Danmachi Emerald Version

Chapter 6

Pass Parade 3: Pass Parade Postlude

A/N:

Narration

"Talk"

Monologue

*sfx*

Dungeon 50th floor

The floor is as dark as they can be with the exceptions of some lookout torches of the Loki Familia camp.

In the silence of the night, a certain shadow sneaks around. Surveying the surroundings, keeping eye on the guards that roam, swiftly dashing from one tent edge to the other until he stops at a certain tent.

*scuffle*

"What do you think you're doing?"

Upon entering a certain tent, the shadowy figure was greeted by the tent owner and ask him in a regal and exhausted tone.

"Shhhhhhh!"

The intruder made a gesture with his right pointing finger and placed it to his lips as he looks at the emerald green eyes of the High Elf who owns the tent. Her visible irritation is clearly etched on her face.

"Finn, " the owner called.

"Keep your voice down!" Finn whispers to the slightly amused and irritated high elf.

"Please leave, " Riveria replied in a slightly lower tone than before. "I am already in a delicate situation so please do not involve me in your love dilemma as well." Seeing their esteemed leader sneaking in like that is all the information she needs to know of the situation he is in. During their desperate fight back on the 60th floor, Finn declared his will to survive so he can sire an heir. Fast-forwarding to their current time, the woman who longed for him is probably presenting herself to answer his call in a more than aggressive as usual manner.

Another sticky situation Riveria wish to exclude her self considering she is already in the middle of Bell's love polygon; Two goddesses, the maid at the pub, her servant Lily, the quite Ais and the daughter of her dear friend all have feelings for him while Bell is infatuated to her. For the high elf, that is already problematic. If you add a certain amazon with a jealous fit and their leader that is interested in her servant Lily to the mix, even the longevity of the elves might not save her from an earlier death. Not the death from being murdered either by the said amazon or the goddess that owns Orario's current strongest, but an early death caused by extreme stress from being stuck in between.

"Just let me stay here for a while... wait, what did you just say? As well?"

"Five, " In response to their leader's inquiry, the High elf curse her carelessness and drop the topic altogether and started counting down.

"I am in a pinch here, show some compassion!" Finn plead. "I can't interact with her now after all that had happened down there!"

"Four"

"Let's not be hasty here..." cold sweat started to fell from the Braver's forehead.

"Three, " and Riveria still continues her countdown. If this continues, she might've seen Finn do a dogeza if he ever knew it.

"I beg you! Gareth already trowed me out, "

"Two, "

"You're my last hope!"

"One, "

"tsk!"

With the countdown nearing zero, Finn clicks his tongue before quickly dashing out from her tent as fast as he could.

A few seconds later, a different shadow was seen standing near her tent. This time around, it has the silhouette of a slim woman.

"Tione," Riveria called.

"I-Is something wrong?" The tall Amazoness asked nervously.

Upon entering their vice captain's tent, she smelled their captain's scent inside. A clear indication that their captain uses his last resort. A clear indication that she will be on the receiving end of the High Elf's lecture.

"Tione, we, the rest are still wary from the fight, " Riveria reminded in a tired tone. A command telling her to keep her libido in check that causes the amazon to frown. This however was followed by a mischievous grin from the high elf. "You can push down Finn all you want after we returned home. I won't get involve and turn a blind eye to whatever happened that does not involve me. So you better behave until we returned" an answer that automatically elevates Tione's spirits. A sort of blessing from their vice-captain.

"I-I'll be going now!" Tione replied joyfully as she dashed out from her tent. For better or worst, Riveria was certain she saw floral-like aura was excreting from Tione.

"I really need to get a rest." Riveria sigh as she massages her temple before lying back on her bed.

Elsewhere,

In a bush near the campsite, a certain blonde pallum felt shivers not just in his thumb but down to his spine as well and wonder what a certain hag of a high elf had done to make things worst.

