The Wandering Devil
Chapter: 39
Disclaimer: I don't own High School DxD or any other universe used in this story.
Pa/ t reon details below the chapter if you're interested in seeing some content in advance.
(The Monster Town)
A large meaty black fist swung at me with a speed that surprised me.
I stepped away, allowing it to pass by harmlessly and further stepping back to avoid another wild but powerful swing from the monster. A kick sent the large hulking monster flying back.
"You can talk?" I questioned, genuinely trying to wrap my head around this.
I knew monsters could understand me to a degree.
But talking back had never been something that had happened.
The Minotaur got back up, clutching his abdomen and looking surprised.
He took a moment before replying, his baleful red eyes regarding me.
"Yes." The Minotaur replied.
Before he could try to attack again I continued.
"Interesting. And why exactly are you trying to fight me?" I questioned curiously, not making any move to go forward
The monster tilted its head.
"I wanted to see if you are a threat." The Minotaur replied.
"How's that going?" I questioned with a raised eyebrow.
"You are strong," it rumbled, pushing itself to its feet despite obvious pain. "Stronger than expected."
"You're not half bad yourself, bulky." I replied.
It gruffed in annoyance at my newly assigned nickname for it.
Then, it perked up sniffing the air.
"You have another monster with you?" The Minotaur asked.
I tilted my head.
"Your time to shine," I said, my words transforming into hisses due to the Basilisk's language.
"With pleasure." The unnamed Basilisk hissed.
The Minotaur tensed as my Basilisk quickly slipped out from my clothing, rapidly growing in size with the strange powers that our familiar bond had granted her.
The Basilisk slid along the rough ground with ease and immediately charged him.
I had the urge to face palm, as I watched my massive basilisk slam into the bulky Minotaurs side, sending the monster flying back.
"Hey!" I shouted, my voice a hiss.
The Basilisk perked up, stopping its assault.
"Yes?" She hissed back in question.
"What are you doing?" I asked with a hint of annoyance.
My Basilisk slowly slithered across the ground to me, coming to stare down at me with safely lidded eyes. Preventing her prettifying gaze from activating.
"You told me to greet him." She replied slowly.
"And that means slamming into him?" I asked flatly.
She paused.
"We normally kill monsters." She tried to defend herself.
"True." I conceded and he hadn't exactly been friendly. "But this one talks. Aren't you a bit interested?"
"I mean, he looks tasty." She nodded.
When did I stop being the crazy one?
I decidedly ignored her, which earned me what could almost be translated as a pouting hiss in response
The Minotaur got up, slightly frazzled.
"Sorry about that, she's a bit anti-social." I apologised.
"It is fine, I attacked you first." He said, surprising me.
He straightened, its posture shifting from combative to something almost... formal.
"I am Asterius." He greeted.
Asterius?
It had a name?
"I am Zephyrion, nice to meet you." I replied slightly awkwardly.
"A name worthy of a monster." The Minotaur nodded.
Rude…
"My fellow Xenos have mentioned you in passing. They have told me of the powerful monster roaming the dungeon." He continued.
They think I'm a monster?
"You've been watching me?" I questioned, thinking back. I only caught one of them once.
"No." The Minotaur shook his head. "We have encountered you in passing. The others were nervous. Your abilities are rumoured to be incredibly powerful."
"And you still tried to fight me?" I questioned amusedly.
My pure strength and fighting technique were solid, but my magic was my trump card.
He shrugged. "I wanted to see you for myself. I have never seen another monster that looks so… human."
I mean, I didn't outright deny it since being a Devil could be considered being a monster.
"So, I'm guessing there's more of you?" I questioned, wondering to what extent how many of these… mutated monsters existed.
"There are others like me," Asterius continued. "Monsters who have gained minds, who seek more than endless battle and death."
Right…
"I can't say I've ever encountered one of you. And by the sounds of it. Neither has any other adventurer." I replied thoughtfully. "You must be quite reclusive. What are you?"
"Is that what the humans who traverse this place call themselves?" The monster briefly wondered. "To answer your question. We are… different from the other monsters."
"Beyond just being able to talk?" I asked with a smirk.
The monster huffed.
"We, unlike the rest of our kind, have managed to gain sapience, intelligence, and individual consciousness beyond our base instincts." The monster explained.
