Chapitre 48: What could have happened - Part 2
English is not my first language, so you might find some mistakes in the translation of the chapter.
This chapter has been translated by various means in order to obtain the best result so that you may find some simple or regular wordings.
If you find any grammatical errors or misspelled words, please feel free to correct them or write a recommendation to improve the story. Your support would be appreciated.
Enjoy the chapter.
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"..." - Dialogues.
'...' - Thoughts.
<...> - Spells
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When I wanted to distract myself to get rid of my block, I didn't think I would write enough. I just wanted to write some omakes to relax with the story, but as always, I went too far and turned them into mini stories with development and many other things.
Translating almost 10 thousand words was passable, however, the most tiring thing was having to read in case of any mistakes in pronouns, words with another meaning and even then the errors may still be there because I missed some or mistranslated it.
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Short stories like the ones in chapter 34, some are the continuation of several. Everything presented are other paths that the course of the story took or how I could have written it when I started.
Remember that these are non-canon Omake, as they happen in an alternate history, however, from time to time I will write them whenever I see it necessary because it helps me to think more about how to continue the story.
Enjoy.
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Bell Cranel? - Part 2
A good day is always shown when the sun's rays emit warmth all over my body, neither so radiant to hurt me nor so poor that I feel cold in the sunlight.
Leaving my village and taking a trip to the dungeon city, known as Orario and the center of the world, was a long way. I got a reasonably priced ride and from there I entered the city after paying the resident fare.
They saw that I had a falna, but when I told them it was to join a Familia in the city, they accepted me, but not before telling me not to do anything dangerous.
It was fun to travel far away from home and eventually arrive at the place where heroes were born, or so my grandfather used to tell me when he told me stories about Orario.
According to him, this was the place where many mortals found their answers to the various questions they had and then followed a path that led them to their destination.
But, like many other stories, my grandfather's Familia perished fighting against the one-eyed black dragon, the ultimate calamity in the world and the enemy the world wishes to defeat.
For that reason, I promised my grandfather that I would become a hero, someone who would accomplish the ultimate goal that my relatives failed to achieve. I know it's a journey of no return, but that's what I decided after hearing the story of how my grandfather or also called Zeus was.
My decision was a mature one, with the other life and my life rolled into one, I knew my path would be filled with obstacles and unpredictable events, however, I would prevail and proudly, I would proclaim that I had made it.
I must also find my sister, who according to my grandfather is here in Orario. I have no problem with waiting any longer and I don't know if she knows about me either, so it's better to take it easy.
That would be in the future, right now I just want to eat something because I haven't eaten since morning.
My status, right. My falna is still on my back, but my grandfather left it in a state of conversion where I can be accepted by another deity and receive the blessing of this one.
It can be dangerous, since according to my grandfather he was well known, so if they found out that I used to be part of the Zeus Familia I would be hunted in a certain way. This was for grudges of Gods who lost to Zeus and Hera.
Conflicts between Gods that dragged mortals.
However, I looked around without worrying too much about things. I need to join a Familia, buy some food, visit the Guild, and eventually get a harem according to my grandfather. Those are the things I'm supposed to do.
We'll ignore the harem.
...
"Excuse me"
"Yes?" the advisor adjusted her glasses and looked at me "Do you need anything?"
"I come to register as an adventurer"
"I see" the half elf smiled professionally "I will need you to fill out this form with the necessary data and please fill out most of it if possible"
"Of course"
With speed I filled in the important points ignoring some of them like if I had a Familia before coming to Orario. I also changed my origin by putting another place so they ignore my town.
"There you are, Miss Elf"
"Eina Tulle" Eina introduced herself politely and read the form "Oh, I see you have experience Mr. Cranel. The process will be ready soon, but you need a Familia if you want full access to the services for adventurers"
"Eh" I grimaced and looked at her with some mercy "Is the magic stone exchange available?"
"Sure do, Do you have monster cores to trade?"
"Yes!" I said excitedly thankful that I could get more money. I pulled a bag out of my backpack and handed it to Eina "They're surface monsters, so I think they're worth less. Please!"
"Let me swap them"
After a few minutes Eina had just enough money from the low-quality cores and I received certain instructions about being an adventurer in the city of Orario, the first order being not to go into the dungeon without a falna.
"Thank you very much for your help, Miss Eina"
"You're welcome Mr. Cranel it's my duty" Eina made a gesture denying her help as a job "I wish you luck in getting a Familia and I hope to see you soon to help you with whatever you need"
"Thank you very much!" I said goodbye to Eina and continued on my way.
Now I have more valis, I'm registered as an adventurer and the only thing left to do is to look for food. I think I'll visit a place to eat something. It's time to walk around the city a bit.
...
Okay, I knew Orario would be a new little world full of unique experiences, but I didn't expect to meet someone I've known for a while. I knew him from my grandfather.
"Ah, Bell!" a man with blond hair and a feathered hat greeted me with surprise when he noticed me "Nice to see you in Orario! How's it going boy?"
"Messenger" I greeted him.
"Oh come on" Hermes pretended to be offended "When are you going to call me by my name? Come on, just call me Hermes, no respect or anything. We're friends, aren't we?"
"Since a few years ago I met you Mr. Messenger" I said with a blank face "You introduced yourself as a messenger hiding your identity as a Deity from me and that's how it stayed"
"Hm, you're right" Hermes laughed "Right I haven't introduced her to you. Asfi, come here. There's someone I want to introduce you to"
A blue-haired woman, with glasses and a serious attitude, approached Hermes and when she noticed me she looked at me and I just waved my hand with a nervous smile.
From Hermes and my grandfather I know who she is and how could I not if she is famous even outside Orario.
