In Flames: Aftermath

Yeah! You aren't seeing things!

Due to the fact I am really occupied and all of that, I decided to post this chapter ahead of time as a small gift for the new year.

The progress of the rework has been doing alright so far, and the Discord server is still the same as before.

With the exception that it now has the images from chapters 1 to 10. and eventually, it will have all of the images until this chapter.

The bonus chapters for the 500 and 600 power stone goals are still on hold, probably to be released next week.

In any case, thank you all for being with me in this project of mine. See you all next year with another chapter!

And if you are interested, the Discord is this: https://discord.gg/V8TW45ab

However, be warned that it's still pretty bare.

See you all later!

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'Silver picked the paper from Hestia's hand and read it.'

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Mellios Silver

Level-1

Strength SS 1010 (268)

Vitality SSS 1270 -> SSS 1272 (381)

Dexterity S 949 -> S 950 (258)

Agility SS 1151 (348)

Magic SSS 1345 -> SSS 1354 (395)

Magic:

>Magnum Opus Ambrosia

Skill:

>Vit Alhjin

>Infir David Missimus

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"Hum…"

"It's getting harder to increase it, no? Don't you think it might be time to Level up? I mean, you could probably increase it by a 100 or 200 if you spend a few months in the Dungeon, but if you leveled up, you could probably get this very same status in that period of time." Said Hestia

"..."

She is right, however, I still think I have some time to waste.

After I reached 999, my stats went beyond the barrier with no problem.

So I came to the conclusion I am similar to Bell, the barrier is nonexistent for me.

Since it was so much easier, I attributed this change to my Skill. However, since both of my Skills work towards stat development, I didn't know which to credit.

Eventually, I credited my first Skill, Vit Alhjin.

I got quite worried that I would only be able to raise my stats up to the SS rank since my skill only decreases the difficulty of the stats by one-tier.

(So SS rank is the same as S rank)

But that proved to be baseless worry… I went beyond that into SSS rank and even into SSS+

(SS 1000-1199, SSS 1200- 1???, SSS+ 1???- ???. SSS+ is just something the MC made up, it doesn't appear in the stats.)

I managed to reach this in about a month… It's a little faster than Bell, but I attribute this to the events that I passed through.

(N1)

Plus, I already had a lot of experience, so I could just take on stronger monsters. Bell had to learn from zero. He wasted a lot of time exploring the Upper floors and being overall… Dumb.

He barely even knew how to use the knife properly, didn't know monsters' patterns and habits, his Dungeon knowledge was as good as zero, and he was easily led around by others, which would eventually lead to him losing focus… A true noob.

I am the polar opposite of Bell, I have the proper fighting techniques, I got proper education and I knew how to effectively use strategies to increase my "farming" speed.

That's why, when you add my skills, this growth speed becomes a little bit more believable… A little.

This speed won't remain once I start Leveling up unless I continue to take on higher Level monsters… Or if I do crazier things…

"Leveling my Magic is still fine, I actually increased it by around 10 points in a day. I might as well spend another month training it."

However, Dexterity is falling behind.

I guess I know the reason, most of the time, I am only fighting monsters, this is leading to a problem Ais also has…

My combat style is becoming too focused on dealing with monsters, to the point it has become raw and unrefined.

Create weapons of any kind using Plasmids, find a monster, engage in combat, evade, attack, block, repeat.

I need to find some sort of opponent that would force me to use precise movements… Just evading isn't going to make this stat go up.

But that's for later, my stats still have room for growth, no need to focus on one stat for now.

"The base you set every Level is what's going to set the limit for my future strength, might as well make sure it's big and stable." Said Silver

"... Sigh, but how are you going to increase that Dexterity?" Asked Hestia

"That's something I have yet to figure out…"

I spent most of the time yesterday on the forge, yet that was only enough to raise one point of Dex…

No, that's already impressive.

And this is considering I have a decrease in difficulty due to my skill…

"Normal training activities aren't going to raise my stats anymore."

"That's obvious!" Exclaimed Hestia

"Then… I am going to the Dungeon"

Time to step up my grind.

"Are you going to work now?" Asked Silver

"Yes, however, I imagine everything will be closed down due to what happened, so I plan to talk with Hephaestus first." Said Hestia

After what happened, I would be surprised if the Guild didn't act.

"Let's go to the Guild first and see what they have to say." She said

"Sure, I was planning to go there anyway."

…

'Silver and Hestia got ready and left the basement.'

'But when they opened the door…'

/Fwush!/

"Ah! It's so cold!" Said Hestia

"... So winter finally came…"

Winter starts around the middle of December in this world and ends around early to mid-March.

Meaning we are already close to two months since winter started, meaning…

"It's snowing." Said Hestia as she had a snowflake fall in her hands.

