The room was filled with tension as the gods of Orario gathered for Denatus, an emergency meeting called in light of the news that shook the city—the Rakia Kingdom, under the command of Ares, had launched an invasion on Orario. As the gods sat around the grand hall discussing strategies and concerns, murmurs filled the air. Some gods looked worried, others indifferent, but all knew the threat couldn't be ignored.
"Rakia's forces are strong this time," Hermes said with a thoughtful tone, breaking the uneasy silence. "Their army is much larger than the last time they tried to attack Orario."
"We cannot let them breach our defenses," Ganesha declared, his booming voice shaking the hall. "But this is no small threat, even for our city. Their elite units are said to be composed of high-level adventurers."
Hestia sat quietly among the gods, her fingers gripping the hem of her dress in silent worry. She knew her Familia was strong—stronger than most, especially with Bell at the helm. But this was a full-scale invasion, and her concern was evident.
Suddenly, before another god could speak, the large wooden doors to the hall burst open with a loud crash. All eyes turned to see Bell Cranel standing in the doorway, his presence bold and commanding. He walked in with purpose, not bothering to apologize for the interruption.
"I'll take care of it," Bell said firmly, his voice cutting through the discussions like a blade. His crimson eyes glinted with determination as he looked around at the gathered gods.
The gods were silent for a moment, shocked by his sudden appearance and even more by his bold statement. Some of the gods blinked, while others raised their eyebrows in surprise.
"Bell, you can't be serious!" Loki exclaimed, leaning back in her chair. "This is a full invasion we're talking about!"
"I am serious," Bell said, his voice unwavering. "If you don't trust me, that's fine. But I'm going to end this invasion before it even gets close to Orario." He turned toward Hestia, who looked up at him with wide eyes. "My Familia and I will take care of it."
Hermes chuckled softly, but there was an edge of worry in his tone. "You're confident, aren't you, Bell Cranel? You realize the Rakia Kingdom's forces are vast, and their adventurers are no pushovers?"
Bell nodded. "I know. But it's not a problem. WE aren't either."
Before any more objections could be raised, Bell turned on his heel and left, not waiting for permission or approval. He had made up his mind, and nothing would change it.
As he walked out of the grand hall, a figure watched him intently—Freya, the goddess of beauty and love. Her purple eyes tracked Bell's every move, her heart clenching with worry. She knew how powerful he was, but she couldn't help the feeling of dread that settled in her chest. Bell wasn't just another adventurer to her. He was her Odr, her significant other, her love.
"Freya," Ottar, her most trusted follower, spoke up as he stood beside her. "You're worried."
She didn't answer immediately, but her grip tightened on the armrest of her chair. "I want you to follow him," she said quietly. "Take Allen and Hedin. Watch him, protect him if he needs it. I can't lose him."
Ottar nodded. "As you command."
Back at the Hestia Familia home, Bell gathered his Familia together in the newly furnished Hearth Manor. They stood before him, eager yet cautious, as he explained the situation.
"Ares and his Rakia Kingdom army are heading toward Orario," Bell began, his voice calm but firm. "Their best adventurers are mid to high-level 3, so we shouldn't be in too much danger. But this is a war, and I want all of you to be ready."
The group exchanged looks, a mixture of excitement and determination settling among them. Lili, always eager to prove herself, clenched her fists. Ryuu stood tall, her expression serene but focused. Anya cracked her knuckles, her cat-like grin spreading across her face. Even Hestia, who normally refrained from direct battle, was ready to join them.
"We're with you, Bell," Ryuu said quietly, her soft voice carrying strength.
Bell nodded, grateful for their loyalty. "We'll all go. And this time, Hestia, you're coming too."
Hestia blinked, her mouth falling open in surprise. "Me? But—"
"You're not staying defenseless," Bell cut her off. "You've trained, and I know you can handle yourself. Plus, I don't trust leaving you behind while we go off to war."
A small smile crept across Hestia's lips. "Alright, then. Let's show them what the Hestia Familia is made of."
The next morning, the Hestia Familia donned their battle outfits. Each wore a black battle-kimono over their signature white Espada-inspired uniforms, adding a layer of protection and style to their appearance. The kimono, with its long, slightly puffed sleeves, helped hide their movements, giving them an advantage in battle.
Bell, in particular, looked striking in his white and black ensemble, his red eyes sharp and calculating. With his katana at his side and the hidden power of his weapons, he felt ready for whatever Ares' army had in store.
"Everyone ready?" Bell asked as they gathered in the hidden passageways that led out of Orario.
"Ready!" the Familia responded in unison.
Together, they made their way through the tunnels, exiting Orario unnoticed and heading toward the advancing Rakia forces.
For almost a day, the Hestia Familia fought through the enemy forces. The Rakia soldiers were well-trained but no match for the overwhelming strength of Bell and his companions. The adventurers of Rakia, though formidable, were dispatched quickly by Bell's speed and power, as well as the teamwork of his Familia. The battle was intense, but Bell's keen senses picked up something unusual.
He felt eyes on him.
Bell sighed in mild annoyance as he decimated another group of Rakia soldiers. He paused for a moment, narrowing his eyes before turning his head toward the distant trees. "You can come out now," he called, his voice loud and clear. "I know you're there."
From the shadows, Ottar, Allen, and Hedin of the Freya Familia emerged, their presence no longer hidden.
Bell crossed his arms, raising an eyebrow at them. "Freya sent you, didn't she?"
Ottar stepped forward, his massive frame imposing but respectful. "Yes. She was worried about you."
Bell couldn't help but smirk. "I appreciate the concern, but I don't need protection. However, since you're here, you might as well join us."
Allen, always the more brash of the three, snorted. "We weren't planning on staying hidden the whole time anyway."
"Good," Bell said with a nod. "Because we're just getting started."
With the Freya Familia members now fighting alongside them, the Hestia Familia cut through the Rakia forces like a blade through water. Bell moved like a whirlwind, his blades flashing as he led his team deeper into the enemy ranks.
Ares' army, once so confident in their numbers, was starting to falter. Panic spread among the soldiers as they realized the true power they were up against.
Bell stood at the front, looking out over the battlefield. His crimson eyes gleamed with determination. "It's time to end this," he said, raising his sword high. "For Orario, and for our Familia."
As the sun began to set, casting a golden glow over the battlefield, Bell knew the invasion was nearing its end. The enemy was retreating, their morale shattered.
But this war wasn't over just yet.
The true battle would come soon, and when it did, Bell would be ready.