POV Freya – Tower of Babel
Time: Contemporary to Gabriel in the alley
In my eternity as a goddess, I have gazed upon countless souls. They have passed before me in an endless river: some so fragile they barely shine, others so vigorous that their radiance seems to challenge the very sky. All different, all ephemeral.
For mortals, the soul is a mystery, a concept beyond their senses. But for me… the soul is the bare truth of a being. It is the flame that betrays their passions, their sins, their deepest desires. The body can lie, the voice can deceive… but the soul never.
I have seen thousands of shapes, colors, and degrees of brightness. I have witnessed souls of fire, of ice, of pride, and despair. And yet, among them all, there was one that eclipsed the rest: the whitest, purest soul I ever thought possible.
Bell Cranel.
A crystalline soul, like freshly fallen snow, exuding a purity so brilliant that even I, who have lived millennia, find it fascinating. Immaculate, innocent, incorruptible.
I smiled faintly, tilting my lips, and my hand, almost unconsciously, brushed the tower railing as if touching that intangible light.
But, as if the world wanted to remind me that beauty never comes alone, I was shown the opposite.
—What a… repulsive soul —my voice resonated with a hint of disgust.
It shone with an intensity comparable to the sun. A yellow glow, aggressive, impossible to ignore. But it did not transmit warmth, it did not grant life. It was a sick light, rotten from its roots.
A soul saturated with envy.
I have seen this sin countless times across the centuries… but never so absolute, so voracious, so contaminated. It was like gazing at a jewel corroded until it became poison.
I furrowed my brow slightly, a trace of curiosity in it.
—Curious… how is it that I hadn't noticed it until now?
A flash so overwhelming should have caught my attention much earlier. And yet, it had gone unnoticed, as if hidden. Had it just awakened? Or had this soul always existed silently, masked until this moment?
I sighed softly, a mix of intrigue and disgust. Whatever it was, now it shone before me, impossible to ignore.
—Ottar~ —I hummed softly, like someone sharing a secret.
He appeared with his usual discipline, barely bowing his head.
Ottar, the most loyal of my children, the pillar of the Freya Familia. A mountain of muscles and scars, with a stern and silent gaze, but with unwavering devotion. His mere presence commands respect, a warrior whose strength has reached heights no mortal could dream of.
—Yes, Lady Freya? —his deep voice resonated firmly.
—Do you know who that adventurer lying in the alley is? —my eyes remained fixed on that yellow glow, as if it burned my sight yet I could not look away.
Ottar needed no time. His duty is to know every shadow moving in Orario, every soul that could cross my path.
—I believe that is Gabriel Drakensoul. Soma Familia, level 1. No known adventurer career, more like another drunk from that gang. —There was a moment of hesitation in his voice before he added—: If I may, Lady Freya… why the interest in him?
I did not answer immediately.
I rested my chin on the back of my hand and squinted, watching how that poisonous glow flickered like a wildfire of jealousy.
Because it was repulsive, yes… and yet, also impossible to ignore.
Envy… that sin consumes and destroys, but it also drives. It can sink a man into absolute despair or push him to defy fate itself.
And there it was, that spark of overflowing envy, dancing before me like a threat and, perhaps, like a promise.
I smiled faintly, an ambiguous gesture, between amusement and disgust.
—Because, Ottar… —I finally whispered—, even the most repulsive can become interesting, if given enough time.
I raised my cup, watching how the wine captured the light before taking a slow sip.
After all… every soul has a role on my stage.
POV Gabriel
At this moment I find myself in a room… or well, "my room" in the Soma family mansion. It's fairly simple, to put it mildly.
But that's not what matters now, not even close. I've been doing the math, and it's 727.
727 days since my infamous predecessor joined the Soma family.
And I would say knowing this makes me want to kill myself, but the truth is, it doesn't. Damn, 727 days is way too long. Worse, it should be 728 deaths, since according to the guild report Eina gave me, it was officially recorded that I joined this alcoholic family at 3:25 p.m.
Right now, looking at the sun's height… I have no idea. I've never been able to tell time by the sky. But whatever: it's getting dark, so obviously past 3:25. And when my skill rewinds 24 hours, I have to be exact about it.
Luckily, life smiled at me once —yes, a single damn time— and I still have time. I was a couple of days away from being trapped in this family…
I take a deep breath. At least here, in a closed space, with no one judging me, I can think calmly.
