It's harder than it looks

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.

xxxxx

"..." - Dialogues.

'...' - Thoughts.

<...> - Spells

xxxxx

The Tower of Babel, a majestic construction, so much so that the city beneath it is considered the center of the world for containing multiple cultures from l over the world.

On the top floor, demonstrating her wealth and power in Orario, a Goddess with silver hair and purple eyes sat contemplating the souls of the children walking through the city.

Goddess Freya, one of the Goddesses of Beauty who descended to the Earthly world and formed one of the most powerful Familias in Orario and the whole world.

Freya was looking at the children's souls to contemplate if any of these were bright or unique enough to be enjoyed like the others she has taken.

Among the thousands of souls there was one that caught her attention, for quite some time now she has been observing it.

Riku Cranel.

The little girl she had saved five years ago from dying.

The little girl who was left to her fate in a tragic ending.

However, Freya did not act just for the soul, the Deity would have saved the girl anyway. There may be rumors that she was merciless, but the souls of the younger ones were different.

These souls hardly took on their color as they grew, so Freya did not take them for herself, although there were exceptions that the Deity made in the past.

Freya saw the girl that night lying in the alley and decided to save the poor girl. She could see the soul losing more and more of its luster, but it was reluctant to leave, however, Freya knew that the girl would not last long and would die soon.

When she least expected it, Freya beheld an unprecedented event.

A miracle.

The poor soul in sorrow was saved by a wandering soul, one that lost its way long ago and was looking for its next destination after having separated from its own destiny.

Most important of all was the resonance that the souls had with each other, as if they were the same soul. Freya considered that impossible, the souls were only one and in her new life the memories of the past life disappeared and a new life was formed.

A reincarnation that leaves everything behind and follows its new life.

However, that did not happen with those two souls.

Freya saw the event from the beginning. The wandering soul approached the poor soul of the girl and joined her. Because they were souls with equal destinies, there were no problems when the two combined into one.

The Deity just watched without intervening. If she did anything there was the possibility of ruining everything, but that didn't stop Freya from contemplating it. Freya looked at the child lying on a bed and cared for her as the souls echoed.

The wandering soul had had a life that unfortunately came to an end before its time and the soul in sorrow was just beginning its life, so it was clear which one would have more influence in becoming one.

Nevertheless, Freya contemplated the changes during the five years. If Freya did not have her ability to judge souls, then she would not have been able to surmise the things that happened in the course of that miracle.

Even now Freya only sees one soul, there is no more. Everything that happened that night remained there and Freya was the only one who knew about that miracle. Loki only felt Riku's special soul and if it wasn't for the girl telling what she knew to the prankster Deity, Loki herself would never find out about someone who remembers her past life.

As explained, the wandering soul was the strongest, so it was that which took the lead in the newly formed life. The dying soul took shelter in the wandering soul as they combined into one.

It was only until sometime later that the two souls fully merged and Freya took it upon herself to keep an eye on Riku in her Syr form and encourage her to keep the girl going.

The process of the souls was very complicated, so much so that Freya did not understand what was going on, but the general idea was that as time passed the original life, Riku Cranel, would be as good as new thanks to the wandering soul.

The five years were enough to form Riku's character, temperament, and personality, however, the influence of the wandering soul remained in the girl permanently. It was not for nothing that insults and interest in everything new were very common.

Despite all that, Freya knew nothing of the wandering soul and how it escaped its fate to meet the little dying soul. She was interested in how the soul kept its life intact when it merged or simply did the same as all the others.

Souls reincarnate and repeat the cycle of life, but this soul had not and Freya knew that she had to be cared for in any way possible. So she cared for the child and guided her in the Hostess of Fertility.

As another day the soul was glowing, however, the events in the dungeon stirred the girl's soul.

Freya saw it again. The soul glowed again, but this time it was not a good glow, it was dark and repulsive. She frowned when that happened, however, the Deity was relieved when Riku overcame that darkness, again.

Evilus was still groveling for Orario, even Freya despised them quite a bit.

A group of Deities with radical ideas so driven by their desires that they look more pathetic than certain mortals. Freya only mocked them and when possible eliminated them.

