Chapter 3

The afternoon sun keened your skin.He felt his body begin to shake with the opportunity that was arising in front of him. The crimson eyes widened in disbelief. In his mind, those words were in disagreement, but when analyzing the feature of the redhead deity, he immediately realized that she was not joking.However, trusting a stranger could mean suicide. Bell swallowed it dry. It was a very tempting proposal, however, his mind told him to be suspicious of those words he had heard.The world, until then, had not been at all kind to him.But smooring over the past didn't make sense either.He sighed.Bell looked at the Cheating Goddess. A serious look seeking, analyzing, any sign of a lie on your face.But the divinity remained smiling.There were no signs of falsehood.He asked, cautious.- "Do you want me to join your family?"There was a mixture of emotions.Bell couldn't assimilate these emotions. There was the happiness to know that his goal, since he had arrived at Orario, was about to be realized. But on the other hand, there was distrust. This distrust of the reason behind that very tempting proposal. And there was also, in her deepest being, the possibility of that Goddess to have a few fewer screws.Or even everything he previously pondered at the same time.As he thought, the voice of the deity flooded his ears.- "Yes! You will be my card up your sleeve!"— "Hm..."Tilting his head to the side, Bell looked away from the kid deity and looked at the High Elf - who was further behind - trying to find an explanation. However, what he saw made him even more confused. Riveria shook her head in denial as if she also did not understand what Loki was proclaiming.And without giving a gap to a refusal, Loki took the initiative leaving Bell a little stunned.- "But for now, we have to deal with this broken arm and its injuries."Loki turned his body looking at Riveria. She waved understanding your cue.Bell's state could be described as finished. With his left arm broken and several abrasions on the right side of the body due to the impact against that wall it was practically a miracle for him to be conscious.Bell was on alert watching Elfa come towards him.He felt afraid, but he could too, she was the one who defeated him so easily.Riveria noticed the boy's fearful look, but tried to ignore it. She felt bad for leaving him in that state. She bent down, staying from the boy's height and then began to recite a song.Bell widened his eyes in surprise and amazed by that scene. A greenish glow adorned Riveria's right hand while that same light surrounded her body, healing him. Bell felt refreshed. His injuries, or almost all of them, were healed instantly.While thinking about how amazing that was, the Elf walked away going back to being behind Loki.The emerald and crimson look met.Bell shook his head slightly thanking him for the healing, although in his mind he had thought that because she was responsible for everything he went through - and the injuries he acquired - she did nothing but her obligation to heal him.He smiled with that thought.Loki surprised the smile out of time, but he still didn't call.She said.- "Riveria's healing magic is not good for fixing broken bones, so we'll have to go to the clinic to fix that arm."Once again taking the reins of the situation, leaving no room for Bell to deny, Loki uttered.- "And then?"Bell asked, curious.Apparently, he was already a member of the Loki Family.- "And then we go home, to our house."Loki replied to the boy with a smile on his side.Bell looked at the deity noticing that that smile hid more than it seemed.He smiled subtly.Everyone has secrets. Especially him.- "Riveria, come on, take us!"The Goddess turned to the High Elf and demanded. Riveria, however, made a face to the next second, sigh and attend to the will of the deity.Riveria, gently and with extreme care, took Bell in her arms. And at that moment, he felt himself in the arms of a mother, a protective mother welcoming him under his maternal wings. A small sad countenance adorned his face for short seconds. This expression went unnoticed by Riveria.She strouched so that Loki would pass her arms around her neck. Having the confirmation that Loki was properly anchored to her, Riveria got up, flexed her knees and jumped to one of the roofs and so the graceful elf went to the clinic that existed in the Tower of Babel.