm Touch: "Body worn and tired, mend thy self, be made whole, and rise again"
Healing magic that can restore most wounds. Requires a peaceful state of mind and is more potent the more peaceful their mind is.
Paterna Commutatio: "Elemental Spirits, I call upon you, lend me your power, and remove those before me" (in addition of saying "*element* strike")
Short chant versatile offensive magic that can change elements depending on the user's will. The currently available elements are: Water, Fire, Wind, Thunder and Earth.
Skills:
Aero Mana: Increases attack power the faster the user runs.
Divergence: Allows the user to stop a chant and launch the spell at the cost of less power and mind usage.
Active Trigger.
Fortitude: Reduces the mind usage by a large margin when any magic is cast. Dependent on the Magic stat.
Development Abilities:
Abnormal Resistance: F
Mage: F
Spirit Healing: I
Reading her first-ever level four status was very satisfying for Aralaya. She was one step closer to being considered first-class. Though her goal was higher, it was a milestone on the way, just as third-class and second-class had been before she'd reached it.
"Good timing on leveling up too. You should quickly get used to your new status, maybe go on a short trip into the dungeon." Erebus suggested as Aralaya nodded.
"Yes… maybe a couple to really get it in before we march in two weeks." Aralaya smiled happily as Erebus frowned.
"No… only one."
The smile instantly fell, replaced by confusion. "What, why? Erebus?"
"This-" He held up the letter he had been reading. "It arrived while you were training. Apparently Finn had withheld our actual deployment date due to potential information leakage."
Aralaya could only blink as she processed the information, only for another bombshell to drop right onto her head.
"You're all marching in three days." He said grimly as the half-elf's ears drooped before she shot up to her feet, holding her dress so it wouldn't fall as she opened her mouth wide.
"WHAT!? THREE DAYS!?" She shouted, her voice reverberating around the entire library as Erebus flinched.
"Yes, three days… and I should inform the others. Just… prepare yourself, and be careful okay? I don't want any of you to die." He spoke earnestly as she nodded slowly.
"Okay, I will." What else could she respond to such an earnest request?
"I should head out to inform the others. I'll see you at dinner." He spoke as he got up as well, and walking off as she let out a 'Yes'.
…
So much for a happy level up…
With that, she too left, knowing she had preparations to make… with so little time to spare. Only three days…
She just hoped nothing too bad happened… but knowing the luck their family had.
That was unlikely to happen.
Chapter 69, is complete! God, finally stretched my fingers a bit, but the work is not yet done. The war is closing in, and Bell is making his moves… with a bit of fluff in between.
Yet another setup chapter, I know, but soon, you'll have more action than you'll know what to do with.
Anyway, I wanted to announce some changes to my, namely that I'll begin uploading chapters there in advance instead of for Patrons. Details should be up on my page by the weekend, but might take longer for chapters to start popping up there.
This change will include future stories as well, such as a personal solo project I'm working on for an Attack on Titan fic called 'Freiheit aus dem Käfig' and any future stories such as 'The Progeny of Talent'
The reason for this change is for two separate causes that sort of connect together. I found that writing commissions wasn't for me as I couldn't really get into it no matter how hard I tried, but it is also for economic purposes as writing fanfiction eats at my time heavily since mostly everything apart from small snippets (sorry Chalister) is written by me (Eli) as the head writer (Chalister helps plan and fine-tune details and such… sort of like a Beta who does some extra work). Thus, this decision was made in hopes of somewhat alleviating that stress so that I don't sink completely economically.
Anyway, as mentioned before, for details, visit my page on the weekend and the changes should have been made… wait, this message won't be seen until it's already done so… okay, I'll stop rambling and get into the reviews!
Meliodas4699: Dude I can't wait to see what Bell is gonna do to Kaius' lover, kinda torture her like a psycho or in a more methodical way, like talking with him while taking each nail from her hands and then the toes. Mate Bell is really furious and I think he's really gonna enjoy make them suffer.
Author: Yeah, the old Bell is still in there, but he's closed off… and vengeance is what is truly on his mind. He would enjoy it immensely, but we'll see if he gets to do it or not ;)
NinjaFang1331: Bell has gone down not a dark path but a grey path.
Author: Sort of? It will get darker though without a doubt, so don't fret… much darker.
Stevenpiskunov2: I wonder how Bell will find the traitor in the Twilight Manor. Kinda reminds me of the Traitor at UA Highschool in My Hero Academia.
And also. Kita said that the dungeon was a prison for something? Like something more dangerous than the Black Dragon perhaps? If so then this just leads to more questions as I was under the assumption that the OEBD would be the final villain. Only now we got something that could potentially be worse. Now I'm thinking about all those apes in the movie Godzilla X Kong the ones that were trapped deep below hollow earth. The movie's main antagonist is a giant ape named Scar King and a Titan with ice abilities called Shimo. In the movie, she is just being controlled against her will. But I can see something like her being like a big counter to the black dragon as If you see the movie you can see what she can do. Like we get the enemy that has mostly abilities with fire only for something to come out more dangerous being the opposite which is ice. Funny because in the movie Shimo is supposed to be the first Titan. Maybe whatever is actually down there is the first monster? Or something else that not even the other great calamities would even talk about.
Author: Yeah, there is something far worse down in the dungeon, and I won't spoil you, but I'll clear it up with you that what is down there, is the final threat, the supposed 'Culmination of the lower world struggles' as teased earlier in the story.
I'm guessing the movie thing was a parallel with Kita and what's down in the dungeon? It's not really accurate, I'll give you that, but I'll give you points for creativity… also, spoilers! :p
Nonameguy123: Been a while reading this story, I absolutely love it truly, but in all honesty Im here for bell, I just cant read the side story anymore it takes too much time and I know that it's incredibly stupid not to but I just love the focused story on bell
Author: I guess I can see where you're coming from with that. It's just going to make understanding the whole story more difficult. It may mainly be Bell's story, but it's also an amalgamation of the stories of all the characters around him as well which meld and bled together to tell the full tale.
But if that is what you desire, then do you. It is your time, your choice. If you want to skip to Bell's portions, then go ahead, hope you still enjoy the story!
Deityoftheuniverse: Welf and Hephaestus had a kid!?
But...but gods can't have children…
Author: Yeah, they call it 'their' kid, but I believe I mentioned somewhere that it was accomplished through a surrogate birth from another woman… hopefully I mentioned it… oh man, I gotta check. Anyway, that's how it was done. Hope it clears it up :)
That is all for the reviews, and I hope you all enjoyed it! As always, I'll see y'all next time!