It wasn't so long before Bell returned, looking haggard and defeated after a long sprint to the Hostess of Fertility. Mama Mia was annoyed at first and even threatened to hunt him down if he ever dined and dashed her establishment again.
Bell remembers shaking like a leaf under her glower. Though she didn't stay angry for long, not with someone as earnest as Bell, she gave Bell a pat on the back, nearly flooring him with her strength, and wished him the best. Assuring him that he was welcomed to come back anytime.
Overall it could have ended worse and Bell was grateful to return home in one piece.
Now he returns and sees what the rest of his familia had been up to during his brief absence.
They had pushed the pews in the lounge far apart from the center area, making a great deal of space for what was about to happen.
Hestia, Arue, and Hana were on one side of the room, seemingly just finishing moving the last pew. They all turned to see Bell coming through the door, their expressions different from one another.
Arue had a teasing smile on her face, finding his earlier panic humorous. Hana didn't reveal much in terms of facial expressions but she had a gleam in her eyes that spoke plenty of how she felt from his previous behavior. His Goddess gave him an exasperated look and a small smile, as if unsurprised by his actions and fully ready to comfort him if he needed it.
Bell could tell he was in for some teasing later. As he approached them all he could do was smile gently with a bit of red to his own face. Now realizing that he could have conducted himself in a more professional manner.
But it's just his nature to react like that at times, especially if he feels guilty about something, like accidental dine and dashing.
"Sorry about that," he said as he approached them, scratching the back of his head sheepishly, "I had to correct a mistake I made at the pub."
Arue was about to say something, most likely a teasing remark, before Hestia placed her hand on her mouth before she got a word out, "It's alright Bell," the Goddess said, "it's nice that you were responsible for your actions and I'm 'sure' Arue and Hana are just as happy and won't give you any trouble over it. Right?"
The Goddess's emphasis on her words were clear for Hana and Arue, the last thing the two wanted was an irate Hestia to deal with. Arue's cheeks were still sore from earlier.
With some effort, Arue nodded and withdrew her teasing expression. Hana lost her gleam in her eye and seemed to pout a bit, which was adorable, Bell had to admit, used to seeing her with a neutral expression most times.
With her duty done, Hestia withdrew her hand from Arue and gestured for Bell to come over, "Alright Bell," she began, "we cleared out the lounge a bit for you to work with. Whenever you're ready."
Bell nodded and walked close to the center of the lounge, now bigger by a good margin with the furniture moved aside.
Hestia watched her child get ready to use his spell with mixed emotions. She was happy Bell was eager to use his magic to help the familia grow and she was happy to have more members watching his back during his trips into the dungeon and she was definitely happy to have a bigger income for her familia's coffers. She didn't think she would ever have coffers a while ago. She truly had much to be thankful for.
Even still though, Bell's new magic somehow came from one of the most perverted Gods Hestia had ever known. A God that swam in debauchery and preached on and on about love and lust. A God that Hestia never wanted to be associated with. A God that, by all rights, shouldn't have an interest in the mortal world, other than being a glorified peeping voyeur.
So why had he done something like this now? Why give a gift to the mortal world, knowing the consequences that brings?
Hestia didn't like to think too hard about that last thought. There was also another thing that bothered her about the magic.
She looked around and saw Arue and Hana, both waiting like her for the summoning to begin. Hestia stared at them long and hard for a bit before looking back towards Bell, 'I know what to expect,' she thought, 'but so many pretty girls around my Bell is still something I can't get used to!'
It was an immature thought…and she did not care. As was the case with this hopeless virgin goddess.
She focused then, putting her full attention on her first child. Now wasn't the time for wandering thoughts, now was the time to witness results.
Bell stuck out his arm, his focus set, best start small and end big.
'Tier-two is first'
His mind set, he began the incantation.
"By my voice, hear. By my words, come. Answer my call and come forth."
Before Bell's eyes, the same phenomenon happened. The magic seemed to come from the very air around him and began to form the flower of light just about to bloom. Sure enough it did, the reds and pinks he saw brightened as the flower opened up and once again, he closed his eyes from the intensity. When he felt the magic dissipate and the light died down, Bell elected to open his eyes and see his results.
