No one's POV

Syr: All done!

Black smoke rose from the cramped kitchen. Not only the various ingredients of the dish but many of the cooking tools themselves were either singed or charred. The culinary combat that had just taken place was extremely intense. Apron tied around her waist, the silver-haired girl, Syr, emerged from the kitchen with a satisfied smile on her face. Neither her coworkers nor the café owner was around.

Syr: My meat pie is now more colorful than ever before, and the ever so slight smell of danger in my sandwich is sure to pack a punch!

Syr didn't even taste her creations—an oddly colored meat pie and several sandwiches that didn't smell like they should—before cramming them into containers. Then she piled all the containers into one large basket. Humming a happy tune to herself, Syr changed clothes before leaving the café with the basket in her arms.

Syr: I wonder if I'll get to see their smiles today.

A smile of her own on her lips, she went out into the city.

(Timeskip)

It's evening at Guild Headquarters. Many adventurers, home from the Dungeon, are taking care of their own business inside the white lobby, which has fiery beams of sunlight from the west slanting in from the overhead windows.

Bell: I'm going to go talk to Miss Eina.

Lili: Understood. Lili will take care of things at the Exchange.

Welf: I'll just hang around.

Rin: Then Muller, let's go to that Ice shop you've been wanting to go!

Muller: Sounds like a plan!

Sora: Then I guess I'll just looked at some quest.

Sora started wondering through the quest noticed. Bell get in line to see his adviser, Eina. Lili, carrying a backpack stuffed to capacity, Haruhime, her own tubular backpack bursting at the seams, and Mikoto walk over to the Exchange with the magic stones and drop items they brought up from the Dungeon today. Welf doesn't really have anyplace to go, so he decides to just kill some time. While Rin and Muller head out of the guild and went to some ice cream shop. All of them went their separate ways.

Just like all the adventurers around them, Hestia Familia has errands to attend to at Guild Headquarters.

Normally they just take care of their drop items and magic stones at the Exchange located in Babel Tower, but today they need to take care of the familia tax levied by the Guild. So, everyone decided to come here and take care of everything at once.

Sora head over to the bulletin board and see what's posted. Guild Headquarters has loads of information about the Dungeon and many other things that are useful to adventurers, including the advice that advisers provide. There's no reason not to take advantage of everything the Guild has to offer.

Sora work his way into the crowd already gathered around the bulletin board and take a look at the many quests and mercantile familia advertisements for the latest posted items.

Sora(mind): Rakia's movement seems to have halted.

Adventurer 1: What, seriously? Again?

Adventurer 2: Something's fishy here.

Sora:...?

While Sora's brain was busy thinking about the Rakia invasion, his ears pick up a conversation just in front of him. Actually, it's happening right in front of the billboard. Other people notice, too, standing on tiptoe and craning their necks to see what's going on. Sora did the same, trying to get a glimpse of the sheet posted on the billboard.

Welf: Looks like there's a monster down there with a taste for armor and weapons.

Sora: Ah, Welf.

Welf comes right up next to him.

Sora: Monster stealing equipment, huh?

Welf: That's right. Some of them take equipment off dead bodies, but this one likes to take equipment off adventurers in battle.

That's a real surprise. Monsters stealing from adventurers? When you think about it, it's not all that strange, considering monsters use landforms and other natural things in the Dungeon as weapons, but the thought of one of the beasts in armor is shocking. If it's true, Sora was sure more than one adventurer wants to cry.

Adventurers work hard, shedding blood and tears to find a combination of equipment that suits them the best... Especially if one of the weapons they've gotten used to was suddenly gone. A monster that steals an adventurer's weapons—the lifeblood they need to survive. It's frightening to think about. An image of a Minotaur wielding a greatsword to fought Bell in the 9th floor suddenly flashes through Sora's mind.

Sora(mind): What a terrifying irregular.

Sora: I know that I've went to the deep floors from time to time, but I never seen an armed monster before. Where was it spotted?

Welf: Deep Zone, mostly. From what I can see, the highest confirmed sighting happened on the twentieth floor.

Then he says that second-tier adventurers gathered all the information. He seems to be getting a kick out of this, and he's not the only one. Quite a few people in the area are laughing it off like it's a funny rumor. They don't believe the reports. In fact, a few of them are taking it as a joke.

Welf: There's some more interesting info about that, though. This one's from a while back, but apparently a Red Juggernaut wearing armor showed up in the Dungeon.

Sora: A Red Juggernaut...?

Welf: Yeah. Word spread around real quick but then disappeared just as fast. Now it's only a rumor I've heard.

Sora: But a Juggernaut appeared from the lowest of level. From Hell. 60th floor or lower, why would a Juggernaut be spotted on the Lower level? A subspecies...

Welf tells him not to take it seriously, grinning as he shrugs. A bead of sweat drops appeared whenever Sora hear the word Juggernaut...Sora follow up with another question.

Sora: When was that rumor going around, Welf?

Welf: About two months ago, maybe?

Sora(mind): Two months ago...That's about the time that I fought one in the MonsterPhilia. Is that really just a coincidence?

Welf adds that that story was circulating at about the time he joined the battle party, so that's why it's stuck in his memory.

Sora:...

Sora look back at the board, the voices of countless adventurers around him. There's an artist's rendering of a monster wearing armor and holding a sword.

(Timeskip)

Sora: Is Syr taking the day off, again?

The day after they paid their familia tax for the month, Sora decided to visit The Hostess of Fertility. As soft morning sunlight brightens the sky, Sora arrived at the front door.

Anya: That she is~nya! Syr's playing hooky again~nya!

The catgirl Anya was standing right in front of him, her long, thin tail twitching behind her. She looks irritated. Even after Sora had moved into Hestia Familia's new home, he still swing by here to pick up a lunch from Syr before going to the Dungeon.

Now that his familia has more members, especially now he had a kitchen, he can cooked his own food, so he didn't want to bother Syr. Making a lunch for him every day was just one more thing on her to-do list, but Ryuu and a few of the other waitresses visited HearthFire Manor directly and practically begged him to keep coming.

Lunoire: Just because you've picked up a useless way to sense danger...!

Chloe: Think of the guinea pigs, think of their pain~nya...!

Lunoire and Chloe pleaded with Sora as Ryuu looked on with a blank look in her eyes. For some reason, all of them had been clutching at their stomachs. Anyway, since then, Sora had kept coming here every day like usual...but he haven't gotten a lunch from Syr in a while. Sora had been wondering what's going on, so he came here today to ask some of the other waitresses about it and found out that Syr was absent today as well.

Lunoire: Syr has a way of going 'poof' and disappearing, like today.

Chloe: Hee-hee-hee, sounds like our young maiden has some secrets~nya...But she doesn't want us to work too hard and always comes back~nya! I don't know the first thing about accounting~nya!!

Other waitresses—the human Lunoire and another catgirl, Chloe—are on break and come to join Anya and Sora at the front door. Sora remember them saying something about it when he stopped by to get the recipe for Mikoto's cake, but Syr's been absent ever since then...That had to be at least ten days ago.

Lunoire: You must understand, Syr is not like us, in that she does not reside here. She has her reasons, so this situation is bound to occur occasionally.

The catgirls and Lunoire keep talking among themselves as Ryuu calmly explains the details over their voices. The other waitresses are all excitedly grinning as they speak, but there's a centered composure in Ryuu's sky-blue eyes.

Sora: Um... Couldn't you just go to where she lives and ask her...?

Everyone:...

Sora question why they don't just go get a direct answer from Syr...but then Ryuu and the others fall silent. Well, that's weird. Sora tilt his head in confusion, but the waitresses look just as lost as he was.

Anya: Now that you mention it, we~nya...

Lunoire: No one knows where Syr lives?

Chloe: Well, that, and nothing about what she does in her free time~nya.

Sora: Eh...?

Anya, Lunoire, and Chloe all speak in turn. Sora couldn't hide his surprise. These girls work together at this café and bar, so the fact that no one here knows anything about Syr outside of work surprises him. Ryuu stays quiet for a moment as Sora look around in shock. Then she confirms what her coworkers had been saying.

Ryuu: We have tried—we've asked her about her private life...She says it's a secret and quickly changes the subject every time.

Ryuu looks slightly off to the side before explaining.

Sora:...

Sora stare at Ryuu slightly before staring at Babel's top floor.

Chloe: Only one thing to do~nya—A quest, boy! Find Syr, trail her, and discover her secrets~nya!

Sora: -_- Huh?

Lunoire: Oh! Great idea! We might find out a few of her weaknesses at the same time! Two birds, one stone!

Sora: -_- No... That makes me a stalker.

Chloe and Lunoire enthusiastically jump on board right away. Sora break out in a cold sweat at the prospect. Ryuu cocks an eyebrow.

Ryuu: Stop this at once. You are putting Sora in a difficult spot.

But that doesn't put an end to their excitement.

Anya: As long as there's a reward, what's the problem~nya? What should it be~nya...I could sing you a song, meow!

Sora: Huh? Since when did you sing?

Anya: Since forever~nya~ The best too~nya! Why don't I give you a little taste~nya? My throat's feeling great today—

Lunoire: Stop that, tone-deaf kitty!

Chloe: We told you, customers won't come if you sing~nya!

