No one's POV

After Sora had reached back home, he was immediately consulted by Hestia and she had a very angry look.

Hestia: You went to the Entertainment District, and didn't come back till morning?

Sora who was on his knees, just nodded his head.

Sora: R-Right...

Mikoto: Lady Hestia, like I said, it's all my fault. It's not Master Sora's fault...

Hestia: Shut up, Mikoto.

Mikoto just shut her mouth and Hestia continued to look at Sora.

Hestia: So, Sora? Does that mean you did what I think you did?

Sora: No! I would never do that!

Hestia: Then what were you doing?! And also, I want to know why you had this?!

Hestia said while holding the red liquid tube that Hermes gave Sora and everyone other than Bell looked completely shocked and Rin and Muller suddenly both have an annoyed look and stare at Sora.

Muller: 😈 I would like to know that as well?! SORA!!!

Rin: 😈 Are you sure that you're not having fun yesterday?! What would happen if Asuna knows about this?!

Sora: 😨 NO PLEASE!!! I DIDN'T DO ANYTHING WEIRD!!! AND I DON'T WANT TO DIE YET!!!

Sora then looked at all three of them completely terrified and bowed down his head begging them not to tell Asuna.

Mikoto: Lady Hestia... Rin... Muller...

Hestia just continued to look at him and sighed.

Hestia: Even though I still don't approve your relation with that Asuwhatsit, you can't lie to a Goddess. Sora is telling the truth.

Sora just sighed in relieve, but Hestia spoke up.

Hestia: But! I'm still mad at you for going to the Entertainment District. I'm mad that you even wanted to go to the Entertainment District!

Sora: I told you, I didn't do-

Hestia: I'm going to punish you! You're ordered to go help the neighbors!

Sora: Y-Yes Ma'am...

(Timeskip)

After that, Sora was currently in the neighborhood cleaning and he just sighed.

Sora: I got not only my Goddess, but Rin and Muller mad at me... if only I could said something more convincing. But, like they say, no matter how convincing a man can be, he can't win an argument against a woman.

Sora then heard and saw a child playing a hero and a monster and he couldn't help but smile, and he started remembering what Haruhime told him yesterday and he looked down.

Sora(mind): If only she didn't give up just like that.

Sora then continued to clean the neighborhood and the others called out to him.

Mikoto: Master Sora, let us help.

Sora looked at saw Bell, Lili, Welf, Mikoto, Rin, and Muller holding a broom as well.

Sora: But this was my punishment.

Bell: We went to the Entertainment District, too.

Welf: It's our fault too.

Lili: We're also responsible.

Rin: Though, I'm curious what you were doing until morning.

Muller: So do you mind explaining?!

Sora just look at Rin and Muller who is looking at him with an annoyed look and just look away.

Sora: C-Come on you two. Can you both please find it in your heart to forgive me?!

Rin and Muller didn't say anything and continued to look away and Mikoto spoke up.

Mikoto: Lady Rin, Lady Muller, this is all my fault. So will you please forgive him. And I'm sorry for putting you in this, Master Sora.

Rin and Muller look at Mikoto, then look at Sora before the two of them just sighed.

Rin: Fine...

Muller: I guess I have no choice...

Sora: It's fine, Mikoto. But, why did you want to go there in the first place?

Mikoto: I was looking for a certain renard. I heard that she was there.

Sora: A Renard?

Mikoto: But in the end, I couldn't find her.

Sora: By any chance her name is Haruhime?

Mikoto then jolted up and looked completely shocked.

Mikoto: How did you know? Do you know something?

Sora: Well...

Sora then told everyone that happened to him the other night and his encounter with Haruhime.

Mikoto: I see. I didn't think it was true... but she really was in a brothel, huh? She was so pure...

Sora: Mikoto... Um...

Lili: Don't get any idea about going to save her.

Everyone then looked at Lili.

Bell: Lili?

Lili: The War Game just ended. Are you going to start another, fight? That would put a heavy burden on Lady Hestia's shoulders.

Welf: Hey, Lil Lili. You don't need to try and be a villain here.

Lili then looked embarrassed.

Lili: I am not!

Welf: But as a member of the Familia, I agree with her. We can't put the Familia in danger.

Rin: I'm sorry Sora, but we can't just get ourselves into any more trouble...

Muller: I agree with them too. And maybe next time, I won't be able to help as well.

Mikoto: They're right, Master Sora. Please, forget it.

Sora(mind): If only you guys heard what she said, I think you would says otherwise.

Bell: Cheer up, Sora! We wouldn't want our Vice-Commander to look depress now!

