The facts are cruelly before our eyes.
The barrier between humans and monsters and the overwhelming hostility are something that [Hestia Familia] cannot bear.
Humans hate their fangs, claws and wings and are taboo about their existence.
Rather, this is actually the opposite of the fear that has continued from ancient times to the present day when human beings were once helplessly ravaged.
Monsters are public enemies.
The irreversible fact crushed Belle and Winnie.
Just as Xiaolin said, the appearance of monsters plunged the guild into chaos.
In the panic, the crowd subconsciously distorted the facts of last night, turning the hero who saved the young girl into a monster with wings spread to attack the young girl.
Most people have raised a lot of doubts and criticisms about the guild's crisis management capabilities, and the guild has been running around non-stop to collect intelligence.
Allowing monsters to invade the surface is a big deal. Coupled with the missteps of the previous monster festival, if this continues, it will affect the reputation of the management organization.
"Why do I have to suffer this?"
"Stop complaining, Misia."
Eina quickly rushed to the guild counter to calm the crowd's emotions. During the process, she expressed sympathy for her friend's cry, but it was a pity that the residents above would not express sympathy.
"Hey, why is the monster running into the street!"
"Give us a good reason!"
"It must be the [Ganesha Familia] who are responsible for cultivating monsters. This matter has nothing to do with them!"
"That's right!"
Unknowingly, they have begun to suspect everyone, trying to see who is behind the scenes.
But no matter what, in the final analysis, it was the guild's negligence. Naturally, the first place they came to was the guild.
In order to give them a precise explanation, Eina and others not only have to find out the cause, but also need to contact the major families and appease the people who are out of control. There are countless things to do.
For now, let’s ignore the frantic half-elf lady running around.
【Loki Guild】
After getting up early in the morning, Aisi seemed to be in a bad mood with her mouth puffed out. This unhappy look was clearly seen by her little follower Lefiya, and it was only after her careful questioning that the Sword Princess stopped Xiaolin from defeating the monsters. Talk things out.
It happened to be heard by the three giants of the family members who were passing by.
Finn asked curiously: "Ais, you said Xiaolin stopped you from conquering the World of Warcraft?"
"Um."
"Why did he do this? Is there any reason?...Ais, tell me what you know."
"good……"
Then Aisi told them exactly what happened when she came back from the dungeon last night, met Xiao Lin, saw the monster appear on Seventh Street, and was blocked from defeating the monster.
Finn started thinking.
Tione asked curiously: "Captain, do you know anything?"
"No, the information is too little." Finn shook his head and said, "But I think we will know the reason soon."
At this time, Loki, the god of their dependent clan, ran back in a hurry and brought news about the appearance of monsters. It's a pity that it's too one-sided and can't deduce anything.
"But Ace, you said someone rescued the monster in the end, right?"
"Yes. She is a little girl from the elf tribe."
"The elves..."
Finn held his chin with his hand and said after thinking: "Tiona, Tione, you two go to the [Hestia Familia] station immediately to see if they are there. Loki, you go to the guild to test Urano. God, please check if the guild is protecting the monsters. In addition, I would like to ask you to monitor the several families that have close contact with the [Hestia Familia]. There are also people to guard the entrance to the dungeon. .”
…
…
"I think Finn will arrange it this way."
In the dungeon, Xiaolin, Bell and others escorted Winnie to the monster's lair. During the process, they talked with them in order not to make the atmosphere too depressing.
Zolf laughed: "It won't be to this extent."
"No, that's what he would do if it were Finn."
"Hey, hey, is it true?"
He really didn't want to believe that the other party could be so smart, but he had to admit it when he saw the certainty of Xiaolin's words.
The others also looked ugly.
Unexpectedly, not only did the atmosphere not become more relaxed, it actually became more depressing than before.
There is nothing we can do about it.
[Brave] Finn is so smart.
First of all, Xiao Lin is a member of Ouranos. There is no way he would be unaware of such a big commotion in the guild. Stopping Ais can already explain a lot of problems.
And Xiaolin has been with the [Hestia Familia], and Ais also said that she vaguely saw Bell at the scene. Does that mean that [Hestia Familia] also has problems?
"I think [Loki Familia] has already started taking action."
