The Supporter
Hestia did not return to the church until early the next morning. The reason being is that she spent the time sharing a drink with Hephaestus. She told her children about her meeting and the plan to meet with Hephaestus later in the day before flopping onto the bed, still in her dress, and quickly entering the Land of Dreams.
"So…what do we do now?" Bell asked as he tucked Hestia under the covers.
"I will wait here to wake her up in time for the meeting." Caster said. "Meanwhile…you are to head into the dungeon to gain more experience. If possible, hire a Supporter as well." He looked toward Archer. "It would better if you did as you could focus on providing Bell with more protection."
"That would be the best choice, what do you think Bell?" Archer asked.
"Having a Supporter wouldn't be bad at all." Bell nodded. "It might cut into the profits a bit, but I think it’s worth it as we can get more money that way."
"Our goal is clear then, let’s get to it.” Caster said grabbing a book from one the shelf’s in the small room and opening it.
"The leftover funds, after purchasing the fabric, should be more than enough to hire one." Archer said to Bell as they made their way to Babel tower and stopped by a fountain.
"Well, we're here." Bell muttered as they looked around.
"How do you think we'll find a Supporter?" Bell asked, not really knowing what to do here. That is to be expected as Bell is still quite new at being an Adventurer.
"We could go to the Guild and asked Eina about it?" Archer suggested. "I mean…do Supporters just walk around and advertise their services to people outside their Familia?" Before Bell could answer, he was interrupted by a stranger’s voice.
"Yes they do, Miss Adventurer!"
Bell and Archer exchanged looks before Archer turned around. The two of them saw a tiny girl, barely a meter tall, holding a massive backpack almost three times her size.
She was wearing a white cloak that covered her entire body but Bell could spot two bumps poking up from her hood, telling him that she was an animal person.
’She’s likely a Chienthrope.’ Bell thought, seeing the two bumps reminded him of another animal person he knew.
"Good Morning, Adventurers.” The girl said, greeting them. "Lily overheard that you two were looking for a Supporter. If you want, Lily can be your Supporter."
"Oh…" Bell replied as he looked at Archer who shrugged her shoulders. "Are you part of a Familia, Miss Lily?"
"Yes, Lily is part of the Soma Familia. But Lily can Support other Familias if need be." Lily replied with a nod.
"All right then, you're hired," Archer said as she looked at her pack. "I take it you have some sort of skill to let you carry that?"
"Yes!" Lily nodded. "It lets Lily carry big things like this without any problem."
To make her point she hopped up and down a few times to show that she could properly maintain her balance with the massive weight having no effect on her.
"All right then.” Archer nodded as she took out a bag of coins and held it out to Lily who stared at it.
"Uh…what is this?" Lily asked.
"What is this?" Archer repeated looking as confused as she did. "Signing on bonus…or do you not do these kinds of things around here?"
"But Lily hasn't even done anything yet?"
"Well you explained some things about yourself and Supporters so that's a good start right?" Bell said as Archer grabbed Lily's arm causing her to flinch and stuffed the bag into her hand. "We're planning to hit the Eighth Floor and eventually the Tenth so anything you know about it will be helpful."
"Uhh…Lily will do her best!" Lily said, regaining her composure. "Will we be going down now?"
"Yeah, let's go.” Bell nodded before heading toward the tower. Archer gestured for Lily to follow her before she took up the rear behind her.
Once they were inside, Archer stayed beside Lily as she carved out the magic stones from the monster corpses while Bell handled the monsters on his own.
"Umm…Master Archer, are you not going to help Master Bell?" Lily asked, looking up at her.
"Captain's orders." Archer replied. "Bell is still a novice while fighting so we're letting him raise his stats a bit. Duck."
Lily quickly hit the dirt as Archer shot an arrow above her, blowing the head of a Kobold off its body that had spawned behind them.
"Don't worry.” Archer said as she gestured to the monster's corpse. "I'm here to keep them off of you. So Bell doesn't have to worry."
She then aimed once more and shot in Bell's direction, striking a Kobold that was trying to jump Bell from behind.
"Too slow!" Archer shouted as Bell pushed off the Kobold in front of him and jabbed his lance into its heart, destroying the Magic Stone inside and causing the monster to turn to ash right away. "Keep a sense of everything around you, not just the ones in front of you. Back up and reset."
"Yes!" Bell called back as he backed up away from the remaining two kobolds.