It's time to plan.
Let's see…
I want power. Weak and miserable Gabriel is over. For that, I need to join a good family and let a lot of people kill me.
How weird and anticlimactic that sounds.
Loki Familia. The obvious choice. One of the two strongest families in Orario. Loki is a good goddess, somewhat eccentric, but what god isn't? Best option: several top-class adventurers, resources, protection, status, people to train me. All benefits.
The problem is getting in, but well… nothing in life is easy. And much less in mine.
Once that's decided, the next point: who am I going to let kill me?
…still sounds weird.
I don't remember many details about skills, but…
Liaris Freese. One of the most broken in all of Danmachi. I don't have the exact description, but basically: increases stats incredibly fast, breaks the natural S999 limit, and immune to the charm of crazy Freya. Where do I sign?
The problem is: how the hell do I make the purest person in this damn world kill me? Bell Cranel wouldn't kill a fly voluntarily. There's no better person than him… which makes him useless for my plan.
It's improbable… no, impossible for him to kill me. Although, of course, accidents happen. It would be a shame if the knife slipped and… killed me.
Officially sounds extremely weird to plan assassination attempts on myself.
I would have kept thinking calmly until a moment of genius struck me.
Liliruca Arde.
She had transformation magic, right? I think it wasn't just illusionary, but physical.
My God… I'm a genius.
She's not Bell Cranel. Not pure-hearted. Not a bad person, but not exactly good either. Under the right conditions… she wouldn't hesitate to slit my throat.
Once I copied her magic, I'd just have to go to the dungeon, find and follow Bell, transform into a monster, maybe one of those upper-floor werewolves, and being one of them, he wouldn't hesitate to kill me.
How clever you are, Gabriel.
Of course, there are many people to copy. The executives of Loki Familia, for example… If I said Freya is a bitch, I'm sure a wild Ottar would split me in half before I realized it. I have no idea what magics or skills they have, but with so many level 5, 6, and even level 7, there are surely interesting things.
Though… no rush. I can only copy 2 magics, 2 skills, and 2 developing skills per level. I don't know what level I'll reach, so I have to be selective. Although… if I don't reach at least level 7, I'll be the biggest failure in history.
I would have continued scheming my clearly non-suicidal plans, but someone knocked on my door.
—Gabriel, are you in there? If so… are you sober?
—Right now I'd love not to be. And yes, I'm in here. Who's asking?
—I'm Mars. Captain Zanis assigned you a mission.
At that moment I opened the door. I saw a somewhat stocky man, slightly unkempt beard, brown eyes, short black hair.
—I can't believe you're seriously not drunk. HAHA, this is a miracle.
His comment was met with my worst face. Honestly, I'm tired of the alcoholic reputation. I chose not to respond and asked the question that really concerned me.
—What does Captain Zanis want?
Though my words sounded calm, doubt boiled inside me. What the hell does that corrupt captain want from me?
—To go to the prison we have in the underground floors.
—Why?
—Kid… after some time in this family you learn not to ask the "why" of things.
I looked at him for a second. Inhaled, exhaled, and done.
—Lead the way.
He didn't answer, just started walking. I closed the door of my new room and followed.
It was an uncomfortable journey, honestly. Mars, you're a terrible guide. 4.5/10.
After a few minutes, we arrived. We were in front of some stairs going down.
—Well, I've done my part. I'm leaving.
And without more, he left.
Going down, I found a prison: wooden ceiling, stone walls and floor. I hadn't thought about it before, but… isn't this illegal? I know this family is corrupt, but my God.
Zanis was there. And beside him, a small girl who, from my limited experience, seemed to be a pallum. Wait… is that Lili?
—Oh, Gabriel, you arrived quite quickly —said Zanis with a hypocritical smile.
—Yes… Mars said you called for me, so I came as fast as I could.
—Excellent. I'll explain the situation a bit.
Then he turned his head toward me.
—Your role is simple, Gabriel. You are her bars. She breathes because I decide. And you will be here to remind her.
At what Zanis said, I could only nod.
Now I find myself sitting on a wooden bench, watching Zanis position himself in front of Lili.
—How foolish, Arde. Our god only cares about making his wine. He won't listen to anything you say. And you didn't tell him about leaving, right? I withdrew the troops because of what you said. Now it's your turn to serve the family.
I think I'm having déjà vu.
—What can I do? —Lili asked, her voice barely a thread.