"... We need to change our clothes…"

"You are right…"

'They went back and changed their clothes, Hestia switched her jacket for a heavier coat while Silver switched his shirt for one with long sleeves and he picked the white scarf.'

'He didn't need heavy protection due to his stats, but he at least needed to protect himself from the chilly wind.'

…

'After some time, they arrived in the Guild, and as expected…'

"It's awfully full…" Said Silver

"People are tense after what happened yesterday, many Familias will come to ask for information and learn what happened."

'Silver looked at a big board set up on the outside.'

'It read: DENATUS HAS BEEN PUSHED FORWARD TO TOMORROW…'

'There were a few more lines explaining why and the time.'

'All of it was written in big and glowy runes, to make sure everyone can see no matter how blind they are.'

(This world has its own language obviously, people aren't really talking and writing in English, imagine the words as runes mixed with hieroglyphs)

(Image)

"Well… Looks like I am not going to work today." Said Hestia

"It seems what happened yesterday was really big." Said Silver

"... I am not even going to retort…" Said Hestia

'The two entered the Guild and the place was packed with people.

All of the counters had long lines in it and people could be seen everywhere.'

'Silver looked to the side and saw that the exchange boots were closed. Probably due to the lack of personnel.'

"Should we come later?" Asked Silver

"And come here again? This place will be full for the next week most likely, so it's best if we just finish our business and leave." Replied Hestia

"But what are we here to do it anyway? I just came here to get some commissions and talk with my instructor. What about you? Isn't it better to learn from Hephaestus?"

"I guess… You are right. No point in wasting time here…"

"Ah!"

'The place was so full that Hestia ended up being knocked by someone else.'

"Be careful man!" Exclaimed Silver as he hugged Hestia

"Sorry! The place is so full that I didn't notice her, sorry miss!" Said the tall adventurer as he bowed

"It's fine, it's fine…" Said Hestia as she was hugged by Silver

Nice one! May your day be blessed, nameless adventurer…

"... Sigh… Look, there is some empty space over there in the corner, wait for me there as I will try to talk with my advisor. I will be back soon."

'Hestia nodded her head.'

'Silver turned around and soon disappeared in the sea of people.'

…

'Hestia put her back against the wall as she looked at the sea of adventurers running around the place, from time to time, she could see through the gaps the desperate Guild workers running from one side to the other with books in their hands.'

'She almost wanted to laugh, but held it in since it would be rude.'

"They must have it hard huh…"

'She waited for Silver but as time passed, he didn't appear.'

Tsk! Silver must be having it hard! My legs are getting tired…

"Ex-Excuse me!... Ah!"

'From the middle of the crowd, a blue-haired girl suddenly appeared and fell on the ground. She was wearing some cute winter clothes as she got up from the ground'

'Her skin was rosy due to the cold and her gloves seemed fluffy…'

"Hm?... Artemis?" Asked Hestia

"Eh?... Hestia?" Ask Artemis

'It was the meeting of two old friends…'

…

/Half an hour later…/

"... And that is what I have done since I came into Genkai. What about you?" Asked Artemis

"Well, I didn't do much… I stayed with Hephaestus for a while receiving help and learning from her, she was the one who called me down here after all."

"After a while… I found my first adventurer. And what can I say? He is very talented!" Said Hestia with a happy smile and a proud expression

"Now I work in one of the Hephaestus shops as a way to help raise money… Hephaestus visits from time to time to teach me more about being a proper Goddess and all of that."

'Hestia seemed slightly embarrassed, but she also seemed proud of herself.'

'But her friend seemed worried…'

"How is he? You can't let yourself be deceived, there are many bad intentioned people in Orario."

"Humph! He isn't like that!"

"He cooks, cleans, and helped me fix the church where we live…"

He did so much that sometimes I even feel overwhelmed…

"And even though I am working right now, that doesn't make much of a difference as he can easily provide for the two of us…"

"The two of you? Are you two living together?" She asked in a worried tone

"Don't be like that! He's Not the man you think he is! Hephaestus already approved of him!"

'Artemis relaxed a bit.'

"Then that's fine…"

Look at her, she defends him with such a smile on her face…

Could it be?

"Do you like him?" She asked with a small smile

'Usually, Artemis would disapprove and scold Hestia, however, after having a night-long talk with her Familia members, she learned to be laxer.'

"I do… EH?! Why that question out of nowhere?!" Asked Hestia as she lightly punched her friend

What happened to Artemis? shouldn't she be lecturing me right now?

"Ha… So even you…"

'Hestia was about to retort when she stopped in her tracks.'

"Even me?... IT CAN'T BE?! DID YOU ALSO… MUMPH!" Screamed Hestia in realization

'Artemis blocked Hestia's mouth with a red face.'