"Just you wait you old hag... just you wait..." Finn mutter as he nervously scanned his surrounding. "Don't forget, I also know the secret you have with Bell Cranel."

6th day of Loki Familia's expedition.

"Bell, what do you mean she's not joining us today?" Karen asked as she crossed her arms.

"Something happened to Lil'Lily?" Welf asked, tilting his head side wards.

Outside Babel, Bell is currently being interrogated by his party members that just arrive.

"Lily came to our home last night, She says that her landlord had something to discuss with her today so she can't accompany us for the day," Bell replied.

"Land Lord?" Welf asked only to get dry laughter from Bell as a response.

"So the washboard Goddess wanted to talk to her, huh..." Karen whispers.

"Eh?"

Though Karen's words are weak and more to herself, Bell still manages to hear it causing him to look at her warily. On the plus side, Welf who is standing a few feet away from them didn't hear it.

"C'mon now Bell, " In response to his stare, Karen replied as she walks near him and places her lips near his right ear. "My Goddess did some standard background check after hearing that I am joining a party outside of our familia. This includes the fake chienthrope in our party."

*gulp*

"But don't worry, my lips are sealed." Karen beam at him before looking at their blacksmith.

"Thank you," Bell replied with a sigh of relief.

"But be warned, " Karen added, her tone took several notches down from her usual calm voice. "If we can do it with little effort, anyone whose willing can find out as well."

A warning and a reminder. For the Soma Familia, Lily already died when they abandoned her in the dungeon. But if her identity and status were revealed, all her problems will come back haunting her once more.

"I understand," Bell replied with a wryly smile. Though Bell felt a tinge of a lie in somewhere in Karen's words, Bell can still feel the sentiments of her warning.

"In that case, will Welf stand in for Lily?" Karen asked with an obvious smirk.

"Oi, oi, oi, why am I automatically relegated as the supporter." Welf automatically objects. "You're the newcomer here so you should do it."

"I don't think we need-" Bell tried to chime in but before he could finish his words, Karen replied back to Welf.

"Well first you're a blacksmith, then you're a blacksmith and lastly, you're a blacksmith."

"Oi! Freya familia or not, that classicist of you."

"Uhm..." as the two began a heated discussion, Bell tried but to go in between them. Only for his action to end up in vain. "The two of you..."

"Our familia value merit over class and race," Karen replied with pride. "We are not degenerate hypocrite that says one thing but do the opposite in that manner. I am using the established hierarchy so that it will not hurt your ego."

"Uhm... Karen...?" Bell said as he instantly got what she means.

"Isn't it right Bell? The fact that I am better than him in terms of combat skill."

"Well... I..." Bell scratch his cheek trying to figure out the right words to say. It's true she is stronger than him but he believes there's no need to have one of them replace Lily.

"Hoh~ why don't we test that out," Welf replied as he pointed his swords to her. In terms of hierarchy for combat strength, it goes without saying that the Adventurer, Mage, Blacksmith then lastly, supporter. It's true that blacksmiths aren't as good in combat compared to full-fledged adventurers like Bell and Karen but it still pisses him to no end hearing his hard effort belittled. Though blacksmiths have some kind of hiikikomori reputation that they only stayed in their forge. They for most of the time also go out to test their weapons.

Seeing this, Karen took a side glance to Bell before donning an iai stance. Ready to draw her sword at a moment notice.

"Hiiiiiyaaaaaaaah!"

Welf yelled as he held his sword up using both his hands, jumps before swing his sword down just as he fell to the ground.

"Haaaaah!"

Karen, to answers Welf's challenge for a contest of power drew her sword to block his vertical slash.

*clang*

the force behind their blows was strong enough to create a small shock-wave.

The impact may not be comparable to the minotaurs' swing but it was strong enough to get the attention of passers-by.

As the two measure each other up blow by blow, they are now beginning to garner some unwanted attention while Bell's plea for them to stop goes on deft ears. In fact, his plea was drowned by the volume of cheers from the spectators.

