No one's POV

Two days have passed since the Monster Philia incident, and currently in the morning, Aiz was having a practice swing with her "Desperate" after it had been maintain by Goibnui.

Aiz: Adjustment completed.

Aiz then noticed that someone was watching her train her sword and it was Lefiya who was carrying a magic book.

Aiz: Lefiya...!

Lefiya: Tha-That was amazing Miss Aiz! I couldn't take my eyes off- I mean!! It made me forget to call out to you...

Lefiya said while admiring her swordsmanship.

Aiz: Um... Thank you?

Lefiya: Your alone? Where is Miss Asuna?

Aiz: Um... I think she is preparing for breakfast...

Lefiya: I see... Miss Asuna's cooking is always wonderful to eat, am I right, Miss Aiz? And the way you were practicing with your sword was really inspiring. Do you happen to learn your swordsmanship from someone?

Aiz: I guess my Dad and my Big Brother.

Aiz let her gaze wander as she  came up with her answer.

Lefiya: Your father and Big Brother... Speaking of which, where are your family now...?

Lefiya's question trailed off as a new voice rang out from a different direction.

???: Lefiya, how long does it take for you to get a book?

Lefiya: L-Lady Riveria...!!

Riveria: Does it help, if you forget your own studying?

Lefiya: Will you come too Miss Aiz? It's been awhile.

Lefiya said while having hopes on her eye and Riveria also looked at Aiz.

Riveria: You need more than just physical power to become strong after all.

Aiz then thought for a moment, whether if she wanted to join Riveria's studying lecture until she remembered on how strict Riveria's teaching could be and she quickly back away.

Riveria: That's her answer, too bad huh? Lefiya, we;ll continue until Asuna calls us for breakfast.

Riveria said while dragging Lefiya away and Lefiya called out to the blonde swordswoman.

Lefiya: MISS AIZ!!!

(Timeskip)

It was time for dinner and everyone was called out to the dining room as everyone saw that Asuna was cooking their breakfast along with her stew that she just put it out of the oven.

Loki Familia: Wooo smells good!!!

Aiz was about to went over to Asuna until she bump into Bete.

Aiz: Ah, Bete good morning.

Bete: H-hey...

Aiz titled her head, a little confused as to why Bete was so awkward this morning. Then it came to her. Not much time has passed since the incident with the white hair boy at the Hostess of Fertility. Aiz was a bit upset with Bete at that time but she's over it and she was about to greeted him when...

Tiona: Good morning Aiz!!

Tiona said while lunging herself towards Aiz.

Aiz: Good morning Tiona.

Tiona: Let's get breakfast! Ignore the stupid dog, who can't show his face to you, after letting his mouth run while drunk.

Aiz: Yeah...!

Bete: WHA-!! DON'T GET FULL OF YOURSELF YOU SUPER SKINNY WOMAN!!

Tiona: DON'T CALL ME SKINNY!!

Both Bete and Tiona started arguing with one another and the other s went in to stop their fighting.

Lefiya: Miss Tiona! Mr Bete!

Tione: Hey you two stop fighting during breakfast!!

Bete: SHUT UP YOU LOWLY CAPTAIN LOVESICK AMAZONS!!!

Tione: HUH?!?! WHAT DID YOU JUST CALL ME!!! YOU WANT TO DIE!!

Bete: BRING IT MUTT!!!

And so Tione also join the fighting and Finn, Riveria, Gareth and Loki went in to stopped them until all of the Loki Familia members heard a voice that made them stopped what they were doing.

???: My cooking...

Everyone shiver up when they saw how messed up the dining room is after the quarrel of Bete, Tiona, and Tione and they saw that the stew that Asuna made for everyone has been spilled and Asuna was now glaring at every member of the Loki Familia.

Finn: U-Um.. I'm gonna skip breakfast... I still have a lot of paperwork that needs to be done. I'll be in my office.

Riveria: Oh good timing. Let me help you.

Loki: W-Well... There is something I need to do in my office as well. Well see you guys later.

Gareth: It was nice knowing you lads...

And so, Finn, Riveria, Gareth and Loki went out the dining room as fast as they could as the rest were still frozen by Asuna's heavenly piercing glare.

Asuna: I told you guys many time that there will be no fighting in the dining room. And look what you have done...

Raul: Um Miss Asuna...

Aki: We- We're very...

Lefiya: Uh... uh...

Tione: Asuna... Wa-wait let us explain...

Tione: It was the werewolf's fault for picking a fight...

Bete: Y-You stupid Amazons! D-Don't put the blame on me!!

Aiz: Um...