My curiosity was definitely piqued now. Intelligent monsters were different and considering the dungeon had been around for quite a while, it must be a relatively new thing.
That left the question.
Was this why the dungeon was acting weird?
"Was the only reason you revealed yourself to me to fight me?" I asked, getting to the point at hand.
"No. A town," Asterius explained, reading my expression. "I have come to invite you it."
"A town?"
In the dungeon?
I guess the Safe Haven floor has a town.
"A town that houses the Xenos, which is what we call ourselves, those who are different. You would be welcome among us if you wish to see what we have built." He continued.
My Basilisk looked at me.
"You've built a town?" I asked, genuinely interested.
I had been in the dungeon quite a few times by now. The practical part of my mind gave me a warning about following a monster. It could be the dungeon acting out.
But the larger part shrugged.
I'd deal with it if it came to that.
With me and my Basilisk, unless they had monsters from insanely deep floors, I doubted they'd be able to touch us. Especially if I got serious and began using my power of destruction.
"Sure, lead the way, bulky."
The Minotaur's expression shifted to what might have been a surprise and annoyance. Without another word, he turned and began walking deeper into the dungeon, past floors I'd explored and into passages that seemed to twist and wind.
I found myself intrigued when he began leading me into small cracks that led to hallways that evidently hadn't been touched in a great many years.
"May I ask what your companion's name is?" The Minotaur asked, breaking the silence
My Basilisk had shrunk back down and was back within the space she preferred on my body.
I paused for a moment, realising I hadn't given her a name. In the short time I had known her, we had rapidly come to enjoy each other's company. For some reason despite this, I hadn't given her a name.
I felt her shift in response.
"Lilith." I found myself saying.
Perhaps it was a bit presumptuous to name her after the mother of all Devils, but I felt it was an appropriate name. She was growing stronger with the mass consumption of magical stones. I imagine, it would one day be a worthy name.
The newly named Lilith flicked her tongue out in what I assumed was happiness.
"Curious." He gruffed. "What are you two? I don't believe I've seen either of your kind."
"We aren't from here," I reply simply.
"You aren't from the dungeon?" He asked quietly.
"No." I opted to reply truthfully.
"I… do not know much or anything about the outer world." The quiet Minotaur admitted. "I assume there are more monsters in that case."
We couldn't continue the conversation further as something came into view.
The large Minotaur perked up.
It was a narrow passage opened into a vast cavern that briefly gave me pause.
Bioluminescent crystals dotted the ceiling like stars, casting gentle blue-green light over what was unmistakably a town. Stone buildings rose from the cavern floor in organic curves with Gardens of glowing fungi providing both light and what I assumed was probably food.
The first other monster that came into sight was a Lizardman who tended to one of the fungal gardens. Then the next was a massive dragon-like creature that I recognised as a Vouivre was engaged in what looked like construction work.
Even a few Harpies flitted between the upper reaches of the cavern.
"Welcome," Asterius said, a note of pride in his voice, "to the Xenos Hidden Village."
I stood there for a moment, taking in the expanse that had a village built into the middle of it. This wasn't just some crude camp or hideout, it was an actual functioning settlement.
My eyes trailed to the village itself.
The scale of it was impressive, easily housing what looked like hundreds of monsters. Which could constitute a dungeon flood if they ever decided to arm up and begin fighting back.
The organic architecture blended with the natural cave formations.
I had to wonder just how this was made.
"What do you think?" The Minotaur asked, sounding slightly nervous.
"It's incredible." I nodded. "The humans on the surface could learn a thing or two from you."
Lucifer knows, they would rather burn a forest down than live in it.
He brightened, and I had to say it was kind of adorable if you ignored the fact he was a massive man-eating Minotaur. Seriously, he was massive and his red baleful eyes didn't exactly give a friendly look.
I had to admit he was already growing on me. I couldn't say this was what I had expected when coming down here. When I had found that other monster I had been mostly left confused and intrigued.
All monsters could understand me, but to speak was different. Still, learning it was a whole was surprising. It made me wonder just what the dungeon was and what was on the deeper floors?
My mind immediately began racing with possibilities.
Talking monsters with intelligence meant they could potentially enter into contracts. The implications were staggering, Imagine having access to unique racial abilities through demonic pacts.
I'd need to test whether my contracts would even work on creatures like these. I'd learned my power wasn't omnipotent, but it was worth investigating.