No one would take away her entertaining.

Freya drank some of her wine and swirled the glass lightly enjoying the delight of Riku's soul. For a long time, Freya watched Riku, as if she was taking care of the girl.

The Deity wished to hold the child in her hands, but that was impossible.

Freya knew that in the past she could not get her hands on Riku because the girl hated and distrusted everything. Today it is not so much, but still remains that thought in Riku and more than the Loki and Freya Familia are enemies.

Riku Cranel's soul still had a trauma that was deeply embedded in it by Evilus. Olivas Act brought back that past and it was time for the girl to fight it and prove her destiny.

Rise or perish.

Freya knew she could go and talk to Riku to save her, but that would reveal that Freya had deceived Riku, something the girl deeply hated.

The Deity looked at the darkness in Riku's soul and shook her head, even she was not able to heal the girl, however, Freya looked at a certain place and contemplated the purity of Bell Cranel's soul.

Twin brothers with such different souls, one uglier than the other, yet each was so very special that Freya wished to hold them in her hands for herself and no one else.

Unfortunately, for Freya it was not yet time. Bringing Bell Cranel to her Familia would break the child, it was better for Freya that Hestia continue to care for the child and with Riku Cranel it was only necessary to wait for the girl to heal on her own.

And if Riku is unable to heal, then she was a waste.

"Ottar..."

"Yes, Lady Freya?"

"It's beautiful" Freya said as if cooing something "They're both getting strong. If everything keeps up like this, you may have a rival in a while"

The Boaz continued to stand behind Freya unmoved by the words of his Goddess.

"Aren't you jealous that I'm interested in someone else?"

"I will follow your will as you wish, Lady Freya" Ottar stated calmly.

Comparing the [King] to his Familia Ottar loved his Goddess as if she were a mother. She rescued him and nurtured him to become the warrior he is today.

Ottar was following his Goddess of his own free will and would help her with whatever she desired, after all it was she who gave Ottar another chance.

"Mm... there's the reaction"

Freya chuckled lightly as she watched Riku Cranel look around, feeling the gaze of the Goddess. Freya knew Riku was paranoid about her safety and... the Deity enjoyed annoying that as Syr.

In the middle of the city, Riku stopped and looked around inspecting where the look was coming from. After a few seconds, the girl looked at the Tower of Babel, right where Freya was, and she showed her middle finger to the Deity.

Freya laughed jovially enjoying Riku's annoyance. The Goddess enjoyed the teasing and also enjoying living without having to act so serene all the time.

In fact, the reason Freya pretends to be Syr is because she enjoys a life away from her work, living and coexisting without having to receive respect as a Deity and just being an ordinary girl.

When Syr lives with Riku the Hidden Deity could feel what was a friendship between mortals, somewhat unique. Freya still remembers when Riku told her that she was a horrible cook and would never taste anything from Syr again until she learned the basics of cooking.

Freya had never been disrespected in such a way, but on the contrary she just laughed and made fun of Riku back then.

"Grow up..."

xxxxx

After a victory it is normal for people to rejoice for having achieved it, however, this is not my case and I don't think I can consider it on this occasion.

Yes, we defeated Olivas, Revis and the Evilus fanatics. We also saved the Hermes Familia from their death, with few casualties unfortunately, but I didn't get what I wanted.

Olivas knew about me, I have been looking for an answer to what happened to me for 5 years, but there is nothing. Mia even told me that in order to get something she had to go into Evilus to get at least a little information.

Mia has already retired from being an adventurer and for her to do something like that is very problematic. She is level 6 and for a level 6 to move causes a lot of caution, even in the underworld.

Honestly, asking for help bothers me for some reason, as if I want to solve this problem on my own and take these guys' lives.

Yes.

Just a slash and let them die slowly would be perfect for my satisfaction. Consider me kind? I could answer that 7 years ago before I was separated from my family.

Literally the only thing I remember from the beginning of my life is that my aunt took care of me after my mother died and around my age of 7 I was kidnapped to be tortured for at least 2 years or so I think.

