No one's POV

It was early morning. The sun still had yet to rise, and they sky was a light gray hue. Ikelos was just exiled from Orario. And Ganesha was working at the counter of the eastern gate of Orario, when suddenly he saw multiple hooded figure passing through.

Ganesha: Hold it! No one is not allowed to enter, until you register what's your business here! Because, I am Ganesha!!

???: Long time no see, Ganesha. Will you tell me the Home of Sora Yatagami?

Ganesha was surprise by the voice and he look at the hooded figure completely shocked.

Ganesha: Yo-You're...

(Timeskip)

It was the fourth morning since the incident involving Ikelos Familia and the Xenos that had turned the city upside down. Hestia, Bell, Rin and Lili were standing in the living room of Hearthstone Manor, their home, looking down at the reports.

"A Menace Let Loose: Monsters Scatter Across the City. Dungeon Post Town Rivira Destroyed. Were Monsters on the Surface Involved? The Secret Maneuvers of Ikelos Familia: A Second Door to the Dungeon?"

Several news publications were spread out on the table. Hestia, Bell, Rin and Lili stared grimly at the headlines, written in Koine.

Rin: This is getting really serious...

Lili: Yeah, these stories are all over town. The locals are sick with worry.

Lili had gathered them from around town, each a scroll of several leaflets sold by a familia or a merchant. They were full of countless bits of information and conjecture about the monsters' appearance on the surface. For Hestia and Lilly, who were privy to the details of the situation, even the ones that appeared at first glance to be gossip, were no laughing matter.

Hestia: And look at this one...

Hestia said glumly, shifting her gaze to another of the notices. The article she examined was small and squeezed into a corner. The headline read:

"Violent Rampage by Hero of Orario, Lightning Flash: Lost Hope, Lost Prestige"

There were similar articles in other notices. Some included his portrait. Hestia stood at the table beside the much shorter Lili in stony silence, her brows knit. Bell was looking down grimace and Rin could only stay silent. Just then, Haruhime and Mikoto walked into the living room, dressed in maid's outfits.

Haruhime: Lady Hestia. Lady Lilly. Lady Rin. Master Bell. We're back.

Mikoto: Apologies for taking so long. Many of the stores were closed.

They were returning from a shopping trip, and they set down paper bags full of vegetables and dried meat.

Bell: Welcome home, Mikoto, Haruhime.

Hestia: Nothing wrong in town, did it?

Haruhime: Nothing direct, but... Compared to before, the gazes upon us were, well...

Haruhime said evasively. Mikoto spoke more clearly, although with a troubled expression.

Mikoto: Some of them were very cold. As we suspected, Sir Sora's actions seem to be having a broader effect... because we're in the same familia as him. It feels like the pressure has been building over the past few days.

Hestia: I see...

Hestia sighed and looked at Lili.

Hestia: No change with Welf today?

The young armor smith had not shown his face since the disturbance.

Lili: No. He's been shut up in his workshop ever since. He's hopeless...but when I leave food in front of his door, it always disappears, so he must be alive in there.

Hestia looked toward the corner of the garden where the workshop stood behind the main building. At that moment, the living room door swung open.

Bell: Oh... Sora.

The boy walking toward Hestia and the others looked almost the same as usual. That is, aside from how preoccupied he seemed.

Sora:...

He started to say something to Bell, Rin, Lili, Mikoto, and Haruhime, then looked away. The words were stuck in his throat, but he eventually turned to Hestia and forced himself to speak.

Sora: Goddess...please let me go into town.

Bell and the others reacted with surprise.

Hestia: ...What on earth are you going to do outside?

As the second in command of the familia, their goddess had strictly forbidden Sora to leave home. She hadn't ordered him to stay inside until the excitement cooled down, but she thought it best for him to lie low at least in the immediate aftermath of the incident. It was for his own safety. Sora's position at the moment was that perilous.

Hestia: If you want to collect information, the supporters or I can do it. There's no need for you to personally go, right?

Sora: I know... But...

Hestia: You might get hurt again.

Sora started recalling the hostility and disappointment many residents and fellow adventurers had directed at him the other evening when he had walked down Daedalus Street in the battle-scarred city. With a shuddery breath, Sora met Hestia's gaze and answered her.

Sora: I can't just sit around and do nothing while they're still out there. Just waiting like this, it hurts me even more.

He could not remain still any longer. In response to his pleading look, Hestia closed her eyes for a moment. Finally, she nodded.

Hestia: Okay. You may go.

Sora: Thank you...

Hestia: But—only on the condition that I go with you.

Sora had been relieved for an instant, but his eyes widened. Bell and the others reacted much the same.

Lili: Lady Hestia, I don't think—

Hestia: Supporters, I'm counting on you to keep collecting information and Bell, I want you to  guard our home! Today, I will serve as Sora's bodyguard!

Hestia gave them a thumbs-up. Lili, who was leaning forward in surprise, and grudgingly.

Lili: I can't believe it.

Bell: Leave it to me, Goddess.

The goddess may have been messing around, but she had made her divine will known. As a goddess, she was the one who could best protect Sora now. Sora then looked at Rin and wanted to say something.

Sora: Rin... I...

Rin: Whatever... Just do what you want.

Rin said while turning her head away and left the room and everyone could only looked at her and Sora look down as if his heart has shattered. For the past 4 days after the incident, Rin has been giving him a cold shoulder. Sora continue to look down saddened as his best friend was keeping her distance away from him and everyone could only look at him.

Hestia: We'll try to be back by lunchtime! Let's get going, Sora.

Sora: But, Goddess...

Hestia walked to his side and peered up at him. Finally, giving in to his goddess's stare, Sora nodded.

Sora: Okay, let's go...

Sora and Hestia left the Manor and Rin was looking at him from the shadow with tears on her eyes as she looked towards the clouded sky.

Rin: Please come here, as fast as you can.

(Timeskip)

They've set out, leaving home behind. As promised, he was headed to town with his goddess. For these past four days, he's been under house arrest—or at least, that's how he see it. But thanks to Lili and the others who have been gathering information, he at least have an idea of recent developments in the city. Once word got out that the monsters had breached the surface, the eight city gates were completely sealed. The Guild, in an attempt to get things under control as quickly as possible, issued a bounty for the Xenos. Many adventurers and resources are now devoted to searching for them. Sora wanted to know where Wiene and Lido and the others have gone, too. When he heard the rumors and imagined the Xenos being driven out, he couldn't bear to stand idly by.

Sora:...

The sky above Orario is overcast. The rain that had been falling since the incident has stopped, but the sky is shrouded in clouds, as if expressing the city's current mood. The streets in town are quiet. Everyone is afraid of the monsters, the few people who are out and about rush off quickly. The small children Sora used to see on his way to the Dungeon are nowhere to be found.

Sora(mind): It's just like 7 years ago.

Hestia: My shifts at the Jyaga Maru Kun stand have been canceled as well...