A massive figure emerged from one of the larger stone buildings, drawing my attention immediately. The creature was enormous, a Gargoyle that stood nearly twice Asterius's height, with stone-like skin and wings folded against his back.
"Asterius," the Gargoyle's voice rumbled. "You've brought a guest."
"Indeed, Gros. This is the one the others have spoken of," Asterius replied with clear deference.
So this was their leader.
Interesting power dynamic.
I stepped forward with my most diplomatic smile. "Impressive place you've built here. I'm genuinely amazed."
Gros studied me with intelligent eyes. "Thank you for your kind words. I have heard of you."
"Yeah?"
"A monster that had been seen with the surface dwellers." Gros replied.
I didn't deny his words.
"That would be my adorable Familia." I nodded. "We go dungeon diving together, they are coming along rather nicely."
"Yet, you are not one of their kind." Gros questioned.
"I don't come from the dungeon." I shrugged.
"I suppose I am aware that there are various beings other than the general surface dwellers that come down here seeking glory." Gros nodded after a moment's thought.
"Oh? You seem to know quite a bit." I replied interestedly.
"We do." He nodded once more. "We know it is mainly humans, occasionally a Dwarve or Elf, that come down here to grow stronger by killing us and that they desire the stones that supplement our bodies."
"So by the sounds of it. You were once normal monsters." I pointed out. "Does that mean you lived long enough to evolve or was it some sort of cycle?"
I was curious, deeply so. Did that mean they had souls?
They both looked slightly surprised at my simple deduction, but recovered almost instantly. It wasn't that that big of a leap, to come to this conclusion.
"In any case, it doesn't matter to me. " I replied smoothly, letting just enough confidence show, without appearing threatening.
"I see, though that leaves the question," Gros questioned. His eyes narrowed. "Now that Asterius has brought you here. Do you intend to harm us?"
I could see his point, technically I was with the 'surface dwellers.'
"No," I replied easily. "I have no reason to, I don't exactly dungeon dive for fun…"
That was the first lie I had probably said.
With my constantly growing magic and strength, the dungeon was becoming rather valuable. A testing ground where I could always find a stronger monster.
Around us, I noticed more Xenos had began to gather, keeping their distance but clearly curious. A few Lizardmen had stopped their work, while several Harpies perched on higher ledges to get a better view.
Their gazes ranged from wary to outright fascinated.
There was a brief moment of silence as he assessed me, and probably tried to find any hint on my face indicating that I was, in-fact, lying.
I was technically telling the truth. I had no gain from harming them. They were far more valuable alive and unhurt, after all.
"Very well." His posture became relaxed, seemingly trusting my word.
Internally, I was calculating.
Each species here likely possessed unique abilities.
The Lizardmen probably had natural armour and regeneration. The Harpies would have flight and possibly sonic attacks. The Vouivres would be immensely strong with draconic heritage.
If I could somehow broker deals with them… the intelligence they had meant it was an open game.
"What do you think of our home?" Gros asked, walking with me
"I like it," I said honestly. "The engineering alone is impressive..." I gestured around us. "It's strange to see so many monsters working together. Especially the sheer variety of species on one floor."
That earned me a few approving rumbles from the nearby watchers.
"Indeed, it's rare for another Xeno to be formed and much less found before the others get to them." Gros sighed, showing a strange emotion.
I caught note of that last part, and it did wonders to ignite my curiosity.
"How do you defend yourself here?" I couldn't help asking. "I didn't seem to see any defences on my way here and while this place is surprisingly hidden, this place could be found."
Gros frowned, while Asterius hummed.
"You are correct. We have seen monsters and surface dwellers approach close by." Gros said, his eyes glowing, turning to me. "As for your question, we have a lookout. If intruders invade we have safety measures."
He didn't elaborate and I didn't ask, merely smiling and nodding.
I looked out at the many monsters milling about around us, meeting their stares. None of them seemed to be boss variants. But I could still see potential.
Asterius stepped closer. "I must ask, what do you intend to do with this knowledge?"
"That depends," I replied carefully. "What are you expecting me to do?"
"Join us," Asterius said bluntly. "We could use someone of your power. If we are found, large parties will be sent to kill us. The dungeon... it doesn't favour us and neither does it favour you. Joining us would benefit you."
