Chapter 14: That time Hermes is plotting something interesting
Hermes, after a serious talk with Ouranus on what Zeus had disclosed about a possible Evilus plot, was about to leave the dungeon city of Orario covertly as possible, accompanied by his entire Familia.
But just as they exit a hidden passage they've been using for all these years an ever so familiar voice called out to them.
"If it isn't Asfi, Lord Hermes and the rest of the Hermes Familia."
A cheerful voice called out.
Green eyes and red hair that's tied into a ponytail.
Alise Lovell the adventurer and captain of the Astraea Familia.
"You guys look well-prepared for something big, do you mind enlightening us on what's going on?"
Long black hair, wore a kimono, a robe over it, and a kanzashi in her hair.
Gojouno Kaguya the adventurer vice captain of the Astraea Familia.
Alise and Kaguya were on their early morning patrol tracking down Evilus remnants when they noticed a large group of people moving covertly.
The two followed the group of people suspecting them to be Evilus remnants trying to sneak out but after recognizing who they were and accidentally hearing the topic of the discussion Alise and Kaguya decided to confront them.
"Alise-chan, Kaguya-chan…"
God Hermes did not know what to say.
He did not expect this encounter at all.
Kaguya raised her eyebrows in annoyance after hearing god Hermes address her so casually.
She slightest unsheathed her sword while giving Hermes an eerie smile.
Eek…
Hermes quickly backs off, hiding behind Asfi's back.
Asfi gave her god a glance, shaking her head.
"The thing is…"
Asfi was about to disclose the matter to the two having known them quite well but stopped after noticing Hermes hand on her shoulder.
"Hermes-sama."
She gave her god a questioning look.
"We cannot tell them…"
…EH…
Asfi was confused.
The matter is about Evilus and Astraea Familia is well-known for being against Evilus and they might even be of help to this matter.
Hermes dropped his act stepping in front.
"Well the thing is, Alise-chan and Kaguya, this matter is of great importance and confidential, a quest personally handed by the guild. We aren't allowed to disclose anything."
"You mean the Evilus planting seeds of chaos all around the cities and counties nearby Orario targeting the crops and farm lands…"
Said Kaguya.
…EH…
Hermes was speechless.
"How did you know?" (Hermes)
"Your Familia members we're openly advertising it…"
Kaguya said, pointing at the back.
Asfi realizing what Kaguya meant, gave the group at the back a glare.
"We're sorry, captain…"
The guilty crowd shrugged the back of their heads, avoiding their captain and vice captain's intense stare.
Hermes let out a sigh.
Unlike other Familia's Hermes knew how free spirited and carefree his was and this slip up in their side is just one of the many slip ups that commonly happens.
.
.
.
--- Stardust Garden ---
In a home in southwestern Orario.
"Hermes. You were saying that the Evilus we have subjugated so far are nothing more than just sacrifices to measure the current power of Orario?"
The goddess of Justice Astraea the patron goddess of one of the strongest Familia's in Orario asked.
"How can that be. After all the sacrifices and deaths…" (Ryuu Leon)
"Ryuu…" (Alise)
"…" Astraea Familia and Hermes Familia.
Ryuu recalling the death of her friend Ardee Varma wasn't able to contained herself.
Alise stayed silent.
Kaguya who's always rebukes Ryuu stayed silent.
"Ryuu, calm down…" (Astraea)
The gentle and soothing voice of the goddess calmed the raging elf.
"I'm sorry Astraea-sama, Hermes-sama."
Ryuu bowed deep in shame for interrupting the gods' conversation.
She was overwhelmed by the raging emotions threatening to burst out at any moment.
Astraea just gave Ryuu an understanding and gentle smile knowing full well that Ryuu is the most affected child in her Familia about all the chaos the Evilus had brought upon the city.
"Nah…don't worry…" (Hermes)
"Is the source of the information credible?" (Astraea)
"Yes. It came from Alfia herself before she decided to confront you guys…"
Hermes said pointing to Alise, Kaguya, Lyra, Neze and Ryuu.
"I see…" (Astraea)
"Um. Astraea-sama, Hermes-sama. How can you trust someone from Evilus."
One of the members of the Astraea Familia asked, confused.
Some also had the same question in their mind.
Hermes looked at Astraea in the eyes, wanting her to be the one to break the truth.
The goddess began to explain things to everyone.
The things she got to know after talking to Erebus before sending him back to Heaven.
She also shared her assessment and understanding of the situation.
Midway in the awkward revelation Hermes joined in and added some important details.
…
The Zeus and Hera Familias were the strongest familias in Orario from 1,000 years ago until they failed to defeat the One Eyed Black Dragon 10 years ago, which greatly weakened them and led to their subsequent exile from the dungeon city.
Taking advantage of the big power vacuum Evilus a group of Gods and their insane familias allied to destroy Orario.
During the times when the stars are nowhere and the sky is dark, people will seek light.
…Heroes…
Seek new guardians, replacements of the former guardians.
The once symbol of almighty turned their backs becoming the very thing they once fought, a necessary sacrifice for the greater good and to make the world a better place.
…
"Erebus malevolence was inevitable.
He sought the arrival of a new hero, causing havoc and chaos, working together with the dying heroes Alfia and Zald to prepare a great challenge in order to arm Orario. " (Astraea)
"A hopeless guy. He knew that the world right now is hopeless, just like he is, so he decided to take matters into his own hands.
Also, that woman, Alfia.
A desperate mother wanting nothing but the well-being of her child, willing to sacrifice anything, even her life and the child's love for her to keep him safe away from the horrors of reality."
Hermes let out a sigh, slumping on the sofa.
The Astraea Familia members and Hermes Familia members who didn't know the whole truth have solemn expressions.
Moreover, Hermes accidentally (purposely) shared about Alfia's personal matters, making the Astraea Familia who fought Alfia in the end develop a bitter expression.
Hermes (acting) realizing the slip up of his tongue changed the topic.
"Well I can't really blame them after experiencing first hand the power of the One Eyed Black Dragon."
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