The two of them head to West Main Street, past many shops shuttered and locked up tight. As expected, there are more people on the main thoroughfare, but most are Guild employees, who normally wouldn't be walking around, along with their adventurer guards. They are probably on patrol or actively searching for monsters. The vitality of the town has vanished, replaced by an atmosphere of nervous tension.

Adventurer 1:...Hey, you!

Adventurer 2: Look, over there!

The stern expressions are directed at them. Without a doubt, they are staring at Sora.

Adventurer : The Lightning Flash...I heard all about him how he caused Loki Familia so much trouble.

Adventurer 3: It's probably his fault that the monsters got away.

A chorus of voices tangles in his ear. Even without improved hearing due to his Status, he would be able to make out quite clearly the buzz of voices around him. Ordinary citizens, shopkeepers, fellow adventurers...all manner of people stare at Sora in revulsion as he walk down the street. It's the same experience he tasted 7 years ago. Criticism is bearing down on all sides.

Sora:...

Adventurer 1: I heard he was protecting the monsters. And calling them a human.

Adventurer 2: Monster fetish, eh?

That was the worst insult in the world hurled at him, someone who protected a despicable vouivre. He knew going in that this would happen. So he already accept it. Sora just withstand the onslaught. All the daggers of criticism seem to be directed at him and him alone. The Ikelos Familia has been destroyed and its leader, God Ikelos, banished from the city. In this place smothered by fear and anxiety, he have become the sole outlet for people's feelings...Sora was just an easy target for their blame. An enemy to all people.

Citizens 1: I'm amazed you came walking through here, you disgrace of a Hero!

Citizen 2: Don't go looking around like everything's fine!

Citizen 3: What kind of a Hero are you?! You are just a hypocrite!! You deserve to die just like your former Familia!!

Citizen 4: As expected, the Zeus Familia is just a traitor of a Hero in Orario!!

Sora:...

Hestia: All of you, that's enough! If you have something to say, say it to our faces!

Hestia spin around. She jabs her finger toward the people around them. They are struck dumb by the goddess's sudden reaction.

Hestia: Sora took the actions he did because of my own entertainment! Put another way, it was the result of his deep love for me! If you're going to blame anyone, blame me!

Sora: !!!

The malice permeating the atmosphere a moment earlier has dissipated in the confusion. Sora has gone and let his goddess protect him. He made her tell a lie.By becoming a buffer, the goddess has made it difficult for mortals to openly blame Sora. But in the course of protecting him, her follower, she has become the target for the people's animosity herself. Sora hang his head down.

Sora: Goddess, I'm so sorry...Because of me—

Hestia: You're in this mess...

Sora was about to say, but she cuts him off before he could finish. She turns and stares up at him, then starts laughing at his dismay.

Hestia: Sora, let's hold hands.

She clasps Sora's hand in hers. Pulling him along, as Hestia and Sora start walking forward together once more.

Sora: Um, but... Goddess...

Hestia: I know it's unwise of me, but I feel a little happy. Its always been you that protected us, from any sort of pain and any sadness that may come our way. Bell's dream of becoming a Hero, you've always been the one that encourage him. Lili's dream to always support us, making her remember her true feelings. Rin's dream to becoming the best mage, how you always help her in studying. Welf's dream in becoming the best blacksmith, telling him that a true blacksmith is not by the quality, but by the heart and soul that was put in creating them. Mikoto's dream in helping the best orphanage at the far east, by sending money there. Haruhime's dream, helping her so she was no longer solitude. And my dream. Because you enter my Familia despite being the Hero of this world, means the world to me.

Sora: Goddess...

Hestia: So for me, to finally be able to help you like this. I couldn't be more happy to have such an amazing child such as you.

Sora: Thank you, Goddess...

Hestia's word touches his soul. She squeezes his hand, but Sora just feel miserable. He was ridiculously spineless for relying on his goddess's protection and causing her so much trouble. At the same time, despite himself, he felt really happy. He squeeze her warm hand back. People continue to give them judgmental looks. But he don't feel as cold as before.

Sora:...Goddess, can we stop here for a moment?

Hestia: Sure, but what for?

Having asked her permission, Sora pause in front of a building on the central thoroughfare. Even for West Main Street, the stone structure housing The Hostess of Fertility tavern stands out as unusually large.

Hestia: You come here a lot, right? This is actually my second time.

Sora: Really?

Hestia: Yes. Our first time was when we returned from the 18th floor to celebrate.

Even with everything going on, The Hostess of Fertility is open for business. As they walk up to the entrance, a waitress appears, having noticed them standing outside.

Sora: Ryuu...

Ryuu:...

The pretty young elf stares into Sora's face. She saved him during the mission to the eighteenth floor, so he came here today with the intention of thanking her. But now that he was standing in front of her, he find himself unable to speak. As he stood there with the words stuck in his throat, Ryuu sighs softly and walks down the entryway stairs.

Ryuu: Sora. I am not going to snub you just because I heard some rumors in town.

Sora: !!!

Ryuu: I believe what I see with my own two eyes.

Ryuu says, smiling ever so slightly, as if to put Sora at ease. The tension drains from his body at the encouragement from the upright and dependable elf. The corners of his eyes are wet. Ryuu bows slightly to the goddess.

Ryuu: Goddess Hestia, it is good to meet again.

Hestia: Little elf!

Sora: Ryuu... Thank you for saving me on the eighteenth floor.

Ryuu: Please think nothing of it.

Sora: But are you alright? I heard the party suffered horrible casualties.

Lili told Sora that the party from Ganesha Familia, which had originally received the mission, risked total destruction at the time. Sora was worried about Ryuu, who fought in the battle against the Xenos.

Ryuu: As you can see, I am fine. My body has recuperated. But—

She pauses for a moment.

Ryuu: There was a monster.

She narrows her sky-blue eyes as if recalling the hair-raising experience.

Ryuu: That creature...It was a Red Juggernaut, and it inflicted terrible casualties on Ganesha Familia and us.

That catch Sora's intention. It must be the Xenos that even surpasses him and Ottar. A high level 8 monster. One of the two Xenos that he hadn't encounter yet. Hestia, who has been listening to their conversation, tightens her jaw and gripped Sora's hand even tighter as if she also just remembered something. Lili or Mikoto mentioned it as well. That incredibly strong Xenos who gave Loki Familia so much trouble— that was a monster as well, they'd said.

Ryuu: I've heard that same Red Juggernaut was seen on the surface. And you, too...If your group was on the eighteenth floor, why did you appear in Daedalus Street?...There are so many things I'd like to ask you.

Sora:...

Ryuu: But now isn't the time, is it? I'll have to ask you when next we meet.

Sora: Thank you. I promise to tell you everything you wanted to know. Including them. After all of this charade is over.

There is a lot of things Ryy wants to know about Sora's experience during the time and his encounters with the armed monsters. But seeing the pallor of Sora's face and considering the circumstances, she refrains from asking any more.

Sora: Speaking of which, how is Syr...?

Ryuu: Syr is taking some time off. She said she has some things to do.

Sora: Oh, I see.