Thanks to Ryuu I have knowledge of what happened in the dark era that struck Orario a few years ago, however, Ryuu did not want to share that information with a girl like me, back then, and told me to grow up more.

I did, I got stronger and matured, and then she told me what she did over the course of the dark ages before she ended up like me.

Seven years ago was when my aunt showed up with another guy and a God to cause chaos in an attempt to bring back the heroes. Ryuu knows that because my aunt told her before she died.

After that, a year later, was when the nightmare of the 27th floor happened, where at the same time Orario attacked the Evilus bases defeating them, or so it was believed because the remaining ones hid.

Another year later was when Ryuu's Familia was killed, she took it upon herself to kill all the culprits and those who were related to the incident.

We have no idea, Ryuu and I, if the death of her Familia and my sudden abandonment in the alley are related, but what we are sure is that no member of Evilus will be alive if they are in our presence.

I never considered killing people, but this place is horrible if you live on the other side with your own hands. Sometimes I met with Ryuu and she showed me a few ways to investigate around town.

Considering giving the enemy no mercy and simply killing them is not a thought I would have years ago. I might beat and wound them, however, murdering or torturing them was not considered back then.

I have changed a lot, for better or worse.

Anyway, it doesn't matter. What does matter is that I have made a breakthrough in finding out what happened to me. In these 5 years the members of Evilus are just rats in hiding and not the real ones who could bring chaos.

Anyway, after returning from the dungeon we had to move around a lot.

I took Bete to the Dian Cecht Familia clinic to have her leg treated and Airmid also treated me for any damage, which was fortunate because they were only minor injuries.

Those plants, Violas I think they were called, bite hard. Several times they ate me and on all those occasions I had to get out by breaking the Viola in two.

I was momentarily followed after Olivas mocked me making me want to kill him, but thanks to Bete's kick I regained my senses and was able to defend the Hermes Familia.

I guess I just remembered very well because I am afraid to meet my brother that I never met and only saw in a dream.

I have no fear of seeing it, but rather a fear of contaminating him. After I had that vision of my false death, I could guess what my life was like before it all went down the drain.

The few memories I have, which are more of a blur, show me always smiling back and forth. Optimism and joy were in effect every day.

You could say I was a lovely child who knew nothing of the world and had a happy life. I lived away from all evil to maintain my innocence, but all that went to the trash.

There is nothing left of who I used to be.

Anger, fear, melancholy, disgust, resentment, anxiety, terror, dislike, antipathy, sadness, anguish and other things are the emotions that have constantly replaced me. If it were not for the fact that I manage to have good people close to me I would probably be lost.

Mia saved me and thanks to her teachings and the love she gave me, I managed to shine again as a person. I hate this world, but it is the world I live in and I must accept it.

Theoretically, if my brother is my twin, then that means that he was also like I used to be or he is still like that, since he had his life somewhere else.

Or he too grew up and became very different from what I consider him to be.

Anyway, if my brother ends up being someone noble, I don't think my desire to meet him will be very high and more so if he ends up knowing my true face and more so now that I went crazy for a few words.

What would happen when he finds out the truth of what happened to me?

I shudder just thinking about it.

How many lives will I take just to avenge that my life was taken from me?

I do not know.

And I may not care anyway.

Sigh.

I rub my head making my hair spread all over the bed. I remember when I let it grow out simply because I liked long hair and had an excuse to last longer taking a bath.

I collapsed further on my bed with only wearing my underwear for my own satisfaction because I actually feel comfortable lying on my bed in nothing but my underwear.

I could feel the softness of the sheets and pillows all over my body and also the warmth they had was very satisfying to feel.

It is also in these moments that I can completely relax without being alert for anything that might happen in other words, put my paranoia aside... I'm crazy.

I sighed again.

For some reason I felt like I could lie in bed all day without moving. Bete was already cured, without thanking me the damn son of bitch for helping him, and for my part I was left pondering.

Lefiya and Ais were fine and now there is nothing that can interrupt me.

*Knock* *Knock*

"Hey, Riku, are you available?"

Oh, now what does that flat Goddess want?

