Chapter 2: First Day in Orario
On the city street of Orario, there was an awkward sight to behold. A young adventurer was walking and carrying a young girl over his shoulder, even though he was dyed head to waist in Minotaur blood. The sight was indeed embarrassing. However, none of the city's citizens was laughing or mocking at him because of the girl he was carrying over his shoulder. If anything, it did give the people the impression that he has done something heroic to rescued someone.
Oureka herself felt uncomfortable from all the stares towards her and Bell, and the matter of Bell still got himself covered in blood, and it's starting spill over onto her.
From the moment they left the Dungeon, there was an awkwardness between the two. Bell hasn't spoken a word since he ran away from the swordswoman who saved him from the Minotaur, and he seemed to have carried Oureka with him instinctively. Yet surprisingly, from the looks on his expression Bell appeared to be cheerful, perhaps even hopeful. Oureka decides not to bring their current condition into question and instead bring about a brighter topic into discussion.
"You know Bell...you've been wearing a smile on your face this whole time."
Oureka asked the boy with a hint of curiosity to her voice.
"E-eh-ah, what?"
Bell replied, stuttering his words, being caught off guard by the sudden question that appeared out of nowhere.
"You lost your composure back in that underground labyrinth. But when we reached the surface, you're rather happy despite everything that had happened."
It was at this point Bell began to blush that is if anyone could see his blush behind all that red-colored liquid still covered all over his face.
"No, not really! I-I-I mean I am! But I'm not happy about anything."
Bell tried to defend himself frantically, but he was getting nowhere with this shyness.
"You know you don't have to carry me anymore I have recovered enough to be able to walk."
"Oh-ah, sorry."
"Don't worry Bell I thank you for helping me when I was in danger."
Oureka said as she lifts herself off of Bell's shoulder to observed the city.
"So this is Orario, it is beyond my expectation."
The city's construction was nothing like those in the Earthern Realm, where wood and bamboo are the primary sources of town construction, while very few used bricks made from a kiln. Here in Orario everywhere were stone buildings, they were tall and sturdy, and appeared in many variations. She could see countless houses, stores, workshops, warehouses. But what was even more astounding were the people.
However, it was that outrageously massive tower that both she and Bell exited that stands out the most. So massive that its height seems to reach beyond the sky, perhaps even straight to the heavens.
There appear to be various races that she has not seen in the Earthen Realm and were unknown to her. On the right, a man and a woman who possess cat ears and tails were tending a shop. And to the left, a bearded short but stiff man was having a conversation with a woman who has slender pointed ears and an unusually youthful appearance. Also, around the corner, there what seems to be a child with matured features performing tricks entertaining a group of children.
Not that it's surprising to Oureka since the Earthen Realm is home to a different race of people, the determined and versatile Jin, the large and sturdy Gon, the beautifully aesthetic Yun, and the small but unpredictable Lyn. However, aside from Lyns, who possesses the features of large animal tails and ears, everyone else's appearance is similar to ordinary humans.
"Miss Oureka's homeland must be very far away. It must have been a wonderful place."
Bell said as he saw her observing the city.
Oureka could only lament upon hearing Bell's words. He sounded so naive but also innocent. If only he knew the state of chaos that the Earthen Realm has become. Villages plagued by pirates and thieves also lands ravaged by wars between mighty empires and worst of all the forces of darkness, working its evil corruption. It is a paradise in peril.
But that will be a story for him at another time, for now back to the topic at hand.
"So Bell, where are we heading to, for the moment?"
Oureka asked the boy.
"Oh-uh, I think we should go to the Guild, there is something I wanted to look into, and maybe we could get more information about Orario for you."
"Oh, before we continue Bell, here let me."
Oureka said as she removes her scarf, holding it towards Bell.
"M-m-miss Oureka. w-what are you doing?"
Bell was flustered, raising his hands in protest, as Oureka began to wipe the blood off of Bell's face with her scarf.
"If we're going somewhere, you need to look more presentable than looking like a Bloody Jiangshi you know people have been staring at you strangely ever since we reached the surface."
"B-but, but."
"No more arguments! We need to get this stain off of you."
"O-okay..."
Bell finally relented, although he still felt embarrassed, in a sense like being taken cared for by an older sister.