From inside the tavern, Sora could hear the catgirl waitresses Anya and Chloe asking him the same questions over and over with unrestrained curiosity.

Anya: Young man, tell us your story, meow!

Chloe: Are the rumors true, meow?

Lunoire: Mind your own business, you two dumb cats.

Sora: 😅 Ahaha...

Conscious of the stares that continue to come their way, Sora move to leave. It won't do to bring the commotion into the tavern.

Sora:...Well, Ryuu, we'd better be going. Thank you so much.

As they walk away, Ryuu calls out to him.

Ryuu: Sora, keep your spirit strong. I do not fully understand your actions...but if they were the result of a decision that you made, you must not be discouraged. Just like 7 years ago, remember?

Sora: Yeah, I remember...

Ryuu herself pursued justice when she was a part of Astrea Familia, to the point that she was blacklisted. Her words resonate with him, because they hint at empathy for his situation. Their eyes meet, and he bow to her. Then Hestia and Sora walk away from the tavern. After continuing down the street for a few moments, Hestia turns to Sora.

Hestia: ...What next, Sora? Is there somewhere you want to go?

The truth is, there isn't. He had no idea where Wiene and the others are or even where he could find some information about them.

Sora(telepathy): Slyphid, do you know where they are?

Slyphid(telepathy): Yes, I do. They've split into groups and are hiding separately, but regardless, they are unlikely to have moved from under Daedalus Street.

Sora(telepathy): I see. Asuna and the others are there.

Slyphid(telepathy): Yes. Freya's eyes are shining in the direction of Babel, and the Ganesha Familia has tightened their guards at the Dungeon's entrance. So with no any ways to go, the Xenos wouldn't be anywhere outside Daedalus Street.

Sora(telepathy): I see...

The weight of his thoughts pushes his gaze downward, but he lift his head.

Sora: Goddess...Please let me go to Daedalus Street...

Surprise crosses her face. She locks eyes with Sora for a moment, then nods.

(Timeskip)

After some time of walking, they finally arrived at Daedalus Street.

Hestia: There are so many adventurers here as well...

Animal people with double swords slung at their hips, elves carrying bows and quivers of arrows, dwarves hefting sledgehammers over their shoulders—these figures wearing gear fit for the Dungeon are far more brazen than the adventurers they saw on their way here. They seem prepared for a monster to leap out at any moment. Some are even stopping townsfolk who walk by and pressing them for information.

Hestia: Even if they don't know what it is, exactly, everyone seems to realize that something fishy is happening here in Orario...

Sora: What do you think about the bounties? The ones that the Guild—that Lord Ouranos has offered...?

Hestia: Well, Ouranos has his own position to consider. If he didn't do something to get the situation under control, I think he'd lose his authority.

Sora: Damn it...

Hestia: To the contrary, by offering a bounty, isn't he preventing adventurers from cooperating too closely?

By setting them in competition down to the last man, Ouranos is preventing familias from combining their strength while also ensuring that they don't share intelligence. On the other hand, by offering a large bounty, the Guild gives the appearance that it's fully committed to the cause and will stop at nothing. Even within the Guild, it must be difficult to doubt Ouranos's intentions.

Sora:...

They continue to search blindly for information, wandering along Daedalus Street, which is a complex multilevel tangle of up, down, left, and right— much like the Dungeon. From the shadows along the streets and the windows of the buildings, countless dark stares pierce him. Sora have been glared at and slandered plenty before arriving here...But now it feels stronger. The malice. The hostility. It even feels as if the residents of Daedalus Street—the Labyrinth District —hate him. They suffered direct harm during the incident, and Sora was the adventurer who intentionally threw the fight to control the monsters into chaos.

Adventurer 1: And to think he was the Hero that ended the Dark Era 7 years ago.

Adventurer 2: It turn out the Lightning Flash is nothing but a hypocrite.

Sora just ignore every comment and hostility towards him. But his hand was actually sweating and Hestia was concerned for him as she tighten her grip on Sora's sweaty hand as they walk together.

Sora: !!!

It was when he ran into the two person he at least want to see.

Aiz:...

Asuna:...

Sora: Asuna... Aiz...

The golden-haired, golden-eyed Sword Princess and the blue-haired, diamond-eyed Berserk Healer have  just rounded the corner with a number of lower-level members of their familia. As they bump into each other unexpectedly, Aiz, gapes for an instant with surprise. Then she looks him squarely in the face. Asuna was staring at him as if asking "Have you tighten your resolve"?. Those two looking down on him as Sora protected Wiene. His twin sword confronting their sword.

Asuna: Aiz... You can go. Just go straight to Finn.

Aiz looks indecisive for an instant, then accepts Asuna's suggestion with a docile "Yes." Just before she disappears with the others, she looks once again in his direction.

Hestia: What do you want, Asuwhatsit?! Sora and I are on a date right now. Let us pass, will you?

Hestia uses her back to shield me from the obvious distrust and hostility from the other members of Asuna's party. Asuna glances briefly at the goddess, then returns her gaze to her boyfriend before sighing.

Asuna: I don't know why you did it. But if you say that vouivre girl is actually a human, then I'll believe you.

Sora and Hestia: !!

Sora and Hestia looked surprised as they saw Asuna smiling.

Asuna: Come on, just how long do you think I've known you? You will always protect a life no mater who or what they are. If 4 days ago, you didn't raised your sword against us. I would be very disappointed in you.

Sora: Asuna...

Asuna: Keep doing what you think is right. But only this time, I can't be on either side. You nor my own Familia.

Sora: !!!

Right then, a cheerful voice rings out.

Loki: Heeey, Asuna-tan! What're you guys doing standing around over there?

It's the goddess Loki, leader of Asuna's familia. Poking her head around the corner from another street, she's found Asuna and the others stopped next to Hestia and Sora. She widens her narrow eyes.

Hestia: Loki!

Loki:...Aha, you're with Itty Bitty!

She turns up the corners of her mouth, smiling like a child who's just discovered a toy.

Loki: You have some business with Finn, don't you? You'd better hurry up!

Loki says to Asuna and her companions. Asuna look at her for a moment and nodded her head. Just before she pass through Sora, she looks once again in his eyes and raised her hand and poke his forehead.

Sora: What your about to see, is something very unpleasant and hurtful.

Asuna: I'll be the judge of that...

Asuna then left the three of them alone.

Hestia: What did she just do?

Sora: Asuna had the ability to read people's mind and memories just by the touch of their forehead. Its an ability she had ever since she was born.

Hestia: What?!

Hestia couldn't believe what she just heard. But she shrugged it off and looked at Loki.

Hestia: ...What do you want, Loki?

Hestia stands firmly in a corner of the street boxed in by dark bricks, cautious now that Loki's cleared the area. But Loki walks straight toward her and slips smoothly past.

Loki: Brat. You really did something funny this time, didn't you?

Ignoring Hestia's shouts, she brings her face within a hairbreadth of Sora's.

Loki: Beats me why you did it, but now ya know what happens to people who protect monsters, huh?

Sora: I didn't protect a monster. I protect a human girl.