"Yes..." I mumbled loud enough without getting up from my bed, watching as the door opened and Loki walked into my room.

"Hais, as dull as other times" Loki hummed and looked at me "A magnificent sight, thank the Gods, right, thanks to me rather"

This woman...

I didn't care that Loki was eating me with her eyes. Her eyes moved from my bust, waist, ass, thighs, legs, anything she deemed beautiful was contemplated.

"You're just going to look?"

"Meh, I can only see you on occasions like this" Loki shrugged and walked over to my bed "Make some room, come on" Loki waved her palm for me to move.

Making effort which I didn't want to do I crawled on my bed leaving a space where Loki sat close to me.

"Bete, Ais and Lefiya gave us their versions of what happened on the 24th floor" Loki commented and I grimaced "Your part is missing, but after what Bete told us we thought about how to address the issue at hand"

"Shit Loki, can I go kill Evilus?"

"I knew you'd say something like that" Loki rubbed her forehead "No"

"Hm!"

"Drop your tsundere side girl"

"I'm not tsundere"

"You're just like Bete" Loki stated "You guys take care of your own, but help others when they need it and pretend not to know something"

"It's not like I'm worried about them"

"Ahhh, the famous phrase, just like Bete"

I blushed a little noticing how silly I was right there.

"That aside..." Loki got serious "Olivas Act, who would have thought he'd still be alive, right?" I didn't respond "Lucky he definitely died down there, right?"

"I know"

"Yet a combination of a human and monster. A creature" Loki sighed "The dungeon always gives us a surprise. how do you feel?"

"On what?"

"Our dear Lefiya told us the words Olivas said to you" I sank my face into my pillow "According to Bete and Lefiya you lost control momentarily down there"

"I know"

"So?" Loki raised an eyebrow looking at me "I know very well that you hate Evilus so much, but leaving you with that hatred could kill you and I don't want that"

"Of course, I just want to know what happened to me and I could be at peace"

"A complicated goal knowing that the likelihood of finding people who know what happened 5 years ago in Evilus and who will share with us what they know"

"There is such a thing as torture...I'm just saying"

"No" Loki instantly denied making me snap my teeth "We won't take that method"

"Please...?"

"Even if it shows me part of your chest I will" Loki denied my attempt at seduction making me grumble on my bed, perverted woman when it suits her "Do you want me to recommend something?"

"Hm?"

"Clear your mind and go find your brother" I looked at her puzzled "I understand very well that you do not wish to do so because of how you are inside yourself, but he could help you too. A brother is a good thing on many occasions"

"I don't even know his name or I've already forgotten it"

"Really?" Loki looked at me like I was stupid and I nodded because I really think I forgot it "Sometimes I think you don't remember the important things"

"Que le valga verga, ¿no?"

"What does that word mean? You just spoke in that language only you understand" Loki rubbed her chin in intrigue.

"No idea, but I think it works for some occasions" I commented and got up from the bed stretching my body "I feel like shit, however, I think I'll do as you told me... I guess"

"As it should be" Loki commented "Can I massage your breasts?"

"No"

"Tsk, selfish"

"You're welcome"

xxxxx

Uhu, it's been a while since I've deigned to speak properly with my advisor, Rose. I have only come in lately to report various problems that have arisen in the dungeon.

After resting I feel much better, I will update my status soon if nothing else happens. For some reason, keeping excelia causes better growth than updating the status every day.

This has been said by some adventurers who have been adventurers for many years.

Likewise, it's not as if everyone in the Familia can update our status whenever we want. Loki set dates for that, as she is usually busy with her business.

There's the wolf.

"Rose, it's not nice to see you"

"Likewise [Astrid]"

What great friends we are.

"I've come to ask for your help with something important to me about something we discussed quite some time ago"

"Your brother I suppose?" I nodded and Rose sighed "It took you a while to get up the courage to come and ask about him"

"Thanks for the encouragement"

"You're welcome" Rose shrugged without taking much notice "I think it's...this one here"

Rose went through several piles of papers looking for a specific one, after finding it she handed it to me and then I went through it carefully so as not to be startled. Bell Cranel.