—You have rare transformation magic.
—How do you know?
Lili's eyes widened in disbelief.
—Mr. Soma told me. He may only care about his wine, but he still listens to his second in command. You will spend your life serving me and the family.
She could only bite her lips, powerless.
—Gabriel, I leave her to you. Don't let her escape.
I nodded. Zanis went up the stairs, laughing disgustingly.
Did I just witness a villain monologue ending with an evil laugh?
This day is already too long. And increasingly weird.
I turned my gaze toward Lili. She was defeated. Resigned to life.
A unique opportunity.
—Liliruca Arde… do you want to leave this pigsty?
Lili hadn't looked at me until that moment. When she heard her name, she raised her eyes, surprised and distrustful.
—What are you talking about?
I sighed, resting my elbows on my knees.
—I'm talking about getting you out of here.
She squinted her eyes, distrustful. Understandable. In her place, I wouldn't believe anything either.
I moved a little closer.
—If you want to get out… the only condition is that you kill me.
—What? —her voice came out choked, indignant, as if she thought I was mocking her.
—I'm serious, Arde. Kill me.
She stepped back slightly, as if my words were poison.
—Are you… laughing at me? At my situation?
—No. I'm tired, Arde. You know who I am. You know the kind of life I live. I can't go outside without receiving looks of contempt. I ruined everything. Nobody takes me seriously. People are surprised just to see me sober and walking straight.
I got up, took the key, and opened the cell. I stepped inside with her and closed it behind.
—If you don't kill me, you're not leaving here.
I threw her the sword Zanis had given me. The metal hit the floor with a dry sound, too loud for how small the cell was.
POV Lili
Gabriel Drakensoul.
The drunk of the Soma Familia. The useless one. Orario's joke.
That's what everyone says about him. That's what I also heard.
And now I have him in front of me… asking me to kill him.
My hands shake. My lips are pressed tight until they hurt.
I've endured humiliation after humiliation. Betrayals. Beatings. Hunger. Loneliness.
And now… do I have to stain my hands even more to gain freedom?
I look at the sword. It shines faintly in the cell's dim light.
If I do it… I can leave. I can return to Bell. To everyone.
If I don't… I'll stay here, chained to this fate.
My heart beats like a drum.
Kill another human? No… it's not another human. It's Gabriel. The one who asks for it. The one who insists. The one forcing me to choose.
—I… —my voice breaks. I don't know if I'm trembling from fear, anger, or despair.
I close my eyes. I see Bell in my mind. His smile. His outstretched hand, trusting me.
I grit my teeth.
If it's for him… if it's to return…
I grab the sword. The metal is cold, but my body burns.
I open my eyes. Gabriel looks at me without moving, with a calm that frightens me more than death itself.
And with a stifled scream, I drive the sword into him.
POV Gabriel
[YOU HAVE DIED]
[YOUR SKILL REQUIREMENTS HAVE BEEN ACTIVATED BY YOUR DEATH]
The pain that had coursed through me like liquid fire, that made me cough blood, was gone. I could only smile ironically.
Well… it seems to have worked.
In front of my eyes appeared sky-blue, translucent signs, as always.
[CREATING SKILL AND MAGIC CARDS]
Two cards floated in front of me: one violet, one silver.
Obviously, one was Lili's magic. The other… a useless skill that made her a pack mule.
God… are you telling me I have a 50% chance of screwing up and a 50% chance of getting the key to obtain Liaris Freese?
I swallowed. One opportunity. Just one.
[PLEASE CHOOSE A CARD]
I extended my hand. The space—dark, starry, no walls or ceiling, just an infinite black floor—seemed to read my mind.
I chose the violet card.
[SELECTION COMPLETE]
[COPYING MAGIC]
Did it say… magic?
I couldn't speak more. Everything turned black. I lost consciousness.
—Oh my God… what a headache.
I opened my eyes.
I was in a bathroom. The stench of alcohol and vomit was unmistakable.
I got up, staggering, opened the door, and stepped into a bar full of drunks.
My heart skipped a beat.
I had returned. Exactly 24 hours. Back to the point where my predecessor was.
In disbelief, I passed the alley where I had awakened upon arriving in this world and headed straight to the Soma Familia headquarters.
The Soma Familia headquarters smelled of wine more than ever. That thick scent that sticks in your throat. I walked to the god's room; Soma was standing, stirring his wine, like the last time, once that technically never happened.
