Quickly mobilizing the Loki and Hestia Familia moved to stop this threat, along with a few of the Artemis, Miach, and Hephaestus Familia, to help.

“Loki.” Said Cirrus, watching everyone leaving from on top of the northern gate. “Don’t you find it odd that we have only seen Filvis from the Dionysus Familia?”

“Yeah… we have been keeping an eye, but… they haven’t made any strange movements.”

“They're smart… but we need only to wait. Time will eventually cause them to slip up, and we only need one time.”

“Can I ask you why you tacked on Hestia’s Familia?” Loki asked, confused.

“Their Familia is small, but they each have their strengths and Bell is their crowning jewel with his skill acting as a one-shot. It would prove useful when fighting and Welf Crozzo… well, he’s a Crozzo.”

“Fair enough. But can I ask why you suggested mixing up the Familia's?"

"To help build community and trust amongst them while they travel. In war, you have to have trust in your fellow brother or sister-in-arms to have your back."

"Hmm... Spoken from experience, I see. You know I still remember those now silent whispers of you when you were in Shalzard." Loki slowly opened her eyes.

Cirrus remained neutral.

"Goodbye Loki. You have a horrible habit of fumbling before the bridge can fully be built."

Cirrus walks away from Loki, walking down the wall's stairs.

"...At least he has a conscious."

 

A while later on the road.

“So, um, what is the Knossos?” asked Bell.

“It’s this dungeon underneath, Orario!” said Tiona without a thought.

“Tiona!” said Tione. “We were supposed to keep it secret!” she then hit her on the head.

"Quiet!" Riveria said.

Thud!

“Ow!! But come on! He would eventually find out!”

“Underneath… Was that why the Artemis Familia took over what the Ishtar Familia had?” Bell said starting to piece his experience together.

“It was,” said Riveria. “Right now, they essentially have their eyes right on them, but how did you figure it out?”

“W-well, I got lost in the area and as I was being led out, I found some routes to be rather odd…”

‘And also, because of what Kalion said of monster trafficking, I pieced it together that they had to have a way to get them out. If the Guild knew we took Wiene from the Dungeon then the Barbarian appearance…’

 

On top of the Moonlight Tower.

Whoosh!

Whoosh!

Cirrus overlooks the city as the sun begins to set.

“Cirrus, is something wrong?” asked Ai coming up next to him. "You have been up here for a while now."

“Yes… if they're using the same tactic as before… Then how many more ancient monsters were there? We got word from Lady Quetz that the Wendigo was killed by 2 adventures 8 years ago and the Nidhogg is dead, so… I think I need to ask Anansi if there are any more monsters of old I should know.”

“You're going to go to Lord Anansi!? I know he has a lot of information, a odd, very concerning level of information but it's all expensive!"

“And it is reliable. You know we have the money, right?”

“That’s why I am concerned he might price gouge the hell outta you! I doubt that god would even put a dent in our wallets if they have the chance to."

“I like to see him fucking try.”

 

Cirrus soon went down to Anansi’s library and came to him.

“So you wish to know of the ancient monsters, huh?” Anansi said, organizing his books. “Was it because of Antares that I get to see your pretty face?" He glanced over at Cirrus.

“It was, and seeing as how Evilus has decided to come out and ally themselves with some unknown people, I’m inclined to know what other monsters are sealed. Plus, if they can keep releasing more and more. If there as strong as the calamities, then Orario will have its hands full killing them and then dealing with Evilus and their plans for the city.”

“I forgot how wide your view is Cirrus, the price is pricy, but I will make a special exception if you send me some books from Yamato. My collection lacks books from there.” He turned with an elegant smile.

“Tell you what, I give you some books and 2 more customers if you can get everything you can on as many ancient monsters as there are.”

“Two customers? Who are they?”

“The White Rabbit and Amazoness, they're actually rather avid book readers!”

“More valuable clientele and even a rising star! Very well, I shall collect as much information as I can!”

