Journey to Orario
It had been a month since they officially formed the Hestia Familia, and in that time, the group of six have grown stronger. Their training was intensified, they sharpened their teamwork, and each of their bonds had deepened.
Each day brought new challenges, but also new victories. Bell, Izuku, Bakugo, Kyoka, Eri, and Toshinori had pushed themselves, preparing for the day they would finally leave for Orario.
Time soon went by and before they it, that day was tomorrow.
The air was buzzing with a sense of unspoken anticipation. This journey would take them into the heart of the city where adventurers thrived, where gods played their divine games. Where their fate awaited them.
But before that, there were still things to be said and things to be done.
In the golden afternoon, as the sun bathed the village in warm light. Bell sat outside his home, staring at the sky. His mind was restless and filled with questions he had buried for too long.
He was so lost in his head that he didn’t hear Zeus approach him until the old man sat beside him with a sigh. “You look like a man carrying the weight of the world, Bell.”
Bell flinched slightly but kept his gaze forward. “…Gramps, I need to ask you something.” Zeus could hear an uncertainty in his tone.
Zeus chuckled. “Something tells me I won’t like this conversation.”
Bell finally turned to him, his crimson eyes were sharp. “Why didn’t you ever tell me you were a god?”
A long silence stretched between them. The wind rustled through the trees. Zeus exhaled, rubbing his beard.
“…I wanted you to live your life as you were, not as the grandson to a god who once oversaw the strongest Familia in Orario. You would have been burdened by it and constantly wondering if you had to live up to something greater than yourself.” Bell knows what his grandpa is trying to say, but his mind is overclouded by his anger that he wants his mind to accept it.
Bell clenched his fists. “But I could have handled it! I trusted you, Gramps!”
Zeus sighed deeply. “Could you though? Bell you cry over the smallest things and couldn’t even handle the woman in this village with your face turning completely tomato.” His usual playful demeanor was gone, replaced by an old, weary seriousness. Bell, knowing his was right, frown and growled.
Silence befall the two, not having anything else to say until Zeus thought of it.
The one person who was supposed to tell him wasn’t here anymore, and since she is dead, it now falls on her.
“Bell, there’s something far more important you need to know.”
Bell furrowed his brows, but intrigued one what his grandpa had to say. “What?”
Zeus placed a hand on his shoulder his face showing genuine affection but also a sad smile. “I knew your parents.”
Bell’s heart skipped a beat as his eyes go wide. “Y-You did?”
“Yes,” Zeus said softly. “Your mother was Meteria, a kind and strong woman. And your mother was a woman named Alfia.”
Bell froze as his mind stalled.
“…My other mother?” he repeated slowly as the gears in his head move slowly.
Zeus blinked, realizing his mistake. “Ah, well-”
Bell gasped as the realization dawned on him. “I-I had two moms!?”
Zeus opened his mouth, then closed it. He looked at Bell and saw the hopeful spark in his grandson’s eyes. This made him hesitated to tell the truth. Technically, he meant that Meteria was his mother and Alfia was his aunt, but-
“…Yes,” Zeus eventually said as he nod his head.
Bell, now filled with newfound wonder, beamed. It was so bright that Zeus thought he was staring at the sun.
“That’s amazing! No wonder I feel so strongly about protecting the people I care about! I had two moms watching over me!”
Zeus chuckled nervously, rubbing the back of his head. “R-Right. That’s exactly what I meant.”
Bell smiled, staring at the horizon. “I wish I could have met them.” His tone was sad and wishful. Zeus patted his back. “They would have been so proud of you, Bell.”
And though the old god felt guilty about the misunderstanding, he couldn’t bear to take away the happiness Bell found in believing he had two loving mothers. Besides, they weren’t here to correct him or bodily injure him.
(XX)
As the sun began to lower in the sky, the sounds of a fight echoed through the fields.
Izuku and Kyoka stood across from each other, sweat dripping down their faces as their chests rise and fall with heavy breaths. They had been sparring for hours now and were neither willing to relent.
Kyoka adjusted her stance, her newly acquired combat skills made her more formidable than ever. “You’re holding back, Midoriya,” she said, smirking.
Izuku smiled, wiping the sweat that had slowly accumulated on his forehead. “Maybe just a little.” He sheepishly said, missing the dark look that appeared in Kyoka’s eyes.
“Don’t.” He blinked.
She took a step forward, her eyes filled with something fierce. “Don’t hold back just because I’m your girlfriend. I came to this world to stand by your side, not behind it.”
Izuku stared at her and saw nothing but the fire in her eyes. It reminded him of himself when he got all fried up when he was training to accept the responsibility of being the Ninth User of One For All. He chuckled. “You’re right.” His emerald eyes burned with determination. “Then I’ll go all out, Kyoka.”
The two lovers clashed again, their movements were in perfect sync as they each tested the other’s limits. Izuku’s form glowed with green electricity while Kyoka readied her
Somewhere in the distance, Bakugo watched with his arms crossed. Now, he wasn’t one for sentimental moments, but even he could tell this sparring session meant more than just training. It was their way of preparing for what came next.
While Izuku and Kyoka trained with each other, Bakugo found himself in the forge that he would work from time to time whenever he had some free time. His hands were slightly scarred from days of working, but he smirked at the finished product.
In his hands were six intricately designed masks, each one carrying the symbol of the newly established familia, which was a flaming bell.
“Those idiots better appreciate this,” he muttered as he took a step back and admire his works.
Eri, who had been quietly watching from the doorway, stepped forward. “Uncle…are those for everyone?”
“Yeah,” he grunted. “Something to remind us of who we are, no matter where we go.”
Eri beamed. “I think they’ll love them!”
Bakugo scoffed but couldn’t hide the small, proud smirk tugging at his lips.
(XX)
Inside their home, Hestia sat at the table with several maps and documents sprawled in front of her.
Toshinori leaned over, studying them. “So… we’ll need a place to stay once we reach Orario.”
Hestia sighed. “That’s the tricky part. Most deities start with nothing. We’ll have to find a place that doesn’t charge too much.”
Toshinori nodded. “And our income?”
“We’ll need to rely on what our adventurers bring back from the dungeon.”
Toshinori rubbed his chin. “Then we should aim to reach the dungeon as soon as we arrive.”
Hestia smiled. “That’s the plan.” She then gave him a knowing look. “You’re really serious about this, huh?”
Toshinori chuckled. “They’re my family now. I won’t let them face this alone.”
Hestia’s expression softened. “Then let’s make this familia the strongest one Orario has ever seen. We shall surpassed my brothers and his wife’s Familia.” Despite the reality of it, the former symbol of peace couldn’t help but want to believe in Hestia’s words.
