Duel. One more friend.

*Next morning, Folkvangr*

Someone knocked on the door. A moment later, the hunter left the room. A gray-haired goddess stood on the threshold.

- Crowley, we have things to do, let's go.

- What's happened?

- You've been living here for four days, but you don't know any of my family's first-class adventurers, we need to fix that.

-Okay, lead the way.

...........

*Temple gardens*

Usually most of the family is in this place, spending time in battles, honing their skills in the hope of attracting attention of the goddess.

But now the garden was empty; of all the family members, there was a goddess and 8 other people in it.

"Adventurer King" Ottar,

"The City's Fastest" Allen Fromel (brother of Anya),

"White and Black knights" Hedin Selland and Hogni Ragnar, former elf kings of the island of Hjaðningavíg,

and finally the pallum brothers Gulliver: Alfrigg, Dvalin, Berling and Grer.

The current elite of the city looked at the arriving newcomer with contempt, and he, in turn, did the same. As usual, the young Great One's eyes were hidden under his hat.

- Freya, you obviously won't like what I say, but besides the two beastmen, you can throw them in the trash.

The face of the goddess of love sparkled with surprise.

- Why is this? Each of them is a first-class adventurer, and the strongest in the city. The loss of any of them is a serious damage to the familia.

- It's not a matter of strength, only two of them are able to sensibly assess what is needed to help you, even if it goes against your will, in their hearts you occupy an important place, but not the main. The rest, as far as I can see, are not capable of this. They are blind.

Needless to say, this statement infuriated almost everyone present? But before anything could happen, Freya intervened.

- Enough! I will not kick any of them out of my family. Each of them is faithful to me. And you can settle any disagreements that arise in the usual way for a family of adventurers. Duel. Not fatal. Since there are many applicants, the choice goes to Crowley.

- Does this mean that I can choose anyone?

- Yes.

- Then I have a question. Ottar, are you able to survive with a couple of holes in your body?

Whether it was a question or a threat, the strongest adventurer in the city didn't care.

- I Can.

- Then the choice is made, I will fight with the "King".

- Amazing courage, or maybe you're just arrogant and stupid? In any case, none of us will have to strain, Ottar will reduce you to dirt.

One of the pallums remarked sarcastically.

A few minutes later, the place for the duel was ready.

- Ottar, I know that you are the strongest in this city, and perhaps even in the world. But don't hold back.

- Fine.

- Three. - Freya started counting.

Hunter took the cane and pistol in his hands in advance. The adventurer decided not to draw his weapon until the end of the countdown.

- Two. - for the first time the duelists' eyes met, Ottar trembled, but quickly came to his senses.

- One. Go!

Cheshire disappeared into a green mist and appeared next to the "King," striking him with a strong kick in the stomach.

Unprepared, Ottar went flying several meters.

- You said that you would take the fight seriously, but your weapon was hanging on your back. Get up.

A tall figure rose from cloud of dust, this time with a sword in his hand. There was a large bruise on his stomach that was healing right now.

- You are strong, I admit it.

With amazing speed, the adventurer rushed forward, the speed of his movements could hardly be caught by an adventurer below the 4th level. A black two-handed sword almost fell on hunter's head.

*Boom* A shot rang out, and there was now a small bloody hole in Ottar's side. The "king," paralyzed, fell to one knee, with a sharpened cane pressed to his neck.

- Sorry for such meanness, but I think you will agree that victory is victory. Although I must admit, if our duel is repeated, this trick is unlikely to work.

Ottar's unchanging face filled with respect.

- Trick or not, I lost. But the lesson has been learned. Cheshire Crowley, right? I ask you to continue to take care of our goddess. I recognize you as a member of our family. If something happens, you can count on me.

- You can also ask me for help, Big guy, usually you can find me in the "Hostess of Fertility" or in the guild library.

A thin hand extended in front of Ottar. Adventurer returned a handshake.

.........

The duelists returned to the company of stunned spectators. - What was it?! Ottar would never have fallen from such a wound, is this magic?

- To some extent, yes, the shells for my weapons are made using a special method.

- I think all conflicts are settled now? Boy will continue to accompany me around the city. If there are dissenters, then you can continue to try to defeat him in a duel.

That's it, everyone is free, I'm going back to Babyl. - The gray-haired goddess announced an order, which everyone obeyed.

.........

*Hostess of Fertility*

The elf continuously looked at the back of the working waiter's head for several minutes.

- Miss Ryuu, perhaps I offended you in some way? Then I ask you to forgive me for my actions.

Crowley said without turning his head. The waitress's face turned very red.

- No! I was just thinking about your words.

- Which words? Are you thinking about my story or my promise to help with any request?

- I-I-I... I heard what you said to Loki when everyone left.

The elf could no longer look at the person in front of her.

- Then do you know the consequences?

- Yes.

- And you are ready to subject your comrades to terrible torture in an attempt to meet with them?

- I just want to say goodbye to them.... To say the words that I didn't have time to say.

Tears appeared in Ryuu's eyes.

- *Sigh* I can try to temporarily return their minds to their original state, but the chances of this are not great. Will you take this risk?

- Yes, I will.

- Fine, then I need names and a little information about them.

*10 minutes later*

Crowley opened his eyes.

- Will not work. No, I won't do that.

- But you said...

- Ryuu, I'll explain in more detail. I CAN summon their souls, but they have already been reborn, this will lead to me simply tearing them out of their new bodies, after which they will be subject to pollution. They'll become mad. I'm sorry, but unlike my family, I won't do anything you'll regret later.

But I still will be able to awaken memories from their equipment, but it will only be their projections. It would be enough?

-Yes. But we will need to go down to the 18th floor.

- Lead the way.

.........

*18th floor, safe zone, Astraea Familia Grave*

After completing the spell, a group of female adventurers appeared at the grave.

- Here they are.

The elf rushed to them in tears, but her hands passed through the translucent silhouettes.

- These are memories. You can't interact with them.

This was followed by a long monologue consisting of apologies, promises of revenge, and old memories.

At a certain moment, Ryuu fell helplessly to the ground, unconscious.

{Juggernaut... I'll remember.}

Raising girl in a princess pose, Crowley walked out of the dungeon.

Already at the door of the bar, elf began to come to her senses. Feeling rested, she was in no hurry to open her eyes.

But then the realization came. Someone is holding her in his arms. A strong blow hit the hunter's face.

- Although it's not pleasant, considering your traditions, I think this is a completely justified punishment. I think you feel better now, Miss Ryuu.

Remembering what happened, a shy smile bloomed on the girl's face.

- Yes, I think it's much easier for me now.

By the way, Mr. Crowley, you have proven yourself to be an experienced fighter in the dungeon, would it be a problem for you to train with me from time to time?

- It would be an honor for me, *Laugh* princess.

The elf's face turned red, then another blow was heard.

.........

Somewhere along the street a gray-haired teenager with red eyes was running, looking for a familia to join.

The gears of fate began to move.