"Shiiu! It's a secret for now!"

"... PUHAAA… Hehe… Who is the lucky man?"

I can't even imagine the sort of person that could move her ice heart… I guess coming into the lower world does change people.

"... I met him yesterday… During the crisis… I was about to get ambushed by an enemy when he…"

'Her face started to get red as she fondled her hair.'

"He appeared from the sky and saved me…"

"Hoo… Looks like it was quite the encounter. How was he?"

"I… I didn't manage to see his face…" She said with a downcast tone

"What? Why?"

"His helmet… It blocked my vision… And he left too quickly… I didn't have the courage to ask his name…"

"Helmet? Tell me more." She asked

"Well... He wears a Platinum set of plate armor that seems to shine in..."

'Artemis went on and on about what she saw, she started to fantasize about her hero, so much so that even Hestia realise most of what she said was an exaggeration.'

"..."

This seems familiar...

'However, she didn't realize it was Silver. The reasons for that were simple.'

'Hestia stayed most of her time in Babel working, and in her free time, she normally walks around Orario doing whatever, although she prefers to do these things with Silver.'

'Seeing new people, buying supplies, talking with other Goddesses, and going on "dates" with Silver…'

'During that time when she is alone, Silver is either in his workshop or in the Dungeon, but if he is in his workshop when Hestia arrives, Silver tends to stop and read his books so as to not bother her with the sound of the forge.'

'Hence, Hestia didn't get a close view of the newly finished armor! Only small parts of it when Silver was forging it.'

'Also, Hestia doesn't have the patience to stay in a hot place like the workshop watching silver work… Although she likes seeing him work, she doesn't have the constitution to stay in that heat for long.'

'The little she knows is when Silver talks with her, but sometimes, Silver speaks so much that the information enters one ear and leaves through the other.'

"Hm… So let me guess, you came here today in the hopes of seeing him again?"

'Artemis didn't say anything but shook her head in agreement.'

"Heh… How romantic of you, is that why you are wearing those cute clothes?" Said Hestia in a teasing way

"No! I-I didn't choose these… They were chosen by my Children…"

"HA! You should have more confidence! Else your dream guy is going to get snatched away…"

"Urg… Th-That won't happen right?..."

"Excuse me, please… Thank you…"

'While the two talked, Silver suddenly appeared from the side.'

"Silver! Perfect time!"

"..."

Silver?

So this is Hestia's first adventurer… The one she fell for…

"That was tough, I feel bad for Loiju…" Said Silver

'It was then that Silver noticed the blue-haired girl on the side of Hestia.'

'Their eyes locked into place and Artemis suddenly felt her body go limp.'

'His Silver eyes were just like…'

"You are…" Said Artemis with a lingering excitement

"That's right! He is my adventurer!" Said Hestia in a proud tone

"Nice to meet you, my name is Mellios Silver, captain of the Hestia Familia." Said Silver as he bowed

"..."

So he isn't him… For a moment I almost didn't know what to do…

A Level 1 adventurer can't be that knight…

Although it's quite a coincidence for the two of them to have Silver eyes…

"I am Artemis, it's a pleasure." She said as she bowed a little, her flowing blue hair falling in front of her face like a water stream

"If you are here, it means your work is done right?" Asked Hestia

"Yeah, I will be going to the Dungeon after we leave."

"Are you staying, Artemis?" Asked Hestia

"Yes…"

"Then we will see each other later… OH! Make sure to visit one of these days. Remember, it's the old Church!" Said Hestia as she waved to Artemis before turning around and leaving with Silver

"I will." Said Artemis with a smile.

…

'Silver and Hestia finally arrived at Babel, and after saying their goodbyes, Silver went down, into the Dungeon while Hestia went back home to prepare for the Denatus tomorrow.'

…

/At the same time outside of Orario/

'A cloaked agent kneeled in front of a green-haired Elf.'

"... Is that what you said true?" Asked the Elf in a deep tone

"Yes sir…"

"..."

'The Elf slowly walked near a boulder and…'

/BOOOM!/

'He punched the rock with such strength that the boulder was sent flying, creating a long trail on the ground while it knocked everything on its way down.'

'The trail went over 30 meters before the rock crumbled into smaller parts.'

"So… You're telling me that you all failed in the main task, something we've been planning for years, just because of one single interference?"

"I shall pay it with my life!" Said the assassin

"Your pathetic life isn't worth this… I want to know what happened… In detail."

"It was like this, everything was fine until…"

'The assassin explained everything that happened, including the strange order from Loki for her Familia to retreat and how they did not find anyone in the emergency room.'