As the moon rose, the entire group gathered outside their home. Bell, Izuku, Kyoka, Bakugo, Eri, and Toshinori sat around a warm fire, while Hestia and Zeus watched over them.
Bakugo stood up and held out the masks. “Here, I made this and you better not lose them. I will not be making another one if you do.” Bakugo said as everyone took one, their eyes widening at the craftsmanship. Bakugo had made some animal styled porcelain masks, with each mask having a distinctive feature that belongs to the person in mind.
Kyoka smirked. “Bakugo…you made these?”
He scoffed. “Don’t make a big deal out of it.”
Izuku smiled, slipping his mask on. “Thank you, brother.”
Bakugo grumbled. “Whatever.”
Hestia looked at them, her heart swelling with pride. “Tomorrow… our journey begins.”
Bell clenched his fists. “We’ll prove ourselves.”
Kyoka grinned. “We’ll show Orario what the Hestia Familia can do.”
Eri beamed. “And we’ll do it together!”
Izuku smiled, feeling a surge of warmth in his chest. “Together.”
Toshinori nodded. “No matter what comes next.”
As the fire crackled, they all felt the weight of tomorrow. It was the start of a new chapter. The beginning of something greater.
(XXXX)
The next warning, sun had barely begun its ascent, casting long shadows over the quiet village. The morning air was crisp, tinged with the scent of dew and earth.
The group was making their final preparations, tightening the last straps on their travel bags and securing supplies. They were also ensuring that their weapons were in place.
Their weapons weren’t much, considering the blacksmith told them how his weapons could never compare to the ones in the city. But to the group that didn’t matter. As long as the weapon was strong enough to keep up with them, then it’s alright.
Despite that, today was the day. They were leaving for Orario.
Bell was among them. He was outside his home adjusting his swords that were strapped to his back. He also checked to see if his throwing knifes were strapped to his ankles. As he did so his thoughts were in a whirlwind of excitement and nerves.
‘This is it, the moment I have been waiting for.’ Bell thought, closing his fist. He was finally stepping into the world of adventurers, ready to carve his own path.
But just as he was about to head back toward the others, a firm but gentle hand grasped his shoulder.
“Hold on a second, Bell,” Zeus’ voice came, steady yet tinged with something…deep.
Bell turned, looking up at his grandfather. “Gramps?”
Zeus wore his usual smile, but there was something in his eyes that felt like nostalgic. He gestured toward a more secluded area just beyond the village’s edge. “Come with me for a moment.”
Bell hesitated, glancing toward the others, but he nodded. “Alright.”
The two of them walked side by side, moving past the main path and into a quieter clearing.
The rustling leaves overhead danced in the gentle breeze as their shadows flicker over the ground.
Zeus stopped when they reached a large oak tree, its thick roots stretching into the earth like the veins of history.
For a moment, Zeus simply stood there, staring at the tree as if lost in thought, making Bell fidget. “Gramps, is something wrong?”
Zeus exhaled through his nose, then reached into the pouch tied around his waist. “No, nothing’s wrong. Before you go…there’s something I’ve been meaning to give you.”
Bell watched as the old god pulled out a book. Its dark cover was cracked with age, but its presence carried a weight that Bell couldn’t quite explain. There was an aura around it, it was faint, but undeniable.
Bell’s breath hitched. “That’s…”
Zeus held the book in both hands, his fingers tracing over its surface as if reminiscing on something long past. “This belonged to your mother, Alfia.”
Bell’s eyes widened.
Zeus chuckled lightly at his reaction. “I was supposed to give this to you on your fourteenth birthday. That was her wish. But, well… she’s not here to do it herself, so the responsibility falls on me.” He held the book out. “Go on. Take it.”
Bell’s hands trembled slightly as he reached forward, fingers brushing against the ancient cover before finally grasping it. The weight of the book was surprisingly heavy in his hands, as if it carried the lingering presence of its previous owner.
His chest tightened as his hands grip his mother’s grimoire.
“…She wanted me to have this?” Bell asked, his voice quieter than before.
Zeus nodded. “She did.” He glanced at the book before continuing. “Alfia wasn’t the type to say a lot, but when she did, she meant every word.” It was very much true as Zeus could remember that Alfia rarely spoke, only doing so with her sister. Shaking his head, Zeus continued with his story.
“Alfia wanted you to be able to stand on your own two feet, to be strong enough to protect what you love.” His expression softened. “She loved you, Bell. More than anything.” Now he was lying a bit, mostly the first part of what he said. Alfia wanted Bell to be a mere farmer and fall in love with a simple village girl. But since meeting the group, his whole entire life is now part of something greater.
Bell’s throat felt dry. He looked down at the grimoire, running his fingers over the cover. He had never met his mother, never heard her voice, never even seen her face. And yet, here in his hands was something she had left behind, something she had meant for him to have.
His vision blurred as he clutched the book to his chest, holding it as if it were the most precious thing in the world.
“…Thank you,” he whispered.
Zeus placed a hand on Bell’s head, ruffling his white hair in a way that was both affectionate and familiar. “Don’t go crying on me now, boy. Your journey’s just beginning.”
Bell let out a choked laugh, rubbing at his eyes. “I-I know! It’s just… this means a lot.” He swallowed, trying to steady himself. “I won’t waste it. I promise.”
Zeus smirked. “Good. Because knowing Alfia, she’d come back from the afterlife just to yell at you if you did.”
Bell laughed, the heaviness in his chest lightening just a little.
For a moment, neither of them spoke. The wind whispered through the trees, carrying with it a sense of quiet understanding.
Then, Bell looked up. “Gramps… what was she like? My mother?”
Zeus' smile softened. “She was…complicated. Strong, but gentle in her own way. Fierce, but kind to those she cared about. She could be a bit harsh, but it was only because she wanted to see people grow.” He chuckled. “And gods, was she powerful. One of the strongest mages I’d ever seen.”
Bell’s grip on the grimoire tightened.
Zeus looked at him with a knowing gaze. “You remind me of her, you know.”
Bell blinked. “I do?”
Zeus nodded. “You’ve got her heart. That fire in you, the determination to push forward, no matter what, that’s hers.” He sighed, staring up at the sky. “Your other mother, Meteria, was the same way. Full of warmth and love. The two of them… they wanted nothing more than to give you a better future.”
Bell felt something warm in his chest at those words.
Zeus clapped his shoulder. “You’re their son, Bell. And I know you’ll make them proud.”
Bell looked down at the grimoire, then back up at Zeus. His eyes shone with renewed determination. “I will.”
