The great creator god of Orario, Ouranos, was in a deep trance, a pensive expression on his face. He looked like a sculpture sitting on a throne.
"Hmmmm...."
"What is it?" Ouranos's mage servant Fels, wrapped in black robes, asked.
"The Dungeon..." Ouranos began, "...is in distress."
"Distress? The Dungeon itself?" Fels asked.
"I can't tell clearly from here, but something has caused it great pain. It's trying to send a message," Ouranos revealed.
"What message?"
"It's not a message, it's a warning...." Ouranos's long silver beard quivered.
"Beware... Medusa."
The words were heavy, the air tense.
"Medusa...?"
The black-robed mage asked quietly as if trying to confirm they had heard correctly.
"Tyratryx... lives..."
"The tyrant?"
"That's right," Ouranos confirmed. "The ancient name of Medusa."
"But how? I thought all the Xenos—"
"No... One is missing."
Fels looked up at the deity on his throne.
Ouranos's gaze remained fixed on the floor as the words continued to pour out of his mouth.
"Fels...." Ouranos commanded, with a tone of gravitas and urgency.
"Yes, my lord?"
"Send word to Hermes."
The great deity raised his head to look directly at Fels, the mage's face obscured by a hooded black robe.
"A great and ancient power lies dormant inside Nine Hell... the skill Lux Nexus Aegis, exclusive to High Elves of royal blood."
"The skill known as the Light Bond Shield? I thought it was forbidden...?"
"It is. But I will permit its use... but this skill needs to be unlocked, and Bell Cranel is the key.... Tell Hermes that the time has come for the union of the Fairy Queen and the White Rabbit."
"As you wish."
The black-robed figure bowed respectfully and disappeared into the void.
Ouranos's gaze returned to the floor as he continued to ponder in silence.
---
"Beware Medusa…" as those very words left Hermes's divine lips, that very name cast a frigid chill down the spine of Asfi Al Andromeda.
"Medusa?…" the name barely left Asfi's mouth.
"Yes…. I'm afraid so, but fear not, my Asfi. There is still hope."
Hermes leaned back in his chair, a cryptic smile playing on his lips.
"By divine decree, the Light Bond Shield within Riveria must be awakened... and Bell is the only one who can do it."
Asfi's brow furrowed, her mind racing.
"Riveria and Bell? But why?"
Hermes shrugged, his eyes glinting with mischief.
"That is the will of Ouranos. We don't ask questions; we just need to make it happen."
Asfi sighed, her fingers drumming a restless rhythm on the arm of her chair. "Hermes, I think you've got us wrapped up in something really unpleasant this time. I don't like this at all."
"Have a little faith in me, Asfi. Bell is the key; we just need to get him to the lock."
"And how, then, do you propose we do that?"
Hermes's grin widened. "Ah, that's where your clever mind comes into play, my dear Asfi. We'll need a plan, something to draw them together, to forge a bond that can withstand the trials ahead."
Asfi's eyes narrowed, calculations whirring behind her gaze. "that's easier said than done. Nine Hell is well known for being withdrawn and insular, and Bell Cranel still has a long way to go."
"All the more reason to give them a little push," Hermes said, leaning forward conspiratorially.
Asfi nodded slowly, her mind already weaving the threads of a plan. "A 'happy accident,' you say? I think I might have an idea."
She stood, her chair scraping against the wooden floor. "Leave it to me. I'll make sure their paths cross in a way that seems like fate's own hand."
Hermes chuckled, his eyes twinkling with amusement. "I have no doubt you will. Just remember, subtlety is key. We don't want them to suspect our involvement."
Asfi's lips curved into a sly smile. "Don't worry, I know how to play this game. They'll never see me coming."
Hermes clapped his hands together, his eyes sparkling with delight. "Perfect! We'll set the stage, and let fate do the rest."
Asfi rose from her chair, her mind already racing ahead to the preparations that would need to be made. "I'll start making arrangements. But Hermes, we must tread carefully. If Loki or Hestia catch wind of our meddling..."