A few minutes later,

"Captain, it's them!"

Exiting babel, three adventurers of a known familia walk directly towards the commotion created by Welf and Karen's fight.

"Young adventurer these days..." the female adventurer in the middle sigh. She is almost six feet tall, with an azure bobcat like hair with hair ornament attach to the back of her head, blue eyes, and wears a sleeveless orange top.

"Isn't that the little rookie?" the adventurer on the left said.

As they walks closer, they noticed the infamous white haired adventurer that had been in some of their reports starting from Monsterphilia, Minotaur on the 9th floor, and the now known Rabbit Hunt. He is trying to pacify the two, his party members perhaps to no avail.

Even with such absurd achievements, he is still a rookie adventurer through and through.

The adventurer on the middle though.

Guild

Just after I finish the test I've prepared for Bell to see if he really is ready to go to the middle floor, my co-worker Rose came to me.

"Eina, we need to talk," The chienthrope Rose with long red flowing hair and has an allure of a mature woman said. "This is about the adventurer under your wing."

"Eh?"

Upon hearing Bell's name, my face stiffens and I suddenly got this foreboding chills at the back of my spine.

Don't tell me... again?

"Eina?" Rose called, noticing the paling complexion of the half elf.

But it's still early in the morning. If they go by normal pace, they should be still in the 6th floor.

"Eina!"

"Ah- s-sorry about it,"

Breaking from my line of thought, I saw Rose beamed at me gently.

"This is not about that,"

The 'that' in question is regarding Bell's death. Upon hearing it, the tightening of my chest loosens a bit.

"So where were we?" Eina asked with an apologetic bow to Rose.

"I'll get straight to the point," Rose began with a troubled expression. "Though he might not have died yet the one I got is not good news either.

"What happen exactly?"

"They are being detained by the Ganesha Familia."

Twilight manor right after Welf and Karen square off.

"I commend yer loyalty,"

Inside Loki's room, Lily in her original form is being interrogated by the Goddess Loki while ironically drinking the wine from the Soma familia. The topic on hand is her connection with Hestia and how Riveria took her in from her viewpoint.

"I have a clearer view of yer circumstance and yer connection to shorty and her rabbit. But that tight lips of yours even though you do not belong to shorty's familia is truly commendable,"

"Does that mean I am allowed to go with them?"

"Huh? When did I say you weren't allowed?"

"Well... I mean..."

"Listen, squirt," Loki continues as she once again took a sip of her wine. "I'm just doin' my duty to my familia. Now that mama isn't around, I need to know where you aligned. Knowing yer tight lips and loyalty to shorty and her brat is all the assurance I need."

"..."

"But to think mama hid this specific information..." Loki mumbles as she once again curses her foolish self for evading the high elf. The bet she had with Freya is the main reason she decided to cross out all information related to Bell Cranel when she told her of Lily's circumstances and why she is taking the young Pallum under her wing.

"Goddess Loki?"

"It doesn't concern you yet so how bout officially joining my familia?"

"Eh?" Lily was literally speechless to the sudden proposal that it left her mouth hanging half-open.

"They already welcomed you here so why not make it official?"

"B-but... I mean, Lord Finn also said the same thing and I... well... promised to give my answer after they returned."

Hoho~ So yer this serious about her Finn.

"So how bout it?" Loki said with a calculated grin. "I'm sure we can fix yer problem with that fool Soma. Far better than what shorty and that brat can do."

Tione might kill me over this but as Finn's number 1 fan, this is the right course of action.

All I saw was a blur, all I can say is that just as fast as the tension rose between Welf and Karen, the orange blur that I saw quickly de-escalates the situation.

*swoosh*

after exchanging blows for more than a minute, Karen and Welf's sword were stopped by a female adventurer. Holding the tip of their swords with little to no effort at all.

"T-That's..."

"Crap!"

"Ankusha!"

the once cheering crowd paled and was startled until someone mentioned a name.

