I had retraced my way back to the fountain and was sitting on an empty bench, observing people going about their business while plans were being formed in my head.
How do I find Hestia in this city?
Going randomly was no good. The city was too big for that.
The best approach I could think of was to find the stall she worked on. Those Jaga-something— Potato Puffs thingies. How many of those could be there in the market?
Since the guild wasn't too far away from the place I was at, I could guess the Abandoned Church wasn't too far away from the place. I could also search for the Hostess of Fertility, the ex-adventurers run bar. That place was always in the way when Bell would go to the dungeon. Assuming I started on the main road where the bar was at, and go out, away from the dungeon, and finally if I look for some ruined buildings… there's a possibility I'd find the Church.
Hm, but again, is it wise to head straight to the Church, even if I found it? Hmm.
Oh well, at the very least, I should know its location.
I would have to think of a story to explain my circumstances without having to say anything that might out me.
But it'll still be pointless once, if, Hestia decided to give me her falna and in the process read my past.
I took a deep breath. There was no going around it. I'll have to open up with her and hope to… well, I was going to say God, but… anyway, hopefully, she'd not spread it to anyone else.
I'd have to judge her myself once I meet her.
Decision made, I began my look-out for the Hostess of Fertility, on the way passing by a store that belonged to Hephaestus Familia. I had seen more than one of these so far. Hephaestus sure was popular.
-x-
Finding the Hostess wasn't hard. I only had to ask once or twice to pinpoint its location. It was on a different, adjacent main road to where I was located. I just had to follow the road after reaching the center, Tower of Bable, and then it was easy to locate it.
I did look up to the tower, curious if I could see Freya. Not that I wanted to meet her yet or wanted her to notice me with her cheating soul-seeing vision. But I admit, curiosity got better of me at the time.
However, I didn't dawdle much near the tower and promptly made my way to my destination.
Reaching the place, I took it in for a few seconds, not seeing any familiar or recognizable face outside and the inside was a bit too dark for me to notice anyone.
Rather than standing around, looking suspicious, I moved on, looking to find my actual destination while keeping the place in memory.
I walked for some time, checking around me for any signs of dilapidated buildings. And as I approached a slight bend on the road, I noticed an area that seemed older and not well-kept in comparison to its surroundings.
Taking a breath in and nodding to myself, I entered one of the side roads leading into the area, away from the main road.
This was risky, I knew. I had no idea if I could be ganged up or mugged in this area, but I didn't have anything much to give anyway, so I kept walking, while being both wary and optimistic.
I soon found a somewhat open area with a few very broken old buildings and among them, one stood out due to it being nestled by another, larger building and having the shape of a Church.
Is that it? I wondered, looking at the place.
I felt like this was it.
I moved towards it but momentarily hesitated.
Do I just walk up to it and enter? Would it be rude? I mean, it was Hestia's abode after all.
But I didn't think she owned it?
I mean, I wasn't sure if she did, but…
Sighing, I decided to just walk up to it, weaving my story in my head that hopefully shouldn't trigger any divine lie detectors.
I was Ethan Cole, I was from far away, having found my way to Orario and now looking for a place to call home, familia to join (for Falna and possible Cheat unlock) and a job to earn money. I had no money or possessions. I woke up today and pretty much all my belongings were no longer with me. Only what I was wearing.
That's all. I'd try to deflect any further probing for now, hoping she'd understand and not push for more information.
Steading myself, I walked towards the church with a purpose, but outwardly, I was just looking around, maybe finding a place to sleep in for the night as I was homeless and piss poor.
The wooden gates to the church were slightly ajar, one of them looking slightly bent and unable to be shut.
I walked up to the gates and slowly opened it, looking around in the sparsely lit insides, where the only source of light was the colored panes that let in the Sunrays.
It had been a few hours since I woke up outside Orario and it was approaching evening now.
Soon it'll be night, and this was the only possible place to get a bed (or sofa). Assuming I managed to convince the resident Goddess to accept me staying here for the night. Well, that was the worst-case scenario. In the best-case scenario, I'll be part of Hestia Familia by tonight and be allowed to share the small place with Hestia and Bell, if he was already part of the Familia.
Entering inside, I didn't walk too deep and instead called out.
"Hello? Is anyone there?"
In case Hestia was here, I didn't want to just barge in unannounced.