'Tier-2 summon complete.'
The phantom voice only he could hear confirmed his hopes. He summoned exactly what he wished, now to see who he summoned.
As the light finished dying down, a figure could be seen.
It was another woman close to Bell's age, around sixteen or seventeen. She had long blonde hair that was tied with a red ribbon, giving an appearance of rabbit ears with how it was styled. Her clothing was like a school uniform of some kind but was much different than Hana's was, the short blue skirt was the most different, as well as the blue collar and long orange tie. Her long leggings and modest shoes finished the ensemble.
Bright blue eyes blinked at Bell when all the magic dissipated around them, they looked at him for a moment before turning and looking at Hestia, then Hana, then Arue. Her eyes took in all of them before looking around herself in general, taking in her surroundings.
"Woah," she said, after seeing all she could around her, "This is crazy. I know that I'm in a new world but," she trailed off, nervousness mixing with disbelief, "It's still crazy to think about and kinda scary too."
Bell felt a little sympathy at that, recalling his first few days in Orario, when he left his little piece of the world behind and saw how vast the rest of it was. It still kinda scared him a little still if he were honest.
That brings another thought to Bell, though they are 'recreated', as Arue put it, they were still coming from worlds very different from his own and if Bell put himself in their shoes, he imagined he would be scared as well.
This compelled him to act, reaching out with his hand, with a soft smile on his face, Bell introduced himself, "Hello. I'm Bell Cranell. I'm the one who summoned you."
He felt his introduction could use some work, now that he spoke it out loud. But how do you introduce yourself to someone from another world? Arue practically accepted it as easy as breathing. Hana's first introduction to the world was Bell passing out in front of her and still she didn't seem perturbed by her new surroundings, if anything, she was excited.
This new girl was still nervous and turned to Bell. She saw him with his arm extended and hand held out. She looked up at him as if he was hiding some kind of deceit or motive. After a bit of time staring into his eyes, which honestly distracted her, given that they were a color she had never seen in another person, she determined that he was being honest.
She walked up to him and shook his hand with her own, "Chitoge," she began, "Chitoge Kirisaki. It's nice to meet you, Bell Cranell."
She had a strong grip despite her lithe appearance.
Bell shook her hand and smiled, glad to make a positive impression. Chitoge relaxed a bit as well, any suspicions she had put mostly to rest thanks to Bell's honest demeanor. 'He's a good guy,' she thought.
Bell then gestured to the others behind him and Chitoge finally saw everyone else. She went over to greet them as well.
"Greetings," Arue said when Chitoge was closer, "Fellow being from the great beyond, it brings me joy to have another ally to our cause," she brought a hand up to her brow and did some kind of pose, Chitoge saw then the eyepatch she wore and that she had a red eye that was darker than Bell's, almost crimson
"Relish this opportunity, newcomer!" Arue exclaimed, "you now fight alongside a demon. Be fortunate that I have not stake a claim on your soul, for I am Arue the most voluptuous of the Criimson-eek!" she suddenly screeched, cutting herself off from continuing. Arue looked behind her with a glare and saw her Goddess holding her hand up with her index finger and thumb ready to pinch again.
She rubbed her bottom, her theatrics thoroughly extinguished, "That was mean Goddess," she whined.
"If I didn't stop you," the now identified Goddess started, "we'd be here until morning. Stick to making basic introductions or I'm going for the other cheek next."
Hestia turned her attention to Chitoge, "Sorry about that. Arue is one of my more dramatic children," she gave a polite bow, "I'm Hestia, Goddess of this familia. Nice to meet you."
Chitoge did a double take, this was a Goddess? When she was summoned, the information she was given upon arrival did tell her this world had Gods and Goddesses inhabiting it alongside mortals. It was a little staggering to be sure but it felt like something she could handle.
Though, when she expected to see a God or Goddess, she didn't expect them to be so…short…and stacked.
"Hmmm? Is something wrong?" Hestia asked, cocking her head at Chitoge's focused attention.