"This is [Perseus] I always told you about" Hermes said proudly "Her name is Asfi Al Andromeda and she is the Captain of my Familia. Asfi, this here is Bell, the guy you've heard me mention a few times"
"Nice to meet you, Miss Andromeda. My name is Bell Cranel I am a friend of your Deity"
Asfi nodded without changing her expression "A pleasure, I didn't expect Lord Hermes to have a decent friend"
"You hurt me Asfi" Hermes said with a smile "I met Bell on one of my trips. You know something, Bell wants to become a hero, but first he told me he wanted to learn a little about the world"
"Messenger..." I said with embarrassment causing Hermes to smile impishly "At least I don't declare my perversity to the public"
"Hoh, low blow" Hermes felt like an arrow went through him "Well, knowing you you're just like me"
"As if" I snorted, avoiding blushing. Living with my grandfather made me learn certain things.
"By the way Asfi let me tell you that Bell here is a level 2 outskirt of Orario" Asfi looked at me with more interest "However, I would say that Bell is the strongest level 1 and ready after moving up to level 2"
"I don't understand God Hermes" Asfi looked at her God and then at me "I know very well how complicated it is to level up outside of Orario, but I don't understand the other thing"
"Hm, you'll know in the future" Hermes said with an apish smile "Putting things aside. You look a bit restless, is something wrong?"
"I'm looking for a Familia"
"Ah, right!" Hermes laughed and picked up his hat making a light weight "I see you've had no luck. So what do you say, do you want to join my Familia? Your grandfather would thank me"
"Join the Familia of a pervert? No thanks"
"A-Ah, that's bad Bell"
"You are welcome"
"Any other reason why you won't join me? Let me tell you that my Familia is amazing in Orario. You will have very good support and foundation to become the best hero in the world"
"Well... it would disappoint my grandfather"
"Disappoint?" Hermes raised an eyebrow "Why would you do that?"
I smiled.
"Why would I join a perverted God when I could join a Familia of a beautiful Goddess?"
Hermes froze.
"My grandfather would be disappointed if I don't follow his teachings and join a beautiful Goddess to whom I can give my devotion" I place my hand on my chest for more drama "After all, Romance is the way of a man, isn't it?"
Hermes smiled and started laughing with amusement while Asfi looked at me suspiciously and I just looked away after using my excuse of not joining Hermes Familia.
"Though if no one will have me, I might join yours..."
"You're still the same, but underneath it all you're still a boy" Hermes muttered under his breath making me shudder because I still wasn't good with women, I mean yes and no, but not all the time "Just that?"
*Gurrrr*
I blushed "I'm also looking for a place to eat. I traded some cores at the Guild and I have enough money to eat and look for an inn"
"I have the perfect spot!" Hermes smiled a smile he knew all too well "Let me tell you about the Hostess of Fertility"
"It's not a nightclub, right?"
"Wow, straight to the point huh. I'm impressed with you Bell"
"It's not what you think!" exclaimed I blushing quite a bit "You and my grandfather go on and on about girls and stuff. It gets tiring after hours of listening to you guys"
"I plead guilty" Asfi sighed after hearing Hermes "And isn't that Bell. Then I'll take you to the Entertainment District"
"I humbly refuse"
"You're missing out. As I was telling you" Hermes adjusted the collar of his shirt "It's a good place to enjoy a good meal. Let me tell you about the beauties they have as waitresses"
"I knew it" I sighed.
"Haha, don't get discouraged quickly. They're just for viewing kid. If you lay a hand on them, the mistress will kick you out without a word"
I blinked and looked at Asfi to confirm what Hermes was telling me.
"The food they serve is very good" she commented.
"...Well"
"Wonderful!" Hermes put his arm around my shoulders and smiled impishly "Then let me tell you where such a place is. You will enjoy the view and the food"
...
Here it is.
A pub. A stone building located along Western Main Street. As such it is full of customers because of the location and also according to Hermes, the food is exquisite, so much so that it leaves you wanting to order more to enjoy the ambience of the place.
"Oh, a customer!" a girl with grey hair ran up to me with a smile "Mr. Customer, can I help you with our establishment?"
"Hm, I was told this place offered good food"
"So they told you well then" The girl said with a beaming smile "My name is Syr Flova nice to meet you sir..."
"Bell Cranel"
"Very well Mr. Cranel let me guide you" Syr took my hand and led me inside the Fertility Hostess "A customer!"
A friendly and quick attitude when it comes to bringing a customer to the pub. Let's see how it goes.
...
"W-What is this?!"
"Haha! Enjoy the food!" the owner, Mia Grand, said placing the giant plate in front of me where a big fish was cooked and prepared with many ingredients and condiments.
"Having fun, Bell?"
"I-I guess..." I said looking at the food, but that didn't discourage me and I took a bite making my eyes widen "It's good!"
"Of course!" Syr said cheerfully "Our cooks put in a lot of hard work in the kitchen, you know?"
I nodded "I cooked from time to time, however, it wasn't that good"
Syr laughed and I was honestly captivated by her laughter. She's beautiful, I admit, but there's something about her that tells me there's more to her than meets the eye.
"So, Bell, why did you come to Orario? I've never seen your face around town before"
"It's that obvious?" I mumbled slightly embarrassed "Well, I want to be like my parents someone others can trust and I'll accomplish an important goal"
"Oh, is it just that or something else?" Syr asked curiously.
"Well, maybe I'm lying to you and what I really want is to have a fated encounter with a girl, who knows" I shrugged cheekily "I've seen a lot of beauties in Orario" I said the last winking at Syr.
"Mou, how bold you are Bell" Syr place her hand on her cheek "You make me blush"
"That's the intention, even if it's a feeble attempt" I laughed awkwardly, as Syr laughed at my blatant attempt at flirting that I learned from my grandfather.
I took the fruit drink they gave me, but when I did a girl caught my attention. Her appearance was what did it because I had heard of someone who once had similar characteristics.
A beautiful Elf with deep blue eyes and blonde hair, but that Elf has green hair. Even so, her posture was firm and her gaze was stoic, as if she was sure of herself.
'If one day you meet Ryuu you can easily notice her after I told you how she is' I remembered that Goddess 'Say hello to her for me will you, it feels bad not to talk to her for a long time'
+-
Wait if it's her?!