I waited for a reply but didn't get one. I waited, but heard no movements inside, indicating no one was there.
Humming, I wondered what to do. Maybe she wasn't home yet.
But then, what do I do?
I looked around the place, finding old and broken pews scarred around, with a few that seemed to be somewhat whole and usable.
I decided to walk up to them and after testing them, I sat on it.
If Hestia wasn't here, I would just wait for her. She'd most likely come to this place.
Of course, all that was assuming this was the correct place.
What are the odds that this wasn't the church Hestia was staying at.
I found that I couldn't say it was zero. So, after a few moments of meditation, I stood up and walked up to the old wooden platform that was situated below the central windowpane, with some broken artifacts of religious nature. They did catch my eye, but I couldn't discern their identity or relate them to any particular deity. I wasn't even Christian in my past life, so it was the first time I had entered a Church for real.
On the right wall, I located a door-shaped carving that looked like it could be pulled out. It was sort of a hidden door, but not really as the outline of the door was clear for anyone to see.
I grabbed a crevice, since there were no door handles on it, and pulled, putting some strength into it because it was made of stone so it was probably heavy. Much to my surprise, it opened with relative ease. I was greeted with a dim staircase that seemed to lead downstairs, to a cellar-like space.
Now, what were the odds that this still wasn't Hestia's abode? Only one way to find out.
Still, before fully entering, I decided to give another call, just in case my previous one was not heard from down there.
"Hello? Does anybody live here? I'm coming in."
Hearing no answer, I fully opened the stone door and entered, climbing down the small stairs that seemed to lead to a lit room, the light lighting up the bottom portion of the stairs.
That was a good sign, possibly.
Climbing down fully, the first thing that caught my attention was an old double-seater couch, with some clear signs of wear and tear, with an old but usable looking wooden sofa table. Beside it, at the center of the left wall lay the biggest furniture in the room, a bed. With bed sheets that seemed not new but definitely usable. There was also a thin wall right in front that seemed to create a small, secluded space. Some other items like a gas stove, a sink with some hygiene related items lying close by, and finally, a door that seemed to lead to what I could guess was a bathroom.
Seeing it, I was certain that this was the right place. It must be where Hestia lived.
Rather than investigating further, however, I climbed back up and closed the door, instead sitting on one of the functional looking pews and waiting.
Hopefully, she won't take too long.
-x-
The evening sun was setting, and I was feeling bored.
I had been waiting for some time now, not sure how long given the lack of a watch to check, but I reckoned it must have been close to an hour or so.
There was doubt creeping in my head, uncertainties wigging inside as I waited.
One question kept worrying me. Did Hestia really live here? Was my knowledge of Anime even valid in this world? I mean, someone definitely lived here but what if it wasn't Hestia?
I didn't know what I'd do then. I could still ask the one living here to let me stay the night, even if I had to sleep on the pews, but if Hestia wasn't the one living here, I didn't know if I'd feel comfortable with anyone else.
Standing up to stretch my legs, I decided to walk out to exercise my legs a little and walk off the building tension. Sitting on a hard surface for so long was starting to take its toll on my backside.
As I walked towards the door, I heard footsteps approaching. Perking up, I steadied myself and walked outside to see if it was Hestia.
-x-
Hestia
As she walked back to her current abode, the old, abandoned church she had made her residence for the time being, she couldn't help but sigh wearily.
Another day had gone by. And she had not found anyone interested in joining her Familia. She'd wandered around the city, looking for anyone who was searching for a Familia to join, but most people who looked like adventurers were already part of another Familia. The few who weren't… well, they weren't exactly interested in a nameless, resource-less goddess with nothing to offer but a blessing and a couch.
Her shoulders slumped. It wasn't like she was asking for much. Just one person, anyone, who was willing to take a chance with her. If she had at least one member, things would be easier. She could work with that.
But, as always, no one came.
She adjusted the small bag slung over her shoulder, filled with a few Jagamaru-kun she had bought with some of her leftover money that she had gotten from her friend, Hephaestus. It wasn't much, but it would make a decent dinner. And she didn't have much remaining from those funds. Soon, she'd have to find a job to earn money or else she'd go hungry. So, she had to make every penny count.
As she rounded the final street leading into the old district, her steps slowed. Something was… off.
The church doors were slightly ajar.