Now that was interesting. "What do you mean by it not favouring you?"
Gros answered this time. "The dungeon sees us as traitors. We've rejected our purpose, our nature. The other monsters can somehow sense this. They attack us on sight, driven by instincts we've abandoned."
So that's what he meant earlier.
That explained something that had been nagging at me.
When I encountered regular dungeon monsters, there had always been this underlying hostility that seemed... different. More personal. I'd attributed it to my devil nature, but maybe they were reacting to something else entirely.
The Dungeon had been mostly forgotten by me, as of late. With the dungeon flood and the mutated bosses being my only current encounters.
"The native monsters hunt you specifically?" I asked.
"Relentlessly if they catch sight of us," Asterius confirmed grimly.
"And that's not your only problem," Gros added. "There have been incidents. Large groups from the surface are getting close to our hidden entrances. We've managed to remain concealed, but it's becoming more difficult."
"We aren't naive." Asterius snarled. "Eventually we will be found."
"I'm afraid I can't, I live in the city above and I am a part of a Familia. Which is a sort of family behind this group of surface dwellers you see," I said, watching their reactions carefully.
The disappointment on Asterius's face was immediate.
"I see," Gros said heavily. "Then you cannot-"
"I didn't say I couldn't help," I interrupted smoothly. "I said I live above. That puts me in a unique position."
Asterius tilted his head. "How?"
Now comes the delicate part. I needed to appear helpful while positioning myself in an advantageous position.
"Think about it," I said, adopting a reasonable tone. "You need resources, protection, and information about surface activities. I have access to all of that." I paused for effect. "For the right arrangements, of course."
"Arrangements?" Gros rumbled suspiciously.
I spread my hands in a gesture of openness. "I'm talking about mutually beneficial trade agreements. A beneficial partnership with someone who you know doesn't wish you harm."
"And how do we know that?" Gros questioned.
"The simple fact that I'm on par with the most powerful beings here, along with my Basilisk. Perhaps the fact that I have no reason to lie." I suggested with a friendly and sympathetic smile. "There are many other ways that don't include trying to trick you after all."
"You're living comfortably, but you could live with much more security and comfort. I can acquire surface materials you can't access, along with information about adventurer activities that might threaten you." I continued on easily and smoothly.
I could see my words having an effect.
"I hunt monsters, sure. But I am sympathetic to your cause. And I must admit I have taken a liking to your place." I said slowly. "I have allies among the surface dwellers and I am doing well, but there may be a time they discover me. At the end of the day. I am one of you."
I could see that my words impacted them deeply as I played a game of emotion.
I noticed Gros nodding thoughtfully.
"In exchange for what?" Asterius asked directly.
Perfect question.
"We can figure out the finer details later." I smiled.
"For now, what should be known is what I can offer to you." I said kindly. "I can also provide magical protections. Among various other magical services that could keep you safe. Ones that will help defend you."
That last part got their attention immediately. Gros leaned forward slightly.
"What kind of protections?"
"Magical barriers that could repel adventurers, alarms that don't need constant lookout, even traps that could give you a large advantage" I replied with an innocent smile.
I was mostly making this up, but I was confident I could figure out something workable. I was used to using random and sporadic events to my favour with my time-travelling worlds being… suitably chaotic.
"And the cost of such services?" Gros asked again carefully. "I imagine such an ability is complex in its application."
"We'd negotiate based on the specific service," I replied smoothly. "A fair cost that is agreeable among both parties can easily be made. In good faith I would be willing to set up a basic alarm trap, in a location of your choosing."
The Minotaur perked up.
"You would do that?"
"I would." I nodded. "Though it would have to be when I next come here."
"What could we possibly offer that a surface dweller couldn't obtain?" Gros asked imploringly.
I smiled. "You'd be surprised. Unique minerals from deep floors, monster materials that can't be found elsewhere. You have a lot to offer and no one who could be offered too."
It'd also serve to put me in a good light with the rest of the villagers.
"So you would return?" Asterius asked.
"Regularly, if given permission." I confirmed. "This place fascinates me. And honestly, having allies down here could be incredibly valuable for someone like me who spends time in the deeper floors."
Gros and Asterius exchanged glances.
"We would need to discuss this among ourselves," Gros said finally.
"Of course," I agreed readily. "Take your time."
I pulled out a contract "If you need to contact me urgently, merely hold this with the intent to summon me."