As soon as the identity of the adventurer that intervene was known, the Captain of the Ganesha Familia Shakti Varna also known as Ankusha, the crowd that gathered and cheered for Welf and Karen quickly dispersed.

"You there, " Shakti said seriously as she handed back the swords she was holding before walking straight towards me.

*gulp*

"Are you the leader of this party?"

Shakti asked. This cold demeanor was somewhat comparable to Ms. Riveria when she scolds me. Albeit with lesser intensity.

"Y-yes, " I replied nervously.

"Follow me, " Shakti said before looking back to Welf and Karen.

From there, they escorted us to their holding facility where they took our names and affiliation. Afterward, they began questioning us regarding the uproar starting from Karen then Welf.

When it was my turn, just as I am finishing my explanation, the door opened and the King, Orario's strongest adventurer, entered. The atmosphere was already cold back then but his mere presence further drops it to freezing temperature.

hiiiiiiiieeeeeeeee

For a moment there, I felt his piercing gaze.

"I am here representing my Goddess." the Boaz said.

"Beeeeeeeeellllllllll!"

Just as the King turned the atmosphere cold, Goddess who burst in running right after King turned it embarrassingly awkward.

"H-how could you Bell?!" Goddess asked in a panic as she shakes me furiously with teary eyes. "What do you think-"

"Hestia, calm down," Lady Hephaestus said as she yanks Goddess of me. "Sorry for the disturbance, Ankusha."

"Thank you, Lady Hephaestus," Shakti replied as she gestures the three to take a seat.

From there, Shakti then explains to them what had happened. She starts with the cause of the argument up to the point where she intervenes. She then explains to them the fine that will be charged to us. A lofty fine that is equivalent to two months worth of Goddess' salary from all of her part-time jobs.

Hearing this, I saw Lady Hephaestus sigh and massage her temple while Goddess paled and on the brink of fainting.

"We'll pay for Hestia Familia's share,"

Eh?

Breaking the silence of the room was the King who said they would pay for us. He then looks at Lady Hephaestus.

"I hope you won't mind if we don't include yours."

"I understand," Lady Hephaestus replied. "Our Welf is also part of this mess so I have no qualms over your decision.."

Dungeon 50th floor,

At the same time

During Welf and Karen's interrogation, as the Loki familia prepared their meal, the elf Lefiya came to Ais.

"Is something wrong, Lefiya?" Ais asked seeing her troubled look.

"Miss Ais, About the captain's speech, did something happened with Be- err that white rabbit?" Lefiya asked. Seeing Ais froze was enough confirmation she needs that the rabbit did something.

"Hmmmm..."

So she's worried about him?

Ais though as she smiled at the elf who is Bell's training buddy. Happy that the two are going along well.

"Don't worry. Just like you, he also goes to his own adventure. An adventure that even the likes of us find admirable."

"I-I see..." Lefiya mumbles.

But I doubt its as good as what we experienced down there anyway.

Lefiya though.

For a level 1, there's no way he could've surpass our ordeal after all.

Lefiya continues as she left Ais's side and went to assist Anakity.

"Lefiya... no Lady Lefiya," Bell (imaginary) said as he prostrates himself. "You're far too dazzling! Please forgive for my cockiness for trying to get close to Miss Ais and Lady Riveria without your recognition."

"HA↑HA↓HA↑HA↓HA↑HA↓HA↑" Leyfiya laughs with the back of her right hand placed beside her mouth. "That's it, peko. You are not good enough to Ms. Ais and Lady Riveria, peko!"

"Y-yes Milady!" Bell (imaginary) replied.

"HA↑HA↓HA↑HA↓HA↑HA↓HA↑" Lefiya continue to laugh in her kneeling in front of the pathetic rabbit. "Here," followed by untying her ponytail, revealing a ribbon with carrot accessory. "A carrot for your efforts, peko."

"I am eternally grateful Lady Lefiya," Bell (imaginary) replied as he eats on the ribbon like no tomorrow.

