183 Defiance: Meeting of the Gods Part 3

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For those that do follow the advanced chapters of Zero Fate, I should be dropping the last one today.

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…

/SNAP!/

'Snapping his fingers, Silver's rebuttal started.'

"Huu…"

My head...

'At the same time, Hestia recovered her bearings, watching his display with her entire body tensed.'

'Now she realized why he was like that, why he said those things…'

'Why he showed concern.'

'Because it was trouble… Real trouble!'

"Urg..."

There's no turning back now.

'Still, she understood him very well, there was no way he would've provoked her for nothing.'

'And since he did, it meant he had a plan… Right?'

…

'The first image of the memory was Silver standing off against a group of men in chokers inside of an alley.'

'Even if it was daylight, the alley was a bit dark, and it was far from the main street, so people couldn't see what was happening inside it unless they went around a corner.'

"Perverted bastards..." Silver in the video said as he cracked his neck

'It didn't take long after, he easily dispatched them all, and following that was a long string of beatings, something Silver jumped since it wouldn't be good for his image…'

…

/SMACK!/

"Good, I think this is enough, speak. What do you want from me?" He asked as he grabbed the collar of the fallen thug

"..."

'But he remained silent, almost unresponsive.'

"Silence again? Why are you guys so inflexible?"

"But that is fine by me, there are still 2 more to go…"

'The Gods watched in silence as Silver once again started to beat them up...'

…

'Silver jumped the video once more… Towards the last person.'

'By the looks of it, it was clear what he did to those guys, they looked like pigs with their mouths bleeding all over.'

/Thud…/

'Silver let the man fall onto the ground, his expression resolute.'

'In the end, they said nothing, making him visibly upset.'

"Time for some more serious measures." He mumbled to himself

'Though what happened next was a mystery as Silver once again cut forward.'

…

'In the next moment, Silver was crouched next to one of the burglars, holding a small potion bottle in his hand.'

"Is that…?"

Status thief?

'Some of the Gods immediately recognized what it was… Including Ishtar, who at this point, was clenching her fists extremely hard.'

"Let's see who is your master…" Silver in the video said as he let a single drop fall on the man's back

...

"I don't know what to think…"

'Some of the Gods frowned at the use of this illegal item, but such questions should be left for later.'

'In the end, it's not like it was an immense crime to have it, at most, after this video ends, the Guild may request to do a small inspection of their Familia home in search of illegal items, and Silver was more than ready for that…'

'They wouldn't find much, and what they did would be what he wanted them to find.'

'Or at most, they would give them some sort of public punishment like a fine, although it's kind of an open secret that you can owe illegal items, the moment it comes into the light, something must be done about it, no?'

'Even then, Status thief was the least bad of the ilegal items as some Familias were actually allowed to owe them.'

'But comparing those trustworthy Familias with an unknown guy was a bit...'

...

"..."

'The video progressed as the Hieroglyphs formed on the man's back, showing the symbol of the Ishtar Familia and who that man was…'

'His Status, his name, everything was displayed for all to see.'

"Unless there is another God with a prostitute for the symbol, it can only be one person..."

"But what the fuck is the Ishtar Familia doing? Why do they wish to mess with me?"

…

/Snap!/

'Back in the present, Silver snapped his fingers, letting the video advance once again…'

'Next moment, they were inside a throne room… Ishtar's throne room.'

"?!"

'And her expression turned completely red.'

He... Spied on me?!

'In the video, Ishtar said:'

…

"Can anyone tell me how a simple reconnaissance mission ended up like this?"

'One of the beaten thugs kneeled on the ground, saying:'

"We were tricked, as per your orders, we followed Melli... The target around Orario…"

…

/Snap!/

'Silver once again jumped the video, there were some things in their discussion that it was best not shown….'

'If he allowed it outside, the Freya Familia would be brought into this conflict, and the last thing he wants is to mess with them.'

'Besides, he would deal with this alone, he didn't want the Simp army to get in his way.'

…

"... We can think about that later Phryne." Ishtar said as she looked at the frog girl

'With her casual poker expression, her gaze fell back onto her disappointing slaves.'

"Continue."

"... He tried to interrogate us but we didn't disclose anything, but the end result was that everyone was tortured…"

"He must've left to learn more on his own… We made sure not to be followed on our way back, using everything available to us to lose any possible pursuer..."

…

'Watching the replay, Ishtar bit her lips...'