"Guh!"
"Careful Bell!" Syr helped me as I suddenly choked on the juice and coughed several times catching my breath "You must be careful, something bad could happen to you"
"Y-Yeah... I noticed"
"What happened to you?"
"Well..." I thought a bit about whether to tell her and better agreed, since it was nothing "That Elf..."
"Who?" Syr looked at where I did and smiled warmly "She is Ryuu Lion, a waitress at this place and my friend. Hey Ryuu! Over here!"
"What are you doing?!" I hiss under my breath sheepishly. I like Elves and she's beautiful, no doubt about that, but I don't want to talk to her.
"Come on, it's not like it's a bad thing" Syr told me calmly.
"Something wrong, Syr?"
"Oh" Syr perked up when Ryuu was already in our spot "Allow me to introduce my new acquaintance. Bell Cranel" Syr said with a beaming smile.
"Cranel?" Ryuu muttered looking at me.
"Yeah" Syr said calmly and she gets up from her seat "Oh, look at the time! Mama Mia is going to scold me if I lose my focus, I charge you Ryuu!"
Syr walked away as she said goodbye leaving me with Ryuu who still had the same stoic look on her face since she saw her.
"She's very lively, isn't she?"
Ryuu just nodded without saying anything.
An awkward silence arose as I tried to shrink back and say a few words in an attempt to start a conversation.
"Are you [Gale Wind]?"
Ryuu's gaze narrowed and she looked at me with clear suspicion and guard that made me flinch and raise my arms in surrender. I could feel her aura with her gaze.
"W-Wait!" I said nervously because I noticed her hand preparing something under her sleeve "I-I have no bad intentions"
"How do you know that name?" Ryuu demanded.
This is where I'm at the end of my rope not knowing what to do. Ryuu is strong, of course, she used to be an adventurer and I barely have any experience against other people.
I knew I had to say it, since I got myself into this trouble.
"Goddess Astraea sends her regards" I said and instantly covered my mouth after saying it so easily.
What I expected to happen did not happen and I looked at Ryuu only to notice her a bit off from how I saw her. Ryuu's posture wavered and her eyes lost that murderous intent when I said her alias. Her eyes widened in surprise.
It was as if I had hit a weak spot.
"D-Do you know Lady Astraea?"
I nodded.
"Come with me" she took my hand tightly.
"Wait! I haven't finished my lunch yet" I resisted her attempt to get information out of me "Ouch, ouch! Careful I'm fragile!"
"Bell, I'm back-! Are?" Syr's eyes widened in surprise as she looked at me "What's going on here?"
"Nothing for you to worry about Syr" Ryuu said calmly, but she tightened her grip further to get me to play along, something I didn't want "I just wanted to ask Mr. Cranel something"
"Ryuu"
"What's going on Syr?"
Syr said nothing and looked at me as if to say I should do something and I nodded.
"Uh, Miss Lion?"
"I asked you to come with me please" she didn't let go "I just want to know something Mr. Cranel"
"The Elves didn't have something against being touched by another person or did they?"
"A custom of my Elven comrades" Ryuu replied "Please don't do that without earning the Elf's respect beforehand"
"Then... Why are you holding my hand Miss Lion?"
Ryuu froze and when she noticed how she was indeed holding my hand with hers. She looked at Syr who had a mischievous smile. A small shade of red adorned Ryuu's cheeks and she let go of me.
"Ohhh" Syr exclaimed mischievously "Apparently you had that fated encounter Bell"
"Kuh"
"Fufufu, what will Mama Mia think when she sees you trying to steal the heart of one of her daughters?"
Instantly I felt a shiver run through my body. I turned my body slowly and there was Miss Mia looking at me with a threatening gaze, however, she went on with her business.
It wasn't my fault! It was Ryuu I swear!
"Miss Lion..." slowly I caught Ryuu's attention causing her to look at me still suspiciously "If you like I can tell you about Goddess Astraea but not here"
"... It's okay"
I sighed as Syr patted me on the shoulder as if encouraging me. Syr, I barely know you, but I like you already, I hope.
...
"So is that so?" Ryuu asked and I nodded "I see... I'm glad to hear that"
"Goddess Astraea always had a smile on her face every time she said something about her Familia before that event" I commented remembering the horrible events 7 years ago in Orario or so I was told "But she never stopped loving you as Familia"
"..."
Ryuu looked at the ground as she clenched her fists in helplessness. I knew, she betrayed the justice of her Goddess, but Astraea did not hold a grudge against Ryuu for what she did, the Deity knew that her justice was not absolute.
"A question, Mr. Cranel"
"What's wrong?"
"Does the name Riku Cranel happen to be familiar to you?"
I froze and looked at Ryuu with intrigue and seriousness. I only know that I have a sister, however my grandfather never gave me her name, so I have no idea what her name is.
I have no idea where my sister is either and the only place I have a better chance of finding her is in Orario and my grandfather had told me that very thing.
"Hm, it's a girl's name, isn't it?" Ryuu nodded "She has white hair and red eyes?" Ryuu nodded again "I guess you have an idea..."
"I met Riku several years ago. Syr rescued her in an alley where she had been left to her death"
My eyes widened at Ryuu's words. Apparently my sister's life was horrible if a rescue like that happened.
"However, she grew up and eventually joined a Familia"
"May I know which one it is?"
"Loki Familia"
"..."
I blinked as if I didn't understand what I just heard. Loki? One of the two Deities with the strongest Familia? My grandfather told me about her, but if Riku is my sister...
"Just to comment Riku knows she has a brother" Ryuu said to my dismay "However, she told me that when she met him she would open her arms towards him as a welcome"
"...Thank you"
"Don't worry, we're even now"
I looked at Ryuu who had a smug look on her face, since I upset her by my words and she had done the same to me. I laughed and shook my head, it was just a simple joke.
