Chapter Text
Chapter 1: Shadows in the Ancient Ruin
The invitation arrived as a note sealed with the discreet symbol of Uranus, delivered to Liliruca by a neutral Guild messenger. The young Supporter, still far from imagining she would one day lead her Familia, frowned as she broke the seal in a secluded corner of the Hestia Familia's manor. The note was concise: her presence was required for a confidential mission demanding her specialized knowledge of the Dungeon. The location and time were clearly indicated: the entrance to a forgotten section of the underground ruins connected to the city, near the ancient Colosseum.
Curiosity and a budding sense of importance pricked at Liliruca. Despite the uncertainty still surrounding the Goddess Freya's influence over Orario, the direct request from Uranus held undeniable weight. She arrived at the meeting point at the appointed time, her mind reviewing Dungeon maps and legends about the constructions of the ancients.
She wasn't the only one to answer the call. By the crumbling entrance, under the dim light of a floating magic lamp, stood an imposing figure Liliruca recognized instantly: Hogni Ragnar. Even without the title of captain, his presence radiated undeniable authority. His dark armor seemed to absorb the little light of the surroundings, and his hand rested naturally on the hilt of his greatsword.
Liliruca's surprise was evident. What was a member of the powerful Freya Familia doing on a secret mission entrusted by Uranus? The tension between their Familias, exacerbated by Freya's recent enchantment, was still palpable in the city.
Hogni observed her with his piercing dark eyes, showing no surprise at her presence. His expression was stoic, almost distant.
"So, you were summoned as well," Hogni said, his deep voice resonating in the silence of the place. There was no particularly hostile tone, but no cordiality either. It was a simple statement of fact.
Liliruca nodded, maintaining her caution. "Do you have any idea what this is about, Hogni-sama?" The formality was automatic, a response to the superior status he held within his Familia.
"I only know that Uranus deems my participation necessary," he replied, his gaze fixed on the dark entrance of the ruins. "And I presume your skills are required as well."
A third individual emerged from the shadows of a nearby alley. He was a burly man in worn leather armor with a face weathered by countless Dungeon delves. He carried various tools and a bulging backpack.
"I see you're both here," the man said, his voice rough but friendly. "My name is Radim. I will be your guide on this expedition."
Radim briefly explained the nature of their mission. Uranus had detected unusual activity in an ancient underground facility, built centuries ago by the descendants of Daedalus. It was suspected that someone or something was using these ruins for unknown purposes, and Uranus wished to investigate discreetly. The exact nature of the threat was uncertain, but the need for stealth and knowledge of the Dungeon was paramount.
Liliruca felt a chill. The legends about the creations of Daedalus's children were unsettling, filled with ingenious traps and labyrinthine constructions. Her knowledge of the Dungeon's intricacies, acquired during her years as a Supporter, would be crucial.
Hogni listened to the explanation attentively, his hand still near his sword. His loyalty to Freya was unwavering, and the idea of a secret mission ordered by Uranus, without his Goddess's knowledge, must have created some reservation within him. However, his sense of duty as an adventurer and the implicit authority of Uranus seemed to have convinced him to participate.
As Radim lit a torch and ventured into the darkness of the entrance, Liliruca exchanged a brief glance with Hogni. There was an unspoken tension between them, the awareness of belonging to rival Familias under the shadow of Freya's enchantment. However, the secret nature of the mission and the presence of an unknown danger created a tenuous bond of mutual necessity.
"It seems we'll have to cooperate," Liliruca murmured, more to herself than to Hogni.
"Just focus on doing your part," he replied, his tone neutral. "I'll take care of mine."
With those words, Hogni followed Radim into the darkness, his imposing figure disappearing into the shadows of the ancient ruin. Liliruca sighed and followed, her mind already working, analyzing the terrain and anticipating the potential dangers they might encounter in the depths of the creation of Daedalus's descendants. This unexpected meeting, in the forgotten bowels of the city, was only the beginning of a forced collaboration that neither of them had foreseen. And under the persistent shadow of Freya's enchantment, distrust would be a constant companion on their path.