A little thing before I get this one on the way.

It's been about half a year since Kodori was once again yanked sideways. The initial reaction to it all was reasonably covered up, hidden, or just... put off for the moment.

But like it or not, she's a pillar of Orario, and a bit of a deterrent for mischief.

However... Even crippled by a godless system, the words on her back are clear. She is the eye of the storm, and even a butterfly's wings can cause a hurricane...

So join me as I take a little trip back to Orario, Earth, and maybe even Alnus, for a bit of a 'how things are doing' montage.

Chapter 111

(Someplace)

It was just a normal day, in a not so normal place, overseen by an astoundingly normal man with an exceptionally important job. All top secret, so the details of this place end there...

But while the job of this normal man in the not so normal place was boring at best, he'd been busy recently.

"Huh... That's the third time in four months..." He said to the little red light on his desk.

Of course, 'busy' was up for interpretation.

(Hearthstone Manor)

The magically minded of the Manor had gathered in the library. Added to this list were Haruhime, since part of what was happening directly involved her, and Maki, since just about anything involving her 'big sister' was important enough to show up for. Hestia was also here, since this was her home, and while a little bit of a doormat when it came to 'grand affairs' she liked to put in the effort to try and understand.

But also 'present' though not actually 'there' were Gasper and Ajuka. The two of them were standing in a small 'box' cordoned off by four metal posts. Their holographic forms were watching with something just shy of eagerness, though tempered by their ages.

Special guests also included Lelei, Fels, and Arpeggio, since they were a big part of making this happen on 'this side' of the Gate.

But why the library?

It was the third largest 'open space' in the Manor. The ballroom was crossed off the list, since any large gathering would happen there, and since Kodori's abduction there had been two. The living room was next, but Hestia stomped her little foot and vetoed that idea. So, the 'thing' happening was done in the library.

In the middle of the floor, with all the reading desks and chairs pushed to the edges to make space, was a super, duper, ultra complex magic circle. So complex, and 'delicate' that it had to be carefully etched into the stone of the manor's floor. This helped with other things, like carefully poured molten metal (silver, a little gold, bits of iron) and a few spots for carefully cut gems.

"I see no problems." Ajuka said, "Sir Gasper?"

Such a grand authority as Ajuka asking his opinion made him jump just a tiny bit, but he looked over the floor carefully, nodded, "Perfect I think. HIDA?"

A third holographic person joined him, a near copy of Delly save she was dressed in a skin tight suit of greens and metallic colours. "No problems as far as I can see."

Having an AI who's entire existence revolved around the perfect creation and measuring of things say 'perfect' was high praise indeed. So they continued. "Why is this so complex anyhow?" Hestia asked, "I mean... We used mushrooms before!"

Fels spoke up, though he was a little less of an 'authority' in this field, "The rules between our world and theirs were similar enough for that to work. However, we do not know how close our rules are to where Kodori is."

"Getting Little-HIDA across needed so many 'if' statements... But all of them were triggered!" HIDA said, "There would need to be another of your rings, another Kodori, and a few other things to have it work and not get to her."

"I dunno if the universe could handle another one." Maki laughed, "But maybe she'd finally retire?"

"This." Lelei started, too much of a square to laugh with everyone else at Maki's joke. "This isn't actually complex. Not in the way you are thinking. It is similar to a magic stone oven. But instead of magic stone, we use fire."

Sadly, Hestia wasn't catching the idea. So Delly tried. "Remember when we found the second copy of that book?" She pointed to one of the shelves, where a paperback, and a hardcover with the same title (The Hobbit) were resting. How one had big letters and was easy to read, while the other was tightly printed and you needed to squint a little? It's like that. We're making this as easy to 'read' as possible. So there are no mistakes with the translation."

Hestia blinked a couple times, then tapped her fist into her palm, "Aha. Okay. So you make it so the 'world' can read it?"

"Yes." Lelei nodded, "This simply makes it take up more space. Gasper?"

"One moment." He looked someplace off camera, "Kunou-san!"