Asterius accepted the contract, examining the markings curiously.
From there, I spent the next hour merely wandering around with them. In that time Asterius served as my tour guide.
I had to say, the monsters were surprisingly civilised.
The village was small, but surprisingly comfortable in its vibes. I caught glimpses of species I hadn't seen often, what looked like a massive spider-type monster, several winged creatures that weren't quite Harpies, and something that might have been a plant-monster hybrid.
Eventually, it was time to return.
Asterius watched me curiously as I drew the demonic teleportation circle.
"See ya around bulky." I waved cheerfully.
The last thing I heard was his indignant shout as we were whisked away in a flash of red.
Lilith stirred slightly against my skin.
"Interesting place," she hissed quietly in her language.
"Very," I agreed silently.
"Many potential meals," she added hopefully.
"Many potential allies," I corrected firmly. "Don't even think about it."
She subsided with what felt like disappointment.
-Scene Break-
I whistled low, looking at the large amount of Vali stacked in the cart. The sheer volume was impressive, more than I'd expected from our latest batch of artefacts.
I turned to the beaming Balsen. "You've done well indeed."
He nodded proudly. "Even I'm a little surprised. Those artefacts are truly unique. The richer folk went crazy for them." He laughed heartily.
Just like they had in that world I had gone to before coming back.
"This is a lot," I said, genuinely surprised at the profit margins. Considering it was all liberated loot from the wizarding world, I had quite literally made only profit.
Though, I had started looking into wizarding runes. I wondered if my imagination magic would work with them. If so, I could start making my own artefacts.
"They say adventuring is good for quick Vali, but being a merchant is the path to true wealth," he said with obvious pride. "You've chosen wisely to get into the trade."
The 'with me' didn't need to be said.
"What do you think?" I asked, turning to Hestia.
Hestia's eyes widened and she preened slightly. "Merchants certainly are known to be wealthy. While not as powerful as a Familia, in some cases they hold a lot of political might. They could in theory hire armies with the massive amount of wealth they possess,"
"Which is why I'm surprised at how you two met." Hestia finished.
I had told Hestia the circumstances of our meeting.
Balsen blushed in embarrassment. "I didn't have enough Vali on me to hire adventurers. And I had decided to be frugal."
Hestia hummed thoughtfully.
I merely gave him a smirk of amusement. "Really?"
Balsen coughed awkwardly.
"In any case, have you considered merging your public identity with your merchant one?" He expertly changed the situation.
"What?" I asked.
Balsen blinked in confusion.
"I mean merging your two public personalities. You've become quite well known as a powerful adventurer, along with your Familia. But merging that with the identity you've gained from selling these artefacts could be worthwhile." Balsen explained.
"What personality?" I blinked.
He paused.
"You do realise you've built quite the reputation for selling unique and powerful artefacts, right?" He asked promptingly.
I blinked once more. "No...?"
"Oh. Well, there you go." He coughed once more.
I gave it some thought.
"I don't think that's a good idea," I said after a moment's consideration.
"Why?" Hestia asked curiously, standing next to me.
"It may be best to keep two different identities. It's not like all the attention we've been getting is good," I said, looking into Hestia's clear eyes.
She thought about it for a moment and I could see her going through everything I had shared with her about my suspicions before she nodded, agreeing with my assessment.
"Ah well, I suppose it wouldn't have brought much benefit anyway, other than perhaps the free advertisement." Balsen said with a shrug. "Onto another topic, you said you had more wares to sell?"
His tone became excited and I chuckled.
I reached into my pouch and pulled out two items, setting them on the counter.
"First, this," I said, holding up a marble-sized glass ball filled with what looked like white smoke. "It's called a Remembrall. The smoke turns red when the owner has forgotten something important, then clears once they remember it."
Balsen leaned forward, intrigued. "Fascinating. How does it determine what's important?"
"It responds to the user's subconscious awareness of forgotten tasks or information. Quite useful for busy merchants or adventurers managing multiple responsibilities."
"An artefact that can scan the mind?" Balsen asked seriously. "Some may find it intrusive… but then again, its usage is rather simple. If it were to record memories, then I imagine it would be a harder sell."
"And this?" he asked, examining the second item.
