I went back and edited the first few chapters to fix some grammar and spelling mistakes. I wasn't happy with how close some scenes were to Aiz's love awakens, a story which gave me some inspiration, so I went back and changed a few things. While going back I also added in a little bit to make the story easier to understand but I didn't change it to the point that it would change what I have planned for this story. I am thinking of starting another story so this one doesn't burn me out but I am not sure yet, I am thinking about having Bell already be prepared once he arrived in Orario and maybe having him be around a level 4-5 after training with Alfia and Zard.
X
'I slept like shit' Bell thought as he woke up suddenly, back when he was a farmer with his grandfather he often had to get up early and even though he has been in Orario for months some of his old habits still find their way into his life such as him being able to get up at 5 in the morning.
'Maybe taking a break and going back to my village is what I need, I still have a lot of books and other valuables I left behind when I first came here. The mayor said he wouldn't sell my house out of respect for my grandfather and that he hoped to see me there sometime again.' Bell wondered as he put on his armor and left his home quietly. 'I don't want to run into anyone from my Familia yet, I need to clear my head. I'll probably just ask them to promise me that we don't keep secrets from each other anymore and we will move on. Maybe I'll ask Hestia and Lili to stop being so controlling as well.'
As Bell slipped out of his Familia's home he made his way down the street and headed towards the dungeon. In his mind he was remembering all of the memories that he had with all of the members of his Familia.
'Why are most of my memories with Hestia and Lili always them yelling at me about a girl or them getting into a fight with each other over me? I really need to say something to them.'
As he finally made his way to the dungeon, he suddenly ran into someone and was stunned by how strong they were.
"Oh it's Argonaut-kun!" Tiona said with a yawn.
"Oh Tiona?" Bell replied glad he didn't run into someone he didn't know.
"Well Aiz told us what you went through yesterday and I couldn't sleep because I was thinking about it and AH NO SHOOT!"
"Um is something wrong?" Bell replied as he was shocked by her change in voice.
"Uh forget what I just said, we decided it would be best to not talk to you about that and have Aiz do it all so it isn't as traumatic for you." Tiona replied freaking out.
"It's okay, talking to Aiz yesterday really helped me calm down about the whole event. I don't mind any of you asking questions as much anymore."
"Oh really? Yay! That's great I was worried you would run off there like you sometimes do. Say Argonaut-kun why are you up so early?"
"Ah I wanted to go to the dungeon and try to clear my head, a lot went on yesterday with Aiz and my Familia so I wanted to try and clear my head."
"Oh you mean with your skill?"
"EH! You know about it?"
"Oh yeah Loki told us yesterday, hearing you have a skill like that and what you went through really made all of us want to get stronger so your strength doesn't run away from us"
"Oh really?" Bell was shocked that he was able to inspire other adventurers, especially the Loki Familia couldn't help but blush by the sudden praise he was getting. "Wait why are you up so early then?"
"Well after hearing what you went through I couldn't reality sleep so I decided to come to the dungeon." Tiona explained. "I think I am going to head down to the 18th floor and then come back up before lunch, do you want to come with me?"
"Really I can? That was also my plan so if you will have me I'd love to."
"Alright!" Tiona replied jumped up and down. "Let's go! On the way you can tell me how you got that skill and more hero stories!"
As the two of them quickly made their way down into the dungeon Bell made the comment that he was glad to have another person with him. This sudden comment threw Tiona off he stride and caused her to look at him with a confused face.
"Are you still afraid to go into the dungeon?" Tiona responded to his comment.
"Not really, it's just so much has happened the past few months that I am really glad I didn't end up coming here alone."
"I sometimes forget how new you are to this city, wait where did you live before Orario?"
"It was a small village a few days away from here, I lived at a farm with my grandfather. He always told me stories of Orario and adventurers so when he died I decided to follow his wishes and head here in order to follow my dreams."
"Aw he sounds like such a nice person!"
"Yeah he really was." Bell said with a lot of pride in his voice which caused Tiona to giggle. "I'm actually thinking of heading back soon."
"You are leaving Orario?!" Tiona snapped as the two of them entered the 18th floor after a few hours of dungeon crawling.
"No I'm not. I just want to go back and get a few books and other memories that I left when I first came here."
"Ohhh that makes sense." Tiona let out a sigh of relief. "Speaking of that, are you going there in order to take a break from your Familia?"
"Not really, I get why they kept it a secret. It would have caused a lot of problems in the city and I'd be the cause of a lot of conflicts but I don't get why Hestia told everyone except for me."
"Wait you were the only one who didn't know?"
"Yeah. I don't really understand how they expect me to continue being their leader when they can't even trust me with my own skills."
"So are you going to leave and join a different Familia then?"
"No. I thought about but all I really want is to move on and trust each other again. I am going to ask Lili and Hestia to stop trying to control my life so much though, they always get into fights or yell at me when I talk to a girl. It is ridiculous."
"Ah yeah those two are even more controlling than Freya sometimes, honestly I don't get why you joined her in the first place."
"Well when I first came here I tried to join a lot of different Familia's but none of them accepted me, eventually Hestia came and offered me a hand and I accepted it since I had nowhere else to go. I mean it worked out for the best because I never would have got that skill if I didn't go through all that."
"What do you mean? How'd you get it?"
"Umm it's kind of embarrassing." Bell laughed. "I got it after Aiz saved me from the minotaur on the 5th floor, I guess you could say I kind of wanted to be able to stand next to her because she saved me. But, at the hostess the same night, I heard Bete say that weaklings would never suit Aiz so I decided to get stronger and that is how I got this skill."
"Hmmm." Tiona leaned in studying Bell. "Just hurry up and admit you are in love with Aiz already."
