Chapter 30 - chapter 30 part 1

It was early in the morning in Orario and already the day started off with excitement. If a little too loud.

"Come on!" Hestia shouted behind her at her familia, "let's go see our new home! Aren't you all a little excited?!"

Bell and a few others gave only groans to the shortstack Goddess's enthusiasm. Having only just woken up a short time ago, some were still setting their clothes in place.

"Lady Hestia," Koukin began, "while I share your enthusiasm…somewhat. I believe that there is no need to rush our arrival. Our home isn't going anywhere after all."

"But it's done, isn't it?" Hestia asked, "C'mon! Aren't you just itching to see our new home?"

"I'm itching for some coffee, does that count?" Kallen said, walking with her arms dangling at her side, "why couldn't we do this until after breakfast?"

"Amen to that," Ibuki added, her eyes heavy and her long ponytail a haggard mess, "we should have waited until after we had our breakfast. That way we could have been full of food, full of energy, and full of excitement. But now?"

"We're full of exhaustion," Chitoge added, coming to their side, "not the greatest feeling, I won't lie."

Hestia just huffed and turned to continue down the street, "You all are just being ridiculous. We'll eat breakfast from the comfort of our own home. No need to spend more money at the hotel than we already have."

"The breakfast was free, Goddess," Arue added, looking frazzled and annoyed, "like we told you the first eight times yesterday and the five times we've told you today."

"I confess," Takeru said from beside Arue, "I was itching to try the powdered toast they had there, it looked promising," she, unlike the others, seemed perfectly okay with this early morning trip. Not seeming bothered in the least.

Some were quite envious of her stalwart nature and even Bell wished he had that attitude in the morning. He often woke up early to do some training but he never woke up 'this' early. He couldn't imagine waking up this early. Even he needed some extra sleep now and again.

Though that was difficult nowadays considering the…activities he has been up to with his familia members. He was actually thankful none came to sleep with him last night. After he and the others trip into the dungeon yesterday, Bell was especially tired. He had decided to get one of the tasks done and call it a day. He ended up doing more, getting seven silverback pelts instead of six and taking out two infant dragons in the same day. Now he just had to kill four infant dragons and mine fifteen ore from floors thirteen or lower.

It was definitely harder than it sounded but Bell was confident in completing the tasks.

Today though was a special day. Not only is he and his familia getting a newly renovated and expanded home, but he was also doing something special.

After discussing it with Koukin, it was decided he would summon more allies to aid them in his familia's growth and its protection.

Given the potential threats the familia may face from other deities, hiding is only a temporary solution and a fleeting one at that. When Bell is discovered to have Eros gift, whether tomorrow or a month from now, a target will be on his back and upon the back of the familia as a whole. It was naturally best to be prepared for such a reality.

Though Koukin did emphasize that they would continue to take a manner of caution. No need to rush a troublesome scenario when it can still be prolonged.

Which is why they decided to…adjust the summoning this time around. With both security and caution in mind.

There was something else though, something Bell had kept away from his vice-captain for a good deal of time. A plan that was arguably stupid and fruitless but nonetheless worth trying.

He was going to try and summon Koukin's lover to their side.

A foolish plan, he knew, the summoning spell relied heavily upon odds and probability. In fact, the chances of Bell summoning Hakufu Sonsaku were next to zero considering the countless other people that the spell could potentially summon.

Which was why Bell was taking a gamble, he was going to depend on a new ability he acquired when he last leveled up, the development ability known as…

Luck.

A strange ability that wasn't even archived in the Guild's records, according to Eina. It was a unique ability to say the least but one with no clear definition.

Hestia was adamant that Bell take the ability though, saying something about it being a 'divine talent' and great for his 'archetype,' whatever that was. Though Koukin was exasperated that Hestia pressured Bell into choosing such an unknown variable instead of something like abnormal resistance, the damage was done and she could only offer her own opinion on what such an ability meant.

His vice-captain offered that the skill was some kind of probability manipulation, an opinion shared by Arue; who said she had known people in her own world with that ability and how they were able to do amazing things with that alone.

She did grumble about some guy she knew from her old world that was a 'savage brute' that destroyed one of her best literary drafts.

Others in the familia had similar opinions on it as well. Chitoge said the best way to test it in full would be to let Bell loose in a casino and see what happens, an idea that Hestia was swift to strike down. Not wanting her precious Bell to be corrupted by the greedy of Orario.

Regardless, if it did what the others theorized, then maybe he could make it work to his advantage. It was a small hope but one Bell was more than happy to take.

The rest of the journey back to the Hestia home went on quietly. With very little discussion between the haggard members. They weren't too worried about traveling in a big group, the streets were still scant with people and as they drew closer to their home, the amount of people grew less and less, until they eventually arrived at the ruins area where their home was.

Whatever exhaustion they possessed left them the moment they saw their home newly renovated and expanded.

"…"

"…um."

"…"

"Goddess…this is…uh."

"… "

"This is…something."

"…please don't say anymore, Bell."

As a whole, the Hestia familia looked up at their residence, seeing the familiar church structure with the few improvements from the last renovation.

As for the newer and larger structure attached to the former church, it was a contrast in taste to the extreme.

"It's so ugly!" Hestia exclaimed, pointing at the structure, "it doesn't match our home at all! It looks like a big gray brick attached to our home!"

Hestia saw a builder from Goibniu familia just finishing packing up a few tools a short distance away from the home. Hestia walked to the man with a purpose. Koukin and Bell tried to grab her to stop her from potentially embarrassing herself and the familia with an overreaction but only just missed their chance as Hestia marched over to the worker.

Before Hestia could lay into the honest man he already saw her coming and raised a letter up to the Goddess. Hestia stopped short at seeing the letter and her anger quickly made way for shock and curiosity, for the front of the letter was stamped with Goibniu familia's emblem and Hestia could feel something from the ink that only her and a few others in the city could feel.

The power of a God. Meaning Goibniu stamped this himself.

Hestia took the letter and the worker finished packing up his tools and made quick to leave.

Hestia watched the worker go before turning her attention back to the letter in hand. With a grumble she opened the letter, wondering what Goibniu wrote inside it.

Hestia, no doubt you're wondering about the strange appearance of your home now. To tell you the truth, it was difficult to try and blend the new addition with your old one, considering its age and structure. By default, I decided to continue with the construction without design aesthetics in mind. My children tried their best to circumvent that but there was only so much they could do. Regardless I hope you enjoy your new addition to your home and what's inside it.

P.S. No refunds.

Hestia read over the letter once and twice over grumbling all the while. She wanted to ball up the letter and throw it to the ground with a yell, but knew that would be childish in the extreme. Instead she handed the letter behind her to Koukin and Bell, who moved to catch Hestia in case she caused trouble for the poor workman.

Together, they too read the letter and each had their own opinion on it.

"Goddess, it's alright," Bell said, "what's important is that we have more room to live in. Isn't that more important than appearances?"

"This may be a blessing in disguise," Koukin said, turning to look at the, "regardless of the…unique new appearance of our home it may stand to dissuade prying eyes from monitoring us."

"How would it dissuade prying eyes, Koukin?" Hestia asked tonelessly, her voice sounding dead, "how exactly would it work? Go on, say why. I know why and I believe you know why too. Go on, say it."

Koukin tried to find the right words to say, the right alternative words for this situation. She found herself struggling in the effort, for when looking back to their home and back to the dead eyes of the Goddess she found she had no other reason than to speak the truth.

"…It's…because it's so ugly to look at," Koukin said, a look of shame on her face for failing to spin this into a good thing.

"It's because it's so ugly!" Hestia shouted in anguish, falling to the ground and rolling around like a child, "My beautiful home has been defaced in the name of practicality! My sanctuary! My temple!"

Bell and the others looked on as their wonderful Goddess threw a tantrum amidst the dust and rubble of the area, too tired to stop her and too embarrassed by her to even try. Together, they all looked back to their home.

"It doesn't look that bad," Arue said, "I've seen…more unique buildings back in my homeland."

"That ain't a ringing endorsement," Chitoge deadpanned, "especially coming from you."

"Maybe if we put a new coat of paint on it?" Ibuki offered, "Hana, Elbia, you two surely can turn this into something…eccentric?"

Both artists looked at each other, then back to the building, then back to each other before looking to Ibuki.

"We're artists," Hana said.

"Not miracle workers," Elbia finished.