After that, the two finally reached a destination thankfully as Oureka was wondering where exactly Bell was taking her to. They arrived at a two-story building built out of white marble stone, with several colorful banners hung down from the roof decorating the building upfront. With the number of people gathered around the building, she could assume this was no ordinary establishment.
As they approached the building, Bell began to call out to someone.
"Eina! Miss Eina!"
A young woman with short brown hair and emerald eyes turns around to greet them, but above all, she has slender pointed ears. She wore a black vest uniform and a pair of glasses.
"Oh, Bell, it's you-Waaaaa!"
She was carrying a pile of paper documents until she turns to greet the person with the familiar voice calling her name, and flung all of them into the air after letting out a terrified scream.
"My goodness! what happened to you? And who is that lady beside you."
She was startled upon seeing Bell's appearance, covered in splattered red blood, even though Oureka tried to wipe away most of the blood from his face.
"Well...Uh, it's quite a long story, ha-ha."
Bell replied sheepishly.
After borrowing the building's bathroom to clean themselves, they sat down as Bell proceeds to explain his entire experience hours ago in the Dungeon.
"What? You went to the 5th floor!"
Eina yelled out.
"That was reckless you to explore the fifth floor Bell. I told you before you're still currently a level one adventurer, you're not ready for the dangers of the deeper floors."
Eina said, dismayed at Bell for going against her advice.
"Ah-haha, sorry."
That was the only apology Bell could offer for his disobedience.
Eina, turning her attention towards Oureka, who sat next to Bell. After a glance, Eina decides to further question Bell regarding the young girl.
"And you say you found this girl lost in the Dungeon?"
"Ah, yes, when I found Miss Oureka, she was in trouble and was attacked by monsters."
Signaling Bell to the side Eina then asked-
"Bell...did you went to the deeper floors to fight stronger monsters. Or were you hoping to rescue and pick up girls in danger?"
"Ah...Uh-uh no! I mean, yes! I-I went to the Dungeon to find monsters. N-not picking up girls!"
At this point, Bell began to feel embarrassed as he tries to find an answer. However, Bell deliberately avoided mentioning the black flower he saw in regards to Oureka. Perhaps out of fear of the consequences and fear of what he does not understand.
"Haaaa~ Alright, if you say so."
Eina replied with a sigh.
"Oh right, miss Eina please tell about Ais Wallenstein!"
Bell eagerly asked with enthusiasm while changing the subject.
Oureka heard their conversation but was unfamiliar with the name. Perhaps Bell was referring to the swordswoman who helped them back in the Dungeon.
"Ais Wallenstein, the Sword Princess? Why would you want to know about her? Bell, did something happened in the Dungeon?"
"W-well, if it weren't for her, I wouldn't be here."
Bell answered nervously with a slight blush on his face.
"Well, as a member of the guild, I can't reveal the information of adventurers,"
Eina began her reply with a gentle smile. For a moment, Bell's expression was depressed, knowing he will not find the answers he seeks.
"However, here is what I can say about her,"
Then, Bell raised his head with a glimmer hope upon hearing those words.
"She part of the Loki Familia, currently at Lv 5, and her skill with the sword is considered to be one of the best. Hence the gods gave her the title Sword Princess."
"So, she is akin to a skilled and famous blade master?"
Oureka asked, joining into their conversation.
"A-a what? Well yes, she is also the record holder for being the fastest adventurer to reach level 2 within a year."
Eina replied.
"What else Miss Eina, like about her hobbies, her likes, and dislikes? A-and is she seeing someone in particular?"
That last question seems to have perked Eina's interest in Bell's fascination with Ais Wallenstein.
"Bell, have you fallen in love with the Sword Princess?"
Eina asked the boy with a tone of curiosity.
"W-well no, I-I mean mmm-maybe."
Bell stuttered as he tries to come up with a clear answer.
"Well, I can't say that she is seeing someone, but I don't think it would be that easy."
Eina replied.
With those words, Bell's confidence plummeted. His head dropped low, and his shoulders slumped upon realizing that with his current status as an adventurer, he can't hope to approach someone in the higher tier such as Ais Wallenstein.
"There is no need to be saddened, Bell. If you listen well and practice hard, I know you can become someone that can make her proud."
Oureka said, trying to reassure the Bell's self-esteem.