"WHAT! T-Tiona what do you mean?"
"I mean it is obvious you like her, plus I've never seen her get close to anyone the way she has for you. Sure you aren't as strong as you want to be to stand by her side yet but couldn't you just change your goal and make it so you are strong enough to protect her?"
"I-I guess you are right but how do I know if Aiz feels the same way about me?" Bell stuttered.
"She does and if she doesn't then I'll come swoop you up or another girl will." Tiona responded casually. "You should hurry up though because I doubt Aiz will wait forever."
"I guess you are right." Bell sighed. "I'll try to talk to her about it the next time she and I are alone together."
"Yay! But Bell a word of advice."
"What?"
"If you hurt her, everyone in the Loki Familia will crush you, especially me." Tiona said with her normal cheerful expression replaced by a devilish look.
All Bell could manage to get out at that point was a very loud gulp as he now knew if he ever hurt Aiz he wouldn't see the next day no matter how strong he got.
"Well enough of that, I'm hungry, let's head back up. Thank you for coming with me down here and when you bring those hero stories back from your old home I expect you to let me read them!"
"Of-Ofcourse Tiona-san!"
"Don't get all formal because I gave you a warning, you weren't planning on hurting Aiz anyways were you?"
"No never!" Bell replied with a much more confident voice.
"Good then we have no problems!" Tiona responded happily. "Let's head back."
As the two of them managed to quickly make their way back up the dungeon Tiona decided to tease Bell a little more about his crush on her sword princess and they discussed various hero stories. Eventually making it all the way up the dungeon and back to the guild.
"Alright, I am going to go ask my advisor about leaving the city but going into the dungeon with you was fun, thank you for taking me!" Bell told Tiona.
"Ofcourse! I am going to go tell Aiz she needs to meet you soon so you can hurry up and ask her out."
Hearing this Bell dawned a face that made her figure out why Bete used to call him the "Tomato Brat."
"Thank you Tiona, I promise I will make her happy."
Watching the two from afar, a certain Pallum had a different idea of what was going on.
X
'Why the hell is Bell-sama with an Amazon from the Loki Familia?' Lili thought. 'I followed him to make sure nothing bad happened to him and to keep an eye on his activities. I guess I'll follow him for the rest of the day and see what he is doing.'
She watched with jealousy as Bell went over to meet Eina. Much to her surprise she noticed Freya exciting from the Chambers of Prayers with a less than pleased look on her face. As Freya was walking out, she turned and saw Bell.
'Why is Freya-sama looking at Bell-sama?' Lili wondered. As she continued to observe them from afar, she watched as Freya sent her Familia members away and proceeded to walk towards Bell who looked to be finishing up his discussion with Eina. As Lili was about to blow her cover, the entire guild couldn't help but stare as Freya removed her hood and started talking to Bell.
X
Freya started her day how she always did, she awoke at 8 and started to watch Orario for the souls. However, this particular morning, she could not find the one soul she was searching for atop of the babel tower.
'Did he already enter the dungeon? But why are his Familia members still at his house? Something must have happened with Hestia and the rest, I wonder what it could be.' Freya pondered as her purple eyes gazed over the citizens and adventurers of Orario.
After entertaining herself there for a few hours and discussing the preparations for their Familia's next expedition with the executives, she decided that it was time to go to the guild.
"We are off now, follow me children." Freya ordered.
"Yes, Lady Freya." All of them responded, she loved to see their souls shine brightly for her but they always seemed too loyal to what she expected, she would love it if they would do something that would surprise her.
As the group walked down the street, immediately the roads cleared as if to make way for the queen of the city. Everyone was in awe as they saw the sheer power Freya controlled following her and protecting her from any attempt towards her. Of course, her divine beauty also played a role with many gawking over her.
As they finally made their way to the guild, the group was greater by the guild head, Royman.
"Ah Lady Freya it is an honor." He said with a bow. "What brings you to us today?"
"I wish to speak with Ouranos and while I am doing that please show my children all of the details about the Heatia Familia's expedition." Freya replied quickly walking past him towards the Chamber of Prayers.
Turning back around, Royman was met with the faces of pure strength and impatience. He quickly decided to leave to get what little information they had.
"I will be right back." He said quickly before disappearing.
After walking through the passageway, Freya finally found herself face to face with Ouranos.
"I heard you were coming to discuss something important, may I ask what it is Freya?" Ouranos said, getting right to the point.
"I have come here today to get information on what happened to Bell Cranel on his expedition. Seeing 2 level fours that close to death made me worry that whatever they encountered could become a problem to my children in the future." Freya responded.
"I understand your worry, however, we cannot disclose information about what happened due to the fact that many people could die because it."
"Well, the other problem was the color of his soul, dear Ouranos. Normally it is pure, but once he returned it has been filled with fear. It has started to clear up a lot recently but I am worried about what could have instilled that amount of fear into him."
"That is understandable." Ouranos agreed with her as he couldn't dispute how severe of a situation Bell went through. "I will not spread his information around as what happened would have been a traumatic experience for anyone."
"So are you saying I have wasted my time and I should have just gone to Bell initially?"
"Honestly if I could I would tell you to stop investigating as prying into what he went through might be too much for him to remember. Unfortunately, I know that won't stop you. But I will let you know one thing, Bell is very lucky that he survived that. I would venture to say some of your children would have had problems surviving."
'It's as I thought, even Ouranos has recognized the potential in Bell, I should swoop him up before anyone else has the chance.' Freya thought.
"Very well, if what you say is true I have no choice but to figure out what happened to him in the dungeon due to the safety of my Familia. I have one question for you though."
"What is it?" Ouranos replied.