"Tsk…"

Those useless bastards…

'At that time, Ishtar believed her loyal servants, thinking they had indeed not been followed, but now, seeing this scene replay in front of her made her realize she had been played.'

'Each second that passed she felt daggers stab her pride…'

…

/Snap!/

'Silver was far from done as he once again advanced the video.'

"..."

Look at her face… This is pure entertainment…

Well then, I have a lot more to show.

…

"But how do we get the boy?" Asked Phryne

'Ishtar smoked a bit of her pipe and replied:'

"I'll leave that to you all, I trust you for this, different from these clowns…"

'And with that, the video ended with the mirror shattering into many pieces that slowly vanished in the air like pretty butterflies…'

…

/Back to reality/

"Well… If that's not enough, I have much more to show." Silver said with a smile

This should be enough to push this meeting in the direction I want, and even if they don't believe me, this is enough to make them rethink every single one of Ishtar's actions.

Ishtar spoke so much, she should be feeling quite bad now…

Because each of her pitiful words were now stabbing her in the back, there was a reason why I let her speak so much.

How will you reply now?

"..."

'Ishtar was silent, her face twisting on and off…'

'And the other Gods were completely speechless, this was certainly the greatest humiliation Ishtar has ever received from as far as they know and remember.'

"You…"

"Me?"

'Ishtar's face was red in a mix of complicated emotions, she thought and thought until…'

"Regardless… Of how much you show… It's still… Not conclusive enough."

"Oh?"

'Each words was pronounced slowly, as Ishtar had to think a great deal, and also because she kept grinding her teeth in anger.'

"It isn't?" He asked with an amused smile

"Tell me what is conclusive then, I'll try my best to cooperate."

"... Your abilities… They are certainly… Impressive, but they are that, your abilities."

'With each word she uttered, her confidence grew larger as she figured out a path of retreat amidst this storm.'

"Who knows how much you can manipulate them?! If they aren't outright false!"

"..."

'Silver remained pensive, not replying to her words.'

That's a comeback…

A very lacking one though.

Did she forget where she was?... What she was?

"Then… We just returned to step one."

'Her statement was very valid, no one knew how his powers worked, so there was no way to confirm if can manipulate those images or not.'

'On that note, he could very well be making it all from the very start.'

"But that's as far as it goes." Silver said as his arms crossed

"This isn't a normal court with normal mortals… We are in the presence of the Gods."

"If you all can't tell whether I'm telling the truth or not… Then this doesn't hold any meaning."

"And if you still refuse to follow the truth… "

"I'll just turn my back on the spot and leave." He said in a heavy tone

/GASP!/

'Once again, surprised was plastered onto their faces.'

'Silver had just declared that if the results were against the so-called "truth", he would immediately become the enemy of all of Orario!'

'Well… Enemy of all of the Familias present here as leaving this place would be the same as throwing away the laws of Orario.'

'To have such balls… In the presence of all Familias…'

"Heh, Bete is like a kitten next to his balls." Loki joked as she slapped her tights

Bete will always shut up whenever something bothersome happens…

He's also more patient, were Bete in his position… He would either be sweating like a cat in the rain or kicking Ishtar in the face.

"..."

'Ganesha was silent.'

"..."

'Each Gods reacted in their own amusing ways, some took offense to his words, after all, he was disregarding them!'

'Some even looked at Hestia, wondering what he had been teaching him to make him grow into such a rebellious child, and the only thing she could do was…'

/Whistle…/

'Whistle away and let her eyes wander around the room.'

…

"Everyone… There's no need for such chaos." Hermes said on the side

I finally got the chance to talk, although this went a little outside of my predictions, this isn't entirely bad either.

Though, he just had to say it like that... Look at them, they are so amused...

'Contrary as to how most might think, the Gods weren't exactly offended, they were, instead, even more curious.'

'Of course, Gods were people too, and each had their own personality.'

"If the issue is the veracity of their words, we can just do as we always did…"

"We just need to name an intermediate to listen to his words and discern the truth from there, even if that's not entirely precise, most of the story can be settled with just that."

At this pace, Ishtar could very well take all of the charges for being the one that incited a Familia fight inside the city, and the Hestia Familia would at most receive some sort of light punishment for going a bit over the reins…

Nothing they can't manage, and in a sense, this could end up as a positive thing for their reputation.

… This, of course, would be the result had he not challenged them…

Things would've ended there…

Sigh.

