No one's POV

(7 years ago)

There were two males and one female hiding in the abandoned church somewhere in Orario.

???: —Guys. Are you sure you want to be involved in this? It is a stupid plan, after all.

A man with black hair with two cadet gray locks and gray eyes said to his companions. He had a white shirt along with a jacket and pants, both black. In addition, he wore a purple untied tie around his neck and a black glove on his left hand.

??? 2: What's stupid is that you're asking this now, Erebus. We are all outcasts waiting to die, and you're the one who found us.

A fair-skinned woman with silver hair replied to the first male now known as Erebus with a stoic facial expression. She had heterochromia, with her right eye being green while her left was grey. She dressed in a dark goth-like dress that spanned down to her feet. Around her neck, she had a necklace with a green gemstone decorated. She also wore dark, semi-transparent gloves.

??? 3: Yeah. If we're all going to die, we better do so after leaving something behind that changes the world. I was stunned when I first saw this god. But we're as insane as he is for accepting his suggestion.

A man with dark brown hair, gray eyes, and scars on his face said, supporting the woman's opinion. He wore full-body black armor along with a dark red cape.

Erebus: Let me finish, Alfia, Zald. Now, whether we got defeated by Orario or not doesn't matter. You'll all be acknowledged by the world as deadly sinners. You'll be talked about by people as deadly betrayers of human beings. Are you all fine with that?

Alfia: You're starting to sound annoying, Erebus. We've made up our minds. We're not here with weak determination.

Zald: Plus, I have no interest in fame after death. What most matters is that I'm taking my last breath with satisfaction. When it comes to swords, women, and even life... we should strike while the iron is hot. That's what my pathetic god told me.

When Zeus name was metion, Alfia got annoyed as she reminiscence her past.

Alfia: I can't even remember how many times that old man tried to grope me. What's frustrating the most is that he could at the same time be a great god.

Erebus: Hmm. Go on. So, did you allow the pathetic old man to sexually harass you successfully, Alfia-kun~?

Alfia: I defended myself with magic attacks?

Erebus: Hmm. How did Zeus manage to not get sent back up?

Alfia: And I told Hera about it?

Erebus: And how did he manage to not get killed?

Zald: Hahaha... By the way, Alfia, are you sure you didn't have to go see the boys?

Since Zald is part of Zeus Familia and Alfia is Hera Familia, the two are close to each other to trade information. Erebus looked at Alfia with a shocked and confused expression.

Erebus: Wait. You had a child, Alfia? You don't have the figure of a woman who's given birth to a child?

Alfia: No. He's talking about my sister's child. He's in the bloodline of Hera Familia... and at the same time, a descendant of Zeus.

Erebus had an amused look when he heard that.

Erebus: Okay? So his Father is a Zeus Familia, huh?

Zald: Indeed... a human with the least power among us. He was so weak that he'd be beaten up by boars and little heroes. We discovered he made a Hera Familia member pregnant right after our captain got defeated by the Black Dragon. We all thought he was mental. It's Hera we're talking about. While our Familia was facing a critical situation, I was trembling when I heard about it...

Erebus: But you're also a child of the perverted god.

Erebus said with a smug expression. Zald want to deny his statement but found it was impossible since Erebus was right. No matter how much Zald hates his god, he is still his child.

Zald: ...Correct. Thanks for reminding me. Yet, I'm not stupid enough to go risking my life like that! But, you're not wrong when you said Alfia had a child... Hahaha!

Erebus looked even more shocked at the news and Alfia looked at Zald annoyed.

Alfia: Quit spouting nonsense, Zald! That boy is not my child!

Zald: Hahaha! But he always called you, Mother every chance he gets! He said something about Alfia's attitude and hair color reminded him about his Father.

Erebus: O my! So what kind of person is your child Alfia-kun?

Alfia: *Sigh* He always called me, Mother every chance he gets! He is the youngest among the Zeus Familia member, but also the most talented!

Erebus: The most youngest? You don't mean, Sora Yatagami?

