Loki Familia Premise Chapter 4 (Patreon)

Hello friends and fans, Kairomaru is bringing you a new chapter! After Bell does the impossible and slays a Minotaur at Level 1, not to mention the expedition coming back safely, it’s time to celebrate for the Loki Familia! They head to their favorite pub to eat, drink, and be merry! While there, Bell meets someone new. Loki, seeing that Bell is rapidly growing, decides to get one of the other Familia members to be Bell’s Supporter, forming a small Party of two in hopes of fueling the growth of both. How will that effect Bell going forward?

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So, without further delay, please enjoy.

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Chapter 4 – Celebration and Meetings

In Finn’s office within the Twilight Manor, a meeting was taking place. Like usual when it came to such meetings, Riveria and Gareth were both present, as was their Goddess, Loki. What was unusual, however, was the presence of the newest member of the Familia, Bell Cranel.

“This new Skill of yours is quite the unknown, Bell.” Finn said after reading over the Skill again from the Status Update that Loki had shown to the three leaders of the Familia.

“It seems pretty straightforward, but…” Gareth shook his head once. “Never seen the like of it before.”

Riveria agreed with Finn and Gareth. “It’s nothing we’ve seen before in the Familia. A Skill that boosts the rate of growth has never been documented by the Guild, to my knowledge.”

All three Level 6 Adventurers also noticed the massive leap in Bell’s stats, going from ‘E’ to ‘C’, skipping ‘D’ entirely, wasn’t something that happened. They’d each had twenty-eight years of experience and had never seen such a thing.

“It’s a good thing though!” Loki smiled at Bell, seeing that he was getting a little nervous from Finn, Gareth, and Riveria’s words.

“Agreed.” Finn said, smiling reassuringly at Bell. “We should do what we can to support Bell’s growth and see the reaction from the Skill over time.”

“Aye, that’s probably the best we can do for now.” Gareth gave Bell a gentle (by Dwarf standards) pat on the back. “You keep giving it your all in the Dungeon, lad. We’ll be here to support you if you need us.”

Riveria also smiled softly. “We’ll make a point to go over Skills during our next lesson, Bell. If you have any questions, I’ll do my best to answer them for you.”

“Thank you very much.” Bell gave a small bow to all three of them. He was relieved that he had his Familia to fall back on if he ever became uncertain or confused.

“I’d like you to join Tione, Tiona, Ais, and Lefiya today as we start selling the loot from the expedition. It’ll be beneficial to learn more about selling to mercantile Familias in the future when you eventually join us on expeditions.” Finn requested Bell, wanting the young man’s day off to still be a benefit to his learning and experience as an Adventurer.

Bell nodded, more than happy to do so. “Yes, Captain.” With a smile, he left the office and closed the door behind him.

Once Bell was gone, Loki spoke up while looking at her three best ‘children’ with a grin. “I want to form a small Party for Bell, given his new Skill, even just a Supporter should be enough on the Upper Floors, right?”

Gareth chuckled, having expected something like this after seeing Bell’s new Skill and the way it maximized his Excelia gain. “Any suggestions?”

“I was planning on suggesting a Supporter for him as well.” Riveria agreed with Loki. “It would be good for Bell if his Party member was close to his Level as well.”

“Hm, Lili would be the best for that role, I believe.” Finn said while considering all of the members with lower Levels. “She has many years of experience and knows the Upper Floors well.”

Loki grinned at Finn. “Oh? You aren’t worried that Bell might accidentally sweep her off her feet?” The teasing joke was clear in the Trickster Goddess’s voice.

Finn waved the joke off with a small smile. “Not in the slightest. I simply believe that those two working together will be mutually beneficial to them. She is also one of our few Level 1 members that isn’t in a dedicated Party yet.”

“Boo~ You’re no fun, Finn!” Loki said with a playful pout.

Liliruca Arde, or Lili as she preferred, was a Prum that had converted to Loki Familia roughly a year ago. She’d approached Loki when the Goddess had come to ask Soma for wine. Loki, like everyone else, had been denied the perfect Divine Wine, and had thrown a small fit about it while at the Soma Familia Home. When Lili approached her, wanting to convert, Finn had seen the expression on Lili’s face, the pain in her eyes, and easily put the pieces together. Lili wasn’t happy in Soma Familia. Moreover, Lili was being abused in Soma Familia. That had nearly set Finn off right then and there, but the Captain was levelheaded and kept his calm. Instead of raging, he’d simply strongly recommended taking Lili into their Familia.

Loki had seen Finn’s actions for what they were and nearly marched back to Soma, regardless of what the Soma Familia Captain, Zanis, had to say about it. In a short conversation, only mildly laced with a few ‘warnings’ about what would befall his Familia if he didn’t agree, Soma had allowed Lili to convert to Loki Familia.

Finn had kept close tabs on the actions of Soma Familia for a while after that, enacting a bit of revenge by sending the information he’d gathered to the Ganesha Familia. The crimes of many of the Soma Familia members were common and numerous; so it hadn’t taken long for the Ganesha Familia to move on them, arresting Zanis and almost two-thirds of the Soma Familia all at once. The ones that had been left had been taken more firmly under control by Soma, who seemed to have had his eyes opened to the here and now after the unexpected raid on his Familia Home.

Lili and Finn had been close ever since and Loki would sometimes tease Finn about not making any moves on Lili. Or the Trickster Goddess would jokingly ask when the wedding would be and if Finn wanted her to bless the union. Finn had always declined with a shake of his head. Over the year that Lili had been part of Loki Familia, Finn had used some of his free time to help her learn, train, and develop into a better Adventurer and Supporter. It was only a matter of time before Lili eventually Leveled Up, she just needed enough quality Excelia or a Grand Feat to give her the last push to reaching that goal.

“I’ll introduce Lili and Bell tomorrow or the next day, depending on when they’re both ready to return to the Dungeon.” Finn agreed with a smile, hopeful that this small two-man Party would grow well together.

-Bell, Tiona, Tione, Ais, Lefiya-

“So, we’re delivering this to the Dian Cecht Familia?” Bell asked as he looked at the glass jar, the lid secured tightly with twine, filled with crystal clear water.

“Yep!” Tiona smiled brightly at Bell as the jar was put into a bag for safety and ease of carrying. “It’s Cadmus Spring Water, only found in small amounts on Floor Fifty-One and protected by the Cadmus, a huge and powerful Dragon Monster!”

Bell looked at the bag holding the jar of water with new appreciation. “Floor Fifty-One… That means this is a really rare material.”

Lefiya nodded twice. “Very rare, Bell. Not many Adventurers can venture that deep into the Dungeon to collect it. There’s also the Cadmus to worry about, given that it’s stronger than some Monster Rexes.” The cute Elf shook a little just imagining the dragon, while clenching the metal tube in her hands tightly.

“What’s in the tube?” Bell asked to take Lefiya’s mind off the Monster.

“This?” Lefiya blinked and looked at the container that she was holding. She leaned in a little and whispered to Bell. “It’s Cadmus Hide, the Drop Item of the Cadmus Dragon. We were lucky to find it when we were retrieving the water.”

Bell’s eyes widened at what was in the inconspicuous metal tube. “You all are amazing.”

All four girls smiled at Bell for the compliment.

“Thanks!” Tiona giggled.

“Thank you…Bell.” Ais gave him a cute smile and a little nod.

Lefiya blushed adorably. “N-No… I b-barely did anything…”

Tione grinned. “Thanks, Bell.” She looked quite pleased from the compliment.

