Once far enough away from the city that even Shurry wouldn't be able to see them, Gale made a sideways glance at Lyca. She was worried for some reason.
"That's not a good look for a level 8 werewolf to be wearing, what's wrong now Lyca?"
"Shut up." Lyca snapped back, then relaxed. "It's something I can't explain. Words aren't enough, I can only say that something feels- off." She said, crossing her arms.
"I think I get it. You're feeling the same as I am then? Leaving Meda behind like this feels different somehow, I can't explain it, even with my level 9 senses."
"Hmph, we just need to be sure not to lose. We've prepared all of the means we have at our disposal. We're at the apex of our power. If we win, it's all good. If we lose, that boy will think of something." Maxim said, gritting his teeth.
"Don't be so serious Maxim. We'll make it back." Zald's quick retort came filled with energy, snacking down on special rations he'd prepared.
Lyca looked up… Ideally I'd like to fight under the full moon. But I don't think we're going to match up with those times. Cyal, if I don't make it back, be sure to give him my final words. A tear fell from her left eye, she wiped it away quickly.
"Little brother was crying when we left. Is this the same thing?" Alfia asked, then fell silent.
"No, if I know little brother, he's probably just sad he doesn't get to come on the hunt." Alraj laughed, with a particular grin.
That little joke cheered everyone up. And they boarded the School District.
"Lord Baldr, School District, take us to the first target-" Maxim breathed a deep, and heavy sigh, then narrowed his eyes with a serious intent, sheer focus, commitment, and willpower fueling him. "Behmoth!"
With the orders set, the School District took off, they carried with them more fuel than usual, Enough to fire the main magic cannon a total of 10 times before running out of power, So… Realistically they only had about 5 shots, that is, if they didn't want to be stranded on land or the ocean.
…
The Wolves' Den was packed, lots of werewolves had managed to figure out there was something special about Shurry. Some of them were former members of Evilus, and were converted to the light when they first saw him.
I swear, it's like all of my grievances before were simply because I was stupid, lost, and angry. Now, I actually have someone to fight for… A reason, it's refreshing.
"Cyal! Can I have another Meat Mountain!" Shurry asked, forcing a smile.
"Of course, It'll be right out." Cyal set the order, and put a hand to the pocket in his coat. I hope I never have to give this to him. Come back alive Lyca… If you don't… Well… That is when he'll need you more than ever.
…
Meteria played with Meda, and took care of Bell. Hera looked worried about something, something that Zeus also picked up on. Neither could say it, they didn't want to… They wanted to believe that everyone would make it back alive… But the power they just felt from the Behemoth, Leviathan, was substantial… Yet it was utterly dwarfed by the One Eyed Black Dragon.
"Zeus…"
"Hera, we need to have faith in our children."
"If things go south, let us go north. To the mountains, and let them grow in peace."
"... You want to live with me?"
"Don't get the wrong idea. It's just that Meda, and Bell too, deserve to have both her grandparents."
Zeus smiled. "You're not as tough as you let others believe… But let's avoid making plans until we need to. There will always be time for it in the future. No need to accidentally worry that boy."
"Fine, I'll agree to that. For now, let us focus on our children's battle."
The two of them returned their focus to the crystal mirror that showed them the image of their children going off to fight. A rare moment where the gods could use their powers, not many wanted to miss this battle, but only three gods were actually allowed to watch it. Astraea was the latter who showed the monitor for Ouranos, since he couldn't do it himself with his prayer needed to remain uninterrupted.
…
Arriving at the designated meeting point, Thor, another god of thunder, and his familia were waiting for them. Their members all seasoned level 3s or better, with a variety of differing abilities, all of them unique to the environment they regularly fought in.
However, while they were powerful in their own right, their captain, a level 6, first reaction upon greeting Empress and Maxim was fear. "Welcome Sir Maxim, and Lady Empress. We've been eagerly expecting your arrival."
"Hmm, You know how to speak, you must be the captain. I am Maxim, captain of the Zeus familia."
The hand shake was what sealed the deal for both captains. Each realizing in that moment the other was reliable.
"The rumors of you being strong, they don't live up to the real deal."
"Of course they don't. It's hard to put the strongest adventure into words." Empress laughed.
"Well then, let us not waste any more time, let us eat and discuss our formation. We'll share everything we know about the massive monster."
"Help us?"
"Yes, all of our members have skills, or magic to alleviate the deadly corruption of the Behemoth's toxin. Regardless of your resistances, you will need the aid of these things. Without it, even I will die in a matter of seconds."
"I see, good to know. A shame our resistance won't work on it…"
The three familias gathered, and discussed their plans for the assault. Two main vanguards with an off main, to switch out when needed. And then everyone else will focus on buffs, attacks, and healing.
"We strike tomorrow, at dawn's first light. Our gods will be watching our fight. So rest well, don't disappoint them tomorrow."
With everything set, the team all went to bed with the weight of the world on their shoulders, all except for one. Maxim.
"What do you want, Lord Thor?"
"Are you not going to rest?"
"My need for rest has long since been removed. It happened when I was meant to level up, But I never did level up…"
Thor's eyes went wider than a bug's for a moment. Maxim caught that, and was about to ask, but decided against it.
"That's a good idea. Better to leave that question unspoken. But are you really the strongest?"
"I- I Don't know."
"I see, well then, I'll leave you to it. I'm going to get it on with the ladies."
"Are all thunder gods the same?"
"Yes, yes we are. No shame in loving!"
…