Asuna didn't say anything and continue to give them a very deadly glare until she spoke up.

Asuna: IF THIS PLACE IS NOT CLEAN IN THE NEXT 10 MINUTES!!! NOT A SINGLE PERSON IN THIS HOME WILL GET ANY FOOD FOR THE REST OF THE MONTH!!!

Loki Familia: YES MA'AM!!!

With that, all of the Loki Familia members started cleaning the place while Asuna was preparing another breakfast for them.

(Timeskip)

After the place was completely clean up, Asuna once again serve them their food and the whole dining room was quiet as they eat their food without any complaint as they were still scared of what Asuna just did.

Tiona: Aiz! A-Asuna! Got any plan after this?

Tiona said while still terrified at Asuna and Aiz spoke up.

Aiz: Actually, yesterday at the Goibniu Familias place...

(Flashback)

Aiz and Asuna were currently at Goibniu workshop as they were about to retrieve their beloved blade as well as Aiz returning the blade that she was given.

Goibniu: I never dreamed you would break it in only 5 days... You guys really make blacksmiths cry.

Aiz: I'm... sorry. Um... How much do I owe...

Goibniu: 40 million valis.

*GONG*

That number reverberated her height, it's weight hitting her like a ton of bricks. Even the blue elf was not expecting the cost to be high up as she froze in place as well.

(Present)

Aiz: I'll have to spend a week in the dungeon, focusing on making money...

Aiz said a little shiver up as the number that Goibniu mention still rung inside her head.

Asuna: This will be a long week.

Tiona: Well then, I'll go too!! I need some cash to pay for the Urga I had to get reforge!

Lefiya: I-In that case, can I come along too?

Aiz: Yeah, then, please do.

Aiz said somewhat bashful.

Tiona: It seems like we'll be leaving Home pretty empty, should we say something to Finn?

Asuna: The next expedition is still ways away but... I think we should.

Tiona: Tione! Us 4 are going to the dungeon for about a week. Will you come too?

Tione: No way, I won't be able to be close to the captain for a week.

Tiona: i was thinking of inviting Finn too.

As soon as Tiona said that, the food that was on Tione's plate was instantly devoured

and Tione got up with the most satisfying face she could give.

Tione: I guess there's no helping it. I'll come along with you guys! Be thankful.

Tiona: Yaaaay...

Lefiya: ???

Aiz: O_O

Asuna: -_-

(Timeskip)

After breakfast, all 5 of them went into Finn's office and saw that he was in the middle of his paperwork just like he said he would and Riveria is helping him.

Riveria: What's with you guys all coming in at once?

Finn: So, did you have business with me?

Tione: Actually, it seems that Tiona and everyone wanted to head out to the dungeon for awhile. Captain, would you also like to...

Finn then smile at them.

Finn: Yeah, sound good. I was thinking it was about time for me to dive into the dungeon anyway. I also want to take my time and explore slowly every now and then. It's a good chance, will you come too, Riveria?

Riveria: I'll guess I'll come as well...

Tiona: Ah! This will be a secret to Bete okay! If he heard then he'd definitely come too! Plus, he's annoying!!

Finn: Hmmmm... Well, after all, I guess we shouldn't leave in full force. Right then, let's each get ready and meet at Babel at noon.

Tiona and Tione: YEAAAAAHH!!!!

Aiz, Asuna and Lefiya: Yeaaaaah!

Riveria: But first! Let me and Finn eat our breakfast first... Is that okay with you, Asuna?

Asuna then scoffed in annoyance.

Asuna: Fine!

(Timeskip)

After they all finished preparing for their journey to the dungeon and they all made their way inside as they were killing multiple monster as they have already reached the 16th floor.

Tiona: Alright! Urga the second is working great!!

Tione: How dangerous. It'll hurt if that hit us.

Lefiya: It'll end with just it hurting?

Asuna: Don't get distracted Lefita! It's coming!!

Asuna said as a Minotaur was  launching itself towards Lefiya and Lefiya quickly pierced it in the throat with her staff.

Riveria: I guess you're too used to using magic from a distance.

Asuna: You have the habit of panicking when the enemy gets to close. You need to start working on your resolve.

Riveria: Even though you're a magic user, show some guts by telling yourself close combat fights will be inevitable.

Asuna and Riveria said while scolding Lefiya a bit since the two of them were also mage users and Lefiya nodded her head.

Lefiya: Y-Yes!!

Finn: We're already at the 16th floor huh. As expected, with these members it goes fast.

Tione: Going by the targeted amount of money, magic stones from the mid-upper levels won't cut it after all.

Asuna: I guess it's fine to ignore any monster that don't attack us.