“WE’RE GONNA HAVE A PARTY TONIGHT!!!” Loki yelled out from the top of the wall that surrounded the Twilight Manor. “DON’T BE LATE!!!” She beamed as most of her ‘children’ were headed out to sell off the wagon-loads of various Drop Items and Dungeon Materials to multiple different mercantile Familias.

“Riveria, Gareth, and I will go to the Exchange.” Finn spoke to the gathered groups before they all left. All three of the leaders had huge backpacks absolutely stuffed with the Magic Stones that had been gathered during the expedition. “Everyone else, stick to the plan and do what you need to in order to secure a nice profit.”

“Yes, Captain!” A lot of the members said at the same time.

Finn looked over at Raul with an amused smile. “And make sure that all money is accounted for…right, Raul?”

Raul flinched and waved his arms in front of him. “Th-That was just one time, C-Captain! I couldn’t help myself! It won’t happen again!” He promised, much to the laughter and chuckles of the gathered Familia.

Bell blinked, not knowing the inside joke.

Ais leaned over to tell him. “Raul…once used some of the money from the sales…to buy himself a weapon from Hephaestus Familia that he saw on the way back to the manor.”

“Hehehe! Finn, Gareth, and Riveria all scolded him, and he had to pay back the full amount of the weapon!” Tiona burst into giggles at the memory.

As the group started to disperse and head into Orario, the five of them headed out as well.

“We should get going too!” Tione said as she led the group away from the Twilight Manor. “Don’t let either of the items get stolen along the way!”

“Surely no one would pick such a blatant fight with Loki Familia…” Lefiya almost stuttered at the idea.

“Always stay alert!” Tione replied with a strong tone. The Loki Familia had plenty of people and groups that were envious of them, and a few that were outright hostile. They should always remain vigilant when carrying valuable items, just in case.

As the group walked, the girls pointed out a few places that Bell would need to know when it came to selling some of his own Drop Items and Dungeon Materials. They also pointed out shops that they each personally liked as well. Bell was doing his best to remember them all as they walked through Orario together.

“Raul and the others are impressive though, being able to wheel and deal like they do.” Tiona said as they were approaching the Dian Cecht Familia store. “I’d probably end up falling for some trick.”

“It’s normal to get burned once or twice, but that’s how people learn. Captain’s order, you know.” Tione replied with a shrug. Finn believed that the best way to learn the ins and outs of haggling and sales was to experience it. A bit of lost profit was a small price to pay for having the majority of the Familia able to make good deals when they were selling their haul of loot from the Dungeon after each expedition.

Bell opened the door to the Dian Cecht Familia store, the little bell ringing above, and held it open for the girls.

“Such a gentleman.” Tione smiled at him; her eyes warm with affection.

“Thank you very much, Bell.” Lefiya thanked him with a cute smile.

“Thanks!” Tiona beamed at Bell.

“Thank you…Bell.” Ais gave him a smile and a nod.

“Welcome, Loki Familia.” Airmid Teasanare, known in Orario by her Title Dea Saint, greeted the five Adventurers.

She wore a blue, white, and yellow outfit. The dress came down to mid-thigh, the front covered in vertical white and light blue stripes. The hem was lined with two stripes of gold, and the white collar of her shirt was also trimmed in the same color. A red tie was properly done up and hanging down from her collar. Her arms were covered with white gloves that went up to her mid-bicep with golden lines connecting a circle shape on the back of her hand with a diamond shape at the hem of the glove. She had thigh-high boots on her feet that matched her gloves, and sitting atop her long, straight silver hair was a white hat with two horizontal gold lines across it. Her lovely purple eyes looked over the group with experience, and after deeming that none of them were injured, she gave them all a small smile.

“Hey, Airmid, long time no see!” Tiona waved to the healer with a smile of her own. Her sunny disposition rarely failed to make the renowned Healer smile a little.

“Am I correct in assuming that your visit today concerns the quest you accepted?” Airmid asked the members of Loki Familia.

“It does.” Tione confirmed for Airmid. “Is now a good time?”

“I must apologize. All of the consultation rooms are full.” Airmid bowed slightly to the five from Loki Familia. “Is here at the counter okay for you?”

“That’s fine.” Tione nodded while Tiona, Lefiya, Ais, and Bell watched on. Bell was curious about the haggling that was about to take place.

Bell watched as Tione pulled the large glass container out of the bag that she was carrying. The Cadmus Spring Water was placed on the counter for Airmid to inspect.

“This is the Cadmus Spring Water…enough to fill the order.” Tione offered the requested material.

Airmid inspected the water for a quiet moment before being satisfied that this was, indeed, Cadmus Spring Water. “Thank you for completing the quest. As the Familia’s representative, allow me to express our gratitude by presenting you with this reward.” She bent down and got something from beneath the counter. She set two small crates on the countertop, each one containing ten Elixirs, one of the greatest healing potions in existence. “Please accept them.”

“Ooh~” Ais, Tiona, Bell, and Lefiya stared at the reward in amazement.

“All…all of these Elixirs…” Lefiya picked up one of the crates while Tiona picked up the other. “Elixirs made by the Dian Cecht Familia sell for 500,000 Valis each!” The glass bottles rattled lightly as Lefiya trembled just holding the valuable medicine. It was ten per crate, meaning she was holding the equivalent of 5,000,000 Valis!

“Woah! We could build a small palace with these!” Tiona stared at the twenty Elixirs that she and Lefiya were holding.

Bell nearly gaped at the Elixirs. They were so expensive that he couldn’t afford a single one. ‘But items like this are necessary when you go so deep into the Dungeon.’ Bell felt the burning desire within him to one day be able to make it so far himself.

“They’re pretty…” Ais commented on the bottles that the Elixirs were stored in. The craftsmanship to make them durable enough for travel in the Dungeon made the glass sparkle brilliantly.

“Airmid, we also happened to get a rare Drop Item.” Tione gently took the metal tube from Ais (who held onto it when Lefiya picked up the Elixirs) and opened it. She pulled out the roll of Cadmus Hide and gently tapped it on the countertop. The almost sparkling material caught Bell’s eye and he swore that he could almost feel how strong the material was without even touching it. Tione looked at Bell out of the corner of her eye. “Give us a good price, and we’ll sell it to you right now.”

“This is…!” Airmid inspected the roll of material by unrolling a portion of it.

“Cadmus Hide.” Tione confirmed it as the Drop Item of the Cadmus Dragon. “We were lucky enough to pick it up while fulfilling your request.”

Airmid gently ran her fingers over the material, testing its tensile strength and looking it over for any damage. “It appears authentic and in pristine condition. This would serve as an exceptional component, whether for armor or healing items.” She looked up at Tione. “I offer 7,000,000 Valis for…”

“15,000,000 Valis.” Tione cut Airmid off with more than double the offered price. A sly smile on her face as she took the roll of Cadmus Hide back and rolled it up. Behind her Ais, Tiona, Lefiya, and Bell all flinched at the number. Lefiya actually let the crate in her hands slip, sending it towards the ground.

Airmid flinched at Tione’s requested price before speaking. “…you jest. I shall raise it to 8,000,000 Valis.”

Ais caught the falling crate of Elixirs before they hit the ground, her arms shaking at what had almost happened. Lefiya let out a massive exhale that her shock hadn’t just cost the Loki Familia 5,000,000 Valis-worth of Elixirs.

“Airmid? You said yourself that it’s in pristine condition.” Tione placed her elbow on the counter, holding the Cadmus Hide up for the healer to see. A knowing smile on her face, confident in her position as the seller of such a rare item. “I’m positive that it’s in better shape than anything that’s been brought back before. 14,000,000 Valis.”