Chitoge brought her attention back up to the Goddess's face, "Nothing! Nothing's wrong," she stumbled for an explanation, "Just trying to get used to the surroundings is all."
Hestia crossed her arms over her chest, she knew Chitoge was lying but it seemed like a harmless lie so she let it go. It was time to move on anyway.
"Well not to overstimulate you or anything," Hestia began, "but we're summoning two more next. After that I'll give you your blessing, sound good?"
Chitoge blinked, two more summonings? She looked behind her at Bell, who was drinking from a vile of some kind. A potion perhaps? He finished drinking and proceeded to get ready again.
Chitoge was immensely curious then and there, the thought of seeing the magic that brought her forth grabbed her attention immediately and she found herself viewing the action alongside everyone else.
Bell prepared to cast the spell again, the mind potion helpfully provided him with more mana to work with.
He wasn't too winded from summoning Chitoge, but the Goddess was adamant he refresh his energy after every summon to be safe.
She reassured his worries about any cost by telling him that Miach, a good friend and fellow God, gave them to her at a discount. She didn't say how much but she didn't seem bothered by any cost.
It reassured Bell a little, just a little.
He cleared his thoughts and focused on the task at hand. He began the spell.
"By my voice, hear. By my words, come. Answer my call and come forth."
Again the bright flower of light and magic came forth, brightening as it bloomed. Bell closed his eyes once again.
It was really bright!
'Tier-3 summon complete.'
Bell opened his eyes again to see who he brought forth. His breath caught in his throat at who he summoned.
She was an older woman than those he summoned so far, emanating a mature and professional beauty by her presence alone.
She had tan-dark skin like that of an amazon, only a tad lighter, if that. Her long dark hair went down past her waist, with two bangs framing a serious face and green eyes behind a pair of red glasses.
It was her outfit however that really drew attention. She wore a red dress of some kind that left little to the imagination, it seemed similar to some far east clothing he had seen in the city, only much more minimal. With it leaving her shoulders, the middle of her chest, and stomach exposed. The dress seemed to cover the important bits of her large chest somehow, much to Bell's relief. It seemed additionally secured by a pair of white belts at her waist.
Finishing off her wears, she wore black nylon leggings and her sleeves were of similar make. Topping it off with white-heeled dress shoes.
She was without a doubt, one of the most exotic looking women Bell had met. She was so stunning that Bell just stared at her with his mouth agape.
Like an idiot.
The woman stared at Bell, her expression shifting into one of concern. She was waiting for him to introduce himself so she could do so in kind, but it seems that her summoner was on another plane of existence.
She turned her attention to those behind him, seeing their expressions were wide-eyed and agape as well.
This made her smile a bit, they clearly weren't expecting someone like her to show up. Her tactician mind formulated up multiple scenarios she could approach this as. She chose a more direct and simple path to take. Expediency was needed.
She walked up to Bell, raised a hand to his chin and closed his mouth with an audible 'pop.'
"It's rude to stare you know," the words were simple and spoken in a polite tone.
It was all the stimulation Bell needed to wake up from his stupor.
Jumping back a bit, with speed that surprised the woman, Bell gave a deep bow.
"I'm sorry!" he exclaimed, "I didn't mean to stare!"
The woman blinked at him, he was a curious one to be sure, and definitely a shy one. She could work with this, with patience of course.
She walked up to him and introduced herself, "My name is Koukin Shuuyu, I hope you'll do me the courtesy of introducing yourself."
Bell floundered a bit before standing straighter and replying, though not looking directly at her, "My name is Bell Cranell, it's nice to meet you Miss Shuuyu."
He was staring up at the ceiling now, much to Koukin's chagrin. Why wasn't he looking her in the eye? Is he trying to be shy and rude all at once?
"Why do you not look at me?" she asked, "Did I do something to offend you?"
Bell, to his credit, brought his gaze back to her, and apologetic look on his red face now, "No it's nothing like that," he said, trying to keep his gaze centered on her face,"It's just that-," he lost his words for a moment, "we haven't really seen anyone who is-,"
"One wardrobe malfunction away from baring herself to the world."