Kallen and Takeru looked at their home with neutral expressions before both looked at each other and shrugged. Neither were bothered by the strange look their home now had, all the two really cared about was that it was functional.

"Let's at least see how the inside looks," Bell pleaded, pushing a downtrodden Hestia forward to the entrance, "surely the inside looks far better, Goddess."

Hestia only sniffed and let Bell push her along, if only to feel his strong hands on her back, the sensation drying up her tears and silencing her cries.

Together, they made their way to their home's entrance. Ready to see the interior renovations in full.

Hestia's mood mollified somewhat once she got a look on the inside. A whole new section was opened up to them with the previous side wall to the living room removed and opened to the new wing of the building.

Hestia was glad that they didn't really affect the previous work they did and more relieved to see the large stained glass window to the living room was untouched as well. It was her favorite source of natural light that bathed the room in a relaxing display of colors.

Back to the renovations, Hestia and the others saw the new wing opened and were happy with what they saw. On one side of the large hallway there was a double door that opened up into a large kitchen, big enough to support a familia her size comfortably with a large walk in fridge and freezer, a magic stone powered stove top oven sporting eight burners and two large oven doors that Hestia was tempted to crawl into to see if she fit, and featuring a large wash sink to do dishes and a cutting station to prepare food proper.

It was marvelous to look at until Kallen helpfully reminded everyone that the fridge and freezer were empty and they would have to buy more food to fill it up because the fridge in the basement definitely wouldn't fill even an eighth of the space available inside.

Leaving their new kitchen, they moved to the opposite side of the hall and found a sight that nearly brought Hestia to tears.

"A bath," the nearly weeping Goddess said, "I finally have a nice, relaxing, large bath to bathe in."

Indeed, a large bath was at the far end of the room. So large that some in the familia wondered if all of them could fit in it. Though Koukin doubted it, it would still be close nonetheless.

Beside the bathtub on opposite ends were two wash stations that Kallen seemed familiar with from times visiting a hot spring in her old world. Next to the wash stations along the walls were five shower stalls, ten in total, each with dividers and curtains at the entrance of each of them.

In another door, just beside the entrance, was where the restroom proper was and it possessed the necessary toiletries, including multiple stalls and sinks.

Sometimes being the only male in the familia had its own curses.

Leaving the area, they made their way up to the second floor above the renovated area. Goibniu decided to connect and expand the upstairs lounge and have it lead to the newly constructed living quarters. Ten rooms in total, just like Hestia requested, each one similar to the ones already built, albeit with slightly different stone color than the previous ones.

All in all, Hestia was satisfied at least with the interior work done. Goibniu came and he certainly delivered, as he promised. She just wished she could have negotiated for a better exterior plan.

Oh well, no use crying about it now. Now was the time to celebr-

"Hey guys," Hestia called, seeing her children begin walking away to different parts of the original building, "where are you all going? We have to celebrate this moment."

Several of her children looked back at her with different expressions. From apologetic to impatient and many in between. It was Chitoge that turned to her and gave the explanation.

"It's not even seven in the morning and we're tired as hell after dungeon diving last night," she gave the Goddess a nonchalant wave, "we can celebrate after about five more hours of sleep. Until then, take care sis."

Slowly but regularly, Hestia heard doors open and close with finality. Leaving Hestia the sole active occupant in the home.

"Hmph," Hestia huffed, "fine, I can celebrate by myself. I remember I've been saving some good sake that Take gave me some time ag-"

She was caught off guard by a deep yawn coming out of herself, followed by a wave of drowsiness. For a moment she stood there, embarrassed at herself, then she grumbled and made her way to her room.

Maybe she could do with some more rest.

At the crack of noon, the familia gathered into the living room for an announcement by both their captain and vice-captain.

Bell stood beside his second in command towards his familia, who were all sitting in either a sofa or a chair they decided to bring from the dining room. Everyone looked at him and for a moment he forgot how to work his mouth and tongue to form words.

He had never done something like this before, making an announcement that is. He'd always left that to Koukin, who had much more experience in leading, even though she was technically an advisor for the most part and only took up the role as general when no one else could step up to it.

But Koukin was adamant that Bell get used to making these announcements himself. As the captain of the familia, he had to take charge when it came to big decisions, especially when they involved the familia as a whole.

And what he was about to say definitely involved the familia as a whole.

"Everyone," Bell began, "I know that we're still reeling from the construction work done on our home and that some of us are excited to test out the new facilities," he saw Ibuki and Kallen look down the new hallway and at the doors that led to the washroom, "but I need to say something first."

He inhaled again, both to get his breath and calm his nerves. Bell was glad his familia was kinda small but speaking in front of crowds is still jarring.

"I have decided to summon more allies to our familia," Bell continued, "today, actually."

Everyone didn't seem too shocked about this. They already knew that summoning more allies was going to come all the sooner now that construction was done on their home.

What Bell said next was going to garner a bigger reaction.

"I plan to summon ten new allies today," he announced, 'the new rooms will be filled before nightfall."

Their reactions were stronger this time. Everyone looked at each other in shock and disbelief. Summoning ten new allies just like that? It was so sudden and unexpected, not to mention a little crazy. Even Arue, who usually kept up a firm poker face, was wide eyed at this announcement. Chitoge, Ibuki, and Kallen were talking amongst themselves at such news, debating if it was smart or not. Hana and Elbia just looked curious and waited for Bell to continue, more eager to hear the reason and details than anything else. Stalwart Takeru just crossed her arms and waited for her captain to continue.

This reaction was actually much more controlled than he expected, which was why when he clapped his hands only once, conversations died and focus returned to him.

"I know some of you are curious as to why I would make such a decision," Bell continued, "it wasn't easy and if I'm honest, even I'm not sure about it," he focused his features, trying to appear stern, "what I am sure about is that we are in a risky situation. Not only do we have Freya familia possessing an interest in us, or me for whatever reason. But we will also have potentially more problems from other Gods and Goddesses, especially after Denatus," he looked to his vice-captain and nodded to her, prompting her to step up with the plan.

"Bell and I discussed it," Koukin began, "It is only a matter of time before we start drawing in the wrong kind of attention, despite our best efforts," she looked over at everyone gave them a nod, "I'm surprised and amazed we have made it this far without arousing suspicion, as far as we know at least."

It had occurred to Koukin that they may have been found out already and whatever deity did was simply biding their time and waiting for a good opportunity to strike. Right now, Freya familia was at the top of the list already but there could be others Koukin had not considered.

For now though, it seems Freya familia were busy with something else. Koukin didn't know what but there have been odd sightings of Freya familia around and outside the city. Whatever is happening with them, it may give Hestia familia time to prepare.

Heavens know they need it.

"Which is why we decided this," Bell said, continuing, "risky and unorthodox it may be, but it's the best option we have to help keep our familia safe and increase our numbers."

For a moment nobody said anything, considering the decision. To his relief, none seem adverse to the idea. Soon, he received nods of approval from his gathered friends, much to his relief. Then to his surprise, he saw Arue raise a hand.

"Y-yes, Arue," Bell said, inwardly cursing himself for the stutter. He and Koukin tried to work on that, "Is there something you want to ask?"

The crimson demon nodded and asked, "How will you go forth with the summonings? If I'm not mistaken, you can summon up to Tier five, correct? Will you be summoning from the upper Tiers only?"

Bell and Koukin expected that question and it was an issue she and he debated at great length before coming to a decision.

"We decided to divide it up evenly by summoning two from each Tier," Bell explained, "for a certain reason."

"That reason being ," Koukin continued, "while it would be beneficial to utilize all our summons on the highest Tier, that comes with a risk."

"It would be difficult to explain to the Guild how a bunch of fresh faced familia members and adventurers were doing so extraordinarily in the dungeon," Bell continued the explanation, "which would in turn-"

"Draw more attention to us," finished Koukin, "while if we take a more cautious step and summon lower Tier allies, that takes some of the focus off us somewhat," Koukin frowned and shrugged, "it's not a perfect plan but it might be our best bet for now."

Silence greeted her and Bell's announcement. Everyone was mulling over the announcement and the reasons presented. They didn't seem bothered by the decision but were curious about the choice in general.

All in all, this was a far more positive reaction than either Bell or Koukin expected. Sure there were some grievances that the two could hear but they were minor in comparison to the approval.