"Why did you not inform my Familia or the Loki Familia. Given that we are the strongest, shouldn't at least one of us have been informed? Besides if Bell experienced it then there is a chance that it will happen again."
"The calamity that Bell Cranel experienced only happens under very certain conditions. Currently only 4 people alive know of these conditions. I felt that if the process were to spread there would be chaos in the dungeon as some people's curiosity would win them over and they would try to experience it. I felt that this would've cause unnecessary deaths and I felt that it was wise to not let the information spread."
'So I will have to ask Bell about this.' Freya thought as she inwardly smiled at the fact that she had an excuse to see him.
"I understand, I will be talking to Bell about what he experienced."
As Ouranos nodded Freya left the room with a slight smile on her face. As soon as she left, Ouranos summoned his assistant.
"Fels."
"Yes Ouranos?"
"Keep an eye on the Freya Familia if you can, especially their movements surrounding Bell."
"I understand, do you think something is going to happen?"
"I am not sure however I do feel a potential conflict brewing." Ouranos replied as he started to get worried for the coming days.
Meanwhile, a frustrated Freya Familia was being forced to wait in the lobby of the guild for their goddess to return. As soon as Royman showed them the information, it was the same as the last time they checked. Much to the disappointment of everyone there, they felt that this trip would have been for naught until they spotted Bell walking into the guild as he returned from the dungeon. Right when they were about to go over and get him, Freya returned.
"Well did any of you learn anything useful?"
"We did not Lady Freya, all of the information is the same as last time." Ottar responded. "Did Ouranos say anything useful?"
"He told me some information but not enough to go on, I suppose the only option left is to talk to Bell about what is going on."
"Lady Freya." Hedin said while pointing his finger to someone behind her. "He is over there if you want us to bring him to you. It seems he has just returned from the dungeon."
Freya quickly turned around and immediately spotted the white hair she had come to love.
'Hm, it seems he is talking to his advisor about something. He still looks troubled. If I play this right I could have Bell wanting to come to me.' Freya thought as she wondered what was going on with him.
"No need, I will go get him myself."
A look of surprise quickly went over her Familia's faces until she told them her reasoning.
"If he were to see all of you walk towards him, he probably would just get scared and it would be harder to talk to him, it will be easier with just me." Freya said, secretly wanting to take him away from everyone there. Her patience was soon reaching its limit after watching him for so long.
Quickly vanquishing their thoughts, her Familia understood her reasoning and went along with it without questioning her.
"Ottar wait here a moment for me, if he and I go somewhere you are to return back to Babel Tower. If not you are to escort me back. The rest of you can go train or do whatever you wish for the time being." Freya ordered them as the members of her Familia quickly left.
As she walked over to Bell some gazes obviously shifted to her, but she kept her composure trying desperately to not seem excited when she finally had a chance to talk to him. As she neared Bell and a person who seemed to be his advisor, she started to make out some of their conversation.
"So the leaving process is… and then you have to set a return date."
"Ahh I get it now thanks Eina-san!"
'Is he leaving Orario? Why?'
After she had approached, Freya decided to pull down her hood and eventually call him out.
"Bell Cranel." She spoke with a commanding voice, drawing all of the faces in the guild to her.
He turned to look at her quickly and as his ruby eyes met her violet ones, she inwardly got flustered, they haven't been this close to each other since the Apollo Ball.
"Freya-sama?!" Bell asked, suddenly confused and flustered. "Can I help you with anything?"
"As a matter of fact, yes you can Bell."
"What can I do for you?"
"I have noticed you have been troubled by something recently, I would like to know what is going on."
'I assume being as direct as possible will be the quickest way to get what I want.'
"Ah it is just some Familia problems, you shouldn't worry yourself with it." Bell responded trying to play off his nervousness.
'It's as I thought, something happened with Hestia now didn't it.'
"Nonsense, if you are able to talk about it I will listen."
She watched as Bell's face changed to consider her offer. Something must have been holding him back to not give an answer right away and she decided to add.
"I also would like to know as much about your expedition as possible, my Familia members are preparing to go on one soon and we would like to be prepared for all irregularities."
'What's this?' Freya was shocked as Bell's expression quickly changed. 'Why did his expression change so much so quickly, I guess he still has some fears about what happened.'
After thinking about it for a little bit Bell eventually came to his decision.
"Alright, I'll tell you. Can you let me get cleaned up first and then could we go somewhere private?"
"My my Bell, how bold of you." Freya joked as she heard those words come out of his mouth. Instantly he flushed up and started to try to make some excuses. "I understand what you meant I just wanted to tease you a little, go get cleaned up as I will not walk around with you covered in all of that dirt."
"Alright, I will be back soon. Where should I meet you?"
"I will remain here with Ottar and wait. But do not keep me waiting too long, Bell." She threatened in a playful tone.
"O-of course Freya-sama. I will be back shortly!" Bell said as he rushed off. "Thanks Eina-san! I'll let you know what I'm planning to do!"
'He certainly is a cute one, I should have brought him in a long time ago. I wonder if he would have gotten eaten up by my children though.' She thought as she made her way back to Ottar.
"Wait with me for a little, he is going to go get cleaned up and then meet us here."
"As you wish Lady Freya." Ottar replied. "He should be on the lookout for Allen, I felt a great deal of hostility coming from him whenever Bell's name is mentioned. It skyrocketed after seeing him here."
"I am well aware and I will talk to him about it."
Freya commented. Meanwhile Bell was freaking out.
'Shit what did I get myself into? I can't refuse her because she could crush my Familia in a second but why did she invite me to go out with her?' Bell thought as he rushed back home.
Eventually getting there he quickly made it to the bath area to get cleaned off.