Hermes waved away her concerns with a dismissive hand. "Leave the gods to me. You focus on bringing our two protagonists together. The future of Orario may depend on it."
She turned to leave, her mind buzzing with the details of her scheme. As she reached for the door handle, Hermes's voice stopped her.
"Asfi," he said, his tone suddenly serious. "Be careful. We're dealing with forces beyond our control. One misstep, and this could all unravel."
Asfi paused, her hand hovering over the handle. She glanced back at Hermes, her eyes glinting with determination. "I know the stakes. I won't fail."
With that, she stepped out of the office, the door clicking shut behind her. The wheels were in motion, the pieces set on the board. Now, it was up to her to make sure they fell into place.
As Asfi left the room, Hermes leaned back in his chair once more, his eyes drifting to the window and the city beyond. The pieces were in motion, the players positioned on the board. Now, all that remained was to see how the game would unfold.
As she walked through the bustling streets of Orario, Asfi's mind raced with possibilities. She needed a situation that would force Riveria and Bell to interact, to rely on each other. Something that would create a bond, a connection that could grow into something more.
A smile played on her lips as an idea began to take shape. It was risky, but if it worked, it could be the catalyst they needed. She quickened her pace, eager to set her plan into motion.
The game was afoot, and Asfi was determined to emerge victorious. After all, the fate of Orario itself hung in the balance.
---
The awe-inspiring, delicately lit halls of Twilight Manor created an atmosphere of enigma. Banners and tapestries bearing the insignia and image of the trickster goddess, Loki, bedecked the walls. The air was rich with the scent of alcohol and food.
A group of adventurers was gathered around a table, their eyes glued to the dice game in the center. The sound of dice clattering on the wooden surface filled the air, punctuated by shouts of victory and defeat.
But in the captain's office, the ambience was solemn and taut by contrast. A hastily arranged meeting between Hermes, who had arrived unannounced and unexpectedly and insisted on meeting the Loki Familia leadership, was underway.
Hermes stood beside Finn, who met the god's mischievous grin with a serious stare. Flanked by Gareth and Riveria, the trio looked exasperated, trying to discern Hermes's intentions.
"Just what are you playing at, Lord Hermes? This better be good, I don't have time to entertain your games," Riveria spoke in a tone that conveyed her annoyance and impatience.
Hermes's grin widened. "I assure you, Riveria, this is no game. In fact, this is a matter of great importance to you in particular."
"Oh?" Riveria raised an eyebrow, her eyes narrowing as she studied Hermes. "And what would that be?"
Hermes paused for dramatic effect, his eyes glinting with amusement.
"About a certain boy. With white hair, and ruby eyes, wields the Argonaut. Ring any bells?" Hermes said, his tone casual.
Riveria's eyes widened slightly, the only hint of her surprise. She exchanged a quick glance with Finn, who turned his sharp blue gaze on Hermes.
"How is he of importance to Riveria?" Finn asked, his voice calm but firm.
Hermes leaned back, a mischievous glint in his eyes. "Always straight to the point, Finn. I like that. Let's just say I know all about Bell Cranel—his origins, his rapid growth, even his lineage."
Finn's expression hardened. "Enough with the riddles, Hermes. Speak plainly."
Hermes sighed theatrically. "Very well. Bell's lineage traces back to the greatest Familias, Zeus and Hera. He holds a potential that even he is unaware of."
Riveria felt a jolt of surprise but remained silent, letting Finn continue the questioning.
"Why involve Riveria?" Finn pressed.
"Because," Hermes said, his tone turning serious, "there's an ancient power within her that only Bell can awaken. And we need that power to face the threat that's emerging."
Riveria's thoughts raced. She had always known there was something unique about Bell, but this revelation added a new layer of complexity. She glanced at Finn, who nodded slightly, signalling his support.
"Very well," Riveria said, her voice steady. "I'll look into it."
Hermes's grin widened. "Excellent. Trust me, this is just the beginning."
"And now, Hermes, quid pro quo," Finn said.