Sora: Hahaha...very funny...

(Elsewhere)

Hermes was currently at the Hostess of Fertility as he was on the counter talking with Mama Mia and he was panicking.

Hermes: Please, Mia! Pass a message to Lady Freya!

Mia: What the heck is this about?! Do it yourself.

Hermes: This time, it's life or death for me! Sora's going to be in danger, in a lot of ways!

Mia: What's up with the boy? How did the boy got mixed in this mess?

Hermes: Ishtar, of all people, has her eye on him!

Hermes(mind): Not only this will endanger them, but Evilus might also go after him.

Mia then looked completely shocked.

Mia: Why are you talking about that Goddess all of a sudden?

Hermes: I couldn't help it! It's not my fault!

Syr: What do you mean Sora's in danger, Lord Hermes?

Hermes then looked surprised and saw Syr had a menacing smile.

Hermes: Syr!

Syr: How did Ishtar even find out about him?! Did you send him into the Entertainment District?!

Hermes: No way! I swear to the Gods!

Syr continued to look at Hermes.

Syr: Really? Can you say for sure you had nothing to do with this?!

Hermes: S-Syr! You're just a waitress, you can't go around scaring gods!

(Timeskip)

Sora was currently at the guild to learn more about the Ishtar Familia and he stumble into Eina.

Eina: Sora!

Sora: Miss Eina!

Eina just smile at him.

Eina: Is something on your mind? I can tell when I see that look on your face. I'm your advisor. Tell me what's on your mind.

Sora just smiled at her.

Sora: You know me to well. Well...

Sora then told Eina what happened and Eina scolded him.

Eina: You went to the Entertainment District and didn't come back till morning?!

Sora: I'm sorry...

Eina then looked at Sora with a blush on her face.

Eina: I mean, I know you're a boy. I c-c-can understand how you'd be interested in that, but...but...

Sora: Whoa...Whoa...calm down! Trust me in all of the girls I saw at the Entertainment District the other day, not one of them is as close as beautiful as you!

Eina then had a blushed on her face and steam started coming out of her face and Sora also had a blushed on his face after realizing what he just said and look away.

Sora(mind): What the hell am I saying?! Damn that place is started messing with my mind!!

Eina: Stop saying such thing! And you can't go to a place like that!

Sora: O-Okay! Okay! I'm sorry!

After calming down, Eina then grabbed a book and it was the Ishtar Familia member info.

Eina: So you wanted to know about the Ishtar Familia?

Sora: Yes...

Sora(mind): I need some info on them! What is there objective for attacking the Loki Familia at Melen. Those man eating flower. The Corrupted Spirit. And also, that hidden dungeon...Kn...

Sora then was brought out of his thought when Eina spoke up.

Eina: The Ishtar Familia is a high ranking Familia, both in terms of their financial status and Dungeon accomplishments. Many of the Amazons that engage in combat are at least Level 3. Their captain, Phryne Jamil, is a Level 6, Rank 1 adventurer. She almost beat Miss Walenstein and Miss Yuuki!

Sora(mind): That toad is Level 6... but for her to be able to hold a ground against both Aiz and Asuna at the same time...

(Flashback)

Sora was with Asuna at the restaurant talking about their investigation at Melen.

Sora: How could a Level 6 hold a ground against both you and Aiz at the same time?

Asuna: I don't know! She had the strength of a Level 7. And not only that, her body is also envelop with green aura.

Sora: That means, she must've been using some strengthening magic?!

Asuna: Maybe! Believe it or not, We're lucky that Bete managed to beat her. They also had a spell that blocks our magic skill. That's why both Aiz and me couldn't summoned Tempest and Auros! They also said something about having a trump card...

Sora:...

(Present)

Sora: It's a bit surprising that Asuna and Aiz would lost to her!

Eina: It was years ago, though. Ms Jamil was relatively stronger then.

Sora: You don't say... Um, do you know anything about an Amazon named Aisha and a renard named Haruhime?

Eina: Aisha Belka is famous. She's Level 3, but close to a rank up. And the renard... She's not on the list. She may be a low-ranking non-combat member. What's on your mind?

Sora: Oh, nothing...

Sora(mind): What kind of trump card did they have, that allows a person to boost their level like that?

Eina then closed her book and look at Sora.

Eina: Listen, Sora. I can't really say this too loudly, but... I think you should know this. About 5 years ago, the Ishtar Familia was accused by several Familia of having members who were far stronger that the levels that were being reported to the Guild.

Sora(mind): 5 years ago? That was the exact same time that Haruhime entered... that can't be a coincidence...