Hestia came from behind Bell and looked Koukin over herself, "How can you wear that without feeling embarrassed, or at least a bit cold?"
Her question caught her off guard and amused Koukin a bit, who replied, "Given the information I'm provided upon my summoning, aren't there adventurers out there that go out with even less on?"
Hestia was about to reply but stopped herself. She was right, in the times Hestia worked her part time jobs at the food stands, she would see adventures, especially amazons, walk around with apparel that could be considered underwear to most others. It was something she eventually got used to…eventually.
With a grumble, she agreed, "That is true, but this home hasn't had someone so boldly dressed. So we're unprepared."
Koukin gave a shrug, "Then that's something we'll overcome at a later date I imagine," she said, "until that time, is there anything else? Or are introductions done?"
She didn't want to sound rude, but it felt like there was something else to be done, not just her blessing.
Hestia nodded, "We're about to summon our third and final member for now," she pointed over her shoulder at the rest of the familia, "please wait over there with us so Bell could perform his magic again."
Magic, the word was strange to Koukin with her new knowledge mixed in with her old. What was rare in her world and could be considered a blessing from heaven or a curse from Hell, depending on what side she was on, was practically commonplace here. It was used to harm and heal and many other things besides.
She shook her head of any more wandering thoughts, there was time for more information later. Right now, she would be able to witness it with her own eyes.
She walked over to where the others were and tried not to be bemused by their expressions on their faces. They were as taken aback by her appearance as her summoner was.
It was entertaining in its own way but hopefully they can get over it relatively soon.
Koukin Shuuyu was not one for distractions, the strategist of GO was about efficiency and victory
If she could voice one complaint however, it was that she didn't have her queen and lover by her side as well. That would have made things much more bearable and greater for her.
Bell regained his focus again and prepared to cast the spell for a third and final time.
He hoped that this time, he wouldn't make a fool of himself like he did in front of Miss Shuuyu.
He had seen amazons in Orario's streets dozens of times and he didn't get flustered as bad as he did then.
Granted he was a better distance away than he was with Shuuyu, but still,
Bell focused, getting himself ready for the third and last summon for a while.
'Time for the fourth-tier.'
"By my voice, hear. By my words, come. Answer my call and come forth."
Again the flower of light and magic formed and forced Bell to close his eyes.
This can't be good for him.
The light died down and Bell opened them to see his new ally.
She was another older woman but while Koukin had the pose of someone analytical, this one held themselves like a warrior.
She had long purple hair tied up in two stylized pigtails, with two bangs curing down beside a stern and focused face, where orange-yellow eyes stared at him with calculated intensity.
Her apparel was quite unique, like Koukin's, but definitely not as risqué. She wore white and black clothes that reminded Bell of some eastern designs he'd seen, with her puffy dark pants sporting a cloud like design on them adding to the theme and seemingly held together with a yellow corset with an odd symbol upon it. In addition, she had what appeared to be golden armor on her arms and legs. The armor on her arms covered her forearms and hands partially, while the armor on her legs were greaves that covered her knees all the way down to her feet. Her last armor was a pauldron of some kind over her left shoulder.
The woman stared at Bell for a moment before turning her gaze to look around herself, taking in the building and the people in it. She gave a long sigh that Bell thought she sounded relieved, next she spoke quietly but Bell could make out the words.
"Another chance, I mustn't waste it."
She knelt then, surprising Bell, and greeted him.
"My name is Takeru Yamato! I am here to serve with blade in hand," she reached for something at her waist, only to find it empty, this briefly caught her off guard but she recovered well enough, "I swear, as a warrior of Zipang, to fight with honor by your side."
Bell was thrown for a loop, this was so sudden, so formal, he felt like that this was a bit much for someone like him.
"Thank you," he said, "I appreciate it, but you don't need to kneel to me," he knelt down to her, drawing her gaze up to him, they were both at eye level.
"In this familia, we're family," Bell didn't know where these words came from but they felt like the right ones to say right then.
Takeru stared at Bell, her expression unmoving, before nodding and standing once again. Bell followed her up and could swear he saw a small and brief phantom smile on her face.
