Led by Aisha, Bell made his way through the dark alleys of the pleasure district. Red lights danced on the walls like flames, casting eerie shadows. The atmosphere was heavy, saturated with whispers and sighs, and Bell felt every fiber of his being screaming for caution. But he refused to back down.
Aisha would glance back from time to time, a slight smile playing on her lips.
"You're braver than I thought, kid. But prepare yourself. Ishtar isn't like the other goddesses. She won't give you any gifts."
Bell simply nodded, too focused on his breathing to answer. But before they reached their destination, a massive figure emerged from a dark corner.
Phryne Jamil, another Amazon and one of Ishtar's most feared, stood before them. Her imposing build, tanned skin, and hungry eyes made her as intimidating as she was repulsive. She stared at Bell like a predator staring at its prey, and a sneer twisted her face.
"Well, well… What do we have here? A little rabbit lost in our forest?" Phryne sneered, her raspy voice echoing through the alley.
Bell instinctively stepped back, his stomach churning at the overwhelming aura of the woman. But before he could say anything, Aisha stepped in, arms crossed.
"Phryne, this is none of your business. This boy is under my protection."
Phryne burst out laughing, a raspy, mocking sound.
"Your protection? Don't make me laugh, Aisha. That kid looks delicious, and I think I'll take him for myself tonight."
Bell felt sweat bead on his forehead. He opened his mouth to protest, but Aisha placed a hand on his shoulder, her gaze fixed on Phryne.
"He's my client. And what's more, he has business with Ishtar. You're in no position to stand in his way."
Phryne narrowed her eyes, her face hardening.
"You, always thinking you're above everyone else. Maybe I should teach you to stay in your place!"
The two Amazons exchanged a look heavy with tension. Aisha, although thinner than Phryne, exuded a calm and controlled assurance. She took a step forward, her aura sharp as a blade.
"Try it, Phryne. But remember what happened last time."
A tense silence fell. Finally, Phryne stepped back, growling in frustration.
"Very well. But if this kid doesn't survive Ishtar, I'll come back for him. And for you."
She walked away, her massive figure disappearing into the shadows. Bell let out a breath he didn't know he was holding.
"Thank you…" he whispered to Aisha, still shaking.
She shrugged, an amused smile on her lips.
"Don't thank me yet. You'll find out that was just a little taste of what's to come. Now come on."
They continued on their way, and a few minutes later, they reached a sumptuous building decorated with red and gold sails. A heady smell of flowers and perfumes enveloped the place. Aisha opened the large doors and gestured for Bell to enter.
In the center of the room, on a luxurious silk couch, Ishtar lounged, her revealing clothing accentuating her divine beauty. Her purple hair gleamed in the dim light, and her eyes sparkled with mischief and dominance. She had clearly just dismissed a customer, who staggered out of the room, looking half-enchanted.
When she saw Aisha and Bell, an intrigued smile stretched across her lips.
"Oh, what a surprise, Aisha. And what is this little lamb you brought me?"
Bell swallowed, but he felt the heat of determination rise inside him.
"I am Bell Cranel. I come to ask for your blessing, Goddess Ishtar."
Silence fell over the room, and Ishtar burst out laughing, a laugh that was as haunting as it was frightening.
"My little boy… You are very bold. But the bold are often the most entertaining. Come closer, so I can take a closer look at you."
Bell stepped forward, ready to face the goddess' judgment.
Chapter 4: The Art of Seducing a Goddess
Bell slowly approached Ishtar, feeling the heavy gazes of her handmaidens, Amazons and other worshipers present in the room. The aura of the goddess was overwhelming, but Bell knew that he must not show any weakness.
Ishtar crossed her legs elegantly, her piercing eyes taking in every inch of the young man before her.
"So, you want my blessing?" she said, an amused smile on her lips. "Why should I give my power to a little boy like you?"
Bell bowed his head slightly, adopting a respectful but not submissive posture. His words were chosen carefully, his tone measured.
"Because I can offer you something no other adventurer has ever given you, Goddess Ishtar."
A whisper of intrigue ran through the room. The Amazons exchanged skeptical glances, but Ishtar raised an eyebrow, intrigued.
"And what is it? Don't be stingy with your words, little lamb."
Bell looked up, his gaze glowing with a new intensity.
"A servant ready to do anything. Not for money, not for glory, but for a purpose. I am ready to become your instrument, to rise under your banner, and to overthrow those who despise your name."
Ishtar's smile widened, but this time it was tinged with calculation. She straightened slightly, placing a finger to her lips.
"Interesting… But promises are easy, boy. Keeping them is another story. What proves to me that you are not just another insect seeking to take advantage of my grace?"
Bell gave a subtle smile, his mind racing. He knew Ishtar was a goddess of desire and control. If she saw an opportunity for power in him, he could force his way into her world.
"I do not seek to take advantage of you, goddess. I seek to grow under your shadow. The gods of Orario have rejected me, as have their servants. If you take me under your wing, I will be yours. Entirely. I will give you what no one else dares to offer: my absolute loyalty. And I will begin by proving my worth to you."
Aisha, who had been watching silently, narrowed her eyes slightly. She saw something in Bell that she couldn't yet define: a glimmer of calculation behind his apparent humility.
Ishtar leaned forward, her burning gaze boring into Bell's.
"Very well, little boy. If you truly wish to prove your worth, here is your first task. A group of my rivals are hiding in the ruins on the edge of Orario. They are plotting against me, and I want them gone."
She snapped her fingers, and an Amazon handed Bell a small scroll.
"Here are their names and their hiding places. If you eliminate them, I will know that you are worthy of receiving my blessing. But be careful… these adventurers are more experienced than you. If you fail, you will never return here."
Bell took the parchment without hesitation, his calculating expression hidden behind a mask of obedience.
"Consider it done, Goddess Ishtar."
As he left the room, Aisha followed closely behind him.
"You're playing a dangerous game, kid," she whispered once they were outside. "Do you really think you can stand up to these guys?"
Bell paused, an enigmatic smile playing on his lips.
"I may not be the strongest. Not yet. But I know how to use what I have. Ishtar wants results? She will get them. No matter the means."
Aisha remained silent, but a shiver ran through her. This boy, beneath his innocent exterior, hid an ambition and a cunning that could well take him very far... or cause his downfall.
To be continued