'I have to hurry, if I don't she could destroy everyone on a whim. She already did something like that with Ishitar. What chance would my Familia have against hers?'
After Bell got out of the bath, he quickly went over and threw on a plain black long sleeve shirt and black pants with some boots to match. With his hair still wet from his bath, he grabbed his Hestia Knife just in case something were to happen along with a large chunk of his valves and left, spending less than 10 minutes at his house. Thankfully, after rushing to the guild it did not seem that Freya was mad at the time he took to get ready, in fact she looked rather pleased.
'Why is she smiling at me? I just got back, I made sure to clean myself as best as I could.' Bell thought as he walked over to Freya and Ottar.
"Hello Freya-sama, I hope I didn't keep you waiting." Bell said with plenty of nervousness in his voice.
"Not at all, as a matter of fact you arrived before I expected, you clearly rushed yourself too." Freya commented as she patted his slightly wet hair which caused Bell to turn red. "Shall we head off then?"
Before either of them could leave, Ottar quickly spoke up.
"Are you sure you will be fine with just him around to guard you Lady Freya?"
'What's this?' Bell thought. 'Freya and I are going to be completely alone together? Why isn't Ottar also hearing the information about my expedition?'
"Well, he does have his knife for protection, plus I'd bet he is close to being a level 5, very few people would be able to defeat him at his current strength Ottar."
"Very well." Ottar replied before looking at Bell. "If there is any harm to come to my lady I will personally deal with your Familia."
"Y-yes sir! I will protect her with my life!" Bell sputtered out trying his best to leave the guild hall and all of the eyes watching him.
"Ottar you are too serious." Freya laughed. "Alright Bell, shall we leave?"
As she walked over to him, Freya wrapped one of her arms around Bell, treating him like a proper escort.
"Yes! Where would you like to go?" Bell replied feeling plenty of hostile stares from the people in the guild while others jealous of the fact that he got to be this close to the goddess of beauty.
"Hm, I am rather hungry right now and I am sure you are as well from the dungeon, how about we head to this restaurant I know of?"
"That sounds great! I brought most of my valves in case you wanted anything." Bell said which got a light chuckle out of the Goddess he was with.
"Ah Bell you are too cute! Don't worry about the money it will all be taken care of."
"What do you mean?" Bell asked.
"My Familia members will cover it once we are done. Since no one wishes to get on their bad side we might even eat for free!" Freya said rather cheerfully.
It was at this moment Bell realized the true influence of the top Families in the city and what it meant to be in good graces with them. He was really hoping that nothing would set her off when he was with her.
"Where are you thinking of going?" Bell asked as he was busy being pulled around by Freya.
"Well there is this sandwich shop a little bit from here that I have heard rather good things about. I figured it would be the perfect spot to go for our date."
"D-d-date?" Bell said rapidly. 'Since when was me telling her about my expedition become a date?'
"What's the matter? Do you not want to go on a date with me?" Freya said with a slight teasing pout.
"No, no, no it's not that at all." Bell said quickly, almost as the words left his mouth a certain golden hair adventurer appeared in his mind. "I just didn't know you were interested in me at all."
"Ah I get your confusion Bell, I've been interested in you for quite a while. Your soul is rather beautiful."
'Soul? What is she talking about?' Bell thought as the two of them continued on their date.
X
"Hmhmhmm." Tiona hummed as she went back to her Familia house. She was excited to go into the dungeon with Bell after watching him yesterday. A part of her felt very disappointed that Aiz wants him because she thought he'd be perfect for her. They both fell in love with hero stories and always looked up to them. She was hoping that they'd be able to share some stories they both know. After making her way to the eating area, she found Aiz eating by herself. Rushing over with a large smile, Aiz found herself confronted by Tiona.
"Hey Aiz? You should go talk to Bell soon." Tiona demanded.
"Why?" Aiz replied.
"Ah you see I kinda ran into him in the dungeon today and we went to the 18th floor. I gave him some advice and I sorta threatened him but don't worry he is fine."
'What did Tiona do? Is she trying to steal Bell?' Aiz thought. After calming her imagination down, she eventually asked, "Does Bell have something important to tell me and why did you threaten him?"
"Something along those lines, I think you'll be rather happy once you find out what he wants to tell you. And don't worry about that!" Tiona replied with a mischievous grin coming across her face.
'What could Bell need to tell me? We just talked yesterday.' Aiz wondered as mini Aiz started to overheat from thinking about all of the possibilities. 'Wait didn't Riveria say to confess to him soon? This could work, we will be alone together after all.'
"Okay. I'll try to talk to him today." Aiz told Tiona as the pair continued to eat their lunch.
"Why don't you invite him on a date?" Tiona asked after realizing the two she was trying to set up will mess up her hard work somehow.
"Where would we go?" Aiz asked. She wasn't afraid he was going to say no to her just afraid of not being entertaining enough for him.
"Just take him out to eat somewhere or walk around. He'll love anything as long as it's with you."
Aiz cheered up after her comments, while they continued to eat and talk about potential date ideas. Aiz eventually made the fatal mistake about asking why Tiona doesn't have a boyfriend, making the Amazon get up and leave with a rather dissatisfied look on her face. Now that Aiz was left with the task of tracking down the bunny, she wondered where he could be and how their conversation would go.
X
'Lili can't believe Bell-sama. Why is he letting that slut of a goddess cling onto him like that?' Lili thought as she followed Bell and Freya. 'Is Bell-sama thinking about leaving our Familia just because we didn't tell him about a skill?'
Lili continued to think, eventually stalking the two as they made their way across Orario. Running into her goddess shortly after they entered the food district, Lili told her the situation.