Zeus grinned. “That’s my boy.”
Bell let out a breath and smiled. He pressed the book close to his chest once more before tucking it carefully into his pack. It wasn’t just a simple grimoire. It was a connection to his mother. A piece of her that would always be with him.
And as he followed Zeus back toward the others, Bell knew one thing for certain, He wasn’t just going to Orario for himself.
He was going to honor the legacy left behind for him.
As the morning rises, bathing the village in warm hues of orange and gold, the group of seven gathered at the entrance, their belongings secured for the long journey ahead. There was an air of bittersweetness weight pressing against their chests as they prepared to leave behind the place that had become their home.
Bell stood at the forefront, adjusting the straps of his pack while the others finished their last farewells. His mind was once again a whirlwind of emotions;’excitement, nervousness, and a quiet sadness for the home he was about to leave behind.
Eri clung to Kyoka’s hand, her crimson eyes filled with both curiosity and uncertainty. “Are we really leaving?” she asked softly, glancing between everyone.
Kyoka gave her a reassuring squeeze. “Yeah, we are.” She then ruffled the little girl’s hair. “But don’t worry. We’ll make a new home together, okay?”
Eri nodded, though she still looked hesitant.
Nearby, Bakugo stood with his arms crossed, his expression unreadable. “Can’t believe we wasted months in this damn village,” he muttered, but there was no real malice in his tone.
Toshinori chuckled, placing a hand on Bakugo’s shoulder. “Come now, young Bakugo. Every experience helps us grow stronger. Even time spent in peace has its value.”
Bakugo scowled, shrugging off the touch. “Whatever. Let’s just get moving before I change my mind.”
Hestia, standing at the center of them all, took a deep breath before turning to face the villagers who had gathered to bid them farewell. “Thank you, all of you, for your kindness. We’ll never forget the warmth you’ve given us.”
An elderly man stepped forward, bowing deeply. “You were a blessing to our village, Goddess. May your journey be safe, and may fortune smile upon you all.”
Zeus stood off to the side, his arms crossed over his chest, watching the exchange with a proud yet solemn expression.
He had said his goodbyes to Bell in private, but there was still a part of him that wished he could hold onto this moment a little longer.
Finally, the time came.
Bell took one last look at the village, the fields, the homes, and finally the people who had shown him kindness. He inhaled deeply before taking the porcelain mask he’s was given and put it on his face. Once it was on, he turned to his companions.
“Let’s go,” he said. The others followed suit, the group putting on their masks making Hestia slightly sweat drop. But she chose to accept it and walk with her children.
And With that, the group of seven began walking.
Each step felt heavier than the last as they moved down the worn dirt path leading out of the village.
The villagers stood by and watched until they could no longer see them, their expressions were a mixture of pride and sorrow.
As they walked further into the dense forest, Zeus made his way up a nearby hill, standing atop it with his hands resting on his hips. His sharp eyes never left Bell’s retreating form. The boy was disappearing beyond the trees now, his white hair barely visible through the shifting leaves.
Zeus sighed, a small, sad smile forming on his lips. “So… he’s finally gone.”
For a long moment, he just stood there, watching the space where Bell had once been.
Then, slowly, he lifted his gaze toward the sky. The clouds drifted lazily, untouched by the weight of mortal emotions.
“…I suppose I should apologize in advance,” he muttered, rubbing the back of his head.
A gentle breeze rustled his cloak.
“I know you two had very specific wishes for your son, Alfia, Meteria,” he continued, his voice quieter now. “And I tried, I really did. But there was a bit of a miscommunication.” He chuckled dryly.
“I made Bell thinks he has two mothers now.”The silence that followed was almost palpable.
Zeus let out a heavy sigh. “Yeah, yeah, I know. I should’ve explained better. But in my defense, I didn’t expect him to jump to that conclusion so quickly!”
The wind picked up slightly, as if nature itself was reacting to his words.
Zeus shook his head. “Look, I don’t think it’s a bad thing. If anything, it just means he has twice the love to carry with him.” His gaze softened. “Besides… it’s not like either of you are around to correct him.”
He closed his eyes for a moment, exhaling deeply. When he opened them again, his expression was gentler.
“Watch over him, will you?” he murmured. “He’s got a long road ahead.”
With that, he turned, walking back toward the village, his thoughts still lingering on the boy who had just left for his future.
(XXXX)
Location: Unknown
Far beyond the realm of mortals, in a place untouched by time and space, a figure watched.
The void stretched endlessly in all directions, a swirling mass of energy and color that defied reality itself. And at the center of it all sat the being that had set everything into motion.
They had no true form, only a shifting silhouette of light and shadow, their presence was both omnipotent and mischievous. They were busy observing, entertained by the grand story unfolding before them.
And when Zeus spoke those fateful words, when Bell unknowingly altered his own past through sheer misunderstanding, the being laughed.
A deep, resounding laughter that echoed through the void.
“How delightful,” they mused, their voice carrying the weight of eternity. “Such a small change, yet such a significant ripple.”
They leaned forward, eyes twinkling with amusement. “The boy who walks unknowingly with two mothers… oh, how fate twists and turns in the most unexpected ways.”
They could have interfered further. They could have adjusted things, set them back on the intended course.
But where was the fun in that?
No, this was much more interesting.
With a wave of their hand, the vision before them shifted. The group of adventurers moved steadily toward Orario, each step carrying them closer to a destiny yet unknown.
The being smiled.
“Let’s see how far they can go.”
{XXXX}
(Day 1)
The sun hung high in the sky, dappled light burst through the thick canopy of trees as the group ventured deeper into the wilderness. The air was crisp, carrying the scent of earth and pine, and the only sounds were the rhythmic crunch of footsteps on the dirt path and the occasional rustling of unseen creatures hiding in the underbrush.
Izuku walked near the front, his green eyes scanning the area ahead, ever alert for any signs of danger. Beside him, Bakugo trudged forward with a scowl, arms crossed, already irritated by the slow pace. Both were still wearing the masks that Bakugo had made the day before.
Kyoka walked alongside Bell, chatting quietly with him while Eri held onto Toshinori’s hand, her bright red eyes full of curiosity as she took in the sights of the vast forest. Meanwhile Hestia seemed excited, though was slightly winded from all the walking they’ve been doing.
“How much further till we’re out of these woods?” Bakugo grumbled, kicking a loose rock.
“We just started,” Kyoka deadpanned, rolling her eyes. “Try to enjoy the scenery a little.”
“Like hell, I’m not here for a nature hike.”
Izuku chuckled. “We’ll be in Orario before you know it, brother.”