Uh...

His name is Campana. [English: Bell - Spanish: Campana]

Well, I'm not one to complain about my brother's name after my name got closer to those from the Far East, so I can't complain about that to call people by what they are and that's it.

In any case, it is necessary to review the public information before knowing it.

A level 1 adventurer with an approximate time of 1 month, the maximum floor reached is the tenth floor... that's interesting. He employs daggers as weapons according to his advisor and wears light armor.

We seem to be somewhat similar in our decisions.

It is common for the Guild to have information on adventurers. Much of the information is collected by advisors and what might be private is not reported to the Guild.

For example: our falna is private, as it represents our strength and secrets.

Let's see, what else am I missing?

"Hestia Familia..."

The Goddess of the Home.

Loki's archenemy.

Fuehehehehe.

"[Astrid] I have to ask you if you could stop doing that smile, please" Rose lectured me "I think this is not a place to do that kind of thing"

"Hehehe, sorry, do you know who Bell Cranel's advisor is?"

"That would be Eina Tulle" Rose mentioned making me blink "Due to certain circumstances with the boy, no advisor wished to take him under her watch and so she decided to do so to prevent the boy from dying in the dungeon"

"Wait what?"

"Allow me to explain Miss Riku" Rose stated "The first time you were introduced to the Guild was at [Vanargand's] side, back then [Fenris], a girl with a look that a young girl should not have become an adventurer"

"I had my doubts, but your behavior and decisions reminded me that image is not everything, attitude is a very fundamental asset in an adventurer and you are present in front of me after much effort in the dungeon"

"So why was it so different with Bell?" I asked curiously.

Rose sighed as if it was annoying to talk about.

"The attitude Bell Cranel had when he arrived at the Guild was the most childlike I had ever contemplated in my career as an advisor" Rose explained "He arrived smiling and asking how to become an adventurer while maintaining that cheerfulness"

"¿And?"

"When we asked if he had any preference in his advisor Bell Cranel commented that it be a girl and that she be an Elf if possible" Rose shook her head "The boy looked as if he had been asked his preference in a girl"

"As if he had never been connected with the conflict"

"Exactly. That's why no one wanted to be the boy's advisor because with that attitude he would die very quickly" I grimaced at how stupid my brother seemed to be "That was until Eina Tulle decided to take him on as her adventurer and guide him"

"Maris' death affected her, didn't it?" Rose nodded "Anything else?"

"That would be all. Let me call Eina"

"I would appreciate it"

In space where there was a small place where we could share some reading time or something else. I sat waiting for Rose to return, which was quick because I knew her so well to everyone in the Guild.

Behind Rose came an Eina with a very professional demeanor. When a consultant interacted with Rose they acted more serious than usual.

Who knows why.

"Miss Riku"

"Eina, it's okay to be more casual"

"I'm afraid I would have to decline Miss Riku. It's a situation that needs to be approached with professionalism"

I looked at Rose and swore to see a small smile on her face.

Fuck you wolf woman.

Hunts another rabbit.

"Well, I'll get straight to the point Eina" she heard me "You're Bell Cranel's advisor, aren't you?"

"Yes, is there a problem with that, are you coming to ask for the same thing as Ms. Wallenstein?"

"Ais was here?" Eina nodded "Do you know what that was for?"

"Some time ago there was some trouble in the dungeon with some adventurers" Eina explained "They made a trap where Bell Cranel and his assistant ended up involved. Apparently during that occasion Bell lost his arm guard"

"A green one?"

"Yes, that very one" Eina smiled "I met Miss Wallenstein that day and asked for her help in saving Bell in the dungeon. Miss Wallenstein intended to return the protector she found that day"

"Don't tell me it was yesterday..." Eina nodded and I covered my face in frustration

"Damn it"

"Is there a problem with that?"

"No, no. It's just me and my enmity" I took a deep breath "All that aside, tell me Eina, do you remember my name?"

"Your name?" Eina raised an eyebrow "You told me your name was Riku and nothing more than that. You commented to me that you were an orphan and didn't have a last name..."