"WHAAAAAA?" Hestia screeched. "WHY IS MY BELL-KUN WITH FREYA? HOW'D YOU LET THIS HAPPEN? I GAVE YOU THE JOB TO PROTECT HIM FROM PEOPLE LIKE HER"
"I don't know Hestia-sama, we have to hurry otherwise we will lose them! This is worse than when he is with any other of the girls who are obsessed with him."
"You are right supporter-kun! We can't let Freya dig her perverted claws into Bell-kun's innocence. Lead the way!"
The two quickly followed their targets, they noticed how many eyes were on Bell. Everyone knows what it means when you are seen with Freya. Some were happy but jealous at the sight while others downright pitied the boy. After following them for what seemed like forever and a lot of shouts from both Hestia and Lili, they watched as Bell and Freya arrived at a sandwich shop and proceeded to enter. Seeing the situation, Hestia decided she had to intervene somehow.
"Supporter-kun. Do you have any money?"
"Lili has some money, probably enough for this place. Are you planning on spying on their conversation?"
"OF COURSE I AM! YOU KNOW WHAT KIND OF WOMAN FREYA IS!" Hestia snapped. "We can't let Bell be run amuck by anymore women! We will have to have a serious talk with Bell-kun later!"
"Lili agrees but are you planning on interrupting their date or just standing around out here?"
"WH-WHY DID YOU CALL IT THAT? BELL-KUN ISN'T ALLOWED TO DATE ANYONE I HAVEN'T APPROVED OF!"
"Lili too! HESTIA-SAMA LOOK! They are already sitting down! Let's hurry!"
Quickly, the two of them rushed into the shop and ordered doing their best to act as normal customers while trying desperately to keep out of Bell's and Freya's view. They ended up picking a table around the corner from the two so they could remain out of sight and listen in on the conversation at hand.
X
"So Bell, why did you choose that sandwich? You barely even looked at the menu when you made your decision." Freya commented, curious about the club sandwich Bell ordered after the two entered the restaurant.
"It was-I mean my grandfather used to make me something similar when I was younger so I guess it always will have a special place in my heart."
"May I ask what happened to your grandfather? I haven't seen you with someone who could be called that in the city."
"Well I'm not exactly sure what happened to him." Bell said in a saddened voice. "He raised me all the way up until I was 14 and he was a hero to me. One night he vanished. No one knew where he went in the village I grew up in so after getting over him being gone and most likely dead, I decided to come here and try to experience all of the stories he told me about this city."
'He really is a cute one.' Freya thought, staring at Bell. "I also heard that you had a rather difficult time finding a Familia once you arrived in this city. I am sorry about that."
"Oh it's alright don't worry. I doubt you would've let me join either. I was way too naïve and weak. I wouldn't have survived a day in your Familia back then."
"That is probably true my children tend to be rather competitive."
"Isn't that a good thing though? It lets them protect what they want to protect."
"I guess that is one way to look at it. They really only care about my safety. As long as they are strong enough to protect me they will not push themselves any harder. However, you on the other hand are constantly taking on challenges that push your limits almost every week. It intrigues me to wonder what is causing this to happen for you."
After thinking about her question, Bell felt it was only right to answer her as honestly as he could. "Well when I first started out as an adventurer Aiz Wallenstein saved me on the fifth floor from a Minotaur. Ever since then I've been pushing myself to be able to stand besides the best of the best in order to protect the people I care about and so I can accomplish my dreams."
"A Minotaur was on the fifth floor?" Freya gasped. She already knew about that incident and sent another one after Bell, but she decided to act surprised, she wanted him to tell her the story.
"Yeah I do not know the reason why it was there but it nearly killed me. Then a few weeks later I fought a red one and that made me level up to level two. The guild doesn't want people to know about almost all of the things I do which is annoying having to keep so many secrets."
"Well if people tried to imitate what you are doing most of them would probably die within a week."
"I guess you are right about that." Bell laughed. "So what would you like to know about the Hestia Familia expedition Freya-sama?"
"Tell me about the irregularities that you faced, I understand that you are under a gag order for your expedition as well but any information you can provide me with would be wonderful."
"I don't think you should be worried. Your Familia is strong enough to handle anything that mine underwent. Besides we only went to the 27th floor, you guys will be aiming for somewhere beyond the 50th floor won't you?"
"That is true, we will be aiming for the 60th floor this time."
"Wow, that must be a sight to behold." Bell commented wondering if his Familia would ever be able to reach that floor.
"Why don't you come with us? I would always accept you if you'd wish to join me. Plus it would be a great learning experience for you." Freya said, flashing a slight smile that reminded him of someone he was close too. However, before Bell even had a chance to reply, someone suddenly interrupted them in a very loud manor.
"WHAT DO YOU THINK YOU ARE DOING TO MY BELL-KUN?" Hestia yelled rushing to the table that Freya and Bell were occupying. "WHY ARE YOU TRYING TO LURE HIM TO YOUR FAMILIA?"
Freya and Bell were both stunned by the sudden appearance of his Goddess and how rash she was acting in this matter. Seeing this scene transpire, all of the other customers along with the workers turned their heads towards the small Goddess who was followed by a Pallum.
"Kami-sama why are you here?" Bell asked. 'Did she follow me? Why is she yelling after I got an invitation to join their expedition.'
"Never mind that Bell-sama, WHAT ARE YOU DOING WITH HER?" Lili snapped causing Bell to realize how much Hestia is rubbing off on her. "ARE YOU SERIOUSLY THINKING OF LEAVING OUR FAMILIA JUST OVER THAT LITTLE MATTER?"
"What matter?" Freya asked, taken back by this situation. She realized she was right that something must have happened to drive a wedge between Bell and his Familia, but she was rather amused with how the two were acting.