Anya was all set, ready to start humming a few bars, when the other girls descended on her with a vengeance. Two of them pinned the catgirl to the ground and held her mouth shut.

Anya: MpFHHH!

Another bead of sweat drips down Sora's skin.

Sora(mind): -_- Just how bad a singer is she...?

Slyphid (telepathy): Even worst than you I guess.

Sora(telepathy): Are you saying my voice is bad?

Slyphid(telepathy): Of course not! Your the opposite of worst! That's why every girl always fell in love with you.

Sora(telepathy): Seriously?

Slyphid (telepathy): How many does this makes now? Excluding Asuna, there is, Rin, Muller, Astrea, and there is Freya who also had her eyes on you.

Sora: -_-

Ryuu: Sora, please don't take them seriously.

Sora: Ha-ha...Okay, I won't.

Ryuu was very clear. Sora try to smile. He decided not to stick around much longer and say a quick good-bye. He left the bar and café behind.

Sora: Now, what to do today...

The sky is bright and blue over my head. Sora walk among the many demi-humans on West Main Street, taking in the sights and sounds. They aren't going into the Dungeon today.

Bell as always train whenever he had free time. Welf spends a lot of time in the forge, and the girls are very careful not to work too hard and spend a lot of time away from the battle party. Suddenly Slyphid appeared beside him.

Sora: Hey don't just appear out of nowhere. What if someone sees you?

Slyphid: Don't worry, I already make sure that only you could see me.

Sora sigh at the spirit girl but just reluctantly shrug his shoulder as Slyphid sat there.

Slyphid: Now that you finally got some free time, how about helping me raid Knossos?

Sora: Yeah. I guess I should. Found out where Persephone and the others are being held yet?

Slyphid: Hmm... No. I already map the first, second and third floor, but that Labyrinth is huge. And they increased their security the moment you defeated that Bull of Heaven of theirs.

Sora:...

Slyphid: And you were right about Enyo's identity. But without any proof to back up the claim, we are sitting ducks here.

Sora: And there is always the time where they would target Bell and the others from the shadow as well. Are movements are totally restricted.

Sora scratch his head in annoyance. The moment Sora saved Loki Familia from those creatures, and defeating the Bull of Heaven Demi-Spirits of Evilus. Their movements have become more and more restricted. Sora and Slyphid would sometimes sensed that they were being watched. Some Evilus members tried to attacked Bell and the others to use them as hostage against him, but Sora would always be one step ahead and confronted them.

The moment he captured an Evilus member, they immediately did a suicide on themselves. Either they blow themselves up, or use poison to kill themselves before Sora could interrogate them. And worst, none of them were holding a Daedalus key. The key that they use to entered the dungeon Knossos. As Sora was annoyed at their circumstances, Slyphid chimed in.

Slyphid: Isn't it times like this, you should call the other 4 as well?

Sora: The 5 Grand Spirits all together again. Is that what your saying?

Slyphid: Yup! You know as very well as I do, that those Evilus is making counter measures against you. Those Demi-Spirits aren't the only trump cards they had. So why don't you call the other 4 as well for help?

Sora:...

Slyphid: I mean, you did pass their trails so they would cooperate with you, right?

Sora: Ahaha... I guess your right. But now is not the time to move. Until then, I would like to keep you and the other girls existence a secret.

Slyphid: Okay... If that's what you want. Just remember that you're not alone.

Sora: I know.

Slyphid: Let's leave the talk for later. We're already arrive at Daedalus Street.

Sora nodded and saw the Daedalus sign. He was about to enter before he catch a glimpse of a certain girl. Sora recognize the silver hair waving back and forth and immediately sit up.

Sora: Isn't that Syr?

Slyphid: Hmm... I guess so.

The conversation at The Hostess of Fertility was only a few hours ago. She's wearing a clean white dress with a straw hat. Sora usually see her dressed for work, so this cool, early summer look takes his breath away.

Slyphid: She's pretty cute.

Sora: Slyphie!

Slyphid: What? Is true. But I only have eyes for you.

Sora: I don't know if that's a real confession or are you just teasing me.

Slyphid: Hehehe! You can interpret them whatever you like.

Syr comes from the southwest, walking north into Daedalus Street. The voices of Anya, Chloe, Lunoire, and Ryuu are running through his head. Everything said this morning is on replay. Sora thought about it, but curiosity gets the best of him and he follow her into the crowd.

Sora: Sorry partner. But this is something I must follow.

Slyphid: Alright then. I'm curious as well. We can raid Knossos tomorrow.

Sora nodded and avoid the path of the horse-drawn taxis and stay close behind the fluttering silver hair and white dress. Syr has something in her hands—a large basket. There's a pretty big lid on it, too. She must be taking something somewhere...Sora come up with few guesses as to what it might be, when she suddenly veers off the main road and onto a side street.

Sora follow her southeast, making sure to stay close enough to see her but far enough away not to be noticed, meaning he need to dash to catch up with her every time she disappears around a corner.

Slyphid: But why is she going to Daedalus Street?

Daedalus Street. Built by an architect said to have gone insane and remodeled the neighborhood many times over, it's a residential area with absolutely no sense of order or direction. With its stone buildings and stairwells and winding roads going up and down with no rhyme or reason, it's easy to understand why this place has been called Orario's "second Dungeon."

Sora watch as Syr casually makes her way through the entrance.

Sora: I've already come this far...can't exactly turn back now.

Slyphid: Well, we were planning to go here anyway.

Passing through the gates to Daedalus Street himself, Sora double-check to make sure he could feel the Divine sword snugly tucked into his belt. For starters, this place is a slum where the poorest citizens in Orario live, and a lot has happened to Sora here, so having a weapon ready is reassuring. Keeping his guard up, he made his way into the maze of blackened brick and stone.

Sora: What would Syr be doing in here...?

Sora climb to the top of some stairs, only to have his path blocked by a room jutting out of a stone house. He turn around, looking for the way forward, only to see a dark, narrow street where the sun can't reach. The only light is coming from a worn-out magic-stone lamp. There are people here, but they hadn't had a bath in a while; they're doing laundry next to the well or enjoying a game of chess by the side of the road. Sora made his way past and onto even more complicated roads.

He could still see Syr, but the way she moves through here without any hesitation is bringing up more questions than answers. Down-on-their-luck and less-than- respectable adventurers are known to hide in this slum; this area's crime rate was the highest in Orario. A girl without the Blessing of a deity shouldn't be walking around alone in here. That's just asking for trouble...

But such concerns seem to be nothing to her because she's carrying that basket and moving forward without a care in the world. Flashes of Syr's white dress guide him to the front of a building.

Sora: A church?

Indeed, this building hidden at the heart of the city's labyrinth reminds Sora a lot of the place Hestia, Bell and him used to call home. It's built out of wood, and it's really big. There's an open courtyard in front of it with a broken fountain that doesn't spray water anymore. The buildings around the church encompass it on the remaining sides. Sora cautiously stick his head around the corner of the side street that led him here and saw Syr open the church's front door with a loud creak. She disappears inside.

Sora: Slyphid. Stay hidden.

Slyphid: Roger that.

Sora(mind): There's a church in this place, too...?

Many questions fill Sora's mind as he look up at the old structure. There are several broken glass windows at the top of the outside walls. Moments pass as Sora stare at them, trying to decide whether or not to go forward. He have to see this through. He go to the front door and place his palms on the door handle.

Sora: Anyone here...?

Sora say softly as he pull the old wooden door aside and go in.

Sora: This place is massive!

Sure, it looks big from the front, but the real surprise is how deep it goes. The main chamber has got to be at least ten meders across, and the walls to Sora's left and right are lined with doors that lead to other rooms. There's an altar all the way at the back. The tile under his feet has so many cracks that wild grass is threatening to reclaim the floor. The ceiling is high, too. The architect Daedalus himself would be right at home. Several long wooden pews are stacked on top of one another nearby.

Sora: That seems like... A fort that kids would make.

The back-and-forth pattern of the pile of pews makes it look like a small castle. Sora thought to himself, as he passed it and search for clues as to where Syr went, that...he was not alone.

Adventurers who've spent any time in the Dungeon have sharpened this sense to the point where we can pick it up very quickly. Sora's body reacts to the feeling of being watched before any noises reach his ears. He look in that direction, ready. Sora was almost to the altar when he feel it coming from his right. Sure enough, a small face is poking out from behind one of the doors.

???: Who are you?

Sora saw a child, a blond elf with a vacant expression.

Sora: I...um, I'm not a bad guy or anything. I-I'm just looking for someone...

???: Someone...?

It comes to mind that Sora had broke in here. Flustered, Sora tried to explain himself to the child. The elf stares at me and emerges from behind the door. Dirty-blond hair and plump pointed ears.

Sora(mind): A half-elf?

The kid keeps his eyes on Sora as he walks closer without any concern whatsoever.

Sora(mind): A little boy...or maybe a girl?

Sora seriously can't tell, but the kid comes right up to him. Sora had no idea how to react to the child continuous stare. But there might be a chance he knows something about Syr. Sora decide to ask him and open his mouth, but before any sound can come out...

???: Yo, Ruu, Big Sis Syr's going to have a fit if she sees—You. Who are you?

???: What's going on, Lai?