◇◇◇◇After a few hours.He was amazed.Bell moved his dominant arm feeling euphoric. The medical capabilities of nurses were simply on another level. I would never think that a reconstruction of that level could exist. Orario was really a city far beyond the others. He smiled happily with the return of the senses and the movements of the arm that was previously impossible.While he paid extremely great attention to his arm, his instincts were ceased. Bell relaxed. Therefore, he did not notice the analytical look of the kid deity.Loki had his arms crossed staring at the boy who was totally emerged in the fascination of the 'miraculous' recovery of his arm. She realized that at that moment, the boy with exotic hair looked like a normal child, without that opaque look and with the dark expression stamping his face.An expression commonly attributed to people who have witnessed the most diverse atrocities in life.In other words, hell.That look...That expression...Even the atmosphere that surrounded the boy.All this culminated in the initial comparison between Bell and a girl who was already part of her family two years ago. A girl with golden hair with eyes of the same color. That girl's look resembled a stormy sea. In which I had a single and simple mission, to drown everything that was ahead.- "He seems to be older than her."He pondered analyzing the boy.- "Hey."Informally, caring little about the formalities between two strangers, the deity called him.Bell, in a few moments, was removed from his relaxation. His instincts returned so abruptly that a tension hovered in the air in that room.Loki felt that the mood has changed. And that the boy had also changed. There was no longer that cheerful and amazed child with something he had not yet seen. Now, at this moment, it was as if there was another person at a distance of four steps from Loki.- "Yes?"Bell looked at her.He was on guard with her. It was quite noticeable that he didn't trust any millimeters in her.That's quite understandable. Especially after all that scene in the morning.The opacity of the eyes once again caught Loki's attention.What did you go through to have these eyes? She thought, still with her arms crossed.- "How old are you?"Finally, he asked a curiosity.- "Why?"However, the boy answered with another question.- "It's going to be difficult..."Loki thought. She raised her eyelids, staring at him truly.- "I'm a curious deity, we all are. But most likely you wouldn't be satisfied with just this explanation, so I'll tell you why. You are going to join my family, so I want to get to know you better.- "Hm... I understand your point. But what makes you think I'm going to join your family?"- "We've come this far, if you really were to deny my request, we wouldn't be talking like now."- "You're right. And answering your question, I'm 11."Bell reflected and came to the conclusion that the divinity was right. If he really wasn't interested in joining the Loki Family, he wouldn't be there.- "He's really older than Aizu."Loki had already interpreted by the height that boy had, but a confirmation for his intuition was the best.- "And your name?"He asked.— "Bell."Simple and straightforward.- "And the last name?"Loki was surprised. All his children had told him their surnames. It's the standard.- "I don't have it."But Loki doesn't believe that.There was an insurmountable rule.Mortals could never lie to a God. Loki realized that that boy had lied. Now, for what reason, only Bell would know.And then.A desire was injected into his divine being.She wanted to know.Why?Why lie?Loki, unlike a certain deity, did not have the ability to read people's souls. Therefore, his strong intuition served as a weapon to match that game. There is no way to deceive a cheating master. She's a clown, a joker. No one, neither divinity nor mortal, could predict what Loki would do.Therefore, she let herself be guided by the intuition that practically screamed to bring that boy to her Family. And this culminated in the current moment.- "I understand."She smiled on her side. The slit eyes shone subtly.Bell looking at that smile, immediately realized that something had gone through the mind of the kid deity.However, he didn't question it.He would leave it for that.No more questions. There was only silence left in that room.A strange silence.Loki wanted to understand, no mader how minimal it was, that mysterious boy through his facial expressions.But Bell remained with a neutral expression, leaving no loopholes for his emotions to leak.Loki's smile increased.That boy was really interesting!- "Bell... A beautiful name... It's a pleasure."- "Likewise."Bell waved positively.The boy noticed that the divinity was curious about his second name. Therefore, he seriously considered letting that golden opportunity escape through his fingers, if Loki insisted on the topic. But, apparently, the deity paid attention to the small details and did not go into knowing about his last name.Bell smiled internally.That deity was interesting.Even if her clothing did not pass so much credibility, her actions, on the other hand, made it clear as a sunny day.Now whether he could trust her or not, only time would tell.Meanwhile, outside the room, leaning against the wall, Riveria attentively listened to the conversation that unfolded between the two. She, internally, was also very curious about the second name of the white-haired boy.