Chapter 4

He sighed tired.

Looking to the right side, in his line of sight, a dwarf warrior appeared wearing a full armor with a large axe in his right hand. The two watched the members of the Loki Family fight against the monsters on the sixteenth floor with some difficulty, however, even without their orders the adventurers were able to help themselves in the midst of the disorder that was happening around them.Teamwork was extremely necessary so that they could have a minimal chance of getting out of there alive, after all, the strongest were away carefully observing each action they took.The two leaders refrained from saying any word of help. It was them for them. Without the help they commonly had. From the moment they stepped inside the <Masonra > they were on their own. The initial floors did not prove to be a final challenge, but when they reached the intermediate floors the situation changed drastically. The number of births of monsters has increased exponentially as well as the strength of these beings.The adventurers moved tirelessly so that they could fight against the monsters that seemed to arise from absolute nothingness. Among them, a golden-haired girl who wore light armor while wielding her sword. His blond hair flowled with each swing of the blade, his golden eyes glazed in the elimination of the monsters while on his face an empty and emotionless expression.She had a fighting style focused on destroying any monster that was born. Without a very refined technique along with a brute force attributed to your current level.And, in contrast to the little girl's empty expression, two Amazons fought with wide smiles on their faces. They tore apart the monsters that appeared on their fronts. The twins had a very good synchrony, perhaps because they were sisters or because they were exceptional warriors, the captain who watched everything next to the dwarf warrior still did not know how to distinguish. They used only their hands, free of weapons, it was as if they had imposed a challenge beyond what was informed.The dwarf looked at the pallum next to him.- "Hey, Finn."Finn has misaligned blonde hair of medium length and blue eyes with a light skin tone. He has a small body, but he's still strong. Finn looks like a child, despite being over 40 years old. He wore a yellow vest over a purple long-sleeved shirt and pants.- "Say, Gareth."In a calm voice, he asked.Gareth has brown eyes and long brown hair, along with facial hair of the same color that is long enough to form a beard. He is wearing a battle cloth and boots, adding a helmet with horns and an armor.- "Don't you think it's time for us to come back? We've already seen what we had to see."Finn always kept his gaze on that killing of monsters. He analyzed something that Gareth had no idea, even though he had already known that pallum for several years, he still couldn't understand what was going on in that little head.With a sigh, Finn gave in.- "Yeah... you're right. Let's finish this and come back."- "Okay."And so, the two adventurers kicked the ground leaving their seats as mere observers to enter that fight. The strength and speed of two level 4 proved to be a real spectacle. In a few moments, that sea of monsters was eliminated by the overwhelming power that the two had and that by combining together became monster killing machines.In a few minutes, that desperate situation for the members was resolved.The magic stones fell to the ground while the two sighed softly, it was as if they had just finished a warm-up. The members were impressed by the ability of the two leaders.- "Let's go back."Finn said solemnly. The adventurers waved with tired expressions, at least the vast majority of them, because there were three people who could continue for a few more hours.It was the two Amazons and the blonde-haired girl.- "We can still continue captain!"- "Yes! These monsters were no big deal!"- "I can still continue..."The Amazonian instincts were bubbling due to the high adrenaline. The blood in their veins boiled furiously in search of a combat that would provide them with a challenge. The twins had their fists clenched, automatically prepared to face any monster that appeared.Next to the two amazons, the blonde-haired girl looked directly at the little man. Through her look, she confirmed that she could continue, after all, she had breath for two or three more hordes.With a smile on his lips, the pallum internally approved that immense desire. However, there were limits that should be maintained.- "I appreciate your disposition, but we have to go back, the others are very tired and we can't lose people in a small workout, can we?"He pondered calmly making his order be fulfilled. The calm and solemn way hid the true purpose behind the words of the little captain. He was basically telling them not to lightly threaten the lives of others for a futile reason of just wanting to keep fighting.Even though the two Amazons didn't like the end of that conversation, they accepted the words of the pallum. However, the girl with golden hair and golden eyes frowned, not liking that outcome.