"Well……"
Others were even more silent.
Seeing that the atmosphere was not good, Zolf quickly said with a smile: "Then I really have to thank Xiao Lin for planning in advance for us to come to the dungeon. In this way, even if we meet members of the [Loki Familia] when we go back, we can still think about it. I'll just give it some excuse."
"Ah, you're right."
Xiao Lin agrees with this point.
As long as they are not caught, no matter what the reason is, [Loki Familia] will not do anything to them without actual evidence.
As for whether [Loki Familia] has this power.
It can only be said that when they decide to help Winnie (the monster), no matter who they are, they will stand against them and become their enemies completely.
Moreover, the other party is one of the most important family members in the city, and it is not unreasonable to act erratically.
At the same time, Xiao Lin also revealed something.
——Winnie must say goodbye to them!
Otherwise, it would be a devastating blow to her, Bell, or other [heretics].
Floor 20 of the dungeon.
Everyone who has been here once has greatly reduced their fear of this place.
"Bell... I always feel so nostalgic here... but it's still so scary... so cold."
Winnie held Belle's clothes and touched her chest uneasily. Dragon Girl, who had had bad memories here, recalled the tragic situation so that her already pale skin turned even more blue.
"It's okay, Winnie, I will protect you."
Bell comforted him warmly.
The dragon girl, who took the white hair and red eyes in front of her as a comfort to her soul, also followed the other person's gentle smile and raised the corners of her mouth.
"Lord Bell, go this way next."
"Well, I understand."
After walking through the regular route of half the floor, Bell followed the direction of Lily's finger and stepped into the dangerous depths of the floor.
This road made of tree trunks was the only way to the [Heretic] lair. Everyone cheered up and walked forward cautiously.
Fortunately, apart from some low-level monsters, we encountered no difficulties along the way.
No, to be precise, it has become a lot easier.
Because Bell, who was leading the charge, no longer classified [heretics] and monsters as the same category.
Come to the cave.
Rey from the Songbird was waiting there early.
Standing in the thick fog with her whole body covered by a cloak, she looked so mysterious.
"You are finally here."
Seeing the few people who were intact, Rey breathed a sigh of relief. It seemed that she also knew what happened on the surface.
It was probably Fels who told her to greet them outside the lair.
Rey looked at Winnie, who was huddled behind Bell.
This companion, who had made a big fuss on the surface not long after he was born, didn't know whether to be angry or distressed after learning what had happened to him.
Seeing that Winnie was so scared and resistant, she took off the cloak that covered her face, revealing the appearance of a [heretic] like her, and smiled gently at her.
Winnie saw Rey who was similar to herself but more mature and beautiful, and for some reason she suddenly wanted to get close to her.
She deeply understood that the singing bird in front of her was the same kind as herself.
"Are you Winnie?" Rey stretched out her wings to Winnie and said, "I am the singing bird, my name is Rey, hello Winnie."
"I, I am... Winnie, hello Rey." Encouraged by Bell's eyes, Winnie timidly stretched out her little hand towards her.
"Let's go, everyone is waiting."
After a brief contact, under Rey's greeting, the group walked deeper.
————
"So, Ouranos, why did you call me here?"
In the guild's hidden room, the petite but broad-minded goddess looked up at the ancient god sitting above the altar.
It was he who planned this incident.
Or……
"What are you planning?"
Hestia asked the question.
Ouranos was not overjoyed by the reunion after a long absence in thousands of years. The immovable king, the true master of the guild, looked down at the little goddess below.
"Don't hold yourself back, Hestia."
"...I have a lot to ask you, can you answer me first, Ouranos."
"That's fine. If it keeps the conversation going."
Hestia's request was not rejected, and she asked with stern eyes:
"——Why do you have to play such a complicated trick and do such a roundabout thing?"
"I must conduct this secret meeting quickly without letting anyone notice. Of course, I have long expected that Hestia and your relatives will be wary of me."
"Is that why I asked Xiao Lin to reveal his identity but didn't tell him the truth?"
"exactly."
Hearing the ancient god's answer, Hestia had a premonition that she was being tested.
The other party must have known for a long time that they were hiding Winnie, and they have been observing her until today, including returning Winnie.