Loki: Eeehhhh. For some reason your not lying. I'm dying to know the secret. All those guys who used to make such a fuss over you are giving you the cold shoulder...just like 7 years ago. How do you feel being on the sideline again?

Sora: If what I did justifies me as wrong in the eyes of the people. Then I'll gladly do it anytime. Because in my eyes, I just protect a human child.

Like a snake, her thin arm slithers around Sora's stiff. She peers into his face. Her actions seem to lack any malice. It's pure curiosity. Nothing more, nothing less as she grins and whispers in his ear.

Loki(whisper): Well don't matter. But if you ever get in the way of Finn and the others, I'll hunt you down.

Sora(whisper): I'm just doing the right thing. To protect a life. If your Familia is the one that is gonna get in my way, I'll gladly face war against you.

Sora didn't waver at Loki's intense glare and warning. Instead, he gave her his own warning. Loki look at him intensely as if Sora had just declared war against her Familia all by himself. He keeps calling those Armed monsters, human, and much to Loki surprise, he didn't lie. Just as she was about to ask for more, Hestia steps in.

Hestia: Loki, get off him! What the hell do you want?

Loki: Ha-ha! To mess with him, obviously!

Outraged, Hestia tries to pull Lady Loki away from Sora, but she dodges and takes two or three steps backward. Then she sticks out her tongue, as if she couldn't care less about the red- faced goddess.

Loki: The deities've got their eyes on you in more ways than one. 'Oh look, the Hero of Orario has done it again!' That's what they say. There's no shortage of gossip when it comes to you, brat.

Sora:...

Loki: But actually, I'm interested in you, too. Because, my Familia has always have the same goal. To beat you, Zeus Familia members.

Sora: I am no longer a Zeus Familia member. I am Sora Yatagami! Member of an honorable Familia, pledge to the Goddess Hestia and her undying, holy flame!

Both Loki and Hestia looked at Sora surprised. And Hestia started smiling happily. But Loki continues squinting at him with her vermilion eyes. She sees Sora as no more than an amusing brat. He was certain that one phrase sums up her opinion.

Hestia: You'll be destroyed if you take an interest in him! You're already making enough trouble for other deities. Keep your hands off my Sora!

Loki: You've got some nerve talking to me like that! You're real low-class for a goddess, ain'tcha.

Sora could hear Hestia breathing heavily next to his shoulder.

Sora: Goddess, are you all right?

Sora was, trying to calm her down. Until he notice something out of the corner of his eye.

Sora(mind): Is that...?

Hestia notices Sora's behavior and seems to guess something has caught his attention.

Hestia: Sora, if something is bothering you, go ahead and check it out. I'll wait for you here.

Sora: B-but...

Hestia: Don't worry, we're not going to get into a fight...Anyway, I want to talk to Loki.

The goddess looks up at Loki, her attitude completely changed from a moment before. Loki tilts her head with a questioning look. Sora hesitate briefly, then give in to the goddess's indulgence.

Sora: Excuse me, then. I'll be right back.

Sora nod to them both and dash off down the alley so he doesn't lose track altogether. As he chase after the figures—who he could now see are young children. Finally, Sora arrive at a plaza where a large church stands.

???: Uh, Big Brother...

The fountain is broken and dry, and several of the church windows are shattered. In front of this desolate orphanage in the depths of the Labyrinth District. Its the same orphanage he would always go to visit the children.

Sora: Lai... Fina... Ruu...

Sora murmur the names of the three children, who have noticed that Sora followed them.

Lai: Big brother...

A brown-haired human boy, his face covered in scrapes and scratches. A chienthrope girl with long, straight cream-colored hair. And the youngest of the three, an androgynous half-elf child. They are the orphans whom Sora would often visit since it was the Orphanage that Astraea love the time. They look surprised to see him. They were returning from an errand for the orphanage, carrying a packages of food in their arms.

Fina: Big Brother...

Sora: Fina...

She tucks her tail between her legs and steps backward. The half-elf Ruu, who is usually lost in a daydream, shifts his gaze nervously back and forth. They're afraid of him.

Sora(mind): Could things get any worse?

Sora stood there unable to approached them, Lai, the human, leans forward as if to protect the other two.

Lai:...Why are you here?

His sharp look and words reveal a newfound hostility. Sora couldn't breathe or even move a finger. The three children live here in Daedalus Street. They probably know what he did. They may even have watched with their own eyes as Sora protected a monster and attacked other adventurers.

Lai: Why did you do it?

Lai asks Sora, his voice full of the same judgment, hatred, and disappointment as the other townsfolk.

Lai: Our neighborhood was a wreck, and...I thought adventurers were supposed to kill monsters! Traitor!

Sora could practically hear his heart splitting open. Lai's words hit him harder than any of the other criticisms he's heard today. That, and the sad look on Fina's and Ruu's faces as they stare at the ground. He had tainted their memory of him and betrayed their youthful admiration for Hero. The choking sensation in Sora's throat and the excruciating pain drilling into his heart are almost too much to bear. A sense of true loss floods every corner of his body.

Lai: I'm out of here.

Lai turns and walks into the orphanage. Fina and Ruu glance at him. Then, without a word, they follow Lai. The door of the church slams shut with a bang, as if to throw their rejection in Sora's face while he stood there frozen. As if it's telling him not to come in and never to come back. He was  drowning in unthinkable misery and a bitterness that cuts into his very flesh.

This despondency goes beyond simple lethargy, and his knees buckle under it. Sora collapse like a marionette whose strings have been cut. He have never felt more dejected. The sky, thickly blanketed in clouds, stares down on his miserable self.

Sora:...

Syr: Sora?

The words abruptly break his train of thought. That door that he thought would never welcome him again has opened, and someone is walking toward him. He slowly look up and see Syr.

Sora: Syr...

Syr was heartbroken to see Sora's dull face. Sora love the children even more than she does. He would almost visit them every week, passing away to go to the dungeon, but to go to the orphanage to help the kids.

(Timeskip)

Syr: I've been talking to Maria and some others about whether they might be able to evacuate from Daedalus Street.

Sora was sitting with Syr on a brick bench in a little garden near the orphanage, where a few bushes and flowers have been planted.

Syr: Because of what happened in the Labyrinth District...Well, it would be dangerous if the monsters showed up again.

Syr was taking some time off work, and apparently she has been using that time to discuss her options with Mother Maria, the head of the orphanage. She tells Sora the two of them have been visiting the other orphanages in the Labyrinth District and urging them to evacuate. For the past few days, she says, Daedalus Street more than anywhere else in the city has been full of adventurers coming and going, and the air is charged. It's easy to see why she's worried the area will end up as a battleground again. Whatever Sora's reasons was, the fact that he caused all this weighs heavily on his heart.

Syr: I guess it would be rude...to ask what happened.

Sora:...

Syr: Lai and the others have been pushed to the limit. Sometimes they're quiet; sometimes they put on a brave front...I think they're at a loss for what to do.