- "Who in the world could be you, Bell?"◇◇◇◇The city of the labyrinth, Orario.The big city was surrounded by a circular and robust wall.Judging by its appearance, the imminent structure would have been able to repel enemy attacks outside. However, its true purpose was to contain the monsters that emerged from a giant breach in the ground. Built in Ancient Times, it was proof of how hard people fought to keep the monsters that emerged from it contained. It remained a solid reminder for the present day.The stone barrier enclosed buildings of all shapes and sizes. Standing in the center of all this was a huge white structure.It was built directly on the entrance and served as a cover: Tower of Babel.With Babel as its symbol, the city built above the <Masmorra > has become a prosperous metropolis.A large part of the city's population was made up of adventurers, people who made a living inside the <Monsora >. Needless to say, many restaurants and bars were built to help them celebrate their successes and vent. Humans and semi-humans gathered in their favorite water wells, drinking and living side by side. Occasionally, some deities got excited and joined them with jugs of alcohol or beer in their hands. These were places where divisions of races and loyalty did not exist, where people laughed and enjoyed each other's company. Just a small pocket of the city of this world.Many lights illuminated the night of the city. These magic stone lamps kept the city alive with activity at all times, day or night.- "Finally at home...!"Loki said, tired, with her hands behind her head.On her left side, the High Elf. On the right side, the white-haired boy.In the northern district of the city, next to the main road.A long and tall building was above the rest.It was composed of a line of dark red towers that looked like spears above the city. The structure looked like flames when the sunlight hit well. The flag of the Trickster flew majestically from the top of the highest tower, its red color matching the towers.The house of Loki Family, The Mansion of the Twilight.Two guards, a man and a woman - both human - greeted them when they approached.The man quickly looked at the boy with exotic hair with a certain intimidation, and the next second he ended up receiving an opaque look as an answer. Even if that man was a level 2 adventurer, that boy's look made him fear for his physical integrity. He swallowed it dry, how could a child like that have a look like that? A dead look adorning his face. His intuition warned him that that could not be a sign of a good thing.For a moment, he pondered asking the reasons for that boy to be in the company of his Goddess and his Vice-Captain, but the velvety voice of the elf prevented him from expressing in words his concerns.- "We are at home. Please open the gate."Resigning, he swallowed his words and together with his guard company they gave space and then opened the iron grating doors.Upon entering, Bell was impressed.The land available for your house was long, but very thin when construction began. The solution: build instead of leaving. This also meant that the front lawn was quite narrow. Family members used the space in the most efficient way possible to grow a wide variety of flowers and plants. A light breeze passed, making the flowers seem to bow to those who arrived.Upon entering the Mansion, the boy's fixed finally fell under his head.- "Riveria, could you ask the cooks to prepare something for us to eat?"Loki asked pointing to himself and then to the boy who was looking around. He seemed admired, although he was attentive to the conversation between the two women.- "Of course, I'll take you to your room later."- "Thank you."Thanking, the deity subtly touched the boy's shoulder. Bell stared at her and she shook her head, silently warning him to follow her. And so, the elf separated from the two to go towards the cafeteria.- "I'm really going to be part of one of the strongest factions in Orario..."He thought as he let himself be guided by Loki towards her quarters. But his mind started thinking about something strange that was happening. For such a large mansion there was no one in the corridors.As if that huge place was empty.- "Hey, Loki."Also not being a fan of the formalities, while climbing the circular staircase following the redhead deity, Bell called her.- "Yes?"He looked over his shoulder for a few seconds and then turned his attention to the steps.- "Why don't you have anyone?"— "Ah... Well... They're on a small expedition."