Everyone save Fels (who could not) and Lelei (who cared not) held their breath a moment, and with a little tracing of sparks, the metal of the magic circle started to glow. Once the outer edge had finished lighting up, the traces of light moved inward along the metal, until the middle circle glowed, the area inside empty...

Until it wasn't. There was no noise, no real 'effect'. Suddenly, where nothing had been, there were now three boxes. The largest had some bright and cheerful printing on it saying it was a box of 'Mochi Cookies'. On top of that, the second largest was actually a wooden crate filled with mandarin oranges. And the third was a tiny little velvet box commonly used to hold a ring that was resting in the middle of the crate's lid.

And just as it had started, the traces of light simmering over the metal in the floor faded. "Should be safe now." Gasper said, "Something processed, something living, something metal."

Haruhime carefully stepped through the magic circle, her feet only touching the bare stone gaps in the complex patterns. And with a little sigh she picked up the little box, opened it, and put her ring back on. It was slight, but some of the stress and worry on her features eased as she took a moment to look into the Memory in the ring.

The moment passed, and she carefully picked up the other two objects, "Thank you. But what now?" She asked the two holographic devils.

"We trust Little-HIDA to give Kodori the information she needs, and for Kodori to build a signal booster." Ajuka said seriously, "It may take some doing, but if she has time, she may not need one of these 'waves' to send a message back." Then, "Sadly, I must now deal with paperwork." And he vanished.

"Urg, don't remind me." Delly sighed, "The last guy to try and challenge the Boss bruised my wings. But now it's my turn to do the paperwork."

"Suppose it's my turn to wait at the door then." Maki shrugged, "Maybe Shino will show up? Oh thank you." Maki accepted an orange, "Try and get these to grow out back? Please?" She asked Delly, "They're like... the one thing I didn't remember to ask for when she asked suggestions for 'foods to grow'

(Challengers? Let's look at that.)

Being the 'strongest' meant a lot to a certain type of person on Earth. Many fighting circles, legitimate or not, had sprung up around the idea of finding out who was the strongest. Be it through raw physical strength, supreme skill, or a blended mix of both. Dedication to competition was their reason for living.

Of course, when the leaders of Earth put out the call for their strongest to step forward into a new arena, where monsters, not people, were the challengers... And the rewards were quite literally out of this world...

(Ganesha Hospital)

Retsu Kaioh was amazed. And while he was the strongest and most capable practitioner of the aged and venerated Chinese Martial Arts, he was still a humble soul (though, he had to be reminded that he was only the 'most capable practitioner of the aged and venerated Chinese Martial Arts', not 'the most capable fighter ever' to return him to being a humble soul).

So he admitted things he would have once been too proud to admit or say freely. "This is amazing!" He said, looking down at his two feet, while one of his hands gripped his fully restored, if a little thinner than the other shoulder.

The Ganesha Doctor replied with a quiet, "Tut tut. You are still in a hospital." As was his usual method, he was almost unnoticed by Retsu as he gave him an examination. "What is more astounding, is the rate it returned. Even for us, the lizard tonic would have taken much longer to restore a lost limb."

"Many of the ancient ways focus on healing." Retsu replied, lowing his voice to just over a whisper in respect for the others in the hospital wing. "So long as there is body to restore, our medicines could cure much. But this..." He wiggled his toes, all of them, with something close to childish glee on his otherwise stern features.

"Well, now you no longer need to return to adjust your prosthetic." The Doctor smiled, "Just a little longer to fully restore its strength, and you won't even need a thicker sole on your shoe. "Now... About your master..."

"Is there a problem?" His tone wasn't offended, or aggressive, but genuinely curious. "I know his age is... advanced..." While Retsu looked unapproachable by most standards, he had a profound respect for those of skill.

"Not as such, but you may wish to caution him about visiting the entertainment district. Maybe ask him to limit it to once a week, instead of every other day?"

From the next room, just loud enough to hear came a voice that no one would have believed came from a base human that was a 147 years old. "They say the secret of a long life is to give up the things you wish to live for. Well, I don't wanna."

(Ganesha Library)

Biscuit Oliver, unlike Retsu, was not a humble man. Everything about him was big. Just shy of six feet tall (180cm), immaculately cared for body that weighed in at 330lbs (150kg), and an intellect that could easily have earned him a place in any academic pursuit.