“What’re you doing, Tione?!” Tiona whisper-yelled at her sister.

“We’re under orders to get as much money as we can! I won’t accept some half-assed price!” Tione declared, staring Airmid down as the haggling was about to get more serious.

“I don’t think Captain Finn said to go this far!” Lefiya reminded the Amazon futilely.

“She’s on fire…” Ais blinked, having sworn that she saw a blaze of flames surround Tione for a second.

“She wants Bell to compliment her haggling skills.” Tiona quickly figured out her sister’s motivation. Bell was watching the haggling in abject shock at the prices being thrown back and forth. “Her Amazon blood is burning.”

“8,500,000, I can go no higher.” Airmid closed her eyes, firm in her offer.

“This Cadmus gave us a pretty hard time, you see? We nearly died taking it down.” Tione’s expression was similar to a high-pressure salesman’s as she looked at Airmid across the counter, shadow beginning to cover her face. “We’d really like you to show more appreciation for our brush with death, you hear? 13,500,000.”

‘Shameless liar…!’ Lefiya, Ais, and Tiona thought at the same time. They’d only picked up the Cadmus Hide since the dragon had been a freshly killed pile of white ash when they’d arrived at the spring. Most probably by those strange, new species, caterpillar-like Monsters that spewed acid.

Airmid was silent for a long moment before she turned away from Tione. “This is beyond my power. I ask for your patience while I consult with Lord Dian Cecht.”

“Really?” Tione leaned against the counter nonchalantly. “Should we just call it off? It’s too bad, but we’re a bit short on time. We’ll shop around for a deal with another Familia.”

“Hah…” A nearly silent sigh escaped Airmid’s lips before she turned back to face Tione. “12,000,000…that is my final offer.”

“Thanks, Airmid!” Tione smiled at the healer. “Where would we be without friends?”

“With friends like you…” Airmid trailed off instead of finishing the well-known saying. But the two women smiled at each other good-naturedly. This was simply how business went between Exploration and Mercantile Familias.

“Twelve…” Bell could only slowly shake his head in shock at how much Tione had been able to sell a single rare Drop Item for. “Amazing, Miss Tione…”

“Hehe… Thank you, Bell.” Tione’s eyes lit up at the compliment, even as her smile became one of smug happiness.

Thump

A large pack filled with multiple tied-off pouches of Valis coins was placed on the countertop by Airmid. “I hope this was informative for you, Mr. Cranel.” She smiled at Bell while zipping up the large pack to secure the pouches inside. It was no surprise to the women of Loki Familia that the news of Bell’s seemingly impossible feat of slaying a Minotaur at Level 1 had already spread across Orario.

“Very...” Bell was still wrapping his head around making so much in a single transaction. Or just being able to afford to pay that much for a single item. “Thank you, Miss Airmid.”

The healer gave him a short bow and a nod. “You’re welcome, Mr. Cranel.”

“Sorry, Airmid.” Ais apologized for the high-price that her friend had to pay for the Cadmus Hide.

“Think nothing of it.” Airmid waved off the apology. “It was we who took advantage of the situation to issue your Familia a quest in the first place.” She raised her right hand, index finger extended, and looked at Ais with a cute expression. “After this, let’s call it even.” Calling it even was quickly agreed upon and the Loki Familia bid goodbye to Airmid before heading out the doors.

-Outside-

“What should we do now?” Bell asked, seeing the two crates of Elixirs being placed carefully in the bag that had previously held the Cadmus Spring Water. The heavy pack that contained the 12,000,000 Valis was being carried by Tione.

“Perhaps we should head home?” Lefiya suggested as she secured the pack containing the Elixirs over her shoulder and chest.

Tione considered it. “It does feel a little uneasy carrying all of this around.” She lifted the large pack containing the 12,000,000 Valis.

“I don’t mind.” Bell agreed to go with them. “If we drop of the money and Elixirs then we’d have time to spend together.” He didn’t think about how his words could be construed at all. Nor did Bell know that the hearts of all four young women beat strongly at the same time.

“Great!” Tiona beamed brightly at him, her right arm wrapping around his left. “Let’s head home to drop the stuff off and then straight to Goibniu Familia’s Shop! I need to put in an order since I broke Urga.”

“I need to get my sword repaired too.” Ais agreed to that plan, her sword had lost a bit of its edge after hacking through all of those acid-spewing caterpillars.

“You didn’t break it…it melted. That’s way worse.” Tione commented on the loss of her sister’s weapon.

“How was I supposed to know they were filled with acid?!” Tiona pouted at Tione.

Bell could only chuckle at the byplay between the sisters as the five of them headed back to the Twilight Manor to drop off the Elixirs and millions of Valis.

-Three Hammers Forge ~ Later-

The Three Hammers Forge was the Goibniu Familia’s home and professional smithy. The Familia was known for custom-order weapons and armor, as well as their architectural projects in Orario. If an Adventurer wanted a High Grade weapon or armor, the only two places in Orario to get them were the Goibniu Familia or the Hephaestus Familia.

But Bell never expected the greeting they’d get as soon as they stepped through the door.

“For the love of the Gods! What’s wrong with ya, girl?!” One of the Smiths demanded loudly of Tiona as soon as he saw her. “You want me to forge you ANOTHER weapon?! What happened to your Urga?!”

“It kinda melted.” Tiona rubbed the back of her head and made a cute face.

“NOOOOO!!!” The Smith hit his knees, tears of frustration pouring from his eyes. “I spent days pounding Adamantite without rest or breaks to finish that! It was my greatest work to date!”

Bell felt sort of bad for the Blacksmith…this had clearly happened many, many times.

Ais had gone to see Goibniu himself while Tiona haggled with the Blacksmiths to forge her a new Urga made of pure Adamantite. Bell goggled at how easily Tiona talked about purchasing such a weapon. It would have to cost a fortune!

“You can’t take out a loan like that!” Tione nearly throttled her sister for not thinking ahead. “Do you know how long it’ll take you to repay 120,000,000 Valis?!”

“I could do it in like two or three weeks if I really tear it up in the Middle and Lower Floors!” Tiona argued back. No other weapon felt as right in her hands as Urga did.

When all was said and done, Bell could only marvel further at the four women. Ais had returned with a rapier on her hip as a temporary weapon while her sword ‘Desperate’ was being given maintenance. When she looked at Bell, her cheeks took on a bright pink color before she looked to the side. The words of Goibniu ringing in her head.

“Something’s different today… I haven’t the slightest clue why…but your movements are sharper than usual.” Goibniu commented as Ais tested out the rapier that he was loaning to her.

‘Different?’ Ais felt her heart thump in her chest as she glanced at Bell again. Ever since she’d met Bell, many things had seemed a little different. She’d slept incredibly well last night, even dreaming of her parents for the first time in years. The days had looked a bit brighter and even Orario seemed a little more beautiful than she’d noticed before. ‘…Bell. What’re you doing to me?’ She couldn’t help but wonder, resolving to maybe ask Riveria about these feelings that she was having for the newest member of their Familia.

“Are you not getting your staff repaired, Miss Lefiya?” Bell asked the Elf curiously.

Lefiya shook her head once. “Not here. Lady Riveria and I have a specialty shop that we go to for repairs to our staves. They’re strong amplifiers of Magic power, so when they’re damaged it’s best to take them to a specialist.”

“I see.” Bell said as he looked at the mostly white short staff on Lefiya’s hip.

“You said that you wanted to explore the city, right, Bell?” Tione looked at Bell with a grin as the group left the Three Hammers Forge. She was glad that she’d gotten her order accepted after some back and forth with both the Smiths and Tione.