Bell eventually coughed loudly enough to stop conversations and direct focus back to him, "Are there any questions?"

Hana stood up and Bell nodded his head at her in acknowledgment, "Yes, Hana?" he asked

"Are you certain about this decision, captain?" she asked, "while I don't deny the strategy is sound, it comes with risks of its own. Such as the risks involved summoning Tier one to even Tier two."

Bell was silent for a moment, mulling over the artist's words. He eventually asked, "And what are those risks, Hana?"

Hana put a hand to her chest and Bell had to try and not to stare too hard as she pressed her hand quite hard into her bosom, "While I am confident now in my martial abilities, that wasn't always the case. Shame I am to admit it, I was scared when I first ventured into the dungeon," she looked down, as if what she said weighed upon her, "as much as I was excited to venture down there, I was also afraid of what I would be facing down there. I say this admittance to emphasize a point," she drew in a breath and continued, "not everyone we summon will be willing to dive into the dungeon with us, captain. Least of all, anyone in the lower Tiers like myself."

Again, silence permeated the room. As everyone digested what was said, Elbia raised a hand awkwardly, "Yeah, that's what I'm worried about too," she said, "don't get me wrong, I'll be happy to dive down into the dungeon with you all, but," she gave a meek shrug and look down, "not everyone in mine or Hana's Tier would enjoy diving into danger, or even be capable of it right off the bat."

"Hate to say it, but the two of them are right," Chitoge added, looking at Bell, " It's true, not everyone is summoned to fight like us, Bell. Least of all in Tiers one to two. You've been lucky enough to get us because of how our past lives were and how quick we were to adapt," she sighed and propped her legs up on the coffee table, leaning back with her arms crossed, "but most in our rank have hardly even thrown a punch. I get the reason to summon like ya said but are you okay with potentially summoning non-combatants or those who don't even want to fight?"

The silence felt so heavy this time, the weight of the words weighing on the room's occupants. Everyone watched their captain, wondering what his response might be.

Koukin did not plan for this, shame as she was to admit it. She had discussed Bell about this plan with the assumption that the remaining familia would go along with it and for the most part they were, but they had legitimate concerns about summoning from the lower Tiers. Which shocked Koukin all the more considering they came from those of said Tiers.

What could be said in the face of such things? Koukin didn't have an answer. She was so focused on keeping the familia safe while trying to grow its strength. A sentiment she and Bell shared. What could be done to address such-

"If they don't want to go into the dungeon, they don't have to," Bell suddenly said, "I won't force anyone, summoned or otherwise, to do something they don't feel comfortable doing."

Koukin looked at her captain, alongside everyone else. Speechless at his words. It seemed almost too simple a response. Koukin had a difficult time believing it.

Bell took a deep breath and continued, "I have thought of that. I have thought about what would happen if I summoned someone who didn't want to fight, who didn't know how to fight, or who didn't know what to do. I decided on a simple answer to that," he brought his hand to his chest, "I'll find them something to do. I'll find some way for them to help us. Whether it's in the dungeon if they wish or at home alongside the Goddess. I'll find something for them to do so they don't feel useless," he clenched his hand into a fist, "if they want to stay home? They can help around the house or help the Goddess. If they don't know how to fight but want to? I'll train them myself if I have to and bring them into the dungeon when they are ready."

He tried to say more but struggled to find the right words to say. He was getting a bit too excited about this topic, feeling old and bitter feelings from the time he went from door to door in order to find a familia to join, before graciously ending up with Hestia.

Then he found more to say. More accurately, he found the most important thing to say.

"No matter who I summon," Bell said firmly, "everyone will have a place in this familia. No matter the Tier, no matter how strong, no matter how weak, how scared, or how brave. Everyone has a place in the Hestia Familia, no one is useless!"

He ended his words loudly. Not quite a shout but not a soft voice either. His words were spoken with firm confidence and conviction, leaving no room for doubt. These words were his and his alone. They were words he didn't even know he wanted to say.

He suddenly realized he was in front of a crowd and reality set in. He looked at his familia.

And momentarily felt at a loss at what he saw.

Everyone was staring at Bell with what appeared to be shock and awe, as if none of them expected to hear such impassioned words from him. Even Arue's visible eye was wide with surprise at what he said, her usual poker face having evaporated. Takeru was little different, she stared at Bell in shock for a moment before her expression melted into a smile, one that seemed to remember something familiar and pleasant.

Bell's eyes eventually landed on his Goddess and it was her expression that affected him the most.

Proud. Hestia wore a proud smile on her soft face. She looked at Bell like he had just overcome a difficult struggle before her eyes and she was beaming with pride at what she saw.

Bell felt a burning joy inside himself when he saw that expression. At that moment, he knew he had said the right thing and that he should be proud that he did.

A soft hand touched his shoulder and Bell turned his head to see Koukin looking at him with a similarly proud expression, "Well done, captain," she said, "I couldn't have put it better myself," she leaned closer and whispered, "I didn't teach you that."

Bell just smiled and whispered back, "'There are just some lessons a leader has to learn by themselves.' Your words when teaching me, remember?"

Koukin blinked in surprise before smiling, "So they are," she said. She turned to face the crowd that is their familia, "I trust there are no issues with our captain's decision and that any worries are resolved."

Hana nodded alongside Elbia, who were both still amazed at the passion Bell showed to their worries.

"Didn't have much of an issue about it," Chitoge said, leaning back in her seat with a grin and a faint blush she was trying to hide, "definitely don't anymore."

Others nodded as well and Bell was happy he assured them about his decision and the conviction behind it.

"Now that that's settled," Hestia began, standing up with a hop and bouncing her chest, "let's get to the fun part," she smiled earnestly, "let's summon some new friends!"

They didn't have to move any furniture this time around, the space added thanks to the Goibniu familia made ample room to summon more allies. Hestia however did make a critical investment that was much needed since the last summonings.

"Everyone get a pair," Hestia said, motioning everyone forward to the large box at her feet, "c'mon, one size fits all. I don't want to have to start paying for any eye work this early in our lives!"

"I crude sales pitch," Koukin said, studying the pair of sunglasses she had in her hand, "but a good precaution that I had long forgotten."

"These ain't pretty," commented Chitoge, trying her pair on, "but it ain't about looking good for something like this, huh?"

"If the summoning goes about as well as last time," Kallen said, firmly securing her eyewear, "then I want to walk away from it with my retinas intact."

Hana and Elbia both looked at their own glasses before putting them on. They turned to one another and gave each other a thumbs up.

"Eccentric!" they both said.

Ibuki looked at herself in a nearby mirror, posing somewhat with the glasses on. She grumbled something about them clashing with her wardrobe, only to snap her fingers in a sudden epiphany. She drew up her face mask to cover the lower half and looked at the mirror again. She nodded, liking what she saw.

Takeru was observing behind her with her own sunglasses in her hands, "Is it really that important they look good?" she put her own on, blinking her eyes as she accustomed to the sensation of dimness, "I've never worn these before. Are they supposed to lower your vision this much?"

"When the burning light of the world becomes too much to bear, then these eye shields are the only tool best to guard us from the searing light," Arue said, coming beside her, posing as usual, "we should be glad for such protection. Given the world will be all the brighter coming soon."

Takeru turned to her and blinked in surprise at what she saw, "Arue, you're not wearing the glasses?" she asked.

Arue puffed her chest up with a huff, as if the idea of wearing glasses was absolutely absurd, "Indeed not, my friend. For you see, I already have half my protection solved," she flipped her hair in a dramatic display, showing her famous eyepatch over one of her eyes, "behold!"

"That doesn't explain what you're going to do for your other eye," Takeru said, "do you have another eyepatch for it?"

"I have three more actually, but no," Arue replied, reaching for something in her robes chest pocket, "Hestia saw ahead and ordered me a proper solution for my half problem," she took out a circular piece of dark glass and gingerly placed it over her visible eye, a small dark thread attached to it and leading back to the pocket, "behold, my black-monocle! My first shield against the cruel light of the world!"

Takeru looked at the familia's resident mage for a moment before looking over at Hestia, who was handing a pair of sunglasses to Bell. She looked at Takeru and shrugged, "She was with me when I got them. She all but begged me for something other than sunglasses for her and I caved in."

Arue deflated at the Goddess's words, "I tried to explain in an epic way to justify the reason!" she lamented, "I thought my skill would have worked!"