Finn: Yeah. We're going to keep advancing!

Everyone: Yeah!!

As they all made their way to the 17th floor, they all saw a horde of monster and one single swordsman in black as he was clearing up one by one in a blink of an eye.

Finn: Would you look at that...

Aiz: Is that...

Asuna: It's Sora!

Riveria: He has grown from the last time I saw him.

Tiona: Wow! Look at him go!

Tione: Impressive...

Lefiya: He-He is so fast...

Sora: Well, I guess that this sort of monster aren't on the same Level anymore?!

After Sora had finish off the horde of monster, Asuna called out to him.

Asuna: Sora!

The young swordsman then turn his head towards the people that were calling him.

Sora: Asuna? And Loki Familia, what are you guys doing here?

Asuna: We're just strolling through the dungeon. What about you?

Sora: The same as you guys. I'm just collecting as much magic stone as much as I can.

Finn and Riveria then approached him and smiled at him.

Finn: I heard what you did the other day and I wanted to say thank you.

Riveria: Yeah, thank you for saving Lefiya. If it weren't for you she would have died.

Sora then smiled at the two of them.

Sora: Nah, it was nothing, I just did what any other person would do. Saving someone in danger.

Sora then looked at them with a serious looked and the rest of them looked confused.

Sora: But, what is those monster? I never seen anything like it! And it doesn't produce the same magic stone as other monster.

Sora then grabbed something from his pocket and show it to the rest to the Loki Familia and they looked shocked. It was the same magic stone that they saw during their expedition on the 50th floor.

Finn(mind): So does that mean that this plant monster and those slug incident are all connected?

Finn: I'm sorry but even we don't know what it is.

Asuna: i think it's best to just forget about it and focus back on the dungeon.

Sora just smile at them and put the magic stone away.

Sora:Yeah, I guess you're right! Mind if I tag along?

Asuna: Sure.

The young swordsman and the blue swordswoman smile at one another as if they were reminiscing their time together until a half-elf girl started heaving a jealous look on her face and started glaring at the swordsman.

Sora seemed to have noticed the glare as he started backing up a bit.

Sora: U-Uh, is something wrong, Lefiya?

Lefiya: You still haven't told me how you and Miss Asuna know each other?!

Tiona: I would like to know as well?

Tione: So do I?

Aiz: If you don't mind?

Finn and Riveria didn't ask any question because they already knew about Sora and Asuna's relationship. But they decided to just keep quiet and play along with it. The one who is most curious right now is Aiz, as she was most interested at the swordsman who resemble her older brother.

Aiz(mind): I need to know. Is it really you, Big Brother?

Sora seemed to noticed her gaze, but all he did was act confused as much as possible.

Sora: Wait, why didn't you guys just ask Asuna?

Sora looked at Asuna and she just stick her tongue out.

Asuna: I guess it slip my mind.

Sora: -_- Really!

Sora then pull out a slip of paper and show it to them. The rest of the Loki Familia saw it was a picture of Sora and Asuna together smiling. The rest were looking it in awe at how close they were, while Aiz continue to stare at Sora's picture confused.

Aiz(mind): Am I mistaken? Even though their eyes are the same, his name is different.

Sora: I'm sure you guys know that Asuna was once part of the Hera Familia, right?

Everyone other than Asuna nodded at him.

Sora: Well, the Zeus Familia and the Hera Familia had a long relation with one another and that's how I met Asuna. After the Familia was wiped out by the Black Dragon, I decided to go on a journey, while Asuna decided to go to Orario.

Finn: I see...

Finn and Riveria just act innocent as much as possible. Some of those information were a bit off. The word Black Dragon made Aiz tensed up a bit as she gripped her hand tightly as much as possible, but when she saw Sora and his blue eyes, she noticed that Sora doesn't have the black flame just as much as she had.

Aiz(mind): If you're the same as me, someone who had lost everything. Someone who lost his Mother, Father, and a Little Sister. And those fond memories were gone as well by one single black dragon. Why are your flame so white?

Tiona: Oh, are you jealous Lefiya? That Asuna already had a boyfriend?!

Aiz was snapped out of her thought when she heard Tiona said that, and she looked at Asuna who started blushing along with Lefiya.

Lefiya: I'M NOT JEALOUS!!

Asuna: HE IS NOT MY BOYFRIEND!!

Tione: Your face says otherwise!

Aiz knew that Asuna is lying and she along with Finn and Riveria looked at what Sora's face was making and saw that he was just laughing awkwardly.

Sora: Ahahaha...