"Yes, miss Eina. Thank you, miss Oureka."
Bell replied kindly, having been cheered up a little.
"By the way, Miss Oureka Bell said he saw you casting a spell back in the Dungeon. By chance, are you a mage or an adventurer that arrived in Orario today?"
Eina asked, turning her attention back towards Oureka.
"Haaa~ I'm sure Bell has already explained I may have lost my way in the Dungeon, but I am not from Orario, nor did I arrived through conventional means. I came here by accident."
Oureka replied with a sigh.
"By accident?"
Eina said, seemingly confused at the statement.
"Ah, Miss Oureka mentioned that she was from a land called the Earthen Realm. She was traveling to a place called Moonwater Plains, but she somehow ended up in the Dungeon in Orario."
"Miss Eina, have you ever heard of the land called the Earthern Realm, and does the Guild know anything about it?"
Bell asked Eina curiously as the topic perked his interest.
"Unfortunately, no I haven't, to the best of my knowledge, there are no records of such a place even within the Guild."
Eina replied, completely baffled to all this new information.
"The Guild?"
Oureka suddenly said.
"Oh, sorry, allow me to explain. The city of Orario is the only place in the world where a Dungeon exists. Many people of different races from around the world traveled to Orario to become [Adventurers] and explore the Dungeon."
"The [Guild] is the organization that monitors people who are [Adventures] like Bell himself here."
Eina said, gesturing at Bell.
Oureka turns to look at Bell, who simply smiled at her although she is still not convinced that he was a warrior given his earlier display against the Minotaur.
"The Guild provides information regarding the Dungeon, and we, the Guild staff, advised adventurers on how to survive the dangers of the Dungeon and fight the monsters that dwell within it."
"Here at the Guild, we provide adventurers with information regarding the Dungeon, the monsters, its different floors, and we advise how to survive the dangers when exploring the Dungeon."
Eina explained, gesturing towards the inside of the build.
"The Dungeon itself is an underground labyrinth with multiple floors located at the center of the city right underneath Babel Tower, which is the enormous tower both you and Bell exited from as you may have noticed. It was built by the Gods to prevent the monsters from escaping the Dungeon."
"Monsters are born from inside the Dungeon, and adventurers explore it to fight the monsters to acquire magic stones in exchange for the currency of Valis as well as preventing the monsters from escaping the Dungeon. In return, adventurers gain great fortune and renown fame."
Eina explains thoroughly to the young warrior. However, the last part caught Oureka's attention.
"An individual becomes an adventurer after joining a Familia that is headed by a God or Goddess who grants adventurers their graces of Falna, which enable them to receive statuses to combat against the monsters."
One thing is clear to her, though, as she spoke these next words.
"So Adventurers are warriors who only fought for money."
Oureka said bluntly with a condescending tone of voice.
"That is patronizing quite a bit. Adventurers contribute to the safety and economy of Orario as well to the rest of the world." Eina began stating sternly. "By defeating monsters, they keep their dangers from threatening the rest of the world.
Eina replied just as sternly.
"That still doesn't excuse the fact that without the riches of rewards, they would have no reasons or thoughts of becoming selfless warriors for the people."
Oureka retorted back at Eina.
The atmosphere between the two women became tense to put it, one made an insult with an argument, and the other one argued back to disagree. However, there's a reason why Oureka would say such words. In her journey, she had seen far too many martial arts warriors worked as mercenaries, bounty hunters, and even as paid assassins.
Being a soldier wasn't any better. In her experience, while General Han Siran and the men who served under him are the exemplars of honor and duty by always protecting the people. Colonel Yonkai and his army brigade are the epitomes of greed and corruption as they used their martial prowess to steal from the people and cruelly oppress them instead of defending them from dangers. As Yonkai and his men ravage the Cinderlands in search of treasures, the brigade often hires mercenaries or bounty hunters to do their dirty work.
"E-eh...Uh-uh."
Bell uttered out under the tense and uncomfortable atmosphere. He felt awkward, witnessing the subtle arguing going on between Oureka and Eina.
"I'm sorry, Bell, we're making you uncomfortable. That's about enough for today why don't you turn in the magic stones you've collected today for now?"
Eina said, trying to lighten the heavy mood that had surrounded them a moment ago.