"Umm…Master Archer?" Lily began as Bell charged the left kobold before kicking the other kobold in the side. "Where is Master Archer keeping those arrows?"
Archer wasn't wearing a quiver like archer’s usual do, so it was only natural Lily would be confused.
"That's a secret." Archer replied, holding up a finger to her lips to which Lily nodded in understanding. It wasn't her place to pry either way.
Once the last of the Kobolds were defeated and the entrance to the Sixth Floor was in sight, Archer turned to Bell.
"What do you think?" She asked Bell. "You think you can keep going or should we stop here?"
“Five minute break before we continue." Bell said. "Hey Miss Arde…"
"Lily prefers to be called Lily if Master Bell doesn't mind.” Lily, full name Liliruca Arde, said quickly.
"Then Lily, do you know anything about the monsters on the Sixth Floor?"
"Yes!" Lily nodded. "War Shadows and Frog Shooters appear there. The War Shadows are living shadows that are extremely resistant to regular weapons but weak to magic. They have an eye that looks like a giant crystal which is their weak point. Frog Shooters are giant frogs that try to grab people with their tongues and swing them around or eat them."
"That’s…disgusting…" Bell said as he looked at his hand. "Lucky for us, I do know magic."
"Just focus on their weak spots.” Archer said as she tapped Bell's back. "I'll keep any strays off of you until you get used to fighting them."
"Okay!" Bell nodded before turning to Lily. "Make sure to stick close to Archer so you won't get targeted, okay?"
"Are you saying that I can't protect both of you at once?" Archer asked as Lily laughed. "Whatever. Let's head down."
And so Bell began his first journey into the Sixth Floor. But that wasn’t his goal, no, his goal was the eighth floor. With his trusty lance by his side, he will reach that floor no matter what.
(XXX)
As the group of three made their way further down the dungeon, Hestia and Caster were walking down Main Street, heading toward the large Weapons Shop known as Hφαιστος.
Hestia was stealing glances at Caster who was looking quite annoyed. In her hands was a large brown bag, but Hestia didn’t know what was it. She wanted to asked, but was fearful of being on the receiving end of her anger.
"I am not angry.” Caster said, causing Hestia to jump. "I am annoyed that you decided to make this big of a decision without informing me."
"I'm sorry…" Hestia said lowering her head.
"Your reasoning is sound though." Caster said, sighing a bit.
"A weapon to help pave the road into my nephew’s future is a worthy investment for our Familia. I will not listen to someone who cannot properly stand beside the Heroes he wishes to command. However…does a weapon that allows him strength to fight but doesn’t restricts his growth or becomes obsolete exist?"
"Uuu…Hephaestus was wondering the same thing.” Hestia admitted. "But! If it's her, I know she'll come up with something!"
Caster gave Hestia a sideways glance before letting out another long sigh. Shifting the brown bag lightly.
"I never apologize to someone on another's behalf, especially not to a god, but I feel like it’s required here due to this burden." Caster muttered.
"Hmm? What do you mean?" Hestia asked as they came up to a large three story building that was twice the size of it neighbors. She opened the door and made her way through the shop with the clerks letting them through, having no doubt been told ahead of time about the appointment. Hestia then led the way up the staircase toward Hephaestus office.
"Hephaestus! I brought one of my children! The one who managed to make 50 Million in a single night.” Hestia said as she opened the door and the two of them walked inside.
There, Caster saw the a very familiar Smith Goddess. She sat behind a well kept and used desk with stacks of forms sitting off to the side.
Caster had no doubt those stacks were awaiting her authorization and signatures. On the wall to her right were several weapons of different makes and qualities.
They certainly seemed special to the goddess Perhaps they were merely there for sentimental reasons. Products or gifts from her Familia no doubt.
"Thank you for coming.” Hephaestus said as she stood up from her desk. "You must be the one of the two Hestia was talking about?" Caster raised an eyebrow at that before realizing that she was probably meaning Bell.
"Greetings Goddess Hephaestus.” Caster greeted the goddess respectfully but make sure to keep her tone different from her usual tone.
"I am currently going under the name 'Caster' during my time in this city. I come to you today to discuss the making of one weapon for the Vice Captain of the Hestia Familia."
"So I've heard.” Hephaestus nodded as she gestured to the seats in front of her. "I assume that’s what the bag is for?"