…

/Whispers…/

'The Gods agreed, talking with each other for a little while until someone quickly raised their hands…'

'A certain smiling flat Goddess…'

"I'm up for it." Loki said with a wide grin

"You?..."

Definitely not her…

I'm not on good terms with her, and I've heard…

"Apologies Loki but…"

'Loki quickly cut Ishtar.'

"Are you saying I'll give you all a biased judgment, huh?"

'Her expression was fierce.'

She knows who's dangerous here, that's for sure.

"I wouldn't say that but…"

"Then there are no problems." Loki said as she went down the stairs, pushing the other Gods aside

You're not in a position to refuse me.

Heh! I'm going to enjoy this.

'She stopped in front of Silver, opening her mouth to say:'

"Let's have this party started."

'Grinning like a devil, she looked ready to cause trouble.'

...

"There's no need to make this complicated." Loki said with a small grin

'Her expression darkening, she approached him, standing only a few feet foot from him, perhaps too close for some people...'

"Everyone's thinking about this, so let's get this out of the way."

'She took a side glance at Hestia before asking Silver:'

"Are you really Level 2? I won't easily accept a yes for an answer." She said with a smirk as she crossed her arms

"... Pfft..."

'Silver chuckled slightly.'

"Did you just laugh?" She asked with a frown

"Haa... My apologies, it wasn't my intention to make light of you or this situation..."

There's just something funny about having this goddess asking me something so... With such a fierce expression.

'Recovering his bearings he said:'

"Do you really think a Level 2 would be able to do all of that?..." Silver asked

"Out with it, stop walking in circles."

'Smiling widely, he said "... I'm Level 3." without much hesitation.'

/Silence.../

'Although most weren't expecting him to be any higher than that, they still found it weird... A Level 3 did all of this?'

'Loki could almost believe it, she knew how potent Riveria was when she was Level 4...'

'But then again, that's Riveria, an Elf Sage, the strongest Mage, even when she was weaker, she was still an incredible prospect.'

'While he's a Human, one whose magic, albeit weird, was already proven to be on the weaker side...'

"... Why did you hide it?"

"Is this important for the case?..."

"Did I stutter?" Loki asked with a dangerous expression

'Silver wasn't really scared, but he didn't want to anger her also, so...'

"... I was concerned about the questions."

"Ha! Of course, you should, who would be able to keep quiet after hearing that?"

"That's exactly the problem, too bothersome."

"And this isn't 'bothersome' to you?"

"..."

"Next question then."

"Since when have you become Level 3?"

"How does this matter, exactly?"

"You're truly pushing my limits here boy!"

"Sigh... Since a few months ago."

/Shock!/

"..."

'Loki's eyelids twitched.'

A few months he says...

No wonder... While everyone thought he was Level 2, this guy was already growing as a Level 3!

I don't want to believe but... At these speeds... It's much faster than even Ais with that.

And also, if he's this fast, how far into Level 3 is he?

"I don't believe it." Ishtar suddenly said on the side, a thin smile on her lips

'Everyone turned to her.'

"Level 1 in a little over a month, and considering the time you've posing as a Level 2... Does it mean you Leveled up around the same time as well? A month?"

"No matter how good you are and what sort of things you did, I refuse to believe you achieved all of that legitimately."

"HAAA?!" Hestia exclaimed as she got up from her seat, pointing down at Ishtar with a wronged expression

"I did not such thing!"

"Although I'm inclined to believe that Hestia, words aren't enough to appease everyone's curiosity."

"To hell with your curiosity!"

/Humph!/

"Now now, Hestia, it won't be much anyway."

'Silver watched their exchange, but he decided to put in:'

"In the first place, what is this 'legitimate way' you speak off?"

"Oh? Isn't it obvious?" Ishtar questioned

"If it's so obvious why do you keep asking?"

"Boy..." She said with a frown

"Heh, since it's like that, we just need someone to prove it don't we?" Loki said with a villainous smirk

"You want someone other than my Goddess to look at my Status?" Silver asked Loki with a frown

"It's the only way, unless you have another way to prove your innocence."

"Aren't my words enough?"

'Loki shrugged, as expected, the tyranny of the Gods was supreme.'

'Even if it was the truth, they had to know how and the why...'

"Do as you wish then." Silver said as he closed his eyes in thought

"I knew you would understand, in that case, I'll..."

'But just as she said that, someone also spoke.'