Hestia gave a laugh and puffed her chest up in pride, causing a bounce that put a blush on Bell's face at his proximity, "Hah! Hate to break it to ya, but skill or no skill you still can't lie to a Goddess!"

Arue just grumbled in defeat at the Goddess's words.

Koukin, having replaced her own glasses with the ones provided by Hestia, gathered everyone's attention, "Alright, let's go over the checklist. First off, eye protection?"

"Check!" Hestia said, sliding her own pair on.

"Space?"

"Here!" Chitoge said, gesturing to the new addition to the home.

"Mind potions?"

"Prepared!" Hana pointed at a set of potions on the coffee table.

"Positions?"

Everyone but Bell moved to set spots behind Bell, some sitting on the living room couches or the nearby chairs they brought in earlier.

"Check!" came the collective reply.

"Summoner?"

Bell took a calming breath, adjusted his own pair of glasses, and raised a hand forward as if to call upon a mighty power.

"Ready!" he said.

Koukin nodded and moved towards the others. Once she was at her post she nodded at Bell, she was ready.

Bell nodded in turn and set his sights ahead of him, facing the area he was to summon his new allies.

He was starting at Tier one and going up from there. A decision he and Koukin decided on for the sake of ease. A simple approach is often the best.

"By my voice, hear. My words, come. Answer my call and come forth."

At the end of his words, the bright flash of light tinged red and pink engulfed his vision. Diluted by the glasses, Bell could see the ethereal petals of the strange flower, crafted by the light, gradually bloom and part, revealing the figure summoned.

'Tier 1 summon complete.' a familiar and soft robotic feminine voice said in his mind, nearly making Bell jump. He forgot that happened when he did this. It really had been a while.

Bell and the others looked at who was summoned, taking in the appearance of the individual.

The woman's curious blue eyes looked around herself as the figure took in her new surroundings. She had dark blue hair that was well kept in a long ponytail while leaving some to frame her face. A face that was mature with a gentle beauty that enjoyed smiling and laughing. She wore a civilian attire, yellow cardigan and jeans that did little to hide the generous figure beneath the clothes but still managed to still be modest nonetheless.

She directed her gaze at Bell and smiled at him, an excited twinkle in her eyes, "Hello! Are you the one who summoned me?" the woman asked.

Bell nodded, a small blush on his face at the mature but bubbly beauty in front of him. No matter how many times he's done this and no matter how long he's been around his familia members, Bell still gets flustered when talking to a new beautiful woman.

"Yes I am," Bell answered, "my name is Bell Cranell. It's very nice to meet you Miss…"

The woman stood straight with hands on hip and an infectious smile on her face, "Rinko," she said, "Rinko Iori, very nice to meet you Bell!"

Bell found himself smiling alongside her, his nervousness evaporating in the face of Rinko's charisma.

"Nice to meet you too," he replied, "We're going to be summoning more allies as well," he gestured behind him to the rest of his familia, "if you join the others, they'll explain things to you and answer any questions you have."

Rinko glanced behind him and took in a breath, "Does that girl have a tail?" she asked excitedly.

"Elbia?" Bell asked before nodding, "Yeah, she's a werewolf."

Rinko made a happy sound and walked promptly to the crowd. Bell smiled at her as she passed and she did the same. He turned his attention back to the summoning area and prepared to use the spell again.

He could hear the greetings and polite introductions of his familia to Rinko and he could also hear something else.

A moan of relaxed pleasure that Bell had heard some night ago.

"Woah! Such a soft feeling. You really take good care of your tail, Elbia."

"T-thank you, Miss Iori," Elbia moaned, "I-I try to keep it…aah…keep it well conditioned…mmff!"

Bell refocused on his task, ignoring the erotic sounds behind him and the images of a passionate night with two artists crossing his mind.

He chanted again.

"By my voice, hear. My words, come. Answer my call and come forth."

Again the light and petals appeared, bright as ever.

"Oh my word that is bright! Thank you for the glasses Miss Hestia."

"Best investment I've made in months and you're welcome, Rinko."

Again the light faded and Bell saw his next new ally once the inner voice announced the summonings success.

A new pair of curious eyes looked around, these a much lighter blue than Rinko's. She stood around Bell's height with long light pink hair that went down to her back and even past her bottom. She wore what appeared to be a red school uniform of some kind with a pink bow attached to the collar with a brown skirt and dark leggings that were complimented well with the dark heels she wore. Bell noticed the uniform was unbuttoned somewhat at the top, allowing for comfortable breathing for the girls' generous chest. In fact, Bell saw that the whole uniform, despite being modest and very upscale, seemed to enhance the gorgeous figure that lay beneath it.

Finally those eyes found his and Bell once again found himself speechless as he looked into those eyes. His curious gaze meeting hers in a mutual way.

With a smile the girl walked up to Bell and Bell fought the urge to take a step back, he had to remain strong in the face of beauty, regardless of how hard that could be.

"Hi!" the girl said, coming to a stop in front of him. She looked at him closely, a curious humming escaping her mouth, "you have red eyes."

Bell didn't expect a question out of the blue like that but managed to nod and reply, "Yeah and yours are very…blue."

The girl smiled and did a little curtsy, gently pulling at the sides of her skirt, "My name is Charlotte Hazelrink, it's very nice to meet you."

Bell nodded and did a little polite bow of his own, a smile still on his face at this girl's enthusiasm, "Nice to meet you, my name is Bell Cranell. Captain of the Hestia familia and the one who summoned you."

"Familia?" Charlotte asked before adopting a thoughtful look, "I…know what that is. I know a lot of things now, about this world all of a sudden," she looked happy at the concept, "is that something that happens when you're summoned? That's amazing!"

Bell smiled all the more, "Yeah it's something that just happens when you're summoned. Hope it's not too overwhelming."

Charlotte shook her head, "No it's not, in fact it's wonderful," she absolutely giddy all the sudden, "it makes me want to go out and explore the world and find these things that I know. It makes me excited!" she hopped up and down in place and Bell found his gaze pulled to her motions.

More accurately, the motions of her chest, which was bouncing in tandem with her movements. Their large size seeming to try and bounce out of her collar with the motions.

She stopped and looked behind Bell, "Is that your familia, Bell?" she asked.

"Y-yeah," Bell replied, regaining his composure, "you can go and introduce yourself before I start summoning more allies. Be careful though, the magic I use can get very bright."

Charlotte gave an excited squeal at the mention of magic. She quickly made her way to the rest and promptly introduced herself in the same manner she did Bell.

Bell, again, heard her talk pleasantly with the others, her happy nature infectious.

It wasn't until she talked with Hestia that things got strange.

"Woah! Amazing!"

"Ha ha ha! Yes, I am pretty amazing aren't I? I have a big familia in my name and I have a huge home now and I have-"

"Such a giant chest!"

"…huh?"

"Those boobs of yours are so big! They look so large with how short you are!"

"…I can't tell if I should be angry because of what you said or flattered with how enthusiastic you said it."

Bell decided to focus on his task again, eight more to go. Tier two next!

"By my voice, hear. My words, come. Answer my call and come forth."

Again the bright light.

"Woah! Pretty!"

"Keep those shades on, newbie!"

'Tier 2 summon complete.'

Again the light cleared and Bell was welcomed to the sight of his new companion.

'A maid?' He thought.

Indeed, standing there prim, proper, and a bit proud, was a maid. Granted, not like any Bell had heard, seen, or read about.

She wore a long sleeved white dress that was covered by a black apron style dress with some kind of spider web design upon it. She also wore black gloves that possessed a metal ring on the back of each hand. Her legs were covered in black leggings that were so dark one couldn't see the skin underneath, the gray shoes complimented them well. The pale purple tie and frilly black headdress seemed to very well complete the maid wardrobe.

As for the girl herself, she seemed close to Bell's age but one could mistake her for an older woman by demeanor alone. Her hair was a pale sage color that was short, only coming down to her neck but covering one half of her face. A face that was pale with a green eye providing a nice contrast. Her expression reminded Bell of a statue, unmoving and stern and it almost made him ask if she was okay, were it not for her looking around softly and taking in her surroundings.

She looked around a bit more, taking in the room she found herself in. She looked behind Bell to the others who were watching her in turn. Eventually she looked back to Bell and gave a long bow to him.

"Greetings, my name is Kirumi Tojo. It's very nice to meet you," she raised herself back up, putting her hands together in front of her, "I am known as the Ultimate Maid, a title I strive to live up to. Please, whatever tasks you have, leave them to me, master."