Her heart skipped. Had someone broken in? But what kind of thief would waste their time on an abandoned church that barely had anything valuable in it? Still, she felt an odd sense of apprehension as she quickened her pace, her sandals tapping against the worn stone road.
And then, just as she reached the steps, the doors creaked open further.
A figure stepped out.
A young man, taller than her, with dark hair and sharp, inquisitive eyes. His clothes were strange, looking well-made but also bizarre. She hadn't seen such clothes anywhere. He looked like someone from outside Orario, that was for sure.
For a moment, there was only silence as they both took each other in.
"…Uh."
Hestia blinked.
"Who are you?"
The man scratched the back of his head, looking only slightly awkward.
"I was… waiting for you."
"…For me?"
He nodded, shifting slightly on his feet.
"Yeah. This is your place, right?"
Hestia narrowed her eyes just a bit, studying him. He didn't seem hostile. If anything, he looked… tired. And yet, there was a sharpness in his gaze, an alertness that didn't quite match the image of a lost, desperate man.
Still, she kept her guard up. Just in case.
"And why exactly were you waiting for me?"
"I'm looking for a Familia. And I was hoping you'd be willing to take me in."
He admitted.
Her breath hitched.
For a brief moment, she thought she had misheard.
But the way he was looking at her, serious and expectant, told her she hadn't.
Hestia stared, gripping the strap of her bag tighter as her mind whirled with sudden, unexpected hope.
"You… want to join my Familia?"
She asked pointing to herself.
He nodded.
"Yeah. If you would have me, that is."
A long silence stretched between them. Then, slowly, Hestia felt a small, almost disbelieving smile tug at her lips.
A long silence stretched between them.
Then, all at once, the tension snapped.
Hestia's eyes widened, her lips parting in shock before a massive grin overtook her face.
"REALLY?!"
Before he could react, she let out a high-pitched squeal of joy, practically bouncing on her heels. Then, in a blur of movement, she launched herself at him.
"Wha—?! Oof!"
He barely had time to brace himself before she tackled him into a hug, arms wrapping around his waist with surprising strength for someone her size.
"You're really joining? Really, really? You're not just messing with me? You'll be my first Familia member?!"
She clung to him like a limpet, rocking back and forth as she squeezed, her excitement palpable. The young man, caught off guard, awkwardly patted her back, trying not to stumble as he processed the sudden shift in energy.
"Yeah. I mean, if you're okay with it…"
He confirmed, feeling the air squeezed out of his lungs.
"Okay with it?! I'm more than okay with it!"
Hestia pulled back just enough to beam up at him, her blue eyes practically sparkling.
"Do you know how long I've been waiting for someone to say that?! You're my first! My first-ever Familia member!"
She laughed, an almost giddy, breathless sound, before hugging him even tighter.
"This is the best day ever!"
He let out a small, strained chuckle.
"Glad to, uh, make your day, then."
Hestia finally loosened her grip, though she still held onto his arms as if afraid he'd disappear.
"Come on! We gotta do the ceremony right away! We need to get you your Falna!"
She didn't want to miss this opportunity, so she didn't waste a single second before dragging him inside her poor home.
A part of her felt bad that she had nothing much to offer her very first Familia member. This was supposed to be a special occasion, and she was dragging him to her dingy, rundown place. But she squashed those sad and gloomy thoughts for now. It didn't matter. This was the start. The first step to forming the best Familia in Orario.
"Okay."
She heard him agree, but they were already walking towards the Church.
Still was practically bouncing on her feet, her energy unfaltering.
Tonight, things were finally going to change for her.
-x-
I hadn't expected such an explosive reaction.
The moment the words left my mouth, Hestia lit up like a festival firework, her disbelief melting into overwhelming joy. Before I could fully register what was happening, she lunged at me, wrapping her arms around me in a tight embrace.
I stiffened in shock as she practically vibrated in place, laughing and squeezing me like a kid who had just gotten their dream gift.
And then, finally, I let out a breath, adjusting to the surprising amount of strength packed into such a small frame. I answered her question—yes, I really wanted to join her Familia.
By then, I found myself returning her embrace, though I couldn't quite describe how it felt to be hugged like this. She was... soft. That was the only thought my brain seemed willing to process before it just shut down and basked in the moment.
Eventually, she let go, her excitement still radiating off her like a warm glow.