- "How am I going to get stronger if we stop now?"With this thought, she prepared herself to contradict the captain's words, but her intention was quickly ceased by the serious look he directed at her. The girl swallowed it dry, lowered her sword and sheathed it.- "Great."Finn smiled seeing the girl with the sword guarded.Under the leadership of Finn and Gareth, they returned to the surface without major problems. Glimpsing two second-class adventurers coordinating their attacks was the most beautiful and clean thing that the members of that little excursion could see. The movements they made made it seem that the monsters on those floors could never even pose a real challenge to them and really couldn't.That little demonstration of strength only segmented what they already knew. The elite of the Loki Family was worthy of being described as adventurers more than capable of passing and overcoming the challenges that the <Masmorra > threw at it.◇◇◇◇In a few hours, they returned to the surface.The sun was starting to set.Orario was about to gain a new life with the arrival of the night.Finn and Gareth led the way to the Twilight Mansion.The members allowed themselves to relax momentarily.The walk was perpetuated silently.From a distance, they could see the huge Mansion.The symbol of the cheater swinging gently with the wind.In a few meters, they would be at home and could rest, at least, the vast majority.The golden-haired girl contained a huge desire swarming in her being. She wanted to go back to the dungeon, but if she ran away she would be quickly captured by Finn and would end up being scolded by Riveria for being an inconsequential child.But his desire to get stronger burned even more intimately. She had a wish to fulfill after all.And absolutely nothing would change that.She would fulfill your wish.It's no mate it cost.That's how she thought.And it would remain so.- "Ahhh, so tired. Forget a steak, I'll eat a whole cow."- "I want a shower. As soon as possible."The conversation between the Amazon twins caused the tension that hovered in the air to calm down. The other members sighed understanding that that was their way of making the environment calmer and softer, totally different from the tension and feeling of constant danger that graced their skins when they entered the <Danger >.The pseudo-expedition was over and they had returned to their home. Most of the twenty adventurers carried their weapons on their shoulders, sheath or even dragged on the floor.Two guards, a man and a woman - both human - greeted them when they approached.- "We are at home. Please open the gate."Similar to the polite way Riveria had said some time ago. They waved to Finn and opened the doors similar to iron railings.The man who had witnessed the entrance of the Patronal Goddess and the Vice-captain accompanying a boy with white-hair like snow remained silent before what happened. He thought he should not intrude, because even if he were from the Family there was a certain hierarchy that should be respected. And he also assumed that Finn and Gareth would probably know about the situation.After all, they were the Family executives.Upon entering the mansion, the members were divided.Finn and Gareth headed to Loki's rooms and on the way saw Riveria holding a tray with two covered plates. The elf briefly waved to the companions who returned the greeting.- "Is it for Loki?"- "Yes."- "But why two dishes?"- "I would even answer, but I think Loki better answer. She will give them a better explanation than any I could formulate."The conversation between Finn, Riveria and Gareth took place in that order.The triad of adventurers went up the stairs while talking about the issues related to the small selection they had planned for today and that had just ended.Upon arriving at the floor where Loki was, they knocked on the wooden door hearing the muffled voice of their Goddess allowing them to enter.Upon entering, Finn and Gareth witnessed a boy with white hair and rubella eyes. The boy briefly directed his gaze to the newcomers and soon after focused on the Elf. Meanwhile, Loki was sitting on the bed with his legs crossed and a smile adorning his lips.All the executives realized that even if that boy was looking at Riveria, he was still aware of any movement that happened in that room. Finn and Gareth exchanged glances and stared at Loki in search of answers.Meanwhile, the tall elf approached Loki and handed him the tray.- "Thank you! I was very hungry."She immediately took one of the dishes by placing it on her lap so that she could eat enjoying the taste of the food involving her mouth and tongue.Riveria turned to the boy giving him another dish.Bell reached out and waved in thanks.In silence, in a calm and well-behaved way, he began to eat.Riveria walked away standing next to Gareth who had his arms crossed.Finn continued to face the cheating deity. His gaze periodically focused on the boy who tasted the food.