"YOU DON'T NEED TO HEAR ABOUT IT FREYA, COME ON BELL-KUN! WE ARE LEAVING THIS INSTANT!" Hestia responded.
"Why?" Bell asked.
"BECAUSE SHE IS TRYING TO DIG HER CLAWS INTO YOU, CAN'T YOU SEE?"
"She just asked me here to talk about her upcoming expedition, I want to help her Familia as best as I can."
"THAT'S CLEARLY A PLOY, COME ON BELL-SAMA LET'S LEAVE!" Lili said, hearing all of this commotion one, Shakti who was also eating at that restaurant with Ilta was getting sick of this commotion and decided to step in.
"Excuse me, what is going on here?" Shakti asked the group.
"THIS WITCH IS TRYING TO STEAL MY BELL-KUN, I WON'T ALLOW THAT TO HAPPEN!" Hestia replied curtly.
"And Bell Cranel? What is going on?" Ilta asked, reasoning that Hestia wasn't in a sane state of mind to answer any questions.
"Well, Freya-sama asked me to tell her what happened on my Familia's expedition so when her Familia goes on one soon they can be as prepared as possible, she wanted to hear directly from me so she invited me out to get some lunch together. She told me that they were aiming for the 60th floor and that if I wanted I could go with them, after that Kami-sama and Lili came over and started yelling and I'm still not sure why." Bell replied shedding light onto the situation.
"I see, I am sorry for interrupting yours and Freya-sama's lunch."
"Oh don't worry, it was rather amusing. I didn't realize Hestia was that possessive of her child." Freya commented. "However if you could, may Bell and I continue our discussion? I would like to make sure that my children are as safe as possible for when they set out, since Hestia's Familia is the only one that has gone on an expedition recently I would like to ask him a few more questions."
Hearing this, both Lili and Hestia raised their complaints but were quickly silenced by the two members from the Ganesh Familia.
"We understand, our apologies Lady Freya, we will take these two away and make sure they do not disturb you again." Shakti commented, trying her best to not anger the Goddess of Beauty. After taking away Lili and Hestia who raised screams that could be heard throughout the city as they got dragged out. After watching them leave, Freya turned to Bell who looked terrified and let out a chuckle.
"Well I will say that was rather interesting." She told him as their food arrived.
"I'm sorry about them, I'm going to tell them to stop doing stuff like that later, I just need to sort out my thoughts first." Bell replied, glad that she didn't seem annoyed.
"What secret did they keep from you?"
"Ah, it was about a skill of mine. I'm not angry at them but I need them to stop treating me as their property sometimes."
"I can tell, that must certainly get annoying after a while." Freya told him as they began to discuss the details about Freya's expedition and what Bell thought she should look out for on the middle floors. After finishing the meal, Bell was prepared to walk Freya back to her house but she told him that she still had one more stop to make. Much to Bell's surprise, she took him to a flower garden, it must have been one of the most beautiful places in the city as Bell compared it to the sunrise on the wall where he and Aiz trained together.
"Why did you bring me here? He asked.
"I just wanted to have a wonderful memory on our date after we had such a hectic time at lunch together. Plus talking about the dungeon isn't really ideal for a date now is it? Seeing that was all we talked about, I have a few questions for you so you can use this as an opportunity to make it up to me." She replied with her dress and hair flowing in the wind among a sea of flowers. In Bell's mind he felt this image deserved to be painted for countless generations to see the beauty of this scene.
Taken back and with a large blush on his face, Bell managed to get out, "W-what would you like to ask me?"
'He is nervous, this is working.' Freya thought as she watched him stare in awe at her. 'After Hestia's display and now this, there is no way he won't want to come to me.'
"What were you talking about with your guild advisor? I overheard that you are planning on leaving the city."
"Oh that. I am thinking of going back to my village for a little bit to see everyone again and get a few things that I couldn't grab on my way here. It's almost been six months. I want them to know how far I have come and how far I can still go."
'Such unwavering passion about what he wishes to do, he truly is beautiful.' Freya thought. "Very well, when do you plan to set off?"
"Maybe in a few weeks. I need to work things out with my Familia and figure out what to do from there, I kind of want to leave by myself so convincing them will take awhile."
"I wish you the best in that. That said my offer still stands, if you wish to join my Familia all you have to do is ask and you will become my personal favorite member. Now I also wish to see your village."
"Wait really? Why?" Bell asked, he was still trying to process the offer that Freya had just given him a day after Aiz had invited him to the Loki Familia and now hearing about how she wished to see where he grew up made him very confused.
"I want to go out of Orario, I spend most of my days staring at people in the city from the top of babel tower."
"Isn't that lonely?"
Freya's heart skipped a beat at this comment. 'Is he concerned for me already?' she wondered. "I rather enjoy it Bell, I like seeing the citizens and adventurers go about their days and what they will do."
'I don't think she is being truthful, her eyes look like she is hiding something.' Bell thought, not noticing that Freya took a step closer to him and eventually wrapped her arms around him bringing him into a hug.
"Thank you for spending the day with me Bell, I loved it." Freya said. Eventually Bell hugged her back which made her heart beat faster as this was the closest they have ever been.
"I enjoyed it too. I wish we could spend more time together but Ottar will have my head if I do not get you back soon." Bell replied, receiving a laugh from Freya. They continued to talk about endless things as they made their way back.
X
Raul was walking around the city looking for someplace to buy some new potion he heard about, he began to hear an interesting rumor.
"Did you hear? Apparently Rabbit's Foot and Freya were together today, it looks like he might join her Familia."
"Shit if that happens then we will never catch up to him, he'll reach level 7 in no time."