"Say while I'm here, can you throw in the truth about the Dungeon?"

"Well, for that I—" Anansi stopped himself. "That was out of left field. Cirrus, you know the only two things I love most in the world are books followed by money, so I can buy more books. But with that knowledge, Cirrus is not worth trading. You can give me the rarest of books from over 3000 years ago and I would still find it not enough."

"Hmm... Seems every god has their lips shut about that."

"As it should. Now, can I ask you to leave? I feel a bit offended you would think I would sell or trade."

 

A few days later, the mobilized alliance arrived where the Hermes Familia has been holding out.

“It’s good that you all came!” said Hermes, exhausted. “My Familia has been really stretched thin here!”

“Not at all.” Said Finn. “Do you have any maps of the situation?”

“Right this way!”

Hermes leads Finn and Riveria to the tent.

“… I can feel my skin begin to crawl.” Said Lili.

“Yeah, the number of monsters around is disturbing.” Said Welf.

“Then I guess we need to do our best and deal with these monsters.” Said Bell.

“Easier said than done Bell Cranel.”

They turn to see Aisha. She was extremely exhausted.

“Aisha!” said Haruhime, coming up to her. “What are you doing here?”

“I joined up with the Hermes Familia. They are a Familia in the know by the way that elf is here too.”

They look to see Ryuu walking up to them, exhausted as well.

“Cranel… you were sent as well?” Ryuu said.

“Ryuu! You came as well?” Bell said.

“I was hired, but why are you here?”

“We were sent here to help kill the monster responsible for all this.”

“I see… hmm with you and Crozzo I can understand, but the rest?”

“Hey, we underwent some of Cirrus’s training!” Lili said.

“I see… you all do look stronger…”

“Yeah, Haruhime, you seem good with that spear in your hands.” Said Aisha looking at her.

“I have been learning to defend myself.” She said, holding onto her trick weapon of a spear and magic staff.

“Hey! Hestia Familia!” shouted Raul. “We're on the job now! So get to your positions!”

“Y-yes! Right away!” Bell shouted back.

“Guess I gotta get to work then!” said Welf.

“Your making magic weapons?” Ryuu said, surprised. “To think it would be this serious?”

 

Overlooking the situation on top of a hill.

“Seems like the Loki Familia came.” Said Ein.

“And Aria?” asked Revis.

“With them… There are several powerful people there. We would get crushed if we fought.”

“… Then let us head towards Wu. I’m sure we can at least lure Cirrus and his spirits there, correct?”

“Yes, when he hears the word of a black dragon, he will be dispatched to look into it and possibly deal with it. His wife will most likely remain in Orario incase anything happens."

"Then lets hope Wu rose that Corrupted Spirit right. The Jewel Fetus was a prototype of a series that She was making."

"It seems 'Her' will is something akin to a alchemist testing to get the right formula."

"...That is oddly fitting. She doesn't see me or my fellow spirits as people but more as literal tools. That modified Jewel Fetus is a prime example of it. Mashing together 6 Spirits together. Not caring what it may entail having six minds broken from years within the Dungeon's confines."

"And what of Olivas?"

"...Who?"

 

Deep in the south.

“MORE!!! MORE!! I NEED MORE!!!!” shouted Xuanlong, a Corrupted Spirit.

“Just wait alright!” shouted Wu. “You know how damn hard it is to get so many magic stones on the surface!”

“MORE!! MORE!!! RAAAAHH!!!!!!!!!!”

The dragon portion of the body spewed blood-red fire while the human body, on top of its head, fused together shouted for food.

“Calm down!! We will—“

“FOOD!!!! FOOD!!!! I NEED FOOD!!!!”

From her back, 3 pairs of wings sprouted open, all with the span of 4 school buses.

With a single flap of its wings, she flew up in search of food.

“Dammit!! Why!! Is it because of the monster!? Dammit!! Send word back! Xuanlong has gone on a rampage!!”

“Yes, Lady Wu!!”