"I enjoy talking to you Miss Lion, but I have to find a Deity to follow and go down in the dungeon"
Ryuu nodded "Then I wish you luck Mr. Cranel. If I see Riku around I'll take it upon myself to tell her about you"
"Thank you very much" I said goodbye to her but before leaving I looked at her questioningly "By the way Miss Lion, are you alright with that?"
"Alright with what?" she asked blankly.
"Your hand" I pointed to Ryuu's hand "Elves tend to not allow themselves to not be touched, but you just took my hand and didn't let go, that's why I was nervous, earlier. Are you okay with that?"
Ryuu frowned and looked at her hand inspecting it for a few seconds. She looked at me, then at my hand, and then Ryuu calmly shook her hand.
"No problem, compared to other people I didn't feel... disgust when I touched you"
"That means a forest fairy has accepted me, doesn't it? That's an achievement"
"Hm, you're just like her. Cheeky in some situations"
"I'm sorry and see you later Miss Lion"
"Ryuu is fine"
"Then Miss Ryuu please call me Bell" I smiled "I look forward to meeting you again"
"Likewise, Mr. Bell"
That's when I began my journey.
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Is it wrong that my Goddess is so beautiful? - Part 2
At the top of the Tower of Babel, a Goddess took a light sip of the wine in her cup, a wine of the highest possible quality that Orario offered. Something that was worthy for her to revel in its taste.
"Still... there's nothing"
Freya was bored like other times. The mortals in the city of Orario barely had a glow in their souls, all the colors were drab and barely glittered among them all.
Adventurers who had a high level were strong and therefore their souls shone brighter. Freya enjoyed watching them, but those glows weren't something special, they were a glow obtained over the years.
Her Familia was filled with special children, souls who shone every time they went about their daily lives. Each child chosen out of all the children in the world.
The most special ones, even if they did not stand out in society, their soul was the trigger for Freya to offer them a place in her Familia.
Freya sort of cared about her Familia, even though it looks cruel, Freya didn't want any of them to die or have anything bad happen to them. Even if she brought them into her Familia in a not so good moral way, she loved them.
It doesn't matter what it was like.
"Hm, it's over..." Freya looked at her glass and how it showed the lack of wine, so Freya just raised her glass high "Could you...?"
"Right away"
The cup in Freya's hand was taken by someone else so that in a matter of seconds the same cup was gently returned to Freya with wine poured into it.
"Thank you, Riku"
"There's nothing to be thankful for"
Freya shifted her body and shifted her gaze to the person standing behind her, making sure to keep an eye out for anything Freya might need.
Snow white hair and ruby red eyes. A very beautiful woman who would definitely attract the gaze of people wherever she walked.
Riku Cranel, the girl whom Syr rescued in that alley, where Syr found Riku with barely any signs of life, however, after that, Freya met her personally and took Riku to her Familia.
Unfortunately, if someone were to take a good look at the woman, they would notice a flaw in her beauty.
Riku's eyes didn't possess the sparkle she used to have several years ago. If someone shared glances with her, they might feel uncomfortable or at worst intimidated.
Freya sighed internally at a mistake she had made when she discovered that detail in Riku.
Like Syr she lived in a way where she is more friendly, mischievous, and curious about people and her surroundings. A role of a common girl she believed to enjoy a life away from being a Deity and try something else.
However, as a Deity, Freya could sometimes be very impulsive with her actions because of her desire to accomplish what she wanted. Freya was also quick and effective, as she gets what she wants.
So, when Freya discovered that Riku was immune to her charm, Freya took Riku to her headquarters and joined her Familia, however, Freya had completely ignored what Syr would have said in that situation.
By Syr is referring to the fact that Syr would have refused to let Riku join the Freya Familia because Riku first needed to heal a bit from what had happened to her before being taken to an environment like that.
Freya had initially taken care of Riku by teaching her what a Familia was and telling Riku what had probably happened to her with Evilus before Riku was abandoned.
The Deity wished that the girl's soul would, at that time, regain the beautiful glow it used to have in the past. How did Freya know that? Because Riku's soul was bright and in the background of the darkness that surrounded her it was pure white.
A little whim that Freya had while taking care of Riku.
Sadly, that adored purity was gone.
Like every other member of the Freya Familia it was absolute that everyone participated in the christening so that they would be reborn as a new warrior to fight for their Goddess.
An Einherjar.
However, Freya had ignored that deep within Riku's soul a trauma would come to light, causing Riku to never be able to be as she was before. A cheerful little girl eager to help in the Host of Fertility.
Her change of home was so quick that Riku didn't get to say goodbye properly to her fellow waitresses, but Riku remembers very well the last look she caught a glimpse of Mia. It was a look of pity and concern.
What was supposed to happen happened.
Riku had entered the garden.
A member of the Freya Familia explained what was going on, completely ignoring the look of disbelief and how pale the girl's face turned at the words being spoken.
The garden where the dependents of the Goddess Freya 'killed' each other, from morning till sunset, every day. It was said that those who come out of the garden are few, but that referred to those who remained standing until the end of the fight.
Only warriors could survive.
With Freya Familia equipment and a sword, Riku fought in the garden and 'died'.
Riku had been rendered to the ground, torn by the multiple techniques, pulverized by the tactics, ravaged by the magic, and devastated by the strength of the other warriors.
Her bones ended up broken, her flesh had been cut, her clothes were destroyed and the color of her clothes and hair had changed to red. Riku understood at that instant that no one would offer her their hand.
From that day on, Riku Cranel accepted the fate of the world she had forgotten when she had been rescued.
The innocent and cautious child ceased to exist after multiple days in the garden.
Riku many times spat blood, vomited, collapsed on the cold grass, and thought of escaping from there. The others, seeing her as a hindrance, told her that Riku must swear her complete loyalty to the Goddess to survive.
She understood that she had been deceived by that Deity.
Beautiful on the outside but cruel on the inside.
So deciding not to be anyone else, not to feel sorry for anyone else, hating everything around her, wishing death to stop suffering, Riku decided to fight.