"Oh, uh, okay."
"By the way, miss Oureka, do you currently have a place for lodging? Given that you are new here to this city."
Eina asked with concern.
"Unfortunately, no, I don't."
Oureka replied, feeling troubled by the issue.
"Well then, Bell, maybe you and your goddess could help miss Oureka to familiarize and get accommodated to Orario."
Eina cheerfully suggested.
"Of course, I would be glad to help."
Bell happily replied
"Your...goddess?"
"Ah, yes, my familia. It consists of just me and my goddess for now, but we're happy to help a friend in need."
With that, after Bell exchanged his magic stones for money, he and Oureka departed from the Guild building after saying their goodbyes to Eina.
"Bell, back in the Dungeon, when you found me, did you, saw anything unnatural in particular?"
Oureka asked, sounding a bit worried and slightly unsettled. She was asking if Bell had witnessed the black rose, the sight of the evil flower is disturbing enough for anyone. For Bell, she does not wish to bring harm to him, for if she could not restrain the black rose and its corrupting dark chi, she could be a danger to not only the innocent young boy but to everyone in the city of Orario.
"Uh-um. No. Nothing in particular. Like I said, I saw you surrounded by monsters and came to help you defeat them immediately."
"Oh, very well then, I believe you."
Sadly, even though Bell's nature was goodhearted, he told a lie in submission to fear. He has already seen the black rose, yet decides not to tell the truth, perhaps, he felt ashamed the saw something he shouldn't have seen and that it will cause serious repercussions if he delve further into the subject.
As the day goes by, Bell has been introducing Oureka to the city of Orario. Bell was guiding her through the streets while showing her the various attractions in the city.
"It's impressive that you're so knowledgeable in such a large city Bell."
Oureka complimented the boy as they continue walking down the open street.
"It's not that much I'd come to Orario to become an adventurer only little more than a month ago."
"Compared to other adventurers, I'm not that great or amazing anyway, and if only I can get stronger than maybe I could..."
Bell stops midsentence, and so did their footsteps, as Bell lowered his head, staring towards the ground. His expression became depressing as if there was a lot of guilt in himself and his weakness. Oureka could sense the doubt in Bell's voice, perhaps he is pondering about the swordswoman again how he had so suddenly come to admire her, yet the difference between them is almost like heaven and earth.
"Bell..."
"Huh? miss Oureka, wh-what are you?"
Bell becomes flustered and starts to panic again when Oureka gently pats him on the head as she tries to console the boy.
"I know you are anxious about becoming stronger, but a warrior doesn't wind stride to the top of the mountain in a single day, he overcomes low obstacles one at a time, you have to be patient. You have the heart and the courage of a true martial arts warrior I know you will one day make everyone proud."
Oureka said to Bell with a reassuring kind smile on her face.
"Uh...Okay."
Bell felt better through the encouragement even if only slightly, the boy was glad that amidst this city full of adventurers, he could still find another caring person.
"Well then, let's go and meet your goddess. I'm eager to see who she is."
Oureka said with enthusiasm.
"Yes, I'm sure goddess Hestia would also be happy to meet you."
Bell replied with just as much enthusiasm.
"Um...Excuse me!"
A new voice called out to them.
It was a young girl with amethyst eyes and bearing silky grey hair tied into a ponytail. She was seemingly pondering at both Bell and Oureka with a question in mind.
"Excuse me, did you both dropped this magic stone?"
Both Bell and Oureka turned around in surprise as a new voice called out to them. It was a young girl with grey-black hair tied into a small ponytail with a white headpiece. She wears a leaf green colored dress along with a long white apron covering her lower half. She raised her open palm revealing a small roughly shaped violet crystal glowing ever so slightly from its core.
"Oh! uh, sorry I wasn't looking, and thank you."
Bell answered as he took the magic stone from the girl.
"You're welcome, hm-hm."
The girl replies with a giggle.
"Huh? that's strange I was sure I'd exchanged all my magic stones back at the guild."
Bell said to himself. However, this caught Oureka's attention that there is some about this girl that is more than meets the eye, perhaps the magic stone belonged to this girl, and she used it to approach Bell. But Oureka herself was not sure if this was a ruse in disguise, so she didn't intervene.
