~ 8 Years before canon ~
It was a calm day, and yet, it was no longer so calm. For in Hera's little cottage not too far from Orario, in a small country called Beltane, a rather annoying visitor appeared. He was a god with black hair, wearing a suit almost reflecting the sight of a butler. And right now he sat at a table with his one and only child, Vito standing behind him. There was an active silence before he spoke.
"Is it alright it I-" He started, and was immediately interrupted.
"Noisy…"
"Erebus, why don't you tell me what this is all about. Just spit it out."
"Very well, Hera, I want to take Alfia, Ceraunius, Gamelia, and Zald for my plan. My plan to force Orario to grow. Right now they are weak, and even weaker willed."
"You want my recently married darlings to attack Orario just like that? No, not happening. I refuse to allow any impediment on Ceraunius & Gamelia's happiness. As for Alfia, and Zald, they're grown, and should ask them for their opinion."
"I-I see. My apologies for asking."
"I'll do it." Zald said in a gruff tone as if he was finally able to choose something that would help.
"Zald, you can't!" Ceraunius stood in contest. "You'd be dragging Zeus' name through the mud. No matter how noble the effort is. It'll be a stain on his name, I…"
"I know what you mean, Ceraunius. You have a similar reaction to hearing it as he would. I'm sorry but, I too believe that Orario is currently pathetic. Sure they have Ottar, and Demi Ymir. But aside for them, the rest might as well be little more than food for that thing." He explained himself…
"Well, hold on now, I'd like to explain my plan fully, for all of you. Vito, I'm sorry child, but you know why I can't allow you to hear this, right?"
"I understand. I'll wait outside."
"Good boy, Vito."
Vito left the room, and Erebus began explaining his elaborate plans for the assault on Orario. Despite everything he said, no one flinched. Not because they were heartless, but rather it was quite easy to tell, this would still be nothing compared to the sights of that dragon. Every adventurer at the table, even the 15 year old Ceraunius and Gamelia had experienced significantly worse. Silence fell upon the room, the only sound being the sipping of Hera's tea.
"I'll help you." Alfia uttered. More words in a few seconds than she normally spoke in a day.
Alfia and Zald gave each other a look as if understanding something else needed to be done. And Zald spoke up for both of them.
"Erebus, our aid comes with conditions."
"Of course. I am prepared to hear them."
"First, we need things to help us make it another year for this plan of yours. I can hardly be expected to survive that long as I am now. As for Alfia, she's definitely not going to make it that long at this rate."
"Done. I've already started acquiring the things you would both need."
"Good, second… We can't do it as members of our old familias. We simply can't do that. I'm fine with giving Zeus a bad rep from time to time, but Ceraunius hasn't done anything to deserve this."
"You mean, convert to my familia? That could be risky, if I'm attacked out of some mortal's idea that it would be better… I don't think I could blame them, and while unlikely, it's still a possibility."
"No need for that. Just say that we've converted, that should be enough." Zald waved his hand, as if it was a useless worry, but accepted nonetheless. "With those two around, I doubt it would be easy even for Maxim to lay a finger on Hera. They're both strong, and dependable."
"I agree." Alfia added with her serene voice.
Ceraunius and Gamelia were struggling to hold back their tears. But did so all the same.
"Mother, I'd like to go into the city and level up before everything goes crazy again." Gamelia stated, Ceraunius nodded in agreement.
"You'll be trying for Level 7 then… Fine, I know the two of you will keep each other safe. But, be sure to come back before they do their test of Orario, there's no reason for you to be involved."
"Understood." Gamelia said… rubbing her husband's hand.
"Erebus… Your plan, it's stupid. I don't foresee it leaving the city stronger overall."
"Hmm? And what do you…"
"Silence! I am king, you will listen."
"Zeus?"
"Yes, now listen up, Erebus, you want this to result in truly strengthening the city. So, I'll have Ceraunius, with his wife's aid, make up a list of those who must not be killed. Understand? Those who possess rare skills."
"I see, rare skills do not come often… Very well, when the list is finished, give it to Zald, he'll hand it to me. And I'll arrange it so those people have less chances to die. But, promises… I'm afraid I can't make any."
"That's fine. Just try." He turned to Hera. "Have them come see me to update Gamelia's status when they return. Zeus out, time to go spy on the village's women's bath." Zeus finished saying, before his take over of Ceraunius finished.
"How dare he make me say those words. Gamelia… I swear, I only have eyes for you. My heart yearns only for you. I swear it, my love…"
"Don't worry darling, we're going to make the carpenters cry again tomorrow." Gamelia said, as the two disappeared into their room.
No details were needed for what those two were doing.
Down below still at the table. Erebus continued discussing the plan with Alfia, and Zald. Both were nodding along, only Zald asking any questions. However… It was clear, they were completely on board with the plan after hearing the whole thing, and their specific roles.
"To correct the next generation's weakness, we who were heroes of our time, will fall to evil. May our efforts not be wasteful in the end."
"Thank you… Seriously, thank you… I can't thank you two enough."
"It's a small price to pay to give those love birds any potential to avenge our familias. I'm sure Maxim and Empress would have agreed to this plan as well. Probably faster than we did."
…
And so, the next day, Ceraunius and Gamelia left for the dungeon city, they would be gone for 6 months. Once they returned they were careful to avoid the twins Zeus was looking after, Gamelia leveled up to 7. And Ceraunius leveled up once he returned to Hera.
The reason they had to do this was simple. Thanks to the power of their names, being the epithet of gods, they were akin to greater spirits. Which means, neither of them could ever be boosted again by the power of the god whose name they too bore. Hence why Gamelia bore Zeus familia's falna, while Ceraunius bore Hera's falna.