The voices of two more kids cut through the air. Sora look up and see them burst from the door and grab hold of the half-elf child, shield him from Sora. One is a human boy with brown hair, the other is a chienthrope girl with her tail tucked against her body.

Both were glaring at Sora like he was some monster fresh out of the Dungeon, but they also have an extremely nervous light in their eyes.

Sora(mind): This isn't good. I have to convince them that I'm not a threat, explain my situation, and fast.

Sora: Sorry! I didn't mean to startle you and I'm not going to do anything! I'm just here looking for...Wait a second, didn't you say 'Syr' just now?

Lai:...What if I did?

Sora: That's who I'm looking for! Do you know where she is?

The boy and girl glance at each other, apparently startled, the moment Sora bring up her name. They don't move, but the half-elf they're protecting pushes them away, swatting at their hands.

Ruu: Lai, Fina...This one is...not bad.

Sora nor these kids never met before, but he sounds so sure of himself. The human and the animal girl let their shoulders relax after hearing that, but they're still very much on alert.

Fina:...So, do you know Big Sis Syr?

Sora: Ah, yes. I'm really sorry for scaring you. Can I ask who you are? And about this church, too...

Sora bend down to their height. Their height was probably as tall as Lili. That's also when Sora catch a glimpse of several more little faces poking out the
door behind them. They aren't saying anything, only watching. The chienthrope girl was closest to him when he asked his question, but it's the half-elf child who answers instead.

Ruu: Lai, Fina, and me, Ruu...We live here, in Mother Maria's house.

The child points to everyone in turn and then talks about the church.

Sora: Lai...

Sora pointed at the human boy.

Sora: Fina...

Then he pointed at the chienthrope girl.

Sora: And Ruu... Got it.

Last he pointed at the half elf boy.

Sora: And your Mother is called Maria. Okay, if its alright for me to ask...What were you doing?

Fina: Running away from Big Sis's lunch box.

The little girl, Fina, answers this time, but Sora can tell she's still on edge.

Sora: Huh?

Sora respond, not sure how to process what she said. He took a moment to think it over—when the boy, who'd been watching him with suspicious eyes this whole time, suddenly flinches. His arm flings forward, finger pointed directly at Sora's face.

Lai: Black hair and blue eyes—you're Sora Yatagami, first-tier adventurer!

Fina: The Lightning Flash?! The Light of Hope! The Worlds Hero!

The door bursts open the moment Lai and Fina yells, children toppling over one another as they rush out into the main chamber. Sora's eyes go wide as the wave of children consumes him.

Kid 1: Holy cow, it's really him!

Kid 2: It's him! The Hero that saved Orario!

Kid 3: Can I see your sword?

The initial hit knocks Sora off balance. That would've been fine, but more and more kids jump onto his legs, some of the larger ones trying to tackle him.

Sora: Ouph!Was that a headbutt just now?!

Their high-pitched screams and laughter fill Sora's ears as he try desperately to keep his feet. It's a tidal wave of youthful humanity, with the boy named Lai at the helm. Even the chienthrope girl has gotten excited and joined the ring forming around him. The half-elf, looking aloof as ever, is outside the ring, quietly watching them.Completely surrounded within many sets of hands on Sora from all angles, he grab hold of his sword to protect it.

Sora(mind): But what can I do? I can't just throw them off me by force, and at this rate—.

Sora: Wait, wa   WAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!

Sora fall flat on his back in the middle of the floor.

???: Wh-what's going on out here?!

???: What's wrong, everyone? Wait, is that you, Sora?

Sora's pitiful scream and all the children's laughter draw two women out of the room directly behind the altar. One is an elderly human, and the other is...Syr.

She looks down at Sora in surprise. Must be quite a sight, Sora cradling the Divine swords in both hands while underneath a pile of excited children. All Sora could do was laugh dryly as he look back up at her, while trying his best to ignore all the small hands pulling at his hair and cheeks.

Sora: Ahahaha. Oh boy, here we go again.

(Timeskip)

Syr: So then, you followed me out here?

Sora: Y-yeah...I'm really sorry.

They were in the cafeteria at the back of the church. Sora was sitting in a chair next to a large round table, getting scolded by Syr and apologizing to the best of his ability. After Sora was unearthed from a mountain of kids, everyone came inside the cafeteria. Sure, the walls and pillars are showing their age. There are cracks all over the place. But the use of magic-stone lamps and half-melted candlesticks is proof that there are people living here. There are at least twenty children around Syr and Sora, watching and listening to them with great interest.

Sora: Pardon me for asking, this church is...?

Maria: Exactly as you're thinking, Mr. Yatagami. This is an orphanage.

Syr: Mother Maria lives together with the orphans here.

The elderly woman was facing them...Sora had only just been introduced to Mother Maria, but she's smiling at him like an old friend. The half-elf from before, Ruu, and another child are standing at her sides with a tight grip on her arms.

She told Sora that she's been living with all the children here inside this old abandoned church for quite a while now. This isn't part of some organized program, but the elderly woman explained that they're living happily here. Poor, but finding a way to make it day to day. What's more, she said everything with a smile.

She has long black hair, but it's tied up on top of her head. She's on the thin side, so her facial features are a little more pronounced. Even so, she has a calming air about her. All the children here call her "Mother," and after being on the receiving end of her kind gaze, Sora understood why. She must love kids.

Sora: But...if this is an orphanage, that means...

Syr: Sora, this kind of place isn't all that uncommon on Daedalus Street.

Syr speaks up from the chair next to him and offers an explanation. She says it's impossible to know how many children have been born among the adventurers residing in Orario, but there are a lot of them. And it's not a guarantee that they have parents who have sworn to spend their lives together and work toward a common future. In fact, many babies are the product of single nights of passion or the result of working in the Pleasure Quarter...Anyway, there are many reasons a woman might have to give up her child.

After all, this is Orario. Many adventurers lose their lives in the Dungeon, leaving widows and children behind. The ones unlucky enough not to be allowed into a deceased adventurer's former familia, as well as the parents who can't handle the responsibility, often resort to abandoning their offspring in this slum, Daedalus Street.

Maria: At first, it was out of pity. I just couldn't bring myself to ignore a child who'd been abandoned by their parents...so I claimed this abandoned church as my own and decided to help these children in my own way.

Maria explains this sad truth all while patting the children on the head. Sora heard that she once was one of the women left behind by an adventurer and had never joined a familia. She wasn't fortunate enough to have a child with the man she loved but instead took in a child—abandoned during a rainstorm in the middle of the night—she had found in this slum. She couldn't bring herself to think of the situation as someone else's problem and raised the child as her own. That sequence of events repeated itself several times, and that's how this place came to be.

Sora: I see. Thank you for sharing your story. And I'm sorry that happen.

Maria: Oh not at all.

Mother Maria's story still in his ears, Sora take a look at the children seated around the table. Every single one of them abandoned by their parents.... Sora could feel the muscles in his face tightening, his heart sinking.

Lai: What's that face for, Lightning Flash? We're happy here with Mother, so we don't need your pity.

Sora: S-sorry. If you kids are happy, than that's all that matters.

The human boy, Lai, glares at Sora, but Sora didn't lat it bother him. The many half-healed scratches on his face bending with his frown.

Maria: Watch your mouth! Your being rude to Mr Sora.

Lai: But Mother!

Mother Maria scolds him, but Sora still apologize right away. Lai was right...Sora don't need to feel sorry for them. These children are smiling, laughing every day with a loving mother. He doubt any of them feels like life gave them the short end of the stick.

Sora: Sorry if this question is a bit offensive, but is the church holding up? If it doesn't I don't mind donating some money.

Maria: Yes, enough to manage. And we do appreciate your support. We're lucky that several compassionate goddesses lend their assistance.

It'd be impossible to take care of this many kids without a healthy bank account. Mother Maria lightly smiles when Sora brought it up and lays his fears to rest. She also explains that other than this one, "Maria's Orphanage," there are even more places like this on Daedalus Street. They're all funded by a group of familias, providing them with enough money to keep their heads above water.

One woman would certainly have her hands full taking care of these kids, so Sora was sure she's grateful for any help she gets in keeping them fed. She still has that gentle smile on her face.

Sora: I see. Then I guess expect a visit from me from time to time.

Maria: Please. You are welcome.

Syr: Hee-hee. You really are kind, Sora.

Sora: Please don't read my mind.

Maria: Syr has been gracious enough to come by and play with the children ever since we met. She does so much to help while she's here, I don't know what I'd do without her.

Sora: Oh, so that's what's been going on...

Syr: Hee-hee-hee. Have you solved the case, Detective Sora?

Sora: I-I guess so...

Sora's cheeks get hot as Syr starts teasing me. So then, Syr comes out here whenever she has any free time. Which means that she's playing with these kids when she's not working at The Hostess of Fertility.

Fina: Big Sis Syr brings us delicious food from her restaurant.

Ruu: She's been here every day recently...

The chienthrope girl, Fina, chimes in with a smile on her face, and the half-elf boy Ruu tells him even more in his spacey voice. Judging from all the excited, happy grins, they want to play with Syr just as much as she wants to be here. That explains where she's been for the better part of these past two weeks while playing hooky from her job at the bar and café.

Syr: This is a secret from everyone, including Ryuu, okay? If they knew I was skipping work to deliver food to kids, Mama Mia would be furious.

Syr warned Sora once he figured out the truth.