Part of why he was in the biggest public library was for the latter bit. But that wasn't the only reason.

All his muscles, all his training, the years of blood, sweat (but never tears) becoming one of the strongest in the world back on earth...

Well it meant almost nothing here.

Oh, there were a few of a certain type who really went for that kind of thing here. But he was a married man. And after finding out that someone who might have weighed as much as one of his legs could put him over her knee (and that was her being gentle!) he'd done his best to avoid that entire section of the city.

But he wasn't hiding! No no, never him! Thankfully, there were so many 'colourful' outfits in Orario, that his Hawaiian shirt and cargo pants meant he blended right in (ironically, this was very similar to what Ottar wore).

"Mister Oliver?" A slender woman, maybe a third his weight and dressed in the Ganesha uniform called up to him, "You've returned. Have you found something interesting?"

She spoke in 'Kione', something he (and his BIG intellect) had picked up swiftly once he found it had a similar letter system to English. And since he was a regular here, she knew he understood it. "Almost everything is interesting in here." He said with a smile. "Don't worry, I'll put them all back."

He'd made the mistake of not doing so exactly once. Even if this woman would need a ladder to look down at him, he'd never make that mistake again.

Speaking of, the woman looked up at him, then at the neat stack of books that had been piled neatly on the floor to about Biscuit's hip height, "I do hope so. Have you found it?"

The book in his hand (that was just a tiny bit bigger than his hand while open) was titled, 'Common remedies of Lakrios'. "It will be one more thing to try." He nodded.

"I hope it works. If you need assistance finding the plants you need, our logistics desk will be happy to help."

While he had come here, like most of the other 'strongest' of Earth, for the huge amounts of money offered and the chance to find a new battlefield, he had a sick wife at home and a tight personal budget.

(Daedalus Street... somewhere... since even the science teams of Earth couldn't figure the place out)

Heracles, currently not in uniform (Greek Hellenic armed forces) but armed (a sensible sword and shield combo stylistic of Sparta), was leaning against a wall under one of the weird overhangs between two adobe style buildings. To pass the time, he was watching, yes, watching the Rakia stone that had been used to rebuild the wall in front of him, slowly change back into the Arabic adobe style clay to match the other buildings around him.

Even he, a consummate 'meathead', understood the power of 'collective belief'. If the residents of this part of Orario believed that the Daedalus Maze 'always looked like this', then the very stone would conform to that. Eventually. And when the change was done? The people believing it would be 'right all along'.

"Waiting long?" A voice interrupted his fascinating view of 'belief in real time', when a voice with a Nordic slant spoke up from the shadows at the other end of the overhung alleyway.

"Sangris." He greeted. "If I didn't know better, I would have thought you wouldn't show up."

As usual, Sangris son of Sangrigor, was bare chested, showing off the amazing tattoos on his body and the muscles under them. As he moved through the dark alley towards Heracles, the eyes of the beasts inked into his flesh glowed with that 'green mirror' light of nighttime creatures. To most, it would be unnerving. To Heracles? A mediocre flex of power.

"Said I would, so I have. You wouldn't want to spoil our relationship by calling me a liar would you?" Sangris had a smile like the curve of an axe, and just as friendly.

Still unimpressed, but willing (nay! Under oath!) to try being diplomatic first, Heracles shook his head, "Not at all."

The Joten-son didn't comment further on it and moved on, "So, what does a former member of the Brigade, now a graduate of that prissy Valkyrie school want with me?" His tone did a good job at portraying what he thought of that school.

Heracles's eyebrow twitched ever so slightly, and his patience thinned. Rosswiesse would have been proud of him for not sounding angry when he replied with, "Just wondering what a descendant of An-"

"Careful." Sangris stopped him, a hand going to the neck of his nice axe.

"Thought so." Heracles grinned in that infuriating way that always made Jean kick him in the shin. "Huh, talking does work. I'll have to tell them, you know."