Again and again, until Riku couldn't go on.
Only driven by anger and revenge. The gaze had changed to a cold and empty one with only one goal and that was to take revenge on all the other dependents who 'killed' her at the christening so that an Einherjar would be born.
Riku no longer wanted a home.
Riku didn't want a family.
Riku did not long for her peace.
A failed Einherjar was not important, so Riku became one and fought until her body broke, her blood dropped to the ground, her arms gave out and her eyes closed.
There was someone who tried to help Riku, telling her to keep getting up to survive, and eventually that person extended her hand to Riku, but Riku pushed that hand away in disgust.
Horn had been rejected by Riku.
Even if Horn didn't have her disguise, Riku recognized that warmth she sometimes felt in Syr and that was when what little glow Riku Cranel possessed was extinguished.
The little girl asked her Deity, who was Syr? The Goddess showed to Riku and that's when Riku simply lost all trust in people, including herself.
From there, Riku never accepted the Hostess of Fertility as a home again and forgot about the 'Mother' she used to have in that place. Riku forgot about her desire to survive and she simply adapted to the world she was born in.
Riku hated that feeling caused by Mia, that she called her mother to Mia and cherished her as the woman had told the girl. Riku hated that memory of waking up to the Hostess of Fertility.
In one-year Riku rose to level 2, in another she rose to level 3 and in yet another year Riku Cranel had become a level 4.
It was at that instant that Riku beheld it in her status.
An ability that allowed her to fight against stronger enemies. In that instant a smile once again graced the girl's face, but that smile, as beautiful as it looked, had nothing good in it.
That day, when Riku had gone into the fight, she had been left standing until the end. Around her, the bodies of the other warriors lay with barely a trace of consciousness.
Riku showed no mercy. She 'killed' them and attacked them with all her accumulated anger for the suffering of a life she didn't want to have and that she herself had thought of ending on her own, but Riku refrained from ending their lives and kept fighting.
No matter how much pain Riku's body was in from using that ability at all times, that pain was nothing to her. The pain was a reminder of what would happen to her if she did not survive in that horrible world.
However, the brutality Riku caused had to be stopped to prevent an Einherjar from actually dying or being permanently crippled by the wounds Riku inflicted on them without showing mercy to them.
Riku put aside the hindrances, as she called them, because they were no longer a challenge to her, and concentrated on fighting the Familia executives, ending up at level 5 because only they could take her on.
That ability made Riku a unique warrior in the garden, where only the strongest could stop her without perishing.
From there Freya took Riku as her assistant, someone to be by her side from time to time. Just like Ottar and Horn did, but Riku was more of an ornament and servant than Ottar was because he was the Captain and that was the Boaz's place, next to his Deity.
By becoming a Level 5 and a Freya Familia Executive, there was no longer a need to show up every day in the garden like all the other low levels. Riku left the garden, but she did not stop fighting when she wanted to 'kill' something.
Riku had simply become a tool or that was how Freya saw Riku because the girl showed no other face. Riku no longer had any desire in her life other than to kill her enemies and end her life when she sees the time is right.
Like the others, Riku obeyed her Goddess, despite not falling for her beauty, Riku followed her Goddess's orders without hesitation. Syr was sad to have lost Riku, but Freya was impressed to see how far one of her Einherjar had come.
It was cruel, but the world was not kind. Freya tried to make Riku's soul shine again and leave all that darkness behind, however, every attempt of the Goddess to see Riku as she was before was useless.
Riku hated Mia's food, hated the weakness, hated her life, hated her Familia, hated the world and many more things that would make Riku look like just a box of hate.
"Hm, are you thinking about something?" Freya asked Riku.
"End my life" was the dry response the Deity got "Unfortunately that would be you losing a member of your Familia and would make you sad, so I can't do that"
Freya frowned and looked at Riku only for her to lower her head without hesitation.
"I apologize for my words"
"You know how much I've told you that I don't like to hear those words" Freya got up from her couch and walked over to Riku to put her hand on the girl's cheek and make Riku look at her "You're important to me Riku, don't forget that"
"Is that so...?" the eyebrows of Riku dropped slightly, but her eyes never changed, showing that it was just an act her expressions "Then I should value my life more if I don't want to disappoint my Deity"
Riku simply pretended to make the expressions to stay in the environment, however her eyes never regained the sparkle to feel good feelings.
"You haven't gone back to the yard, have you?"
"I'm afraid not. I have been here for two weeks now since you ordered me to help you with whatever you need" Riku looked at the door "Ottar is outside only because of my intervention and he fills in for me when you wish. I stand by after that"
"Do you feel bad that I want you here right now and not Ottar?"
"Ottar can maintain your security at any time"
"And you don't?" Freya raised an eyebrow intrigued by Riku's words.
"I'm afraid I might falter at the moment of a deadly attack" Riku shook her head "Death is a wish I have and it would be unforgivable for anyone to hurt you after I fell"
"As always you care about me" Freya smiled, but she understood that Riku's words were the last thing left of her as a person. To Riku it didn't matter if Freya died, the girl was just acting as another member of the Freya Familia so Riku cared for the Deity like others.
There was nothing that caught Riku's attention and made her show an interest in moving on.
"You know something" Riku looked at her Deity "I found an interesting soul"
"Should I keep an eye on the person who caught your attention?" Riku asked preparing herself.
"Oh, no" Freya smiled softly "Bringing it would be shattering. A color never seen before, full of purity and the whitest innocence I've ever seen"
"White...?"
"What I wanted to tell you dear Riku is that that soul reminds me of you because it is the soul of your brother, the one you once told me about and wished to see in your life"
"..."
Freya hoped that with her words there would be a change in the girl, however, when Freya looked at Riku she sighed because Riku hadn't changed at all and simply frowned.
"Brother...?" Riku frowned in disgust "And why should I care about that? Do you want me to kill him or something?"
"No" Freya denied seriously "I think I found it"
"...Your Ord?"