Bell was so caught off guard by the prim and proper introduction so professionally given, that he nearly fumbled with his own introduction. Bowing similarly, he introduced himself, "My name is Bell Cranell, it's very nice to meet you as well."

A realization came to his mind as he recalled her introduction, "P-please, you don't have to call me master. Bell is fine or even just captain," he rubbed the back of his head awkwardly, "having someone call me master just feels very awkward for me, sorry."

Kirumi stared at her summoner, her captain, her master for a moment, processing his words. She decided if that was what he wished then she would accommodate. Though, she wasn't going to let decorum go entirely.

"Very well," she began, "would Mister Cranell do?"

Bell wanted to encourage her more to just address him by his first name or just captain, feeling awkward by such a formal address. He could now understand how Welf felt when he first addressed him.

But he knew a tedious fight when he saw it and Kirumi was the kind of person Bell found hard to argue with, especially when they were quite pretty.

"That'll be fine," answered Bell, he gestured behind him to the others, "please introduce yourself to the others. They would like to know you too and so will I after I'm done summoning more allies."

"Very well," Kirumi replied and walked towards the others to make her own introductions.

Bell took a deep breath, ready to continue. After this next summon he would have to drain a mind potion. He could feel a familiar exhaustion begin to hit him and knew he only had so much magic, or mind, to spare. Nonetheless, he was determined to get this done. To see his familia grow and to soon fulfill a promise he made.

Or at least attempt to fulfill it.

"Ultimate maid, huh?" he heard Kallen's voice ask behind him, "I've known some pretty badass maids in my old world but none that called themselves ultimate. What makes you so…ultimate?"

"I can prepare a wide variety of dishes that I studied around the world, I can clean so thoroughly that some areas I've cleaned are confused for museum exhibits, I can offer deep political advice for running a country should the need arise, and I can provide rescue and recovery to any missing family members, friends, or associates. I can do all of this and more…as only an ultimate maid should."

"…what was that part about running a country?"

Bell looked forward and again prepared to summon his forth ally and the last of the Tier two summons.

"By my voice, hear. My words, come. Answer my call and come forth."

Again the light…

"I thank you all for providing appropriate eye protection."

"I still think a monocle would have worked better for you."

"Doubtful, Lady Arue."

'Tier 2 summon complete.'

Again the light and petals cleared and Bell was treated to the sight of his next new comrade.

She was shorter than Bell but taller than his Goddess, with dark skin a shade darker than Koukin's. Her dark curly hair was held up by pink ribbons that ended them in loose dreadlocks. She had a dark purple and magenta jacket that was opened and allowed Bell to see the short cropped tank top that was underneath and showed a very generous figure that rivaled his Goddess's. Her beige pants and steel toed boots completed the look with a style Bell couldn't really name.

The new girl looked around her in a brief circle before turning her focus to Bell. She leaned forward suddenly and Bell almost took a step back in surprise. Bell noticed she had pink eyes that added more to her exotic appearance. They sparkled with curiosity and mirth in equal measure. She definitely noticed his eyes went down to her large chest when she leaned forward, following the jiggly motion.

"So, you summoned me?" she asked nonchalantly, not waiting for an answer, "gotta say, don't know if I'm going to be much help," she leaned back, way back looking up, causing her jacket to open up more from the motion and giving Bell a view of some generous underboob that the white top couldn't hide, "this world of sword and magic. Definitely outside my court," she learned forward again and stood straight, hands in her jacket pockets, "hope that's not gonna be a problem."

Bell was blushing from the carefree display she put on and tried to push the memory aside to reply. He did his best to look her in the eyes and replied, "It won't be, I promise. Everyone here has a place in this familia and we'll help you find yours," he smiled, trying to seem reassuring if a little flustered.

His answer got a smile out of the new arrival and she quickly slid to his side and gave him a mighty pat on the back, nearly knocking him over.

'So strong!' Bell thought, feeling that her hands were surprisingly rough. Not severely but definitely noticeable.

"Glad to hear it, boss!" she said with a grin, "names Miyuki Ayukawa, pleased to meet ya! I might not be good in a fight, but I can definitely build you up some gear. I'm quite the engineer, I'll have you know!"

Bell only had a vague idea about what an engineer was. Orario used plenty of them to help run a lot of the public works in the city. He supposed it was a good thing to have one on hand to help fix any technical problems around the home. Though he imagined that there was definitely more to Miyuki than just that, the girl's confidence and charisma spoke to that.

Before he could say anything more, a wave of dizziness nearly took him off his feet and he staggered somewhat.

Miyuki quickly put an arm out to help steady Bell's movements, "Woah there," she said, "you doing alright there, boss? You look like you're about to drop something fierce."

Bell nodded, "I've been using a lot of magic," he answered, "I got some potions back with the others."

Miyuki nodded and grabbed Bell's arm and tossed it over her shoulder, "Lean of me," she said, "I know it's a short walk but you look like that might be too much for you," she grinned, "you just let Miyuki and her awesome self take the lead, boss," she began walking, gently bringing him along, "Oh! Don't worry about accidentally touching my chest this close. I know my girls are pretty big and this was my idea after all. As long as you don't grope, I can forgive this close contact."

"Please forgive me!"

Miyuki laughed as they made their way to the others, where Hestia was quick to Bell's side, pushing aside Miyuki, coincidentally with her own massive chest.

"Bell!" exclaimed Hestia, "are you alright?"

Bell gave his Goddess an exhausted smile, "I'm alright, Goddess Hestia," he replied, reaching for a mind potion, "just a bit tired is all. Not something we haven't prepared for," he finished while taking a drink.

Hestia still had a look of concern on her face as her first child recovered and prepared to summon again. She soon saw others come to Bell's side. Koukin, naturally, one of the first, followed by Arue, Hana, and Elbia. Others stopped a distance away, so as not to overcrowd him. Chitoge and Kallen were in this category as they watched Bell and asked him some questions. Behind them she saw Ibuki talking with the new arrivals, answering any questions and generally being very polite and kind.

'They're all working so well together,' Hestia thought, feeling a sense of pride in her familia's behavior , 'I knew everyone was getting better, but to see all of them act like this? I really have been blessed with an awesome familia.'

She eventually noticed a presence behind her and turned, coming chest to chest with the newest arrival to the group, Miyuki. Hestia gasped as her large breasts pressed firmly against the girl's, feeling the soft and firm flesh a match for her own. She was only a little taller than her but Hestia could certainly tell, and feel, that her chest was bigger than hers.

'And she only has an inch or two on me,' Hestia lamented internally , 'my status as the short, cute, and busty woman of the home is under threat!'

Immature? Definitely, but to those who knew Hestia, this shouldn't come as a surprise.

"Hi!" Miyuki said in greeting, taking a step back and smiling, "Names Miyuki, nice to meet you!"

Hestia coughed, schooled her features into a smile and replied, "Nice to meet you, Miyuki. I'm Hestia, Goddess of this familia."

Miyuki hummed upon hearing that. Even with the knowledge already within her, it was still jarring to think she was talking to an actual Goddess, a sentiment shared by the others who were summoned as well.

"I hope this isn't too much to handle," Hestia said, "I know it could feel…awkward to say the least. To come to a new world I mean, but I promise, me and my familia will do our best to make you feel comfortable."

"Thanks, Hestia," Miyuki replied, "don't worry too much about me, I've come across strange stuff in my own world," her smile turned mischievous, "built some of them myself too."

Hestia was about to ask about what she meant when two tea cups of steaming liquid entered their vision. Both turned to see Kirumi holding out the teacups.

"Tea, my ladies?" she asked, "Given this lull between the next summonings, I thought it best to provide refreshments for everyone."

Hestia looked at her before passing her gaze around the room, noticing the others also had teacups, even Bell. She hadn't even seen her leave to make it.

'Wait a minute.'

"How did you prepare so much tea so quickly?" Hestia asked, "In fact, where did you get the tea? I know we were close to running out before construction on the home began. And when did you go and prepare it so quickly? I definitely think I would have noticed you leaving to make it."

Kirumi remained impassive in the face of Hestia's questioning. Not giving anything away in regards to her methods.

Eventually though she gave a small smile and a slight bow, "I believe I said it before," she replied, "I am the ultimate maid."