Sora: Were they lying about their strength?

Eina: Yes. The guild looked into it, but turned up nothing. But that wasn't the end of it. Their Goddess Ishtar, went back and accused the ones who'd gone after her, forcing them to be penalized. Many Familia lost their power and, in the end, were destroyed.

Sora:...

Sora just looked at her completely shocked.

Eina: She also demanded that the Guild pay a fine, because so much personal information had leaked to it.

Sora: So she made you guys pay?

Eina nodded her head.

Eina: Ever since then, the Guild's been in a bad position, and can no longer intervene in what goes on in the Entertainment District. Sora, the Ishtar Familia is far scarier than they look. It's better that you just stay away from them.

Sora:...

Sora(mind): Except that I can't...

(Timeskip)

Sora had just finished his talk with Eina and currently he was on his way back to their Home.

Sora(mind): Lili was right... If I get involved with the Ishtar Familia, I'll cause problem for Goddess and everyone else.

As Sora was walking, he stumble into a book store and decided to walk in and start searching for a Hero book and he pick one.

Sora: Heroic tale... A scene where a Hero gets involved with a prostitute and almost meet his end. The Hero regains his honor by slaying her.

Sora then started thinking about Haruhime and her words on Heroes.

(Flashback)

Haruhime: To a Hero, a prostitute is a symbol of destruction.

(Present)

Sora: A prostitute never stands next to a Hero.

Sora then close the book and put it back in it shelf.

Sora: Is that really what a true Hero is, Grandpa Zeus?! That doesn't sound anything like the Hero I know...

(Timeskip)

It was morning and Mikoto approached both Bell and Sora who were training together and Mikoto told them that she met Haruhime yesterday.

Sora: You met Haruhime?

Mikoto: Yes, but she rejected me. She said that she didn't know me.

Bell: Um...Mikoto... What kind of a person Haruhime is...?

Mikoto: The reason I received the divine blessing of Lord Takemikazuchi was Haruhime. I, Chigusa, Ouka, and the others... We all grew up in a Far Eastern shrine where the Gods lived. We were very poor, but it was a very warm place. Haruhime's mansion was at the base of a nearby mountain. She was a noble birth, and almost never left her home. But she heard, I'm told, rumors about our shrine. She ask her father to gave us some food, and the very first thing she'd ever asked her father for. That's how we met her, but... She always looked so lonely in her mansion. So Lord Takemikazuch decided to help her.

Sora: That's sounds just like him.

Mikoto: I'm afraid to say I was driven to help her, too. She helped us, so I wanted to drive away her loneliness

Bell: Is that why you accepted Lord Takemikazuchi's blessing?

Mikoto: Yes. I gained my Status, and with Ouka and Chigusa, snuck into the mansion. We dodge the guards and took her out to the mountains everyday.

Sora: You guys are a bad children...

They all share a laugh and Mikoto continue to tell her story.

Mikoto: One day, they found us, but even after that, we continued our war with the guards, and again and again... I was so proud that I could repay the debt I owed her... That I could make her smile.

Both Sora and Bell couldn't help but smile at her.

Mikoto: After that, we left the Far East to come to Orario. To make money to send to the shrine. And then I heard a rumor... Haruhime had been deceived by a heartless person and sold to a slaver.

Both Bell and Sora looked completely shocked and saw that Mikoto had tears on her eyes.

Mikoto: If she's suffering now, I want to save her.

Both Bell and Sora then looked at each other and nodded and look at Mikoto.

Bell: Let's do it. I mean, like you used to do. Let's give her freedom.

Mikoto then looked at them surprised.

Mikoto: But... this is different that getting a young girl out of a mansion.

Sora: Then how about....

As Sora was about to speak, he saw Hermes who was eavesdropping.

Sora: What are you doing, Lord Hermes?

Hermes panicked and slowly walk up.

Hermes: Hey, Bell! Sora! Mikoto! I was wondering if you were okay.

Sora: And why wouldn't I be?

Hermes: I mean, feeling okay! Glad to see you're feeling fine! Bye!

Sora: -_-

Hermes then was about to walked away when Bell spoke up.

Bell: Lord Hermes! Do you know a lot about the Entertainment District?

Hermes then looked confused and all 4 of them went to a restaurant to talk about the matter and Sora told Hermes everything.

Hermes: I see. Your friend was bought by the Ishtar Familia, huh? Like Lili says, I can't recommend seizing her. You'll end up with a war on your hands. But... If she's a prostitute, that changes things.

Everyone: Huh?

Hermes: Prostitute can be bought.

Sora: Huh? I never knew that...