“Yeah, I’ve actually been keeping myself so busy that I haven’t taken much time to explore.” Bell chuckled at how much dungeon crawling he’d been doing while the majority of the Familia had been on the expedition.

“Then we’ll take you on a tour of the city!” Tiona declared with a bright smile. “Where should we start?”

“Hmm…the Market Area?” Ais offered a suggestion to check out together.

“Good idea, Ais.” Tione agreed with the swordswoman. “Bell will need to know where it is.”

“Perhaps the Free Market as well?” Lefiya suggested after a second to think about places that Bell might need to use in the future. “Adventurers can buy and sell pretty much anything there.”

“Really?” Bell hadn’t thought about where Adventurers would sell things other than going from one Mercantile Familia to the next or maybe trying to sell stuff to regular merchants. “Selling between Adventurers, huh?” That could be interesting.

“…Maybe the Amphitheatron?” Ais said after having seen a certain flier posted up in one of the windows they’d just passed by.

“Yeah, they should be preparing for Monsterphilia right about now. That could be fun to see.” Tione mentally added it to the list of stops to make for the day.

“What’s Monsterphilia?” Bell questioned as they made their way towards the Market Area together.

Tiona smiled and let out a laugh, prepared to blow Bell’s mind. “Well, you see…”

The day was spent with Bell being shown all sorts of places in Orario. Any questions he had were answered, and he better learned the layout of the city too. Monsterphilia sounded interesting as well, and he wouldn’t mind seeing tamed Monsters. The thought of it was just so odd to him, but apparently Ganesha Familia had done it successfully!

Around lunch time, the five of them had gotten Jagamarukun from a stall close to the Loki Familia Home. It was apparently Ais’s favorite stall, and her favorite flavor was Azuki Cream. Bell couldn’t help but watch her as she ate. The enjoyment on her face and in her eyes was too cute!

He wasn’t the only one though. Lefiya was also watching Ais eat with a little smile on her face and pink cheeks.

-Dinner Celebration ~ Evening-

“The Hostess of Fertility.” Bell smiled while reading the name of the pub off of the sign out front. “Seems lively.” He grinned as he listened to the noises coming from the pub for a moment. Bell followed the rest of Loki Familia into the building and instantly noticed something specific. ‘It’s all waitresses.’ He noticed not a single man was wearing the uniform of the other workers. The white-haired Adventurer saw a woman behind the bar, serving food to two customers. Just based on her build; she was either a Dwarf woman that was very tall for her Race, or she was a Half-Dwarf, possibly.

Bell felt himself smile involuntarily as he saw two cute Cat Girls, a beautiful Elf with dark-green hair, and he thought he saw a brunette Human girl enter the back a second ago. ‘Wow, all women staff? They’re all cute too! They even have an Elf working here! But Elves are known for their pride… She’s really pretty too. Who knew that this pub was also a flower garden of beautiful women?’

“Don’t get too caught up in the cute waitresses, Bell~” Loki teased him with a laugh as she saw her snow bunny’s eyes taking in the women working at the Hostess.

“I’m not.” Bell denied, but it was clear that Loki didn’t believe that at all.

The Loki Familia were all quickly seated and drinks were brought to them in short order, followed by food.

“Nice work in the Dungeon!” Loki raised her flagon into the air in praise to her ‘children’. “To the expedition for returning with everyone alive! And to Bell for slaying a Minotaur at Level 1!” Bell felt a small smile pull on his lips at the direct praise from his Goddess. “Tonight we live it up! Drink!”

“Yeah!” The Familia cheered before everyone took their first drink of the night.

“Do you not drink, Ais?” Bell asked, since it appeared that Ais was drinking water while the others passed around alcohol.

“Things get complicated when Ais drinks, right?” Tione looked over at Ais with a teasing smile.

Bell looked between Tione and Ais curiously. “What do you mean?”

“You could say that she’s not much of a drinker,” Tiona grinned at Ais. “Or that she’s a bad drunk… Or that she almost killed Loki…”

Ais’s face was red as she was teased by her friends. “Tiona, please…stop…” She gently tugged on Tiona’s arm as she didn’t want Bell to have the wrong idea about her.

“Ahahaha! Ais is blushing~” Tiona cooed and hugged Ais close to her. Ais’s entire face went red, but she returned the hug with one arm anyway.

“Miss Tiona! Must you hug Miss Ais like that?” Lefiya looked slightly flustered at the closeness.

Tiona grinned at Lefiya. “Uh huh! I’m the only one that gets to hug Ais whenever!” She declared with a bright laugh.

Lefiya shook her head. “That’s not right! You shouldn’t be s-so forward, even if you’re both women!”

“Sounds like Lefiya wants hugs too.” Tione grinned at the flustered Elf. It wasn’t hard to figure out that Lefiya had a thing for Ais if you watched her for a while. The fact that she was also clearly interested in Bell made it even more interesting…and more fun to playfully tease the cute Elf.

“Wh-What?! N-no…that’s not what I meant…” Lefiya’s cheeks were crimson red now.

Tiona only smiled wider at Lefiya. “If that’s all you wanted, you just had to say so!” She quickly had one arm around Lefiya’s waist and pulled her close, hugging both Ais and Lefiya at the same time and pressing the blonde and orangette together in the process.

“M-Miss Tiona!” Lefiya cried out, her cheeks burning red, but a smile was on her face despite how flustered she was at being pressed up against Ais like this.

“Cute.” Bell said with a smile at how close the girls were. He felt an arm go over his shoulders and was pulled into Tione’s side. “Tione?”

“While Tiona hogs Ais and Lefiya, I’ll keep you all to myself, Bell!” Tione smirked at him, making sure that she pressed her tits against Bell and watched his face turn red.

Aki intervened a moment later, pulling Bell from Tione’s hold. “Don’t smother Bell, Tione.”

Tione cocked an eyebrow at Aki. “You mean like you’re doing?” She motioned at Aki holding Bell’s head against her chest.

“That’s different, I’m rescuing him.” Aki grinned at Tione. “Right, Bell?”

“Uh huh…?” Bell was just going along with it at this point. It wasn’t like he really had a reason to complain. ‘Aki is soft…and bigger than she looks.’ He thought as the Cat Girl’s breasts were pressed against the side of his face.

Across the pub, at the bar, Loki was ordering a special drink for herself. While that was true, it was entirely to facilitate a little meeting between herself and a certain waitress. “Still doing alright, Ryu?” She asked the Elf woman with a small smile, a genuine one, and not one of her teasing grins or trickster smiles.

“I’m doing well, Goddess Loki.” Ryu, the green-haired Elf woman nodded to Loki, the barest hint of a smile on her lips. “Thank you for asking.”

Ryu Lion was a waitress at the Hostess of Fertility. But before that, she’d been from the Astraea Familia. Ryu’s Familia had sought peace for Orario in the Great Feud that had happened years back, much like the Ganesha Familia, Freya Familia, and Loki Familia had fought for. Unfortunately, the Astraea Familia, along with many others, had been all but destroyed in the fighting. Victims of the so-called ‘Evil Gods’ that sought to cause destruction in Gekai for their own amusement.

Ryu had sworn bloody revenge on the Evilus for what had happened to her Familia. She’d trapped, brutalized, burned, poisoned, murdered, and assassinated her way through the entire Rudra Familia single-handedly, until only the God himself was left. That had forced the Guild’s hand, however, as murder to such a degree, especially in the streets of Orario, was a heavy crime. Ryu had been blacklisted by the Guild and an 80,000,000 Valis bounty had been placed on her.