"Damn it, if that happens not even the Loki Familia will be able to stop the Freya Familia."
"Why do you think he left the Hestia one?"
"He probably got sick of her nagging if I had to guess, though it isn't clear if Bell left yet I doubt he won't get entranced by Freya."
'No way! Bell and Freya are together right now?' Raul thought. 'This is bad I need to warn the captain!'
"Hey wait isn't that them over there?"
"You're right, they look close as shit, I wonder what happened."
'They are right! Freya and Bell are clearly out on a date! Oh why'd it have to be me to see them? Aiz is going to kill me!' Raul thought while running towards the Loki Familia mansion as quick as he could.
X
After finishing with their day together, Bell escorted Freya back to Babel tower. Despite being constantly on guard in case of an attack he had a very enjoyable time with Freya. He got a similar vibe from her as he does from Hermès, someone who wants to see him struggle then become stronger than before. After talking to Freya, Bell realized just how different his life would've been if he was in a different Familia. He felt grateful for all his current one had done for him but he couldn't keep dealing with Hestia and Lili trying to control him.
"Thank you for your time Bell, I had fun today." Freya told him as they arrived together at her home.
"I did as well, Freya-sama, I hope what I told you can help your Familia on their expedition." Bell replied. Seeing his Goddess return, Ottar quickly made his way over to her to make sure that she was alright.
"You are back Lady Freya, how was your outing?" Ottar questioned.
"It was nice, now if you have any questions about what Bell faced on his expedition now is the time to ask them as I am going to go take a shower. Remember Bell, if you ever would like too I will gladly offer you a spot in my Familia all you have to do is ask." Freya said with a wink before walking away, thinking that she had sealed the deal and that Bell was as good as hers. She was disappointed that his soul didn't shine the same way when he was around her as it did when he was around the sword princess, such doubts that she was going to lose were never in her mind but she was wondering what she was doing differently.
"Bell Cranel." Ottar said watching his Goddess leave. "I give you my thanks for keeping Lady Freya from harm while you were with her."
"Oh yeah, don't worry I don't think anyone would risk angering your Familia. Everyone in Orario seems to really respect Freya-sama." Bell commented feeling glad that he did not anger Ottar.
"Have you given any thought to what Lady Freya just offered you?"
"I have and I don't know. Honestly at first I was terrified of your Familia, everyone here seems to be at each other's throats constantly in order to get stronger."
"You aren't exactly wrong for believing that. While other Familias work together to compete against other Familias, we compete among ourselves and against other Familias, giving us more motivation to get strong."
"After spending the day with Freya-sama I realized that wasn't exactly the case though."
"How so?"
"You guys are working your hardest to make sure that she is safe from everyone right? I understand why, she is very nice and fun to be around. Nothing really seemed boring with her."
"You are correct, but you seem to have more to say do you not?" Ottar asked, realizing his Goddess would be pleased at these words.
"I don't know." Bell sighed. "She seems kind of lonely in a way."
"How so?"
"I don't know, she told me she spent almost all of her time up in her tower watching people's souls. I don't know her well enough to say for sure but it seemed to me that she was searching desperately for someone or something in a way."
Ottar was stunned by this response. 'He is able to pick up on things like that, I am beginning to understand why Freya is interested in him.' He thought to himself admiring the young adventurer.
"But for joining her Familia I'm not entirely sure. I built up everything I have with my current one so they will always have a special place in my heart but my current Goddess and supporter are way too controlling at times." Bell said.
"What do they do?" Ottar asked, urging the young boy to continue.
"They just seem to want to control my entire life. I get Gods and Goddesses want entertainment but Hestia acts like she wants to keep me locked in a cage. Hell, they even tried to interrupt Freya-sama and I today while we were out."
"What happened with them today?"
"They were causing a scene, yelling at both of us for being together for some reason while we were eating. Thankfully Shakti and Ilta were there and they kicked them out, taking them away before things escalated."
"I see, I hear rumors that they do that often."
"Yeah it's tiring to deal with. Despite all of that I'm grateful for Hestia offering me a hand when no one else would. I feel like I would've gotten eaten up if I joined this Familia back when I first arrived."
"How about now?"
"I want to try to work things out with my Familia. If they don't then I don't know what to do. If I had to join another Familia though I'll probably look into this one or the Loki Familia if I'm being honest. I want to get stronger and those two will give me the best chance."
"You could grow much stronger in either of those." Ottar commented, a part of him was hoping that Bell would join the Loki Familia, he had sensed the potential in this adventurer and was thinking of taking him on as a rival should the time come. "Back to the matters of the expedition, I would like to know what happened that made you so close to death."
"I don't think you should worry about it honestly. When the guild said we ran into a lot of irregularities they weren't exaggerating. Nothing was how it was supposed to be on our expedition. I am under a gag order from the guild because the monster only spawns under certain situations, depending on the floor it is spawned on the stronger it is as well, Ouranos doesn't want the information spread about because people could unleash it for fun or to test themselves." Bell explained. "It was the monster that killed the Astrea Familia."
"Now I understand. It would be wise for you to not tell anyone about how it spawns. You should head back and talk to your Familia about what you are doing from here. As you heard Lady Freya will accept you if you wish and I would also like to test you as would most members of my Familia."
Hearing this Bell managed to get out a nervous laugh. "I'd like to be at least level 5 before I fought any of you."
"I hear you are probably close, given your leveling speed you ranking up to level 5 seems to be taking longer than the other ones."
"Well a lot of that is due to injuries. I had to take a few weeks off from the dungeon in order to properly heal myself. I could level up now but I want to get my status higher before I do. It's also nice adjusting to the limits of what I am capable of anyways." Bell informed Ottar, causing the latter's eyes to widen in surprise.