"Did both of you just returned from the Dungeon this late? We're not open for business yet, but why don't you both come in and enjoy a meal at the Hostess of Fertility later tonight."
The girl kindly asks, with an adorable smile on her face.
"Oh-uh, what?"
Bell replied as he and Oureka just realized they were standing in front of a restaurant.
"would you both come and have dinner here tomorrow night? It would be in all of our interests, and I would happy if you do, won't you please?"
The girl said with an adorably pleading smile towards Bell.
"Uh-uh w-we like to, but..."
"Won't you please?"
The girl sáid again. At this point, Bell felt it was irresistible to refuse the invitation, and his expression tells that he is struggling.
"We would be happy to."
Oureka happily replied.
"Miss Oureka?"
"Oh, that would be wonderful. I'll be sure to get a raise for getting more customers."
The girl said happily.
"I'll be looking forward to seeing you both tomorrow night during work I'm Syr Flova may I ask for your name, Mr adventurer?"
"Bell, Bell Cranel."
The boy kindly replied.
After exchanging their goodbyes with Syr, they traveled down several streets, they reach an area of Orario filled with ruins and in front of what appears to Oureka some sort of abandoned temple or a place of worship. Her expression tells that she is surprised to find out that the home of Bell's familia is as such.
"So, this is where you live?"
Oureka kindly asked, trying not to be intrusive.
"Ah, yes, this abandoned church is the most we could afford with our financial status."
Bell answered with all honesty.
The building appeared to be in a ruined state also the roofing is mostly gone, Oureka could hardly imagine how do Bell and his deity would live under such conditions. She followed Bell leading her up the stairs facing towards a wall to which confused her until Bell gave a slight hard push revealing a hidden door with a passage leading down to a room below.
It was a small room just enough to serve as living quarters, with a bed, a wardrobe, a sofa, and a table.
"I'm back, Goddess!"
Bell called out
"Bell! Welcome back!"
A short young girl cheerfully greeted the boy happily pounced towards him with open arms. She has cerulean eyes dark hair tied into twin tail braids while wearing a white blouse like outfit reaching from her neck to thigh. Strangely enough, she also had a piece of blue ribbon tied around both of her arms and held firm under her chest and behind her back.
Oureka looks upon this supposed goddess. At first glance, she held doubts in her mind that this girl could be a deity. After all, in the Earthen Realm people believed, the gods to have all returned to the Divine Realm. When the mortals seemingly abandoned the gods in their pursuit of unlimited power. Such which is the result of the sorry state the land had become.
Then, Oureka sensed something from this young girl. Just a little, but as if was something akin to purely divine chi reside within this girl, Oureka was astonished at this, perhaps this girl is a deity.
"Huh? Bell, who is this girl here?"
The young goddess almost immediately upon noticing Oureka behind Bell
"Oh, goddess Hestia, this is Oureka, I found her lost in the Dungeon and helped her."
"It's a pleasure to meet you, lady Hestia."
Oureka politely greeted Hestia bow slightly with a gentle smile on her face.
The innocent petite goddess was taken aback at how sincere and kind of a gesture made by this mysterious girl.
"Oh, well, we're about to have dinner, why don't you join us and you can tell us how you two came across each other today."
Hestia replies as she decides to return the kindness and not inquisitively asks why she was here.
"Eh? goddess, you are fine with that."
"Of course! I've brought back a lot of extra potato croquettes from work today there's plenty enough for all of us, and we never turn away a friend in need."
The goddess happily stated.
"I am grateful for the hospitality."
Oureka sincerely replied
As they get seated on the sofa, Hestia pulled Bell aside to asks him a question.
"Bell, did go into the Dungeon to become stronger, or did you just want to pick up girls?"
Hestia seriously questions the boy.
"Goddess, why even you ask me such a question?"
I apologize for the overdue chapter but I have responsibility to my job and my family. There isn't any action in this chapter as I wanted to build up the background story more.
Also I would like to hear your opinions to whether i should use a Flame build or a Frost build skill tree for my Blade & Soul character in this Danmachi story. Both have its own merits to the progression story and make the combat interesting, please let me know what you think in the reviews and I'll see where to go from then on to further develop the story, thank you.
stay safe everyone, remember to always wash your hands when you need to, cover your mouths when you sneeze, and try to stay at home only go out when you needed to.