"Ah, ah. Not so fast, Braver. I need your cooperation first. In exchange for my secrets, I need something from you."
Finn crossed his arms, his gaze never wavering.
Gareth, the burly dwarf, crossed his arms and grunted. "And what exactly do you want from us, Hermes? Spit it out."
Hermes turned his gaze to Riveria, his eyes narrowing slightly. "I need Nine Hell to get close to Bell Cranel. I need her to gain his trust and learn more about him."
Riveria's eyes widened in surprise. "I beg your pardon?"
Hermes smiled slyly, his eyes gleaming with mischief. "You heard me. I want you to get close to Bell Cranel. Don't worry, I don't expect you to seduce him. Just be his friend, his mentor. You know, mentor him in the ways of the world. Help him grow."
Riveria frowned, her brow furrowing as she tried to understand Hermes's motivations.
Hermes' smile remained, but his tone turned serious. "Bell is an enigma, and there are forces at play that even I don't fully understand. Riveria, you have the skills, the intellect, and the grace to approach him without raising suspicion. Plus," he added, his voice softening, "I have a feeling you're already curious about him."
Riveria's eyes widened, and she glanced at her fellow Loki Familia members.
Gareth shrugged. "If Lord Hermes is asking for your help, Riveria, it must be important."
Finn stepped forward, his expression thoughtful. "Riveria, what do you think? Can we trust Hermes, and more importantly, are you willing to do this?"
Riveria hesitated, her mind racing through the implications.
On one hand, she was intrigued by the prospect of learning more about Bell, of helping him grow and mature into the powerful hero he was destined to become. But on the other hand, she was wary of Hermes's motives and of getting caught up in whatever scheme he was planning.
"I'll pass. There are others much better suited to such a task."
Hermes's smile faded, and he crossed his arms in front of his chest.
"Riveria, I know this is not an easy decision, but I promise you, no harm will come to you or Bell."
"I think this will do you some good, Riveria." Gareth chimed in. "You've been cooped up in the manor for far too long. A little time outside will do you some good."
"He's right, Riveria." Finn concurred. "I believe that Bell Cranel can change you in a positive light, perhaps give you a new perspective on life."
Riveria was silent for a moment, her eyes downcast as she considered their words.
Finally, she looked up and met Hermes's gaze.
"I will do it."
Hermes's grin returned, and he clapped his hands together in delight.
"For the sake of our Familia and to uncover the truth about Bell Cranel, I will get close to him."
Hermes' smile returned, broader than before. "Excellent. I knew I could count on you, Riveria. In return, I promise to share everything I know about Bell Cranel. And trust me, my secrets will be worth the effort."
Gareth nodded, his expression one of reluctant approval. "It's settled, then. Riveria will go to Bell, and we will keep Hermes's involvement a secret from the rest of the Familia."
Riveria sighed, a resigned expression on her face. "Very well, but if you fail to uphold your end of the bargain, Hermes, I will not hesitate to reveal your involvement to the Guild."
Hermes laughed, his eyes dancing with amusement.
"Now, Hermes, start talking. We need to know what we're dealing with."
Hermes inclined his head, a gesture of acknowledgement. "Bell Cranel's lineage can be traced back to Zeus and Hera Familias."
Riveria's eyes widened, her lips parting in surprise.
Finn raised an eyebrow, his expression one of scepticism. "And what proof do you have of this, Hermes?"
"Get close to him, and that will be proof enough," Hermes said cryptically.
"This is ridiculous," Riveria declared, shaking her head. "Hermes, I don't know what game you're playing, but this is a waste of our time."
"This is no game, Nine Hell. It's also fair to say that boy was brought up by Zeus. He is all that is left of the one-time two greatest Familias." Hermes continued, his tone serious.
Riveria's eyes narrowed. "I suppose we'll have to take your word for it. But why the secrecy? Why not just approach him openly and explain everything?"
"Let's just say, there is something within you that he can awaken, and only he can do it," Hermes said, cryptic as ever.
