Chapter: 35
Pa/ t reon details below the chapter if you're interested in seeing some content in advance.
(The Meddling Goddess)
I sank back into the booth seat, arms folded and head tilted slightly as the familiar sounds that came with eating within a tavern surrounding me.
The food smelled decent. People were loud. Lili was talking to Bell about some dumb thing he did a few days ago. Welf was with us, but he was currently hyper-focused on finishing some sort of armour design next to me.
He had set up a portal smithing shop within the spare room for now. A potential fire hazard but he didn't give off incompetent vibes. I made a note to get my personal smith his own place to work on his projects properly.
Hestia leaned into me from the side, her head resting against my shoulder, fingers lazily looping through mine under the table. She hadn't let go of me since I got back.
We were sitting in a booth, I had only come back a few hours ago and we had decided to celebrate by going out.
"You're quiet," she said softly.
I was mostly thinking about Satomi. The situation was annoying. I had technically spent a lot longer than the few days I was actually in that world with her, and she had been nice.
"Am I?," I questioned back.
"So," Hestia eventually said, shifting to talk quietly near my ear, "Bell's been doing really well in the dungeon. He's level three now."
That got a blink out of me. "Already?"
"Yeah. Caused a bit of a stir," she said with a small grin. "And don't act surprised, you kept bringing him back half dead with a training regime that most would have given up on. It has paid off."
Taking him to downright impossible fights that would most certainly mean death for anyone of his strength probably goes against many health code violations was probably a bit harsh, but I had control of the situation.
"That's good to hear. Especially since he's completely loyal to me, so we won't have to worry about letting him get too powerful."
Hestia sent me a flat stare. "My dearest, you have such a dark mind."
I gave her a kiss on her perfect lips.
"It's a dark world." I whispered playfully.
She rolled her eyes, still leaning against me.
I glanced over at Bell. Bell was smiling as he chatted with Lili, barely aware of the attention he was starting to pull. He looked… happy. He deserved that.
"And while you were off world-hopping," Hestia continued, her voice lowering, "we did have a little... situation."
My small smile vanished, and I turned my full attention to her.
I turned to her. "What kind of situation?"
Her grip on my hand tightened. "Someone tried to break in."
My already bad mood worsened, and the thin control on my sin of Wrath unloosened itself.
I sat up straighter, my voice becoming fiery without my intention. "What?"
"They didn't get far," she added quickly. "The wards you placed kicked in like they were supposed to. Then I think Vermisynth stopped them before they could even touch the inner doors."
I didn't respond for a second. Just stared at the table, jaw tight.
"How long ago?"
"A day ago"
"Did they leave anything behind?" I asked seriously.
She fidgeted slightly. "No, it was more of a quick attempt. Meant to be done in a few minutes. Thinking about it, it was more like-"
"A scout." I finished, nodding.
I knew there was an unknown group watching me for whatever reason, but that's all they had done… watch me. This was an act.
I guess it was time to go on the hunt.
Hestia gently held my hand.
"I've got my magical protections to put on the house, along with that I've gotten myself a new familiar." I said evenly, my basilisk making itself known.
"A snake?" Hestia hummed.
"A Basilisk. It's a magical snake so to speak-"
"I am not a magical snake!" My Basilisk hissed.
"She has scales as tough as a Dragons and her eyes have a petrifying effect. If she opens her eyelids anyone who makes eye contact with her will die. She is quite poisonous too but she can control that so she won't kill or petrify us." I informed her casually.
She stared at me exasperatedly. "Another powerful and incredibly dangerous familiar?"
"Yes. It seems like it was a good choice." I replied.
She leaned in closer, wrapping both arms around mine this time. She didn't say anything else about it. "So are you going to tell me what's bothering you?"
I stiffened slightly before relaxing. I cast a privacy spell so nobody could overhear us.
"I went to another world before coming back here." I revealed.
Her eyes widened. "What happened? Are you okay?"
"Yeah… the world was a lot weaker so to speak, without any magic it quickly became apparent the only thing they had to offer me was their enhanced technology. Some of which I obtained for the house." I replied vaguely.
"And yet?" She prompted.
"When I decided to stay in that world for a bit, I did some contracts… they weren't eventful besides one woman who tried to imprison me-"
"Right… not important at all." She said, smiling fondly.
I gracefully ignored her comment.
"I met a girl, who simply wished for me to play a game with her so to speak. I can't exactly explain it since technology in this world hasn't come close to that point yet. But it allowed me to enter a fake world, an illusion of sorts and play around." I tried to explain as best as I could.
She nodded slowly and I knew how absurd it must seem to her.
"In that world, time was slowed. So while it was one day outside, it was multiple inside." I explained.
"I'm guessing you got to know this girl?"
"I did, she was fun. I used it as a chance to unwind a bit."
Her eyes turned concerned. "If you need a break you merely need to tell me so."
"I know." I said, pecking her on the lips.
She really was the best.
"She was cool and I can say that I actually considered her a friend… a rare commodity. She had no other intentions despite all the temptation being there…"
"And?" She probed softly.
"I found her dead within her apartment this morning, no signs of death." I sighed.
Her eyes widened in shock, and her grip became tighter. "Are you okay?"
Yeah… I guess I just liked her a bit more than I realised." I sighed. "It's bugging me, the cause of her death still remains to be seen."
"Perhaps it was natural?" Hestia pondered.
"Maybe, that world was filled with toxic gases. A dead planet waiting for its destruction." I replied idly.
Bell stood up, going to get another drink. He slid out of the booth, brushing crumbs off his coat.
I watched him go and turned slightly toward Lili. "How's everything going?"
She didn't answer right away. Her thumb ran slow circles over the back of my hand.
"Smoothly for the most part," she finally said. "We did a few dungeon runs but only on the surface like you said. We didn't want to risk anyone using it as an opportunity."
"Good." I replied. "We will go on some deeper ones now I'm back, we ought to see about getting you your own weapons as well. Perhaps a magical enhanced crossbow? Do they even exist?"
Before they could respond, the sound of chairs scraping and raised voices hit my ear.
I glanced up.
Bell had bumped into someone.
It wouldn't have been a big deal. Shouldn't have been. But it was.
Four guys were surrounding him now. One shoved him lightly. Another one laughed. I saw the crest on their jackets.
Naturally Bell was trying to defuse it. Holding his hands up, backing away slightly.
My jaw tightened.
They didn't stop. One grabbed Bell by the collar and shoved him again, a little harder. Lili started to rise, but I gently pushed her back down.
Welf looked up, and seemed ready to get up himself but I held out a hand.
A familiar burning pressure spread down my spine.
Another one threw a punch.
Hestia touched my arm, sensing the shift in me. "Zeph-"
I was already standing. I crossed the room in four steps, each one heavier than the last. Various adventurers watched on in amusement. The nearest Apollo Familia member had his back turned.
I drove my boot into his side. Not enough to do anything serious, but he did bend over in pain… only to stand back up as if nothing had happened.
The tavern went dead quiet. All eyes turned to me.
I didn't say anything. I put my hand on Bell's shoulder and guided him away. He looked up at me in confusion but followed without protest.
The punch hadn't hurt him. He was level three, and most certainly accustomed to punches ten times the force he had received.
I turned my head slightly, glancing at the others.