- "So, who is the child?"Finn asked.- "Our trump card!"- "Develop better, Loki."This time, the voice of Gareth who gave a sign of his grace.- "Very simple, this boy sitting on the floor will be our greatest weapon so that we can become the biggest faction of Orario."- "And the reason?"Finn returned the word.- "There were several, but to shorten the conversation it is better for me to show it than to explain."Loki took a paper. She swayed slightly indicating that Finn should approach and take the paper. In a brief reading, the little captain's eyes widened when he saw that status and especially that skill.Skills;Blessing of the Fairy.> Results in rapid growth.- "But what the hell..."Finn passed the role to Gareth who had the same reaction as the pallum. Then it was Riveria and she looked at the stunned boy.- "That's exactly what I thought."Loki said with a smile.- "Who are you?"Finn looked at the boy who had the spoon in his mouth.Bell chewed and swallowed the food.He stared at the captain of the Loki Family and said.- "My name is Bell. As of today, I'm one of Loki's children."With great calm, the boy responded by looking Finn into his eyes.Bell contemplated an incredent look forming on Finn's face.The captain was silent.The boy deduced that the questions ended and so he ate again.Finn ran his hand through his hair sighing.Gareth smiled impressed by the boy's action.Riveria put her hand on her forehead and shook her head.And Loki just laughed stridently.◇◇◇◇After a long and detailed explanation behind the reasons why the boy was part of the Loki Family, a tired sigh appeared in that place.Finn massaged the temple.Riveria and Gareth were side by side next to the door.Bell remained seated.And Loki had his legs and arms crossed.- "Let's recapitulate. You ended up stealing Loki, you were chased by Riveria and after by an order from Loki, Riveria attacked and you, by a miracle, managed to defend yourself but were unable to use your dominant arm and in the midst of all this, you managed to formulate a plan to be able to escape. With a distraction he managed to catch her dagger and shot Loki knowing that Riveria would protect her. After a few hours he was found and ended up being treated and thus became one of Loki's children? Is that it? Didn't I miss anything?- "It was basically that. Even I still don't believe what happened."Bell replied looking at the pallum.— "Aha..."Finn sighed tired. Once again he messed up his hair. He sighed again, reorganized his thoughts and a light seemed to illuminate his mind. The little captain formulated his sentence and completed it with a question.- "From what I could understand, you will not tell us about your second name or where you came from, let alone about your past, and yes, I know that you must have your reasons and, I fully understand that you do not fully trust us, after all the beginning was quite troubled, but, since you are part of our Family, tell me; do you know how to fight? Or are you a complete beginner?Bell realized that there was more to that question than it seemed.He limited himself to saying the least.- "I know a little bit of everything."- "Develop."Finn didn't give a gap for him to run away from the question.That pallum was really attentive. Worthy of a leader, a captain of a Family.Bell sighed.- "Okay... I know how to fight hand-to-hand combat, I have some experience with daggers, daggers and bow and arrows. But my main weapon, if I can put it that way, would be a sword."Those present were surprised by that revelation.Apparently, that boy was well versed in various techniques.- "And are you only 11 years old? It's hard to believe that a child knows all this."Finn pondered staring at him.- "I went through things that a child my age would go crazy."Bell smiled. A fake smile.- "And why didn't you stay?"- "We can say that I'm not a normal child."- "And should that mean?"- "I matured very early, that's all."The conversation between Finn and Bell unfolded calmly. The boy could always escape the subtle traps that Finn left with every question. The captain was trying to know something more about who that child was, but all his advances were eliminated by the well-thought-out words of the white-haired boy.What most surprised Riveria, Gareth and Loki was that the fake smile never disappeared from the boy's face.The captain and the boy were staring at each other for a few seconds. Finn was trying to find some trace of restlessness in the boy's expression so that he could use himself, but failed to detect something.- "You're interesting, boy."- "Thank you, captain."Both smiled, but the smiles never reached the eyes.Loki, seeing that his captain had finished his interrogation, got up so that he could get involved in the conversation.- "Since we have solved this issue, let's go to another topic."