The School District's Orario mansion was quiet with the exception of Leon, and his god, Baldr. Both needed to talk about what happened earlier that day.
"Do you understand what's going on, Leon?" Baldr asked.
"Not really, Lord Baldr." Leon took a sip of his drink, then stared at the fluid's surface as if asking it for answers. "All I know is one thing… What I heard him say to Lady Hathor… Something about Trials, and something about Chaos… Whatever that means." He answered.
"If that's what's going on here… Leon, do what it takes to join the others in whatever training that Fenrir might offer to everyone here." Baldr smiled, and then relaxed. "Should I update your status now?"
"You mean, to make me level 8?"
"Yes."
Leon paused… "Am I even worthy to bear the same level as Maxim and the others?" He mused, remembering all of the times their members helped him grow, to grow stronger.
A knock on the door to their home sounded out, it wasn't loud, but it was enough for the two to hear. Their brows rose, and then they sensed it, the absolute power behind the door…
"What do I owe your presence to?" Baldr asked with a worry free look, he'd sensed something deeper beneath the power.
The door opened, and in walked, Shurry, closing the door behind him. Leon, given the chance to see Shurry up close, realized just how impossible it was to imagine being that strong.
"I wanted to pay you a visit. The you that I know, would be bound to have questions, and it seems I was right." Shurry smiled, and took a seat. "I'll get straight to the point. My trial is to bring your timeline up to speed."
"Because as we are now, without an act of the gods, the dragon will just win?" Leon asked, showing he was lucid to the current situation more than anyone else.
Shurry nodded, and relaxed. He went into a short explanation as to why he knows first hand that they'll get absolutely creamed. After a few minutes of explanation, he decided to lift their spirits a little bit.
"Though, it might be a little easier for you guys, after all, this timeline's Erebus didn't have such a ridiculous vendetta. His attack on Orario was a tool and a test… One that the city, in my opinion, failed." Shurry sighed… "That aside, without him willingly to make the dragon a damned mythical beast, provided you all get strong enough, it is possible to overcome. If he decided to strengthen it though, it's over. I'm the only one who can possibly stand against it. Even then it won't be a quick fight."
Leon sat and wondered, now even less certain of his worthiness to be a level higher. Until, he received a nod from Baldr…
"Leon, I think you're worthy of it. I can see it in your falna." Baldr said.
"I can see it in your soul, Leon, you are ready to be level 8… Do not shy away from it because of Maxim and the others. They would have told you to and everyone else to get as strong as possible, by any methods you have at your disposal…"
"And then, after that, find new ways to get stronger." Leon added, finishing the thought with little difficulty. He leaned his head back. "You know, it was my blade that took his life… It is my greatest regret. If he'd been around, I'm sure the average level wouldn't have dropped so much…" He stood up, and began removing his upper garments.
"I'm glad you could see reality again, I'm going down in the dungeon tomorrow, bring whoever you wish to bring, and meet me at the central square. Though when you come, bring someone who can update your levels. We're going to be down there for a bit…" Shurry then left, not letting anyone say anything else to stop him, as he had more places to go.
And that night, Leon, the Knight of Knights, grew to level 8. The first one in over a decade. A ripple that would have major consequences on things going forward.
…
The Twilight manner, Loki, and her executives, to include their 2nd strings were still awake, staring at a center point on the coffee table between the couches.
"Alright, what the hell was that! Explain!" Bete demanded, practically snarling…
"That earning he wore…" Tiona started, she removed an earring, one which her hair managed to hide most of the time. "It's the same as this one…"
"It's part of a promise, back in Telskyura, but the boy who wore that one here, died thanks to some wanting to snack on him while he was too young to fight back." Tione explained.
"When Seldas died, we inherited these earrings as a remembrance of her. She would have had a hell of a snu snu partner." Tiona giggled, with a tear.
"That's… Damn it. Loki, what the hell is going on here? That bastard nearly made me submit just because he existed."
"Well, that's to be expected, Bete. Because that man is the real Fenrir, somehow incarnated into a mortal's body. Yet he's also a mortal, and calmer now. Much calmer."
"He said he killed his black dragon, does that mean he killed ours as well?" Ais asked, munching on a Jagamarukun that no one had the foggiest idea where she'd got it from. They were all still blind to it.
"Ais, how many times must I tell you, you can't simply keep eating those, they're not healthy." Riveria scolded.
"Hmm? But, it was just handed to me. And right before my stomach grumbled too." Ais protested with an attempt at a head tilt for added impact.
"Wait, who handed it to you?" Riveria asked, glaring around the room, a few times, and then took a breath, closing her eyes, releasing a heavy sigh. "I promise I will only double your training." She opened her eyes, and now, there were two others sitting on either side of Ais, and there was a paper bag full of Jagamarukun on Ais' lap. "WHAT! When did you get here?"
"Pfft, surprise!" Luna giggled, and munched down on a Jagamarukun herself. "These are just irresistible."
"A spirit?" Loki's eyes widened.
"That's right, Luna is my spirit companion. I met her in a forest when I was about 1 year old. Ever since then, we've done everything together." Shurry chuckled, and noticed that Bete flinched at the name.