"A magical lock. Once placed on a door, it can only be opened by the person who has the key. It responds by merely tapping the key, making it a lot quicker and smoother. It's also magically enhanced, meaning it can repel limited attacks to break it." I explained.
Balsen's eyes lit up. "Security applications alone would make this valuable. Storage warehouses, private vaults… and the ease of it will make some of the… easy life wishing Individuals interested."
"Exactly what I was thinking," I agreed. "The wealthy are always concerned about protecting their assets."
"I can definitely move these," he said confidently. "The novelty factor alone will drive initial sales, I imagine you may have a few people reach out for copies of these."
"There are only two of the Remembralls and three of the magical locks that I'm willing to sell," I said.
Balsen got my meaning.
More demand and limited supply means, higher prices and profits.
After finalising the arrangements and collecting my large majority share of the profits, Hestia and I walked through the quieter streets of Orario.
The afternoon sun was beginning to set, casting long shadows between the buildings.
"So," Hestia said quietly, "tell me about these Xenos."
I glanced around, making sure we weren't being overheard. "Talking monsters. An entire hidden village of them deep in the dungeon."
She sent me a flat stare.
"That's the basics," I said, pecking her on the lips.
She giggled and shook her head. "Still, how is that possible?"
"They've gained sapience somehow. Individual consciousness that goes beyond their base instincts. Which is why they call themselves Xenos, those who are different." I replied with a shrug.
Hestia frowned thoughtfully. "You said the dungeon was acting strangely with you. Could this be connected?"
"Possibly. They mentioned the dungeon sees them as traitors. Native monsters attack them specifically." I replied.
"That would explain the increased aggression patterns Bell reported," she mused. "If the dungeon is trying to eliminate these Xenos..."
Hestia stopped walking. "What are you planning?"
I smiled slightly. "Trade opportunities. They need surface resources and protection. I can provide both... for a price."
"Why are you bothering with them?" Hestia questioned.
I became slightly silent.
"Hestia… would you ever consider leaving this world?" I questioned hesitantly.
She sent me a look of shock.
"Permanently?" She asked after a moment.
"Yes." I nodded seriously.
She went silent and I felt a flicker of worry.
"You want to leave?" She asked.
"Yes." I finally admitted. Seeing the rising concern on her face, I quickly added to my statement. "Not without you though."
Hestia relaxed.
"May I ask why?"
"I want to go back to my original universe," I replied. "I've been attempting it on the last jump and I'm sure it'll happen soon."
"You said your original world is dangerous… filled with unrestrained Gods and monsters that could kill those gods," Hestia replied, becoming increasingly worried.
"Which leads back to the point," I replied. "Two reasons, one is I can offer them a spot by my side when I jump worlds. Helping me secure a power base, just in case my interaction with my family doesn't go as intended… and I want to see if I can potentially obtain some of their racial abilities through contracts."
"What do you mean? Should I be concerned about them?" She asked, a hint of protectiveness entering her tone.
"Not per se, but they may try to restrain me or react badly to my change. Most of all, they may try to separate me from you and I can't allow that." I replied firmly.
Hestia smiled, a hint of power entering her tone. "I'd like to see them attempt such an errand."
I sent her a warning look.
"I'd rather not put you in that situation and I'm not sure how strong you are, A benefit to moving would be that you would be unrestrained. But…" I started hesitantly.
"What?" She questioned.
"There's also the fact that there is a version of you within that world…" I revealed.
Her cheeks puffed up.
"You aren't dating her too are you?" She said, sounding thoroughly jealous.
"No." I replied, chuckling. "Trust me, I was much different than I am now. Though, it's not a bad idea."
She hit me playfully.
"Not funny!"
"I wouldn't mind a Hestia sandwich." I replied with an amused smirk. "You said I could have more women after all, since I've been soooo faithful."
"Zephyrion!" She whined and grabbed onto me.
"Fine, fine." I 'relented.'
She huffed. "How do you know about this other version of me any way?"
"She's a part of a rather large pantheon. I used to like reading a lot." I admitted.
"Is she like me?"
"I wouldn't know, but it doesn't matter. There's only one of you." I said, making sure to re-affirm her.
She smiled.
"As for your question… yes. If it's with you, I wouldn't mind abandoning this world." She said after a moment.
"That deep in love, are we?"
"I'd burn the world down for you." She said seriously.
I wrapped my warm around her as we walked, feeling reassured and happy. At least that was one thing I didn't have to worry about.