- "What would it be?"Riveria commented.- "Her hair. If he is really going to become our letter up our sleeve, we cannot let others understand that he is from our Family. The white threads delivered at the time he is from the Loki Family."- "The boy is basically a walking target."Gareth said caressing his beard. He agreed with Loki's words.- "And I don't want him to be an easy target because of his exotic face."- "And what do you propose?"Finn asked looking at Loki.— "Paint it."- "Hey. I'm still here, could you not decide what to do with me without my opinion?"Bell grumbled.- "So, Finn, Gareth and Riveria?"- "Don't ignore me!"A nervous tick appeared on his forehead.- "It would be good to dye it, at least for now."- "Yes. I agree."- "Do what you think is best."And so, the trio of adventurers of the Loki Family decreed the fate of white hair. Finn, Riveria and Gareth commented respectively.Bell only sighed defeated. His voice was not present and he ended up accepting to have his hair dyed.◇◇◇◇In the morning.Nine o'clock in the morning.Breakfast time.Loki appeared in the cafeteria being accompanied by a boy with black hair like a black sky at night. The boy is of short stature, at the height of the goddess's breasts, he had his eyes red like rubies.The eyes of the other members fell on the boy who was walking next to Loki, the one who climbed on one of the unoccupied tables and then said loud and loud.- "I introduce you to the new member, Tatsuo Himeno. He's 11 years old."Loki pointed to the boy who waved briefly with his hand. The vast majority of the members waved back as they smiled at him as a sign of acceptance. The boy shook his head. The goddess came down from the table and went to sit down with her executives, the boy, however, distanced himself from the others.He took his food, and sat away from the others.The boy calmly ate his food without caring about the looks that burned his skin. The members were surprised by that sudden and lonely action he took for himself.- "He's far away..."- "It seems like he doesn't want to mix. Maybe because he's embarrassed and shy?"The conversation between the Amazonian sisters unfolded. Tiona and Tione looked at the boy with a slender body.At the table where 'Tatsuo' was sitting, he closed his jaw while lightly squeezing the spoon.- "In addition to dyeing my hair, I had to change my identity..."He gnashed his teeth in frustration. But he understood the reasons behind all that staging.◇◇◇◇Two hours ago.In Loki's room.Riveria, Finn and Loki looked at the boy sitting in front of a small mirror. He looked like someone else.The white hair disappeared giving space for the veil of the night that was the black color. The red eyes gave an even greater contrast to the boy's face, making him look even more beautiful. Riveria had finished dyeing his hair and analyzed if there had been any white strands, Finn had his hand on his chin thinking about himself and Loki had a smile on his face.- "Hair dyed and now only one name is missing. Using his real name will be of no use in having painted the white threads. Do you have any in mind, Bell?"Loki asked for the opinion of the minor.- "Yes, I do. It will be Tatsuo Himeno."He responded promptly, without having to think too much.- "Something in particular with that name?"Finn took the floor looking at the boy through the mirror. Bell shook his head shrugging next.- "None. It was just the first one that came to mind."He answered sincerely.Loki silently analyzed the boy, she noticed that he was not lying, but she also realized that there was something more behind that name.- "Well... it seems that everything is decided."- "Yes, all that's left is the paint to dry and he washes his hair to remove the excessive amount that will stay."The conversation between Loki and Riveria lasted a short time.- "Riveria, could you take him to the Guild for him to register?"Finn asked looking at the Elf.- "Of course, but why me?"- "You're mom, why else would it be?"- "Who are you calling mom?"Riveria sighed with that nickname she had earned when she had to take care of Aiz years ago.That brought a certain curiosity to the boy who heard everything. He remembered the maternal feeling that involved him when Riveria took him in his arms. He felt a real joy for feeling that feeling again, but at the same moment, he remembered that he would never have that hearth involving him again. Bell lowered his head trying to mask that pain that reignded in his heart.