“Yes, I came here to provide the materials that will be used in the making of such weapon.” The sentence alone made Hephaestus raise an eyebrow, but she was intrigued on where this was going to go. Hephaestus and Caster stared intently at one another. “You know my services won’t be cheap right? Are you sure your Familia can pay the amount I settle for?”
"Money isn’t an issue but…" Caster began.
"Weapons and armor go for rather exuberant prices in this city do they not? Far more than the daily necessities of the common folk."
"Yes.” Hephaestus nodded. "Not only are they the product of the work and skill my children put years…decades into obtaining, they are also the product of the brave Adventurers that go into the dungeon's lower floors and bring back the drop items of monsters that go into their creation. The fact that your Goddess is asking me to build such a weapon that grows along their user is truly surprising and something that I haven’t even fathom the possibility of.”
"Hmm…I suppose there is a point to the absurd prices then. Let me change the topic then. How much would it take to create the weapon that this foolish goddess asked you about?"
"Hey!" Hestia shouted indignantly as Hephaestus chuckled.
"A weapon that won't stunt his growth and won't fall into mediocracy that would shame the name Hephaestus," Hephaestus said with a sigh. "To be quite honest, it is quite a troublesome request."
Caster nodded her head in understanding if not in apology as Hestia deflated.
"Although…with Hestia's assistance, I do believe I can come up with something." Hephaestus said causing a look of shock to spark in both Caster and Hestia's eyes.
"You're going to make it!?" Hestia asked.
"Of course." Hephaistos nodded. "This is an exchange between two goddesses after all. I see no need to trouble my children over it. Of course, that also means the price will match its quality."
As Hestia's eyes shined toward her friend, Caster merely laughed.
"A blade forged by the hands of a goddess…that boy is truly blessed with such a loving goddess." Caster said with a smile. "Very well, we will take this investment and see this boy's path to the very end."
"My, you are a unique one.” Hephaestus laughed. "How on earth did Hestia find you?"
"A little rabbit led me to her." Caster replied with a smirk. This made Hephaestus smiled before turning serious. “While that is a rather adorable thought, I suppose we need to get back on track.” The Smith Goddess said as both of them suddenly straightened up.
"Indeed. I suppose I will show you the materials that will be used in the creation of the weapon." Caster said as she opened the bag. The contents were revealed to be a bunch of metals that are found on the Lower Floors of the Dungeon.
Hephaestus could easily make out Adamantite, Mithril, and Orichalcum. There were two strange items alongside them. One of those strange items was a long blue horn, accompanied by a dark blue shine. The other item was a jet black horn, this one to radiate some sort of shadow. “I have never seen such drop items before.” The Goddess mumbled, missing the smirk Caster was making.
She grabbed both horns and inspected them with her one good eye. “What are these?” It is her first time ever seeing such drop items before. ‘These could be from a Monster Rex from the Deep Floors.’ Hephaestus thought.
”The Leviathan and Behemoth Horns.” Hestia and Hephaestus widened their eyes, with the latter now looking at the drop items with the appraisal of a Goddess of Smith. ‘That can’t be it can’t be those monsters?!’ Hephaestus thought with her hands trembling while holding a part of the legendary beasts.
”Hestia, follow me. I’m going to need your help with this right this moment. No one should ever see these materials.” Hephaestus immediately said, projecting into her work mode. “While I work,” Hephaestus trailed off as she turned her attention back to Caster. Despite her face being stoic, inwardly she was smirking like the devil.
”You can tell me who you really are.” The Goddess Hephaestus practically demanded with Caster chuckling. “Sure, I’ll humor you while you work.”
(XXX)
"Amazing, Lily can hardly believe that Master Bell is a novice!" Lily said as the three of them returned from the dungeon just as the sun was beginning to set. Once they had entered Floor Six, Bell went straight to work. He study the monster’s attack patterns and counterattack when they were vulnerable. The Frog Shooters and War Shadows didn’t stand a chance against him as his Status was just a better higher than the average Level 1. Once Bell proved strong enough to handle those monsters, the group quickly breezed through the rest of Floor Six and Floor Seven. However, Floor Eight, the group’s goal for the day, proved a challenge for Bell.
The group, more like Bell and Lily, had trouble when they stumbled upon Killer Ants, Purple Moths, and Needle Rabbits in droves. On Floor Seven it was doable, but the dungeon wanted to teach the rabbit look-alike adventurer a lesson.