Sora haven't made any attempt to speak, so Syr has been talking nonstop. She looks straight ahead, a smile on her face, and does not pry in the least. Even though she must know what Sora did... Maybe it's because she looks so completely unchanged that Sora couldn't help blurting out a question.

Sora: You're really not going to ask me anything...?

Syr: I will if you want me to?

She gave a pleasant smile.

Sora: I...

Syr: Are you trying to make up your mind about something?

No. He has decided. He would save Wiene and her fellow Xenos. The scales have already tipped. He will lend his strength to Lido and the others who even now are in such danger, even if it means making many more enemies. Even if people he care about, like Lai, hate him for it. But the terror of being completely isolated.

Syr: Something really seems to be bothering you... It's better not to try to take on everything by yourself.

Sora:...

Syr: Sora, you have everyone in your Familia there for you now, don't you?

Her words shook him. He didn't care what happens to him. He was afraid, and he would probably tremble when it happens, but he made the decision himself. It doesn't matter if people throw stones, he already accepted it. But the members of his familia...that's another story. Before they left home, he stood by the door listening to Hestia's conversation with Mikoto and the others. Because of Sora, they're being treated as a disappointment. His chest feels like it's about to explode. He will not regret his decision. He knew, yet he was on the verge of being crushed by self-reproach.

Sora: That's the thing. I've acted selfishly without thinking. And I think, some of my Familia started avoiding me as well.

Now that this pitiful confession has spilled from his mouth, all he wanted is to disappear. As he hang his head in extreme self-loathing, Syr reaches out and cups Sora's face in her hands.

Sora: Eh?

Syr: If you'll excuse me...

Syr suddenly grabbed Sora's head and lay him on her lap and Syr grabbed his hand and hold him tightly,

Sora: Syr...?

Syr: This is in return for the lap pillow you gave me before.

Sora: In return?! You forced me to do it that time...!

Syr: Hee-hee...Was that what happened? Well, let me force you this time, too.

She begins to comb her fingers through Sora's hair.

Syr: Don't be afraid. Don't hesitate. You may have lost things, but... I'm sure there are true things that remain by your side.

Her tone has shifted to one of gentle remonstration. Sora lift his gaze, as if something is pulling his eyes upward. Syr's smile greets him. Her eyes are brimming with the same affection he saw when she was looking down on the children asleep at the orphanage. Eventually, she lays a hand gently over his eyes.

Syr: For me... The way you always keep running and forging ahead... is what I love about you.

Sora: Eh...?

Sora return his gaze and saw Syr smiles cheerfully, her cheeks flushed. Her huge smile cheers him up, as if it's telling him not to worry. Amazed, he got up from Syr's lap and look around. He realize that her smile, unchanged from before, has relieved some sort of tension within him.

Sora: Thank you. I think I needed to hear that.

He blushed  at her. The sky is still covered in ashen clouds, but his heart feels a bit sunnier now.

Sora: I better get going... I need to head back...

Syr: Then I'll see you again.

Syr said while leaning onto Sora's face and kiss him on the cheek completely shocking him and Syr looked at him with cheeks all red.

Sora: S-Syr!!

Syr: Hehehe... A good luck kiss!!

Sora: U-Uh, I'll see you later!!

Unable to hold his flustered cheek, he ran away leaving Syr behind.

(Timeskip)

After saying good-bye to Syr, he head back alone toward the spot where he left his goddess. Here again, everyone he passed on the street is emanating hostility. But, he just ignore them. Until someone called his name and he looked up to see Finn.

Finn: Sora Yatagami.

Sora: Finn...?

Finn: Only a short sword for self-defense, eh...? That's pretty light weaponry you have there, given your current predicament.

Sora:...

Finn gave a smile that crinkles his blue eyes. Sora was wearing no armor whatsoever, because he knew the Xenos are not dangerous. But the other adventurers wouldn't understand that. Given how careless he must appear to everyone around him.

Sora(mind): What are you up to?

It's not that he didn't have time to properly prepare—he was just being stupid. He was wincing at his blunder, but Finn continues as if nothing is wrong.

Finn: You're by yourself, I see. I'm glad, because I wanted to talk to you in private about something.

The others who have been watching their encounter, stare in surprise. The next moment, they're giving Sora strange looks. Some even direct critical gazes at Finn, but the upper-class adventurer just smiles at Sora. And Sora return the smile.

Finn: What do you say?

Sora: Whatever. Your just here to scoop me out anyway...

Finn smile awkwardly, noticing that Sora had seen through his intention. Sora follow Finn as he searches for a place free of passersby.

Finn: I intend to turn a blind eye to what you did that day. The priority now is resolving the current situation. I want to have a productive conversation.

Sora: I see...

Finn: Yes. You know something about those armed monsters that you call it human that we don't know, right? To take it a bit further, I'd guess you know everything about the recent incident.

Sora: I do...

Finn: I consider what happened the other day to have been a small misunderstanding. If we'd been sharing information, things probably would have gone differently.

Sora:...

Sora just stood there silent, letting Finn took control over the conversation. Sora look at his gaze, and noticed the bagged on his eyes, indicating that Finn haven't slept this past 4 days.

Finn: Plus, things are different now.

There is no out-of-control Wiene. No imminent threat to ordinary civilians. They have no reason to oppose each other. Putting aside the rest of Loki Familia, if only Finn would show him in some way that he understands the Xenos.

Finn: Sora Yatagami. If you know something, I want you to tell me.

Sora: Hmm... I don't think I need to tell you anything. From the way things are, I know that you already have full grasped of the whole situation. I know that you interrogated Lord Ikelos, before he was exiled. Your just saying this to lower my guard to gather information out of me.

Finn smile wanly as if Sora had seen through him completely.

Sora: I already told you everything you need to know. They are humans. But the current situation doesn't said so. And if I share you anything, the end result would have been different anyway. You would definitely kill that human girl who you all thoughts are monster in front of my eyes. As was fitting for the name Braver.

Finn: You keep calling them human. But they turned to ashes like any monsters do? So what do you mean by human?

Finn narrow his eyes coldly. The tension between them suddenly rises. As if a fight was about to broke out.

Sora: You already know what it meant. But, if you still decided to kill them, than your just as a hypocrite as I am.

Finn:...

Sora and Finn continue to stare at one another, until they were suddenly interrupted.

Hermes: Hey, Sora! What a coincidence!

Sora and Finn: !!!

The cheerful voice echoes down the blind alley.

Sora: Lord Hermes...?

Hermes: Yes, yes indeed, it is I, Hermes. What are you up to back here? Lost, perhaps? Or maybe Sora is out collecting information in Daedalus Street as well?

Wearing his winged traveling cap, Hermes approaches them with a sprightly step.

Hermes: Oh ho, Braver. Were you two in the middle of something?

Hermes just noticed Finn hiding in my shadow.

Finn: ...No, no, we're just finishing up, God Hermes.

Finn answers, searching the god's smiling face. After a moment, Finn sighs as if he's given up on getting information and starts to walk away. As he leaves, he looks toward Sora.

Finn: Sora Yatagami. Do you have the key?

