Azure Pharmacy, the home of Miach Familia, closed earlier than usual today.
Typically, this shop selling potions and healing items is bustling with adventurers, especially Low-Class Adventurers who can't afford the expensive products from Dian Cecht Familia.
But today, several gods and goddesses gathered there, discussing something critical in a tense atmosphere.
Alongside Hestia, Miach, and Naaza, the red-haired goddess Hephaestus was also present.
Across from them stood Takemikazuchi, a god with long hair neatly tied in three places: at the sides of his head and in the back. His Familia members—Ouka, Mikoto, Chigusa, and Asuka—stood behind him, heads bowed.
"I'm sorry, Hestia. It's very likely that my children are partly responsible for why your child hasn't returned."
"…"
In response to Takemikazuchi's words, Hestia crossed her arms over her chest, closed her eyes, and turned her face away.
Her silence was evidence of her anger, as she realized that Takemikazuchi Familia was likely the reason for Bell's disappearance.
Mikoto and the others stood behind Takemikazuchi, silently staring at the floor as if in repentance.
What had happened to create such a tense atmosphere?
The incident began on the 13th Floor of the Dungeon. Takemikazuchi Familia was fleeing from a group of Almiraj while carrying an injured party member. Mikoto turned to fend off the pursuing Almiraj, but soon after, they were chased by a small group of Hellhounds.
At the same time, Bell's party was struggling against a large group of Almiraj. Ouka, carrying the injured member, made the executive decision not to assist Bell's party to prioritize saving their own lives.
Takemikazuchi Familia ran past Bell's group, and the Hellhounds chasing them joined the Almiraj, creating a deadly Pass Parade.
Mikoto and the other adventurers had safely returned home by the time Hestia visited the Guild, seeking information about Bell, who still hadn't returned from the Dungeon.
They heard everything—how Bell and his allies were dressed, their features, their formation—and realized what had happened.
They didn't hide anything from their Main God and told him everything.
Takemikazuchi understood they were in a desperate situation but had no choice but to apologize for his followers' actions.
Finally, Hestia opened her blue eyes. She made eye contact with the children across the room. Miach and Hephaestus stood by her side, offering support.
"If Bell never returns, I'll hold a grudge against you all like you wouldn't believe. But I won't hate you. I promise."
Hestia's voice was hoarse yet filled with resolve. It was a promise that sounded more terrifying than a threat.
Mikoto and the others were stunned by her words.
The hearts of Takemikazuchi Familia's members were moved by Hestia, who, despite her grief, looked at them with firm eyes and showed tolerance. It was the first time someone other than their Main God had such an impact on them.
Hestia forgave them and made a request.
"For now, will you help me?"
"—With pleasure." 6x
The six members of Takemikazuchi Familia dropped to one knee in a swift motion and bowed their heads to her, a sincere pledge.
Takemikazuchi and Miach were astonished by the resolve of this group of children, led by their leader Ouka, to repay the kindness Hestia had shown them.
Meanwhile, Hephaestus smiled as her friend gave these children a chance to make amends.
"Shall we continue? Time is of the essence." Miach said, stepping forward.
"Mm."
Hestia nodded in response.
"Is this the search party? And we know Hestia's boy is still alive?"
The gods then discussed the reinforcements sent to rescue Bell's party. Unfortunately, they lacked high-level combat power.
Although Hephaestus had High-Class Adventurers in her Familia, they were all preoccupied with their own matters and couldn't be deployed.
Miach Familia was once a mid-tier Familia until Naaza—a Level 3 Adventurer—was severely injured in a Dungeon accident.
All but her right arm was saved, though she suffered trauma from monsters. All members except Naaza left the Familia after it fell into massive debt to Dian Cecht Familia for crafting her prosthetic arm.
Ouka and Mikoto were Takemikazuchi Familia's only High-Class Adventurers—the only ones who had reached Level 2. The girl named Chigusa was still Level 1, so she would serve as support, supplying weapons and potions.
They were the best the Familia could offer, so they were chosen to form the search party.
"Ouka is the only one I have who can hold their own against anything in the Middle Floors. The others would just fall behind." Takemikazuchi said.
"I think the most important thing for the search party is speed…" Naaza added.
"I agree with Naaza. If we sacrifice speed and maneuverability for numbers and strength, it'll be too late." Hephaestus supported.
"So that means we're relying on these three…?" Hestia said, crossing her arms again over her ample chest.
At that moment, an uninvited guest entered.
"I'll join you, Hestia!"
The front door swung wide open, revealing a charming god standing at the threshold.
"Hermes?! What are you doing here?!"
"Enough with the greetings, Takemikazuchi. I'm here to help my friend in an emergency, of course."
Hermes glided into the center of the room under the watchful eyes of Miach and Naaza, smiling at Takemikazuchi. His follower, Asfi, quietly trailed behind him.
"Hey, Hestia. Nice to see you!"
"Hermes… Why are you here?"
Hestia showed the same confused expression as everyone around her.
Hermes approached her with the same roguish smile on his face. He reached into his jacket and pulled out a sheet of paper—a Quest form from the Guild.
"You're in trouble, aren't you?"
Hermes gently waved the sheet in front of her. The words {Find Bell} flashed across it. Hestia tried to respond, but no words came out.
"Why do you want to help Bell Cranel, Hermes?"
"Hey, hey, Takemikazuchi. I'm the one and only Hermes, you know? When a friend is in need, I'll go all out to help them."
"Hermes, this is the first time you've seen Hestia since she came to the lower world, isn't it?"
"Some friend you've visited?"
"Ha-ha, Hephaestus, Miach, aren't you two being a bit harsh?"
Besides Takemikazuchi's wary eyes, Hermes was now scrutinized by the other two gods in the room. They weren't fooled by his charm. Naaza, Mikoto, and the other humans were completely ignored as the drama unfolded before them.
Hermes dropped his cheerful facade for a moment and spoke with a serious tone for the first time since arriving.
"But my desire to help Hestia is genuine. I want to save Bell."
He spread his arms and gave them each a sincere smile in turn.
"I know a First-Class Adventurer who might be able to help save Bell. What do you think, Hestia?"
"You're not joking, are you, Hermes?"
Hephaestus frowned at Hermes's bold claim.
After all, to be classified as a First-Class Adventurer, one must be at least Level 5. Meanwhile, even Hermes Familia's captain, Asfi, was only Level 4—a Second-Class Adventurer.
First-Class Adventurers were considered the backbone of Top-Rank Familias and wouldn't be easily deployed to assist another Familia's issues.
"Of course, I'm not lying. There's a certain High-Class Adventurer who's very free and idle. I'm sure that guy would be willing to help."
Hermes smiled slyly, narrowing his eyes.
"Alright, I accept your offer, Hermes."
Though not particularly close with Hermes, Hestia compromised for the sake of rescuing Bell as quickly as possible.