- "Oh... Wait! If they are in the <Masmorra > why is the elf here?"He asked remembering the healing powers of the elf. If they were in the <Don's dungeon>, her power would be indispensable.- "Well... Yes... But Finn said it wasn't necessary, since they wouldn't go that far. And even if I said 'shipment', the correct thing would be to say 'recognition and parameter'. We are growing exponentially, so we need to separate the chaff from the wheat."What Loki said might sound evil, but only those who are qualified and strong enough could survive the <S dungeon>. There is no evil, only the naked truth.Bell understood better from anyone. Only the strongest will survive. That's the law of nature. It's always been like this and always will be.The boy looked at his dominant hand and in a small fraction of a second, in the blink of an eye, he can see blood dripping. He blinked once again and the blood disappeared, after all, everything was just a small hallucination. He clenched his fist, paying attention again on the climb.- "Finn, right..."Bell recognized Finn by name. The pallum was well known or it was just the curiosity of the albino to want to know who was the captain of each Family that lived in Orario.Although he was not willing to look for the names of the other members or their characteristics. And that's why there was a mental note. Try to know the names and families to which they belonged and thus not get into confusion as it had entered this morning.- "I understand... He is choosing those who have potential from those who do not, to be able to go to <Masmorra >."- "Precisely."Loki answered and in the midst of this conversation, they arrived at the apartments of the divinity. Loki's rooms were located on the highest floor of the middle tower. Loki opened the door entering the room, she looked over her shoulder and said.- "Let's go in, don't be shy little rabbit."Loki said smiling.- "Bunny?"Bell frowned. Once again that comparative nickname. It was already the second time he was called that way and if he continued to be called that, he himself would probably start to think he looks like one.But, shrugging his shoulders, he came in.Bell gently widened his eyes, it looked like a war zone.The room was in a hawl. Quite messy. He saw Loki start a brief cleaning in the room.The boy stood still watching the deity walk from one side to the other 'cleaning' quickly so that he could serve him in a more normal way.- "Sorry for that. Wait a second."She said with a stool under one of her arms and a smile on her face.His quarters were more like a set of random items, rather than a living space. Bottles of many types of wine and liquor were thrown all over the place. The bottles themselves came in various sizes and shapes, as well as colors. It was impossible not to see five or six of them in each corner of the room, some of which were open.An expensive-looking pen and the crystal reflecting seven colors of light were on his table. A bizarre assortment of old shoes and hats decorated its walls. Stains and shelves not occupied by bottles of wine contained thick books or small blades such as daggers and daggers. Loki threw several things on the bed carelessly and it was possible to see under the cover pieces of literature and weapons. It would not be surprising if one or two extremely rare items were lurting in the pile.Bell had an ironic smile on his lips looking at that mess beyond the imagination.- "That's good enough. Let's do that."Loki made room in the middle of his mess so that he could put his blessing on the boy. She put the stool next to the bed so that she could sit on the mattress and that she had a better view of the coast of the boy who in a few moments would be her family. Bell looked at the stool and Loki in a strange way, he looked around looking for something he could sit down, but when he heard a wood noise being beaten, he just sighed. Loki patted the wide part of the stool to indicate that Bell should sit down.- "No need to worry, I'm not going to bite you."- "I hope not."- "Hahaha."Bell sighed as he approached, sitting on his back to Loki.- "Tall your shirt off."And so he did it. Being totally naked from the waist up, he exposed his milky skin to the Goddess behind him. It had no scars; only a soft white skin covered its delicate structure. Bell felt the look of the deity burn on his skin, he felt embarrassed for a moment.- "What do you look at so much?"- "Your future."- "Huh?"The embarrassment gave way to confusion. Loki seemed to understand the expression he was making even without having to look at Bell's face, she then explained.- "It's not necessarily the full meaning of the word, what I mean is; that if you really join my Family, I can't guarantee that you have a future in which you were inclined to pursue.Bell widened his eyes. Is it serious that she was worried about it? Right after everything that happened in the morning? Bell can't help but laugh.