"HA↑HA↓HA↑HA↓HA↑HA↓HA↑"

With that in mind, the elf continues her task with her head held up high. That continued until she meets with the rabbit once more. A meeting that made her want to curse that white rabbit more than ever.

Due to the commotion, we caused earlier, our dungeon exploration time was cut in half. By the time they released us, it is already passed nine and we won't be able to make it to the 12th floor by our standard pace so we decided to hunt some materials up to the 8th floor instead.

By noon, we decided to call it quits and retire from the dungeon. Then I went to the Hostess of Fertility to return Ms. Syr's lunch only to be tricked by her to wash the dishes again. Ms. Ryuu once again helps me while getting lectured about the mess we did earlier.

Do not confuse indecisiveness to kindness.

After Miss Ryuu's sermon, I remembered Ms. Shakti's parting words.

"Is something bothering you, Mr. Cranel?"

Ryuu asked when she noticed Bell stopped moving his hands.

"Ms. Ryuu, " I said while contemplating how to voice my concern.

"Yes?"

"How do you know if the decision you are going to make is the right one?"

Seeing her confused look, I then told her what Ms. Shakti told me.

"You can't, " Ryuu replied with a pained expression

"Eh?"

"In all honesty, you can't. Time will tell whether you made the right choice. It all comes down to following your gut feeling," Ryuu said as she stared outside of the kitchen window with a mournful expression. "I may not be the right person to give you advice on that matter but Mr. Cranel due to my own background but as the leader of your party, you have the responsibility to keep your party members in line and make the hard call when needed."

" I see..."

"And looking at it from a third person's view like Ankusha, she sees your lack of action to not hurt their feelings and deescalate the tension as indecisive fit for a leader in your party. " Ryuu continues as she gets a new batch of dishes to wash. "Because of your inner turmoil, you let the matter escalate that far. If she didn't intervene, how do you think that fight would end?"

"I... I understand..." I murmur as I imagine both of them fatally wounding one another. "Looking back at it now, my lack of action causes that mess and delay..."

"I hope you'll see this as a learning experience."

After that talk, we spent the rest of the period washing the dishes in silence.

To become an excellent adventurer like Ms. Riveria, I need to improve myself outside of fighting.

7th day of Loki Familia's expedition.

Lily returned adventuring with us but the animosity between Welf and Karen is still there.

We manage to end the day peacefully wherein the two goes for a who killed more competition. A competition that Ms. Karen won by a huge margin.

After that, Ms. Eina saw us exchanging our loot and drag me away for an extended lecture for the middle floor.

8th day of Loki Familia's expedition.

"Master Bell," Lily called.

"Yes?"

"It's for tomorrow's plan," Lily said hesitantly while keeping an eye on Welf and Karen who are still gathering some of our loot drops while bickering who kills more.

"You're worried about them?"

"Yes. I'll be busy preparing for our descent to the middle floor so I won't be accompanying you tomorrow and well..."

Lily did not need to finish her sentence as her concerned look at the two, tell what she thinks.

"I understand your concern. It is a good thing I also plan to let us have a rest tomorrow as well."

"Eh?"

"After that incident, I realize I still lack some things as an adventurer. That is why I think we all need to be prepared and well-rested tomorrow. So that we can face whatever comes our way on the middle floors.

"You sure you just don't want to be involved in their competition?"

"Ehehehehe"

"If that is your call then Lily will abide."

After that small talk, we rested the moment we arrive on the 11th floor where I told them of my plan for tomorrow.

"No prob," Welf said while rotating his arm holding his sword. "I'll use that time to do maintenance of our weapons and armors then." He then looks at Karen. "I can fix your weapon as well if you don't mind."

"sure, I know Bell has no problem with your works," Karen replied as she releases her hold on her katana. "I'd be grateful if you fix my weapon as well."

"But don't expect a free of charge in this one."

"Just don't give my katana weird name as well."