"Very well," she said, "You may be right, in that we're family, but you are the captain of this familia, are you not?"
"I am," Bell replied with honesty.
Takeru nodded, "Then please allow me to call you captain at the very least, I'm afraid this whole situation is new to me and I would feel more comfortable with more-," she trailed off as if looking for the word, "familiar terms to address you by."
Bell wanted to argue and say it was alright for her to call him by his name but thought against it, reminded that every new summon is going to approach their new existence in their own way. If Takeru wanted to start off with more formal terms of address, then Bell couldn't really argue. If it made her more comfortable, he would acquiesce.
"Alright then. Let's get you introduced to the others."
With that said, they both went to where the others were, introducing everyone to the third and final summoned ally for a while. Names were said, introductions made, and plans were set for them to get registered for the guild.
First things first though.
"And done! You can put your shirt back on.
Takeru gave a nod and went to put her shirt, sans armor, back on.
She was the last one to receive the blessing of the three just summoned forth. Hestia just went in whichever order they were summoned in for simplicity's sake.
Once her shirt was secured over herself, Takeru glanced back at her, now Goddess, to see one of two sheets of paper held out towards her. She took it and began to read.
Takeru Yamato lvl 1
S: 77
E: 54
D: 60
A: 64
M: 40
Spells:
Imperial Blade of Flames: Focused magic. Damage increased with greater focus. Risk of damaging the user.
Skills:
Endurance of Zipang: The more damage received, the greater increase in strength and endurance.
Passion Recipient: Status can be increased to a degree by intimacy with the summoner. Full copulation results in better increases. Results to status vary upon intent and focus.
A solid start to be sure, with what information she'd been given upon her summoning, she knew that these were high stats for an initial blessing.
'That last skill though..'
Like those before her, she looked at the skill with surprise and a no small amount of suspicion. It was an odd skill to be sure but with benefits that went without saying.
'Unorthodox.'
Definitely an unorthodox way to get stronger for sure, she glanced up at the other two who received their blessing alongside her.
Chitoge looked down at hers and despite a red face on reading a skill they shared, she was happy with her stats at least.
Chitoge Kirisaki lvl 1
S: 34
E: 25
D: 42
A: 30
M: 0
Skills:
Bee Hive: Great temporary increase in agility, strength, and dexterity when in a party. Greater increase when in a greater party.
Passion Recipient: Status can be increased to a degree by intimacy with the summoner. Full copulation results in better increases. Results to status vary upon intent and focus.
She smiled a bit at her first skill, it reminded her of home in a way.
'Well other me's home…kinda.'
Her summoning and the reason behind it still made her head spin a bit but trying to understand something a God created was exhausting to say the least.
For now though, she was here, she was alive and that's all that mattered to her…well almost.
She kinda wished some of her friends were here with her. A familiar face can make any strange land feel familiar when you're with good company.
'It be even better if mo-'
She cut off the thought, looked down at her status again and looked up in realization before shaking her head so fast that everyone was worried it would fly off.
'No! No! Never that! Too awkward! Too weird!!'
Koukin stared at Chitoge for a bit, wondering what exactly made her react like that. A glance down at her own status sheet gave an answer.
'It's a weird ability, sure. But at least it's not outright forcing us to do anything we don't want to do'
Koukin Shuuyu lvl 1
S: 28
E: 25
D: 31
A: 29
M: 20
Spells:
Great Flame of the Red Cliffs: Face forward, unflinching. Stand firm, unyeilding. By my will, kindle. By my shout, burn. Let the mountains ignite.
Skills:
By the will of GO: When giving out commands, the party loses fear and is boosted in courage. Status temporarily boosted.
Passion Recipient: Status can be increased to a degree by intimacy with the summoner. Full copulation results in better increases. Results to status vary upon intent and focus.
Koukin smiled a bit at her status, good, not great but good to start with. Looking at her magic, she smiled at the name and made a mental note to memorize the incantation as soon as she was able and practice it soon after that.
Her skills made her raise her eyebrows a bit in interest. Besides the 'Passion Recipient' skill, the other one, 'By the Will of GO', really resonated with her, given it came in part from where she came from and what she fought for.