Sora: Hmm, I really don't think there'd be a problem if you explained the situation...

Sora(mind): But...Why is she coming here in the first place? Going back a bit further, how did she meet Mother Maria? It's going to bother me if I don't ask about it.

Sora turn to do just that, when suddenly...

Lai: Hey hey, enough about that stuff. What's the Dungeon like? What is your adventurer like? How you become the Worlds Hero and the Light of Hope?!

Fina: Yeah tell us!

Ruu: I wanna know too.

Sora: Eh...?

Lai: We don't care what kind of story it is! Pretty please?

Lai's champing at the bit. He's even halfway out of his chair. That gets the other kids going, too. More and more of them jump out of their seats, asking Sora to tell them stories about being an adventurer. Sora look around, trying to figure out if he should.

Syr: Please, go ahead.

Syr smiles at Sora from her chair at his side. While he was a little surprised by this turn of events, he start talking. Thinking back on his time as an adventurer, Sora gave them a few highlights about his adventure when he was still apart of the Zeus Familia, jumping around a bit.

Of course, Sora leave out the battle against the One Eyed Black Dragon or mentioning Zald and Alfia's name during the Dark Era. But the kids seem to enjoy hearing about the beautiful quartz in the Dungeon pantry and the time Sora fought against the Behemoth and the Leviathan.

Lai: Whoa, that sounds so cool! And then?!

Sora: It's because of not wanting to give up, my aura rises making the ground somewhat glow. And that's why, people called me the Light of Hope.

Maria:...

Seeing that twinkle in their eyes makes Sora really happy, and he start giving even more details...But then he saw the look on Mother Maria's face. Her eyes are cloudy, almost depressed.

Sora: Mother Maria?

Maria: Oh, I'm sorry.

She apologizes when she sees Sora looking at her.

Maria: Many of the children I've raised became adventurers...

Her eyebrows sink as she smiles sadly.

Maria: A great deal of them joined a familia, went into the Dungeon, and shared their earnings with this church...That is, until they didn't come back.

Sora: Oh...

Maria: I don't want these little ones to suffer the same fate...That's all.

Being an adventurer is a high-risk, high-reward occupation where your life is always on the line. There's no better job to have if you want to make money quickly, but at the same time, death is always one wrong step away. And many of the children who were lovingly raised by Mother Maria didn't listen to her pleas, choosing to help the orphanage by going into the Dungeon. They became just like the adventurers who left their families behind...

Sora(mind): I should've known.

The children might have goaded him into it, but it was careless of him to fill their heads with ideas that glorified the work of an adventurer. Now they probably want to go into the Dungeon more than ever, and history will repeat itself.

Sora: I'm sorry if I made you recall such uneventful things. That's why, I'm here to tell you, that being an adventurer is not an easy thing. Danger is lurking everywhere you go.

Children:...

Sora: You can become adventurers. But you must never... ever... forget what matters most.

Fina: What matters most?

Sora: Yeah. Your family. Mother Maria especially.

Children: Wow...

The children all looked at Sora at awe. Even Maria was somewhat surprise. Sora did forbade them to become adventurers. He just wanted to tell them that they must never lose sight of who they truly are.

Lai: You don't have to worry about me, Mother! I'm going to the Education District!

The oldest of the children declares this with a beaming smile on his face.

Lai: I'll study so hard and learn so much and get so strong that I can make lots of money!

Maria: Well...Of course I won't stop you from going to the Education District...

Lai: Money's not a problem! There's this thing called a 'scholarship,' isn't there? The Education District is coming back to Orario this year, so everything should work out perfectly!

Maria: You might be too old to start, Lai...

The boy grins ear to ear, his brown hair swishing around his head as he excitedly explains his plan. Maria can only force a smile. Fina and the other children start piping up, "I'm going, too!" "And me!" Many hands shoot into the air, following Lai's lead. The large round table comes alive. Syr watches them, a burgeoning smile on her lips.

Sora: Education District...? Since when Orario had an Education District?

Fina: Don't you know, Big Brother?

Lai: Seriously, Lightning Flash? Some adventurer you are!

Sora: Oh sorry. I haven't been back in Orario for over 5 years. So I'm at a loss.

Fina and Lai start an avalanche of childish retorts and teasing remarks all aimed at Sora because he was clueless. Blushing again, Sora try his best to laugh it off.

Syr: Hey, have some respect for your elders! And he's not 'Lightning Flash'! His name is Sora, yes?

Syr stands up and comes to Sora's defense. They quiet down right away, but several of the kids, including Lai, have evil grins on their lips.

Lai:Oka—y.

Sora: It's alright. I don't mind.

Sora(mind): Well, this is different. Syr's being an older sister. I've never heard her raise her voice like that before, and it catches me off guard. I'm seeing a whole new side of her.

Sora stare at the side of her face, dumbfounded until...DING! DONG! Bells start ringing on the eastern side of the city. It's noon.

Syr: Oh, it's lunchtime. Well then, let's eat.

With that, Syr puts the large basket onto the table. It's the one that he saw her carrying on the way here. Flipping open the lid, she takes out one container of food after another. Grilled meat, sandwiches, There's a little of everything.

Sora: Wow.. You made this yourself?

Syr: Yessiree. Now everyone, I don't want to see any leftovers, okay?

So then, the basket she was carrying was filled with food for these impoverished kids. Sora missed his chance to learn more about this "Education District," but he can just ask Eina next time he saw her. Happy with that conclusion, Sora look around the room and...all the children are completely silent.

Sora: Ah...huh? What's wrong?

Fina: Big Sis's...lunch box...

Ruu: Oh gods, no...

Lai: No leftovers? I'm not sure I can handle even one bite.

Fina's close by, so Sora ask her what the problem is. The expression on her face is so glum it would make a grown man cry. The other kids, too. Even the ever- distant Ruu has his lips clamped shut.

Sora(mind): Wait a minute, didn't they say something about running away from Syr's lunch when I first walked in...? Huh?

Maria smiles wryly as Sora take a step back.

Syr: Now everyone, dig in!

Syr, arms open wide and beaming like a goddess as she faces the table. After the children recover from the mental trauma of seeing Syr's cooking placed in front of them, they slowly but surely extend their hands toward the precious food that will delay starvation for another day.

Fina: Ugh, uhhh.

Ruu: Today, again, like last time...

Lai: Have to eat it...or the food'll...go to waste...!

Moans and groans fill the room as the kids force the food down their throats. Starting with Fina, Ruu, and Lai, every face around the table darkens with the first bite of meat or vegetables. Only their love for Mother Maria and the orphanage they call home gives them the will to clean their plates.

Sora(mind): Sure, Syr's cooking always has some unique flavors to it, but...

The contrast between her happy smile and the suffering of the kids around the table is astounding.

Sora(mind): It can't be that bad, can it?

Sora reach out and take one of the sandwiches to see for himself—Snatch! Syr takes it right out of his hand.

Syr: These aren't for you, Sora.

Sora: Eh? But...

Syr: I said NO.

Sora: O-okay.

Sora had never felt so much pressure from a smiling face. Giving up now without a fuss is the best option. Holding the sandwich in her hands, Syr tells him,

Syr: I made these lunches today for the children, so it wouldn't be fair to them for you to eat one, Sora.

Sora: S-Sure...

Syr: Just hold on a minute, please. I'll go pour some tea.

Now Sora was just embarrassed. She says she'll go make some tea and takes the empty basket with her into the back of the kitchen.

Lai: Did you see that? Big Sis was acting so girlie...

Fina: There's someone who she wants to compliment her cooking, for sure...

Whispering voices start flying everywhere with Syr out of the room. They all gaze their eyes on Sora making him smile awkwardly.

Lai: It's your fault that Syr started making lunches...!

Fina: She used to bring delicious food from the café every time...!

Ruu: We're guinea pigs...

Lai glares at Sora with tears in his eyes, the same as Fina. Ruu is looking blankly off into space, muttering to himself. These children are being sacrificed to protect Sora's stomach. The tragedy unfolding in front of his eyes is all for Sora, but Sora was too scared to say anything. Sora chance a glance at Mother Maria...and she looks away.

Maria: No, no, the food is edible, and we are very...grateful...

All the muscles in Sora's face tense up. He was at a loss.

Children: Ughhhh...

Another child's moan echoes off the wall before fading into the air.

(Timeskip)

Maria: Mr Yatagami. If you have time, would you play with the children?

As soon as everyone is finished massaging their stomachs, Maria gives Sora the invitation.

Maria: They seem to have taken a liking to you, Mr. Yatagami...

Sora: Of course, I don't mind at all.

She smiles at Sora again, and he had no reason to refuse. So Sora smile and accept. He hunch over as the children grab his arms and pull me out of the room to join Syr and the others out in the main chamber.

Child 1: Big Sis, story time, story time!

Child 2: Big Brother, adventurers and monsters!

Syr joins the girls in the corner, telling nursery rhymes and singing songs. The boys corral Sora into the open space in the middle of the chamber. Sora was the "monster" in their game before he know it. Afternoon sunlight pours into the chamber through the broken windows. The children run around on the grass-sprouting tile floor, smiling and laughing. They drag Syr and Sora all over the place.

Sora: So, little Lai... What do you want to play next?