Bakugo just scoffed but didn’t argue any further.
As they walked, Bell took a deep breath, his grip tightening around his throwing knife’s. He still couldn’t quite believe this was happening. He had spent so much of his life in that village, training under Izuku and Bakugo, and now…now he was finally on his way to Orario. To become a hero.
But that dream would have to wait.
A sudden rustling in the nearby bushes snapped him from his thoughts.
Izuku stopped dead in his tracks, eyes narrowing. “Something’s coming.”
Bakugo cracked his knuckles. “Finally, some action.”
Bell instinctively reached for his knifes, while Kyoka brought out her War Fans, the jacks dangling from her earlobes twitching in anticipation.
Toshinori immediately stepped in front of Hestia and Eri, despite his weakened frame, his hands gripped the greatsword in his hands tightly. “Eri, stay close,” he said firmly, his voice leaving no room for argument.
Eri nodded, gripping the edge of her cloak.
Then, with a sudden burst of speed, creatures emerged. Monsters.
A dozen or so of them, small green grotesque bodies covered in nothing but cloth hides. Their beady red eyes gleamed with hunger as they let out guttural snarls.
“Goblins?” Bell muttered, taking a cautious step back.
“Oi! Don’t tell me you’re afraid of some weak ass goblins?!” Bakugo yelled, while Izuku study their movements. “Small, not much muscles on them.” He mumbled as his eyes narrowed.
One of the monsters roared and lunged forward, sharp claws extended, only to be met with a brutal kick to the skull as Bakugo surged forward. The impact sent the creature flying back, crashing against a tree with a sickening crack.
“Too slow,” Bakugo sneered before launching himself at the next one.
Izuku didn’t hesitate, dashing into the fray as he was accompanied by green electricity. Even though One For All wasn’t as strong as before, he had adapted to its weaken form. His moves were fluid, sidestepping incoming swipes and delivering a deadly upper cut that took off the goblin’s head.
Meanwhile, Kyoka ducked under a swipe, her heartbeat hammering as she sent a powerful vibration through the ground, throwing several monsters off balance.
Bell, fueled by pure adrenaline, moved with all the speed and precision that was hammered into him. His two swords flashing as he struck vital points. Two goblins died before they hit ground and moved onto the next one. He was still improving, but he refused to be dead weight to anyone.
The battle prove to be quick, brutal, and most of all efficient.
Within minutes, the monsters lay dead, their torn bodies scattered across the forest.
Bakugo cracked his neck, unimpressed. “That’s it?”
Izuku wiped the sweat from his forehead. “Let’s not get careless, brother. There could be more.”
Eri peeked from behind Toshinori, eyes wide. “You all fought so fast…”
Hestia looked impressed as she cross her arms. “Not bad you four, not bad at all”
Kyoka puts away her fans and smiled. “It was no problem.”
Hestia smile only grew as she patted Toshinori.
Toshinori let out a chuckle. “Good work, everyone. But let’s keep moving.”
(Day 2)
The morning sun hung lazily in the sky, casting golden rays through the thick canopy of trees. A lingering unease settled in the pit of Izuku’s stomach. The previous day had been filled with monsters, creatures lunging without hesitation, that bared their fangs in hunger and rage.
Fighting them had felt normal, even if this world’s beasts were unlike the villains they once knew.
But today would be a different story. The path ahead of the group was quiet, almost too quiet.
Izuku glanced at Kyoka, who walked beside him, her fingers lightly brushing the hilts of her war fans. Her normally sharp eyes flickered with caution. Bakugo, just a few steps ahead, had his arms crossed, shoulders tense. Bell, further up the path, had a hand hovering over knifes at his waist, while Toshinori walked with Eri and Hestia, his weakened form making him seem smaller than he once was, but was no less than imposing. Today, they had forgone to put away the masks until they reached Orario. For now, the masks were in their backpacks.
Then, the feeling sharpened.
A whistle in the air, an attack.
Izuku barely had time to react before an arrow shot past him, embedding itself into a tree.
“AMBUSH!” Bakugo roared, drawing his two gauntlets.
From the shadows of the trees, figures emerged. They were not monsters, but instead people.
Men dressed in ragged armor, some wielding rusted swords, others clutching makeshift clubs. Their faces were twisted into cruel smirks, eyes gleaming with hunger, for blood or gold, it wasn’t clear.
"Well, well," one of the bandits sneered, stepping forward with a curved blade. "What do we have here? Travelers with some nice gear. Looks like we struck gold, boys."
Hestia took a step back, her expression twisting in anger. Eri, feeling those eyes on her, clung to Toshinori’s sleeve, her own eyes wide with fear.
Izuku moved first, stepping in front of them, his fists clenched. "We don’t want trouble," he said, voice steady. "Let us pass, and we won’t have to fight."
The bandit leader laughed. "Oh? That’s cute, kid. You think you’ve got a choice?" He gestured to his men, who spread out, blocking any possible escape routes. "Drop your weapons, hand over anything valuable, and we might let you live."
Bakugo scoffed. "Like hell, we will." He shifted his stance, his orange and black gauntlets were gleaming under the sun.
Bell exhaled slowly, his grip tightening around his knifes.
Kyoka’s jaw clenched, but she didn’t move.
Izuku felt it then…that hesitation, tightening in his chest. These were people, not monsters.
They had fought before, but they had never killed…And yet, these bandits had no such hesitation.
The bandits made the first move, lunging straight towards Izuku..
Izuku, his instincts kicking in, dodged the downward slash, feeling the wind of the blade whistle past his cheek. Instinct soon took over. He twisted his body and brought up his fist.
He slammed it straight into the bandit's gut and sent him crashing backward.
Kyoka moved next, her war fan flashing, as she used vibrations to slice the wrist of an attacker reaching for her. He howled in pain, staggering back and clutch his wrist.
Bell ducked under a swing, one of his swords found the gap in a bandit’s armor, cutting deep into his flesh. The man gasped, stumbling away, and clutching his bleeding side.
Bakugo was a force of nature. He moved with brutal efficiency, his sword easily ignoring the bandits armor of the first man who got a little bit too close. His blood splattered across the dirt. The bandit choked, feeling blood entering his lungs before collapsing.
Silence.
Everyone froze.
Bakugo stood over the body, his chest heaving, his hands dripping red.
The world around them stopped.
The weight of it all crashed down like a hammer.
Izuku felt his stomach turn. Bell's hands were trembling. His swords, stained crimson, shook in his grip.
Kyoka's eyes widened, her breath hitching.
They had fought, they had bled before, but this…this was different.
