Danmachi: Westward Cloud [Complete]

[Vol.4] Quest 357.5- Sage of Metinth

Within the woods, Fafnir spots Fels sitting down.

"Hello there!"

"!?" Fels jumps in surprise. "Oh, it’s you, Fafnir. You surprised me."

"I heard you are going to stay for dinner. That true?"

"Yes. Then I must return to Orario. I gave what I wanted, so now I—"

"Fels, are you alright?" said Fafnir.

A silence filled the air between the two.

"…No." Fels looked down at the ground. "My heart has been gouged and crushed. This is the most pain I have felt in decades."

"That’s a real shame."

"Very. Haa…" They look up at the clouds. "I don’t think I have the heart to go and—"

"Long time no see, Fels."

"!?"

No matter how old Fels gets, they will always remember that voice—the voice of their goddess.

Both Fels and Fafnir turn to see Metis.

"L-Lady Metis!? How—Why are you here!?"

"I came for you. And also to see the family of the hero who slew the Black Dragon."

"…" Fels looks away.

"Are you still guilt-ridden?" She walks up to him, her head slightly tilted.

"I am. Even after 800 years, it still weighs on me. Every waking moment is a constant reminder of what I did."

"Was that how you got your skeletal appearance?" Fafnir asked.

"Yes. I committed a crime against the gods. My goddess Metis here was the ruler of a country of magic and technology. Innovation was the blood of the country, and its mages were its heart."

"It was a little too innovative in retrospect." Metis scratched her head. "One little child who I picked from the streets like a stray cat would grow and eventually topple my entire country. But if a single person was able to crumble a country then it was never meant to last. So did you manage to destroy the Philosopher’s Stone?"

"I wish I did, but it is... It is dealt with. I made sure to keep it far, far from anyone’s hand."

"Very good. Now you two are going to help me."

"Hah~," Fafnir looked at her with great offense. "Who the fuck do you think you are to order me around, huh!? I only obey my master’s commands. Not yours or anyone else’s."

"I know very well, Fafnir. Your next master will be Auberon."

"!?" Fafnir shakes his head in surprise. "How… How do you know that?" Her eyes sharpened on Metis. "Only the master and those close to him knew of that." Her arms tense up.

"Help me, and all will be revealed in due time. Zeus should already be getting close to Orario if not already there."

Zeus at the time.

"Glug! Glug! Ah~ fantastic!!"

Zeus was currently in Orario in the Redlight District.

"Oh, do you wanna buy another drink?" said the cabaret girl.

"Sure, why not!! Ahahaha!!!"

Back to Metis, Fels, and Fafnir.

"You know… Hopefully."

"… Can you really not tell us?" Fels asked.

"Hmm… Well, the plan does require you, Fels. You, Ouranos, and Astraea. There is more stuff, but it would be better to surprise you."