Killer Ants are a monster with four legs and two arms. It has a hard shell and has high attack power. It uses its pheromones to attract fellow companions when in a pinch. Along with the War Shadow, it is known as the “newbie killer” for killing a lot of newbie adventurers.
Purple Moths are a monster that can spread poisonous powder with a flap of their wings. The powder can cause poison if covered multiple times.
Finally, the Needle Rats is a rabbit type monster that has a horn on its head.
However, just like what happened on the Six Floor, Bell was able to quickly adapt to his new surroundings and read the monster’s attack patterns. He was turning into the second coming of Silence.
"Lily understands why Master Archer wants Master Bell to grow quickly."
"No, I think Miss Lily is amazing for being able to cut out the stones so quickly," Bell replied.
"We managed to progress so much further because of it. We actually managed to make it to the Eighth Floor. Caster is going to be so surprised."
"About what?" The three of them turned around to see Caster coming up to the tower with a hand on her hip but without Hestia in sight.
"Auntie!" Bell said, running up to Caster like a child wanting to surprise his parent with news of his success.
"We made it all the way to the entrance of the Ninth Floor today! Miss Lily's skill in carving out the stones and her knowledge of each floor is amazing."
"Really?" Caster began with a slight widening of the eyes and the ghost of a pleased smile on her face. "You've done well, Bell. You never cease to amaze me with your growth." If Bell had a tail like Lily did, there would be no doubt it would be wagging right about now.
"So, how was his progress?" Caster asked Archer.
"Like he said, we made rather fast progress." Archer replied. Caster hummed as he motioned for Archer to continue.
"Initially, I believe he would have a bit of trouble with the War Shadows on the Sixth Floor due to their inherent resistant to physical attacks but I underestimated his weapon’s strength.
The Seventh Floor was more manageable but the Killer Ants there would call for back up if their heads weren't destroyed. It was doable at first, but as soon as we reached the Eighth Floor, they came in waves. There were also monsters that spread a poisonous powder from their wings, so I suggest we pack some Antidotes if we are to go there again."
"I see…" Caster nodded. "Fortunately Goddess Hestia’s business with Hephaestus went rather smoothly and I have secured enough funds to purchase them. Now where is the Supporter?"
Archer gestured toward Lily who was trying to avoid Caster despite her large bag.
"Why do you hide your face?" Caster demanded as she stood in front of her. "I want to put a face on the Supporter who group up with my nephew and Archer. " Caster already deduced that the small girl in front of her was under some illusion magic. Her personal skill in being able to sense magic at the barest of level was something she was proud to have as it took years for her to master.
As a Heroic Spirit, that skill had increased tenfold and was already proving it worth.
"Lily's fur is dirty, so she doesn't want to pollute Madam eyes with it…" Lily said quietly.
"Irrelevant. Remove your hood and show me your face." Caster used a more commanded tone. A tone that would terrify the Level 8 and Level 9 back during her time.
Shaking slightly, Lily listened to Caster’s order, revealing a messy mop of chestnut hair with pointed ears on the top of her head. Gingerly she peeked up at Caster's face only to turn pale and step back at the glare she was throwing her way.
"A-Auntie, is something the matter?" Bell asked nervously as he stepped between Lily and Caster. ‘Bold, but foolish.’ Caster thought.
"Move." Caster demanded, grabbing Bell by his shoulder and pushing him aside. "I will ask one last time. Show. Me. Your. Face." Caster made sure to emphasize each point as her glare became even colder.
Bell moved to try and cover Lily again but Archer grabbed his arm and shook her head. It would be quite troublesome for Bell if he were to get in the middle of…whatever was going on. The best thing she could now was protect her master from the fallout.
Back to Lily she was shaking so much one could say she look like a cornered animal. Reluctantly, Lily slowly raised up her hood over her head and lowered it once more. The furry pointed ears on her head were gone and were replaced by ones similar to that of a human on the side of her head.
"Magic? A disguise?" Bell asked. "So she was a Pallum after all and not a Chienthrope." Bell mumble. Before he could think more about it, he heard his Aunt’s voice, and she was not happy.
"When I ask you to show your face next time, I expect you to do so immediately.”’Caster said as she pulled a bag from the large sack she had been carrying. "Here."
The bag fell into Lily's hands and she looked up at Caster before opening it, revealing a large amount of coins.