My eyes narrowed, and I noticed something. Their expressions were angry. Confused. One guy even looked like he was sneering. But their eyes… were blank.
I tilted my head. It was as if something behind them was watching through them.
What was this?
Had Bell really bumped into them? Or had they bumped into Bell?
My gaze landed on one who hadn't spoken yet.
The only one who hadn't moved since the beginning.
The guy I had kicked suddenly screamed in pain and fell over, they all quickly rushed to his side and promptly took him away.
"…"
Okay, so that was just downright fucking creepy.
I returned to the booth watching them hurriedly leave in confusion.
That entire encounter had felt… Forced. It wasn't natural.
I shook my head. "You alright Bell?"
"Y-yeah. I'm sorry, I don't know why they got so mad." Bell said regretfully.
"It wasn't your fault Bell, some people are like that." Hestia comforted, but I could see she noticed how weird that had felt.
Honestly, not even I knew. But I know that I had fallen into some sort of scheme. I'm guessing that kick was what they needed for whatever they were going to attempt.
I wasn't naive. That situation was off and I'm not even sure if it was them that caused it.
The rest of the night passed normally, or as normal as it gets after something that strange.
We stayed at the tavern a little longer. Ryu came over and asked about the incident. While we weren't exactly too close, I had come to know the cold elven girl to the point that she knew me.
Bell kept apologising while Welf had decided that the sketch could wait later as he joined us fully. Lili kept glaring at everyone who even looked in our direction.
Hestia remained glued to my side. Her warmth helped. I didn't let it show, but the whole thing had left a bad taste in my mouth.
After that, we walked back to the home. Quiet streets.
When we reached home, I checked every ward and reinforcement spell twice. Hestia hovered beside me the whole time.
I added a few minor protections that would add to the stronger one, and I placed some of the modern tech I had gotten in the living room. Not a lot of it was going to be able to work in this world but I'm sure I could find a way to use it.
It'd last a lot longer than using monster crystals to fuel everything.
Eventually, me and Hestia headed to sleep. I lay down in my bed with Hestia curled under my arm, her fingers still loosely tangled with mine.
Sleep came over us slowly.
Or it was best to say it had been, before Hestia shifted her body.
As I felt my length engulfed by her soft lips and into the warmth of her mouth.
I had to admit.
It was good to be back.
-Scene Break-
I walked out into the dining room of our house, yawning and adjusting my coat when a familiar, annoyed hiss greeted me.
"I'm hungry."
I looked down. My Basilisk was stretched out along the back bench, tail twitching.
"You're always hungry."
"Yes. I'm a predator," she said smugly. "Not like your weaklings."
Bell coughed from the hallway, watching me hiss back at a snake. I turned to see both him and Lili geared up and ready.
I suppose we were going on a dungeon dive anyway. Bell had somehow reached my level even though I was close to reaching level four.
"You wanna hunt?" I asked the snake, ignoring her jab.
"Yes." She slid forward, rising to her full height. "Let me kill something."
"Fine," I said, smirking. "Let's take a trip downstairs. Bell, Lili, full dive. Get your gear."
Lili's ears perked up. "Really? A deep run?"
"We're due," I said simply. "I'll let her stretch her fangs while we're down there."
"Are you sure you should let your pet snake come with us? She seems kind of small." Lili asked.
"Let's see how small you think I am when I devour you whole." She hissed.
Lili looked at me. "Is she saying something bad about me? You can speak to her right?"
"She's just being sassy, for your information she can grow bigger. She just needed to become smaller like Vermisynth." I explained.
"Ah… are you sure it's a good idea to allow a massive snake to go kill monsters? What if someone sees us?" She asked, not accusatory but merely curious.
"That's why we are going for a deeper run."
The floor Goliath was on should do. My power had grown exponentially as had my magical capabilities. With my Basilisk I was confident I could keep an eye on both Bell and Lili.
Welf came down stairs and yawned, pausing at all of us looking ready to go for a dungeon dive. "You guys are going on a dungeon dive?"
"We are. You wanna come?" I offered.
After Hestia had claimed him as his own, we had learned that Welf was already a level two. He had been in the Hephaestus Familia before I shamelessly poached him for a better cause, my cause.
"Yes! Let me quickly get ready." Welf replied, hurrying to get ready.
As we left, Vermisynth raised his head.
I looked at the gates guarding the estate. The only reason people couldn't see him was because there were wards preventing that.
Vermisynth regarded my Basilisk for a moment, sending me a questioning look.
Before they could start measuring up to each other we left for the dungeon.
It took us a few hours to reach the middle floors. We moved quickly, not stopping unless needed. The deeper you went, the less you wanted to stick around.
The Basilisk didn't stay out the whole way. She shrunk down and slithered inside my coat, coiling tightly against my side beneath the layers.
Occasionally she hissed complaints, mostly about how slow we were moving or how boring the stairs were, even though we were moving at an incredibly fast pace.
Once we reached around floor 15, I let her loose.
She exploded out of my coat in a blur, twisting through the air like a bullet. And then the monsters started dying.
I watched as she went on a rampage, and I had to wonder just how much bloodlust she'd built up. Her gaze snapped from one target to another. Petrified. Dead. No warning. No drawn-out battle.
Bell looked both amazed and slightly disturbed.
Welf stood behind me, watching the large snake with obvious horror.
Lili stared as another War Shadow was devoured by the Basilisk. "Zephyrion... where do you keep finding these powerful monsters?" she said flatly.
"Yeah... are you sure it's even friendly?" Welf commented.
I shrugged. "I mostly find them by chance, and she's friendly to us."
"And you just go around taming them?" Bell asked innocently.
"I do," I beamed.
"You know, I think you may want to let your 'Basilisk' leave some for us," Lili commented.
"Why do you say that?" I asked as we moved past the remains.
"She's not leaving any monster stones behind. They're getting eaten," Lili frowned. "That's kind of the whole reason we're down here."
"She's a hunter." I shrugged.
"Yeah well, I'm going to start charging your pet a tax," she muttered.
"Alright, that's enough," I hissed to my Basilisk.
-{Sherry}-
Sherry hid behind the boulder, covering her mouth with her hand as the titanic serpent slid past her position.
A quick glance showed scales as thick as dungeon walls and a body large enough it filled up most of the large hallway.
She looked over to Ben, another level three adventurer in terror.
They had gotten split up with their party, and had stumbled upon the monster that in her humble opinion shouldn't be anywhere close to this floor.
Luckily they had ducked behind the boulder as it tore through monsters, killing everything that seemingly made eye contact with her. That large serpentine body had no right moving in the way it did.
As it hissed deeply in what sounded like defiance, they both hoped the serpent monster didn't peak over the boulder.
As the serpent left, she wanted to let out a breath. Yet, she held herself from doing so in case the monster somehow heard.
The adventurers of Orario needed to know about this new monster type.
-{Zephyrion Gremory}-
"I want to play more." My Basilisk hissed.
"The dungeon isn't going anywhere, you'll be able to play more." I comforted.
She grumbled but nevertheless obeyed, shrinking down to wrap comfortably in my clothing.
We reached the Goliath floor.
Both Bell and Lili were more alert as they were forced to deal with the occasional monster I let run their way.
We looked around at the chamber.
Empty.