Sora: Maybe I have, maybe I don't. You can never tell...

Sora said with a stoic look. Finn narrow his eyes as if trying to read through his lies or not.

Finn: Never mind then...

Finn then disappear and Sora looked at Hermes.

Sora: Lord Hermes, what are you—

Hermes: Sora.

Hermes puts a hand on my shoulder and brings his face close to Sora's.

Hermes: It would be best if you didn't tell Loki Familia about the Xenos.

Sora: Of course you would know about them...

Hermes: It won't make a difference even if you do tell them. Even if they know the Xenos are intelligent, in the end Loki Familia will inevitably choose to annihilate them.

Sora: I know that. You don't need to tell me. Even if I ask for their cooperation, they'll just end up using me. Now that brings that to my question, how do you know about the Xenos?

Hermes: Ouranos's requested.

Sora:...! At Ouranos's request?

Hermes: Yes. I'm trying to track down where the Xenos have gone. At the moment, Asfi and the others haven't been able to track them down —though I've heard they were spotted in the sewers. The downfall of the Sage, I suppose you could say.

Sora: You've known them far longer than we do. You've been working behind the scene this whole time.

Hermes: That's why, I guess you could say we could be allies...

Sora: Hmm... For some reason, I have trouble trusting you for once, Lord Hermes. What are you really after?

Hermes: Woah! Whoa! You don't need to be on guard. I'm not hiding anything...

Sora just sigh at the smooth talker god.

Hestia: Oh, Soraaaaaa....!!! You're all the way back here, are you? You never came back, so I had to go looking for you. Was everything all right?

Sora: Sorry, Goddess. But, I'm fine.

Hestia: Oh, what a relief. I was worried...but why is Hermes here?

The relieved goddess, who has walked up to them, looks at Hermes quizzically.

Hermes: Ha-ha-ha! So sorry, Hestia, I was just borrowing Sora for a moment to have a conversation.

He laughs as if he was just joking around.

Hermes: Well, I'll let you take over the role of guard. Hestia, keep him safe!

Hermes walks off.

Hestia: Sora, what were you talking with Hermes about?

Sora: Well...

As Sora explain thei conversation, Hestia strokes her chin.

Sora: I'd heard that Hermes and his familia had received a request from Ouranos, but...

Hestia: Oh really?

Sora: Yes. So I guess they've been working to help the Xenos...

The goddess's words trail off, and she looks in the direction that Hermes disappeared. She appears to be suspicious of the god for not even trying to have a proper discussion with her. Sora follow her gaze, himself. As they stand there, a single bead of water falls onto his shoulder. An instant later, the blanket of clouds covering the city bursts into the sound of rain. The droplets begin descending, each to its own destination, changing shape as it falls.

(Timeskip)

It was late at night at the HearthFire Mansion, and Sora continues to stay on his room and look outside his window with the curtain barely open. He could tell that Finn had figure out that Sora was at the center of this mess. So he could tell that there are many Loki Familia members that had been watching him this past 4 days. Or to be more precise, the whole Hestia Familia was being watched.

Sora: ...??

Sora then noticed an owl landed right outside his window with a document strapped around its leg and he grabbed it and head towards the living room.

Hestia: A message from the Xenos?

The entire of Hestia Familia has gathered here to look at the letter Sora received from Fels's familiar.

Sora: This is a very old language. The letter is peppered with demi-human words, and at first glance, the sentences seem to be incoherent. They can be deciphered only by rearranging and recombining words from two different languages: the language of the pallum, which includes the word irregular, and the language of the renard's, which includes the word fool. Only someone who knew the nature of the Xenos and Fels would be able to read the code.

With serious, tense expressions on their faces, Hestia, Bell, Rin Lili, Welf, Mikoto, and Haruhime gather around the table and look down at the letter. They were surprise that Sora was able to read them.

Welf: 'We will try to reach Daedalus Street tomorrow night.' It seems they've been driven to take extremes...

Haruhime: And, well, I am quite certain that right now, Daedalus Street...

Mikoto: Yes, Miss Haruhime. It's full of adventurers, not to mention it's Loki Familia's encampment.

The letter, explain the situation that Fels and the Xenos are currently in and their plan for returning to the Dungeon. It ends with a call for help. The final sentence entreats the Hestia Familia to somehow find a way to assist them again. At first, Bell, Haruhime, Mikoto, and Sora were relieved to read that Wiene safely regained consciousness...but now they were all silent. They all stare at the letter on the table.

Lili: It's like an invitation to destruction from some evil god.

Given the situation in Orario right now, saving the Xenos is synonymous with turning every familia in the city against them. And Hestia breaks the silence.

Hestia: Alright. Why don't we decide this now? The path we'll take from here. Are we going to save the Xenos or not...?

Hestia looked at her children. Before anyone else can open their mouth, Sora fire his words at the goddess's averted face.

Sora Goddess, please. This is my problem— Its something I need to do alone—

Hestia: Sora, this isn't just your problem anymore. The moment you, our second in command, took action, it became the familia's problem as well. So that's enough double-talk from you.

Sora:...

Hestia shifts her gaze from Sora's frozen form and poses her question to Lili and the others once again.

Hestia: Everyone, please make your choice. Do we save the Xenos and live as outcast in Orario, or... Do we abandon them, and wait for our lives to go back to the way they were? It's one of the two.

This is the same choice Sora was faced with as well. He was caught between Wiene and Loki Familia, forced into a binary choice. Now Hestia is putting that choice to the others. Sora don't want them to choose either path. That is the true feeling in his deplorable heart. He stood there like a criminal waiting for his verdict to be handed down, and his memories of the Labyrinth District mix with guilt over acting immorally.

Welf: Lady Hestia, Can I add one more option?

Hestia: What would that be?

Welf: We move sneakily to bring those guys back to the Dungeon. That way we don't get scolded or mocked.

At first, Sora was so stunned by his words he didn't comprehend them. Welf is grinning, and Hestia, too, is smiling as if she's just grasped everything fully.

Sora: Eh...?

Welf: Look at this.

Welf draws a dagger from the sheath at his waist, his flame-red hair bouncing.

Welf: This is a magic blade. I have three more in the workshop.

Lili:I thought that's what you were up to when you were holed up in there all that time...

Lili says, heaving a sigh. She looks at the deep-aqua blade as if she already knows all about it.

Welf: I knew what we'd have to do, and I knew we didn't have much time. In order to save the Xenos...Yes, I had to put aside my foolish pride. If we don't have something like this, we won't be able to get around the other adventurers.

Sora was still frozen in place—although now it's because of sheer surprise. He couldn't believe that Welf has announced so clearly he intends to save the Xenos.

Welf: What's with the strange face, Sora?

Welf says with a questioning look.

Sora: Wh-what do you mean, what...?! I abandoned you and did all that stuff without asking any of you!! And I caused our familia all kinds of trouble and pain as a result!! I...was so sure that all of you detested me...

All the feelings and doubts He had kept locked up inside until now spew out uncontrollably. "I'm sorry". It's not that he expect to be forgiven, but. As Sora desperately try to get out those words, Welf beats cut him off.