"And what are you thinking of doing in order to gain some excelia?" Ottar asked, almost hoping his answer will give him something that he no longer has.
"Hm I don't know. I heard the Goliath is respawning on floor 17, I thought I might try to solo it. The first time I saw it I had to run away but I want to test how much stronger I have become since then."
Hearing Bell's answer, Ottars' heart began to yearn to go on an adventure and test his strength like the young man in front of him. He was on the brink of being a level 8 and he wanted to level up, however something was holding him back. He wasn't sure if it was out of respect for the Zeus and Hera Familia captains or if he was afraid to leave his Goddess. Reinvigorated with his spirit, he had to ask one final question to Bell.
"Before you leave, Bell what drives you to push yourself as hard as you do?"
After thinking about it for a little bit, Bell responded. "Honestly I'm not sure which is the main driving factor. As a kid my grandfather always read hero stories to me and hearing those made me want to overcome challenges like them to prove it's possible. I want to protect someone who saved me when I was weak and couldn't protect myself. I want a rematch with that black minotaur, this time I want to beat him when he is at full strength. All of the things I want to do I need to get stronger to accomplish and the last fact is I enjoy it. I enjoy going on an adventure to overcome my current self and become stronger than I was before."
Hearing this answer all Ottar could feel was the flame inside of him being lit again. He realized he would have to inform Freya of his future plans as he would be going on his own adventure soon. Turning to Bell he said one last thing before departing.
"Thank you Bell Cranel, I hope you make your way to level 7 or 8 one day soon so I can find myself a rival in you."
'Did The King just acknowledge me?' Bell thought, stunned by what Ottar just said, all he could do was watch him leave, staring in awe at the new goal he had found himself with. Walking away he found himself not able to keep a straight face as he felt like he could accomplish anything the world threw at him as he made his way back to his home.
Meanwhile Ottar was feeling a sense of urgency that he hadn't felt in a long time. He now felt a new reason to become even stronger as to not fall behind his new rivals pace. Making his way quickly to Freya's room he knocked.
"You may come in." Freya said.
"I am sorry to disturb you my lady." Ottar replied, entering the room with a bow. "I have a request."
'What happened to him while he talked to Bell? His soul is much sharper than before?' Freya wondered, eventually asking, "What is the request?"
"I would like to face Balor on the 49th floor." Ottar explained. "I wish to become a level 8 before our expedition."
"Tell me, what caused this sudden change in your desires?" Freya asked. She was taken back by this. Ottar had never once wanted to become stronger for a selfish reason but now he was here wishing to become a level 8 even though she didn't tell him to.
"That boy, Bell Cranel, he inspired me. I got a similar feeling from him as I did from Zald. He might be the one to push me to become the strongest this world has ever had. I do not intend to fall behind his growth rate which is why I wish to become a level 8 soon. He told me his plans and he will likely be a level 5 within a week or two."
"He really is something isn't he?" Freya laughed. "So you have decided to take him on as a rival? I am sure others will not be pleased about this development."
"I have. At this rate I fear he will become much stronger than me, not allowing me to catch up while he runs away with it if I do not regain my fighting spirit. If I don't I have no doubts in my mind he will become a level 10 while I am stuck as a level 8."
"Very well, you may leave tomorrow. Prepare yourself tonight by resting well, I will not allow you to fail and not return to me."
"I wouldn't dream of it Lady Freya. Thank you for allowing me to do this." Ottar said as he set out for the armory in order to get the gear he wears on his expedition.
"I will tell everyone what you are planning to do so they will not bother you. I am certain that we will have ourselves a few more people wishing to level up such as Allen and the others." Freya stated. "I am only allowing you to go because I haven't seen your soul like this for a long time. Bell lit a fire in your soul and I do not want to see it burn out."
"Neither do I Lady Freya."
She watched as Ottar left her room. Once her door closed she jumped on her bed and let out a long sigh. She knew that this request would bring a lot of commotion around her Familia, but she couldn't deny his request when his soul shined like that. A part of her started to wonder if more people would take Bell on as a rival, would their souls then shine like Ottar's? She knew he had to reach level six before that happens but she was happy that they will finally ignite their spirits yet again. If that were to happen she began to wonder if she could justify bringing Bell into her Familia as all of the members would most likely try to fight him every waking moment. She began to realize that the coming days would change everything around her by a lot.
X
Rushing into the Loki Familia mansion, Raul quickly made his way up to the captain's office. Knocking on the door rather rapidly, he caused a stir from the other side.
"Come in." Finn ordered. sensing the urgency behind the message that needed to be delivered. Upon entering, Raul was greeted by Riveria, Tiona, Finn and Aiz with worried looks on their faces.
"Why are you being so loud?" Tiona yawned after being tired from sparing with her sister.
"Captain, you know how you told us to inform you about information involving Rabbit's Foot?" Raul asked.
"Yes I do remember, what has happened?" Finn asked.
"He was seen all around town today with Freya and talking to Ottar for quite awhile after taking her back to her house, apparently people think he joined her Familia!" Raul yelled after seeing the two together and hearing plenty of rumors about today. "I saw him while he was on a date with her!"
After hearing this, all eyes in the room immediately went to Aiz. Her eyes wide with shock and her face growing paler every second, all she could do was squeak out one little sound to convey how confused she was by this situation.
"Fueh?
X
Well, I originally planned to have this chapter out a few days earlier but after editing the first five chapters and some stuff that went on in my life I didn't really have time to finish this chapter on time. Anyways, I wanted to wish everyone a happy holidays and that I hope they are staying safe from COVID. I'll try to have the next chapter up soon with some action scenes in it, but until then hope everyone is enjoying themselves!
See ya!