The bandits hesitated with some taking wary steps back. But the leader only grinned. "Oh? So you do have the stomach for it."
Izuku's fingers clenched into fists. His heart pounded in his ears.
He had always fought to save, to protect. Killing had never been part of that equation.
But these men…these men would not stop even if their comrades were injured or dead.
Toshinori's voice cut through the moment. "Focus."
It was soft, yet firm and commanding. He stood tall, his faded strength still shining through his gaze. "If you hesitate, you die. Who will protect those who need you if you die? Decide now."
Izuku swallowed hard.
Decide.
The bandits charged again.
This time, Izuku moved first.
He met the next attacker head-on, dodging a wild swing before delivering a crushing blow to the side of his head by using his sword. The man would crumpled instantly.
Kyoka gritted her teeth, twirling her war fans before ducking under a strike and driving one into her opponent’s side. She gasped as she felt it sink in, but she didn’t stop. She couldn’t afford to.
Bell let out a sharp breath, his dagger slicing clean through a bandit’s chest.
Bakugo…Bakugo didn’t hesitate anymore. He tore through them, ruthless, unrelenting to even their cries.
The battle didn’t last long. Not when you have four hyper lethal teenagers. As the last bandit fell, choking on his own breath, the silence was deafening.
The group of four stood there, panting, their hearts racing uncontrollably. The scent of blood was thick in the air.
Hestia covered her mouth while Eri clung to Toshinori, eyes wide with horror.
Izuku looked down at his hands, then at the bodies around them. He exhaled shakily.
"...We killed them," Kyoka whispered, her voice hoarse.
Bell dropped to his knees, his body trembling.
Bakugo tsked, wiping his blade clean, but his hands were clenched too tightly. "...it felt to fast," he muttered, though his voice lacked its usual bite.
Toshinori walked forward, placing a hand on Bell’s shoulder. The young boy flinched, looking up at him with wide eyes.
"This was not easy," Toshinori said softly. "And it shouldn’t be."
Izuku’s throat tightened. Kyoka’s eyes widened and Bakugo’s knuckles grew white.
"But," the former Symbol of Peace continued, his gaze sweeping over them, "you protected those who could not protect themselves. That is why we fight."
Hestia wiped her eyes, stepping forward. "It’s not fair," she murmured. "That you had to make that choice."
"But we did," Bell whispered, his fingers curling into the dirt. "We had to."
Silence again.
Then, Bakugo clicked his tongue and turned away. "We keep moving. I rather not see the blood anymore."
It was his way of saying ‘Come on. We don’t stop now.’ Izuku took a breath, steadying himself. He looked at Kyoka, who nodded.He then looked at Bell, who wiped his eyes and stood. Then, finally, he turned to Hestia and Eri, offering a small, reassuring smile.
"It’s over now," he said. "We move forward."
No one disagreed.
And with that, the group left the bodies behind and walked on. Though, this event would weigh on the group for the following days.
(Day 3)
The next morning air was same as before, it was crisp, carrying the scent of damp earth as the group continued their journey through the winding forest paths.
The sun hung just above the treetops, filtering through the canopy in golden rays that danced along the dirt road. Birds chirped, and a gentle breeze rustled through the leaves, offering a peaceful contrast to the battle they had faced the previous day.
Izuku stretched his arms, rolling his shoulders as he walked beside Kyoka and Bell. His body ached slightly from the fight, but it was a satisfying ache, the kind that came from pushing himself and coming out stronger on the other side. Kyoka walked next to him, absentmindedly drumming her fingers against her thigh, her earphone jacks swaying with her movements.
Bell trailed slightly behind, his expression thoughtful as he kicked a loose stone along the path.
Bakugo, who was ahead of them, muttered something under his breath about "damn slowpokes" before moving further up the road, keeping a sharp eye out for any potential threats.
Toshinori and Hestia, walking a few paces behind, were locked in conversation, their voices low but animated.
Kyoka was the first to break the silence. “So, that was something, huh?” she said, glancing at Izuku with a smirk. “First monsters, then bandits. At this rate, I’m expecting a dragon to show up by the end of the week.”
Izuku chuckled. “Let’s hope not. Fighting in this world is…different. I’m still adjusting to how my body moves now that One For All is weaker.”
Bell, listening in, nodded. “You still looked really strong back there, Izuku. The way you moved, those kicks and dodges, you made it look so very easy.”
Izuku rubbed the back of his neck. “It’s not easy. Back home, I relied a lot on my speed and strength. Here, I have to be more careful. I can’t push myself too hard or I might burn out faster.”
Kyoka hummed in thought. “Well, you weren’t the only one adjusting. I have to say, fighting monsters is way different than dealing with villains. It feels…almost more straightforward? No motives, no tricks, just instinct.”
Bell nodded eagerly. “That’s exactly it. Monsters don’t show a lot of emotions or hesitation. They just attack, so you have to be faster and stronger.”
Izuku’s brows furrowed. “It makes me wonder… what’s the source of all these monsters? Back home, villains are a product of society, but here, monsters just exist. Do they spawn naturally? Is there some deeper cause?”
Bell opened his mouth, then paused, clearly considering the question. “I’ve never really thought about it like that. In this world, we just know that monsters come from the Dungeon. It has always been that way.”
Kyoka crossed her arms. “That’s weird. No one questions why?”
Bell hesitated. “Well…not really. The Dungeon is ancient. The gods know more about it, but they don’t share everything.”
Izuku and Kyoka exchanged glances. It was something to think about.
After a brief silence, Bell perked up. “Speaking of fights, I didn’t get to say this the other day, but you two were incredible! Izuku, you were so fast, and Kyoka, the way you used your sound attacks was amazing!”
Kyoka grinned, her cheeks slightly pink. “Well, I had a good teacher.” She nudged Izuku playfully. “And you weren’t too bad yourself, Bell. You’re faster than I expected.”
Bell flushed at the praise, scratching his cheek sheepishly. “I still have a long way to go. But seeing how strong you both are makes me want to work even harder.”
Izuku smiled, placing a reassuring hand on Bell’s shoulder. “You’ve got a strong heart, Bell. The term Strength isn’t just about power, it’s about pushing forward, no matter what.”
Kyoka nodded. “And you’re already doing that. Keep going at this pace, and you’ll be even stronger when we reach Orario.”
Bell’s eyes shone with determination. “I will!”
Meanwhile, a few steps behind, Hestia and Toshinori walked side by side, deep in discussion.
“So,” Toshinori said, rubbing his chin. “Once we arrive in Orario, we need a plan. Establishing your Familia will be our first priority.”