The giant wasn't there.
Bell and Lili sighed in relief. While Welf wiped a bead of sweat that had formed.
Bell glanced around nervously. "Should we be worried?"
"Maybe. We'll take the safe zone just in case," I said. "No point looking for something that's already gone."
I'd been wanting to check it out for a while now anyway. Apparently the place was special.They said there were vendors down here who didn't sell in Orario. Odd jobs. Rare items. Stuff you couldn't get up top.
I figured we could kill some time.
We reached the safe zone a while later. Bell was quiet. Lili was scanning every corner like she expected something to jump out. Welf was amusedly the most relaxed of them.
I looked around.
"So this is the safe haven." Lili said, looking around with an impressed look. "I heard that some people even live down here."
"How do they even survive?" Bell asked curiously.
"They probably sell special items for food brought from the surface." I mused.
"Do you think they sell any rare materials?" Welf perked up.
"The inflation of food must be high down here." Lili said.
"Yeah, well. The trip is meant to be dangerous." I replied amusedly.
Now wasn't that a business plan?
Setting up a teleportation formation down here wouldn't be hard, and I could simply deliver food from above with ease.
I adjusted my cloak and smiled a little. "Let's explore."
I looked around at the Safe Zone.
Crystals glowed faintly overhead, casting a soft white light across the stone paths that cut through the settlement. Wooden and metal stalls were set up in rows, manned by adventurers or merchants who had adventurers on their payroll.
There were no normal people here. Everyone carried weapons, and none of them seemed to be below level three. That was mainly a guess on my part but the gear they carried and the way they walked definitely suggested so.
The four of us explored for a bit, sure enough they had all sorts of weird semi-legal items down here.
I decided to let the three excited members of my Familia explore, which the added addition of my Basilisk that only Bell had agreed to carry.
Reluctantly, he had let the small serpent slither around his shoulders. She curled like a scarf and hissed in approval. Lili muttered something about how that was a horrible idea and followed along with a scowl.
"Explore," I told them. "Check the stalls. See if anything grabs your interest."
"You're not coming?" Bell asked.
"I've got my own interest."
Like a the flash of hair that belonged to a certain Elven girl who had my utmost attention.
I walked off, hands in my pockets, glancing over the weapon stalls that lined the north end.
Most of it was junk, meant for replacements or surface dwellers, but a few stalls caught my eye, runed blades, heat-treated axes, rare alloy daggers.
I picked up a few items of interested, such as a metal synthesised from a liger fangs tooth. Which was apparently incredibly durable.
After a while of wandering around, I finally caught sight of Riveria.
I grinned, I knew I had caught a glimpse of her earlier.
She was standing near a stall with elven weaponry, arms crossed, expression neutral. Her cloak was slightly dusted, like she'd just come off an expedition.
I simply raised an eyebrow when she pretended not to see me.
Wait a second… was she following me? She wasn't even looking at the weapons properly and she was a mage.
"It's been a while," I said casually, walking up to her.
"A week," she replied. Cold voice.
Frosty.
But her eyes lingered.
"Are you keeping track?" I teased.
She obviously wasn't happy.
"I didn't think I'd find you here," I added.
"I could say the same." she calmly replied. "What are you doing down here?"
"Exploring." I replied. "With my Familia."
I gave her a look.
"I am here with my Familia, we are in a raid party, planning to visit even deeper floors." Riveria informed me. "You came here with you Familia?"
"I did."
"I don't believe I've ever met your Familia before." Riveria said thoughtfully.
"I haven't met yours either, how scandalous." I gasped.
She rolled her eyes.
"So, wanna hang out?" I offered casually.
Only you would say something like that so casually despite my position." She sighed, but smiled. "I have some time to spare."
"How about you show me around?"
She didn't say anything right away, just turned and walked without waiting.
I let Riveria take the lead.
The stalls were packed tighter toward the back rows, where the real sellers were.
You had to look twice to even notice some of them, blank signs, low voices, no flashy colors. They weren't here for tourists. like the normal market was.
"This isn't the surface," Riveria said as we passed a stand covered in scale fragments and small vials. "You won't find anything mass-produced. Everything here is either looted, salvaged, or... barely legal."
I smirked at that last part.
"Perfect," I said. "I need a crossbow."
She stopped and looked at me sideways. "A crossbow?"
"For Lili. She's better with range, and if we're going deeper, I want something that doesn't snap in half after one shot."
"You could've said that earlier." She kept walking. "There's a shop three rows down that deals in enchanted weapons. Mostly crafted purely from monster drops. They look shabby but they are rather powerful."
We reached the stall. A long table was set beneath a flat canvas, weapons laid out in organized rows, daggers, short swords, twinblades, and a rack of ranged gear near the back.
Riveria crossed her arms as the shopkeeper glanced up.
He was an old dwarf with goggles pushed up into his hair.
"We are looking for a magical weapon." she said before I could.
"Type?" He gruffed.
"Crossbow," I added.
"A Crossbow? A rare type of weaponry I must admit. I'm assuming this is for some type of porter or support member lad?" He questioned.
I nodded, slightly surprised.
The dwarf nodded and moved behind the table. A minute later, he returned and dropped three crossbows onto the cloth.
All looked ragged and barely put together but surprisingly well-kept. One had faint carvings along the limbs. Another had a pulsing mana crystal embedded near the trigger.
The third looked newer, sleek frame, dark metal, but no markings.
Riveria picked up the first one and handed it to me. "Try this."
I gave her a look.
"It channels a small amount of magic through the bolt using the monster stone that will need to be recharged every hundred uses. Nothing fancy, but it boosts range and velocity. That's what you want." The Dwarf explained.
I turned it over in my hands. It had weight, but it was balanced. The enchantment was stable. Whoever used it before knew how to maintain gear.
"What's the spell tied to it?" I asked.
"Gale Shot. It'll send a burst of air if an arrow isn't inserted." the dwarf answered, scratching his beard.
"If an arrow is inserted?" I questioned.
"The monster stone will last longer and the arrow will give enhanced by air." He explained.
Riveria nodded. "What do you think?"
"It'll take it." I grinned.
After a long while of bargaining, I was able to buy it. As I handed over the Vali I had to wonder if I had won or lost that little bid.
The weapon had been expensive to say the least. But buying a good enough crossbow rather than having Welf make one suits me for now especially since I'm going to work with him on experimental stuff with monster crystals, his knowledge of magic sword and smithing and the materials I have liberated from advanced material science, aviation and other labs.
We left the stall, and Riveria didn't say anything for a bit. Just walked with her hands behind her back, scanning the other vendors.
"You're unusually helpful today," I said.
"I'm not going to let your supporter get herself killed because you don't know how to shop properly." She replied coldly.
"Much appreciated, my lady." I replied.
She gave me a glance but didn't comment.
Riveria continued showing me around.
We walked past another stall selling monster parts, teeth, scales, and multiple other items that were from even deeper floors.
"So where did you travel?" Riveria finally asked.
I could tell she had been wanting to ask that since the moment she saw me.
"A place far away." I said cryptically.
She narrowed her eyes.
"So you don't wish to tell me?" She questioned, her tone holding something…
"How about you tell me about yourself first. I stand in the presence of a princess and yet know nothing about her kingdom." I replied, dodging the question.