"It's not time yet." Sangris's smile returned, "So I'm afraid you'll have to get lost in the maze for a while. Maybe forever. Would be the third one so far. Shame that."

And from around Heracles, the rest of Sangris's war-band (except that one guy who did numbers and was considered 'a square' by the others) appeared from every open window, rooftop, doorway and even a sewer grate.

Three of them, one from the rooftops, one from the ground level, and that guy who popped out of the sewer, dropped a small handful of bones to the roof/ground/underground and said a single word each at the exact same time.

"Obfuscation ritual. Huh, lessons were worth it." Heracles said, putting a hand to his sword hilt, the other to the round Spartan shield on his back. "Suppose that takes care of the local laws."

(The Gatehouse, command centre and barracks for most of the visitors to the dungeon from Earth)

The Commander, who despite his Japanese heritage and allegiance, had become the 'father figure' of almost every soldier from every nation on Earth. Be it because he was 'the veteran soldier all soldiers aspired to be' or some secret grandfather power, he had been accepted as the Gatehouse Commander. No small feat considering the usual tensions between nations.

It also helped that he had no real power over anyone save the JSDF. Past that of reporting 'incidents' to various people over the Occulus back on Earth and keeping track of a few things that 'the staff' reported to him, he hardly needed to do anything at all.

Military retirement at its finest, as far as he was concerned. Though he did have a lot of people to thank for this nice spot in the countryside (in another world sure, but still, countryside air was the same in three out of three worlds so far as he knew). One of those people, and by proxy many of his people, was sitting across from him as they went over some reports.

"So Royman-san. Something wrong this time?" He asked. "You haven't been jogging out this way recently. Was starting to miss you at our morning drills."

"It's been... a difficult time. We did our best, but now that it's clear Kodori isn't here, things are fraying." Royman sighed professionally, setting down a stack of paper and splitting it into smaller piles on the desk.

"I'm familiar with certain kinds of... deterrent... But a single person?" The Commander asked while waiting for Royman to sort today's business on his desk.

"It's simple, but not. Her backing, just by being the Strongest, kept others in line. To be fair, she's made friends and connections with almost everyone, so they don't really count towards the problem." Royman finished splitting the paperwork up, and pushed a pile towards the Commander.

He picked it up, and started glossing over it, "I read the report on that. Being the strongest person, but admitting openly the Hestia Familia wasn't the strongest Familia. Loki-sama is a little too... energetic for me, but She is fun to be around. From a distance."

"From a distance." Royman agreed. "Yes, it's her style to... push people. Teach them how, then let them do it. However, Kodori humbling the Freya Familia and restoring the Guild's Law in Orario rubbed more than a few other Familia the wrong way."

"You're worried that the 'let them do it' part of her method won't happen?" The Commander took out a pen to mark something down, and went to the next little stack of papers.

"It's already happening. Slowly, but our laws are more lax than yours. Many illegal things go on in Orario. We know it, and accept it. However, unless it does real harm to someone, and is reported..." Royman sighed again.

"Give me an example?"

"Narcotics. Some of the things from the Dungeon, or even common plants not so far afield, can be made into potent medicine... But also addictive substances. Adventurers are able to shake off poisons so long as the initial dose doesn't kill them. But addiction is an entirely different thing." Royman explained.

"A problem both out worlds share. But your solution?"

"The use of poison carries a very steep fine, and trafficking narcotics in a non-medical capacity can lead to exile. Even the black market on the Eighteenth floor will not deal with that kind of business."

"Soma Familia?"

"That... Alcohol is not a protected substance. And not so long ago Hestia Familia brought Soma Familia back into line. However, Zanis is one of those 'other' people, since he was the captain until he met Kodori and Bell." Another sigh, though this one had a smile attached to it, "She also distracted Soma with lots of new projects, and while He still makes his wine, its in much smaller quantity. The Gods might be timeless, but they still have the exact amount of time in their day as everyone else."

"So what's your plan?" The Commander made a few more marks with his pen, and moved on to the next report.

"Part of our Duty, is to wait and see. We can do our best to bring things to people's attention, but until there is paperwork involved... And then there is the other problem." He pushed another report over the desk. "This one I was hoping you could help with."