Hestia groaned internally. 'Great, another weirdo.'

She took a sip of her tea and fought to keep the rapturous look off her face, to no avail.

It was really good tea!

"Okay," Bell's voice broke through the air, "I'm ready to continue."

"Are you sure, captain," Kallen asked from where she sat on the couch, "you kinda looked like your next destination should be a bed, before you drank that potion and tea. Are you really okay to continue?"

Bell nodded in response, "Yes I am," he replied, "we still have allies to summon from Tiers three, four, and five. And we have to summon them all the sooner, with everything going on."

Kallen nodded but still had a look of concern on her face, "Just don't push yourself into an early grave. We still like you as our captain for a good while longer."

Bell smiled at her, a gesture Kallen returned. He was grateful for the kind words and they gave him more strength to call upon.

He went back to where he stood and readied to summon again.

Bell felt as though he was running a marathon with how many times he used his summoning spell. Sure, he had a mind potion and great tea that helped him recover but he finally felt the actual 'weight' of his actions. He was growing his familia, he was making it bigger and bigger with more members.

Members from other worlds no less. Some that Bell couldn't even imagine off the top of his head. He was bringing more and more of them with each cast of his spell, for both the familia's growth and wellness.

But also to potentially face the unavoidable conflict with another familia.

He had to admit, he was scared of that. Fighting a rival familia, it was an unnerving thought. Regardless of the assurances that summoning more allies would bring.

Bell knew, deep down, that it wasn't the thought of fighting that scared him, but the thought of the aftermath. If a rival familia challenged and beat them, what happens next? Disbandment? Banishment? Assimilation? Any number of terrible things could happen to them. Hell, Bell worried Hestia could be sent back to Heaven should they lose.

But what would happen if they won?

Bell knew already what that meant. As Koukin had discussed it with him before, along with a few others who had similar concerns. Should Hestia familia win a conflict with another familia, a veteran one at that, then that would mean more than victory.

It would mean that the whole world would potentially know of Hestia familia. Which would lead to the discovery of Bell's unique magic, after a time.

And who knows what happens after that.

Both scenarios were bad in their own ways and Bell could feel the potential weight of each on his shoulders. Which was why he was so determined to keep going with the summonings. It was the best bet for preparing for such scenarios, outside of growing stronger himself, which he still pursued with fervor aplenty.

He took a breath, feeling the fresh air cool his nerves and lighten the weight he felt.

No wasn't the time to dwell on that, now was the time to move forward.

Beside his familia.

"By my voice, hear. My words, come. Answer my call and come forth."

Again, the flash of light and the petals that burst forth.

No commentary this time from the others. Miyuki was silent as she watched the display. Her mind formulating luminescent calculations from the light intensity. Though she was grateful for the sunglasses provided by Hestia. She was sure she would have been at risk of burning her retinas out.

'Tier 3 summon complete.'

A figure formed, tall and proud, the first of the Tier three summons.

She wore a blue-black long coat that was parted at the waist, revealing a similarly colored thigh length skirt. Her legs were covered in black leggings that led down to heeled shoes that definitely added a few inches to her height. Her hair was long and wildly unkempt, barely restrained by the officer hat she wore and she had one visible pink eye while the other was obscured by an black eyepatch with a large red exe on it.

Subconsciously, he noticed how slim the coat fit around the woman and emphasized the well endowed and curvy figure beneath.

Blinking in bewilderment before looking around herself, the woman had a look in a mixture of puzzlement and amazement at her surroundings before her gaze met Bell's and the others. She gave a sound of surprise before suddenly, and dramatically, pointed right at Bell.

He saw her smile and it was a smile that reminded him of a sharks'.

"Hear me, summoner!" she exclaimed, "You have summoned the great leader of evil in your midst," she clenched her hand into a fist, "let it be known, that this day you have brought forth the mighty, the determined, the powerhouse third in command of RX!" she shot her arm to the side and brought the other across her face, tilting her body down slightly in a strange display, "Black General!"

"…"

"…"

"…"

"…*cough*"

Silence. That was all that greeted the newcomer after such a display, absolute and total silence.

Bell struggled to find the right action to take after such a display. Should he greet her formally? Maybe try introducing himself in a similar manner?

…no, he would die of embarrassment if he did that.

Nonetheless, he felt like he should do something, anything really. Especially if she was holding that ridiculous pose for so long.

"…Why the hell is she dabbing for so long?" Chitoge's voice broke through the silence, "Hey sis! I don't think anyone in this world is going to get what you're doing. Might want to stop before you pull a muscle."

"Dabbing?" Kallen asked, "What the hell is that?"

"Oh! It was a big trending thing back in my world," Ibuki said with enthusiasm, "some kind of alternative posing or something like that."

Arue hummed, watching the display, "Not bad," she said, "it's simple but effective. I prefer more standing poses than tilting poses myself. It's easier on the back."

"Yeah and it's easier on our boobs too, isn't it?" Charlotte said, "I know mine kind of hurt my chest whenever I lean forward for too long," she paused before pointing at the new arrival, "she looks like she knows it too!"

Bell looked closely at Black General, seeing her smile just barely in place as she sweated for holding her pose for so long. Her arms were starting to shake as well.

"Um," Bell began, "you don't have to hold that pose if you don't want to anymore."

Black General laughed lightly, "This is nothing," she replied, "I've put my body through countless conflicts that should have broken it numerous times. Battling the greatest hero that walked the earth! Enduring countless humiliations! Surviving any-"

A heavy pop sounded in the air and Black General went still suddenly, her visible eye widening.

"Miss…General?" Bell asked, "Are you alright?"

Silence.

Bell heard someone walk beside him and turned to see Kirumi there, looking at Black General with passive eyes. She turned to Bell, "Mister Cranel," she began, "I believe Mistress General threw her back out from holding that pose for too long. With your permission, I'll take her back to the others and get her treated."

Bell stared at his new ally for a moment longer before hastily nodding to Kurumi to do so. Gently, the maid lifted up the older woman with ease and gently carried to to the others. As they passed, Bell remembered something.

"Oh! My name is Bell Cranel by the way, captain of the familia," he said to Black General in passing, "it's nice to meet you."

He heard a pathetic moan coming from the pained General in response to his introduction.

With little else to be done, Bell focused back to the task on hand.

'Last Tier three summon, here we go!'

"By my voice, hear. My words, come. Answer my call and come forth."

"Gya!! My eye!"

"Sorry Mistress General. I should have prepared your glasses first before tending to your injury."

Bell made a note to apologize to Black General at a later date when this was all over. For now he focused his attention on who he summoned next.

'Tier 3 summon complete.'

He almost took a step back when he met the chilly blue eyed gaze that sent a cold spike of fear through his heart.

Her pale skin contrasted starkly against the rich blue uniform she wore, one that was well kept and seemed practically natural to fit upon her, as if she was 'born' into the uniform somehow. Even still, Bell could tell despite the thick material it was made of, from shirt to pants, she was built strong underneath. Way more than him if he were honest.

Looking at her face, Bell saw beauty in her stern visage. Long blonde hair that covered half her face like Kirumi but exceeded hers in length that ended with curls on seemingly every strand. Her blue eyes shone with a cold calculating light, as if a winter storm was leashed behind them. More noticeable features that Bell found charming were her small nose and pillowy lips that complimented her well.

That gaze she was leveling at Bell though. That was a look that could chill a man to the core with its intensity. As if anyone she looked at could be considered prey and she a merciful predator that allowed it to live.

"Well?" the woman said, drawing Bell out of his thoughts, "Are you going to introduce yourself or is this meeting going to continue to be a waste of time?"

She spoke neutrally but with a tone that expected to be answered, and soon.

"Bell," Bell began, standing straight on instinct, "Bell Cranel, captain of the Hestia familia! It's very nice to meet you!"

The woman stared at Bell for a moment before directing her gaze to those behind him. Unlike the others who were summoned, she was more focused on the people rather than the environment she found herself in. Bell saw that look of hers change into one he was familiar with thanks to Koukin, it was the look of a strategist evaluating potential threats or possible allies.

When it became apparent she was in the presence of allies rather than foes, Bell saw her relaxed and looked around herself. Finally taking in her surroundings. Curiosity grazed her features before she schooled them into a neutral expression again.

She returned her gaze to Bell, "I take it you're the one who summoned me?" she began, her curiosity bleeding into the word 'summon', "I find this whole situation to be…strange," she directed her eyes to those behind Bell again, "a common sentiment I'm sure."