She huffed as we walked along the stalls.
Riveria didn't answer immediately. We kept walking, passing a vendor selling tattered maps and monster anatomy scrolls. Her steps were steady and her expression thoughtful.
"I was born in the capital of the elven nation, in the forest of Alfheim," she said finally. "My full name is Riveria Ljos Alf. Daughter of the high chieftain. Second in line."
She said it plainly, like it meant nothing, but I caught the way her tone shifted, as if she was used to downplaying it.
Someone didn't like being a princess.
"Why leave?" I asked.
"I didn't fit their mold and vision," she replied without hesitation. "I wanted to explore, to study magic where it actually mattered. Not to recite old doctrine from rotting books made by those much older."
I grinned. "I can't imagine they weren't thrilled."
She gave a soft breath. "They said I'd dishonored my bloodline. That I was throwing away my duty. But Loki accepted me into her Familia, and the rest is as you see."
I gave her a glance. "You ever thought about going back?"
"No," she said simply.
Fair enough.
She glanced at me. "Now your turn. Where did you go?"
I smirked. "Somewhere far... very different from this."
"More avoiding." She replied in annoyance.
I paused for a second, deciding how much I wanted to share.
"I guess it's a bit similar to yours, except I accidentally left so to speak." I mused.
"Similar?" She questioned.
"I'm technically a prince too," I added.
She raised an eyebrow. "Technically?"
"Long story. Complicated family tree. A dash of civil war and death, You wouldn't believe me even if I told you." I summarised what I knew up.
Riveria gave me a long look. "I already don't believe half of what comes out of your mouth."
I smirked. "Fair."
Just ahead, I spotted Bell waving from near one of the potion vendors. Lili was beside him, arms crossed and Welf had a skewer of meat halfway to his mouth.
My Basilisk was still wrapped around Bell's shoulders, hissing softly as she observed a passing adventurer.
"Let me introduce you to my Familia."
-{Freya}-
She smiled to herself, thinking about the next move she was finally making.
Zephyrion didn't realise how much attention he was gathering.
Two Level threes that had risen at a rate basically unheard of. An unknown Famila coming in with monster items that should be way ahead of the capabilities they possessed.
She was sure if Zephyrion wasn't such a man of solitude he would know this by now.
His name was spreading, rightfully so.
She wanted him, and others were beginning to want him too.
Such as Apollo.
Originally, she planned to let Apollo do as he wished. If he succeeded, then she would be able to get her hands on Zephyrion. Since Apollo wouldn't dare defy her, in that case, she would get Zephyrion legally and without foul play. She could even come in as a Hero, gaining his trust.
If Apollo failed… she would get to see more of his capabilities for the future.
That had been the original plan, but with Zephyrion's continued disappearances. She felt the need to speed things up. She didn't want to risk that he may not come back permanently.
To leave the many of the questions she had unfulfilled.
Syr hadn't been able to get close to him.
So now she was speeding up the process.
The Apollo Familia would be well funded with magical items to help them win the War Game.
Once Apollo won, Hestia would be crushed and sent to Tenkai.
Apollo would serve as her villain so she could arrive as the Hero.
-{Zephyrion Gremory}-
I looked at the man incredulously.
He stood outside my Familia's home, chest puffed out like he thought he was someone important. Probably a mid-ranked officer in Apollo's Familia, though he wasn't strong enough to bother remembering.
Behind him were two more.
He'd come with an official challenge.
Which confirmed my thought. That showing had been a poorly played out attempt at baiting me.
Their God wanted to speak to me.
Because I kicked one of their members. Apparently I had hospitalised him, and retribution was needed.
So this was the play.
I let the words hang in the air for a second, trying to process the stupidity of it all.
I didn't regret my actions. I'm sure I could get out of this if I wanted. Easily in fact. Even with my Sin Of Wrath afflicting me I had been prepared for any consequences that would be received from kicking the man.
Yet, this presented an opportunity.
I knew that this had been a canon event, even if my knowledge was fuzzy. I was pretty sure it hadn't meant to happen so soon, but then again me and Bell had grown incredibly quickly.
Stealing the wealth of a well-known established Familia who was going to cause problems either way was appealing.
Plus I needed to let off some steam.
It'd serve as a warning to any God looking to mess with my Familia that I won't hold back.
It was a stretch of a justification, but with Apollo's influence, the Guild had accepted it. The rules allowed it, especially if they could frame it as a "Familia conflict."
"Are you sure this is what your God wants?" I asked flatly.
"You have assaulted-"
"Don't care." I interrupted. "Also, not an answer to my question."
"It would be an insult to his nam-"
"Again, I don't care." I replied. "It's a simple question, or are you too stupid not to speak in riddles?"
He gritted his teeth. "Yes, this is what my God wants."
"Alright."
He waited for me to continue, but received nothing. "So? Do you accept?"
"No?" I asked.
I was baiting him, just in case Hestia decided that she didn't want to risk it.
His eye twitched. "Then?"
"Then what?" I asked boredly.
"Will you accept-"
"Will I accept what?" I cut him off, looking serious.
His eye twitched again. "The War Game!"
"What's a War Game?" I asked innocently.
"You know what a War Game is!" he snapped.
"Do I?" I tilted my head. "Sounds like something children play."
"It's a formal battle between Familias sanctioned by the Guild!" He replied after taking a deep breath.
"Oh, that sounds serious. Why didn't you just say that from the beginning?"
His face was turning red. "I've been trying to explain-"
"Have you? Because you keep talking about your God wanting to speak to me, then something about assault, then insults, and now games. Are you sure you have the right person?" I asked with a bored look.
"You kicked Hyacinthus!"
"Did I? When?" I questioned thoughtfully.
"Three days ago at the tavern!"
"Which tavern? I go to a lot of taverns." I nodded.
"The Hostess of Fertility!"
"Oh right, that guy. What about him?"
"You hospitalized him!" He spat.
"Did I? How unfortunate. Was he okay?" I asked with concern.
The messenger looked like he was about to have an aneurysm. "That's why Lord Apollo demands satisfaction!"
"Satisfaction? What kind of satisfaction? Is your God hungry? I know a good restaurant." I replied, pulling out a bag of Vali.
"WILL YOU ACCEPT THE TERMS OR SHALL I TELL THE GUILD YOU REFUSED." He shouted.
"Bell." I called for my lieutenant.
Bell came quickly, since he had been peeking around the corner of the hallway in any case.
"Zephyrion Sir?" He asked.
"Please tell this man that I don't appreciate his loud tone." I sniffed.
"Uh. Okay." He turned to the Apollo member innocently. "He doesn't appreciate your tone, please lower it."
The man tried to take a breath. "If you're intentionally trying to vex me it will not work!"
I blinked, as if just seeing him for the first time.
"Who are you again?"
He roared and went to slap me.
I pushed Bell in the way and when the slap connected, I pushed him back with enough force that he went flying through to the other side of the corridors.
Sorry Bell.
But I couldn't risk looking wounded.
He wouldn't be too damaged anyway.
I gasped.
"Rose, did you see that!" I shouted.
The three men turned, and to their horror Rose stood like the sexy wolf she was.
She sent me an unamused look.
When they had first arrived I had secretly sent Lily to go get her.
Now we had a guild official witness.