Hermes: Of course you don't. It's a tradition in the Entertainment District. You can pay a large sum to make a prostitute your own. It's common for this to work.

Mikoto: But... tradition or not, would the Ishtar Familia let a member go?

Hermes: It would depend on her position. If she was a powerful fighter, it might be difficult.

Bell: Th-Then it's fine! On what Sora told me, she should be a non-combatant with no Status!

Hermes: Then... Ishtar is, after all, a Goddess of Love. She'll allow it, as long as you have the money.

Sora then narrow his eyes and Hermes noticed it.

Mikoto: Um... How much do we have to pay?

Hermes: it would be depend on her status within the group... but I've heard around 2 or 3 million.

Bell and Mikoto then looked happy and look at Sora.

Bell: Then that's not an issue.

Mikoto: You still have that stash right, Master Sora?

Sora just sighed and smiled at them.

Sora: I do!

Mikoto: Then it's possible!

Hermes: Can you tell me more about her? If I get a chance, I'll ask Ishtar about her!

Mikoto: Haruhime! Sanjono Haruhime! She's my age. And a renard!

Hermes then looked surprised and narrow his eyes and Sora noticed it.

Hermes: A renard?

Mikoto: Yes.

Hermes then looked down and both Bell and Mikoto looked confused.

Bell: Lord Hermes?

Hermes: As a deliveryman, it's not proper for me to give out information about my client or their packages. But I consider you friends. So I'll tell you. When I met Sora that day in the Entertainment District, I was delivering something to Ishtar. An item called the Killing Stone.

Sora's eyes widened completely and utterly shocked, but decided to not tell Bell and Mikoto.

Bell: The Killing Stone?

Hermes didn't say anything else.

Hermes: That's all I can tell you. See you later, Bell, Sora, Mikoto.

Hermes then walked away, but glanced at Sora for a moment and walked out and both Bell and Mikoto looked confused.

Mikoto: What's a Killing Stone?

Bell: I've never heard of it. Have you heard of it, Sora?

Sora just shook his head.

Bell: But now we can save Haruhime, right?

Mikoto: Yes!

Sora was lost in thought when Hermes mention a Killing Stone.

Sora(mind): A killing stone is an illegal magic item...it takes a renard's soul! If Haruhime is non-combat, why would they need a Killing Stone? Unless, Haruhime has a Magic that's powerful?

(Flashback)

Asuna: She had the strength of a Level 7. And not only that, her body is also envelop with green aura.

(Present)

Sora(mind): Don't tell me... she's the Trump Card!!

(Timeskip)

With the Ishtar Familia, Ishtar had gathered her troops to discuss something.

Ishtar: Kidnap the Lightning Flash.

Everyone then looked completely shocked.

Ishtar: Freya is very interested in him. But for some reason, she does nothing. So we'll take him for ourselves. If that boy became my slave, we could rule over the world. What would she think then? Not even the Loki Familia can't do a thing!

The rest of the Amazons just laugh.

Amazon 1: Lady Ishtar's so nasty.

Lena: How scary.

Ishtar: Don't try to taste him when you kidnap him. Phryne especially. If you do, he'll be unusable.

Phryne: That's so rude. The men become obsessed with me. I can't help it.

Ishtar: Anyway, I'm first. When I'm done with him, you can have him. Do as you please with him.

Phryne just scoffed but agree.

Ishtar: The full moon is coming. The Killing Stone ritual is coming. When it's over, we start a war with Freya. If I have the boy, it'll be easy to provoke her.

Phryne: So how do we catch the second Level 7 in Orario? There is a rumor going on that no one has ever saw that boy going all out! The rumors says that if he did go all out, he could destroy an entire nation all on his own!

Ishtar: Up to you. But don't do it in public. We can't let the Freya Familia find out.

Phryne: That leaves one option, huh? We'll capture the Little Rookie along with him!

(Timeskip)

Everyone was currently at the Dungeon as they were all slaying monsters left and right.

Welf: Hey...Hey... You guys took out a Lygerfang in one hit? Amazing you two.

Welf said while saying to Bell and Mikoto.

Lili: Yes, but... The Pantry up ahead is full of starving monsters. Ms Muller is currently not with us, so be careful.

Rin: She did said that she got something to do!

Mikoto: Let's go, guys!

Mikoto just went ahead and Sora just sighed.

Rin: Mikoto!

Lili: I said be careful!

Bell: Thank you for helping, Welf.

Welf: I was harsh earlier. But if you want to do something I'll stand with you to the end.

Bell just smile and Lili protest and Rin just sighed and she saw that Sora was lost in thought.