Alfia: Yes, him alright...

(Flashback)

The Zeus and Hera Familia were always close enough the trade information with one another, and so Zald who is Sora's mentor had ask Alfia to be Sora's mentor in teaching magic.

Alfia: So this is the child, huh?

Zald: Yeah, he has a promising young future ahead of him.

Sora: Hi, nice to meet you! My name is Sora Yatagami! And someday, I want to be a hero just like you all. I want to be as strong swordsman like Zald-sensei! And a powerful lightning users like my dad!

Sora bowed his head towards the woman who will be his mentor for magic training and Alfia stare at him with a surprise look on her face by how energetic he is.

Alfia: What an energetic boy he is.

Zald: I know right! Ever since he joint, the Familia couldn't be more livelier.

After Sora bowed his head, he look up at the woman and he was entangled by her appearance that he couldn't help but stare at her.

Alfia: What's with the stare, kid? It's creepy...

Zald: Hey, brat! Remember what I said that she is a strict person. You don't want to go on the bad side of her...

Sora:...

Sora continue to stare at her, until he got all excited and started talking very lively.

Sora: Whoa! You are so beautiful! Your silver hair reminded me of my dad! Hey, can I call you Mother from now on?!

Both Zald and Alfia looked surprise. Surprised that he is not afraid of her, normally those who learn under Alfia, was always afraid by how strict she is, but Sora just looked at her with his eyes sparkling.

Alfia: Huh?!

Zald: Pfft- Hahahaha! What did I tell you, Alfia! This kid sure is lively isn't he? And congratulation, you just earn yourself a son.

Alfia: Stop it! Your creeping me out! And brat, just so you know, I'm only 16...

Sora: So? Mother is a very beautiful woman! I look forwards to your teaching!

Alfia: Stop calling me, Mother!!

Sora: Mother Alfia... Hehehe... I just got myself a new Mother!!

(Present)

Alfia: And from then on, he keeps calling me Mother. I gave up trying to stop him...

Zald: Hahaha! But deep down your very happy, aren't you? Even your sister is happy for you! And every time he calls you, Mother, we all saw you blushing!

Zald quickly shut up when he saw Alfia was about to use her magic, Satanas Verion.

Alfia: What was that?

Zald: ...I'm sorry.

Erebus sweatdropped and continue talking while being careful to not anger Alfia. Even though Erebus is a god, he is scared of Alfia.

Erebus: I-I guess there's nothing we can do about that, then. Right, Zald-kun?

Zald: Yeah!

Erebus and Zald let out a relieved sigh when they saw Alfia undo her magic.

Erebus: In fact, this is a very sensitive topic to talk about. It's not something guys like us should be commenting on.

Alfia: I let you go this time, Zald. However, the next time you mention something like that, I'll blast you with my magic!

Zald furiously nodded his head in fear. Erebus chuckled before he ask something in his mind.

Erebus: So, what happened to your child, Alfia and to your sister's child? Don't tell me they're with Hera, are they?

Alfia: No. That brat of mine is currently traveling around the world. Searching for Heroes that can succeed after us. He has the same goal as us. He doesn't even know that we're alive, he thought that we died when we fought the Black Dragon. And he also left my sister's child with Zeus. He's living somewhere in the mountains.

Erebus: I see... In fact, Zald has a point. Your sister's child is your nephew, a child of your immediate family. Do you not miss them? Miss him...? You did love your sister after all, didn't you?

Alfia then had an expression full of sadness. Which is rare for her to show such things. She was a very calm and collected young woman, so for her to show that kind of sad expression left Zald and Erebus surprised.

Alfia: I had nothing to say as death came near my sister. I didn't challenge the perverted god so that I could take in her child either. I chose to delay the clock of apocalypse over my sister's child. I do not deserve the right to take care of him. Especially, Sora. I don't deserve to be his Mother...