◇◇◇◇After breakfast, Tatsuo went out with Riveria so that he could register as an adventurer. The black-haired boy walked calmly next to Riveria, with both enjoying the silence that that walk brought.They weren't talking because they didn't want to.Far from it.Each one was immersed in their own thoughts.In Bell's case, he put everyone he met from the Loki Family on a scale and by elimination concluded that the person who made him most comfortable was, impressively, Riveria. When he was close to Loki, Finn and Gareth he felt cornered, as if he had to think carefully about every word that came out of his mouth. However, with the Elf he felt more relaxed, even if the beginning of everything was disastrous and she broke his arm and gave him a humiliating defeat, yet the way she held him in his arms and the brief looks of regret that she threw towards him left him with his guard down.Bell sighed softly. Most likely, unconsciously, he was looking for a maternal aura. And ironically, the aura emanated precisely from the Elf named Riveria. However, even if he thought she would be the person who would be easy to talk to, there was a huge gap between 'wanting' and 'power'. Bell didn't know how he could or if he should start a conversation with her. And even if you were successful in starting a dialogue, how would you proceed? What subjects should he address?Bell once again sighed softly.On the other hand, Riveria had a mixture of feelings. Among them the curiosity and regret for having attacked that little boy. How should she apologize for causing a huge pain in her arm? Would a simple apology be enough? Maybe yes, maybe not. Riveria didn't really know.And then, at the opposite extreme of guilt, curiosity arome from the expressions and looks that the boy had. What did he go through to have that dark aura? What did he have to do to get that cold look? And the main thing, what did he have to see so that his way of acting was not consistent with his age?There were too many questions for no answer.However, there was a conclusion. A conclusion based on another case.Riveria noticed something.Bell, without a doubt, was similar to Aiz.The two had similarities.An unknown past.A look that longed for something.And a strong determination to move forward.Riveria remembered the intense brightness that emanated from the golden look of the golden-haired girl. There was a great determination in wanting to become an adventurer so that she could become stronger and stronger with a simple and clear goal, to pursue something.However, unlike the girl, the boy did not desperately yearn for power. Riveria deduced that if he got stronger, the boy wouldn't care, but his goal was completely the opposite. She could see in his eyes that he wanted something, but that something seemed distant. Riveria sighed. She was not sure, much less intimacy enough to ask about something related to his past.She, along with her companions and Goddess, decided that they would wait for the time to give her an answer. Maybe, who knows, with the conviviality, the boy wouldn't end up opening up with her, with them?She sighed lightly with this thought.Maybe her maternal instincts were gaining even more life inside her chest. Taking care of a troubled girl, maniac for struggles and power, may have left her more inclined to take care of others.While they were lost in thoughts, they arrived at the Guild and soon Riveria left her little dialogue with herself to greet the receptionist.— "Rose."The bored werewolf receptionist waiting at the counter looked up when she heard her name.In front of his eyes was a tall elf who had an incomparable beauty.Rose had been chosen by the Clan in part for her good looks, but she couldn't hold a candle for the high elf. It was a well-known story around the City of the Labyrinth that this unparalleled high elf even inspired the envy of a goddess, triggering a total incident. The jade hair gathered around the collar was similar to a jewel, worthy of the worthy aura of a high-level magic user.However, the young receptionist was not enchanted or jealous of these looks. She didn't even fix her bored sloppy while answering - looking more angry with the nuisance than dissatisfied.- "Welcome, Loki Family, Vice Captain Riveria Ljos Alf. What brings you here today?"- "You can stop with the formal greetings, Rose. You're not even acting like you're serious."- "It says in the manual that we should do this for the main families, so I can't help it, you know? If we don't do what we should, we will have a salary cut."Riveria frowned in a dignified way, to which the werewolf replied as she spun her red hair with one hand.They were at the Corporation Headquarters, located in the northwest district of the city. This organization was the main administrative force in Orario, which had neither king nor feudal lord. Whether past, present or future, it served as the core of the City of the Labyrinth.- "Seven years ago, when I met you behind the counter, you were so innocent. You've really changed. I think you were fourteen years old then? This desire didn't go anywhere."- "That was right after I started work. Could you please not remember things from the past?"- "For an elf like me, it's not so different from something that happened just a month or two ago."The sun shone in the lobby as adventurers and workers moved around. Rose, grumpy, crossed her arms. She wore a black uniform provided by the Corporation and, at the moment, emphasizing the only area in which she could win against Riveria. She responded with a super familiar tone of voice.