"Eheheheh,"

Bell chuckle seeing the two tried to be civil with one another.

"Very well...," Lily whispered with a faint smile. "And Master Bell... I..."

Just as Lily is about to talk to Bell in private, a new set of enemies comprising of orcs and imps appeared.

"Karen, follow my lead," Bell called as he looks to Welf. "Welf, finish the enemies that get past us and protect Lily.

"I understand,"

"Okay,"

Karen and Welf replied at the same time.

In a way, because of how eager the two are, we manage to earn twice than what we expect to get.

It should have ended in a good note but Ms. Eina's test was the last encounter I had for the day...

9th day of Loki Familia's expedition.

I met with Lily early in the morning at Babel the following day. Our task was to buy materials that we may need on the middle floors. This also set as a learning experience for me as I rarely bothered with preparing for an adventurer after Lily joined. In a way, I realized I became over-reliant to Lily. A part of me that I need to fix.

After that, I go to Miss Eina to retake an exam to allow me to go to the middle floor. The first test was done yesterday after we exchange our loot to the guild. A test that I answer half correctly. I almost failed the test but Ms. Eina is not convince until I got 60% passing. A test I passed with better marks today as well. I also felt that M.s Eina made this extra difficult than usual. The test before was already difficult and the test now is twice as hard.

Guess she is still mad at me...

Then I met with Welf in his forge where we made the holder of my new knife. The knife we forge a few days back. The knife made from the minotaur's horn as its core.

By the time we finished the holder, it was already noon. I then came to the Hostess of Fertility to eat and to help in Mama Mia's pub. By my own volition this time around.

For a brief second there, I think I saw Ms. Syr's disappointed look when I came to Mama Mia asking if I can help. The mischievous smile she had turned to a frown then to a bright smile again when Mama Mia asked us to go wash the dishes.

I bet Ms. Syr wanted to trick me again...

Following that, after finishing my side job of cleaning the dishes and chopping vegetables that took three hours to finish, I saw Karen waiting for me outside. she then challenged me to a lite sparring session.

The dedication in her face reminds me of our first encounter.

Knowing she won't easily bend, I agreed and lead her to the top of the wall where I used to train with Ms. Ais.

"Bell, this is the last time we will be meeting."

"Eh?"

Karen then informed me that she won't be joining us for an indefinite period as a means of self-punishment to her previous action.

"I understand," I replied as I look at her in the eyes.

It would be nice if she can accompany us but if this is her wish then I have to honor it.

"Same rule as before?"I asked as I draw my knives. The Hestia knife my right and a red knife on my left, Ushiwakamaru. The knife I forge with Welf. A good thing I manage to convince Welf to use that name rather than a less cool sounding name like Mino-tan.

"No problem," Karen replied with a satisfied smile. "Let's go with five rounds this time."

*nods*

"And no running away."

"Ehehehehe," I can only laugh dryly at that last comment. Most of our fight after all ended quickly followed by a quick dash away.

Since we plan to rest for the day, we decided to go for a 5 round session with a first clean hit win winning condition

"And Bell, Please let me join once I reach level 2 as well," Karen said as she held her sword in a striking pose.

"I'll be looking forward to it as well."

That night, while Bell is preparing for tomorrow's adventure,

three deities gathered at a certain pub in Daedalos. Miach, Hestia, and the eastern God Takemikazuchi.

"Seriously that Bell..." Hestia sigh as she chugs her liquor in one fell swoop. "Waiter, more!"

"Now, now Hestia, " Miach said as he patted her back. "We didn't gather here for that you know."

"I know Miach..." Hestia replied as she slumps and looks at the God in front of her. "Congrats, Your familia's finally going to the middle floor Take."

"Thank you," Takemikazuchi replied. Happiness and anxiety can be traced on his face. "By the way Hestia,"

"Yes?"

"I saw your child bought four salamander wool earlier," Takemikazuchi said. "He was with a short supporter. Is he by chance going to the middle floor as well?"