Observe the thoughts of Hestia and others to see if they have this qualification. His family member Xiao Lin was also observed.
Is it necessary to do this?
Hestia couldn't help but wonder.
When she asked this question, she got the answer, along with the answer to [Heretic] and what happened in the dungeon.
————
"Welcome, dear Winnie!"
When they arrived at the lair where the [Heretics] were hiding, Reed happily stepped forward to greet them with a friendly smile.
The lizard man should be a close relative of the dragon family.
Is that why you are so enthusiastic?
In fact, not only it, but other [heretics] also shook hands with Winnie with great enthusiasm and happily introduced themselves to her.
The newly born Dragon Girl has become more and more relaxed from being cautious at the beginning.
"Sure enough, this is where she belongs."
Bell couldn't help but sigh when he saw that Winnie quickly integrated into them.
You must know that they were extremely scared when they first came, and they couldn't help but breathe a sigh of relief until they left.
Reed patted him on the shoulder and said sincerely: "Thank you for taking care of our compatriots, dear Belle, you are indeed a good person."
"Ha...good guy..."
There was a bit of bitterness on Bell's face.
If Winnie was flustered because she said some harsh words, and running to the street and being stoned by the crowd was considered good care, then he really had nothing to say.
In fact, he only felt sorry for Winnie.
"Don't look sad, be a little happy."
Reed put his arm around Bell's thin shoulders.
It is really appreciated by each other.
Obviously humans fear and hate them, but only a few people in front of them sincerely accept them and are willing to take care of their compatriots.
the most important is.
The actions of Bell and others changed the minds of some [heretics] led by Gu Ross who did not trust human beings. Although the hope of living unfettered on the surface may become even slimmer due to the appearance of Winnie.
"Okay, it's time for us to go, Belle."
Seeing that Winnie successfully reunited with the [Heretics], Xiaolin urged the others to pack up and leave quickly.
Upon seeing this, Lizardman Reed quickly tried to persuade him: "Don't be so anxious. Let's go before the party begins."
"No." Xiao Lin refused decisively and said: "Now [Loki Familia] and others will most likely guard the entrance to the dungeon, but there is no guarantee that they will send people to track us. Although the werewolf has a bad character, his nose is very sensitive. .”
They must not be seen by people from the [Loki Familia] mixed with the [Heretics].
Once this happens, it will be difficult for everyone to tell.
"Bell..."
"I'm sorry Winnie, I have to leave."
Even if they are very reluctant to part, they must say goodbye.
But even if they can't live together all the time, Bell, who is already at level 3, can still visit Winnie from time to time. So they agreed on a time to meet next time and said goodbye to the [heretics].
Shortly after they left, a group of people emerged from the shadows.
"Huh huh huh - I just said, the lair of these guys must be here in the big tree maze, and sure enough I found it."
The one who spoke was a man.
He wore goggles and held a red spear with a twisted tip.
The men following the man stepped forward and asked, "Dix, do we want to go in and catch them?"
"Of course! I'm going to catch them all!"
Deeks licked his lips and smiled a twisted smile filled with malice.
————
The morning mist filled the air.
It seemed like there had been a shower last night, and the stone floor was wet with water. Drops of water fell from the leaves to the ground, and then disappeared after being bounced off.
The sun hasn't risen yet.
The dawn sky was slightly white.
The sleeping city is shrouded in silence.
Tower of Babel in the morning.
Bell and others spent the night after setting off and returned from the escort mission in the morning.
The [Loki Familia] guarding the entrance to the Tower of Babel was not seen. In front of the high tower gate where dawn had not yet dawned, there was only a small goddess waiting for their return.
"You are back."
Hestia lowered her eyebrows and her smile looked very sad.
In the middle of the deserted square, Bell asked:
"Lord God."
"What's wrong, Bell?"
"What exactly is a dungeon?"
"...A dungeon is a dungeon."
Under the gaze of everyone, the goddess lowered her eyes, and she still refused to say anything as before.
Hearing this, Bell stood still.
This is the wise saying of God that has been repeatedly circulated by the people of the lower world.
As if it was unbearable, he gritted his teeth and lowered his head.
At this time, the morning glow began to dye the back of the city wall red, driving away the blue and white sky.
A new day has arrived.
(End of chapter)