"80,000 Valis." Caster said, causing Lily to stare at Caster in shock. "Ten thousand for each floor they cleared. That will be your payment for taking care of my nephew today. I hope that will suffice for today?"
"Y-yes…" Lily nodded her head, not being able to believe she was getting so much money for the work she did today.
"Y-you are too kind Ma’am…Lily apologizes for insulting you.”
"Hmm.” Caster hummed as she turned away from her.
"If you wish to please me with words then speak with honestly. Anything else I will see as hollow as your spirit."
"Okay, that’s a bit much, Caster!" Bell said being unable to accept the abuse Caster was hurling at Lily, despite having helped them so much. He did find it strange why she chose to hide herself with magic, but it wasn’t his place to ask.
"Besides, I think she's gotten your point," Archer said, still holding onto Bell's shoulder to keep him from running forward.
"So you say.” Caster mumble as she shook her head.
"Goddess Hestia will be assisting Hephaestus in private matters. She will not return until the morning of Monsterphilia. However, at her request, the dungeon is off limits until those matters are complete."
"Huh? Monsterphilia?" Bell repeated.
"It's…it's a festival hosted by the Ganesha Familia." Lily squeaked out, pulling her hood back on now that Caster wasn't glaring down at her.
"It's a festival where they showcase monsters and tame them."
"As she says.” Caster nodded. "We will respect her wishes and prepare for a longer expedition after she returns. You are dismissed."
With that said, Caster left and Archer finally released Bell who ran to Lily's side.
"Are you all right, Lily?" Bell asked. "I'm sorry about my aunt. She can be really tense at certain points but she’s not that bad of a person."
"No…it's Lily's fault…" Lily mumbled, shaking her head. "Lily shouldn't have tried to trick her…or Master Bell and Master Archer…"
"Still…" Bell muttered as he looked to Archer for help.
The huntress sighed as she walked up to the two of them and placed a hand on their shoulders.
"Come now it's late.” She said. "Lily, why don't you join us for dinner as an apology? It will be our treat. And don't worry, we won't invite Caster."
"You're not mad?" Lily asked. "Mad that Lily lied to you?"
"Everyone has their secrets." Archer shrugged. Her time in the Throne and being surrounded by legends like her had taught that everyone had something to hide and no one could force you to say it.
"Come on. Let's eat some good food and forget about Bell’s total opposite aunt." Bell could only respond with a nervous laugh as he rubbed his head awkwardly.
"Then…Lily will take you up on that offer…" Lily nodded.
"Good girl." Archer nodded as she placed a hand on her head. "Then let's exchange today's loot and then find a place nearby."
(XXX)
After exchanging the day's earnings which amounted to about 50,000 Valis total they headed over to the closest eatery as planned.
"As expected, it really is too much." Lily muttered, looking at her bag sitting in the corner of the pub where the money she was given by Caster was kept tucked away.
"It was way more than what Master Bell and Master Archer earned in the dungeon today…"
"If you try to give it back to her she will get even more angry.” Archer said with Bell nodding. What she did was good for the Familia, and Bell chose to willingly believe that.
"That sounds like my aunt.” Bell said with a laugh. "Hey Archer, can I ask how your getting along with my aunt?"
"I don’t really know to be honest.” Archer said as she picked her utensils back up.
”While we talk from time to time, we don’t say much to each other. If I didn’t know any better I say your Aunt is purposely avoiding me."Bell raised an eyebrow at that. Despite wanting to know what she meant by that, his gut was telling him to leave it alone.
"Ahaha…" He chuckled awkwardly, which was probably the only thing he could do.
"By the way, Lily." Archer said. "What does your Soma Familia do? Are they an exploration type?"
"Yes…but only on paper," Lily mumbled. "The Familia only exists for Lord Soma's hobby. Lord Soma only cares about making his wine. And since Lord Soma needs money to make it, he gives a little bit of it as a prize to anyone who brings in the most amount of money.
Everyone in the Familia became so obsessed with it after one drink so they're always after money and doing whatever they can to get more of it."
"Have you tried it before?" Bell asked. His eyes narrowed a bit upon hearing how adventurers let themselves fall to God’s divine drink temptation. But then again, he wasn’t surprise.
"No…and Lily has no intention of doing so."
Bell and Archer shared a glance with Archer shaking her head, telling Bell that he shouldn't push any deeper.