Welf: Sora, I told you before. Don't apologize. But if you'll let me scold you a bit...Next time, don't leave us behind, okay?

Welf grins. Next to him, Mikoto crinkles her blue-violet eyes.

Mikoto: Sir Sora, there's nothing wrong with you. Because no matter how much we thought it over, we definitely would have come to the same decision as you...All you did was get a head start on the rest of us.

Next, Haruhime stood up quietly beside him.

Haruhime: You were suffering this whole time, weren't you? My deepest apologies. I should have spoken with you sooner.

Sora: Haruhime...

Haruhime: Thank you very much for rescuing Lady Wiene. I am truly happy.

Haruhime says with wet eyes, her smile and words unfolding like cherry blossoms. Their expressions are a mirror image of the tearful smiles Lido and the others showed him as they held the sleeping Wiene in their arms and thanked him.

Bell: I will always be chasing after you. After all, you were the one that taught me how to become a Hero. If it weren't you. I wouldn't be standing here.

Sora: Bell...

Bell: Sora, you will and always will be my Hero!

Lili has been watching as Sora talked with Bell, Welf and Mikoto and exchanged heartfelt looks with Haruhime.

Lili: —Geez, you are all so softhearted!! I'm not ashamed to say it—I feel differently than you! I am still completely against rescuing the monsters!!

Lili screeches, as if she has reached the limit of her tolerance. Her face was turned away, but now she slowly widens her eyes and look up at them.

Lili: But...there's nothing to be done if the majority has decided otherwise.

A smile spreads over the pallum girl's face like a sunflower.

Lili: The idea of deserting Master Sora or of Master Sora deserting any of us...Well, I just don't like it. Anyway, I'm used to being an outcast. I'm not afraid of a bunch of disappointed stares.

Sora hadn't been able to look at them straight since the day he went behind their backs, and he slowly turn to each one. Bell, Lili, Welf, Mikoto, Haruhime. Syr was right. He may lost some things, but other things remain. A single tear slides from his eye.

Hestia: Well... then. That leaves one more person...

Everyone all look at the mage girl who had been silence this whole time with her hair shadowing her eyes and Sora look at her.

Sora: Rin... I... I'm sorry for acting selfish.

Rin slowly stood up from her sofa and approached him and suddenly, *SLAP*. A loud crack filled the air as a red hand print was on Sora's face. But he was unfazed by the action. He deserve it after all.

Rin: You always say that!! Your sorry, sorry, sorry, sorry! That's all you ever say!! Always trying to do things all by yourself. Never really thought how other people felt about you!! I know that you don't want to dragged us with you, because you're worried about us, but you need to understand that we're worried about you too!!

Rin then look up and everyone could see tears shedding from her eyes. He couldn't imagine how much she was hurting inside with how he was before.

Rin: I'm worried about you!!

Sora: Rin...

Rin: What you did was completely understandable!! You really... You worried me so much, so much...!!

More and more tears started streaming down the girls eyes as she hit his chest over and over again, before burying her face onto his shirt. Sora could feel tears staining down his shirt, but he didn't move, instead he hold both her hands and return the hug.

Sora: I'm sorry, for acting selfish. I'm sorry for always doing things on my own. I'm sorry, for everything...

Rin: You should be... You jerk!! I missed you, so much!!

Sora: I miss you too...

Tears started streaming down the boys face as well, as both Sora and Rin continue to hugged each other. The rest could only smile at the two. They've made up. After they broke the hug, Sora raised his hand into a fist, and Rin smile at him and brought her fist as well and the two of them fist bump.

???: That's not fair. You guys did a fist bump without me...

Everyone look towards the door, and they were surprise to see Muller.

Sora: Muller!!

Bell: Um... How did you get inside?

Muller: Did you forget you guys gave me a spare key?

Sora: But, why are you in Orario?

Muller: Because Rin called us. Telling us, that you were in trouble. And needed help in saving the Xenos.

Everyone was surprised that Muller knew about the Xenos. But to their surprise, Rin had called them to help and they were willing to.

Sora: Wait, us?

???: Us...?

Another person appeared through the door and Sora was surprised to see her as well. She was a beautiful young woman supposedly in her mid to late 20's with clear skin and golden eyes with short unkempt black hair.

Sora: Lemia...?!

Lemia: Long time no see, Sora. Looks like you've mature more than just your height!

Lili: Le-Lemia!! As in the "Mage of Falling Leafs"! The strongest Mage at Azbaya. The only adventurer there that's ever reached level 6?!

Lemia: Well, let's tell all the details later on. But Sora, we're here to help. We can catch up later.

Sora: Th-Thank you...

Sora then realized something.

Sora: Wait, if you guys are here. That means...

???: Exactly as you thought, Sora...

Suddenly, another person walk through the door and Sora started having tears on his eyes. She had a long walnut brown hair that is gathered together behind her head in a dignified manner, along with deep indigo eyes that are reminiscent of a sea of stars. She wears a simple kirtle and a long skirt. It was none other than the Goddess of Justice, Astraea.

Hestia: A-A-Astraea!!!

Astraea: Its nice to see you again, Hestia.

Hestia: Yes, long time no see, Astraea. I heard what happen to you through Sora!!

Astraea: Yes, a lot happen. But I'm here to help...

Bell: B-But are you sure. If they saw that the Goddess of Justice is siding with monsters. Terrible disdain will fall to you too, Goddess Astraea...

Astraea: If I can help a crying child. Then I don't deserve to hold the name Justice.

Astraea smile as she was seeing new faces all over her. And she look at Sora who still standing frozen in shock.

Astraea: So-

Before she could even finish saying a word, Sora dash right through Rin and hugged Astraea tightly, burying his face on her shoulder crying.

Sora: Lady Astraea!!

Astraea could only smile and hugged him tightly and let him cry on her shoulder.

Astraea: You really are such a cry baby... But, I'm here. Just let it out...

Sora: I... I... I messed up badly. I hurt everyone. I made an enemy to Orario. I attacked other adventurer. I've driven away everyone!!

Astraea: But... You did it to protect a life. That's more than enough. Just like 7 years ago, when I came to you. You have a new Familia now. And they all will always support you no matter what.

Sora:...

Astraea: You haven't changed... Your still the Sora, I love...

Sora: Lady Astraea...

Sora continue to cry on her shoulder while hugging her tightly. Astraea could only rubbed his head and let him cry for awhile and the rest of the Hestia Familia other than Rin look surprise.

Haruhime: Um... What kind of relationship does Lady Astraea and Sora have.

Muller: You guys, might not know this, but Lady Astraea is actually in love with Sora.

Hestia Familia: EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEHHHHHHH!!!!!

After Sora had cried, he look up with tears on his eyes, but Astraea only wipe his tears away.

Sora: Thank you... everyone.

Hestia: That's decided, then. We will save the Xenos together!

Welf: Okay, Sora, get us in the mood! Give us a few words, and speak up when you do! Give us one of your amazing speech!