Zald: Alfia. I do not believe that blood ties are powerful. Because the bond you share with the brat is nothing like I've ever seen before. At the same time, I do not believe that you need the right to become a family. I mean you said it yourself didn't you? That his noise, Sora's noise is the noise that doesn't detest you. If there's a little bit of love within your heart-

Alfia: You've got it wrong, Zald! Talking about rights might beautify this whole thing, but it's meaningless. I'm just not comfortable with the idea of being called Sister-in-law, when I already have a child who keeps calling me Mother. It makes me feel even more older than before.

Zald then burst into laughter when he heard Alfia's reason for abandoning her sister's child.

Zald: ...Bwahahahaha! Right! I guess there's nothing we can do, then!

Alfia: And your right about one thing. Sora's noise is one of the noise that I don't detest, no matter how noisy that boy is.

Erebus: In fact, this is a very sensitive topic to talk about. It's not something guys like us should be commenting on. Tell me one thing, Alfia. What was your sister like? And what is your son like? They must be quite something to be loved by you. Were they as troublesome as you, and as powerful as the tyrant?

Alfia ignored Erebus's rude statements about her and reply.

Alfia: No. She was even weaker and fragile than me. She couldn't even get out of her room by herself. She was an extremely clumsy ordinary person. She had no talent in anything.

Zald: Did you really have to say all that?

Alfia: Of course. Because I feel bad. Inside our mother's belly, I've taken away all the talent my twin sister would've been entitled to. I'm shamefully made of two people's talent. It's a sin that I have to live with. Being called a demon of talent was inevitable. The reality is that she was strained lees of the twins. Yet, she did possess something important... which was kindness. She was powerful, but everyone loved her. Even Hera, the most difficult woman to flatter, was desperately trying to keep her alive. She knew how to receive kindness and return it. She was that sort of ordinary, lovely girl.

As Alfia told Erebus and Zald about her sister, she had a sisterly smile while reminiscing about her past.

Alfia: The brat on the other hand, was the most talented person I've ever met. He absorbs what he was taught and put his own spin into things. But what made everyone loved him... was his smile. Always saying... "I will one day become a Hero that surpasses you all! And Heroes who were like those stories, watch it, because one day, I, Sora Yatagami, will become the greatest Hero of them all". " And other adventurer, if I can do it, then so can you! Let's all strive for the future! Because this is the place where Heroes could be born!". Likewise, his goal of being a Hero was with the intention of motivating others to become Heroes as well. He was concerned about the future of the world and believed that through union, people were capable of achieving anything.

As Alfia told Erebus about Sora, she had a smile as if her son had become a dependable person and Zald nodded his head in agreement.

Zald: Yup... That is so like him...

Alfia: That's why... I loved them. I loved him. No one would've been able to challenge Meteria's kindness and purity. And I don't think I could ever find someone who is as foolish, but as talented as Sora.

Erebus: I see... Anything you can tell us about this kid's father, Zald?

Zald: He was a filthy supporter, who was always the first to run away from danger. Once, he and Zeus went to peep at girls bathing. But now that I think about it... I should've gone to see the face of his kid once. He's the son of that stupid guy. It means, he's part of us.

Erebus: By that way, I forgot to ask one important question. Zald. Alfia. What do you expect to find beyond this battle?

Zald and Alfia: Future.

Zald: I expect the future heroes of Orario to gobble us up. Then, they'll be able to triumph over the Black Apocalypse. And I'm sure Sora is someone that will lead everyone.

Alfia: They will bring hope to the world. The world will be a peaceful place where my sister's child wouldn't have to wield a sword.

Erebus: What if Sora is our potential enemy? What if the kid was about to get here? After all, the blood of his mother and fathers runs through his veins. What if they are involved in the battle that decides the fate of this world?

Alfia: That's a silly question to ask, Erebus.

Zald: Yeah. The answer is obvious—

Zald and Alfia: —May heroes stand before the child when the time comes.

Both Zald and Alfia made an oath for the child. And they knew that, Sora will come and face them.

Zald: May the child become a strong adventurer with Sora's guide and receiving harsh lessons from those heroes.

Alfia: May my son received strong allies and comrades in the future. And may the child learn countless lessons, overcome obstacles... and become hero by my son's guidance.