Lai: Lai, just Lai. You're an adventurer, aren't you? Why the heck do you speak like that? Feels weird. Just call everyone by their name!

Sora: Sure.

Sora talk with some of the kids amid the playful chaos and laughter. The human boy, Lai—"just Lai"—has lived here the longest. He'll turn eleven this year. His skin is covered in small cuts, like he plays outside all the time. There's a bit of a wild air to him, kind of like Welf, in a way. He keeps asking Sora about the Dungeon even after everything Maria said.

Sora(mind): I'm sure this boy wants to be an adventurer.

Fina: Hey, Big Brother, are you Syr's lover?

Sora: Of course not. She's too good for someone like me.

Fina: Why not? Big Sis Syr's really cute. Not much of a cook, but, yeah...She's thinner than she looks. And her boobs are pretty big, too—

Sora: Okay, that's enough.

The chienthrope, Fina, is a blossoming young lady. She and Lai are the oldest of the kids, and the leaders. Her long cream-colored hair is surprisingly straight. It looks a lot like Sora's, if his hair were longer. With her bright eyes and small nose, she'll be a beautiful young woman in a few years or so. She was really nervous when they first met, but she's warmed up to him quite a bit. Warmed up so much that...she's started to say things that shouldn't be said.

Sora: Um, Ruu?

Ruu:..Sleepy.

Sora: Then should we sleep?

Ruu: Sleepy...

The half-elf Ruu is a year younger than Lai, and a strange child. Thanks to the elvish blood in his veins, the little boy is probably the handsomest of all the children here. His mind is always somewhere else, and there aren't any other clues to help Sora out.

Actually, there are many mixed children at the orphanage, along with humans, animal people, pallum, and even a timid Amazon. But every one of them is bubbling over with curiosity and has a ton of energy.

Child 1: Big Sis Syr! Let's play!

Child 2: Aww, I wanna play, too!

Syr: Sure. Everyone will have a turn, so don't fight, okay?

Syr continues her rounds through the main chamber of the church, playing games with all the kids. Sora overheard her talking with a few and catch a glimpse of her being pulled in a different direction. Not just the girls, the boys want to play with her, too.

Sora(mind): Just like before...This is strange.

Sora know Syr only as a bar waitress, so seeing her laugh like this, playing games with the kids, giving them hugs and whatnot...it feels so different. The kids absolutely adore her; Sora can see it in their eyes. He watch her playing with the kids for a little while, entranced until she peers over her shoulder. She must've noticed his gaze because she's giggling at him. Cute and beautiful at the same time... Sora return the smile and Syr couldn't help but blush.

Lai:...?

Children are on both sides of her, laughing and exchanging smiles. But Lai is sneaking up behind her with an evil grin on his face. She hasn't noticed him. Lai's eyes flash as if he's spotted a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to attack a defenseless target from behind

Lai: Gotcha!

He grabs her skirt and flings it up in the blink of an eye.

Sora: !!

Syr: EEK!

Sora(mind): Her panties are as white...!

The ruffled white fabric goes up past her belly button. Sora see it all happen in slow motion, his eyes open wide. He get a full view of panties the same color as her dress. Now his skin was roughly the same color as an apple, his face burning red as he immediately looked away. Her cute little squeal fills the chamber as she quickly pushes the fabric back down and turns to face Sora before freezing in place. Syr looks him who was looking anywhere but her eyes. Her cheeks the color of an overripe peach, she storms up to him.

Syr: Did you see?

Sora: No... It must be your imagination.

Syr: You saw, didn't you?

Sora: Y-yes, but...!

Syr: You're horrible, Sora!!

Sora: How was that my fault?!

Her eyes filled with fire and the tip of her nose bright red, Syr lets the accusations fly. Sora blush even more and desperately try to stand his ground.

Syr: A boy...A boy saw my panties... Ugh, how embarrassing and humiliating! Sora, as punishment, you have to do whatever I say!

Sora: Say What?!

Syr: If you don't...I'll tell the Berserk Healer and your other harem you peeked up my skirt!

Sora: Now that's not fair!! And what do you mean my harem?! I don't have a harem!!

Sora(mind): I'll be dead by morning if she does that! She's blackmailing me with false charges!

Sora yell back at the red-faced Syr, desperate tears beginning to leak from his eyes.

Lai: It worked...For the first time ever, I got to flip Big Sis's skirt...

Fina: You always catch him...No way. Big Sis, was that on purpose?

Ruu: Skill and technique...

Lai, Fina, and Ruu have gathered around our argument, their eyes wide as they mumble to one another. Sora think that's fear in their eyes as they look at her. As for Sora, on the other hand, they seem to be enjoying his embarrassment...Sora give in, in the end. His punishment for seeing under Syr's skirt becomes performing one task—anything she wants him to do.

Syr: Okay, Sora...Take a nap with your head in my lap.

Sora: ?!

Syr: That girl, the Sword Princess, Aiz Wallenstein, you once let her rest on your lap, right?

Sora: How the hell do you know that?!

Syr: As you know, Sora, Loki Familia are regulars at the bar where I work. Their goddess, Loki, seems to like us...and she's quite the talker when drunk, so imagine my surprise when they started talking about the famous Sword Princess...

Sora: Okay! Okay! You can rest on my lap!

Sure, it was a while ago, but Sora remember what was said all too well. His skin flares pink yet again as he yell at the top of his lungs at Syr's extremely calculated verbal strikes.

Sora(mind): I knew she was a witch!

Syr: Good. Now, then...

She happily crouches down, bends her knees, and sits on the floor. Every child in the orphanage is watching her, but she doesn't care. Getting comfortable, she sticks out her knees in Sora's direction. Skin still bright red, Sora just resign to his fate. She's looking at Sora, enjoying the moment and excited about what comes next—but then a light seems to go on in her head.

Sora: Syr...?

She's thought of something new, but the grin on her lips gives it away. It's easy to see the gears turning behind those eyes.

Syr: Sora, has the Berserk Healer or your other harem ever slept in your lap, by any chance...?

Sora: N-no, she hasn't. And what do you mean, my harem? I don't have a harem!

Syr: Oh... You don't let your girls slept on your lap, but you allow the Sword Princess?

Sora: Aiz is more of a little sister than a love interest.

Syr: Oh... Little Sister.

She locks eyes with Sora after his answer, and Sora could swore he saw a little twinkle. A few minutes later...

Sora: Syr...

Syr: Te-he

Sora: Te-he de nandayo?

It has come to pass, Sora sitting on the ground, Syr sprawled out on her back, using his thigh as a pillow. Her cheeks a bright shade of pink, she nuzzles her nose into his leg.

Sora: Um, are we done yet...?

Syr: No, not yet.

Sora: Why did you want to lay on my lap?

Syr: With these, I won't be losing on these war as well.

Sora: War...?

Syr: The fight for your affections of course.

Sora: Yare~ Yare~ You can stay as long as you like, just don't tell Asuna and the others.

Syr: Then... this will be our little secrets, okay?

Sora: Sure.

Sora smile as he gently patted her head and rubbed them gently, making Syre blush even harder. Sora looked all the kids staring at them—it's like they're waiting for something to happen. Sora gave them a motion to leave them, but they all reject his plea. He serve as Syr's pillow until his leg goes completely numb.

(Timeskip)

They play in that church for hours. Either they run out of energy, or seeing Syr so comfortable with her head in Sora's lap makes the kids drowsy. The oldest kids, Lai's group, decide it's time for a nap. They lead the rest of the kids up to one of the rooms on the second floor of the church, yawning all the way.

Syr: How about that, out like a light...

Sora: Out cold...

The bedroom on the second floor is just as large as the cafeteria beneath it. The floor is completely covered with blankets. Building blocks and old picture books are scattered all over the place. It's a kid's playroom in every sense of the word. Sora thought that some of the kids might need a bedtime story to get to sleep, but all of them are off to dreamland at the drop of a hat. Cuddled up next to one another like a bunch of sardines in a can, the only sound in the room is their soft breathing.

Sora:...

Ruu: Zzhh...

Syr lightly pats Ruu's head. Watching her kneel next to the kids and smile affectionately makes her look more like a mother. If Sora didn't know it was Syr, he'd say she was a saint or even a goddess. Her silver hair gently brushes across the nape of her neck.

Syr: Shall I put you down for a nap, too, Sora?

Sora: That's tempting, but I'll, pass.

Sora smile gently as I look away and politely decline, but his face still somewhat red. She then started laughing at him again.

Maria: Mr. Yatagami, Syr. Both of you must be tired, yes? Leave the children to me and get some rest.

Maria slowly opens the door and steps inside. The two take her up on the offer. Maria thanks them again for playing with the kids and sees them off with a short bow. They quietly close the door behind them and leave the room behind.

Syr: Sora, how about a walk?

Sora: Sure...

Sora nod his head. The two of them started wandering around Daedalus Street looking at some food stall.

Sora: Syr...how did you meet Mother Maria and these kids?

Syr: It was just...a happy accident. I just strolled onto Daedalus Street one day, and...

The bright blue sky. Sora can't see or hear anyone else around, so walking through here with Syr is kind of calming. Even time seems to be passing at a leisurely pace. They come to a massive building, probably community housing. Even so, they gradually make their way past while navigating through the rubble.

Syr: The truth is...I grew up in this slum.

Sora: !