"Y-you have no proof!" He shouted.
I took out a device that had been attached to the wall, a hologram of his actions playing out.
"No?"
He scowled, and stepped forward.
My fist landed in his stomach, picking his body up and folding it over my arm. I grabbed his shirt to stop him from flying back.
"Leave." I ordered.
The two men quickly carried him out.
"Really?" Rose questioned, even as she glared at the men.
I shrugged. "I need to consult Hestia before getting into any war games."
She sighed.
Today was a good day.
-{Ouranos}-
The chamber beneath Babel was quiet.
Ouranos stood in front of the central terminal, his expression thoughtful. His eyes seemingly saw through the constructs around him as the Great God inspected the dungeon.
The Dungeon had changed.
A worrying and confusing prospect. The dungeon was evolving and reacting to some unknown factor he could not divine.
It was seemingly happening at random, and had briefly stopped in what the humans would calculate as a week.
The dungeon's changes were subtle at first. Slight fluctuations. A few odd migration patterns among monsters. Nothing too alarming. But dungeon floods had been happening more and more, strange mutations.
It was like a God was sneaking into the dungeon, yet there wasn't. He had checked. And yet, the monsters were spawning in greater numbers there. Stronger variants. Some had unusual traits, mutations even.
The abruptness of this change was naturally worrying.
The guild had been put on high alert, giving all adventurers warnings to be on the lookout for any potential abnormal occurrences.
The Dungeon was reacting, and he didn't know what was causing…
He looked at the sphere depicting a moving video of real-time footage. The sphere showed a young crimson haired teenage man with multi colored eyes casually walking.
The culprit had been found.
-END-
Chapter: 36
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.
(War Games)
I adjusted my grip on the weapon that Hestia had given me, which currently took the form of a long spear.
My basilisk slithered silently under my clothes, shifting to get in a comfortable position as she enjoyed the warmth of my body. I was on the 14th floor. Mostly looking for Minotaurs.
Bell and Lili were hanging out with Hestia. Welf was doing Welf things by himself in his temporary forge so I had some time to kill.
A group of Minotaurs rounded the corner ahead.
The massive, bull-headed creatures that should have charged immediately upon seeing us. Instead, they hesitated, snorting and pawing at the ground like they were weighing whether we were worth the trouble.
"You guys wouldn't happen to know the way around would you?" I questioned.
I was lost.
Now, I can't say that this was entirely my fault since this place was confusing.
The Minotaurs titled their heads as if they understood what I was saying. For a moment I almost expected the large bulky figures to pull out a map only to receive a roar instead.
I shifted my desire to the weapon I had bought for me. It was definitely divine.
It changed into a pristine golden sword with blue letters carved on its surface.
My sword carved through the first one's neck before it could raise its axe. Instead of outright using any magic or just relying on my superior speed, I used my sword to deflect the Minotaur axe away.
The Minotaur stumbled back, and I let the other one charge.
I brought my sword up in a defensive stance, remembering the basic lessons I'd received but never really put into practice.
The Minotaur's axe came down in a powerful overhead strike. Instead of simply overpowering it, I angled my blade to redirect the force, stepping to the side as the axe scraped harmlessly past.
I doubt this would work so smoothly without my superior strength and speed but it couldn't hurt to try.
These were the best monsters I could find that would imitate fighting against another humanoid.
The second Minotaur stumbled forward from its momentum, and I brought my sword around in a horizontal slash. Not perfect form, but it got the job done.
The third Minotaur was more cautious now, having seen its companions fall. It circled me slowly, looking for an opening.
I advanced, keeping my guard up. When it finally attacked, I parried rather than dodged, feeling the shock of impact travel up my arms.
My form was sloppy, but I was learning. The divine weapon seemed to hum with approval as I worked to improve my technique rather than rely purely on overwhelming power.
The Minotaur swung again, a wide horizontal arc. I ducked under it and stepped in close, driving my sword up into its chest.
I nodded in satisfaction.
The Minotaurs were physically powerful, probably a level three in pure power even if the level two's could beat them.
I spent a little longer on the 14th floor, working through the last few Minotaurs.
My sword stayed responsive to my will, and I decided to mostly practise with a sword first which was the only weapon the devil part of me was familiar with.
I didn't waste energy using magic.
I kept moving. Floor 15, then 16.
The monsters got a bit tougher, but not by much.
Not bad for someone mostly winging it.
Eventually, I stopped pretending I was just "training" and made the decision. I looked down the next set of stairs, into the deeper levels of the Dungeon.
I felt my basilisk shift under my clothes, her tongue flicking against my skin.
When I found a staircase leading down, I descended. I didn't stop at 20. I passed 21 and 24. I finally slowed down when I reached Floor 27.
Monsters came fast.
What I believed to be a Sahuagin lunged out from a pool, trident raised, only for my sword to catch it mid-charge. The monster screamed and fell back, and I followed with a second slash that opened its chest.
I didn't bother picking up the monster stone, as I used small bursts of magic to make them float into my bottomless pouch.
I hummed as a large burst of water exploded upwards as what I could identify as a Whirlpool Elemental rose nearby, its form swirling with water and faint magic.
It didn't waste its time, its two eyes locking onto me and sending a blast of high-pressure water shot at me.
I slashed at it, not before layering a variety of the shielding charms I had created with the liberal use of imagination magic. It burst apart in a splash of steam and light. I briefly sent the sword an astonished look
Before I zipped forward and slashed through the monster.
For a while, I was in the zone
Killing, testing and observing.
The dungeon was the perfect place to test out any new spells I modified or fighting styles to develop. As morbid as it was, I could kill without consequence.
I stopped on a narrow bridge, water moving below.
My basilisk moved slightly.
"We are being watched." Is hissed.
They had been for a little while as I traversed the dungeon.
Since they were watching and presumably hiding from me.
The Apollo Familia perhaps? Or the secret Familia that I had encountered a few times. It hadn't been hard to figure out that someone had been watching me. Having multiple beings watching me from the roof and the strange situation with the Apollo Familia.
I wiped my blade clean, frowning at the unusual behaviour.
The water below rippled.
I tilted my head and looked up.
There, half-shrouded in the ceiling's broken stone, was something watching me. Glowing eyes with slit pupils. Grey, stony skin. Wings tucked tight against a wide frame.
Definitely not human.
It was a monster.
A second too late, he realized I'd spotted him.
With a sharp beat of his wings, he launched from the ceiling, stone flaking off behind him as he dove straight down, claws out. His face was twisted with surprise.
I stepped aside and caught him by the throat mid-dive.
He choked out a breath, body jerking as we hit the ground. His talons scraped at the stone, his tail swinging out to regain balance. We locked eyes. His hands gripped my arm.
"What are you?" he rasped.
I blinked.
"You can talk?"
I found a stony fist swinging towards my face for my efforts. I pushed him away and deftly avoided the wild punch. I pushed aside another hit and kicked him away. Not truly attempting to kill him but defending myself.
"You are not human." The being stated. "Yet, you share a human appearance."
He sent another flurry of punches that I weaved through, sending a hard punch of my own that pushed the monster back. With its large wings, it attempted to fly and I decided to let my leathery wings explode out of my back.
The monster's eyes widened, and all its hostility seemingly vanished.
