The morning sun filtered through the curtains, casting a warm glow over the room. I slowly opened my eyes, the events of the previous day rushing back to me. Hestia was still asleep beside me, her face peaceful and free of the worries that had plagued her last night. For a moment, I allowed myself to relax, savoring the quiet moments before reality came crashing back.
But as I lay there, a lingering unease crept back into my thoughts. The shadowy entity, the voice in the Dungeon, Hestia's newfound fears—it all felt like pieces of a puzzle that I couldn't quite fit together. I carefully slipped out of bed, not wanting to disturb her, and made my way to the small window. The city of Orario was waking up, the streets below already bustling with adventurers preparing for another day in the Dungeon.
My gaze drifted towards the tower at the city's center, the entrance to the Dungeon lying beneath it. What ancient force was stirring in the depths? Could it be connected to the gods, or perhaps something older? The thought made my blood run cold.
I was so lost in thought that I didn't hear Hestia stir behind me. When she spoke, her voice was soft, almost fragile. "Bell, you're up early."
I turned to find her sitting up in bed, her dark hair tousled from sleep. Despite her attempt to smile, I could still see the remnants of fear in her eyes. I crossed the room and sat beside her, taking her hand in mine. "I couldn't sleep much," I admitted. "There's too much on my mind."
Hestia squeezed my hand gently. "You and me both," she said with a sigh. "Whatever's happening, it's more than just a change in the Dungeon. I can feel it in the air, like the very world is holding its breath."
Her words only confirmed what I had been sensing. "I need to find out more about what's happening. Maybe we should talk to someone who knows more about the Dungeon's history—someone like Lady Athena or even Hermes. They might have some insight."
Hestia nodded in agreement, though I could see the worry deepening in her expression. "That might be a good idea. We can't ignore this, not when it feels like everything is on the brink of change."
I stood, determination hardening within me. "Then let's start with Lady Athena. She's one of the wisest gods, and if there's anyone who can help us understand this, it's her."
Hestia rose as well, straightening her clothes with a renewed sense of purpose. "We'll go together. I won't let you face this alone, Bell."
As we prepared to leave, a thought struck me. "What about the other gods? Do you think they've noticed anything unusual? If so, they might be keeping it to themselves, but there has to be a way to gather more information."
"Maybe we could ask Hephaestus and Loki, too," Hestia suggested. "They've been around long enough to know if something's truly wrong."
I agreed, though I knew that talking to Loki could be tricky. She was clever, always watching for an advantage, but she also cared deeply for her familia. If she suspected something dangerous was brewing, she wouldn't hesitate to act.
We finished preparing and headed out, the morning sun now fully illuminating the city. As we walked through the streets of Orario, I couldn't shake the feeling that something was watching us, lurking just out of sight. But I forced myself to focus. Whatever was coming, I needed to be ready. Hestia and the others were counting on me.
After We had talked to both Hephaestus and Loki, we found out nothing, which prompted us to go stock up on food that we'd need to travel to Sindria Forest, The location of Athena Familia.
We arrived at the Athena Familia's residence, a grand but understated Tree that reflected the wisdom and grace of its patron goddess. As we approached, we were greeted by a woman, who recognized Hestia immediately and led us inside. She introduced herself to me as Athena, and as any gentleman does I took her hand and kissed her knuckles and introduced myself to her as well.
Lady Athena sat down in a small chair, We were inside an elegant chamber lined with books and artifacts. She gestured for us to sit with a graceful gesture as we entered, her piercing eyes immediately locking onto mine as if she could sense the turmoil within me.
"Hestia, Bell," Athena acknowledged us with a nod. "To what do I owe the pleasure of this visit?"
Hestia glanced at me, and I stepped forward, feeling the weight of our concerns pressing down on me. "Lady Athena, we came to seek your counsel. Something is happening in the Dungeon—something ancient and powerful. I encountered a shadowy entity, and it… it spoke to me."
Athena's expression grew serious, her eyes narrowing in thought. "A shadowy entity… and it spoke? This is troubling news indeed. There have been whispers among the gods, but nothing concrete until now."
The atmosphere in the room grew tense. "Tell me everything, Bell. Leave nothing out, no matter how insignificant it may seem."
I recounted the encounter in detail, from the moment I first sensed the entity to the eerie words it had spoken. As I spoke, Athena listened intently, her gaze never leaving mine.
When I finished, she remained silent for a long moment, her expression unreadable. Finally, she spoke, her voice measured. "The entity you encountered… it may be something far older than the Dungeon itself. There are legends, myths from a time before the gods descended to this world, of primordial beings that dwelled in the darkness before creation. If one of these beings has awakened…"
Her words sent a chill down my spine.I didn't know if it was from fear or anticipation for what was to happen soon. "What can we do?" I asked, my voice barely above a whisper.
Athena looked at me, her eyes filled with a mixture of determination and something else—something that felt like resignation. "We must be vigilant. The gods will need to convene, to discuss this threat and what it means for the world. But you, Bell… you must be prepared. Whatever role you have to play in this, it will not be an easy one."
Hestia reached out and took my hand again, her grip firm despite the fear I could see in her eyes. "We'll face it together, like we always have."
Athena nodded, her expression softening slightly. "Indeed. But be cautious. The Dungeon is more dangerous than ever, and this entity—whatever it is—may not be the only thing stirring in the depths."
We left the Athena Familia's home with heavy hearts, the weight of Athena's words pressing down on us. The day was growing late, but there was no time to rest. We still needed to speak with Hephaestus and Loki, to explain to them about what this entity might have been and to gather as much information as we could, so that we had a chance of defeating this being. Though at the thought it was as if my powers vibrated at the prospect of facing such threats.
As we walked, I couldn't help but feel the eyes on us again, like the shadow of something far beyond our understanding was looming ever closer. Whatever was coming, it would test us like never before. But as I looked at Hestia beside me, her resolve clear despite her fear, I knew one thing for certain: we would face it together, no matter what.