"But what about everyone you've met here?" Hestia asked. "You seem to be getting close to that elf girl."
I paused.
She smirked.
"So much for being faithful." She giggled.
"Does it bother you?" I asked seriously.
I hadn't intended for it to look that way despite my interest in Riviera.
"Of course not." She shrugged, surprising me. "You told me that your devil race was quite 'open' about such matters. I know you would stay faithful to me and that's enough."
I frowned.
Maybe if I had been like before I met Hestia I would have easily accepted that, but I couldn't help feeling a bit guilty.
As if sensing it, she kissed me. "It's fine."
"As for your plan with the monsters, just be careful," she warned. "If the Guild finds out about these intelligent monsters, it would cause a panic. Or worse, they might decide to eliminate them, seeing them as a threat. Which will force me to act."
She said the last part lightly but I knew it was serious.
"Which is why discretion is important," I agreed. "But the potential benefits..."
"I know that look," Hestia said with a sigh. "Just... try not to start a war between us and the guild. Our new house will probably be destroyed in the resulting conflict."
"I'll be the picture perfect example of diplomacy," I assured her with a salute.
She snorted. "Right."
We reached the entrance to our home, and I paused at the door.
"I need to go out again tonight," I said. "Some business to handle."
Hestia nodded, though she looked curious. "Don't stay out too late. And be careful."
"Always am," I replied, giving her a quick kiss. Which she deepened before heading inside.
I waited until she was safely inside the confines of the mansion and gave a nod to my familiar, then turned and walked back into the city.
There were arrangements to make and preparations to handle.
-Scene Break-
I walked down the streets of Orario, occasionally glancing at the many people staring at me.
"Zephyrion." A familiar voice called out.
The voice made me turn, finding Riveria trying to catch up with me.
I titled my head.
it was me normally trying to catch up with her.
"Riveria." I smiled. "It's been a while, how are you?"
She approached me, her pace quicker than normal as she reached me.
Her expression was as composed and passive as ever, though I noted the way her eyes lingered slightly.
"Indeed. The last time I saw you was within the War Game." She said, falling into steps with me. "Your performance was impressive."
"Oh? You watched?"
"I did, your display of magic had left me inspired." Riveria replied, her tone slightly different. "I don't believe it would be fair to call myself the best magic user in Orario anymore."
"Coming from you, that's high praise." I replied with a playful smile.
She looked away slightly.
Hestia's comment rang through my mind and I looked at her properly.
She was undoubtedly beautiful. More beautiful than many Goddesses in my opinion.
She wore her usual green outfit with yellow borders, white cloak, black belt, and yellow sash. Her body was lithe but curvy and even her clothing couldn't hide that.
Her complexion was pale, framed by her forest green hair.
"Is… something of the matter?" She asked, almost in a shy manner.
I shook my head, dismissing Hestia's comment.
"No." I replied, a confident grin spreading across my face. "Just thinking, how have things been with your Familia?"
"Busy." She paused, seeming to consider something. "We're preparing for an expedition into the deeper floors. A raiding party to go to deeper floors."
"When are you planning to depart?" I questioned, feeling slightly dissatisfied with that.
"Within the week. Finn is finalizing the route and team composition." She glanced at me. "Why do you ask?"
"Just curiosity." I smiled. "My Familia hasn't been on its own raiding party yet."
"Oh? Then again despite its power, your Familia is rather small." Riveria pointed out.
"Quality over Quantity." I replied confidently.
She tilted her head.
"Why not have both?" She questioned.
"I can't find anyone else." I admitted.
I had stuck to the canon variants mostly because I felt assured that I could trust them, perhaps I should expand though…
Maybe some wizards from the wizarding world?
They were quite capable of being loyal, for a group of crazy magicals.
She giggled slightly, catching me off guard.
I noticed every elf in the immediate area glare at me with genuine malice.
"I imagine that won't be a problem now. Your name has become widely popular." She said, her face regaining a passive look with the only difference being slightly reddened cheeks.
"Perhaps I should hold an audition." I mused.
"Most Familias would jump at the chance to mass recruit." She pointed out.
"Quality over quantity." I reiterated.
She smirked slightly.
We walked in silence for a few minutes.
"You know… if you ever find yourself in need or wanting to explore magic. I would be willing to join you in such a thing." She said only a bit shyly.