Sora(mind): A Killing Stone can only be used when a full moon has appeared.

Rin: Are you all right, Sora?

Sora: O-Oh yeah. I'm fine...

Rin: You've been so quiet this whole day, is something up?

Sora: Don't worry about it, it's not important at all!

Rin just shrugged it off but knew that Sora was hiding something and Sora just continued to walk.

Sora(mind): I cannot tell them about that Hidden Dungeon! And the Corrupted Spirit! They're not ready!

Somewhere in the Dungeon, the Ishtar Familia was about to ambushed them and a cloak figure then cast a spell on Phryne and she was now glowing and both Bell and Sora got separated from the others.

Sora: That's the last one!

Bell: Yeah, we should go back!

Sora and Bell was about to head back when, suddenly Sora felt something was coming and his eyes widened.

Sora: Bell! Look out!

Sora then rushed towards Bell and push him out of the way and Sora was punch by Phryne in the face and sent him flying.

Bell: SORA!!!

Bell was about to go after him but was ambushed by Aisha and she was also glowing.

Aisha: If you want to go after him, you'll have to go through me!

Bell and Aisha started trading blows and Aishas kneed him in the stomach and kicked him against the wall.

And back with Sora, he just stood up and glared at Phryne and she just look at him with a lustful look.

Phryne: You'll be facing me!

Sora: What's your objective!

Phryne: I just want to devour a man like you!

Sora: Can you?!

Phryne: We'll see! Now!!!

Suddenly a magic spell hit Sora and his body started getting heavier!

Sora: What the? Don't tell me! Godspeed!!!

Sora tried to summoned his Lightning but couldn't and Phryne started laughing maniacally.

Phryne: It Worked!!!!

Sora(mind): This must be the curse that Asuna was talking about!

Phryne: I readied this curse and Anti Statuses for my fight with you! Without your Lightning, your just a brat! Now prepare yourself!!

Phryne then rushed at Sora with a blinding speed and Sora looked at her surprised and she sent a barrage of thrust

and Sora parried them, but was being pushed back and Sora looked completely shocked.

Sora(mind): So this is what Asuna meant when she was like a level 7!

Phryne: Come on! Is this all you got!

Sora just glared at Phryne and then Phryne went to rushed towards Sora and bring down her axe on Sora's head, but Sora just countered by spunning around, blocking it with his strike and redirecting to the ground

and the two of them glared at each other and then broke it and

rushed at each other and trading blows and they again locked blade and, creating another powerful gust of wind

and they broke the lock and jumped back and Phryne was panting while Sora hadn't broke a sweat.

Phryne: Damn... You...just don't quit!

Phryne(mind): How can this be?! With his status decrease, and my level boost, and his Lightning sealed!!! He's supposed to be weaker than me! He should be overwhelmed by now!! But even so, why can't I win!

Sora: Are you done playing around!

Sora then looked at Bell and saw that he was being overwhelmed and knew that he need to end this.

Sora: It's about time we end this!!!

Sora then glared at Phryne and she back down a bit and Sora drew Bakuya and started dual wielding and once again the two of them started trading blows

and they broke the lock and Phryne rushed Sora with a series of thrust, but Sora continued to effortlessly parried it and pushed Phryne back.

Mikoto: Master Sora!

Sora then saw Mikoto that was about to rushed towards him and he look completely shocked.

Sora: No Mikoto! Don't!

Sora was distracted by Mikoto, that give Phryne to counter and hit Sora, sending him flying into the wall

and Sora weakly stood up and saw that Bell was unconscious along with Mikoto who was beaten by Aisha and Phryne grabbed an unconscious Bell and threw him at Sora and he caught Bell and saw Phryne rushed at him and Sora fought while still holding an unconscious Bell

and Sora was being pushed back and Phryne grabbed Sora by the leg and started slamming him into the ground.

Phryne: WHO'S THE LOSER NOW?!?!

Phryne then throw Sora into the wall, knocking him out cold and pull, Sora, Bell, and Mikoto back to the other Ishtar Familia members.

Aisha: We're pulling out, girls! Get ready!

The cloak figure then walked to the unconscious Sora, Bell and Mikoto revealed to be Haruhime as she fell down to her knees and look completely shocked and horrified.

Haruhime: Aisha... Was this our target?

Aisha: Yes. Lady Ishtar's orders.

Phryne: He was ridiculously strong! If he didn't hold that rabbit while fighting, I would have lost! But still, I won in the end...

Haruhime just look at Sora's unconscious body and look down saddened and soon just left without saying a word as she let down a slip of tear.