When things had settled down a bit, and much to her Trickster Deity status, Loki had tracked down Ryu and subtly taken the Elf woman under her protection. She sure as hell wouldn’t allow Freya to try recruiting her! And Ganesha was, well…Ganesha. He wouldn’t be a good fit for Ryu, especially not in the broken and scarred state that Loki had found her in at the Hostess of Fertility that first time. Loki felt like it was only right that she look after Astraea’s last ‘child’ after they’d worked together to bring down the Evilus and bring about the years of relative peace that Orario had been enjoying since the end of the Great Feud.

“I’m glad to hear that.” Loki smiled at Ryu. “I know Mama Mia and the other girls will protect you. But if you ever need some help, don’t hesitate to ask.”

“I will remember that, as always, Goddess Loki.” Ryu gave a polite bow and headed into the back again.

-Later-

Bell was in need and a little confused. “Restroom… Restroom…” He looked around the pub, but didn’t see a sign for a restroom anywhere. Bell had enjoyed a few drinks so far, but the first ones were now on their way out and he needed to find the restroom! He walked down the short hallway at the end of the bar and nearly collided with one of the waitresses coming out of the kitchen with a tray of food balance on one hand. “I’m sorry!” He apologized, noting that the beautiful Elf waitress had dodged him like it was second nature and without even jostling the food that she was carrying.

“No, the fault is mine, Mr. Cranel.” Ryu shook her head once. “Is there something you need?”

“The restroom.” Bell said.

Ryu pointed towards the doors to the kitchen. “Head for the doors and then take a right into the back corridor. The first door on the right is the men’s room.”

“Thank you very much, Miss Ryu.” Bell gave the waitress that had been bringing him food and drink for the duration of Loki Familia’s party a quick bow of thanks. Ryu gave him a nod before Bell took off towards the restroom.

Once Bell had used the restroom, washed his hands, and returned to the party, he was nearly blindsided by Loki.

“Snow Bunny!” Loki laughed brightly as she hugged Bell close. “Tell us the story!”

“What story?” Bell asked, his face turning noticeably red as Loki was hanging off him, her legs wrapped around his waist and her arms around his shoulders.

Loki smiled at him, playfully nuzzling into his white hair. “The story about you taking down that Minotaur, of course!”

“Loki, don’t cling to Bell like that!” Tione pointed at their Goddess.

“My snow bunny!” Loki clung to Bell tighter.

‘Bunny…’ Ais thought to herself as she internally agreed with Loki’s descriptor for Bell. It didn’t mean that she was thrilled to see the Goddess hanging off Bell like she was.

Bell was eventually able to get into his seat, even with Loki refusing to let go of him. This led to a happy Goddess sitting in Bell’s lap while Tione and Tiona each held one of Bell’s arms to their chests. It made it a bit difficult for Bell to start the story, even if he didn’t think it was one worth pairing with drink, but he managed after a while.

The entire Loki Familia crowded around to listen to the story, since most of them hadn’t heard it yet. When bell got to the point where he blacked out from Mind Down, Tiona and Tione took up the story with a few inputs from Ais. The entire Familia cheered at the besting of a Minotaur by their newest member and the alcohol flowed freely.

Bell, however, had a different problem. He was currently surrounded by lovely women. While that would normally be the furthest thing from a problem, he had Loki in his lap, Tione pressed up against his left side, Tiona pressed up against his right side, and Aki pressed into his back. Naturally, this caused a certain ‘situation’ for Bell below the belt. Something that Loki was taking full advantage of as she subtly moved her hips while a bright smile was on her face. The Trickster Goddess giggled at Bell’s reaction, her snow bunny clearly trying to not give away what was going on.

Ais and Lefiya were on Tiona’s opposite side watching the four women practically snuggling with Bell. Lefiya was a blushing mess at the scene before her. Ais had some pink on her cheeks while wondering why her heart was beating a bit faster than normal and her stomach felt like it had butterflies in it.

Bell was amazed that he made it through the party with so much physical affection being given to him.

-Twilight Manor ~ Evening-

“Hehehe…snow bunny~” Loki giggled, seemingly drunk as Bell carried her on his back up the stairs.

“You really went all out, huh, Goddess?” Bell sighed as he got to the floor that Loki’s room was on.

Loki squeezed him tighter. “Mmm~”

Bell opened the door to Loki’s room and walked in, only for Loki to reach out with her right hand and close it behind him. “Loki?”

“Yes, snow bunny?” Loki smiled as she nuzzled into his neck, leaving a brief kiss on his skin.

“Do you just get more affectionate when you drink?” Bell asked as he turned around and tried to lower her onto her bed.

Loki held onto Bell, refusing to be put down. “Nooo…”

“Uh huh…” Bell chuckled a little as he sat down on the bed and Loki leaned against his back. “Yeah you do.”

“Says the bunny with a harem.” Loki teased right back with a giggle.

Bell flinched at Loki’s words. “I… It’s not… I don’t have a harem!”

Loki’s hands wandered over his chest and abs as she laid her head on Bell’s shoulder. “It looked like a harem to me~” She ran her fingers up and down his abs. “Me, Aki, Tiona, and Tione… That’s four. You have a harem!”

“You’re drunk.” Bell said as he looked over his shoulder at Loki. “Mmh!” Only to meet her lips as if she’d been lying in wait for him to look back at her. He enjoyed the soft kiss for a moment before pulling back. “Loki, we can’t, you’re drunk.”

Loki grinned at him. “That’s my snow bunny. A true gentleman.” She leaned into his ear. “But I’m not that drunk.” She said in a perfectly clear voice, not a trace of intoxication in her tone.

“Eh?” Bell looked back at her again, only to see Loki looking as normal as ever. “How?”

“Hah! You thought that little party was enough to get me drunk?” Loki shook her head at him, her ponytail swaying side to side.

“Your cheeks are still a bit red.” Bell pointed out a second later, a barely hidden grin on his lips.

Loki pouted at him before pulling Bell back against her in another hug. “Shush you!”

Bell let her hands wander again, even as they slipped beneath his shirt and started to pull up. “Alright, but not too much.” He lifted his arms and let Loki pull his shirt off.

“Mmm~ Such a delight every time that I see you, Bell.” Loki licked her lips as her hands now ran over his bare skin.

“Thank you, Loki.” Bell shook his head with a chuckle, just enjoying the feeling of her soft hands on his skin.

Loki turned him to face her and kissed Bell again, this time opening her mouth to deepen their kiss. Bell responded, mimicking Loki and the two had their first French kiss as their tongues gently moved against each other’s.

“Ah… That’s my Bell~” Loki smiled at Bell with love and affection. “Heh, now I know your taste.”

Bell deadpanned at her and kissed her again. “I taste alcohol.” He said when he pulled back. “Time for you to go to bed, Goddess.”

“No…” Loki pouted at him, even as she let him pick her up and take her to the ensuite bathroom.

Bell spent the next few minutes helping Loki, even if the Goddess didn’t need it. She wanted it, and Bell didn’t mind giving her this if it made her happy. Her teeth were brushed, her hair was pulled out of its ponytail, she was changed into her pajamas, giving Bell his first look at her in nothing but her skimpy panties. That had led to a longer make out session and Loki had even gotten Bell to play with her small tits a little, much to her enjoyment. Then he’d pulled her baggy sleep shirt over her head when she’d been distracted and ruined the fun!

“Meanie!” Loki pouted at Bell as he carried her to her bed.

“I know.” Bell said with a smile as he gently laid her down and pulled the blankets over her. Without any hesitation, Bell kissed her forehead. “Goodnight, Loki.”

