Unfortunately for Ottar, the fight he had would not level him up. He walked out of the arena, only because his opponent let him. Once he reached his familia's healer, Heith, his wounds were treated.
The room was extremely moody. Allen, and Ottar were both there, practically brooding from their fights, a rare thing for Ottar…
"So you lost too huh?"
"Yeah…"
"What's with that power? Where did it come from?"
"I don't know…"
"What?"
"Maybe, it's Zeus, and Hera's inheritors?"
Allen's eyes narrowed. "Then what the hell did we do that shit for?"
"I- I don't know. It was Lady Freya's will, so it must be carried out."
"Gosh you two are such losers! Here you are, feeling all sorry for yourselves, after ruining our familia's entire reputation!"
"Calm down, Heith, everything is fine. This fight should have taught them both something important." Freya said, appearing with the other executives. "For now though let us return home. You can think about your fights today when we arrive. I'd like to hear what you think."
"As you wish, Lady Freya."
…
After returning home, and some deep thought, Allen was still lost. Ottar on the other hand, was even more lost. So, they spent more time thinking about their fights, they would often be seen training. Recreating their movements from the fights on their own until one day…
"Hogni, come with me today. I need your help with something."
"Huh, what could I possibly helpeth thee with!?"
"Shut up and come with me."
The pair were seen training, where Hogni was attempting to dodge all of Allen's attacks when finally the fight stopped.
"You fool! Tell me, what was that all for!?"
"Shakti Varma, she moved faster than you, and even hit harder too. I think she might be leveling up soon."
"So you wanted to find a way to feel sorry for yourself? I must retreat and let my power soar! You can lay there like a kitten in the sun."
Allen didn't respond.
Elsewhere in a far off place, Ottar was looking at the one person he knows that he'll never defeat. The look of disgust in the young man's eyes was clear and unrelenting.
"Why did Bokhoir spare me?"
"How the hell should I know, you murderer."
"I was only acting on my goddess' orders."
"Then she's a murderer too."
"This was a mistake, I feel compelled to attack you now-"
"Do it, see how it goes for you."
"No, I can't leave my goddess without me… What made Bokhoir so strong, so fast?"
"Training, the right kind."
"He said something like that too. Hmm… What is it?"
"Like I'd ever be the one to tell you that."
"I see, even if it prevents me from getting stronger, to the point of aiding in the fight against the black dragon?"
Shurry's expression turned to such a pure form of rage, his rage had rage, his killing intent had killing intent. "You dare think you're worthy of fighting at my side? You can't even make amends for killing my big brother…" His teeth clenched as he held back from slaughtering the boar man like a pig.
"What does that matter, we've all lived through difficult circumstances."
"You perpetuate them. I end the cycle. We aren't the same. My brother is a hero, you're a murderer."
"Hero…"
"He survived the dragon's slaughter, and then carried the remaining living allies across the continent, back home for treatment. He carried back the fallen's will upon his very back. THEN YOU ASSAULTED HIS HOME! AND KILLED HIM IN FRONT OF HIS WIFE! ROBBING A NEWBORN CHILD OF HIS FATHER!"
"..."
"How can you even live with yourself when you're so full of evil? You can't even defeat the forces of Evilus."
"I don't see you helping with that."
"Really? Then why is it that whenever I'm on the surface, Evilus doesn't make a move? You're too weak to keep them from being bold."
"..."
"I can't stand you. You think you're strong but you don't know the first thing about fighting."
"I trained in a death camp for years, where we revived-"
"You revived, after taking would be fatal injuries. That's cute. I lived in a real death cult, then learned so much more after leaving. You really aren't even close. Can't even use the afterglow properly, it's disgraceful."
"Tell me, one thing to improve on-"
"Pathetic… Do you even care about living?"
"..."
"Guess that's where you should start. Don't bother me again until you've at least figured that out."
Shurry dashed off faster than the air could keep up, causing a powerful sound and pressure wave, leaving Ottar stunned.
"It seems, the risk was worth it… I don't fear death enough? Or is it that I don't love life enough?" He pondered. "At least I have the question now."
…
Many months passed by, Ryuu from the Astraea familia managed to become level 3, catching up to the rest of her familia, and even adapted to the training methods rather well.
Alise called for a familia meeting. "Alright, I think it's about time that we ask Shurry about taking us down on an expedition. What do you all think?"
"I like this plan, though, I'm worried. Freya familia isn't up to the task of keeping the city safe…"
"I'm sure we'll be able to work something out. Besides, after this trip, we'll be of more help in the fight against Evilus, so it works out, right? Ryuu?"
"Yes, to crush Evilus."
"Alright, it's settled then. And it's good timing too, since the Freya familia came back from their expedition a month ago."
…
Loki familia…
"Finn, that girl is too much work. She's an emotionless wreck, and can't take care of herself."
"That's why your mommy Riveria." Loki teased.
"Hehe, Riveria, please bear with her a little longer. She's already managed to reach level two. I'm curious about how far she'll go in the future."
…
"Captain, look, our little boy, he's crawling! He's crawling."
"Hashana, you don't have to call me captain all the time now, remember."
"Oh no, you're the captain, here, and there." He smirked, and chuckled.
"Who would have thought that Hashana the ultra perv would be such a doting father…"
"Is that a hint that you want another one?"
"Maybe, but not now. I just sent Hathor familia the request. So get ready, we're going on an expedition. If you level up, I might even let Ilta in on the action this time."
"Oh really? That sounds like fun. I can show you the position that really drains them. You'll be making more family after that for sure!" said the amazoness who was eagerly awaiting that comment.
…