'He also explained how they lost all of their Level 4's and 5's in the main site to some mysterious enemy and how the Captain disappeared.'

"... At least… Sir leach finished his mission…" He said as he presented a vial containing some red liquid.

"At least I got one of the items… However, leach's death isn't worthy of this… He wouldn't sacrifice himself for this. Meaning, he had no way to escape…"

Did I underestimate the Sword Princess and the Loki Familia too much?

That is difficult. I made sure to analyze their strength thoroughly…

Was I too hasty?...

No, the Loki Familia alone isn't enough to stop the operation…

So what happened?

The variables… The person who eliminated the team leaders and the knight who saved the targets…

Plus whatever happened to Dolos…

That was what fucked the plan.

"... What about our remaining agents?" He asked

"We are still counting our losses, but we lost almost all of our Rank 3 corps and most of the Rank 4 commanders have died as well to that mysterious assassin. It was thanks to their sacrifice that I am nowhere delivering this message."

"That same person also assassinated several of the Rank 5 commanders…"

"As for the rest, we lost contact with them… We believe they failed their mission."

"My group was the only one that made it to the extraction point. I left some agents on standby. We also have our spies."

"So everyone in the other groups…" Said the Elf

"Yes… We believe they are all dead… However, it's possible they are on standby, waiting for the chaos to settle and flee when the Lockdown in Orario ends."

"... No… Forget about them, they are already dead."

The strings have already snapped…

"... Yes sir…"

"Let's go over the variables first, what can you tell me about the mysterious assassin?"

"I didn't see much since I was hiding from far away, but I can confirm some things."

"It was definitely a she, her hair was dark and she used a thin short sword, her ears were long, showing that she was an Elf, she had a dark mask on her face."

"...!"

An Elf with dark hair…

"Did she have red eyes?"

"I… I am unsure, I was too far away during the fight… But now that you say, I did remember someone screaming about this…"

"... That bastard…"

Dionysus!!

So he finally showed who he truly is?!

Calm down…

I need to hide. Now that I lost most of the top forces, I would be incapable of fending off against Dionysus' hidden card.

I just didn't expect that Elf bitch to be this strong…

"What about the Captain?"

"I know even less about him, he left to do his mission with the elite team and never came back."

"..."

His mission was to simply stall for time and potentially finish the mission in case of failure… What could've killed a team consisting of one recent Level 7 and multiple Level 6's and 5's?

There is only one possibility…

"... Freya."

Was I playing in your hands all of this time?

'The Elf stayed in deep thought for a long while.'

"... What about the knight?"

"We know even less about him, almost no agents survived the encounter, most of the spies were also killed… But…"

"He became quite the hot topic and I am sure he will be talked about for some time, Loki made sure to promote him near her house."

"He wears a full plate of platinum-colored armor, his choice of weapon seems to be the spear."

"He appeared on the battlefield out of nowhere and stopped Artemis from dying, after that he obstructed the execution of the plan B and disappeared with Artemis."

"Hum… Any other characteristics?"

"None really… We didn't see his appearance nor how he fought. He seemed to have a tool capable of creating a large amount of steam in a short amount of time, but that could also be his unique magic."

"Here, I have a drawing that I stole from an adventurer…" Said the assassin as he picked a piece of paper

'The image seemed to have been made in a hurry, however, it was much better than what most people were capable of making.'

"What is this on his neck?" Asked the Elf

"Hum… I think it was a scarf? A white scarf."

'The Elf stopped moving for a second.'

"... Are you sure?"

"Well, it could have been a piece of cloth or even a cloak…"

"... Do we have any High ranking agents left in Orario that we can contact right now?"

"Yes, we do sir." Replied the agent

"Then get them to investigate this knight, tell them they have a month, say the same to the tracking team, that's the time I have until the ritual time approaches…"

'And with that, the Elf left.'

"As per your will, Sir Aetos."

'The assassin got up and made his way to Orario…'

…

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Notes

PS: I forgot to say about a rather big change, and that was Goliath's strength in chapter 10

It has been over 20 chapters, and I learned a lot more about the plot, it was about time to fix some of the fight's mistakes as well.

So Goliath is a High-Peak Level 2 monster, but due to its characteristics, this is deemed as a Level 3 Boss monster.

Meaning, a party of level 2 may be capable of defeating it, but they would suffer. A solo Level 3 may be able to solo it, but he would have to be an elite and have the right tools for it.

A Level 4 would definitely be able to take it.

The way I put the Goliath was rather busted, so It was time to make things more plausible.

N1

(For those curious, this was Bell's stats when he leveled up.

He took one month and a half…

•Strength: SS1091

•Endurance: SS1019

•Dexterity: SS1098

•Agility: SSS1337

•Magic: SS1001

Similar, but at the same time not.)