"Hestia, is that true?" Miach asked.

"Yes. Though they barely got the approval of Bell's adviser due to their mess a few days ago."

"No wonder you're this eager to drink." Miach sigh. "You're a nervous wreck as well."

"Yup!" Hestia replied as she once again chug the whole alcohol in one fell swoop. "More!"

"I'll have another one as well," Takemikazuchi added.

"Ahem"

Seeing the atmosphere starting to go sour, Miach fake a cough to get their attention.

"Which is why we drink," Miach added, grabbing his mug. "To celebrate their departure and to calm our nerves. Cheers!"

"Cheers!"

"Cheers!"

The three deity continue to drink until the store closes.

10th day of Loki familia's expedition.

After waking up with a massive hangover, I see to it to be there when Bell, in full gear, leave.

They promise to not go lower than fourteenth floor so it should be alright with Bell's status.

"I'll be going then, Goddess,"

"Take care!" Hestia replied with a force smile while battling the feeling of vomiting right infront of her child.

Hestia continue to wave until Bell is no longer in sight.

"Guess I need to work extra hard to day so we could feast tonight, " Hestia said to motivate herself. "He will have a ton if stories to tell and.. And maybe... even maybe... mweheeheehee.."

*slurp*

The loli goddess sucks back her over flowing saliva and wipe her lips with her left arm.

"With the right atmosphere... eheheheheh... kyaaaaaaaa! Bell we can't!". Hestia squeals as she hugs her self.

Noon time, At a high class cafe in Daedalos, a god with blonde hair and wears a hat drank his coffee leisurely until a woman with short wavy light blue hair and blue eyes wearing an eyeglass entered.

"I'm here, Lord Hermes."the woman said with a bow before taking her sit.

"So what did you find, Asfi?"

"What I find in the official public records on the guild is that the little rookie, Bell Cranel had completed up to the 11th floor of the dungeon." Asfi began as she adjusted her eye glass. "Currently, he is spending most of his days on the 12th floor."

"Anything else?"

"When I was in Babel this morning, I heard they purchased some Salamander wool."

"Eh? He is going to the middle floor already?"

Upon hearing this, the God was filled with excitement much to the total dismay of the woman in front of him.

"Is he in a party in this one?"

"Yes," Asfi replied. "His party consist of a blacksmith from the Hephaestus familia, a supporter from the Loki familia and a female adventurer from the Freya familia."

While listening to his child's report, Hermes placed his right elbow on the table and rest his cheeck to his right open palm. An action he almost regret. Upon hearing the last two familia members in Bell's party, his elbow slipped and his face almost hit the table. His visible shock is etched on his face.

I know something is going on when Freya defended Hestia's child back then but Loki?

"Are you sure its from the Loki familia?"

"I am certain." Asfi answered. She know as well how bad the relationship between the Goddess Loki and the Goddess Hestia so she can understand the shock on her God's face. "I followed her the other day and saw her entered Loki famila's base. She also has an ability to transform her self to a different race. The one I saw with Bell Cranel is a chienthrope while the one I saw entering Loki familia's house is an elf. It is possible that she is changing appearance because of their gods infamous relationship."

"Anything else?"

"I asked some adventurers about him. From his level up and the recent Rabbit hunt, they believe he got lucky and deliver a cheap shot over the minotaur. They commonly called him a phony rookie because of this. Some even say that he stole the kill from the Loki familia who was at the scene.

"What's this Rabbit hunt?"

"A rumour spreads that any level one that defeated him in a fight will level up instantly. His constant escape made them believe he really is a phony rookie and he just got lucky with the Minotaur."

"Ahahahahaha! Phony Rookie, that's rich. They even seriously fall for whoever plan that kind of lame plot?" Hermes laugh hysterically. "Its natural for them to envy his fast level up but do they seriously think the grace we gave them is easily fooled by cheap tricks?"