The Commander looked at it, sighed, and rubbed a hand over his face, "I'll try and talk to them. Sadly, our second wave of fighters have very little in the way of military discipline. I can't fault them for being here, or being sent here, but I also have very little power over them."

They shared an 'old man sigh'. "What about the... diplomatic matters?"

"She's a Kitsune. She had a plan for this. Strange to think about it, but it's almost like she expects to get tossed into another world." He held up a bit of paper and tapped it a couple times with his other hand, "I just wish Delly-chan took better notes... But she's not a terrible diplomat." He put the paper down and fished in his breast pocket for a moment. Taking out a bit of coloured glass (bright orange with sparkles!) he said, "Yanagida? Can you send Delilah over when you see her next?"

There was a two second pause, then the glass bead flashed dimly, "Yes Sir." Said Akira.

"There, my best Supporter will help with this one." The Commander smiled, "You know... reminds me of the time we changed our K-9 policy to consider the Handler a half-asset..."

Despite being twice the Commander's age, Royman set his professionalism aside, "Sounds like a good story."

(Tokyo Japan, Tokyo Tower, observation deck)

Japan's representative to the 'otherworldly council' looked like almost any other important Japanese businessman (so, not looking like he was one step away from a career ending trip to the red light district). Nice suit, nice tie, but aside from looking just a step above average, there was very little setting him apart.

That was to say, there was still something, or rather, someone, setting him apart. And that was the two people shadowing him. First, and closest, was another reasonably average man who could have passed for any other native. His skin was just a little darker, his eyes not quite the right shade of brown, and his suit had the addition of perfectly made black gloves. To most, it would be beneath notice. But if you knew to look for them, you knew exactly what his purpose was. He was also the Guild Watchdog, though the Representative never called him that, since he was chosen for this job precisely because he was the least likely to become corrupt.

Of all the world, Japan could not break the contract between Orario and Earth. Doing so would ruin everything, for everyone. So, the Representative and the Watchdog were in fact good friends.

The second person tailing him, was none other than Ibuki. Reluctant second best ninja in the world, and only here because she was promised a vacation by Kurin, who employed her big brother. She was there watching for things that the mid-level one Guild Watchdog would miss. Though, after sparring with him, she thought her job was superfluous. Still, she got that vacation contract in writing, and would do her job as best she could. This meant she was hidden someplace in the ceiling, with a clear view over the venue.

The ones the Rep and Watcher were walking towards had no escort, and really just looked like 'two guys in lab coats'. One was older, a little soft around the middle, with his lanky hair starting to go grey. The other was taller, thinner, wore square frame glasses and was almost at the edge of 'hopeful sparkles'.

"Crowley-san? I did not know you would have anyone with you?" The Representative said as they got within three paces of the pair.

The older of the two turned from their view of the water east of the city. "Ah, this is my associate."

The younger one bowed deeply, "Ichiro Mihara, neurological sciences."

Both the Representative and Watchdog bowed politely, and Crowley waited until they straightened to ask, "Have you seen my proposal?"

"Of course, Crowley-san. We came to meet you for exactly that reason, but the cost would be..."

"Even if the world will need this going forward?" Crowley asked.

"Most people, leadership especially, can be short sighted." The Watchdog commented in that 'my two copper' kind of way that was both polite, but also provocative.

"Ah..." Ichiro interjected, "That's why I'm here, actually..."

To an expert, it was a poor but well meaning attempt at 'giving the new guy some praise'. "Yes, I knew money would be a problem, but Mihara-san came up with something to fund his own project, and it caught my eye."

"Your project?" The Representative asked, mostly out of politeness, the topic pretty much reduced to 'gentle denial' territory already.

"Yes sir. I am researching ways for people with extreme nerve damage or genetic nerve degradation to recover. I am familiar with..."

"You know about my Son then." Yes, his son was Akira Yanagida.

"I do sir. While I know he was cured with magic, I know that it will take years, possibly decades, to bring that here to the working class. But... I have a prototype already made, and while it's crude, I've thought of a way to monetize it." And thus started the hopeful sparkles, as well as another formal bow, and a small binder.