Asuna: ALRIGHT! Come on! We've still got a ton of magic stone to collect of we want to pay off our debt!!

Asuna said while pushing the other girls along with her leaving Sora, Finn, and Riveria alone.

Finn: Well, I see you haven't change one bit.

Sora: Well, it's nice to see you both again...

Riveria: So, why did you told them a lie?

Sora then bit his lip.

Sora: They don't know the truth about Asuna don't they? About her leaving her royalty due to some circumstances.

Riveria: Of course they don't. It would have upset them, especially us elf if they know that she abandon her royalty due to some marriage arrangement.

Sora:...

Finn:...

Sora: But thank you. For looking after her for all of this time...

Finn: Well, if she continue being in our Familia, the other elves outside Orario won't be able to do a thing. And if something did happen, I'm sure a certain someone won't let it go that easily.

Finn said while smirking and looking at Riveria and she only looked away with a slight embarrassed on her face and Sora too started teasing her.

Sora: Riveria~ What a good Mom you are~

Riveria quickly grabbed her staff and hit Sora on the head and he quickly held his head in pain.

Sora: Ow...

Riveria: Who are you calling a Mom?

Sora: But it's true isn't it? You love Aiz and Asuna just as much as your own daughter right?

Riveria looked at him annoyed and Finn was trying to hold his laughter.

Sora: Man... I'm so jealous of those two. They have their own Mother in the Familia~

*GONK**BLETAK**BANG*

Sora: Ow! Bweh! Urk!

Riveria: Shut up! Why are you jealous of this thing?

Sora then form a sad smile on his face.

Sora: It's because... Mother Alfia is no longer here...

Finn and Riveria looked a bit surprised for a moment. The both of them looked at Sora's saddened face and they knew the reason why. 7 years ago during the final battle, Alfia was killed by Sora himself.

(Flashback)

Sora and Alfia was currently facing off with one another after Alfia had defeated the Astraea Familia and Sora was panting heavily and he was barely standing. Alfia too, was almost in the brink of collapsing as she was coughing blood nonstop

Sora: Please stop this, Mother! I don't want to fight you anymore...

Alfia: Are you giving up just like that! I've killed dozens of Familia, and I've sent multiple Gods back to Heaven! You think, all is forgiven.

Sora: I already knew what all of this tragedy is for. The reason why you and Zald-sensei are doing this. And why Lord Erebus keep asking me what is justice.

Alfia: Hmm.. So you figure it out huh... Then you know what you must do! I must accept my fate and continue what I must!

Sora: Is that really no other way?

For the first time in this fight, Alfia form the most genuine smile she could give and she open her eyes and look at her adoptive son.

Alfia: Be a Hero, my son...

Sora: !!

Sora then looked at his adoptive mother completely and utterly shocked. For the first time ever since they've met, Alfia would never called Sora "my son". She would always called him by his name or "Kid". So the sudden change completely shocked him.

Alfia: Be a Hero and guid this world! Train them, to be the next generation of Heroes that will succeed after us! And when it does, I want you to be the one that guided them, Sora, my son...!

Sora: Mother...

Sora then stood up and as soon as he did, his lightning started flaring up completely blowing the other monster away and suddenly.

*WHISTLING*

The sound of a whistling birds started ringing around the 18th floor.

Gareth: This is-?

Alise: The sound of birds?

Riveria: It's from...

Kaguya: This sounds...

Neze: It's so pretty...

Alfia: I can't be-

Asuna: Sora...

The sound has reached every corner of the 18th floor. It was a soul-stirring melody that reached the adventurers in the safe zone. There was no holiness to be found anywhere. And yet that whistling resembled a blessing from the heavens, resounding through the dungeon, repelling the darkness the was enveloping them, and transforming into a sacred rhythm to purify evil.

Astraea: Can you see that, Erebus?! That is what you called, A True Hero!

Erebus: Yes- This is what I wanted to see! It's the myth of those who connect past, present and future!

The whistling continue. To the adventurer's ears, it was a battlecry. A shout of encouragement to jolt their spirit. Everyone stopped moving. Everyone listened to that sound. Even the monster known as "Nightmare" were frozen by it, creating a moment of pause in the battlefield.

*Whistling*

Astraea: Go, Sora Yatagami!! Show me what a True Hero is like!

Everyone saw that Sora was now embedded by a pure of white light as the sound of the whistling birds continue to sing.

Alise: Everyone prepare your weapons! There's nothing left to fear! We'll prove that justice comes around, that light that Sora is producing will guide us into the future. Who was once called a Hero shall witness the hopes we're about to establish! This is where you fall, Alfia! We swear- to the sword and our wings of justice! We will follow the light of hope and victory!!!