Bell nearly stumbled upon his next words but managed to reply, "Yes, plenty of others have shared the same feelings. We try our best to make everyone comfortable with the…with the summoning," Bell rubbed the back of his head, a nervous gesture, "I promise we'll do the same for you too."

The woman raised a hand, "No need," she replied, "it's appreciated but I'm confident I'll adapt quickly to this," she again looked around her taking in the Hestia familia home, "this place is already doing a good job in relaxing any nerves I feel in any case," she held out a gloved hand to Bell, "Olivier Marie Armstrong. Pleased to meet you."

Bell took the proffered hand and shook it with his own, "Pleased to meet you as well. If you can, you can go to the others behind me. I promise we'll explain things later but we have more summonings to perform."

Olivier cocked her head subtly, "With magic, correct?" she asked, which earned a nod from Bell.

She processed that for a moment before sighing and walking towards the crowd behind Bell, "Magic, huh? Guess I shouldn't be too surprised by it. It's really just like alchemy. Just more…potent than I feel comfortable with," she said to herself but Bell could pick up on it.

He briefly thought to ask what potion making had anything to do with magic but regained his focus on the current task at hand.

Now came the part he was both looking forward to and fearful of at the same time.

Four summons left. Two Tier fours and two Tier fives.

One of which may summon Koukin's lover. If chance was on his side.

Thankfully…hopefully luck will take some of the burden off chance.

He still didn't know how to utilize the skill properly and he wondered if there was really any way to test the skill.

His last journey into the dungeon could be a good hint of how the skill worked. He obtained more drops and progressed much further on the tasks than he thought he would. But could that really count as luck? Any adventurer at or above his skill level could get the same results if they were in the dungeon a bit longer.

In the end, he really didn't have a good measure on his unique skill. Hestia seemed to think it was amazing but she also thought some of the potato puff recipes she developed at the stand she worked at were revolutionizing the snack stall world for some reason.

Bell shook his head, clearing his thoughts. Now wasn't the time to dwell on the negatives. He had to be positive! For himself and his vice-captain!

As he called forth his magic, the familiar warm sensation coursing through his body, Bell inwardly hoped, not too dissimilar to a prayer.

Whether to his magic, to the Gods of chance, or even the lust God that bestowed this strange magic upon him.

'Please…please let this work. Not for myself, for my vice-captain. After all she has done for me, after all we've done together, after all we've done with each other. Please, let me reunite her with someone she loved so much.'

The warm sensation was becoming overwhelming and he knew he had to speak the words and call forth his magic.

"By my voice, hear. My words, come. Answer my call and come forth."

Just before his magic activated, the world felt as if it slowed, the light that formed into the ethereal petals was just a pinprick and seemed to be getting slower and slower.

What was going on? Bell wanted to look around him, to look back at his familia and new allies to see if they were alright but his body wouldn't respond, he couldn't even move his eyes, they were trained on the spot where he focused his magic.

Is it that important?

Bell would have started physically at the voice but given he couldn't move he could only mentally react instead. It didn't sound like it came from his mind like a thought. He clearly, physically, heard it. It sounded like it came from all over him, from above, below, and the sides. It was a smooth and relaxing voice, meant to befriend and disarm.

He wanted to ask who it was but found himself drifting to the question asked. He somehow knew what it was about. He didn't know why, but the voice, or its owner, knew what he was focusing on, what he was trying to do.

It is, Bell found himself answering, somehow with his will rather than his mind or body.

Why? Why is a stranger of another so important to you?

She's not a stranger, Bell answered , she's someone loved by my vice-captain. Someone I promised to bring here.

Importance to another doesn't mean important to you. Besides an ally, what do you get by going against chance and design to call this person forward? What do you get by bringing someone who is loved by another and may not love you?

Bell thought of that, then old lessons his grandpa taught him came to him and he had his answer immediately.

I don't need anything. It's enough that Koukin will be reunited with Hakufu. That's all that matters, Bell answered.

It was a simple answer, borderline idiotic, but it was the honest one nonetheless and it was the truth. Bell saw the look in Koukin's eyes whenever she talked about Hakufu, the mirth and joy in them was undeniable, as well as the sadness that comes later when she silently wishes for her there. He wanted his vice-captain to be happy especially after all the help she gave him, the lessons she taught, the advice she gave. This was the least he could do and if he could do more for her and anyone else in his familia, he will.

That answer could be seen as incorrect. Is it the right answer?

It's mine, that's enough, Bell answered immediately, no hesitation

Bell couldn't tell but he somehow felt as if whoever or whatever was speaking to him was amused, the air around himself tingling with excited energy that nearly made him giggle.

Well spoken, that was a fine answer. Very well, just this once I'll allow you to twist chance in your favor. Though I don't recommend making it a habit. Powerful as your unique skill is, my gift can be quite finicky if you force it to do something beyond its nature. It is random for a reason, to try to rebel against that could be…explosive to say the least.

If he weren't frozen in time, Bell would have a nervous sweat trailing down his back at that statement. He also would have blinked in surprise at what else the surrounding voice said.

His gift? Does that mean Bell was talking to…

Time resumed and light once again burst out from where he casted the spell. He grimaced and closed his eyes as a headache hit him the same time as the light.

It wasn't a symptom of mind down, it felt like he was running at breakneck speed before coming to a complete stop, jarring his head. He didn't know how else to describe it, only that at least it lasted as long as the light shined.

"Impressive."

"Thought you'd have more of a reaction to this, Olivier."

"I have seen some amazing and terrifying things in my past life, Miss Hestia. Frankly, I'm amazed that a little light show like that could impress me at all."

'Tier 4 summon complete.'

As always the light dimmed and the petals parted to nothing, revealing the figure called forth.

Bell heard a shocked gasp from behind him, he recognized this voice as his vice-captain, Koukin.

Standing there in scant but beautiful garbs that seemed to only just barely cover her endowed front and back, and even less her sides, was a woman with tan skin that contrasted lovely with her light pink hair that traveled past her waist in an elegant waterfall. Her eyes were an intense blue that shone with instinctive intensity as well as calm warmth. Bell couldn't help but return his gaze to her figure in her unique hot-pink and gold clothing. Curvy and strong with a definite sign of muscle if one looked closely.

She looked around herself in apparent amazement before looking at Bell. She smiled at him and Bell felt that was an expression she enjoyed a lot.

"So you are my summoner, huh?" she asked, not impolitely but neither impolite, "gotta say, you're kinda scrawny."

Bell felt like an arrow was shot through him at the frank but pointed word. He couldn't help it if it was harder for him to put on muscle, he was just naturally thin!

The woman laughed seeing his expression, "But I said the same about another scrawny guy I knew and he surprised me about every turn," she gave Bell a smile, one encouraging and apologetic, "I have a feeling you'll do much the same," she gave a polite bow, "Hakufu Sonsaku, at the ready summoner."

Bell reciprocated with a bow of his own, only to pause and look to her, "You said your name is Hakufu Sonsaku?" he asked.

Hakufu nodded, proudly, "Yes I am! The Little Conqueror is what they call me," she puffed her large breasts up, giving it a healthy bounce. Looking closely, Bell could see they were nearly the size of Koukin's, "why? Have tales of my exploits reach even to other worlds?"

Bell shook his head, both in answer and to try and rid himself of the blush that spread across his face at her bold display, "N-no, it's not that," he gestured behind him, "it's just that I've heard a lot about you from someone," he looked back to where he gestured, "someone who really wants to see you."

Hakufu looked to where he indicated and a bright smile made its way to her face. She quickly rushed to Koukin, who was looking at her in shock and awe.

"Meirin!" Hakufu exclaimed, coming to a stop in front of her and wrapping her up in a hug, lifting the strategist off the ground in a twirl, "By the heavens above it is great to see you here!" she put Koukin down and beamed all the more, "you must have been summoned before me! How long ago? What have you done? Oh, how are you?! Is your sickness still bothering you? Do you need anything?!"

Koukin just stared at Hakufu, her mouth open and eyes still wide. She wasn't hallucinating was she? Was this actually happening? Was Hakufu really here?

"Oh, hold still," Hakufu said, reaching towards Koukin and lifting her sunglasses off her face. With a grin, she stared into her eyes with renewed focus and gently raised a hand to touch her face, "better, now I can see your beautiful eyes again."