Zald: He may be as fast as his father, helping himself change the future by saving a troubled victim.

Afia: He may be as kind as his Mother and would always smile like his brother, for his kindness may wipe away someone's tears and could bring smile to people like his brother.

Erebus: I see... Hahaha! That's a filthy form of love. I feel sorry for this child for being forced to accept such affection from people they'd never even met before. And I feel bad for, Sora Yatagami to be forced into such role.

Instead of denying Erebus's facts, Alfia and Zald reply with warm smiles plastered on their faces.

Alfia: We're the children of Zeus and Hera. To us, this is nothing. And I'm sure that brat of mine would be happy to accept such role.

Zald: Exactly. If our families were still active, things would've been worse.

Erebus: Goodness. You familias are unbelievable.

Alfia and Zald then looked at Erebus with their serious expressions.

Alfia: Erebus. Stop challenging our determination. Don't worry. We do not have regrets about our decisions.

Zald: We're ready to spill blood. We shall become demons to save the world by reconstructing it. There's no other way to deal with this. There's no better challenge. This is why I must use my mortal life to good use.

Alfia: Yes. Let us bring despair and be the stepping stones of hope. It's the duty we're imposed with for living to this point. We entrust everything to the future heroes.

Erebus looked at them in awe.

Erebus(mind): Ah... How magnificent— These folks are to be praised, but instead, I'm about to stain them with black mud and have them be labeled as sinners. Yet, they're brimming with hopes shining like stars. I'm the one who is to start it all... and I better do it properly. Vitteaux. You'd hate me, wouldn't you? I leave you behind after tricking you, but that's the shape of my love. But you wouldn't believe it is. You'd helplessly hate the world—

He paused for a moment before continuing monologing with a smile.

Erebus(mind): —Yet, I'd still go look for the ideal. You might think I'm an idiot for believing in the term ideal, but I wish one day you'd understand and find yourself caring for something. With these two, I'm about to go and seek for heroes to find out what justice is. I trust that Orario, or the world— will one day achieve their ideal. I love you, Vitteaux. I love you, my dear children. The world is small but it's spreading endlessly, and I'm loving it—

After Erebus made up his mind, he looked at Alfia and Zald with a serious expression.

Erebus: —Very well. In the name of Erebus, I hereby declare. From today on, we're all an unavoidable malevolence. The world will know us as an absolute malevolence, a symbol of darkness! Yet, as a god, I shall forever praise your great accomplishments!

Erebus: Now, let us get ready to witness the birth of a Hero of the Next Generation...

(Elsewhere)

Somewhere outside of Orario, were two adventurer on their travel together, from places to places, city after city, village after village. The first was a child with black hair and blue eyes, around at the age of 12,

and the second was an elf with blue hair and blue eyes as well around at the age of 13 as the two of them were traveling around the world.

Asuna: Hey... Why are we heading back to Orario?

Sora: Isn't it obvious... To seek Heroes. Just like us who is known as Heroes of Old, we will establish a good name, so one day, may new Heroes be born, that will one day surpasses us. I heard some info, that Mother and Zald-sensei are still alive...

Asuna then looked surprised by the information. She thought that they had died during the fight with the Black Dragon.

Asuna: Really?! They're alive?!

Sora: Yeah... Knowing them, they probably tried to do what we've been doing up to now. Entrusting everything to future Heroes. That's why we must be there to see it...

Asuna: See what...?

Sora: The birth of the Next Generation Heroes!

A/N: Alright, this is the Prologue for the Astraea Record Arc. I will do the Astraea Record Arc first before staring season 3. I won't be updating this book, until I'm done with the first Arc for my Danmachi Oratoria. We will get into why, Asuna who is a member of the Hera Familia, decided to joined the Loki Familia and a bit of Sora's past. I will probably start where both Sora and Asuna descended to Orario, so the stories begin after Zald and Alfia made their appearance. And as always, I hope you enjoyed this chapter and thank you for reading!