Freya didn't answer Riku and continued to look at the city of Orario through the glass that showed the entire city. A field of vision only contemplated on the top floor of the Tower of Babel.
"I want you to shine again Riku" Freya said sadly, she could be cruel, but she also cared for her Familia dependents "Seeing you in a drab tone is horrible"
"I'm so sorry" Riku apologized with fake sadness.
"Don't apologize, it was... my mistake, however I can't remedy it either, so please enjoy the time off I'm giving you"
Riku looked at her Goddess blankly "What do you mean?"
"Find something. Find that feeling that snatched you away because of my greed and shine again like you did several years ago" Freya said solemnly as her eyes glittered slightly "That's an order"
"I will do your bidding"
Riku bowed to her Goddess. If it was an order, she couldn't ignore it so the Deity's wish had to be fulfilled, however, it wasn't the first time Riku had received such an order.
The girl tried, Riku had tried hundreds of times, but it was always the same result. Riku never desired anything that would make her happy again. Unable to comply with the order of her Deity, the other executives punished Riku for disappointing her Goddess and she did not refuse and accepted her punishment.
After all, Riku was only a member of the Freya Familia and disappointing their Deity was the worst sin they could commit.
Freya watched Riku walk away. She really missed looking at the girl's smile in the mornings, hearing that concern that the girl used to tell Syr how she was doing or if she needed anything.
She had made a mistake and tried to remedy her mistake without success, so Freya just cleared things up and moved on. Freya was a Deity, one of her domains was war, so Freya was usually normal with the current Riku as well.
It sounds horrible on Freya's part, since she was the one to blame for Riku's fate, yet Freya would ignore it, just like all the other things she had done in the past with other dependents.
Freya looked at Bell Cranel's soul and laughed. At least she would see if Riku could be saved by her brother and after that Freya would have yet another gleam in her eyeglasses.
The whim of a Deity.
-
xxxxx
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Bravery? Survival is what I wish not bravery - Part 2
The Guild, the main place in the city of Orario, where the Familias registered and the bureaucracy was in constant motion among the thousands of adventurers entering the dungeon.
Adventurers were constantly attending the Guild to exchange dungeon loot, obtain information, fill out paperwork, ask for help from advisors, and many other things of vital importance to the Familias.
Familias had to register with the Guild in order to be officially recognized and be able to perform multiple activities without getting into legal trouble, however, not all Familias were considerate of what they did.
"Hah?! What the hell have the gods got in their heads?!"
The counselors who heard the scream flinched and ran to get on with their work without checking to see what was going on. They already knew who the screamer was and why he was upset.
At a desk with piles of papers, a person with dark brown hair, hazel eyes, and a Guild costume was signing multiple papers with speed and efficiency.
This was Gabriel, a dimensional traveler who was sent to an unknown world but managed to survive and after several years he now works as a Guild Overseer, a position below Guild Master and above Guild Section Leader.
Gabriel was in charge of specific jobs that entailed getting into various conflicts with the Orario Familias. The reason was that he was difficult to intimidate to say the least.
Using bureaucracy, Gabriel always held firm, even if adventurers who might crush him were threatening him to lower taxes or fines.
Of course, Gabriel was aware of his position, however, he no longer minded the odd blow after being tortured by Evilus causing him to create a great mental resistance.
"This will be enough" Gabriel muttered signing some papers to declare them to the Guild and those connected with this one "So they will learn, the hard way it will be"
Many Familias would engage in certain activities of dubious legality and when these were discovered they would deny things.
To deal with this problem, the Guild workers had to discuss this with the representatives of the Familias, but that would be a bit intimidating for the weak advisors in front of an adventurer, so from time to time the Ganesha Familia or the Astraea Familia would help out to fulfill the duty.
Among the few, if any, who did this job was Gabriel, who might have a sword at his neck, but he would just keep talking regardless of the situation.
It was that dangerous, as their situations were nowhere near what he experienced during the dark ages. Yes, after escaping from Evilus Gabriel had to live through the dark ages and the horrors it brought.
That explanation will be for another time.
"Is everything ready Boss?"
"Hm" Gabriel looked up and noticed a woman with red hair and wolf features "Rose, you can take them. These ones here are done, then I'll give you the others"
"Boss" Rose resisted a sigh and looked with mild concern at her boss "You should take a break. You've been working since morning, the work you did was too much"
"Is that so? I guess as usual I do an excellent job"
Rose gave her boss a blank look. She remembered the first time she saw him in the Guild and watched him work. By the time Rose realized it, Gabriel had already been promoted in the Guild and was one of the pillars in the Guild.
Gabriel was only below Royman, but his word could also be considered a higher order if the situation called for it.
The Dark Ages was a place where only those who could endure cruelty could ascend and so it was that Gabriel was promoted because he continued to work despite the risk of death.
In fact, Gabriel was once pierced by a spear because he was being annoying to Evilus. If it wasn't for the Astraea Familia being there at that instant, Gabriel would have died.
"And... done" Gabriel smiled laying the sheet on top of filly pile of papers "I'll take care of this for you. I'll go out for a bite to eat, thanks for worrying Rose"
"It's my duty to look after you Boos"
"Yeah, yeah whatever" Gabriel muttered and said goodbye to the workers who always thanked him for his hard work.
It was time to go home.
...
"I am back"
"Oh, Gabriel! Welcome back!" a short Goddess with two pigtails tied with campaign decorations, greeted the worker "How was work?"
"As always, quiet and annoying with the Familias"
"Well, sit down the others are already waiting" Hestia smiled warmly welcoming Gabriel into the hearth.
Hestia, a Deity who recently created her Familia with two members in it. Riku and Bell Cranel. The two Cranel twins who were reunited after a long time.
Gabriel was not part of the Hestia Familia, he only visited them from time to time. Gabriel's job prohibited him from joining a Familia, as the Guild was neutral to all and only worked for Orario.
"Oh, Mr. Gabriel!" Bell was the first to greet with joy "It's good to see you!"