Koukin felt the hand on her face and found herself raising hers and touching it, feeling the warmth of each finger. She knew this feeling, knew it as she knew the sun would set and rise again. She couldn't deny it, she wouldn't deny it.

"It's you," Koukin whispered, her eyes moistening, "it's really you," she smiled, delicate and genuine with the first few joyous tears escaping down her cheeks, "Sheren."

Hakufu lost her smile at seeing her old friend, ally, and lover cry suddenly. It returned though, much gentler and softer this time, "Yes, it is," she brought herself closer and leaned her head down to press it against Koukin's forehead. Together, they closed their eyes at the contact, this familiar feeling with each other bringing warmth that both knew so well, "I'm really here, Meirin. I'm here with you."

Koukin closed the distance further between them and wrapped the pink haired woman in a hug, both feeling one another's curvy bodies and gentle warmth from the other. For a moment, silence was the loudest sound in the room. Everyone watching the scene with various reactions, none negative.

A sniffing sound cut through the air and Hestia reached for a tissue box held by Kirumi. Her face a flood of tears as she looked at the touching reunion. An action shared by Rinko and Charlotte, who had similar tears running down their faces at such a touching scene.

Kirumi stared passively ahead, holding the box of tissues without complaint, though she admits that she struggled with keeping her expression neutral.

Takeru and Arue watched as their vice-captain with smiles on their faces, glad to see their usually stoic and professional friend was in a state of profound joy. Kallen and Chitoge similarly had such expressions.

Elbia and Hana were committing the scene to memory. Both were overjoyed by their vice-captain's happiness and they were also touched and inspired by the scene unfolding. They both silently swore to put this image into a painting at some point in the future.

Maybe gift it to her around the same time they gift Bell with their other work.

Many of the newcomers wore neutral to bewildered expressions. Though few did smile at the sight of the reunion. They had only arrived in this world for the last few minutes, they still needed to get more familiar with their new allies after all.

After some time, Koukin and Hakufu broke their embrace, with great reluctance on Koukin's part. They both finally recognized all the gazes on them and laughed awkwardly but not unhappily.

"I guess there's still more to be done?" Hakufu asked.

"Indeed, but not much more I think," Koukin replied, looking at Bell, "there are many things I want to say to you, captain, but that can wait until the last of the summonings."

Bell nodded, his smile never leaving his face, "I'll try to be done swiftly," he replied.

Koukin nodded and took Hakufu's hand in her own and made her way to the others. Hestia, Ibuki, and a few others happily greeted Hakufu, who smiled all the more at the positive reception she received.

Bell hoped that this wasn't all too overwhelming to her, but given how well Hakufu was receiving the attention his worries swiftly disappeared. He waited until a pair of sunglasses were passed into her hands, where Hakufu looked at them with curious amazement, before he looked back to his summoning spot and raised his hand and readied his spell.

Three more allies left.

Bell winced suddenly, feeling a light burning sensation in his palm. He brought his hand to his face and looked at his palm. Where he saw a slight pink blister forming in the middle of his palm.

It seemed minor but the stinging pain he felt was persistent. He remembered the words that…'voice' spoke to him.

Powerful as your unique skill is, my gift can be quite finicky if you force it to do something beyond its nature. It is random for a reason, to try to rebel against that could be…explosive to say the least.

Was this what the voice met meant? Was this the price he would pay if he tried to force the summoning to go outside its parameters? Then he remembered that the voice said it 'allowed it' to happen, 'it' being the summoning.

If that voice was who Bell thought it was, could they have had a hand in lessening the damage from his action? If so, what kinda damage would he sustain if he wasn't 'allowed'?

He didn't want to think about what could have happened. He imagined if he did something like that again he would be lucky to have a hand, or even an arm.

Or most of himself…

Bell quickly shook the gradually abysmal thoughts and returned to the task at hand.

'Last of the Tier fours!'

"By my voice, hear. My words, come. Answer my call and come forth."

As expected, flash of light engulfed the room again.

"Oh! Amazing!"

"Try not to stare too long, Meirin. Our eyes may be protected for the most part, but there is still a chance of damaging our eyes. Regardless of how low the chances are."

Again the light cleared and Bell was treated again to the sight of a new comrade.

'Tier 4 summon complete.'

His jaw dropped to the floor at who, or more accurately, what he summoned.

Kind blue eyes stared at him in curiosity from a gentle face. Her outfit reminded Bell of a nun's except brighter with light green and white as the main color palette, even on the veil she wore that framed her beautiful face so well. He blushed when he saw that some of her chest was visible, exposing a nice amount of cleavage. Her long skirt was of similar colors but with slits along the sides, allowing Bell to see a healthy amount of thigh. Just a ways down her legs were long black leggings that went up past her mid-thigh. Her long white boots provided another lovely contrast to the colors.

Looking back to her face, Bell saw she had long brown-red hair that was braided elegantly and draped down her front, with a bangle looped near the end of it. He saw she had similar ones on her wrists as well.

What really stood out though were two, long, pointy, and delicate features. Her ears.

Bell had summoned an elf.

Bell stared at the elf woman for a moment longer, completely enthralled by her earthly beauty. She in turn simply smiled at him in a way that made him feel somewhat at ease, the sensation battling the flush he had when he saw parts of pale skin exposed by her wardrobe.

Her clothes weren't explicit in any way shape or form but elves that Bell knew usually wore far more conservative clothing. With as little skin exposed as possible.

Seeing just a few patches of skin visible was enough to reduce Bell into a blushing mess, had the woman's smile not comforted him somewhat.

He should say something. He should say anything at all! Anything was better than him standing there and staring like an idiot!

A gentle hand patted his head and Bell's focus returned to him as he saw the woman had drawn closer and gently patted his head. He looked at the woman, feeling another flush crawl up his face at the proximity to such a gentle and beautiful person.

"It's alright," she said, pleasantly, her smile earnest and unmoving, "you don't have to be so nervous. I'm not like most elves in your world, I promise you."

Bell still struggled to speak, now amazed that an elf was actually touched him. Elves of his world just…didn't do that.

Then he remembered something and soon relaxed. Elves in 'his' world were more adverse to touching anyone that wasn't special to them. This elf came from a different world and odds are good she wouldn't share the same belief as others do.

Actually, they were certain! She just said so.

Feeling both embarrassed and foolish, Bell swiftly made introductions, just as the elf took her hand from his head with a small smile.

"I'm Bell Cranel, captain of the Hestia familia," he began, trying to remain calm in spite of the blush on his face, "it's nice to meet you," he ended with a polite bow.

The elven woman giggled at the formal display before returning the gesture herself, "Pleased to meet you, Bell. My name is Misato and it's very nice to meet you as well," she beamed at him with a glowing smile, "I promise to do my best and help wherever I can."

Bell found himself smiling at the happy and earnest attitude of the elf in front of him. Her joy was infectious.

She looked at the others behind Bell and her ears twitched rapidly in surprise, it looked adorable.

"Wow," she said, looking at the good sized crowd gathered, "you've been busy."

"And there's still more people to summon too," Bell said, feeling a wave of exhaustion hit him suddenly, "maybe after a mind potion."

Misato waved at some of the others in greeting before hearing Bell's words. She frowned in thought before a smile touched her face.

"It won't be as powerful without a blessing but it should help you out somewhat and save you a mind potion at least," she said clasping her hands in front of her chest before whispering words at a fast rate, too silent for Bell to hear.

He found his eyes drawn to her hands, seeing a soft green glow coming from them. She opened her hands and Bell saw a brief orb of green light outlined by a yellow halo, the orb turned into tiny vines of light and shot towards him.

Bell nearly jumped back in shock until the first vine of light touched him. He suddenly felt an overwhelming calmness come over him and the exhaustion he felt before disappeared like it was never there in the first place. Old pains he had from physical exertion over the weeks were also quick to disappear, leaving him fresh and able as if he were facing the day again.

Curiously he looked down at his hand that had the burn on it and was pleased to see the mark was on, his hand unblemished.

"There we go," Misato said, putting her hands on her hips in self satisfaction, "that should keep you going for a little bit longer and fix you up right as rain," she rose a hand, her features becoming like a teacher explaining something to a troublesome student, "not so bad if I do say so myself," she leaned her body to the side and looked behind Bell with a smile, "you can all relax now. Bell is fine."