Days passed with the city slowly returning to normal functions, well, as normal as it could have been given the severe hangovers some people had as a result of their heavy drinking. However, no one let it bother them, it had been two years since the war against Evilus, and the city had been bouncing back thanks to everyone's efforts.
Thanks to the Hestia, Hephaistos, and Goibniu familias the city's infrastructure had been mostly restored to full capacity. The exception being the outer rim, which still required quite a bit of work… work that was currently underway.
Today was the anniversary not of Evilus defeat, but rather the burial of Zeus and Hera familias fallen ones. As such, Shurry was seen with his family, cleaning the grave site, and offering flowers.
"Papa, who were they?" Skol asked, wagging his tail with a gentle curiosity.
"Family."
"The ones you tell us stories about?" Geri asked with a bright expression, and excited tail.
"Yes, the very same."
"So then, that one must be great aunt Lyca, right papa?" Freki asked, using her tail to point to one of the cenotaphs with a wolf carving.
"That's right. My aunty…" A single tear rolled the length of his cheek.
"Then, this one is the pervy uncle?" Hati asked, wiping her papa's tear with a cheek nuzzle, pointing to Alraj's grave with her tail.
"Yes. I loved all of them. They were family, they were my pack before I grew strong."
Bell and Meda stood holding hands, supporting each other while they experienced waves of emotions. Ais had followed the group to see where they'd been heading, but was unable to get too close thanks to the efforts of some others in the allied familias.
Zald stood there looking at Maxim's marker, and sighed. "Maxim, it's been a while now, and Shurry has grown so much stronger. Your daughter Meda has too… You'd better make good on that promise you made." He spoke in a measured tone to mask the soft feelings he liked to keep hidden. "And Lyca, you'd be proud of what he's become now."
Others came forward and said their own pieces, a bonding ritual of sorts. Everyone could feel it, the moment was coming soon. There hadn't been any confirmation yet, but there wasn't any need… Gekai's new strongest will have their revenge match against the one eyed black dragon. Their goal was clearer now than ever before. It was no longer time to just grow stronger, it was time to grow in a way to defeat the dragon.
Hephaestus familia smiths were kicking into high gear, combining everything they'd ever learned together, creating the best equipment that'd ever been forged by mortal hands.
Hestia familia, though new, was actively following the instructions given since day one. Every single building they repaired was equipped with a ward of sorts, preventing monsters from going near them for a second time.
Goibniu familia split their focus to help out both Hephaestus, and Hestia familias with their missions. Though they had a smaller special squad, nothing too fancy, but they were responsible for maintaining the Heroes Bridge. In turn, with statues well kept, the inspiration of others was nothing to worry about any longer…
The guild continued managing the situation as well as they could, deciding to leave the large banner for those who reached the fabled level 10 and above, posted. The sense of ease, and peace had fallen upon the city. Though it wasn't an idle peace, it was one of preparation for the fight ahead. Everyday people would get up, go to work, and do their own part to make their heroes' job just a little bit easier. No matter how small, every pair of hands working toward the goal was helpful.
Hathor familia home, Shurry stood to address everyone within the alliance of familia. The scale of people in attendance was staggering, though, the vast majority of the members present, wouldn't be of any aid in the upcoming battle, they would have a different mission.
"Friends, family, and familia. Despite everything that's happened, we managed to come out the other side stronger than ever." Shurry started. "However, the time is coming near, you can all feel it by now, right?" Several people nodded. "The seal on the one eyed black dragon is going to fade in some small number of years. So, we will be shifting focus. No longer will we do the massive raids like before. Instead, we will be alternating who goes down. The details of which can be hashed out later, however, one thing you must know… If you are not at least level 7 by the time we must fight the dragon, you will not be coming with us to the fight."
"Are you saying we would only be a hindrance otherwise?"
"I wish I could say otherwise…" Shurry replied. "Though, that hindrance might be worth it… depends on your skills." He smirked. "Now, let us begin making our preparations with the target goal of the one eyed black dragon in mind. We will not fail!"
"Ahahahaha! I AM GANESHA!" Ganesha bellowed, posing a few times. "Fear not, there's plenty of work everyone can do to end this monster."
"I'm excited for the day I finally get to hunt that monster down."
The Hathor familia alliance began placing orders galore, creating another economic boon to the city as a whole.
For the moment, Shurry spent the time with his family, teaching his pups all about being a werewolf… the same way that Lyca taught him when he was younger. When he wasn't doing that, he made sure to spend time with his wives, frequently bringing the pups to visit and play with their cousins
Zald wasn't able to hold back any longer, and decided to bring a large group down to train in the dungeon. Bell, and the Astraea familia went with this group.
The young Ais had wanted to go with the group as well, however she was stopped by Meteria.
"You still have a lot to learn, little Ais. and the best teacher for you is right there."
"Huh? Donovan? Why him?"
"Because, he's able to help you improve your ability. Now get to training."
…