"Then…do you think you'll be busy during Monsterphilia?" Bell asked as Lily looked up in surprise. "If not, why not join Archer and me? It's our first Monsterphilia, so we'd be happy if you could show us around."
"Oh, that's not a bad idea.” Archer agreed. "How about it, Lily? We don't have to invite Caster if you don't want her to come along."
"But…wouldn’t she get angry at that?" Lily asked worriedly.
"She stays in the house reading a book every night." Archer answered. "If she decides to head out, she won’t tell us or even her goddess where she’s going. On that logic, we don't have to tell her where we're going."
"Is that so…" Lily said. "Then…Lily will be happy to show you two around."
"All right!" Bell cheered, smiling with the force of a thousands suns. "Then we'll be counting on you two days from now!" Once they finished their meal they decided to part ways at the exit.
"Are you sure you don't need us to walk you home?" Bell asked.
"Don't worry Master Bell.” Lily nodded. "Lily will be fine. Goodnight, Master Bell and Master Archer." The two of them watched Lily leave and disappear into the night before Bell turned to Archer.
"Hey Archer, even if she says that, I can't help but be worried," Bell admitted. "Do you think you can keep an eye on her?"
Archer didn't say anything as she glanced upward to the roof of the building for a moment before turning back to Bell.
"I'm sure she'll be fine." Archer said as she placed a hand on Bell's head. "Don't worry too much. We don't like to be snoop on after all." Bell suddenly blushed as he realized what he asked Archer to do.
"T-that doesn't have anything to do with this!" Bell said as Archer took him by the shoulder and steered him back home. "Archer? Hey Archer, listen to me!"
(XXX)
Lily felt exhausted as she made her way back to one of her safe houses. As she traversed the quiet and empty alleyways of the city, she thought back to her experience with the so-called Hestia Familia. There were only three members but they were all completely different.
Bell Cranel…he looks to be the youngest and is held with high expectations by the other two.
However at the same time he seek their praise like a dog and looks up to them. He was kind…almost infuriatingly so. He is highly skilled even though he describes himself as a novice.
She scoff at that notion, no novice is capable of earning 30,000 valis in one day. More or less alone when a party of five Level 1 Adventurers would struggle to get that much in a week. Archer…equal in height to Bell and acts as a mentor and an older sibling to Bell.
Their relationship felt both warm and strict but she did not hesitate to help her out and invite her along for fun night out for genuine motives. She was like the adult of the three, making sure to keep the peace and keep both of them from causing too much trouble.
Caster…the Captain of the Familia. Lily had to admit that she had never came face to face with such a terrifying adventurer before. She acted in a way that normal adventurers didn’t, she was strict but shows care to Bell. She is the boy’s aunt and appears very protective of him. With their sort interaction, Lily felt like she couldn't like the woman, but she had paid her an absurd amount of money for almost no work at the drop of the hat and according to Archer, would be flat out insulted if she even thought about giving it back.
She was the one Lily understood the least. She had the spite and arrogance of those in Lily's Familia but would pay her far beyond her "fair share" without hesitation while those other Adventurers would try their damndest to cheat her out of every last Valis.
"That woman…who exactly is she?" Lily asked, she felt that there was something more to her. And while it was strange to think about, Lily felt as if she had seen that woman before. But from where? Where had Lily se-
"Yo, fancy meeting you here."
Lily's breath caught her in throat as she turned around to see a trio of Adventurers standing behind her. They were members of her own Familia.
"Heard you got paid rather handsomely today."
The leader of the trio, a male raccoon. "How about sharing it with your fellow Familia Members?"
Share? Yeah right. They were planning on taking all of it. All 80,000 Valis that that Caster person gave her. No, there was a chance that they didn't know the entire amount.
If she could find a way to keep fifty thousand…that's right…they would never believe that she had earned so much money for a few days of work helping a pair of Adventurers on the Upper Floors.
"Fine…" she said, taking out a small bag from her pack. She had thought ahead and separated the sixty thousand into several smaller amounts just in case after all.
The thug walked over and snatched it out of her hands only to then kick her, sending her falling back down the staircase she had just climbed up.
"See, that wasn't so hard.” The thug asked as Lily coughed and clutched her stomach.
"It's only right that you pay tribute to those that let you freeloading Supporters into the Familia."
