With Ilta showing up to replace Shakti for the moment, and the Freya familia getting Allen out of the way… The Ganesha familia fixed up the arena, prepping it for the next fight. However, Freya had to go and take care of something. While she was away, the Hathor familia, put on musical and dance performances.
Outside the arena, thanks to Ouranos' permission, several gods prepared crystal mirrors around the immediate area, and other places where they decided to stay. Providing extra places for the people to get a chance to watch the fights and performances. In some respects it was a better place to be considering the fact food, and other little stalls were set up. Some places sold trinkets they'd never sell again, special limited edition figurines and the like.
"Oh man, did you see that fight? Talk about amazing!"
"I know right! She's a tamer, yet she defeated Vana Freya with little difficulty."
"If this is a fight between level 5s, what will the fight between some level 6s be like?"
"Oh man, I bet it'll be something else, earth shaking, and air trembling!"
"We can only wait and see."
"Ugh, why are men such men? Can't they see the beauty of the dance, and the melody of the music?"
"I know, right? Say, I wonder if it's too late for us to learn some dances."
"Hathor familia provides a top notch program for all of the arts."
"The lessons are super expensive though… I could never afford them with the money we bring in. A real shame."
"If the times are that hard, you could always go and work in the red light district. I'm sure you'd earn a lot of money there."
"No, that's too dangerous for my liking. And besides, I work at an orphanage near the Miach familia, they help out with some of the children's needs. If it gets worse I can always count on them to provide something, I rather sell pleasure to them instead, they're kind people."
"Oh? You sure you don't have a thing for one of them? You could always make yourself more sexually appealing. Men love that stuff."
"You think?" The one woman asked, playing with her hair. "Maybe I'll try that."
…
Astraea familia was on patrol, guarding the citizens with their weapons, then their hearts guarded by the smiles, and insane cuteness they gave off. No one would ever expect that they're a familia brimming with power boarding on the level of the other higher end familias.
Ryuu was the only one fully on guard. Which only caused others to think she was even cuter. Why are they all laughing at me, Evilus could be just around any corner, laying in wait?
"You're wondering why no one is worried about Evilus attacking aren't you?" Kaguya teased, almost clicking her tongue.
"You aren't?"
"Not in the slightest."
"How can you be so relaxed?"
"Simple, he's on the surface. Evilus would never be stupid enough to attack while he's on the surface. You should be using this time to relax and recuperate."
"But that's… This person is just one boy a few years older than me, how could he deal with Evilus on his own?"
"Heh, you've never actually had a training fight with him, have you."
"Oh hey, look, there he is, Ardee too."
"Hey now, there's no need to be so surprised seeing those two together."
They ran over, to see Ardee, and Shurry too.
"Hey there! It's been a few months. Why haven't you come by to see us?" Alise said, with a cheerful expression.
"Oh? I've been busy helping Ganesha familia with their training." Shurry answered, then finished his meat skewers.
"So we aren't high up on your list? I wonder why that could be?" Alise smirked, glancing at Ardee.
"It's so I can convert to Hathor familia, and be with Shurry all the time! Sadly I have to wait for a while before Ganesha will allow it."
"Oh my, you're engaged now? That… Is totally not surprising in the least." Alise giggled. "Anyway, I want to introduce you to our new familia member, her name is Ryuu… Ryuu, this is Shurry, the Origin wolf, and the strongest adventurer in the city."
"Why do my knees feel weak before him?"
"Well duh, he's a level 7. He's probably stronger than Leon the Knight of Knights."
"Oh, I am definitely stronger than my uncle now… Nice to meet you Ryuu, you're family to my friends, which makes you my friend." He said, holding out a hand to shake, with a warm smile on his face, and waited.
Ryuu, an elf, didn't like people touching her, however something about this moment led her to give him a chance, and she took his hand. Oh wow, he really is strong…
"Your training has done you well. You'll grow much stronger." Shurry said. "So Alise, when do you think you'll come to the dungeon with me again?" He said quickly after, to test Alise.
"Once Ryuu's all caught up, then we'll send a formal request. But you have to promise to come visit us soon! I want to see how far we've come since the last fight we had."
"Alright, I'm sure I'll be able to sneak away for a couple of days. Ilta and the others will probably be thankful to get a break."
"You know… You sound a bit more mature now, Shurry."
"Well, I am 14. In less than a year I'll be 15."
"Oh wow, that's right!? You're almost an adult."
"Yeah… Not like much is gonna change, though, I might be leveling up soonish. That'll be a fun day."
"Level 8? I guess we'd better step it up and grow a bit faster huh?"
"I guess so."
After their talk, a bit more mundane conversation took place where Ardee and Ryuu became fast friends, Astraea's girls were teasing each other over Shurry and other boys, all of it made Shurry uncomfortable to some degree but he just let it happen.
Eventually, the mood changed when the man who killed his big brother appeared on screen. Shurry's expression turned to one of hatred. He shouted out.
"BOKHOIR GIVE HIM HELL!!"
The screen showed Bokhoir, smirking, clearly having heard Shurry… All thanks to his level 6 status. Being able to hear far away things was now so much easier. He pounded his war hammer down, despite the sand, it made a thunderous sound.
Ryuu caught a glimpse of Shurry's expression, and instantly knew one thing, an instinct of sorts… Be friends with him no matter what.
The battle between the Bulwark, and the King, was about to start…
…