Again, I must ask. What are you?" The monster said. "I've never seen anything like you."
I went to respond, only for the monster's eyes to narrow. Its body moved and It promptly dove from its spot in the air, gaining momentum and flying
through a crack in the floor.
I gave chase and quickly found that it led to more corridors. I attempted to follow him more out of curiosity than anything but found myself losing him rather quickly.
Well, wasn't that interesting?
I stayed still for a moment, thoughtful as I stared at the area where the monster had abruptly fled.
It seemed there was more to the dungeon than just mindless monsters, so I briefly scanned my foggy memory of the events of the canon timeline. Only to find myself coming short.
Then again, I had known that by the strange reaction to my presence that the dungeon had.
I decided to search around for a while, continuing my training while half-looking for the monster. After an hour of finding nothing, I decided to head back up to the surface.
-Scene Break-
I looked at the envelope with the Guild's insignia etched on the front of it. Officially stamped and sealed. Rose held it out reluctantly, her eyes shining with concern even if it wasn't noticeable to most.
"This is official," she said, voice flat. "You were right. The Apollo Familia really were up to something. It seems you have something they want and in typical Apollo Familia fashion they are using force to get it."
I nodded, not surprised. "So that's what they wanted."
"Do you have any idea as to what they want?" Rose asked.
"No. I've got multiple people watching me so it could be a lot of things." I replied thoughtfully.
"Right… and what did you do to earn this attention?" She asked flatly.
I sent her an aghast stare. "I'll have you know that for once I think it was something beyond me."
"Sure." She replied. "At least you have yourself a way out, though this has gained some traction. What do you intend to do?"
I shrugged. "I want to speak it over with Hestia first but… if I can, I want to take everything of their worth."
Rose sighed with a tight twitching smile. "I'm sure you do, do you realise the Apollo Familia is pretty strong? They are a mid-tier Familia with over a hundred members and more than a couple of level threes. While on paper the Hestia Familia is a low-tier Familia."
"Yes, well. That's why it's 'on paper' and not the reality of the matter." I sniffed.
"Zephyrion, you have three members including yourself," Rose replied patiently.
"And? I'd still beat them." I half-pouted.
Still, my eyes remained on the text formally decreeing the challenge and the subtle threats of what would happen if we were not to accept the War Game.
"Perhaps… and I doubt you have to worry about them invading your home if you say no." She said, pointedly looking at my Familia.
That had certainly been a shock for her once I revealed the large monster lazily sleeping around after she had passed through the wards.
It was strange.
No one outside or those who even stepped in could see them unless you went into the garden area at the front. Of course, if he left the boundaries then he would be seen, but he seemed content to sleep around.
She sighed. "This puts you in a tight spot. Be careful, Zephyrion."
"I'll try" I replied, taking the envelope. "Thanks, Rose."
She didn't look convinced, but she let me go.
I stepped into the house and closed the door behind me.
Hestia was already waiting in the main room, arms crossed. Her expression was unnaturally serious.
"What do you think?" I asked, knowing full well she had been eavesdropping as she did when Rose came around.
"She's right, Zeph," Hestia replied worriedly. "They aren't a small Familia."
I became thoughtful.
"What can I expect from a War Game?" I decided to ask.
"A War Game is a sanctioned battle between two Familia's," Hestia explained, arms crossed. "The Gods agree on the rules, the guild oversees it, and the outcome is binding by law. Whoever wins gains the demands set before the War Game begins."
She glanced towards me. "It's usually a way to settle grudges or status disputes… in this case, it seems Apollo is trying to leverage it against us."
"I see."
I walked over and dropped onto the couch.
She raised an eyebrow at my thoughtful look. "Why? I'm assuming you have some reason for not being more resistant to it."
I gave a small shrug. "There's an opportunity here."
She moved to sit beside me, close enough to brush my shoulders. "What kind of opportunity?"
"They clearly want something," I said. "And they think this will be an easy win. So we take the game. And in return, we take everything they put on the table."
She chewed her lip, frowning. "But that leaves the question… can you win? And will you get hurt in the process?"
I didn't answer right away. Then I reached over, pulled her gently onto my lap, and ran a hand through her hair.
"Of course."
She nodded.
"But if you disagree, I've made a way out," I informed her.
She perked up. "How?"
"Technically when they first came to declare themselves I baited them into 'hurting' Bell," I replied.
Her eyes gleamed. "Is that why you keep wrapping him in bandages every time he goes out?"
"Yes, if you are against it. I'm sure I could push back. But I doubt they will give up." I said, stroking her back.
She sighed heavily. "You know, there was a time I would have thought this was super cool. Now, it fills me with a horrible sensation."
"Understandable, as cute as you act. You are still a Goddess." I replied easily.
It was easy to forget that key fact.
Sometimes Hestia had moments where a hint of that ageless Goddess peeked through, emotions that I simply wasn't old enough to understand shifting through her eyes.
"Be as it may, I'm a Goddess that's found true love," Hestia replied, giving me a strange smile.
I hummed. "Yeah, That'll do it."
She giggled, and she cupped a hand to my face. "You don't realise how special that is. Do you? A virgin Goddess who's had dozens of Gods try their hand."
I smirked at her overly noble and prideful tone.
I rubbed my hands through her prominent curves slowly. "Not to brag, but I'm not exactly a common find either."
I mean, I was a Devil. A devil prince if I was really going for it.
So unless any other Devils learnt how to travel to other worlds I doubt she would find someone else like me in this world.
"I guess you are unlike any others I have met in this world." She said mysteriously.
"I would hope so, any other Devils being here may be cause for concern," I responded amusedly.
"Oh yeah, that too." She replied, leaning in and kissing me with a love I truly believed only a long-lived being could provide.
For a moment, I was drowned in the love and passion I had somehow stumbled upon.
She pulled back.
Hestia tilted her head. "Regarding your decision to take on the Apollo Familia. You do realize you'll only be allowed to bring Bell, Welf and Lili, right? No monsters. They don't count…"
"I heard," I said, giving her a crooked grin. "Apollo's Familia is big."
She nodded, clearly worried.
"But quality," I said, "Has its own worth against sheer quantity."
I picked her up by her thighs and carried her to my room, all the while she giggled uncontrollably.
-{Razgul Jenners}-
He listened as the announcement of the Hestia Familia and Apollo Familia was made.
He listened as the announcement of the Hestia Familia and Apollo Familia was made.
Interesting. Was the general consensus.
A War Game didn't happen too much, and to have one waged against the rapidly upcoming Hestia Familia was a topic of interest. The Guildhall buzzed with subdued conversations as adventurers and staff processed the news.
War Games were rare enough that most people hadn't witnessed one, let alone one involving such mismatched opponents.
Apollo Familia had over a hundred members, while Hestia Familia could be counted on one hand.
He found himself thinking about the two rapidly upcoming prodigies that had everyone talking.
Bell Cranel and the mysterious captain whose real name seemed to be a closely guarded secret. In just a few months, they had levelled up faster than anyone in recorded history.
The Guild's record keepers were practically pulling their hair out trying to verify the advancement speeds.
Everyone was more than a little curious to know their secret.
Some claimed it was a unique blessing from Hestia herself. Others whispered about forbidden magic or ancient artefacts.