"What a surprise, I took a walk and look what I came across. The livelihood that is this city’s utter pathetic trash." Lily heard a woman’s voice.
A loud explosion rang out from the top of the staircase, prompting Lily to quickly slip out of her pack and huddle close to the bottom of the stairs as the three men were sent flying down as well.
She chanced a look up and saw Caster standing there, with the money bag in her hands.
"You bastard!" The thugs shouted as they got to their feet. "Who do you think you are?"
"…" Caster said nothing as she suddenly blurred with Lily’s Level 1 ones not being able to pick her up.
There was a scream of pain and Lily turned to see two of the thugs were thrown straight into a wall, followed by a loud and sickening crack that echoed in the night. The two men dropped like puppets who had their strings severed, with Lily noticing how blood was pouring from side of their hands and their necks bent at an awkward angle.
"Take your fellow trash and leave." Caster said as she appeared back at the top of the staircase and slowly walked down the stairs with her left hand out. "I do not show mercy but I am patient enough to let you flee with your pathetic lives."
"You making fun of me?!" The Raccoon shouted hysterically making Lily think he had lost his mind. He then pulled out a small blade that was glowing red.
It was a magic sword.
"Let's see how you like this!"
"Don't!" Lily screamed as the blade released several balls of fire out at Caster.
Caster, uncaring, tilts her head as she kept her left hand trained on the balls of fire. The flames impacted her hand and fizzled out like matchsticks in the rain.
"I-impossible…"
"To silent your pathetic noise, it would appear some discipline is required." Caster said as she set her left hand down. Mumbling a single word, Caster’s unseen magic strike the thug with a ferocity that left him screaming out in pain, followed by a dead silence.
Lily stared at the body that was once a normal person and realized, with a mixture of some amazement and horror, that he was still alive.
"..." Caster stayed silent, causing Lily to shriek as she realized she was standing right next to her now. Despite limiting her power output by a very wide margin, she could have sworn that much power would have been enough to kill him. ‘Perhaps I do need to work more on my control than I previously thought.’
"U-umm…Miss Caster?" Lily began. "Lily is…"
"Be quiet." She simply said, making Lily clam up immediately. "I specifically told you that my gift was for you and you alone. To give it away like that is unacceptable." Caster said coldly, her unopened eyes staring intently at Lily who felt as if a predator was standing her down.
"Pick up your belongings.” She ordered.
“Follow me." Lily didn't dare flee or disobey her order. She picked up her pack and followed Caster back out onto the main streets without any word of protest.
She waited behind her as she flagged down a passing Ganesha Familia member working as a city guard and told them about the location of her injured Familia members before gesturing to her to continue following.
He led her all the way to one of the poor districts and suddenly found herself standing in front of a ruined church of some goddess.
"What are you waiting for?" Caster demanded as she opened the crumbing door. "Get Inside."
"Y-yes…" Lily nodded as she quickly fell in step. Caster led her to the back of the altar and pushed open a hidden door before descending the staircase. Once she opened the door at the bottom, Lily heard a familiar voice.
"Oh, welcome home, Auntie! Sorry we ate dinner without you."
"It’s alright. I had other matters to attend to in any case. What are you waiting for? Inside." Lily realized that she was referring to her. She slowly walked into the room…which she realized was even smaller than her own safe house.
Bell stared at her in surprise from a rather old and worn couch while Archer was busy pouring a drink into four glasses.
"Miss Lily? What are you doing here?" Bell asked. "Ah, you're hurt! Archer, get the first aid kit!"
"N-no…Lily is fine, Master Bell…" Lily said quickly as she felt Caster push her forward from behind so she could shut the door.
"She has done something quite shameful." Caster explained. "As such, she will be sleep in this dreary place where we can keep an eye on her."
"I see, well I’m glad it work out for you" Archer said as she helped Lily out of her bag and sat her down on the bed before pulling out a small case from underneath the bed. "Where does it hurt?"
"No…really…Lily is-" she began but Archer placed a finger on her lips and gestured with her head toward Caster who was sitting on the couch across the room from the bed, looking in their direction with her heterochromia eyes. Archer had known that it was Caster who stood on the roof as Lily had left. She didn’t know why she trailed her until she brought Lily to their home. Regardless of what happened, her job now is treat the shivering child.
Lily then recalled what Archer said in the pub. "Then…Lily was kicked here…" She held a hand on her stomach and Archer nodded.