- "Hahahahahahahahahahaha."- "What is funny?"Loki felt bothered by that cheerful and unpretentious laugh of the boy.Bell stopped laughing, wiped a tear and said calmly.- "The fact that he is alive is more than enough."That phrase caught Loki off guard.No, it wasn't that.The correct thing would be to say that she felt strange. That tone, that way of speaking, body language, everything. Absolutely everything indicated that those words could not be said by a child who had a normal childhood.Of course she had an idea of what he went through as a street boy. However, that phrase should never appear on a child's lips, even in a child who spent a period of time alone in the open.And slowly, from that moment on, the gears that were scrambled will begin, little by little, to mount in your mind.- "Who are you really?"Her gaze remained burning on his back, even more intensely than before.Bell continued to assume that Loki's silence is his cue.- "I don't care about my future. In fact, a long time ago I didn't care. As long as I'm alive, it's enough for me."- "What if, by chance, you find someone you love? What future do you intend to aim for next to this person?"She put one more equation. She wanted to see how he would react.- "If... If this moment comes, I'll think about it. However, for now, I don't feel inclined to anything but stay alive."A perspectiveless answer.This boy is dead inside. That's what Loki deduced from that conversation.- "You're weird, rabbit."- "I also think I'm weird."He laughed. A dry laugh, with no room for joy or a feeling of contentment.And so, the conversation ended.Noticing that he would not hear the boy's voice again, the divinity began to work.Taking one of the weapons out of the bed, Loki pointed his index finger at the tip of the blade.Then the goddess put her finger just below Bell's neck as soon as the first drops of blood came out.Then she traced a series of movements on the boy's back with her firm hand.A glow happened.The intricate lines looked like something that would have been carved in a stone monument. But, in fact, this was the thing that united this "family" - the Blessing of Loki, a Status.Gods and goddesses wrote these hieroglyphs in their own blood, allowing the "ichor" inside it to open up the unlimited possibilities of his mortal followers. Each person who received a blessing had their status engraved on their back.In a few minutes, everything was finished.But the eyes of the divinity widened when they noticed that she could already update the Status she had just created.Swallowing dry, Loki looked through the series of hieroglyphs to find any faded characters or numbers and wrote new ones about them.After finishing, your throat will be dry.That was surreal.Beyond the essentials.Her chin fell.The eyes widened.But she needed to finish her work.- "Wait a second, I'll write it down"So she took her pen from the table and a sheet of spare paper. It only took a moment to write down the important details of Bell's Status.Bell felt the voice of the deity fail, as if she did not know how to process what had happened. Bell put his shirt on his head and turned around. Loki was standing there, holding the sheet of paper and with a ghastly smile on his lips.She gave it to Bell to take a look.LEVEL 1Strength; I 0 > 60Resistance; H 0 > 100Dexterity; I 0 > 60Agility; H 0 > 100Magic; I 0 > 0Skills;Blessing of the Fairy.> Results In Accelerated Growth.- "He really showed up. Who knew..."Referring to the skill, Bell gently squeezed the paper.The boy's look remained unchanged.No synonym of surprise on your face.He made it seem like he was already waiting for something of that kind, as if that skill that arose was something he already knew would arise the moment he won a Falna.Loki stared at his new son with disbelief.- "Who in the world are you?"He went far beyond the expectations she had of him.He far exceeded his intuition.- "Me? I'm Bell, the Son of Loki."The boy smiled on his side. A fake smile.That smile made the Goddess even more stunned.But the stunning is gone.She also smiled. A fake smile.The desire to know more about him just grew.No matter how long it took, someday she would find out.And when she found out, her thirst for knowledge could finally be ceased.Loki, internally, smiled excitedly.A large unexplored sea had appeared for her to explore.She got up and reached out to the boy who quickly squeezed her.- "Welcome to the Loki Family, the family that will be known as the strongest in Orario."The cheating goddess decreed with a wider smile. This time, true.It was the beginning of a long and troubled adventure.