- "Well? I'm sure you didn't come to talk away. If that's it, it's going to be a headache, I prefer you to hurry up and finish it right away. They get agitated with every little thing when we deal with you or Freya Família."As if confirming what she said, all the Corporation staff behind the counter looked at them both.Silenced for a moment, Riveria nodded and responded.- "Yes... Register an adventurer. I would like you to register someone."- "Register an adventurer... And where is the said new adventurer? I can't register someone if they're not here."Rose seemed confused.- "He's here."- "Huh?"- "The new adventurer is here. "Rose looked to the side seeing a child, she deduced that that little one should not even be in his early pre-adolescence. Rose frowned and then looked at Riveria with a frown.- "Another adventurer so young? Are you and your family exploring children by chance?"- "No. He just came to us and we gave him a chance, that's all."- "Hm... I'll pretend I believe it. But, in any case, I'm going to arrange the papers."Rose accepted the request bluntly.Assuming a professional attitude, she repressed a disreproving look and swallowed what she really wanted to say when she started the registration process.Standing on a stool made for adventurers, she took the feather pen offered to her and started writing on the parchment provided.- "Tatsuo Himeno... 11 years old... and nothing else..."The place of birth was blank, the background was blank, everything else was blank, blank, blank... An emptiness that didn't say anything. In addition to age, no information was listed.Rose frowned, but didn't say anything.This was Orario. Outlawers looking to get rich quickly and people with guilty consciences came here all the time. And the Guild welcomed anyone who could face the <Domana >. If they investigated everyone who did not reveal their past or career, it would never end.In addition to special cases, such as spies or informants working for other countries or cities, anyone could become an adventurer. That was the rule here. Rose accepted the parchment and approved it, as always.- "As for a counselor... Well, you won't need that. A big family like yours doesn't need any support from us."- "Yes, let's take care of your instruction ourselves."The Corporation had instituted a system of counselors, mainly to help newly established families and novice adventurers, but it was unnecessary for one of the largest and most famous groups in Orario.With that, 'Tatsuo' looked at the high elf.- "Is it over?"- "Yes. The registration is done."- "What about my equipment? Are you going to buy it for me?"Bell asked looking at Riveria.The elf shook her head.- "For now you will use the Corporation's."Riveria looked at Rose who sighed.- "I never thought I would be offering the beginner adventurer equipment again to the Loki Family. All right, dear, follow this employee to get your measurements."She called one of the women behind the counter to take Tatsuo aside. The human worker reached out, and the boy allowed himself to be guided.The two talked to each other without looking at each other, focused only on the boy who was taking the measurements.- "So the biggest faction in the city is planning to arm another small child with a sword, then send it to die in the <Masonra >?"Riveria didn't answer that question.- "Are you so desperate to expand the influence of your faction? It was no longer enough to have put the golden-haired girl to fight and now she is putting another child in the same conditions. If it really is like that, I misjudged her."The elf kept quiet.- "Even if he wanted to, isn't it the adults' job in the room to stop him?"A slight but quick frown appeared on the beautiful face of the elf. But this expression unnoticed by Rose.Once they were alone, Rose unleashed all the opinions she was holding. They were her true feelings, her criticism as a Guild employee who had seen many adventurers running to death.Riveria didn't answer. Looking at a glance, Rose saw that the high elf was trying her best not to show any emotion, so she finished her speech.Rose will just meet the boy, after all.In her eyes, it seemed that Riveria was also trying to figure out how to cross the wall that the boy raised around him.- "He's going to a premature grave."She ended with her evaluation as a member of the Clan.- "A fast life does not begin to describe it. I met many adventurers, but the look he had is not normal for a child. Even though I've already seen Wallenstein's look when she became adventurous, that boy's look is completely different, it's much deeper. I hope he doesn't die."Riveria had a clear response to Rose's warning.- "He's not going. I won't allow that. That's why we're here."She said.Yours contained an absolute seriousness.She really wouldn't let him die.Never.