Hestia sighed, crossing her arms. “I know. The problem is, we have no home, no money, and no connections. Other gods have already set up their Familias, and we’re coming in late.”
Toshinori gave her a reassuring smile. “We have a strong foundation, though. With the strength of the children in our group, your Familia will gain recognition quickly.”
Hestia glanced ahead at Izuku, Kyoka, Bell, and Bakugo. “They are amazing, aren’t they?”
Toshinori chuckled. “They remind me of myself, you know?. Their potential is limitless. And with the right guidance, they’ll do great things.”
Hestia looked up at him, her expression more serious. “And what about you, Toshinori? You’ve been a mentor for so long…but what do you want now?”
Toshinori paused. He hadn’t truly considered that question before. He had spent so much of his life training others, being a pillar of hope. But now, in this world, things were different.
“…I think I just want to see them grow,” he admitted. “To see what they become without the burdens of our old world.”
Hestia smiled softly. “Then let’s make sure they have the best start possible.”
The two walked in silence for a while, each lost in their own thoughts.
By midday, the group found a small clearing to rest, and as they sat beneath the trees, eating a simple meal, there was a quiet sense of camaraderie among them.
It had only been three days since they left the village, but already, the bonds between them had deepened.
(Day 4)
The sun had begun its slow descent beyond the trees, casting long shadows across the worn forest path. After walking for over twelve hours, exhaustion had settled in among the group. Their muscles ached, their feet dragged, but no one complained. The promise of rest and a warm meal was enough to keep them moving.
Finally, they found a small clearing beside a shallow stream, a perfect place to make camp for the night. As soon as they set down their backpacks, Bell volunteered to start preparing dinner, gathering ingredients and setting up a small cooking station with the supplies they carried.
While he worked, a heavy silence settled between Izuku, Kyoka, and Bakugo. The events of the day before, fighting not the monsters but living, breathing people, had left a weight on their shoulders that none of them could ignore.
Kyoka sat on a fallen log, absentmindedly rolling a small stone between her fingers. “I still can’t believe it…” she muttered, breaking the silence. “We actually killed people.”
Izuku was sitting cross-legged on the ground, his hands clasped together tightly. He nodded, his gaze fixed on the dirt. “I know. I…I froze up when I realized what I was doing. I hesitated. If it weren’t for you brother, I probably would’ve-”
“Don’t finish that sentence, idiot,” Bakugo cut in sharply, leaning against a tree with his arms crossed. “You’re still here, so it doesn’t matter.” His tone was rough, but even he couldn’t hide the tension in his voice.
Kyoka shook her head. “It does matter, Bakugo. We’re heroes. We weren’t supposed to-”
“We’re not heroes here,” Bakugo interrupted, his jaw tightening. “We don’t have the luxury of just knocking people out and letting the police deal with ‘em. You saw those bandits. If we hadn’t fought back, they would’ve killed us, or worse.”
Izuku clenched his fists. “I know that. But it doesn’t make it any easier.”
Kyoka let out a heavy breath. “It felt… different from fighting villains. When we fought villains, we knew they’d be arrested, that they had a chance to change. But here…it’s final.”
Bakugo’s fingers curled slightly, his grip tightening against his arms. “I didn’t like it either.”
Both Izuku and Kyoka turned to look at him in surprise.
He scoffed at their expressions. “What, you think I enjoyed it? Tch. I didn’t freeze up, but that doesn’t mean I liked it. Killing some weak-ass bandits doesn’t feel like a victory. It just… feels like something we had to do.”
A heavy silence settled between them again.
Then, a new voice broke through.
“You’re right,” Toshinori said as he approached, his footsteps slow and deliberate. His usually warm expression was somber, his eyes distant as he looked at the three of them. “It’s not easy. And it shouldn’t be.”
Izuku turned to his mentor, eyes searching. “Toshinori… have you ever…?”
Toshinori sat down beside them, his posture heavy with unspoken burdens. He stared at the flickering flames of their small campfire before nodding slowly. “Yes.”
Kyoka and Izuku stiffened, while Bakugo’s gaze sharpened.
Toshinori sighed. “There were moments, small moments, when I had to make a choice. I was a symbol of peace, but that didn’t mean I never faced decisions where someone had to die. There were villains, some too dangerous, too cruel, who would’ve slaughtered innocents if I didn’t stop them. And stopping them would sometimes mean making sure they never had the chance to hurt anyone again.”
Izuku’s throat tightened. “But you never killed…”
Toshinori looked away. “Not directly. But I knew what my actions would lead to. I crushed villains so completely that, if they survived, they’d never stand again. And sometimes, I had to accept that the alternative was worse.”
Kyoka hugged herself. “So, what are we supposed to do? Just… accept that this is part of the world now?”
Toshinori placed a gentle hand on her shoulder. “You don’t have to accept it. You only need to remember why you fight. Every life we take, every battle we engage in, must have meaning. If you ever start seeing killing as easy… that’s when you should worry.”
Izuku swallowed the lump in his throat. “I don’t want to lose myself.”
Toshinori smiled softly, though there was pain behind his eyes. “Then don’t. Let yourself feel this pain. Let it remind you of who you are.”
Bakugo clicked his tongue. “Hmph. Great. So we get to feel like crap and keep moving. What a pep talk.”
Toshinori chuckled. “It’s not about feeling bad, young Bakugo. It’s about staying human.”
The group sat in silence for a moment, letting the weight of the conversation settle.
Then, from across the camp, Bell called out. “Uh… Bakugo? Can you help me with this?”
Bakugo turned to see Bell struggling with their cooking supplies, his hands fumbling as he tried to cut up some of the meat they’d gathered. The blond rolled his eyes before pushing off the tree. “Move over, dumbass. You’re gonna cut your fingers off at this rate.”
Bell grinned sheepishly as Bakugo took over, his movements precise as he chopped the ingredients. The atmosphere lightened just a little as Bell watched in fascination. “Wow, you’re really good at this.”
Bakugo smirked. “Of course I am. You think I just make explosions all day? I gotta eat, too.”
Kyoka, watching from the log, snorted. “Didn’t expect the ‘Great Explosion Murder God’ to also be the ‘Great Explosion Cooking God.’”
Bakugo shot her a glare. “Shut it, Jirou.”
Izuku chuckled, the tension in his shoulders finally easing. Maybe things weren’t okay yet. Maybe they’d never be.
But at least they weren’t alone in this.
(Day 5)
The midday sun beamed down on the group as they continued their trek through the dense forest. It had been a long journey so far, filled with danger, exhaustion, and heavy, very heavy conversations. But today was different.
Today, they found something unexpected, something beautiful.