Eina blinked and looked at me for a few moments. She narrowed her eyes and then adjusted her glasses as if she was analyzing what she knew.

"I think you know why I talked about Bell"

"White hair and red eyes...I don't understand how I could let something as clear as that go" Eina rubbed her forehead "Tell me please that's not what I'm thinking"

"If you mean my full name is Riku Cranel then yes, that's what you're thinking"

Eina took off her glasses and took out a handkerchief from one of her pockets to clean the lenses of the glasses. Eina put them back on and let out a sigh.

"Why am I only now realizing that?"

"I think the same"

I think everyone in Orario is stupid not to compare myself to him. Not that it's narcissism on my part, but I don't know anyone with white hair and red eyes besides me.

"So, Riku Cranel" Eina mentioned and I nodded "It's a pleasure to meet you"

"I guess?"

"What do you want from Bell? If you are his sister then I think you want to meet him if you haven't already" I nodded "Very well, but if you want to see him at the Guild let me tell you that Bell comes every morning"

"I think I'll go see him at his home...with his Deity" heck, it's hard.

"Very well" Eina nodded "Is there anything else you wish? I possess Bell's information, but even though you are his sister, I cannot give private information to an adventurer from someone else's Familia"

"No, I just want to know where he lives"

"That's simple" Eina smiled "I hope and hope you have luck with that Miss Cranel"

"Riku please"

"Of course, Miss Cranel"

"...It's because of Rose, isn't it?"

"I have nothing to answer Miss Cranel"

"Fuck you, werewolf woman"

"I hope and you will accompany me Miss Cranel, it is dangerous there"

"Fuck!"

xxxxx

A mass of candles flickered in the subway chamber.

The stone room was filled with robed figures wearing bands around their foreheads, their mouths hidden under folds of cloth. It was a spectacle certainly reminiscent of a clandestine organization or arcane religious sect.

Although the air was charged with solemn silence, the depths of every eye present burned with passion.

"My Lord... What do you think of what happened?" a robed man asked his Deity.

The room consisted of a simple stone room, although it was decorated like a sacred altar. The wall in the center of the room bore the Familia crest of the patron deity.

A heart of iron and bronze together with a single black wing, evocative of the reaper's scythe.

The God, absolutely gorgeous, radiated decadence and charm. His followers would not avert their eyes to appreciate the beauty of him.

In the hands of the God was a report about a plan that occurred on the 24th floor, where several of his children accompanied a certain individual who called itself Enyo.

The Deity was annoyed, irritated would be a word, but not displeased with what happened. His followers joined him with the sole purpose of fulfilling his wish after death, even though in essence he could not realize it, yet they were so blinded that they accepted anyway.

"So many...I hope and make it there"

The Deity murmured a good way for the souls of his children and read the following report. The adventurers who stopped Enyo's plans with the Violas and those who 'murdered' his children.

"Hermes" The Deity smiled "He must be alert now that some died down there and... Loki"

A simple relaxed smile grew on his face. He didn't mind other Gods having accidents with his children, it was better for him to enjoy his dominion and fulfill his purpose for which he descended from heaven.

However, it was the information about one person's appearance that caught the eye

"White hair and red eyes... [Astrid] I think that's her Alias" the God smiled fondly "It's been a while since I've heard from you little Riku"

Despite his dignified and authoritative demeanor, his gaze became soft and loving as he remembered the little girl he used to take care of until she disappeared from his hands one day.

When he saw her again, the girl looked more active, but there was one thing the

Deity was elated to discover.

The child had overcome death.

A miracle.

A God of death like him could not have let that happen in his presence and so he took it upon himself to offer his hand towards the little girl and take care of her. It was a horrible world for a child like her and he tried everything to keep that smile on the little girl.

Too bad he failed to keep that beautiful smile.

The Deity smiled and thanked his follower for the report, who nodded and withdrew, not wishing to disturb his God any further.

Rising from his throne, the Deity walked to the next child who knelt before him to receive his blessing.

It was not the time to think about her, in the future they would be reunited and everyone would be happy again.

That is what they assumed.