"Let me..." Freya said with a small smile

"H-H-Ha... L-L-Looks like t-this is a job f-for me!" Hermes exclaimed loudly as he stuttered nervously, interrupting everyone

/Gulp.../

'Swallowing dry, Hermes stood up in his seat as sweat fell down from his forehead.'

"Hermes?..." Silver muttered as he looked up

/Chatter!/

'The Gods exclaimed to one another, trying to come up with a solution.'

"Heh."

'Hermes looked below with a trembling smile, his expression seemed to say, "I got you covered!" as he stared at Silver.'

'He even trembled slightly, quickly turning to the side to avoid the burning gaze on his back...'

Now I've done it... There's no way for me to escape this mess!

If I don't look... Just don't make eye contact...

'As he turned to Ganesha for some support, the man merely smiled at him, raising his thumb, making Hermes die inside.'

...

'Eventually, the Gods discussed and Hermes was chosen for this great task, and albeit some were still unsatisfied, most felt he was indeed the most suitable for this task.'

'It was important to say that, due to his scream, no one heard Freya, otherwise, things would've gone a bit different.'

'She also remained completely silent, thinking about something, staring at Hermes from time to time...'

'Her expression seemed to tell he had done something against her...'

"E-Excuse me... Everyone... Bi bi..." Hermes said as he made his way down

'His expression was a mix between light and dark, he pulled his hat down, trying to hide it, smiling awkwardly as he pushed the Gods away.'

'And in no time at all, he was in front of Silver.'

'Hestia followed him, after all, she had to unlock his Status, and even if a God could forcibly update it, it wouldn't be right to do so here...'

"I hate this." Hestia said as she walked behind Silver, crossing her arms and puffing her chest in frustration, almost releasing steam from her nostrils

'She turned to Hermes, speaking like an angry cat:'

"You better not speak of this later!"

"I won't I won't... I, Hermes, always keep my promises!" He said as he touched his chest, as if vowing

"We'll see."

"..."

She's completely different... This is a side of hers I was unaware of...

Do all women have such a protective side?

"Then... Take off your shirt." Hestia said with a dark expression as she looked at Silver

"..."

'Silver didn't say much, and he did as he was asked.'

/Whispers.../

'As he took off his shirt, revealing his muscular body full of small scars, some of the Gods reacted in... A variety of ways.'

'And Hestia felt upset, especially as she saw the female Gods' reactions, she wanted to shove Silver in a bag to hide him from their vulture-like gazes.'

"Heh, you're packing more than I expected, you look quite skinny with that shirt on." Loki said playfully from the side

"I was told that my shirt hides quite a bit more than once." Silver said with a smile

Cough... I do feel a bit embarrassed, too many eyes...

Come on, I'm not a gorilla on a cage.

... Just a little more.

/Prickle!/

'Hestia let a small drop of her blood fall on his back, revealing his Status for only her and Hermes to see...'

"Let's see..."

"Level 3... As expected, there's nothing strange here." Hermes said with a slight nod

As for the rest...

'His gaze going down, his eyes locked on his stats.'

"What about th... ?!?!?!"

'As he read his Status, his expression went from focused to outright disbelief.'

'His emotions started to break, and he even held Silver's shoulders to take a closer look, sweat falling from his forehead and drenching the ground as he gasped multiple times, losing his cool.'

'His hat fell on the ground but he didn't care, it didn't matter now.'

"H-Hermes?..."

'Everyone looked at Hermes with a stunned expression, what was he seeing?'

...

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Notes

I changed this section quite a few times.

Previously I had a lengthy section talking about how Silver would prove his words, but I removed that, then I added this Status observation.

Previously, it was actually Freya who did the Status observation, and this would become the setting stone for... Well, her arc.

Can't be Danmachi without mentioning her at least once.

It was my plan to have her come at the end and be the real final boss before we go into the absolute fanfiction territory I have made.

I do have my own 100% arcs, so far, we built around what the world had, not copying it, but at least following what would happen if this guy did this and was here kind of stuff.

Anyway, in the end, I pushed her aside since I thought Hermes wouldn't allow Freya to do her things with the person he's looking after, at least until he proves he isn't the one he's looking for or if he finds someone more suitable.

And that's that.

I would say next Volume might trully be Freya, but I also don't think so, I think we'll have to settle some things first, both cannon and that I made before we progress to her.

Silver isn't Bell, and the way everyone sees him is completely different from Bell.

Same to Freya.

Its difficult to do all of that with so little chapters, but we try.

That's how it goes, I hope you enjoyed it so far.

See ya!