Sora: LET'S GO!! FOR THE SAKE OF THE FUTURE!!!

Astraea Familia: YEAAAAAAH!!!

Their counterattack began as Sora who was fighting against Alfia was now being support by the whole Astraea Familia members as they all raised their battlecry. They embarked on the final clash, guided by the light of purity and the sound of the whistle. The sound of that whistle stirred the heart of the adventurers and even the monsters. It was the sound ringing the Heroes' dawn, stirring to those who had fallen to stand back up. People sho should not have been able to get up again were standing one after the other, wiping their blood, taking their weapon in hand, and facing off against the Heroes of old.

Alfia: Yeah, show me Sora. Show me, my foolish child, the path of the Hero that you have chosen! And allow me to teach you all that it means to be a Hero!

Their final fight began. Sora who was the youngest among the Zeus Familia was now once again standing and fighting against the very person he looked up to as a Mother. Every bone in the adventurers body was now rejoicing as they were intensified by the sound of the whistle.

Alfia: Gospel!

It was a super short chant magic belonging to Alfia. It's not a grand magic that can freeze the enemies or turn the enemies into ashes. It's just magic that beats the enemy using an invincible block of sounds, turning them into dead flesh. Its firepower was enough to take down the famous [Elgram] that is known for his defense in 1 move.

Taking the direct hit of Alfia's magic, the Astraea Familia was blown together with loud noises. But Sora was moving faster than the speed of sound that he was able to avoid the attack.

Sora: MOTHER!!!

Alfia: Ataraxia!!

Sora then thrust his blade and it made contact with a barrier that Alfia was producing, causing a massive shockwave that blow everyone away.

Sora was betting everything in one single strike, and Alfia was also pushing back with everything she's got. Sora was aiming for his opponent's heart as he unleashed a powerful thrust of blue and white light.

Alfia: !!

One instant. In just in that one moment, but it certainly happened. Sora's technique had surpassed hers.

Sora: YOUR DONE, MOTHER!!

With one final thunderous roar from Sora, he blew away Alfia's barrier and Sora's thrust continued until it created a large explosion upon impact that shook the entire 18th floor and Alise, Kaguya, Lyra, Ryuu, Neze, Riveria, Gareth, Aiz, Asuna, Astraea, and Erebus were quickly blown away by the shock. And as the dust settled, the two figures came into view and they had seen Alfia who had Sora's Kanshou plunged deeply into her chest. Blood splattered from her mouth.

Alfia: Gwah...! Ngh...!

Sora: Mother...

Alfia then form a smile on her face as she let out a weakly laugh.

Alfia: Hah Hahah... Yes... you have won. My son... In that brief moment... You've surpassed me.

Sora: Mother...

Alfia then went limp, as her body was giving up, but Sora managed to caught her just as she was about to fall.

Alfia: You've done a good job... defeating me...

Sora: Mother...

Tears started streaming down, Sora's face as she support his Mother who was on the brink of death.

Alfia: Let me say this before I go... Please guide them. Become the Next Generation of Heroes, Sora. And beat that Black Dragon.

Sora: Y-Yeah... I promise...

Alfia: And tell this to the Familia of Justice...

Alfia then whisper something onto Sora and he's eyes widened as wide as he could before nodding his head.

Alfia: If justice comes around... let hopes be linked. It'll all be assembled... and one day, the last hero will be born...

Sora: I understand. I'll always remember about this moment, and I'll never forget what you've said.

Alfia: Now my son... Please bring my body towards the flame.

Sora then carried his mothers body holding her bridal style and brought her towards a hole of flames.

Alfia: My corpse is to become ashes... just like her.

Sora: Aunt Meteria?

Alfia: Yeah... Please grant me one more request before I disappeared.

Sora: Anything...

Alfia: Protect her child... and the church... Guide him...

Sora: I will...

Alfia: Farewell, my son. Farewell, Asuna. Farewell, justice Familia. So long, Orario. The future is within your grasp.

Sora then let her body fall into the abyss. She was instantly swallowed by flames as she fell, and her body turned into ashes.

Sora:...

(Present)

Riveria: Sora?

Sora was then snapped out of his thought as he gave them a smile.

Sora: No, nothing. Come on! Their gonna leave us!

Sora then started following Asuna and the other girls as both Finn and Riveria just smile at him as they all embark their journey together.

Sora(mind): I will be the one to guide them, to the path of the Heroes, just like you wanted, right Mother Alfia? And I promise you, that I will protect them with all my strength. I promise you that much, Father, Mother, Uncle, Aunt.