“Goodnight, Bell.” Loki smiled, more than happy with how the last part of the evening had gone. Bell turned off the light and closed the door behind him, his shirt already back on. Once the door was closed, Loki giggled to herself and rolled over, grabbing the other pillow to hold close. “Snow bunny is such a good man!” She buried her face into the pillow with another giggle at once more being shown Bell’s outstanding character. “Wouldn’t take the chance that I was even a little drunk when I was offering more.” The Trickster Goddess fell asleep that night with a happy smile on her face and thoughts of how lucky she and her girls were to have Bell in their hearts. Everything else could be worked out in time.

-Next Morning-

Finn approached Bell shortly after breakfast with a young woman following him. She was a Prum, like Finn, given her stature. “Bell, given your sudden rise to prominence after your feat with the Minotaur. Loki, Riveria, Gareth, and myself believe it would be best for you to form a small Party to continue your Dungeon exploration.” Left unsaid, but conveyed nonetheless, was that this idea to give Bell more support in the Dungeon was to see if it helped his new Skill further his growth. “This is Liliruca Arde.” Finn introduced the Prum girl. “She has many years of experience as a Supporter and knows the Upper Levels of the Dungeon well.”

Lili had semi-short brown hair, chestnut brown eyes, a light complexion, and was rather curvy for a Prum woman. She wore a red and white shirt, a red skirt with a black belt, black stockings on her legs, and sturdy brown boots on her feet. She gave Bell a smile and held out her hand to him. “Liliruca Arde, I look forward to working with you, Bell.”

“I look forward to working with you too, Liliruca.” Bell smiled back as he shook her hand.

“Just Lili is fine, Bell.” Lili shook her head once with a grin. “We’re Familia, we should be friendly.”

That made Bell smile even more. “Lili then.”

“I hope that you two will work together well and help each other improve in the Dungeon.” Finn said to them both with belief in his blue eyes.

“Yes, Captain.” Bell and Lili both agreed without hesitation.

Finn nodded to them with a smile. “Excellent. We’ll all await your return from the Dungeon.” He gave them the standard farewell for a new Party’s first excursion into the Dungeon together; which Loki had come up with almost twenty years ago.

Bell turned to head for the front doors, eager to start the day of dungeon crawling.

“We’ll be back this afternoon, Captain Finn.” Lili smiled at Finn.

“Take care of each other, Lili.” Finn smiled at her; his tone noticeably softer when speaking to Lili alone.

Bell looked back for a second, hearing the short conversation. He wouldn’t pry, but something told him the two Prums were close, possibly in the romantic sense. Lili caught up with him a moment later, picking up a huge green backpack that was bigger than she was by the door, and carrying it without issue as they left the Twilight Manor.

-Dungeon ~ Eighth Floor-

“Bell, above you!” Lili called out loudly, directing Bell’s attention upwards.

Fluttering above the melee below was a large butterfly Monster with four see-through blue wings that scattered a light blue dust every time they flapped.

“A Blue Papilio!” Bell grinned at seeing the Rare Monster. He cut down the Kobold in front of him, the wound freezing over almost instantly as the Monster fell backwards. Bell wasted no time as he swung his sword and a blast of ice covered the remaining Monsters, two Frog Shooters and a War Shadow, killing them instantly as they froze. Snapping off a jagged piece of ice from his attack, Bell threw it with all his might and managed to stab the main body of the Blue Papilio.

“Skch!” The Blue Papilio let out an odd sound as it fell to the Dungeon floor with the piece of ice stabbed into its body.

“I’ve got it.” Lili crushed the dying Monster’s head with her sturdy boot and a good stomp. “Not often you see a Blue Papilio just flying around the corridors.” She smiled at nabbing the Rare Monster. “Lili will do her best!” Lili pulled out her knife and carefully extracted the Blue Papilio’s Magic Stone. The Monster’s body broke down into white ash, but one of its see-through blue wings was left behind. “The Drop Item!” Lili cheered at getting the Rare Monster’s item. “This will sell for a lot to a pharmacy type Mercantile Familia!”

Bell grinned at making some extra money. “That was lucky!” He’d need his savings to grow if he wanted to improve his sword, having checked some prices to see what higher Grade weapons were sold for. It wasn’t going to be cheap, but Bell was determined to keep his promise with Loki.

“Brrr…” Lili rubbed her arms from standing right next to Bell while his Magic was still active, even while wearing her beige cloak. “Your Magic is really something, Bell.”

“Ah, sorry.” Bell apologized and let his Magic fade by stopping his flow of Mind. “It’s gonna take me a bit to remember that I have someone with me now.” He was basically immune to his own Magic, so he didn’t feel the biting chill that everyone else did.

As the Party of two continued on with their Dungeon crawling, Bell was noticing a sharp increase in the number of Monsters that he was able to hunt today with Lili’s support. Just her sheer speed at harvesting the Monsters alone was saving a lot of time. The fact that she was a good shot with her bowgun and could one shot most of the smaller Monsters freed Bell up to focus on the bigger ones like War Shadows, Killer Ants, and Frog Shooters. Their success only increased Bell’s determination to do better in the Dungeon.

-Guild Exchange ~ Late Afternoon-

“Your Magic Stones were worth 16,820 Valis, the Kobold Nails are worth 1,800 Valis, The War Shadow Finger Blade is worth 2,000 Valis, and the two Goblin Fangs are worth 1,200 Valis. In total, your exchange for today is 20,020 Valis. Please, have a nice evening.” The woman behind the glass of the exchange window nodded to Bell as the tray with the money was pushed back onto Bell’s side.

“Thank you, ma’am.” Bell picked up the coins and moved over to a free table with Lili. “It’ll be easy to split the loot today.” He laughed a little at the Valis that he and Lili had managed to earn today. “10,010 Valis for Lili…” He pushed the small pile of coins over to Lili. “And 10,010 Valis for me.” He put his earnings into his money pouch.

“Thank you, Bell.” Lili smiled as she put her money away too. “Do you want to head over to Dian Cecht Familia or Miach Familia to sell the Blue Papilio Wing?”

Bell nodded, eager to see how much they could haggle for the rare Drop Item. “Sure, which one would you recommend, Lili?”

Lili thought about it. “Miach Familia is closer, and the price will probably be close to the same either way.”

“We’ll head there as soon as I finish giving my report.” Bell headed over to the meeting area to give his report to Sophie.

-Guild Advisors’ Offices-

“And now he has a Supporter…” Sophie let out a sigh, both of relief that Bell wasn’t solo anymore, and of exasperation at the number of Monsters killed increasing even more. She set the report on her desk and let some of the other curious Advisors look at it. “An almost fifty percent increase just from getting a Supporter.”

“Over two-hundred in one day?!” Misha gaped at the number from a newbie Adventurer with less than a month of experience. “On the Eighth Floor? I guess that could make sense…the spawn rate increases a lot after you pass the Fifth Floor.”

“It’s a good Supporter that can get a solo Adventurer a fifty percent increase in kills.” Another Advisor nodded before taking a sip from his coffee mug.

Sophie picked up the report and put it into Bell’s file. “He’s progressing incredibly quickly. But at least he’s not being too reckless about it. The Loki Familia isn’t always over the top and crazy, thankfully.” Left unsaid was that she’d swat his head with whatever she had available if Bell got out of hand. The cute Elf didn’t want to see one of her Adventurers die, so she took on a bit of a disciplinarian role with most of them to make sure they didn’t do stupid things in the Dungeon.