Syr: I don't have a mother or father...so maybe that's why I can't leave those children to their fates.

Sora turn toward her; she's looking off into the distance in front of them. Sora can see only half her face. The eye in his line of sight is almost completely closed, yet, somehow, twinkling. Syr grew up dirt poor, as an orphan in this slum—.

Sora:...

She takes a quick glance at Sora before going into more detail, explaining she comes to Daedalus Street for the same reasons that Maria chose to open the orphanage. Once she knew it was there, it had become her routine to visit and interact with the children.

Sora(mind): Parents... Mom... Dad...

Sora raised his head and stare into the sky. He felt like the light and lightning residing within him were embracing him now.

Sora(mind): Dad...

Sora started thinking about his dad who has spiky silver hair often oriented to his left-side, dark grey eyes, and typically a relaxed and lazy expression.

Sora(mind): Mom...

Then Sora started remembering his Mother who had Pale Blue hair and Blue Eyes just as much as his eyes. Putting his hand on his right chest, Sora gazed up with a strong determination at the sky that spread out before him. The sky that connected the ends of the Earth.

Sora(mind): This life that you have given me. I will not waste it.

Slyphid:...

If it wasn't for Zeus and Hera. Along with the whole Zeus and Hera Familia finding him. Sora would probably died again. If it wasn't for their love, Sora would already lose to himself. Or to be more precise, to the darkness that is lingering inside him. Slyphid who is residing within him, who knows everything related to this boy could only stay silent.

Syr: But I-I didn't want you to know, Sora.

Sora: Oh?

Sora look back in her direction and see her ascending a flight of stairs that leads to the top of only another pile of rubble. There's no path through there; she's walking on top of the rubble on purpose.

Sora: That's dangerous!

Sora call up to her. But she just keeps walking, the hem of her white dress dancing around her legs as she goes. It's no use trying to convince her to come down, so Sora climb up after her.

Sora: What didn't you want me to know?

Syr: What I do on days like today. Putting a lot of effort into making lunches, running around with a bunch of children...It's embarrassing.

Sora step carefully on top of the stone slabs as he follow her. She doesn't look back when she answers his question. All Sora see was her silver hair swaying in the light breeze. Syr nearly loses her balance when one of the rocks beneath her feet shifts unexpectedly, but she catches herself in time and keeps walking forward.

Sora: I don't think it's embarrassing. I think it's kinda beautiful.

Syr: That what makes it embarrassing... Although it never was before today.

Her voice trails off into a whisper.

Sora: What did you say?

Sora call out, asking her to repeat that second part, when...

Syra: Eeek!

Her foot falls into a crack in the sea of rubble, and she stumbles forward. Dashing forward across the stone slabs, Sora grab hold of her hand and pull her
to his chest.

Sora:...

Syr:...

Syr's body was pressed against Sora's, her eyes raised toward him. Their faces are so close that Sora could feel her breath. Sora could see his black hair and blue eyes reflected in her silver ones. Sora started blushing only slightly and Syr was no different. This is a side of Syr Sora didn't see at the church—a little flustered. Her true face.

Syr: I...didn't mean to do that.

Sora: Of course you didn't mean to.

Syr: S-so embarrassing...

She steps away from me, hiding her red face in her hands. Seeing her reaction makes me realize something very important, albeit a bit late. The reason she came up here, and probably the reason for the lap nap, was because she was ashamed and wanted to hide her "embarrassment." The straight face was all an act. She had to go out of her way to do embarrassing things on purpose just to put up with her own shame.

Sora:...

This is the first time Sora had seen her act like a girl. It really is strange. He always seen her as someone who's got every base covered, always on the ball, as well as polite and friendly. But after everything he had witnessed and learned today, Sora didn't think he could see her the same way again. There are some butterflies in his stomach. Sora's cheeks flush as he look at her shyness; he was drawn in by that look on her face.

Syr: Maybe this is a good thing.

Sora: Syr...?

A few heavy heartbeats pass in silence on top of the rubble. Syr looks up from her feet. There's a carefree smile on her face, cheeks a rosy pink.

Syr: Maybe it was good that you...found out after all. Because it became a happy memory.

She said that last part without hesitating, even though Sora could tell she still feels a little awkward. Now it was Sora's turn to blush. She puts her fingers to her lips and smiles from ear to ear. That's real happiness in her eyes. Sora could only open and close his mouth a few times as he look at her beneath the beautiful blue sky. Then he smile as well.

Sora: Yes.

Syr: Sora...?

Sora: It was a happy memory. An important memory, belong to only me and you.

Sora smile gently, just like how Sora was drawn to Syr's smile, Syr was also drawn to Sora's gentle smile. She slowly put her hand on her chest trying to stop her heart from beating loudly.

???: You two youngins, over there. On a date, are we?

A young woman called out to Sora and Syr. She seemed to be selling trinkets for women, and she had her stock set out on a mat in front of her.

Syr: Huh?

Syr tried to respond with something, confused. She realized the merchant woman was talking to her and flushed bright red.

Sora: We came here for a walk after taking care at the orphange.

It was clear the merchant woman was trying to strike up a conversation for the sake of business. While it normally would have been best to ignore her and keep walking, Sayo had stopped with goodwill in mind, so it was a bit hard to leave now.

Merchant: I see. Is that so... Hmm...

The merchant woman nodded vaguely and looked at Syr, who was still acting embarrassed. Her cheeks turned scarlet under the woman's gaze, who seemed to see right through her.

Merchant: How about it, mister? A souvenir to remember your stroll through the capital with such a cute lady by your side?

The woman grinned, turning to target Sora instead. Sora glanced at the items lined on the mat. For a street stall, the items were arranged neatly and seemed to be of good quality.

Sora: You're a natural at this, miss. Syr, is there anything you want?

Sora asked Syr with a faint, wry smile. He wanted to give her something as a small token of his gratitude for taking care of him, as well as to apologize for following and causing trouble.

Syr: Are you sure? I couldn't ask that of you.

Sora: There's no need to hold back. I've been in your care, too, so it's a thank you present.

Merchant: He's right. If a man offers to buy a woman a present, then it's only polite to accept it. Go on, now — at least take a look.

At Sora's offer, the merchant woman laughed and beckoned Syr closer.

Syr: Then, I'll take you up at your offer.

Despite her bewilderment, Syr decided to look at the items on display. She hesitated at first, but found the items were all to her liking, and a sparkle gradually appeared in her eyes.

Merchant: Anything interest you?

Syr; Erm, stuff like this one I think is beautiful...

At the merchant woman's question, Syr pointed to a flower hairpin that was simple, but cute.

Merchant: Ooh, you sure have a good eye, miss! That's a one-of-a-kind.

Syr: Umm, is it expensive?

Merchant: Hmm, let's see. How does 20 thousands valis sound?

The merchant woman asked somewhat cautiously. Syr had actually chosen one of the more expensive items available on display.

Syr: That's to expensive. I can't...

As soon as Syr heard the price, she declined the gift. It was a great amount of money to an average village girl like her.

Sora: I don't mind. If you like it, Syr, I'll buy it for you.

Sora showed no sign of concern for the price and expressed his willingness to purchase it.

Syr: Huh?

Syr's eyes widened slightly.

Merchant: Ooh. You've got it, mister. But, maybe you should learn how to buy things at a market a bit better...

The merchant woman suggested in surprise. However, Sora shook his head with a gentle smile.

Sora: I don't back down because of the price when it comes to a gift for a girl. That price is fine.

Merchant: Ahaha, wonderful! Then, I should've made it a little more expensive, huh?

The woman laughed heartily.

Sora: Is this the one you want, then, Syr?

Sora took 20 thousand valis from his wallet and checked with her one last time.

Syr: Eh? Ah, b-but...

Syr hesitantly looked between the hairpin and Sora. The hairpin was extremely attractive, and the thought of receiving a present from Sora made her unbearably happy, but the price was high enough to scare her.

Syr: I-I don't want it after all—

Just as Syr tried to say that, Sora paid for the hairpin.

Sora: Okay, miss. Give me that one, please.

It was clear from Syr's reaction that she had taken a liking to this hairpin, so he went ahead and bought it anyway. Knowing Syr's personality, he figured she would've rejected him if he hadn't done it this way. Syr watched Sora hand over the money with a dazed expression.

Merchant: Thanks for the purchase! Would you like a box to protect it, or do you want to put it on right away?

The merchant picked up the hairpin and a box. She stood up and approached Syr.

Syr: Then please.

Merchant: Here, I'll put it on for you. Stay still for a moment.

Syr nodded timidly as the merchant woman put the hairpin in her hair. She froze in a dream-like trance as the hairpin was set in place for her.

Merchant: It suits you so well! Don't you think so, too, mister?

The woman asked after fixing the hairpin to Syr's loosely tied hair.

Sora: Yes, I think it's lovely.

Sora agreed with a smile.

Syr: Then thank you very much! Really, Sora.

Syr finally returned to her senses and smile happily at Sora.

Sora: Not a problem. Shall we go, now? Thank you very much.

Merchant: Of course. I did sell something good, after all.

The merchant woman shook her head, then approached Syr at a jog's pace and whispered in her ear with a wink.

Merchant: Ah, Miss Syr, wasn't it? You have to do your best to win him over. It seems to me there'll be a lot of competition for that Hero.