And who she fought for.
A brief ache of longing settled itself in her heart, she quickly vanquished it.
'Nothing I can do about it. Only hope that there is a chance, sometime in the future.'
Time to get things on track, "Lady Hestia," she started, "Is there anything else we should be aware of. Our summoner called us forth but this is still your familia. Is there anything we should be aware of?"
Her question was genuine and it was an unspoken one amongst the other three. They were in a familia now, they wanted to know what their new patron wanted out of them.
Hestia thought for a moment, it was a question she expected and she had an answer. It was something simple that she expected and hoped Bell followed every day when he went into the dungeon.
"Come back home safe and sound, that is the only goal of this familia," she said with a gentle smile and genuine earnestness.
The three were taken aback by the Goddess's words, the sheer sincerity of it leaving them speechless.
Chitoge was first to break the silence, standing tall and loudly proclaiming, "We will not let you down Goddess Hestia! We'll kick ass in the dungeon and come home safe and sound!"
Hestia was caught off guard by Chitoge's sudden enthusiasm. Where before, she acted nervous and a bit scared upon being summoned to this new world. Now, she suddenly had an ignited fire in her soul, ready to go forth and take on the world itself.
Hestia couldn't help but smile at this young woman, mortal children were still capable of surprising her now and again. Which shouldn't be too surprising, given her first child tended to surprise her often.
Maybe too often if she were honest.
Koukin gave a smile and she stood up herself, "Well. After those bold words, how can someone like myself stand by and be hesitant?" she said.
This was a new world and a new life but the fires of GO still burned in her heart and pushed her forward. Whatever may come, the strategic general of GO would face it down.
And one day, there may be a greater goal that this familia could achieve in the future and she would be there to analyze and formulate a plan of action for victory. As befitting someone like her.
Takeru also stood and gave a resolute nod of her own, "Whatever comes our way from now on," she said, holding a clenched first to her heart, "we face it together, so we may return to you, Goddess."
She had a new life now. She was not gonna waste it by disappointing her Goddess at the first chance. She had a new purpose now and by her honor, she would fulfill it.
Hestia was touched by the words of these children, Bell summoned some good ones this time.
She made a great effort to hold back her tears. Now wasn't the time to cry in front of her new children. It was time to wrap things up.
"Okay," she clapped her hand and rose from the bed, "now that everything's settled. You three need to take these," she held out the three sheets she kept, copies of their status, "and hand them to the guild when you register."
Chitoge was puzzled and tilted her head before looking at her own sheet, "Why can't we take these instead."
Koukin was quick to pick up on Hestia's logic and reasoning, befitting a strategic mind, "It's the skill we all share," she said.
She gave an explanation on the reasoning for the sudden caution. Going from the summoning magic Bell used and the skill they all shared.
And the target that could paint their backs if they were careless about it.
Chitoge was pale by the end of the explanation, now realizing the caution they must take, while Takeru was stoic, as if all that was spoken was common knowledge, she had been on the receiving end of schemes in the past. It didn't surprise her much to know they were played often in this world as well.
Adding that they were played by Gods and Goddesses, just made things more troublesome.
Hestia nodded with Koukin's explanation, "It's exactly that. Despite our current numbers, we are still a fledgling familia at best. We can't afford unwanted attention right now."
It was sound logic, none of them could refute it. In fact, the more they thought about it, the more they realized that they were probably gonna be the last few summons for a while.
Which made sense, it was a potential gamble, summoning them as it is.
"Now that that's all settled," Hestia said, walking to the stairs leading them out of the basement, "Let's go meet up with the others. They should be getting back from getting food for dinner tonight."
While Hestia was giving the three newcomers their blessings, she had sent Bell, Arue, and Hana out with some money to get groceries for dinner tonight. They had enough money to finally get some real food and not have to eat potato puffs again. Though Hestia swears that Hana was a little disappointed at that, she made a mental note to bring back some for her to snack on after her shift at the food stand tomorrow.
For now though, it was time to eat and then rest.
And see what tomorrow has in store for them.