She was acting strange.
"Of course. I'd be happy to do so." I replied.
"Good. Knowledge when shared, benefits everyone." She straightened slightly.
Once more we fell into silence. She occasionally sneaked glances towards me. She was definitely acting weird.
"Say… Zephyrion. This may sound slightly strange but do you have any family?" She abruptly asked.
I regarded her for a moment.
"I do." I nodded.
"What are they like?" She asked strangely.
"They are… protective. If my memory serves me correctly. I haven't seen them for a little while." I said, looking at her with a raised eyebrow. "Why the sudden interest?"
"I am merely curious." Riveria said with dignity.
"What about yours, princess?"
Instead of getting annoyed she dipped her head slightly.
"There isn't much to say, I haven't seen them for a considerable amount of time." She admitted. "They naturally don't approve of me joining the Loki Familia."
She frowned, her eyes becoming a bit emotionless.
I took her hand in mine, an action that surprised me.
Damn it.
Hestia's comment was making me act weirdly.
"Their loss." I commented, quickly withdrawing.
She smiled and retook my hand.
The elves surrounding us looked a second off attacking me.
Riveria sent them an icy glare, then proceeded to quickly drag me into a narrow alleyway. Her hand raised, and shot out a blast of ice that completely sealed the approaching elves away.
She wore a scowl.
"Those jealous idiots never fail to keep me away from any sort of meaningful relationship."
"Yeah, I got that." I replied with a grin.
We continued through the alleys.
Riveria was lost in a thoughtful silence.
"Zephyrion." She stopped.
I looked back at her.
"Yeah?"
"Are… you in any sort of relationship?" Riveria questioned, truly baffling me.
This couldn't just be me seeing things due to Hestia's comment.
"I am." I replied.
She flinched and actually looked hurt.
Riveria nodded. "With Lady Hestia?"
"Yes." I replied, my mind racing on how to deal with this.
"I-I see. I understand. It was foolish anyway." She said, blinking rapidly.
How did this even happen? I hadn't intended this… I wasn't complaining but I was caught off guard.
How do I broach this subject?
At that moment she looked slightly frail as she looked away. "I should have expected this, it's my fault and I apologise."
She chuckled mirthlessly. "This always happens when I want something."
My eyes closed for a moment and I let myself fall a bit into instincts, since clearly my mind wasn't helping..
I approached her slowly and in a flash I had her in my arms, her eyes met mine in surprise. Her hot breath tickled my skin as her soft lips parted slightly.
Her curvy body was pressed against mine and her eyes gradually became foggy.
"What do you desire?" I questioned in a whisper.
"I-i" she stuttered, showing me a side of herself that I had never seen before. "I-I want y-you, I've grown to admire you. And in our times together I realised I liked you more than anyone else…"
I smirked, cupping her face gently.
I leaned forward, a silent questioning look in my eyes and she merely closed her eyes.
Then, my lips claimed hers in the next moment. The softness and warmth prominent against my own lips. She was frozen and stiff in my arms, her mind obviously failing to comprehend the situation.
As I pulled back, her mind seemed to catch up to the present. Her lips quickly claiming mine in turn before she shook her head, staring at me in shock and a little bit of hope.
"Zephyrion?" She asked, her voice uncertain. "W-what about Lady Hestia?"
I felt my devil instincts heavily help me in a way that they hadn't before.
"I know this may sound bad… but Hestia has approved of me having more than just her as a lover…" I admitted, not letting my hesitation show. "In my culture, harems are more accepted and normal. I know it may disinterest you, but the offer to become mine is available. I can't offer much but just know I'll move the world for you."
I released her and the beautiful elf took a few steps back.
Many emotions flashed through her and she nodded meekly.
"I-I need some time to think."
I looked at her softly.
"Take your time."
With that she bent and exploded up in a burst of speed, hopping into the roof and away from my sight.
I sighed.
I hadn't expected that.
I took a moment to reflect on the fact that had really just happened, before releasing a breath and turning to continue through the alley. Finding myself on a main street once more.
As I finally entered the guild hall, I found myself only able to take a few steps before a guild official immediately approached me.
"Excuse me Mr. Gremory." A guild official interrupted.
I turned to her.
"You have been officially summoned by Lord Ouranos."
I blinked.
What?
-END-
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