"Gabriel!" Riku exclaimed excitedly to see her savior and inspiration to be an adventurer.
"Good job in the dungeon you two" Gabriel said with a smile "I hope and nothing bad happened down there. I didn't get to see them because I was busy with something important"
"Bell was attacked by a Minotaur" Riku mentioned causing Bell to choke on his juice drink "He was saved by that Wallenstein girl"
"Heh" Gabriel muttered watching Bell blush and look away.
"I had told them not to put themselves in danger, yet that's the first thing the two of them do. Well, only one of them two"
A woman with silver hair and heterochromatic eyes, one grey and the other green. She was a complete beauty and was the strongest woman to be found in Orario. Rather, her existence was a secret.
Alfia, [Silence]. Level 7 adventurer belonging to the Hera Familia and currently stepmother to her two nephews.
"Alfia, it's good to see you're not upset"
"Are you assuming something?" Alfia narrowed her eyes looking at Gabriel as if threatening him, but he chuckled lightly as if it was a common occurrence.
"On the contrary, I'm glad to see you take care of them. Like you said seven years ago when we first met"
Alfia kept silent while Hestia snorted and went to the kitchen to get some food. The food was still in the oven, so there was still a bit left and Hestia was a bit hungry for a Jagamarukun.
7 years ago, was when Gabriel opened his eyes, escaped along with Riku from Evilus and were saved by Mia Grand to work for a while in the Hostess of Fertility.
In the middle of work, one day a woman came to the Hostess of Fertility and stopped in front of Riku. The woman, under her hood, showed her face and her eyes with tears threatening to come out.
Riku cried with joy when she saw her aunt again. Alfia had searched for a long time for Riku after she was kidnapped and when Alfia found Riku she went straight to the site without caring about what was going on in Orario.
Alfia stated that she would take her because Orario was dangerous, however, Riku didn't want to leave Gabriel making Alfia upset. That's when Riku said that Gabriel was her hero and she wouldn't abandon him, since he didn't abandon her when they escaped.
With those words Alfia's face soured at the word hero and she remembered the horrors she would do if she didn't find Riku, but Alfia found Riku and nothing bad happened.
Gabriel talked to Riku and after a while he declared that it was better for Riku to leave Orario with her aunt because it would get ugly. Eventually, Mia entered the conversation saying about Riku's 'debt' and that the girl belonged to the Hostess of Fertility.
There was a discussion about that and it was simply put aside, however, Alfia also wanted to thank Mia for helping Riku heal and save her.
500 million valis were collected in one day and given to Mia. The Dwarf looked at the money in disbelief and accepted it. Mia knew about Alfia, but she never believed that the woman would collect that amount of money as a thank you.
Riku promised Gabriel that she would return when the bad guys are defeated and that she would become an adventure. From there Alfia also thanked Gabriel deeply for saving her niece and Alfia felt warmth when Riku remarked that Gabriel was her hero.
Gabriel, sensing that things would change, quit his job at the pub and applied to the Guild, where he was accepted and fit in easily. With his current position, Gabriel could keep an eye on everything and boy, did he accomplish a lot.
Among these things, Gabriel prevented the destruction of the Astraea Familia by discovering the plans of a Familia of Evilus, but it was complicated, as the Goddess did not trust the information provided by Gabriel at first, however when Gabriel stated that Astraea only wished to send her daughters to die and she was a pity as a Goddess.
The Astraea Family was upset with Gabriel, but he didn't even flinch at the threats. The Goddess stopped the tirades and looking at how serious Gabriel was, she sighed. Astraea sent a small group to the dungeon and it happened. They died and nothing more was ever known other than the slaughter of a Familia before an unknown monster.
Astraea apologized deeply to Gabriel, but he was busy with other things and just told the Astraea Familia to keep up the good work.
Gabriel simply continued in that dark time and it was when Riku returned with her brother, Bell, and stepmother, Alfia, that it was all over.
The kids joined Hestia and from there they have been adventuring for a while. They are newbies, but their effort is very good, being that they both want to be heroes.
"Gabriel" Riku narrowed her eyes looking at her idol "What kind of women do you like?"
For a moment Gabriel went blank processing what he just heard. Gabriel had heard many things from Riku, but she had never asked anything like that.
"You know I love you very much, don't you?"
"You always say that" Gabriel nodded "It's a common thing, I like you too Riku. You're a nice girl I never thought I'd meet and you amuse me sometimes"
"Hehe" Riku giggled with her hands on her cheeks, but she snapped out of her stupor and pointed at Gabriel "So answer me, what kinds of women do you like?"
"Is it necessary to answer?"
"Of course!"
Gabriel hummed and looked at Alfia only for the woman to seem to ignore the conversation. Then Gabriel had an idea that wasn't a lie.
"Hm, I could say that the women I'm most attracted to would be someone like Alfia"
Riku felt as if an arrow was piercing her "L-Like Mom?" Mom was a form of endearment that Bell and her had towards Alfia.
"Yes, just look at her" Gabriel looked at Alfia "A beautiful, composed, serene woman and what pleases me most is that she is strong and determined with what she does. A maiden who has maintained her purity for years"
"Are you letting your fetishes out?" Alfia looked at Gabriel suspiciously "It's disgusting"
"It's not my fault I never gave you compliments, woman"
"Hoh?"
"Tsk!" Riku gritted her teeth and mulled things over. Then an idea pressed into the girl's head "Got it!"
"What do you have?" Gabriel asked curiously looking at Riku's enthusiasm.
"If you say you like someone like Mom, then I must just be better than her! When I get over my aunt I'll marry Gabriel!"
Alfia and Gabriel's eyes widened in disbelief. Bell only processed what he heard and Hestia looked on with amusement at what was going on, her Familia was funny.
"You say you like a strong woman! Then I just have to be beautiful and strong and I can be by your side!" Riku said determined "Just wait for me!"
Gabriel simply looked on not knowing what to answer. He knew of Riku's crush on him, since the girl's affection had grown so much, but Gabriel never thought Riku would get to the point of declaring her love for him like that.