I had spent the time waiting for her return wondering how this conversation would go, planning out responses in my head, making mental notes on what to say.
Yet, once again, it had turned out to be so much easier than I expected.
It was starting to feel like a theme.
Things were just… convenient. A little too easy, almost as if there was some underlying anime logic smoothing everything out. A stray thought, but one I couldn't ignore. Was it just luck? Or was there something else at play?
Maybe that was my power—being lucky?
Regardless, one major thing had just been confirmed: Hestia had yet to meet Bell.
Which meant I had arrived before canon began.
I just wasn't sure how early.
…
Hestia had calmed down somewhat as we entered the church, but there was still an unmistakable energy in her every movement as she led me deeper inside.
Then, as we reached the pews, her grip on my wrist loosened.
Her expression shifted.
The joy was still there, but it was tempered now—serious, hesitant. A stark contrast to the excitable girl from moments ago.
"Before we do this…"
She started, her voice quiet, heavy.
"Are you sure about this? I… I don't have anything to offer you."
I stayed quiet, waiting for her to continue as she looked like she had more to say.
"I don't have a home—not really. I don't have money, or strong familia members to support you, or even a way to help you grow as an adventurer."
She exhaled, a sad smile tugging at her lips.
"All I have is myself. I can give you my blessing and all of my support, but… that's it. You'll be struggling, just like me."
I could tell she was bracing for me to back out. To say 'never mind' and walk away.
Instead, I shrugged.
"Then it's a perfect match."
She blinked, startled.
I sat down on the edge of the pew, arms resting on my knees, looking down at the somewhat dusty floor. There seemed to have been an attempt to clean it, but it was still not dust free.
"I don't have anything either. No home, no money, no belongings. So, I guess in a way… we balance each other out."
I looked back at her as Hestia stared at me, her expression unreadable for a long moment. Then, slowly, her lips curled into small, warm smile.
"…Alright then."
-x-
Sitting on the bed in the small, underground room, I stared at the curious looking lamp that had a crystal inside it, trying not to overthink how weird this situation was.
"Take off your shirt fully and then lie down on your stomach. I'll need your back to put my Falna in you."
Hestia instructed.
All my brain could think of was a brief 'Phrasing!' before I nodded and complied, pulling the fabric over my head and laying down on my stomach. The cool air touched my skin, sending a small shiver up my spine as I rested my arms under my head. Where was it coming from, I didn't know. This place was down below the Church, and packed. And we had closed the stone door after entering. It was a bit curious, not that I could think on that for long as I had something more important to focus on.
Hestia moved behind me, and I could hear the faint rustling of her dress as she settled in place.
"Okay."
She murmured, mostly to herself.
"This is my first time doing this, so bear with me…"
I felt the warmth of her fingertips on my back—small, delicate. Then, she pulled it back. I think I heard a very quiet muttering of '… so broad'. Then, she did something and a small 'Mn!' sound, and then I felt a finger on my back again.
But this time, a strange sensation spread through me.
It wasn't painful. Not really. More like… a shift.
A pulse of something unfamiliar seeped into my body, flowing through my veins like an unseen current. It wasn't hot or cold, but I felt it—something settling deep, as though a door inside me had been opened for the first time.
I inhaled sharply as the feeling intensified. There was weight to it. Not heavy, but noticeable, like a presence making itself known within me.
Hestia's fingers moved, tracing something onto my skin.
Then, just as suddenly as it started, the sensation… faded, replaced with something hollow. Like something was missing.
It felt odd, but I guessed it was done and that was just Hestia withdrawing her Divinity or something.
I released a slow breath, blinking at the magic lamp as I adjusted to the strange newness in my body.
"…So? How does it look?"
I asked, curious and slightly nervous. Did she see my past? Did she know?
I got no response.
"…Hestia?"
I called out again.
Silence.
I frowned, nervousness creeping in, as I pushed myself up on my elbows to glance back—only to find her completely still, eyes wide, face pale as she stared at my back.
Her hands trembled.
"… What's wrong?"
I questioned again, more nervous seeing that reaction. What did she see? And what did her reaction mean?
She didn't respond.
Didn't move.
Didn't even blink.
The lamplight seemed to flicker, casting deep shadows across her face as she swallowed thickly, her voice finally escaping in a whisper.
"This… isn't how it's supposed to be."
-x-