-Twilight Manor ~ Evening-

“You look lovely, Loki.” Bell complimented his Goddess with a warm smile.

Loki was wearing a black dress that hugged her waist, hips, and her nice butt and flowed close to her legs to further show off her shape, ending in dark grey ruffles at the bottom that swished about as she walked in her matching black heels. The waist of the dress was tied with a red bow to give some color and emphasize Loki’s trim figure. Her red hair was done up in a nice bun in place of her normal ponytail. On her hands were black evening gloves that went up to mid forearm, a golden bracelet rested on each wrist for contrast (and to show off a little of her wealth), the same with the triple diamond charm necklace she was wearing and the large matching diamond earrings.

“Thank you, snow bunny!” Loki beamed at the compliment, preening a little in her evening wear. “Figured I’d look nice for the Banquet of the Gods and all.” She looked at Bell with a grin. “I bet you came for a Status Update before I leave, right?”

“Yes.” Bell nodded at being predicted. “But seeing you in this dress is a very nice bonus.”

Loki laughed softly, a happy sound that made Bell smile. “My bunny is a charmer.” She patted the stool before taking off her right evening glove and the golden bracelet on her wrist. “Sit, sit, I should have enough time before I have to head out.”

Bell took off his t-shirt quickly and sat down. “Ready!”

Loki admired his form for a few seconds before letting a drop of blood fall onto his back. “Let’s see how your first day with Lili went.” She began to watch the Excelia that Bell had gathered from his day in the Dungeon. “You definitely sped up with Lili taking care of things like the harvesting.”

“Lili was great! She’s easily three times faster than me at getting the Magic Stone from Monsters, maybe more.” Bell smiled at how well he and Lili had worked together. “We made some good progress today.”

“I can see that.” Loki giggled at Bell’s excitement. “You both were kicking Monster butt today.” She moved the Excelia into his Basic Abilities and watched them rise as the Falna grew stronger. “And that kind of hard work really pays off.” She placed a blank paper on Bell’s back and copied the numbers over with a swipe of her fingertip. “Here you go, Bell.”

Bell accepted the paper when it was handed to him with a smile.

-Status-

Bell Cranel

Level 1

Strength – C 622 > C 679

Endurance – C 617 > C 673

Dexterity – C 631 > C 690

Agility – C 625 > C 682

Magic – C 688 > B 748

-Magic-

Aurora – Incantation: “Frost.” Ice Enchantment Magic.

-Skills-

Eilíft Frost – Provides protection from cold along with Ice and Water Magics and makes all Ice Magics the user casts use less Mind while significantly increasing their power.

Einhuga Löngun – Fast growth as long as desire lasts. The strength of the effects corresponds with the level of the user's desire. As a side effect it makes the user immune to Charms and Mental Magics.

-Status-

“Hey, my Magic reached ‘B’ rank!” Bell smiled at the progress he’d made today.

“Lili’s support certainly helped you kill more Monsters, and your new Skill is definitely maximizing your Excelia gain. But I know that your desire is real and powerful, Bell. So how could it not?” She locked up his Falna before hugging him from behind.

Bell appreciated the praise as he leaned back into Loki’s embrace. “I still have a long way to go, but I’ll get there, no matter how long it takes.”

Loki just held Bell close for a long moment before letting him go with a sigh. “Well, I need to head out, don’t want to be too late, or it won’t be fashionably late.”

Bell didn’t know what that meant, but he stood up and burned his Status Update with a nearby candle. “Thank you for the update, Loki.”

“No problem, Bell.” Loki smiled before leaning forward a little.

Bell knew what she wanted and leaned forward as well.

Their lips met and Loki let out a little hum of approval. When they pulled away from each other, Bell and Loki smiled warmly before leaning in for a second kiss, this time with Bell pulling her flush against his bare chest, much to Loki’s delight.

“Alright, snow bunny, that’s enough for now~” Loki pushed him back gently, a beautiful smile on her lips. “If we get too caught up, I won’t make it to the Banquet at all.” Not that she’d entirely mind that outcome.

Bell put on his shirt and then offered his arm to Loki. “May I walk you down to the carriage?”

“You may, good sir.” Loki played along, looping her arm through Bell’s as the two left her bedroom.

Many of the Familia members wondered how Bell had gotten roped into Loki’s shenanigans as he walked her outside to the waiting carriage. When he came back inside, Raul, Arcs, Orba, and a few of the other guys invited him to play cards.

Everyone in Loki Familia learned that Lady Luck apparently had a crush on Bell as well that night. Out of ten hands played, Bell won every single time, without fail. Raul hung his head as in only three hands, Bell had cleared him out.

“I even had a full house…” Raul muttered under his breath as he sat off to the side of the table, an almost visible cloud hanging over his head.

-Ganesha Familia Home ~ Aim Ganesha ~ Banquet of the Gods-

“Still have no taste, huh, Ganesha?” Loki looked up at the large, elephant-shaped home, a representation of one of Ganesha’s forms up in Tenkai. “Why the hell is the front door in the crotch?” She muttered while walking up the steps and into the large Familia Home.

For the first few minutes, Loki just circulated, checking out who was present and who wasn’t. There were hundreds of Deities in Orario, several of the came to the banquets because they were bored. Other came to meet and chat with friends over free drinks and food. Still others came because of the free food and drink, the lay about Deities too lazy or unmotivated to start their own Familia, and just killing time in whatever way amused them at the moment.

“Whoa, look, Loki is here.” One God said to the others he had been chatting with.

Loki’s ears caught the words, even at the distance that she was standing away from the four Gods.

“The Goddess of disappointment is in our midst.” One of the other Gods remarked with a snicker. “I must say, she has a very impressive lack of cleavage.”

“I’ve never seen a cliff face sheerer than that!” The third God chuckled at his own joke.

“Idiots, what’s wrong with that?” The fourth and final God asked, showing off his own ‘tastes’ in women.

Loki turned her head and gave the four Gods a cute grin, seemingly being polite. The four shuffled off a few seconds later, hoping that Loki hadn’t heard them.

“Got their faces memorized. Crushing three of them first thing when I get home!” Loki had a vicious smile on her face as she plotted her revenge on those talking about her behind her back. “What do those idiots know anyway? My snow bunny likes me just as I am!” She brightened up a little just thinking about Bell and the growing love and affection between them. “Now, where is a waiter with some wine?”

Loki spotted one such waiter, but on her way over to him she was waylaid by a certain God.

“Oh, hello! If it isn’t Loki!” The God that called out was a beautiful man of medium height with medium length blonde hair, and emerald eyes. He wore a violet suit, which matched his long-sleeve coat, equally violet pants, knee-high black boots with yellow straps near the top, a yellow button-up shirt inside, and a white cravat around his neck.

“Well, if it isn’t Dionysus.” Loki greeted the Olympian God of Wine. “So, you came too?”

“Indeed, it is a banquet after all.” Dionysus moved some of his blonde hair out of his face with one hand. A move that often wooed many mortal women, but Loki ignored as easily as breathing. “I decided to come out, attend, and gather some information while I’m here. Without a Familia as strong as yours, Loki, it makes a good deal of sense.”

“My, my. It’s been a little while, Loki~ How have you been?” A gorgeous and VERY busty Goddess greeted Loki. She had long, flowing strawberry-blonde hair, soft and warm orange eyes, a gorgeous figure with almost immaculate Hip, Waist, and Bust sizes, that wouldn’t look out of place on a Goddess of Beauty. Her evening dress was a soft yellow color with a darker orange along the bottom hem, the low cut of the top showing off her huge…tracts of land.