The more paranoid suggested they were somehow cheating the system, though nobody could figure out how. And any God you spoke to would highly doubt a mortal could cheat a divine system. Which was to say it's impossible.
He'd heard at least a dozen different theories in the past week alone.
Many rumours about their captain being incredibly more powerful than what a Level 3 should permit travelled through the city like wildfire.
Adventurers who had seen him in action spoke in hushed tones about techniques that shouldn't be possible at his supposed level. The man had become something of a known figure with his prominent crimson hair.
Various names were being thrown about.
Such things happened when you grew to be noteworthy such as the Sword Princess, the Nine Hell elven princess and such other people.
It was a shame that the Apollo Familia had decided to take action in what was clearly a case of bullying against a smaller familia.
Apollo's reputation for collecting beautiful people was well known, and it seemed someone in the Hestia Familia had caught his attention. The god's persistence had crossed the line from annoying to predatory many years ago.
The War Game was obviously rigged from the start. Apollo had engineered the entire situation, from the public confrontation to the terms of engagement. He probably expected an easy victory that would let him absorb Hestia's children into his own familia.
Standard power play from a god with too much time and too little shame.
Still, he found himself looking forward to seeing how the infamous distant captain would handle the situation.
The betting pools were already forming near the Guild's information boards.
Most money was going toward Apollo, obviously, but a surprising number of people were putting small amounts on Hestia. Long-shot bets with massive payouts if they somehow pulled off a miracle.
He glanced at the official announcement board one more time before heading toward the dungeon entrance.
Whatever happened, it would be worth watching.
-{Zephyrion Gremory}-
The Guild's central hall was packed.
Gods, Familia members, and officials stood as the announcement of a formal War Game was confirmed.
Hestia stood beside me, her fists clenched so tightly her knuckles were white.
Across from us, lounging like a king before his court, was Apollo.
He wore that insufferable smirk, his golden hair practically glowing under the hall's lights, surrounded by a small entourage of his smug, well-dressed followers.
They were overly confident. They knew they had numbers. They knew they had the supposed upper hand. Everyone in the room did.
Good.
That served me well.
I could feel my devil instincts humming.
The strange almost semi-conscious feelings that it gave me had the same thoughts as me.
It's a good position to be underestimated.
Apollo leaned forward, voice like syrup. "Shall we settle on terms, then?"
I had wanted to settle the terms in person, so I could be there to influence his decision-making and leverage the fact he was making a spectacle of himself.
I stepped forward, my boots echoing with each step against the marble floor.
"I propose different stakes."
That got everyone's attention.
Apollo's brows rose. "Oh?"
"If we win," I said, voice clear. "Apollo relinquishes everything. His estate. His wealth. All titles, and his main domain, especially the domain of the sun. All of it goes to Hestia."
Gasps broke out across the room. Even the Guild official looked stunned.
Hestia shot me a look. "Zephyrion, what are you-"
Apollo stood, laughter dancing on his tongue. "Everything? You'd make me a beggar, little bird?"
"You'd still be a god," I said simply. "Just one without your main Domain."
He looked at me in amusement, clearly wondering how I planned to take his domain away.
"And if you lose?" Apollo asked, tone lighter now. Mocking.
I looked him straight in the eyes.
"Then I serve you. For life."
The room fell dead silent.
Hestia grabbed my sleeve. "Zephyrion, you can't-"
"It's fine," I said softly to her. "Trust me."
Apollo's smirk widened into a grin, teeth showing.
I'm sure that little showing from Hestia had helped, not that it was prompted as she pinched my hand with a grip that I'm sure was borderline using her divine power.
"I accept."
He motioned to his follower, who pulled out a scroll and quill.
But I raised my hand first.
"No need."
I reached into my coat and pulled out a scroll of my own.
I handed it over.
Apollo took it, amused. "You came prepared?"
"I've met enough gods to know how you think," I replied. "Just to make it even more official."
I was going to have his ass. I had thought about stealing his divinity myself. But I honestly don't think the contract would allow me. It wasn't all-powerful and I truly believed it would only work on Hestia.
Which was why the contract had parts of Hestia's hair and a drop of her blood infused into it.
Hopefully, Hestia would get it and the contract would work.
He unrolled the scroll, and his gaze flicked over the clauses. He hesitated for a second, one breath, barely noticeable, before signing with a flourish.
He turned to me, missing the way it glowed and gave me a smug smile. "Let's see how far your little bluff goes. You only have three other people in your Familia."
He gestured dramatically to the hall. "While I have dozens of elite adventurers at my beck and call. How do you intend to win?"
I smiled, just a little.
The Guild official coughed and raised his voice. "By the power of the Guild and the consent of the deities involved, the War Game between Apollo and Hestia Familias is declared official. The format will be a castle siege, the Apollo Familia will defend, and Hestia Familia will attack. Preparations begin immediately."
I clicked my tongue.
A defence role would have been an easy win.
Apollo turned with a satisfied grin, walking off with his entourage. One of them, the smirking blonde swordswoman, Pheliyan, if I remember right, gave me a mocking bow as she passed.
Hestia rounded on me the moment they were gone.
"What the Heavens was that Zephyrion?!" she hissed. "Do you even understand what you just gambled?!"
I didn't flinch. "Yes."
"You bet your life." She hissed, looking more than a little worried.
"I bet what was necessary," I replied, wincing as Hestia glared at me for the first times
Her voice lowered. "Nothing about that was necessary. Even my own life is not worth this risk. How could you?"
"Hestia. I will win." I replied confidently.
She stared at me for a long moment.
"This doesn't excuse your bet. Nothing should be worth your eternal servitude. You better win this, or I'll be forced to extremes." She replied heatedly.
"Oh?"
"Don't think I won't break the divine rule and unleash my Godly form if they try to take you from me," Hestia whispered, and I couldn't help myself as I pulled her into a deep kiss.
I didn't care at the way many Gods gawked or when Bell covered his eyes innocently.
"I won't let it come to that. Trust me." I assured her.
She nodded into my chest, and my eyes narrowed slightly.
We waited briefly as the match grounds were being set up, Bell, Welf and Lili sitting with me.
Bell looked determined, Lili looked worried and exasperated while Welf was showing a grim expression. "So…" Welf started. "What exactly prompted you to think this was a good idea?"
His tone strangely enough seemed more curious than anything.
"I didn't start this, Welf," I replied lightly.
"Yeah, but you could have gotten us out of it." Lili pointed out. "Isn't that why you kept wrapping Bell up like a mummy? To bounce with claims of our own."
"That was the plan, but there's an opportunity to be had here," I said.
"You always say that," Lili replied blandly. "Literally, every single situation you find yourself in is somehow an opportunity."
"Indeed," I replied as if I was a wise monk.
"Do you have a plan?" Bell asked.
"I do." I nodded.
"It would have been better if we got to play defence with your warding skills." Lili sighed.
Tell me about it.
"It'll be fine. Being able to attack could work for us as well. From what I know they don't have any large-scale magical users, so that'll start to our advantage." I responded.
"As for roles, I think you'll be the long-ranged support." I decided.
While Lili was only level one, approaching level two. She was a very good shot, to the point that it was a serious talent of the small Pallum.
With the magical crossbow I bought her, it would give her the punch she needed.