Syr: ?!

Syr looked down and flushed.

Merchant: Well, then! Please come again, if you ever have the chance to!

The merchant woman stepped away from Syr and bid them farewell with a smile.

Sora: Will do. Let's go, Syr.

Sora had been watching the two of them talk silently, but at the merchant woman's farewell, he responded with a faint smile of his own. Then, he gestured at Syr, and began walking. Syr started to walk after him, but turned back to bow at the merchant woman before she left. The woman waved with a smile. There was a spring in Syr's steps as she hurried to catch up to Sora.

Sora: Do you like the gift?

Syr: Yes. Thank you, truly.

Sora: No... You look beautiful. Hmm...?

Suddenly... They were being watched. Sora spin and look up. The upper floors of the "castle" community housing. A balcony is sticking out of a tower overlooking us. And on it is a black and gray catman.

Sora(mind): Just how long do you plan on spying on us, Allen?

Sora had already noticed Allen Fromel's presence ever since he entered that church. But the moment they left, his gaze had become even sharper and was focused mostly on Syr.

Syr: Sora?

Sora: !

Sora was facing away from her, and she calls out to him.

Syr: What's wrong?

She tilts her head to the side. Sora look back up to the top of the building, but the catman has disappeared.

Syr: Was somebody there?

Sora: No never mind.

(Timeskip)

The sun is starting to go down. Syr and Sora were assaulted by a barrage of questions from all the children the moment they got back to Maria's Orphanage.

Fina: Where did you go all by yourselves?

Sora: Just a walk?

Fina: Is that true, Big Brother? No romantic kisses, holding hands, hugs—

Sora: Ahaha! No way! We are not even that close to make such a huge leaps.

Fina led the charge as one kid after another upped the ante with every question. The two of them somehow manage to hold theur own against the avalanche when Sora heard Maria's voice.

Maria: Would you like to stay for dinner?

Maria invites Sora to join them. Sora didn't want to make Hestia and the others worry...but he couldn't ignore the pleading looks on all the kids' faces, and there's Syr's request to consider. So Sora decided to grab a quick bite and then get home as soon as possible.

Sora(mind): I never thought that I'd spend my day off playing with a bunch of friendly kids in an orphanage.

Sora: Should I help with the cooking?

Syr: Good point. I'll ask if there's anything we can help with.

Sora couldn't help but grin once he saw how happy they are after Sora agree to stay for dinner. Looks like he still got a bit of time on my hands before it's ready, though.

Ruu: Hey.

Sora: ?

Maria and some of the kids have gone into the kitchen to start preparing the food when Sora felt a pull on the back of his shirt. He turn around and see the half-elf Ruu looking up at him with the same blank stare while holding on to the hem of his shirt.

Sora: What's up?

Ruu: Here...

Sora bend down to his height as he holds out his hand...with three metal coins in his palm.

Lai: O-oi! Ruu.

Fina: Are you really going to ask?

Ruu: Both of you said you're worried about it...

Lai and Fina see Sora and Ruu talking and dash over to Ruu's side. Ruu's flat and level tone seems to have answered their questions. Falling silent, they look up at Sora.

Sora: Um, what's this...?

Ruu: It's our...secret stash. 3 valis.

Sora: S-secret stash...? These three metal coins?

A bead of cold sweat runs down the back of Sora's neck as he look at the three valis in the palm of his hand.

Fina: It's a reward...Sorry it's not more.

Sora(mind): Okay, now I'm confused.

The androgynous half-elf isn't done, though.

Ruu: Please accept our quest...

Sora: Okay... But you don't have to pay me. Here.

Sora return the coins back.

Ruu: But...

Sora: If you had just ask, I'll gladly do it. So what kind of quest is it?

(Timeskip)

A darkening sky is far overhead. What's left of the sun casts them in a dark-red glow as Sora follow the three children outside and through the back garden.

Sora: Out here?

Ruu: Yes...Not far.

The quest they asked Sora to complete—well, more like a favor—involves the road filled with rubble that Syr and him walked through earlier this afternoon. The all-important mission of said quest is to investigate a "mysterious voice" coming from somewhere around here.

Fina: We keep hearing this weird 'uwaa...uwaa' back here!

Lai: I was sure it was a dog or something like that...but there's nothing here.

Lai and Fina tell Sora about how they walked through here in the middle of the night recently as a test of courage and heard it firsthand. Ever since then, they've been avoiding this place yet still hear it from time to time. Apparently it's an unnerving moan of some kind, and they want to know what's making it. Sora follow their line of sight out over the sea of rubble. It's quiet out among the piles of stone and wood, no animals, no nothing...

???:......wu...wuaa...

Sora: I hear it. It's real.

That has to be this mysterious voice the kids are talking about. They immediately run to hide behind Sora even as Sora strain his ears to try and get a better idea of what's out there. Thanks to my sharp ears, it doesn't take him long to find the spot where the voice is coming from under the rubble. It's hard to describe, almost like a cry. Sora come to a stop directly on top of it, nerves starting to kick in. It's the ruins of an old building, but...there's no mistake. The voice is coming from directly below Sora's feet.

Sora: One, two, three...!

Grabbing hold of the top piece of stone, Sora start moving rubble out of the way. The kids sound really impressed.

Lai: Awesome! He's actually lifting up that debris!

Fina: So cool!

Sora's Level 7 strength allows him to move even the largest stone slabs and wooden logs out of the way to make a path. A few minutes later, Sora took a step back to look at the exposed stone pavement. It matches the rest of the roads perfectly.

Sora: Wait, isn't that...?

There's a stone slab sticking out just above the pavement that looks oddly familiar. A few days ago, during his escape from the Pleasure Quarter—Lady Ishtar's home—Haruhime led him through a series of hidden underground passages. The exits were all hidden by wooden doors and stone caps that looked exactly like this one.

Sure enough, there's just enough space between the stone slab and the rest of the road to grab hold. What's more, the mysterious voice is definitely coming through it. Slipping his fingers through the crack, Sora pull the "door" up off the ground.

Lai: Whoa! That's awesome...!

Fina: Is...is this a secret tunnel?

Ruu: You're amazing, Big Brother ...

Sora swat the rising dust cloud away from his face as the kids run through the sea of rubble to have a look for themselves. Hearing the excitement, curiosity, and admiration in their voices sets Sora's train of thought in motion.

Sora(telepathy): Slyphid. Any thoughts?

Slyphid(telepathy): Yeah. This pathway links Daedalus Street and the Pleasure Quarter. Which means...

Sora(telepathy): We just might find another entrance to Knossos.

Sora's muscles tense as he silently prepare himself. It's the same feeling he get before going into the Dungeon. He control his breathing to center his focus.

Syr: You three, and Sora, too! My word, what're you doing all the way out here?

Syr's voice and footsteps sound from the street that leads back to the orphanage. As bluish darkness covers the sky in the east, she approaches and waves a portable magic-stone lamp at them. She's probably angry because they left through the back exit without telling anyone. But her silver eyes go wide the moment she sees the open doorway at their feet.

Syr: What is that...?

Sora: I think it's an entrance to an underground tunnel. Syr, please keep an eye on them while I check it out.

Sora explain the series of events that led them here before letting her know his plan. Of course, none of them knows what's down there, so Sora should investigate by himself first...or at least that was the plan.

Lai: I'm coming, too!

Ruu: And me...

Fina: It's...it's a bit scary, but I...

Sora: No! It's dangerous. The last thing I want is to put any of you in danger. If I did, I wouldn't hear the end of it from Mother Maria.

Sora glance at Syr asking her to persuade the children not to, but her respond was unexpected.

Syr: After seeing this, you understand how hard it would be for me to just wait here, don't you? I'll be joining you as well.

She said it all with a smile.

Sora: Wha—?

Syr: And you're a first class adventurer, and a Hero right? That means, it's your job to protect us.

Sora: -_- Seriously?

Well, it'd be a lie to say Sora didn't understand that feeling...he look back at her, eyes half closed in an empty gaze, and fight back the urge to sigh. There's no refusing her at this point.

Sora: Fine. But you have to promise me not to leave my side no matter how scary and danger it is. Promise me that.

Lai, Fina, Ruu, Syr: We promise!

Sora: -_- This is not a field trip. So please take this seriously.

Taking the portable lamp from Syr, Sora start down the staircase that leads underground.

Lai: Whoa...It looks like the Dungeon down here...

Fina: It's...very dark...

Ruu: Dusty, too...

The light from the lamp in Sora's hand cuts through the overwhelming darkness engulfing the stairs. Stone stairwell, stone walls, stone ceiling...

Sora(mind): I knew it. This passage looks almost the same as the one I traveled through with Haruhime. Then it's almost a sure thing that that estranged architect designed these tunnels.

Syr: It feels like some nasty creepy-crawlies will pop out any minute. Sora, I'm scared. Is it alright for me to hold you in my arms?

Sora: -_- You don't sound scared at all. Well whatever, just keep your guard up.

Syr: Yessiree!

Lai is excited, Fina is a little frightened, and Ruu is the same as always. Syr with a huge smile on her face hold Sora's hand as they walk. Their voices echo off the walls as they go farther and farther down. Proceeding as carefully as possible, Sora catch a glimpse of something embedded in the stone wall —a lamp. Syr sees it, too. She reaches up and—bzzt! The lamp comes to life, making a small hum and lighting the tunnel enough for their eyes to adjust.