Asfi on the other hand was quiet and not amuse to Hermes' reaction. In a way, she could also understand the viewpoint of the adventurers that are jealous of his level up. Using her self as a sample, the amount of blood, sweat and time she poured to reach level two is no joking matter as well.

"By the way, When you say official public record," Hermes stop laughing and once again dons a serious face. "Does that mean you also looked onto his unofficial records?"

"... yes," Asfi replied reluctantly.

"And?"

"Its an information that should stay in the dark," Asfi replied grimly after recalling his short time as an adventurer and the records of his encounter. If she is asked his secret of fast level up, she will point to this record. A record the guild willingly hid for all the right reason. "It's an information that I believe that must not reach your ears first at all cost."

"Very well," Hermes sigh as he instantly drop the topic all together. "Waiter!" He called followed by a hand gesture asking for their bill.

"What is your true intention, Lord Hermes?"

"Hm?"

"Suddenly ordering me to get information on him for no reason," Asfi continue. "Is something very unnatural to you."

"Are you jealous by any chance?"

"Hardly," Hermes tried baiting her only for her to reply in a disinterested tone.

"You know, you'd be cute if you kinda act a little bit jealous." Hermes teased. "I might even hug you for a tiny bit if you act all jeally."

*pow*

That comment however manage to get a reaction from her with her planting her fist to his face.

13th floor noon time

"Welf, don't over do your self," after fighting a group of monsters, Bell approach Welf who is breathing heavily.

"I know Bell but-"

"Think of it like this," Bell said with a reassuring smile as he patted Welf's left shoulder. "You cant even the score if you died before having another match with Karen."

"Bell..." Welf mumbles as he look at the the white rabbit adventurer. He is more honest now and didn't spare his ego to lay down the hard truth.

"Let's not rush blindly ok?"

"Haaah... you got me there,"

*thud thud thud*

Looking at the source of the noise, Bell and the rest saw adventurers of Eastern descent run from a horde of monsters.

"Welf, Lily!" Bell called as he tighten the grip on his knife. "Let's run!"

At first, Bell was startled by the sheer number of monsters, hounds mostly, running after a different party but after seeing the adventurers changing direction and began heading towards them instead, Bell quickly realize what they are after and ordered the two to run ahead first.

This is definitely the pass parade Ms. Eina mentioned.

Bell though as he run behind the two and tried to activate his skill in junction with his magic.

Damn it! Please work!

"Firebolt!"

Bell stretches his free hand and aim at the monsters leading the run.

*boom*

His magic hit but it was his regular firebolt and the power is not enough to stop them.

"Firebolt!"

Bell once again shouted but this time around, rather than hitting the monsters directly, he hit the ground causing some to stumble.

Damn it!

"Firebolt!"

"Firebolt!"

"Firebolt!"

Aaaaaaaaaaan cut.

With that the chapter came to a close. For the time being, I decided to put Karen on a bus as I find it easier having two main attacker (Bell and Karen), one in between (Welf) and rear support (Lily) to have enough strength go back to the top floor than Bell's original party. Because I loosely follow canon story flow with some changes here and there, Bell not going to the 18th floor is a no-no for so many reason aside from the black Goliath fight.

For Lefiya, since she is like the more irritating surrogate version of Bell for SO (bias view). I also gave her an imaginary character in her delusions. Bell for her and Riveria for Bell. Just like with Bell, the imaginary character won't stay long. How long for the thousand elf is a different matter all together.

Regarding the update of the story, I am still following the usual rotation (F/D, Danma Emerald, Kaguya-sama: AHWTS) *shameless plugin* and how fast the update will come will still depend to RL workload. Since we are part of the disposable/ immortal manpower(not the medical front-liner), quarantine doesn't affect us much unless we show symptoms or tested positive. It's work as usual. As of the moment of writing this for a triple update in my spare time, we still have tons of workload and game activity for fgo(Skadi preparation) and danmachi.

For the reviews, likes and follow, Thanks!

Made some minor changes. Corrected some grammar and spelling err. v1