Lili frowned thoughtfully, adjusting the thick strap on her magical crossbow. "So, what, you want me sniping while you draw the heat?"
I gave her a slow nod. "Exactly. You've got good aim, and with the enchanted bolts I gave you, you'll be able to pierce most armour. Think of it like an artillery role, but more precise. Stay high, stay mobile, and make your shots count."
She smirked. "I like that."
Bell tilted his head. "And me?"
I chuckled at the sheer determination in his eyes.
Bell had become a weapon. With the intense training genuinely turning him into something his canon self would be demolished by at this stage of time.
I glanced at him, eyes sharpening with focus. "You're going to be my chaos-maker."
"Chaos-maker?" he echoed.
"I want you to slip in when I draw their front. They'll be focused on me, my name's on the contract, after all. I'm the one they want to humiliate. You keep to the shadows, watch for openings, strike fast, and move. Cut ropes, take down supports, and scatter their backline. If we cause confusion behind their formation, they'll collapse from both sides."
Bell's eyes lit up slightly. "I can do that. But are you sure you don't want me to join you? I could be of help, my training with Takemikazuchi hasn't gone to waste."
"It'll be fine." I smiled. "Believe it or not I've been getting accustomed to fighting massive groups of people lately."
Welf stuck his hand up. "What am I to do?"
"Stay with Lili, they'll probably attempt to do something about her and having extra support will make me less focused on her," I replied.
Welf nodded, leaning back with a grin. "You think we can win this?"
"Oh, Zephyrion is winning," Hestia spoke up.
Just then the ground rumbled lightly. Trumpets began to sound. The announcer's voice rang through the coliseum.
The trumpets cut through the air, the Guild's announcer projecting across the grounds with magical amplification.
"The War Game will now begin! Attackers, take your positions!"
The field they stood on wasn't some open arena, it was a man-made battlefield, with a towering stone fortress at one end, surrounded by a defensive wall.
The Apollo Familia quickly took up their positions in the distance. Armoured adventurers stood along the parapets, archers knocking arrows, while others moved into formation near the outer gate.
Hestia, now seated in the Divine Box where the gods were to observe, stared down with furrowed brows. Her hands were clasped tightly in her lap, lips drawn in a thin line.
Bell was tightening the straps of his armour, eyes locked on the fortress-like it was prey. Welf adjusted his sword, checking Lili's crossbow for the last time.
"Alright." I started. "It seems this is it, remember the plan and let me do the most of it."
Welf and Lili nodded determinedly, both of them having a strange glint in their eyes and Bell sent me a hesitant look.
"Is there a problem?" I asked lightly.
"No… it's just, are you sure? I could be more useful helping you at the front." Bell asked conflictingly.
I knew he wanted to prove himself. While it was easy to overlook, me and Bell had become rather close.
Beyond the fact I had taken him off the street and given him a chance to work at his dream, which was already enough to make him completely loyal to me.
It was the little things such as eating together after a dungeon dive that had built up an even more fierce loyalty.
"I'll be fine. I've got a plan, and it's going to be destructive. So it's best if you are ready to sneak behind enemy lines." I replied calmly, I pulled out the cloak and his eyes widened.
Bell knew what the cloak did. Which was why he nodded, leaving to flank them.
Due to the flat plains, we were probably visible to the Adventurers on the tower.
It was a good thing I had learnt a rather useful wizarding spell for this.
I took out my wand to preserve my demonic power.
"Fumos."
A massive stream of mist began pervading the area, streaming directly to the fortress as I attempted to create a wall of mist around the large castle.
-{Riveria Ljos}-
Riveria sat with a blank mask even as excitement slithered through her as she watched the large floating screen.
She couldn't deny she was excited.
Zephyrion was obviously a prodigal magic user like herself, and learning about him had only made her more curious.
As smoke erupted in dense waves, she analysed it intently.
The screen focused on Zephyrion as he seemed to be the main focus of attention.
She glanced over to Hestia, his goddess.
Strangely, a twinge of something strange entered her as she thought of the two of them kissing earlier. Her eyes glazed over as that feeling grew as she thought about it, a brief vision of her figure overlapping with the Goddess before she shook her head.
As she wanted Zephyrion intently, she flinched at the giggle that resounded from next to her. Tione giggled.
"You look rather focused, Riveria." She teased.
Riveria didn't grace her win an answer, watching as Zephyrion prepared what was obviously a powerful spell.
-{Satomi Suzuki}-
Satomi chewed on her nails, her long hair falling beyond her as she stared at the ground in front of her.
Drawn in blood-red chalk, rimmed with ancient glyphs I barely recalled copying from Zephyrion's demonic contracts, the summoning circle pulsed like a living heart at the centre of the Throne Room.
The floor around it had been cleared by Albedo's command, none were allowed to stand within twenty meters of it, save those chosen for the ritual.
Demiurge entered, chained slaves closely dragged along, the knights from the Re-Estize Kingdom that she had enslaved after finding them attacking a village nearby.
Satomi barely paid attention to them, a wave of green seemingly stopping her from feeling anything at the death that was sure to come as they were used to power the circle.
"Supreme One." Demiurge gently bowed.
"Demiurge." She replied, only slightly stiff at the strangeness of speaking to a previously non-sentient being. "Is everything ready?"
"Yes, our tenth attempt is ready. With the demonic circle meticulously inscribed and the artefact Wishing Ring Primed for activation, I am confident this ritual will succeed. This time, I truly believe we shall open a gate, one that draws His Majesty Zephyrion back to us," Demiurge said calmly.
The Wishing Ring had two charges left. Since she had already gone through one of them, Zephyrion had apparently bought all of the Wishing Rings that appeared in the store as flash sales on gacha items.
The circle was perfect.
Demiurge orchestrated the ritual.
Shalltear and Cocytus stood guard at opposite flanks.
The Pleiades, kneeling, each held a single black candle.
The NPCs had become fixated. Obsessed.
Every effort, every word spoken in hushed tones during meetings. The single line she had written into them had changed them to such an extent that it left her fascinated.
The way he'd once spoken, the few gestures he made when he visited them… burned into their memory. Satomi had found that they remembered his brief time here.
Satomi could admit that she was rather worried for Zephyrion. She had only done it as a joke.
It was useful, as they dedicated themselves to bringing him here. Which was Satomi's wish as well.
Power travelled through the hall, magic that she could actually sense travelled into the circle as the slaves were killed. Making the circle one of sacrifice.
She activated the wishing ring. Her wish connected with the demonic circle and a gate briefly opened up, a little slither of familiar crimson hair.
Light peered in and everyone in the room from the Pleiades to the guardian looked on in excitement and awe.
That all came to a screeching halt as the demonic circle began crackling, and the amount of magic passing through dropped substantially.
It was abrupt, but the entirety of the circle exploded and the magic fizzled off.
The brief visage of crimson hair was gone and in its place was a brief silence.
Satomi sighed.
Demiurge went to apologise but she held up her hand, a wide smile alight on her face.
"It worked. We simply need more power." She commented.
"Very wise, Supreme one. Travelling worlds was never going to be a task that didn't require a substantial amount of magical power." Demiurge replied.
Satomi smiled giddily.
They had found a way to retrieve Zephyrion.
Now they needed only to find a way to power such a spell.
-END-