In the Chamber of Prayers:
Deep beneath Orario, in the ancient and hallowed halls of the Chamber of Prayers, Ouranos sat on his grand stone throne, his eyes closed in contemplation. The pale blue glow from the divine symbols etched across the chamber walls flickered with a quiet, eternal energy, illuminating the two figures at its center.
Fels, Ouranos's one and only familia member, knelt in front of him, the black robe enveloping their form. Despite the usual obscurity of their features, it was clear that the robed figure was deep in thought.
"Fels," Ouranos spoke, his voice a low, echoing rumble, "do you believe Bell Cranel is ready?"
The question hung in the air, charged with a significance that neither of them needed to voice. Fels shifted, gloved hands tightening over the staff they held. The question was not just about strength—Bell had shown time and again that he possessed power beyond most adventurers. It was about character, about morality, about whether Bell could be the one to carry out this uncertain and delicate mission.
"I am unsure, Lord Ouranos," Fels replied after a moment of hesitation. "Bell Cranel's strength is unquestionable. He is stronger than most adventurers and possesses the charisma to inspire others. However... what we plan to ask of him is not something that can be accomplished through strength alone."
Ouranos nodded, the deep lines of his ancient face forming a pensive expression. "The time is drawing near, Fels. If the Xenos are to have a future, they need an ally in Orario—a true hero. Watch him closely. Ensure that he is prepared for what lies ahead."
"Yes, Lord Ouranos."
In the Dungeon - Waterfall Cave, 25th Floor:
The Hestia Familia was enjoying a rare day of relaxation in the Dungeon, finding respite near one of the cavernous floors' natural wonders—a grand waterfall that cascaded from a height, sending a cool mist into the air. Bell, Haruhime, Welf, Ryuu, Anya, and the rest of the group were sprawled out on the smooth rocks, chatting, eating snacks, and simply enjoying the beauty of the Dungeon that they so often fought against.
Hestia herself sat at the edge of the water, her feet submerged as she kicked gently, creating ripples across the crystalline surface. It was peaceful—an unusual sense of tranquility in a place often filled with danger.
But that tranquility was soon interrupted when Hestia caught sight of something... peculiar.
From behind the waterfall, she saw a glint of eyes staring at them. They were curious but hesitant, almost as if the creature was afraid of being seen.
"Would you please come on out," Hestia called softly, her voice warm and inviting. "It's alright. We won't hurt you."
For a moment, nothing happened. The others turned their heads, following her gaze toward the waterfall. Then, slowly, a figure emerged—a creature unlike anything the Hestia Familia had encountered before.
It was a monster, or at least it looked like one. A lizard-like being with dark blue scales and eyes filled with intelligence and curiosity. The creature stepped out cautiously, its gaze flickering between each member of the Familia.
"Whoa," Welf muttered, eyes widening. "Is that... a monster?"
"No," Bell said, stepping forward, his gaze locked with the creature's. "Not a monster. Not exactly."
The creature made a sound—a soft, melodic trill that seemed almost... friendly. Haruhime gasped, her tails flicking behind her as she stepped closer.
"It's... adorable," she whispered, her golden eyes wide with wonder. "Look at those eyes."
Hestia smiled, her heart warming at the sight. "You're right, Haru-chan. It's not like the monsters we've fought before."
The creature stepped closer, more confident now, and soon enough, more figures began to appear from the shadows. Monsters of various shapes and sizes—each one unique but all possessing the same unmistakable look of intelligence.
"We are Xenos," the lizard-being said, its voice deep and resonant. "We are not like the others. We seek not to harm but to live... like you."
Bell's eyes widened in understanding. He had heard rumors of monsters that were different, monsters that could think and feel as they did, but he never imagined he would actually meet them.
"Xenos...," he repeated softly, looking at the creatures that had gathered around them.
"Bell-sama," Haruhime said, her voice filled with excitement, "can we help them? They look like they need friends."
Bell smiled at her, then turned back to the lizard-being. "Would you like us to help you?" he asked.
The creature nodded slowly. "There is a place—a place where we gather. It is safe, hidden from those who would harm us. Come. We wish to speak with you."
Bell turned to his Familia, who all nodded in agreement. Together, they followed the Xenos deeper into the Dungeon.
Xenos Hideout:
The journey led them to an expansive cavern hidden deep within the Dungeon. It was a haven, a place where the Xenos lived together in peace. The Hestia Familia looked around in awe as they took in the sight of the various Xenos interacting, sharing food, and talking to one another.
Waiting for them in the center of the cavern was Fels, the mysterious robed figure they had seen before during other incidents in Orario. Fels raised a hand in greeting as Bell and his team approached.
"Thank you for coming," Fels said. "These are the Xenos—a group of intelligent monsters who seek to coexist with humanity. They have long hidden from adventurers for fear of being hunted. They need allies—people who can protect them and help them find a place in this world."
Bell nodded, looking around at the hopeful eyes of the Xenos. He knew, without a doubt, that this was something worth fighting for.
"We'll help," Bell said, his voice filled with determination. "But we need to find a way to convince others that you're not dangerous."
Fels nodded. "Indeed. A test, perhaps. To see if others can be swayed."
Bell looked to Lili, who nodded, understanding immediately. Using her Transformation Magic, she shifted her form into that of a monstrous-looking creature—a blend of different features that was both fearsome and distinct.
"I'll lead someone here," Lili said. "Someone trustworthy. Finn, from the Loki Familia."
A Chase Through the Dungeon:
The next day, Lili, disguised as a strange monster, led Finn Deimne on a chase through the Dungeon. Finn, one of the most perceptive adventurers in Orario, had noticed her immediately and had been pursuing her, intrigued by the unusual presence.
He was fast, but Lili was agile, darting between rocks and leading him exactly where she wanted him to go. Eventually, she led him to the cavern where the rest of the Hestia Familia and the Xenos were waiting.
Finn paused at the entrance, his eyes widening at the sight before him. Xenos—intelligent monsters, living in peace. And at their side, Bell Cranel, smiling as if he had just made a group of new friends.
"Finn," Bell called out, stepping forward. "There's something you need to see."
Finn approached cautiously, his eyes scanning the Xenos. There was no malice in their eyes—only hope and a plea for understanding. He turned back to Bell, his sharp mind already working through the implications.
"This... is like the Prums," Finn said softly, his voice filled with wonder. "A race that was once feared, misunderstood. You want to help them, don't you?"
Bell nodded. "They deserve a chance to live, just like anyone else. But we need allies—people who can help us make others understand."
Finn was silent for a moment, then he smiled. "I'll help. And I know others in my Familia who would be willing to help too."
Bell's heart swelled with hope. It was a small step, but it was the beginning of something far greater—a chance for peace between the races.
Later That Day:
With the initial meeting concluded, Finn returned to Loki Familia, and soon, several of the top executives of the Loki Familia—Riveria, Gareth, and Tiona—arrived at the Xenos hideout. They were skeptical at first, but after speaking with the Xenos, they too began to understand.
It was a risky endeavor, but the more people who knew, the better their chances of ensuring the Xenos' safety.
Together, Hestia Familia and Loki Familia agreed to keep the Xenos a secret—for now. They would plan, strategize, and when the time was right, they would reveal the truth to Orario.
As they left the cavern that day, Bell felt a renewed sense of purpose. This was what he had trained for, what he had grown stronger for—not just to fight monsters, but to change the world for the better. And now, with the Xenos by their side, he knew that anything was possible.