The Surface(1)

"...So that's how it is."

I wasted no time relaying all the information I had gathered to Finn. Though there were still missing pieces to the puzzle, it was evident that Malachi was not acting alone in this scheme.

The involvement of multiple Gods in this plot left us uncertain about the future. What happened today could repeat itself in the days to come, turning this World into a battleground of chaos and death.

As much as I wanted to confront those responsible, I knew I couldn't take them on in their domain. Malachi's strength, though only a rough estimate, made it clear that challenging the deities on their turf would be a suicidal endeavor.

"Let's handle this matter discreetly. The revelation that not all monsters are mindless beings we have to kill is already disheartening enough. Revealing the additional danger would only incite panic."

Yet, even that was not the least of my concerns. The fragmented memories obtained from Malachi offered no insight into the whereabouts of the Ikelos Familia. Their disappearance demanded an investigation.

Whether they had been slain or caught up in a different fate altogether, I needed to unravel the truth.

With that, our conversation reached its conclusion.

Finn decided it was best to report our findings to Loki before making any final decisions. However, even amidst the return to the surface, we remained vigilant, acutely aware of the potential threats lurking within the Dungeon.

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Our journey back was relatively uneventful. Surprisingly few monsters crossed our path.

Was it the Dungeon's way of recuperating? I couldn't say for certain, nor did it matter to me.

Once we emerged onto the surface, a heart-wrenching scene unfolded before our eyes—a landscape plagued by suffering and despair.

The streets were lined with mourners, their tears intermingling with the cries of anguish. Limbs lay scattered, lives forever altered, as people stared into the abyss with hollow gazes.

A few healers, burdened by the weight of their duty, struggled to tend to the many wounded.

Their valiant efforts strained their own resilience, pushing them to the brink of mental exhaustion. It was a sight I had witnessed countless times in enemy camps.

While this gruesome spectacle held little impact on me, the same couldn't be said for the others. Though seasoned warriors, the depths of this tragedy must have pierced their hearts in ways I couldn't fathom.

My gaze briefly scanned the faces of the wounded and the weary, but it soon settled on my Angel.

"Should I lend a hand, Ais?" I asked, my voice barely audible over the clamor of suffering.

Though I lacked the healing abilities of Riveria, I possessed knowledge from Earth that could still save others.

Yet, I cared not for the plight of strangers. My actions would be dictated solely by Ais's desires.

Her gaze shifted from the anguished crowd to meet mine.

I did not even need to ask further to know the answer.

"Very well. Riveria, join me. We shall save those we can. Ais, bring the most critical cases first. I will create a zone to slow down their deterioration..."

I erected a barrier, cleansing the immediate surroundings of any harmful bacteria. It served as the foundation for this work.

I also called upon Finn to gather a table and other necessary supplies from Tiona and Tione...

In no time, we fashioned a makeshift medical station that aligned with my vision.

Healers were called upon, their shifts carefully managed as they tended to the less severe injuries...

For those who had lost limbs, my abilities were limited, but I could close their wounds and eliminate the risk of infection. Healers would then take over.

They would be left with permanent disabilities, but at least their lives would be spared from bleeding out or succumbing to infection. It was a small mercy amidst the overwhelming despair.

I utilized my knowledge of basic medical techniques to stabilize and save several critically injured patients without relying on complex healing magic.

This strategic approach allowed Healers to conserve their dwindling magical reserves, ensuring that they could focus their powers on those teetering on the precipice of death.

With attention to these meticulous details, we were able to rescue a significant number of despairing individuals.

Despite being confined to a small area within Orario, an atmosphere of jubilation began to permeate the air.

The once-wailing voices transformed into joyous melodies, reverberating in honor of the Loki Familia.

However, our efforts were not without limits. After tending to this specific area, Riveria's and almost all the Healers' magic had been almost entirely depleted.

Left to my own devices, there was only so much I could accomplish. Thus, we made the decision to return, as Finn needed to report to Loki. Yet, I couldn't ignore the concern etched across Ais' face for a particular individual.

Although I harbored no personal investment in his fate, I was intrigued as well. Did Bell Cranel manage to survive this catastrophic event? Truthfully, it mattered little to me.

But if it mattered to her, then it mattered to me.

"Ais and I will go and check on the Hestia Familia. You can proceed to report to Loki on your own. We will return promptly once we ascertain their well-being."

Taking hold of her hand, we darted toward the Hestia Familia Manor, leaving behind an exhaled sigh from Finn.

Henceforth, the Loki Familia's renown soared to unprecedented heights, to the extent that they had now become the epitome of acclaim and respect within the walls of Orario. The once reigning champions, the Freya Familia, had been swiftly dethroned, their supremacy shattered in a single day...

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Author's Note:

Imagine Bell Cranel already depressed, now he has to see the couple looking out for him. His [Liaris Freese]...fly high