The goddess extends her arms into the middle, and everyone else does the same, overlapping their hands in the center. Sora follow their lead. He hesitate for just a second before deciding what he'll say, then nod at the smiling faces turned his way. Under the eye of the owl perched on the back of a chair, his voice swells along with his thoughts.

Sora: The fate of the Xenos lies in our hand. Believe it or not, we are the only ones who can save them.

Everyone:...

Sora: I'm sure, many of you are afraid, apprehensive, and feeling confused. There's no telling what might happen. We might succeed, we might not. But, I believe in each and everyone of you. Your abilities and everything. That's why...

Sora open his eyes and look at everyone.

Sora: Let's go save Wiene and the others!!

Everyone:Yeah!!

The endless rain has lifted.

(Timeskip)

After preparing everything for the battle. Sora had a different mission for the Astraea Familia, he wanted them to assist the Xenos in Knossos knowing Loki Familia's elf will be there, as he was done discuss it with them. Astraea and her new Familia nodded their head and left the Manor. Items, maps, oculus crystal for communication. After everything was complete everyone gather at the living room. They had been waiting with bated breath in a back room of the building, with no change in the crystal—when suddenly it began to glow with a faint light.

Fels: Can you hear me, Sora Yatagami?

Sora: Yes. I can hear you just fine.

The image in the crystal showed Fels and a number of Xenos gathered in a dim space that appeared to be a sewer.

Fels: First, let me express our gratitude. Goddess Hestia, we deeply appreciate your generous compassion.

Hestia: Let's skip the formalities, Fels. This is only the second time we've talked, but there was no way I could leave Wiene and the others to their own devices. Anyway, it was Sora and the other children who decided.

Suddenly, the vouivre poked her face out from beside the black-robed mage.

Wiene: Papa! Bell! Haruhime!

Sora: Wiene!

Haruhime: Lady Wiene!

Then Lido was there, too.

Lido: Sora-chi! Bellucchi! And Lillicchi, too! I'm so sorry to ask your help like this again...

As Hestia spoke to the image of Fels in the crystal, Haruhime and Lilly talked to Wiene and Lido. The excited voices of the Xenos echoed from the oculus.

Gros: Quiet down! We'll be discovered!

The emotional reunion via the crystals was brief, however. Soon, Sora and the others began to discuss their plans for the coming hours and days.

Fels: We have six possible routes.

Fels said, holding the brightly shining oculus. After asking Sora to aim the crystal at the plan of Knossos in Daedalus's Notebook, Fels had carefully copied it out onto a parchment, which was spread on the stone floor so that the mage could use it in explaining the plan to the Xenos and Hestia Familia.

Hestia: According to the Notebook, there are six entrances to Knossos, which lie below the central zone of Daedalus Street: northeast, northwest, west, southwest, southeast, and east.

Sora: We will break through to one of these six doors and head for the Dungeon. As for you guys, I have sent a party of someone exceptionally skilled to follow you guys through the dungeon. But I'll get there a bit later.

Everyone all looked at Sora.

Sora: Alright, this will be what the Loki Familia will be thinking. They will shift the attention of Loki Familia to me. The armed monsters will probably use me as a diversion and attempt to enter Knossos, so we'll pretend that we've fallen for their trick and lay a trap in a different location. But the important thing will be to pay attention to what's happening in the opposite direction of me. That's what they were planning.

Everyone all listen closely without saying a words. If anyone will be able to outsmart Finn, it will be Sora.

Sora: That's why. We'll going to be moving according to their plan. But what they don't know, we've found two other entrance unguarded by them. So we'll use this chance to break free. That's why, I'll be the diversion just like they want me to. And here's what I want you all to do.

Sora said, while looking at the Xenos through the Crystal.

Sora: I'm sure, Braver already know that you guys are intelligent monsters. But nothing matters to them. They also know that we got the keys, so they won't let you guys go that easily. Even if we managed to slip past through them at the surface, there's still a chance you guys might encounter them at Knossos.

Fels: B-But How? They don't have the key...

Sora: Yes. But the people hiding inside Knossos do. They won't sat idly by that you guys have the key. If the Loki Familia wiped you guys out, the key will fall in their hands, and the people there won't stay silent and watch from the side-line. So I'm sure they'll be on the move too.

Fels: W-Wait, doesn't that mean...

Sora: Yes, you guys will be on a tough spot when you enter. But don't worry, I have someone who are willing to accompany you guys there. They're all first class adventurers, so don't be afraid.

Xenos:...

Sora: That's why, please follow according to the plan.

As Hestia, his other familia members, and the Xenos all continued to watch him, Sora squeezed his palms into tight fists.

Rei: Sora, I'm sorry...We are always hurting you...

Sora: It's all right, Rei. I've already made my decision. I've decided to help you and the other Xenos...

Rei: Sora...

Wiene: Rei? Why is your face red? Does something hurt?

Rei: W-Wiene?!

The siren's pained whisper had set off a sudden flurry of activity on the Xenos side of the crystal, starting with Wiene's question. As a different sort of excitement from before descended over the monsters, Gros shouted at them for a second time.

Gros: I said, shut up!!!

The image in the oculus wavered furiously, and Sora just sigh.

Sora: Ouch?!

Sora yelped. Rin had pinched his behind.

Sora: Really?!

Rin only pouted and look away and Sora just sigh before giving her a kiss on the cheek.

Sora: There! Happy?!

Rin: Happy...

Rin said smiling while blushing. The other Hestia Familia just blush when they saw Sora kiss Rin on the cheek but they all didn't say a word.

Lili: Master Sora will be in danger, but it seems Lili's role is also fairly risky...!

Lilly noted when the mage had finished, pressing her hands to her head.

Welf: Do your best. We're counting on you, Li'l E!

Welf laughed.

Lili: Grr...don't act like this has nothing to do with you...!

Mikoto: Sir Welf, our position is not easy, either...We must focus our attention.

Hestia: Haruhime and I will be acting behind the scenes, but our task will be difficult in its own way.

Hestia said, her arms folded.

Haruhime: True, but I am ready to take on the challenge!

Haruhime replied, pressing her hands to her chest.

Rin: I'll be getting into trouble too. But, I'll try the best I can!

Rin replied with a confident look as she hold her staff.

Bell: I'll continue to stay in hiding, while helping any separate Xenos to the best of my abilities.

Lido: Sora-chi, everyone...I am truly sorry. And truly grateful.

Bell: Lido...

Lido: There is much I would like to say to you...But let's meet up after we escape from this and have a proper conversation.

Bell: Yes!

The face of the monster floated in the center of the crystal. By now, Sora had learned to tell whether he was happy or angry or sad. He smiled back into the crinkled yellow eyes of the lizardman.

Sora: Are there anymore questions...?

Everyone all shook their head. They all will move according to Sora's plan without any hesitation and Sora smile at them.

Sora: Alright, let the battle commence!!

Everyone: Yeah!!

Everyone cheer. The battle between Hestia Familia, Xenos, Loki Familia had started.