This binder was taken, opened, and glanced through. On the surface, it looked like a play for pity. 'Oh, I was almost at a cure, but magic beat me to it'. But inside the folder was a name and picture for 'subject zero', and what they had accomplished so far with... an embarrassingly small amount of funding.

Two minutes later, he closed the binder, tucked it under his arm, and said, "I like it. Find someone you trust to handle your numbers until we have someone from the Guild for you. If this works out, I believe your research, and your idea, will get enough funding to help keep the costs from resting too heavily on Japan's shoulders."

Bows were exchanged, hands were shook, and the two parties turned and left in opposite directions. Before getting to the elevator however, the Watchdog said, "Miss Ibuki, your contract is fulfilled, you have two weeks starting tomorrow morning barring emergency."

"Woo-hoo!" Said a light fixture with a broken bulb someplace overhead.

(A nice basement someplace in the Daedalus Maze)

Sangris, looking a bit worse for wear, missing an ear, and generally looking like he had just fought a hero of legend, was staring down into a heated bowl of blood. Looking up at him under the blood's surface, was the face of a handsome woman.

"Do you think we have been discovered?" The woman asked.

"I'm not sure. His reputation is that of a half wit with a head wound. He spent a lot of time around Faust's get, so he might have come up with it on his own." Sangris mumbled through his broken jaw.

"Hmm, I will pass that along. We must keep up appearances after all. If he did come up with the idea on his own..."

"He won't be speaking of it." Sangris smiled, his jaw crackling as it set itself properly. "It cost three of my team."

"Hades has already seen to them. That vixen casting a spotlight on us helped our cause almost as much as hers. Hades is thankful for all the help he can get, and isn't one to scrutinize his new helpers." The face in the blood grinned sharply, "Other witnesses?"

"That fancy barrier magic is worthless here, but the mists are still useful. And for all their lauding of keeping the peace, the great spire isn't the only path into the pit." Sangris assured, "How should we proceed from here?"

"Still no sign of her?"

"The Huginn-spawn say they have sent... something. And her little Goddess says she is still alive, if naught else."

"The other Gods? Whom have you made contact with?"

"Most see us, all of us from the other side, as... oddities. We are kept at arm's length mostly, though the ones I have spoken with see her as a friend, and the ones who don't..." Even after the epic beating he had taken earlier, this was the first time in the conversation Sangris had looked bothered by something, "Freya and her following won't speak to me. And the rest who hold grudges fear her absence won't be permanent enough to risk helping us."

The woman considered that for a moment, "After you've restored yourself... I think it's time to show a little more of your true self." A thought crossed her face, "How loyal-"

"Absolutely." He replied instantly, his first sign of rudeness in act and tone. "She said she would rather retire than fight, but those she's fought for would need more than we can offer to betray what she's built here. She made a home for two sons of the great Helm Cleaver! If she weren't our enemy, I'd write songs of that alone."

"Find someone from Freya's little cult there, and have them speak with me then. What of the other preparations?"

"Mostly complete. I will need a true expert to finish the job however. As simple as this world is with magic, her home has true talent. A thousand year old fairy, for one. And a shard, and her shard, of the Great Red's son... When they bother to get off their asses. And the wife and her get are learning the eastern ways from Yasaka."

"The next conjunction then. I will ready the wergild for their passage."

(Somewhere)

"There it is again..." The astoundingly normal man said as that little red light blinked on, then off again.

Four times in six months. Certainly a record. But, after the third time, he had kicked the report up the chain, waited, and received a few little upgrades to his station.

Sadly, about all that did was tell him the alert was from 'over there'. But, that was more direction than he had two months ago.

NOTES!

And so concludes our peek back 'home', and a tiny peek ahead at what will happen in the future.

Hope your new year was amazing, and that you haven't already discarded what ever resolution you might have made.

Thank you for reading! And if you want to see any full colour art, join the discord!

aKAQg4bnYu for the discord! As well as ways to support me!

And my actual book, Were Too? is on Inkitt.

And! I'm looking into getting some story themed merchandise made. Join the Discord to find out more!