He didn't even blink at me. He barely moved his glassy eyes, as if the entire world was a bothersome noise around his being.
—I need you to update my status —I said, with a firmer tone than expected.
The god did not respond. He only raised a hand, a vague gesture, signaling me to come closer. I removed my shirt and lay face down. The wood creaked under my weight.
His hand rested on my back, a drop of his divine blood fell onto me. No solemnity, no ritual words. Just the indifferent touch of a god who had stopped looking at people long ago.
When he finished, he left the paper in front of me without a word. As if handing me a bill.
I took it, read it… and then I saw her.
Cinder Ella.
---
Level: 1
Strength: I0
Durability: I0
Dexterity: I0
Agility: I0
Magic: I0
Magic:
Cinder Ella: Transformation magic allowing the user to transform into anything of their size
Chant: "Your wound is mine. My wound is mine. The echo is the sign of midnight"
Skills:
I Want to Be Like You: Activates automatically upon being killed by an enemy. Copy an enemy's skill, magic, or developing skill and make it yours. Cannot copy from an opponent you have already copied. However, you will die. For each level of Falna you can copy 2 magics, skills, and developing skills.
Clockwork of the Returned: Activates automatically upon death. Rewind 24 hours from the moment of your death. Your memories and stats are retained upon returning. However, the higher your level, the greater the penalty, whether physical or mental. From the first use of the skill, rewinding 2 exact years is allowed.
Seeing the magic inscribed in my status, I did not laugh. I did not scream.
I smiled.
A bitter smile, like someone tasting a vintage wine too strong for their tongue.
Death… had been worth it.
But it wasn't a simple procedure. No, death never is.
I felt its icy embrace, its hands closing around my throat, tearing the air from me. Death kissed my lips with the taste of iron and whispered that it was over.
And I believed it.
Because death is convincing. It is the only certainty the gods could never steal from mortals.
But I… I passed through it and returned.
Every time I fall, every time I sink into that black ocean, I will be reborn.
A rebirth… but not a pure rebirth like a child's.
No. Mine is a dark baptism.
Death receives me, swallows me, shatters me into a thousand pieces… and then returns me, stitched together with threads of fear and ambition.
I am not the same Gabriel who entered that cell.
That man died with a pallum's sword in his chest.
What breathes now is something else.
Something born from the most primal fear and a desire that burns beyond reason.
Perhaps I am still weak. Perhaps I still tremble remembering the wound, the blood, the darkness.
But I know one thing: the weak no longer exists.
The one who crawled, the one who wasted his life, stayed on the other side of that threshold.
What remains here…
is someone death could not fully claim.
A marked man, a soul bleeding ambition.
A being condemned to be reborn again and again, until fear ceases to be fear… and becomes power.
I closed my eyes on the rough bed.
The wooden ceiling was just a blank canvas where my new life was painted in black strokes.
And at that moment I understood:
I am not special for being alive.
I am special because I have died… and yet I am still here.
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Hellooo to all the beautiful people, how are you doing.
How's the chapter? For now it's the longest with 3,263 words, I hope you've enjoyed it :)
I found it interesting to do a POV from Freya and another from Lili. I hope I've portrayed them well.
It may have been a bit convenient the way Gabriel copied Cinder Ella, but it makes sense. Am I the only one who thinks that magic is broken? It's not just an illusionary transformation, it's physical, PHYSICAL. It has the innate abilities of the species it transforms into, like the senses of a chien-thrope, the strength of a boaz, the magical talent of an elf; it's broken, both for combat, stat-boosting, and infiltration.
And another thing, since it's obvious, I'll say it: the protagonist will copy Liaris Freese. I swear I have plans and it won't be broken from the start; he won't level up every month and a half like Bell. Remember, that ability depends basically on how in love the user is; if the protagonist isn't… how effective will it be? Not very, obviously. Gabriel doesn't remember everything from the anime, some things yes but not all; I tried to reflect that when writing, like when he mentions the upper-floor werewolves, he doesn't remember they are called Kolbolt.
As you saw, when Gabriel dies and has to choose to copy a skill or magic, it's somewhat random; cards representing magic are violet, skills are silver, and although they didn't appear in today's chapter, developing skills will be blue. I decided this so the protagonist doesn't always get what he wants.
That's all, bye.
Started writing: 08/15/25
Published: 08/17/25