“Ohh… D-Demeter… You’re here too.” Loki nearly recoiled away from the Goddess of the Harvest, though her red eyes were clearly following the bounce of Demeter’s breasts with barely hidden envy. ‘She’s doing that on purpose, isn’t she?!’

Dionysus smiled at Demeter before turning back to Loki. “Yes, we were talking until just a moment ago.”

“At any rate, Ganesha’s banquets are as extravagant as always.” Loki mentioned, looking at the large number of Deities present. “Looks like almost every God and Goddess in Orario is here.”

“More like he has to be as generous as possible.” Dionysus said while pointing at a sign on one of the nearby pillars that supported the massive structure that was the Ganesha Familia Home. “In other words: ‘Don’t do anything to interfere with the big day, even by accident.’ Monsterphilia can’t continue to be held every year without the Guild and Ganesha Familia’s full support. The show of taming Monsters from the Dungeon, not to mention showing off their Xenos Monsters to the public. There’s a lot of people that Ganesha and the Guild have to keep happy.”

“Monsterphilia…eh?” Loki looked thoughtful, lightly tapping her cheek with her right index finger.

“Do you plan to attend, Loki?” Dionysus asked the Trickster Goddess.

Loki shrugged once. “Thinking about it… I just might. But what’s it to you?”

Dionysus gave Loki a smile that didn’t reach his eyes. “Surely, you’re not serious? Are you planning to stir up a ruckus?”

“Wanna clarify what you mean by that?!” Loki grabbed the Wine God by the front of his suit, messing up his white cravat, as she glared at him, clearly agitated by the insinuation.

“Easy, easy now!” Dionysus held up his hands in front of him to ward off Loki’s annoyance with him. “I didn’t think you would even be interested in Monsterphilia.” He looked off to the side. “And I know what you were like back in Tenkai.” Loki tightened her grip on him and let out a little growl. “My fault if I touched a nerve! My apologies…!”

“Alright then, what about you?” Loki let go of Dionysus’s suit with a huff. “Planning to go?”

Dionysus shrugged once. “I’m not sure. In all likelihood, I won’t be able to. I have something to attend to that day.”

Loki picked up a wineglass from a passing waiter. “Ah, that so?” She sniffed the wine and then sipped it. Her eyes caught sight of Freya and she blinked once. “Freya actually came to a Banquet of the Gods? That seems a little odd…” Loki turned and gave Demeter and Dionysus a quick smile. “Think I’ll take my leave. There’s something I want to check out!” She took off toward Freya and noticed who the Goddess of Beauty, Desire, Love, War, and a host of other Domains from her Pantheon was talking to. “Phai-tan! Freya!” Loki called out to the two Goddess with a grin.

“Loki, how nice to see you.” Freya greeted the Trickster Goddess of her Pantheon with a smile.

She was a beauty beyond mere words. Blessed with perfect proportions and a golden ratio so immaculate that it was as if the concept had originated from her. Her long silver hair reached just past her perfect, heart-shaped ass. Her alluring silver eyes had a hint of amethyst purple in them, her skin was as pure as freshly fallen snow without a single trace of blemish or imperfection. Her silver dress had a plunging neckline to show off her cleavage and give a peek at her breasts, but even the exquisitely made dress couldn’t add to Freya’s divine beauty.

“Loki, I hope you’re well.” Hephaestus greeted Loki with a small grin.

The Goddess of the Forge was wearing a lovely red dress, a single strap went over her right shoulder with a large flower ornament adorning it. The dress emphasized her bust and thin waist until just past her hips, where it had thick layers of ruffs, and then continued to flow down to around her ankles similar to a gown. Her long red hair was even done up in a flowing ponytail for the evening.

“Can’t complain too much.” Loki smiled at Freya and Hephaestus. “My kiddos made it back from Floor Fifty without losing anyone.” She looked between the two other Goddesses. “So, what brought you two here tonight?”

“Oh, I thought I could kill some time.” Freya giggled lightly, waving off her rare appearance at such events.

“Same here.” Hephaestus admitted to being here to just kill some time while enjoying her evening.

“I heard the news about your newest child. He sounds most impressive.” Freya complimented Loki with a grin that showed a bit of interest in the current hot topic of Orario.

“He took what he’d learned from my executives to heart and fought smart. That’s the only way he managed to slay that Minotaur.” Loki sighed, remembering how she’d worried about Bell until he’d woken up and she’d known that he was truly okay. “But he did manage to kill the big thing all by himself, so we can’t be anything but proud of him.”

“Fufufu…” Freya giggled behind her hand. “From what I understand, he possesses powerful Ice Magic, going beyond what a Level 1 should be capable of.” The silvery eyes of the Goddess sparkled with amusement.

Loki narrowed her eyes at Freya. “You better not be trying to poach my Bell, Freya!”

“Of course not, Loki.” Freya assured her with a playful smile.

“Got some business to talk about with you later, if that’s alright, Phai-tan.” Loki asked Hephaestus with a smile, deciding to ignore Freya’s teasing, for now.

“Of course, come by any time.” Hephaestus nodded to her fellow redhead. “You said they came back from Floor Fifty, right? That’s a Floor they’ve reached before, did they not try to press onwards?”

“Fifty?” Freya looked mildly interested. “I do believe that your Familia made it down to Floor Fifty-Six before, did they not?”

“They ran into some weird kind of new species of Monster.” Loki shrugged with a sigh. “The weird bugs spewed acid that melted weapons, shields, armor…they couldn’t do much against that. My kids were forced to turn back with the loss of equipment and the number of injuries they had.” She looked at Hephaestus seriously. “That’s what the business I want to talk to you is about. We’re gonna need some things that can handle this new species. Not to mention some extra firepower on top of that.”

“I’m sure my Familia can meet all of your needs, Loki.” Hephaestus nodded confidently. She believed in her children and their skills. Whatever Loki wanted to order, they would get it made and to the highest quality. The Loki Familia would have to pay for such quality, of course. “I’m sure a Familia like yours can get any kind of loan you want, if necessary, of course.”

Loki flinched slightly. “Ah, c’mon, Phai-tan…go a little easy on me and my Familia, would ya? We’re loyal customers!”

“Says the Goddess that regularly has her Familia members buy Goibniu Familia weapons.” Hephaestus said, pretending to be offended.

“Oh my~” Freya giggled behind her hand, a teasing smile on her lips.

“Phai-tan! That’s their choice! You know I don’t’ have control over that!” Loki bemoaned in a dramatic fashion. “Besides, your Tsubaki has an exclusive contract with Gareth, doesn’t she?”

The three Goddesses were all smiling now as they joked with each other.

Sometimes it was nice to just relax with other Deities that weren’t trying to brown nose.

-End Chapter-

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Ah… It’s nice to not almost die, isn’t it? Kek!

Bell’s hard work is paying off and his growth rate is only going to increase now that he has Lili as his Supporter!

Lili was saved from Soma Familia by Finn and Loki! Woohoo! Only good things for Da Bean!

Is there some romance building between her and Finn?! Oooohhh~

Speaking of romance, Bell is becoming quite popular! Heh! Can he handle so much affection coming his way?

Lefiya is an adorable flustered Bi-Elf, isn’t she? Hah!

Bell meets Ryu at the Hostess of Fertility!

It turns out that in this story, Loki has been looking after Ryu on the down low. Wanting to take care of Astraea’s last ‘child’ in honor of all they worked for towards Orario’s peace together.

Things are moving right along, but if Freya doesn’t have an interest in Bell…what exactly will he face as his Grand Feat?

Keep reading to find out!

Let me know what you thought!

Until next time, later!