Lily gingerly removed her robe, causing Bell to blush a bit but otherwise stayed in the small room. Caster and Archer raised an eyebrow at this before Archer started treating the rather large bruise on Lily's stomach. As she did, she couldn’t help but feel something with the small child. It was like they shared the same origin, albeit not everything, but enough to warrant some connection.
"I will be asking some questions and you will answer them properly.” Caster suddenly spoke up and Lily obediently nodded
"Your name?"
"Lily…Liliruca Arde…" Lily replied.
"Your Familia?"
"Soma Familia."
"Those three from earlier?"
"Soma Familia…"
Archer's hands stopped moving as she looked up at Lily before turning toward Caster who simply frowned. A hint of anger could be seen in her eyes before being replaced with her normal eyes.
"What about your God?"
"Lord Soma doesn't care about Lily and the rest." Lily bitterly said as Bell frown and clenched his fists. "Lord Soma spends all day making wine and only updates the status of those who make enough money for him to make the wine."
"I see…" Caster nodded. "I did hear that wine made from the hands of a god, even without divinity, will still be a potent thing. They’re fools who’ve have become desperate addicts climbing over each others' corpses for another taste. Is that correct?"
"Yes…" Lily nodded. "Lily hasn't drunk the wine though. Lily just wants enough money to meet Lord Soma to leave the Familia."
"Why am I not surprise." Bell muttered as he couldn’t help but sighed. "I sometimes forget that not all gods will act like Hestia. But to think it was this bad."
"It's not surprising at all, Bell." Caster added on. "From the start, the gods only pay attention to things that interest them. Our goddess is the same as those rabble. She goes out of her way to take care of us because it is her nature."
"That's not true." Bell calmly said. "The goddess cares about all of us, not just me. She works hard because she wants to provide for us because we're family and that's what family does for each other.” Bell and Caster stared each other down, with the greatest mage of her generation staring at Bell with the full extent of her glare. But to her surprise, the boy did not back down but instead met her glare head on.
"Fuh…very well, I will allow it as a sign of your growth. But now we reach the root of the problem." Caster stood up just as Archer finished her treatment of Lily and stepped back.
"I have no use for someone who follows two gods." She said, looking down at Lily with her dual color eyes that shine in the dimly lit room.
“Your punishment for earlier, you will remain in our custody until the end of Monsterphilia and face the judgement of the Goddess Hestia. She will decide what to do with you."
"Auntie…" Bell spoke up again. "We can't just…not…help her."
"The workings of another Familia are not our place to interfere.” Caster said, glaring at Bell.
“Doing so without reason will incur a penalty from the Guild. Are you willing to put our Goddess through that for your own selfishness?"
At the mention of Hestia, Bell turned his head away from Caster, hands clenched into fist and biting his lip hard enough to draw blood. He felt his back lit up with warmth for a second before it disappeared.
"Unless Arde herself gives us a reason to interfere, we cannot do anything.” Caster said, turning her eye toward Lily while still facing Bell.
"Understand?"
Lily blinked in surprise, turning to look at Archer who met her gaze with a smile.
"Lily…" she began. "Lily doesn't deserve help. Lily doesn't deserve anyone's help. Lily is a bad person! Lily planned on taking more money for herself at the Exchange! That's why…that's why…Lily doesn't deserve everyone's kindness!" Despite what she said, Caster could only sighed.
"…Whether you deserve it or not, it is my decision to give it.” Caster said as Bell walked around the couch and crouched down in front of Lily who had stood up in the middle of her self-depreciating rant.
"Please Lily…" he said, taking her hands into his. "I know we only just met today and you have absolutely no reason to trust us but I don't want to see you, or anyone for that matter, suffer like this. I want to help you. So please, let us help you.” His words were sincere and without malice. Something that Lily has not heard in a very long time.
"…Please…stop…please…" Lily choked out as tears formed in her eyes. "Don't make Lily hope…"
"Too bad." Bell said with a smile. "Heroes exist to give girls hope after all."
"What is that nonsense!?" Lily half screamed half sobbed at Bell. "Master Bell is horrible! Pervert! Playboy! Enemy of all women!"
As she hurled the abuse at the flabbergasted Bell, Lily buried her face in his chest as Archer just threw her arms out in a shrug and Caster let her head fall to the side.
’Great, now the noise has doubled…it’s not as bad as before.’