The trees parted to reveal a breathtaking river, its crystal-clear waters reflecting the sky in shimmering blues and greens.
It wasn’t particularly deep, but the gentle current and smooth stones made it an ideal place to rest. A cool breeze drifted over the water, bringing relief from the warmth of the afternoon sun.
Bell let out a low whistle. “Wow…I’ve never seen a river this nice before.”
Hestia placed her hands on her hips, nodding in approval. “This is perfect! We should take a break here. It’ll be good for all of us to rest before we reach Orario.”
Before anyone could even respond, Eri ran toward the edge of the river, excitement sparkling in her crimson eyes. “Can we go in? Please?” Bell looked down at her, then at the water before glancing at the others for approval.
Toshinori smiled warmly, while Izuku and Kyoka exchanged an amused look. Bakugo just scoffed.
“ Go ahead, Half-Pint,” the blonde grumbled, rolling his shoulders. “It’s not like we’re in a rush.”
Eri’s face lit up, and before anyone could stop her, she kicked off her boots and jumped right in. The water splashed high into the air as she giggled, the cool sensation making her shiver in delight.
Bell, watching her pure joy, chuckled. “Guess I can’t let her have all the fun.” He quickly removed his outer shirt and followed her into the water, wading in with ease.
Bakugo cracked his neck. “Fine. If we’re doin’ this, we’re doin’ it right.” He yanked off his boots and marched into the river, smirking as he scooped up a handful of water.
Eri’s eyes widened. “Wait!”
SPLASH!
Bakugo sent a wave of water crashing into Bell and Eri, completely soaking them both.
“Bakugo!” Bell sputtered, shaking water from his hair.
Eri wiped her face before puffing her cheeks. “That wasn’t fair!”
Bell, grinning, quickly retaliated by splashing Bakugo back. The water fight began in full force, with Eri laughing as she joined in, sending tiny waves toward the two older boys.
From the riverbank, Kyoka shook her head with an amused smile. “Well, that escalated quickly.”
Izuku chuckled, watching the chaos unfold. “It’s nice to see them having fun.”
Kyoka turned to him, noticing how his face softened as he looked at Eri. There was something so warm about how he watched over her, not as a protector, but as family.
She reached for his hand, intertwining her fingers with his. “Come on. Let’s take a break too.”
Izuku nodded, letting Kyoka lead him away from the splashing and shouting. They found a spot beneath the shade of a large tree, the grass soft beneath them. Kyoka settled down first, leaning back against the trunk, and Izuku followed suit, pulling her close into his arms.
She let out a soft sigh as she rested against his chest. “This is nice.”
Izuku tightened his embrace slightly, his fingers brushing against her arm. “Yeah…it really is.”
For the first time in a long while, they had a moment of peace. No battles. No heavy discussions. No worries about what was to come. Just the two of them, together.
Kyoka tilted her head up, looking at him with a small smile. “You know…you’ve been tense this whole trip.”
Izuku blinked, slightly caught off guard. “I-I have, haven’t I?”
She nodded, reaching up to brush his unruly green hair out of his eyes. “You’ve been worrying about Eri, about Bell, about what’ll happen when we reach Orario. But right now… you can relax.”
Izuku stared at her for a moment, taking in her words, before exhaling softly. “You’re right.” He smiled as he leaned down, pressing his lips gently against hers.
Kyoka hummed against his mouth, melting into the kiss.
They stayed like that for a few moments, each savoring the warmth of each other’s presence. When they finally pulled away, Kyoka nestled into his chest, her heartbeat steady against his.
“I love you, Izuku,” she murmured.
He kissed the top of her head, tightening his hold around her. “I love you too, Kyoka.”
From a little distance away, Toshinori and Hestia sat on a small rock, watching everything unfold.
Hestia had a soft smile on her face, her hands folded neatly in her lap. “They’re a good group,” she said fondly.
Toshinori nodded, his usual grin subdued but warm. “They are. They’ve been through so much, and yet…they still find joy in moments like this.”
Hestia glanced at him. “That’s what makes them strong, isn’t it?”
Toshinori chuckled. “That, and a ridiculous amount of determination.”
Hestia laughed softly before her eyes drifted back to the group. Bell, Eri, and Bakugo were still splashing each other in the river, their laughter echoing through the trees. Izuku and Kyoka were curled up beneath the tree, lost in their own little world.
She placed a hand over her chest, feeling the warmth spread inside her.
‘I’ll make them proud, she silently vowed. As a goddess, I’ll give them something worth believing in.’
For now, though, she simply enjoyed the moment, because moments like these were what made the journey worthwhile.
(Day 6)
The next morning, light barely pierced through the thick canopy of the never ending forest. The ground was soft beneath their feet, layered with moss and fallen leaves.
It had been a quiet day so far, a stark contrast to the last few days of fights, laughter, and deep conversations.
But then, something unexpected happened.
Kyoka was the first to notice it. “Hey…does that look weird to anyone else?”
The group halted as they followed her gaze. Hidden between the massive tree roots and overgrown vines was a stone structure, barely visible under centuries of nature’s embrace. It was massive, walls of dark stone stretching high, cracked pillars wrapped in ivy, and worn carvings etched into its surface.
Bell stepped forward, eyes wide. “This, this is a ruin.”
Izuku, curiosity sparking in his green eyes, moved closer and brushed his fingers against the weathered stone. “It’s old…really old.”
Hestia hummed, a strange expression crossing her face. “This architecture…it’s ancient. I’ve seen structures like this in different corners of the world, but never out in the wild like this.”
Bakugo crossed his arms. “So what, some old-ass city used to be here? Not like it matters now.”
Kyoka shot him a look. “It kinda does. If there’s ruins here, there might be history to uncover. And besides…don’t you think it’s cool?”
Bakugo clicked his tongue but didn’t argue.
Bell, however, was practically buzzing with excitement. “Can we explore?”
Izuku grinned. “I was about to suggest that.”
With that, the group cautiously made their way inside.
The ruins were grand, filled with crumbling staircases, broken statues, and long narrow hallways where sunlight barely reached.
Vines snaked across the floors, and the sound of distant dripping water echoed through the hollowed structure.
Eri clung to Bell’s side, her red eyes darting around. “This place is huge…”
Bell smiled down at her, offering his hand. “Stick close, okay? You won’t get lost.”
Eri hesitated for a moment before taking his hand, squeezing it lightly. Bell’s heart warmed at the simple trust in her actions.
As the group walked deeper, Kyoka ran her fingers across the carvings on the walls. “There are writings here, but I don’t recognize the language.”
Toshinori inspected them as well. “It could be a lost dialect. Or perhaps something before Orario’s time.”