Riveria's brow furrowed, her mind racing to decipher Hermes's meaning.
"What do you mean, Lord Hermes? What does Riveria have that Bell Cranel can awaken?"
"The power to change the tide of the upcoming war, the biggest war ever."
Riveria's eyes widened, and she glanced at her fellow Loki Familia members.
Finn, who remained silent up until that point, spoke up.
"Lord Hermes, you still have not told us what this great power Riveria possesses is."
"What do you know of the monster named Medusa?"
"I know enough. A mythical creature, one that exists only in legends." Riveria said, her voice laced with scepticism.
"She's real, Nine Hell. The Dungeon is deeply unsettled. Ouranos was able to decipher a warning from the Dungeon itself."
"A warning? To what end?"
"Two words: Beware Medusa."
"Beware Medusa?"
"That's right," Hermes confirmed. "The Dungeon itself has issued a warning about the monster Medusa. I believe this monster is also linked to Bell Cranel somehow, and what he can awaken within you, Riveria Ljos Alf, could save the world."
Riveria's eyes widened, and she glanced at her fellow Loki Familia members.
Gareth scratched his beard, his expression one of deep thought. "This is all very strange, but I've heard enough. We need to protect Bell Cranel at all costs."
Finn nodded slowly, his gaze never wavering. "If Lord Hermes says that Bell Cranel is important to the future of the world, then we must do everything in our power to ensure his safety."
Riveria took a deep breath, her mind still reeling from the revelation. "So, I'm to play the part of a mentor, then? I must say, this is all very unexpected."
"Is it? Bell never got the chance to know what a mother is like. His mother died when he was still an infant. You have experience in raising children. It's the perfect fit." Hermes said.
Riveria sighed, a resigned expression on her face. "Very well, I will do my best to mentor Bell Cranel. But I warn you, Hermes, if this is all a ruse, there will be consequences."
Hermes smiled, his eyes twinkling with amusement. "I wouldn't have it any other way, Nine Hell. If anything, I think you're secretly looking forward to it."
Riveria glared at Hermes, her eyes flashing with annoyance. "You're playing a dangerous game, Hermes. Do not forget that I am a Loki Familia member, and I will not hesitate to expose your schemes if necessary."
"I can guarantee one thing," Hermes said. "When this is all over, you will be madly in love with Bell Cranel, Nine Hell. It's simply fate."
Hermes's grin widened, and he clapped his hands together in delight. "Come to the Benevolent Mistress tonight. We'll set the stage and let fate do the rest. We'll be in touch, Riveria. Be sure to take good care of Bell."
Riveria's eyes narrowed, her gaze never wavering from Hermes. "You can count on me, Hermes."
Hermes chuckled, his eyes dancing with mischief. "Of that, I have no doubt."
With a nod to Finn and Gareth, Hermes turned and walked out of the office, his robes billowing behind him.
Riveria watched him go, her expression one of wary resignation.
Finn stepped forward, his expression one of concern. "Riveria, are you all right? This must be a lot to take in."
Riveria nodded slowly, her eyes downcast as she pondered Hermes's words. "I will admit, I had no idea Hermes knew so much about Bell Cranel. I suppose it makes sense, given how he always seems to be the one pulling the strings."
Gareth scratched his beard, his expression thoughtful. "Indeed, but if there is one thing we can trust Hermes for, it's his knowledge. I believe he is genuinely concerned about Bell Cranel's well-being."
Riveria nodded, her gaze focused on the door through which Hermes had just departed.
"I will do my best to get close to Bell Cranel and hopefully uncover some of the mysteries that surround him."
Finn clasped Riveria's shoulder reassuringly.
"We will be here for you, Riveria. If there is anything you need, do not hesitate to ask."
Riveria nodded, her expression one of gratitude. "Thank you, Finn. I will do my best to live up to your faith in me."
With a determined expression on her face, Riveria turned and left the office, the door closing softly behind her.
Finn and Gareth exchanged a look, both of them filled with a sense of unease at the events unfolding.