Lai: That's cool. It lights up if you put your hand next to it!

Fina: Hey, let me try!

Ruu: I wanna too!

There are more lamps spaced out at intervals farther down the tunnel. With every step Sora took, he was getting more and more certain that this is connected to the same path that he took when he ran away from the Pleasure Quarter. And finding Knossos door. Then, as the kids' curiosity is starting to reach its peak...the mysterious cry sounds from deeper in, louder than ever before. All of them pause to catch their breath.

Sora: Stay quiet.

With whatever it is making that sound close by, Sora whisper to the kids to make sure they don't draw unwanted attention. His serious tone must've caught them off guard, because all three freeze like statues, their mouths shut tight. Syr, looking as composed as ever, gives Sora a quick nod, and he leave the kids to her.

Sora: Kanshou and Bakuya! Protect the kids!

The moment he said those words, the divine swords from Sora's back flew off from their scabbard and float near Syr and the other kids.

Lai: Whoa... The sword is flying.

Fina: They're surrounding us as well.

Ruu: Big Brother, you're awesome.

The Hestia Sword and the Mithril Sword Welf made for him were still tucked snugly against his waist. A sense of the unknown overtakes him. Sora couldn't get this feeling in the Dungeon because it has been explored by a countless number of his predecessors. Now Sora was the one making headway. Fully aware of his surroundings, he scout ahead to the bottom of the staircase.

Monster: Uwaa...uh...Uhhaa.

A dark, open space. All Sora could tell is that he was in a decently wide chamber and that the noise is coming from the opposite corner, completely shrouded in black shadows.

Sora: No human or animal makes that sound.

All the muscles in my face tighten as I tell Syr and the kids to wait in the stairwell and shine my light into the dark corner. It illuminates the owner of the sound that was neither a howl nor a cry.

Monster: Uhooo.

Emerging from the darkness are two curled horns, dark skin, flaming red hair, and a towering body frame. The light from my lamp reflects off its golden eyes, making them flash like jewels in the darkness.

Sora: I knew it! It's a Barbarian!

This thing making noises—this monster is of the large-category variety. It springs to its feet with a powerful jump from where it was kneeling on the floor.

Sora: Cover your ears!

The monster unleashes a wall of sound at the same moment Sora shout the warning over his shoulder.

Barbarian: UHWOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!

Sora thrust his right arm out in front of the oncoming creature.

Sora: Raikiri barrier!

Sora created a barrier made out of lightning and surrounded the children and Syr. Sora draw the Divine sword and go on the offensive. He drop the magic-stone lamp at the entrance and use the window created by his magic to get close to the monster, which is burning like a torch in the middle Of the chamber.

Barbarian: OHU,WHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!

Sora:...

Its pupil-less eyes flash with murderous intent as it swings a mighty fist directly into Sora's path. Sora easily dodge the attacked. Sora saw a look of shock on its face—shock that Sora somehow managed to dodge its attack. But that disbelief quickly turns to anger, and it throws another punch. Sora move once again to engage.

Sora(mind): A barbarian is supposed to be from the 37th floor. A level 4 So what's it doing here? Don't tell me—it's a leftover from Monsterphilia!

As much as Sora don't want to remember, flashes of the time when a Juggernaut chased him around this labyrinth fill his mind. This beast that has managed to elude both adventurers and Guild extermination teams, this unidentified monster has been lurking underground all this time?

It continues to unleash powerful punches even as Sora's brain endures more surprise and anguish. Every time one of those massive limbs comes careening toward his head, Sora dive out of the way not even bothering to make a counter.

Sora(mind): It's covered in blood? Well. Whatever, I need to take it down fast.

Sora immediately wrap his Mithril Sword in lightning and swung at the beast killing it in one strike.

Sora: Chidori.

Lai: Incredible!

Fina: Big Brother finish it in one blow!

Ruu: Big Brother, nice...

Sora: Hmm...

Syr: Sora...?

Sora didn't say anything and suddenly, he threw the Mithril Sword over to another corner of the room when a shadow appeared deflecting Sora's blade. He had Black and gray fur. A short, lithe body line.

Sora: Allen...

Allen: Tch...

He jumps over Syr and Lai with nary a sound, landing softly in front of the pile of ash, and retrieves his javelin.

Sora: Isn't it about time you told me, why you keep following us ever since this morning?

Allen: My business is not for you to know, you asshole.

Sora: You and I just can't get along, huh?

Allen: Your the last person I want to get along!

The catman glares at Sora before turning his back. He doesn't say anything as he walks back to the chamber entrance.

Lai: Vana Freya...A top-tier adventurer?

Sora(mind): Sorry, Allen. But thanks to this. I managed to figure out something huge about your relation with Syr.

Allen:...

He comes to a stop in front of Syr as Sora look at him from behind. He says nothing, only slightly bows his head before exiting the chamber for good. Syr stays put but watches him go as a small smile appears on her face.

Sora: Syr, are you okay?

Syr: Sora.

Sora: Vana Freya...Do you know him?

Syr: Yes. He's an adventurer who drops by the bar from time to time.

Syr happily tells Sora about one of The Hostess of Fertility's regular customers. It sounds like they've become acquaintances.

Sora: For you to be close to him, is amazing. I just can't get along with him.

Syr: Oh, I don't think so. Actually, he has a really sensitive tongue. Whenever there's a hot drink in front of him, he curls up with the mug in his hands and blows on it until the steam goes away. It's really cute when he does that.

The words flow from her mouth easily; she giggles to herself as if she's remembering that image. She just used the word cute to describe a top-tier adventurer...

Sora(mind): Is Syr secretly a powerhouse or just plain naive?

Ruu: Does this mean the quest is over...?

Sora: Yeah. Nothing else seems out of place...

Fina: I've never been so scared.

Ruu tugs at Sora's arm. The two of them take a quick look around the chamber, checking every dark corner. Fina lets her shoulders relax, a deep breath slowly flowing out of her lungs. Just to be sure, Sora grab the magic-stone lamp and do a lap around the chamber, thoroughly checking every nook and cranny.

Sora(mind): That's a Knossos door.

Slyphid (telepathy): Well, looks like we found another one. That makes 5 door hidden in Daedalus Street.

Sora wanted to explore more, but it might be a good idea not to get carried away. He will let the Guild know the next time he was there and let them worry about it.

After making sure the children promise never to come back this way—Syr's silent smile was scaring Lai and the other two half to death, so he was sure they won't —they go back up the stairs, place the stone slab back over the entrance, and stamp it down tight. It's already nighttime, the starry night here to greet us now that we're all back on the surface.

Sora(mind): I'm sure that Maria is worried about us by now...

The children run circles around them, recounting their first adventure as they walk back to the orphanage.

(Timeskip)

Anya: Ah! She's back~nya!

The first thing she heard through the door was Anya's excited voice. The sunlight was just beginning to warm the streets of the city. Syr, in her waitress uniform, watched as all the other staff members came to greet her with smiles on their faces.

Syr: I'm back, everyone.

Chloe: Meow, there's so much work to do because you've been gone so long, meow! We're going to work your fingers to the bone to teach you a lesson~nya!

Ryuu: Chloe, the work yet to be completed only remains because you missed your shift. That punishment should be yours.

Lunoire: I was getting so worried because you'd been gone so long. So, where'd you go?

Syr: Sorry, Lunoire, but it's a secret.

Syr turned to Lunoire to respond, holding a finger up to her lips, as Chloe and Ryuu broke into an argument next to them. The happy smile on the city girl's face made Lunoire moan.

Lunoire: Still...?

Chloe: Meow? Something happened with the boy?

Syr: What?

Chloe: Mee-hee-hee, with that good mood, and that new hairpin on your head, you look like a love-struck young lady~nya.

There was no fooling Chloe's eyes and instincts. The young catgirl giddily swished her tail side to side and stepped closer. Syr cupped her burning cheeks with her hands, unable to keep the grin off her face. She slowly touch the hairpin that Sora gave her and had a huge smile on her face.

Syr: That's also a secret, just so you know!

The staff members all smiled in unison with twinkles in their eyes, as if they'd discovered something juicy, when the owner of the bar, a dwarf named Mia, appeared on the other side of the counter.

Mia: Ya sure ya're ready ta come back?

Syr: Yes...I'm fine, now.

Mia took a look at the silver eyes staring up at her and said.

Mia: Then stop yer dillydallying' an' get ta work.

Syr: Okay! But before that—

She huffed through her nose and turned her back. She went outside the pub where a certain hero was already there.

Sora: Syr.

Syr: Good morning, Sora. Here's a lunch for you.

Sora: Thank you.

Syr: You keep working hard in the Dungeon!

With that Sora left Syr with a smile and head towards Babel where his Familia is waiting. From inside, the staff members all look at the scene with great interest but Mia stopped them.

Mia: Get to work.

With that, the rest of the staff members quickly returned to what they should be doing to get The Hostess of Fertility ready for business. Syr still had the same smile on her face as she went to hang the OPEN sign on the front door to start the day.

Syr: Thank you for coming to The Hostess of Fertility. Welcome.

The city girl smiled to greet the day's first customers as they walked to the front door.