Izuku, meanwhile, was captivated by the sheer beauty of the place.
“This must’ve been something important. Maybe a temple or a city of some kind.”
Bakugo scoffed. “Ain’t much of a city now.”
Still, even he couldn’t deny the sense of history surrounding them.
The deeper they ventured, the more they took in the sheer scale of the ruins. A massive broken fountain sat in the center of a once-grand plaza. Stained-glass windows, shattered but still ever so vibrant. They depicted figures they couldn’t recognize. The remains of towering statues loomed over them, their features long eroded by time.
For the first time in a long while, the group wasn’t thinking about battles, gods, or their journey. They were simply admiring something truly beautiful.
As they stopped in the plaza, Kyoka turned to Izuku and Bakugo. “You know…even in another world, we keep finding ourselves in the middle of things.”
Izuku chuckled. “Yeah…guess we can’t help it.”
Bakugo huffed. “I ain’t gonna sit back and do nothing just ‘cause we’re in a different world. We were heroes back home. If need, we will be heroes here too.”
Izuku looked at him, his expression soft but determined. “I feel the same way. No matter where we are…we’ll always fight to protect people.”
Kyoka smiled at both of them. “Then I guess that makes three of us.”
They stood there for a moment, soaking in the weight of their decision. Even in this unfamiliar world, they still held onto their ideals.
Meanwhile, Eri and Bell sat on the edge of the broken fountain, watching the group talk.
Eri kicked her legs slightly. “Bell…do you think this place was beautiful before it got old?”
Bell smiled at her. “Yeah. I bet it was amazing back in its time. Full of people, life, and stories.”
Eri hesitated before asking, “Do you think… people lived here like we did in the village?”
Bell thought for a moment before nodding. “Probably. Maybe even families, just like ours.”
Eri looked down at their hands, still lightly intertwined. “…Do you think families are important?”
Bell blinked, surprised by the question. “Of course. Families are everything.”
Eri fidgeted slightly. “Then…would it be okay if I saw you like a big brother?”
Bell’s breath hitched. He looked down at Eri, seeing the small but hopeful expression on her face.
Again, he was reminded of just how much he cares about her. How much he wanted to protect her, not just as a friend, but as family.
He squeezed her hand. “Yeah, Eri. I’d like that.”
Eri smiled, it was small, but genuine.
The group eventually reconvened, taking a short break under the ruins’ grand archways. The air was cool, and for a moment, all was calm.
Hestia stretched, yawning. “This was a nice detour. But we should get moving soon.”
Izuku nodded, standing up. “Yeah. Orario’s still waiting for us.”
As they left the ruins behind, something settled within all of them.
For Izuku, Kyoka, and Bakugo, it was the realization that their path as heroes hadn’t ended just because they were in a new world.
For Bell and Eri, it was the beginning of something new. A bond that neither of them had expected, but both of them welcomed nonetheless.
And for all of them, it was the understanding that, no matter where they were, they would always find a way to move forward. Life goes on, life doesn’t stop for anyone.
(Day 7)
The morning sun bathed the landscape in warm golden hues, casting long shadows as the group emerged from the dense forest.
The trees thinned, revealing rolling green plains stretching toward the horizon. And beyond them, standing tall against the sky, was their long-awaited destination.
Orario.
A massive circular wall, built from gleaming white stone, surrounded the city, towering over the surrounding fields.
The sun reflected off its surface, giving it an almost ethereal glow. But it wasn’t the wall that caught their breath, it was what lay beyond it.In the center of the city, piercing the heavens, stood the Tower of Babel.
The enormous structure dominated the skyline, so tall that the very top seemed to fade into the clouds.
The city of the center of the world, and beneath was the gateway to the Dungeon. For a long moment, the group simply stood in awe.
“…It’s huge,” Bell finally breathed out, his crimson eyes wide in amazement.
Kyoka let out a low whistle. “I’ve seen some crazy city skylines before, but this? This is something else.”
Even Bakugo, though unwilling to voice his admiration, couldn’t help but stare. No wonder they call it the center of the world.”
Izuku, meanwhile, had a different reaction. His analytical mind was already at work, taking in every detail. “The walls look reinforced, probably with large amounts of metal. The design is meant to keep threats in, but the real focus is Babel. That structure isn’t just decorative, it’s functional. It regulates magic stone distribution and protects the people from-”
Kyoka nudged him playfully. “Nerd.”
Izuku flushed but grinned. “Hey, I can’t help it. This place is incredible.”
Hestia, standing beside Toshinori, watched the city with a quiet expression. Her blue eyes shimmered with unreadable nostalgia, perhaps? Or anticipation?
Toshinori noticed as he smiled down at her. “Excited?”
Hestia sighed, placing her hands on her hips. “It’s been a long time since I’ve stepped foot in Orario. I wonder how much has changed.”
“Either way,” Toshinori said with a small smile, “This is where the real journey begins.”
The group made their way across the plains, joining the winding road that led to Orario’s western gate.
A long line of travelers, merchants, and adventurers stretched ahead of them, waiting for their turn to enter.
As they took their place in line, Bakugo groaned. “Seriously? We gotta wait?”
“It makes sense,” Bell said. “With how many people come and go, they need security checks.”
Izuku nodded. “This like doesn’t look to long, I’ve waited in lines longer just to get my All Might figures back then.”
Kyoka leaned against Izuku. “Guess we’ve got time to kill. Anyone got stories left from our trip?”
Eri perked up at that. “Oh! Bell told me a funny one last night.”
Bell blinked. “Wait, I did?”
Eri nodded enthusiastically. “The one about the old man who tried to fight a minotaur with just a frying pan.”
Bakugo snorted. “What kind of idiot does that?”
Bell laughed. “You’d be surprised. People can be very stubborn.”
As the conversation flowed, the wait in line seemed to pass faster than they expected. Soon enough, they found themselves at the front.
A group of armored guards stood at the entrance, checking each person’s identification. One of them, a man with short brown hair and sharp eyes, stepped forward. “Next.”
Hestia, as their goddess, took the lead. “We’re new arrivals looking to register as a Familia.”
The guard glanced over the group, eyes lingering on their weapons and gear. “First-time visitors?”
Toshinori stepped forward as well. “That’s correct.”
The guard nodded before looking at Hestia again. “And your name, Goddess?”
Hestia smiled confidently. “I am Hestia, and these are my children.”
At that name, the guard’s eyes widened slightly, but he said nothing. Instead, he gestured toward the gate. “Welcome to Orario.”
With that, the gates swung open.
And with their first steps inside, the Hestia Familia had officially arrived.