To Gabriel, Riku was very young, a child in a way. Gabriel still kept his way of reflecting from his world, but he slowly adapted. Gabriel remembered the time it took for an adventurer to level up and knew that Riku would be older by then, so it would be no problem.
There was no problem if Gabriel waited a few years for Riku to level up if she wished to marry him. Riku would be a great woman by now too, right?
Gabriel simply smiled.
"Okay, I'll be waiting for you"
Riku's mouth dropped open.
"You're still young... it's a long time until you are a level 7, but if you really love me like you say, then I should wait for you and reciprocate those feelings, right?" Gabriel chuckled lightly "I haven't fallen in love, but if you really want me to love you show me and I'll gladly take your hand when you offer it to me"
It was strange that a girl like Riku would propose to Gabriel and he would just take that statement, however it was a fantasy world and Gabriel really hoped to see Riku grow up if he wanted to love her as a woman.
"It's a promise!" Riku exclaimed with a big smile full of happiness "I'll get stronger!"
She had seen the effort with which Gabriel cared for her. Many said they were a big brother taking care of his little sister, but Riku always looked to Gabriel as her savior, as her hero who helped her when she was alone.
Riku had fallen in love with Gabriel back then and for all this time she gathered her courage to propose. Riku would make it to the next level if she could be with the one she wanted to be with.
Alfia didn't say anything but kept a look at Gabriel. She talked to Riku about Gabriel and Alfia gave the okay because according to Alfia Gabriel was the only man Alfia could trust.
Zald didn't count, as Alfia found him irritating.
"The food is ready!" Hestia exclaimed bringing with her a pot that was being held by the hands of the Deity with gloves "Let's enjoy!"
A joyful atmosphere was visible. Despite the cruelty of the past, the smiles eventually returned and what better way to do it at a special time than to do it at a special moment.
...
Hestia looked at the two status sheets of the two members of her Familia. It was unreal what she was seeing.
The twins had developed the same ability, [Liaris Freese].
An ability that gives a fast growth whenever the user is in love. The strength of the effects corresponds to the level of the user's feelings and as a side effect made the user immune to charms.
Hestia understood who the people were. For Bell Cranel it was that girl of Loki's named Ais Wallenstein and for Riku Cranel it was Gabriel, however, what Hestia didn't understand was the intensity of their longing for each other.
Bell wanted to be by Ais' side so he wanted to be strong to tell the girl that he could stand by her side. On the other hand, Riku wanted to be strong so she could stand by Gabriel and tell him that she would protect him.
An incomparable longing was born in both of them.
Hestia smiled warmly. As a Deity, Hestia was proud to see that her two dependents were unique and would overcome whatever came their way.
A special pair of cufflinks.
-
xxxxx
Uhu, it may only be three Omakes, but I wrote this while I was thinking about how to follow the main story. It's my way of recovering from a little mental block.
And boy did I recover. I wrote more chapters of new stories that I may never upload or will upload in the future. It doesn't matter anyway, what matters is that the story continues because if I could create a plot, fueheheh.
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Bell Cranel? - Part 2
The continuation of the story of what would have happened if instead of originating Riku Cranel had chosen Bell as the protagonist. It's the path taken so far with Bell, being a bit more mature and aware of his past, while still maintaining his desire to be a hero.
Nothing new to mention, but also Bell's background is very different, as he is level 2, knows other people, is more cautious and doesn't want to meet a girl. Riku in this story was more of an addition that I put in just because and just left it and that's it.
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Is it wrong that my Goddess is so beautiful? - Part 2
This continuation of the first part shows what would have happened to Riku if she didn't receive the care that a girl had to take to heal from a deep trauma. I know that in the original story Riku isn't very saintly, but you know what I mean.
Here Riku broke away from the way of life she was leading by simply demonstrating her lack of desire to stay alive and her desire to kill everything that hates or annoys her. A path that Riku was not meant to take and was shown why.
Novel 17 shows the cruelty of the Freya Familia and the horrors it has. The 'dying' in the garden happened to Bell in the story, but he continues because he is the main character and because Bell had experienced near death and horror before.
Riku was just a child, considering she's traumatized, so it's normal that she didn't resist the treatment in the Freya Familia, however Riku survived only to kill and die when she sees it necessary.
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Bravery? Survival is what I wish not bravery - Part 2
Gabriel, the character from my insert stories, and Riku, my main story character, demonstrate the path they took, after they escaped from Evilus and ended up being helped by Mia.
Alfia survived because in my story she was taking care of Riku so by seeing her alive Alfia no longer had the need to cause her chaos in Orario because her niece was alive and from there she completely reunited the family.
You may wonder why Riku is in love with Gabriel. That's answered by how Bell fell in love with Ais by being saved by her. Riku fell in love with Gabriel by being saved by him and having him take care of her until Alfia showed up.
The main character of this story is Gabriel, who, as shown, has no strength other than the mental resistance of intimidation towards his person. A unique trait when adventurers are respected at a glance.
As such this is the one with the deepest development because it leaves the Astraea Familia alive, there was no chaos because of the two heroes of the Zeus and Hera Familias and as the main protagonist is weak and defenseless against attacks.
[I read a spoiler that described when Alfia and Zald appeared and killed adventurers as well as innocent people. I don't know if it's true, but it shows that what they did was cruel and horrible].
That's why Riku was saying that she would protect Gabriel now that she's an adventurer and he's a Guild worker. Alfia is only there for moral support and as a mother because she wants to take care of her sister's last will.
And as also noted, Gabriel agreed to marry Riku because he knows that leveling up takes a long time, however, Gabriel doesn't know that aspiring heroes level up fast because of their yearnings.
-
That would be all and until next time with the next chapter which will cover the Xenos and the relationship Riku will have with them. Thanks for reading.
L’AVIS DES CRÉATEURS 
Lacrima_de_Sal
Lacrima_de_Sal Thanks for reading.
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